Mr Ceridwen and I have been listening to audiobooks on our (somewhat long) drive up to the cabin, which has been generally enjoyable. We got through the entire "Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire" series, which was absolutely a great time. Good narrators, very interesting alt-history, a semi-twist ending I didn't see coming, very astute observations about gender, and on. Well recommended all around. So then we cased around for the next steampunkery to fill the hours. 

I downloaded A Conspiracy of Alchemists first, but holy God was the narrator bad. We just couldn't stop laughing at her hiccoughing reading style. Then we moved on to Phoenix Rising, which opens with a relatively fun rescue sequence, and then settles into ... a whole lot of not so very clever bickering. The main characters, named Books & Braun (gag), are a fussy librarian and a stabby brute, but, get this, the DUDE is the fussy pepperpot and the LADY loves explosives. Oh ho, I bet you thought the lady was the librarian, but you would be wrong! See our fascinating gender reversal! 

I actually fell asleep while listening. 

Which, look, I generally think whether I like this sort of pulp mid-list disposable reading is more dependent on the angle of the sun or the barometric pressure than, say, actual merit. Because this stuff is all more or less the same -- somewhat formulaic, dependent on action, sometimes quippy, little bit of romance for the ladies, etc -- so I wonder sometimes why I bother reading (or writing) reviews. Something called Conspiracy of Alchemists is going to be a three-star outing, shitty narrators notwithstanding, and that I thought Phoenix Rising boring and trite might because I ate something like all the doughnuts when I stopped in Hinckley and hit Toby's bakery. Noms. 

Howdy Peeps (nod to a friend) and how are you all today? Hopefully, you all are doing excellent! I am doing pretty awesome myself! I have been keeping busy with something fun and exciting. That I can't wait to share with you all , but not just yet (I know "why tease us!") I have a lot to do before I can share so as soon as I get answers I will share with you all! It's nothing major like a book deal or anything, but this is a huge deal for me. And, it took me awhile to finally know what I should be doing! Anywhozzles, I think that's it for now! Now, onto something pressing. That is a book review HAZA! I am excited to be reviewing my very first steampunk novel! YAS! The name of this book is called "A Conspiracy of Alchemists" and it is written my Liesel Schwarz. I am excited to start so let's get cooking!

So, this story is about an airship pilot name Elle Chance. Who is dragged into a job to help out a mysterious man name Mr. Marsh. Along the way Elle discovers a destiny that she is not ready for. Also, she and Marsh need to stop a band of evil Alchemists from basically destroying the world! (How Exciting!!!)

This book drew me in right away and I loved using my imagination to creating this steampunk world. I grew to really like Marsh (real name Hugh) and his charming ways. Elle, even tough I understood the situation and I would most likely react the same way! Well, she was annoying as hell ( forgive me) in the beginning. She complained about everything it seemed. I really wanted to punch her. She is stubborn and true to her words. Marsh like I've mentioned is charming, sweet, and also funny. He knew the right words to say and things to do to set Elle off! he can be a bit to himself, for which I understood why Elle was hesitant about certain situations. Elle isn't so bad, she stood up for what she wanted to do and she went for it and that was to be an airship pilot. Which she's awesome at and she didn't give up on a fight!

This story was excellently written. The details of Elle's world was amazing and impressive. Liesel did an amazing job in researching. And, now I must find more of her books!

Phew! That's it from this awesome reader. I hope you all have enjoyed this post. I highly recommend this for anyone into steampunk or wanting to start (like me!) I will be back on Monday with a new post. And, I hope you all have a great and wonderful day/night where ever you are.

&

SHIMMY SHIMMY!

tried finding the gif for the part of Princess Diaries 2 where she is dancing with prince who was like shimmy shimmy. No luck :( sad face

ugh. I just cant deal.

I wasn't a fan of the book the first time around- so thought doing it as an audio would work. BUT I don't like the narration. Oh wait! Actually I totally loath it. The narrator is super irritating. I can't even explain what it is, just somehow how she speaks... she sounds so arrogant. And before you try and tell me it's her british accent, nope that's not it. I gots a british accent myself... It's her way of talking. JUST so annoying. 

SO ...

 

DNF