The Brass Queen

The Brass Queen is a delightful romp through a Steam Punk world. Elizabeth Chatsworth, author, keeps the pace moving as Miss Constance Haltwhistle, inventor, warrior, liar, and very proper Victorian Miss, meets her match in dashing American, cowboy, spy, Trusdale, who has secrets of his own. I highly recommend The Brass Queen for the story, the word-play, and the sheer delight. Well done.

The Brass Queen is a fantastical, fun adventure into an alternate Victorian timeline. In 1897 Yorkshire, Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogues. After her father absconds to another dimension, she's left to keep her ancient family estate running by any means possible. This includes inventing and selling illegal ray-guns and blunderbusses on the black market. As unscrupulous relatives move in to try and take Constance's family estate, an archaic law that requires a single woman to marry to hold onto property kicks in. Fiercely independent Constance is forced to host her own coming-out-ball to find a noble husband who will marry her within three days!

Enter US Spy, Trusdale, an almost-handsome cowboy and a rogue in his own right. The two are thrown together in a madcap search for missing scientists, an invisibility serum, and a villainous royal who's plotting the start the war to end all wars. Whip-smart banter, uproarious comedy, and all the best in Anglo-American misunderstandings ensue. It's fast-paced, funny, and filled to the brim with quirky characters and settings. I loved everything about this novel. I hope this is just the start of Constance and Trusdale's shenanigans!

I confess until now I'd only seen steampunk in movies: this is my first experience reading a steampunk novel! It was so much fun! The author has a clean, clear voice for humor and intrigue. Her descriptions and settings are first rate: I was immediately transported to the whirling life of the Brass Queen! The pace is crisp and I never wanted to put it down. Everything from the title to the last line was spot on for me. I look forward to her next adventure!

An incredible romp. I’m new to this author and love her energetic writing. I’ll definitely be reading more of her titles.

I love a good steampunk story. This has great crazy characters, action, Funny dialogue, curiosity’s and not quite magic.

A rollicking steampunk adventure/romance. Fans of The Invisible Library Series by Genevieve Cogman will enjoy. We will be buying a copy for our library.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Okay, so envision Mary Poppins but as a younger, flame-haired, brilliant arms dealer. And then imagine Mr. Dawes Sr. as a Stetson-wearing spy from Kansas. Subtract the kids, add an airship or two and some flame guns. Got it? That's this book, and it's <b>so much fun</b>.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this story, honestly. Steampunk (or gaslamp fantasy, I get them confused) isn't always my genre. It's a lot of fun, but it's so niche and after a few stories you sort of get the idea. But I really found Chatsworth's feminist reworking of the genre to be so fresh and interesting and <i>hilarious</i>. I literally laughed out loud in a few spots.

I'm going to be recommending this to readers who enjoy witty banter, dry humor, and much derring-do. It's also a good fit for folks who enjoy a dash of romance but don't want to be overwhelmed by the heaving bodices and such. Also, Chatsworth is a fellow librarian so LET'S SHOW HER ALL THE LOVE.

I’m fussy about what I read, and rarely give a five-star review, but I was lucky enough to be an early reader of this book, courtesy of NetGalley, and found it delightful. Not only is the world of Lady Constance fun to be in, but the witty repartee between her and the ‘tall, dark, and almost handsome’ American spy she has to deal with is hilarious. I literally laughed out loud in places. A perfect book for when you need cheering up or just to get away from this world to Victorian Yorkshire, where the book is set. If you enjoyed the movie Wonder Woman, you'll likely enjoy this too. A must for lovers of humorous fiction, adventure fiction, historical fiction (albeit alternative), and steampunk. There’s nothing distressing in it, just a good, fun read. And I think teenagers will love it too.
I hope there’s a sequel in the works.

A great steam punk novel for fans of Kady Cross! The world building is stunning and the characters are lovable, witty and brave. I will definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.

The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth is an excellent historical fiction/science fiction/romance/fantasy novel that gives the Steampunk genre a whole new gleam and shimmer.

I loved all of the facets that this book possessed: action, adventure, fantasy, romance, complex and fascinating characters, a great plot, and is a great book all around. It was fun, addicting, playful, sassy, and serious all at the same time.

This is a new author for me, as well as a dabble into a genre that I am only just starting to really get into and enjoy. A lot of other books have quite a bit to live up to after reading this one, however. I was thoroughly engrossed with this story and loved the interplay, chemistry, banter, and wit between Miss Constance Haltwhistle and J. F. Trusdale.

I was surprised when I finished this book in less then two days...that is most certainly a compliment. If you are looking for a great and epic adventure, you need to read this one.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and CamCat Books for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/12/21.