Tynga's Reviews: Strange Chemistry

Monday, August 25, 2014

The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter by Rod Duncan

It's been a while since I've gotten my hands on an amazing steampunk story so THE BULLET-CATCHER'S DAUGHTER was a real treat. Rod Duncan has created an ultra engaging tale of intelligencing, intrigue, and illusion in this novel and it's pure joy to read.

Elizabeth Barnabus is a great heroine living a double life from her houseboat. Everyone thinks she's a mild-mannered woman who lives with her twin brother but she's actually a quality intelligencer, despite her youth. She's resourceful and talented and uses all of her wits to accomplish her mission, a mission that eventually puts her in contact with her past, which was a fun way to show the reader how she acquired some of her talents. (I don't want to talk about it too much because I want to keep this spoiler-free but I will say that it's quite interesting and helps us see some of what shaped Elizabeth into the woman she is in THE BULLET-CATCHER'S DAUGHTER.

The worldbuilding is also well done. There's a lovely steampunk flavour to THE BULLET-CATCHER'S DAUGHTER but it's not the emphasis of the story. There are lots of neat gadgets but there's also sleight of hand, alchemy, and all other manner of intrigue in the novel. The revisionist history is really well done, too, which makes THE BULLET-CATCHER'S DAUGHTER a delight to read. I love how Duncan's rewritten the UK's history, and added a very menacing Patent Office to the mix. There's also a touch of romance but Duncan keeps the main focus of the novel on Elizabeth's increasingly complicated mission, not on her opportunities to lock lips.

I was completely hooked from the first page and I can't recommend THE BULLET-CATCHER'S DAUGHTER enough. It's a delightful book and I'm truly looking forward to seeing what Duncan delivers in the next part of the story.

by Tynga at Monday, August 25, 2014

Angry Robot, Fall of the Gaslit Empire, Netgalley, Review, Rod Duncan, steampunk, Strange Chemistry, young adult 3 People left their mark

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Emilie and the Hollow World by Martha Wells

<Emilie and the Hollow World

Book stats:
Reading Level: Young Adult
ARC: 287 pages
Genre: Sci-fi/Steampunk
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Release date: April 2, 2013

Series: Emilie #1

Source: From Publisher for Review

Reviewed by: Lili

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

While running away from home for reasons that are eminently defensible, Emilie’s plans to stow away on the steamship Merry Bell and reach her cousin in the big city go awry, landing her on the wrong ship and at the beginning of a fantastic adventure.

Taken under the protection of Lady Marlende, Emilie learns that the crew hopes to use the aether currents and an experimental engine, and with the assistance of Lord Engal, journey to the interior of the planet in search of Marlende’s missing father.

With the ship damaged on arrival, they attempt to traverse the strange lands on their quest. But when evidence points to sabotage and they encounter the treacherous Lord Ivers, along with the strange race of the sea-lands, Emilie has to make some challenging decisions and take daring action if they are ever to reach the surface world again.

It’s very hard to put my thoughts into words regarding this one because as enjoyable as it was, it was not what I expected. Wells has the tendency to oversimplify concepts in this novel, which makes it read much differently than the average young adult novel. In reality, I felt as if I was reading a middle grade level novel. And while this novel was not enjoyable, I think that this aspect of the writing style will hinder many from enjoying it. With that being said, there was nothing bad about it because of the lower level writing and ideals, so this would be a good book for kids.

What I liked the most about this novel was the attention to detail. I don’t want to give anything away, but the detail exhibited in the descriptions of the Hollow World were superb. I mean, it’s a hidden second world in the center of Earth, how much more awesome can it get? Half submerged under the sea with strange, unknown creatures and unique findings were all incredibly imaginative.

It also helps that the main character was easily likable and respectable because she possesses all the qualities a good young adult main character should possess. At the young age of 15 she became this decisive woman who does whatever she wants with her life. She took the bull by the horns and rolled with it. She’s curious, intelligent, driven, brave, and so many other things. And what I really like about her is that all of these amazing character points are fueled by her desire to explore the world. This, in truth, is something that I personally can relate to. I liked how, for once, I came across a main character that loves culture and learning as opposed to boys and kissing.

This book is good for those looking for a unique journey and an adventurous heroine. It is a quick read that is easily enjoyable for younger readers of any gender. I think that this novel may be a little too simple for the average young adult reader, but a parent can certainly find ways to appreciate this one. A cute science fiction story, I don’t regret reading this one, but I am in no hurry to read book two.