Robert Rodgers (1)

This review was originally posted on my review blog : http://fallingofftheshelf.blogspot.com

This book really just confused me a lot, which is why I'm not even bothering to write my own view of the synopsis like I normally would do. The premise of the book was very interesting, but I couldn't get past the first 50 pages, because of the constant switch in narration. It flipped to too many characters continuously, and it was too much for my small brain to digest.

One thing I will say about this novel, is that the writing was great, I just couldn't focus on the characters when the scenes would change so abruptly. I may come back to this one in the future, when I have less stress and I can focus more, but as of now, I just couldn't get into it.… (meer)

This is actually one of the first steampunk books I have ever read and enjoyed. I never really set my foot in the genre and am glad I started out with this book to get me into it. It was a fun read, never boring, exciting, and well written. I loved the wit and quirkiness that goes with it. Everything in the book just seems to fit hand in hand and everything just fell into place. I wasn't prepared for the ending, (which was great! and could be classified as a cliffhanger) and the different inventions mentioned in the novel were interesting and very imaginative. The novel was fast paced and the action sequences were well written and well done. You will definitely not be bored with this novel.

I liked how it switched back and forth, from the past, and then into the present. It gave you a clear understanding on how events came to be and explains why things in the present are the way they are. The chapter titles are crucial and it's important for the reader to read these carefully. It summarizes the chapter without getting the reader confused as the book does contain a lot of characters and plot, and it goes at a very fast pace. You won't be dissapointed with the action and fighting scenes and if this book were a movie, it would be an amazing one.

The characters in this book are numerous, but if you pay attention the main ones, then you won't get as confused or lost. Arcadia Snips would obviously be a favorite. I loved her wit, her humor (I love that 'Susan' part) and her grittiness. It reminded me almost of a female Oliver Twist but with a lot more bite and a spine of steel. The rest of the characters are very likable and the villains are exactly that (your classic evil guy). In a way I would have liked to see Arcadia and William together, it did seem like it was going that way but it's hard to say. They're like partners in adventure, but there's an underlying feeling of romance budding. It's very small and vague, but you can see it's there. They're very different personality wise, but I think they would make a rather nice couple as they compliment each other nicely.

The only criticism of this book would be it's extremely fast paced, the reader would have to pay attention closely to events. Which should not be a problem as it's interesting enough to get your attention anyway. Some may consider the plot to go just a little too fast, with no real character development, but then again, this book is meant to be a quick, fun read and not something to be deeply analytical about.

Overall a wonderful adventure to read! I really am hoping there will be more Arcadia books out as I'm sure the adventure will not stop there. I recommend this novel to all those who love the steampunk and science fiction genre. However those who are in for something different, with humor and a fun fast paced adventure, do check this book out. You will not regret it.… (meer)

I was asked by Robert Rodgers to read his book, Arcadia Snips and the Steamwork Consortium. This was, without a doubt, the BEST book I have read in quite some time!

To imagine the incredibly unique world in which this story is set, you must think "steampunk". Imagine gears and cogs and all manner of mechanical objects. The whole world is operated by machines, and at the center of it all is the Steamwork. Arcadia Snips, professional thief, has been asked to assist in the murder investigation of one Basil Copper, scientist and Steamwork employee. From the outset, you become immersed in two separate storylines, one occurring twenty years in the past that has led to the other, which is set in the present. You meet all manner of characters, from the feminist Miss Primrose to the dastardly Von Grimskull.

In Arcadia Snips and the Steamwork Consortium, Snips helps a pair of investigators as they research the "accidental" death of Basil Copper. Little do they know, their investigation is stepping on the toes of a very powerful organization that isn’t in the mood to tolerate their nosing about! This book runs the gamut of mad science scenarios, from tea with pigeons to Armageddon scenarios! In the book, you follow the process of the investigation and slowly learn the full story behind what has taken place.

Arcadia Snips was a fun and relatively quick read! It certainly was the most unique story I have ever read! I particularly loved the interactions between characters. The mannerisms and dialogue is witty and amusing. The book is full of mad banter and some of the characters obviously have a few screws loose. Snips puts it best when she says, "I'm fluent in crazy." The wide variety of characters make for unusual and humorous conversations that on more than one occasion caused me to laugh aloud! I was so entertained that I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much while reading a book!

The book flows incredibly well, considering you are frequently jumping between storylines. The author involves the reader in every aspect of the story. The book spends time in both the present and the past, allowing you to gain the back-story by jumping back twenty years to where it all began. In the present, the story branches once again, so you are witnessing events from the perspective of Snips, as well as following the actions of the villains. I love that there are also numerous illustrations throughout the book which provided a visual for situations taking place.

One suggestion I must make to readers is that reading the chapter titles is critical! It is very easy to get lost in the mess of who is who, when is what, so forth and so on. I quickly learned that I had more success with keeping track of everything going on if I read the chapter titles. This book has very long chapter titles, however they set the stage for what is happening. For example, chapter 1 is titled, "CHAPTER 1: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO OUR TALE OCCURRING 20 YEARS PRIOR, WHEREIN PIGS TAKE FLIGHT, FOOLS TAKE NOTE, AND A GRAND PARTNERSHIP IS PROPOSED". Intriguing, is it not?

I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys action, comedy, science fiction, a smattering of romance, or alternative history scenarios! The book is incredibly well written and won't disappoint! I will definitely be watching to see if the author writes any more Arcadia Snips adventures!… (meer)