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The Apple-Tree Throne

Premee Mohamed

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gothic historical fantasy

alternate edwardian england

trauma and grief

survivor's guilt

emotional exploration of war

poetic and melancholic writing

steampunk elements

well developed characters

slow and deliberate pacing

supernatural elements

atmospheric landscapes

elegantly crafted narrative

depth and complexity in interactions

In "The Apple-Tree Throne" by Premee Mohamed, the story follows Lieutenant Benjamin Braddock, a survivor of war haunted by the ghost of his dishonored commander, Major General Theodore Wickersley. Braddock returns home to the Greater Republic of Britannia, struggling with survivors' guilt and a leg injury, only to be taken in by Wickersley's family who want him to replace their deceased son. The novella delves into themes of grief, trauma, and fitting into a world that no longer feels familiar, all set in an alternate Edwardian-era England with elements of gothic and steampunk genres. The narrative is described as poetic, melancholic, and elegantly crafted, with a focus on the emotional exploration of war's horrors and its lasting impact on individuals.

Characters:

The characters are relatable and well-developed, particularly the protagonist Ben Braddock, reflecting depth and complexity in their interactions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is elegant and poetic, blending melancholic themes with humor while deeply exploring character emotions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features an alternate history intertwined with steampunk elements, focusing on themes of war, trauma, and emotional connections among the characters.

Setting:

The setting is an alternate version of Edwardian England, characterized by atmospheric and gothic elements alongside richly described landscapes.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing for moments of reflection and emotional intensity that gradually unfold the narrative.

Notes:

The setting is an alternate history resembling Edwardian Britain with unique technologies.

The story offers a mix of gothic elements and steampunk themes.

Ben Braddock, the main character, grapples with survivor's guilt after returning from war.

Braddock is haunted both figuratively and literally by his former commanding officer's ghost.

Themes of emotional trauma, grief, and the struggle to belong are central to the narrative.

The class structure remains largely intact in this alternate world despite the abolition of the monarchy.

The story features a quirky, humorous side amidst its serious themes.

The ending contains a twist that is both moving and well foreshadowed throughout the novella.

The author portrays each character with compassion, showcasing their human flaws and virtues.

The novella is described as elegant, witty, and deeply immersive.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of war, trauma, grief, survivor's guilt, and mental health issues.

Has Romance?

The novella contains elements of romance, particularly in the context of Ben's interactions with Wickersley's family and his potential romantic interest.

From The Publisher:

It is the turn of the century in an England that never was. Bright new aqua-plants are generating electricity for the streetlights; news can be easily had on the radio-viz; and in Gundisalvus' Land, the war is over and the soldiers are beginning to trickle home. Amongst these is Lt. Benjamin Braddock, survivor of the massacre that ended the war, and begrudgingly ready to return to a world that, well, doesn't seem to need him any more than it did in peacetime. His friends have homes and families to return to, while he's got nothing but his discharge papers and a couple of unwanted medals. Oh, and one new thing: the furious ghost of his commanding officer.

Fortunately, since the officer's family is so vehemently adamant that Braddock join their rich and carefree fold, he doesn't have much time to fret about being haunted. But the secrets of the war are about to catch up to them all.

"A steaming heap of self-indulgent drivel" - the author

What can you read after
The Apple-Tree Throne?

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