Steam Powered: Lesbian Steampunk Stories, A Penny Dreadful
Review
I just read
the most delightful anthology. Steam
Powered introduces us to Steampunk lesbians from five continents. They are
from cities, deserts, and jungles, the future, the past, and places that never
were. They are cyborgs and pirates, spies and runaway brides, madwomen and
scientists. The editor, JoSelle Vanderhooft, has masterfully assembled this
brilliant conglomeration. It reminds me a bit of a bright rainbow quilt – every
piece wildly different, and the whole a masterpiece.
I must
mention a few tales of adventure and romance in particular. “Brilliant,” by
Georgina Bruce, features lush descriptions of a beautiful Cairo and strangers
on a train. “Steel Rider,” by Rachel Manija Brown, introduces the reader to
damaged people in large suits of mysterious armor. “Love In The Time Of
Airships,” by Meredith Holmes, is a crown jewel of a novella at the center of
this anthology. It is sweet, sexy, intriguing, and exciting. “Effluent Engine,”
by N. K. Jemisin, happens to be my personal favorite. There’s Haiti, New
Orleans, spies, and the uncovering of a scientific mind. Also, a daring escape
on an airship. I can never resist a daring escape on an airship.
Not all
these tales have happy endings. Perhaps that is because not all real-life
lesbians have happy endings. Perhaps that is because some romances are doomed.
At any rate, this is not a book of happily-ever-afters. It is a book of
adventures that will stick with you.
I give Steam Powered four gears out of five. I highly recommend that you
seek out this fantastic collection and read it immediately.
Your Correspondent From The Bookstore,
Penny J. Merriweather
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