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Corsets and Cogs
Welcome to the world as it never was…
Enter landscapes awash in steam-powered machinery, Victorian style, and mysterious magic shrouded in the fog of a city night.
Join 25 New York Times, USA Today, and bestselling speculative fiction authors as they dive into alternate universes of tinkers, mad scientists, and space-faring soldiers, as well as leviathans, vampires, and demons—along with the cloaked lords and corseted ladies haunting pages of these alternative histories.
This limited-time anthology features tales of whimsy and wonder rife with gaslamp masquerades, steam-driven dirigibles, clockwork landscapes, gadgets and gears, and more.
Perfect for lovers of Penny Dreadful, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Sherlock Holmes!
Enter landscapes awash in steam-powered machinery, Victorian style, and mysterious magic shrouded in the fog of a city night.
Join 25 New York Times, USA Today, and bestselling speculative fiction authors as they dive into alternate universes of tinkers, mad scientists, and space-faring soldiers, as well as leviathans, vampires, and demons—along with the cloaked lords and corseted ladies haunting pages of these alternative histories.
This limited-time anthology features tales of whimsy and wonder rife with gaslamp masquerades, steam-driven dirigibles, clockwork landscapes, gadgets and gears, and more.
Perfect for lovers of Penny Dreadful, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Sherlock Holmes!
Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2018
55 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Margo Bond Collins
279 books1,175 followersUSA Today, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times bestselling author Margo Bond Collins is a former college English professor who, tired of explaining the difference between "hanged" and "hung," turned to writing romance novels instead. She now writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fiction romance. Sometimes her heroines kiss aliens, sometimes they kill monsters. But they always aim for the heart.
You can learn more about her at http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink and follow her on all the usual social media outlets:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/margobon...
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink
Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/1164845554481...
You can learn more about her at http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink and follow her on all the usual social media outlets:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/margobon...
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink
Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/1164845554481...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 20, 2018
Excellent collection of steampunk tales; some short stories, some full-length novels. I read two of these with the purpose of reviewing them:
'Princesses and Frogs' by Melanie Karsak - 5 stars
A novella-length steampunk retelling of The Frog Prince in which a wealthy southerner throws an extravagant ball in New Orleans and the servants are dressed either as a Princess or a Frog. Party-goers are all a-buzz about the mysterious identity of their host, who promises to unmask himself at midnight.
'Royal Ruse' by Jayne Fury - 5 stars
A novella-length, gender-swapped steampunk retelling of 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' in which a former soldier from another planet hopes to gain name recognition for herself by solving the mystery of where the king's twelve sons disappear to for a few nights each month.
'Princesses and Frogs' by Melanie Karsak - 5 stars
A novella-length steampunk retelling of The Frog Prince in which a wealthy southerner throws an extravagant ball in New Orleans and the servants are dressed either as a Princess or a Frog. Party-goers are all a-buzz about the mysterious identity of their host, who promises to unmask himself at midnight.
'Royal Ruse' by Jayne Fury - 5 stars
A novella-length, gender-swapped steampunk retelling of 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' in which a former soldier from another planet hopes to gain name recognition for herself by solving the mystery of where the king's twelve sons disappear to for a few nights each month.
May 10, 2022
Steel Pedigree: Blood of Dragons Prequel by J.A. Culican & Melle Amade
This is a tough story to read. Octavia is simultaneously tugging on my heartstrings, activating all my sympathy, and behaving like an emotionless sociopath. It makes perfect sense why Octavia does the things she does. I just know I’m going to have difficulties reconciling her actions with my own moral compass in the series to come. I give huge credit to the authors for creating a character that is so challenging to my understanding.
This is a tough story to read. Octavia is simultaneously tugging on my heartstrings, activating all my sympathy, and behaving like an emotionless sociopath. It makes perfect sense why Octavia does the things she does. I just know I’m going to have difficulties reconciling her actions with my own moral compass in the series to come. I give huge credit to the authors for creating a character that is so challenging to my understanding.
March 31, 2018
Two dozen plus authors combined their talents to put together this Best Selling anthology of stories and novellas in the genre-bending "Steampunk" realm. Seeing a number of authors I already love, I jumped at the chance to read (and review--I try to always review what I read as a thank you to the author!).
First up is Margo Bond Collins with "Of Love and Leviathans." Tightly written prose explores a world of semi-mechanical beings supported by a Dickensian underclass in a world that doesn't know it is about to end. But when I say "Borg," you would be surprised to learn to whom I am applying it! Read for yourself and let me know what you thing.
Next we have Rebekah R. Ganiere's "The Lady Fugitive," a complete change of pace from waterworks. Now we are dealing with aether pirates and a steamy romance with a strong heroine.
Erin Hayes' contribution is "Damn the Consequences." The title might well also have been applied to the previous tale. Serving as a prequel to a new series, this tale explores the possibility that Jack the Ripper was a vampire.
But wait, there's more! Twenty more, to be precise. Some stories may have more appeal than others but overall this collection is a great deal of fun.
First up is Margo Bond Collins with "Of Love and Leviathans." Tightly written prose explores a world of semi-mechanical beings supported by a Dickensian underclass in a world that doesn't know it is about to end. But when I say "Borg," you would be surprised to learn to whom I am applying it! Read for yourself and let me know what you thing.
Next we have Rebekah R. Ganiere's "The Lady Fugitive," a complete change of pace from waterworks. Now we are dealing with aether pirates and a steamy romance with a strong heroine.
Erin Hayes' contribution is "Damn the Consequences." The title might well also have been applied to the previous tale. Serving as a prequel to a new series, this tale explores the possibility that Jack the Ripper was a vampire.
But wait, there's more! Twenty more, to be precise. Some stories may have more appeal than others but overall this collection is a great deal of fun.
March 29, 2018
I of course had to buy this collection when I seen that a few of my favorite authors were in it! Of course the first book in it that I wanted to read was the one by Laura Greenwood because it is a reverse harem, my favorite genre right now! Ruler of Rats is the prequel to a new series about to come out and it was the perfect way for us to get use to the world building and the characters. While short it is just enough to give us a view of some of what is to come. There are so many short stories here that I have only gotten half way through, but I have enjoyed every one of the stories. I definitely will be finishing this collection once other deadlines in my life have eased up.
March 29, 2018
This has been wonderful so far!
I purchased this purely for Katherine McIntyre's story that is connected to the "Take to the Skies" universe as I really loved "Stolen Petals". Incredibly wonderful to see more of Morgan from the Fireswamp, and hoping he makes an appearance in the final book in the main series :)
So far the other shorts I have read have all been a ton of fun, and incredibly well written. I genuinely don't think I have run across a single so-so story in the bunch yet, and I still have a bit to go. Wonderful collection of very talented writers that I will be checking out more from in the future.
I purchased this purely for Katherine McIntyre's story that is connected to the "Take to the Skies" universe as I really loved "Stolen Petals". Incredibly wonderful to see more of Morgan from the Fireswamp, and hoping he makes an appearance in the final book in the main series :)
So far the other shorts I have read have all been a ton of fun, and incredibly well written. I genuinely don't think I have run across a single so-so story in the bunch yet, and I still have a bit to go. Wonderful collection of very talented writers that I will be checking out more from in the future.
April 6, 2018
I don’t really have the right words to describe this book so all I’m going to say is that this book is absolutely fantastic! It has some so many stories from so many authors that a lot of them were new to me. But thankfully there were several stories from some of my favorite authors Dana Lyons, Skye MacKinnon, Laura Greenwood and Margo Bond Collins. This book is just packed full of goodies a little bit of this and a little bit of that for everybody. So yes I most definitely recommend this book because there’s so many realities for one to get lost in.
April 15, 2018
I haven't read a lot of steam punk, but it is growing on me. I love most of the authors in this collection and was not disappointed with these stories either. Laura Greenwood's Ruler of Rats was the first I was excited to see. Then Sky MacKinnon's Kiss My Corset, which I would love to see more of. Actually, I enjoyed them all. I did receive a complimentary copy of this book, but the opinions are my own.
March 31, 2018
Omg! I love this book! It has a great selection of different stories. The authors are fantastic. I’m a fast reader. So I couldn’t put this one down. You have to try this book. If you love stories about airships. And vampires. And all kinds of things. Try it! You’ll love it.
April 16, 2018
I loved reading this steampunk collection they were all fantastic reads by so many great authors but my favourite story of the lot is Steel Pedigree by J.A. Culican. I’m not going into the story but I will just say that it was a pretty emotional roller coaster. Most of the stories are prequel short stories but I think set is a good way for the authors to introduce us to the beginning of their series. A great read and I definitely recommend this book it’s well worth the read.
May 30, 2018
I don’t believe that I am the target audience. Corsets And Cogs has more heaving bosoms than a romance novel.
Most of the stories were tie-ins to other novels written by the author. The plots were simplistic. The characters were cartoonish. And the only steam punk element was the occasional inclusion of a dirigible.
Most of the stories were tie-ins to other novels written by the author. The plots were simplistic. The characters were cartoonish. And the only steam punk element was the occasional inclusion of a dirigible.
July 10, 2018
Great mix of stories
I loved this mix of stories! Some long, some short. Some hot, some sweet. Some introduced a cast of characters and future stories while others had a complete HEA. Would recommend for multiple quick reads.
I loved this mix of stories! Some long, some short. Some hot, some sweet. Some introduced a cast of characters and future stories while others had a complete HEA. Would recommend for multiple quick reads.
March 29, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
April 18, 2018
A totally different style of book for me but not the author. Enjoyed these stories immensely.
April 10, 2018
I struggled a bit to decide how to rate this collection of steampunk short fiction (stories, novellas, and excerpts from longer works). In any anthology there are likely to be some stories I enjoy more than others, but this collection felt particularly uneven to me. Some of the stories fit the steampunk theme better than others, and there was quite a mix of moods and writing styles, which can be seen as an advantage or disadvantage depending on what you're looking for. I'll start by reviewing some of the stories I enjoyed.
Of Love and Leviathans by Margo Bond Collins was well-written and creepy. It's like a steampunk take on the Cthulhu mythos. I'm not a big fan of cosmic horror these days, but this was well done and the writing was surprisingly beautiful at times.
I love fairytale retellings, and Melanie Karsak's Princesses and Frogs gets kudos for its originality. I was initially worried that this story was going to have a large death count, but it is actually a very sweet story that would be appropriate for a wide audience.
Heartless in New Orleans by Pauline Creeden is another story that's a bit dark for my taste, right up to the ending that made me laugh out loud. I have a fondness for this story based more on the title and the last line than the rest of the story, but it's a short, quick read worth it for that payoff.
Steel Pedigree by J.A. Culican & Melle Amade really drew me in. Vivid imagery, excellent characterization, and a very emotional story. I believe I might have cried a bit at one point, only to feel completely sucker-punched by the ending. Well done!
Probably my favorite story in the collection was Parthenia Penny Gaff by Eli Constant, an author I was unfamiliar with. This urban fantasy/paranormal romance felt more familiar to me than some of the other offerings in this collection, but I really liked the characters and I am genuinely interested in reading more about Gear City.
Some of the other stories I didn't enjoy as much as I had hoped to. Some of the stories just didn't draw me in. Some had too many distracting typos and editorial problems. Some featured foul language and explicit sex scenes in a context that I didn't appreciate.
Despite these problems, I think this collection is probably worth reading if you tend to enjoy steampunk short fiction. Many of the stories serve as introductions to other works by these authors, so you might well find a new series that you'll really enjoy.
I received a free copy of this ebook from one of the authors and volunteered to review it. The version I reviewed was neatly formatted with a very nice table of contents but contained typos and editorial problems in many of the stories. I don't know if I was reading an ARC with uncorrected errors or the final version, so it's entirely possible that many of the problems I noticed have been corrected.
Of Love and Leviathans by Margo Bond Collins was well-written and creepy. It's like a steampunk take on the Cthulhu mythos. I'm not a big fan of cosmic horror these days, but this was well done and the writing was surprisingly beautiful at times.
I love fairytale retellings, and Melanie Karsak's Princesses and Frogs gets kudos for its originality. I was initially worried that this story was going to have a large death count, but it is actually a very sweet story that would be appropriate for a wide audience.
Heartless in New Orleans by Pauline Creeden is another story that's a bit dark for my taste, right up to the ending that made me laugh out loud. I have a fondness for this story based more on the title and the last line than the rest of the story, but it's a short, quick read worth it for that payoff.
Steel Pedigree by J.A. Culican & Melle Amade really drew me in. Vivid imagery, excellent characterization, and a very emotional story. I believe I might have cried a bit at one point, only to feel completely sucker-punched by the ending. Well done!
Probably my favorite story in the collection was Parthenia Penny Gaff by Eli Constant, an author I was unfamiliar with. This urban fantasy/paranormal romance felt more familiar to me than some of the other offerings in this collection, but I really liked the characters and I am genuinely interested in reading more about Gear City.
Some of the other stories I didn't enjoy as much as I had hoped to. Some of the stories just didn't draw me in. Some had too many distracting typos and editorial problems. Some featured foul language and explicit sex scenes in a context that I didn't appreciate.
Despite these problems, I think this collection is probably worth reading if you tend to enjoy steampunk short fiction. Many of the stories serve as introductions to other works by these authors, so you might well find a new series that you'll really enjoy.
I received a free copy of this ebook from one of the authors and volunteered to review it. The version I reviewed was neatly formatted with a very nice table of contents but contained typos and editorial problems in many of the stories. I don't know if I was reading an ARC with uncorrected errors or the final version, so it's entirely possible that many of the problems I noticed have been corrected.
April 5, 2018
So far I've read Rebekah Ganiere's The Lady Fugitive and I have to tell you WOW, just WOW, the story grabbed me in the first chapter. The world building in this story is exciting and so different from any steampunk story I've read. The characters are really strong and I swore the heroine was in trouble when we first meet the "man", but it turns out they have a background story that is both terrible and sad. We learn what has occurred, and even though she once loved him, why she wants him out of her life. He's no intentions of leaving her alone and tries to force himself back into her life. But she's a wily one and not only gets away from him but escapes with a stolen item. She desperately needs the object, but fear from those that don't understand can mean her death. It may not sound like it, but this story turns out to be a glorious love story; if we only she'd forgive herself. You may think I've given you spoilers, but I've barely skimmed the surface of this fascinating book. If I'm not mistaken this is the first steampunk book by this author and whether it is or not, she hit this one out of the ball park. I truly hope this will be a series and that another book is being put to paper (or computer) as you read this.
November 20, 2018
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** I started off with reading the book by one of my favorite authors Erin Hayes! Her book is Damn The Consequences. This is the beginning (short story) leading us to hazel harker. This is Catherine's story. Catherine is Hazel's older sister. And if you've followed the harkers (like I have) you know what happens to Catherine.
Maybe I'm just never satisfied or maybe I just can't get enough of Erin's writing or the story, but I wish we would have started when her mother was the harker and how she died then how Catherine got infected.
I always want more. 🤷
But it's definitely a good start for the next Harker. I will update as I read more from this collection.
Maybe I'm just never satisfied or maybe I just can't get enough of Erin's writing or the story, but I wish we would have started when her mother was the harker and how she died then how Catherine got infected.
I always want more. 🤷
But it's definitely a good start for the next Harker. I will update as I read more from this collection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2018
This review is about the first 4 stories of this book. I plan to read the others as soon as possible!
Ingenious stories about inventions, fantastical beasts (and where to find them, or rather, avoid them), love and family.
The only steampunk books I had read so far where the steampunk fairy tales by Melanie Karsak (one of the authors of this book). And I really love those stories! This book introduced me to some more authors who write books like that. I can't wait to read more of their books!
These short stories introduce you to some interesting characters and invite you to some really interesting worlds.
You just have to read more!
Love it!
Ingenious stories about inventions, fantastical beasts (and where to find them, or rather, avoid them), love and family.
The only steampunk books I had read so far where the steampunk fairy tales by Melanie Karsak (one of the authors of this book). And I really love those stories! This book introduced me to some more authors who write books like that. I can't wait to read more of their books!
These short stories introduce you to some interesting characters and invite you to some really interesting worlds.
You just have to read more!
Love it!
October 7, 2018
For Kiss my Corset by Skye Mackinnon
Kiss my Corset is a short but amazing dystopian steampunk reverse harem story. Also it’s just the beginning of Dex’s and her men’s adventure, and I can’t to see where Skye Mackinnon takes the story.
DX-4 aka Dex is a hybrid (machine/human) who runs deliveries for her three masters Dan, Luke and James. In particular they trade in opium powder, and as a hybrid servant it’s Dex’s job to venture out in the destroyed and toxic world to make the deliveries.
After Dex runs away from a client trying to claim payment for under delivered amount of opium, her masters come up with a plan to make sure there isn’t retribution that can be claimed from Dex.
Kiss my Corset is a short but amazing dystopian steampunk reverse harem story. Also it’s just the beginning of Dex’s and her men’s adventure, and I can’t to see where Skye Mackinnon takes the story.
DX-4 aka Dex is a hybrid (machine/human) who runs deliveries for her three masters Dan, Luke and James. In particular they trade in opium powder, and as a hybrid servant it’s Dex’s job to venture out in the destroyed and toxic world to make the deliveries.
After Dex runs away from a client trying to claim payment for under delivered amount of opium, her masters come up with a plan to make sure there isn’t retribution that can be claimed from Dex.
June 27, 2019
Like with any story compilation there a few hits and other misses.
Most of the stories in here were well written and entertaining. A couple we're purely teasers, stories written with the intention of leaving you hanging, just giving you that little taste so the author could turn around and say "now buy my book for the rest of the story." I am not a huge fan of that tactic it turns me off to the book and sometimes the author themselves.
That being said there were a few stories I couldn't finish due to plot issues or MC's I couldn't connect with or writing I wasn't a fan of.
Overall it was decent collection that I would recommend to those who enjoy the steampunk genre.
Most of the stories in here were well written and entertaining. A couple we're purely teasers, stories written with the intention of leaving you hanging, just giving you that little taste so the author could turn around and say "now buy my book for the rest of the story." I am not a huge fan of that tactic it turns me off to the book and sometimes the author themselves.
That being said there were a few stories I couldn't finish due to plot issues or MC's I couldn't connect with or writing I wasn't a fan of.
Overall it was decent collection that I would recommend to those who enjoy the steampunk genre.
May 1, 2018
I have yet to read all of the books in the anthology, but I enjoyed the ones I did read. *Note that the ones I have read are RH, but not every story in the anthology is RH.
* Ruler of Rats by Laura Greenwood
A quick fast paced heist. A unique story. I can't wait to read more.
* Edenwyck by Angelique Armae
Loved the characters and unique story concept. Can't wait for the series.
* Kiss My Corset by Skye Mackinnon
Loved the concept and the characters and I really hope Skye writes more.
* Ruler of Rats by Laura Greenwood
A quick fast paced heist. A unique story. I can't wait to read more.
* Edenwyck by Angelique Armae
Loved the characters and unique story concept. Can't wait for the series.
* Kiss My Corset by Skye Mackinnon
Loved the concept and the characters and I really hope Skye writes more.
August 27, 2018
Good Stories, Poor editing.
Most of the stories were quite good but many of them needed an editor/proof-reader (the worse examples being 'gorilla warfare', and one character who changed names for a single paragraph in the middle of the story). However, a few read like second drafts, with major plot holes/timeshift problems. Overall the stories were a 3/5 but the editing and proofing issues brought it down to a 2/5.
Most of the stories were quite good but many of them needed an editor/proof-reader (the worse examples being 'gorilla warfare', and one character who changed names for a single paragraph in the middle of the story). However, a few read like second drafts, with major plot holes/timeshift problems. Overall the stories were a 3/5 but the editing and proofing issues brought it down to a 2/5.
January 25, 2022
3/5 Stars
When I had bought this limited time collection, I was super excited. But unfortunately I feel like this was more a romance collection as opposed to a steampunk collection. There was way more smut than I anticipated, and the few introductions to series left me not caring to read the series.
I will admit that about half of the stories I did enjoy. But ultimately it was smut that took me four years to read.
When I had bought this limited time collection, I was super excited. But unfortunately I feel like this was more a romance collection as opposed to a steampunk collection. There was way more smut than I anticipated, and the few introductions to series left me not caring to read the series.
I will admit that about half of the stories I did enjoy. But ultimately it was smut that took me four years to read.
April 9, 2018
I received a free book in exchange for an honest review. You get twenty three stories and they were all good. Steampunk at its best. My two favourites are Princesses and Frogs by Melanie Karsak and Vampires and Vapor by SJ Davis. Each author has a unique story and you will not want to put this book down. A keeper. There are a few steamy stories.
December 26, 2020
I did it! I finished. Unfortunately what took me so long is most of the stories are heavy on the romance and mention cogs or an airship (so they count as steam punk). That being said, I did enjoy the short stories by Katherine McIntyre & Skye MacKinnon.
May 9, 2018
I really don't like short stories but some of these introduced me to new authors and characters.
December 30, 2018
Cog by Pauline Creeden
Delightful little tail of mishap and merriment at Christmas.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. I am leaving my honest review.
Delightful little tail of mishap and merriment at Christmas.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. I am leaving my honest review.
May 5, 2018
I'm really enjoying reading this anthology. It's a collection of steampunk short stories and novel introductions that make for a fun reading experience. I would recommend this collection to fans of steampunk and those that may be curious about the genre.
***
Just finished this collection up...there are plenty of new steampunk adventures in this collection, along with many steamy episodes. I'd mainly recommend this collection for mature readers, around ages 18+.
***
Just finished this collection up...there are plenty of new steampunk adventures in this collection, along with many steamy episodes. I'd mainly recommend this collection for mature readers, around ages 18+.
did-not-finish
November 30, 2019Corsets and clockwork and steam... Only the steam in here wasn't quite what I was after.
This is a romance anthology with gears and airships. Some stories did do remarkably well describing steampunk worlds with interesting ideas, others were just an excuse for "steam". If you like that sort of thing, I'm sure you'll love this anthology. I just prefer my romances to feel more realistic than many of these shorts managed to achieve, and more to a story than just two people making love with their eyes the whole time while "stuff" happens around them. Just so happens in this case that said "stuff" was steampunk related. In the end I skipped quite a few stories because of poor writing/editing or them just being all steam and no punk.
Also, many of the stories are prequels or side-stories that lead into a series. I was expecting one-shots or at least stories less reliant on being continued later to feel satisfying.
-I received a free copy of this ebook via a giveaway-
This is a romance anthology with gears and airships. Some stories did do remarkably well describing steampunk worlds with interesting ideas, others were just an excuse for "steam". If you like that sort of thing, I'm sure you'll love this anthology. I just prefer my romances to feel more realistic than many of these shorts managed to achieve, and more to a story than just two people making love with their eyes the whole time while "stuff" happens around them. Just so happens in this case that said "stuff" was steampunk related. In the end I skipped quite a few stories because of poor writing/editing or them just being all steam and no punk.
Also, many of the stories are prequels or side-stories that lead into a series. I was expecting one-shots or at least stories less reliant on being continued later to feel satisfying.
-I received a free copy of this ebook via a giveaway-
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews