This review is happening on a Sunday (rather than the usual book-review Friday) because it’s non-fiction. “The Steampunk Bible” comes up in almost every Steampunk discussion, and it deserves it. For one thing, it was published this year – 2011 – so it’s one of the most up-to-date looks at the entire Steampunk subculture thatContinue reading ““The Steampunk Bible” by Jeff Vandermeer with SJ Chambers”
Category Archives: Reviews
Narnia #1 of 7: “The Magician’s Nephew” by CS Lewis
This story is about two British children, Polly and Digory, who go exploring in the attic and find far more than they expected. Digory’s mad and magical uncle hurls them into another world, from which they travel to the ancient and dying world of Charn, and bring back an ancient (and very entertaining) evil byContinue reading “Narnia #1 of 7: “The Magician’s Nephew” by CS Lewis”
“Goliath” by Scott Westerfeld
Yes! I haz it at last! “Goliath” is the final book in Scott Westerfeld’s young adult steampunk trilogy (I reviewed the other two here). Since it’s set in the early days of World War One (a very alternate reality, in which “Clanker” technology – all metal and gears – is pitted against “Darwinist” technology – genetically alteredContinue reading ““Goliath” by Scott Westerfeld”
“Airborn” by Kenneth Oppel
“Goliath” is still en route to bookshops (maybe this week. . .) so here’s another steampunk review to keep you going: “Airborn” Definitely dieselpunk rather than steampunk, but still the first book I’ve found with a hot air balloon (which is reeled in by the crew of a zeppelin in the first scene). The restContinue reading ““Airborn” by Kenneth Oppel”
“The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman
I know, I know! I promised to review “Goliath” by Scott Westerfeld today. Sadly, it is late arriving in stores so I haven’t been able to get my pre-ordered copy yet. Fingers crossed for next week. In the meantime: a treat. Neil Gaiman (who, incidentally, is married to Amanda Palmer of “The Dresden Dolls” –Continue reading ““The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman”
Middle Earth versus Narnia
I’ve just finished re-reading the seven-book Narnia series by C. S. Lewis*and I’m also an admirer of the Lord of the Rings trilogy by Tolkien. Around the time the Lord of the Rings movies came out, there were heated arguments at parties everywhere**about whether the Narnia series or the Lord of the Rings series isContinue reading “Middle Earth versus Narnia”
“Pastworld” by Ian Beck
“Pastworld” by Ian Beck If there’s one thing fantasy readers want – especially from steampunk tales – it’s sensory immersion. A flood of sights, sounds and smells that make us feel we’re living in another world. Ian Beck does that, in loving and exquisite detail. It is his greatest strength. The rest of thisContinue reading ““Pastworld” by Ian Beck”
Philip Pullman Review #4 of 4
“Ruby in the Smoke” (book 1 of the Sally Lockhart quartet). What do you get when a brilliant modern writer sets out to create a series of penny dreadfuls? The rest of this review is at Comfy Chair, where I get paid for it.
Philip Pullman books part three
“The Amber Spyglass” Oddly for a trilogy, I’m not sure this is the strongest book in the series. The rest of this review is at Comfy Chair, where I get paid for it.
Philip Pullman book review # 2 of 4
“The Subtle Knife” is the second book in the “His Dark Materials” trilogy. Lyra – and several friends in unusual places – is still vital, and so is Will. Will is from our world, and he needs to find his father – an explorer who found something powerful enemies wanted, and hasn’t been seen since.Continue reading “Philip Pullman book review # 2 of 4”
Philip Pullman month
Judging by some of the things he says in interviews, Philip Pullman can be quite unpleasant. His books – every single one – are brilliant. “His Dark Materials” is the trilogy he’s best known for. I can’t actually write the kind of epic work that this is, and I rarely read it – but someContinue reading “Philip Pullman month”
New chocolate bar: A review
Several weeks ago now, I heard of a brilliant new product from Kit Kat: It is a chunky Kit Kat with three different sections – each one filled with a different type of caramel. There’s caramel fudge, crunchy caramel, and flowing caramel. Since I love caramel, chocolate, and chunky Kit Kats, I wasContinue reading “New chocolate bar: A review”
The last Harry Potter film: Spoiler-free review
For those not familiar with J. K. Rowlings’ iron will: Yes it really is the last film. In a world brimming with reboots and poor-quality sequels, that alone makes the Harry Potter film series unique. And in case you’re wondering – yes, oh definitely yes. It ends. It is possible to enjoy this film withoutContinue reading “The last Harry Potter film: Spoiler-free review”
Dark, exquisite steampunk: Cherie Priest
Cherie Priest (This picture was taken from wikipedia.) “Dreadnought” Scott Westerfeld is the king of steampunk, and Cherie Priest is the queen. While Westerfeld is quite light and fun, Priest is dark, with strong horror elements (her zombies are truly awful). The rest of this review has been moved to Comfy Chair, where I getContinue reading “Dark, exquisite steampunk: Cherie Priest”
“My Family and other Animals” by Gerald Durrell
As fiction, this book would be hilarious but too riotously fun and absurd to be believable. Since it is the autobiographical account of the Durrell family’s five years in the mad Greek island of Corfu, it is just a brilliantly funny book. Gerald was around ten years old at the time, and obsessed withContinue reading ““My Family and other Animals” by Gerald Durrell”
YA steampunk: The Sky Village
“The Sky Village” by Monk & Nigel Ashland It hurts my brain trying to figure out if I love or hate this book. The front cover and the title location – a village of hot air balloons strung together – appear steampunk, but it’s not steampunk. It’s post-apocalyptic YA. The rest of this reviewContinue reading “YA steampunk: The Sky Village”
Australian steampunk novel
“Ichabod Hart and the Lighthouse Mystery” by James Roy This book was written as children’s Australian steampunk, and it ticks a lot of boxes. The rest of this review has been moved to Comfy Chair, where I get paid for it.
“Making Money” by Terry Pratchett
I married a man with a LARGE pile of books, and I’ve been happily reading through all his speculative fiction for the last two years. Terry Pratchett has written a LOT of books. This book is about Moist von Lipwig (yes really), who is a probably-reformed conman whose fast-talking has saved the defunct postContinue reading ““Making Money” by Terry Pratchett”
“Heroes of the Valley” by Jonathan Stroud
This book is about Halli, a midwinter’s child who grows up on the epic tales of his ancestors. He is sick of the peaceful political haggling of his village, and longs to be a hero. He runs into Aud, a daughter of another House, who is even more trouble than he is. When a manContinue reading ““Heroes of the Valley” by Jonathan Stroud”
“Soulless” by Gail Carriger: hilarious steampunk
I promised to review a book that I really liked, and this is it. It stands alone, but is the first of many Alexia books by the delectable Gail Carriger. This review has been moved to Comfy Chair, where I get paid for it.