The Contraption: A Steampunk / Gaslamp Short Story From the One Million Project Fantasy Anthology

by K.V. Wilson

Russell Cornelius Brattle—a punctual and orderly teen—worked long hours as an apprentice tinker to provide for his broken family.

Russell's cousin Agatha—a free-spirited youngster—was eager to put her sewing days behind her and get her hands greasy.

But Agatha and her prosthetic limb turned out to be more trouble than they were worth. One act of clumsiness put into motion a chain of events that not even Russell could fix.

The Contraption is a steampunk / gaslamp short story that also appears in the One Million Project Fantasy Anthology. Please consider purchasing one or more of the One Million Project Anthologies because all proceeds go to the charities EMMAUS (for homelessness) and Cancer Research U.K.!

25 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2018

About the author

K.V. Wilson is a fantasy author focusing on mythical creatures, magic, found family, and a dash of romance. Born in Alberta, she lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and dog.

A hobbit disguised as a human, she hopes to one day be swept away to a hidden world where dragons and other fantastical creatures dwell. Until that moment, she can be found sitting by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.

Reviews

[Soleil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun short story. I loved Agatha—great character. Russel wasn't too shabby, himself.

[Xanxa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is totally different from anything else I've read by K V Wilson. It's brave of any author to branch out from their usual material and in this case, a job well done.

A thoroughly enjoyable short story with entertaining dialogue and memorable characters. Great comedic impact as well as a rather sad back-story which I won't spoil for other readers.

[Cynk Napp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and intriguing story.

[Juliette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It's of a different genre than this author usually writes, but it's just as good. I loved the idea of a time machine mixed with steampunk, and the characters were hilarious. Wilson has written great work, as usual.

[Erika Kukkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Contraption is a beautifully crafted steampunk tale that balances heart, imagination, and consequence. Russell’s quiet determination contrasts sharply with Agatha’s daring nature which draws into a world where invention and imperfection collide. The story shines not only for its vivid gaslamp atmosphere but also for its emotional core, the bond of family, the sting of mistakes, and the feeling of responsibility. What begins as a simple story of tinkering soon spirals into something far more intense while keeping you hooked until the end. The characters feel alive and unforgettable. It’s a short read, but one that stays in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. A perfect pick for fans of inventive worlds and stories with both grit and heart.