tomfairfax's review against another edition
3.0
Engaging read although at times difficult to visualise the world that has been created, e.g. people holding fluent conversation through gas masks. Both originality and derivativeness in equal measure, if such a thing is possible.
nglofile's review against another edition
2.0
When I chose this book as my steampunk read, I didn't know that one branch of the genre was "zombies and zephyrs". I decided to soldier on, and that's exactly what it seemed at first. The book started slowly, and I couldn't gain traction. I'm glad to say that it picked up considerably, and I finally began to care about a character or two -- but it seemed to do everything it could to keep the reader at arm's length. Oddly enough, I kept being reminded of Firefly in some of the plot elements and tone, and that's too bad because not much can live up to that standard. Still, not bad, but I don't know that I will jump on this particular bandwagon. Perhaps I'll wait a bit and then try an alternate title.
captainsillypants's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
delaxia's review against another edition
3.0
One of the main things I enjoyed about this book was how Cherie Priest paints an intriguing picture with just enough detail that you can really get into her steampunky, zombie-infested world, but leaves out just enough that your imagination can run with it. I'm not a particular fan of authors who languish in every last detail of every last leaf on every last tree. I need space to make it my own in order to connect with any sort of fanciful world.
garrodot's review against another edition
2.0
How can you not love that premise? Unfortunately, I found the execution lacking. The story ended up bland and the writing amateurish to the point of frustration.
rebeccatc's review against another edition
3.0
We read this for my Book Club this month when the theme was "steampunk." I am also using it for the 2015 Reading Challenge Book that Scares You, although the only scene I thought was scary was the first time the rotters showed up and chased Briar. Parts of the book were good. I liked the uniqueness of some of the characters, and the setting of the ruined, walled off Seattle and its underground was interesting. Parts really dragged though and I thought the pacing was very inconsistent.
shan198025's review against another edition
2.0
Actually pretty disappointed in this. It's supposed bro be steampunk and zombies. And it is, but very sparingly. In the sense that "Rotters" are mentioned and there are dirigibles and a lady with a mechanical arm. Also I didn't like the characters. They were TSTL
jenningslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A very fun steampunk western.
melanna's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Meh, it’s yet another dystopian type book. I really don’t love dystopian type books. I read it for a Book prompt and it kept my attention enough to keep reading but it didn’t wow me in any way.