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Steamborn #2
Steamforged
There are old wounds in the forgotten places of the world, and some are soaked in blood.
Jacob and his allies flee into the Deadlands after the fall of Ancora. Charles, the enigmatic smith, hopes to find answers in the desert city of Bollwerk that could prevent a war.
Their enemies are many, and here Jacob will learn the cost of life in the Deadlands.
Jacob and his allies flee into the Deadlands after the fall of Ancora. Charles, the enigmatic smith, hopes to find answers in the desert city of Bollwerk that could prevent a war.
Their enemies are many, and here Jacob will learn the cost of life in the Deadlands.
ebook
First published February 2, 2016
About the author
Eric R. Asher
52 books651 followersEric R. Asher is the author of over 30 titles, including the Vesik urban fantasy series and the YA steampunk series, Steamborn. Look for his upcoming cozy fantasy, The Theme Park at the End of the World, in 2024. He is currently living in St. Louis, Missouri, where the local folklore often finds its way into his Mason Dixon: Monster Hunter rural fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 11, 2019
Steamforged by Eric Asher
Steamborn series book 2 of 3.
The threat of war and destruction rages on.
A steampunk dystopian that includes Jacob and Alice in the mid teens, as well as a generation of adults, Samual and Charles, that were around when much of the technology was created.
Starts immediately after the first book in the series. Can be read as a standalone but it’s not the end of the story, so best read as a set. I say that because it’s been more than two years since I read the first book and found it easy to follow along. I listened to the audio version at 1.25x narrated by Saskia Maarle who did a fantastic job with voice differences.
This book is captivating and full of action. It’s also full of death and danger so beware.
Lots of bugs. Some friendly and humongous, some small and extremely poisonous. Some crunchy and delicious.
The expanded world in this book makes the adventure that much more intensifying.
I have added book 3 to my tbr.
Steamborn series book 2 of 3.
The threat of war and destruction rages on.
A steampunk dystopian that includes Jacob and Alice in the mid teens, as well as a generation of adults, Samual and Charles, that were around when much of the technology was created.
Starts immediately after the first book in the series. Can be read as a standalone but it’s not the end of the story, so best read as a set. I say that because it’s been more than two years since I read the first book and found it easy to follow along. I listened to the audio version at 1.25x narrated by Saskia Maarle who did a fantastic job with voice differences.
This book is captivating and full of action. It’s also full of death and danger so beware.
Lots of bugs. Some friendly and humongous, some small and extremely poisonous. Some crunchy and delicious.
The expanded world in this book makes the adventure that much more intensifying.
I have added book 3 to my tbr.
November 9, 2017
My review (of the whole trilogy - spoiler free) is here, on my blog.
Things are definitely starting to come to a head. This volume of the series seemed much more adult than young adult. I really enjoyed it. Jacob, Alice, Charles and Samuel have traveled across the Deadlands to the city of Bollwerk, where some considerable stuff is going down. This volume was more action packed, still full of the giant insects that the first volume introduced, has some interesting sort of espionage into enemy territory, and is definitely setting up something bonkers for book 3. I liked this one even better than the first. Really great story building here.
(I was given a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review)
Things are definitely starting to come to a head. This volume of the series seemed much more adult than young adult. I really enjoyed it. Jacob, Alice, Charles and Samuel have traveled across the Deadlands to the city of Bollwerk, where some considerable stuff is going down. This volume was more action packed, still full of the giant insects that the first volume introduced, has some interesting sort of espionage into enemy territory, and is definitely setting up something bonkers for book 3. I liked this one even better than the first. Really great story building here.
(I was given a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review)
July 5, 2018
The good news is: the status of this series CURRENTLY stands at three stars instead of two (the first one was just so MEH). The bad news is: I'm still waiting to be hooked.
Pros: The action picked up and the stakes feel more important. And let me tell you, if this book cover says cutesy-kid-story, think twice about handing this to your eight year old. The violence reads more like an adult novel. The visual interest of this book improved immensely, and the relationships deepened which made the consequences feel more powerful. But one of the things I like the most? The drama-free, angsty-free relationship between Alice and Jacob. I ?think? this book is geared towards a young adult audience, so you know what? I'm totally down for a model of a healthy teenage relationship. So that's a refreshing change...
Cons: So why isn't it grabbing me yet? I'm having a really hard time putting my finger on this one. Part of it might be an incongruence between a childlike relationship (what are these kids- 14? I think they said 14- correct me if I'm wrong) and adult violence. I'm really not sure who this is geared for. I have no problem with the adult war themes and violence, but the image of two 14 year olds holding hands and getting their make-out sesh on is weird, man. It's weird. Even a couple years older would have helped. This is like... still-needs-a-babysitter-age. Almost. And the whole them-sharing-a-hotel-room-together (don't worry, nothing of magnitude happened) was just WEIRD. So that's one chunk of the problem.
Here's what I'm figuring out about my reading tastes. Visual interest is a huge part of steampunk. But I think the descriptive writing is too much for me. At times, story progression and action is sacrificed for description. So visual interest has to be spot. on. It has to mesmerize the reader and suck you in. Only one steampunk trilogy has done that for me (Mortal Engines), and the rest just rehash things we already recognize in our own world- but you know...with bolts and patina and steam. So I feel like that's where steampunk and I start to part ways. Give me something new and exciting. Not resurfaced. That's a personal feeling though. Not necessarily the fault of the author.
That said, the story feels like it's building towards a heckuvva finale. So maybe the next book will be positively smashing and brilliant and make everything totally worthwhile. I hope...seeing as how I spent an Audible credit on the trilogy and feel obligated to finish it. The reader is great though! She does a fantastic job.
I'd rate this book a PG-13 for violence.
Pros: The action picked up and the stakes feel more important. And let me tell you, if this book cover says cutesy-kid-story, think twice about handing this to your eight year old. The violence reads more like an adult novel. The visual interest of this book improved immensely, and the relationships deepened which made the consequences feel more powerful. But one of the things I like the most? The drama-free, angsty-free relationship between Alice and Jacob. I ?think? this book is geared towards a young adult audience, so you know what? I'm totally down for a model of a healthy teenage relationship. So that's a refreshing change...
Cons: So why isn't it grabbing me yet? I'm having a really hard time putting my finger on this one. Part of it might be an incongruence between a childlike relationship (what are these kids- 14? I think they said 14- correct me if I'm wrong) and adult violence. I'm really not sure who this is geared for. I have no problem with the adult war themes and violence, but the image of two 14 year olds holding hands and getting their make-out sesh on is weird, man. It's weird. Even a couple years older would have helped. This is like... still-needs-a-babysitter-age. Almost. And the whole them-sharing-a-hotel-room-together (don't worry, nothing of magnitude happened) was just WEIRD. So that's one chunk of the problem.
Here's what I'm figuring out about my reading tastes. Visual interest is a huge part of steampunk. But I think the descriptive writing is too much for me. At times, story progression and action is sacrificed for description. So visual interest has to be spot. on. It has to mesmerize the reader and suck you in. Only one steampunk trilogy has done that for me (Mortal Engines), and the rest just rehash things we already recognize in our own world- but you know...with bolts and patina and steam. So I feel like that's where steampunk and I start to part ways. Give me something new and exciting. Not resurfaced. That's a personal feeling though. Not necessarily the fault of the author.
That said, the story feels like it's building towards a heckuvva finale. So maybe the next book will be positively smashing and brilliant and make everything totally worthwhile. I hope...seeing as how I spent an Audible credit on the trilogy and feel obligated to finish it. The reader is great though! She does a fantastic job.
I'd rate this book a PG-13 for violence.
October 30, 2017
Steamforged is the second novel in the Steamborn series, a sci-fi world filled with steam, gears, and giant bugs. I personally hate bugs and would probably want to set the entire world on fire if they got any bigger than they are, but I adore this series. The inventiveness of the premise and the excellent characters make for a book that is easy to get lost in. If you have not read the first book then this review may by default have spoilers for it, but so does the summary above…so please be aware of that BEFORE reading the review below.
I was surprised with how much I truly enjoyed the first book in this series. I don’t think I’ve read many books with giant insects, because that seems like hell on earth, and I wasn’t sure if I could turn off the part of my brain that rejects the idea of giant spiders. However, I am totally on board with this now. Giant pill bugs sound like the cutest things ever. Bugs aside there is some pretty stellar worldbuilding happening, especially in book two. We get to see more of the world as Jacob leaves Ancora, and we learn more about the devastation that is detailed within the pages of the Dead Scourge. I love how much detail he packed into the story without it ever feeling like too much. It has an easy feel to it and it really helps keep the story moving forward.
As much as I love seeing more of the world and learning about the new cities, what really shines are the characters and their relationships. The relationship between Jacob and Alice is one that I really enjoy. Their bonds grow stronger and they grow closer but it’s subtle and slow. We also get to learn some new things about old characters like Charlies and meet some new people like the fiery airship captain, Mary.
Without going into detail on the actual plot of the story I have to say I’m really happy with the way it’s progressing. It does start off slow as the group makes their way to their first destination, but it really picks up as we get introduced to new places and people and see more of the natural world. War is on the horizon and tensions are high, but there is still quite a few nice light-hearted moments that made me smile and serve to give me a little break from the main plot. Saskia’s narration is wonderful as always and if you haven’t tried out an audio by here I fully recommend checking out her extensive list of audios.
I can’t wait to get a copy of the third book and dig in!
I received a copy of Steamforged in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
I was surprised with how much I truly enjoyed the first book in this series. I don’t think I’ve read many books with giant insects, because that seems like hell on earth, and I wasn’t sure if I could turn off the part of my brain that rejects the idea of giant spiders. However, I am totally on board with this now. Giant pill bugs sound like the cutest things ever. Bugs aside there is some pretty stellar worldbuilding happening, especially in book two. We get to see more of the world as Jacob leaves Ancora, and we learn more about the devastation that is detailed within the pages of the Dead Scourge. I love how much detail he packed into the story without it ever feeling like too much. It has an easy feel to it and it really helps keep the story moving forward.
As much as I love seeing more of the world and learning about the new cities, what really shines are the characters and their relationships. The relationship between Jacob and Alice is one that I really enjoy. Their bonds grow stronger and they grow closer but it’s subtle and slow. We also get to learn some new things about old characters like Charlies and meet some new people like the fiery airship captain, Mary.
Without going into detail on the actual plot of the story I have to say I’m really happy with the way it’s progressing. It does start off slow as the group makes their way to their first destination, but it really picks up as we get introduced to new places and people and see more of the natural world. War is on the horizon and tensions are high, but there is still quite a few nice light-hearted moments that made me smile and serve to give me a little break from the main plot. Saskia’s narration is wonderful as always and if you haven’t tried out an audio by here I fully recommend checking out her extensive list of audios.
I can’t wait to get a copy of the third book and dig in!
I received a copy of Steamforged in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
February 2, 2020
Ho-hum! Snooze.
April 30, 2021
Still enjoying, diving into book 3. Longer review then.
July 5, 2021
OMG! There was so much going on this story. And seriously, I am never going into caves with scary creatures - think Samuel and Stone Dogs. I almost stopped listening as it was creeping me out. Jacob is now a bio-mech after losing his leg to another scary/deadly creature. We meet more interesting characters who are helping lead the resistance, Mary was fabulous with her flying ship. Heading right over to book 3
December 21, 2024
Second book in and still can't find a character I want to follow more than the world setting. The single dimensional characters go to interesting places.
November 18, 2024
"Steamforged" by Eric R. Asher is book two in the "Steamborn" series. This book had so much happening. Some good and some bad. I thought it was funny how Samuel is afraid of heights, and they seemed to always be doing or getting into things that dealt with heights. My favorite part is when Alice is there to help Jacob when he needs it. This book kept my attention and had me reading and reading because I needed to know what happened next. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next adventure for Jacob.
March 4, 2018
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I do enjoy listening to Saskia voice this story. She was the narrator from the first book as well. She does a great job at differentiating the characters by voice. But, again, I felt I had to speed up the audio. At a faster pace, I moved through the book catching all that was happening.
We learn more of the land and see outlying areas. In the first book we primarily were in Ancora and started to hear names of other places, ending at a new place. Now we start to see different lands and learn more. There is a great deal more outside of Ancora than the kids had ever expected. They had read of the places in the book they found, but to see and experience the places is all new. However, with these new places come great dangers.
This feels a story that is catching for it's atmosphere. The world that the characters live in is different and interesting with the bugs and land and mechanics. We see many of what is described in the book Jacob and Alice have read. We do get to see the Mechs. The people with mechanical body parts that are feared. Though I do think the story is slower paced with all we see in the world.
For me, the beginning of the story is rather slow with all the world details we are given. I wanted to get to the important stuff. It felt that all we lived through was secondary items that are in life.
Every world has some sort of prejudice, whether it's poverty level or skin tone or even body parts of metal. This world has it too. We small glimpses of it as the story goes. That helps build the world but seeing some of this highlighted in the beginning and what is pointed out in the world, I expected it to surface again more importantly later in the book. Some of it does pop up, but not as heavy yet. Though, it does show where the fears and thoughts in the system at Ancora had come from. I'm wondering if it's a huge build up to the end.
Most of the story is from Jacob's POV, but we do get views from Alice, Charles, and Samuel. Even Drakkar. Jacob has an obstacle he must overcome. With the way the book began (actually the first book touched on), I expected it to happen. And it did. Alice is not a dainty little girl as some would thing. She hardens here, and comes to a new view on things. I like the person Alice is. She's got a flare to her.
If it wasn't for the danger that the characters are coming into, I'd say this book would be for the younger group of young adults. The story is simple and things are repeated to clarify what is happening and the plans they are making. Well written for a younger reader.
This book feels like a transition book. It's setting up for a great battle and war to come in the next book. It's putting into place all the pieces and people so we understand why things are going to get ugly in the future. It also brings the characters across events and actions they must take to be to a place to go into war.
I do enjoy listening to Saskia voice this story. She was the narrator from the first book as well. She does a great job at differentiating the characters by voice. But, again, I felt I had to speed up the audio. At a faster pace, I moved through the book catching all that was happening.
We learn more of the land and see outlying areas. In the first book we primarily were in Ancora and started to hear names of other places, ending at a new place. Now we start to see different lands and learn more. There is a great deal more outside of Ancora than the kids had ever expected. They had read of the places in the book they found, but to see and experience the places is all new. However, with these new places come great dangers.
This feels a story that is catching for it's atmosphere. The world that the characters live in is different and interesting with the bugs and land and mechanics. We see many of what is described in the book Jacob and Alice have read. We do get to see the Mechs. The people with mechanical body parts that are feared. Though I do think the story is slower paced with all we see in the world.
For me, the beginning of the story is rather slow with all the world details we are given. I wanted to get to the important stuff. It felt that all we lived through was secondary items that are in life.
Every world has some sort of prejudice, whether it's poverty level or skin tone or even body parts of metal. This world has it too. We small glimpses of it as the story goes. That helps build the world but seeing some of this highlighted in the beginning and what is pointed out in the world, I expected it to surface again more importantly later in the book. Some of it does pop up, but not as heavy yet. Though, it does show where the fears and thoughts in the system at Ancora had come from. I'm wondering if it's a huge build up to the end.
Most of the story is from Jacob's POV, but we do get views from Alice, Charles, and Samuel. Even Drakkar. Jacob has an obstacle he must overcome. With the way the book began (actually the first book touched on), I expected it to happen. And it did. Alice is not a dainty little girl as some would thing. She hardens here, and comes to a new view on things. I like the person Alice is. She's got a flare to her.
If it wasn't for the danger that the characters are coming into, I'd say this book would be for the younger group of young adults. The story is simple and things are repeated to clarify what is happening and the plans they are making. Well written for a younger reader.
This book feels like a transition book. It's setting up for a great battle and war to come in the next book. It's putting into place all the pieces and people so we understand why things are going to get ugly in the future. It also brings the characters across events and actions they must take to be to a place to go into war.
July 10, 2024
Book 2 in the Steamborn series.
This a continuation of a very good
It was a fun read for me as Jacob & Alice grow and expand as characters along with the comrades they meet and create a family with.
This a continuation of a very good
It was a fun read for me as Jacob & Alice grow and expand as characters along with the comrades they meet and create a family with.
January 4, 2019
I had a feeling after having a brief taster of the potential for this sequel that this would be different - it sure is!
This picks straight up after the events of book 1 and gets straight into the thick of things. There are no recaps as to what happened previously during the course of this story, so it's probably best to either buy all 3 books in the boxed set, or read them all together.
If book 1 was Alien, this book is Aliens. The difference is almost immediately obvious. The characters come totally to life. There is banter, cursing, a developing relationship between the young adults, and the personalities are revealed in depth.
There is also much more detail to the backstory, more intricate designs and inventions (no spoiler here), and different enemies etc.
The story has its funny moments, but is also quite dark, and has some truly violent scenes of war and torture, which may not be to everybody's taste. The undertone when describing the reasoning behind certain actions is set just right and leads you to wonder what you would do in the same situation. What constitutes confidence / arrogance, necessary violence or just mindless bloodshed? Do you tar an entire culture with the same brush or take a mental step back and think....
I'm loving this series now and have already started book 3. If, like me, you read book 1 and were left wanting a bit more, buy this book and read it now!
This picks straight up after the events of book 1 and gets straight into the thick of things. There are no recaps as to what happened previously during the course of this story, so it's probably best to either buy all 3 books in the boxed set, or read them all together.
If book 1 was Alien, this book is Aliens. The difference is almost immediately obvious. The characters come totally to life. There is banter, cursing, a developing relationship between the young adults, and the personalities are revealed in depth.
There is also much more detail to the backstory, more intricate designs and inventions (no spoiler here), and different enemies etc.
The story has its funny moments, but is also quite dark, and has some truly violent scenes of war and torture, which may not be to everybody's taste. The undertone when describing the reasoning behind certain actions is set just right and leads you to wonder what you would do in the same situation. What constitutes confidence / arrogance, necessary violence or just mindless bloodshed? Do you tar an entire culture with the same brush or take a mental step back and think....
I'm loving this series now and have already started book 3. If, like me, you read book 1 and were left wanting a bit more, buy this book and read it now!
May 15, 2019
To be honest, this series is more like a single book broken into three (not to frighten young readers maybe? :) )
Consequently, this is just an addition to my previous review on book #1.
Story: Main characters get into the city that was more of a legend them and their view is expanded in many areas. History, technology, culture etc. Political and warmongering plot also widens.
Where to begin...
Maybe energy? :) It's getting even worse. We are way into fantasy by now. Which would not necessarily be a problem if the author avoided getting into technical details.
My YA categorisation in the previous review is also confirmed now. The story is getting more gory details.
The world building is taking shape and the story gains more structure now. That's improvement.
The Jacob/Alice part is getting a bit weird though. On one hand, they still act like they don't know what a relationship is "they are just friends", more in line with a 6-10 year old age. Adults just smile silently on some of their "unconscious actions". On the other hand, they sleep together in an inn, hold hands, and embrace like YA. I can only reiterate my previous review: Kids are not stupid! Stop making them do YA things while making them act like 8-10 year olds.
August 14, 2019
Steamforged – Eric R. Asher | 300 ps, Kindle 2015 | Lido de 11.07.19 a 15.07.19 | Nota 4 em 5 | NITROLEITURAS | #steampunk #postapocalipse
Steamforged_Nook_Kobo
SINOPSE
Há feridas antigas nos lugares esquecidos do mundo e algumas estão encharcadas de sangue.
Jacob e seus aliados fogem para as Terras Mortas após a queda de ncora. Charles, o ferreiro enigmático, espera encontrar respostas na cidade deserta de Bollwerk que poderiam impedir uma guerra.
Seus inimigos são muitos e aqui Jacob aprenderá o custo da vida nas Terras Mortas.
RESENHA
Uma grande melhora em relação ao primeiro livro, com a guerra entre Ãncora e os Esquecidos se agravando. “Steamforged” expande o universo do livro introduzindo mais complicações políticas e eventos trágidos que alteram o rumo da história.
A narrativa fica mais complexa e girando em temas como diplomacia, a brutalidade da guerra e a dificuldade de forjar alianças quando por causa de um passado sangrento entre os povos.
Gostei muito da combinação de steam e pós-apocalíptico com criaturas mutantes, praticamente todos os animais são monstros insetos.
Steamforged_Nook_Kobo
SINOPSE
Há feridas antigas nos lugares esquecidos do mundo e algumas estão encharcadas de sangue.
Jacob e seus aliados fogem para as Terras Mortas após a queda de ncora. Charles, o ferreiro enigmático, espera encontrar respostas na cidade deserta de Bollwerk que poderiam impedir uma guerra.
Seus inimigos são muitos e aqui Jacob aprenderá o custo da vida nas Terras Mortas.
RESENHA
Uma grande melhora em relação ao primeiro livro, com a guerra entre Ãncora e os Esquecidos se agravando. “Steamforged” expande o universo do livro introduzindo mais complicações políticas e eventos trágidos que alteram o rumo da história.
A narrativa fica mais complexa e girando em temas como diplomacia, a brutalidade da guerra e a dificuldade de forjar alianças quando por causa de um passado sangrento entre os povos.
Gostei muito da combinação de steam e pós-apocalíptico com criaturas mutantes, praticamente todos os animais são monstros insetos.
March 4, 2018
I read Steamborn because I could order the ebook for free on Amazon and because of the fact that it was from the science fiction genre of steampunk. I thought I would read the first book of the three to see if I wanted to read the others. I did not expect to buy the other two, but I did.
The first book hooked me with the main character, a sixteen year old tinker, named Jacob. I was also intrigued by the world where insects were very large creatures who could attack and kill humans. I like the book enough to try the second book, Steamforged. I did not like the second book as much as the first but decided to read the third book, Steamsworn, as well. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the third book because it was about war, destruction and revenge. By the end of the series, I no longer liked any the characters. Jacob and Alice, who had so much promise in the beginning, had become killers in the war against the evil Butcher, and they sometimes appeared to enjoy killing.
The first book hooked me with the main character, a sixteen year old tinker, named Jacob. I was also intrigued by the world where insects were very large creatures who could attack and kill humans. I like the book enough to try the second book, Steamforged. I did not like the second book as much as the first but decided to read the third book, Steamsworn, as well. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in the third book because it was about war, destruction and revenge. By the end of the series, I no longer liked any the characters. Jacob and Alice, who had so much promise in the beginning, had become killers in the war against the evil Butcher, and they sometimes appeared to enjoy killing.
July 2, 2019
Into The Deadlands
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Steamborn". This is the second book. I can't wait to read "Steamsworn"!
Fleeing Ancora to keep thier families safe has taken a great tool on everyone. Is everyone really safe because they aren't there? Or is that a pretty lie they tell themselves so they can do what needs doing? Jacob is glad that he at least has Alice, Charles, and Samuel. At least he didn't cause their deaths... So far. Cave is like nothing Jacob could have ever imagined. How can there be so many diverse places in the Deadlqnds when they are supposed to be *dead*? How many other lies was he brought up to believe as truths? It is hard to trust in anything when your foundation has been so efficiently destroyed. Will they be able to find out the origins of the transmitters? Who exactly is the real enemy? Can they bring the Butcher to justice? Or is that a suicide mission? At least they are making new friends along the way! Right????
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Steamborn". This is the second book. I can't wait to read "Steamsworn"!
Fleeing Ancora to keep thier families safe has taken a great tool on everyone. Is everyone really safe because they aren't there? Or is that a pretty lie they tell themselves so they can do what needs doing? Jacob is glad that he at least has Alice, Charles, and Samuel. At least he didn't cause their deaths... So far. Cave is like nothing Jacob could have ever imagined. How can there be so many diverse places in the Deadlqnds when they are supposed to be *dead*? How many other lies was he brought up to believe as truths? It is hard to trust in anything when your foundation has been so efficiently destroyed. Will they be able to find out the origins of the transmitters? Who exactly is the real enemy? Can they bring the Butcher to justice? Or is that a suicide mission? At least they are making new friends along the way! Right????
January 30, 2018
The Steamborn-trilogy is a pleasant surprise so far (2 and 1/3 in). Large parts of this 2nd book are delightful - I would love to see pictures of the city of Bollwerk (German for bulwark or bastion), no, I would like to see it in person ...
The characters are still interesting - and the new ones (Mary, Smith, Drakkar) a great addition.
The story is typical for the 'middle'-book connecting the intro with the (presumed) grand finale.
There is room for improvement: The odd leftover sentence from the first? draft ("Heat rose from the sands and blasted them with a terrible heat." @ 34%), plenty of " missing in the last third when the editor skipped? sections.
There are also some great lines (“You know the worst thing about fighting? About war? It’s never really over. Doesn’t seem to matter who wins, or who dies, someone always decides to start another one.” @ 97%).
I'm not a big fan of the cover artwork - and this second book shows a scene from the first ...
All in all, well worth reading though.
Currently reading the third and last(?) one.
The characters are still interesting - and the new ones (Mary, Smith, Drakkar) a great addition.
The story is typical for the 'middle'-book connecting the intro with the (presumed) grand finale.
There is room for improvement: The odd leftover sentence from the first? draft ("Heat rose from the sands and blasted them with a terrible heat." @ 34%), plenty of " missing in the last third when the editor skipped? sections.
There are also some great lines (“You know the worst thing about fighting? About war? It’s never really over. Doesn’t seem to matter who wins, or who dies, someone always decides to start another one.” @ 97%).
I'm not a big fan of the cover artwork - and this second book shows a scene from the first ...
All in all, well worth reading though.
Currently reading the third and last(?) one.
February 19, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version, which was very well narrated. I found this book to be more powerful and well written than the first book. It is definitely a coming of age story in which the two 15-year-old characters are forced to grow up by facing increasing dangers that force them to fight (and kill) to save their lives and the lives of others. Whereas the first book seemed aimed for the younger teen audience, this book certainly had the feel of a young adult novel. I found myself binge listening to the book, making it the audible version of a page turner. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes steampunk, coming of age stories, and great world building.
November 29, 2018
My secon read/listen from author Eric Asher. An inventive fantasy novel with a heavy dash of Steampunk. Narrator Saskia Maarle’s talented narration & intriguing accent adds greatly to the book’s enjoyment. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I’d gotten this back in July of 2017 and am just now getting around to reading it, my mistake. Well-written, with well-developed characters. I look forward to the third book in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 22, 2019
Where the first book in the series was a little slow to really get moving (though it never really dragged), this second book was more fast-paced. Even though the main characters are mostly teenagers, the narrative isn't unrealistic in what they can do or their talents/abilities. And the book doesn't shy away from the ugliness of war (definitely an underlying theme in the book). Some of the more violent portions might scare younger children, but for the most part the story is still appropriate for all ages. Excellently written!
April 23, 2020
So rather than trudging through the extreme number of books on my Kindle for something to read, I decided to pick this series back up. This second book picked up much faster than the first -- the action starts a few chapters in from the beginning, rather than a few chapters from the end as was the case in the first book. We meet some new characters, see some new places and learn a whole lot more than we did in Book 1. Overall, a better book than the first in the series, but I'm still loathed to call it Steampunk, which in my mind should be set in Victorian England.
April 18, 2024
The first in this young adult steampunk series I reviewed as tropely predictable. This second in the series does better as far as originality in the plot. However, it swings into very dark history and violence, which comes at the reader fast and hard. The insectoid monsters in the series are inventive but there are SO many of them that they almost overwhelm the human story. Can't quite put my finger on it, but I was annoyed all the way through the story. I kept reading, though, since the plot picked up a bit.
November 16, 2017
Book 2 was short, and the plot was kind of meandering. Right when I thought I had the plot figured out, the book ended. so I guess that's the plot for book 3. Regardless, I like this series' use of mechanical stuff as well as the giant killer bugs. This book, book 2, was a lot more graphically violent I feel than book one was. It also got into some of the nitty gritty parts of the story. I really liked that. It seemed more real.
March 25, 2019
This series isn't bad, but it's too drawn out, too loaded down in mundane details, and too complicated to really follow all the characters & locations, at least in an audiobook. I just lost interest. This could be partially due to the soothing voice of the narrator – she has a lovely voice, but it probably isn't suited to this book. Even at 1.25x it simply couldn't keep my attention. I don't think I'll go on to the third book, even though I have the omnibus version.
December 15, 2019
I'm so happy that I continued this series because Steamforged has really picked up momentum! Book one was a little slow as it was setting up for what was to come. In book 2, Steamforged, Jacob and Alice's adventure really takes off. It was so fascinating to see what waited for them outside of their home land. I loved how detailed and thought out each new city was. Looking forward to the next book in the series as the plot thickens.
January 17, 2018
With an ebb and flow similar to that of the story's walkers, Steamforged weaves the story of Jacob and his friends along a path of forgiveness, anger, love, and hate. As things escalate, and the world seems to rest upon the razors edge of war, the only thing that frustrates me about Asher's books is how fast they end and how fast i buy the next story.
November 12, 2018
This is the second in a wonderful series. Asher has created a world I can easily fall into. Charles, Alice, Jacob & Samuel we're forced to leave home and find out the truth of the past and what is really going on in the present. They were joined by Drakkar on an adventure that takes them across a desert to a city they were told were enemies only to find allies in the confusing new politics.
April 14, 2019
Very good YA series! Book 2 of the Steamborn trilogy, Steamforged continues the journey of Jacob, Alice, Charles, and friends as they venture to the Deadlands. Characters are further developed from the first book. Good fun read! Saskia Maarleveld does a great job narrating for the audible version.
May 14, 2020
I like it
Book 2 finished. On to book 3. I read fiction for entertainment. This is a great story for that. If I want realism, I'll read a history book, or biography. The story moved along for me very well. It's unusual for me not to skip redundant details, but I was so involved with the characters and immersed in the world that I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Book 2 finished. On to book 3. I read fiction for entertainment. This is a great story for that. If I want realism, I'll read a history book, or biography. The story moved along for me very well. It's unusual for me not to skip redundant details, but I was so involved with the characters and immersed in the world that I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything.
June 16, 2024
3.5/5
The story continues directly from the first book. This one things picked up. It was mostly action and continued worldbuilding, which was great! Things are starting to make it feel like it's part of something bigger and some hidden things were revealed, so there's progression. Interested to see how the trilogy ends!
The story continues directly from the first book. This one things picked up. It was mostly action and continued worldbuilding, which was great! Things are starting to make it feel like it's part of something bigger and some hidden things were revealed, so there's progression. Interested to see how the trilogy ends!
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