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The Ingenious Mechanical Devices #1
The Earl of Brass
Eilian Sorrell is no stranger to cheating death, but when a dirigible accident costs him his arm, he fears his days of adventuring are over. As the eldest son of the Earl of Dorset, Lord Sorrell knows he will face a bleak future among London's aristocracy unless he can escape. On a quest to return to his old life, Lord Sorrell commissions a prosthetic arm, but the craftsman isn’t quite what he expected.
Fenice Brothers Prosthetics is in trouble. Hadley’s brother is dead, and she is forced to pick up the pieces and finish what he started. When clients begin turning her away, she fears she will fail until she crosses paths with the enigmatic Lord Sorrell. In exchange for a new arm, he offers her a chance at adventure in the deserts of Palestine.
Beneath the Negev’s sand lies something far more precious than potsherds or bones. A long lost crystal city has been found that could change Eilian and Hadley’s world forever, but they aren’t the only ones who know its secrets. Will they make it out alive or will they, too, be buried beneath the desert sands?
Fenice Brothers Prosthetics is in trouble. Hadley’s brother is dead, and she is forced to pick up the pieces and finish what he started. When clients begin turning her away, she fears she will fail until she crosses paths with the enigmatic Lord Sorrell. In exchange for a new arm, he offers her a chance at adventure in the deserts of Palestine.
Beneath the Negev’s sand lies something far more precious than potsherds or bones. A long lost crystal city has been found that could change Eilian and Hadley’s world forever, but they aren’t the only ones who know its secrets. Will they make it out alive or will they, too, be buried beneath the desert sands?
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2014
556 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
About the author
Kara Jorgensen
21 books196 followersKara Jorgensen (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary oddball with a penchant for all things antiquated, morbid, or just plain strange. While in college, they realized they no longer wanted to be Victor Frankenstein but instead wanted to write like Mary Shelley and thus abandoned their future career in science for writing. Kara melds their passions through their books and graduated with an MFA in Creative and Professional Writing in 2016. When not writing, they can be found hanging out with their dogs watching period dramas or trying to convince their students to cite their sources.
To find out more about their books go to https://karajorgensen.com
Sign-up for their newsletter and get a free sapphic novella: eepurl.com/bfJTW9
Historical Fantasy/Steampunk Novels
The Ingenious Mechanical Devices:
The Earl of Brass (IMD #1)
The Winter Garden (IMD #2)
"An Oxford Holiday" (short story)
The Earl and the Artificer (IMD #3)
"The Errant Earl" (short story)
Dead Magic (IMD #4)
Selkie Cove (IMD #5)
The Wolf Witch (IMD #6)
The Reanimator Mysteries
The Reanimator's Heart (TRM #1)
"An Unexpected Valentine" (TRM #1.5)
The Reanimator's Soul (TRM #2)
"An Unexpected Question" (TRM #2.5)
The Reanimator's Remains (TRM #3 FORTHCOMING 2024)
A Paranormal Society Romance
Kinship and Kindness (PSR #1)
Trousers and Trouble (PSR #2) (FORTHCOMING)
Tempests and Temptation (PSR#3) (FORTHCOMING)
Untitled (PSR #4) (FORTHCOMING)
To find out more about their books go to https://karajorgensen.com
Sign-up for their newsletter and get a free sapphic novella: eepurl.com/bfJTW9
Historical Fantasy/Steampunk Novels
The Ingenious Mechanical Devices:
The Earl of Brass (IMD #1)
The Winter Garden (IMD #2)
"An Oxford Holiday" (short story)
The Earl and the Artificer (IMD #3)
"The Errant Earl" (short story)
Dead Magic (IMD #4)
Selkie Cove (IMD #5)
The Wolf Witch (IMD #6)
The Reanimator Mysteries
The Reanimator's Heart (TRM #1)
"An Unexpected Valentine" (TRM #1.5)
The Reanimator's Soul (TRM #2)
"An Unexpected Question" (TRM #2.5)
The Reanimator's Remains (TRM #3 FORTHCOMING 2024)
A Paranormal Society Romance
Kinship and Kindness (PSR #1)
Trousers and Trouble (PSR #2) (FORTHCOMING)
Tempests and Temptation (PSR#3) (FORTHCOMING)
Untitled (PSR #4) (FORTHCOMING)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 27, 2015
I finished this book last night and I still don’t know whether I liked it or not, and I’m uncertain how to rate it.
The beginning is fantastic, and I loved the story until Hadley and Eilian set out on their adventure. Up to this point, the writing and the story development is pretty much flawless – a bit more polishing here and there might have helped, but I got sucked in nevertheless. The subject of vanity prostheses, of automatons, of a woman’s struggle in a world dominated by men, of a young man’s struggle against family obligations… all very nicely woven together without being moralising. I was OK with Hadley dressing up as man to be able to travel with Eilian although this is a trope I usually turn away from, groaning, whenever I stumble across it because I’m so tired of it. But here, it’s fun because Hadley chooses not to dress as stable boy or shy young scholar or whatever, but she chooses to dress up as a dandy instead, a ‘fop’, a role in which a certain degree of effeminateness (is that even a word?) is actually helpful to come across believable. So yeah, it was brilliant and fun until they reached their destination.
Once they’re in the desert to begin their adventure, it’s like a second author took over. The writing becomes less refined, even clumsy at times. Headhopping becomes a serious issue, for instance, and while I’m OK with referring to Hadley as Henry (and therefore “he said” instead of “she said”) as soon as she’s in her role, I’m not OK with mentioning the gun that Henry hides between his breasts. Well, you’re either describing Henry the man or Hadley the woman. Don’t mix it up and make it Henley the she-male, please. Also, while it may be boring to keep using the same old pronouns throughout the book, it’s about a man and a woman the reader has become familiar with, so please stick to “he” and “she”. Don’t make it “the young adventurer”, “the red-headed craftswoman”. That sounds like they’re new characters being introduced, using descriptives to enable the reader to tell them apart. We know Eilian’s a young adventurer, and Hadley has red hair and is a craftswoman. We don’t need to be reminded all the time, thank you.
The majority of the book reads as if the author was overwhelmed by all the things she wanted to write about – science and tradition, intricate world-building, conveying a message, warning against prejudice and greed, advocating acceptance and tolerance, inserting romance and crime… it’s all a bit too much for a newcomer, I think.
Then there’s the language. Personally, I’m OK with a modern author not slavishly sticking to Austenesque or Dickenesque “lingo”, but if an author chooses to write a novel set in the past, he or she should maintain a certain level of authenticity. “My son and I never agree, but we never stay mad either.” STAY MAD? Coming from a 19th century countess??? Uhm. I don’t think so.
And somewhere towards the end, Hadley “cried in a harsh whisper”. Huh? Not a style-breaker, but how do you cry in a whisper???
You know, these are small things but they yanked me out of the story.
And yet, despite some serious eye-rolling, I finished the book because I wanted to know how it ended. Kara Jorgensen is a talented story-teller and I’m sure her writing will improve as she gains more routine. Writing a novel is a massive undertaking and it takes quite some energy to see it through from the first vague idea to a fully fleshed out piece of work, and pulling all loose strings together in the end is quite another story. I’m taking my hat off to the author for achieving her goal, and I’m cheering her for her creativity. If she continues to write – and I hope so –, all of these teething troubles will vanish over the years, I’m certain of it.
As for now, however, I’m giving three stars because of a certain clumsiness of writing and the language mishaps.
(So despite what I said in the beginning, I’ve made up my mind after all. Sitting down to write a review does help.)
The beginning is fantastic, and I loved the story until Hadley and Eilian set out on their adventure. Up to this point, the writing and the story development is pretty much flawless – a bit more polishing here and there might have helped, but I got sucked in nevertheless. The subject of vanity prostheses, of automatons, of a woman’s struggle in a world dominated by men, of a young man’s struggle against family obligations… all very nicely woven together without being moralising. I was OK with Hadley dressing up as man to be able to travel with Eilian although this is a trope I usually turn away from, groaning, whenever I stumble across it because I’m so tired of it. But here, it’s fun because Hadley chooses not to dress as stable boy or shy young scholar or whatever, but she chooses to dress up as a dandy instead, a ‘fop’, a role in which a certain degree of effeminateness (is that even a word?) is actually helpful to come across believable. So yeah, it was brilliant and fun until they reached their destination.
Once they’re in the desert to begin their adventure, it’s like a second author took over. The writing becomes less refined, even clumsy at times. Headhopping becomes a serious issue, for instance, and while I’m OK with referring to Hadley as Henry (and therefore “he said” instead of “she said”) as soon as she’s in her role, I’m not OK with mentioning the gun that Henry hides between his breasts. Well, you’re either describing Henry the man or Hadley the woman. Don’t mix it up and make it Henley the she-male, please. Also, while it may be boring to keep using the same old pronouns throughout the book, it’s about a man and a woman the reader has become familiar with, so please stick to “he” and “she”. Don’t make it “the young adventurer”, “the red-headed craftswoman”. That sounds like they’re new characters being introduced, using descriptives to enable the reader to tell them apart. We know Eilian’s a young adventurer, and Hadley has red hair and is a craftswoman. We don’t need to be reminded all the time, thank you.
The majority of the book reads as if the author was overwhelmed by all the things she wanted to write about – science and tradition, intricate world-building, conveying a message, warning against prejudice and greed, advocating acceptance and tolerance, inserting romance and crime… it’s all a bit too much for a newcomer, I think.
Then there’s the language. Personally, I’m OK with a modern author not slavishly sticking to Austenesque or Dickenesque “lingo”, but if an author chooses to write a novel set in the past, he or she should maintain a certain level of authenticity. “My son and I never agree, but we never stay mad either.” STAY MAD? Coming from a 19th century countess??? Uhm. I don’t think so.
And somewhere towards the end, Hadley “cried in a harsh whisper”. Huh? Not a style-breaker, but how do you cry in a whisper???
You know, these are small things but they yanked me out of the story.
And yet, despite some serious eye-rolling, I finished the book because I wanted to know how it ended. Kara Jorgensen is a talented story-teller and I’m sure her writing will improve as she gains more routine. Writing a novel is a massive undertaking and it takes quite some energy to see it through from the first vague idea to a fully fleshed out piece of work, and pulling all loose strings together in the end is quite another story. I’m taking my hat off to the author for achieving her goal, and I’m cheering her for her creativity. If she continues to write – and I hope so –, all of these teething troubles will vanish over the years, I’m certain of it.
As for now, however, I’m giving three stars because of a certain clumsiness of writing and the language mishaps.
(So despite what I said in the beginning, I’ve made up my mind after all. Sitting down to write a review does help.)
September 3, 2019
This wasn't at all what I expected it to be and in this case, that was underwhelming. It seemed like it couldn't make up it's mind what it wanted to be. I went in expecting steampunk, and there was an element of that which only barely factored into the story. Then somehow it ended up being reminiscent of a Jules Verne adventure, which was definitely interesting.
I liked Hadley and her adventurous spirit, and Eilian was a good-hearted bloke who would rather be digging in dirt than living the life his birthright demands of him. I was more interested when he was learning to get along after his accident, but if he'd stayed that way, this couldn't have even pretended to be steampunk. He gets his mechanical hand and that's it. It causes some issues now and then but otherwise doesn't factor into the story. I also had trouble trying to picture how it worked and what it ultimately looked like.
The writing is easy to read, though there are a lot of rookie mistakes, such as using "the archeologist" or "the craftswoman" instead of the characters' names, or even going back and forth between Eilian and Lord Sorrell in the same paragraph. There's a lot of head hopping, so it's hard at times to follow whose POV you're reading. This was especially strange during the Palestine chapters when Hadley was going by a different name. Sometimes the narrative used Hadley, and sometimes the other name, but it didn't seem tied to any one particular POV. Ms. Jorgensen also doesn't always identify who "he" is when transitioning to another character's actions or speech, though that was usually easy to figure out. There were also missing words, especially in the later chapters. There were some modernisms, and things seemed to be brought up and then dropped. An editor could've helped tighten and clean this up.
Yet despite all that, and that ridiculous Big Misunderstanding fumble near the end, this does show a lot of promise, so I'm willing to try out the next one and see how that goes.
I liked Hadley and her adventurous spirit, and Eilian was a good-hearted bloke who would rather be digging in dirt than living the life his birthright demands of him. I was more interested when he was learning to get along after his accident, but if he'd stayed that way, this couldn't have even pretended to be steampunk. He gets his mechanical hand and that's it. It causes some issues now and then but otherwise doesn't factor into the story. I also had trouble trying to picture how it worked and what it ultimately looked like.
The writing is easy to read, though there are a lot of rookie mistakes, such as using "the archeologist" or "the craftswoman" instead of the characters' names, or even going back and forth between Eilian and Lord Sorrell in the same paragraph. There's a lot of head hopping, so it's hard at times to follow whose POV you're reading. This was especially strange during the Palestine chapters when Hadley was going by a different name. Sometimes the narrative used Hadley, and sometimes the other name, but it didn't seem tied to any one particular POV. Ms. Jorgensen also doesn't always identify who "he" is when transitioning to another character's actions or speech, though that was usually easy to figure out. There were also missing words, especially in the later chapters. There were some modernisms, and things seemed to be brought up and then dropped. An editor could've helped tighten and clean this up.
Yet despite all that, and that ridiculous Big Misunderstanding fumble near the end, this does show a lot of promise, so I'm willing to try out the next one and see how that goes.
November 15, 2020
I wanted to like this more. It sounded nifty, and I did find the two MCs likable despite their whining about their extremely minor first-world problems (he's rich and can do whatever he likes, but he doesn't want to be a duke; she has a financially successful toy-making business* and supportive family, but she wants to make Serious Things and can't because sexism). And I liked that the romantic elements were subdued and based on mutual interests and respect rather than passion.
But for a short novel, this took a really long time to get going, and I found major chunks of it kind of, well, boring. Both MCs could have sent half the page time in bed feeling sorry for themselves, got the travel going earlier, and done a lot more archaeology and banter. Unless there's a sequel that's espionage romance between Hadley's sulky brother and Eilian's diplomat uncle I'm not continuing.
*Making elaborate steampunk mechanical devices is up there with "paid to spend time in London writing a museum travel guide" on the list of professions that I have no sympathy with complaints concerning.
But for a short novel, this took a really long time to get going, and I found major chunks of it kind of, well, boring. Both MCs could have sent half the page time in bed feeling sorry for themselves, got the travel going earlier, and done a lot more archaeology and banter. Unless there's a sequel that's espionage romance between Hadley's sulky brother and Eilian's diplomat uncle I'm not continuing.
*Making elaborate steampunk mechanical devices is up there with "paid to spend time in London writing a museum travel guide" on the list of professions that I have no sympathy with complaints concerning.
November 16, 2014
I got this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was a good first novel, not flawless, but good just the same. Unlike some first novels I've read the characters aren't one dimensional. The main characters are very likable, but not perfect. They feel real. Even a lot of the smaller characters get more than one side, and the novel is all the better for it.
The world building works well for me. The author blends the steampunk elements quite naturally with the historical, creating a world that is believable. Even the fantasy element mixes well in with the rest. All of this comes together in a interesting mood which is consistent all the way through.
It is not very fast moving, so for those that are looking for cliffhanger suspense it may not work, but I felt the story was compelling enough to pull me all the way through. It is more romance, than adventure and suspense, but essentially it is just a good story.
In the beginning I noticed that there was a bit of excess words, words that could have been deleted without any damage to the narrative. This would have made the story tighter and stronger. As I read further into the story I more or less stopped noticing this. I only came across two such instances in the latter part of the story. Maybe it was the same all the way through and I just got so into the story that I stopped seeing it or it was mostly in the beginning. Either way it wasn't a big problem, and didn't stop me from enjoying this novel.
What it comes down to is that I liked it a lot, and the sequel is going on my to be read list.
I thought this was a good first novel, not flawless, but good just the same. Unlike some first novels I've read the characters aren't one dimensional. The main characters are very likable, but not perfect. They feel real. Even a lot of the smaller characters get more than one side, and the novel is all the better for it.
The world building works well for me. The author blends the steampunk elements quite naturally with the historical, creating a world that is believable. Even the fantasy element mixes well in with the rest. All of this comes together in a interesting mood which is consistent all the way through.
It is not very fast moving, so for those that are looking for cliffhanger suspense it may not work, but I felt the story was compelling enough to pull me all the way through. It is more romance, than adventure and suspense, but essentially it is just a good story.
In the beginning I noticed that there was a bit of excess words, words that could have been deleted without any damage to the narrative. This would have made the story tighter and stronger. As I read further into the story I more or less stopped noticing this. I only came across two such instances in the latter part of the story. Maybe it was the same all the way through and I just got so into the story that I stopped seeing it or it was mostly in the beginning. Either way it wasn't a big problem, and didn't stop me from enjoying this novel.
What it comes down to is that I liked it a lot, and the sequel is going on my to be read list.
August 23, 2014
I love the little title above the text box: "what did you think?" Well, what didn't I think as I read this wonderful book? I didn't think of anything that could possibly be detrimental to The Earl of Brass. What a fantastic first novel for Kara Jorgensen.
Firstly, the characters are incredible. Multi-dimensional, likeable, interesting and above all human beings- there are certainly no 2D cut outs in The Earl of Brass! Every character had flaws and it didn't even matter if they were endearing flaws, because in the end I liked the characters because they seemed so real when reading! A sign of good authorship, and something I envy.
Secondly, the plot is marvellous. I often pick up a Steampunk-esque book and think to myself- shall there be conflict? Personally, this is one of the most important marks of a steampunk novel. There's a reason that it's called steam punk, and Kara did tihs very well. The social conflict that runs throughout the novel was well done if not, occasionally, a little forced, however this is just my taste and I'm sure that if I read it again, I would probably not feel this way. With enough twists and turns to keep you hooked, The Earl of Brass won't disappoint fans of thrills, especially the beginning!
Thirdly, the narrative! Oh, the narrative! Fast paced to keep readers eager with the fluidity of a practised writer, the novel has a perfect narrative for it's storyline and the detailed imagery made every invention and scenario jump to life. Small details of Victorian life were edged carefully into the novel to give it a sense of time, whilst the gleaming bronzes and golds of the steampunk glimmered through, reminding the reader of the fantastic alternative-science that makes this novel unique.
Fourthly, well done. Well done for not over doing the steampunk. I still felt I was in Victorian London and I almost felt as though the steampunk-esque inventions were part of the normal Victorian world- you were seamless in your mixture of the historical and the science fiction, which makes the novel a delight to read.
So, why should you read this? The Earl of Brass is a brilliant first novel; gripping, with lively characters and a great plot, fans of steampunk won't be disappointed, nor will people who want a good book with fantastic writing.
Firstly, the characters are incredible. Multi-dimensional, likeable, interesting and above all human beings- there are certainly no 2D cut outs in The Earl of Brass! Every character had flaws and it didn't even matter if they were endearing flaws, because in the end I liked the characters because they seemed so real when reading! A sign of good authorship, and something I envy.
Secondly, the plot is marvellous. I often pick up a Steampunk-esque book and think to myself- shall there be conflict? Personally, this is one of the most important marks of a steampunk novel. There's a reason that it's called steam punk, and Kara did tihs very well. The social conflict that runs throughout the novel was well done if not, occasionally, a little forced, however this is just my taste and I'm sure that if I read it again, I would probably not feel this way. With enough twists and turns to keep you hooked, The Earl of Brass won't disappoint fans of thrills, especially the beginning!
Thirdly, the narrative! Oh, the narrative! Fast paced to keep readers eager with the fluidity of a practised writer, the novel has a perfect narrative for it's storyline and the detailed imagery made every invention and scenario jump to life. Small details of Victorian life were edged carefully into the novel to give it a sense of time, whilst the gleaming bronzes and golds of the steampunk glimmered through, reminding the reader of the fantastic alternative-science that makes this novel unique.
Fourthly, well done. Well done for not over doing the steampunk. I still felt I was in Victorian London and I almost felt as though the steampunk-esque inventions were part of the normal Victorian world- you were seamless in your mixture of the historical and the science fiction, which makes the novel a delight to read.
So, why should you read this? The Earl of Brass is a brilliant first novel; gripping, with lively characters and a great plot, fans of steampunk won't be disappointed, nor will people who want a good book with fantastic writing.
January 8, 2016
Disclaimer: I was given a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review may contain minor spoilers.
The Earl of Brass (The Ingenious Mechanical Devices #1) by Kara Jorgensen is a bold social commentary, an adventurous love story, and a gorgeous example of the steampunk genre. The novel follows Lord Eilian Sorrell, the heir to an earldom, who loses his arm in a dirigible accident, and Hadley Fenice, the fiery prosthesis maker, as they both battle the constricting roles placed on them by English society. To escape England, if only temporarily, they embark on an archaeological dig and find more than they bargained for in the desert, in more ways than one.
The characters and styling of The Earl of Brass are the crowning jewels of the novel. From the first time the reader encounters Eilian, Hadley, and even the supporting characters, s/he is given a strong sense of their personalities, a tangible reason to empathize with them, and a vivid visual description to complete the package. Each character is well-crafted with realistic motives and dialogue. Admittedly, one of the minor characters, the main villain, is a bit two-dimensional. However, the rest are complex and intriguing. The reader is rooting for Eilian and Hadley from the moment they meet and will enjoy their fun, heartfelt, and satisfying romantic journey.
The steampunk styling of The Earl of Brass is spot on. Jorgensen has clearly done her research, and she infuses the text with both large and minute details that bring a steampunk world to life. My only criticism of the novel’s styling is that sometimes it can be a bit too heavy-handed. While Jorgensen’s broad vocabulary and descriptive language is impressive, at times, it would serve her better to have more discretion with her images. Three great adjectives together muddle up a description, but one perfect adjective creates a precise image.
Overall, The Earl of Brass has an engaging plot that follows a natural arch. The over-arching story has a satisfying build and conclusion, peppered with just the right amount of action and drama to keep things interesting. I must admit, the discovery that Eilian and Hadley make in the desert briefly broke my suspension of disbelief. While it was plausible, it seemed a bit too science fiction in the context of the rest of the novel. However, once I took a breath and trusted the author, I appreciated the discovery and its purpose in the novel. That being said, if you should be a bit surprised at this same point, just go with it. It works in the end.
Along the same lines, the discovery plays well into Eilian and Hadley’s frustrations with English society. Without spoiling anything, the discovery is set up as an antithesis to England. This contrast definitely works, but at times, it felt like a bit too much. The social commentary offered by the discovery, in combination with the ones offered by Eilian and Hadley can seem overbearing. Jorgensen themes of gender and social equality are important historically, and relevant to modern society, but the delivery comes on a little strong. In the future, I would advise her to trust her reader to discern her themes through subtler mechanisms.
While the descriptive language and thematic material may be a bit too strong, overall, The Earl of Brass by Kara Jorgensen is an exceptional novel – especially for a debut novel. The story is fun and engaging, the characters are lively and relatable, and the steampunk styling is beautiful and realistic. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves historical romance, steampunk, and/or novels with a social conscious.
The Earl of Brass (The Ingenious Mechanical Devices #1) by Kara Jorgensen is a bold social commentary, an adventurous love story, and a gorgeous example of the steampunk genre. The novel follows Lord Eilian Sorrell, the heir to an earldom, who loses his arm in a dirigible accident, and Hadley Fenice, the fiery prosthesis maker, as they both battle the constricting roles placed on them by English society. To escape England, if only temporarily, they embark on an archaeological dig and find more than they bargained for in the desert, in more ways than one.
The characters and styling of The Earl of Brass are the crowning jewels of the novel. From the first time the reader encounters Eilian, Hadley, and even the supporting characters, s/he is given a strong sense of their personalities, a tangible reason to empathize with them, and a vivid visual description to complete the package. Each character is well-crafted with realistic motives and dialogue. Admittedly, one of the minor characters, the main villain, is a bit two-dimensional. However, the rest are complex and intriguing. The reader is rooting for Eilian and Hadley from the moment they meet and will enjoy their fun, heartfelt, and satisfying romantic journey.
The steampunk styling of The Earl of Brass is spot on. Jorgensen has clearly done her research, and she infuses the text with both large and minute details that bring a steampunk world to life. My only criticism of the novel’s styling is that sometimes it can be a bit too heavy-handed. While Jorgensen’s broad vocabulary and descriptive language is impressive, at times, it would serve her better to have more discretion with her images. Three great adjectives together muddle up a description, but one perfect adjective creates a precise image.
Overall, The Earl of Brass has an engaging plot that follows a natural arch. The over-arching story has a satisfying build and conclusion, peppered with just the right amount of action and drama to keep things interesting. I must admit, the discovery that Eilian and Hadley make in the desert briefly broke my suspension of disbelief. While it was plausible, it seemed a bit too science fiction in the context of the rest of the novel. However, once I took a breath and trusted the author, I appreciated the discovery and its purpose in the novel. That being said, if you should be a bit surprised at this same point, just go with it. It works in the end.
Along the same lines, the discovery plays well into Eilian and Hadley’s frustrations with English society. Without spoiling anything, the discovery is set up as an antithesis to England. This contrast definitely works, but at times, it felt like a bit too much. The social commentary offered by the discovery, in combination with the ones offered by Eilian and Hadley can seem overbearing. Jorgensen themes of gender and social equality are important historically, and relevant to modern society, but the delivery comes on a little strong. In the future, I would advise her to trust her reader to discern her themes through subtler mechanisms.
While the descriptive language and thematic material may be a bit too strong, overall, The Earl of Brass by Kara Jorgensen is an exceptional novel – especially for a debut novel. The story is fun and engaging, the characters are lively and relatable, and the steampunk styling is beautiful and realistic. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves historical romance, steampunk, and/or novels with a social conscious.
January 21, 2020
What a great first book in a hooking series.
I loved the premise and the turns and twists were unexpected.
The writing was at times a bit difficult to stay in but gave lots of insight due to shifting POV, even within one paragraph.
The characters are well fleshed out and not just the MCs but also the supportive characters left a huge impact.
Can't wait to read more adventures in the captivating series & make acquaintance with new characters as well as see beloved ones again. 💗
I loved the premise and the turns and twists were unexpected.
The writing was at times a bit difficult to stay in but gave lots of insight due to shifting POV, even within one paragraph.
The characters are well fleshed out and not just the MCs but also the supportive characters left a huge impact.
Can't wait to read more adventures in the captivating series & make acquaintance with new characters as well as see beloved ones again. 💗
December 29, 2014
As a writer, there are books I read for fun. And then there are books I read to learn from. When I first started The Earl of Brass, I was expecting a fun ride. A steampunk adventure. I thought 'Hey, maybe I can learn a little something about the genre while I'm at it.'
I got everything I asked for. A strong, solid plot filled with great dialogue and all the elements one requires in a steampunk novel. I also enjoyed Jorgensen's writing; so much so that there are parts of her book that I have marked to go back and read over again simply because I enjoyed them so much.
But there is more. The one thing I got from The Earl of Brass that I did not expect was inspiration. As I read about the adventures of Lord Eilian Sorrell, I kept getting hit by what I call the 'wow' factor. This book made me want to sit down and work on my own steampunk series.
Sure, there is action and drama and more steampunky goodness than you can shake a stick at. There are underlying conflicts created by the social structure which existed in 1890. And Jorgensen's characters work beautifully in the world she has created. For me as a reader, this was an enjoyable book that I will be returning to.
But for me as a writer? This book was a treasure. A story so strong that I can only hope to match Jorgensen's grasp of the genre one day. I will be studying her work - and future stories - with the critical eye of a student, not just a reader or reviewer.
So if you are into steampunk, sci-fi, or just damn good stories, pick up The Earl of Brass. You will find yourself a story to come back to time and time again.
It's the best thing a reader can ask for.
I got everything I asked for. A strong, solid plot filled with great dialogue and all the elements one requires in a steampunk novel. I also enjoyed Jorgensen's writing; so much so that there are parts of her book that I have marked to go back and read over again simply because I enjoyed them so much.
But there is more. The one thing I got from The Earl of Brass that I did not expect was inspiration. As I read about the adventures of Lord Eilian Sorrell, I kept getting hit by what I call the 'wow' factor. This book made me want to sit down and work on my own steampunk series.
Sure, there is action and drama and more steampunky goodness than you can shake a stick at. There are underlying conflicts created by the social structure which existed in 1890. And Jorgensen's characters work beautifully in the world she has created. For me as a reader, this was an enjoyable book that I will be returning to.
But for me as a writer? This book was a treasure. A story so strong that I can only hope to match Jorgensen's grasp of the genre one day. I will be studying her work - and future stories - with the critical eye of a student, not just a reader or reviewer.
So if you are into steampunk, sci-fi, or just damn good stories, pick up The Earl of Brass. You will find yourself a story to come back to time and time again.
It's the best thing a reader can ask for.
May 29, 2015
I don't know what to think about this book. I wanted to love it, but it became a bit tedious towards the middle, and I can't get past a particular point in the story.
I haven't given up, just diverted my attention for a few books. I'm sure I will get back to it.....
I haven't given up, just diverted my attention for a few books. I'm sure I will get back to it.....
May 25, 2015
Liked the second act more than the others. Would liked to have most of the story dealing with Shangri La in the Negev Desert with more action. The ending was anti-climactic.
October 25, 2019
I've had this book for ages but since my TBR is of the size where one day it will probably fall on me and kill me, I've been having difficulty getting to the book. So I picked up the audio edition (a sneaky way for me to bump books up my tbr.) I really don't recommend the audio book. (Note below if anyone wants to know why.)
The Earl of Brass was a lot of fun. Elian is the reluctant heir to the earldom of Dorset. A disappointment to his overbearing father and controlling mother, his self confidence is low except when he is on archaeological expeditions, where he comes into his own. Hadley Fennice is an aspiring artificer who makes toys and automata. Her sex is against her when it comes to getting work and she chafes at the restrictions. When a zeppelin accident leaves Elian severely injured, he is thrown into Hadley's path. There pair discover a kinship and set off on an voyage of discovery in Palestine.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging, the romance was sweet and the historical detail provided ballast for what wasn't quite steampunk or sci-fi or fantasy but a little of each. Structurally a lot of the book is weighted towards Elian coming to terms with his injuries rather than the adventure, put I was so enthralled by the story, it didn't matter. I thought the MC becoming disabled and then learning to deal with it and continue his life, rather than thinking less of himself was well handled. I imagine some people will get sniffy because Elian ends up with a prosthetic that has some movement, rigidly refusing to see that it comes with its own complications. Just because you have apparatus or a method for working with your disability, it doesn't mean that the disability doesn't exist; or that you haven't had to significantly alter you day-to-day routines to accommodate it. Showing someone overcoming their disability with the best help available is not the same as a character having a disability magicked away. (I really wish some readers would think or at least read more intelligently!) Hadley was a great character too - headstrong, intelligent and independent. The romance is not especially tempestuous but based on mutual respect and affection, each accepting the other - which made it restful to read. (Romance does not have to be a thinly disguised battle for dominance!)
There were minor niggles for me as a UK person, who hails from Dorset. I was drawn up by the title Earl of Dorset, since the earldom has been extinct since 1600s. (This is a my brain problem - obviously you can resurrect extinct estates and titles in fiction.) There were descriptions that puzzled me too - henna hair. Ok so bright red but it read as if the character dyed her hair, rather than was naturally red haired. (As a redhead I can assure that it was not a popular colour in Victorian Britain and many other periods of history, carrying the superstitions it did. And still does to some extent.) Also 'I wish you would of'. I get it. Americans speak this way. British and Irish people do not form a sentence like that. "I wish you had" or "I wish you'd" etc. I realise this bugging me says far more about me than the book.
Overall, a great book. I'm intrigued to read the rest of the series.
******
Audiobook note: I'm trying to be fair. I'm assuming that the narrator is inexperienced in this recording. He actually has a pleasant timbred voice. I don't think he read the book before attempting to narrate it. I don't think he understands punctuation. He clearly doesn't have a broad vocabulary given how many words - often common words - were badly mispronounced. There was little to no variation in character voices - which is not a deal breaker for me if the book is good. But added to the weird pauses, the odd stresses on certain words and the additional inflection in general, it was very annoying. (English is a non-inflected language. It's stress based thanks to its Anglo Saxon roots.) This was not a case of a narrator's voice just not being for a specific reader, he was just a terrible narrator. It's a testament to the book that I finished the audio. Do not recommend the audio book at all.
The Earl of Brass was a lot of fun. Elian is the reluctant heir to the earldom of Dorset. A disappointment to his overbearing father and controlling mother, his self confidence is low except when he is on archaeological expeditions, where he comes into his own. Hadley Fennice is an aspiring artificer who makes toys and automata. Her sex is against her when it comes to getting work and she chafes at the restrictions. When a zeppelin accident leaves Elian severely injured, he is thrown into Hadley's path. There pair discover a kinship and set off on an voyage of discovery in Palestine.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging, the romance was sweet and the historical detail provided ballast for what wasn't quite steampunk or sci-fi or fantasy but a little of each. Structurally a lot of the book is weighted towards Elian coming to terms with his injuries rather than the adventure, put I was so enthralled by the story, it didn't matter. I thought the MC becoming disabled and then learning to deal with it and continue his life, rather than thinking less of himself was well handled. I imagine some people will get sniffy because Elian ends up with a prosthetic that has some movement, rigidly refusing to see that it comes with its own complications. Just because you have apparatus or a method for working with your disability, it doesn't mean that the disability doesn't exist; or that you haven't had to significantly alter you day-to-day routines to accommodate it. Showing someone overcoming their disability with the best help available is not the same as a character having a disability magicked away. (I really wish some readers would think or at least read more intelligently!) Hadley was a great character too - headstrong, intelligent and independent. The romance is not especially tempestuous but based on mutual respect and affection, each accepting the other - which made it restful to read. (Romance does not have to be a thinly disguised battle for dominance!)
There were minor niggles for me as a UK person, who hails from Dorset. I was drawn up by the title Earl of Dorset, since the earldom has been extinct since 1600s. (This is a my brain problem - obviously you can resurrect extinct estates and titles in fiction.) There were descriptions that puzzled me too - henna hair. Ok so bright red but it read as if the character dyed her hair, rather than was naturally red haired. (As a redhead I can assure that it was not a popular colour in Victorian Britain and many other periods of history, carrying the superstitions it did. And still does to some extent.) Also 'I wish you would of'. I get it. Americans speak this way. British and Irish people do not form a sentence like that. "I wish you had" or "I wish you'd" etc. I realise this bugging me says far more about me than the book.
Overall, a great book. I'm intrigued to read the rest of the series.
******
Audiobook note: I'm trying to be fair. I'm assuming that the narrator is inexperienced in this recording. He actually has a pleasant timbred voice. I don't think he read the book before attempting to narrate it. I don't think he understands punctuation. He clearly doesn't have a broad vocabulary given how many words - often common words - were badly mispronounced. There was little to no variation in character voices - which is not a deal breaker for me if the book is good. But added to the weird pauses, the odd stresses on certain words and the additional inflection in general, it was very annoying. (English is a non-inflected language. It's stress based thanks to its Anglo Saxon roots.) This was not a case of a narrator's voice just not being for a specific reader, he was just a terrible narrator. It's a testament to the book that I finished the audio. Do not recommend the audio book at all.
September 24, 2019
A solid showing from Jorgensen, this novel introduces us to Eilian and Hadley. How they met, the path they followed, and how they ended up together are all woven into a narrative that is part adventure, part drama, part romance, and all heart.
This is not to say that the novel is without it's flaws. After the initial events that put Eilian in the position he is in, the book's pace seems to slow substantially. The tension feels like it dissipates, which makes continuing on through the book a bit of a chore in some spots. Not that it's bad; the prose itself is well-written and detailed, but the tug, the force ever pushing the reader on weakens.
That is, until the adventure takes them out of England and off on the big adventures.
Maybe it's just my genderfluid behind (a behind that is really pronoun neutral), but I adored, yes adored how the whole Hadley/Henry thing was handled. The way the author flowed between pronouns, and used clear descriptions to indicate the perspective through which we were seeing Hadley/Henry was refreshing! While I don't think Hadley was really meant to be genderfluid, her/his movement between the (admittedly binary) poles that had been accepted by English society at the time felt good. I really enjoyed that aspect of it.
Also, may I just say, as an ardent fan of Charlotte and Anne Bronte's writing, and of course a big fan of Jane Austen, the language used felt refreshingly accurate. Far too many authors seem to believe that the language of the time was very rigid and uptight, and perhaps by today's standards, we might see it that way, but language had evolved considerably in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, and it's nice to see hints and examples of that throughout the writing.
Again, though, pacing felt like a bit of an issue in a few spots, including the romance that was kindled between Eilian and Hadley. Once the couple was back in England, it felt like a rush to get to the end. I would have loved to see a bit more depth and drawing out of all of the events. However, despite that, this book ranks up there with a number of my favorites. I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed the genre, and I look forward to having the time to start the other books!
This is not to say that the novel is without it's flaws. After the initial events that put Eilian in the position he is in, the book's pace seems to slow substantially. The tension feels like it dissipates, which makes continuing on through the book a bit of a chore in some spots. Not that it's bad; the prose itself is well-written and detailed, but the tug, the force ever pushing the reader on weakens.
That is, until the adventure takes them out of England and off on the big adventures.
Maybe it's just my genderfluid behind (a behind that is really pronoun neutral), but I adored, yes adored how the whole Hadley/Henry thing was handled. The way the author flowed between pronouns, and used clear descriptions to indicate the perspective through which we were seeing Hadley/Henry was refreshing! While I don't think Hadley was really meant to be genderfluid, her/his movement between the (admittedly binary) poles that had been accepted by English society at the time felt good. I really enjoyed that aspect of it.
Also, may I just say, as an ardent fan of Charlotte and Anne Bronte's writing, and of course a big fan of Jane Austen, the language used felt refreshingly accurate. Far too many authors seem to believe that the language of the time was very rigid and uptight, and perhaps by today's standards, we might see it that way, but language had evolved considerably in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, and it's nice to see hints and examples of that throughout the writing.
Again, though, pacing felt like a bit of an issue in a few spots, including the romance that was kindled between Eilian and Hadley. Once the couple was back in England, it felt like a rush to get to the end. I would have loved to see a bit more depth and drawing out of all of the events. However, despite that, this book ranks up there with a number of my favorites. I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed the genre, and I look forward to having the time to start the other books!
September 4, 2022
The PR for this book calls it a cross between Downton Abbey and Penny Dreadful; I'd add Indiana Jones into that description. The Earl of Brass is the first title in a delightful six-book-long steampunk series by Kara Jorgensen. This ticks all the boxes for enjoyable steampunk fiction: complex, realistic characters who challenge each other; a well-developed Victorian-era setting (London, the Negev desert); well-designed steampunk technology (there's a prosthetic arm that's truly ingenious, hence the series title); even a fun bit of fantasy (I won't give away who they meet in the desert).
There's QUILTBAG representation, which increases as you move through the series. There's also a certain amount of historically accurate classicism, sexism, and racism that plays into the plot and makes me glad that we've at least moved a little bit forward from the 1890s, if perhaps not as far forward as I'd like.
I will warn you, there's a small amount of gore: The main character loses an arm in an airship accident right at the start, and you get a few glimpses of the wound and then the scars as the story goes on. Of course, this injury gives him a lot of challenges, but it also introduces him to the family of inventors who create amazing steampunk prosthetics. One of whom becomes very important in his professional and personal life. That's as close to a spoiler as I'll go in this review. ;-)
So if you like steampunk, you'll enjoy The Earl of Brass and the rest of the series. And if you've never read steampunk and would like to give it a try, this is a great introduction to the genre.
There's QUILTBAG representation, which increases as you move through the series. There's also a certain amount of historically accurate classicism, sexism, and racism that plays into the plot and makes me glad that we've at least moved a little bit forward from the 1890s, if perhaps not as far forward as I'd like.
I will warn you, there's a small amount of gore: The main character loses an arm in an airship accident right at the start, and you get a few glimpses of the wound and then the scars as the story goes on. Of course, this injury gives him a lot of challenges, but it also introduces him to the family of inventors who create amazing steampunk prosthetics. One of whom becomes very important in his professional and personal life. That's as close to a spoiler as I'll go in this review. ;-)
So if you like steampunk, you'll enjoy The Earl of Brass and the rest of the series. And if you've never read steampunk and would like to give it a try, this is a great introduction to the genre.
April 20, 2017
The Earl of Brass is a perfect novel for steampunk fans in many ways. And as much as I love steampunk culture, I am always somewhat wary of its fiction- which tends to rely more on gears and gadgets than characters and story. And this is where Earl impressed me most, because the books strikes an elegant balance between mechanical wonder and wonderfully fleshed-out characters.
The story centers around several characters: Eilian, a young man of higher standing who often enjoys a more adventurous lifestyle of treasure hunting and fossil finding. Patrick, his butler and protective companion. Hadley, an intrepid woman who builds mechanical prosthetics alongside her brothers, George and Adam. Their stories collide when Eilian loses his arm in airship accident. After George passes away from illness, Hadley picks up her brother's work and crosses paths with Eilian, now desperate for a newer, better arm that will allow him independence for his overbearing family. The characters are incredibly well developed, dynamic, and complex; much of what makes the story work goes back to their presence.
For a steampunk novel, "Earl of Brass" actually has some literary overtones in its adventures and romance, casting references to old stories as our main characters grow closer through their shared secret (affixing Eilian's more automaton-like arm) and their later adventures into Palestine. Eilian and Hadley's relationship develops very naturally and is not only sweet, but believable and genuine; almost Austenin in a way. Likewise, the story's natural dip into the Billawra and their culture serves to showcase the flaws and limitation of 19th century English society, and also serves as a nice throwback to Wells and Verne with all their undiscovered societies and adventuring. The writing is mostly strong throughout- albeit a bit wordy in spots. It's not too distracting though, and the story shines through!
A highly recommended first installment to a steampunk adventure series that only promises to get better from here! Onward to The Winter Garden!
The story centers around several characters: Eilian, a young man of higher standing who often enjoys a more adventurous lifestyle of treasure hunting and fossil finding. Patrick, his butler and protective companion. Hadley, an intrepid woman who builds mechanical prosthetics alongside her brothers, George and Adam. Their stories collide when Eilian loses his arm in airship accident. After George passes away from illness, Hadley picks up her brother's work and crosses paths with Eilian, now desperate for a newer, better arm that will allow him independence for his overbearing family. The characters are incredibly well developed, dynamic, and complex; much of what makes the story work goes back to their presence.
For a steampunk novel, "Earl of Brass" actually has some literary overtones in its adventures and romance, casting references to old stories as our main characters grow closer through their shared secret (affixing Eilian's more automaton-like arm) and their later adventures into Palestine. Eilian and Hadley's relationship develops very naturally and is not only sweet, but believable and genuine; almost Austenin in a way. Likewise, the story's natural dip into the Billawra and their culture serves to showcase the flaws and limitation of 19th century English society, and also serves as a nice throwback to Wells and Verne with all their undiscovered societies and adventuring. The writing is mostly strong throughout- albeit a bit wordy in spots. It's not too distracting though, and the story shines through!
A highly recommended first installment to a steampunk adventure series that only promises to get better from here! Onward to The Winter Garden!
March 12, 2015
This is a very easily accessible story. I found it fast-paced without being jumpy, with the steampunk elements adding to the story in a fun way rather than distracting from it. It’s evident that the author must have enjoyed writing this book; the enthusiasm and passion comes through in the storytelling.
The characters are very vividly painted. I was completely sold on the male lead by the second chapter (which features a wonderfully emotional scene after which I was irreversibly hooked), but it didn’t stop there. The whole book is filled with (more or in some cases definitely less) likeable characters, each with their own agendas and significant place in the story. By the end of the story I had formed strong opinions about all of them; there were no cardboard cutouts in this cast.
That being said, the multitude of characters and the in some instances rapidly shifting points of view was sometimes the cause of some confusion. In some instances it works better than others, and in the case of certain scenes (desert fight, I’m looking at you) with a rapid progression of events I can see why the author chose to do it. In most cases, however, the scenes would have benefited from limiting the POV to one character at a time.
There are a few clear themes in the novel. Some of these are driven home almost to excess, which made me feel a little too spoonfed at times. It’s quite possible that part of the reason for this is that I personally wholeheartedly agree that gender equality is desirable - thus am in need of far less convincing of said fact than I imagine the average Victorian English citizen was - but I still think the same points could have been made clear to readers of today with far less effort.
Overall, this is a quick and entertaining read. A great gateway book into the steampunk genre!
The characters are very vividly painted. I was completely sold on the male lead by the second chapter (which features a wonderfully emotional scene after which I was irreversibly hooked), but it didn’t stop there. The whole book is filled with (more or in some cases definitely less) likeable characters, each with their own agendas and significant place in the story. By the end of the story I had formed strong opinions about all of them; there were no cardboard cutouts in this cast.
That being said, the multitude of characters and the in some instances rapidly shifting points of view was sometimes the cause of some confusion. In some instances it works better than others, and in the case of certain scenes (desert fight, I’m looking at you) with a rapid progression of events I can see why the author chose to do it. In most cases, however, the scenes would have benefited from limiting the POV to one character at a time.
There are a few clear themes in the novel. Some of these are driven home almost to excess, which made me feel a little too spoonfed at times. It’s quite possible that part of the reason for this is that I personally wholeheartedly agree that gender equality is desirable - thus am in need of far less convincing of said fact than I imagine the average Victorian English citizen was - but I still think the same points could have been made clear to readers of today with far less effort.
Overall, this is a quick and entertaining read. A great gateway book into the steampunk genre!
January 12, 2015
Where do I begin? This has been a lovely tale. I have read this book and it is very Victorian, very well written and yet flows like I just read Hemingway or Orwell. But wait! This is Kara Jorgensen, and she delivered a master class of a new, subtle form of steampunk.
Eilian Sorrell and Hadley Fenice are remarkable characters, so much so that I would prefer them to many a superhero or action character. Miss Jorgensen has placed a depth and troubled nature to each with the finesse of a lifelong writer, and I highly enjoyed watching these characters go through their paces.
The plot involved everything I like in old fiction and new. The setup took half the book, but was done in a timely fashion that it was as much a lesson in pacing as it was in being a solid story. Eilian's personal struggles are very human, very relatable. The prosthesis...wow. I can't begin to tell you how detailed and elegant it is described. And porcelain? Never would have thought of it. Airships and false limbs give just the right infusion into this warm drink of fiction. Romance, family strife, business, societal mores and all get an equal play here. Even the resolution leaves things openenough for more stories (Nice!) which is groovy because I would really like to follow the trail of Lord Sorrell and the ingenious Hadley. I cannot wait for the Winter Garden!
SPOILER: The beginning has almost no dialogue. While I hear from those who critiqued my own short stories that readers want dialogue, Kara has shown my opinion (that that's not always needed)has a sound basis. I could read, reread, and re-reread the opening act with sheer verve. Who do you talk to when you're on your own? No one. Silence and description are are the keys, and the writer here uses them to open all the right doors. Bravo!
Eilian Sorrell and Hadley Fenice are remarkable characters, so much so that I would prefer them to many a superhero or action character. Miss Jorgensen has placed a depth and troubled nature to each with the finesse of a lifelong writer, and I highly enjoyed watching these characters go through their paces.
The plot involved everything I like in old fiction and new. The setup took half the book, but was done in a timely fashion that it was as much a lesson in pacing as it was in being a solid story. Eilian's personal struggles are very human, very relatable. The prosthesis...wow. I can't begin to tell you how detailed and elegant it is described. And porcelain? Never would have thought of it. Airships and false limbs give just the right infusion into this warm drink of fiction. Romance, family strife, business, societal mores and all get an equal play here. Even the resolution leaves things openenough for more stories (Nice!) which is groovy because I would really like to follow the trail of Lord Sorrell and the ingenious Hadley. I cannot wait for the Winter Garden!
SPOILER: The beginning has almost no dialogue. While I hear from those who critiqued my own short stories that readers want dialogue, Kara has shown my opinion (that that's not always needed)has a sound basis. I could read, reread, and re-reread the opening act with sheer verve. Who do you talk to when you're on your own? No one. Silence and description are are the keys, and the writer here uses them to open all the right doors. Bravo!
January 16, 2016
This book started out in typical steampunk fashion: steamers and mechanical devices, references to automatons and limbs fashioned out of gears. There were two great characters developed: Elian and Hadley, with Hadley having great intelligence and pluck. This standard start quickly changes though when Hadley, disguised as a man, goes with Elian to Palestine on an archaeological dig where they discover a hidden race of people in a cave who live in a sort of utopia.
I liked the concept of the story a lot, and it kept me listening and wanting to know what happened until the end, but the story was also obviously a platform for the author to push her views on marriage and sex equality especially, and communal living secondly. For the most part, that didn't bother me. Yes, it bogged down the story some, but it also added to it. I wish it had scaled back these statements over and over some, but it did not keep me from enjoying the story.
I listened to the audiobook of this one, and the reader, while a good reader, did not change his voice for other characters at all, so it was not so much story telling, as listening to a book read aloud.This book is the first in a series and it did capture my interest enough to make me want to pick up the next installment
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.
I liked the concept of the story a lot, and it kept me listening and wanting to know what happened until the end, but the story was also obviously a platform for the author to push her views on marriage and sex equality especially, and communal living secondly. For the most part, that didn't bother me. Yes, it bogged down the story some, but it also added to it. I wish it had scaled back these statements over and over some, but it did not keep me from enjoying the story.
I listened to the audiobook of this one, and the reader, while a good reader, did not change his voice for other characters at all, so it was not so much story telling, as listening to a book read aloud.This book is the first in a series and it did capture my interest enough to make me want to pick up the next installment
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.
February 5, 2019
This was a well-written steampunk adventure with some romance. I was expecting some steam with the romance and was a little disappointed, but 'The Earl of Brass' was still a good story. What made me chuckle was the fact that I actually had to look up the meanings of a few words...lol
I will consider reading the next book in the series.
By the way...I love the cover. 3.5 stars.
I will consider reading the next book in the series.
By the way...I love the cover. 3.5 stars.
December 1, 2014
Steampunk is new to me as a genre. I enjoyed it thoroughly though and, as an engineer, appreciated the research that was done to make the entire story believable. The characters were outstanding, though not perfect (which is a good thing!). I would definitely like to read about their further development and adventures.
The omniscient POV sometimes interrupted the story's continuity for me, making me realize I was reading a story instead of observing it or being immersed in it, but that may just be because I am used to the single person POV. There were very few typos or grammatical errors, so the editing job was superb. I would give this book four and a half stars if I could, but unfortunately will have to settle for four. I'll watch for Kara's next book.
The omniscient POV sometimes interrupted the story's continuity for me, making me realize I was reading a story instead of observing it or being immersed in it, but that may just be because I am used to the single person POV. There were very few typos or grammatical errors, so the editing job was superb. I would give this book four and a half stars if I could, but unfortunately will have to settle for four. I'll watch for Kara's next book.
March 10, 2015
I thought the Earl of Brass was an intriguing and well written story with some very different characters than I originally expected!
All in all this book is well worth reading and the ending was satisfying in the way it brought all of the plot threads together!
This story was a different take on Steampunk, although it was more of a historical fantasy rather than just solely Steampunk related.
The elements of Steampunk were present and in some cases was at the heart of certain characters and their story within the overall book. All of these moulded well with the overall story and plot.
All in all this book is well worth reading and the ending was satisfying in the way it brought all of the plot threads together!
This story was a different take on Steampunk, although it was more of a historical fantasy rather than just solely Steampunk related.
The elements of Steampunk were present and in some cases was at the heart of certain characters and their story within the overall book. All of these moulded well with the overall story and plot.
April 5, 2023
DNF - this book didn't feel queer enough to me, and the plot was ehhh.... Earl was just always feeling sorry for himself (before and after his accident) and it's hard to empathize with a rich, titled man's problems (even when they're legitimate, like losing a limb!). Inventor's storyline was also ehh to me? It gave me vibes of "I'm dressing as a man because no one takes me seriously as a woman" instead of "I'm dressing as a man or something in between for myself" and also this is a fantasy so why do we have to accept " period typical " sexism???
August 27, 2025
This was such an enjoyable read. I read like a snail and when I hit the throttle point, I can't put it down. The way it involves steampunk and a wonderful underlying current of issues like gender stereotypes for the era and even into sexuality. AND in-between the sub plot, she writes exquisitely. I basically gave my imagination a seven-course meal and somehow I'm still hungry.
January 2, 2018
c'est plus un 3 1/2 qu'un 3. C'est dommage. la 1ere moitié est très très bien. Arrivé à un moment, ça tourne au surnaturel et je n'ai pas vraiment aimé la manière dont l'auteur l'amène. A partir du dernier quart, on revient au ton de la 1ere moitié ce qui est très bien. (pas facile de dire mon ressenti sans spoiler xd)
January 11, 2020
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book!
I was a little uncertain at first, because it seemed to have a slow build, but it didn't take long for the characters to win me over. I loved how Eilian, in spite of his privilege, was so critical of his families imperialism. Hadley was a my favorite kind steampunk heroine-- one who brazenly defies her society's attempts to restrain her. I loved watching the two fall in love, though I admit, there were a few moments early on where I was shipping Eilian with his butler.
About half way through, the plot and style shifted a little when the two characters left to go on a desert expedition. This was my favorite part of the book, where there was more action and adventure. The society the Eilian and Hadley discover was amazing, and I wanted to keep reading about it.
There was fantastic tension around this part of the book, but I won't say what causes it to avoid spoilers.
I won't go into details about the end, again, to avoid spoilers, but I will say that it ended exactly how I hoped it would.
My one complaint is about something very subjective: the point of view. I prefer to stay anchored in one character's POV until there is a clear scene break or chapter break. However, this had more of an omniscient style narrator, so within a page, readers saw from the point of view of different characters. There is nothing wrong with this style, and it was well handled, but it just isn't my cup of tea.
However, the characters, the story, and the prose were so good that the narration style was almost irrelevant.
I'm looking forward to reading more!
I was a little uncertain at first, because it seemed to have a slow build, but it didn't take long for the characters to win me over. I loved how Eilian, in spite of his privilege, was so critical of his families imperialism. Hadley was a my favorite kind steampunk heroine-- one who brazenly defies her society's attempts to restrain her. I loved watching the two fall in love, though I admit, there were a few moments early on where I was shipping Eilian with his butler.
About half way through, the plot and style shifted a little when the two characters left to go on a desert expedition. This was my favorite part of the book, where there was more action and adventure. The society the Eilian and Hadley discover was amazing, and I wanted to keep reading about it.
There was fantastic tension around this part of the book, but I won't say what causes it to avoid spoilers.
I won't go into details about the end, again, to avoid spoilers, but I will say that it ended exactly how I hoped it would.
My one complaint is about something very subjective: the point of view. I prefer to stay anchored in one character's POV until there is a clear scene break or chapter break. However, this had more of an omniscient style narrator, so within a page, readers saw from the point of view of different characters. There is nothing wrong with this style, and it was well handled, but it just isn't my cup of tea.
However, the characters, the story, and the prose were so good that the narration style was almost irrelevant.
I'm looking forward to reading more!
October 24, 2022
Стиймпънк романтична поредица с приключенски привкус, която се опитва да се хареса на всички, и някак губи устрема си след първата книга, която е наистина прекрасна. История за влюбването на авантюрист - благородник, изгубил ръката си в кошмарна катастрофа с цепелин, и девойка - изобретател, която може с няколко колелца и болтчета да съгради всякаква адска машина. Естествено, в алтернативната стиймпънк викториана на дамите им се позволява да са само потребители на технологията, но не и нейни създателки, така че се налага една чаровна шарада с измислени самоличности и преобличания, която прераства в намиране на тайнствен народ в пустинята, ползващ извънземни технологии на цивилизация, дето може и да е била преди стийма и добрите нрави, и малко от доброто старо маризене на чуждестранна почва. Класическо приключенско фентъзи, което в следващите си части проследява живота на странични герои, които се забъркват с демони, медиуми, злокобни тайни общества и призраци с неясна мотивация, но очарованието от първата разкошност бързо избледнява. Не, че са лоши останалите книги - просто първата е твърде добра в баланса си, отговарящ идеално на читателските ми предпочитания в момента, така че ше ми трябва някакво добро време да я позабравя, че да се насладя на останалите, както заслужават. И такива книги има.
April 30, 2022
The Earl of Brass started well, with an exciting opening and interesting characters. I particularly enjoyed the early scenes between Eilian and Hadley as they sought to create a new arm for him. However, the sudden change in the narration when they dashed off to Palestine didn't work as well for me, mostly because it was hard to suspend my disbelief about the 'hidden' city that didn't seem all that hidden (and seemed a little too perfect to be true). There were just too many times when I thought 'but hang on...', which pulled me out of the story. As did the constant use of epithets and other frequent changes to how characters were referred to in the prose. The book had an intriguing opening premise and two well-rounded lead characters, but the writing style and some of the plotting let it down a little. For me, it's a 3-star read.
May 23, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this novel. I loved the characters and the setting and the world building was fabulous. The it hit the mid-way mark and suddenly turned into something more like 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' and I found it almost impossible to suspend disbelief. I was tempted to dnf, but, I persevered and was rewarded in the end.
The characters were fully-fleshed out, the romance was beautifully developed and - despite the ??? scenes later on, this was great. A few proof-reading errors and slightly 'off-kilter' sentences, but I was enjoying myself too much to be distracted.
The characters were fully-fleshed out, the romance was beautifully developed and - despite the ??? scenes later on, this was great. A few proof-reading errors and slightly 'off-kilter' sentences, but I was enjoying myself too much to be distracted.
June 23, 2017
An enjoyable read, the Earl of Brass ventures into the realm of Steampunk, with a flair for mysticism.
I took my time with this one, allowing the characters, their settings, the technology, and the plot to sink in in a way that allowed me to appreciate it all the more. From the gradual growth between characters and their relationships, the differences in societal structure (such as the contrast between London and Billawra), and the beautiful prose, it was easy to get swept up during Eilian's and Hadley's intrepid adventure.
Definitely a series I look forward to continuing.
I took my time with this one, allowing the characters, their settings, the technology, and the plot to sink in in a way that allowed me to appreciate it all the more. From the gradual growth between characters and their relationships, the differences in societal structure (such as the contrast between London and Billawra), and the beautiful prose, it was easy to get swept up during Eilian's and Hadley's intrepid adventure.
Definitely a series I look forward to continuing.
January 3, 2018
A combination of historical and modern science just as good steampunk is meant to be. I particularly enjoyed this one because it selected a time when women were treated as chattel and the true star of this tale is just one such woman who was smart, driven and accomplished.
May 18, 2018
The Earl of Brass
I throughly enjoyed this book, the accidents and mishaps our hero and heroine managed to survive, plus the ingenious ways of commercial transport.
It was fun to read and I sincerely hope all that read this review will read the book.
I throughly enjoyed this book, the accidents and mishaps our hero and heroine managed to survive, plus the ingenious ways of commercial transport.
It was fun to read and I sincerely hope all that read this review will read the book.
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