Somehow I wasn't in the mood for this one and just got bored with the Bell-Fairfax shenanigans. Oh well. ( )

The last Company novel Kage Baker published before her death is set in the mid-nineteenth century and follows the exploits of the genetically engineered Edward Alton Bell-Fairfax while on his first real assignment for the mysterious organization known as the Gentlemen’s Speculative Society. Because of the setting, this novel has a “steampunk” feel to it and includes the Society’s use of information and technology supplied from the future, presumably by the Company. This book shows the more human side of Bell-Fairfax and his efforts to understand some of his unique abilities and justify the grizzly work of political assassinations he is called on to perform. The previous Company books in which he appeared presented him as arrogant and egotistical while this one shows him more like a cross between Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, and Spiderman. Although there is a lot of action in this book, the central conflict is internal to the main character and his struggle to reconcile selfish needs, compassion, respect, idealism, loyalty, and duty. ( )

Years ago, Kage Baker began the Company series, which followed near-immortal time-traveling cyborgs in their adventures throughout human history. Yes, they were as much fun as they sound--and exhibited an excellent grasp of history and a gift for tragedy, as well.

This book, not so much. It's a prequel to [b:Mendoza in Hollywood|514439|Mendoza in Hollywood (The Company, #3)|Kage Baker|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1175443403s/514439.jpg|1441654], but is best read after [b:The Children of the Company|270489|The Children of the Company (The Company, #6)|Kage Baker|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1173300939s/270489.jpg|1441696]. The problem with this book is the cheeky, irreverant humor is missing, and the sense of impending doom is gone. And even by the end, I didn't have much idea of the characters' personalities. Edward himself is a fascinating man, but this book provides no new insights to him. The plot itself is episodic, with no narrative tension--Edward is told to go places and do things, and he goes and does them without much, if any, problems. I never felt worried about whether his mission would succeed or not, because I never got a good idea of what it was, or why it mattered. Overall, this was a disappointment, and only worthwhile if you really need more Company in your life. ( )

There is an Assassination Bureau, working for the Company. , It is the origin of Edward Bell Fairfax, who plays a large role in other Kage Baker books. Good read, from a list sadly cut short.. ( )

Plot arc is a bit weak, but I love anything in the Company universe. Fun. ( )