Showing posts with label Jon S. Lewis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jon S. Lewis. Show all posts

Thursday, June 16, 2011

clockpunk pt2


clockpunk:
here are my picks that incorporate springs and clockwork that follow the definition more loosely

Authors include:

The Curious Case of the Clockwork Man:
(Burton & Swinburne In)
by Mark Hodder

It is 1862, though not the 1862 it should be...
Time has been altered, and Sir Richard Francis Burton, the king's agent, is one of the few people who know that the world is now careening along a very different course from that which Destiny intended.

When a clockwork-powered man of brass is found abandoned in Trafalgar Square, Burton and his assistant, the wayward poet Algernon Swinburne, find themselves on the trail of the stolen Garnier Collection—black diamonds rumored to be fragments of the Lemurian Eye of Naga, a meteorite that fell to Earth in prehistoric times.

His investigation leads to involvement with the media sensation of the age: the Tichborne Claimant, a man who insists that he's the long lost heir to the cursed Tichborne estate. Monstrous, bloated, and monosyllabic, he's not the aristocratic Sir Roger Tichborne known to everyone, yet the working classes come out in force to support him. They are soon rioting through the streets of London, as mysterious steam wraiths incite all-out class warfare.

From a haunted mansion to the Bedlam madhouse, from South America to Australia, from seances to a secret labyrinth, Burton struggles with shadowy opponents and his own inner demons, meeting along the way the philosopher Herbert Spencer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Florence Nightingale, and Charles Doyle (father of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).

Can the king's agent expose a plot that threatens to rip the British Empire apart, leading to an international conflict the like of which the world has never seen? And what part does the clockwork man have to play?

Burton and Swinburne's second adventure—The Clockwork Man Of Trafalgar Square—is filled with eccentric steam-driven technology, grotesque characters, and a deepening mystery that pushes forward the three-volume story arc begun in The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack.

The Brimstone Key
Grey Griffins: The Clockwork Chronicles #1:
by Derek Benz and Jon S. Lewis

A brand new adventure starring The Grey Griffins!
Max---the leader
Natalia---the brains
Ernie---the changeling
Harley---the muscle

A year ago, the Grey Griffins were just regular kids from Avalon, Minnesota. That was before they learned about the existence of evil fairies, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night. Now they are monster-hunters, celebrated heroes, and allies to the legendary Templar knights---but even heroes have to go to school.

When the Griffins enroll at Iron Bridge Academy, a school to train young recruits in the fight against the forces of evil, they find themselves at the center of a whole new adventure. The Clockwork King, a Templar foe from days past, has returned to finish the plan he set in motion decades ago. A plot to steal the souls of changelings---humans infused with fairy blood and supernatural abilities---in order to power his army of clockwork war machines.

In The Brimstone Key, authors Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis deftly blend the mystical wonder of steampunk with magic and adventure to create an action-packed thrill ride.

Clockwork Prince
(Infernal Devices)
by Cassandra Clare
Release date: December 2011

The situation at the London Institute has never been more precarious. With Mortmain and his clockwork army still threatening, the Council wants to strip Charlotte of her power and hand the running of the Enclave over to the unscrupulous and power-hungry Benedict Lightwood.

In the hope of saving Charlotte and the Institute, Will, Jem, and Tessa set out to unravel the secrets of Mortmain’s past—and discover unsettling Shadowhunter connections that hold the key not only to the enemy’s motivations, but also to the secret of Tessa’s identity. Tessa, already caught between the affections of Will and Jem, finds herself with another choice to make when she learns how the Shadowhunters helped make her a “monster.” Will she turn from them to her brother, Nate, who has been begging her to join him at Mortmain’s side? Where will her loyalties—and love—lie? Tessa alone can choose to save the Shadowhunters of London…or end them forever.

The Clockwork Three
by Matthew J. Kirby

An enchanted green violin, an automaton that comes to life, and a hidden treasure . . . THE CLOCKWORK THREE is a richly woven adventure story that is sure to become a classic!
Giuseppe is an orphaned street musician from Italy, who was sold by his uncle to work as a slave for an evil padrone in the U.S. But when a mysterious green violin enters his life he begins to imagine a life of freedom.

Hannah is a soft-hearted, strong-willed girl from the tenements, who supports her family as a hotel maid when tragedy strikes and her father can no longer work. She learns about a hidden treasure, which she knows will save her family -- if she can find it.

And Frederick, the talented and intense clockmaker's apprentice, seeks to learn the truth about his mother while trying to forget the nightmares of the orphanage where she left him. He is determined to build an automaton and enter the clockmakers' guild -- if only he can create a working head.

Together, the three discover they have phenomenal power when they team up as friends, and that they can overcome even the darkest of fears.

~*~

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

* image source

-=+ other punk schedule +=-


Thursday, December 16, 2010

Watch out: The Relic Hunters

The Relic Hunters
Grey Griffins: The Clockwork Chronicles #2:
by Derek Benz and Jon S. Lewis

Release date: May 2011

Description from the amazon:
In just one semester at Iron Bridge Academy, The Grey Griffins have already had quite an education-clockwork robots, students with super powers, and a hidden land beyond our world where mystical creatures and incredible inventions exist.

But as second semester begins, their friendship is put to the test-Max, Ernie, Natalia, and Harley are growing apart.

When their arch nemesis Otto Von Strife reemerges with another evil plan, the Griffins must learn to set aside their differences and reunite to save the world. And each other.

BUT if you haven't read book one yet, here's your chance to own it...

~~*!~~ Book Giveaway courtesy of author ~~!*~~

signup for giveaway


::=== Old Skewl Steampunk schedule ===::


Monday, December 6, 2010

The Brimstone Key by Derek Benz and Jon S. Lewis

The Brimstone Key
Grey Griffins: The Clockwork Chronicles #1:
by Derek Benz and Jon S. Lewis

Published: June 2010
Genre: Steampunk, YA
Hardback: 384 pages
Rating: 4

Description from the amazon:

A brand new adventure starring The Grey Griffins!
Max---the leader
Natalia---the brains
Ernie---the changeling
Harley---the muscle

A year ago, the Grey Griffins were just regular kids from Avalon, Minnesota. That was before they learned about the existence of evil fairies, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night. Now they are monster-hunters, celebrated heroes, and allies to the legendary Templar knights---but even heroes have to go to school.

When the Griffins enroll at Iron Bridge Academy, a school to train young recruits in the fight against the forces of evil, they find themselves at the center of a whole new adventure. The Clockwork King, a Templar foe from days past, has returned to finish the plan he set in motion decades ago. A plot to steal the souls of changelings---humans infused with fairy blood and supernatural abilities---in order to power his army of clockwork war machines.

In The Brimstone Key, authors Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis deftly blend the mystical wonder of steampunk with magic and adventure to create an action-packed thrill ride.

Fashion statement:
"It's all the rage," Brooke explained. "It's sort of a mix of Goth, punk, and nineteenth-century England all rolled into one. You'll see girls with pink hair and combat boots wearing crinoline and corsets. You get used to it."

"What's the point?"

Brooke shrugged. "Templar kids have their own sense of fashion. It's a different culture than we're used to. They borrow their style form different eras and mix them together to make it their own. It's edgy, and I kind of like it."

"What about the goggles?"

"You definitely ned to get some," she advised. "They're critical. Besides, they come in handy if you ever ride in an airship with open windows."
-page 67


My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): supersonic

I enjoyed this adventure into a steampunk world that includes robots and the fae.

Being the first book in the series the introduction and basics are laid out well to follow along.

What is really appealing to me is the teamwork and friendship involved with the main four characters of this story.

Zombie sighting:
The Knights of Templar is an ancient society that has sworn to protect mankind against unseen dangers like monster invasions and zombie uprisings.
-introduction page


-+0+o+ Book Giveaway courtesy of authors +o+0+-

The prize pack will include a signed book with an original sketch from Jon, and four beautiful 11x17 posters illustrated by guest artists from the animation, video game and comic book industries.

Here's your second chance to win.

For 2 winners.

Open to all.

Offer ends: December 26, 2010

TO DO:
Visit J.S. Lewis site and tell me which Superhero illustration you liked along with your email in comments.

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Contest has ended - winners are here

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* part of my weekly post on things steampunk (Victorian sci-fi/fantasy)

Saturday, October 30, 2010

PeekAbook: The Brimstone Key

The Brimstone Key
Grey Griffins: The Clockwork Chronicles #1:
by Derek Benz and Jon S. Lewis
Just released: June 7, 2010

Description from the amazon:
A brand new adventure starring The Grey Griffins!
Max---the leader
Natalia---the brains
Ernie---the changeling
Harley---the muscle

A year ago, the Grey Griffins were just regular kids from Avalon, Minnesota. That was before they learned about the existence of evil fairies, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night. Now they are monster-hunters, celebrated heroes, and allies to the legendary Templar knights---but even heroes have to go to school.

When the Griffins enroll at Iron Bridge Academy, a school to train young recruits in the fight against the forces of evil, they find themselves at the center of a whole new adventure. The Clockwork King, a Templar foe from days past, has returned to finish the plan he set in motion decades ago. A plot to steal the souls of changelings---humans infused with fairy blood and supernatural abilities---in order to power his army of clockwork war machines.

In The Brimstone Key, authors Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis deftly blend the mystical wonder of steampunk with magic and adventure to create an action-packed thrill ride.

PeekABook:



This book is currently on a Blog Tour - I'll list some participants I know of below as I come across them. Check them out for various guest posts, giveaway offers and etc.

Book Dreaming

Mundie Kids



-+0+o+ Book Giveaway courtesy of authors +o+0+-



*** this is a flash giveaway, so hurry and signup ***

Open to all.

Offer ends: October 31, 2010

TO DO:
1. Sign the guestbook (if you signed it already or in September - no need)

2. Take a look at posters on the J.S. Lewis site and tell me which one you like.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - winner is here

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* image source NATALIA and BROOKE by Simone Kesterton

* part of my weekly post on things steampunk (Victorian sci-fi/fantasy)

-+0+o+ October Trix-n-Treatz schedule +o+0+-


 
Imagination Designs
Images from: Lovelytocu