I don’t often do book reviews here. Frankly, I’m not comfortable reviewing the work of other writers—not only because I don’t feel qualified, but because I’m aware that I read with an author’s eye, which may not always be fair to the work.

I do make exceptions, however.

I don’t know Meljean Brook, and previously read nothing more than the occasional excerpt of her work. She seemed talented, and I thought I’d get around to reading more one day. The enthusiastic reviews for “The Iron Duke” from nearly every quarter convinced me to give this one a try.

And what’s not to love? I’ve been pretty ‘meh’ on steampunk thus far, but this book is exceptional. Plucky heroine, gruff hero, flying airships, pirates, scoundrels, zombies, and krackens–oh, my. As a reader it’d be difficult NOT to find something in this book you’d like.
The romance was sensual, the pace kept me reading. I sincerely liked the main characters (especially the hero, Rhys…BIG sigh), and rooted for them until the end.

But the star of this novel would have to be the amazing worldbuilding. Whatever Ms. Brook is sprinkling on her cornflakes should be shared with everyone. Amazing stuff. She left me well able to imagine being part of this alternate world.
That may, actually, be one of my few problems with the story. There was almost too MUCH worldbuilding. From the conquering Horde, to the ships, the mechanized prosthetics, the steam engines; from delicate devices for pleasuring to mechanized monsters that can commandeer city blocks. It was all too much to take in, too much for one story (although I see there are sequels to come). Good thing. I don’t think re-reading would be quite enough, frankly.

It has, I think, raised the steampunk bar to a formidable height.
Great story. Highly recommended.