Kisses By Clockwork: Stories Of Steampunk And Romance, A
Penny Dreadful Review
When I
opened the book Kisses By Clockwork, I expected a collection of stories set in
Australia. This is not what I found. Editor Liz Grzyb instead brought me an
anthology of the world. This excellent stories take the reader from Italy to
London to snowy villages in the Alps to kingdoms that have never existed in
alternate Africas. And yes, at last, I got to read Steampunk stories set in Australia.
What’s more, these were brilliant!
Several
stories deserve special mention, such as “Siri and the Chaos Maker” by Carol
Ryles, a beautiful melody of a fable, and “Love In The Time Of Clockwork
Horses” by Rebecca Harwell, which featured lesbians, clockwork horses, and
first love. Some stories stretched the definition of romance a bit far for me,
and I felt that one story was a bit of a muddled mess. I won’t tell you which
one I disliked, because it could turn out to be your favorite! Love is different
for everyone.
I could not
end this review without telling you of “A Clockwork Heart” by Amanda Pillar, a
story of magical abilities and a pairing of necessity transforming into true
love. It also features the most adorable conclusion!
My second
favorite tale was “South, To Glory!” by D. C. White. It’s the hilarious tale of
the All-England Monocle-Polishing Champion, Preston Featherstone, and his
fiancé, who turns out to be a spy. And who could forget his man Bunny, a
stolid, indispensible person who can steer a rocket-powered zeppelin bike. It’s
goofy, implausible, and thoroughly enjoyable.
My absolute
favorite tale in this tome would certainly have to be “Lady Presto Magnifico
and the Disappearing Glass Ceiling” by Katrina Nicholson. It is a sweet story
of espionage, inventions, and just desserts. There’s a lady magician, an
automaton, and strides toward gender equality. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
even make an appearance!
I give this
anthology three and a half gears out of five. The stories inside are varied and
brilliant. I utterly enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend Kisses By Clockwork!
Your Correspondent From The Bookstore,
Penny J. Merriweather
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