Review: Its a Keeper!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 18, 2011
I like the steampunk genre, but its one of the those "you get a really good book, a really bad book" genre. Authors either nail it, or fail miserably. Pape executes the steampunk paranormal theme without a flaw. A highly enjoyable book with an equally enjoyable set of characters.Things I utterly enjoyed about this book was that the steampunk technology, even culture, is a true presence in this novel. Usually, some authors say they have a steampunk story because they throw in a few out of century gadgets into an Victorian setting, but Pape makes steampunk a pivoting factor in this book. You dont have the every-once-and-a-while odd invention, but instead you can tell the steampunk inventions and culture is embedded into this book- theres mention of dirigibles, clock work pets, clock work servants, mechanical sweepers, and its apart of everyday life. Im particularly fond of the mechanical dog, George :) So steampunk fans, this book wont let you down when it comes to the zany inventions and mechanical charm.There is an equal amount of the paranormal, fantasy, sorcery factor. Our Knights are "gifted" with certain talents and spells. One of my few complaints about the book is that I didnt feel there was enough depth (or what I would have liked) about spells. You see the Knight chant and spell and the mention of what a spell does, but from time to time it seems a bit lack luster. Other then my complaints with the spells, there is plenty of other sorcery and paranormal in the book to keep me happy: alchemy, werewolves, vampyres, fea, and some the children are able to see the future or speak to ghost.I also think what really had me excited about this book were the characters. I admit I was hesitant because, right off the bat, you know this story is going to have a major cast. Between the main and the secondary characters, you have quite of bit of names to memorize- but Pape does an excellent job at painting each of her character, with their own personalities and looks, that its easy to remember who is who. I liked each character, specially the children. They were all so distinct and such a rag-tag bunch that you found it hard to dislike the street urchins. Wink is my favorite of the children, a mechanical genius. I heartily enjoyed our main characters as well. Caroline and Merrick are a delight to watch interact with one another and are just as fun to read about when they are separate from each other.Caroline is a no-nonsense governess, hard on her luck with employment, and seems to break anything mechanical. I love watching her interact with the children in the book, she seems to be the only one to reign them in with a gentle fist. It was great to watch her her break out of her secure shell as she comfortably fits in with a tact-together mystical household. Only to find out she has secrets of her own.I cant say much for Merrick, besides the fact that Im obsessed with him. We wont get started on how much I enjoy Merrick's demur character and turn him into a family man of sorts. Otherwise, you wont get me to shut up.As you start along with the story, you begin to wonder where the romance is. Pape takes her time building the relationship between Merrick and Caroline, making it believable and likable. As she builds the romance, Pape does extensive character development, and world building, for the rest of her cast- which does not go unnoticed or unappreciated in my opinion. But when the romance between Caroline and Merrick finally begins to kick off, boy does it go and go, and again, there are no complaints for me. So dont worry romance readers, its there, and there are several steamy scenes (but nothing vulgar) for you to enjoy!Its a well balanced book of character development, world building, and romance. And it works all perfectly well together. Steam and Sorcery comes highly recommended to well seasoned steampunk readers, and those who are new the genre, those who are into the paranormal/fantasy, romance, and of course Victorian society settings.