Steampunk is defined as follows;
Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s.[1] Steampunk involves a setting where steam power is still widely used—usually Victorian era Britain—that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne.
(Definition found on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk)
I learned about steampunk last year at the FanExpo in Toronto. Oddly enough I had always liked the blending of these two subjects the Vitorian Era and Techology I just didn't realize there was an entire subgenre for it. Since then I have been trying to find anything I can on the subject. Recently I saw an episode of Fanboy Confessional on Sapce which featured Steampunk (http://www.spacecast.com/fanboyconfessional.aspx Episode 102). During this episode they showed a group based in Vacouver that live a steampunk lifestyle, they invent, craft and share their passion. After the episode I ventured onto google (as I often do when intrigued by something) and searched for Steampunk Canada. This is what I found http://www.steampunkcanada.ca/ I immediately signed up for membership and newsletters and anything else I could wanting nothing but to emerse myself in the subject. One newletter lead to another and I started hearing about Nancy Overbury so I checked out her website http://overburyink.com/. While perusing around I clicked on the Book link, because lets face it I'm like a bug to a bug zapper when the word book appears. It was here that I found an article about a series called the Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger. A series of books about a preternatural mystery solver Miss. Alexia Tarrabotti who finds herself in the most unusual predicaments. So I did what anyone would do ... I looked them up on kobo. My search resulted in four books Souless, Changeless, Blameless, and Heartless so I purchased the first and there began my journey into the steampunk genre of books. I was enthralled by this series and quickly finished the first book, then the second, third and yesterday the fourth. After finishing the series to date I went to goodreads and updated my recommendation.
If I could give this series 10 starts I would, I loved the blending of the Victorian Era, Vampires, Werewovles, Preternturals and technology (not necesarily in that order). The clever twists and turns that the plotlines take to the wonderfully ridiculous and hilarious situations Alexia finds herself in are something I have rarely found before, and not likely to find outside of this series. I truely feel for Alexia's much abused bustle and believe it deserves credit for it's dexterity and willingness to continue for, if nothing else, but fashions sake. Hat's off to the parasol without which many a Dandy, Vampire, Werewolf and suspect other might not have suffcient punishment or repremand. A nod to Lord Akledama who is always in the know, providing not only needed information, wonderful new toys that more times than not come in very handy, but also some of the best nicknames I have ever heard. There are so many more charcters that I love in these books, including but not limited to, the following Lord Connell Maccon, Miss. Ivy Hisselpenny and her incredibly aweful taste in hats, most of which could be stand alone characters in and of themselves, Floote whom I believe everyone should have one of, Professor Lyall and of course Madame Lafeux.
I am so looking forward to the next installment; Timeless which is to be released March 2012.
I can't recommend this series enough it's everything I would expect a steampunk genre novel to be and so much more. For more information on the Parasol Protectorate here is a link to Gail Carrigers website. A personal recommendation of mine would be to check out Gails blogs, links can be found on the contact tab of her website. http://gailcarriger.com/index.php
Coming February 28, 2012...
