Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Whitechapel Gods by S.M. Peters


Whitechapel Gods
S.M. Peters
ROC
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-46193-3

Effectively separated from the rest of London by a wall, the residents of Whitechapel have launched an attack on those who hold them captive. Grandfather Clock and Mama Engine think of themselves as gods, and rule with deadly force. Through their ever present minions they’ll destroy anyone who attempts to stand in their way.

Family and friends are catching an ailment that changes them into something mechanical that leaves little of their human form behind. Those who fought and survived the former Uprising have gathered, planned and created weapons to aid in their new attack. A devoted few will see it through to the end, at any cost. With a third god on the rise, these brave men and women are Whitechapel’s only hope of survival.

Whitechapel Gods is a dark fantasy set in a sinister version of Victorian London. The citizens of Whitechapel have had all they’re going to take of the mechanical monsters who have imprisoned them. Win or lose, they’re prepared to fight. With a well-formed world and intriguing characters, S.M. Peters pens an impressive tale. Thoroughly dark, often creepy and carefully detailed, Whitechapel Gods will keep fantasy readers engaged to the final showdown.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, this sounds AWESOME! Mr. Odom had this cover posted on his blog and I thought it was cool even then. Now reading the review, I have to check this one out!

Ladytink_534 said...

That certainly sounds original!

Kimberly Swan said...

T.C. - To me it's a dark fantasy and is probably right up your alley. :)

LadyTink 534 - I've never read anything else like it. :)

Robert said...

I wouldn't quite classify the book as 'dark fantasy'. To be sure, the setting is oppressive and atmospheric, and some of the violence can be graphic, but overall it's a pretty accessible and fast-paced novel. If it was a movie, it'd probably get a PG-13 rating :)

Btw, I'll be sure to link your review!

Kimberly Swan said...

Hey Robert - That's because you'd know better what to classify it as. :) I'm not often lured away from urban fantasy or paranormal, but I couldn't resist this one. Who knows, maybe I'll be tempted now to stray more often. It would be pretty awesome to see this made into a movie, but could they really do it justice?

Cool...Thank you! :)

Robert said...

Well, I think the 'urban fantasy' classification covers a pretty broad range. I've described Charlie Huston's Joe Pitt novels as such, though they are quite different from what I've read in the subgenre. Some of the books by Clive Barker and Neil Gaiman could fall in that category as well. And I've heard authors like China Mieville, Jeff VanderMeer, and Charles de Lint described as such as well, although they are nothing like Laurell K. Hamilton or Kim Harrison :) So I guess it really depends on what kind of urban fantasy you like...

Kimberly Swan said...

True, there is quite a bit that seems to fall under it. When I think of urban fantasy it is exactly LKH, Charlaine Harris, Jeanne Stein, Kim Harrison, etc. that come to mind. Vampires and werewolves have been the biggest draw, but I guess that has been expanding over the years.:)

Konnor Luchies said...

S.M Peters was my writing teacher in high school and he is an absolutely brilliant writer and person. I strongly encourage everyone to check out his work.

Kimberly Swan said...

Honnor - How cool! Did you get a chance to read Ghost Ocean? Another fabulous read! :)