The Iron Duke

The Iron Duke: A Penny Dreadful Review

There comes a time in every Steampunk's life when their thoughts turn to sweeter pursuits than gear-crafting. When these desires occur, the best way to ease them is with a good romance. Fortunately, I have happened upon just the book. I highly recommend slaking your lusts with The Iron Duke, by Meljean Brook.

But Miss Merriweather, you may protest, just because I want to read about people falling in love does not mean that I want a goopy comedy of manners! Fortuitously, this is not that book. The Iron Duke is also a high-stakes adventure in a fascinating world.

Meljean Brook puts a lot of attention into creating her world of the Iron Seas. Armor-plated kraken and megalodons terrorize sea traffic. Zombies roam an abandoned Europe. England has just struggled out of the choking grip of the Horde Empire thanks to the titular Iron Duke, Rhys Trahaearn, a pirate, rogue, and beloved public figure.

The Horde are the descendants of Genghis Kahn's army. The swept across China, then lay in wait for a few hundred years, developing frightening technologies - war machines, terrifying beasts, tiny, mind and body controlling bugs that they smuggled into England and Englishmen via tea and sugar. When the time was ripe, they invaded Europe, enslaving or slaughtering the populace.

            Inspector Mina Wentworth, the result of an impoverished countess and a Horde rapist, must solve a murder that lands on the Iron Duke's doorstep. Literally. The victim was thrown from an airship. When the Inspector and the Duke meet, sparks fly. If Mina gives in to her frightening desire, it could destroy her career and her family. Trahaearn nearly goes mad with the unfamiliar sensation of wanting something he cannot possess. Meanwhile, a shadowy organization known as the Black Guard is trying to obtain a weapon that could kill every Englishman who survived the Horde.

If I had a complaint, it would be about Trahaearn's possessiveness. It's disturbing to me that he initially goes after Mina as if she is a prize to own. This character trait may not bother you, but it did me. As the relationship develops, their footing becomes more equal and one understands the Duke's motivations more. He turns out quite likable.

I give The Iron Duke four gears out of five. I couldn't put it down. The adventure is gripping and the sex scenes (because eventually Mina does succumb) are scorching and erotic. I highly recommend this as a late night read. I am now on a quest for the sequel, Heart of Steel.

Your Correspondent From The Bookstore,

Penny J. Merriweather

Steam Powered: Lesbian Steampunk Stories

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

Kisses By Clockwork

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

Dead Iron

Dead Iron: A Penny Dreadful Review

A man with a curse. A frontier town full of suspicious people that reluctantly tolerates him. A railroad baron that is much stranger than he seems. A beautiful witch. Her dead husband out for revenge. Three silver miners with odd contraptions and even odder secrets. Magic twines around the gritty gears that drive Dead Iron by Devon Monk.
The world is certainly different from anything I’ve seen before, and at first the supernatural elements seemed a little jarring. There’s a portion of chapter three where things become entirely unfamiliar and seem almost unsupported by the story up to that point. Yet, with a little more explanation, things do fall into place, and after chapter four, the story gets a lot better. I won’t spoil it, because it is definitely worth discovering on your own, especially when there’s an underground zipline involved.
I was saddened to find a handful of typos and nonsensical sentences sprinkled through the prose. It seems Ms. Monk’s editor was asleep on the job, and it really hurts the story.
I must say a few words about the awesomeness of the character Rose Small. She’s an unconventional foundling who, in my opinion, totally steals the show. She really shines by the climax, taking up arms in the defense of [spoiler redacted]. I wish her mysterious past had been explained rather than just hinted at.
I give Dead Iron three and one half gears out of five. It was quite good, but could have used another tweaking to make it truly brilliant. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book if you enjoy the dark and supernatural in your Steampunk.

Your Correspondent From The Bookstore,
Penny J. Merriweather