Steam and Sorcery

I don't think I would buy another of Pape's book. I was hoping for more steampunk and magic versus passion and graphic descriptions of people having sex. I do like Helen Stern as a narrator but the poor plot ruined it for me.

I have never listened to another of her books, and after this... I probably never will again. The story didn't involve much steampunk or magic but rather more primal instinct. The only real detailed segments were when the two protagonists were about to make love or during. It was annoying to have their relationship be pushed to the forefront over everything else.

The opening scene where the children help Merrick defeat the vampires. Essentially all the scenes where the story focuses on the children and their abilities. For me, the interest in Caroline and Merrick was secondary to the children's antics.

I loved the twist Pape gave to the legend of King Arthur and the Round Table and how Merrick was a descendent of the Knights.

no pretty vampires

a good week-end book

This book is a good light read. NOT a hard core steampunck book, just a good book to have on in the background while doing the laundry, or house work.

Disclaimer - the author is primarily a romance writer, so there's some predictability here, the occasional mild ick factor, and several explicit sex scenes. But overall a very light, enjoyable read with characters to care about.

More detail and depth, especially in the Tech & fantasy areas.

No

Verry Verry Good

Character development was good, but little background on the enviroment, social structue, technology and fantasy mechanics. It made the story feel weak.

I enjoyed the story itself, though I could have handled less information about the children's lessons and mealtimes in return for more magic and adventure, though the chemistry between the hero and heroine was sizzilng. The narrator gave a solid performance, though her male voices sounded a little too growly for my taste. All in all, a pleasant listen during the workday.

This story flows well, the characters are well developed, and it moves well. The narrator has the appropriate accent and while it gets a bit breathy in spots, it is well read. Loved it.

This delightful romp in Victorian England has it all: engaging characters, page-turning plot, and lots of sizzle. I hope a sequel is in the works, featuring more adventures with Merrick, Caroline, and the gifted chidren. The narrator made the story come alive.

I enjoyed the story itself, though I could have handled less information about the children's lessons and mealtimes in return for more magic and adventure, though the chemistry between the hero and heroine was sizzilng. The narrator gave a solid performance, though her male voices sounded a little too growly for my taste. All in all, a pleasant listen during the workday.