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Metals #2
Precious Metals
For Constable Paul Benson of the North-West Mounted Police, monotony is a blessing. As a provision inspector below the Chilkoot Pass during the Klondike Gold Rush, he’s seen miserable conditions and gold fever turn civilized prospectors into madmen.
Joseph Starling is on his way to the Klondike to find the men who savagely beat him, murdered his eldest brother, and stole their mining machine. They’ll kill his youngest brother if Joseph doesn’t operate the machine for them—it won’t work without him. With time running out, Joseph must purchase an expensive ticket aboard a crash-prone airship. But the station is miles away through dangerous terrain.
Under orders, Paul grudgingly escorts Joseph, but quickly finds himself intrigued by the young man. As they make their way toward Juneau, it’s not just the need for warmth that drives them closer together. But neither man can draw an easy breath until they make it to the gold fields…and there’s no guarantee that Joseph’s brother will still be alive when they do.
This 42,000 word book was previously published.
Joseph Starling is on his way to the Klondike to find the men who savagely beat him, murdered his eldest brother, and stole their mining machine. They’ll kill his youngest brother if Joseph doesn’t operate the machine for them—it won’t work without him. With time running out, Joseph must purchase an expensive ticket aboard a crash-prone airship. But the station is miles away through dangerous terrain.
Under orders, Paul grudgingly escorts Joseph, but quickly finds himself intrigued by the young man. As they make their way toward Juneau, it’s not just the need for warmth that drives them closer together. But neither man can draw an easy breath until they make it to the gold fields…and there’s no guarantee that Joseph’s brother will still be alive when they do.
This 42,000 word book was previously published.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2014
6 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
218 books2,723 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 28, 2019
3.5 Stars
In this unique M/M series, Witt blends historical accuracies with fictional steampunk elements, and it works!
I liked the set-up here, with Paul, a Canadian Mountie, accompanying Joseph, a gold-digger (in the original sense of the term), on a treacherous mission to save Joseph’s younger brother from a group dangerous miners, who have kidnapped him, along with a highly coveted machine the brother’s possessed which helps dig for gold faster.
Joseph and Paul were likeable characters, and their plights understandable — and just life-threatening and time-sensitive enough to be exciting. The fact they fell in love along the way was just an added bonus on top of all the actions and adventure of it all.
Once again, I was particularly impressed with the imagery Witt created of the Yukon Territory, in the harsh and unforgiving winter during the height of the Klondike gold rush in 1898.
For me, this sequel was about on par with book one (Noble Metals) — that is to say, I enjoyed it but I wouldn’t consider it favourites material. The series is worth a read though, for anyone who likes their M/M historical romances well-written and with a dash of the fantastical.
In this unique M/M series, Witt blends historical accuracies with fictional steampunk elements, and it works!
I liked the set-up here, with Paul, a Canadian Mountie, accompanying Joseph, a gold-digger (in the original sense of the term), on a treacherous mission to save Joseph’s younger brother from a group dangerous miners, who have kidnapped him, along with a highly coveted machine the brother’s possessed which helps dig for gold faster.
Joseph and Paul were likeable characters, and their plights understandable — and just life-threatening and time-sensitive enough to be exciting. The fact they fell in love along the way was just an added bonus on top of all the actions and adventure of it all.
Once again, I was particularly impressed with the imagery Witt created of the Yukon Territory, in the harsh and unforgiving winter during the height of the Klondike gold rush in 1898.
For me, this sequel was about on par with book one (Noble Metals) — that is to say, I enjoyed it but I wouldn’t consider it favourites material. The series is worth a read though, for anyone who likes their M/M historical romances well-written and with a dash of the fantastical.
Read
May 5, 2019Set in the same world as Noble Metals. Coming this fall.
May 4, 2016
I quite liked the first book that was set in this steampunk world, so I was very happy when I found out that a second book was coming. And though this really doesn’t have any real connection to Noble Metals, other than the world and places it was set it, I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first. Maybe even a tiny smidgen more.
Guarding prospective gold hunters from themselves on the base of the Chilkook Pass is cold, dirty, thankless work for Constable Paul Benson–-or any of the other members of the North-West Mounted Police. But it is his job, and Paul intends to do it to the best of his ability. He just didn’t expect that his next duty would be to escort Joseph Starling–-a man beaten, robbed, and on a suicide mission–-to save his younger brother from the gang of men who killed Joseph’s older brother, Sam, stole the digging machine that had made them rich, and kidnapped David to make it work. Except it will never work without Joseph there to run it. There only hope is to get to Dawson as quickly as possible. And that means an Airship.
But even if they can convince the owner of the airship to give them tickets on the costly flight, they have to get to Juneau first. And even if they can get to Dawson from there, they have to find David and somehow rescue him from men intent on having that gold no matter what. That is a lot of maybes for a country where the only real certainty is that the land, the weather, or just plain stupid luck could kill you at any moment.
One of my favorite things about this book (and really, there are several ‘favorite’ things) is the way that the steampunk world is so well integrated into the historical aspects of this book. I saw a lot of this in Noble Metals, but it worked just as well in this book as it did in that one. And this time we actually get to take a ride on a airship, which I always love. Just the way that every thing in this book, whether based in reality or not, felt natural, was a very big selling point for me. I love steampunk, but sometimes it can get a bit crazy–-but not here. Everything makes sense. It operates on enough logic that I can pretty much buy anything that L.A. Witt is trying to sell me.
And the romance…sooo good. There is a lot of tension building up between them as they are on the road. Not only because they could die at any moment, but becasue they both want each other–-but are unsure if they can ever show that. Joseph has never even kissed anyone before, so it isn’t like he is experienced in making the first move-–but even if he was, there is every chance that the rugged Mountie will push him off the side of a cliff or something if he makes unwanted advances on him. Not that Paul would do that, but Joseph can’t know that.
But even as they start to realize that the cold isn’t the only thing they are feeling on those close snuggle-for-warmth nights, they have no clue how long what they have could last. Or what it means.
This wonderful push/pull of attraction and wariness is a nice compliment to the danger that nature is constantly throwing at them. They don’t face a lot of human adversity till the end of the book, so it is basically Joseph and Paul trying not to be killed by Canada’s bitch fits. Which I really enjoyed. I liked that the danger in this book isn’t so much a group of people-–though they certainly have their place in the story-–but just mother nature doing what she does. And Paul and Joseph have to find a way to get thru snowstorms, rockslides, just about everything nasty and dangerous about winter in the great north-west. I think this made it more tense, because they were not trying to outsmart a bunch of men, but battle something that had no care or mercy for them.
If you like steampunks and historicals I can highly recommend this book. But even if you don’t, I would say check it out. I don’t think you have to have read the first one, since this is pretty much a stand alone (but I really enjoyed it, so you might just want to pick it up anyways), and the world building is so well done that it doesn’t require you to know much about steampunk tropes or the historical background of the gold-rushes during this time. It is a good, solid story. And one I am very glad to have read.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Guarding prospective gold hunters from themselves on the base of the Chilkook Pass is cold, dirty, thankless work for Constable Paul Benson–-or any of the other members of the North-West Mounted Police. But it is his job, and Paul intends to do it to the best of his ability. He just didn’t expect that his next duty would be to escort Joseph Starling–-a man beaten, robbed, and on a suicide mission–-to save his younger brother from the gang of men who killed Joseph’s older brother, Sam, stole the digging machine that had made them rich, and kidnapped David to make it work. Except it will never work without Joseph there to run it. There only hope is to get to Dawson as quickly as possible. And that means an Airship.
But even if they can convince the owner of the airship to give them tickets on the costly flight, they have to get to Juneau first. And even if they can get to Dawson from there, they have to find David and somehow rescue him from men intent on having that gold no matter what. That is a lot of maybes for a country where the only real certainty is that the land, the weather, or just plain stupid luck could kill you at any moment.
One of my favorite things about this book (and really, there are several ‘favorite’ things) is the way that the steampunk world is so well integrated into the historical aspects of this book. I saw a lot of this in Noble Metals, but it worked just as well in this book as it did in that one. And this time we actually get to take a ride on a airship, which I always love. Just the way that every thing in this book, whether based in reality or not, felt natural, was a very big selling point for me. I love steampunk, but sometimes it can get a bit crazy–-but not here. Everything makes sense. It operates on enough logic that I can pretty much buy anything that L.A. Witt is trying to sell me.
And the romance…sooo good. There is a lot of tension building up between them as they are on the road. Not only because they could die at any moment, but becasue they both want each other–-but are unsure if they can ever show that. Joseph has never even kissed anyone before, so it isn’t like he is experienced in making the first move-–but even if he was, there is every chance that the rugged Mountie will push him off the side of a cliff or something if he makes unwanted advances on him. Not that Paul would do that, but Joseph can’t know that.
But even as they start to realize that the cold isn’t the only thing they are feeling on those close snuggle-for-warmth nights, they have no clue how long what they have could last. Or what it means.
I’d have sold my soul right then for warmth and a place to lay him down if he’d have me. As much as I wanted this journey to be over and for Joseph to find and save his brother, a part of me wished it would last just a little longer, if only so we might have even one night together. So I might have a chance to let him know it wasn’t the cold that had drawn me to him last night, and that if he’d turned me away, I wouldn’t have deserted him. Just a little bit of time so we—
This wonderful push/pull of attraction and wariness is a nice compliment to the danger that nature is constantly throwing at them. They don’t face a lot of human adversity till the end of the book, so it is basically Joseph and Paul trying not to be killed by Canada’s bitch fits. Which I really enjoyed. I liked that the danger in this book isn’t so much a group of people-–though they certainly have their place in the story-–but just mother nature doing what she does. And Paul and Joseph have to find a way to get thru snowstorms, rockslides, just about everything nasty and dangerous about winter in the great north-west. I think this made it more tense, because they were not trying to outsmart a bunch of men, but battle something that had no care or mercy for them.
If you like steampunks and historicals I can highly recommend this book. But even if you don’t, I would say check it out. I don’t think you have to have read the first one, since this is pretty much a stand alone (but I really enjoyed it, so you might just want to pick it up anyways), and the world building is so well done that it doesn’t require you to know much about steampunk tropes or the historical background of the gold-rushes during this time. It is a good, solid story. And one I am very glad to have read.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 4, 2014
3.5 stars
Personal Metals is set in the same time of Noble Metals, although the characters are totally stand-alone. This time the focus falls into a mounted police Constable Paul Benson, who ends up accompanying young Joseph Starling to make their way from Chilkoot Pass to Juneau, in order to get to an airship so Joseph can save his little brother.
If I have to compare with Nobel Metals, I will say that I like this one a little less. The thing is, while I thought the story was sweet – both characters were likeable and Joseph had this ingenuity of being a gay virgin, who never acted on his attraction/feelings towards men before – at the same time I also felt that it lacked conflict, either in the relationship or the threat to their lives. Oh, I’m not saying that their journey to Juneau was not dangerous. It was just that everything seemed to be resolved quite quickly, and not once did it keep me on the edge of my seat (or bed, since I actually read this in bed).
But it indeed flew through nicely along the sweet spectrum…since the story was written from both Paul’s and Joseph’s perspectives, you would get the feel of both men. I admired Joseph; here is a man who didn’t let his fake leg stop him from anything, including going on a dangerous journey to save his brother. Hats off to him!! By the way, if you count the days of Paul and Joseph together, you could say that the relationship was pretty fast. But considering the situation that they were in, I didn’t really think of it immediately as instant love.
The steampunk element was quite light – there were mechs and airships, but not exactly taking over the story from the relationship, so if one who is not very much into steampunk will still be okay with this. However, I think a reader would definitely get the better feel of the how the mechs work if they have read Nobel Metals.
Personal Metals is set in the same time of Noble Metals, although the characters are totally stand-alone. This time the focus falls into a mounted police Constable Paul Benson, who ends up accompanying young Joseph Starling to make their way from Chilkoot Pass to Juneau, in order to get to an airship so Joseph can save his little brother.
If I have to compare with Nobel Metals, I will say that I like this one a little less. The thing is, while I thought the story was sweet – both characters were likeable and Joseph had this ingenuity of being a gay virgin, who never acted on his attraction/feelings towards men before – at the same time I also felt that it lacked conflict, either in the relationship or the threat to their lives. Oh, I’m not saying that their journey to Juneau was not dangerous. It was just that everything seemed to be resolved quite quickly, and not once did it keep me on the edge of my seat (or bed, since I actually read this in bed).
But it indeed flew through nicely along the sweet spectrum…since the story was written from both Paul’s and Joseph’s perspectives, you would get the feel of both men. I admired Joseph; here is a man who didn’t let his fake leg stop him from anything, including going on a dangerous journey to save his brother. Hats off to him!! By the way, if you count the days of Paul and Joseph together, you could say that the relationship was pretty fast. But considering the situation that they were in, I didn’t really think of it immediately as instant love.
The steampunk element was quite light – there were mechs and airships, but not exactly taking over the story from the relationship, so if one who is not very much into steampunk will still be okay with this. However, I think a reader would definitely get the better feel of the how the mechs work if they have read Nobel Metals.
May 25, 2021
Having only recently read the rerelease of 'Noble Metals', the first book in the 'Metals' series by L.A. Witt, the frozen steampunk world was still very much in my mind. 'Precious Metals' is book two, and I fully anticipated it being just as good, or better, than the previous. I found there to be something visceral in this arctic world, where greed and lust for gold truly bring out either the best or the very worst in men. Unfortunately, most of the time it's the worst.
Joseph and his brothers, along with an invention from their father's company, struck a nice deposit in Dawson City. On their way home, they're robbed, and one of his brothers is killed while the other is kidnapped, along with the machine. Joseph knows he has to go after them because his younger brother can't operate the machinery, and these men will kill him for sure when they discover that. Joseph wakes up in a medic tent at the border of Canada, after almost freezing to death on his trek north. There he meets Paul, a North-West Mounted Policeman, who informs him that the rules state he won't be allowed into Canada unless he's got a year's worth of provisions. Joseph intends to go anyway, and his determination is enough that Paul and his sergeant come up with a possibly faster solution, and Paul is assigned to accompany him to save his brother and keep Joseph safe.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Joseph and his brothers, along with an invention from their father's company, struck a nice deposit in Dawson City. On their way home, they're robbed, and one of his brothers is killed while the other is kidnapped, along with the machine. Joseph knows he has to go after them because his younger brother can't operate the machinery, and these men will kill him for sure when they discover that. Joseph wakes up in a medic tent at the border of Canada, after almost freezing to death on his trek north. There he meets Paul, a North-West Mounted Policeman, who informs him that the rules state he won't be allowed into Canada unless he's got a year's worth of provisions. Joseph intends to go anyway, and his determination is enough that Paul and his sergeant come up with a possibly faster solution, and Paul is assigned to accompany him to save his brother and keep Joseph safe.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
January 22, 2015
A moderately fun m/m steampunk romance. Not a challenging read, but moderately engaging, and the characters were likable.
June 15, 2018
4.0 Stars
I liked this one better than the first; it was still hella-Insta, but in this case it kinda fit.
I liked this one better than the first; it was still hella-Insta, but in this case it kinda fit.
July 2, 2020
3.0 out of 5 stars - Pleasant Reminiscence of Call of the Wild (Gays) II
This was Call of the Wild meets Jules Verne meets M/M. As a boy, I never could have imagined what Jack London's novel would be like with some Leagues steampunk and gay couples added to the mix. Thanks to L.A. Witt, now I know, and was able to pleasantly reminisce.
I enjoyed this series of two gay Old West tales about the Klondike gold rush with men, mechs and horses. Witt builds a nice world of the times on the Alaskan-Klondike trail, with simple steampunk and romantic all be it unrealistic plot.
In this one, I liked reading about the Mountie, and how the chapters rotated povs with him and the young gold digger with the artificial mech leg. And compared to book 1, I got drawn more into the relationship and their adventure in rescuing the kidnapped brother. The steampunk was a nice touch; and I enjoyed the airship. But again, it was just not that extensive, basically centered around a mechanical digging device and the airship. Not much technology was portrayed about them, nothing more than an amateur mechanic might know.
And then in the last part it started falling down with moments that were too unrealistic, or just being dense. Particularly a couple times in the final rescue plot that was pretty simple and not well thought out, especially for a Mountie and one who by now should be street-wise. Even the sex was a bit unrealistic, in that, as is often the case, not fully capturing what both men during sex think, feel and say.
Still it was nice to be thinking as if H.G. Wells and Verne were looking over my shoulder, reading lines like the MC's: “It’s just new. Once you adjust, it’ll feel good. I promise.”
This was Call of the Wild meets Jules Verne meets M/M. As a boy, I never could have imagined what Jack London's novel would be like with some Leagues steampunk and gay couples added to the mix. Thanks to L.A. Witt, now I know, and was able to pleasantly reminisce.
I enjoyed this series of two gay Old West tales about the Klondike gold rush with men, mechs and horses. Witt builds a nice world of the times on the Alaskan-Klondike trail, with simple steampunk and romantic all be it unrealistic plot.
In this one, I liked reading about the Mountie, and how the chapters rotated povs with him and the young gold digger with the artificial mech leg. And compared to book 1, I got drawn more into the relationship and their adventure in rescuing the kidnapped brother. The steampunk was a nice touch; and I enjoyed the airship. But again, it was just not that extensive, basically centered around a mechanical digging device and the airship. Not much technology was portrayed about them, nothing more than an amateur mechanic might know.
And then in the last part it started falling down with moments that were too unrealistic, or just being dense. Particularly a couple times in the final rescue plot that was pretty simple and not well thought out, especially for a Mountie and one who by now should be street-wise. Even the sex was a bit unrealistic, in that, as is often the case, not fully capturing what both men during sex think, feel and say.
Still it was nice to be thinking as if H.G. Wells and Verne were looking over my shoulder, reading lines like the MC's: “It’s just new. Once you adjust, it’ll feel good. I promise.”
November 3, 2014
Precious Metals is set around the same time period as Noble Metals, during the Klondike Gold Rush, but can be read completely as a stand alone.
Paul Benson fled from his Canadian home and found himself working as a constable for the North-West Mounted Police just below Chilkoot Pass. When prospectors return with a half frozen man with a fake leg, Paul volunteers to help warm him. When Joseph awakens, he’s anxious to return to Dawson City to rescue his kidnapped younger brother. But the journey is too risky, especially for a crippled man without any money or provisions; he will never make it alive. Paul suggests traveling south to Juneau and somehow catching an airship to Dawson City to get there safer and faster. Before he knows it, Paul has been “volunteered” to escort Joseph and ensure he safely makes it onto one of those airships…you can imagine what happens along the way.
I really enjoyed this story. I happen to love the “gold rush” theme and the modest steampunk aspects are especially a plus.
The Romance: It’s told in alternate first person POVs from Paul and Joseph, so I got the chance to get right into the heads of both characters. They are easily likable and it wasn’t hard for me cheer them on. There was some good sexual tension and I always have a soft spot for first time/self discovery type stories. I do think their commitments to each other happened a bit too fast for almost strangers, but I’m mostly okay with that since it kinda worked for the stressful situation they were in.
The Adventure: The majority of the story covers Paul and Joseph’s journey from Chillkoot Pass to Dawson City. There are some scary, exciting moments here and there, but I think a lot of it lacked intensity. I was most worried when they were trying to get on the airship, and even that was resolved very easily.
The Steampunk: This book, along with Noble Metals, is fairly light on the steampunk. There are the mechs, airships and a few other gadgets, but it’s nothing heavy or difficult to follow. I do think the “idea” of the mechs was better explained in Noble Metals and may be a tiny bit confusing for readers not already familiar with them. But since the mechs aren’t a huge part of this story, it shouldn’t be a problem.
My Question: How did Paul plan to return to Chilkoot Pass? No way could he have safely made it back via Skagway.
I do hope there will be more books from this universe. There just aren’t enough gold rush romances out there right now.
3.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Paul Benson fled from his Canadian home and found himself working as a constable for the North-West Mounted Police just below Chilkoot Pass. When prospectors return with a half frozen man with a fake leg, Paul volunteers to help warm him. When Joseph awakens, he’s anxious to return to Dawson City to rescue his kidnapped younger brother. But the journey is too risky, especially for a crippled man without any money or provisions; he will never make it alive. Paul suggests traveling south to Juneau and somehow catching an airship to Dawson City to get there safer and faster. Before he knows it, Paul has been “volunteered” to escort Joseph and ensure he safely makes it onto one of those airships…you can imagine what happens along the way.
I really enjoyed this story. I happen to love the “gold rush” theme and the modest steampunk aspects are especially a plus.
The Romance: It’s told in alternate first person POVs from Paul and Joseph, so I got the chance to get right into the heads of both characters. They are easily likable and it wasn’t hard for me cheer them on. There was some good sexual tension and I always have a soft spot for first time/self discovery type stories. I do think their commitments to each other happened a bit too fast for almost strangers, but I’m mostly okay with that since it kinda worked for the stressful situation they were in.
The Adventure: The majority of the story covers Paul and Joseph’s journey from Chillkoot Pass to Dawson City. There are some scary, exciting moments here and there, but I think a lot of it lacked intensity. I was most worried when they were trying to get on the airship, and even that was resolved very easily.
The Steampunk: This book, along with Noble Metals, is fairly light on the steampunk. There are the mechs, airships and a few other gadgets, but it’s nothing heavy or difficult to follow. I do think the “idea” of the mechs was better explained in Noble Metals and may be a tiny bit confusing for readers not already familiar with them. But since the mechs aren’t a huge part of this story, it shouldn’t be a problem.
My Question: How did Paul plan to return to Chilkoot Pass? No way could he have safely made it back via Skagway.
I do hope there will be more books from this universe. There just aren’t enough gold rush romances out there right now.
3.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
January 29, 2015
Precious Metals is the second book set in L.A. Witt’s Metals Universe – a series of standalone historical action/adventure romances set in a steampunk version of the Klondike Gold Rush – and follows the story of a young man desperate to return to the frozen Klondike gold fields to save his kidnapped younger brother, the Mountie assigned to help him, and the deep emotional and physical connection the two men develop while on their dangerous quest.
First off, don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book in the Metals Universe, as the two books are complete standalones with no overlapping characters (although I would recommend the first book).
The action/adventure parts of this book were absolutely nail-biting. The journey the two men undergo through the icy landscape is fraught with peril and the two do not get through it unscathed. I love that about this series, that Witt doesn't wrap her characters in bubble wrap, she allows her characters to be hurt and it lends a kind of gritty realness to the story.
I really liked the characters as well. Joseph is young and stubborn, determined to save his younger brother. He’s also technologically smart and handsome to boot. Paul is the older and wiser of the two, and he keeps Joseph going with steely determination and a projection of optimism, even when he doesn't quite believe it himself. The two men start off not really that fond of each other, but their relationship grows quickly in the kind of intense way that can only happen between two people thrown into life or death circumstances (1 part attraction, 1 part compatibility, 2 parts adrenaline and 1 part making every moment count).
Witt is one of my favorite go-to writers for really good, page-turning romance books, and this one did not disappoint. I absolutely recommend Precious Metals – from the first page to the last, I never put this book down.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
First off, don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book in the Metals Universe, as the two books are complete standalones with no overlapping characters (although I would recommend the first book).
The action/adventure parts of this book were absolutely nail-biting. The journey the two men undergo through the icy landscape is fraught with peril and the two do not get through it unscathed. I love that about this series, that Witt doesn't wrap her characters in bubble wrap, she allows her characters to be hurt and it lends a kind of gritty realness to the story.
I really liked the characters as well. Joseph is young and stubborn, determined to save his younger brother. He’s also technologically smart and handsome to boot. Paul is the older and wiser of the two, and he keeps Joseph going with steely determination and a projection of optimism, even when he doesn't quite believe it himself. The two men start off not really that fond of each other, but their relationship grows quickly in the kind of intense way that can only happen between two people thrown into life or death circumstances (1 part attraction, 1 part compatibility, 2 parts adrenaline and 1 part making every moment count).
Witt is one of my favorite go-to writers for really good, page-turning romance books, and this one did not disappoint. I absolutely recommend Precious Metals – from the first page to the last, I never put this book down.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
June 24, 2015
Set in the world of the first book in the series, Noble Metals, this one has completely different characters and circumstances than the first. But it was a compelling drama, with some sweet sexy times in stolen moments and the heroes managed to save the day.
Paul Benson is a RCMP constable at the Chilkoot Pass border station who is assigned to accompany Joseph, a young man found close to death on the trail, when Joseph appeals to the RCMP for help in freeing his brother, David, who has been kidnapped.
Joseph and his brothers had struck it rich with a new mining machine their dad had invented and were heading home with their gold and the machine when they were robbed, older brother Sam was killed, and David, only 14, was kidnapped with the machine.
Joseph must get to Dawson City to rescue David before the men realize that he doesn't know how to make the machine work and they kill him. Along the way, there's harsh Alaskan wilderness to traverse, a steamship to stow away on, and love to be found.
If you like steampunk, you should really enjoy this one and the first in the series. This can be read as a standalone. Sweet M/M romance with a well-deserved HEA.
Paul Benson is a RCMP constable at the Chilkoot Pass border station who is assigned to accompany Joseph, a young man found close to death on the trail, when Joseph appeals to the RCMP for help in freeing his brother, David, who has been kidnapped.
Joseph and his brothers had struck it rich with a new mining machine their dad had invented and were heading home with their gold and the machine when they were robbed, older brother Sam was killed, and David, only 14, was kidnapped with the machine.
Joseph must get to Dawson City to rescue David before the men realize that he doesn't know how to make the machine work and they kill him. Along the way, there's harsh Alaskan wilderness to traverse, a steamship to stow away on, and love to be found.
If you like steampunk, you should really enjoy this one and the first in the series. This can be read as a standalone. Sweet M/M romance with a well-deserved HEA.
November 15, 2014
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley*
This is the second book in L.A. Witt's steampunk m/m romance series set during the Klondike gold rush. Like the first book, it has everything you could need for an amazing adventure, but it just fell flat for me. I did like this one a little more than the first. I happen to like Mounties.
My problem with the books is that you don't get to know the characters very well at all and I have a difficult time caring what happens to them. There isn't any character development. The characters don't grow or change or have epiphanies...they just stay exactly the same when they weren't very interesting in the first place.
What I did like was the world-building. I like the machines and the airships and the gold rush prospectors. It just wasn't enough.
This is the second book in L.A. Witt's steampunk m/m romance series set during the Klondike gold rush. Like the first book, it has everything you could need for an amazing adventure, but it just fell flat for me. I did like this one a little more than the first. I happen to like Mounties.
My problem with the books is that you don't get to know the characters very well at all and I have a difficult time caring what happens to them. There isn't any character development. The characters don't grow or change or have epiphanies...they just stay exactly the same when they weren't very interesting in the first place.
What I did like was the world-building. I like the machines and the airships and the gold rush prospectors. It just wasn't enough.
July 14, 2025
This was a fun read. A good plot without holes kept me wondering what would happen next. I enjoyed the steampunk elements and would have loved even more exploration of the technology, but that wasn't the point of the book so I'm not going to hold that against it.
I liked both main characters and their affection for each other was believable. The only thing that gave me pause was their readiness to talk about the long-term future so quickly (after a few days of traveling together). I had no doubts that they genuinely liked each other and admired each other's strengths, and their sexual chemistry was good. I love Joseph's eagerness with his sexual discovery. I just didn't believe that they were in love yet. I guess I could chalk it up to infatuation, but neither of them seemed the easily infatuated type. So that part of the story was a bit of a disconnect for me. What I *would* believe is them deciding that they want to remain together after their adventure, without the talk about "20 years from now" or forever, and their admiration deepening to "in love" as they remain together. But I still enjoyed the book a lot, and will probably come back to reread it at some point. It's a great adventure story with clean prose, and that makes it awesome in my book.
I liked both main characters and their affection for each other was believable. The only thing that gave me pause was their readiness to talk about the long-term future so quickly (after a few days of traveling together). I had no doubts that they genuinely liked each other and admired each other's strengths, and their sexual chemistry was good. I love Joseph's eagerness with his sexual discovery. I just didn't believe that they were in love yet. I guess I could chalk it up to infatuation, but neither of them seemed the easily infatuated type. So that part of the story was a bit of a disconnect for me. What I *would* believe is them deciding that they want to remain together after their adventure, without the talk about "20 years from now" or forever, and their admiration deepening to "in love" as they remain together. But I still enjoyed the book a lot, and will probably come back to reread it at some point. It's a great adventure story with clean prose, and that makes it awesome in my book.
May 9, 2019
I love Canadian representation and Witt clearly had to do her research to write these books but I never warmed (hah) to the characters and I found the final confrontation somewhat contrived. Overall it was decent so I give it 3 stars plus one for Canada.
October 9, 2020
3.5 rounded down
Solid addition to the series. No references to the previous book at all so definitely a stand-alone but helpful to have the world-building aspect. I enjoyed the characters and connection, and generally just had fun reading.
Solid addition to the series. No references to the previous book at all so definitely a stand-alone but helpful to have the world-building aspect. I enjoyed the characters and connection, and generally just had fun reading.
May 11, 2017
Not bad. Cute and sweet without much substance.
May 30, 2020
Hoopla audible
April 16, 2016
I read the first book in this series that combines Steampunk Romance against the Klondike Gold strike and loved it so I was eager to give the second book a go as a result. This was moderately engaging and offered a good adventure, but lacked some of the umph that grabbed me in the first book.
This is the second book in the series, but it was only loosely tied to the first book as far as plot was concerned.
Canadian Mounted Police Constable Paul Benson is serving at Chilkoot Pass into the Klondike gold fields when a man is brought into camp near death. Paul helps keep him alive and then hears the story of how Joseph Starling and his brothers were set upon with one brother killed and the other kidnapped all so the thieves could steal their gold and the special digging machine they used to unearth the gold faster.
Joseph's younger brother was taken and kept alive so that he would run the machine, but Joseph is the only one who knows how. He is frantic to get back and rescue his brother before the thieves figure out that David can't run the machine and kill him.
Paul sympathizes with Joseph's plight, but he can't bend the rules to allow a man without supplies through the pass not only for his own safety in the cold lands beyond, but the other prospectors would riot. Joseph is near desperation, but then Paul's sergeant orders Paul to escort Joseph to Juneau and get him on an airship that will take him to Dawson City where he can find his brother and rescue him.
Along the way, their reluctant alliance becomes something more as they face danger and hardship together. Paul respects Joseph's tenacity and Joseph feels safe with the capable Paul at his side. They form something tentative between them, but don't think it can last when Joseph goes on to Dawson City and Paul goes back to his duty at Chilkoot Pass.
This one had an exciting premise and I love the historical backdrop of the Klondike Gold Rush blended with some steampunk technology. It started out well for me with the danger element of Joseph nearly dying, his brother captive to murderers and thieves in the gold fields, and the time element of being back in time to save the brother. I also liked Paul and Joseph's early antagonism as Paul was trying to keep Joseph safe and follow the law while Joseph was just desperate to return for his brother.
But then it fizzled out a bit for me. It was on the under-developed side as to characters and romance- not absent of development, but there was a need for more. I will even say that for all that Joseph's heart was in the right place, I felt he got bratty a few times and wouldn't see reason.
The romance was quick in actual time since they went from strangers to a little over a week later thinking in terms of a future together. And it felt even quicker because of their antagonism and then also Joseph went from never having been with a woman or man or even thinking about his sexual orientation to suddenly accepting of what he was starting up with Paul. Paul was gentle and careful with Joseph and I liked how these two were when they were together in those scenes in the cave and on the airship together.
Near the end, it got exciting though the denouement did brush over things. I was left with a few questions and I only had a hazy idea about their future. Again, I felt it needed more time instead of just the 'riding off into the sunset' thing.
All that said, I was glad to have read it and would recommend it to those who enjoy mild steampunk elements, slightly spicy romance, and a historical adventure bundled into one book.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the series, but it was only loosely tied to the first book as far as plot was concerned.
Canadian Mounted Police Constable Paul Benson is serving at Chilkoot Pass into the Klondike gold fields when a man is brought into camp near death. Paul helps keep him alive and then hears the story of how Joseph Starling and his brothers were set upon with one brother killed and the other kidnapped all so the thieves could steal their gold and the special digging machine they used to unearth the gold faster.
Joseph's younger brother was taken and kept alive so that he would run the machine, but Joseph is the only one who knows how. He is frantic to get back and rescue his brother before the thieves figure out that David can't run the machine and kill him.
Paul sympathizes with Joseph's plight, but he can't bend the rules to allow a man without supplies through the pass not only for his own safety in the cold lands beyond, but the other prospectors would riot. Joseph is near desperation, but then Paul's sergeant orders Paul to escort Joseph to Juneau and get him on an airship that will take him to Dawson City where he can find his brother and rescue him.
Along the way, their reluctant alliance becomes something more as they face danger and hardship together. Paul respects Joseph's tenacity and Joseph feels safe with the capable Paul at his side. They form something tentative between them, but don't think it can last when Joseph goes on to Dawson City and Paul goes back to his duty at Chilkoot Pass.
This one had an exciting premise and I love the historical backdrop of the Klondike Gold Rush blended with some steampunk technology. It started out well for me with the danger element of Joseph nearly dying, his brother captive to murderers and thieves in the gold fields, and the time element of being back in time to save the brother. I also liked Paul and Joseph's early antagonism as Paul was trying to keep Joseph safe and follow the law while Joseph was just desperate to return for his brother.
But then it fizzled out a bit for me. It was on the under-developed side as to characters and romance- not absent of development, but there was a need for more. I will even say that for all that Joseph's heart was in the right place, I felt he got bratty a few times and wouldn't see reason.
The romance was quick in actual time since they went from strangers to a little over a week later thinking in terms of a future together. And it felt even quicker because of their antagonism and then also Joseph went from never having been with a woman or man or even thinking about his sexual orientation to suddenly accepting of what he was starting up with Paul. Paul was gentle and careful with Joseph and I liked how these two were when they were together in those scenes in the cave and on the airship together.
Near the end, it got exciting though the denouement did brush over things. I was left with a few questions and I only had a hazy idea about their future. Again, I felt it needed more time instead of just the 'riding off into the sunset' thing.
All that said, I was glad to have read it and would recommend it to those who enjoy mild steampunk elements, slightly spicy romance, and a historical adventure bundled into one book.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2014
Remember back in July when I reviewed a book called Noble Metals by L.A. Witt? About a couple of guys who were trying to get to the Klondike hunting for gold? Well Precious Metals takes place in the same world. However, this is a different story with different people, so a definite stand-alone read. So put on your parkas, your mukluks, and your steam-punk goggles and let’s head up north.
Precious Metals starts off with a lone guy, Joseph Sterling, being brought into the Mountie camp at Chilkoot. He is almost dead from hypothermia. Enter Constable Paul Benson. (I like to think he may have been one of the Mounties who helped Robert and John in Noble Metals, but we were never given any of the Mounties’ names.) The constable cuddles up next to Joseph to lend his body heat to warm him up. Of course it works and Joseph is on the way to recovery.
So the adventure begins. Joseph must get back to Dawson City immediately! Doesn’t matter that it is somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000 miles to the north and winter is closing in or that he has no money or supplies. He has to get there! NOW! Constable Benson takes pity on him and takes him to the Commander. They come up with a plan to get Joseph to Dawson City with the Commander sending Paul as escort.
The journey is harrowing. They cope with avalanches and a treacherous path, not to mention the freezing cold and unpredictable weather. Then the dangers of traveling by “airship.” That was fun! Almost. When they finally make it to Dawson City, then starts the challenge of fulfilling their quest. More gasps. Oh no! A definite action adventure.
I liked the characters. They were strong and stubborn, not to mention determined. The story was well paced and exciting. The steam-punk aspect was present but very subtly done. I like that. The ending was mostly satisfying. I felt it could have been fleshed out a bit more rather than a “we are together, we can work it out as we go” type ending. I mean we are talking about a pair of guys in love in the 1890’s. Not exactly an acceptable lifestyle for that era. But, they were going “to go home” (Joseph’s home) and make it work. Beside the point that Paul was a Mountie and a Canadian resident. As I said, a few loose ends here at the end. But they had succeeded in their quest, they were safe and alive. That was the important thing. Who cares about the details for the future? Don’t we all make them up as we go?
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Precious Metals starts off with a lone guy, Joseph Sterling, being brought into the Mountie camp at Chilkoot. He is almost dead from hypothermia. Enter Constable Paul Benson. (I like to think he may have been one of the Mounties who helped Robert and John in Noble Metals, but we were never given any of the Mounties’ names.) The constable cuddles up next to Joseph to lend his body heat to warm him up. Of course it works and Joseph is on the way to recovery.
So the adventure begins. Joseph must get back to Dawson City immediately! Doesn’t matter that it is somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000 miles to the north and winter is closing in or that he has no money or supplies. He has to get there! NOW! Constable Benson takes pity on him and takes him to the Commander. They come up with a plan to get Joseph to Dawson City with the Commander sending Paul as escort.
The journey is harrowing. They cope with avalanches and a treacherous path, not to mention the freezing cold and unpredictable weather. Then the dangers of traveling by “airship.” That was fun! Almost. When they finally make it to Dawson City, then starts the challenge of fulfilling their quest. More gasps. Oh no! A definite action adventure.
I liked the characters. They were strong and stubborn, not to mention determined. The story was well paced and exciting. The steam-punk aspect was present but very subtly done. I like that. The ending was mostly satisfying. I felt it could have been fleshed out a bit more rather than a “we are together, we can work it out as we go” type ending. I mean we are talking about a pair of guys in love in the 1890’s. Not exactly an acceptable lifestyle for that era. But, they were going “to go home” (Joseph’s home) and make it work. Beside the point that Paul was a Mountie and a Canadian resident. As I said, a few loose ends here at the end. But they had succeeded in their quest, they were safe and alive. That was the important thing. Who cares about the details for the future? Don’t we all make them up as we go?
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2014
I really enjoyed this steampunk, historical M/M romance. 4.5 stars!
The setting is 1800's Canada, at the height of the Klondike gold rush. Because this is steampunk, we have mechs (mechanical haulers) and airships, and both play a significant role in the story.
Mountie Constable Paul Benson is a provisions inspector charged with reducing the flow of miners into the Klondike. The gold rush had brought poorly-provisioned hordes to the remote area, and caused famine and death--prompting the inspections. He's a bit rattled when a mech shows up carrying a half-frozen young man. It appears he'd been robbed and left for dead, the compassion of a few miners the only reason he'd been brought to help in time.
Paul transports the senseless man to the medical cabin, and is ordered to assist with his warming--by getting nekkid. Okay, well. Yup, body heat is the best way to warm folks up. It's awkward for Paul, being that he's gay and doesn't want others to find out his thinly veiled secret. Uncovering the man, however, reveals more than his body--he seems to have a mechanical leg!
Joseph doesn't know where he is when he awakens, but he knows he has to leave. Thieves stole his gold, his digging mech and one of his brothers, David, while killing another--Sam. He absolutely cannot leave David behind. Of course, he has no money and no provisions so he can't cross the Canadian border, either.
Recognizing the human impact of denying Joseph border passage, Paul seeks to get him cleared, but is instead ordered to escort Joseph to Juneau, where he MIGHT be able to gain passage to the gold fields via airship transport. The way to Juneau is difficult, but both Paul and Joseph trudge on over ice, mountainous terrain, and rock slides. In their transit, they become very aware of each other. So much so that cuddling for warmth actually become a participatory sport, to their mutual satisfaction, and chagrin.
Airship adventures and gun battles with thieves to be expected. Lifelong ties between thoroughly enjoyable characters to be forged. Daring rescues and hostage situations to be anticipated.
I loved the steampunk elements, and both Paul and Joseph. The world felt fully realized and the connections built are tenuous at first, due to the sensitivity surrounding this historically unnatural attraction, but soon develop into a new reality despite all the obstacles.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
The setting is 1800's Canada, at the height of the Klondike gold rush. Because this is steampunk, we have mechs (mechanical haulers) and airships, and both play a significant role in the story.
Mountie Constable Paul Benson is a provisions inspector charged with reducing the flow of miners into the Klondike. The gold rush had brought poorly-provisioned hordes to the remote area, and caused famine and death--prompting the inspections. He's a bit rattled when a mech shows up carrying a half-frozen young man. It appears he'd been robbed and left for dead, the compassion of a few miners the only reason he'd been brought to help in time.
Paul transports the senseless man to the medical cabin, and is ordered to assist with his warming--by getting nekkid. Okay, well. Yup, body heat is the best way to warm folks up. It's awkward for Paul, being that he's gay and doesn't want others to find out his thinly veiled secret. Uncovering the man, however, reveals more than his body--he seems to have a mechanical leg!
Joseph doesn't know where he is when he awakens, but he knows he has to leave. Thieves stole his gold, his digging mech and one of his brothers, David, while killing another--Sam. He absolutely cannot leave David behind. Of course, he has no money and no provisions so he can't cross the Canadian border, either.
Recognizing the human impact of denying Joseph border passage, Paul seeks to get him cleared, but is instead ordered to escort Joseph to Juneau, where he MIGHT be able to gain passage to the gold fields via airship transport. The way to Juneau is difficult, but both Paul and Joseph trudge on over ice, mountainous terrain, and rock slides. In their transit, they become very aware of each other. So much so that cuddling for warmth actually become a participatory sport, to their mutual satisfaction, and chagrin.
Airship adventures and gun battles with thieves to be expected. Lifelong ties between thoroughly enjoyable characters to be forged. Daring rescues and hostage situations to be anticipated.
I loved the steampunk elements, and both Paul and Joseph. The world felt fully realized and the connections built are tenuous at first, due to the sensitivity surrounding this historically unnatural attraction, but soon develop into a new reality despite all the obstacles.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
November 8, 2014
Originally reviewed on Words in a Teacup
I was not a huge fan of the previous book in this series, but I do like L.A. Witt so I immediately requested Precious Metals when I saw it on NetGalley. This book is set in the same universe as the other, in a kind of steampunk gold rush era. The characters are all different though; the protagonists are Joseph, who's chasing after his kidnapped brother, and Paul, a mountie tasked with escorting him north. I really liked their story.
It's difficult to talk about just this book, because I keep drawing comparisons with Noble Metals when I think about what exactly I liked. For example, the steampunk element is much more marked here. In the first book there were just the mechs, which are a kind of mechanical cart that gold diggers use to haul stuff around. Now there's mechs and airships and a gold-digging machine and Joseph's prosthetic leg, oh my! It's way more steampunkier now, if that makes any sense.
The relationship between Joseph and Paul was also engaging. There still was some insta-love, given that the book is rather short and only covers a timespan of a few days, but I felt like it was handled in a more realistic way, as in "we almost died so I'm going to make a move NOW because life is short", etc.
There are quite a lot of tropes in the story, but let's be honest: I love tropes. Sharing the only bed roll? Huddling together for warmth? Give that to me. And the author does write steamy scenes, which is always a plus. If I had to complain about something, it's that both sex scenes were from Joseph's POV and I was hoping to get one from Paul's POV instead. Then again, I did like Paul better so I was always looking forward to his chapters. (Not because Joseph is a bad character, mind, it's just personal preference.)
I'm glad I read this because it definitely redeemed the series for me, and I wouldn't mind reading more stories in this universe. And the good bit is that this book is a standalone, so you can skip Noble Metals and enjoy this excellent adventure through the snow.
I was not a huge fan of the previous book in this series, but I do like L.A. Witt so I immediately requested Precious Metals when I saw it on NetGalley. This book is set in the same universe as the other, in a kind of steampunk gold rush era. The characters are all different though; the protagonists are Joseph, who's chasing after his kidnapped brother, and Paul, a mountie tasked with escorting him north. I really liked their story.
It's difficult to talk about just this book, because I keep drawing comparisons with Noble Metals when I think about what exactly I liked. For example, the steampunk element is much more marked here. In the first book there were just the mechs, which are a kind of mechanical cart that gold diggers use to haul stuff around. Now there's mechs and airships and a gold-digging machine and Joseph's prosthetic leg, oh my! It's way more steampunkier now, if that makes any sense.
The relationship between Joseph and Paul was also engaging. There still was some insta-love, given that the book is rather short and only covers a timespan of a few days, but I felt like it was handled in a more realistic way, as in "we almost died so I'm going to make a move NOW because life is short", etc.
There are quite a lot of tropes in the story, but let's be honest: I love tropes. Sharing the only bed roll? Huddling together for warmth? Give that to me. And the author does write steamy scenes, which is always a plus. If I had to complain about something, it's that both sex scenes were from Joseph's POV and I was hoping to get one from Paul's POV instead. Then again, I did like Paul better so I was always looking forward to his chapters. (Not because Joseph is a bad character, mind, it's just personal preference.)
I'm glad I read this because it definitely redeemed the series for me, and I wouldn't mind reading more stories in this universe. And the good bit is that this book is a standalone, so you can skip Noble Metals and enjoy this excellent adventure through the snow.
November 24, 2014
I’m not usually a fan of this sub-genre, yet after I read the first book in the series, Noble Metals, I couldn’t get enough of the world that Ms. Witt had created, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book!
I was completely drawn into this story because it was very well written, there were enough details given about the mechanical stuff that I didn’t feel completely lost. I did like the twist with this story where it wasn’t about all about the gold, it was about family. And mechanics of course!
I don’t really know if I have a favorite character because I really liked both of the main characters, Paul and Joseph, equally. They both had their strengths, along with their weaknesses but they seemed to work with each other quite well. I do have to say though that I connected a bit more with Joseph because he was willing to risk everything in order to save his brother. And I am a total family person, risk everything for them? You have a winner from me.
I can say that if Ms. Witt were to release another book in this series I would be sure to grab a copy of it because it is that great of a read. Even with the sex that was in the story, it didn’t overtake any of the scenes. It added to the story, it didn’t detract from what was happening besides that.
I can say that even though this is book 2 in the series, you don’t have to read book 1 because this is about completely different characters. However, I really really REALLY recommend reading the first book because you will be in for a great read.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
I was completely drawn into this story because it was very well written, there were enough details given about the mechanical stuff that I didn’t feel completely lost. I did like the twist with this story where it wasn’t about all about the gold, it was about family. And mechanics of course!
I don’t really know if I have a favorite character because I really liked both of the main characters, Paul and Joseph, equally. They both had their strengths, along with their weaknesses but they seemed to work with each other quite well. I do have to say though that I connected a bit more with Joseph because he was willing to risk everything in order to save his brother. And I am a total family person, risk everything for them? You have a winner from me.
I can say that if Ms. Witt were to release another book in this series I would be sure to grab a copy of it because it is that great of a read. Even with the sex that was in the story, it didn’t overtake any of the scenes. It added to the story, it didn’t detract from what was happening besides that.
I can say that even though this is book 2 in the series, you don’t have to read book 1 because this is about completely different characters. However, I really really REALLY recommend reading the first book because you will be in for a great read.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
December 30, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
While Precious Metals is presented as a standalone novel, after reading it I felt I needed to back up and read the first story in this series, Noble Metals. Both are set in the same steampunk version of the waning days of the Klondike gold rush, and critical world-building elements present in the first book are important to the second, especially the general Klondike atmosphere of gold fever, and steampunk elements such as how the “mechs” work, eight-legged mechanical spiders powered by steam, used for transport of heavy loads. I recommend reading these books in order.
The story is told in alternating POV, each shift clearly defined in chapters. Witt handles the dual POV well, and the story is stronger for having both perspectives.
Witt has been meticulous in her historical/geographical research and it shines throughout the story. Telling details of the gold rush, the rough culture it created from Seattle to Dawson City, and the harsh territory men had to cross to get there, provide a wonderful balance to the more fantastical steampunk overlay. In fact, the fierce natural environment was the most dominant character in the story for this reader — ever present and oppressive. Witt’s depiction of a merciless environment is relentlessly wrought, full of the danger of a cold, unforgiving climate and agonizing foot travel over deadly terrain.
Read Lloyd’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
While Precious Metals is presented as a standalone novel, after reading it I felt I needed to back up and read the first story in this series, Noble Metals. Both are set in the same steampunk version of the waning days of the Klondike gold rush, and critical world-building elements present in the first book are important to the second, especially the general Klondike atmosphere of gold fever, and steampunk elements such as how the “mechs” work, eight-legged mechanical spiders powered by steam, used for transport of heavy loads. I recommend reading these books in order.
The story is told in alternating POV, each shift clearly defined in chapters. Witt handles the dual POV well, and the story is stronger for having both perspectives.
Witt has been meticulous in her historical/geographical research and it shines throughout the story. Telling details of the gold rush, the rough culture it created from Seattle to Dawson City, and the harsh territory men had to cross to get there, provide a wonderful balance to the more fantastical steampunk overlay. In fact, the fierce natural environment was the most dominant character in the story for this reader — ever present and oppressive. Witt’s depiction of a merciless environment is relentlessly wrought, full of the danger of a cold, unforgiving climate and agonizing foot travel over deadly terrain.
Read Lloyd’s review in its entirety here.
October 28, 2014
I received Precious Metals in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I liked the first book in L.A. Witt’s Metals series. Noble Metals did a great job of introducing the harshness, greed and danger that prospectors were exposed to. Precious Metals drew the same vivid picture, but there was less world building. You can read this book without reading Noble Metals but I think reading it gives the story just a little more depth.
Paul and Joseph had a rocky start as far as relationships go. Joseph didn’t trust Paul and Paul didn’t trust himself around Joseph. Setting off alone brought them inevitably together, but it wasn’t instant love – or even like. The progression of their relationship was only part of the story.
I have to admit that historical fiction isn’t my go-to genre. If it’s steampunk though, I find it hard to resist. Joseph was young, but brilliant. He was stronger than people gave him credit for at first glance. Watching Paul slowly gain respect and admiration for him was what made me grow to like him as a character. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. Their journey was full of danger, revelations and just enough romance to keep things interesting.
I really hope that this series continues. I enjoy the break out of my usual reading norm. While you’re here, be sure to check out the Gaslamp Fortnight: A Steampunk Book Tour between now and November 7, 2014. Enjoy!
I liked the first book in L.A. Witt’s Metals series. Noble Metals did a great job of introducing the harshness, greed and danger that prospectors were exposed to. Precious Metals drew the same vivid picture, but there was less world building. You can read this book without reading Noble Metals but I think reading it gives the story just a little more depth.
Paul and Joseph had a rocky start as far as relationships go. Joseph didn’t trust Paul and Paul didn’t trust himself around Joseph. Setting off alone brought them inevitably together, but it wasn’t instant love – or even like. The progression of their relationship was only part of the story.
I have to admit that historical fiction isn’t my go-to genre. If it’s steampunk though, I find it hard to resist. Joseph was young, but brilliant. He was stronger than people gave him credit for at first glance. Watching Paul slowly gain respect and admiration for him was what made me grow to like him as a character. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. Their journey was full of danger, revelations and just enough romance to keep things interesting.
I really hope that this series continues. I enjoy the break out of my usual reading norm. While you’re here, be sure to check out the Gaslamp Fortnight: A Steampunk Book Tour between now and November 7, 2014. Enjoy!
November 15, 2014
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-3lX
from that review: " The first novel, Noble Metals, firmly established a steampunk world where the Klondike Gold Rush includes steam driven 8-legged brass mechs, mechanical beasts of burden instead of horses or sleds, where the North-West Mounted Police patroled the borders and camps instead of the Royal Canadian Mounties, but the human frailties, greed, and despair remain firmly entrenched by the pursuit of gold. I loved that story. It was inventive, believable, and a terrific romance to boot.
Now comes Precious Metals and that treacherous, amazing world comes alive once more. Using the same format of alternating points of view, L.A. Witt takes the reader from perspective to perspective easily without jumbling her narrative. The story opens with Paul Benson looking over the teeming mass of miners gathered to get permits and head north into the Yukon. Immediately we realize that being a Mountie is not the passion for Paul that one would think, an aspect of this story both unusual and telling. Into his line of vision comes a tattered group of miners walking beside a worn mech, lying on top is Joseph. From the minute Joseph wakes up in the make shift infirmary, his heartbreaking portion of the story unfolds and Precious Metals takes flight.."
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December 17, 2014
This is the second book in the Metals series and I thought it was better then the first, which is rare usually the first one is the better one and the second has to live up to that hype. Not with this book. The chemistry between Paul and Joseph was spot on. I also loved the timidness yet boldness of Joseph while exploring things with Paul.
I look forward to reading more of this series.
**I have received this book from Riptide Publishing through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**
I look forward to reading more of this series.
**I have received this book from Riptide Publishing through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review**
July 6, 2016
Simple steampunk story set during the Klondike gold rush. I liked the little touches of technology that changes it from the actual past. I liked the characters and the bit of danger they get into. There were plenty of tense scenes that kept my attention. It was a quick story to read - I finished it in 2 1/2 hours
December 29, 2014
I have to say this is an immensely cute, steampunk, historical M/M romance, but it just fell flat to me. Definitely worth to read though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 2, 2014This book was read and reviewed by Carissa for Love Bytes Reviews.
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April 28, 2015There's four directions on this map, but we're only going one way...
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