Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Review: The Dark Unwinding

Title: The Dark Unwinding
Author: Sharon Cameron
Genre: YA, Historical, Steampunk

See it at Goodreads


A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

 
To be honest, I don’t find many steampunks that I can fully enjoy. They’re always either too technical for my liking or just too unbelievable for the story. I don’t read much in the way of this genre because of this, though I still continue to try when one appeals enough to me.

There was something about The Dark Unwinding that immediately attracted me and I knew I was going to have to read this book. And I’m so glad I did. This is that type of steampunk I can get behind and love. This is that story that I will remember.

It’s not as “high-tech” as some, and I think that’s why I managed to get through it so well. To top it off, it’s completely believable and there’s an amazing cast of characters along with a really gorgeous writing style. I didn’t find this to be a quick read though because it can be slow moving at times, but I did devour this book. Every time I started to set it aside, a little voice in the back of my mind would tell me “just another chapter.” I didn’t want it to end. And I certainly looked forward to every scene that featured Uncle Tully. His character made a huge impact. I adored him so much.

A great, compelling, and well-crafted read. The Dark Unwinding isn’t to be missed by any fan of steampunk or historical fiction.


 


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7 comments:

  1. I really like steampunk, but they have more than their fare share of bad books, so it's not a bad genre to mostly avoid. Same with dystopias, honestly, but I hunt them all down like a lion after a gazelle.

    This book really wasn't particularly steampunk at all. It was mostly straight historical fiction, and it had completely amazing characters! I know the people who went into it for steampunk were disappointed, but I loved the writing so much.

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    1. I'm always hunting down dystopias, too. :P
      And I agree about this being more historical than steampunk--this being historical with steampunk elements rather. (see my reply comment to Kara below). Lol. I just fudged up on this review I guess. :P
      That's how much I read "steampunk". This is considered a cross between steampunk (though very light) and historical fiction to me, and it wouldn't bother me to recommend it to someone who was looking for a steampunk read. But I totally get it now. And I see where it might not really satisfy someone who was looking for steampunk. Now I know! :D I loved it though and hope to read more by this author in the future. :)

      The writing was A-Mah-Zing. <3

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    2. Ha, I don't think you messed up. It's a problem of Goodreads. They should get the main genres that show on the book's page from the publisher and then if you clicked for more let you see how users had shelved it. I've read SO many books expecting a dystopian or post-apocalyptic that just weren't because the super helpful community shelved them that way.

      Yes, her writing. LOVE! I will also be reading anything she writes!

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  2. I haven't read many Steampunk books so far, but I liked the once I tried. This book sounds like a good book. Believable stories with great characters are always nice to read :)

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  3. Okay, so I really loved this book but I wouldn't call it a steampunk. It has a few steampunk elements in a historical fiction novel. I pretty much agree with Christina up there. I think we even might have had a discussion about it at some point.

    But Uncle Tully? He and Buuru are my favorite characters of 2012, hands down. Great review, Pixie!

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    1. You and Christina are right. I would definitely shelve it as historical fiction instead of steampunk, even though it does have the light steampunk elements. Sometimes I tend to review the books and think more on it later to realize that myself. And I also see this one shelved so often as "steampunk", it might've thrown me off. I still loved it either way. :P I always have a hard time reviewing the books I really like. *sigh*

      I wish I could say who my favorite characters were, but it's so hard! Lol. But Uncle Tully and Buuru are definitely in the top five of 2012. ;)

      <3

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  4. This book sounds great to me. I'll be checking it out. :-)

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