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Book Monday — God Save The Queen by Kate Locke

June 25, 2012 by suzannelazear

It’s book Monday!  Today I’m gushing about God Save the Queen.  One lucky commenter will win my ARC and I got it *signed* by Kate Locke over the weekend for you.  Open internationally, closes July 1, at 11:59 PM PST. 

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke
Book 1, The Immortal Empire
Orbit, July 3rd, 2012
ARC provided by Orbit

When Orbit asked me if I wanted to read this new steampunk urban fantasy series, I was like, um, heck yeah.  The basic premise of God Save the Queen had me intrigued immediately.  It’s 2012 and Queen Victoria is still in power–and is a Vampire.  Told from the point of view of 22 year-old Xandra Vardan we’re taken on a wild romp through an alternate history where the British Aristocracy are paranormal and technology has evolved in a very steampunkian sort of way.  They have many of the same types of devices we have (cars, cell phones, etc), but they run on different technologies.  Xandra Vardan is a “halvie” — her father is a Vampire, her mother human.  The halvies often act as protectors to the paranormal aristocracy and Xandra is an elite guard.  When her sister goes missing, she’s plunged into a darker side of society, and once she starts digging for the truth, nothing will ever be the same. 

I love Xandra, because she’s a badass.  She’ll also go to great lengths for her family, especially her missing sister.  She’s resourceful, intelligent, and can kick ass in a ball gown.  What’s not to love?  In addition to the action and intrigue, there’s also romance.  Oh, Vex.  Yes, Vex is a sexy werewolf, and an alpha, but he’s also very supportive, which was a great twist from the usual grabby alpha male.

Her world is incredible, weaving in technology, alternate history, and myth and legend. It’s gritty and dark, despite the balls and parties of the aristocracy, which Xandra often attends due to her position in the guard.  In addition to Vampires and Werewolves, we also meet the Goblins, which add a great twist to the many-layered culture Kate has created.  Like any good “punk” there’s plenty of rebellion, especially among the humans, who feel oppressed by, and are a bit afraid of, the paranormal aristocracy.  I have a feeling that war may break out in future books…

God Save the Queen is a great romp through alternate London, a fun and exciting read that’s hard to put down.  I actually had to stop myself from reading it and wait until I had an opportunity to read uninterrupted, because once I got about 5 chapters in I didn’t want to stop, and literally stayed planted on the bed reading while my child watched cartoons and ate cookies for the rest of the afternoon.  The ending left me wanting for more and I love how she has explanations and a glossary in the back.

Seriously, I loved this book and had a hard time formulating a review that was more than “crazy good shit” and “this books kicks ass.”  If you’re a fan of the Parasol Protectorate books, I’d recommend checking this out.  I can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens to Xandra next.  Can’t I have it now?

—-

Suzanne Lazear writes about steampunk faeries.  Her debut novel, INNOCENT DARKNESS, book one of The Aether Chronicles, releases August 2012 from Flux. Visit her personal blog for more adventures.

 

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Posted in Books, Books, reviews, Steampunk | Tagged book monday, God Save the Queen, Kate Locke, steampunk authors, steampunk books, The Immortal Empire | 26 Comments

26 Responses

  1. on June 25, 2012 at 1:40 pm Peter Kavanagh

    love the review and would love the arc.


  2. on June 25, 2012 at 1:49 pm Pauline Baird Jones

    Sounds very fun! I’ve thought that it would be interesting to “play out” the steampunk history forward. How would it evolve?


  3. on June 25, 2012 at 2:03 pm Catherine

    This one sounds intriguing — it’s on my wishlist already!


  4. on June 25, 2012 at 2:15 pm dgmolly

    This sounds like a great read. I love your description of how hard it was to write this review using more than, “crazy good shit” or “this books kicks ass.” I often find myself in that same predicament 😉


  5. on June 25, 2012 at 3:53 pm Heather Hiestand

    LOL–I love your review phrases. This sounds like fun!


  6. on June 25, 2012 at 6:59 pm dabaudoin

    Sounds like a fun read!


  7. on June 25, 2012 at 8:35 pm Barbara E.

    God Save the Queen is definitely going on my wish list right now. I can’t wait to read it.


  8. on June 26, 2012 at 3:12 am Giada M.

    I’m definitely a fan of the Parasol Protectorate books and already have this book on my wishlist. It sounds great! Thank you for your review and the chance to win it! 😀


  9. on June 26, 2012 at 6:20 am Joan

    I, too, am a fan of the Parasol Protectorate books and who better to protect the Queen than a Steampunk whiz ready to show the infidels a proper thing or two?
    I keep a list of “Books2Read” in my wallet just in case I’m near a book store. My list just got longer.


  10. on June 26, 2012 at 6:31 am Catherine D.

    This sounds like a great read, and I love books that just drag you through them in a sitting and won’t let you stop. Loved the Parasol Protectorate, and I’ll have to get my hands on this one.


  11. on June 27, 2012 at 6:30 am thedarkdesign

    We love a good yarn… perhaps you’d be kind enough to stop by one day and enjoy one of ours…
    http://thedarkdesign.wordpress.com/2012/06/19/whos-coup-38/


  12. on June 28, 2012 at 9:00 am Courtney (@Shortskiee)

    Great review, I love the cover on this! It’s gorgeous 😀 Can’t wait to read this! 🙂


  13. on June 28, 2012 at 10:05 am Kathryn

    I saw this book at Orbit’s booth at BEA and I can’t wait to read it! 🙂


  14. on June 28, 2012 at 10:15 am Tabby Hart

    This sounds so up my street I can’t believe it! I have a big steampunk shaped hole since the Parasol Protectorate books finished. I’d love to win a copy of this.


  15. on June 28, 2012 at 10:15 am Steph trujillo

    SOunds so lovely 😉 *fingers crossed*
    ~Steph T


  16. on June 28, 2012 at 11:01 am Justin Dexter

    This book looks awesome! I love Steampunk! And, Werewolves.


  17. on June 28, 2012 at 1:01 pm Alden Ash

    crossing fingers and toes


  18. on June 28, 2012 at 2:29 pm Spav (@Sparima)

    I’ve had this one on my wishlist for a couple of months. It sounds so good!


  19. on June 28, 2012 at 4:37 pm Tammy Sparks

    I’d love a chance to get an ARC of this book, I’ve already mentioned it on my blog:) Thanks for the chance to win! You rock!


  20. on June 28, 2012 at 7:37 pm Rhianna

    Sounds fascinating! Can’t wait to read it.


  21. on June 29, 2012 at 6:43 am Cristen E. Rose

    Looks like fun! It will have to go on my reading list. 🙂


  22. on June 29, 2012 at 7:18 am Kimberly M.

    This one sounds great! I can’t wait to read it! 🙂


  23. on June 29, 2012 at 12:24 pm Widdershins

    Queen Victoria, a vampire! Who’d’a thunked! What a wonderful concept.


  24. on June 30, 2012 at 3:32 am Romance Reader Enthusiast

    I’ve only read one steampunk book but I would love a chance to read this one. Loved the idea. Although, I wonder how the Queen would feel knowing she’s a vampire. I’m also glad that I found this web site.

    Lynn
    lareynolds0316@gmail.com


  25. on July 1, 2012 at 3:53 pm Oona

    kicking ass in a ball gown and a supportive male love interest?

    YES PLEASE.


  26. on July 11, 2012 at 2:21 am TansyBradshaw

    Currently reading this book and am hooked in!



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