Here There be Monsters - Short Story Review

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Here There be Monsters by Meljean Brook (from the Anthology Burning Up)

What is it about:
Two years ago, blacksmith Ivy, desperate to flee London, purchased her overseas passage by agreeing to spend the voyage in the bed of the pirate captain, Mad Machen. Saved at the last minute by his rival, Ivy scraped out a new life in Fool’s Cove…until Mad Machen finds her, forces her to accept a job that will create a monster, and reminds her that she still owes him the price of a journey…

What did I think of it:
This Steampunk story is part of an anthology that's all about hot paranormal romance, so not too surprisingly the focus of the story is a romance, which is quite intense and worth reading all by itself. That being said: for a short story there's some amazing world building and Brook paints a Steampunk setting that has me excited and hungry for more. There's even mention of zombies, although unfortunately enough it's just a mention, but as this story is a set up for a series I think we can expect the zombies to make a real appearance in future stories. I really like how the characters in this story are affected by the Steampunk influences around them both physically and mentally and I must say I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series - The Iron Duke - to learn more about this cool and intriguing world and the characters that populate it.

Why should you read it:
Steampunk and Pirates! Need I say more?

* I won this book at vvB32 Reads and this review is entered in vvB's Iron Seas Challenge

(expect a review of the other stories in this anthology soon)

The Alchemy of Stone - Book Review

The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia

What is it about:
Mattie, an intelligent automaton skilled in the use of alchemy, finds herself caught in the middle of a conflict between gargoyles, the Mechanics, and the Alchemists. With the old order quickly giving way to the new, Mattie discovers powerful and dangerous secrets - secrets that can completely alter the balance of power in the city of Ayona. However, this doesn't sit well with Loharri, the Mechanic who created Mattie and still has the key to her heart - literally!

What did I think about it:
A well written, intriguing Steampunk story with lifelike characters, even those who aren't technically alive. The most memorable characters for me were Loharri (Mattie didn't appreciate him enough in my opinion) and the Soul-Smoker, who rids the city of wandering ghosts. I must admit I did find the world Sedia builds a bit depressing and bleak from time to time and I must say you shouldn't read this book if you're looking for a feel good story. That being said this book is a great and thought provoking read and I hope Sedia will write more Steampunk books.

Why should you read it:
If you're interested in Steampunk you will most probably love this book.