Revenge of the Mad Scientist

by Lara Nance

[Cocktails and Books]

There are so many things that I love about steampunk books, but my absolute favorite thing is the setting. Being an off-shoot of the science fiction genre, steampunk novels are generally set in a unique and alternate 19th century Victorian England or American Wild West world. Some of them are futuristic, and some even border on a fantasy like world. Regardless, they are always fascinating and indescribably fun.

The world that the author has painted in this story is wildly creative, taking us to a time when steam-machines and gaslights were all the rage. The characters that she has developed are unique, each adding depth and excitement to the story. The adventures that Lady Arabella and her ex-fiance, Rett, experience throughout the book are delightfully fun as they encounter pirates, slave traders, poison darts and assassins in their quest to find her kidnapped father and prove the Lord Ismatan innocent. I loved the chemistry between Arabella and Rett, watching their relationship grow from bitter to sweet. It was definitely a highlight of the story!

This book is absolutely wonderful, and I feel honored that I had the opportunity to read it. The author is a master storyteller and incredibly talented. If you’ve never read any books in the steampunk genre and would like suggestions, this book would be a perfect place to start.

Reviewed by Marie for Cocktails and Books.