I should have really loved this book, given the blurb, but instead it was only *okay*. We are thrown straight into the action and the story pace is goI should have really loved this book, given the blurb, but instead it was only *okay*. We are thrown straight into the action and the story pace is good. There’s a mad cap scientist and demons… but I like a bit more development of character even in action adventure steam punk and the writing jarred me. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book....more
This was an interesting world, powered by demons who can only be communicated with by rare skilled human linguists. Im a real sucker for a weird westeThis was an interesting world, powered by demons who can only be communicated with by rare skilled human linguists. Im a real sucker for a weird western and this has undertones of Gunnie Rose....more
4.5 the worlds and settings created by Clark are so rich and evocative, you imagine you are really there. He packs such a lot into such a brief story.4.5 the worlds and settings created by Clark are so rich and evocative, you imagine you are really there. He packs such a lot into such a brief story. Wonderful stuff!...more
A fabulous read! Agent Fatma, with her natty suits, tie pins and bowler hat collection is a really fun main character. She has a supporting cast of otA fabulous read! Agent Fatma, with her natty suits, tie pins and bowler hat collection is a really fun main character. She has a supporting cast of other really cool people including a new partner who she’s not initially very keen about. This story has ALL the djinn- Marid and ifrit , Jann, ghuls, goblins, mechanical angels and a very evocative sense of the rich Egyptian culture. The steam punk elements are great, not overdone and of course we have a nefarious meglomaniac villain. Terrific stuff....more
December’21 Reread. I miss the Dead Djinn world, hence a reread. This is a story of a baby-eating spirit and the creative means of its capture. This isDecember’21 Reread. I miss the Dead Djinn world, hence a reread. This is a story of a baby-eating spirit and the creative means of its capture. This is essentially a story of girl power though, as a crowd of women fighting for women’s suffrage help to capture the spirit. Such great world building! I’ve read everything set in this world now and do hope Djeli is hard at work writing another novel in this series! May ‘21 Excellent short story/novella set in an alternative steam punk Cairo. This has warmed me up nicely and left me very keen to start the newly released novel A Master of Djinn....more
It’s a long time since I read the first two books in this series and it was good to reacquaint myself with it. While it was good to be back, I was sliIt’s a long time since I read the first two books in this series and it was good to reacquaint myself with it. While it was good to be back, I was slightly underwhelmed overall and think either my tastes have changed over time, or the series declines as it goes on. I may at some point finish the series but I won’t be in any kind of rush....more
An enjoyable enough YA romp through steampunk London. There wasn't anything terribly original about the plot or characters but I enjoyed this version An enjoyable enough YA romp through steampunk London. There wasn't anything terribly original about the plot or characters but I enjoyed this version of London with its different levels and it's steam streamers and various other devices and where electricity is illegal. I don't think I'm likely to continue the series though....more
4.5 stars. Whenever I read a new book with vampires, the element I most enjoy is seeing what the author attributes to the . Some authors decide vampir4.5 stars. Whenever I read a new book with vampires, the element I most enjoy is seeing what the author attributes to the . Some authors decide vampires will die in daylight, most say that vampires create vampires through attacking humans; they can eat food or they can't; I like this writer team's take on the vampire world and I particularly enjoy th vampiric cultures and empire created. A really good sequel to the Greyfriar. Adele begins to discover more of her skills, betrayal abounds, changes in the balance of power within Equatoria and the vampire clans. Plenty of action, loyalties tested. All left to play for in the final book. Recommended series....more
4.5 stars. Another rollicking steampunk romp in an alternative Victorian Britain. George Mann is truly the Steampunk Master. It’s been a long time sin4.5 stars. Another rollicking steampunk romp in an alternative Victorian Britain. George Mann is truly the Steampunk Master. It’s been a long time since I read the first two in this series and in the interim have read many other steampunk stories, but Mann is still the best! I love his portrayal of Queen Victoria as a poisonous, almost undead scheming monstrosity, kept alive by machines....more
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