In a world that is much like one to be found in a Steampunk universe, it may be 1914 and some of the politics and the fact that there is a world war are familiar, but it is a very different version of reality than the one we know from our past. Clockwork machinery rules the day, but steam does not drive it, rather it is powered by magic (technomancy), diesel (hence the author has dubbed this Dieselpunk), or the highly illegal energy of souls (necromancy). The Austro-Hungarian and the German empire under the leadership of the Prussians are fighting the Tsar and the Russian Empire, while France and other nations have not yet joined the war. Zeppelins and giant soldiers in the form of human-powered exoskeletons are supporting the fight, and numerous other fascinating little details make this alternate reality come to life. The result is an imaginative action/adventure that is suspenseful and very entertaining.

Konstantin is an archmage from Vienna on loan to Prussia so he can help figure out the superior Russian clockwork war machines. He is dedicated to the work in his lab and not very sociable, and his preference for men will get him killed if he is discovered since sodomy is illegal. But there is a certain zeppelin captain who is hard to resist, and when they are sent on a “diplomatic” mission – read: they are supposed to spy for the Austro-Hungarian/German alliance – to St. Petersburg, Konstantin and Theodore give in to temptation. Of course this has disastrous consequences, and added to Konstantin’s attempts to stop the Russians from using illegal means to win the war, things get a lot worse for both of them before they have a chance to improve the situation.

If you like imaginative worlds that are only vaguely related to our own, if two men who fight almost insurmountable odds to be together are your thing, and if you’re looking for a suspenseful adventure with lots of mishaps, funny moments, and some fantastical technology, then you will probably like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )

I've read and liked the two books of the series so I read this novella, too; all the better that it focused on Konstantin, an interesting character who could have more adventures on his own.
I knew there was going to be romance and it was fine, the series had a nice balance, but the story here is just a backdrop for the romance, and a dull one at that.

Both the protagonists behave either stiffly or as giddy teenagers and there is neither tension nor intensity. The story has too many gaps and contrived plot devices (like, where is the strict Russian surveillance since Himmel and Konstantin are allowed to go traipsing as they please? Or what's with the friendly guard dog? And how come Konstantin was fired but nobody notified his team? And what about unattended diesel pumps in the middle of nowhere at the right moment? Not to mention masquerades. Oh, whatever.), it's predictable and not convincing.

The ending was consistent with the boring ride. I could have safely skipped this one, it adds nothing to the series.

“Why did you decide to tell me tonight?” “Because this might be my only shot.” ( )

3.5/5
This was a nice read, a bit underdeveloped on a personal level, but nice. What I enjoyed most is the portrayal of Russia. I know it's steampunk and I know it doesn't have to be culturally or historically accurate, and I know that inconsistencies always piss me off no matter the excuse. And yet, Clockwork Menagerie was above reproach. I was reading about Konstantin having a cup of tea on the train and it struck me, that Karen Kincy made it familiar for me, - I knew and loved this Russia, and it made me very happy.



Overall, the strength of this novella is in its world-building. The technomancy is bright and wonderful without going into too much detail, the travel is exciting, the masque ball is dangerous and beautiful.



It's the characters I wasn't happy with, they were all over the place without taking over the main plotline. Both Konstantin and Theodore lacked substance in their relationship with each other, and I found that slightly annoying.


Still, this was an enjoyable read, and the ending gave me a nice jolt. What will this couple do next?! Recommended. ( )