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jaclynder's review against another edition
2.0
After making it 25% through The Brass Queen it's time to call it quits. While I love steampunk fantasy, I couldn't get into this one. While the premise was great, I felt that there was too much emphasis on the action and adventure and not enough on the characters. I read for the character development, and while Constance and Trusdale had their funny moments, I felt that they were a bit one-dimensional. With the heavy focus on the plot rather than these two, this story fell flat for me.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
karireads's review against another edition
Definitely had its moments, but I felt that the book would have been better if it was 100 pages shorter. This sort of book works best as a fast-paced romp, but instead it was a slow burn.
jsdewes's review against another edition
5.0
If you want to kick 2021 off with a hearty dose of fantasy shenanigans, go preorder this joyous romp today—your future-self will be eternally grateful!
While hosting a (literally) disastrous party, British aristocrat Constance Haltwhistle meets rough-around-the-edges Kansas cowboy-turned-spy J.F. Trusdale. It’s the definition of “oil on water” as the two are forced into a partnership neither (thinks they) want. Then it’s one entertaining disaster after another as they struggle against invisible bad guys and their own clashing personalities.
Constance is a breath of fiery-fresh air who gives no ground and takes no shit. I’ve never read a character like her in my life, and I can’t tell you how refreshing (and fascinating) it was to watch her navigate the hectic events that unfold.
THE BRASS QUEEN is packed to the gills with exquisite details that immerse you in this steam-powered, alternate-history Victorian England. Between the terrifically rendered action scenes and endless hilarious banter between the two main characters, this book is the definition of a page-turner!
Thank you to the author and CamCat Books for sending me this ARC. This is my honest review.
While hosting a (literally) disastrous party, British aristocrat Constance Haltwhistle meets rough-around-the-edges Kansas cowboy-turned-spy J.F. Trusdale. It’s the definition of “oil on water” as the two are forced into a partnership neither (thinks they) want. Then it’s one entertaining disaster after another as they struggle against invisible bad guys and their own clashing personalities.
Constance is a breath of fiery-fresh air who gives no ground and takes no shit. I’ve never read a character like her in my life, and I can’t tell you how refreshing (and fascinating) it was to watch her navigate the hectic events that unfold.
THE BRASS QUEEN is packed to the gills with exquisite details that immerse you in this steam-powered, alternate-history Victorian England. Between the terrifically rendered action scenes and endless hilarious banter between the two main characters, this book is the definition of a page-turner!
Thank you to the author and CamCat Books for sending me this ARC. This is my honest review.
librarianofterrasen's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so much more than I expected it to be. The world building is excellent with a lot of unique elements. I´m really impressed of all the wonderfully complex inventions which are just as realistical as a work of imagination. The magical elements are seamlessly woven into both the world and story which really makes it all more real.
Another thing which really sets this book apart from many in the same genre is how brilliant Elixabeth Chatsworth uses the English language to bring life and especially emotions into the story. The descriptions are sometimes very uniquely written but that is also what makes all the characters come to life. For example, the sentence: "Behind him trailed an elderly male servant with the air of a depressed stork." This description is funny while also giving the reader a very clear picture of how the character is. This is just one of many brilliant descriptions in the book.
The Brass Queen is not only a funny and clever historical SciFi read but also contains topics such as feminism, and especially how women was seen on in that particular time era.
It is a wonderfull combination of suspense, romance ( enemies/not friends-to-lovers kind of trope and the romantic tension is just perfect) , mystery, SciFi and more than a little humour. I truly recommend this book!
Another thing which really sets this book apart from many in the same genre is how brilliant Elixabeth Chatsworth uses the English language to bring life and especially emotions into the story. The descriptions are sometimes very uniquely written but that is also what makes all the characters come to life. For example, the sentence: "Behind him trailed an elderly male servant with the air of a depressed stork." This description is funny while also giving the reader a very clear picture of how the character is. This is just one of many brilliant descriptions in the book.
The Brass Queen is not only a funny and clever historical SciFi read but also contains topics such as feminism, and especially how women was seen on in that particular time era.
It is a wonderfull combination of suspense, romance ( enemies/not friends-to-lovers kind of trope and the romantic tension is just perfect) , mystery, SciFi and more than a little humour. I truly recommend this book!
oracle_of_madness's review against another edition
5.0
Chatsworth creates a marvellous and intriguing atmosphere with memorable characters and amazing steampunk style machinery all while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
This book is witty and unique while being full to bursting with fast-paced fun. There is certainly something for everyone in The Brass Queen.
This book is witty and unique while being full to bursting with fast-paced fun. There is certainly something for everyone in The Brass Queen.
asthornton's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness what a fun, steam-powered adventure story THE BRASS QUEEN was From the first line in the book, "The grass is always greener in another dimension," the main character, Constance Haltwhistle steps directly off the page and brings her entire steampunk world with her... I couldn't decide it it was true inter-dimensional travel on Haltwhistle's part or if it was just Chatsworth's splendid writing (which is utterly perfect).
If you're looking for a light-hearted, laugh-out-loud Steampunk adventure story with a sharp main character and an equally multi-dimensional (...universe dimensions or character dimensions?) cast of absurdly hilarious characters, then you absolutely must pick up THE BRASS QUEEN.
If you're looking for a light-hearted, laugh-out-loud Steampunk adventure story with a sharp main character and an equally multi-dimensional (...universe dimensions or character dimensions?) cast of absurdly hilarious characters, then you absolutely must pick up THE BRASS QUEEN.
denaultgen's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
andi_h's review against another edition
4.0
Delightfully fun, wonderfully silly, and hilariously absurd. In this steampunk world, Sheffield is the martial manufacturing heart of the British Empire and home to its most brilliant scientists, its greatest black market arms manufacturer, and some of its most ridiculous subjects. Of course, the reader is quickly introduced to the American spy; the heiress on the brink of losing her inheritance; the all-knowing, all-seeing butler; the heiress's rakish fop relative; and the Machiavellian wannabe determined to ruin their day. Just a few chapters into the book, the phrase "rollicking good time" popped into my head and it stayed there right to the end.
popthebutterfly's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I received the arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Brass Queen
Author: Elizabeth Chatsworth
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: fantasy, steampunk, sci-fi, historical fiction, romance
Publication Date: January 12, 2021
Genre: Historical Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, romance, slight sexual content)
Publisher: CamCat Books
Pages: 448
Synopsis: In 1897, a fiery British aristocrat and an inept US spy search for a stolen invisibility serum that could spark a global war.
Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogue inventors. Selling exotic firearms under her alias, the ‘Brass Queen,’ has kept her baronial estate’s coffers full. But when US spy, Trusdale, saves her from assassins, she’s pulled into a search for a scientist with an invisibility serum. As royal foes create an invisible army to start a global war, Constance and Trusdale must learn to trust each other. If they don’t, the world they know will literally disappear before their eyes.
Review: For the most part I really enjoyed this book. I've never really had luck with steampunk inspired novels but this was a fun read with magic and we'll explained technology. The character development was well done, the world building and magic system building was sound, and I really enjoyed the story.
The only issue I had with it is that the beginning is super slow and confusing. It took a bit for me to get into the book. I also found the romance off-putting for some reason. I can't really name it, but I didn't like it.
Verdict: It’s a good book, just takes a bit to get into.
Book: The Brass Queen
Author: Elizabeth Chatsworth
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: fantasy, steampunk, sci-fi, historical fiction, romance
Publication Date: January 12, 2021
Genre: Historical Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, romance, slight sexual content)
Publisher: CamCat Books
Pages: 448
Synopsis: In 1897, a fiery British aristocrat and an inept US spy search for a stolen invisibility serum that could spark a global war.
Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogue inventors. Selling exotic firearms under her alias, the ‘Brass Queen,’ has kept her baronial estate’s coffers full. But when US spy, Trusdale, saves her from assassins, she’s pulled into a search for a scientist with an invisibility serum. As royal foes create an invisible army to start a global war, Constance and Trusdale must learn to trust each other. If they don’t, the world they know will literally disappear before their eyes.
Review: For the most part I really enjoyed this book. I've never really had luck with steampunk inspired novels but this was a fun read with magic and we'll explained technology. The character development was well done, the world building and magic system building was sound, and I really enjoyed the story.
The only issue I had with it is that the beginning is super slow and confusing. It took a bit for me to get into the book. I also found the romance off-putting for some reason. I can't really name it, but I didn't like it.
Verdict: It’s a good book, just takes a bit to get into.
ashlyn's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5