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aneges's review
Didn't vibe with the writing and the humor was a bit over the top for my liking. Read some reviews and decided that it might not be right for me.
100pagesaday's review against another edition
3.0
Constance Haltwhistle has a problem. With her father's escape into another dimension, Constance is now the only remaining heir to her estate. However, according to the law in 1897 England, women can not inherit. Luckily, Constance has a plan to keep her estate along with all of the people who depend on it. Known to some as the Brass Queen, Constance's side business as an arms dealer, creating new and imaginative weapons has kept money flowing through the estate. Now, Constance must simply secure a husband at the coming out ball that she has planned. The coming out ball goes terribly awry as Constance's exosuits come to life and a cage comes crashing down through the ceiling kidnapping two of the Steamworks most esteemed scientists. Now, Constance must work with newcomer American Scientist, J.F. Truesdale against an invisible foe with a very nefarious purpose.
The Brass Queen is an action packed steampunk fantasy adventure. I was very intrigued by Constance Haltwhistle and her alternate identity of the Brass Queen. Most of the story, however, focuses on Constance's battle with presenting herself as a prominent member of society and hiding the fact that she is more than she seems. The story is very involved with descriptions of machinery, fashion, and proper etiquette and manners, which Constance is obsessed with despite being an undercover arms dealer. I did think that there was a significant break between the two personalities that Constance holds and I didn't really see them merge until the end. There were a few inconsistencies that made it hard for me to believe that Constance led a double life. J.F. is a nice counterpart to Contance's very Victorian need for perfection and rules. J.F. holds the same set of values as Constance, but displays them in a very different way. I was very intrigued by the mystery of why someone wanted to steal the invisibility formula and everything surrounding the Enigma Keys. Towards the end, I was very happy to see Constance finally be the Brass Queen that she was hiding underneath and accomplish good things for her people and the women of the time.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Brass Queen is an action packed steampunk fantasy adventure. I was very intrigued by Constance Haltwhistle and her alternate identity of the Brass Queen. Most of the story, however, focuses on Constance's battle with presenting herself as a prominent member of society and hiding the fact that she is more than she seems. The story is very involved with descriptions of machinery, fashion, and proper etiquette and manners, which Constance is obsessed with despite being an undercover arms dealer. I did think that there was a significant break between the two personalities that Constance holds and I didn't really see them merge until the end. There were a few inconsistencies that made it hard for me to believe that Constance led a double life. J.F. is a nice counterpart to Contance's very Victorian need for perfection and rules. J.F. holds the same set of values as Constance, but displays them in a very different way. I was very intrigued by the mystery of why someone wanted to steal the invisibility formula and everything surrounding the Enigma Keys. Towards the end, I was very happy to see Constance finally be the Brass Queen that she was hiding underneath and accomplish good things for her people and the women of the time.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
abrittlebee's review against another edition
2.0
Stylistically, this novel is lovely. The tone and cadence was really uplifting and addictive. However, the world didn’t feel very well thought out, and my opinion of the protagonists is mixed.
It is my understanding that the steampunk genre is meant to be an alternate history in which steam power remained the dominant energy industry. Therefore affecting daily living with the inclusion of various forms of steam propulsion and mechanics. In The Brass Queen the steampunk elements are superficial in that they seem in no way industrial or otherwise integral to the world beyond being aesthetically appealing. So, they could have been absent and the plot and the world would have lost nothing, which was a little problematic for me.
Out of the two protagonists, Trusdale was my favourite. While I wanted to like Constance, because her set up as a secret weaponsmith was interesting, I found that I couldn’t get past her haughty attitude. I think she was meant to come off as independent and aware of her self-worth, but she asserted her independence through talking AT the other characters rather than TO them. The result is a female character that is not so much independent as she is illogically demanding and demeaning to those around her. This would have been fine if it was meant to be a character flaw for her to eventually overcome, but it didn’t feel intentional, and I didn’t really feel she had changed at all by the end of the book. The other characters, namely Trusdale as the love interest, just became more willing to shrug off her “quirks.”
On the whole, I don’t think I enjoyed this book enough to recommend it, but the writing style does have potential so I would be willing to try with this author again.
It is my understanding that the steampunk genre is meant to be an alternate history in which steam power remained the dominant energy industry. Therefore affecting daily living with the inclusion of various forms of steam propulsion and mechanics. In The Brass Queen the steampunk elements are superficial in that they seem in no way industrial or otherwise integral to the world beyond being aesthetically appealing. So, they could have been absent and the plot and the world would have lost nothing, which was a little problematic for me.
Out of the two protagonists, Trusdale was my favourite. While I wanted to like Constance, because her set up as a secret weaponsmith was interesting, I found that I couldn’t get past her haughty attitude. I think she was meant to come off as independent and aware of her self-worth, but she asserted her independence through talking AT the other characters rather than TO them. The result is a female character that is not so much independent as she is illogically demanding and demeaning to those around her. This would have been fine if it was meant to be a character flaw for her to eventually overcome, but it didn’t feel intentional, and I didn’t really feel she had changed at all by the end of the book. The other characters, namely Trusdale as the love interest, just became more willing to shrug off her “quirks.”
On the whole, I don’t think I enjoyed this book enough to recommend it, but the writing style does have potential so I would be willing to try with this author again.
se_wigget's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you, Goodreads and Camcat Books, for the free ebook galley of The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatworth.
This Steampunk novel is well-written, with a quirky female protagonist, witty humor, and an intriguing and mysterious plot that sparks the reader's curiosity. I can't hold it against the author that it's just not what I'm in the mood to read.
Me reading the first few pages of a straight people book: Oh, yeah--we finally have lots of books that center queer people. That's what I feel like reading.
The blurb called this book gaslamp fantasy, not Steampunk, so I wasn't expecting Steampunk. Gaslamp fantasy is historical fantasy set in or near the nineteenth century--with a greater emphasis on magic than on technology. Steampunk has a greater emphasis on technology than on magic. The Brass Queen is Steampunk.
I lived in Portland, Oregon, for years and therefore saw prople who wore Steampunk clothes on a normal, everyday basis. I have two books on Steampunk art and style. So... visually, aesthetically, I appreciate Steampunk. However, I'm not into uniforms and not in the mood for reading about a society that's even more fascist than what we're currently seeing--and yes, a Queen Victoria who decapitates people for trivial reasons is fascist. Well, and psychopathic. Anyway, I haven't read that much Steampunk.
As a writer of historical fantasy, I lean more toward historical accuracy (aside from some androgyny) in costume. So when I began reading this book and didn't know it was Steampunk, I was appalled that the protagonist--a debutante at a ball--is wearing a bustle in 1897. After some reflection and awareness that this book is Steampunk, I concluded that the author didn't intend the costume to have historical accuracy.
There are other things besides fashion that are quite different from 1897 England in our reality, as I soon discovered. The book has detailed world building and Steampunk technology.
erinarkin20's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book but there were times that I felt like the story dragged a bit. I thought the characters were interesting and the story itself, kept me engaged. Constance is smart and opinionated and not afraid to do whatever she wants to do. Trusdale is American and a spy who gets dragged into Constance's world and even though she could bulldoze over just about anyone, he isn't afraid to challenge her. I really liked them together and thought Chatsworth did a great job of developing them separately as well as together.
There is plenty of action right alongside danger and interesting inventions so if you like the steampunk genre, you might enjoy this book. I'll be looking for more from Elizabeth Chatsworth in the future!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
There is plenty of action right alongside danger and interesting inventions so if you like the steampunk genre, you might enjoy this book. I'll be looking for more from Elizabeth Chatsworth in the future!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
piratenami's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
riverlasol's review against another edition
4.0
I was super duper excited when I was approved for this arc on netgalley. It’s basically steampunk with nefarious plots that must be thwarted and it was not at all what I expected, but it was very entertaining (which is honestly all one can ask of a novel).
At first, I did find the writing style hard to get into, but once I got past the first chapter I was hooked. The characters were so original, as was the setting. There was so much creativity poured into this story and I loved every minute. Although I have read a few steampunk novels before, this one was so unique. It twisted history. It twisted my plot expectations. It was just so twisty (is that a word?) in the best possible way. I also really liked the romance. I thought the characters had such perfect chemistry. I could’ve been a little more invested in it than I was, I think, if we heard more of the main character’s thoughts, but nevertheless it was great romance.
Okay so if any or all of what I just discussed appeals to you allow me to bring up the deal breaker: This book was hilarious!!! I loved the little bits of humour that suddenly appeared and made me snort, but most of all I loved this one scene that I can’t mention. I literally couldn’t stop laughing omg it was the best! If you like humorous novels and steampunk I would highly recommend this to you!
Thank you so much to the publisher and @netgalley for the review copy! The Brass Queen comes out in just about ten days, so go preorder it! If you do, there is a great pre-order campaign you can enter.
At first, I did find the writing style hard to get into, but once I got past the first chapter I was hooked. The characters were so original, as was the setting. There was so much creativity poured into this story and I loved every minute. Although I have read a few steampunk novels before, this one was so unique. It twisted history. It twisted my plot expectations. It was just so twisty (is that a word?) in the best possible way. I also really liked the romance. I thought the characters had such perfect chemistry. I could’ve been a little more invested in it than I was, I think, if we heard more of the main character’s thoughts, but nevertheless it was great romance.
Okay so if any or all of what I just discussed appeals to you allow me to bring up the deal breaker: This book was hilarious!!! I loved the little bits of humour that suddenly appeared and made me snort, but most of all I loved this one scene that I can’t mention. I literally couldn’t stop laughing omg it was the best! If you like humorous novels and steampunk I would highly recommend this to you!
Thank you so much to the publisher and @netgalley for the review copy! The Brass Queen comes out in just about ten days, so go preorder it! If you do, there is a great pre-order campaign you can enter.
cassies_books_reviews's review against another edition
4.0
Meet Constance Haltwhistle the only remaining heir to her estate in England in 1897. She’s remained a recluse because her father worries about her safety. Well her father a scientist has disappeared into another dimension which has left her with her hands full. According to law woman cannot inherit estates. Luckily for Constance she has her own side business, she’s known as the Brass Queen, she’s an arms dealer, she creates new steampunk firearms and she has money flowing in and it’s helping pay the bills. Her next plan is to find a husband at her coming out ball in three days, so her estate will remain in her control, if only it was that easy. When her friends who are also scientists are kidnapped at her ball, and Constance is rescued unknown by her by an American spy named Mr. Trusdale whose under the disguise as a scientist. They Soon they find themselves working together to uncover why the scientists were kidnapped and stop an evil plan and an invisible enemy, but of course not without some hiccups along the way. This book I would describe as a steampunk fantasy. It’s filled with machines, fashion and action with a dash of romance! The bickering between the two main characters and their personalities just added to the story! I’m giving this four stars
openmypages's review against another edition
4.0
The Brass Queen is a fun steampunk romp filled with fantastical mechanical beasties, sky pirates riding dirigibles, crazy weapons, alternate dimensions and the most quirky fun characters I’ve read in a long time.
Constance is to be married, to whom, she’s not sure… regency rules require she marries by her birthday in order to keep her familial property. At her coming out ball, things go from Bridgerton level society to madcap misadventures. Constance and American cowboy / spy JF Truesdale are on a collision course that leads to some of the most entertaining banter I’ve read in a long time. Both are on the hunt for a rumored invisibility potion that could serve as a great advantage in the superiority of their respective countries. The baddie in this one is awful and yet so fun to read. The world building and amazing weapons were so fun to envision.
If you are a fain of Gail Carringer’s Soulless series or The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels definitely check this one out.
Thanks to NetGalley for access to this audiobook, the narrator was fabulous with storytelling and the variety of required accents. All opinions above are my own.
Constance is to be married, to whom, she’s not sure… regency rules require she marries by her birthday in order to keep her familial property. At her coming out ball, things go from Bridgerton level society to madcap misadventures. Constance and American cowboy / spy JF Truesdale are on a collision course that leads to some of the most entertaining banter I’ve read in a long time. Both are on the hunt for a rumored invisibility potion that could serve as a great advantage in the superiority of their respective countries. The baddie in this one is awful and yet so fun to read. The world building and amazing weapons were so fun to envision.
If you are a fain of Gail Carringer’s Soulless series or The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels definitely check this one out.
Thanks to NetGalley for access to this audiobook, the narrator was fabulous with storytelling and the variety of required accents. All opinions above are my own.