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The Gunpowder Chronicles #1
Gunpowder Alchemy
One young woman stands between the might of the British Empire and the glory of the Middle Kingdom. Can she find the key to liberate her people?
China, 1850. Jin Soling just wants to keep her family safe. Eight years after her father’s execution, she struggles to support her mother’s opium addiction and fears her brother will be handed hard labor in the factories. But when she travels to Changsha City to pawn the mysterious locked box her father invented, she’s abducted by imperial agents who have been searching for its secrets.
Ordered to track down the rebel holding the formula to powering the Chinese fleet, Soling finds herself paired with her former betrothed and working for those who betrayed her family. Though the mission is supposed to expel the British occupiers, she suspects she’s being used as bait by unknown enemies.
Can Soling help fire the revolution and escape the clutches of court conspiracies?
Gunpowder Alchemy is the thrilling first book in the Gunpowder Chronicles steampunk fantasy series. If you like historical political intrigue, shocking truths, and the epic scope of Qing-Dynasty China, then you’ll love Jeannie Lin’s explosive tale.
China, 1850. Jin Soling just wants to keep her family safe. Eight years after her father’s execution, she struggles to support her mother’s opium addiction and fears her brother will be handed hard labor in the factories. But when she travels to Changsha City to pawn the mysterious locked box her father invented, she’s abducted by imperial agents who have been searching for its secrets.
Ordered to track down the rebel holding the formula to powering the Chinese fleet, Soling finds herself paired with her former betrothed and working for those who betrayed her family. Though the mission is supposed to expel the British occupiers, she suspects she’s being used as bait by unknown enemies.
Can Soling help fire the revolution and escape the clutches of court conspiracies?
Gunpowder Alchemy is the thrilling first book in the Gunpowder Chronicles steampunk fantasy series. If you like historical political intrigue, shocking truths, and the epic scope of Qing-Dynasty China, then you’ll love Jeannie Lin’s explosive tale.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2014
83 people are currently reading
2179 people want to read
About the author
Jeannie Lin
47 books1,023 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author Jeannie Lin grew up fascinated with stories of Western epic fantasy and Eastern martial arts adventures. When her best friend introduced her to romance novels in middle school, the stage was set. Jeannie started writing her first romance while working as a high school science teacher in South Central Los Angeles. After four years of trying to break into publishing with an Asian-set historical, her 2009 Golden Heart Award–winning manuscript, Butterfly Swords, sold to Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal with The Dragon and the Pearl listed among Library Journal's Best Romances of 2011.
Titles by Jeannie Lin:
Gunpowder Alchemy (Gunpowder Chronicles #1)
The Jade Temptress (The Lotus Palace #2)
The Lotus Palace
Butterfly Swords
The Dragon and the Pearl
My Fair Concubine
The Sword Dancer
For updates, sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/42oZL
Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com
Titles by Jeannie Lin:
Gunpowder Alchemy (Gunpowder Chronicles #1)
The Jade Temptress (The Lotus Palace #2)
The Lotus Palace
Butterfly Swords
The Dragon and the Pearl
My Fair Concubine
The Sword Dancer
For updates, sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/42oZL
Find out more about Jeannie Lin online at http://www.jeannielin.com
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September 20, 2015A couple of decades back, I attended a martial arts tourney for tai chi students, at which one of the judges was a woman visiting from China, her tiny daughter in tow. This was before tai chi became popular, and at least in my area (I had a thirty mile drive to the studio) it was mostly men who studied it. So after the tourney, because we were two of the few women present, I fell into conversation with the female judge. Her English was good and she seemed to be glad to describe how she'd come to the sport after she asked how I had. Her story was interesting--she had been a ballet dancer during the Cultural Revolution (she was my age, forties at the time) and then when she was deemed too old for the stage, she turned to martial arts, which she had also studied.
Among the things she told me was that women had had their own written language in the old days before Mao, and they had also had their own martial arts form, specifically used at the imperial palace to guard empresses and their families. Then she said she hoped to see more women like me studying tai chi, because she wanted to be hired to teach here, so she could live in the States. I was surprised--I asked if women didn't have a lot more freedom now. She laughed at my ignorance, but not unkindly, seeing how scrupulous the Chinese government had been about news-control for decades.
But here's the amazing thing. She said, "Women only have freedom on the surface." And as she spoke, her entire body changed, drawing in, head lowered, hands pressed together submissively. It was graceful, powerful extremely expressive body language depicting the obedient humble female, then she threw her head back and looked me in the eyes and said, "I do not want my daughter growing up like I did."
Okay, shift to the novel I'm supposed to be reviewing. I love reading English translations of Chinese novels, memoirs, etc. I especially am on the lookout for Chinese fantasy, but there is so little, and many of the ones I've found have been written by Western authors who basically put Westerners into more or less Eastern clothes and spin stories with Western attitudes, with the Chinese aspects a veneer.
So when I started reading this steampunk fantasy about a Chinese girl of 1843 who has been studying acupuncture under the local doctor, and has to try to scrape together a living for her family after the emperor had her father executed, I was sucked in because even with the steam elements, this heroine rang so true.
Soling's inward struggles--with the imperial attitudes she has been raised with, and with her feelings for the man she was once betrothed to--read as fascinating as the story about war, rebellion, industrial change, and the impact of the opium trade. The characters are complex, as is Soling's situation, and the details of daily life vividly depicted. The story accelerates to an involving climax, and a satisfying end that opens the door for more.
I'm eager for the second volume!
Among the things she told me was that women had had their own written language in the old days before Mao, and they had also had their own martial arts form, specifically used at the imperial palace to guard empresses and their families. Then she said she hoped to see more women like me studying tai chi, because she wanted to be hired to teach here, so she could live in the States. I was surprised--I asked if women didn't have a lot more freedom now. She laughed at my ignorance, but not unkindly, seeing how scrupulous the Chinese government had been about news-control for decades.
But here's the amazing thing. She said, "Women only have freedom on the surface." And as she spoke, her entire body changed, drawing in, head lowered, hands pressed together submissively. It was graceful, powerful extremely expressive body language depicting the obedient humble female, then she threw her head back and looked me in the eyes and said, "I do not want my daughter growing up like I did."
Okay, shift to the novel I'm supposed to be reviewing. I love reading English translations of Chinese novels, memoirs, etc. I especially am on the lookout for Chinese fantasy, but there is so little, and many of the ones I've found have been written by Western authors who basically put Westerners into more or less Eastern clothes and spin stories with Western attitudes, with the Chinese aspects a veneer.
So when I started reading this steampunk fantasy about a Chinese girl of 1843 who has been studying acupuncture under the local doctor, and has to try to scrape together a living for her family after the emperor had her father executed, I was sucked in because even with the steam elements, this heroine rang so true.
Soling's inward struggles--with the imperial attitudes she has been raised with, and with her feelings for the man she was once betrothed to--read as fascinating as the story about war, rebellion, industrial change, and the impact of the opium trade. The characters are complex, as is Soling's situation, and the details of daily life vividly depicted. The story accelerates to an involving climax, and a satisfying end that opens the door for more.
I'm eager for the second volume!
Read
July 3, 2017I have a love-hate relationship with steampunk, which is basically that in theory I ought to love it (alt Victorian fantastic worlds! Gaslight and shadows and plots!) but in practice I rarely do. Hence this novel has languished in the furthest reaches of my ereader for years. Which should teach me, because I loved it. (It is really noticeable that all the steampunk I've liked has been written by romance authors. Does mainstream steampunk's concentration on justifying implausible things made of clockwork give it a rather artificial and unbeating heart? Discuss.)
Ahem. Anyway, this was fabulous. It's set in China in the Opium Wars period, with the Empire beset both by the English, colonising and disrespecting and pumping drugs into the population, and the rebels fed up of the unjust and feudal power system. The setting is vivid and the culture lightly but effectively drawn. The tech element, rather than being plonked on history, is really well worked in and never overwhelms. It's the first steampunk I've read to take a head-on look at the evils of British colonialism instead of wallowing in it. And there is a lovely slow burn romance (just starting by the end) with a young woman opening her eyes to the complexity of the situation and a government official who's desperate to innovate, decent at heart, yet still unable to let go his loyalty to a rotten throne. The plot was journey-based so maybe a bit picaresque, but it was a pacey and exciting read all the way.
And I went off to get book 2 and discovered it's not available currently because I waited so long to read this. Goddammit. Author says series is being reissued and will be out Sept. Can't wait.
Ahem. Anyway, this was fabulous. It's set in China in the Opium Wars period, with the Empire beset both by the English, colonising and disrespecting and pumping drugs into the population, and the rebels fed up of the unjust and feudal power system. The setting is vivid and the culture lightly but effectively drawn. The tech element, rather than being plonked on history, is really well worked in and never overwhelms. It's the first steampunk I've read to take a head-on look at the evils of British colonialism instead of wallowing in it. And there is a lovely slow burn romance (just starting by the end) with a young woman opening her eyes to the complexity of the situation and a government official who's desperate to innovate, decent at heart, yet still unable to let go his loyalty to a rotten throne. The plot was journey-based so maybe a bit picaresque, but it was a pacey and exciting read all the way.
And I went off to get book 2 and discovered it's not available currently because I waited so long to read this. Goddammit. Author says series is being reissued and will be out Sept. Can't wait.
March 18, 2023
3.5 stars - There is 10 pounds of plot in this book's 5 pound bag, but there's a lot to love. Think a steampunk, less heart wrenching version of The Poppy Wars, where we have a historical fantasy version of China locked in conflict with Britain and internal rebellious forces. Enjoyable and I think I'll continue in the series at some point since it's on KU
March 20, 2022
I loved this vivid, beautifully historically researched steampunk adventure set in China during the Opium Wars! Soling was a delightfully ladylike heroine, who felt very authentic to her time and culture, the romance was super sweet and healthy, and the historical/steampunk context was immersive and real. If you enjoyed Melissa McShane's BURNING BRIGHT, you'll also enjoy this one!
July 7, 2021
This was a wonderful alternate history. Author Jeannie Lin begins this story with the aftereffects of a British incursion, both militarily and through the dumping of vast quantities of opium in China, and the concessions the Qing dynasty emperor had to make to foreigners at the end of the first Opium War. By keeping the focus on one family and its suffering as a result of foreign influence and aggression, and a petty ruler, the political and economic fallout hits much harder. Plus, there are airships! And gunpowder-powered ships and other conveyances, and fantastic prosthetics, and various other pretty nifty types of advanced Chinese technology present in 1850s China.
The characters are great, with Jin Soling carrying the weight of her family's fortunes on her back, after the Qing Emperor murdered her chief engineer father for telling his ruler the truth. She's smart, resilient, and keeps trying to find a way through competing interests eager to use her and her father's work to their advantage. She's more aware of the costs of the actions of the various men around her, and isn't easily impressed, despite years of conditioning to automatically venerate those in power.
Her slow, growing feelings for rising (and brilliant) engineer Chen Chang-wei are handled well. There's no instant anything between the two. They may have been betrothed in the past, but Soling has to discover for herself why this man was so trusted by her father.
Chang-wei has his issues, especially his unquestioning loyalty to a corrupt dynasty, and unwillingness to see the costs of his emperor's and his patron's, Prince Yizhu, actions, and why the rebels throughout the country are becoming increasingly frustrated and angry.
And I loved alchemist Yang Hanzhu and his rebellious self, and desire to crack the opium problem through his researches.
The plot moved fairly well, and I loved the relationships, so yeah, I'm checking out more in this series.
The characters are great, with Jin Soling carrying the weight of her family's fortunes on her back, after the Qing Emperor murdered her chief engineer father for telling his ruler the truth. She's smart, resilient, and keeps trying to find a way through competing interests eager to use her and her father's work to their advantage. She's more aware of the costs of the actions of the various men around her, and isn't easily impressed, despite years of conditioning to automatically venerate those in power.
Her slow, growing feelings for rising (and brilliant) engineer Chen Chang-wei are handled well. There's no instant anything between the two. They may have been betrothed in the past, but Soling has to discover for herself why this man was so trusted by her father.
Chang-wei has his issues, especially his unquestioning loyalty to a corrupt dynasty, and unwillingness to see the costs of his emperor's and his patron's, Prince Yizhu, actions, and why the rebels throughout the country are becoming increasingly frustrated and angry.
And I loved alchemist Yang Hanzhu and his rebellious self, and desire to crack the opium problem through his researches.
The plot moved fairly well, and I loved the relationships, so yeah, I'm checking out more in this series.
November 25, 2014
If you're looking for a G-rated YA romance set in 19th-century China - this is the book for you.
I see from the author's bio that she's known for her historical romances with a Chinese setting. If you liked those, I'm sure you'll like this one as well. However, I was persuaded to read this by the touted 'steampunk' angle - and in that, I was disappointed. All of the 'steampunk' elements in this book could easily have been inserted with half an hour's editing of a completed manuscript. None of them are any more than window dressing, and affect the plot not at all.
Our Heroine is the young woman Soling. Her family has fallen from Imperial favor, and she is living in poverty. Once, her father was the Emperor's chief engineer, but after a naval defeat at the hands of Western invaders, he was executed for his failure.
When Soling resorts to trying to sell one of the last items of her father's that she owns, she unintentionally attracts Imperial attention. Before she knows it, she's whisked from the streets and brought to the palace, where the Crown Prince, who disagreed with the Emperor's policies, hopes to acquire any secrets that may be in Soling's possession. While there, she happens to encounter the man to whom she once was betrothed... and, of course, finds herself attracted to him.
From there, Soling gets bundled off this way and that way, most of it against her will, while she tries to keep her head above water and get back to taking care of her young brother and her opium-addicted mother. She's mystifyingly reluctant to accept help or grab opportunities that present themselves.
That said, the book was fun, action-filled, and kept my interest throughout. A good beach read, if you're not looking for anything too heavy or involved.
A copy was provided to me by NetGalley - many thanks for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinions are my own.
I see from the author's bio that she's known for her historical romances with a Chinese setting. If you liked those, I'm sure you'll like this one as well. However, I was persuaded to read this by the touted 'steampunk' angle - and in that, I was disappointed. All of the 'steampunk' elements in this book could easily have been inserted with half an hour's editing of a completed manuscript. None of them are any more than window dressing, and affect the plot not at all.
Our Heroine is the young woman Soling. Her family has fallen from Imperial favor, and she is living in poverty. Once, her father was the Emperor's chief engineer, but after a naval defeat at the hands of Western invaders, he was executed for his failure.
When Soling resorts to trying to sell one of the last items of her father's that she owns, she unintentionally attracts Imperial attention. Before she knows it, she's whisked from the streets and brought to the palace, where the Crown Prince, who disagreed with the Emperor's policies, hopes to acquire any secrets that may be in Soling's possession. While there, she happens to encounter the man to whom she once was betrothed... and, of course, finds herself attracted to him.
From there, Soling gets bundled off this way and that way, most of it against her will, while she tries to keep her head above water and get back to taking care of her young brother and her opium-addicted mother. She's mystifyingly reluctant to accept help or grab opportunities that present themselves.
That said, the book was fun, action-filled, and kept my interest throughout. A good beach read, if you're not looking for anything too heavy or involved.
A copy was provided to me by NetGalley - many thanks for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinions are my own.
July 11, 2020
Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BznpA1qgr...
I’ve finally decided to stop hoarding Jeannie Lin books and read the few I’ve yet to start. Sob. What will I do when I run out of Lin books?
I’ve finally decided to stop hoarding Jeannie Lin books and read the few I’ve yet to start. Sob. What will I do when I run out of Lin books?
October 20, 2019
Interesting story set during the Opium War, great characterization and character development. I normally don't read steampunk novels but I have to say I enjoyed this a lot.
April 12, 2016
2.5
In fairness to this book, I was reading this as my gym read, and I do worry that I'm not quite able to give a book my full attention when I'm huffing and puffing and sweating like a mo-fo which on the elliptical.
On the other hand, if I'm enjoying a work-out read it tends to get elevated to a main read - such as the case with Cinder which I recently started while working out and then quickly elevated and ended up really enjoying.
So, really, I'm trying to make excuses for the book, but maybe it's just the book, in the end...
It's not a bad book, per se. It's just, well... it's kind of boring, really. It also seems to lack focus. It's about the English invading the culture, and it's about opium, and it's about civil strife, and it's about building stuff, but only sometimes, and things that get hidden one second are being shared the next, because reasons.
And I never really connected with the characters. Soling is inconsistent. She's also passive. Most of the story she sort of gets tossed from being chased by one group and then another, and rarely plays an active role in the events going on around her.
Inconsistent because at first she agrees to something to restore her family honor, but then she decides she wants to return to her family and doesn't really care about their honor. That sort of thing seemed rampant throughout the story.
Also, the romance was entirely predictable and very tepid. And I'm not an erotica reader or anything. I mean, most of the romances I read are YA, so I tend to stay on the tamer side of things - but even for all my timidity this romance lacked passion.
Just overall a very meh story. Meh characters, meh plot...
And I doubt I'll be continuing the series. Frankly, I don't even remember enough about it now, a scant 13 days after finishing it, to write up a decent review. ;)
In fairness to this book, I was reading this as my gym read, and I do worry that I'm not quite able to give a book my full attention when I'm huffing and puffing and sweating like a mo-fo which on the elliptical.
On the other hand, if I'm enjoying a work-out read it tends to get elevated to a main read - such as the case with Cinder which I recently started while working out and then quickly elevated and ended up really enjoying.
So, really, I'm trying to make excuses for the book, but maybe it's just the book, in the end...
It's not a bad book, per se. It's just, well... it's kind of boring, really. It also seems to lack focus. It's about the English invading the culture, and it's about opium, and it's about civil strife, and it's about building stuff, but only sometimes, and things that get hidden one second are being shared the next, because reasons.
And I never really connected with the characters. Soling is inconsistent. She's also passive. Most of the story she sort of gets tossed from being chased by one group and then another, and rarely plays an active role in the events going on around her.
Inconsistent because at first she agrees to something to restore her family honor, but then she decides she wants to return to her family and doesn't really care about their honor. That sort of thing seemed rampant throughout the story.
Also, the romance was entirely predictable and very tepid. And I'm not an erotica reader or anything. I mean, most of the romances I read are YA, so I tend to stay on the tamer side of things - but even for all my timidity this romance lacked passion.
Just overall a very meh story. Meh characters, meh plot...
And I doubt I'll be continuing the series. Frankly, I don't even remember enough about it now, a scant 13 days after finishing it, to write up a decent review. ;)
October 22, 2023
2.5 Stars
This wasn't good, nor was it bad, it just was. I had no particular feelings about this, the characters felt flat, it felt like there was no direction to the story, and it wasn't written in a way that kept me engaged. This was lacking something but I'm unsure what. I understood the premise and what it was going for, it just didn't deliver as far as I'm concerned. I shan't be carrying on with this series.
This wasn't good, nor was it bad, it just was. I had no particular feelings about this, the characters felt flat, it felt like there was no direction to the story, and it wasn't written in a way that kept me engaged. This was lacking something but I'm unsure what. I understood the premise and what it was going for, it just didn't deliver as far as I'm concerned. I shan't be carrying on with this series.
December 11, 2014
This was pretty fucking great.
February 26, 2016
What does loyalty mean? What price does it take when a man is loyal to saving his Empire but at the cost of his sovereign's pride? What is more important in the end? Upholding an illusion ingrained in a people for centuries at the cost of their lives or destroying that illusion as a price to save those lives?
+++
Steampunk! Politics! Opium! Romance! Engineering I don't understand! Guys welcome to Jeannie Lin's new series the Gunpowder Chronicles. Before I go further and so we're all clear on this, unlike her other books with Harlequin, this series is less about the romance and more about everything else. Though to be completely fair her books have always been about balancing both sides of the story, so one foot more away from romance not that big a stretch. As a sidenote I think she's officially become one of the most tagged author in my blog, at least insofar as reviews go. Sweet!
So your father is executed for failure, your mother has become an opium addict, your meager existence isn't even of interest to the mice...and the only token you have of your happier memories turns out to be next to worthless. What do you do?
If you're Soling you agree (in mild desperation) to help recruit your father's former allies in helping to conceive a way to win back their lands from rebels and outsiders alike. Even though you don't trust the monarch, his henchmen or even your one time fiancee. And did I say mild desperation? How about this is really the only chance she has at maybe keeping her family from starving to death.
This is a fast paced story. From when the Crown Prince's lead henchman nabs her to leaning some startling truths about what it can mean to have no other choice, Soling isn't given very much time to ponder things. For part of the book she is basically forced along by other people's whims and dictates, unable to really direct her destiny even as they require more and more from her. She struggles at times, both unable to truly reject the Empire that destroyed her family and equally unable to trust that same Empire and those who swear loyalty to it.
Throughout Soling's trust and loyalty is essentially pitted against the survival of her family. She's confronted with people she knew as a child of 10 who she now meets as an adult. Her "Uncle" Yang Hanzhu, who she used to follow around and idolize. A man who showed her tricks and nurtured her curious mind. Now a man living in exile on the sea, forsaking the "Flower" Empire in irreparable ways. A man who sees a dark secret in what the foreigners have done and will do anything to find a way to end it.
Her one time fiancee Chang-wei, a man she never met, but heard stories of and had girlish daydreams about. Now a man who found himself once more working for the Empire who killed his colleagues and mentors a decade before. A man who speaks the foreigner's tongue fluently and is frequently seen with them, making him an outcast amongst his peers. A man who sacrificed everything to learn how to defeat those foreign invader's and doesn't regret those actions.
I admit I know very little about more modern Chinese history, such as when this book takes place. The "Opium Wars" and the "Heavenly Kingdom Rebels", my history classes in school focused more on American history then world history at least after America was formed. Even though this is obviously a world that flourished differently in the sciences (let's go steampunk!), these are both real world occurrences that Lin incorporates into the story in Soling's journey.
Sideline, when I heard Soling's mother had disguised herself as a man and gone on to ace the Imperial Entrance Exams once upon a time I was like WEI WEI (from THE LOTUS PALACE and THE JADE TEMPTRESS), but I'm not sure I want to think about Wei Wei becoming an opium addict...
This is only the first book in the Gunpowder Chronicles and unlike Lin's previous novels, the next book will once more have Soling narrating (which is good, I liked her narrative tone). I'll be interested to see what happens next, as in the end Soling is much too embroiled in the events to back out and live the quiet life again.
+++
Steampunk! Politics! Opium! Romance! Engineering I don't understand! Guys welcome to Jeannie Lin's new series the Gunpowder Chronicles. Before I go further and so we're all clear on this, unlike her other books with Harlequin, this series is less about the romance and more about everything else. Though to be completely fair her books have always been about balancing both sides of the story, so one foot more away from romance not that big a stretch. As a sidenote I think she's officially become one of the most tagged author in my blog, at least insofar as reviews go. Sweet!
So your father is executed for failure, your mother has become an opium addict, your meager existence isn't even of interest to the mice...and the only token you have of your happier memories turns out to be next to worthless. What do you do?
If you're Soling you agree (in mild desperation) to help recruit your father's former allies in helping to conceive a way to win back their lands from rebels and outsiders alike. Even though you don't trust the monarch, his henchmen or even your one time fiancee. And did I say mild desperation? How about this is really the only chance she has at maybe keeping her family from starving to death.
This is a fast paced story. From when the Crown Prince's lead henchman nabs her to leaning some startling truths about what it can mean to have no other choice, Soling isn't given very much time to ponder things. For part of the book she is basically forced along by other people's whims and dictates, unable to really direct her destiny even as they require more and more from her. She struggles at times, both unable to truly reject the Empire that destroyed her family and equally unable to trust that same Empire and those who swear loyalty to it.
Throughout Soling's trust and loyalty is essentially pitted against the survival of her family. She's confronted with people she knew as a child of 10 who she now meets as an adult. Her "Uncle" Yang Hanzhu, who she used to follow around and idolize. A man who showed her tricks and nurtured her curious mind. Now a man living in exile on the sea, forsaking the "Flower" Empire in irreparable ways. A man who sees a dark secret in what the foreigners have done and will do anything to find a way to end it.
Her one time fiancee Chang-wei, a man she never met, but heard stories of and had girlish daydreams about. Now a man who found himself once more working for the Empire who killed his colleagues and mentors a decade before. A man who speaks the foreigner's tongue fluently and is frequently seen with them, making him an outcast amongst his peers. A man who sacrificed everything to learn how to defeat those foreign invader's and doesn't regret those actions.
I admit I know very little about more modern Chinese history, such as when this book takes place. The "Opium Wars" and the "Heavenly Kingdom Rebels", my history classes in school focused more on American history then world history at least after America was formed. Even though this is obviously a world that flourished differently in the sciences (let's go steampunk!), these are both real world occurrences that Lin incorporates into the story in Soling's journey.
Sideline, when I heard Soling's mother had disguised herself as a man and gone on to ace the Imperial Entrance Exams once upon a time I was like WEI WEI (from THE LOTUS PALACE and THE JADE TEMPTRESS), but I'm not sure I want to think about Wei Wei becoming an opium addict...
This is only the first book in the Gunpowder Chronicles and unlike Lin's previous novels, the next book will once more have Soling narrating (which is good, I liked her narrative tone). I'll be interested to see what happens next, as in the end Soling is much too embroiled in the events to back out and live the quiet life again.
September 18, 2017
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
4.5 stars
When this came across my inbox, I saw 2 things that made me click YES! Jeannie Lin, and Steampunk.
There’s no blurb up, at least not one that tells much, so I went in fairly blind. All I knew was that it would be set in China during the Opium Wars (Boxer Rebellion), and it was a Steampunk.
That was enough for me. And it was such a fantastic read!
I’d probably classify this as a Steampunk Adventure, rather than a Steampunk Romance, only because the romance is not the main focus.
Soling is the daughter of the Emperor’s head engineer. Her family has fallen from Imperial favor, and she, her little brother, her mother, and their nurse, are living in poverty. Once, her father was the Emperor's chief engineer, but after a naval defeat at the hands of Western invaders (which he told the emperor they weren’t equipped to win), he was chosen as the scapegoat and executed.
8 years later, Soling is barely keeping food on the table through her work with her village doctor. This is not only odd for a woman, but odd for a gently bred woman at that. She’s trying to secure enough money to eat, but unfortunately, the fall from grace was too much for her mother, so Soling has to put some of her money aside for the opium her mother is addicted to.
Soling has pawned most of items of value they had left from her old life, but she finally decides she has to sell the last item of her father's that she own. It’s a gold puzzle box. And no one will buy it. Desperate, and not knowing its worth, she presses ever deeper into the seedy parts of the city.
Her puzzle box has attracted undue, and unwanted, attention. The Imperial guard takes her and reunites her with, of all people, her former betrothed. He, then takes her to the prince. The prince believes her father was right; their navy had been no match for the Western forces. The prince also believes her father had designed a specific weapon, or explosive, before his death, and the prince wants it.
But the prince and her former fiancé aren’t the only ones who’ve noticed Soling. Before she knows it, she’s aboard a ship with one of her father’s former apprentices. And it’s clear he no longer sees her as a child.
He also brings a new theory to Soling. He believes the opium that is addicting their country is no ordinary opium, and that it’s got a more sinister element. He isn’t wrong.
Worried for her mother and little brother, Soling knows she has to get back to her family, but she also knows she has to see this adventure through.
There’s a lot going on, but Jeannie Lin writes so elegantly, you don’t realize how much politics factor into this Steampunk world until the end when you see where Soling is going. While there are gadgets aplenty, this book really focuses on the “punk” part of the Steampunk genre. With politics and rebellion dogging Soling’s heels, what can she do but continue her adventure?
I can’t wait to read the next book in the Gunpowder Chronicles, because I’m really invested in Soling’s journey, and I have to find out which side she chooses in the brewing rebellion.
With beautiful and vivid writing, Jeannie Lin transports you to 1800s China, and creates a world so fascinating, you won’t want to leave.
***ARC courtesy of Berkley
4.5 stars
When this came across my inbox, I saw 2 things that made me click YES! Jeannie Lin, and Steampunk.
There’s no blurb up, at least not one that tells much, so I went in fairly blind. All I knew was that it would be set in China during the Opium Wars (Boxer Rebellion), and it was a Steampunk.
That was enough for me. And it was such a fantastic read!
I’d probably classify this as a Steampunk Adventure, rather than a Steampunk Romance, only because the romance is not the main focus.
Soling is the daughter of the Emperor’s head engineer. Her family has fallen from Imperial favor, and she, her little brother, her mother, and their nurse, are living in poverty. Once, her father was the Emperor's chief engineer, but after a naval defeat at the hands of Western invaders (which he told the emperor they weren’t equipped to win), he was chosen as the scapegoat and executed.
8 years later, Soling is barely keeping food on the table through her work with her village doctor. This is not only odd for a woman, but odd for a gently bred woman at that. She’s trying to secure enough money to eat, but unfortunately, the fall from grace was too much for her mother, so Soling has to put some of her money aside for the opium her mother is addicted to.
Soling has pawned most of items of value they had left from her old life, but she finally decides she has to sell the last item of her father's that she own. It’s a gold puzzle box. And no one will buy it. Desperate, and not knowing its worth, she presses ever deeper into the seedy parts of the city.
Her puzzle box has attracted undue, and unwanted, attention. The Imperial guard takes her and reunites her with, of all people, her former betrothed. He, then takes her to the prince. The prince believes her father was right; their navy had been no match for the Western forces. The prince also believes her father had designed a specific weapon, or explosive, before his death, and the prince wants it.
But the prince and her former fiancé aren’t the only ones who’ve noticed Soling. Before she knows it, she’s aboard a ship with one of her father’s former apprentices. And it’s clear he no longer sees her as a child.
He also brings a new theory to Soling. He believes the opium that is addicting their country is no ordinary opium, and that it’s got a more sinister element. He isn’t wrong.
Worried for her mother and little brother, Soling knows she has to get back to her family, but she also knows she has to see this adventure through.
There’s a lot going on, but Jeannie Lin writes so elegantly, you don’t realize how much politics factor into this Steampunk world until the end when you see where Soling is going. While there are gadgets aplenty, this book really focuses on the “punk” part of the Steampunk genre. With politics and rebellion dogging Soling’s heels, what can she do but continue her adventure?
I can’t wait to read the next book in the Gunpowder Chronicles, because I’m really invested in Soling’s journey, and I have to find out which side she chooses in the brewing rebellion.
With beautiful and vivid writing, Jeannie Lin transports you to 1800s China, and creates a world so fascinating, you won’t want to leave.
***ARC courtesy of Berkley
January 14, 2019
I can see why this didn't take off like it should have--it refuses neat genre categories: it's too slow to be an action adventure book, the romance is complicated by a history of betrayal and duty, the steampunk is deeply rooted in Chinese technological history. Nonetheless, where these might be flaws for people expecting something to more closely fit their expectations of a particular genre, these are actually the strengths of the novel. I found myself wanting to re-read several passages and found myself frustrated by the Kindle format and wishing I had a paperback.
Lin builds the story slowly--rather than taking us straight into the action, she begins by easing the reader into the protagonist's life, as a daughter of a disgraced Manchurian scientist who has been executed for failing the emperor. A fairly innocuous attempt to pawn off one of her father's last items kicks off a series of events that draws her into imperial intrigues and face to face with the man she might have married. Tense situations and kidnappy shenanigans ensue.
The cast of characters is varied: the former scientific genius turned gentleman pirate using his wealth to figure out how to combat opium and a variation of addiction that turns its victims into rabid monsters (with echoes of Cherie Priest's shamblers in the Clockwork Century books); the young prince who intends to harness technology but treads lightly around his father who mistrusts scientists; the white merchant at ease in the colonial quarter while self-aware of his foreigner status; the leader of the rebellion trying to avenge her husband while struggling with bound feet. All of them represent some microcosm of the tensions of Qing Dynasty politics and refuse the reader easy sympathetic characters to relate to: everyone has a damn good point.
Our Heroine is a hardened young woman forced to grow up too early with a baby brother and opium addict mother, who wants to do science but faces obstacles of class (disgraced family), ethnicity (Manchurian), and gender. The novel is told in first person perspective, and while the narrator voice is definitely reserved, there's a sense of fear in expressiveness, and tension is clear in much of the narration. So while there is no hide-and-seek going on, the reader doesn't get full interiority either, so has to read closely to see the source of tension. This makes the romance aspect of the novel really drawn out which you might find either nail-bitingly annoying or angstily delicious.
There is much to recommend about the steampunk aspects of the novel: the deployment of Chinese science and technology means that the familiar imagery of steampunk is irrevocably tied to the history that is being explored. Lin also forces an acknowledgement that scientific and technological development moves hand-in-hand with political power, which in the larger framework of China involves an imperialist framework that is reminiscent, yet different from, the usual Victorian frame.
I regret not having had dead-tree access to this novel for my dissertation on steampunk, at the very least.
Lin builds the story slowly--rather than taking us straight into the action, she begins by easing the reader into the protagonist's life, as a daughter of a disgraced Manchurian scientist who has been executed for failing the emperor. A fairly innocuous attempt to pawn off one of her father's last items kicks off a series of events that draws her into imperial intrigues and face to face with the man she might have married. Tense situations and kidnappy shenanigans ensue.
The cast of characters is varied: the former scientific genius turned gentleman pirate using his wealth to figure out how to combat opium and a variation of addiction that turns its victims into rabid monsters (with echoes of Cherie Priest's shamblers in the Clockwork Century books); the young prince who intends to harness technology but treads lightly around his father who mistrusts scientists; the white merchant at ease in the colonial quarter while self-aware of his foreigner status; the leader of the rebellion trying to avenge her husband while struggling with bound feet. All of them represent some microcosm of the tensions of Qing Dynasty politics and refuse the reader easy sympathetic characters to relate to: everyone has a damn good point.
Our Heroine is a hardened young woman forced to grow up too early with a baby brother and opium addict mother, who wants to do science but faces obstacles of class (disgraced family), ethnicity (Manchurian), and gender. The novel is told in first person perspective, and while the narrator voice is definitely reserved, there's a sense of fear in expressiveness, and tension is clear in much of the narration. So while there is no hide-and-seek going on, the reader doesn't get full interiority either, so has to read closely to see the source of tension. This makes the romance aspect of the novel really drawn out which you might find either nail-bitingly annoying or angstily delicious.
There is much to recommend about the steampunk aspects of the novel: the deployment of Chinese science and technology means that the familiar imagery of steampunk is irrevocably tied to the history that is being explored. Lin also forces an acknowledgement that scientific and technological development moves hand-in-hand with political power, which in the larger framework of China involves an imperialist framework that is reminiscent, yet different from, the usual Victorian frame.
I regret not having had dead-tree access to this novel for my dissertation on steampunk, at the very least.
November 18, 2014
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
2.5 Set in mid 19th century China, with some mechanical elements that suggest a steampunk world, although the society doesn't seem impacted much by the technology. Or is it that I just don't know enough about 19th century China to see the differences between it and this purportedly steampunk world?
Jin Soling and her family were once members of aristocratic Manchurian society, but after her engineer-father is executed (taking the blame for China's defeat at the hands of the more technologically-advanced English in the first Opium War, even though he was the one who warned the emperor that their technology was lacking), they are exiled to the Han countryside. Soling supports her opium-addicted mother and her younger brother by apprenticing with a doctor. But her meager earnings are not enough to keep them afloat, and she must travel to the nearest town to sell one of the last things she's kept of her father's, an intricate metal Japanese puzzle box. No one will buy it from her, and what's worse, it attracts the attention of the authorities, who jail Soling. Turns out the authorities & the Crown Prince have been looking for her, hoping to use her as bait to reel in one of the men who once worked with her father, a man whose technological knowledge may help them stem the tide against the invading English. Unlike his father, the Crown Prince is open to exploring the possibilities of technology, and wants to gather the scattered engineers.
Soling meets briefly with another former coworker of her father's, Chen Chang-wei, a man to whom she was once betrothed, who has recovered from disgrace and now works for the Crown Prince. Then she's used for bait to capture the other engineer, Yang Hanzhu, but the plan backfires, and Soling finds herself a prisoner on Yang's boat. I was a bit confused here; was Yang Hanzhu supposed to be another potential love interest? And plot-wise, what purpose did this interlude aboard his boat serve?
The boat travels about the Pacific, with Yang apparently researching opium addiction rather than engineering. A few months later, Soling is rescued by the Crown Prince's men (and by Chang-wei's steampunk kite). The rest of the book is a road story, with the two working to make their way back to Soling's family in the midst of a rebellion. Only in this part of the book do we get any real romance; despite being understated and of the slow-burn variety (kisses only), Soling and Chang-wei's relationship does have some touching moments.
I was never really sure whose side we were supposed to be rooting for during these battles, or if the Chinese rebels were linked in any way to the invading English. All in all, far more of an adventure story than a romance, with fairly flat characters. Soling in particular seemed to exist just to get pushed around by others, with no real goal of her own throughout the book.
2.5 Set in mid 19th century China, with some mechanical elements that suggest a steampunk world, although the society doesn't seem impacted much by the technology. Or is it that I just don't know enough about 19th century China to see the differences between it and this purportedly steampunk world?
Jin Soling and her family were once members of aristocratic Manchurian society, but after her engineer-father is executed (taking the blame for China's defeat at the hands of the more technologically-advanced English in the first Opium War, even though he was the one who warned the emperor that their technology was lacking), they are exiled to the Han countryside. Soling supports her opium-addicted mother and her younger brother by apprenticing with a doctor. But her meager earnings are not enough to keep them afloat, and she must travel to the nearest town to sell one of the last things she's kept of her father's, an intricate metal Japanese puzzle box. No one will buy it from her, and what's worse, it attracts the attention of the authorities, who jail Soling. Turns out the authorities & the Crown Prince have been looking for her, hoping to use her as bait to reel in one of the men who once worked with her father, a man whose technological knowledge may help them stem the tide against the invading English. Unlike his father, the Crown Prince is open to exploring the possibilities of technology, and wants to gather the scattered engineers.
Soling meets briefly with another former coworker of her father's, Chen Chang-wei, a man to whom she was once betrothed, who has recovered from disgrace and now works for the Crown Prince. Then she's used for bait to capture the other engineer, Yang Hanzhu, but the plan backfires, and Soling finds herself a prisoner on Yang's boat. I was a bit confused here; was Yang Hanzhu supposed to be another potential love interest? And plot-wise, what purpose did this interlude aboard his boat serve?
The boat travels about the Pacific, with Yang apparently researching opium addiction rather than engineering. A few months later, Soling is rescued by the Crown Prince's men (and by Chang-wei's steampunk kite). The rest of the book is a road story, with the two working to make their way back to Soling's family in the midst of a rebellion. Only in this part of the book do we get any real romance; despite being understated and of the slow-burn variety (kisses only), Soling and Chang-wei's relationship does have some touching moments.
I was never really sure whose side we were supposed to be rooting for during these battles, or if the Chinese rebels were linked in any way to the invading English. All in all, far more of an adventure story than a romance, with fairly flat characters. Soling in particular seemed to exist just to get pushed around by others, with no real goal of her own throughout the book.
December 30, 2014
3.5/5 Stars.
*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a bit conflicted on this one. I loved that this book was Steampunk and set in China. I LOVED that! It is fresh and exciting! The balance between the technology and the historical parts fit together well and was totally believable. The opium side plot is fascinating and I really want to know how that figures into the rest of the series.
The characters were believable and complex and just really well done. I really enjoyed the main character, Jin Soling, and the growth she underwent during this book. But I do think she is a bit naive which is all due to her circumstances. My second favorite character was Lady Su! I loved her and I hope we'll see more of her in the next book
The thing that kept me enjoying this book more was the romance. I don't like it and it doesn't seem believable to me. It might be because the love interest rubs me the wrong way and I don't trust him.
Overall, I enjoyed the story immensely and I look forward to the next book in the series.
*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a bit conflicted on this one. I loved that this book was Steampunk and set in China. I LOVED that! It is fresh and exciting! The balance between the technology and the historical parts fit together well and was totally believable. The opium side plot is fascinating and I really want to know how that figures into the rest of the series.
The characters were believable and complex and just really well done. I really enjoyed the main character, Jin Soling, and the growth she underwent during this book. But I do think she is a bit naive which is all due to her circumstances. My second favorite character was Lady Su! I loved her and I hope we'll see more of her in the next book
The thing that kept me enjoying this book more was the romance. I don't like it and it doesn't seem believable to me. It might be because the love interest rubs me the wrong way and I don't trust him.
Overall, I enjoyed the story immensely and I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 15, 2019
I already knew I loved steampunk romance, but I’d never read steampunk romance set outside the Western world until this book. And it’s awesome! Set in an alternate version of China’s Qing dynasty (mid-1840s), Gunpowder Alchemy is full of political machinations and gunpowder engines and fun widget-y machines. It’s hard to tell who is good and who is bad--I love books that explore the gray areas of loyalty and morality. And while the romance takes a back seat here to the action and adventure, I really didn’t mind because I was so invested in main character Soling.
November 17, 2014
While Jeannie Lin admits to taking some liberties this historical, alternative fiction captures the atmosphere and customs of the period while weaving in steampunk fantasy. Beautifully descriptive from opium addiction to gunpowder-powered ships I completely slipped into this world.
Eight years ago, the Emperor executed Jin Soling’s father an engineer when he spoke out for the need to learn and progress like their enemies. His name was stricken from the history books and Jin and her family were banished from Peking. The country soon fell to the enemy.
Jin Soling and her family have suffered; her mother has succumb to the addictive escape offered by opium and the country occupied. Jin is such a strong character, and I immediately connected with her. She takes great care to protect her brother, mother and a former maid who has become family. She shadowed the local doctor and learned the art of acupuncture. When the economy takes a turn, she is forced to sell the last possession she has hidden of her fathers. She travels to the city and finds herself in trouble when she is captured and sent before the Crown Prince. The tale that unfolds is richly detailed, filled with discovery, danger and an encounters with her past.
Gunpowder Alchemy was a brilliant tale that captured my attention from the first pages. Well-paced with twists, turns and an unexpected slow building romance I simply did not want the story to end. Jin is faced with having to decide where her loyalties lie and with whom she can trust. She is a strong, likeable heroine. While she is not sure of the players, she is logical, quick thinking, compassionate and sure of herself. Chang-wei, once betrothed to Jin before her father’s execution is now working for the Crown Prince. The friendship that develops was a wonderful thread, and I loved the slow-build, and banter. The romance is subtle, clean, sweet and moving. Lin allowed this thread to develop while balances the danger, political maneuvers and progress of the overall arc. I am quite curious about the opium trade and discoveries Jin made concerning it. It added a dangerous element to the power struggles and I look forward to learning more. Jeannie Lin weaved in details about the countryside, and the cities from customs to the richly colored clothes. I could smell the food, feel the wind in my hair, and experienced the calm personalities of these private, traditional people.
Copy received from publisher. Full review on blog.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Eight years ago, the Emperor executed Jin Soling’s father an engineer when he spoke out for the need to learn and progress like their enemies. His name was stricken from the history books and Jin and her family were banished from Peking. The country soon fell to the enemy.
Jin Soling and her family have suffered; her mother has succumb to the addictive escape offered by opium and the country occupied. Jin is such a strong character, and I immediately connected with her. She takes great care to protect her brother, mother and a former maid who has become family. She shadowed the local doctor and learned the art of acupuncture. When the economy takes a turn, she is forced to sell the last possession she has hidden of her fathers. She travels to the city and finds herself in trouble when she is captured and sent before the Crown Prince. The tale that unfolds is richly detailed, filled with discovery, danger and an encounters with her past.
Gunpowder Alchemy was a brilliant tale that captured my attention from the first pages. Well-paced with twists, turns and an unexpected slow building romance I simply did not want the story to end. Jin is faced with having to decide where her loyalties lie and with whom she can trust. She is a strong, likeable heroine. While she is not sure of the players, she is logical, quick thinking, compassionate and sure of herself. Chang-wei, once betrothed to Jin before her father’s execution is now working for the Crown Prince. The friendship that develops was a wonderful thread, and I loved the slow-build, and banter. The romance is subtle, clean, sweet and moving. Lin allowed this thread to develop while balances the danger, political maneuvers and progress of the overall arc. I am quite curious about the opium trade and discoveries Jin made concerning it. It added a dangerous element to the power struggles and I look forward to learning more. Jeannie Lin weaved in details about the countryside, and the cities from customs to the richly colored clothes. I could smell the food, feel the wind in my hair, and experienced the calm personalities of these private, traditional people.
Copy received from publisher. Full review on blog.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
December 30, 2015
*Source* NetGalley
*Genre* Historical Fiction, Steampunk
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Gunpowder Alchemy is the first installment in The Gunpowder Chronicles by author Jeannie Lin. This series is a mixture of steampunk and historical elements that took place after China's first Opium Wars with the west. In 1842, China’s Qing Dynasty quickly fell to Britain’s steam engines and was forced into agreements that allowed the English to have complete access to major ports. Furious, the Emperor ordered the death of his engineers—and killed China’s best chance of fighting back. The Chief Engineer just happened to be Jin Soling's brilliant father who saw China's defeat.
*Full Review Posted 12/29/2015 via Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 10/27/2014 via NetGalley* Published: November 18th 2014 by InterMix
*Genre* Historical Fiction, Steampunk
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Gunpowder Alchemy is the first installment in The Gunpowder Chronicles by author Jeannie Lin. This series is a mixture of steampunk and historical elements that took place after China's first Opium Wars with the west. In 1842, China’s Qing Dynasty quickly fell to Britain’s steam engines and was forced into agreements that allowed the English to have complete access to major ports. Furious, the Emperor ordered the death of his engineers—and killed China’s best chance of fighting back. The Chief Engineer just happened to be Jin Soling's brilliant father who saw China's defeat.
*Full Review Posted 12/29/2015 via Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd 10/27/2014 via NetGalley* Published: November 18th 2014 by InterMix
June 22, 2019
2.5/5; 3 stars; B
So much potential here and really tidy, competent writing but the characters and the plot didn't touch me enough to want to continue with the series. I'll definitely try another book by this author though because I think she might be someone I really enjoy reading.
So much potential here and really tidy, competent writing but the characters and the plot didn't touch me enough to want to continue with the series. I'll definitely try another book by this author though because I think she might be someone I really enjoy reading.
Read
September 7, 2024Well-written, fast-paced and entertaining. I’m not usually one for steampunk, but the descriptions of the contraptions were interesting and sparse enough that they don’t overtake the story. The characters were well drawn and likeable, especially the honourable Chen Chang-Wei (I love a scientist hero). The Chinese setting was rich and vivid, and the historical context was handled very well; there were no clunky information downloads, what we needed to know was incorporated very elegantly. However, I might continue with the series only if I come across the following instalments as freebies; I wasn’t captivated enough otherwise.
November 18, 2014
When most steampunk fantasy takes place in an Anglo-Saxon, predominantly British setting, Gunpowder Alchemy mixes steampunk and a vivid, original Chinese setting. All the familiar elements of steampunk are present, except for one: an English (specifically Victorian) environment. There is definitely a place in steampunk for different cultural and historical settings, and this book demonstrates that very well.
The world is absolutely unique to the genre, given the Anglo-Saxon world’s predominance in steampunk. Historical (alternate) China is strongly evoked throughout the novel, and the period is full of exciting, interesting events. I found the cultural clashes and hints at imperialism fascinating, especially with the Chinese perspective on this conflict. Discussion of the opium trade and its effects on Soling’s loved ones, as well as complete strangers, are relevant to discussions today about other addictions and drug trade routes, while at the same time creating a specific sense of time and place. In the book, this issue is writ large and small, with cultural and personal implications, as Soling’s mother is dealing with opium addiction, and a minor mystery arc involves the opium trade.
As she journeys, Soling develops a stronger sense of self. She comes into conflict with different ideals and viewpoints, experiences a wider, more multicultural world (including the Western invaders, but also different Chinese cultures), and begins to expand her healing potential. She “awakens” to the world around her, which is crucial in the growth of any person or character. I really enjoyed following along with her, and I’m excited to read more about the person she had become at the end of the novel. Her final decision was not entirely convincing – leading up to that point, she had been almost entirely leaning toward making the opposite decision. While I wish that had made more sense, I am glad that the second novel won’t start back in the same place as the first.
I really enjoyed the romance. I saw it more center stage than Jaclyn did, since it parallels and is woven through Soling’s journey. Set up very neatly in the beginning when Soling unexpectedly encounters her former betrothed (they were betrothed before Soling’s world fell apart, when she was ten and he something like eighteen) in the imperial palace, it follows through with only a brief break in their interaction. Slow and sweet, the enveloping culture gives it character and definition. There are rules and proprieties and respect on both sides that keep it from advancing too quickly. It creeps up on Soling how much she cares for Chang-wei, while Chang-wei’s affections are obviously engaged from early on. Chang-wei’s character provided a lot of food for thought, since his loyalty to the empire, more like nationalism than personal loyalty, contrasts sharply with Soling’s loyalties to her family and loved ones. While I think this could have been more subtly portrayed and more meaningful than it was, this source of external conflict between the two main characters could be further developed and more influential in future books.
The pacing gets bogged down in one place, when the plot pauses for explication and the introduction of the mystery arc. This takes place on a ship, and the main focus is on Soling discovering secrets and weird things that – sort of – tie back into the plot. The mystery here adds another common steampunk element to the story, without really delving into it or concluding it in a satisfactory way. I expect this section, and the resulting mystery arc, to play a bigger role in the next books in the series.
Overall, I think that most of the elements of this story were wrapped up rather simply, and I would have enjoyed more complexity, a deeper exploration of the war, the culture, and the relationships. That said, this is a well-written, evocative, original, and delightful steampunk fantasy that deserves to be read by all fans of the steampunk genre. Most importantly, I am left with a strong desire to learn more about China’s history, which is something that good literature (and genre fiction) have in common. Some of the most familiar details: the Chinese opposition to opening its ports for trade with the West, the opium trade, and Han foot-binding, are only the tiniest snippets of a rich history and culture not explored often enough in genre fiction.
Read Jaclyn's take and Similar Reads at The Book Adventures.
The world is absolutely unique to the genre, given the Anglo-Saxon world’s predominance in steampunk. Historical (alternate) China is strongly evoked throughout the novel, and the period is full of exciting, interesting events. I found the cultural clashes and hints at imperialism fascinating, especially with the Chinese perspective on this conflict. Discussion of the opium trade and its effects on Soling’s loved ones, as well as complete strangers, are relevant to discussions today about other addictions and drug trade routes, while at the same time creating a specific sense of time and place. In the book, this issue is writ large and small, with cultural and personal implications, as Soling’s mother is dealing with opium addiction, and a minor mystery arc involves the opium trade.
As she journeys, Soling develops a stronger sense of self. She comes into conflict with different ideals and viewpoints, experiences a wider, more multicultural world (including the Western invaders, but also different Chinese cultures), and begins to expand her healing potential. She “awakens” to the world around her, which is crucial in the growth of any person or character. I really enjoyed following along with her, and I’m excited to read more about the person she had become at the end of the novel. Her final decision was not entirely convincing – leading up to that point, she had been almost entirely leaning toward making the opposite decision. While I wish that had made more sense, I am glad that the second novel won’t start back in the same place as the first.
I really enjoyed the romance. I saw it more center stage than Jaclyn did, since it parallels and is woven through Soling’s journey. Set up very neatly in the beginning when Soling unexpectedly encounters her former betrothed (they were betrothed before Soling’s world fell apart, when she was ten and he something like eighteen) in the imperial palace, it follows through with only a brief break in their interaction. Slow and sweet, the enveloping culture gives it character and definition. There are rules and proprieties and respect on both sides that keep it from advancing too quickly. It creeps up on Soling how much she cares for Chang-wei, while Chang-wei’s affections are obviously engaged from early on. Chang-wei’s character provided a lot of food for thought, since his loyalty to the empire, more like nationalism than personal loyalty, contrasts sharply with Soling’s loyalties to her family and loved ones. While I think this could have been more subtly portrayed and more meaningful than it was, this source of external conflict between the two main characters could be further developed and more influential in future books.
The pacing gets bogged down in one place, when the plot pauses for explication and the introduction of the mystery arc. This takes place on a ship, and the main focus is on Soling discovering secrets and weird things that – sort of – tie back into the plot. The mystery here adds another common steampunk element to the story, without really delving into it or concluding it in a satisfactory way. I expect this section, and the resulting mystery arc, to play a bigger role in the next books in the series.
Overall, I think that most of the elements of this story were wrapped up rather simply, and I would have enjoyed more complexity, a deeper exploration of the war, the culture, and the relationships. That said, this is a well-written, evocative, original, and delightful steampunk fantasy that deserves to be read by all fans of the steampunk genre. Most importantly, I am left with a strong desire to learn more about China’s history, which is something that good literature (and genre fiction) have in common. Some of the most familiar details: the Chinese opposition to opening its ports for trade with the West, the opium trade, and Han foot-binding, are only the tiniest snippets of a rich history and culture not explored often enough in genre fiction.
Read Jaclyn's take and Similar Reads at The Book Adventures.
November 29, 2014
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
One of the best things about GUNPOWDER ALCHEMY is the fact that the worldbuilding takes place in China during the Qing Dinasty. I so rarely read books predominately set in Asia so it was refreshing to see steampunk mixed in with Chinese customs and history. I enjoyed seeing some of that culture play a role in the fast paced plot such as the Opium Wars, arranged marriages, and mentions of foot-binding.
Along with this being a historical fiction filled with some steampunky goodness this is a wonderful action adventure. There actually was a good balance of steampunk technology in that the story wasn't to bogged down in technical descriptions of fantastical contraptions. Jin is a strong, smart, heroine who I really felt for right from the start considering her family situation. Her determination to support her family brings her full throttle into the circle of war, politics, and some pretty cool ship battles. The romance is definitely a slow burn to the point that it didn't really feel like there was even a romance there. I see how Jin's relationship with Chang-wei is developing into something more than simple friendship but it barely exists in GUNPOWDER ALCHEMY. Perhaps there will be more romance in the next book between these two? All of the characters have wonderful back stories and are fully realized. I just hope there is more to the romance in later books.
GUNPOWDER ALCHEMY created a wonderful tapestry of epic battles, political intrigue, and a rich setting which made for a great story. I loved seeing Chinese culture and history with a steampunk bent and am looking forward to seeing what the next book brings in the Gunpowder Chronicles.
One of the best things about GUNPOWDER ALCHEMY is the fact that the worldbuilding takes place in China during the Qing Dinasty. I so rarely read books predominately set in Asia so it was refreshing to see steampunk mixed in with Chinese customs and history. I enjoyed seeing some of that culture play a role in the fast paced plot such as the Opium Wars, arranged marriages, and mentions of foot-binding.
Along with this being a historical fiction filled with some steampunky goodness this is a wonderful action adventure. There actually was a good balance of steampunk technology in that the story wasn't to bogged down in technical descriptions of fantastical contraptions. Jin is a strong, smart, heroine who I really felt for right from the start considering her family situation. Her determination to support her family brings her full throttle into the circle of war, politics, and some pretty cool ship battles. The romance is definitely a slow burn to the point that it didn't really feel like there was even a romance there. I see how Jin's relationship with Chang-wei is developing into something more than simple friendship but it barely exists in GUNPOWDER ALCHEMY. Perhaps there will be more romance in the next book between these two? All of the characters have wonderful back stories and are fully realized. I just hope there is more to the romance in later books.
GUNPOWDER ALCHEMY created a wonderful tapestry of epic battles, political intrigue, and a rich setting which made for a great story. I loved seeing Chinese culture and history with a steampunk bent and am looking forward to seeing what the next book brings in the Gunpowder Chronicles.
December 23, 2014
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gunpowder Alchemy is sort of a coming of age tale, a romance, and an adventure story all wrapped up into one, with just a hint of steampunk. It's also set in China during the Boxer Rebellion, which is a great and unusual setting, so I was excited for the book before I began, but also dubious because exoticized Orientalism was not what I wanted from the book.
However, I think that Jeannie Lin did a great job of making her characters human, her setting engaging, and the romance more mature than many I've seen. You do have to allow for the fact that our heroine is only 18, so unfortunately, she is a bit of a young girl caught in circumstances beyond her control. But she does begin to find her courage and strength, and to believe in herself as well as to develop emotions for her love interest. There were actually two possible romances at the beginning of the book, and I wasn't sure which way it was going to go. But I liked how things ended up.
Gunpowder Alchemy is sort of a coming of age tale, a romance, and an adventure story all wrapped up into one, with just a hint of steampunk. It's also set in China during the Boxer Rebellion, which is a great and unusual setting, so I was excited for the book before I began, but also dubious because exoticized Orientalism was not what I wanted from the book.
However, I think that Jeannie Lin did a great job of making her characters human, her setting engaging, and the romance more mature than many I've seen. You do have to allow for the fact that our heroine is only 18, so unfortunately, she is a bit of a young girl caught in circumstances beyond her control. But she does begin to find her courage and strength, and to believe in herself as well as to develop emotions for her love interest. There were actually two possible romances at the beginning of the book, and I wasn't sure which way it was going to go. But I liked how things ended up.
November 16, 2014
GUNPOWDER ALCHEMY has so much to offer from beginning to end, the pace was fast but not hurried, just enough time to feel things out. There are a substantial amount of characters but JLin didn't parade them like it's a pageant, we actually get to have adequate time with each important player, get a their vibe, and position them accordingly in the story. I do find the reunion part very interesting between Soling and her father's former team and the anecdotal stories shared about her parents and Soling herself when she was a child were melancholic. GUNPOWDER ALCHEMY isn't a long novel, it's under 300 pages but it's packed with the good stuff. On a personal note I prefer Steampunk with supernatural or magical elements as the lack of it sometimes bore me. That's not the case here, no magic just alchemy and lots of action. If you're a Steampunk fan you'd be wise to add this to your TBR, the sooner you read it, the better.
You're welcome :)
You're welcome :)
January 4, 2015
disappointing compared to her others; that might have been because I was expecting a romance rather than a steampunk adventure. great setting, but lacked the strong, complex character development I expected.
Want to read
January 23, 2015When Meljean Brook says a steampunk book has "fantastic" worldbuilding - I'm sold.
Must get.
Must get.
April 22, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/gu...
Gunpowder Alchemy
Opium War, Book #1
By Jeannie Lin
Author’s website: http://www.jeannielin.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Adelynne
Synopsis:
Since her father’s execution eight years ago, Jin Soling kept her family from falling into poverty. But her meager savings are running out, leaving her with no choice but to sell the last of her father’s possessions—her last memento of him.
Only, while attempting to find a buyer, Soling is caught and brought before the Crown Prince. Unlike his father, the Emperor, the Prince knows that the only chance of expelling the English invaders is to once again unite China’s cleverest minds to create fantastic weapons. He also realizes that Soling is the one person who could convince her father’s former allies—many who have turned rebel—to once again work for the Empire. He promises to restore her family name if she’ll help him in his cause.
But after the betrayal of her family all those years ago, Soling is unsure if she can trust anyone in the Forbidden City—even if her heart is longing to believe in the engineer with a hidden past who was once meant to be her husband…
Review:
Although I enjoyed this book, for me, it did not have much depth. I felt that Gunpowder Alchemy was a book purely entertainment.
I had a few qualms with the book- one of the things that bothered me was the events. I felt that Lin was trying too hard to make the book have action, and a lot of the events felt random and didn’t make sense. Because of this, a lot of her scenes felt too forced, and didn’t feel natural or something believable. For example, the main character Soling gets trapped for a while on her old acquaintance’s ship. To be honest, that event did not need to happen at all. The action wasn’t very engaging and it didn’t leave me feeling excited or hanging off the edge of my seat.
Another thing that bothered me was its historical and steampunk aspects. I don’t think steampunk is a very appropriate label- the book didn’t have many inventive mechanical objects/themes, and even though it was supposed to concentrate on new mechanical inventions, it just didn’t feel very steampunk-like. It was the same for the historical setting. Although the book was set in a historical setting, it didn’t really feel much like 19th century China, and the descriptions weren’t very elaborate or vivid. The most that really came from the setting was the treatment of Soling but that’s about it.
The last thing that bothered me was the romance. It felt very bland and dull. Chang-wei was not a very appealing character to me, and their relationship felt so toned down. They didn’t feel like they were in love, they felt like awkward friends. There were barely any dynamics to their relationship.
However, I really loved Soling’s strength and the whole story was very interesting. Soling was independent and inquisitive- she didn’t just go along with the flow. She wanted to find a path for herself, even though it was being controlled by others.
Overall, Gunpowder Alchemy was an intriguing read that I would recommend for those in search of a historical novel with a strong heroine and complex plot.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Gunpowder Alchemy
Opium War, Book #1
By Jeannie Lin
Author’s website: http://www.jeannielin.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Adelynne
Synopsis:
Since her father’s execution eight years ago, Jin Soling kept her family from falling into poverty. But her meager savings are running out, leaving her with no choice but to sell the last of her father’s possessions—her last memento of him.
Only, while attempting to find a buyer, Soling is caught and brought before the Crown Prince. Unlike his father, the Emperor, the Prince knows that the only chance of expelling the English invaders is to once again unite China’s cleverest minds to create fantastic weapons. He also realizes that Soling is the one person who could convince her father’s former allies—many who have turned rebel—to once again work for the Empire. He promises to restore her family name if she’ll help him in his cause.
But after the betrayal of her family all those years ago, Soling is unsure if she can trust anyone in the Forbidden City—even if her heart is longing to believe in the engineer with a hidden past who was once meant to be her husband…
Review:
Although I enjoyed this book, for me, it did not have much depth. I felt that Gunpowder Alchemy was a book purely entertainment.
I had a few qualms with the book- one of the things that bothered me was the events. I felt that Lin was trying too hard to make the book have action, and a lot of the events felt random and didn’t make sense. Because of this, a lot of her scenes felt too forced, and didn’t feel natural or something believable. For example, the main character Soling gets trapped for a while on her old acquaintance’s ship. To be honest, that event did not need to happen at all. The action wasn’t very engaging and it didn’t leave me feeling excited or hanging off the edge of my seat.
Another thing that bothered me was its historical and steampunk aspects. I don’t think steampunk is a very appropriate label- the book didn’t have many inventive mechanical objects/themes, and even though it was supposed to concentrate on new mechanical inventions, it just didn’t feel very steampunk-like. It was the same for the historical setting. Although the book was set in a historical setting, it didn’t really feel much like 19th century China, and the descriptions weren’t very elaborate or vivid. The most that really came from the setting was the treatment of Soling but that’s about it.
The last thing that bothered me was the romance. It felt very bland and dull. Chang-wei was not a very appealing character to me, and their relationship felt so toned down. They didn’t feel like they were in love, they felt like awkward friends. There were barely any dynamics to their relationship.
However, I really loved Soling’s strength and the whole story was very interesting. Soling was independent and inquisitive- she didn’t just go along with the flow. She wanted to find a path for herself, even though it was being controlled by others.
Overall, Gunpowder Alchemy was an intriguing read that I would recommend for those in search of a historical novel with a strong heroine and complex plot.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
December 28, 2014
This joint review was originally published at The Book Pushers
E: I have enjoyed reading Lin in the past so when I saw she was starting a new series I was extremely curious. Reading the blurb made me even more curious since Lin seemed to be combining several interesting historical elements, some culturalisms, a determined woman, and social change. I enjoyed the combination and the subdued slow growing romance threaded through the story.
Marlene: I have also enjoyed reading Lin in previous outings. This story particularly sounded interesting – the background reminded me a bit of an Asian-themed fantasy I read a few years ago that had some similarities, although what the title was is driving me crazy.
But Gunpowder Alchemy combined steampunk technology with an era of cultural change in a society that we don’t often see in urban fantasy or steampunk. So it looked good from the beginning and it was – both the slow building romance and the peek into a society we don’t often see in speculative fiction. It was a refreshing change of pace from all the Western/Celtic/Medieval based fantasy or Victorian based steampunk.
E: Soling grew up slightly pampered as the daughter of the Emperor’s chief engineer. She was allowed free reign of the labs and learned several different things along the way to include some of the art and science of acupuncture. She was also happy with the knowledge of her arranged marriage to one of her father’s promising engineers and then her life changed forever. Britain invaded with its traders protected by steam engines and the Emperor in retaliation had all of his engineers killed and their families exiled into poverty. Soling and her mother worked hard trying to keep what remained of their family together but gradually her mother sank into an opium addiction haze which claimed more and more of their limited funds forcing Soling to try to sell the last object from her father’s collection. There she gained the attention of the Crown Prince and was sent on an errand to find the last of her father’s secrets and in return her family would be protected. Soling’s journey took her through a variety of different locations, experiences, and really opened her eyes to life across the Empire and what levels desperate people were willing to sink to. Yet through it all she maintained her loyalty to her family and her belief that things could and would get better.
Marlene: Soling was an interesting choice for a point-of-view character because her culture has taught her that she is not supposed to be the prime mover of events or the head of her household. And yet, because of the experiences her family has survived, it is necessary that she take on a role she’s not intended to be suitable for – and yet she is. She’s very practical minded and does what is necessary, no matter how frightened she might be of events or the possible consequences.
She was intended to be a protected little flower, and instead, she finds purpose as a healer and self-taught engineer, working and fighting for peace. But first she has to drag herself out of the uncomfortable little cocoon that circumstances have created, and make her own way in the world. At first, she is pushed and pulled by circumstances beyond her control, but she learns to get what she can out of each turn of fate.
E: I really enjoyed the combination of science, art, biology, and creative imagination from Soling and the surviving members of her father’s engineers as they all struggled with the new reality. One took the tactic of learning as much as possible from the invaders, another tried their best to stay with traditional methods, while the third loyal to none focused his attention on trying to figure out why the British version of opium was having such a deleterious impact on Chinese people. Caught in the middle was Soling. I thought how she struggled to navigate change and the contrast between her memories of the men and who they had become while facing danger from a variety of different sources was captivating. I liked her slow path towards trusting towards her former betrothed even as she started to discover his past was full of secrets making him a much more complicated man then she thought. It was good seeing them balance with both facing potential sacrifices to keep their promises. I look forward to seeing their relationship grow.
Marlene: I liked the aspect of the story that had Soling weighing her childhood memories of her father’s men with her own adult perceptions. We often find that childhood homes and adults we met as children are smaller or less impressive when we meet them as adults. Soling has changed in the intervening time, and so have the men who used to see her as a bit of a mascot. Her memories of safety and trust conflict with the new reality. She has to remake judgments, and especially survive.
The contrast between the three different adaptations to the infiltration of the West and the change in Imperial circumstances provides part of the minefield that Soling must navigate through. That protecting her family remains her lodestone in the face of so much change gives her character strength.
E: Personally I have always been fascinated by the history of Asia so seeing how Lin took aspects of history I have wondered about and strung them together emphasizing how a reverence towards culture combined with a stealthy undermining of that same culture led to inescapable change was an absolute blast. I loved how Soling managed to retain her curiosity and her drive to make life better for others and in doing so made a difference despite all of the obstacles. I also thought the mental struggle evident in most of the primary characters between what they had been brought up to believe and what they had to face was well done. It was almost as if each primary character went through their own crisis of fate and while they survived, not all were able to adjust. Lin ended this first installment with the rising evidence of some mystery involving some new very dangerous opium strains and a need to develop a new method of warfare for a three front war. I continue to enjoy Lin’s voice in this new genre from her and as a result I am very interested in reading the next installment.
I give Gunpowder Alchemy a B
Marlene: It is refreshing to see a different world. So much speculative fiction, starts from a Western basis, that this alternate view of the forced opening of China to the British was a breath of fresh air. Every character in this story, especially Soling, has to struggle with the way that they have always been told the world is versus the way that things have actually worked out. The discovery that received truth is not the same as truth on the ground has been a hard lesson for many of the characters, as evidenced by the way they respond to change.
Soling’s romance with Chen Chang-wei develops very slowly, which fit the story and the times (even altered times) in which it is set. The beginning of the story, with its description of Soling’s childhood and current reduced circumstances, went just a bit slow for me, but was still enjoyable.
I also give Gunpowder Alchemy a B.
E: I have enjoyed reading Lin in the past so when I saw she was starting a new series I was extremely curious. Reading the blurb made me even more curious since Lin seemed to be combining several interesting historical elements, some culturalisms, a determined woman, and social change. I enjoyed the combination and the subdued slow growing romance threaded through the story.
Marlene: I have also enjoyed reading Lin in previous outings. This story particularly sounded interesting – the background reminded me a bit of an Asian-themed fantasy I read a few years ago that had some similarities, although what the title was is driving me crazy.
But Gunpowder Alchemy combined steampunk technology with an era of cultural change in a society that we don’t often see in urban fantasy or steampunk. So it looked good from the beginning and it was – both the slow building romance and the peek into a society we don’t often see in speculative fiction. It was a refreshing change of pace from all the Western/Celtic/Medieval based fantasy or Victorian based steampunk.
E: Soling grew up slightly pampered as the daughter of the Emperor’s chief engineer. She was allowed free reign of the labs and learned several different things along the way to include some of the art and science of acupuncture. She was also happy with the knowledge of her arranged marriage to one of her father’s promising engineers and then her life changed forever. Britain invaded with its traders protected by steam engines and the Emperor in retaliation had all of his engineers killed and their families exiled into poverty. Soling and her mother worked hard trying to keep what remained of their family together but gradually her mother sank into an opium addiction haze which claimed more and more of their limited funds forcing Soling to try to sell the last object from her father’s collection. There she gained the attention of the Crown Prince and was sent on an errand to find the last of her father’s secrets and in return her family would be protected. Soling’s journey took her through a variety of different locations, experiences, and really opened her eyes to life across the Empire and what levels desperate people were willing to sink to. Yet through it all she maintained her loyalty to her family and her belief that things could and would get better.
Marlene: Soling was an interesting choice for a point-of-view character because her culture has taught her that she is not supposed to be the prime mover of events or the head of her household. And yet, because of the experiences her family has survived, it is necessary that she take on a role she’s not intended to be suitable for – and yet she is. She’s very practical minded and does what is necessary, no matter how frightened she might be of events or the possible consequences.
She was intended to be a protected little flower, and instead, she finds purpose as a healer and self-taught engineer, working and fighting for peace. But first she has to drag herself out of the uncomfortable little cocoon that circumstances have created, and make her own way in the world. At first, she is pushed and pulled by circumstances beyond her control, but she learns to get what she can out of each turn of fate.
E: I really enjoyed the combination of science, art, biology, and creative imagination from Soling and the surviving members of her father’s engineers as they all struggled with the new reality. One took the tactic of learning as much as possible from the invaders, another tried their best to stay with traditional methods, while the third loyal to none focused his attention on trying to figure out why the British version of opium was having such a deleterious impact on Chinese people. Caught in the middle was Soling. I thought how she struggled to navigate change and the contrast between her memories of the men and who they had become while facing danger from a variety of different sources was captivating. I liked her slow path towards trusting towards her former betrothed even as she started to discover his past was full of secrets making him a much more complicated man then she thought. It was good seeing them balance with both facing potential sacrifices to keep their promises. I look forward to seeing their relationship grow.
Marlene: I liked the aspect of the story that had Soling weighing her childhood memories of her father’s men with her own adult perceptions. We often find that childhood homes and adults we met as children are smaller or less impressive when we meet them as adults. Soling has changed in the intervening time, and so have the men who used to see her as a bit of a mascot. Her memories of safety and trust conflict with the new reality. She has to remake judgments, and especially survive.
The contrast between the three different adaptations to the infiltration of the West and the change in Imperial circumstances provides part of the minefield that Soling must navigate through. That protecting her family remains her lodestone in the face of so much change gives her character strength.
E: Personally I have always been fascinated by the history of Asia so seeing how Lin took aspects of history I have wondered about and strung them together emphasizing how a reverence towards culture combined with a stealthy undermining of that same culture led to inescapable change was an absolute blast. I loved how Soling managed to retain her curiosity and her drive to make life better for others and in doing so made a difference despite all of the obstacles. I also thought the mental struggle evident in most of the primary characters between what they had been brought up to believe and what they had to face was well done. It was almost as if each primary character went through their own crisis of fate and while they survived, not all were able to adjust. Lin ended this first installment with the rising evidence of some mystery involving some new very dangerous opium strains and a need to develop a new method of warfare for a three front war. I continue to enjoy Lin’s voice in this new genre from her and as a result I am very interested in reading the next installment.
I give Gunpowder Alchemy a B
Marlene: It is refreshing to see a different world. So much speculative fiction, starts from a Western basis, that this alternate view of the forced opening of China to the British was a breath of fresh air. Every character in this story, especially Soling, has to struggle with the way that they have always been told the world is versus the way that things have actually worked out. The discovery that received truth is not the same as truth on the ground has been a hard lesson for many of the characters, as evidenced by the way they respond to change.
Soling’s romance with Chen Chang-wei develops very slowly, which fit the story and the times (even altered times) in which it is set. The beginning of the story, with its description of Soling’s childhood and current reduced circumstances, went just a bit slow for me, but was still enjoyable.
I also give Gunpowder Alchemy a B.
April 11, 2021
Soling was only 10 years old when she was exiled with her mother and brother and the Emperor decided that her father, the head of the Ministry of Science, must pay with his life for being unable to stop Britain's ships from invading the Middle Kingdom.
Eight years later, Soling work as a physician apprentice and try to take care of her little brother and her mother who became addicted to opium to forget her pain. To survive, she also have to sell her father's possessions and it's on an outing to sell one of his mysterious invention that she'll finally meet the man she was supposed to marry. Years ago, her father made an arrangement for her to become the wife of one of his younger associate but the betrothal dissolved after her father's disgrace. Meeting Chang-wei is not the only adventures waiting for Soling. Between the pirates, the rebels and the natural disasters, how will she know who she can trust?
Fascinating and riveting, this fantasy novel written at first person in a country (China) and universe far away from mine, it was a great escape from the world and I'm glad to know there's a second book in the series so I can know if there's chance for a better future for Soling and hopeful a HEA with Chang-wei.
Eight years later, Soling work as a physician apprentice and try to take care of her little brother and her mother who became addicted to opium to forget her pain. To survive, she also have to sell her father's possessions and it's on an outing to sell one of his mysterious invention that she'll finally meet the man she was supposed to marry. Years ago, her father made an arrangement for her to become the wife of one of his younger associate but the betrothal dissolved after her father's disgrace. Meeting Chang-wei is not the only adventures waiting for Soling. Between the pirates, the rebels and the natural disasters, how will she know who she can trust?
Fascinating and riveting, this fantasy novel written at first person in a country (China) and universe far away from mine, it was a great escape from the world and I'm glad to know there's a second book in the series so I can know if there's chance for a better future for Soling and hopeful a HEA with Chang-wei.
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