Steampunk Tales #1
A Guest Review by Eric Johnson
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"Steampunk Tales #1" is an anthology that includes work by such authors as Catherynne M. Valente, Phil Brucato, G. D. Falksen, J Flesher, Mark Rossmore, K. E. Kendall, Jennifer Wilson, Brian Rappatta, and Noel Black. As a reader just getting into the phenomenon of “Steampunk”, it’s actually turning out to be a widely varied mix of old Victorian sensibilities; where high technology is replaced by steam pipes and other things that were prevalent back then. However, I can’t do an honest review without going through the individual stories:
Project Möbius-5 by K. E. Kendall
A rather interesting tale of a British airship Captain, and the evil conqueror Gaba Hrass. What happens during the story is only left to a real interesting ending (can’t spoil it, sorry) that really makes you think about technology and its uses.
The Anachronist’s Cookbook by Catherynne M. Valente
Unfortunately this one didn’t really hold my attention that much as it really didn’t make sense, and I moved on. Readers who enjoyed this story may also enjoy Valente's "The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making".
Benedice Te by Jay Lake
"Benedice Te" is a little confusing at the beginning but has a pretty good ending, and is- in short- a good story. It combines some cloak and dagger with the old steam era (Texas under the control of the Brits? Let them hear that one!) Jay Lake is best known to readers for his Clockwork Earth Trilogy: "Mainspring" (1), "Escapement" (2), and "Pinion" (3).
A Grain of Sand by Mark Rossmore
Is a very good story about an Egyptian inventor who gets double-crossed while WWI rages on. The ending is pretty interesting but also a good read.
The Mask of Tezcatlipoca by G D Falksen
Think Indiana Jones and you’d get this story right. It’s well done and hopefully more stories by Falksen will follow! [Editor: In fact, Falksen contributes to all 11 issues of "Steampunk Tales" released thusfar, and his 'Mask of Tezcatlipoca' series now includes 6 parts.]. Falksen fans will enjoy his recent book "Blood in the Skies (The Hellfire Chronicles)".
Lowlands Low by J Flesher
Fairly interesting but not memorable to me. I liked the interaction but as an action junkie… it’s okay.
The Reanimation Emporium by Brian Rappatta
A good story about a man who has troubles and finds it in unexpected ways. A very intriguing story and brings out another issue of steampunk: Horror and the weird things it brings to the table. Rappatta's work includes many horror books, such as the highly recommended "Slaves of God".
The Man and the Robot by Noel Black
The ending is well… not surprising going back to it, but really thought it was well done up to the climax. And I have to say honestly messed up how it ends but… that’s life.
Stormada: Red Blossoms for the Queen by Phil Brucato
At the beginning it was kinda drab, boring; but towards the end I was yearning for more, which led me to buy more "Steampunk Tales" just for this story series. Brucato was quite successful in the late 1990's with his contributions to the White Wolf RPGs "Vampire: The Masquerade" and "Mage: The Ascension".
Tempus Fugit by Jennifer Wilson
A good story about a time traveling detective who goes back into time to save his own wife. It’s a good story about hope and not always about death and destruction or horrible things. Those who enjoy Wilson's story or Brian Rappatta's may want to pick up a horror anthology containing works by each: "Shock Totem 1 - Curious Tales of the Macabre and Twisted".
Should you buy this? Yes, especially if you are just getting into the genre of steampunk. I tend to write military science fiction so my tastes are more… precise to say. However these and the other anthologies are worth the time to read when you have the time. The editing is great and it’s only left up to reader discretion on whether or not you’ll like these, but as mentioned before, it’s well worth the money and time spent when you can.
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