Mad Steam: December 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A New Look for the New Year

Another year has gone past in nearly a blink of an eye or a pop of a parasol.

Books were loved, countries were visited, & food was enjoyed.

Tis time to say good bye to 2013

Embrace the future 2014 & what it may hold.!

To start the year with a fun bang MS has spent hours gathering and creating a new look.

Admittedly my design skills are minimal at best but there is always joy in creating.

With the new design and the new year MS is shortening the ever so long name of

Madsteampunkery & Book Reviews

to only

Mad Steam!!

In truth, Mad Scientist is unsure how much easier the shorter name will be.

However, Mad Steam has already grown on me.

Truly, Enjoy NEW YEAR's EVE!

& please stay safe.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Book Review ---> The Master's Book

Today Mad Scientist has an extra special Book Review. MS is taking part of the most wonderful Blog Tour.

Candace at Candace's Book Blog & CBB Book Promotions is an excellent host! Stop by if you are interested in being apart of future Bookish delights tours.

***

The Master's Book

By: Philip Coleman

Published:  MuseItUp Publishing

Publish Date:  March 15th 2013
Pages: 236 ebook
Tags:  Middle Grade, Mystery, Young Adult
Source:  Candace's Book Promotions

Concoction of a Review:

Where does the Mad Scientist start? The cover is beyond ugly. MS is probably not the only one thinking of an 80's Ozzy Ozbourne music album. However, this is forgivable & also reiterates that one must not judge a book by its cover. *wink*

This middle grade mystery was a wonderful read, truly. At first MS thought she would never make the tour date but the pages flipped faster then even the Mad Scientist could of hoped for.

Sean is an quiet shy Irish boy who has recently moved to Brussels. Being a young boy and moving to a new country he was quickly befriended by Stephanie who is on the other hand very outspoken and aggressive young lady. She is also Belgian and Congolese which has many do a double take within the book over her African decent. *shakes head* Ah, prejudice is far to woven into society. We must stop this. But it was dealt with tact and is a great subject to broach in a middle grade novel.

Source

Here MS pictures young Rupert Grint as Irish Sean:

The mystery starts before Sean & his family moved into an old home in Brussels where the owner was previously murdered. His mother was a bit outraged about learning this tidbit of information. Brushing this aside as to being in the past but secretly wishing he knew earlier so he could of told all of his friends about the event. From there things spun out of control once Sean & Stephanie stumble upon a secret room in the basement containing a beautiful book.

Twisting around the book is always the young Duchess of Burgundy. The historical element did not deter from the exciting mystery around the book. It gives it balance and edge for this book is not just a piece of art but full of priceless historic value. This intelligent duo searching for answers solving bits and pieces until the mystery came to a clean close. Brilliant detectives they turned out to be. While they were digging themselves into the unknown we were getting a history lesson. Trust MS, you will not even know it.

My favorite part of the book is traveling through Brussels in the surrounding areas. Be prepared for some words that are not common in the English language. In fact, many languages are tossed into this book. Flemish to French but it was so effortless and flawless how the languages where transitioned into the book.

The Master's Book is a whirl wind adventure not only for Sean & Stephanie but also the Mad Scientist. Such a lovely book that MS would not of stumbled upon herself but is so happy that this book was almost shoved into my hands with the best intentions.

** Thanks to Candace's Book Promotions for the ebook. However, all Mad thoughts are presented in as right of mind a twisted brain can be inside of this Mad Scientist!**

5.0 Blasts ---> Loved it!

A middle grade adventure that will have you on the edge of your reading chair and you tea refilled several times over since you wont be able to put it down!

Please do not forget to stop by the other beautiful blogs hosting this tour!

About the Author

Philip Coleman has worked as a biologist for most of his life—in Ireland, Belgium and now in Switzerland. Having been an avid reader all his life, he took up writing only in 2006. This is his first published novel. He drew his inspiration for the story from the period he spent working for the EU in Brussels. He has a grown-up son and daughter (who were roughly the same ages as Sean and Maeve during the time in Brussels but otherwise aren’t a bit like them at all!). He now lives in France.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Book Review ---> Shadows of Asphodel

Today Mad Scientist has an extra special Book Review. MS is taking part of the most wonderful Blog Tour. It has been awhile since taking on such an endeavor and it has been just lovely. Plus it is a Diesel Punk - Steampunk novel... indeed one can hardly say no to that.

Candace at Candace's Book Blog & CBB Book Promotions is an excellent host! Stop by if you are interested in being apart of future Bookish delights tours.

***

Shadows of Asphodel #1

By: Karen Kincy

Published:  Createspace

Publish Date:  Sept. 13th 2013
Pages: 350 softcover
Tags: Steampunk, Diesel Punk, Adult, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Series
Source:  Personal Nook Library

Concoction of a Review:

Mad Scientist bought this book straight away after seeing this beautiful cover posted on Candace's instagram. Yes, MS is admitting that she did indeed judge this book by its cover and knowing it was of the Steampunk - Dieselpunk sort. Plus, Candace has never failed me with a book recommendation! *With that being said, MS owned this book before I joined the tour and did not receive a free copy for my twisted opinion.*

Source

Page turning excitement. One of those books that has plot twists galore and just so overly action packed that you cannot help but to read longer then you really should. Plenty of swordplay scenes. And Zeppelins! Oh, how does MS love a good stretch of air travel.

Ardis is an half Chinese magical sword wielding mercenary who is paid to keep the peace, paid to kill when it is called for. She is working for the archmages, during alternate pre World War 1 times where modern weaponry is useless under the veil of a magical hex. War may be upon them soon. MS wouldn't go so far as to say she is a kick butt assassin due to the many predicaments she gets herself into. But a worthy one still.

Here is how MS pictures Ardis (add blonde hair):

Almost immediately in the story she finds a snarky Wendel among the wreck and bodies of a battle field. Dressed nicely she wants to capture him and collect the coins that would surly come for such a pretty head. After finding out that he is actually a necromancer in a most unusual way, she has bouts of disgust, fear and interest rack over her. A necromancer! MS was in love with the book from that point on.

"Necromancy is fascinating,"he murmured. "There's a certain repulsive elegance about the magic. With it, I can recover memories long lost. I can speak to the dead who left this world days, weeks, even centuries ago."

Source

Here is how MS pictures Wendel:

If you are not swoony over the fact that Wendel is a necromancer then maybe once you hear he swore his fealty to Ardis for "saving" his life you will be. Ever at her side. Ardis not wanting to be near one who has such deadly skills she still sets out on a quest that becomes more complex then thought. Conspiracy is uncovered. Which was not even the most shocking part.

Ardis seems to get over her disgust of Wendel's special talents to find out he is talented in other areas of manhood. Although, at times it was quit vexing how she was could barely stand the man then desire his touch. Who is the Mad Scientist to argue. Women are just complex I believe.

Planet & Book Love <3

The Steampunkery, Diesel Punk, Alternate History was integrated in equal parts of wonderful. Actual historic events and places blend right into the novel beautifully. Gadgets and technology were spot on with Steampunk genre. MS must point out that Diesel Punk finds inspiration of the time period between 1920's - 1950's which includes World War 1. *Definitions differ throughout in subtle ways, sharing just basic knowledge.*

If you need more of a reason to read this book other then my beautiful review then let me just remind you that there is a necromancer in it! How often are you going to run into a hot necromancer?

"This isn't the end," she said. "This is the beginning."

** Thanks to myself for buying such a book! All Mad thoughts are presented in as right of mind a twisted brain can be inside of this Mad Scientist!**

4.0 Blasts ---> Loved it!
Diesel Punk at its best! Read it! Now! Soon! Now!

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Please do not forget to stop by the other beautiful blogs hosting this tour!

There is a Giveaway!!
MS is posted on my teaser of this wonderful novel.
Stop by and give your chances a go!

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Teaser Tuesday that of December 10th 2013

Mad Scientist is one of the many blog hosts for the most wonderful Middle Grade Mystery Book. The Master's Book by Philip Coleman.

***
Post snippets of inky goodness from current book to share.
Hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.
***

"We finally reached the door of the German teacher's classroom. Phew. I was exhausted, not from the walk, but from the whirlwind of Stephanie Clarke."

"This time Stephanie didn't argue, so I got my runners and jacket and went out with her. We walked for a bit without saying anything, as I tried to digest everything I'd been through that afternoon, from the embarrassment of the old bat in the end house, to the excitement over our discoveries in the basement, and my curiosity about the safe."

Please do not forget to stop by the other beautiful blogs hosting this tour!

About the Author

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Monday, December 9, 2013

Steampunkery Elements {No. 5}

Bits and pieces, gears and goggles...

Today I am featuring a very beautiful find.
I've been listening to Lindsey Stirling for a little while but I was blown away by her video with Pentatonix of the Radioactive song.

Please Watch This!!
Amazing, beautiful, and Steampunk!

Here is another... Yes, indeed it says dubstep but it is still wonderful.

I hope you enjoyed!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Teaser Tuesday that of December 3rd 2013

Today Mad Scientist has an extra special Teaser to present. MS is taking part of the most wonderful Blog Tour. It has been awhile since taking on such an endeavor and it has been just lovely.

Candace at Candace's Book Blog & CBB Book Promotions is an excellent host! Stop by if you are interested in being apart of future Bookish delights tours.

***
Post snippets of inky goodness from current book to share.
Hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.
***
Without further ado my Current Book & Blog tour delight is...
Shadows of Asphodel by Karen Kincy.
***

Ardis pushed him away to give herself room. She stripped off her shirt, then wiggled out of her trousers, leaving only her underwear.

"Is that naked enough?" she said huskily.

He shook his head, and she smiled. Was he speechless?

She grabbed him by his belt and dragged him to her. He seemed to be having trouble keeping his face civilized. She wanted to see him lose control. With unsteady hands, she unbuckled his belt, aware of how close she was to him.

Please do not forget to stop by the other beautiful blogs hosting this tour!

There is a Giveaway!!
MS is not a fan of posting Giveaways but I know my Lovelies enjoy winning!
Sending much luck your way!