Nothing is as simple as it seems though and Lena makes a significant error in judgement that puts all of the wrong people in danger. What follows is a chase across air and land in an era where air travel was only beginning to be dreamed of. We encounter goblins and people with wings; flying coaches, dirigibles, and unscrupulous lawmen; indentured Peculiar labourers and precious Titantum mines; and all the while, Lena embarks on a journey that teaches her loyalty, integrity and the value of friendship.
McQuerry imparts an incredible amount of detail without weighing the story down. She creates such a vivid impression that I could almost feel the stiff fabric of the Victorian clothing and the discomfort Lena experienced as she tried to fit her long, spidery hands and feet (each with additional joints on her fingers and toes) into formal gloves and boots. I could imagine the textures of the material and started to appreciate how many layers and accessories were required in proper Victorian attire. McQuerry’s writing appealed to other senses too as I could almost smell the soup in the kitchen and feel the cold, wind and steam as they cascaded through the air in the coach.
McQuerry has created a wonderful world with The Peculiars and I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. In fact, I enjoyed this book so much that I would investigate other works in the streampunk genre in future. The Peculiars will be released on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk on May 1, 2012.
I give The Peculiars five out of five stars.
Article comments