The Steamborn Trilogy by Eric R. Asher ~ #audiobook #bookreview

January 19, 2018

Title: The Steamborn Trilogy

Series: Steamborn, Books 1-3  

Author: Eric R. Asher

Release Date: October 4, 2017

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld 

Length: 27 hrs and 27 mins

Source: Audiobook copy for review  

Purchase: Audible | Amazon | B&N 

My Rating: 

Steamborn (Book 1)

Jacob, a tinker's apprentice, has never backed down from an adventure, but when a swarm of Deadlands creatures shatters the peace of Ancora, he'll face trials the likes of which he has never imagined. Forced out of the Lowlands, Jacob and his friends seek shelter behind the towering walls of the Highlands, only to uncover a terrible darkness at the heart of their city.

Steamforged (Book 2)

There are old wounds in the forgotten places of the world, and some are soaked in blood.

Jacob and his allies flee into the Deadlands after the fall of Ancora. Charles, the enigmatic smith, hopes to find answers in the desert city of Bollwerk that could prevent a war.

Their enemies are many, and here Jacob will learn the cost of life in the Deadlands.

Steamsworn (Book 3)

The world dies in war only to be reborn. It is the way of things, and always will be.

Forged in the Deadlands crucible, and armed with the knowledge of their true enemy, Jacob, Alice, and their allies bring the fight back to Ancora. The wounds cut deep in their darkest hour, but in the end, vengeance will light their path.

NOTE: For my review, I'll first discuss the narration of the entire trilogy, then go into more detail with each novel. 

Narration for the Steamborn Trilogy

The narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, did an amazing job voicing all of the different characters. She has a lovely and pleasant voice to listen to, and her accent is fab! I was impressed with her ability to differentiate the characters so cleanly to where I never had to wonder who was speaking. I'm interested in hearing her also narrate other novels.    

Steamborn (Book 1)

In Steamborn, we're introduced to Jacob, a teenage boy and resident of the city of Ancora who often finds himself in trouble. He's brilliant with gadgets and inventions as an apprentice to his mentor, Charles. While Jacob does have both of his parents, Charles is still like a father figure to him, and I loved their interactions. He is impressed by Jacob's devotion to their inventions and encourages his thoughts and ideas. 

Jacob's friend, Alice, is straight-laced and a rule follower but extremely caring and loyal. I loved their close friendship and the way it blossomed over the course of the story. 

While Steamborn does start a bit slowly, it soon picks up its pace and has a lot going for it. There's giant bugs, steampunk gadgets that are easy to imagine and understand, the struggle between the rich and the poor, and a mystery Jacob discovers about the city he's lived in for his entire life. An excellent start to an excellent trilogy!

Steamforged (Book 2)

Steamforged gives us a look into the world outside of the city of Ancora and into the Deadlands and the city of Bollwerk. Jacob, Alice, Charles and Samuel (a spider knight) travel across the Deadlands to Bollwerk, and new characters are introduced. My favorite new character was Mary, who's not only a strong and independent woman but also an airship captain (go Mary!). I loved her!   

While Steamborn was more introductory, Steamforged brings much needed action and suspense to the trilogy. I looked forward to experiencing the places and people which were talked about in the first book.   

There's tension and I love delving into the differences between the poor and the rich because a lot of those parts of the story seem to parallel what's going on in the real world. I think there's a message in this story about the lengths the rich will go to in order to protect themselves no matter the heavy cost the poor ends up paying. Steamforged gave me a lot to think about with terrific characters and stellar writing. I loved it!  

Steamsworn (Book 3)

Man, Steamsworn hit me hard right in the feels! Asher upped the ante with for his characters with this last installment in the Steamborn trilogy. The book was action packed from beginning to end, and there were moments where I think my heart stopped from being kept in suspense. My emotions were all over the place, and I couldn't believe how much was happening. It wasn't overwhelming at all, so don't worry about that. 

Steamsworn means so much to me because I love the characters fiercely. I feel their feelings and know their thoughts. They've become like real people to me with their hopes and fears. 

This last installment in the trilogy was satisfying, and while I'll miss the characters and their passion to fight for what's right, I'm happy with the way it ended.   

Thanks for visiting Donnie Darko Girl!  

Hand of Miriam: A Bayla and the Golem Novel by Eva Gordon ~ Blog Tour: Review & Top Ten List

Hand of Miriam

A Bayla and the Golem Novel #1
by Eva Gordon

Published December 6th 2013

Published by Eva Gordon

Genre: Steampunk

Source: Review copy

Cover art by Nicolene van Staden

Editing by Marion Archer and Karen Lawson

Word Count: 105,618
Page Count Print: 390 pages
ISBN-10: 1494302802
ISBN-13: 978-1494302801

Add: Goodreads | BookLikes

Purchase: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

B&N | Smashwords | iTunes | Kobo 

Book Tagline: A Victorian world of supernatural creatures, magnificent airships, a secret society, and one bluestocking adventuress who, threatened by evil seeks protection by awakening the golem.

Synopsis

On an archaeological expedition, Bayla Gideon, is widowed by a supernatural force and branded with the Hand of Miriam or Knowing Eye. Threatened by evil, she awakens the golem; a mythical man of clay, who protected the Jewish community over three centuries ago.

The golem, Gesher, is surprised. Freedom - by a beautiful, enchanting woman. His desire is to return to the celestial spheres and regain his status as an avenging angel. Yet, Bayla challenges his mind, body and soul. Would he risk his return to the heavens for her?

Besides, dealing with the otherkind, mad inventors and an unrelenting matchmaking aunt, Bayla is equally determined to resist her steamy attraction to the striking fallen angel.

Thrust into a malevolent war, which includes facing Jack the Ripper, they must resist the magnetic pull toward each other, while protecting the world from encroaching evil.

Note: Hand of Miriam is Book 1 of a duology in Bayla and the Golem novels, which will continue after Book 2, Her Majesty's Witch, with the steampunk adventures of other corseted but brainy members of the exclusive Bluestocking Adventuress Club.

I'm always craving more steampunk stories, and HAND OF MIRIAM confirmed for me that I haven't read nearly enough. This book blew me away with its creative plot, vibrant characters, and mix of Jewish mythology, supernatural creatures, and steampunk. There are several layers rich to the story which kept things intriguing and caused me to stay glued to my Kindle.  

After her husband's tragic death, Bayla awakens a golem - a fallen angel named Gesher - to protect her from the supernatural creatures threatening her because she's been branded with the Hand of Miriam and can detect them. She can "read" their evil intentions and prevent them from killing people. They obviously don't want to be kept from harming others and view Bayla as a threat, making attempts on her life several times. 

Expecting a man of clay, Bayla is surprised when she summons the golem and he's in the form of an attractive man. Gesher is a fallen angel who has lost his wings, and if he wants them to be restored and go back to heaven, he must not become intimate with a human woman. They're attracted to each other instantly but must fight their feelings - Bayla doesn't want to prevent Gesher from returning to heaven. There's a lot of heat between the two of them, and I loved every minute of it!

There were moments in HAND OF MIRIAM where I fought the instinct to look over my shoulder because I had a creepy crawly feeling, especially when Bayla awakens the golem. An entire world of supernatural creatures exists right in front of humans, but they can't see it. Thinking about that creeped me out, too. Whereas some people might not like that feeling, it is one I relish when a book causes me to feel this way.  

Bayla is my new favorite kick ass heroine. Though she's protected by the golem, she chooses to face down werewolves and the like alongside him. She has the desire to prevent any harm coming to other people and can do so with the Hand of Miriam though it is never easy. She's strong enough to hold back her physical desires for Gesher and is selfless - she doesn't want to be the cause of his downfall. I love her!

HAND OF MIRIAM is a novel not to be missed. With unforgettable characters setting out on unforgettable adventures in a steampunk world, there's romance, supernatural mayhem, Jewish mythology, and a plot that will leave you catching your breath. I'm looking forward to where the story will go from here!   

My Rating:

Top Ten TV Shows or Movies Great 

for a Steampunk Story

~ by Eva Gordon ~

1. The Walking Dead ~ Think of all the cool weaponry to blast away zombies. Actually in book 2, Her Majesty's Witch, A Bayla and the Golem novel, I have flesh eating revenants. But with a twist. No hints. 

2. Downtown Abbey ~ Instead of servants, we can have automatons. Let's also add a mad inventor to court Mary. 

3. The Bachelor ~ We would have Lord Basil Rumbledale choose his ideal Victorian wife. Each would be introduced donned in fine corsets and dress. We would have women from every walk of life, from airship mechanic to governess. 

4. True Blood ~ Werewolves wearing cravats, need I say more.

5. The Real Housewives of London ~ Or rather The Real Ladies of Buckingham Palace. 

6. Captain Phillips ~ Only he would be the captain of a dirigible. 

7. Iron Man ~ Clockwork Man

8. The Sound of Music ~ The Sound of Steam

9. The Wolf of Wall Street ~ The Mad Professor of Wall Street

10. Thor: The Dark World ~ Thor: The Mechanical World      

Eva Gordon writes genre bending paranormal/fantasy/steampunk and historical novels with a strong romantic element. She loves to create stories that combine her passion for mythology, steamy romance, and action/suspense. Her imagination takes her from one universe to the next. Thus far, she has several series lined up as well as single titles waiting in line for production.

Eva has a BS in Zoology and graduate studies in Biology. She once taught high school Biology, Environmental Science and Anatomy/Physiology. When not in her den writing, she can be found at steampunk conventions, at work in the raptor rehabilitation center, wolf sanctuaries, or to satisfy her inner Hemingway on some global eco adventure. 

Learn more about Eva Gordon below: 

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Pinterest | Goodreads | Google+
Amazon Author Page  

Blog Tour Organized by: Eva Gordon

Cover Reveal ~ Steel Lily by Megan Curd

Title: Steel Lily

Author: Megan Curd

Expected release date: Fall 2013

Genre: Dystopian w/ hints of Steampunk

Age Group: Young Adult

Cover Designed by: Mae I Design

  

AVERY PIKE is a commodity. No, more than a commodity. Her existence is guarded at all costs.

She’s a water Elementalist, the strongest of her dwindling kind. She creates steam to provide energy to fuel Dome Three: the only thing standing between humanity and an earth ravaged by World War III. No steam, no Dome. No Dome, no life.

Or so she thinks.

That is, until a mysterious man offers her a way out of having to donate steam. A way to escape the corrupt government of Dome Three. While the offer seems too good to be true, Avery is intrigued.

But when she arrives to her new home, she realizes the grass isn’t any less dead on this side of the fence. Instead, the lies are just hidden better.

 …Which means digging deeper.

When Avery enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth, it may make her wonder if she was better off being a government tool than searching for freedom.

Some secrets are better left concealed, but humankind was never meant to live in a cage. And when you can control the most sought after resource, you can learn to control anything…including the fate of your world.   

  About the Author
  Megan began her journey into writing as a college junior during winter finals at the encouragement of a friend. What resulted was Bridger, Megan's first full-length novel. Since then she has written the second book in the series, Traitor, and a stand-alone novel (which will hopefully become a series!) called The Guardian Chronicles: Forbidden.

When not writing, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and Great Dane, aptly named Dozer. She enjoys snowboarding, playing xBox, and crocheting. Music is a huge part of her life and drives her writing. Her favorite bands are Muse, Bon Iver, Florence + the Machine, and The Civil Wars.

Megan resides in Kentucky, near two of her writerly tweeps Hope Collier and Beth Isaacs, and swears it's Hope's fault she's living in the land of the banjos, but wouldn't have it any other way.

Twitter |Facebook | Steel Lily Website

 

Review ~ The Infinity Bridge by Ross M. Kitson

The Infinity Bridge

by Ross M. Kitson

Published November 7, 2012

Publisher ~ Myrddin Publishing Group

246 pages

Genre ~ YA, Steampunk, Science Fiction

Available Formats ~ Paperback or ebook

My Copy ~ Kindle edition for review

Average Rating ~ 4.31 / 5.00

My Rating ~ 5.00

 

Add to Goodreads

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

An MG/YA science-fiction/ Steampunk adventure

Sam: likes loud music, wears black eye-liner... and sees monsters.

Nick: wears Che Guevera knit-wear, big specs, loves sci-fi... and designs computer viruses.

Annie: dresses like a Sunday evening period drama, lives with her granddad... and fights like a ninja.

When Sam helps out the mysterious Annie, he and his cousin, Nick, are drawn into a world of excitement and danger. Terrifying androids roam the streets of York seeking the awesome power of the Infinity Bridge, a device that could signal the end of our world as we know it. All who stand in their way are being eliminated.

The three teenagers are propelled into an action-packed race against time, involving alternate realities, airships, clockwork killers.... and Merlin.

Sometimes the monsters are real....

 

My Review

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the Goodreads group We ♥ YA Books.

I've always wanted to read a book where characters discover alternate realities - the idea has always intrigued me and freaked me out at the same time. I've thought about it on a personal scale - do I exist somewhere else where I've made choice B instead of choice A, completely changing the course of my life? From that life, is there yet another life where I went on to make yet a different decision and son on? See how complicated it can get, and that's just the tip of the iceberg! It absolutely blows my mind! After reading this book, I've realized that if alternate realities do exist, the implications would be much larger than just changes to my own reality - entire societies would be similar yet different at the same time...it can be really fun to think about and yet kind of scary, too.

I stayed up so late at night reading - completely hooked by the story with my heart beating so fast from the suspense and action - that it took me a long time to wind down to sleep! It didn't help that I didn't want to have to stop reading in order to sleep. :) I appreciate a great solid storyline without a focus on romance. Don't get me wrong - I love romance in a book, but I was just fine with no triangle and no romantic entanglements. It was a nice change of pace for me.

 

When I began reading, I knew right away that I'd like Sam, one of the main characters. With his penchant for blasting Green Day, dressing punk complete with spiky dyed black hair, and a sarcastic sense of humor, he reminded me of me and my friends when we were that age. I love it when my favorite bands from the 90s are still mentioned in the books I read!

 

Nick, Ben, and Annie grew on me, and between these four characters - Sam, Ben, Nick, and Annie - each one had something different to offer and add to the story. I really felt a sense of injustice for Ben but gained more of an understanding of Ben's character right along with Sam as the story progressed.

 

I've only read one other book in the steampunk genre, and after reading this one, I definitely want to read more! Everything about this book was a surprise and made for a very entertaining and absorbing read. It's expanded my thinking in regards to alternate realities and the possibilities that could be out there waiting to be discovered.

 

Buy the Book:    Smashwords    Amazon    Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

 

Ross M. Kitson lives in the UK with his wife and three children. He writes science fiction and fantasy novels. George R.R. Martin, Scott Lynch, and Philip Pullman are a few of his influences. Besides The Infinity Bridge, he's also the author of the Prism series.  

 

Connect with the Author

Blog    Website    Twitter    Facebook