The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross, 2012, Harlequin Teen, $9.99, softbound, 357 pages. Category/Genre: steampunk. Cover: very good. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
The second in The Steampunk Chronicles, this book takes place in New York five days after the first book, 'The Girl in the Steel Corset,' left off. It follows teenagers Griffin, Sam, Finley, and Emily as they try to clear their friend Jasper of murder charges.
Jasper has been taken by Reno Dalton, his old gang boss. Dalton is threatening everyone Jasper loves in order to force Jasper to return a device Jasper stole from him. Jasper knows Dalton won't do anything good with the device, but feels he has no choice in the matter.
There are some interesting developments, character-wise as well as plot-wise, in this book; fans of Cross's 'The Girl in the Steel Corset' won't be disappointed.
If you like this one, try: The Girl in the Steel Corset, by Kady Cross; The Girl with the Iron Touch, by Kady Cross; The Girl with the Windup Heart, by Kady Cross; and Soulless, by Gail Carriger.
Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris, 2011, Harper Voyager, $7.99, softbound, 402 pages. Category/Genre: steampunk. Cover: excellent except Braun's face isn't as pretty as we imagined it. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
We've been into steampunk lately, and this fit the bill quite nicely. Eliza Braun, field agent for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, has orders to help archivist Wellington Books for the forseeable future. Itching for action, Braun urges Books to help her solve the forgotten cases, starting with the last case her ex-lover was on, the 'Rag and Bone' murders.
Much against his better judgement, Books agrees to aid Braun, and the two set off on an adventure filled with enough action and mayhem for even Braun, and enough intrigue and machinery for the inquisitive Books.
The two follow a clue left by Braun's ex (who's now in a madhouse), and before long discover a secret society that goes back generations. Along the way, they pursue and are pursued by a mysterious woman in black. They also have to hide their investigation from their superiour, who doesn't want them in the field.
Note: graphic sexual situations and mild language.
If you like this one, try: The Janus Affair by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris; The Doomsday Vault by Stephen Harper.
Soulless by Gail Carriger, 2009, Orbit, $7.99, softbound, 373 pages. Category/Genre: steampunk. Cover: good, but why is her back broken? We like the fog . . . Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
We like this one, partly because it's a mishmash of steampunk and the supernatural, partly because it's well told and has excellent characters, and partly because of the humour.
Alexia Tarabotti has a number of problems: she's a 25-year-old spinster (and half Italian, at that), she enjoys science far too much for a lady, and she's soulless.
Being soulless means Alexia is a preternatural: able to nullify the supernatural with a touch. When she touches a werewolf or vampire, he becomes, for that moment, human again.
Alexia also has the irritating problem of a vampire trying to feed on her whilst she's enjoying a nice tea in the library. She ends up having to kill the vampire, which brings in the Bureau of Unnatural Registry and a burr under her saddle, Lord Conall Maccon, alpha werewolf and the fourth Earl of Woolsey.
But Alexia soon has more to worry about than trading barbs with Maccon and wondering what sort of contraption his beta, Professor Randolph Lyall, is wearing on his face. Someone is causing lone werewolves to disappear and rove vampires to appear; and someone is after Alexia herself.
Not only that, but Lord Maccon chooses now to kiss her.
Note: mild language and graphic sexual situations.
If you like this one, try: Soulless: The Manga by Gail Carriger; Changeless by Gail Carriger; Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger; and Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris.
Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliassotti, 2013, Edge, $15.95, softbound, 306 pages. Category/Genre: steampunk. Cover: good but inaccurate; Taya is supposed to have short auburn hair and a leather flight suit. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
Taya is an icarus, someone who flies amongst the sectors of Ondinium, carrying messages back and forth. No-one but icarii and lictors (the law in Ondinium) are allowed to cross the sectors, and different castes (exalteds, cardinals, and plebians) live in different sectors.
One day, Taya saves the life of Viera, an exalted, and her son from a wireferry accident. Then she's attacked herself, and saved by an outcaste clockwright named Cristof, who's related to the woman Taya saved.
Things begin to get complicated as Taya develops feelings for Cristof's brother, Alister, and it's suspected that the wireferry accident was engineered.
Then tragedy ensues, and Taya and Cristof are thrown together to solve a mystery that could get them both killed.
This is a different kind of steampunk tale, set in the fictitious Ondinium rather than in Victorian London, but there are analytical engines, clockwork devices, and greatcoats.
If you like this one, try: Clockwork Lies, by Dru Pagliassotti.
The Doomsday Vault by Steven Harper, 2011, Roc, $7.99, softbound, 391 pages. Category/Genre: steampunk. Cover: cool; we particularly like the clockwork cat and steampunk gun. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
This book is about a girl who likes fixing automatons (which is an improper thing for ladies to like doing), and a boy who loves flying. Their worlds collide one day, and difficult choices must be made.
The world is filled clockworkers, mad geniuses who unleash their schemes on the unsuspecting populace. The Third Ward is Britain's answer to those madmen; and the Third Ward wants Gavin and Alice to join them.
Accompanied by the automatons her insane aunt gave her (including a clockwork cat named Click), Alice fights clockworkers by Gavin's side while at the same time trying to keep with propriety and marry a boring gentleman who has promised to pay all of Alice's family debts. Eventually, she must make a choice: join the Third Ward and continue helping people, or marry Norbert and live a quiet, subdued life of privilege.
There are zombies in this book as well as amazing gadgetry and clockwork creatures. There's also plenty of action, interesting characters, and a good plot.
Note: strong language.
If you like this one, try: The Impossible Cube, by Steven Harper.
The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross, 2011, Harlequin Teen, $17.99, hardbound, 473 pages. Category/Genre: steampunk. Cover: Nice. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne is two people: a normal girl and a darker, deadlier person, capable of all kinds of mayhem. No wonder -- her father, who was doing experiments on himself before Finley was born, was the inspiration for Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde, and he passed certain traits on to Finley.
Then Finley meets a group of people who are just as unusual as she is: Griffin, who can access the Aether (the land of the dead) and alter people's emotions; Sam, who is part machine; and Emily, who can 'talk' to machines.
But living with the group doesn't make Finley's life much easier. For one thing, Sam would rather see her gone. For another, Finley's darker side still takes control. And as if that weren't enough, there's a mad genius called The Machinist on the loose.
Described by the author as 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets teen X-Men,' the book is filled with adventure, romance, and lots of cool steampunk gadgetry and automatons. It's supposed to be for young adults, but older readers will get just as much of a kick out of it.
Note: mild language.
If you like this one, try: The Girl with the Iron Touch, by Kady Cross.
Writing Steampunk! by Beth Daniels, 2011, 3 Media Press, $13.06, softbound, pages. Category/Genre: writing how-to. Cover: pretty good; really like the typewriter, but it could be more Steampunky. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble.
One of the best things about this book is that the appendices give examples of historical events and technology in the 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most frustrating things is that the Table of Contents does not list page numbers. In addition, the Appendices list events and technology by the decades, rather than the year, with the exception of Appendix II, '19th Century Technology.'
Other high points include chapters on world-building, human and mechanical characters, and magical elements.
There are research aids given on wardrobes and coinage, weapons, slang, and entertainment.
If you like this one, try: The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England from 1811-1901, by Kristine Hughes.
The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature by Jeff VanderMeer with SJ Chambers, 2011, Abrams Image, $24.95, hardbound, 224 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: a little garish. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
This informative book includes contributions from such steampunk notables as Jake von Slatt, Catherynne M Valente, GD Falksen, and Libby Bulloff. It explores steampunk past and present, from the speculative fiction of Jules Verne and HG Wells to KW Jeter's 2011 Morlock Night and the works of Cherie Priest and Gail Carriger, as well as taking a gander at some steampunk films.
Along the way, the authors provide helpful information, such as a guide to steampunk subgenres and a look at four styles of steampunk fashion.
At the end of the book there is a look at the future of steampunk. There's also a little blurb about each of the authors, steampunk-style.
If you like this one, try: International Steampunk Fashions, by Victoriana Lady Lisa; and The Art of Steampunk, by Art Donovan.
International Steampunk Fashions by Victoriana Lady Lisa, 2012, Schiffer Publishing, $39.99, hardbound, 192 pages. Category/Genre: reference. Cover: cool. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
In case you're unfamiliar with steampunk, there's an article in this book called 'Steampunk 101.' The rest of the book showcases steampunk fashion from Europe, New Zealand, and North and South America, plus worldwide jewellery, hats, and accessories.
Then there are biographies of many of the people in the book which include websites and Facebook pages where you can find more information on them. Plus there's a chapter on steampunk fashion resources and organisations.
If you're interested in steampunk (or think you might be), you'll want to check out this book.
If you like this one, try: Steampunk Accessories, by Nicola Tedman and Sarah Skeate.
The Art of Steampunk: Extraordinary Devices and Ingenious Contraptions from the Leading Artists of the Steampunk Movement, Art Donovan, 2011, Fox Chapel, $19.95, softbound, 127 pages. Category/Genre: art. Cover: cool. Where we got it: bought it. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
Filled with tons of full-colour photographs, this book introduces the reader to a world of steampunk art by some of the most innovative steampunk artists out there. There's an article on what steampunk is, in case you're unfamiliar.
There are some truly beautiful pieces depicted here, as well as bizarre ones. In the book is everything from lanterns and laptops to jewellery, clocks, and sculptures.
Artists include Daniel Proulx from Canada, Richard Nagy (Datamancer) from the United States, Haruo Suekichi from Japan, Vianney Halter from Switzerland, and Jos de Vink from the Netherlands. Information on each artist is included.
If you like this one, try: The Steampunk Bible, by Jeff VanderMeer with S.J. Chambers, and International Steampunk Fashions, by Victoriana Lady Lisa.
Steampunk Acccessories: 20 Projects to Help You Nail the Style, from Goggles to Cell Phone Cases, Gauntlets, and Jewelry, by Nicola Tedman and Sarah Skeate, 2012, Barron's, $18.99, softbound, 128 pages. Category/Genre: how-to/crafts. Cover: cool. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.
If, like many steampunks out there, you have a bit of DIY in you, this book may be just what you're looking for to add a little steampunk to your everyday life.
There is a section on materials and techniques, and the authors go over where to find the materials you'll be using for these accessories. For example, you can peruse your local hardware shop for brass or bronze nuts, bolts, chains, and washers, and local craft or art supply shops will yield beads, jewellery findings and chains; online shops will also provide ample selections of the same items, as well as raw (natural) and antique gold, silver, or brass charms, chains, and pendants. The authors also mention that many online shops now have steampunk sections.
There's also a handy section on working with leather, which includes choosing leather, aging the surface of your piece, dyeing your leather, and sewing leather.
In this book, you will find projects such as a vintage billfold, a wrist corsage, an adventurer's belt, bracelets for men and women, a canister case, an eyeglass case, boot liveries, a hat cockade, oculus goggles, and more.
Templates are included, and the projects are illustrated, though perhaps not in as much detail as the newbie DIY-er would prefer.
If you like this one, try: Suggestions?
Steampunk II: Steampunk Reloaded by Ann and Jeff VanderMeer, 2010, Tachyon Publications, $14.95, softbound, 426 pages. Category/Genre: steampunk. Cover: Cool. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million.
The second steampunk anthology in a series by Tachyon Publications, Steampunk II has a wide selection of stories and writing styles. From Tanith Lee to Caitlin R. Kiernan, Gail Carriger, Stephen Baxter, and William Gibson, this book runs the gamut on authors.
There's something in here for every lover of steampunk: romance, adventure, horror, and the very odd. One story, 'Wild Copper,' by Samantha Henderson, even takes a fairy story, wraps it up in a Native American folk tale, and delivers it in true steampunk fashion. The stories take place in the Wild West, the Far East, and Victorian England. There's a retelling of 'The Orient Express' ('The Unbecoming of Virgil Smythe' by Ramsey Shehadeh) as well as a tale based on a South Indian epic ('The Mechanical Aviary of Emperor Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar' by Shweta Narayan).
Personally, we didn't care for the truly odd ones nearly as much as we did the adventure stories. 'A Serpent in the Gears' by Margaret Ronald was exceptionally good. It was about a valet serving a colonel aboard a dirigible that was headed for dangerous territory. The valet was not what he seemed, and there were some really good discoveries in this story.
Another story we liked was 'Balfour and Meriweather in the Adventure of the Emperor's Vengance' by Daniel Abraham. This one had a pair of Her Majesty's special agents solving a mystery and then fighting mechanical monsters.
'As Recorded on Brass Cylinders: Adagio for Two Dancers' by James L. Grant and Lisa Mantchev was an interesting story about a pair of estranged lovers who are more machine than human; 'The Strange Case of Mr. Salad Monday' by G.D. Falksen was humourous as well as adventurous; and 'Wild Copper' by Samantha Henderson, was an interesting mix of faeries, Native American folklore, and steampunk.
We didn't care at all for 'A Secret History of Steampunk' by the Mecha-Ostrich, et. al. Too weird.
All in all, a good book with a nice arrangement of stories.
Note: strong language, racial slur, sexual situations, and blasphemy.
If you liked this one, try: suggestions?
