The Custodian of Marvels is Book #3 in Rod Duncan’s Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire trilogy (links to our reviews of Books #1 & #2 are below the online revThe Custodian of Marvels is Book #3 in Rod Duncan’s Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire trilogy (links to our reviews of Books #1 & #2 are below the online review). This dystopian steampunk mystery series features a world shaped by an alternate history in which Luddites succeeded in their rebellion against the industrial age – at least in the part of the world we know as the UK.
If you haven’t read Books #1 & #2, you’ll want to check out those reviews below this review online because this is a series that I strongly believe needs to be read in sequence to get a real sense of how this world came into being, as well as the effect its divisions and the Patent Office’s powerful reach have had on the people in it. It is also a series that builds gradually, with side stories and characters coming together in this last installment. The bottom line: If you like kick-butt, fearless heroines determined to persevere against all odds in genre-bending novels then I predict you’ll like this series even if you’re not a dystopian or steampunk fan. ...more
Even if I hadn’t loved The Bullet Catcher’s Daughter, Book #1 in The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire series by Rod Duncan, I would have fallen for the bookEven if I hadn’t loved The Bullet Catcher’s Daughter, Book #1 in The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire series by Rod Duncan, I would have fallen for the book cover for Unseemly Science. I love clever art work that seems straight forward at first glance but that suddenly causes me to do a double take like this book cover does. Of course I’d also been anxiously awaiting a sequel to Book #1, so I could hardly wait to dig into Unseemly Science. There’s a link to our review of Book #1 at the bottom of my online review for those of you unfamiliar with it.
If you haven’t read The Bullet Catcher’s Daughter, you could read Unseemly Science as a stand-alone; however, I think you’d benefit greatly by having read the first novel. Once you do that, you’re going to be hooked on this series anyway if you like steampunk elements, alternate universes, nasty political intrigue, a strong heroine who refuses to be pigeon-holed by society, and/or lots of fun Sherlock Holmes style detecting…among other things. Well, you get the idea – there’s a lot going on in this series and it makes for one hell of a good read! Check out the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=8485. ...more
It’s embarrassing to admit that, when I chose The Last American Vampire by Seth Grahame-Smith, I thought I had read Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. EIt’s embarrassing to admit that, when I chose The Last American Vampire by Seth Grahame-Smith, I thought I had read Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Evidently I hadn’t but I didn’t realize that until after I had finished The Last American Vampire. Have you ever had that happen? So embarrassing. I read tons of novels every year (probably literally) so I guess it’s inevitable that it would happen at least once. Agh! Instead I had read a different novel about Abraham Lincoln becoming a vampire. So it shouldn’t be surprising that I thought the writing style was really different in Mr. Grahame-Smith’s second novel than in his first. Well, doh, it would be wouldn’t it, since he was not the author of the original novel I read. *head-desk* You might get a chuckle out of the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=8074....more
Rod Duncan is probably best known for his crime novels so when he decided to write a steampunk novel, it’s only natural that it became a mystery as weRod Duncan is probably best known for his crime novels so when he decided to write a steampunk novel, it’s only natural that it became a mystery as well. The Bullet Catcher’s Daughter is Book #1 in his new duology titled The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire. Are you familiar with the Luddites? What if they had won their attempted revolution? That could well have been the question Rod Duncan asked himself when he became inspired to write The Bullet Catcher’s Daughter. Sound interesting? I certainly thought so. See what you think at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7640....more
Bestselling author Peter David has a lot of sci-fi and comic credits but I still wasn’t sure when I picked up Artful. I decided to give it a try becauBestselling author Peter David has a lot of sci-fi and comic credits but I still wasn’t sure when I picked up Artful. I decided to give it a try because the Artful Dodger was one of my favorite characters in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, and I couldn’t resist a book that featured him. I should have known, given Mr. David’s track record, that this would not be your average spin-off novel. Instead it’s a really fun mash-up. Mr. David couldn’t resist adding his own unique spin to Dickens’ Victorian England – vampires. Now if anyone could take on vampires, it’s the Artful Dodger. Sound interesting? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7523....more
Choosing The Quick by Lauren Owen was pretty much a no brainer. Take Victorian England and mix in a gothic mystery coupled with strange paranormal/supChoosing The Quick by Lauren Owen was pretty much a no brainer. Take Victorian England and mix in a gothic mystery coupled with strange paranormal/supernatural elements, and how could I resist picking it up? Bring on the creepy background music and run check all the closets. This is at once a literary and often poetic work coupled with a macabre tale that frankly shouldn’t be read in bed at night, unless you don’t plan on sleeping afterward. Is it your cup of tea? Let’s find out, shall we? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7419....more
Last year we reviewed Book #1, Emilie & the Hollow World, in this series by Martha Wells and fell hard for this spunky heroine. My only concern was hoLast year we reviewed Book #1, Emilie & the Hollow World, in this series by Martha Wells and fell hard for this spunky heroine. My only concern was how Ms. Wells could possibly follow it up with anything half that good – where was there to go from there? Well, I needn’t have worried because Book #2, Emilie & the Sky World, proved I was quite wrong. Steampunk, action/adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, with a no-nonsense smart heroine, and all wrapped up in a neat package that would make Jules Verne proud – Yay, Emilie is back and better than ever! This is a great book for young adults, and any young-at-heart adult who grew up reading Jules Verne’s weird but exciting adventure tales. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7241....more
I loved The Winter Witch by bestselling author Paula Brackston, so I could hardly wait to read The Midnight Witch when I received it. It sat on my booI loved The Winter Witch by bestselling author Paula Brackston, so I could hardly wait to read The Midnight Witch when I received it. It sat on my bookshelf taunting me while I read books I’d already committed to before I got it. And it was well worth the wait. Paula Brackston’s forte is romantic historical fantasy, and this time she’s taking us to England on the cusp of World War II. I’m also delighted that we have a copy to use in a giveaway that someone will win at http://popcornreads.com/?p=7246....more
Innocent Blood is Book #2 in the Order of the Sanguines series by bestselling authors James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell. If you haven’t read my revieInnocent Blood is Book #2 in the Order of the Sanguines series by bestselling authors James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell. If you haven’t read my review of Book #1, Blood Gospel, there’s a link at the bottom of this review. Saying this series is The DaVinci Code meets vampires is too much of a simplification, although it is a jumping off point for discussion. Rollins and Cantrell have each used their strengths as authors to blend together a story that left me gasping with its intensity, thoroughness, and its cleverness. FYI: The vampires, humans, and other types of creatures in this novel are not cuddly or sparkly – they are multi-dimensional, just like everyone in real life.
This is fiction and I had to keep reminding myself of that. It includes a backstory that’s alternative history blended with accepted Judeo-Christo history and it’s pure fantasy. That said, it is so damn believable, and the characters ring true with a depth that’s not often seen in such fast-paced thrillers. If you haven’t read Book #1, I’d encourage you to do so to get the full context and backstory; however, I believe Innocent Blood can, to a large extent, stand on its own as well. Sound interesting? If so, read on at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6925 – with the usual warnings about spoilers, of course. ...more
When I was approached about participating in the virtual book tour for Abe Lincoln: Public Enemy No. 1 by Brian Anthony and Bill Walker, I was lookingWhen I was approached about participating in the virtual book tour for Abe Lincoln: Public Enemy No. 1 by Brian Anthony and Bill Walker, I was looking for spooky novels for Halloween. The premise of this alternative historical novel intrigued me and I decided it was worth taking a closer look at what the authors had created. What if something happened and John Wilkes Booth didn’t kill Lincoln, as the public was told? What would become of this iconic and somewhat controversial historical figure? If you’re half as intrigued as I was then read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6780 because it’s a very interesting story to say the least....more
I never know what I’m going to find when I agree to read a debut novel, much less a novel written by writing partners. Sometimes the result is wonderfI never know what I’m going to find when I agree to read a debut novel, much less a novel written by writing partners. Sometimes the result is wonderful and sometimes not so much. Although One Great Year by Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio is not at all what I expected, it was a very interesting surprise. It is basically an alternative history/fantasy/love story, rooted in the concept of reincarnation. Add in dashes of philosophy, spirituality, historical milestones, ageless wisdom and human nature – blend well and serve.
My first thought was that the New Age crowd who liked The Celestine Prophecy is going to love this one. At the same time, its lessons about the universal and ageless nature of human existence down through time are things everyone will benefit from. We all believe we are unique, and at the same time we are all the same. One Great Year raises questions that have kept me thinking ever since I finished it. At its heart, it’s a classic good vs. evil story combined with an obsessive love story but I feel the way that story is presented makes it worth the journey. See if you agree when you read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6739. ...more
Book Review & Giveaway: Multi-award winning author Kim Newman’s Anno Dracula: Johnny Alucard covers the Anno Dracula period from 1976 through 1991. IfBook Review & Giveaway: Multi-award winning author Kim Newman’s Anno Dracula: Johnny Alucard covers the Anno Dracula period from 1976 through 1991. If you’re not familiar with this bestselling series, you’re probably scratching your head about now because everyone knows Dracula bit the dust centuries ago, right? The premise of this alternative history fantasy series is that he actually escaped Van Helsing and Dr. John Seward, and went on to gain unprecedented power in Germany and England. Anno Dracula: Johnny Alucard works just fine as a stand-alone read in case you’re like me and haven’t read the prior installments.
Vampires take on the glitterati in this latest volume, taking a bite out of the Big Apple and going where fame-hungry vampires all long to go, Hollywood. It’s gory, it’s campy, it’s irreverent satire, and it completely rewrites history. What could be better for Halloween reading? And, thanks to the publisher’s generosity, you could win a copy in our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6713. ...more
Book Review & Giveaway: I’ve long been a fan of classic Sherlock Holmes tales but I’m not always a fan of more modern attempts to capture this iconic Book Review & Giveaway: I’ve long been a fan of classic Sherlock Holmes tales but I’m not always a fan of more modern attempts to capture this iconic figure. I was, therefore, a bit hesitant when the publisher emailed me about Sherlock Holmes – The Stuff of Nightmares by bestselling author James Lovegrove. Still, it sounded like there might be steampunk elements to this novel and that really intrigued me. How fun would it be to combine Sherlock Holmes with steampunk? Luckily, steampunk does not overwhelm what Holmes fans expect to find in such a story. This is a combo sci-fi/Holmsian tale so it isn’t classic Holmes yet, as in all classic Holmes tales, it’s still the little grey cells that matter in the end. Thanks to the publisher’s generosity, one of you will win a copy in our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6597....more
Book Review & Giveaway: I was intrigued by the book cover for Blood of the Lamb: A Novel of Secrets by Sam Cabot. When I read the publisher’s brief deBook Review & Giveaway: I was intrigued by the book cover for Blood of the Lamb: A Novel of Secrets by Sam Cabot. When I read the publisher’s brief description of its concept, I knew I wanted to read it. Were you a fan of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code or other Church conspiracy novels? How about vampire novels? Or maybe you just like a fun, high-speed, non-stop thriller. If you like any of those types of novels then Blood of the Lamb is going to make your day, if you’re like me. And, thanks to the publisher’s generosity, someone will win a finished hardcover copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6351....more
Book Review & Giveaway: When I read The Watchers, Book #1 of the Angelus Trilogy by Jon Steele, I knew I had been given a real gift. Angel City, Book Book Review & Giveaway: When I read The Watchers, Book #1 of the Angelus Trilogy by Jon Steele, I knew I had been given a real gift. Angel City, Book #2 in the trilogy, has just been released and it’s every bit as good as Book #1. I don’t normally read books that are overtly about angels and demons but this trilogy is so much more than that and I have been hooked big time by it. Jon Steele blends mythology, metaphysics, sci-fi/fantasy, historical events and a complex thriller of the first order into a very unique story that has mesmerized me. And you could win a copy in our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6104....more
Book Review & Giveaway: When I saw the book cover for The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black by E.B. Hudspeth, I couldn’t resist it. Book Review & Giveaway: When I saw the book cover for The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black by E.B. Hudspeth, I couldn’t resist it. Once I received my copy and began to look through it, I knew there was a reason Publisher’s Weekly named it a top 10 sci-fi/fantasy pick for Spring 2013. If you’re into dark fantasy with a sci-fi edge then you’re going to be very intrigued by this one. And, thanks to the publisher’s generosity, we’re giving away a finished hardcover copy at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6068....more
Hello steampunk fans – this one’s for you. After reviewing The Girl in the Steel Corset, Book #1 in the Steampunk Chronicles series (review link at thHello steampunk fans – this one’s for you. After reviewing The Girl in the Steel Corset, Book #1 in the Steampunk Chronicles series (review link at the end of this review), I couldn’t resist Kady Cross’ latest novel in the series, Book #3, The Girl with the Iron Touch. Although it can be read as a stand-alone novel, I strongly recommend reading them in order. This series has a lot of different plots and relationships to track, so they’ll make more sense if you learn about them as they develop. Otherwise it could feel a bit scattered and nonsensical. The Steampunk Chronicles is geared toward young adults but, like a lot of novels in the YA genre, it will definitely appeal to people of all ages. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=6038....more
Book Review & Giveaway: It may be April Fools Day but we’re not fooling when we tell you that we’ve got a great giveaway for you! Emilie & the Hollow Book Review & Giveaway: It may be April Fools Day but we’re not fooling when we tell you that we’ve got a great giveaway for you! Emilie & the Hollow World by Martha Wells is a steampunk sci-fi/fantasy adventure novel aimed at YA readers but, since I quickly forgot that our heroine is a teen, I think readers of all ages will enjoy this one. This is another novel that would do Jules Verne proud – that’s two in two weeks! If this sounds interesting then read on. Emilie is a heroine you’re going to love! And one reader will win an advance readers copy (ARC) of it, thanks to the publisher’s generosity! Read the rest of my review & enter our giveaway at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5684....more
In Quintessence, award-winning author David Walton blends science fiction and fantasy in a manner that would make Jules Verne proud. When I saw the boIn Quintessence, award-winning author David Walton blends science fiction and fantasy in a manner that would make Jules Verne proud. When I saw the book cover for Quintessence, it looked like just the kind of adventure I was in the mood for and, when I read the concept from Tor Publishing, I was sold. Are you in the mood for alternate history on a flat Earth with mysterious occurrences, alchemy, strange creatures and courageous explorers? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5661....more
When we reviewed The Dead of Winter by Lee Collins last Fall, I could hardly wait for the sequel to be published. Cora is one of those characters who When we reviewed The Dead of Winter by Lee Collins last Fall, I could hardly wait for the sequel to be published. Cora is one of those characters who just grabs you, and I needed to know what happened to her after she left Leadville. Thankfully Angry Robot didn’t wait a full year to publish She Returns From War, its follow-up. This is a paranormal Western and those are such fun! Although you don’t absolutely to have read The Dead of Winter to enjoy She Returns From War, I strongly recommend reading it first. I think it will result in a much better reading experience for you. Combining the Wild West with demons, vampires, shape shifters and all the paranormal has to offer makes for a winning combo you’re going to love! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=5380....more
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