Monday Meme Spotlight: Steampunk

 

     Have you ever wanted a new kind of superhero? Is Batman too mainstream to you? Do you like historical fiction, but with there was more action involved? Then steampunk is for you! Here are a few excellent examples of steampunk in books. 

Leviathan- Scott Westerfeld:  This is a great example of a divergent steampunk adventure, set in an alternate history where DNA was discovered much sooner and the world- beasties versus mechanics- is on the brink of World War II. In this world, animal airships and mechanical walkers battle on the snowy tundras and forests down to the dusty lands of the Ottoman Empire. Click here to get your copy, and don't miss the other two books, Goliath and Behemoth.

Incarceron- Catherine Fisher: No fantasy steampunk is complete without a living prison that changes and moves to keep its captives inside. This is exactly what Incarceron provides, a thrilling adventure starring the daughter of the warden of this prison, who willingly goes in to escape an arranged marriage. There are three books in this series as well, so click here to check it 

Airman- Eoin Colfer: This book is close to my heart. Most certainly one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read, it's set in various places and times, but the gist is this: Connor is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, and sentenced to serve out his term on a deadly mining island while the villain usurps control and endangers the princess- the new queen, Connor's best friend. He must find a way to escape and take back his reputation and save his friend before it's too late- and the novel is a complete thrill. Click here to get it for yourself. 

 

Book Review: Airman by Eoin Colfer

Airman by Eoin Colfer


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW! This was an action packed thrill ride from start to finish. Conner Broekhart was born to fly, or born flying to be more precise. Conner has always been interested in balloons, gliders, and heavier than air craft that would be able to take him into the skies. King Nicholas of the Saltee Islands has encouraged Conner’s interest and even had a tutor, Victor Vigny, teach Conner what he needs to know to be an airman. Until the unthinkable happens. The King and Victor are brutally murdered and Connor is accused of the crime and sent to the prison on Little Saltee to mine diamonds for the rest of his life. Conner struggles to survive the prison and keeps a tight hold on his dreams of flight, possibly the only way he will ever escape Little Saltee.

I loved this book, probably one of my favorites this year. Conner is a noble hero who often uses brains over brawn. The book easily takes you through many years in Conner’s life and doesn’t drag at all. The supporting characters are well developed. Fencing, flying, and daring rescues and escapes make this one exciting book. In some ways it reminded me of the Count of Monte Cristo and other classic literature, except in a more modern style.

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is no foul language in this book and no sex. It does contain some violence.