Tag Archives: Dieselpunk

The Double Blind by A.C. Wise

February 24, 2020Book ReviewA.C. Wise, Dieselpunk, LGBTQI, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunkskyebjenner

Image result for the mammoth book of dieselpunk book cover

Title: The Double Blind
Author: A.C. Wise
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, LGBTQI
Dates read: 25th January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: He was asking for it.

All Rachel wants to do is get revenge on the men who attacked her sister. But, a chance encounter and the warnings of her lover might change the kind of vigilante she chooses to be.

This was a freaking fantastic short story. Especially since it featured the LGBTQI+ world, something that is intriguing me more and more and I’m loving that I’m slowly finding more stories featured in this world.

Although for me, this was mostly about the club and its inhabitants, how they find acceptance and survive in a world against them, there was also the factor of revenge. And how do we seek revenge? Why? And when you’re seeking revenge are you doing it for someone else, or just to assuage your own guilt? There were so many questions bought up in this short story. Ones that left me seriously contemplating the world and my own responses long after I closed the final page. As I said, it was quite intense.

This is just an amazing short story. One that I can’t stop thinking about and thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely a perfect example of the themes and questions posed by a good Dieselpunk tale. Ones that I will continue to contemplate as the time passes, and I look forward to rereading this in the future.

<- Into the Sky

Black Sunday ->

Image source: Running Press

Into the Sky by Joseph Ng

February 12, 2020Book ReviewDieselpunk, Joseph Ng, Romance, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunkskyebjenner

Title: Into the Sky
Author: Joseph Ng
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, Romance
Dates read: 10th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I stole a glance at Hou.

He’s found the woman of his dreams. And he’ll give up everything to have a life with her. One that is away from the past and promises a bright, new future.

This was an interesting Dieselpunk story… it featured the Terracotta warriors and the Great Wall of China. I liked this approach and found the journey quite enjoyable and intriguing. It was a nice spin on a tale of war which seems to be a fairly strong standing in the Dieselpunk series / collection thus far.

I love that this was kind of familiar in that there were some historical realities there. Yet, it was also something entirely new and unique. The weaving together of reality and science fiction is something I kind of love. Although I think I would have enjoyed this more if I could have gotten into the world building a little bit more.

The main thing I liked about this story is that, ultimately, it is all about giving up everything for love. It’s sweet, easy and kind of innocent. Something that I think I would do myself… give up everything for the love of someone.

<- This Evening’s Performance

The Double Blind ->

Image source: Running Press

This Evening’s Performance by Genevieve Valentine

February 5, 2020Book ReviewDieselpunk, Genevieve Valentine, Romance, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunkskyebjenner

Title: This Evening’s Performance
Author: Genevieve Valentine
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, Romance
Dates read: 6th January 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Two minutes of pre-recorded audio from the play.

He’s loved her from afar for decades. Now, they’re the last three actors left in a world of automaton shows. How will they find their happily ever after at the end of an era?

There was something so tragic and bittersweet about this story. Yet, by the end of it… kind of hopeful too. I don’t normally consider short stories and, in particular, Dieselpunk stories to be romantic. But there is something about this one that felt incredibly… well… romantic. There is no kissing, no sexuality and just the hint of something throughout. But it was quite possibly one of the sweetest books I’ve read in a long time.

There is a constant fear in society of our roles being replaced by robots. And what happens to those that are replaced? In this short story, it’s actors that are replaced. Something which I, personally can’t imagine, but does work brilliantly well into the themes of Dieselpunk. It set against a marriage breaking up, and the promising hints of a new love (which is actually super old) beginning. This whole end of an era feel helps to lead to that bittersweet, intense feeling.

This story is somehow sad and hopeful. It left me feeling melancholy, yet quite happy as I turned the final page. Feelings that I don’t always feel at the conclusion to a story and definitely don’t feel for the exact same tale.

<- In Lieu of a Thank You

Into the Sky ->

Image source: Running Press

In Lieu of a Thank You by Gwynne Garfinkle

June 13, 2019Book ReviewDieselpunk, Gwynne Garfinkle, Strong Women, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunkskyebjenner

Title: In Lieu of a Thank You
Author: Gwynne Garfinkle
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, Strong women
Dates read: 5th May 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Clearly he wasn’t expecting such a response.

He thinks that he deserves thanks and recognition for saving his fiance. But she has other ideas…

At the beginning of this story, I knew that things would be a little bit different than expected. Or at least, that’s how it seemed to me. She’s saying you should be thanked, but it kind of comes across as incredibly angry and sarcastic. The spitfire attitude of the woman made me immediately like her. Her slightly tenacious and sarcastic ways in which she recounts those moments are in very much the tone that I would use for a moron (which I’m assuming her fiancé is) and I love that she eventually rides off into the sunset alone.

Any story that focuses on the power of women and their ability to be strong, independent and smart is immediately going to get my attention. Featuring a woman who is in an era where women aren’t supposed to be anything more than arm candy is always a nice way to juxtapose this mentality. Her admittance throughout and frustration that she was only ever meant to be a blonde on her future husbands arm hits close to the heart for many, many women. Which means that I loved how she was able to find her own happily ever after… with her mind and intelligence for company.

<- Thief of Hearts

This Evening’s Performance ->

Image source: Running Press

Thief of Hearts by Trent Hergenrader

June 4, 2019Book ReviewDieselpunk, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunkskyebjenner

Title: Thief of Hearts
Author: Trent Hergenrader
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk
Dates read: 28th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: The way it raises your hopes, only to dash them on the ground.

Hieronymus loves his city and he loves his people. Years of experience in thieving have helped him to provide for them. Yet, when someone decides that they want to use his talent, he might find that something far more important is about to be stolen from him.

The title of this story suggests that it’s going to be some kind of romantic tale. A story of love and passion in the midst of a war. And one that involves a thief. Well, only the thief part of this story is really correct. It was a pleasant surprise to have this tale unfold around me, with absolutely no idea of what to expect.

I love that this story has revenge at the very end. But it also makes the protagonist learn an important lesson – that maybe his love for his country is seriously misplaced. And his own wealth and fortune have caused him to seriously misplace his priorities in life. After all, what good is the liberation of a country if everyone in that country is starving and unable to find a way to put food on their tables in the morning?

<- Tunnel Vision

In Lieu of a Thank You ->

Image source: Running Press

Tunnel Vision by Rachel Nussbaum

May 29, 2019Book ReviewContemporary, Dieselpunk, Rachel Nussbaum, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunkskyebjenner

Title: Tunnel Vision
Author: Rachel Nussbaum
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Dieselpunk
Dates read: 27th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I stick it in the padlock and swing the doors open.

The prospector has two leading ladies in his life – Alma and his drill, Jules. But when one of them is threatened he finds out what he is truly made of.

We all get tunnel vision sometimes. Decide that something is or isn’t going to happen and do anything that we can to ensure that it turns out the way that we want. But, I’ve never had tunnel vision in… well, a tunnel. Underground.

I thought at the beginning of this story that it would be a bit of a romance tale. After all, it starts out with a prospector visiting a woman that he clearly has feelings for. And one that seems to return those emotions. But then he goes to his second love, a giant drill, and things start to go a little skewy… he discovers illegal activity, is forced into giving up one of his most treasured possessions, and finds a way to triumph in the end.

Unlike some of the other Dieselpunk stories I’ve read so far, this is one that has a clear, happy ending. There isn’t anything in it that is ambiguous, and it is just incredibly sweet and fun.

<- Steel Dragons of a Luminous Sky

Thief of Hearts ->

Image source: Running Press

Steel Dragons of a Luminous Sky by Brian Trent

May 22, 2019Book ReviewBrian Trent, Dieselpunk, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Warskyebjenner

Title: Steel Dragons of a Luminous Sky
Author: Brian Trent
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, War
Dates read: 26th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Li sighed and, switching to Chinese, said to Xin, “Salad, an American euphemism for -“

The Steel Dragons of a Luminous Sky are an elite force that aim to turn the tides of the world. But maybe not all is quite as it seems in this battle to save the world.

This was kind of convoluted, and a little difficult to follow at times. Maybe because I really don’t know much about the World Wars – there seemed to be details in this that would provide me with a bit more information. Having said that, it was still incredibly enjoyable. I liked the idea of a secret society that wants to turn the tides of the war. And, from my understanding. Change the world while they’re at it.

Although I liked the premise of the story, the dying impartments of the true goals of the Luminous Sky kind of made me uncomfortable. The idea that one ruler to bring together all of the world would bring peace is just… hinky. And whilst peace is an admirable goal, I think that the one ruler idea is one that isn’t a great idea. And it’s definitely the idea that resonates most uncomfortably with me.

<- Instead of Loving Heart

Tunnel Vision ->

Image source: Running Press

Instead of Loving Heart by Jeremiah Tolbert

May 15, 2019Book ReviewDieselpunk, Jeremiah Tolbert, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunkskyebjenner

Title: Instead of Loving Heart
Author: Jeremiah Tolbert
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk
Dates read: 17th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: It is the perfect transportation for a jewel thief of her skill; painted black, with stylized diamonds on the sides.

A mad scientist runs rampant through his castle, but only his daughter cares about the artist-turned-machine that he created. Will tragedy strike, or will his work change the tide of the war?

I’ve never felt sorry for a robot before. I’ve liked them. But I’ve never actually felt incredibly sympathetic towards one and just wanted to give it such a big hug. Until this short story. Now I just want to reach through the pages and give this poor automaton a huge hug!!!

This tale beautifully highlights the battle between creative and logic. The idea that somehow the creative is worth less than the objective and logic seems to come up again and again in everyday conversation. The mad scientist in this story decided that a body and brain that were creating beauty and aesthetically pleasing paintings wasn’t worth keeping around. So he altered it to serve a purely logical purpose. And might I say, kind of a boring one too…

<- Vast Wings Across Felonious Skies

Steel Dragons of a Luminous Sky ->

Image source: Running Press

Vast Wings Across Felonious Skies by E. Catherine Tobler

May 8, 2019Book ReviewDieselpunk, E. Catherine Tobler, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk, Warskyebjenner

Title: Vast Wings Across Felonious Skies
Author: E. Catherine Tobler
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, War
Dates read: 8th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “Hold together, baby,” she whispered as if those words had become part of the ritual.

Sakura is a pilot in the war, but when she gets sucked up into a mysterious cloud, she finds herself fighting something she had never imagined. Now an “alien” under suspicion, it might take all of her skills and courage to defeat this unknown opponent.

The street that I grew up on is, surprisingly an old army camp. And in World War II, it was the place where they kept the “aliens”. Which has kind of left me with a bit of a fascination with the imprisonment of people of specific nationalities during the War. So I was kind of immediately drawn into this short story. Not only did it feature a woman pilot, weird aliens and a bit of conspiracy, but it also talked about the experiences of people who were imprisoned for their heritage.

I’m fairly new to the Steampunk and Dieselpunk subgenres, but I was kind of surprised to read one such tale that aliens in it. There were a few in The Mammoth Book of Steampunk that had a similar feeling, but this was still a storyline and tale that really took me by surprise. In all the best ways possible. The creepiness of being abducted in the sky and then attacked by what seemed to me like hollow men was quite intense. And the imagery invoked by Tobler lingered long after I turned the last page of this story. It’s definitely one that I would suggest anyone who is even slightly fascinated by Dieselpunk sink their teeth into.

<- The Little Dog Ohori

Instead of Loving Heart ->

Image source: Running Press

The Little Dog Ohori by Anatoly Belilovsky

May 1, 2019Book ReviewAnatoly Belilovsky, Dieselpunk, Easy Reading, Family, The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunkskyebjenner

Title: The Little Dog Ohori
Author: Anatoly Belilovsky
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, Easy reading, Family
Dates read: 29th March 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: The woman’s hand tightens, just enough to see the tiny twitch.

She’s losing her life’s blood on the plains of war. But, the baying of the Little Dog Ohori might just take her back to the ones she loves and a happily ever after after all.

It took me a little while to grasp the concept of what was going on in this short story. The storyline jumped around a little and it was kind of hard to realise which time frame you were in from the outset… but, once I got my head around that little aspect, I fell in love with this story. It still had the war aspect of Dieselpunk filling its pages, but it mostly had this sweet idea of family and kinship.

The mix of folklore, contemporary and fateful story lines throughout this short tale intertwine and weave amongst themselves in an incredibly artful manner. The mix of the different stories throughout may have been confusing at the beginning, but they quickly become intriguing and impossible to look away from. Meaning that at the end of all of this you are completely hooked and in love with not only Ohori, but the soldiers who populate the tale.

<- Don Quixote

Vast Wings Across Felonious Skies ->

Image source: Running Press

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.

Tag Archives: Dieselpunk

The Double Blind by A.C. Wise

Into the Sky by Joseph Ng

This Evening’s Performance by Genevieve Valentine

In Lieu of a Thank You by Gwynne Garfinkle

Thief of Hearts by Trent Hergenrader

Tunnel Vision by Rachel Nussbaum

Steel Dragons of a Luminous Sky by Brian Trent

Instead of Loving Heart by Jeremiah Tolbert

Vast Wings Across Felonious Skies by E. Catherine Tobler

The Little Dog Ohori by Anatoly Belilovsky