Do you know steampunk? Steampunk is a combination of science fiction and fantasy, re-written history and alternate realities. Often there are elements of (obviously) steam powered objects and robotics set within a time not too different from our own recent past, but even that isn't a given. Speculative fiction at its heart, it's a genre as wide open as science fiction itself but with so many wonderfully unique twists and turns that you will be amazed by what the authors within this anthology have come up with.
Fourteen different authors (some very familiar, if you're a young adult fan), fourteen different stories. Set in locations all across the globe (and beyond) in all different time periods, from ancient Rome to a post-apocalyptic future. Talking dolls and robotic dance instructors, crazy hand-held gadgets and steam powered cars - anywhere your imagination can take you, you might find it in this anthology. The real stand-outs for me were Nowhere Fast by Christopher Rowe, The Ghost of Cwmlech Manor by Delia Sherman and Clockwork Fagin by Cory Doctorow. But OH I liked some of the others too! Sometimes mysterious, sometimes romantic, what I enjoyed most is that I just never knew what crazy thing I'd read about next. Guns that can slow down time? Orphans with robotic limbs? Seriously. Awesome stuff.
You can't go wrong with this collection - and that's the great thing about an anthology. If one story doesn't catch your fancy, go ahead and try the next one. I'd be surprised if you didn't find a new author to try. Put on your helmet and goggles, catch a ride on a dirigible, and get ready to explore.
note: if you're interested in the content of the books I read, please go to http://ratedreads.com
1 comment:
I've been a little hesitant to try steampunk. A collection like this would probably make a good introduction for me.
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