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sporkdelis
Posted March 16, 2012
I found this author through her advice about indie publishing on her blog. I now go there weekly because, though she may repeat herself, it’s very interesting and informative. She has links to the first of all her novel and novella series. Since I go there at least weekly I decided that I should give this book a try.
Flash Gold is short at 40,000 words, but feels closer to a full length novel. At first this was a little annoying to me, but I figured it made me feel like I was getting more bang for my buck (Literally, the e-book sells for $.99).
The story goes that Kali McAllister is trying to run a dogsled race (I assume the Iditarod) in her steam-powered “dogless sled”. She is met at her workshop by Ceder, a man who professes to be a pugilist, but no one really thinks that. Kali’s sister, Nelly, thinks that he’s a newcomer too green to the Yukon to survive; Kali thinks he’s out to get the secret to her father’s invention, Flash Gold. As the first action scene shows she has a surplus of people out for the elusive material and as she takes out one or two, Ceder rushes to her aid and takes out all of the bandits. She decides to keep him.
The story reminds me of the pilot to a tv show. Short, sweet, but enough to get you interested in the next episode. I have a feeling that just three books of any length will not really be enough for any real fan of this series. The characters were refreshingly different from each other. This I found important as I have read too many YA (and not YA) books where everyone really was pretty similar sounding. Ceder and Kali have distinct voices. I found Kali’s red-neck grammar to be a bit over the top, but I’d rather have over the top than lukewarm. I was having problems with a pair of characters I’m writing and the necessity for them to really be different from each other, and this book has gotten me back writing again.
The lack of real romantic mushiness was appealing. There were suggestions of things to come, but nothing overt. I’m one of those people who would rather read/watch/write something that doesn’t inevitably lead to the romantic. I know that stuff sells, so I forgive those who do write the “romance wins in the end” book series. This book at least didn’t have me worrying that I’m going to be looking at a constant Yearning and Longing throughout the other two books. At best I’m expecting a Firefly-esque Mac never getting the girl because he’s such a blowhard sort of thing. Except maybe Kali will get over that. Either way I’m saving my hard-earned pennies for the next book in the series.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.donnamab
Posted November 26, 2011
I enjoy all kinds of alternate reality stories including steampunk and this was a fun addition to my collection. Setting the story in the Arctic instead of London or some other metropolis was a brilliant twist that the author used to good advantage; the weather and the harsh landscape are as much of a trial for the heroine as the viallains are. For a short story, the characters are quite well-drawn and interesting. My only criticism is that the plot was quite thin and much of the background was simply assumed. The ending, while predictable, was satisfying and left room for a sequel. I hope that there is a sequel. I would like to see the author flesh out this world and these characters.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.FlipTex
Posted October 16, 2011
There are a couple of interesting twists in this intro novella - female protagonist, Yukon setting instead of something more strictly Victorian, airships in the arctic. Its fast moving, innocent with some hints - young teenagers could read it without frightening parents.
Anyway, enjoyed it enough to buy the follow up novel.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 2, 2011
Again I love Lindsay's work. Great characters with so many possible story lines to follow.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 25, 2011
I acquired this novella after reading (and thoroughly enjoying) one of her other works, Emperor's Edge. I really enjoyed that, as well as this one. This adventure focuses on young Kari McAllister, an orophaned teenager in a small town in the middle of the Yukon. The townsfolk have labeled her as a witch just because she's a very gifted engineer, having created numerous inventions. Her deceased father was also responsible for creating a mysterious substance called flash gold, which apparently can be used to generate power. Several of Kari's inventions are powered by flash gold. However, her father's work has raised interest in quite a few groups of people all bent on acquiring this new technology for themselves. I won't give anything else away, only to say that this novella is truly worth reading, and I sincerely hope that the author continues this storyline with another adventure!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 24, 2011
I really loved this novella. The characters were fun and it was nice to read a steampunk story that wasn't set in England. I hope that the author continues writing for these characters!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 15, 2011
I had a blast reading this novella! By choosing a brilliant new location Lindsay Buroker takes the elements of steampunk and brings a new perspective. From mechanical sleds to airships the action is non-stop and characters engaging. Just the kind of read I needed for a quiet evening at home. Highly recommended!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 18, 2012
How can pirats have an ariplane?
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 23, 2012
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Posted July 27, 2011
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LendMe™
Overview
Eighteen-year-old Kali McAlister enters her steam-powered "dogless sled" in a race, intending to win the thousand-dollar prize and escape remote Moose Hollow forever. The problem? Fortune seekers and airship pirates are after her for the secret to flash gold, her late father's alchemical masterpiece.With a hand-modified rifle and a pocketful of home-made smoke bombs, Kali wouldn't normally hide from a confrontation, but taking on a whole airship single-handedly is a daunting task. Unfortunately, the other racers won't assist her--they're too busy scheming ways to sabotage her ...