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3.0 

Hope, Tears, Steam, Gears

By Gregory L. Norris
Hope, Tears, Steam, Gears by Gregory L. Norris digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

At the request of the Earl of Kensington, Donovan Tisdale attends a mind-expanding presentation by Richard Sandominus Flynn, the Minster of Steam-based Sciences. Flynn reveals the next step in steam-based power—flights to the moon and far beyond conducted by mechanical men.

The attraction between Donovan and Flynn ignites from the moment they meet and follows them through the dangerous political climate of Her Majesty's jeweled city as dark powers seek to dismantle the clean-based power poised to send humanity to the stars.

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1 Review

3.0
“The short blurb bit: This is a steampunk-feeling short story with a M/M love interest. It’s a short piece of prose that is very well written. Norris’ writing is fluid and poetic. The descriptive bit: When Donovan Tisdale goes to a presentation about trips to the moon and mechanical humans, he finds himself instantly drawn the presenter. Richard Sandominus Flynn, Minister of Steam-based Research and Technology catches Donovan’s eye across the room and there are sparks. They arrange to meet and Flynn offers Donovan a life-changing mission. Then things go awry. Donovan is kidnapped and suddenly finds himself in mortal danger. My thoughts bit: This was far too short! My sense is that Norris is absolutely capable of the world-building it would take to make Hope, Tears, Steam, Gears into a novel. Norris packs this small piece of writing with a sense of intrigue, desire, and fear. "AROUND US, THE city steamed. The gears of the city’s giant clocks turned, their hands tolling the seconds and minutes of a long, moonless night. Most of my fellow Londoners slumbered, oblivious to the murder about to be committed. Mine." - a gorgeous excerpt from "Hope, Tears, Steam, Gears" SPOILER: The connection between Donovan and Flynn happens quickly and the progression is a bit quick, but it’s a short story. The description of the clockwork version of Flynn was beautiful. Again, I would love to read more from Norris on this story. I feel like there was a lot that was left unsaid. The warnings bit: violence, attempted sexual assault, homophobia”

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