What do you think?
Rate this book
Kingdom of Clockwork #1
Kingdom of Clockwork
When the oil and gas ran out, civilisation collapsed. Now, centuries later, mankind is once again beginning to discover the secrets of the past ... starting with clockwork.
In a future Denmark, the King's clockmaker becomes enmeshed in a web of court intrigue and undertakes a fateful journey to the Far North, where he encounters many strange phenomena that challenge his rational nature.
Kingdom of Clockwork is a science fiction/steampunk novel by Billy O'Shea. The story takes place in a quasi-medieval society that arises in Scandinavia after the new Dark Ages. Lacking fossil fuels and knowledge of past technology, the new kingdoms of the northern lands can only draw upon the power of the wind, which they store using clockwork. But the King of Kantarborg has a plan to mine other secrets of the past, and weaves a young court clockmaker into his dangerous schemes.
Kingdom of Clockwork has been described as alternate history, historical fantasy and steampunk”. It is a quirky, intriguing, slightly whimsical tale of reason, magic and human cunning. The story combines real Scandinavian history and locations with flights of fancy, both literal and metaphorical.
Vol. 1 in the Kantarborg Chronicles series.
In a future Denmark, the King's clockmaker becomes enmeshed in a web of court intrigue and undertakes a fateful journey to the Far North, where he encounters many strange phenomena that challenge his rational nature.
Kingdom of Clockwork is a science fiction/steampunk novel by Billy O'Shea. The story takes place in a quasi-medieval society that arises in Scandinavia after the new Dark Ages. Lacking fossil fuels and knowledge of past technology, the new kingdoms of the northern lands can only draw upon the power of the wind, which they store using clockwork. But the King of Kantarborg has a plan to mine other secrets of the past, and weaves a young court clockmaker into his dangerous schemes.
Kingdom of Clockwork has been described as alternate history, historical fantasy and steampunk”. It is a quirky, intriguing, slightly whimsical tale of reason, magic and human cunning. The story combines real Scandinavian history and locations with flights of fancy, both literal and metaphorical.
Vol. 1 in the Kantarborg Chronicles series.
Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2014
8 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Billy O'Shea
7 books11 followersBilly O’Shea grew up at an airport on the west coast of Ireland.
He studied at Trinity College Dublin and under sentence in Mountjoy Jail, but dropped out of both before completing his education. He then briefly pursued a career as a sound technician and sitcom saboteur with the Irish television station RTÉ before being washed out of the country in the great emigration wave of 1980.
He landed in Denmark and struck out as a ballad singer at night, while living a double life as a student in the daytime.
He was awarded a gold medal by the University of Copenhagen in 2000 and shook hands with Queen Margrethe. After that he refused to shake hands with anyone else ever again, for which reason he was denied Danish citizenship in 2022 and sought asylum in Svalbard, near the North Pole.
He has written several novels, which have been translated into Finnish, Danish and Chinese, to the puzzlement of many. His work is not recommended for the sound of mind or adults above the age of 80.
He studied at Trinity College Dublin and under sentence in Mountjoy Jail, but dropped out of both before completing his education. He then briefly pursued a career as a sound technician and sitcom saboteur with the Irish television station RTÉ before being washed out of the country in the great emigration wave of 1980.
He landed in Denmark and struck out as a ballad singer at night, while living a double life as a student in the daytime.
He was awarded a gold medal by the University of Copenhagen in 2000 and shook hands with Queen Margrethe. After that he refused to shake hands with anyone else ever again, for which reason he was denied Danish citizenship in 2022 and sought asylum in Svalbard, near the North Pole.
He has written several novels, which have been translated into Finnish, Danish and Chinese, to the puzzlement of many. His work is not recommended for the sound of mind or adults above the age of 80.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 26, 2018
4,5 stars
The book captured me from page one, even though I was reading in a busy train after a long day.
I really liked the voice of the pov character and the narrative style of an historical document written by the pov character. It had me reading into the night, even after a long day at a convention and that long train ride home.
It is very much a book about a man trapped in politics against his better judgement - he is swept up by forces around him and tries to deal with it as best he can. I loved the worldbuilding that gives you just enough infomation to know how the world works but not so much that is boring. I adore the idea of irrational layers as an explanation for things dug up from the earth, that doesn't fit the world view of the establishment.
The book captured me from page one, even though I was reading in a busy train after a long day.
I really liked the voice of the pov character and the narrative style of an historical document written by the pov character. It had me reading into the night, even after a long day at a convention and that long train ride home.
It is very much a book about a man trapped in politics against his better judgement - he is swept up by forces around him and tries to deal with it as best he can. I loved the worldbuilding that gives you just enough infomation to know how the world works but not so much that is boring. I adore the idea of irrational layers as an explanation for things dug up from the earth, that doesn't fit the world view of the establishment.
June 8, 2021
It brought me back to childhood memories of Jules Verne with fantastical contraptions and how they are created, but had that 21st century sense of pacing and story.
At times hilarious, and throughout with a great character voice and sense of progress.
I was very pleasently surprised!
I listened to it as an audiobook. Billy O’Shea narrates it himself, and does a wonderful job at it, with sound effects in the background that made it feel like a massive production.
At times hilarious, and throughout with a great character voice and sense of progress.
I was very pleasently surprised!
I listened to it as an audiobook. Billy O’Shea narrates it himself, and does a wonderful job at it, with sound effects in the background that made it feel like a massive production.
October 30, 2018
This book was Delightful!
It takes place in a future time in our world, where civilization as we know it has crumbled and now a new civilization has developed, one where clockwork gears are the extent of their technological advancement. The author's take on how this new civilization views its ancient history (our time) is Fantastic. They're using a mix of real historical texts and fantasy stories to try and understand their history and the mix-up of facts and fiction has led to some very strange beliefs about what happened back when our civilization fell.
I found this interpretation to be whimsical, unique, and fun. The main character is very much an every-day man and I found him very relatable.
The start is a little slow, as the book is told autobiographically and we start out with the main character's childhood before getting to the good stuff. Hang in there, it's worth it.
The first half of the book is a political mystery, with some intriguing secrets and foreboding developments. There's a lot of character development, but I enjoyed it.
The second half of the book is a wonderful adventure story of heading into the unknown and discovering things the main character never thought possible (although they're laughably familiar to us, since they're from our time). I just couldn't wait to see what they might find next and how they would interpret it.
Additionally, the author narrates it himself (unusual) and he does a very good job. He has a light Irish accent that is very pleasant to listen to. There are also some slight background noises that relate to the story, such as wind whistling when they're flying, or creaking wheels when they're traveling. It wasn't at all distracting like some graphic audios are, but was actually a nice way to set the mood. There were a few times when the ominous creaking in the background was barely noticeable but was enough to make me feel a little anxious at key suspenseful plot points!
I really liked it. I'm definitely looking for the next one.
It takes place in a future time in our world, where civilization as we know it has crumbled and now a new civilization has developed, one where clockwork gears are the extent of their technological advancement. The author's take on how this new civilization views its ancient history (our time) is Fantastic. They're using a mix of real historical texts and fantasy stories to try and understand their history and the mix-up of facts and fiction has led to some very strange beliefs about what happened back when our civilization fell.
I found this interpretation to be whimsical, unique, and fun. The main character is very much an every-day man and I found him very relatable.
The start is a little slow, as the book is told autobiographically and we start out with the main character's childhood before getting to the good stuff. Hang in there, it's worth it.
The first half of the book is a political mystery, with some intriguing secrets and foreboding developments. There's a lot of character development, but I enjoyed it.
The second half of the book is a wonderful adventure story of heading into the unknown and discovering things the main character never thought possible (although they're laughably familiar to us, since they're from our time). I just couldn't wait to see what they might find next and how they would interpret it.
Additionally, the author narrates it himself (unusual) and he does a very good job. He has a light Irish accent that is very pleasant to listen to. There are also some slight background noises that relate to the story, such as wind whistling when they're flying, or creaking wheels when they're traveling. It wasn't at all distracting like some graphic audios are, but was actually a nice way to set the mood. There were a few times when the ominous creaking in the background was barely noticeable but was enough to make me feel a little anxious at key suspenseful plot points!
I really liked it. I'm definitely looking for the next one.
July 28, 2014
Full disclosure: I was a beta reader.
I am so glad that this book is now available for everyone to read. It is a delight from beginning to end. Some of the aspects I most enjoyed included recognizing things from our world that are a mystery to the people in the story (which takes place 500 years from now), the development of the characters and their relationships, and the sheer adventure. It is a novelty to have a steampunk book set in Scandanavia, and this novel makes the most of the setting.
Readers who appreciate good spelling and grammar, and just plain good writing will find no nits to pick here.
The story winds up with satisfying finish, but leaves room for a possible sequel. I hope there will be one.
I am so glad that this book is now available for everyone to read. It is a delight from beginning to end. Some of the aspects I most enjoyed included recognizing things from our world that are a mystery to the people in the story (which takes place 500 years from now), the development of the characters and their relationships, and the sheer adventure. It is a novelty to have a steampunk book set in Scandanavia, and this novel makes the most of the setting.
Readers who appreciate good spelling and grammar, and just plain good writing will find no nits to pick here.
The story winds up with satisfying finish, but leaves room for a possible sequel. I hope there will be one.
November 3, 2022
This is a very clever and entertaining book from Billy O'Shea. It conjures up a completely convincing world where electricity and steam are a thing of the past. The main character is a clockmaker and the level of detail on some of the projects he works on is brilliantly depicted with just the right level of engineering. If you are a techie you will love it but if not you will still get it.
I read this on holidays in Spain and I finished it in four sittings. It is literally a page-turner and a cracking good read. The author is totally at home in the genre and you get that comfort of reading without having to leave the fantasy world due to some some clunky writing - this is not always the case in the genre. Looking forward to getting the next but in the series.
I read this on holidays in Spain and I finished it in four sittings. It is literally a page-turner and a cracking good read. The author is totally at home in the genre and you get that comfort of reading without having to leave the fantasy world due to some some clunky writing - this is not always the case in the genre. Looking forward to getting the next but in the series.
March 23, 2017
A bit of oldschool sci-fi sprinkled with post-apocalypse framed in clockpunk.
I really like the journaling voice of the narration, and the story itself is compelling enough if you like clockpunk tech and political intrigue. I also like that it's set in a sort of post-apocalyptic Scandinavia, carrying a lot of references to Scandinavian culture and mythology. It's a simple yet not at all predictable story, and though the information dealt to the reader is consistent with the narrator's social position AND the style of the story, I miss some extra fizz. In terms of storybuilding it reminds me a bit of Cthulu.
I really like the journaling voice of the narration, and the story itself is compelling enough if you like clockpunk tech and political intrigue. I also like that it's set in a sort of post-apocalyptic Scandinavia, carrying a lot of references to Scandinavian culture and mythology. It's a simple yet not at all predictable story, and though the information dealt to the reader is consistent with the narrator's social position AND the style of the story, I miss some extra fizz. In terms of storybuilding it reminds me a bit of Cthulu.
October 31, 2021
Great clockworkpunkish/steampunkish tale of a young clockmaker who gets drawn in to the scheming politics of the king's court.
The worldbuliding is well planned and executed in an ironic fashion that lets the reader explore the Kingdom of Clockwork as well as the readers own reality. There are several occations, where the author exibits the stupid and funny rules and customs of the Clockwork Kingdom, and everytime it feels like he is saying something about the reader's reality as well.
Im looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
The worldbuliding is well planned and executed in an ironic fashion that lets the reader explore the Kingdom of Clockwork as well as the readers own reality. There are several occations, where the author exibits the stupid and funny rules and customs of the Clockwork Kingdom, and everytime it feels like he is saying something about the reader's reality as well.
Im looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 27, 2017
I listened to the audiobook of this for a review for FangirlNation.
Great story, once I figured out I couldn't be sitting to listen to it otherwise I'd fall asleep. The writer narrates and his Irish lilt is too soothing.
The story itself is a steampunk adventure full of political intrigue, philosophical introspection and secrets. Really good and would definitely recommend to those who like the steampunk style of writing.
Great story, once I figured out I couldn't be sitting to listen to it otherwise I'd fall asleep. The writer narrates and his Irish lilt is too soothing.
The story itself is a steampunk adventure full of political intrigue, philosophical introspection and secrets. Really good and would definitely recommend to those who like the steampunk style of writing.
February 6, 2019
Although it begins rather blandly and takes sweet, sweet time to pick up pace, the latter part of the book is quite rewarding, in a steampunkish-adventurer sort of way. The way modern technology of the current weather is being depicted as feared, fabeld relics of bygone eras, is also interesting. However, the ending is a rather shameless cliffhanger, purposed to keep the reader glued to the series. And yeah, the second part begins to lose steam soon.
March 13, 2018
Kirja ei ihan vastannut odotuksia, ikävä kyllä. Oli tässä joitakin hyviäkin juttuja (kuten irrationaalinen maakerros!), mutta tarina ei koskaan oikein imaissut mukaansa. Loppua kohti mielenkiintoni oli lopahtaa kokonaan.
March 31, 2018
Mukavan erilainen tuulahdus tulevaisuutta. Lempeä, kuvaa hyvin tarinankerronnan luonnetta. Sankarimme vajavaisuudet tuodaan moneen kertaan esiin, mutta niistä huolimatta tai niiden takia hän löytää itsensä.
Vallan mainiota, rentoa luettavaa.
Vallan mainiota, rentoa luettavaa.
September 12, 2020
Bought it from author on steampunk event! Nice to get a steampunk view on the Nordic countries.
July 18, 2021
Easy English, so good practice. Not as Steampunk as expected, but it's an alright book.
December 19, 2014
You can be damned if you question the society you live in.
This was the message I walked away with after reading Kingdom of Clockwork. As I read this book, I felt as if I were reading a philosophical debate - which isn't a bad thing. I love stories that make me think. I love characters who question their worlds. Their surroundings.
And despite his upbringing, Karl Neilsen did just that.
O'Shea's strength lies in his ability to use metaphors. The clocks in his story represented society to me. That society holds onto a strange power, which can be used to further your cause - or crush you. I loved the metaphors. I loved the philosophical questions he raised. But most of all?
I loved the language.
Writing is an art best judged by the reader. I strongly believe that. But it is the writer's job to ensure that reader gets the ultimate experience from their story. O'Shea did this for me. The elements of steampunk, the fascination with how cogs and gears worked - all of it tied into the underlying story of how a young man begins to question everything he had been taught as well as the fragile society he lived in.
For me, this is a strong read. It invokes thought. Questions. I would stop reading just to consider the concepts O'Shea was bringing to mind, then jump back into the story to see what the characters thought about the same theories. Was I right? Could there be a right answer?
Overall, this is a great steampunk novel and it is deep. Really deep. Pick it up, but don't fly through it. Think about the questions raised by this intellectual read.
And enjoy every minute of it.
This was the message I walked away with after reading Kingdom of Clockwork. As I read this book, I felt as if I were reading a philosophical debate - which isn't a bad thing. I love stories that make me think. I love characters who question their worlds. Their surroundings.
And despite his upbringing, Karl Neilsen did just that.
O'Shea's strength lies in his ability to use metaphors. The clocks in his story represented society to me. That society holds onto a strange power, which can be used to further your cause - or crush you. I loved the metaphors. I loved the philosophical questions he raised. But most of all?
I loved the language.
Writing is an art best judged by the reader. I strongly believe that. But it is the writer's job to ensure that reader gets the ultimate experience from their story. O'Shea did this for me. The elements of steampunk, the fascination with how cogs and gears worked - all of it tied into the underlying story of how a young man begins to question everything he had been taught as well as the fragile society he lived in.
For me, this is a strong read. It invokes thought. Questions. I would stop reading just to consider the concepts O'Shea was bringing to mind, then jump back into the story to see what the characters thought about the same theories. Was I right? Could there be a right answer?
Overall, this is a great steampunk novel and it is deep. Really deep. Pick it up, but don't fly through it. Think about the questions raised by this intellectual read.
And enjoy every minute of it.
June 15, 2016
This wasn't an effortless read.
The somewhat dry tone of the narrator was very different - in a good way! - from the usual pompousness and pretense that many other steampunk novels tend to demonstrate; a most refreshing change. However, it took quite some time for me to warm up to.
The unpredictability of the plot; interesting psychological and political insight; the aesthetically pleasing, poetic idea of the "dreaming earth" and the underground being "the irrational layer"; the (environmental?) morality tale motive, repeating iteself througout the novel; and the gentle irony with which the author is poking at our own age - these were all the most enjoyable aspects of the book for me. I do not give 4 stars easily but this time they are well-deserved.
The somewhat dry tone of the narrator was very different - in a good way! - from the usual pompousness and pretense that many other steampunk novels tend to demonstrate; a most refreshing change. However, it took quite some time for me to warm up to.
The unpredictability of the plot; interesting psychological and political insight; the aesthetically pleasing, poetic idea of the "dreaming earth" and the underground being "the irrational layer"; the (environmental?) morality tale motive, repeating iteself througout the novel; and the gentle irony with which the author is poking at our own age - these were all the most enjoyable aspects of the book for me. I do not give 4 stars easily but this time they are well-deserved.
June 8, 2015
Nice fast and interesting read. The language is a little dull at times and repetitive . The main character lacks depth but I think he meant to be a caricature of a naive hero anyway.
I did enjoy the alternative future , touch of steam punk, the details of machinery and clockwork. The mad king and his commentaries were excellent metaphors for power and politics.
All in all, nice story.
I did enjoy the alternative future , touch of steam punk, the details of machinery and clockwork. The mad king and his commentaries were excellent metaphors for power and politics.
All in all, nice story.
September 29, 2019
A great read, entirely plausible (well, with a bit of imagination but that's half the fun). In fact, it's the second time I've read it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews