Exhibit Hall: Gadgets

Looks like this exhibit hall is a popular one filled with gadgetry...

The Inventor
(Fantasies of New Europa Series)
by Morgan Karpiel
kindle version is currently available for 99 cents
Description from the amazon:
For the Countess of Caithmore, a life of wealth has led to misery. Abandoned by her husband and widely accused of being nothing more than a porcelain doll without passion or intelligence, she has ventured into dangerous territory and commissioned the help of the most famous inventor in New Europa for a scandalous project.

In the depths of his laboratory, she will submit herself to a custom-built machine that will determine the extent of her coldness once and for all. The answer she craves carries a hidden risk, however, and the man whose invention has proven her ability to feel passion may not accept the role of lover-by-proxy for long.

The first in the Fantasies of New Europa series, The Inventor debuts a collection of novellas set at the beginning of a lush and adventurous era. Amid the golden hue of gaslights and the clatter of horse-drawn coaches, the series follows a generation of dreamers and explorers that will find each other through separate twists of fate. They will brave impossible odds, solve the exotic mysteries of their time and navigate the sensual desires of the human heart.

Some clockworks...

Like Clockwork
by Bonnie Dee
win this at Candace's Book Blog -ends July 5
Description from the amazon:
Victoria's work with automatons has gained her renown and changed the face of London. But her concern that the clockworks are taking too many jobs away from humans, creating social unrest, is ignored. Given the ugly mood of the underclass, she fears more outbreaks of violence similar to the murder spree of the notorious Southwark Slasher.

Dash, unemployed thanks to the clockworks, has pledged fealty to The Brotherhood, a group determined to bring about the downfall of the automatons by any means necessary. His plan to kidnap Victoria goes awry when the unorthodox scientist pledges her assistance to their cause.

Despite their opposite social classes, a bond grows between them, and Victoria begins to feel emotions she never expected for the passionate Dash. But when the Slasher strikes close to home, Dash and Victoria realize that the boundaries of polite society are far from the only threat to their happiness...

Look who we bump into while browsing some timepieces...

Mysterious Lady Law
by Robert Appleton
win this at Candace's Book Blog -ends July 5
free review copy also available at netgalley
Description from the amazon:
In a time of grand airships and steam-powered cars, the death of a penniless young maid will hardly make the front page. But part-time airship waitress and music hall dancer Julia Bairstow is shattered by her sister's murder. When Lady Law, the most notorious private detective in Britain, offers to investigate the case pro bono, Julia jumps at the chance—even against the advice of Constable Al Grant, who takes her protection surprisingly to heart.

Lady Law puts Scotland Yard to shame. She's apprehended Jack the Ripper and solved countless other cold-case crimes. No one knows how she does it, but it's brought her fortune, renown and even a title. But is she really what she claims to be—a genius at deducing? Or is Al right and she is not be trusted?

Julia is determined to find out the truth, even if it means turning sleuth herself—and turning the tables on Lady Law...

Over there are camera and photography equipment...

Photographs & Phantoms
by Cindy Spencer Pape
kindle version is currently free
Description from the amazon:
Brighton, 1855

As a member of the Order of the Round Table, Kendall Lake is overqualified to be investigating strange phenomena at a seaside photography studio. But since the photographer is related to the Order's most powerful sorcerer, Kendall reluctantly boards a dirigible to Brighton.

Amy Deland is haunted by a shadow that appears in some of her recent portraits. In each case, the subject died within days of the sitting. Does she have her grandmother's gift of foresight, or has she somehow caused the deaths?

As Kendall and Amy search for answers, their investigation draws them together in a most improper way—but it seems the evil presence in the studio is determined to keep them apart…

The Madame of Gravestone
(The Corset Chronicles)
by Misty Burke
kindle version is currently available for $2.99
Description from the amazon:
Tripp Monroe is on an easy assignment, photographing the Kansas City Steampunk Ball. Attendees dressed in costume, playing with mechanical gizmos, surround him and he’s bored out of his mind.

Until…until he’s thrust into a world he’d never imagined. Into a world where the Civil War ended without a winner. Where the North walked away and the South formed their own crippled country.

And the West? Well, they pulled away from both sides and created Westland. A rough and tumble country, complete with an evil King. Before long, Tripp finds himself mixed up with a traitorous band of women looking to overthrow a king.

And, of course, the delectable Emma, leader and Madame of Gravestone, needs him for her plan to work. But, could she want him for more?

~*~
* Let me know in comments which of the books above captures your interest.

* image source of fair - A view down the Avenue of Palms at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, 1915

!^^ SteamPink schedule ^^!

Zombie News Flash: Interview with a Zombie by Bonnie Dee

Received via hand delivery, crinkled with dark red smudges...

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by Bonnie Dee
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Interview with a Zombie by Bonnie Dee

Bonnie: Since becoming a zombie what are your feelings on the freedom inherent in a life devoid of societal constraints?

As a flesh-feeding, primitive being, do you feel liberated?

Zombie: *

BD: Moving on.

I see from your T-shirt that you were an Ohio State fan. Is that university your alma mater as well?

Can you tell me a little about your pre-zombie life?

Zombie: Grr.

Snort.

BD: (aside to guard) The bolts fastening those chains are secure, right? I thought I saw a little movement when she lunged just then.

(back to zombie) All right. One more question.

Remorse—do you experience any guilt at the lives you’ve taken?

Zombie: Grrr.

Roar.

Sound of snapping chain link.

BD: Aaaaarggh.

Gurgle.

*

~end

Interview with a Zombie by Bonnie Dee
Based on character from After the End. © 2009. All rights reserved.

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Bonnie Dee
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

*** Zombie eBook Giveaway courtesy of author ***

After the End
ebook
by Bonnie Dee

sign up for this ebook giveaway

Also, kindle edition is currently available for $2.39.

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

After the End by Bonnie Dee

After the End
by Bonnie Dee
- ebook

Published: 2009
Genre: Post-apocalypse, Zombies
Rating: 4

Description from the amazon:
The end of the world is only the beginning.

Zombies are on the loose and the world is falling apart. In the tradition of apocalyptic novels such as Stephen King’s THE STAND, a group of strangers on a Manhattan subway are brought together in the name of survival.

The group follows the lead of Ari Brenner, a young man who doesn’t recognize his own leadership qualities and believes they follow him simply because he wears an army uniform. Lila Teske, a college student studying philosophy, finds her non-violent beliefs tested in the crucible of a zombie attack. There are other members of the diverse group, but the focus of the story is on Ari and Lila, two young people who learn about sacrifice and inner strength through the ordeal.

With the city’s infrastructure down and communication with the outside world curtailed the survivors head toward the nearest marina. When they meet a lab tech who may have a solution to the virus, they know his safety is paramount and it’s more important than ever that they get off the island.

But zombies aren’t the only danger that impedes them on their perilous journey.

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): captain
A virus causes the zombie outbreak in this story that follows a group of survivors. Along with fighting against zombies the issues of individual and group dynamics in survival situations are addressed.

What got me thinking was the questions of to stay? or go?

In a zombocalypse world would you choose to stay put and wait for the cavalry? or be on the move and seek others?

fyi:kindle edition is currently available for $2.39.

Read an excerpt


*** Zombie eBook Giveaway courtesy of author ***

signup for this ebook giveaway


~*~
* review copy courtesy of author

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Zombocalypse Survival Kit

It might be a good time to plan ahead for a Zombocalypse. Click on the image above for a bigger snapshot to use as a guide.

In addition, CSN stores may have what you're looking for when putting together a Zombocalypse Survival Kit. Sure, they've got great end tables for a living room ensemble but other items as well.

Other items that might come in handy...

The Brass Butterfly Colonial Candle Holder
with Large Handle
When the power goes out, you'll have to resort to good old-fashioned candles. This candle holder could be of use.

Rockland Tote Bag
in Pink Giraffe
How about a nice tote bag to lug around essentials in?

Croquet Set
Franklin Sports Outdoor Games
Advanced 6 Player
In the movie, Dawn of the Dead (2004) one of the characters arms himself with a croquet mallet to fend off zombies.

OR

Opt for a $100 gift certificate to pick out your own goods.


*** CSN Grab Giveaway ***
Prize above (you pick)
courtesy of CSN stores

AND

You may need to read this ebook to see what may be in store for you
in a zombie-filled world.

After the End
(ebook)
by Bonnie Dee
courtesy of author
Open to all.

Offer ends: September 30, 2010

TO DO (3-parts):

1. Sign guestbook (if you haven't already).

2. What item above would you GRAB for your zombocalypse survival kit?

3. If you are the winner,

What prize would you pick (if different than your answer for #2)?


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Contest has ended - winner is here

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* prize courtesy of CSN stores
With such selection, savings and service, many have said that CSN Stores is the best-kept secret in online shopping.

* image source of prizes from CSN stores decor, luggage, and patio & garden

* source zombie survival sheet


=== September Zombies schedule of events
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes===

Zombie News Flash: Interview with Lila Teske

Received via mail shuttle...

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Bonnie Dee
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

Interview with Lila Teske by Bonnie Dee

Bonnie: Lila, prior to the late zombie disaster you were a student attending NYU. Before the world changed, what were your hopes and dreams for your future?

Lila: Huh, it seems a hundred years ago, another lifetime that happened to some other person. I’m not the same girl I was then, going to classes, trying to figure out what to do with my life. My major was undeclared but I was mostly interested in philosophy and comparative religion courses. I had no clue what kind of career to aim for. Not like Ari, who was already committed to the army.

BD: Do you think you ever would have met Ari or spent time with him under normal circumstances?

LT: -laughs-
Extremely doubtful. I don’t know how our lives would possibly have intersected. But if we were introduced to each other at some party, we would never have hit it off. We had nothing in common in the world we lived in. The zombies kind of leveled the playing field and gave everyone who survived a shared commonality of experience.

BD: Band of Brothers.

LT: Exactly. When you’ve been through war with someone, you develop a close bond very quickly. You look past surface differences to really see the basic elements of a person you might otherwise have overlooked.

BD: Now that things have mostly settled down and society is slowly recovering, what are your future plans?

LT: -shrugs-
Same as everyone’s I guess. Rebuild. Salvage what I can and start a new life. There’s so much work to do and not everyone who survived is able to deal with this new world. Those of us who can cope have to take on more responsibility than we ever thought we could—responsibility for the future of the human race.

BD: Do you feel up to the task?

LT: -pause-
I learned something from this ordeal. American society had reached a point where people were constantly assessing how they “felt” about things. During the disaster, I learned to simply “do” what needed to be done. That was the difference between being a survivor and zombie food. Even though things have calmed down now, I think maybe it’s not necessary to poke through your emotions too much or ponder whether you feel strong enough or capable enough. I’ll be up to the task because I have to be.

~end

Interview with Lila Teske by Bonnie Dee
Based on character from After the End. © 2009. All rights reserved.

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Bonnie Dee
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

*** Zombie eBook Giveaway courtesy of author ***

After the End
ebook
by Bonnie Dee

sign up for this ebook giveaway tomorrow

Also, kindle edition is currently available for $2.39.

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Watch out: Cinderella Unmasked

For the steamy side...

Cinderella Unmasked
by Bonnie Dee
and Marie Treanor

Just released: June 2010

Description from the amazon:
Three balls.
Three sexual adventures.
One true love.

In the years since her husband King Charming boarded a pirate ship to “find himself”, Queen Ella has ruled alone. Romantic love? It’s a girlish emotion. These days, her only confidant is her steward, Sebastian.

Five years is a long time to forego sexual pleasures. She’s the queen, after all…shouldn’t she be allowed a few indulgences? A masquerade is just the ticket to find fulfillment Charming never gave her. With Sebastian’s encouragement—and a little help from a fairy godmother—Ella prepares to make some magic.

The first masked stranger she dallies with gives her a taste of what she’s been craving. And it’s just not enough. A second ball follows. A third. Each one—and each anonymous man—sends her to new heights of sexual pleasure. And reawakens the notion that maybe, just maybe, love does not always lead to pain.

Her indiscretions have not gone unnoticed. As her stepfamily makes a move to take over the throne, Ella has nowhere to turn, no one to trust…except the men behind the masks…

Warning: This is the new “happily ever after”, strictly for grown-ups…

~*~
* teaser: Bonnie's zombie book will be making an appearance during September Zombies ;-D

***~*~* Fairy Tales in Bruges schedule *~*~***

SteamPink: Private car - meeting conclusion

*claps all-around*

Thank you Jane and Jade for the update on your travels.

We look forward to more of your steampunk discoveries.

Dear ladies, take note that we will send you future Jane and Jade updates via vvb's Monday Steampunk Weeklies as received.

If I've missed you and you have a report on things steampunk from your part of the world, please submit them here.

And to read other reports previously submitted by fellow members go to =dev.car2=

Late last night I received this latest transmission from our headquarters in London.

Breaking news: it is an upcoming ebook to watch out for...

Like Clockwork
by Bonnie Dee
(cover art is not yet available
so i'm using this automaton)
Description from author:
LIKE CLOCKWORK is a story containing murder, mayhem, espionage, inventions, romance and steam.

Victoria Waters is a woman ahead of her time, part of a team of scientists that created working automatons. She intended the machines to replace human laborers in dangerous occupations, but the original project idea mushroomed beyond her expectations. The mechanical people have replaced all types of workers, putting much of the lower class out of work.

Dash is a man who has lived a life of poverty in one of the worst slums in London . Only the intervention of a kindly mentor taught him to use his keen mind. He is part of a subversive group called the Brotherhood which speaks against the influx of automatons. To draw attention to their cause they plan to kidnap Victoria and hold her ransom until their demand for representation on the Commission for Animatronic Affairs is met.

Dash soon finds his captive is on the same page in her beliefs and willing to help the Brotherhood reach their goal. But when the Whitechapel Butcher strikes again, murdering a woman who was close to Dash, he and Victoria ’s relationship abruptly changes. They become close very quickly, sharing personal history and discovering a mutual attraction.

Danger looms as Victoria learns more from a colleague about the Commission and their long term agenda for the automatons. Romance blooms as Dash and Victoria grow closer. And death threatens when Victoria comes face to face with the Whitechapel Butcher.

~*~
*claps all-around*

Let us all now retire for the evening and relax for the rest of this train ride to the World's Fair in London.

Don't forget to meet the ladies in the last set of Coach cars tomorrow. If you like time travel, you're sure to get a treat ;-D

Speaking of time travel...

I would like to extend an invitation to all of you from my dear friend, Mr Edmund Bertram. If you are available, hop on the Edwardian Express train after the World's Fair. Mr Bertram invites us to a (virtual) dinner party at Mansfield Park, June 24-27. Together, we shall time travel from the Victorian era to the Regency period. Appropriate attire advised.

~*~
* image source steampunk notebook page created by ARTIGLI(busy@work)

* image source Christina Aguilara bionic poster

SteamPink schedule
=dev.car27=