Post movie blues... Part 4

We've been pretty caught up in the hype about Divergent, the latest YA novel to be adapted for the big screen. BUT, this got us thinking.... Once the hype has died down and all the books in the series have been read in preparation for the future movies, what to do? We've done some posts offering advice on other YA books to be adapted to movies, and - here's an old fashioned idea - other series you could read!

Now we're onto Part 4 - the final post for our 'Post movie blues', and the final genre of excellent books!

What's that? Did I hear you say Steampunk? You might think Steampunk is not for you, but don't be afraid peeps, we've got some goodies for you...

• The Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. Ah Scott, we simply can't get enough of your books! This absolutely fantastic series gives us an alternate version of the First World War where the German Central Powers (aka Clankers) and the British Entente Powers (aka Darwinists) do battle using robots and genetically engineered beasts. Brilliant! Yep, we've done a review of Book 1 and Book 2!
• The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress. Whether this becomes a series is yet to be seen, but the book, set in Victorian London, is a great little introduction to the Steampunk genre and packed with girl-power! Check it out with this review!
• The Finishing School series by Gail Carriger. This steam-punk series is about girls attending a posh finishing school where they learn to curtsy, dance, pour tea, and also kill, maim and spy. Cool!
• The Extraordinaires series by Michael Pryor. An Aussie and an extremely experienced and prolific author, Pryor takes us back to 1908 London with this fantasy / hint-of-steampunk adventure series. Find the review of the first book here.

Happy reading! Don't forget, if you can't find the hardcopy on the shelves, check our ebook collection. Just click the link below!

Caitlin @ Balwyn Library.


What now?

• Add your thoughts about in the comments below.
• Go to the catalogue and reserve it.
• Borrow it as an ebook.
• Review a book yourself.

The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress

This Steampunk novel set in London in the early 1900s is full of action. Three young, intelligent women, each the assistant to powerful men, meet by chance at an exhibition where a scientist is found murdered. Each of the women - Cora, intelligent and scientific, Nellie, friendly and sneaky, and Michiko, aloof and strong - feel drawn to the case and soon decide to team-up to solve the crime.

What follows is plenty of mystery and action, a little bit of romance and plenty of girl-power. Whilst set in the early 1900s, the book has a distinctly modern edge, and at times this was more annoying than charming. Terms such as 'make-out' and 'I guess', neither of which fit the language or setting of Victorian London really stood out and detracted from an otherwise well written and entertaining story. Perhaps I am just being pernickety!

Still, it's a good read and a light-hearted introduction to Steampunk. If you're interested the genre, checkout the album of other Steampunk novels on our Facebook page.

Caitlin @ Balwyn Library.

What now?

• Add your thoughts about in the comments below.
• Go to the catalogue and reserve it.
• Borrow it as an ebook.
• Review a book yourself.