Books matching: victorian influences
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- #1
Save:In The Peshawar Lancers by S.M. Stirling, a post-apocalyptic alternate history unfolds as a meteor strike reshapes the world, leading to the British Empire relocating to India and rebuilding its power. The story follows the King family's struggles in this new empire, filled with intrigue, spies, and action, set against a backdrop of a steampunk world with airships and steam trains. The narrative is a blend of adventure, historical fiction, and speculative elements, keeping readers engaged with its unique world-building and compelling characters.
Captain Athelstane King rinsed out his mouth with a swig from the goatskin water bag slung at his saddlebow. Even in October this shadeless, low-lying part of the Northwest Frontier Province was hot; ... - #2
Save:'The Home and the World' by Rabindranath Tagore is a novel set in Bengal during the early 20th century, amidst the Swadeshi movement aimed at self-sufficiency. The story revolves around a love triangle involving Bimala, the wife of a nobleman named Nikhil, and their friend Sandip, a political activist. The characters represent varying viewpoints on nationalism and revolution, with Nikhil advocating for non-violence and restraint, while Sandip pushes for radical actions to overthrow British rule. The novel delves into themes of political turmoil, inner struggles, and the clash between traditional values and modern ideals, all set against the backdrop of India's fight for independence.
MOTHER, today there comes back to mind the vermilion mark [1] at the parting of your hair, the sari [2] which you used to wear, with its wide red border, and those wonderful eyes of yours, full of dep... - #3
Save:Stormsong is the second book in 'The Kingston Cycle' series by C.L. Polk. The novel follows Grace, the politically savvy sister of Miles, as she navigates palace intrigue, storm-fighting magicians, pressures for democratic reform, and captives from a foreign power. The story is set in a world of powerful magic, devastating storms, and snarled political power plays, with a touch of Victorian inspiration but not steampunk. The plot unfolds slowly but picks up halfway through, leading to a fantastic ending that is brightened by a deftly handled romance.
Fourteen days after Miles, Tristan, and I broke the aether network, I dreamed the Cauldron brewed a storm. I watched a vast, many-armed spiral of clouds from the highest reaches of the sky. Half-awake...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Kingston Cycle ) - #4
Save:'New Amsterdam' by Elizabeth Bear is a collection of interconnected stories featuring the Forensic Sorceress and Crown Officer Abigail Irene Garrett and the detective and Vampire Sebastian de Ulloa. Set in an alternative history around 1900, the tales follow the duo as they investigate murders with supernatural elements in a world fraught with political tensions and uneasy acceptance of supernatural beings. The stories combine elements of paranormal fantasy, steampunk, detective stories, and alternate history, creating an atmospheric and intriguing setting with well-drawn characters negotiating complex relationships.
The zeppelin Hans Glücker left Calais at 9:15 in the evening on a cold night in March,1899, bound for New Amsterdam, the jewel of British North America. Don Sebastien de Ulloa, known to the Continent ... - #5
Save:"The Iron Duke" by Meljean Brook is a steampunk romance novel set in an alternate history where England has just liberated itself from the conquering Horde. The story follows the Iron Duke, Rhys Trahearn, a former pirate turned hero, and Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth, a strong and sassy protagonist with a complex background. As they investigate a murder that unveils a vast conspiracy, the plot unfolds with elements of romance, adventure, zombies, nanobots, and airships. The writing style is praised for its world-building, intricate dystopian setting, and adult-themed exploration of dark human elements.
Mina hadn’t predicted that sugar would wreck the Marchioness of Hartington’s ball; she’d thought the dancing would. Their hostess’s good humor had weathered them through the discovery that fewer than ... - #6
Save:'Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes' follows the story of a ten-year-old blind orphan named Peter who has been trained as a thief. After stealing a box containing three pairs of magical eyes, Peter embarks on a quest that takes him to different worlds and on an adventure of a lifetime. Along with his companion, Sir Tode, a knight transformed into a unique creature, Peter faces challenges, overcomes obstacles, and discovers the true values of friendship and trust. The book combines elements of fairy tales, adventure, and fantasy, creating a whimsical and enchanting narrative that captivates readers.
The writing style of 'Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes' is described as charming, fun, and engaging. The author, Jonathan Auxier, weaves a tale filled with age-appropriate humor, magical elements, and twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The story is divided into three parts, each corresponding to one pair of magical eyes, with short chapters and ink drawings adding to the whimsical nature of the book.
Until this point, you have been witness to Peter’s rather typical infancy—probably not unlike your own. But it was only a matter of time before he distinguished himself from the teething masses. The f... - #7
Save:In 'Strange Cargo', Jeffrey E. Barlough takes readers on a journey through an alternate Earth where Victorian characters coexist with prehistoric creatures. The novel intricately weaves together two plotlines involving a search for a beneficiary and an orphan seeking to rid herself of a supernatural burden. Barlough's writing style, reminiscent of Dickens and Lovecraft, creates a world filled with wonders, dark forces, and mysterious creatures beyond human comprehension.
(Also, see 32 recommendations for the series Western Lights ) - #8
Save:'Down Comes the Night' by Allison Saft is a gothic fantasy novel that follows Wren Southerland, a healer with a talent for magic, who finds herself in the midst of a dangerous mystery and brewing war. The story is set in a world where war-torn countries, Vesria and Danu, are on the brink of conflict, with Wren navigating through political intrigue and dark secrets to prevent another devastating war. The writing style is described as immersive, with vivid descriptions of the setting and characters, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric tone throughout the book.
She replayed the break over and over again, each moment frozen like hoarfrost on the backs of her eyes. The boy, desperate to escape, scrabbling up the side of a tree. His fingers catching on a branch... - #9
Save:'Twilight Seeker' in the series 'Daybreaker' by Pippa DaCosta is an urban fantasy novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have lost a war against supernatural beings. The story follows Lynher Aris, the human host of the Night Station, a place where vampires, demons, and fae converge. Lynher navigates a dangerous game of deception and intrigue while running covert operations to free blood slaves passing through the Station. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and Lynher must confront her biases and make difficult choices to protect those under her care.
The book is characterized by a fast-paced and action-packed narrative, with a strong female protagonist at its center. The intricate world-building, filled with a variety of supernatural creatures and a sentient Night Station, adds depth to the story. Readers are drawn into a dark and mysterious setting where nothing is as it seems, and where the line between friend and foe is constantly blurred.
- #10
Save:'The Smoke-Scented Girl' by Melissa McShane follows the story of Evon, a young magician recruited by the government to track down a destructive magician using fire to harm people. Along with his friends, Evon discovers a blonde woman named Kerensa who is unwittingly part of a dangerous spell. As they navigate through a world where magic is intertwined with government affairs, they face enemies and magical entities while trying to prevent a catastrophic event involving Kerensa.
The plot of 'The Smoke-Scented Girl' is filled with intricate details about magic, a richly developed world reminiscent of Napoleonic era Britain, and a diverse cast of characters including a determined young man protagonist, a cursed woman, loyal friends, and bureaucratic figures. The story combines elements of suspense, romance, and fantasy as Evon struggles to free Kerensa from a deadly spell and prevent a disastrous outcome that could harm innocent lives.
