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The Guild Chronicles #0
The Untold Tales of Dolly Williamson: An Occult Steampunk Thriller: Prequel to The Guild Chronicles
No one deserves to die that way, not even London's most prosperous banker.
Adolphus "Dolly" Williamson, an inspector in the Metropolitan Police, is called to the home of merchant banker Sir Francis Chilton. The condition of the body and lack of clues leaves him no choice but to call for the only person he trusts when it comes to the supernatural - Sister Rose.
Abandoned by her Church and shunned by society, Rose's metaphysical experiments are the only way to follow the trail of the murderer.
As the duo chases clues more of London's High Society turn up dead.
What secret is behind the death of London's elite?
Are they victims or willing participants in an occult ritual?
Rose soon discovers that the murderer might be her best friend's chance of being freed from insanity-inducing possession. Before Dolly claps on the irons, Rose must learn this secret ritual, even if the cost is her soul.
Can an ornery detective and an ostracized nun stop the killing spree?
Pick up the first book in the four-book Guild Chronicle series introduces you to the plot twists and the eclectic characters of JM Bannon. Next thing you'll know you'll be putting down book four.
The reviews are in…
My first read from author J.M. Bannon, the prequel to the new Guild Chronicles Steampunk series. Reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, not as steampunk as most steampunk stories I've read, none the less a highly entertaining enjoyable read that I will revisit in the ensuing Guild Chronicles stories. Memorable, likable main characters. – Roger F
First time reading a steampunk style occult alternative thriller. Lol I loved it, and the author takes you into their world and makes you think and wonder about what's happening. Looking forward to reading more of the adventures of this author. – Linda W
I really enjoyed the characters and the refreshing new look at 19th century London as a steampunk setting. I can see this as a potential movie plot with Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Rachel Wietz, and Angela Bassett. – Chris A.
It's time for you to cross the aether and become immersed in the adventure and thrills.
Adolphus "Dolly" Williamson, an inspector in the Metropolitan Police, is called to the home of merchant banker Sir Francis Chilton. The condition of the body and lack of clues leaves him no choice but to call for the only person he trusts when it comes to the supernatural - Sister Rose.
Abandoned by her Church and shunned by society, Rose's metaphysical experiments are the only way to follow the trail of the murderer.
As the duo chases clues more of London's High Society turn up dead.
What secret is behind the death of London's elite?
Are they victims or willing participants in an occult ritual?
Rose soon discovers that the murderer might be her best friend's chance of being freed from insanity-inducing possession. Before Dolly claps on the irons, Rose must learn this secret ritual, even if the cost is her soul.
Can an ornery detective and an ostracized nun stop the killing spree?
Pick up the first book in the four-book Guild Chronicle series introduces you to the plot twists and the eclectic characters of JM Bannon. Next thing you'll know you'll be putting down book four.
The reviews are in…
My first read from author J.M. Bannon, the prequel to the new Guild Chronicles Steampunk series. Reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, not as steampunk as most steampunk stories I've read, none the less a highly entertaining enjoyable read that I will revisit in the ensuing Guild Chronicles stories. Memorable, likable main characters. – Roger F
First time reading a steampunk style occult alternative thriller. Lol I loved it, and the author takes you into their world and makes you think and wonder about what's happening. Looking forward to reading more of the adventures of this author. – Linda W
I really enjoyed the characters and the refreshing new look at 19th century London as a steampunk setting. I can see this as a potential movie plot with Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Rachel Wietz, and Angela Bassett. – Chris A.
It's time for you to cross the aether and become immersed in the adventure and thrills.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2017
121 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 20, 2019
This book is dry, dull, and somehow manages to make Voodoo witches, and necromancers dull as dirt; I didn't enjoy any part of the book, and the total lack of character development or basic information about them makes it hard to care.
March 26, 2018
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Talk about a fun read that crosses genres like a skater on ice! Definitely a steampunk atmosphere threaded through with that crisp British flavor and a twist of supernatural to round out a cast of quirky, yet endearing characters.
As part of a special crime unit, Fredrick “Dolly” Williamson discovers a hint of the occult in a murder investigation and calls upon the mystical powers of one Rose Caldwell, social outcast and paranormal expert with a gift. Hang on to your hats as we travel back to an alternate nineteenth century as the clues pile up and, as they say, the plot thickens.
J.M. Bannon’s THE UNTOLD TALES OF DOLLY WILLIAMSON is an eclectic mix of characters, plot twists and super sleuthing that shine all the brighter with steampunk devices! Not a fast read that races on by, but definitely an entertaining one to be enjoyed through the details that conjure images in our minds. Just the title alone is intriguing!
Series: The Guild Chronicles - Prequel
Publisher: Claymore Ulfberht & Xiphos LLC; 2 edition (October 7, 2017)
Publication Date: October 7, 2017
Genre: Steampunk | Mystery | Occult
Print Length: 286 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Talk about a fun read that crosses genres like a skater on ice! Definitely a steampunk atmosphere threaded through with that crisp British flavor and a twist of supernatural to round out a cast of quirky, yet endearing characters.
As part of a special crime unit, Fredrick “Dolly” Williamson discovers a hint of the occult in a murder investigation and calls upon the mystical powers of one Rose Caldwell, social outcast and paranormal expert with a gift. Hang on to your hats as we travel back to an alternate nineteenth century as the clues pile up and, as they say, the plot thickens.
J.M. Bannon’s THE UNTOLD TALES OF DOLLY WILLIAMSON is an eclectic mix of characters, plot twists and super sleuthing that shine all the brighter with steampunk devices! Not a fast read that races on by, but definitely an entertaining one to be enjoyed through the details that conjure images in our minds. Just the title alone is intriguing!
Series: The Guild Chronicles - Prequel
Publisher: Claymore Ulfberht & Xiphos LLC; 2 edition (October 7, 2017)
Publication Date: October 7, 2017
Genre: Steampunk | Mystery | Occult
Print Length: 286 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 21, 2018
So entertaining for a first time book by this author “Dolly” is a detective and definitely has his work cut out for him. Fast paced story that is impossible to put down .
February 26, 2018
A good read the last part involving world leaders seemed tacked on.
July 22, 2018
The prequel book to a steampunk fantasy series the Guild Chronicles.
Frederick “Dolly” Williamson is a detective at Scotland Yard, in Victorian London. When sir Francis Chilton, one of the senior partners in a highly influential bank, is found dried to a husk in his own house, Dolly is sent to investigate. He calls in Rose Caldwell, a former nun who has lots of skills and knowledge of the occult. Unfortunately, she’s also considered a witch by the public as well as Dolly’s colleagues and boss. However, Rose’s alchemical devices and magical talent turn out to be invaluable in the occult mystery. Another man is found similarly murdered, and the Home office hoists upon Dolly two French occultists who claim to know who is responsible and want to help in her capture. However, they have their own goals.
This story is set in quite a complex world with both steampunk devices and alchemical/magical devices. The occultists have variety of powers, able to take over another person’s mind, project themselves to astral plane, and even use devices to prolong their lives, but with the expense of another’s life essence. Rose can also summon angels to help her. But mostly she constructs and uses various magical devices. Some can see what magical events have happened in the past, others protect against spells.
While most people don’t know that magic really works, Dolly has had previous experience with them and knows that magic and magical threats are real. He works as best he can in the ordinary world and in the magical world. However, he’s not keeping the magic a secret nor is anyone expecting him to do so. Most people just don’t believe it. Dolly is a diligent detective and questions, as best he can, the wealthy and influential people affected by this case.
While Rose is a former nun, she didn’t quit because she lost faith. Quite the contrary: she was excommunicated because she dared to learn about the magic and use it. She’s very much out of her luck in this story, barely making enough money to rent a small apartment and drinking everything else. She has some quite interesting friends.
The cast is quite large. In addition to the people connected directly to the case such as the French Necronist guild members, we meet Chinese gangsters, Haitian Voodoo practitioners, London’s own occultists, and workers’ rights activists. The story has many POV characters, as well, even though Dolly and Rose are the main characters. A few characters aren’t directly related to the case, so I presume they play a large role in the series and so are introduced to us already.
While the main mystery is solved, this is obviously the first in series book. The ending opens up a couple of plot threads for the series.
This was an interesting read and a very imaginative setting. Rose was definitely my favorite character and the most distinct one, except for the murderer. I also really enjoyed the idea of the French necronists guild and that was expanded well near the end.
However, the book had a lot of minor errors with spelling, dialog tags, and more.
Frederick “Dolly” Williamson is a detective at Scotland Yard, in Victorian London. When sir Francis Chilton, one of the senior partners in a highly influential bank, is found dried to a husk in his own house, Dolly is sent to investigate. He calls in Rose Caldwell, a former nun who has lots of skills and knowledge of the occult. Unfortunately, she’s also considered a witch by the public as well as Dolly’s colleagues and boss. However, Rose’s alchemical devices and magical talent turn out to be invaluable in the occult mystery. Another man is found similarly murdered, and the Home office hoists upon Dolly two French occultists who claim to know who is responsible and want to help in her capture. However, they have their own goals.
This story is set in quite a complex world with both steampunk devices and alchemical/magical devices. The occultists have variety of powers, able to take over another person’s mind, project themselves to astral plane, and even use devices to prolong their lives, but with the expense of another’s life essence. Rose can also summon angels to help her. But mostly she constructs and uses various magical devices. Some can see what magical events have happened in the past, others protect against spells.
While most people don’t know that magic really works, Dolly has had previous experience with them and knows that magic and magical threats are real. He works as best he can in the ordinary world and in the magical world. However, he’s not keeping the magic a secret nor is anyone expecting him to do so. Most people just don’t believe it. Dolly is a diligent detective and questions, as best he can, the wealthy and influential people affected by this case.
While Rose is a former nun, she didn’t quit because she lost faith. Quite the contrary: she was excommunicated because she dared to learn about the magic and use it. She’s very much out of her luck in this story, barely making enough money to rent a small apartment and drinking everything else. She has some quite interesting friends.
The cast is quite large. In addition to the people connected directly to the case such as the French Necronist guild members, we meet Chinese gangsters, Haitian Voodoo practitioners, London’s own occultists, and workers’ rights activists. The story has many POV characters, as well, even though Dolly and Rose are the main characters. A few characters aren’t directly related to the case, so I presume they play a large role in the series and so are introduced to us already.
While the main mystery is solved, this is obviously the first in series book. The ending opens up a couple of plot threads for the series.
This was an interesting read and a very imaginative setting. Rose was definitely my favorite character and the most distinct one, except for the murderer. I also really enjoyed the idea of the French necronists guild and that was expanded well near the end.
However, the book had a lot of minor errors with spelling, dialog tags, and more.
August 4, 2018
The Untold Tales... is an enjoyable book. I liked this steampunk/occult hybrid. The steampunk world evolves bit by bit rather that in info dumps and I expect in subsequent volumes will be truly fleshed out. The occult aspect is a interesting blend of esoteric mumbo jumbo and a steampunkish "scientific" perspective. I liked the main characters and look forward to their growth in future adventures. I also like that Williamson is based on a real British detective.
I gather that typos and grammatical problems have been worked on but some still linger though they are not that distracting. I do have lingering doubts as to some of the word usage and speech patterns which reflect a more contemporary sense and viewpoint. Yes this is an alternate early Victorian tale but it reads too much like a current police procedural with current descriptions of crime scenes and forensic techniques. i would like a bit more of an historic feel to the characters and the surroundings.
With these caveats aside, I look forward to following what seems to be a promising series. And I do have the next two volumes, along with Awaken, loaded to my Kindle.
I gather that typos and grammatical problems have been worked on but some still linger though they are not that distracting. I do have lingering doubts as to some of the word usage and speech patterns which reflect a more contemporary sense and viewpoint. Yes this is an alternate early Victorian tale but it reads too much like a current police procedural with current descriptions of crime scenes and forensic techniques. i would like a bit more of an historic feel to the characters and the surroundings.
With these caveats aside, I look forward to following what seems to be a promising series. And I do have the next two volumes, along with Awaken, loaded to my Kindle.
May 20, 2018
“Dolly” (for Adolphus) Williamson, an up and coming sergeant is currently serving in the special detective branch of the office of the Home Secretary. Dolly is investigating a death under curious circumstances similar to a previous case. This immediately brought to mind someone who could possibly aid him in processing this crime. Sister Rose Caldwell was now defrocked after having accused the Church of concealing a demonic possession. Dolly, however, had faith in her. The crime unravels as Dolly relentlessly pursues death after death. Surprisingly an explosion at a new airship construction facility and Sister Rose's discovery of voodoo involvement in the first death all combined to lead the detective to a successful conclusion. The author places Dolly in a steampunk world of the 1800's. Queen Victoria reigns and Napoleon is in power in France, if this is a setting that tickles your sense of adventure then this story is for you. Quite an exciting tale with supernatural events. Well edited. Recommended.
March 20, 2018
Sometimes everything isn't what it seems. Dolly knows that things are about to get hairy as a body has been found and it seems like the supernatural might be at work again. So he has no choice but to call in Sister Rose as she knows everything about the other side. Unfortunately not everyone agrees with Dolly about Rose and his bosses at Scotland yard are less than impressed. But he knows that she is the best person to help him on this case. Rose has enough going on in her life, she hasn't much money and she is looking out for a friend that she is afraid that she can't safe but she will always help Dolly. They are a strange pair but they work well together. The cases are stacking up and it looks like voodoo is at play and he has no idea how to stop the killer. He is given outside help but he knows that they want the killer dead and Dolly wants her to play for her crimes. So who will win in the end?
A good read.
A good read.
May 29, 2018
Cross, double cross and voodoo
When a death occurs our duo of sleuths are called to investigate. Who would kill the financier in such a horrendous manner? Then when investigating further two dead guards are also discovered. Add stolen gold, a particularly nasty brand of voodoo that stripes victims of their souls, slavery, industrial espionage, members of arcane groups, more deaths and a desire for the truth. The plot is action packed and fast making the reader have to concentrate to keep track. Plus the amount of cross and double cross is breathtaking. The characters are full, energetic and engaging. Our heroine is a petite fighter against evil that uses angelic power as well as her own inventions. The hero is an intelligent, blunt Scot who believes in the justice system with the very fibre of his being.
When a death occurs our duo of sleuths are called to investigate. Who would kill the financier in such a horrendous manner? Then when investigating further two dead guards are also discovered. Add stolen gold, a particularly nasty brand of voodoo that stripes victims of their souls, slavery, industrial espionage, members of arcane groups, more deaths and a desire for the truth. The plot is action packed and fast making the reader have to concentrate to keep track. Plus the amount of cross and double cross is breathtaking. The characters are full, energetic and engaging. Our heroine is a petite fighter against evil that uses angelic power as well as her own inventions. The hero is an intelligent, blunt Scot who believes in the justice system with the very fibre of his being.
July 1, 2018
If you are looking for a story with mystery, intrigue, engaging characters and a story line that invites you to fall right into their world this is the book for you.
This book has so much going for it;
characters that were well thought out, engaging and believable
no clear good guy/bad guy - the good guys had flaws and the 'bad' guys had redeeming qualities,
plot twists that were just difficult enough to maintain that they didn't seem weak,
the right amount of detail and description throughout (I can't tell you the number of times I've read a book where the author spent so much time describing everything that I forgot what the book was about and vice versa, so little description that I had no idea what was what)
and my favorite new word 'verticulator'.
This book has so much going for it;
characters that were well thought out, engaging and believable
no clear good guy/bad guy - the good guys had flaws and the 'bad' guys had redeeming qualities,
plot twists that were just difficult enough to maintain that they didn't seem weak,
the right amount of detail and description throughout (I can't tell you the number of times I've read a book where the author spent so much time describing everything that I forgot what the book was about and vice versa, so little description that I had no idea what was what)
and my favorite new word 'verticulator'.
February 15, 2019
I finally read this book. Apologies to the author, I began it earlier, but it took me awhile to get around to finishing it. I liked the story and the characters, particularly Dolly Williamson who contrary to what you might think is a male police officer and Rose the person who helps solve crimes of an occult nature. The author, however, I don't know what to think about. In his bio, he says he lives in a santiarium, and to write him, but they check his mail. Is this for real, or is he just making this up? I don't know.Anyway, check out this Steampunk Thriller which is a Prequel to The Guild Chronicles.
May 22, 2018
The story is great. The editing is terrible. My hope is that the next book is better edited, as the story line is excellent and the world is most enjoyable.
June 10, 2018
So Close
One of the things that bothers me about stories that take place in worlds with magic is that the magic too often acts as a sort of easy out—a hall pass—for the author.
Can’t figure out how to get out of XYZ sticky situation? No problem—just magic your way out!
The novels that bother me least have clear rules, spelled out not only for the characters and the author, but for the reader, too, so we understand that things operate according to some kind of pattern that makes sense, even if they aren’t the same physical laws I know from the Newtonian universe, and I can rest easy that the author isn’t pulling a fast one.
The Untold Tales of Dolly Williamson left me feeling like I’d been hoodwinked. The laws of this universe are so murky that it’s not clear to me that even the author knows what they are.
Sometimes people hold seances and project their thoughts—and even their physical bodies—across the astral plane and through physical space.
Sometimes people suck the life force from people.
Others can create charms to protect from such evil.
Sometimes people can be made younger. Or older. But not everyone does this (why? Who knows?)
And oh, yeah, all of this happens to take place in a steampunk universe, too.
I don’t mean to come across so critical. It’s just a pet peeve of mine when magical magicness is on the one hand proclaimed to be scientific and the product of training, but on the other hand the reader is not privy to the patterns behind the science, merely the statement that it is so.
Aside from this annoyance, I found it a fairly compelling read, if a bit convoluted and in need of a good editor and proofreader. The author is skilled at drawing characters, and creates rich plots and scenes, and this book could be truly excellent if only he had invested in an editor. (I don’t know why writers don’t do that.)
I enjoyed the characters of Dolly and Sister Rose Caldwell quite a bit, and only wish they had appeared more. I was also waiting for the ginormous airship, introduced early in the book, to play a role later on. Since this book is clearly the first in a series, and the ending leaves us with several open loops, presumably the huge airship will come back in a future book in the series.
Im not keen on the open loop ending, but that is how authors keep readers coming back for more. At least it wasn’t an honest-to-goodness cliffhanger.
I like this author’s voice (despite the typos), and really like the primary characters, but I don’t know that I’m keen enough on the occult+steampunk formula to keep reading. Heavier on the steampunk and lighter on the occult is my personal preference, but if you like a fair amount of gore, unexplained magical hocus pocus, and layers of political intrigue in an alternate reality (think: Napoleon is in his 90s and still reigning in France!), this could be right up your alley.
One of the things that bothers me about stories that take place in worlds with magic is that the magic too often acts as a sort of easy out—a hall pass—for the author.
Can’t figure out how to get out of XYZ sticky situation? No problem—just magic your way out!
The novels that bother me least have clear rules, spelled out not only for the characters and the author, but for the reader, too, so we understand that things operate according to some kind of pattern that makes sense, even if they aren’t the same physical laws I know from the Newtonian universe, and I can rest easy that the author isn’t pulling a fast one.
The Untold Tales of Dolly Williamson left me feeling like I’d been hoodwinked. The laws of this universe are so murky that it’s not clear to me that even the author knows what they are.
Sometimes people hold seances and project their thoughts—and even their physical bodies—across the astral plane and through physical space.
Sometimes people suck the life force from people.
Others can create charms to protect from such evil.
Sometimes people can be made younger. Or older. But not everyone does this (why? Who knows?)
And oh, yeah, all of this happens to take place in a steampunk universe, too.
I don’t mean to come across so critical. It’s just a pet peeve of mine when magical magicness is on the one hand proclaimed to be scientific and the product of training, but on the other hand the reader is not privy to the patterns behind the science, merely the statement that it is so.
Aside from this annoyance, I found it a fairly compelling read, if a bit convoluted and in need of a good editor and proofreader. The author is skilled at drawing characters, and creates rich plots and scenes, and this book could be truly excellent if only he had invested in an editor. (I don’t know why writers don’t do that.)
I enjoyed the characters of Dolly and Sister Rose Caldwell quite a bit, and only wish they had appeared more. I was also waiting for the ginormous airship, introduced early in the book, to play a role later on. Since this book is clearly the first in a series, and the ending leaves us with several open loops, presumably the huge airship will come back in a future book in the series.
Im not keen on the open loop ending, but that is how authors keep readers coming back for more. At least it wasn’t an honest-to-goodness cliffhanger.
I like this author’s voice (despite the typos), and really like the primary characters, but I don’t know that I’m keen enough on the occult+steampunk formula to keep reading. Heavier on the steampunk and lighter on the occult is my personal preference, but if you like a fair amount of gore, unexplained magical hocus pocus, and layers of political intrigue in an alternate reality (think: Napoleon is in his 90s and still reigning in France!), this could be right up your alley.
November 17, 2019
Dolly Williamson invites Rose to investigate a rather strange murder investigation despite others not wanting anything to do with her. Multiple men have been killed under strange circumstances. He feels that she will be a great asset to the investigation due to her skill in the paranormal.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it quite comical. I do feel that it could use a rewrite. A polish up if you will. There are times that it kind of jumps all over the place that I don't fully understand what's going on. There are also some minor grammatical errors. They are something that it's possible that I could be just being nit-picky about. I did take the time to highlight them off just in case. I also had problems figuring out what time era I was in sometimes.
The characters were good, but I didn't really feel a connection with them. I did really enjoy the humor of the characters. They had quite a bit of wit about them. That's as far as my connection with them went. I really don't have anything negative to say about the characters though. I just didn't really connect with them.
I really did enjoy the narrator though. Ana Clements is really good with accents. I was highly impressed. The only critique I had is that sometimes she didn't really change tones between characters, so it made me think I was still listening to the one character talking. Other than that, her performance was very much worth listening to.
I really did enjoy the story. I think it could use some improvements, but it has great potential. I did notice that this was the prequel to a series. I plan to read the series. I may not have been in love with the book, but it's definitely worth the read. It's a very quirky and easy read.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it quite comical. I do feel that it could use a rewrite. A polish up if you will. There are times that it kind of jumps all over the place that I don't fully understand what's going on. There are also some minor grammatical errors. They are something that it's possible that I could be just being nit-picky about. I did take the time to highlight them off just in case. I also had problems figuring out what time era I was in sometimes.
The characters were good, but I didn't really feel a connection with them. I did really enjoy the humor of the characters. They had quite a bit of wit about them. That's as far as my connection with them went. I really don't have anything negative to say about the characters though. I just didn't really connect with them.
I really did enjoy the narrator though. Ana Clements is really good with accents. I was highly impressed. The only critique I had is that sometimes she didn't really change tones between characters, so it made me think I was still listening to the one character talking. Other than that, her performance was very much worth listening to.
I really did enjoy the story. I think it could use some improvements, but it has great potential. I did notice that this was the prequel to a series. I plan to read the series. I may not have been in love with the book, but it's definitely worth the read. It's a very quirky and easy read.
January 26, 2018
kindle unlimited, says book 0 so will have to see what else the writer has put out, interesting premise/mix of things, for sure
Looking for alternative history steampunk thriller? This one is steam-powered, alchemy fueled and boosted by the supernatural. The first of six books!
Fredrick “Dolly” Williamson is a young detective in the newly formed special crime detection branch at Scotland Yard. When he is called on to investigate the murder of an investment banker, he is reminded of past encounters with the occult and requests help from Rose Caldwell. Problem is Rose is an outsider whose very presence grates on the Victorian society she protects from the paranormal threats they want to ignore. Sister Rose an expert in the mystical arts uses her ingenuity to craft devices that straddle the latest scientific and metaphysical discoveries to create defenses against the dark arts.
As the body count continues to rise and the mystery deepens after the enigmatic Necronist Guild provide clues to the origins of the murderer. The clues from the secretive French death cult are not enough and Rose and Dolly must reach out to a cast of characters that include a young lord that is possessed by a Sufi mystic from the thirteenth century and an up and coming triad gangster.
A tightly wound thriller set in an alternative 19th century where powerful guilds use mechanical power, occult rituals and alchemy to vie for influence in the courts of Queen Victoria and the ever-youthful Emperor Napoleon.
The Untold Tales of Dolly Williamson: An Occult Steampunk Thriller: Prequel to The Guild Chronicles (The Guild Chronicles: A Steampunk Fantasy Book Series 0)
Looking for alternative history steampunk thriller? This one is steam-powered, alchemy fueled and boosted by the supernatural. The first of six books!
Fredrick “Dolly” Williamson is a young detective in the newly formed special crime detection branch at Scotland Yard. When he is called on to investigate the murder of an investment banker, he is reminded of past encounters with the occult and requests help from Rose Caldwell. Problem is Rose is an outsider whose very presence grates on the Victorian society she protects from the paranormal threats they want to ignore. Sister Rose an expert in the mystical arts uses her ingenuity to craft devices that straddle the latest scientific and metaphysical discoveries to create defenses against the dark arts.
As the body count continues to rise and the mystery deepens after the enigmatic Necronist Guild provide clues to the origins of the murderer. The clues from the secretive French death cult are not enough and Rose and Dolly must reach out to a cast of characters that include a young lord that is possessed by a Sufi mystic from the thirteenth century and an up and coming triad gangster.
A tightly wound thriller set in an alternative 19th century where powerful guilds use mechanical power, occult rituals and alchemy to vie for influence in the courts of Queen Victoria and the ever-youthful Emperor Napoleon.
The Untold Tales of Dolly Williamson: An Occult Steampunk Thriller: Prequel to The Guild Chronicles (The Guild Chronicles: A Steampunk Fantasy Book Series 0)
May 21, 2018
This is my first Steampunk Thriller. It was an interesting tale, but I could only handle reading the story in small doses. For the steampunk uninitiated, the world building was is like studying for a PhD in metaphysical subjects as well as science, technology and mechanical wonders. It therefore took me several days to read this story, since I could only tackle it in small chunks, to fully take in all the metaphysical and scientific concepts and terminology, (although I am well versed in a range of metaphysical subjects).
The main drawback for me in the story, however, was that I found the violence to be quite graphic and gruesome. I found I did not read it at night, to avoid taking any of the dark images into my sleep and dreams.
Note: Although it has undergone a significant re-editing to correct grammar and spelling mistakes, many punctuation and spelling errors still need to be corrected.
Final Rating from Steampunk Newbie: 3 Stars
The main drawback for me in the story, however, was that I found the violence to be quite graphic and gruesome. I found I did not read it at night, to avoid taking any of the dark images into my sleep and dreams.
Note: Although it has undergone a significant re-editing to correct grammar and spelling mistakes, many punctuation and spelling errors still need to be corrected.
Final Rating from Steampunk Newbie: 3 Stars
October 25, 2019
I got a free copy of the audiobook and wanted to write a review. The story is a delightful Steampunk mystery set in a parallel version of Victorian London that is filled with steam-powered machines and magic. Detective "Dolly" Williamson and Sister Rose Caldwell, the White Witch of London, have to work together to find out who killed Sir Francis Chilton. The story is logical in its development with the internal logic of the world being understandable. It avoids the danger of things happening because the plot depends upon it but establishes a reason for it being necessary.
The audiobook’s voice actor gives a top-notch performance as the narrator and enhances the story by the performance.
The audiobook’s voice actor gives a top-notch performance as the narrator and enhances the story by the performance.
January 30, 2018
A steampunk action adventure mystery
I had a great time reading this book with only one complaint. This book needs to be edited badly! I loved the story and I'm going to keep reading this author but this book seems to be almost without editing, enough to distract me from the story. That being said, I've never come across another book like this. This is completely original and very well told. The characters have dimension and heart and I was immediately cheering them on. I'm definitely excited to keep reading about this steam punk world!
I had a great time reading this book with only one complaint. This book needs to be edited badly! I loved the story and I'm going to keep reading this author but this book seems to be almost without editing, enough to distract me from the story. That being said, I've never come across another book like this. This is completely original and very well told. The characters have dimension and heart and I was immediately cheering them on. I'm definitely excited to keep reading about this steam punk world!
June 9, 2018
This is a paranormal/occult steampunk prequel to J. M. Bannon's The Guild Chronicles. The Untold Tales of Dolly Williamson is a real thriller with well developed characters. Ingeniously written to combine these many genres, it will grab you and you won't be able to put it down. It is full of mystery and twists and turns. The first twist, of course, is that Dolly is a young man, a detective who immediately calls in "the white witch of London" to help him solve the murder of a prominent banker. Things become more and more mysterious from there on. Lots of fun to read.
March 18, 2020
JM Bannon is probably my favorite steampunk author. The mix of otherworldly and alternate worldly is a rich tapestry for this young detective in a newly formed unit of Scotland Yard. Magic, alchemy, steampunk machinery abound in this thriller. With help from his somewhat socially unpopular compadre Rose, who is a mystical arts maven dedicated to protecting 19th century London from the baddies, he pursues his assignment as the number of related murders grows, crossing physical borders as well as occult borders.
Highly recommended, even if you're unfamiliar with the steampunk genre.
5 stars
Highly recommended, even if you're unfamiliar with the steampunk genre.
5 stars
February 23, 2018
Compelling story of the paranormal steeped in steampunk with a good dose of conspiracy, murder and intrigue.
Vibrant characters, well described atmospheric setting and a very enjoyable tale all round.
Detective Dolly Williamson and the no-nonsense Sister Rose Caldwell, replete with her myriad assortment of aether analysing gizmos, made a delightful pairing and I'm interested to know what adventure next awaits them.
Vibrant characters, well described atmospheric setting and a very enjoyable tale all round.
Detective Dolly Williamson and the no-nonsense Sister Rose Caldwell, replete with her myriad assortment of aether analysing gizmos, made a delightful pairing and I'm interested to know what adventure next awaits them.
November 27, 2018
If you like steampunk then this book is for you. I felt the book jumped too much from solving a murder to an airship factory with way too many technical details. The grammar, spelling and editing was horrible. What seemed a good story ended up being too choppy. Flipping back and forth from voodoo and Haiti to a factory to the clubs of the elite to a bank robbery. Way too confusing. It was hard to get through.
January 10, 2018
The premise of the story, the development of the characters, the pace of the story are all good but I hope the author will find an editor to catch the typographical errors that litter the story: There are phrases repeated, And instead of An, and the like. It draws you out of an otherwise good story.
January 29, 2018
On the front cover is Rose and in the background Frédérick Dolly Williamson inspecting a crime scene. In this book the chapters are divided by days. Dolly is a detective AND Rose is an expert in mystical arts. They investigate several murders. I loved this book with a good description of where the characters are. Too eager to read the alchemist and find out more about Rose and Dolly.
April 15, 2018
I have no idea what an Occult SteamPunk thriller means, having never heard of steampunk before, But i do know that i really enjoyed this book it is so unusual, and Dolly Williamson is a great character who takes you on a brilliant journey, if you like a good book, then this definitely is one you will want to read.
June 17, 2018
I liked this book! It was a good introduction to me into the world of Steampunk and the occult mixed together. I could actually see this being made into a movie with stars like Benedict Cumberbatch, Helen Bonham Carter, And other great contemporary British actors as well as a few American actors.
Bravo to the prequel!
Bravo to the prequel!
June 18, 2018
My first read from author J.M. Bannon, the prequel to the new Guild Chronicles Steampunk series. Reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, not as steampunk as most steampunk stories I've read, none the less a highly entertaining enjoyable read that I will revisit in the ensuing Guild Chronicles stories. Memorable, likable main characters.
December 2, 2018
A different look at the world
I've never read a book like this before. It's a crime/supernatural/science fiction story all rolled into one. I loved it. It made me wonder what if machines, as in the story, had been made, what would the world be like now? I hope to read the next book to see what happens next.
I've never read a book like this before. It's a crime/supernatural/science fiction story all rolled into one. I loved it. It made me wonder what if machines, as in the story, had been made, what would the world be like now? I hope to read the next book to see what happens next.
February 2, 2018
Anne Kinslow.
This book is a STEAMPUNK THRILLER
My first book of this kind.
I have just finished reading this book and loved it. I enjoyed the story and characters. Looking for a good read ? Why not make this your next book.
I can't wait to read another of JM Bannons' novels.
This book is a STEAMPUNK THRILLER
My first book of this kind.
I have just finished reading this book and loved it. I enjoyed the story and characters. Looking for a good read ? Why not make this your next book.
I can't wait to read another of JM Bannons' novels.
March 24, 2018
Open minds
Dolly is a trip. He has an open mind, especially for the time period. Looking forward to reading more about him and his crew. The lovely Rose is extremely capable and smart. A awesome addition to his crew.
Dolly is a trip. He has an open mind, especially for the time period. Looking forward to reading more about him and his crew. The lovely Rose is extremely capable and smart. A awesome addition to his crew.
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