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acgood 's review for:
The Explosionist
by Jenny Davidson
The Explosionist suffers from what a lot of YA books do, in that there is an interesting concept but the world building is minimal. Though the original premise and some of the developments were intriguing, many of them made no sense or didn’t have any clarification that would have benefited it.
This book is an alternative history, the premise of which is “what would the world be like if Napoleon had won at Waterloo?” The novel takes place one hundred and twenty-three years after the event, in Scotland. Continental Europe is one united entity (called the European Federation) save the northern countries, who resurrect the Hanseatic League and are trying to keep their independence from the continent in the face of increasing terrorist attacks from the Brothers of the Northern Liberties. Along with that, explosives like dynamite are the weapon of choice, and Spiritualism not only exists well past the Edwardians, but is legitimately studied and practiced in this world. It’s an interesting take on alternate history, and it kept me interested.
The book did explain some elements, like why explosive manufacturing is so prevalent in Scotland (its lack of natural resources and the Hanseatic League’s laxness on explosives regulation makes it possible), but other things, like why Spiritualism is a common practice isn’t. Most glaring in this aspect is how Davidson would frequently name drop famous figures like Oscar Wilde and reveal that in this world their fame comes from a different idea or profession. (In Wilde’s case he becomes a famous obstetrician. I really need answers for that). This really distracted me, since I would usually try to figure out how the person could come to that alternate profession.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book. The premise was engaging, and it is very readable. I did find Sophie’s characterization to be a bit messy, going to extreme emotions at the drop of a hat. I understand she’s fifteen, but getting extremely embarrassed by proxy seems over the top. I have the sequel on hold at the library, and am interested in how Davidson is going to wrap this up. I recommend this book to fans of the Leviathan trilogy, the world building feels similar. Also I think reading the author’s notes at the end before reading the rest of the book would actually help with understanding the book. There aren't any spoilers revealed and it shows how Davidson made some of the choices she did in creating this world.
This book is an alternative history, the premise of which is “what would the world be like if Napoleon had won at Waterloo?” The novel takes place one hundred and twenty-three years after the event, in Scotland. Continental Europe is one united entity (called the European Federation) save the northern countries, who resurrect the Hanseatic League and are trying to keep their independence from the continent in the face of increasing terrorist attacks from the Brothers of the Northern Liberties. Along with that, explosives like dynamite are the weapon of choice, and Spiritualism not only exists well past the Edwardians, but is legitimately studied and practiced in this world. It’s an interesting take on alternate history, and it kept me interested.
The book did explain some elements, like why explosive manufacturing is so prevalent in Scotland (its lack of natural resources and the Hanseatic League’s laxness on explosives regulation makes it possible), but other things, like why Spiritualism is a common practice isn’t. Most glaring in this aspect is how Davidson would frequently name drop famous figures like Oscar Wilde and reveal that in this world their fame comes from a different idea or profession. (In Wilde’s case he becomes a famous obstetrician. I really need answers for that). This really distracted me, since I would usually try to figure out how the person could come to that alternate profession.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this book. The premise was engaging, and it is very readable. I did find Sophie’s characterization to be a bit messy, going to extreme emotions at the drop of a hat. I understand she’s fifteen, but getting extremely embarrassed by proxy seems over the top. I have the sequel on hold at the library, and am interested in how Davidson is going to wrap this up. I recommend this book to fans of the Leviathan trilogy, the world building feels similar. Also I think reading the author’s notes at the end before reading the rest of the book would actually help with understanding the book. There aren't any spoilers revealed and it shows how Davidson made some of the choices she did in creating this world.