Steampunk! Like Clockwork Review

Like Clockwork
Author: Bonnie Dee
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 243 KB
Publisher: Carina Press
Release Date: 12/13/2010

Summary: Victoria's work with automatons has gained her renown and changed the face of London. But her concern that the clockworks are taking too many jobs away from humans, creating social unrest, is ignored. Given the ugly mood of the underclass, she fears more outbreaks of violence similar to the murder spree of the notorious Southwark Slasher. Dash, unemployed thanks to the clockworks, has pledged fealty to The Brotherhood, a group determined to bring about the downfall of the automatons by any means necessary. His plan to kidnap Victoria goes awry when the unorthodox scientist pledges her assistance to their cause.

I'm a big fan of steampunk stories for so many reasons. They combine the gentleness of the Victorian era with science, adventure, and whimsy, plus often romance. Like Clockwork includes a murder mystery, which adds another element to this fast paced light story. The novella length makes it a great read for those readers new to steampunk.

Victoria is smart, spunky, naive and compassionate. She suspects a mistake has been made giving automatons (robots) a human appearance, which in turn made people feel comfortable giving them jobs as nannies, housekeepers, butlers and other jobs where they interact with families on a daily basis. Victoria helped give them their human appearance but she wanted to have them only take on jobs that were dangerous for humans. She wanted to save lives, not create an invention that would replace people.

Dash is dangerous, passionate, at times rash, and extreme. After kidnapping Victoria he can't seem to stay away from her, even when it's dangerous for her. Together they try to help the poor, and solve a dangerous mystery, while trying not to give in to their desires.

I loved Like Clockwork for it's sweet humor, romance and thought provoking theme. It's fast paced, and the characters are fascinating. Later in the book there are some very steamy scenes between Victoria and Dash. It's truly a smart, lovely read. If you enjoy historical romances, steampunk or light science fiction you'll really like Bonnie Dee's steampunk read.

Teaser Words
gaslights
tea
dirigible
daguerreotype
underground
cockney
bombs
spies

To learn more about the author and Like Clockwork visit:
http://bonniedee.com/LikeClockwork.htm

~Brenda