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

Mechanique

Mechanique: A Tale Of The Circus Tresaulti, A Penny Dreadful Review

            A boy with brass legs walks into a crumbling town after the end of the modern world and plasters posters for a circus on a ruined wall. A strongman with a spine of steel lifts four women at once over his head. Airialists with hollow copper bones fly from trapeze to trapeze while a man that is more musical instrument than human being plays a mesmerizing tune. That is the Circus Tresaulti. That is the ephemeral masterpiece Mechanique, by Genevieve Valentine.

            Mechanique is like reading someone’s dream. The narrative weaves in and out of time, stitching together a picture of the circus. It is as if Ms. Valentine is a spotlight operator lighting up different bits of the performers’ histories. It’s a highly unusual style. It took me a few chapters to understand what was going on, but once I got it, I was hooked.

            I highly recommend Mechanique. I give it four and a half gears out of five. It is a literary spectacle of a show, and you need to buy a ticket. Find this book. It is a treasure.

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