I picked this up on sale at the Imperial War Museum in London a couple of weeks ago. Why? Because zeppelins! So far - and I am only about 30-40 pages into it - it's a good read.
From blackpowdergames.blogspot.com
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
02 August 2016
05 January 2010
Steampunk Book Reviews
Leviathan, by Scott Westerfield
The first book I am going to review for you today is called Leviathan. It is essentially a weird science alternate history novel. The setting is Europe, in 1914. Archduke Ferdinand and his wife have been poisoned in Sarajevo after two failed assassination attempts earlier in the day. Their only son, Aleksander, escapes into the night with two of his father's most rusted retainers in a battered old Stormwalker-class combat walker. Yep, diesel powered armored walking vehicles. I don't want to give any more of the plot or characters away.
You have the start of World War I, the clash between two technologies: Clankers, like Germany, Austro-Hungary, and the Ottomans, versus Darwinites, like France, Russia, and Great Britain. The Clankers rely on advanced machinery. Darwinists have created genetically engineered creatures to fulfill their needs. And they rush to war.
I really liked this book. If you like VSF or steampunk, I think you will, too. Although technically I guess it is dieselpunk.
See the trailer for the book here: Leviathan trailer
Boneshaker, by Cherie Priest
If you like air pirates, zeppelins, poisonous gas, mothers, sons, mad scientists, Indian princesses, and zombies, you'll like Boneshaker. If you don't, there is something so fundamentally wrong with you that I can't imagine why you read this blog in the first place.
Another alternate history/weird science kind of tale, the plot is basically pigheaded teen boy gets into dangerous situation and loving mother tries to save him. Add in all the yummy stuff I mentioned before. Especially the rotters. Love them.
Publisher's Weekly says:
"In an alternate 1880s America, mad inventor Leviticus Blue is blamed for
destroying Civil War–era Seattle. When Zeke Wilkes, Blue's son, goes into the
walled wreck of a city to clear his father's name, Zeke's mother, Briar Wilkes,
follows him in an airship, determined to rescue her son from the toxic gas that
turns people into zombies (called rotters and described in gut-churning detail).
When Briar learns that Seattle still has a mad inventor, Dr. Minnericht, who
eerily resembles her dead husband, a simple rescue quickly turns into a
thrilling race to save Zeke from the man who may be his father. Intelligent,
exceptionally well written and showcasing a phenomenal strong female protagonist
who embodies the complexities inherent in motherhood, this yarn is a must-read
for the discerning steampunk fan."
I say:
"It's a Sci-Fi Essentials book, and a Steampunk aficionado (sp?)
Staple. Read it. Now."
13 April 2009
Other than Mars and Venus...
...what VSF planets would you conjure up?
My friend Eli and I have been discussing this topic privately by email, but its such an interesting idea that I thought it deserved a mention here.
Some of the ideas so far - note that all need a good deal of PSB* to justify:
Jupiter or Saturn
Living in floating bubbles in the atmosphere, mining the rings, processing gasses out of the atmosphere, etc. Floating cities, flying vehicles. Make the Great Red Spot a creature rather than a storm... scary stuff if it notices Jupiter's newest inhabitants.
Moons
Ganymede, for instance. Heat from the gas giant makes the planet terrestrial.
Mercury
Inhabitable, but only barely, possibly along the twilight line. A place of extreme vulcanism, its mineral wealth is undeniable. Perhaps used as a prison planet? Think Mustafar from Star Wars Episode III or that prison planet on Chronicles of Riddick - can't recall the planetary name. Inferno, perhaps?
Stargate-style travel to extra-solar planets. One way stargates even more fun, as the pioneers would be forced to first build a return gate before they could come home. Good roleplay potential there, at any rate...
Hollow Earth, either Pellucidar style (dig your own tunnel through Earth's crust to get there) or via tunnel at the North Pole to Skartaris (courtesy of DC's The Warlord comic book, which is supposed to be back in publication!).
Lots of possibilities out there... share some of your ideas!
*PSB: Pseudo-scientific bulls**t.
My friend Eli and I have been discussing this topic privately by email, but its such an interesting idea that I thought it deserved a mention here.
Some of the ideas so far - note that all need a good deal of PSB* to justify:
Jupiter or Saturn
Living in floating bubbles in the atmosphere, mining the rings, processing gasses out of the atmosphere, etc. Floating cities, flying vehicles. Make the Great Red Spot a creature rather than a storm... scary stuff if it notices Jupiter's newest inhabitants.
Moons
Ganymede, for instance. Heat from the gas giant makes the planet terrestrial.
Mercury
Inhabitable, but only barely, possibly along the twilight line. A place of extreme vulcanism, its mineral wealth is undeniable. Perhaps used as a prison planet? Think Mustafar from Star Wars Episode III or that prison planet on Chronicles of Riddick - can't recall the planetary name. Inferno, perhaps?
Stargate-style travel to extra-solar planets. One way stargates even more fun, as the pioneers would be forced to first build a return gate before they could come home. Good roleplay potential there, at any rate...
Hollow Earth, either Pellucidar style (dig your own tunnel through Earth's crust to get there) or via tunnel at the North Pole to Skartaris (courtesy of DC's The Warlord comic book, which is supposed to be back in publication!).
Lots of possibilities out there... share some of your ideas!
*PSB: Pseudo-scientific bulls**t.
22 October 2008
HYDRIUM!
Hydrium Discovered in Ghola District!
Hydrium, that marvelous Martian miasma, is of course what provides so many large creatures on Mars with the lift necessary for flight. It is naturally occuring in many animal species, and in at least one plant species, the hydrium tree, more commonly known as 'liftwood.' The fact that hydrium has a greater lifting potential than hydrogen while remaining totally non-flammable makes it an extremely valuable commodity.
"Coupled with the slightly reduced gravitational effects on the Red Planet," states Professor Percival Botham, "naturally occurring plant-based hydrium makes very large objects capable of flight without the use of cumbersome gas bags. With gas bags, the scale of such aerial behemoths becomes astonishing."
Until recently, it was thought by Earthly scientists that hydrium was a natural digestive byproduct unique to Martian biology. However, the eminent Texican geologist, Howard Burroughs, has discovered a natural 'well' of pure hydrium gas in a secret location in the remote agricultural Ghola District of the Martian Crown Colony. Mr. Burroughs was searching for petroleum deposits when he noticed the distinctive mango-like scent of hydrium in the air.
The ramifications of this discovery may upset the delicate balance of power between the European states on Mars and their allies, thanks to the frontier location of the sleepy Ghola District. Naturally, Her Majesty's Government lays claim to the strategically important mineral, as is only right, providing Mr. Burroughs with a handsome percentage of the profit to be obtained from hydrium development without burdening the man of science with the tawdry financial details.
"Ghost" Archers Developing
This journal hopes to be able to produce an 8-part photostatic essay on the creation of a Martian "ghost" archer in the near future. Please be so kind as to keep an eye out for these mysterious red devils of the deserts. While no one knows their plans at this time, such furtive, secretive activity can not possibly indicate trustworthiness. The author suspects the hand of the perfidious Hun behind these strange natives.
The Prince in Flight
As promised, good readers, here is a rather poor photostatic image of the Prince Gopotty astride his mighty flying mount. The photographer was severely mauled by the golden whorled deathray immediately following the capture of this image; donations to his widow may be sent care of this journal, made out to cash.
[Editor's Note: Hydrium is a wonder gas introduced by James Oppel in his novel Airborn. I highly recommend it for younger readers and as a light read. Not exactly Victorian, but it has zeppelins and air pirates, so how bad could it be?]
26 May 2008
Writing has Commenced...
I just finished today the first chapter in my VSF book. Champagne for all!
It is virtually the only work I have done in Victorian Science Fiction for the past week. Its only a 38 page (paperback pages; 19 letter) short story about the first adventurers to (briefly) enter the luminiferous aether in my timeline. British, naturally, as I am such an Anglophile, and Britain was the pre-eminent industrial power at the time of the launch in 1861.
It's good, I think, for a first go. I already have the idea for the second, longer story to be put in the book, which I envision as a compilation of short stories rather than a single tale. Of course, with a bit of work, it could all be tied together into one novel, I suppose.
I'll consider posting the story online here, for constructive critique, if there's a desire to read it. Ultimately, I hope to publish the collection, or at least parts of it, professionally. I'm always critical of my own writing though, so I am never sure if its worth submitting. Let me know if you think I should post it.
It is virtually the only work I have done in Victorian Science Fiction for the past week. Its only a 38 page (paperback pages; 19 letter) short story about the first adventurers to (briefly) enter the luminiferous aether in my timeline. British, naturally, as I am such an Anglophile, and Britain was the pre-eminent industrial power at the time of the launch in 1861.
It's good, I think, for a first go. I already have the idea for the second, longer story to be put in the book, which I envision as a compilation of short stories rather than a single tale. Of course, with a bit of work, it could all be tied together into one novel, I suppose.
I'll consider posting the story online here, for constructive critique, if there's a desire to read it. Ultimately, I hope to publish the collection, or at least parts of it, professionally. I'm always critical of my own writing though, so I am never sure if its worth submitting. Let me know if you think I should post it.
26 February 2008
Two projects done! (well, almost)
Greetings friends.
This journal is becoming something of a bore for many of you, I fear. But, in the hopes that some of you enjoy the "What I am Working On" nature of the journal, I shall continue. Perhaps in the near-ish future I will also add some more to the Publications area. I know that a few things have been modified since last I posted documents to that section. Maybe this weekend.
The Texicans are finished but for their protective clear coat. Twelve stout Republic of Texas lads, ready to march onto the table. I'll post photostats soon.
The first of the Venusians is ready as well. These fellows fight in both scales that I game in. They make HUGE Venusian lizardmen for the 15/18mm VSF and sort of small ones (if a bit heavily built) for the 25/28mm VSF. For these troops I used Games Workshop Skinks that I purchased already painted some months ago from a telephonic auction site that is quite the rage these days. A few touchups, some base work (very little) and there you have it: ten Venusian Lizardmen of the more primitive sort.
One tent for the Martian nomads has been prepared quite satisfactorily, and a second is in the works. Still waiting to get started on that second Johnny gun. Where does all the time go?
I have looked as well on a new telephonic auction site, http://www.wargamesmarket.com/. Please take a moment to check them out, as they are quite specific in supporting this daft hobby of ours. I've bid on a few things, though, so please don't take them from me! It would be terribly rude, don't you know? Not - perhaps - sabers at dawn, but certainly Something That Simply Isn't Done.
Also, I have been re-reading the novels of Mister H. G. Wells recently. My eldest son has a long-term assignment through the school to read several of an author's books and do a variety of reports and projects of sorts over the various novels. Greyson (the eldest lad, that is) chose Mr. Wells as his author. Other than that poppycock about tentacled Martians (Good Lord! Everyone knows Martians are red skinned humanoids! What nonsense and stuff!), I have quite thoroughly enjoyed the tales of Prendick, Moreau, Griffen and the rest.
Good rest to you all.
P.S. Jim, please wish Susan a 'Happy Birthday' for all of us if you read this tomorrow. I know Chan plans to call her tomorrow, but Dane is off to the dentist for a few extractions and fillings. She might get too wrapped up in that and forget to call.
This journal is becoming something of a bore for many of you, I fear. But, in the hopes that some of you enjoy the "What I am Working On" nature of the journal, I shall continue. Perhaps in the near-ish future I will also add some more to the Publications area. I know that a few things have been modified since last I posted documents to that section. Maybe this weekend.
The Texicans are finished but for their protective clear coat. Twelve stout Republic of Texas lads, ready to march onto the table. I'll post photostats soon.
The first of the Venusians is ready as well. These fellows fight in both scales that I game in. They make HUGE Venusian lizardmen for the 15/18mm VSF and sort of small ones (if a bit heavily built) for the 25/28mm VSF. For these troops I used Games Workshop Skinks that I purchased already painted some months ago from a telephonic auction site that is quite the rage these days. A few touchups, some base work (very little) and there you have it: ten Venusian Lizardmen of the more primitive sort.
One tent for the Martian nomads has been prepared quite satisfactorily, and a second is in the works. Still waiting to get started on that second Johnny gun. Where does all the time go?
I have looked as well on a new telephonic auction site, http://www.wargamesmarket.com/. Please take a moment to check them out, as they are quite specific in supporting this daft hobby of ours. I've bid on a few things, though, so please don't take them from me! It would be terribly rude, don't you know? Not - perhaps - sabers at dawn, but certainly Something That Simply Isn't Done.
Also, I have been re-reading the novels of Mister H. G. Wells recently. My eldest son has a long-term assignment through the school to read several of an author's books and do a variety of reports and projects of sorts over the various novels. Greyson (the eldest lad, that is) chose Mr. Wells as his author. Other than that poppycock about tentacled Martians (Good Lord! Everyone knows Martians are red skinned humanoids! What nonsense and stuff!), I have quite thoroughly enjoyed the tales of Prendick, Moreau, Griffen and the rest.
Good rest to you all.
P.S. Jim, please wish Susan a 'Happy Birthday' for all of us if you read this tomorrow. I know Chan plans to call her tomorrow, but Dane is off to the dentist for a few extractions and fillings. She might get too wrapped up in that and forget to call.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)