Book Jacket

 

rank 2545
word count 16977
date submitted 04.05.2010
date updated 18.12.2011
genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Scienc...
classification: moderate
incomplete

Steam Palace

Andrew Rosenberg

After meeting your Evil Twin, you might just wonder which one you are.

A Steampunk romp through an America turned upside-down.

 

In a world swimming in mechohorses and dirigible aivies, where the former New England colonies created a British-style monarchy, a newborn twin is stolen. Sophia is raised in a noble house and provided every advantage, whilst her completely unknown twin Viola suffers crippling poverty. A score and three years later, when they first meet, Sophia is most destitute, her family name and lands a victim of an unfortunate dispute with the King. Meanwhile, to Sophia’s horror, her doppelgänger Viola lives a rich, vile life off the profits of sin.

To restore her family name and ‘save’ her newfound sister from an ignominious fate, Sophia enters the dark world of the Steam Palace, a floating den of iniquity built upon a derelict barge. When her rebuff of the Duke—Viola’s secret lover—leads to an imminent invasion the monarchy, Sophia wonders which one is truly the ‘Evil’ twin. She must unite with wretched Viola to protect their families before their steam-powered enemy exterminates their hated race…Americans.

 
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tags

adventure, romance, steampunk, victorian

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55 comments

 

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Stark Silvercoin wrote 494 days ago

Steam Palace is a unique vision of the future where everything is somehow more and less advanced than today at the same time. Author Andrew Rosenberg has created a true Steampunk fantasy world and it’s quite clear that a lot of time and effort went into creating the world and its rules before pen met paper. It shows. The author can comfortably write about main characters Sophia and Viola as well as others in the world and it all makes sense and is part of a continuous world. Readers can sit back and enjoy the delightful ride.

Although the world itself seems to be a main character, the book centers on the twins Sophia and Viola, and whenever they are featured (either one) the interest level jumps. It’s hard to say which one will be more liked by readers. Steam Palace features good editing and solid prose, plus snappy realistic dialog that helps contribute to building the world in the eyes of the reader. I see Steam Palace earning a large following when published among Steampunk fans for sure, but also within the general science fiction audience.

Oh, and as a bit of a side note, the cover is amazing. I can see why the Steam Palace in the book is a popular place!

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Iapetus999 wrote 573 days ago

STEAM PALACE UPDATED!
ALL NEW as of 10/28/2010

KW wrote 733 days ago

"Curse that wretched King and his demands." Indeed. I love alternative histories since anything can happen to make history different than what we usually think it is. Frankly, history is different in every country. Also, it's different depending on the viewpoint of the individual historian. Overall, history is written by the victors; therefore, there are always alternative histories. Your book, though, takes that notion and goes into more extreme territory. Simply, I love it. I don't understand how an earlier reviewer wrote that he's "still trying to work out how and why history changed." Huh? "You getcher butt right back in there seat. Cows don't milk themselves." "You lookin' for greener pastures, huh?" Yeah, I want alternative history since the crap we've been fed of late is more than I can take. Preemptive war. Didn't we hear that back in 1939?

I'll be back to read more. I love the atmosphere of this. Backed for now.

Tom B wrote 739 days ago

Excellent stuff, still trying to work out how and why history changed. The word romp has never been so aptly used.

Beval wrote 738 days ago

High gothic drama, plus adventure and a splendid plot.
This is everything Steampunk should be.

Scott Toney wrote 170 days ago

Andrew,

I really enjoyed your style and the story. I'll be back to read more soon and have starred your book highly.

Have a fantastic day!

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity

Stark Silvercoin wrote 494 days ago

Steam Palace is a unique vision of the future where everything is somehow more and less advanced than today at the same time. Author Andrew Rosenberg has created a true Steampunk fantasy world and it’s quite clear that a lot of time and effort went into creating the world and its rules before pen met paper. It shows. The author can comfortably write about main characters Sophia and Viola as well as others in the world and it all makes sense and is part of a continuous world. Readers can sit back and enjoy the delightful ride.

Although the world itself seems to be a main character, the book centers on the twins Sophia and Viola, and whenever they are featured (either one) the interest level jumps. It’s hard to say which one will be more liked by readers. Steam Palace features good editing and solid prose, plus snappy realistic dialog that helps contribute to building the world in the eyes of the reader. I see Steam Palace earning a large following when published among Steampunk fans for sure, but also within the general science fiction audience.

Oh, and as a bit of a side note, the cover is amazing. I can see why the Steam Palace in the book is a popular place!

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Kaimaparamban wrote 524 days ago

In your novel, destiny is playing crucial role in between two girls who born as twins. Your characterizations are unique and deserving more places from all corners.

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

Kevin Alex Baker wrote 571 days ago

Andrew,

After reading this, I can't wait to see what you come up with for NaNoWriMo! This is a great slice of fun, carved in a truly imaginative version of history. Let me know when your new piece is done!

Kevin Alex Baker
Head Games

Robert Craven wrote 572 days ago

Andrew the first version was great, this is a leap ahead. Paragraphs flow better and benefit from the editing you've employed. Still on the shelf, still enjoying it.

Rob

Iapetus999 wrote 573 days ago

STEAM PALACE UPDATED!
ALL NEW as of 10/28/2010

Robert Craven wrote 573 days ago

Hi Andrew - Steampunk, backed for that alone - nice touches throughout & reminiscent of William Gibson. Only suggestions are Prolouges aren't in vogue at the moment, your opening paragraphs need fleshing out & watch for repetition in your sentences.

Perfectly pitched & delivered,

backed

Rob

GET LENIN

SRFire wrote 623 days ago

A compelling opening. This is a real page turner. I would be happy to back this.
Sana x
Saffire Drake and the Three Keys

bmlg wrote 623 days ago

Great fun and breathlessly fast-moving. I was afraid at one point that I was simply going to lose track of the characters, but managed to hang on. This has a lot of potential, especially with the steampunk boom in fiction. The only concern I have is some oddly-used vocabulary - in your teaser you use 'cognates' where I think you want 'cogitates' for instance. I hope it doesn't sound patronising if I suggest that you keep a dictionary at hand when you revise next (I have the Pocket Oxford next to my laptop, myself). Good luck with this - it's a strong entry.

CarolinaAl wrote 623 days ago

Your opening line hooked me. Your brilliant, dynamic historical grabbed me and kept me riveted. Credible characters. Crisp dialogue that evokes the era. Confident period narrative. Vital writing. The only nit I have is: Consider reducing the number of exclamation marks by half. Overuse diminishes their effectiveness. Other than that, I absolutely love this masterfully composed story. Backed.

celticwriter wrote 662 days ago

Hi Andrew. Captivated by your synopsis, taken with your opening lines. Nice visual! backed.

sincerely,
jim
jack & charmian london

A Knight wrote 707 days ago

Stunning, so very stunning, and with steampunk making a subtle come-back, too. However, this is more than just gothic fun, it's a richly detailed, chilling and real piece. You've formed your characters well, and hthe hook at the end of chapter one is inescapable.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx

DP Walker wrote 714 days ago

HI Andrew
Historical fiction is always so tricky to do as you need to have done your research well. However I think you have cracked this. The plot and characters are solid and your writing is superbly visual. This is a very clever read. Backed.
DP Walker
Five Dares

lynn clayton wrote 718 days ago

I'd never heard of Steampunk but if this is an example, I'm ready to become an addict. The mock-historical background, while giving us a sense of approximately where we are, leaves you free to give your invention and talent full rein. It's one of the most enjoyable and ingenious things I've read for a long time. Backed. lynn

Francesco wrote 719 days ago

The cover promises a bodice-ripper BUT this is a just a great ripping yarn!
Backed with pleasure! Good Luck!!
A look at Sicilian Shadows would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
If you back my work, you may also want to approach BJD (a big supporter of Sicilian Shadows) for a further possible backing of your book.

Blousie wrote 720 days ago

I love historical fiction and this didn't disappoint! Backed!

Karen
The Kid: A True Story of Cocaine, Corruption, Deceit and Betrayal


scottkenny wrote 722 days ago

What a great idea, Andrew. Believable characters developing within a fantastic world. Nothing to suggest other than formatting the pitch to read it more easily.
Scott.

Morven wrote 723 days ago

I am new to the genres of alternative history and steampunk and rapidly becoming an enthusiastic fan. This book gave me great pleasure to discover , it is fast moving and exciting from the very first paragraph, atmospheric and plausible in the recreation of a past world similiar to our own but with masses of the intriguing 'what if' factor that give alternative history novels their appeal..
Much steampunk, my own included, is written with the tongue firmly in cheek. Steam Palace reads like a serious and high quality historical novel, with the differences in the time line written with skill and subtlety. A great example of world building....backed with the greatest of pleasure.

Famlavan wrote 723 days ago

This is not only good this is very good!
Everything about this screams quality. You have developed a very addictive reality. – I am very impressed with this!!!

homewriter wrote 723 days ago

What an incredible start to your novel. Faultless. I loved it. Hope to find time to read more! Backed. Gordon (The Harpist of Madrid)

zan wrote 730 days ago

Steam Palace
Andrew Rosenberg

I think you have an unusual, interesting plot. Great imagination on your part.
(On a constructive note, I think your long pitch needs a slight edit - you use the words "this" and especially "like" quite a few times which seem superfluous.)
"Curse that wretched King and his demands." Your very first paragraph is a nice one - the dead blue baby and of course, a grieving mother. "What in the name of the Furies are you doing?" I love your language - entertaining and clever. Victoria snatches the live baby girl born to the fourteen year old mistress of her husband, who seems to be on her death bed anyway. "This is my baby now. That tramp owes me for her sin." The plot thickens so brilliantly as one reads on. I am enjoying this. Surely, this has to be a winner. Happy to have given it a spin on my shelf and hope to read more as time permits.

Patrick Fox wrote 730 days ago

I really like steampunk, although all I've read from the genre up to now has been British, which makes this the first steampunk I've read from an American perspective. Does it work? Hell yes. This is a very well written and intelligent tale with parallels to true life events and conflicts. The dialogue and dialects are expertly handled and give the whole thing an air of authenticity. In fact the whole premise is credible, which is something I've never seen before in this genre.

I wish you luck in securing a publisher.

Patrick

zrinka wrote 732 days ago

I'm finding some similarities here in the story of this milkmaid and another girl in Canada named Laura Secordd who did something similar under some similar circurmstances. So this is not so alternate and not so far fetched. Backed.

Cait wrote 732 days ago

Steam Palace:

My goodness… you sure know how to work a readers emotions!

Your writing is so vivid one wants to keep reading, and when the second baby arrived? O my… this promises to be a fantastic book. I wish it was in print right now.

Just a little nit, here. – The mother looked at her with wide eyes. – I know what you mean, but this could also mean that ‘Beatrice’ is the one with the wide eyes, as before this you say, Beatrice stood with wide eyes? Try – The mother looked at her ‘through’ wide eyes?

Is there a typo here? – Victoria was mad.- Should this be – ‘Beatrice’ was mad -?

It was Mel (Impeding Justice) who recommended this to me and I’m so glad she did. :o)

But about the last paragraph? Hmm… just my opinion, but I’d rather find this out myself rather than being told in advance? To me, it’s a bit of a spoiler and if I’m the only one who thinks like this, then ignore me, but I seldom read pitches, either, and I don’t even know what Steampunk means. ;o)

A great read, and already on my shelf.

Cáit ~ Muckers ~

mvw888 wrote 732 days ago

You have painted a time and place here that transports the reader immediately. Your initial scene, with the exchanging of the babies, is a page-turner and a great set-up for the rest of the novel. You have a wonderful pace to your prose and your grammar etc. is spot on. For "The woman's swollen eyes regarded him, her gaze penetrated his" you should have a semi colon, but really, hard to find any errors in this polished piece. You set up an elaborate story well, with the babies and then the introduction to Thomas and his mission. Great job, great story.
---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

StaKC wrote 732 days ago

Not my "thing," but I know enough to tell that this is masterfully written. Not just the quality and style of the writing itself, which would be evident in any genre, but the sheer detail of the world you put together is amazing. While it is not something I would ever buy to read myself, I would most certainly recommend it to any steampunk or alternate history fan out there, and there are a LOT of such fans. And, oddly enough, while I do not in any way like steampunk novels, I am a fan of steampunk movies. If this were ever to be made into a film (which I could easily see), I would definitely go, and probably buy the DVD.

James Rainsford wrote 733 days ago

A wonderfully imagined world, full of 'might have beens.' Captivating from the very beginnining, it is very well written with strong characterisation and convincing dialogue. Backed with pleasure.
James Rainsford. (The Incredible layla Moon)

lionel25 wrote 733 days ago

Andrew, your prologue is a smooth, entertaining read. Nothing to fault in that section.

Happy to back your work.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

KW wrote 733 days ago

"Curse that wretched King and his demands." Indeed. I love alternative histories since anything can happen to make history different than what we usually think it is. Frankly, history is different in every country. Also, it's different depending on the viewpoint of the individual historian. Overall, history is written by the victors; therefore, there are always alternative histories. Your book, though, takes that notion and goes into more extreme territory. Simply, I love it. I don't understand how an earlier reviewer wrote that he's "still trying to work out how and why history changed." Huh? "You getcher butt right back in there seat. Cows don't milk themselves." "You lookin' for greener pastures, huh?" Yeah, I want alternative history since the crap we've been fed of late is more than I can take. Preemptive war. Didn't we hear that back in 1939?

I'll be back to read more. I love the atmosphere of this. Backed for now.

Melcom wrote 734 days ago

Wow, what a cracking story. Oh what tangled webs we weave!!
Unique and compelling.

Can't wait to read more.
Shelved, definitely.
Melxxx

Zeta Pi wrote 734 days ago

Intriguing idea, although I think your pitch is a tad overloaded. Ok, so maybe you have a lot going on in your novel, but you don’t need so much info and could put people off. Simplify your pitch to draw readers in.
It starts off a little flat but then becomes more pacy. Also, the head hopping can be confusing, although I understand why it’s happening. I think you need to vary the voice to clarify which character we’re inside.
All the best with it. ZP

Barry Wenlock wrote 734 days ago

Top stuff Andrew -- absolutely fabulous. A sort of modern day' If...'
Original? Not 'arf!
BACKED!

Barry

Little Krisna and the Bihar Boys

klouholmes wrote 734 days ago

Hi Andrew, This is a jolt with the American girl slave and the wild switch of babies. The story already has a rampant plot and Lady Victoria’s authority becomes humorous when the girl doesn’t die. It’s a fascinating idea and portends, with the synopsis, of becoming even more rattling! Shelved – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

Andrew Burans wrote 736 days ago

Science fiction meets gothic drama - your work is unique, well done and is an entertaining read. Your use of imagery is excellent and your character development is solid. Backed with pleasure.

Cheers,
Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

ltravnicek wrote 738 days ago

I don't think I blinked once reading the first chapter. Wow! Talk about riveting!

Beval wrote 738 days ago

High gothic drama, plus adventure and a splendid plot.
This is everything Steampunk should be.

soutexmex wrote 738 days ago

Welcome aboard, Andrew. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. The short pitch is brilliant. With the long pitch, break it down into smaller paragraphs so it reads faster. Also end it with a succinct question so it piques your reader's interest. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Ariom Dahl wrote 738 days ago

melodrama, romance and excitement! Edgar Rice Burroughs would have been proud of this.

Kidd1 wrote 739 days ago

Wow! An alternate universe, like following through with 'What if.." Excellent writing style and voice. Backed.

I hope you will give mine a read and back it if you like it.
Best,
Robert
Golden Conspiracy

Tom B wrote 739 days ago

Excellent stuff, still trying to work out how and why history changed. The word romp has never been so aptly used.

mikegilli wrote 739 days ago

Very good. This entertaining world needs publishing
ASAP. I enjoyed what I read and would love top read it all.
Shelved with enthusiasm
mikegilli The Free

Iapetus999 wrote 741 days ago

@Donna Thanks!

@DC: It's one thing to change history, it's another to figure out how/why it changed.

@Mrs. B: I have 8 chapters up I think. More in the next few weeks

@Burgio: Thanks for the support!

@Suzie: Hmm...not sure it really evokes Esther but hey, love to be compared to the greats! Thanks for backing, I'll be sure to check yours out!

SusieGulick wrote 741 days ago

Dear Andrew, I love your intriguing story - it's wonderful - a cross between Esther in the Bible & someone going undercover to save her people - so well written, especially for an earlier time-period. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your recap/pitch,which was very well done. Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book: When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)

Burgio wrote 741 days ago

STEAM PALACE
I like stories of alternative universes so your pitch jumped out at me. The first chapter is a shocker; really pulls a reader into the story. I like your dialogue a lot: the way you use different accents makes this sound authentic. Overall: a good read. I’ve added this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Butler's Girl wrote 741 days ago

Steam Palace

Identicle twins seperated at birth, tea,corsets ,goggles.

I read the first chapter and was hooked...wonderful prose.
Andrew is an incredibly talented writer...I'llbe reading the whole novel..is it all posted? Hope so!

Alison Butler and owner of a Vollers steel bone corset...would like one custom made by Mr Pearl though!

D.C. Grace wrote 742 days ago

Really great ideas and interesting concept! I started an "alternative history" fiction piece a few years ago, so I know how hard it can be, especially when it comes to detail. Really well crafted, nice pace, I love it! Two thumbs way up!
Write on! :)
D.C. Grace
The Sacred Oath

donnaburgess wrote 743 days ago

I love Alt. History. Strong writing and a great concept! Backed.

Donna Burgess (Darklands)

Iapetus999 wrote 744 days ago

Hi folks. I just added four more chapters. Thanks for your interest!

Iapetus999 wrote 747 days ago

BTW I've been swamped but I promise I will be checking out every's books over the next couple of days! Thanks so much for your comments!

@Mal: Thanks! I'm trying to make it sound like period writers but with modern POV devices.

@Missy: There should be more up in a few days! Be patient and you will be rewarded.

@Raymond: Hmm I hope I didn't confuse people. Victoria's baby is still dead. Victoria steals Laurel's firstborn. Then Laurel delivers a *second* baby...the twin of the first. She thinks the dead baby is hers but it's Victoria's. So we have twins separated at birth, one to live a noble life, the other destined for hardship. I'll review the scene and make sure it's clear that there are actually three babies born that night. And since there's only a single placenta...they have to be identical. I hope people catch that but maybe I need to make it explicit.

missyfleming_22 wrote 748 days ago

Oh man, this is awesome. I am loving your writing style and the story itself. I've read all you have posted and will wait patiently for more!! In all honesty this is good, I think it's got a lot to offer a reader and I love the alternate history you've got going on, so interesting. Best of luck with this, I think it's got some great potential. Am never sure how I feel about steampunk but this really won me over!

Missy
Mark of Eternity

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