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?
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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.
love the review and would love the arc.
Sounds very fun! I’ve thought that it would be interesting to “play out” the steampunk history forward. How would it evolve?
This one sounds intriguing — it’s on my wishlist already!
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 😉
LOL–I love your review phrases. This sounds like fun!
Sounds like a fun read!
God Save the Queen is definitely going on my wish list right now. I can’t wait to read it.
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! 😀
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.
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.
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/
Great review, I love the cover on this! It’s gorgeous 😀 Can’t wait to read this! 🙂
I saw this book at Orbit’s booth at BEA and I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
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.
SOunds so lovely 😉 *fingers crossed*
~Steph T
This book looks awesome! I love Steampunk! And, Werewolves.
crossing fingers and toes
I’ve had this one on my wishlist for a couple of months. It sounds so good!
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!
Sounds fascinating! Can’t wait to read it.
Looks like fun! It will have to go on my reading list. 🙂
This one sounds great! I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Queen Victoria, a vampire! Who’d’a thunked! What a wonderful concept.
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
kicking ass in a ball gown and a supportive male love interest?
YES PLEASE.
Currently reading this book and am hooked in!