A set of related short stories set in an alternate Boston of SteamPunk, Ghosts, and demons. Some of the ideas really interesting, but the writing in general is not very good: often overly simple descriptions- telling rather than showing. Also while this is titled Prelude, at least 2 of the stories take place during or after the other book. But at minimum, The Secret should be read before the other book.
Disappointing. ( )

Steampunk. Ah, steampunk. I have a love-hate relationship with this sub-genre, but man do I love drowning in it. It's such a guilty pleasure for me, but it can be so hard to find a good steampunk read. Luckily for me, this wonderful graphic novel is the perfect collection of steampunk.

I'm not the end all be all when it comes to this genre. I don't read much of it so I'm not super accurate in knowing how well steampunk is portrayed. That being said, I adored this little graphic novel and thoroughly enjoyed myself as I was reading it. I can totally appreciate the work Madeleine put into this series. It's worth the read if you love a little steampunk in your life. Have I said steampunk enough yet?

This graphic novel is packed tight full of fantastical, paranormal instances dealing with evil and mystery. It's thrilling, action packed and super fun. There's lots of science and history hidden in the lore as well, which made me a happy little nerd. Since I'm not typically the biggest reader of this genre, it was nice that it was so easy to jump into and enjoy.

There was constant drama and movement in the plot, which kept me thoroughly enjoyed. I also enjoyed the old time costumes and scenery in the illustrations, so when I wasn't focused on the story I was admiring the lovely pictures.

Overall, this was super enjoyable! I'd highly recommend it if you love graphic novels and steampunk!

Four out of five stars!

Thank you to Madeleine Holly-Rosing who sent me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. ( )

Coming-of-Age Short Stories Set in a Well-Crafted, Steampunk Alternative History

Prelude, a short-story collection, is one of three literary paths into an alternative, steampunk world that is the Boston Metaphysical Society. The other two paths are a novel, Storm of Secrets, which I have read, and a comic book/graphic novel, which I have not. The two I've read lead to a fascinating world where steam power and gauges replace the electronics and digital readouts of our world. And it's not just technology that's different, but history and society as well. Then, add a supernatural element with mediums, ghosts, and demons, and you have a fertile setting for the imaginative tales that make up Prelude.

The collection of shorts in the book can be thought of as specific, significant events in the backstory of the Boston Metaphysical Society saga—how Samuel Hunter came to wed Elizabeth Weldsmore who was well beyond his social station or how the second born of the Weldsmore sons came to power in his family. Even in just these two examples, you may notice one of the prominent features of Holly-Rosing’s alternative history; Boston is composed of a highly stratified society with the politically powerful living in opulence on Beacon Hill, while the Irish struggle and die in obscurity and abject poverty on the South Side. Much of the population is trapped between these extremes in the Middle District. Based on social standing, there are vast differences in the characters’ speech, thought, and dress, which the author has skillfully crafted and consistently maintains. And as you might guess with such a strict structure, the stories often feature protagonists struggling against these constraints, which are imposed by a parent, grandparent, or spouse as well as society as a whole. Add a bit of light humor (as in the Steampunk Rat) and some demon-hunting action (as in The Demons of Liberty Row), and you have a mix that makes these stories a pleasure to read.

My concerns are relatively minor. First, there are more typos than one would like, particularly in the use of the wrong word, a missing word, or an extra one. The author’s meaning is easily understood, but the errors can draw the reader’s attention from the story. Second, I would have preferred that the stories be in chronological order or have some type of introduction. I found myself resetting my mental history at the start of each short story—where are we in the character’s life and how does this play into what he/she becomes? I would have welcomed some help from the author in these transitions.

Overall, Prelude is a carefully crafted and well-written Steampunk version of history. Coming of age themes with a sprinkling of humor and plenty of action make this collection of short stories a very entertaining read. ( )

Madeleine Holly-Rosing has created a wonderful alternative world in her Boston Metaphysical Society series. I read her A Storm of Secrets novel prior to reading this collection. I had high expectations for these stories and wasn't disappointed. My favorite was Steampunk Rat, which was nominated for a 2013 Steampunk Chronicle Reader's Choice Award. Its plot revealed some of the history that led to the story in A Storm of Secrets. Holly-Rosing also has published some graphic novels with the same setting.

These are steampunk stories, which means they fit in a genre of science fiction where history is re-imagined to create a world with huge steam powered machinery. There is still a Boston, but it is a very different place than what would have existed if the world had followed the path we live on. In addition these stories have a supernatural side with ghosts, demons, and mediums.

As with any genre, the true test of a good story is how the characters are developed and how their relationships unfurl. Here's where I believe these stories earned a five star rating. There are rebellious children, unhappy marriages, and many different types of love woven into the book, all fully developed.

These stories take place in different time frames, some following A Storm of Secrets, some preceding it, but they all stand well on their own.

Steve Lindahl – author of Motherless Soul, White Horse Regressions, Hopatcong Vision Quest, Under a Warped Cross, and Living in a Star's Light ( )