Book Recommendations: God Save the Queen and The Janus Affair

So, I’ve been doing a bit of reading to get a better idea of what the term ‘steampunk’ encompasses. I have two that I really enjoyed:

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke

To be honest, I thought this was going to be one of those clichéd vampire-werewolf-zombie-virus things. It was not. God Save the Queen was one of the most entertaining reads I’ve had in a long while. The world-building and history-bending was well done, and the characters believable, in spite of their origins. The use of underground movements, political machinations and the genetic stratification of society made for an interesting interpretation of a Victorian England that had survived past what our world recognizes as the Victorian era. The steampunk element was present, but more a part of the background than a main feature, which allowed the intrigue and the characters take center stage. I liked the way goblins were explained and treated and the way this complemented an underlying theme of the commonality of man. This was an adventurous romp of unexpected depth, and I have added Kate Locke to that list of authors whose work I buy and keep.

The Janus Affair (A Ministry of Peculiar OccurrencesNovel) by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

If you like your steampunk without vampires and werewolves and with more Victoriana, gaslight, London and steam, then I recommend The Janus Affair. While this novel has a local (London) focus and uses the development of the suffragette movement in steampunk England, it also has a ‘Great Game’ feel. I enjoyed the contrast of ‘colonial’ and ‘homeland’ personas and attitudes as well as the contrast of classes. I liked the clever way steampunk ‘gadgets’ and inventions were woven through the story, and the way they were portrayed as both a part of everyday life and a novelty. This is a story with a strong sense of place, a well-developed mystery, and clearly drawn characters. It also contains a splash of mystery, a dash of intrigue and just a touch of romance. Even though this was not the first in the series, I was able to get into the story without feeling I’d missed something vital by not reading the preceding novels. I will be looking for more Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris novels in future, especially those belonging to the ‘Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences’ or featuring Agents Books and Braun.