Preston, Richard Ellis

In this series launch, Preston brings a new dynamic to steampunk by combining it more with postapocalyptic, instead of historical, details, but the repetitive descriptions of the characters and plot bring to mind the overwrought nature of early adventure novels, in which the overall tale was serialized and information needed to be repeated for new readers. Libraries where Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Pert's Clockwork Angels proved popular may consider purchasing this title, but fans of more historical steampunk may prefer Devon Monk's "The Age of Steam" series or Meljean Brook's "Iron Seas" books.