Let us know what you think of Worldshaker by uploading your comments below, and your review may make it on to the website.
‘WORLDSHAKER is a punchy, thought-provoking novel that embraces the steampunk genre to cast a critical and humorous eye over Victorian etiquette while maintaining a pacy adventure story. Great for fans of this genre and Philip Reeve devotees.’
– Caroline Horn
‘Down Under steampunk in the tradition of Philip Reeve, moving cities and all. In the 1840s, Europe took to the road in massive juggernauts. Society froze, with the rich literally on top (the Upper Decks) and the poor Filthies relegated to a steaming, boiler- and piston-filled hell, brought above only to be surgically transformed into perfect Menials. Sheltered Col Porpentine, chosen successor to his Supreme Commander grandfather, lives aboard Worldshaker, where the mores of Victorian England have become only more entrenched in the last 150 years. When he meets a female Filthy escapee, Col finds that what is right may not be what is proper, and his future as commander may be destroyed by a rebellion he himself helps bring about. Aurealis Award winner Harland has a deft hand for balancing the icky and creepy—Col’s grandmother starves Menials, then cries over them; schoolteacher Mr. Gibber indeed gibbers and prances most spectacularly—with fast plotting, family rivalries and dashing heroics. The climax provides a page-turning, pulse-pounding read.’
– Kirkus Review
‘I’m an admirer of Richard Harland’s work, and I fully expected to enjoy WORLDSHAKER. Well, the book exceeded my already high expectations –I absolutely love it! Harland has done a spectacular job of creating an extraordinary, highly original world, multileveled both literally and figuratively. He has a visual sense that won’t quit–the description of Below is like some infernal vision of Dante, by way of Fritz Lang. His characters are practically incandescent – vivid, vital, and complex, combining elements of good and evil, and sometimes just deliciously bizarre. His style should appeal to readers of all ages, and he combines adventure, suspense, romance, lunatic comedy, and terror in one glorious package.
The book held me from start to finish, and left me wanting more. It has the feel of a classic – it’s brand new, but somehow manages to seem as if it’s always been here. I think a lot of people will be reading and enjoying this book for a very long time to come.
To put it briefly, WORLDSHAKER is a real world-beater!’
— author Paula Volsky
1 Review
I loved this book. It’s really exciting, full of action and the juggernaut Worldshaker is really cool. I can’t wait for the sequel.
May 5, 2010 at 11:35 am