-
Romulus Buckle & the City of the Founders
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Series: Chronicles of the Pneumatic, Book 1
- Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins
- Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Audible Premium Plus
$14.95 a month
Buy for $13.99
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Romulus Buckle & the Engines of War
- The Chronicles of the Pneumatic, Book 2
- By: Richard Ellis Preston Jr.
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The frozen wasteland of Snow World - known as Southern California before an alien invasion decimated civilization - is home to warring steampunk clans. Crankshafts, Imperials, Tinskins, Brineboilers, and many more all battle one another for precious supplies, against ravenous mutant beasts for basic survival, and with the mysterious Founders for their very freedom. Through this ruined world soars the Pneumatic Zeppelin, captained by the daring Romulus Buckle.
-
-
Really Enjoying This Fun Series!
- By Joki on 02-02-14
-
Cipher Hill
- Free-Wrench Series, Book 5
- By: Joseph R. Lallo
- Narrated by: Andrea Bates
- Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ferris Tusk has lurked in the shadows of his society since it began. His name is spoken with hushed reverence by the fug folk, and the balance of power of the whole continent is a meticulously maintained mechanism of his own design. But even the finest machine can be broken with a well-placed wrench. Until now, Cap'n Mack and the Wind Breaker crew have weathered scheme after scheme. They've fought for their lives, perpetually on the defensive. Such is the life of a hero.
By: Joseph R. Lallo
-
Boneshaker
- By: Cherie Priest
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton, Kate Reading
- Length: 13 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the early days of the Civil War, rumors of gold in the frozen Klondike brought hordes of newcomers to the Pacific Northwest. Anxious to compete, Russian prospectors commissioned inventor Leviticus Blue to create a great machine that could mine through Alaska’s ice. Thus was Dr. Blue’s Incredible Bone-Shaking Drill Engine born.
-
-
Steampunk zombies in the Pacific Northwest
- By Michael G Kurilla on 04-01-18
By: Cherie Priest
-
Legacy (Vol.1): Steampunk/Fantasy Novel
- Action/Adventure, Book One
- By: Michelle E. Lowe
- Narrated by: Nigel Peever
- Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A thief, a lover, and a toymaker; drawn together by fate, unlikely champions against a powerful and remorseless enemy. When not fighting each other, they must confront a powerful lord and end his plan to unleash global violence. No problem. But behind the scenes, the immortal trickster is manipulating men like puppets, changing history for his own amusement. And as an ancient plan is set into motion, the trio is faced with events they do not understand and may not survive.
-
-
Great Book and Performance
- By eddiebrisco on 08-10-20
By: Michelle E. Lowe
-
Free-Wrench
- Free-Wrench series, book 1
- By: Joseph R. Lallo
- Narrated by: Andrea Bates
- Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The islands of Caldera are a shining jewel in a rather bleak world. A terrible calamity in the past had blanketed much of the world with a toxic "fug". Those who survived were forced to take to the mountains and the skies in wondrous airships. Life has since been a struggle, with only the most ruthless and crafty able to survive. To spare themselves the same fate, the Calderans erected a battery of guns to fend off the airships of the mainland. They isolated themselves from the madness of the world, choosing instead to focus on the pursuits of art and creativity.
-
-
Better than expected!
- By SEH on 10-15-18
By: Joseph R. Lallo
-
Ganymede
- Clockwork Century, Book 4
- By: Cherie Priest
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
- Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The air pirate Andan Cly is going straight. Well, straighter. Although he’s happy to run alcohol guns wherever the money’s good, he doesn’t think the world needs more sap, or its increasingly ugly side-effects. But becoming legit is easier said than done, and Cly’s first legal gig - a supply run for the Seattle Underground - will be paid for by sap money. New Orleans is not Cly’s first pick for a shopping run. He loved the Big Easy once, back when he also loved a beautiful mixed-race prostitute named Josephine Early - but that was a decade ago, and he hasn’t looked back since.
-
-
Too many inconsistencies and missed Kate Reading.
- By Joshua on 12-02-11
By: Cherie Priest
-
Romulus Buckle & the Engines of War
- The Chronicles of the Pneumatic, Book 2
- By: Richard Ellis Preston Jr.
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The frozen wasteland of Snow World - known as Southern California before an alien invasion decimated civilization - is home to warring steampunk clans. Crankshafts, Imperials, Tinskins, Brineboilers, and many more all battle one another for precious supplies, against ravenous mutant beasts for basic survival, and with the mysterious Founders for their very freedom. Through this ruined world soars the Pneumatic Zeppelin, captained by the daring Romulus Buckle.
-
-
Really Enjoying This Fun Series!
- By Joki on 02-02-14
-
Cipher Hill
- Free-Wrench Series, Book 5
- By: Joseph R. Lallo
- Narrated by: Andrea Bates
- Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ferris Tusk has lurked in the shadows of his society since it began. His name is spoken with hushed reverence by the fug folk, and the balance of power of the whole continent is a meticulously maintained mechanism of his own design. But even the finest machine can be broken with a well-placed wrench. Until now, Cap'n Mack and the Wind Breaker crew have weathered scheme after scheme. They've fought for their lives, perpetually on the defensive. Such is the life of a hero.
By: Joseph R. Lallo
-
Boneshaker
- By: Cherie Priest
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton, Kate Reading
- Length: 13 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the early days of the Civil War, rumors of gold in the frozen Klondike brought hordes of newcomers to the Pacific Northwest. Anxious to compete, Russian prospectors commissioned inventor Leviticus Blue to create a great machine that could mine through Alaska’s ice. Thus was Dr. Blue’s Incredible Bone-Shaking Drill Engine born.
-
-
Steampunk zombies in the Pacific Northwest
- By Michael G Kurilla on 04-01-18
By: Cherie Priest
-
Legacy (Vol.1): Steampunk/Fantasy Novel
- Action/Adventure, Book One
- By: Michelle E. Lowe
- Narrated by: Nigel Peever
- Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A thief, a lover, and a toymaker; drawn together by fate, unlikely champions against a powerful and remorseless enemy. When not fighting each other, they must confront a powerful lord and end his plan to unleash global violence. No problem. But behind the scenes, the immortal trickster is manipulating men like puppets, changing history for his own amusement. And as an ancient plan is set into motion, the trio is faced with events they do not understand and may not survive.
-
-
Great Book and Performance
- By eddiebrisco on 08-10-20
By: Michelle E. Lowe
-
Free-Wrench
- Free-Wrench series, book 1
- By: Joseph R. Lallo
- Narrated by: Andrea Bates
- Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The islands of Caldera are a shining jewel in a rather bleak world. A terrible calamity in the past had blanketed much of the world with a toxic "fug". Those who survived were forced to take to the mountains and the skies in wondrous airships. Life has since been a struggle, with only the most ruthless and crafty able to survive. To spare themselves the same fate, the Calderans erected a battery of guns to fend off the airships of the mainland. They isolated themselves from the madness of the world, choosing instead to focus on the pursuits of art and creativity.
-
-
Better than expected!
- By SEH on 10-15-18
By: Joseph R. Lallo
-
Ganymede
- Clockwork Century, Book 4
- By: Cherie Priest
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
- Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The air pirate Andan Cly is going straight. Well, straighter. Although he’s happy to run alcohol guns wherever the money’s good, he doesn’t think the world needs more sap, or its increasingly ugly side-effects. But becoming legit is easier said than done, and Cly’s first legal gig - a supply run for the Seattle Underground - will be paid for by sap money. New Orleans is not Cly’s first pick for a shopping run. He loved the Big Easy once, back when he also loved a beautiful mixed-race prostitute named Josephine Early - but that was a decade ago, and he hasn’t looked back since.
-
-
Too many inconsistencies and missed Kate Reading.
- By Joshua on 12-02-11
By: Cherie Priest
-
The Dreams of a Dying God
- The Godlanders War, Book 1
- By: Aaron Pogue
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Even for a charismatic pirate, three years is a long time to chase after an unimaginable treasure hidden in the ruins of an ancient city. But when the fabled riches turn out to be virtually worthless, the outraged crew mutinies and leaves their former captain for dead. He is rescued by a mysterious king and transported back to a time of dwarves, druids, and fairies. Enchanting as it is, though, his only wish is to return home and find justice - but only the king has the power to return him...for a price.
-
-
The real thrill is the ending
- By Andrew on 09-29-15
By: Aaron Pogue
-
Steamborn: The Complete Trilogy Box Set
- By: Eric Asher
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 27 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A supernatural swarm. A treacherous scheme. A tinker's apprentice may be the village's only hope. This collection includes Steamborn, Steamforged, and Steamsworn. Grab it and crank up a whimsical thrill-ride today!
-
-
An Incredible Ride!!
- By Lady Meserole on 11-09-17
By: Eric Asher
-
Dreadnought
- By: Cherie Priest
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nurse Mercy Lynch is elbows deep in bloody laundry at a war hospital in Richmond, Virginia, when Clara Barton comes bearing bad news: Mercy’s husband has died in a POW camp. On top of that, a telegram from the west coast declares that her estranged father is gravely injured, and he wishes to see her. Reaching the Mississippi is a harrowing adventure, but that's just the beginning.
-
-
Mercy Lynch: nurse extraordinaire
- By Eivind on 10-07-10
By: Cherie Priest
-
Glory to the Brave
- Ascend Online, Book 4
- By: Luke Chmilenko
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 31 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Betrayed by those they'd taken in and narrowly avoiding a disaster of untold proportions, Lyrian and his friends are once again thrust into a fight for their very survival, this time against Carver and his band of murderous adventurers. But as their newfound war quickly reaches a stalemate, both sides find themselves scrambling for a way to break it, while viciously battling one another for every inch of ground that they can steal in the process.
-
-
3.5 stars... it needed less everything
- By David R on 12-13-20
By: Luke Chmilenko
-
Agatha H and the Airship City
- Girl Genius #1
- By: Phil Foglio, Kaja Foglio
- Narrated by: Angela Dawe
- Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Industrial Revolution has escalated into all-out warfare. Sixteen years have passed since the Heterodyne Boys, benevolent adventurers and inventors, disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Today, Europe is ruled by the Sparks, dynasties of mad scientists ruling over - and terrorizing - the hapless population with their bizarre inventions and unchecked power, while the downtrodden dream of the Heterodynes’ return. At Transylvania Polygnostic University, a pretty, young student named Agatha Clay seems to have nothing but bad luck.
-
-
Ever wanted visuals while audio book listening?
- By Amazon Customer on 02-11-13
By: Phil Foglio, and others
-
A Blight of Blackwings
- The Seven Kennings, Book 2
- By: Kevin Hearne
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels, Xe Sands
- Length: 20 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this sequel to A Plague of Giants, these characters and more will become the voices of a new generation. Daryck is from a city devastated by the war with the Bone Giants, and now he and a band of warriors seek revenge against the giants for the loved ones they’ve lost. But will vengeance be enough to salve their grief? Hanima is part of a new generation with extraordinary magical talents: She can speak to fantastical animals. But when her gift becomes a threat to the powers-that-be, Hanima becomes the leader of a movement to use magic to bring power to the people.
-
-
Only so much fantasy I can buy into
- By Jeffrey sheil on 03-17-20
By: Kevin Hearne
-
Clementine
- A Novel of the Clockwork Century
- By: Cherie Priest
- Narrated by: Dina Pearlman, Victor Bevine
- Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Maria Isabella Boyd's success as a Confederate spy has made her too famous for further espionage work, and now her employment options are slim. Exiled, widowed, and on the brink of poverty, she reluctantly goes to work for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in Chicago. Adding insult to injury, her first big assignment is commissioned by the Union Army. In short, a federally sponsored transport dirigible is being violently pursued across the Rockies, and Uncle Sam isn't pleased.
-
-
Fun!
- By Matthew Devlin on 06-18-11
By: Cherie Priest
-
Uncanny Collateral
- Valkyrie Collections, Book 1
- By: Brian McClellan
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alek Fitz is a reaper, a collection agent who works for the supernatural elements of the world, tracking down debtors and solving problems for clients as diverse as the Lords of Hell, vampires, Haitian loa, and goblins. He’s even worked for the Tooth Fairy on occasion. Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, Alek is the best in the game. As a literal slave to his job, he doesn’t have a choice.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Hugh on 04-11-19
By: Brian McClellan
-
Clockwork Boys
- Clocktaur War, Book 1
- By: T. Kingfisher
- Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
- Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A paladin, an assassin, a forger, and a scholar ride out of town. It's not the start of a joke, but rather an espionage mission with deadly serious stakes. T. Kingfisher's new novel begins the tale of a murderous band of criminals (and a scholar), thrown together in an attempt to unravel the secret of the Clockwork Boys, mechanical soldiers from a neighboring kingdom that promise ruin to the Dowager's city.
-
-
Enjoyable, entertaining adventure
- By Elisabeth Carey on 08-06-19
By: T. Kingfisher
-
Titanborn
- By: Rhett C. Bruno
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After decades hunting wanted offworlders throughout the solar system, Corporate Bounty Hunter Malcolm Graves doesn't bother asking questions. So long as the pay is right, he's the man for the job. And he always works alone. But when a high-profile bombing on Earth has Pervenio Corp clamoring for answers, they force him to team up with a strange, cyber-augmented partner. A young man more interested in statistics than instinct. Their assignment: Track down a suspected group of extremists from Titan who will go to any length to free their moon from the grip of Earth's corporations.
-
-
Great Mystery Sci-fi
- By Bryan on 02-08-19
By: Rhett C. Bruno
-
Old Dogs, Older Tricks
- Junkyard Pirate, Book 2
- By: Jamie McFarlane
- Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
- Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Albert Jenkins never cared much for bureaucrats and politicians. So, when the Galactic Congress refuses to act on the illegal invasion of Earth by parasitic aliens, he does what any self-respecting vet would do - he steals a spaceship. But when AJ and a snarky pop culture-loving alien companion are pursued by space cops, he does the only rational thing he can come up with. He strategically crash-lands on a junkyard moon.
-
-
Great series
- By Daniel Little on 06-08-20
By: Jamie McFarlane
-
The Vexed Generation
- Magic 2.0, Book 6
- By: Scott Meyer
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mattie and Brewster are normal, typical 16-year-old twins who live with their normal, boring parents: Martin and Gwen Banks. Normal and boring, that is, until the day their father's best friend shows up at their house - dressed in what appears to be a bathrobe. The next thing Mattie and Brewster know, their parents are frozen like human statues in their living room, the guy in the bathrobe has vanished, and they need to find answers - fast.
-
-
I have most of his audio books.
- By AEK on 12-04-19
By: Scott Meyer
Publisher's Summary
In a postapocalyptic world of endless snow, Captain Romulus Buckle and the stalwart crew of the Pneumatic Zeppelin must embark on a perilous mission to rescue their kidnapped leader, Balthazar Crankshaft, from the impenetrable City of the Founders. Steaming over a territory once known as Southern California — before it was devastated in the alien war — Buckle navigates his massive airship through skies infested with enemy war zeppelins and ravenous alien beasties in this swashbuckling and high-octane steampunk adventure. Life is desperate in the Snow World, and death is quick. Buckle and his ship’s company must brave poisoned wastelands of Noxious Mustard and do battle with forgewalkers, steampipers, and armored locomotives as they plunge from the skies into the underground prison warrens of the fortress city.
Captain Romulus Buckle must lead the Pneumatic Zeppelin and its crew of ne’er-do-wells on a desperate mission where he must risk everything to save Balthazar and attempt to prevent a catastrophic war that could wipe out all that is left of civilization and the entire human race.
More from the same
What listeners say about Romulus Buckle & the City of the Founders
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Joki
- 01-28-14
Exuberant Steampunk Swashbuckling Adventure!
The Romulus Buckle series is an exuberant, swashbuckling tale of a dystopian future set in Los Angeles and populated with a great cast of over the top characters. The story is packed with non-stop action and adventure and really sets a great bar for inventive steampunk romance.
Romulus Buckle is the young captain of the Pneumatic Zeppelin - part of the fleet of his father's clan, the Crankshafts. When the leader of the clan (and Romulus' adoptive father) is kidnapped, the Buckle and his Zeppelin will travel across the Los Angeles landscape, fight prehistoric monsters, clan armies, and more - all the while assisted by his capable crew.
I really enjoyed this book - it's a book that has a strong enough plot, great world building, and all the adventure you'd expect from a pirate type adventure. There are even moments of amusement and humor thrown in at some of the situations in which Buckle finds himself. Add in Martians, Los Angeles ruined and under snow, and some inventive steampunking (where steampunk IS intrinsic to the plot and not set dressing) and you have a great read. Los Angeles natives will especially appreciate this book and its ruined Southern California locations.
I listened to the Audible version of this book and it was just a bit too over the top, though I appreciated all the characterization the narrator put into the reading.
In all, this is a gem in the steampunk or dystopian genre.
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michael
- 08-04-13
Move Along To Better Works In The Genre.
Sometimes, no matter how you try, you can't get into an audiobook.
It can be the premise. In this case, I LOVE the premise.
Sometimes, it can be the delivery. In this case, Daniels is passable.
So, why did I have so much trouble with this audiobook, starting it over numerous times to make sure I was hearing it correctly, re-evaluating the plots and the "believability" of the work?
Let's figure this out by looking at what good writing does for the reader or listener.
Good writing takes us on a journey that must, by the very genre's nature, suspend disbelief. It's a requirement. This is done by more than interesting action sequences, which this work DOES have. It requires solid world-building combined with a believable lead character.
There are other important factors to successful writing, but on these two key factors, the work falls short. Romulus Buckle is too perfect, with no flaws that accompany a great story. As to the good sequences, they just don't come together as a WHOLE work of exceptional world-building. Tolerable, but not worthy of an Audible credit.
I keep these negative reviews short when I deliver them, because they should be short and to the point. It's my hope that Preston will step up his game in the future.
There are SO many other works that deserve your attention here at Audible, both fiction and non. Explore those instead.
23 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- JTF
- 02-04-14
More Daring Adventures with Pneumatic Zeppelins
Romulus Buckle's life would be any adrenaline junky's dream except his adventures aren't about getting his kicks (that's a by-product). He is moved by loyalty, family and yes, a serious sense of adventure. Richard Ellis Preston Jr.'s second book in the Pneumatic Zeppelin Chronicles, Romulus Buckle & the Engines of War, continues the saga of Romulus through the challenges of facing off against the Founders, this time, with a little help from some new friends.
If you're looking for subtly, don't go hanging out with Romulus Buckle. He's a bit larger than life, his adventures are action-packed and his loyalties are (fairly) straight-forward. Mr. Preston continues his fine, swashbuckling tradition from the first in the series, Romulus Buckle and the City of the Founders, about which more here. However, the relationships become more complicated and new revelations and hints of revelations put a new twist on things
Luke Daniels did an admirable job narrating the audio-book (I went back and forth between my Kindle and the Audible versions). Mr. Daniel's characterizations are terrific; he's, in turns, big and booming, snooty or a weazened old-timer when he called upon. I hope he continues narrating the series.
For full review: wp.me/p2XCwQ-SV
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- LoveAGoodBook
- 12-02-18
Like an 11-hour Saturday morning cartoon
Got old relatively quickly. The story was pretty simple--meet characters, rescue father--but was amped up to 11, or so the author thought, with "steampunk" elements. Most of the names of characters were pretty silly, like a dice throw of a complicated Greek or Roman kind of first name, followed by some kind of gadgety last name (Polonius Brassballs, Romulus Buckle, Balthazar Crankshaft, etc.). The narration didn't help that much, which is where the cartoonish elements really came in. It really did remind me of a Saturday morning cartoon where old veterans always bellow in gravelly voices, women are always soft and demure, less experienced characters talk with cracked, uncertain voices, and the hero is always bold, joke-cracking, with a perfectly modulated radio announcer’s voice. The action sequences go on almost ad nauseum, as did the back and forth dialogue of the crew as the captain gave an order and the crew repeated it. To heighten the kind of teenager-y feel of the thing, well, everybody *is* a teenager except for “adults” who are old after they hit 30 and start talking with gruff voices. The chapters are rarely longer than 5 minutes and advance the story about one paragraph at a time. I guess I wanted better writing and a better plotline. Very light weight and disposable adventure.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- superstardrifter
- 07-09-18
As steampunk as it could possibly be! :D
This is very probably the steampunkiest steampunk book I have ever read (or listened to) in my entire history of steampunk reading (of which there has actually been a decent amount). Mind you I knew that it was going to be steampunk AF, because read the title and then look at the cover, lol.
This is the story of Romulus Buckle and his crew of his airship, the Pneumatic Zeppelin. He’s only 18 years old, and yet, he is the captain of a ragtag group of orphans and other survivors in this dystopian Los Angeles. He and several of his foster brothers and sisters, who are also the commanding officers of the zeppelin, are about to embark on a dangerous mission to rescue the leader of their clan and foster father, Balthazar Crankshaft, from the City of the Founders.
This world is a dystopian version of our own. Many years ago, aliens came visiting and… the Earth ended up in endless winter after a war with them. Moreso, some parts of certain parts of it are covered in deadly yellow fog known as the Mustard. So, in and around the former city of Los Angeles, there are several ‘clans’ of people. The biggest clans in these parts are the Crankshafts, of which Romulus Buckle and his crew are part; the Alchemists, scientists and astronomers who live in Hollywood, in what I assume is the Griffith Observatory, and who build robots; the Imperials, who build airships; and the Founders, who live in Los Angeles – the titular City of the Founders.
The Founders have kidnapped the leaders of the other clans for some reason, and it’s up to Buckle and his crew to save them. And thus:
STEAM-POWERED SHENANIGANS!
As I said, this might be the steampunkiest book I’ve ever read. However, that said, at times it almost felt as though it was trying too hard to be as steampunk as it possibly could, as just about every steampunk buzzword you can think of is included in here at some point, and nearly every character has the most ridiculous name and is so over the top with steam powered gadgets and tophats that it was a little comical, to be honest.
There was one point where Romulus lands on the ground and passes a sign that says ‘espresso’ and quips to himself that he has no idea what espresso is, and the only thing that I could do was chuckle and say to myself: ‘seriously, literally everything in your entire world is steam powered and you don’t have an espresso machine?’ >.>
Nonetheless, I will say that everything technical in this one sounded legit. The author either knows quite a bit about naval commands or how to fly zeppelins or did his research well. Romulus and his crew, despite pretty much nobody in it being much older than their mid-twenties for some reason (and it gave the book a real… maybe not YA but definitely more New Adult feel… but whatever we’ll roll with it) know all the nitty gritty of how their zeppelin works, and how to fly it. Everything that needed to sound technical did, and this was quite an adventure with plenty of exciting things happening.
I’d say this one was Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow meets Bioshock, meets Star Trek TNG, meets… Pirates of the Carribean. Something like a mix of all of those things dropped into post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. It’s not that this is a bad thing. Looking at that sentence… I mean that sounds awesome, right?
Well, at least I think so. :D
And it was pretty damn entertaining, if I’m honest!
Luke Daniels did a great job narrating this one. Characters all sounded different and had appropriate tones and accents. There was a couple foreign accents that all sounded excellently done. All told I’d give the narration a full 5/5 stars. I do believe that I will someday give the next book in the series a listen, because this one left the story open for more.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- James
- 03-31-14
Steam punk set way in the future after modern
What did you like best about Romulus Buckle & the City of the Founders? What did you like least?
The main character is abit of a swashbuckler
Did the narration match the pace of the story?
The narration was good ,no complaints
Was Romulus Buckle & the City of the Founders worth the listening time?
I found it to be a good book but somewhat boring. It did have action and some interesting parts. I bought the second at the same time. Im hoping it picks up
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- aloen
- 11-27-20
exciting, intriguing and fun all the way through
loved it! voices are awesome distinct. I am about to start the second book already
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- EMPIREriot
- 07-25-19
Interesting world!
So I liked this quite a bit. It was a little different in the since that it combines steampunk, an apocalypse, and alien invasion in one. While that sounds hard to combine, it was really enjoyable like a new renaissance or revolution. I enjoyed meeting the characters and learning how the ship functioned was fantastic. “Bug Light” was absolutely adorably genius. And of course Luke Daniels did a wonderful job. I had to get the second one immediately after finishing this one.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sentiment80
- 06-21-19
Great Beginning!
Loved the adventure and detail of this story. I can only hope this is a series. I want more of Max, Sabrina, and Romulous Buckle! The names of these characters are the best!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dex1578
- 05-01-19
A fun universe
Excitement and intrigue everywhere. Great narrating and well written. Funny and fantastic character names, great character description and building. Look forward to more.
-
Overall

- command_doh
- 10-22-18
Dull
It was hard to get past the idea that an 18 year old airship captain was a master swordsman, pistoleer, warrior, dashing hero and idol of his peers. I wasn't too keen on the voices the narrator used for some of the supporting cast either, some of them came across as rather simple and stupid. I think would make an adequate YA title, perhaps not suited to more mature audiences.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- J. E. Allan
- 08-20-18
A good introduction to a new fantasy world
I am not a steampunk fan I am more in to urban fantasy. But this was an excellent listen and I will continue with the series. A simple basic plot (rescue) but many additional sub plots were started. Characters are varied and have enough depth for an opening novel allowing expansion in later works. I have enjoyed the narrator's work previously and did so again but some of the voices are so similar to previous characters that for some reason I pictured a dog rather than a human during some parts. Overall, I'm voting with my feet and listening to the next one.
1 person found this helpful