Hey team!
So, I wanted to talk about the general steampunk aesthetic and how we're feeling it in the books this week. I'm about to finish Boneshaker and honestly, I've really enjoyed it artistically, which surprised me, because I wasn't in love with "Steamgothic." I think the main distinction for me is that these books are specifically a part of the steampunk movement, but "Steamgothic" was about people are are fans of the movement, if that makes any sense.
One thing that has surprised me most is that no single aspect of the books are terribly original. Creating an alternate version of a trendy American city? That's happened. Zombies? SO happened. Charming airship captains? Practically a staple in this genre. But Priest seems to take these tropes and own them. There's no pretense that it's the most original concept in the world, all it's supposed to do is feel epic and create an aesthetic that I've been really enjoying all through the books. Particularly with Lucy. Just cause.
What is everyone else's thoughts on Boneshaker as it compares to "Steamgothic?" Has this changed anyone's thoughts on steampunk in general? I feel personally, I understand the concept a lot more and am interested to read more about it.
I agree that "Steamgothic" is about fans of the movement while this book is more a part of the movement. I barely had an idea what steampunk was after "steam gothic" and this book helped me understand a little bit more. I am not going to lie though, I still am not 100% sure on what steampunk really is.
ReplyDeleteI agree that many aspects of the book are not very original. However, the way the reader tied them together in the story was well done.
When I hear steampunk/steamgoth, I think of the horrible fan groups that find the need to dress like this - http://www.steampunkemporium.com/steam.php?gclid=CMjVtcfi87oCFTJo7AodvRwAXw - It absolutely terrifies me that people decide to turn steampunk into an everyday sort of cosplay. But, whatever. It does interest me that while Priest mentions clothing - a lot - it isn't in the adoring way that most modern day people place importance on the steampunk movement.
ReplyDeleteJust a little rambling. That website terrifies me too.
I like that she took the tropes, but she isn't too serious about it. To me, "Steamgothic" was trying really hard to present a "serious" piece of work with alternate history and human relationships, and Cherie Priest aims more to entertain.
ReplyDeleteI liked Dreadnought a lot better than Boneshaker, but I liked Boneshaker more than I liked" Steamgothic". I agree with Ashley and Maureen: 1. Most of my problems with steampunk center around fans of it demanding steampunk versions of EVERYTHING and 2. I think these books work a lot better than "Steamgothic" because they weren't trying to be too serious about themselves.
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