The book Brother’s Ruin is a novella. It is short and thus I feel it is only fair that my review be reflectively brief.
Book cover taken from the internet.
Title: Brother’s Ruin
Author: Emma Newman
Genre: Fantasy; Gaslamp
Synopsis (giving nothing of import away): Magic replaces science in this Victorian-period fantasy. Magic is owned entirely by the Empire in the form of the Royal Society. Any child of power is taken from their family, by force if necessary, to be properly trained and indoctrinated – for the safety and security of the Empire of course.
Charlotte Gunn’s lower middle class family has come upon some difficult times. But when her brother Benjamin offers to be tested by the Royal Society and join the league of mages, Charlotte only sees danger and ruin on the horizon. It will take a great deal of determination and quick thinking to protect her family and herself from those who could and would destroy them.
What was good: The world was imaginative and the main lead was engaging. There was just enough happening to keep you gripped with anticipation over the next scene.
What was less impressive: What you have to understand is that I am not particularly fond of short stories. Good stories are meant to be enjoyed over time. While they should leave you wanting more they should also be long enough to explore the world and characters. Short stories are by their very nature, unsatisfyingly brief. When done well, they are tantilizing morsels that make your realize how hungry you are. This is not a sensation I enjoy. I want full length novels. Good stand-alone books are preferred and short stories are generally avoided.
This was a novella, thus a slightly awkward position of being neither a proper, full-length book but neither was it a short story. It read more like a children’s book than one for adults – due mostly to its length.
Gaslamp fantasy was a new term for me and it took a little reflection to determine its meaning. From this I have settled upon the following definitions:
Gaslamp fantasy – used to describe a world, often Victorian in period, whose magic is treated like science and is the substitute for technology. Highly ordered magic used to create technological advances of an older period setting; high magic, less machinery (though not absent)
Steampunk fantasy – used to describe a world, also frequently Victorian in period, whose technology takes on an almost magical quality and is certainly beyond the abilities of actual period history. Fantastical machinery in an older period setting; low magic, high mechanical devices.
Prognosis: I am intrigued and look forward to more of Charlotte’s adventures as she is bound to change her world whether they are ready or not. I am just hoping I don’t have to wait too long for the next story; and that it is a bit longer!
Rank and Reason: 4 out of 5 stars for being well written, inventive but a trifle simplistic.