The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth Narrator: Michelle Babb
Published by CamCat Publishing LLC on January 12, 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk, Ucrony
Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Narrator
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Overal Rating:
In 1897, a fiery British aristocrat and an inept US spy search for a stolen invisibility serum that could spark a global war.
Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogue inventors. Selling exotic firearms under her alias, the ‘Brass Queen,’ has kept her baronial estate’s coffers full. But when US spy, Trusdale, saves her from assassins, she’s pulled into a search for a scientist with an invisibility serum. As royal foes create an invisible army to start a global war, Constance and Trusdale must learn to trust each other. If they don’t, the world they know will literally disappear before their eyes.
Set in a steampunk 1897, the Brass Queen tells the story of Constance Haltwhistle, who finds herself in a difficult situation regarding their family estate. According to popular knowledge, her father disappeared and probably died, when in reality, he’s just living in another dimension. Constance will lose the state if she doesn’t marry soon, as women cannot lawfully inherit property without a man beside them. While Constance is busy celebrating a party to try to find a prospective husband, some of her associates in her arms dealings are kidnapped by a mysterious enemy.
The premises of this story sounded quite original and attractive. A story with steampunk vibes and mentions of another dimension, I couldn’t wait! It was an entertaining book, full of snappy and witty comments and funny adventures, but it wasn’t exactly what I expected, and this is why my review might be biased. I somehow expected Constance’s father to appear more than he did, and that this would have meant some transdimensional travels and whatnot. I also expected it to be more of a character-driven story. In a way, it was, but maybe not as I expected or I would have liked. This is basically a romance with steampunk vibes and some adventure. I also expected more danger and adventure after reading the first chapter, but Constance and Truesdale were busy running around like headless chickens for the most part of the book. I think having more developed main characters would have helped me to relate to them, but they were quite bare bones. I enjoyed their adventures anyway, and I think this would be a great book for romance fans.
Michelle Babb’s narration was great and my main reason to listen to this book. She always delivers amazing character interpretations with the right nuances when witty comments are made. Jokes and funny situations get to be more powerful thanks to Babb’s narration, and this is something I thoroughly enjoy. I will definitely get out of my comfort zone regarding genres just to listen to Michelle Babb bringing characters to life.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.| Story (Plot) |
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My name is Elena. Since I was a little child I loved science fiction and fantasy, and I can’t resist a good novel. In 2015, while wait I started to listen to audiobooks and I discovered the pleasure in being able to read while doing my daily tasks, so there’s always an audiobook playing on my phone. If you see me with my Bluetooth headphones on, please be gentle, I get easily startled.
I live with my boyfriend, which I met during my six-year stay in Belgium, four cockatiels, eight lovebirds, and a hamster in Madrid, Spain; and I like to spend my free time knitting and sewing while listening to audiobooks.
