laurenjodi's review
4.0
The Lazarus Machine
4 Stars
In an alternate London of 1895, Babbage machines and steam powered computers, automatons and airships are all part of daily life. In this strange and mysterious world, 17 year old Sebastian Tweed and his conman father are about to fall prey to a murderous gang with far-retching government ties that seeks to bring about the end of the British Empire and plunge the world into a terrible war. Can Sebastian and his friends stop this catastrophe before its too late?
Detailed world building, likable characters and some solid twists and turns makes this a fun read.
Crilley has created an engaging Steampunk world with intriguing concepts, such as automatons powered by human souls similar to Kristin Callihan’s GIMs in her Darkest London series. That said, there is a need for more information on how this alternate world came into being and how society perceives the technological developments that have had such a profound effect on their lives.
The characters are the real highlight of the story. The endearingly awkward and geeky Sebastian Tweed, and his spirited sidekick, Octavia Nightingale, head up a wonderful cast of eccentric and ethically challenged personalities who add charm and life to the story.
Although the villains are quite one-dimensional and the twist at the end is rather clichéd, the caper-like plot revolving around Sebastian and Octavia’s investigation into a secretive government agency makes for exciting and entertaining reading.
While The Lazarus Machine is not all that original, the story is well-written and fast paced with just the right amount of action and a hint at romance. Definitely one of the better YA books on offer these days.
4 Stars
In an alternate London of 1895, Babbage machines and steam powered computers, automatons and airships are all part of daily life. In this strange and mysterious world, 17 year old Sebastian Tweed and his conman father are about to fall prey to a murderous gang with far-retching government ties that seeks to bring about the end of the British Empire and plunge the world into a terrible war. Can Sebastian and his friends stop this catastrophe before its too late?
Detailed world building, likable characters and some solid twists and turns makes this a fun read.
Crilley has created an engaging Steampunk world with intriguing concepts, such as automatons powered by human souls similar to Kristin Callihan’s GIMs in her Darkest London series. That said, there is a need for more information on how this alternate world came into being and how society perceives the technological developments that have had such a profound effect on their lives.
The characters are the real highlight of the story. The endearingly awkward and geeky Sebastian Tweed, and his spirited sidekick, Octavia Nightingale, head up a wonderful cast of eccentric and ethically challenged personalities who add charm and life to the story.
Although the villains are quite one-dimensional and the twist at the end is rather clichéd, the caper-like plot revolving around Sebastian and Octavia’s investigation into a secretive government agency makes for exciting and entertaining reading.
While The Lazarus Machine is not all that original, the story is well-written and fast paced with just the right amount of action and a hint at romance. Definitely one of the better YA books on offer these days.
rukistarsailor's review
2.0
I really shouldn't have been waiting eight years just to read The Lazarus Machine--it really wasn't worth that wait.
The book was laced with problems including a handful of typos, the fact that the author doesn't seem to know that other sentence types besides simple sentences exist, and the fact that I didn't actually know what was going on at any point of the book. The author doesn't seem to know how to foreshadow anything, and, adding to the problem, the author doesn't include much mystery solving, despite the book's Sherlock Holmes-esque vibe. The answers to questions always seem to passively appear before the characters.
But perhaps the biggest bone I have to pick with The Lazarus Machine is the characterization of the main character Sebastian Tweed. Simply put, Tweed is a jerk. I don't have an issue with main characters with less than stellar morality, but the media usually frames these characters in a way that signals to the audience that the character is supposed to be bad. In The Lazarus Machine, the author clearly wants us to see Sebastian as the hero when I don't think he is.
For example, soon after meeting Octavia, Sebastian suggests that Octavia become his assistant in working to solve their case. Octavia responds that, if anything, Sebastian should become her assistant because she's already been working on the case for about a year. Not once does anyone bring up the possibility that they could become equal partners. Thus, Octavia becomes Sebastian's de facto assistant. This interaction sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Furthermore, at one point Sebastian monologues at length as to why he's actually not a misogynist, but a feminist, which he promptly follows by making a misogynistic joke about Octavia. In a different context, the joke could be construed as a criticism of the patriarchy, but because Sebastian and Octavia aren't close at the time, and the joke goes over the head of the man it's addressed to, the joke only serves to make Octavia look bad. Sebastian himself acknowledges that Octavia will probably be upset at/hurt by the joke. So, no, I don't believe Sebastian is a feminist, and, yes, I think he's a jerk.
Also, there's a part in which an adult woman kisses Sebastian, a minor, on the mouth, without consent. I think the part is supposed to show Sebastian's overflowing, unconscious ability to attract women, which is already weird, but the interaction actually serves to normalize inappropriate/predatory behavior. It just makes me feel very uncomfortable.
I like the themes the book plays around with, including emotion vs. logic and the ethicality of scientific "innovation," but, ultimately, the book doesn't even deal well with those themes. I mean, Sebastian, at one point, chides Octavia for being "too emotional" (yes, Sebastian definitely is a feminist), and, at another point, the book straight up quotes Jurassic Park.
Overall, the The Lazarus Machine is probably the worst piece of steampunk I've read. I literally recommend every other steampunk work I've read over this book.
The book was laced with problems including a handful of typos, the fact that the author doesn't seem to know that other sentence types besides simple sentences exist, and the fact that I didn't actually know what was going on at any point of the book. The author doesn't seem to know how to foreshadow anything, and, adding to the problem, the author doesn't include much mystery solving, despite the book's Sherlock Holmes-esque vibe. The answers to questions always seem to passively appear before the characters.
But perhaps the biggest bone I have to pick with The Lazarus Machine is the characterization of the main character Sebastian Tweed. Simply put, Tweed is a jerk. I don't have an issue with main characters with less than stellar morality, but the media usually frames these characters in a way that signals to the audience that the character is supposed to be bad. In The Lazarus Machine, the author clearly wants us to see Sebastian as the hero when I don't think he is.
For example, soon after meeting Octavia, Sebastian suggests that Octavia become his assistant in working to solve their case. Octavia responds that, if anything, Sebastian should become her assistant because she's already been working on the case for about a year. Not once does anyone bring up the possibility that they could become equal partners. Thus, Octavia becomes Sebastian's de facto assistant. This interaction sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Furthermore, at one point Sebastian monologues at length as to why he's actually not a misogynist, but a feminist, which he promptly follows by making a misogynistic joke about Octavia. In a different context, the joke could be construed as a criticism of the patriarchy, but because Sebastian and Octavia aren't close at the time, and the joke goes over the head of the man it's addressed to, the joke only serves to make Octavia look bad. Sebastian himself acknowledges that Octavia will probably be upset at/hurt by the joke. So, no, I don't believe Sebastian is a feminist, and, yes, I think he's a jerk.
Also, there's a part in which an adult woman kisses Sebastian, a minor, on the mouth, without consent. I think the part is supposed to show Sebastian's overflowing, unconscious ability to attract women, which is already weird, but the interaction actually serves to normalize inappropriate/predatory behavior. It just makes me feel very uncomfortable.
I like the themes the book plays around with, including emotion vs. logic and the ethicality of scientific "innovation," but, ultimately, the book doesn't even deal well with those themes. I mean, Sebastian, at one point, chides Octavia for being "too emotional" (yes, Sebastian definitely is a feminist), and, at another point, the book straight up quotes Jurassic Park.
Overall, the The Lazarus Machine is probably the worst piece of steampunk I've read. I literally recommend every other steampunk work I've read over this book.
suzannedix's review
5.0
Seventeen year old Sebastian Tweed witnesses the incredible abduction of his father by Professor James Moriarty...who supposedly died along with Sherlock Holmes when they fell over Reichenbach Falls. Such begins the mad adventure to save Tweed's father, understand how it is that Moriarty lives and what his evil plans are for the near future. Tweed and his father are friends to those with London underworld connections and in asking for help to find his father, Tweed is introduced to Octavia Nightingale. Octavia is obsessed with finding her mother who mysteriously disappeared a year ago while working on a story for The Times about Professor Moriarty. Tweed and Nightingale, both brilliant in their own ways and intensely loyal to their missing parents, make for a fast-talking, quick-witted and brave team. This is steampunk at its best with automatons working along side humans and the legends of Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace revered for their contributions to technology and society. Cool machines and gadgets abound though thoughtful commentary is inserted as to how much computerized control is good for society.
At times witty and snarky as well as suspenseful and terrifying, this story grabs readers immediately and propels them along the streets of London in what is an alternate 1895. Automatons, computers and steam engines give this book a feel both futuristic and fantastical. The instant connection between Tweed and Nightingale is believable and the reader will eagerly await the sequel to see what is in store for these two. More adventure certainly but perhaps a romantic twist as well? Even those readers who do not embrace the steampunk genre will love the pacing and mystery of this story. Highly recommended for ages 12 and older.
At times witty and snarky as well as suspenseful and terrifying, this story grabs readers immediately and propels them along the streets of London in what is an alternate 1895. Automatons, computers and steam engines give this book a feel both futuristic and fantastical. The instant connection between Tweed and Nightingale is believable and the reader will eagerly await the sequel to see what is in store for these two. More adventure certainly but perhaps a romantic twist as well? Even those readers who do not embrace the steampunk genre will love the pacing and mystery of this story. Highly recommended for ages 12 and older.
hollylynna's review
4.0
Oh steam punk..how I love you. Especially when you are this much fun! Crilley's dialogue between tweed and nightingale had me smiling and laughing out loud at times. A good mystery/adventure with steam punk thrown in makes the ride all the better.
bstaats's review
4.0
The Lazarus Machine is being hailed as “Doctor Who” meets “Sherlock” – and being the newfound BBC addict I am, I JUMPED at reading this one. I had these ideas that it would be full of a steampunk setting, with some historical fiction feel to it, little bit of sci fi, and just enough mystery to leave me guessing. Doesn’t that sound awesome?!
And while I began reading it and found it a bit slow at first, by the latter half of the book I knew I’d found another winner. The Lazarus Machine completely delivered, notwithstanding its slow start and introduction to Paul Crilley’s new world.
Reasons to Read:
1. A fascinating, alternate steampunk world:
Admittedly, I’m a bit of a newbie to steampunk – and I’m sure some of you are too. So I feel like every time I read anything remotely a la steampunk it feels fresh and exciting to me. Maybe this is all fairly common among steampunk books, but I loved how central and influential Charles Babbage and ESPECIALLY Ada Lovelace were to this 1895 England. Plus, automatons with human souls? That’s just disturbing and creepy enough to be EXCITING. AND! There’s a secret government agency called The Ministry working for the Crown. I’m totally game for conspiracy theories.
2. Sebastian Tweed as a misfit:
First of all, bonus points for a great male hero. I think Sebastian is the type of character that a number of male (and female) readers will be able to relate to, and he takes so much after Sherlock Holmes. Brilliant, a little bit awkward at times, and kind of obnoxious... but in this devastatingly clever way that makes him endearing at the same time.
3. Solid opposite-gender relationships:
I need to comment on how much I loved the relationship between Sebastian and Octavia. It takes them a little while to warm up to each other, and I feel a little bit of romantic tension going on there, but they treat each other like equals. Deep down, there seems to be so much respect for each other and I loved that. And that’s extended to other couples in the book as well, even though none of them are flawless. But I love how respectful Sebastian is towards Octavia, and that he doesn’t for a minute see her as inferior. I think the inclusion of Ada Lovelace in society really helps with this idea.
4. Spunky Octavia Nightingale:
I love to read books with characters like Octavia. She’s so brave and quirky and INTELLIGENT. She’s witty and exactly the kind of woman I like to imagine myself being. She’s equally attractive as a character to both male and female readers, just like Sebastian. And although she isn’t the main protagonist, she’s an extremely significant part of the story all on her own.
The mystery wasn’t nearly as predictable as it seemed at first glance, either. It is so much fun and such a pleasure to read, and one that I flipped through very quickly. I wish it had had a bit of a stronger start to really immerse me in the story, but it really is more of a slow burn for the first few chapters. Just stick with it! Trust me, it gets there.
And if anything I wished by the end that it had been a bit longer to devote a little bit more time to the world building. What’s there is great, and very enticing, yet I wished there had been more because I think it’s one of the strongest features of the book.
Review copy received from publisher for review; no other compensation was received.
And while I began reading it and found it a bit slow at first, by the latter half of the book I knew I’d found another winner. The Lazarus Machine completely delivered, notwithstanding its slow start and introduction to Paul Crilley’s new world.
Reasons to Read:
1. A fascinating, alternate steampunk world:
Admittedly, I’m a bit of a newbie to steampunk – and I’m sure some of you are too. So I feel like every time I read anything remotely a la steampunk it feels fresh and exciting to me. Maybe this is all fairly common among steampunk books, but I loved how central and influential Charles Babbage and ESPECIALLY Ada Lovelace were to this 1895 England. Plus, automatons with human souls? That’s just disturbing and creepy enough to be EXCITING. AND! There’s a secret government agency called The Ministry working for the Crown. I’m totally game for conspiracy theories.
2. Sebastian Tweed as a misfit:
First of all, bonus points for a great male hero. I think Sebastian is the type of character that a number of male (and female) readers will be able to relate to, and he takes so much after Sherlock Holmes. Brilliant, a little bit awkward at times, and kind of obnoxious... but in this devastatingly clever way that makes him endearing at the same time.
3. Solid opposite-gender relationships:
I need to comment on how much I loved the relationship between Sebastian and Octavia. It takes them a little while to warm up to each other, and I feel a little bit of romantic tension going on there, but they treat each other like equals. Deep down, there seems to be so much respect for each other and I loved that. And that’s extended to other couples in the book as well, even though none of them are flawless. But I love how respectful Sebastian is towards Octavia, and that he doesn’t for a minute see her as inferior. I think the inclusion of Ada Lovelace in society really helps with this idea.
4. Spunky Octavia Nightingale:
I love to read books with characters like Octavia. She’s so brave and quirky and INTELLIGENT. She’s witty and exactly the kind of woman I like to imagine myself being. She’s equally attractive as a character to both male and female readers, just like Sebastian. And although she isn’t the main protagonist, she’s an extremely significant part of the story all on her own.
The mystery wasn’t nearly as predictable as it seemed at first glance, either. It is so much fun and such a pleasure to read, and one that I flipped through very quickly. I wish it had had a bit of a stronger start to really immerse me in the story, but it really is more of a slow burn for the first few chapters. Just stick with it! Trust me, it gets there.
And if anything I wished by the end that it had been a bit longer to devote a little bit more time to the world building. What’s there is great, and very enticing, yet I wished there had been more because I think it’s one of the strongest features of the book.
Review copy received from publisher for review; no other compensation was received.
sami_keehl's review
3.0
It's rare I say this, but I think this book would have made a much better SyFy show than it does as a book.
No real complaints, but also no real depth, it plays on the current 'new' trend of steampunk books with nothing that particularly stands out at me as unique or fresh.
This lands on my pile of what I call "candy books", ones that you like well enough when you need a book, but don't really expect too much out of.
Verdict: nice enough. If you have a plane to catch or a long trip to wait out, pick this up. If I notice the sequel in the future, I might pick it up...if I remember this book at all.
No real complaints, but also no real depth, it plays on the current 'new' trend of steampunk books with nothing that particularly stands out at me as unique or fresh.
This lands on my pile of what I call "candy books", ones that you like well enough when you need a book, but don't really expect too much out of.
Verdict: nice enough. If you have a plane to catch or a long trip to wait out, pick this up. If I notice the sequel in the future, I might pick it up...if I remember this book at all.
christajls's review
4.0
This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic
First off -Huge thanks to Brenna (Esther’s Ever After) without whom I would have never heard of this fabulous book.
To sum it up in one sentence it’s BBC-esque Sherlock meets steampunk with a dash of Doctor Who. I didn’t believe it until I read it but that is the most accurate description I can think off. So then knowing my love of all three of those things it should be no surprise that I adored The Lazarus Machine.
Since this is a steampunk novel, I think it is only right I talk about that element first. I really liked the way Paul Crilley used steampunk technology. He took real inventions with actual historical figures (like Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage) which is always fun to read about and shows me that you’ve done your homework. But then he took it to the next level with computers, security systems and sonic guns that all spawned from that original tech. So this is not just surface steampunk with a few clockwork powered machines and zeppelin thrown in. This is a richly imagined, beautifully detailed, alternate world that I think fans of the genre will really appreciate.
But it’s not just the atmosphere that makes The Lazarus Machine worth reading. It’s that it’s filled to the brim with awesome characters. Starting with our leads - Sebastian and Octavia (Tweed and Nightingale respectively). They’re both such strong, independent personalities but they worked really well together as a team. Yay teamwork! They’re partnership was one built out of respect for one another and they played off each other’s strengths to achieve what they thought was the best possible outcome. There were simmerings of romantic interest but the story didn’t go there – focusing instead on the more important matters at hand. I wish more male-female partnerships could be like this. Not just in YA novels. But all novels.
I love an author who doesn’t neglect their secondary characters. There’s nothing more disappointing when the rest of the cast feels flat and one dimensional. But Paul Crilley has crafted an extraordinary cast of secondary characters. I was just invested in what happened to them as I was Sebastian and Octavia. Carter and Jenny – the professional thieves, who love each other more than anything – and Barnaby - Sebastian’s con man father, with some secrets of his own – are a few that really stood out for me. They all felt well-developed and were fun to read about even if they didn’t get the same “page time” as Sebastian and Octavia.
My one criticism of The Lazarus Machine is that I would have liked a little more Sherlock Holmes and Moriarity stuff. Whether it was more detail into their presence, or more actual interaction with the characters because they are repeatedly referenced and make an important cameo. It seems a shame to introduce these two famous and brilliant characters and then not make full use of them.
Recommendation: Great for fans of Steampunk, Sherlock Holmes and the BBC. Also for those looking for a YA with a male-female pairing that doesn’t devolve into insta love or a love triangle.
First off -Huge thanks to Brenna (Esther’s Ever After) without whom I would have never heard of this fabulous book.
To sum it up in one sentence it’s BBC-esque Sherlock meets steampunk with a dash of Doctor Who. I didn’t believe it until I read it but that is the most accurate description I can think off. So then knowing my love of all three of those things it should be no surprise that I adored The Lazarus Machine.
Since this is a steampunk novel, I think it is only right I talk about that element first. I really liked the way Paul Crilley used steampunk technology. He took real inventions with actual historical figures (like Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage) which is always fun to read about and shows me that you’ve done your homework. But then he took it to the next level with computers, security systems and sonic guns that all spawned from that original tech. So this is not just surface steampunk with a few clockwork powered machines and zeppelin thrown in. This is a richly imagined, beautifully detailed, alternate world that I think fans of the genre will really appreciate.
But it’s not just the atmosphere that makes The Lazarus Machine worth reading. It’s that it’s filled to the brim with awesome characters. Starting with our leads - Sebastian and Octavia (Tweed and Nightingale respectively). They’re both such strong, independent personalities but they worked really well together as a team. Yay teamwork! They’re partnership was one built out of respect for one another and they played off each other’s strengths to achieve what they thought was the best possible outcome. There were simmerings of romantic interest but the story didn’t go there – focusing instead on the more important matters at hand. I wish more male-female partnerships could be like this. Not just in YA novels. But all novels.
I love an author who doesn’t neglect their secondary characters. There’s nothing more disappointing when the rest of the cast feels flat and one dimensional. But Paul Crilley has crafted an extraordinary cast of secondary characters. I was just invested in what happened to them as I was Sebastian and Octavia. Carter and Jenny – the professional thieves, who love each other more than anything – and Barnaby - Sebastian’s con man father, with some secrets of his own – are a few that really stood out for me. They all felt well-developed and were fun to read about even if they didn’t get the same “page time” as Sebastian and Octavia.
My one criticism of The Lazarus Machine is that I would have liked a little more Sherlock Holmes and Moriarity stuff. Whether it was more detail into their presence, or more actual interaction with the characters because they are repeatedly referenced and make an important cameo. It seems a shame to introduce these two famous and brilliant characters and then not make full use of them.
Recommendation: Great for fans of Steampunk, Sherlock Holmes and the BBC. Also for those looking for a YA with a male-female pairing that doesn’t devolve into insta love or a love triangle.
literary_princess's review
3.0
Almost totally clean, except for cloning and some killing. Strong male and female characters.
Good fun for fans of Sherlock Holmes (especially of the second movie and the new bbc series). Smart mystery. Creative alternate history and world-building.
Technology a bit hard to follow sometimes, but not bad. Definitely for slightly advanced readers.
Good fun for fans of Sherlock Holmes (especially of the second movie and the new bbc series). Smart mystery. Creative alternate history and world-building.
Technology a bit hard to follow sometimes, but not bad. Definitely for slightly advanced readers.
spacklefritz's review
4.0
3.5 stars
Well this was a fun read, not exactly a light read, but definitely a fun read indeed.
I've never read any of Mr. Crilley's books before, but the world that he created in The Lazarus Machine is very rich, and if you're looking for a steampunk book that definitely shows the steampunkness (not a word I know) then this book is good bet. You can see the use of these unique machines in everyday life. There are also some models which have a certain "feature" which ties up into the story.
The plot was tight, and I think well paced. There weren't any parts where it seemed to drag. I don't really want to say much else, in the event that I reveal something that ought not to be. I must say I really do like this web that Mr. Crilley has spun.
The characters were fun, they had their own quirks. There was Barnaby, the father that had a taste for flair, logical and rational Sebastian Tweed but still naive in some ways, Octavia Nightingale who really I think was a quite strong character, in terms of how she kept her hope for so long, Carter and Jenny, such a lively couple XD, and then there was Stepp the programming genius. The banter throughout was witty and fun. I'm not sure whose I like more, Carter and Jenny or Octavia and Tweed.
That said there was something that, although this book scored high on the major points, was missing. I didn't quite feel myself, really pulled in until midway. (Although, the banter did draw a chuckle out of me a couple of times), but after that things seemed to have drawn me in, so in my mind this added up to the higher end of the 3 star rating, hence the round up.
The book end is pretty satisfying. It should be noted however, that there are still some more things left to be resolved, though it is nothing major to warrant a cliffhanger.
This review can also be found at musingsandbooksandmore.blogspot.com
Well this was a fun read, not exactly a light read, but definitely a fun read indeed.
I've never read any of Mr. Crilley's books before, but the world that he created in The Lazarus Machine is very rich, and if you're looking for a steampunk book that definitely shows the steampunkness (not a word I know) then this book is good bet. You can see the use of these unique machines in everyday life. There are also some models which have a certain "feature" which ties up into the story.
The plot was tight, and I think well paced. There weren't any parts where it seemed to drag. I don't really want to say much else, in the event that I reveal something that ought not to be. I must say I really do like this web that Mr. Crilley has spun.
The characters were fun, they had their own quirks. There was Barnaby, the father that had a taste for flair, logical and rational Sebastian Tweed but still naive in some ways, Octavia Nightingale who really I think was a quite strong character, in terms of how she kept her hope for so long, Carter and Jenny, such a lively couple XD, and then there was Stepp the programming genius. The banter throughout was witty and fun. I'm not sure whose I like more, Carter and Jenny or Octavia and Tweed.
That said there was something that, although this book scored high on the major points, was missing. I didn't quite feel myself, really pulled in until midway. (Although, the banter did draw a chuckle out of me a couple of times), but after that things seemed to have drawn me in, so in my mind this added up to the higher end of the 3 star rating, hence the round up.
The book end is pretty satisfying. It should be noted however, that there are still some more things left to be resolved, though it is nothing major to warrant a cliffhanger.
This review can also be found at musingsandbooksandmore.blogspot.com
dtaylorbooks's review
3.0
How did we end up here?
This was in Pyr’s catalogue and it sounded interesting so, among other books, I requested THE LAZARUS MACHINE for review. I’m not big into steampunk but I liked the way the story sounded here.
Okay, book. You've got 50 pages. Go!
The story starts with a con job that’s about to go tits up when Tweed’s dad up and gets kidnapped by some gas-masked dudes that kill everyone else in the room. How does that NOT keep me reading? I’m less than impressed with the writing style but the story had me hooked almost from the first page. Certainly from the first chapter. The action just kept going.
What worked . . .
The intrigue and the twists and turns. The story itself was a breathless mystery that involved steampunk-like technology and all the evils that come alone with it. People dream big and sometimes those dreams get away from them and it sucks other people into them too. I was kept guessing a lot of the time (although I’m usually not quick to guess any kind of plot bunny going on so take that for what you will) and there were a couple twists in the story that took me by surprise. I liked being surprised when I read. Being able to guess everything would just get boring.
Octavia was an interesting character and I liked how outspoken she was and how much she bucked the system and went against societal norms of the time. Although I think that’s fairly normal for steampunk, right? Still since it was really Tweed’s story she did take a back seat for a lot of it. Unless she was in the front seat playing real like Grand Theft Dirigible to keep them out of trouble’s reach.
I really liked Carter and Jenny and I wish they played a more prominent role in the story but they were more off-screen than they were on. The dynamic between the couple, how they were endearingly antagonistic toward each other but how in love they were with each other created great reading. Of course, since this is a YA novel you can’t give the adults the front page so they were kept to the background but they played their part. I’d like to read on just for them, if I’m honest.
What didn't work . . .
The writing itself left a bit to be desired. It’s not the POV shifts that bothered me or the number of characters. Really, they were all reasonably easy to tell apart. It’s just there wasn’t any flair to the language. It served its purpose and told the story and that was about it. No flourish, no shazaam, nothing. If the action wasn’t so prominent and I wasn’t able to project enough image from what I was reading it would have been rather dull. It was kind of a push to keep reading as it was because while I liked it it was toeing the line of being not for me and the writing itself certainly wasn’t helping.
And in the end . . .
There are some damn good characters in THE LAZARUS MACHINE and I think the book is worth reading just for them. Not to mention the story is pretty action-packed and you really can’t stop for breath at all. If it were any longer it very well could have been an exhausting read for that reason. But the writing is less than thrilling. It lends itself to a rather static, textbook-like read where, in hindsight, I had more going on in my head than what the page was telling me. There’s little to no oomph about it and it’s a shame because the rest of it is rather good. I did almost want to put it down but I trucked through it and I’m glad I did but I’m nonplussed about reading on in the series. I may get to it eventually but I’m not in a rush to.
This was in Pyr’s catalogue and it sounded interesting so, among other books, I requested THE LAZARUS MACHINE for review. I’m not big into steampunk but I liked the way the story sounded here.
Okay, book. You've got 50 pages. Go!
The story starts with a con job that’s about to go tits up when Tweed’s dad up and gets kidnapped by some gas-masked dudes that kill everyone else in the room. How does that NOT keep me reading? I’m less than impressed with the writing style but the story had me hooked almost from the first page. Certainly from the first chapter. The action just kept going.
What worked . . .
The intrigue and the twists and turns. The story itself was a breathless mystery that involved steampunk-like technology and all the evils that come alone with it. People dream big and sometimes those dreams get away from them and it sucks other people into them too. I was kept guessing a lot of the time (although I’m usually not quick to guess any kind of plot bunny going on so take that for what you will) and there were a couple twists in the story that took me by surprise. I liked being surprised when I read. Being able to guess everything would just get boring.
Octavia was an interesting character and I liked how outspoken she was and how much she bucked the system and went against societal norms of the time. Although I think that’s fairly normal for steampunk, right? Still since it was really Tweed’s story she did take a back seat for a lot of it. Unless she was in the front seat playing real like Grand Theft Dirigible to keep them out of trouble’s reach.
I really liked Carter and Jenny and I wish they played a more prominent role in the story but they were more off-screen than they were on. The dynamic between the couple, how they were endearingly antagonistic toward each other but how in love they were with each other created great reading. Of course, since this is a YA novel you can’t give the adults the front page so they were kept to the background but they played their part. I’d like to read on just for them, if I’m honest.
What didn't work . . .
The writing itself left a bit to be desired. It’s not the POV shifts that bothered me or the number of characters. Really, they were all reasonably easy to tell apart. It’s just there wasn’t any flair to the language. It served its purpose and told the story and that was about it. No flourish, no shazaam, nothing. If the action wasn’t so prominent and I wasn’t able to project enough image from what I was reading it would have been rather dull. It was kind of a push to keep reading as it was because while I liked it it was toeing the line of being not for me and the writing itself certainly wasn’t helping.
And in the end . . .
There are some damn good characters in THE LAZARUS MACHINE and I think the book is worth reading just for them. Not to mention the story is pretty action-packed and you really can’t stop for breath at all. If it were any longer it very well could have been an exhausting read for that reason. But the writing is less than thrilling. It lends itself to a rather static, textbook-like read where, in hindsight, I had more going on in my head than what the page was telling me. There’s little to no oomph about it and it’s a shame because the rest of it is rather good. I did almost want to put it down but I trucked through it and I’m glad I did but I’m nonplussed about reading on in the series. I may get to it eventually but I’m not in a rush to.