Audiobook Review – Steam & Sorcery (The Gaslight Chronicles, Book 1) by Cindy Spencer Pape, Narrated by Helen Stern (4/5 stars)
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Steampunk
Length: 7 hours and 50 minutes
Publisher: Carina Press
Release Date: March 2, 2011
ASIN: B004Q9JCKU
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in Gaslight Chronicles
Source: Audiobook from Audible Escapes
Rating: 4/5 stars
“Sir Merrick Hadrian hunts monsters, both human and supernatural. A Knight of the Order of the Round Table, his use of magick and the technologies of steam power have made him both respected and feared. But his considerable skills are useless in the face of his greatest challenge, guardianship of five unusual children. At a loss, Merrick enlists the aid of a governess.
Miss Caroline Bristol is reluctant to work for a bachelor but she needs a position, and these former street children touch her heart. While she tends to break any mechanical device she touches, it never occurs to her that she might be something more than human. All she knows is that Merrick is the most dangerously attractive man she’s ever met—and out of reach for a mere governess.
When conspiracy threatens to blur the distinction between humans and monsters, Caroline and Merrick must join forces, and the fate of humanity hinges upon their combined skills of steam and sorcery…”
This is the first book in the Gaslight Chronicles, there are eight books in this series. This was a sweet and fun read, set in a unique world. I loved that there were a lot of different elements blended together here. You have some Arthurian mythology, vampires, werewolves, sorcery, steampunk elements, and romance. There is also a lot of mystery and some action.
I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook is very well done. I actually got this through Audible Escapes and was impressed with the narration quality. There have been some complaints that later books in this series are more novellas than full length novels.
I really enjoyed the blend of topics and genres in this story. I thought the book was well written and fun to listen to. I really enjoyed Caro’s relationship with the children she is governess to. I thought the interactions between her and Merrick were well done too.
Overall this was just a fun little steampunk romance read. It had engaging characters, a sweet story, an intriguing mystery, and creates a world that’s an interesting blend of different genres. I plan on continuing the series and would definitely recommend if you are into steampunk romance with some unique Arthurian and fantasy elements.