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wasauthor's review
5.0
I received an advance reader copy of [b:Beyond the Cogs: A Steampunk Anthology|58699327|Beyond the Cogs A Steampunk Anthology|Elle Beaumont|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1630164114l/58699327._SY75_.jpg|92363915] for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Beyond the Cogs collects three novella-length steampunk stories, each with their own unique hook and style. These stories are completely dispirate to each other, meaning there is no common through line (other than the broad steampunk stylings) or any sense of continuity. While it only includes three stories of a moderate length, instead of a high number of short stories, this is an anthology in the truest sense of the word.
Given that this has opted to collect only three stories, if just one of these falls flat, it is going to bring the entire collection down. Thankfully this is not the case: while everyone's mileage with the different stories will vary (everyone will have their favourites, and these will be different from reader to reader), they are each a great read.
I don't know if any of the authors are planning on spinning these worlds out into full-length novels, or even series, but every one of these stories has the potential to be expanded upon. The worlds and stories these authors have created are just that engaging.
The Soulless Ones by [a:C. Vonzale Lewis|18389491|C. Vonzale Lewis|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1536165668p2/18389491.jpg] infuses post-apocalyptic speculative fiction with a unique take on vampires. Its tightly knit plot and writing that makes you feel like you are a part of the world she has created.
The Rogue of Vanguard by [a:Nicholas J. Evans|19419541|Nicholas J. Evans|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1564825898p2/19419541.jpg] is the shortest story in the collection, and also the lightest on plot. Its true highlight (and what a highlight it is) is its absolutely delightful narration, which is a character of its very own.
Gossamer & Thorns by [a:Elle Beaumont|17944583|Elle Beaumont|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1525610235p2/17944583.jpg] is the most personal story of the three. This story is a tragic romance where the lead character must contend with his girlfriend's terminal illness and his abusive parents.
If you're a fan of steampunk, or even if you're just interested in the setting and the different ways it can be applied, I highly recommend reading Beyond the Cogs.
For my full thoughts about this title (as well as a host of other books), you can read my review on my website, here from 7 March 2022.
Beyond the Cogs collects three novella-length steampunk stories, each with their own unique hook and style. These stories are completely dispirate to each other, meaning there is no common through line (other than the broad steampunk stylings) or any sense of continuity. While it only includes three stories of a moderate length, instead of a high number of short stories, this is an anthology in the truest sense of the word.
Given that this has opted to collect only three stories, if just one of these falls flat, it is going to bring the entire collection down. Thankfully this is not the case: while everyone's mileage with the different stories will vary (everyone will have their favourites, and these will be different from reader to reader), they are each a great read.
I don't know if any of the authors are planning on spinning these worlds out into full-length novels, or even series, but every one of these stories has the potential to be expanded upon. The worlds and stories these authors have created are just that engaging.
The Soulless Ones by [a:C. Vonzale Lewis|18389491|C. Vonzale Lewis|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1536165668p2/18389491.jpg] infuses post-apocalyptic speculative fiction with a unique take on vampires. Its tightly knit plot and writing that makes you feel like you are a part of the world she has created.
The Rogue of Vanguard by [a:Nicholas J. Evans|19419541|Nicholas J. Evans|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1564825898p2/19419541.jpg] is the shortest story in the collection, and also the lightest on plot. Its true highlight (and what a highlight it is) is its absolutely delightful narration, which is a character of its very own.
Gossamer & Thorns by [a:Elle Beaumont|17944583|Elle Beaumont|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1525610235p2/17944583.jpg] is the most personal story of the three. This story is a tragic romance where the lead character must contend with his girlfriend's terminal illness and his abusive parents.
If you're a fan of steampunk, or even if you're just interested in the setting and the different ways it can be applied, I highly recommend reading Beyond the Cogs.
For my full thoughts about this title (as well as a host of other books), you can read my review on my website, here from 7 March 2022.
kyra_ann_writes's review
3.0
I would definitely recommend this book to people who are drawn to the general aesthetic and world-building of steampunk. In each story, I found the fusion of fleshly corporeality and machination intriguing. With that being said, I felt this tension and/or lack of alignment between the character development and the world-building. I didn't find the characters as compelling, lacking a complexity that coincided with the steampunk aesthetic. I also wish that the characters were more emotionally connected, but then again, their detachment could be a product of the haggard environment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
annarella's review
4.0
An interesting anthology that made me discover some new to me authors.
The story are well plotted, the world building fascinating and the characters fleshed out.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The story are well plotted, the world building fascinating and the characters fleshed out.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
sophie_kiehl's review
3.0
The Soulless Ones by C. Vonzale Lewis - 4 stars
This was my favorite of the short stories. It follows a bounty hunter tracking her target to New Orleans and discovering a more dangerous threat than she anticipated. I loved the world building and the magic system, and I was particularly engaged by the genuine characters and unique premise. The ending was a bit rushed, but the rest of the story was paced very well.
The Rogue of Vangard by Nicholas J. Evans - 2 stars
This story was considerably shorter, choosing to follow a single encounter between an outlaw and his hunter. Although I respect the ambition of telling a story in such a compact format, I struggled to connect with the characters and the world. Although both were explained using specific details, dialogue, and neologisms, I did not find them to be descriptive enough to fully engage me.
Gossamer and Thorns by Elle Beaumont - 3 stars
If Frankenstein met The Fault in Our Stars, the result would be Gossamer and Thorns. This story describes the fated romance of Kris, the son of an automaton maker, and Emilie, a victim of the dreaded Ironbark disease. I was immediately intrigued by the premise of mortal illness in a steampunk world, but this theme was only explored briefly. The author instead opted to focus on the romance, but their true love was more “telling” than “showing”, and it ultimately fell flat for me.
Thank you to BookSirens for graciously providing me with an ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was my favorite of the short stories. It follows a bounty hunter tracking her target to New Orleans and discovering a more dangerous threat than she anticipated. I loved the world building and the magic system, and I was particularly engaged by the genuine characters and unique premise. The ending was a bit rushed, but the rest of the story was paced very well.
The Rogue of Vangard by Nicholas J. Evans - 2 stars
This story was considerably shorter, choosing to follow a single encounter between an outlaw and his hunter. Although I respect the ambition of telling a story in such a compact format, I struggled to connect with the characters and the world. Although both were explained using specific details, dialogue, and neologisms, I did not find them to be descriptive enough to fully engage me.
Gossamer and Thorns by Elle Beaumont - 3 stars
If Frankenstein met The Fault in Our Stars, the result would be Gossamer and Thorns. This story describes the fated romance of Kris, the son of an automaton maker, and Emilie, a victim of the dreaded Ironbark disease. I was immediately intrigued by the premise of mortal illness in a steampunk world, but this theme was only explored briefly. The author instead opted to focus on the romance, but their true love was more “telling” than “showing”, and it ultimately fell flat for me.
Thank you to BookSirens for graciously providing me with an ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
booksavvyreviews's review
5.0
Loved the stories in this anthology. Each one was unique and although each one was steampunk they had their own twist to the genre. Definitely recommend to those who are looking for a new favorite author or love the genre.
Adventure ✔️
Romance ✔️
Action ✔️
Mystery ✔️
Adventure ✔️
Romance ✔️
Action ✔️
Mystery ✔️
lenaf's review
5.0
Full disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy by one of the authors. All opinions are my own.
This collection features three novellas, so I’ll be discussing them individually.
The Soulless Ones by C. Vonzale Lewis
I had the opportunity to be a beta reader for this incredible adventure, and I was absolutely in awe of the changes Lewis was able to incorporate from the rougher draft I read before. She has an incredible knack for creating unique characters and spectacular worlds, and I absolutely love her creativity in this story. It has an Old West feel with a distinct steampunk style and deals with monsters reminiscent of vampires. Her unique style really shines in this story. It’s an absolutely fun read and I truly hope we’ll get more stories about Parasol because I could read a whole collection about her adventures!
The Rogue of Vangard by Nicholas J. Evans
This tale was more abstract and more visually focused so it took a bit for me to warm up to the story and characters. Once we get into a steampunk taxi ride with a law-straddling driver, a stuffy top politician, and our thieving protagonist, the entire story shifts with growing tension. We learn how corrupt the city is that our protagonist is stealing from, we learn how brainwashed the politician is, and how controlled the magic is in this world. The ending is the topping on the cake so I can’t spoil it here, however I was sad to see this unique world end. I grew to love so many characters in such a short few pages. I would love to read more in this world!
Gossamer and Thorns by Elle Beaumont
Now this story was reminiscent of the Vincent Price classics such as Fall of the House of Usher. Wealthy young Kris has fallen in love with Emilie who has a chronic disease. He lives in an abusive home with his father who is obsessed with transferring human souls into automatons. Kris’ father is an even more unbalanced Victor Frankenstein. Admittedly, I don’t usually read romance stories so since Kris and Emilie’s relationship filled the majority of the story, that was a struggle for me. Readers who love a budding romance will probably adore this story. It had some wonderful twists that I didn’t see coming and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending.
Overall this is a strong anthology with only a few authors but with a wide variety of steampunk. As a fan of steampunk (and a dabbler in it myself), I had an absolute blast reading these. Definitely recommended for readers looking to dive into another world for a while. And I’ve found new authors to obsess over.
This collection features three novellas, so I’ll be discussing them individually.
The Soulless Ones by C. Vonzale Lewis
I had the opportunity to be a beta reader for this incredible adventure, and I was absolutely in awe of the changes Lewis was able to incorporate from the rougher draft I read before. She has an incredible knack for creating unique characters and spectacular worlds, and I absolutely love her creativity in this story. It has an Old West feel with a distinct steampunk style and deals with monsters reminiscent of vampires. Her unique style really shines in this story. It’s an absolutely fun read and I truly hope we’ll get more stories about Parasol because I could read a whole collection about her adventures!
The Rogue of Vangard by Nicholas J. Evans
This tale was more abstract and more visually focused so it took a bit for me to warm up to the story and characters. Once we get into a steampunk taxi ride with a law-straddling driver, a stuffy top politician, and our thieving protagonist, the entire story shifts with growing tension. We learn how corrupt the city is that our protagonist is stealing from, we learn how brainwashed the politician is, and how controlled the magic is in this world. The ending is the topping on the cake so I can’t spoil it here, however I was sad to see this unique world end. I grew to love so many characters in such a short few pages. I would love to read more in this world!
Gossamer and Thorns by Elle Beaumont
Now this story was reminiscent of the Vincent Price classics such as Fall of the House of Usher. Wealthy young Kris has fallen in love with Emilie who has a chronic disease. He lives in an abusive home with his father who is obsessed with transferring human souls into automatons. Kris’ father is an even more unbalanced Victor Frankenstein. Admittedly, I don’t usually read romance stories so since Kris and Emilie’s relationship filled the majority of the story, that was a struggle for me. Readers who love a budding romance will probably adore this story. It had some wonderful twists that I didn’t see coming and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending.
Overall this is a strong anthology with only a few authors but with a wide variety of steampunk. As a fan of steampunk (and a dabbler in it myself), I had an absolute blast reading these. Definitely recommended for readers looking to dive into another world for a while. And I’ve found new authors to obsess over.
amandawritings's review
4.0
Get your steampunk story fix with this anthology comprised of 3 short stories. Two action-packed stories and one tragic love story that will immerse you into the world of steampunk. While each writer has their own story style within the steampunk universe they fit well together in this series and I enjoyed reading each one. Although, Beaumont’s Gossamer & Thorns left a hefty impact on my heart. We get a nice variety of action-adventure and love stories from this anthology.
In The Soulless Ones, Lewis provides an investigative adventure in a steampunk New Orleans as we follow Parasol and her automaton sister, Pearl, in their search for their latest bounty; a man named Convington. While searching for their bounty, they learn New Orleans may be overrun with Soulless Ones, creatures who were once human that now feed off the souls of others and they just happen to have the knowledge on how to stop these creatures. They make a fun adventuring crew and both show how badass women can be, especially in the face of misogynistic men. Lewis makes a craft of witty dialogue mixed with fun action scenes. The ending becomes a lot more fast-paced than I was expecting but it matches with the plot of the story. I’d definitely love to read more of Parasol and Pearl’s adventures together though.
For The Rogue of Vangard, Evans thrusts us into action right at the opening of the story as the main character tries to shake off his pursuers. He’s a bit of an unreliable narrator, which fits since the city he’s traveled into views him as a criminal the moment he enters. Action is jam-packed at the beginning and end of this story with a quick exposition in between. The exposition is where we learn more about the main character as he attempts to evade local authorities by traveling on a locomoti-cart manned by a driver who provides help and kindness without question. Things get a bit hairier for the main character when a city authority joins him and the driver on the cart. It’s fun to see how he’ll handle this predicament. One thing I’d like to say about this story is that it did leave me with a lot more questions and answers.
Now comes Gossamer & Thorns, a heart-wrenching story taking place in a steampunk world. Out of all three stories this one had the strongest impact on me. Mainly because Beaumont shares the feelings and emotions of the main character, a nineteen-year-old male named Kris, so deeply it’s hard not to be swept up in his love for Emilie, his seventeen-year-old neighbor. In this steampunk world, there are people who have amazing health and others plagued with a disease called Ironbark that currently has no cure. Emilie, Kris’ beloved, is one of those with Ironbark and we see how it impacts her life and how Kris attempts to help her survive it, at least to her eighteenth birthday when they can wed, even though his unfeeling parents attempt to put him off his love for her. Definitely prepare your heart on this one.
If you’re a steampunk fan, this anthology series is right up your alley. I find steampunk worlds interesting but I wouldn’t say it’s a favorite genre of mine. Even so, I really did enjoy every story in this series, each in its own way. I recommend this read for steampunk lovers and non-steampunk lovers alike. Whichever one you are, you’re in for a fun adventure when you pick up this book. I know it’s made me want to read other works from these authors.
*I received an ARC of the book from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In The Soulless Ones, Lewis provides an investigative adventure in a steampunk New Orleans as we follow Parasol and her automaton sister, Pearl, in their search for their latest bounty; a man named Convington. While searching for their bounty, they learn New Orleans may be overrun with Soulless Ones, creatures who were once human that now feed off the souls of others and they just happen to have the knowledge on how to stop these creatures. They make a fun adventuring crew and both show how badass women can be, especially in the face of misogynistic men. Lewis makes a craft of witty dialogue mixed with fun action scenes. The ending becomes a lot more fast-paced than I was expecting but it matches with the plot of the story. I’d definitely love to read more of Parasol and Pearl’s adventures together though.
For The Rogue of Vangard, Evans thrusts us into action right at the opening of the story as the main character tries to shake off his pursuers. He’s a bit of an unreliable narrator, which fits since the city he’s traveled into views him as a criminal the moment he enters. Action is jam-packed at the beginning and end of this story with a quick exposition in between. The exposition is where we learn more about the main character as he attempts to evade local authorities by traveling on a locomoti-cart manned by a driver who provides help and kindness without question. Things get a bit hairier for the main character when a city authority joins him and the driver on the cart. It’s fun to see how he’ll handle this predicament. One thing I’d like to say about this story is that it did leave me with a lot more questions and answers.
Now comes Gossamer & Thorns, a heart-wrenching story taking place in a steampunk world. Out of all three stories this one had the strongest impact on me. Mainly because Beaumont shares the feelings and emotions of the main character, a nineteen-year-old male named Kris, so deeply it’s hard not to be swept up in his love for Emilie, his seventeen-year-old neighbor. In this steampunk world, there are people who have amazing health and others plagued with a disease called Ironbark that currently has no cure. Emilie, Kris’ beloved, is one of those with Ironbark and we see how it impacts her life and how Kris attempts to help her survive it, at least to her eighteenth birthday when they can wed, even though his unfeeling parents attempt to put him off his love for her. Definitely prepare your heart on this one.
If you’re a steampunk fan, this anthology series is right up your alley. I find steampunk worlds interesting but I wouldn’t say it’s a favorite genre of mine. Even so, I really did enjoy every story in this series, each in its own way. I recommend this read for steampunk lovers and non-steampunk lovers alike. Whichever one you are, you’re in for a fun adventure when you pick up this book. I know it’s made me want to read other works from these authors.
*I received an ARC of the book from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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