Tom Smith and his Electric Skyship

Steve's awesome, so here's the first 'real review' I've done, and it's on his book, and not his octopus mud-wresting league. His call, whatever. Anyway, here we go!

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Tom Smith and His Electric Skyship

by

Steve Fahnestalk

1908, alternate history steampunk adventure. When Tom happened into my hands, I had very little idea what to expect beyond that, but it turned out to be a fun romp, perfectly suitable for the upper-elementary crowd, but also enjoyable to this jaded 30-something.

The foreword mentions a lot of fact-checking had been done, and it shows. Period technology and customs were used well, plus the added twist. Combustion engines never really became popular, leaving electric motors for streetcars, and air travel was still dominated by dirigibles and similar craft.

The differences are explained well enough that one can easily envision the workings of these vehicles, but did not get so meticulous that it bogged down the story. In a couple spots, there are mentions of future Tom Smith adventures, which can be taken as 'forced', or 'fun', depending on your perspective. I could almost hear a 1930's announcer voice at these moments.

It is a short book, but in its span, the protagonist Jack tells of meeting his fellow-inventor friend Tom Smith, air battles against Baron Von Ausländer (A.K.A. “Baron Von Whatever”), adapting and improving their skyship, and resolving the kidnapping of President Roosevelt. An unintended detour for Jack would seem to set some groundwork for a future book, and I find myself wanting to see how certain characters re-appear.

The ending capped off with a grand climax that is a bit tongue-in-cheek in a way that is probably best appreciated (or for that matter, noticed) by my fellow nerds. All in all, Skyship is a fun little read that I won't soon forget. Get crackin' on that next Tom Smith book, Steve!

Steve Fahnestalk's blog is at www.stevefah.wordpress.com

Oh, look, an update.

Can I blame a new son for my lack of updates? Why not, he can't defend himself. Hello world, I now have 2 kids. Caitlin recently turned four, and Lachlan (non-scots can feel free to say it 'lock-lin') is almost 2 months old now.

Kids. With an S, and all... pluraly. Caitlin isn't entirely aware that the new baby isn't a toy for her amusement, but she's catching on. The cat is suffering from flashbacks of hearing Caitlin wail at random times around the clock.

I am not longer employed, (long story, but no hurt feelings.. I have a taste for working a job-job now, so I'll be sniffing about...) so wth no big daytime requirements, I have the night-duty of trying to keep Lachlan quiet and happy. This licences me to sleep in late in the morning. This week happens to be different though. This week, my plural kids and my wife have gone on a camping trip without me, to chill with my inlaws. Me and my wheelchair aren't exactly camping-friendly, which results in my getting a week-long chance to catch up on crap and get things done that have been waiting for months.

Speaking of the wheelchair, after nearly a decade in this one, I will soon have a new one. Same-ish but slightly different style. Smaller width by an inch or two, bigger wheels by a bit, things that can do this, and that, fancier spokes. Any day now...

Writing has had a bit of a boost this week, but not as much as I had hoped. I've been actually kinda busy around here. The serial bleeder is definitely going to be my next book, even if I can't decide on the final title.. but there's lots of time. Oh, and if I didn't mention if before, I'm all set to go the VCON this October again, peddling my books, and having a blast.

Next entry- Dark Cloud and Actraiser. So.. yeah. Ooh, and maybe a review I'm doing for "Tom Smith and the Electric Skyship" written by Steve Fahnestalk.