About Shifting Steam
edited by Lorna Hinson, with stories by Rowan Benjamin, Missouri Dalton, Ekaterina Morris, Lydia Nyx, M. Raiya, Lynn Townsend and Emory
Vargas
209 pages / 57800 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-542-3
Ebook zipped file contains -
html, lit, Adobe and Sony optimized pdf, prc, epub, also available in
paperback from amazon.com
Steampunk and shifters? Do they even go together? Of course they do.
Steampunk is all about the possible, the magical and the otherworldly.
Shapeshifters are all about bending the idea of humanity into new shapes.
Combine them, and you get Shifting Steam.
The stories in Shifting Steam pave the way for a magical journey through
space and time to alternate realities, where anything is possible. From
dragons to birds, from Victorian era expositions to secret laboratories,
these stories explore what happens when man meets beast in a world of
airship captains and fantastic creatures. Whether it’s a Jekyll and Hyde
style beast, a wolfman who would rather not be a wolf, or a man who wishes
he could fly, every kind of creature gets its day in the steampunk sun. Step
into the world of Shifting Steam and let it transport you to a sexy,
fantastical new universe.
Shifting Steam features stories from authors Rowan Benjamin, Missouri Dalton, Ekaterina
Morris, Lydia Nyx, M Raiya, Lynn Townsend and Emory Vargas.
Review
Mara Ismine, author of Smoke: a Dark Masters' story, writes: This is a
great collection of stories featuring steam, magic and shapeshifters. The
steam age inventions are wonderful, the magic is complex and the
shapeshifters are, mostly, gorgeous. Each story explores a different facet
of steampunk from a different angle to form a very varied selection of
enjoyable male/male tales.
Shadow of Kenfig by Lynn Townsend
Lord Seth Maitland needs an expert on gwr (werewolves) and Dr. Poindexter
Fitzhugh is the obvious choice. Seth plays his cards close to his chest, in
more ways than one, to get Dex to help. A beautifully detailed picture of
gas lit London clubs, clockwork prostheses and werewolves. I loved the
‘Steamies’ that have a driver and need a second coachman to shovel coal and
maintain the engine. The world is so well built and clearly visualized that
I am sure there will be more stories set in it, perhaps more about Seth and
Dex.
The Cormorant by Emory Vargas
Miles Anderson Benjamin has always known what he wanted to do with his life.
His ambition to study supernatural ocean creatures is not encouraged by his
mother, or his teachers, such things do not fit with the technologically
advanced New England where Miles grows up. Miles has to become an engineer
to be able to support himself and his obsession, but the wonders of steam
power only engage a fraction of his attention which gives this story an
almost contemporary feel as we see things through Miles’ eyes without a
detailed explanation; this skilful understatement paints a surprisingly
clear background. As far as Miles is concerned dirigibles and brass aerial
gondolas are efficient means of getting to the ocean. Miles’ single minded
determination is endearing.
The Shores of Loch Mor by Missouri Dalton
Gaelic is the international language in this story and magic exists
alongside steam. This gives an interesting background to the cast of
entertaining characters. Lord Felix has been cursed by the god Loki and is
searching for a shapeshifter in Eire to break the curse. Carwyn is one of
the Mistborn and a puca (a shapeshifter); he falls in love with Felix at
first sight, which is the way of his people, and then has to find a way of
attracting Felix’s attention. The happy ending takes a lot more effort than
falling in love. Another world and characters I’d love to revisit.
Origin by M. Raiya
Wells has been serving his master, the dragon Justin, for a very long time
and dislikes their occasional forays into the modern world. The seamier side
of Victorian Liverpool is an unpleasant experience for both of them, but
they are obliged to investigate reports of a renegade dragon flying in
daylight after it attacks a child. Wells just wants things cleared up so
they can go home to their cave in Scotland and their peaceful life there.
I’m sure that there are more tales to be told of Justin and Wells long life
together and I’ll be looking out for them.
Nine and Fifty Swans by Rowan Benjamin
Ian Fanshawe has a commission to design a special uniform for Her Majesty’s
Royal Avian Force, the Swans. Ian is fascinated by the shapeshifters and
envious of their ability to fly. He is more than fascinated by their
commanding officer, Simon Cobbe. Simon seems to be equally fascinated by
Ian. Ian avoids Simon as much as he can because he is not worthy, but in his
spare time he works on his own project so that he can approach Simon as an
equal. Ian’s shyness and pride are the real obstacles that Simon has to
battle. A very gentle and charmingly stilted courtship ensues. The mood of
this one is very Victorian and I felt Ian’s embarrassment when he wakes up
without clothes after an accident. Another detailed world that should spawn
more stories.
Mr. Black and the Expo by Lydia Nyx
Gerard has come home to Chicago from his travels around the world to attend
the 1890 New World Scientific Expo where his inventor father is the centre
of attention. Jack is a wanted criminal for stealing an artifact in South
Africa and has travelled back to the US as a wolf in Gerard’s company.
Gerard would rather have Jack in man-form, but doesn’t want his lover
arrested. Jack has his own ideas about which form he will use. Their visit
to civilization isn’t peaceful and they have to save Gerard’s father, and
his latest invention, from unscrupulous thieves. Gerard struggles with his
worries for his father and his lover while wishing he was still in the wilds
where life was so much simpler. I would love to read prequels and sequels to
this.
Affliction by Ekaterina Morris
This is a Jekyll and Hyde type story. Harry loses a promising future and
turns to opium to relieve his depression. He is then forced into crime to
cover his debts. Gideon is a brilliant but sickly chemist who develops a
serum that should cure anything. It works but the side effects turn him into
a monster. Gideon discovers Harry in the act of stealing his notes and they
form an unlikely partnership to find a cure for Gideon and keep his notes
safe. This is a story without any magic except the magic of love. Genius and
scholarship are the driving forces behind the invention of the serum and
Harry and Gideon make a sweet couple.
Sample
From Nine and Fifty Swans by Rowan Benjamin
"Settling in for the evening, Fanshawe?"
Ian nearly fell from his seat in surprise. Panting a bit, he looked about for the source of the unexpected inquiry. Wing Commander Cobbe stood outside the workshop window, well-muscled chest glistening with water.
"Yes. Well, soon," Fanshawe managed. "I've just been watching your drills and making some notes for myself, you see? I'll be ready to begin properly once my materials arrive."
"Of course," Cobbe said with a laugh, "I wouldn't expect you to have made much yet, with nothing to make it from but metal scraps."
"Sheets of brass mostly," Ian said, pointing behind himself. "For grommets, and fittings, and so on. I've made a lot of grommets. Eyelets."
"I wasn't aware you worked with metal. I just knew you were a tailor." Cobbe raised one fine eyebrow.
"I am, yes. Rather, I am a Sartorial Engineer. I've been trained in many of the latest mechanical advances. In fact," Ian held up a small brass circle, "I made these grommets this morning, though they basically make themselves. I use an automated press."
"I think I heard it."
"You would have, I'm afraid. It works quickly, but not quietly. I'm frightfully sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry for, old boy." Cobbe smiled broadly, and his smooth face dimpled. "We all have a job to do, and yours is perhaps the most important if we're ever going to get up into the airships without freezing. We can't take the cold, but we can deal with a bit of noise."
"I'm very happy to be of use to you. Doing my part."
"As are we all." Cobbe's smile wavered momentarily, and a brief look of consideration crossed his face. "I don't suppose you'd have eaten, Fanshawe. Would you care to dine with me in my quarters? I have a fantastic bottle of Madeira I've been anxious for a reason to open."
Ian felt himself go bloodless. The Wing Commander must have noticed him taking his meals after the Swans had eaten. The cook had obliged Fanshawe's awkward request, and began to set aside a tray for him so that he might avoid the discomforting gazes of the bird men.
"Please," Ian said. "Don't go to the trouble on my account. I have a lot to attend to, I think, and it's easier for everyone if-"
"Say no more," Simon interrupted. "Another time."
"Another time, certainly."
"I'm holding you to your word then, Fanshawe. Another time." Cobbe turned away from the window and began walking. Fanshawe watched the rippling musculature of the Wing Commander's back as he crossed the courtyard. Looking back over his shoulder, Cobbe called across the short distance. "And, Fanshawe, if you'd ever like to watch again, feel free to come outside."