Sunday 3 December 2017

Discovering Aberration by S C Barrus + Free Book


Discovering Aberration by S C Barrus
First published in America by Away And Away in January 2014.

Sign up to S C Barrus' mailing list to get a free copy of this book


How I got this book:
Downloaded the ebook

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An ancient map stolen. A lost civilization discovered. A terrible secret unleashed.

Thaddeus Lumpen's archaeology career is near collapse, thanks to the machinations of rivals who would kill to claim a discovery for themselves. In desperation he turns to Freddy Fitzgerald, a rebellious writer who still maintains connections from his days as a street hooligan. For Lumpen to get ahead of his even less scrupulous competitors he must steal an ancient map and forge a path to an island where a lost civilization waits to be found. For Freddy, it's a chance to sell the story of a lifetime.

But nothing is as simple as it appears from halfway across the world. Old acquaintances become enemies, professional rivalries turn violent, and a notorious gang lord wants his map back. The island itself holds dangers that Freddy and Lumpen couldn't have prepared to face--and horrifying secrets that might be better left buried. Beset by wild beasts, cutthroat competitors, and dangers darker still, the two men fight not for glory, but their own survival... before the island pushes them past the brink of insanity.

DISCOVERING ABERRATION is a alternative history adventure novel. Inspired by the classic science fiction, adventure, and horror writers who spawned what would later become the steampunk genre, DISCOVERING ABERRATION is part Victorian era urban romp, part dark fantasy adventure.

Excellent news reached me a week or so ago that S C Barrus' steampunk serialisation, The Gin Thief, is back on its rails and I can expect the second installment in the new year. I noticed I hadn't yet transferred my thoughts on its predecessor, Discovering Aberration, from Stephanie Jane to Literary Flits so am doing so today!

I first saw Discovering Aberration some three years ago marketed on Google+ as a 'steampunk adventure' which intrigued me so I downloaded a copy. The story is inventive with an interesting plot and a strong steampunk feel. It doesn't have a particularly fast pace but Barrus' wordy style is reminiscent of true Victorian authors so I found that this helped to add atmosphere. The varying viewpoints of the narration is a clever touch and nicely done. I did like the cheeky derivation of some characters' names. Overall reading this story feels like reading a classic adventure mystery so if you like that style of book, I would definitely recommend giving Discovering Aberration a try.

"I'm always homesick for the journey" too!


Search Literary Flits for more:
Books by S C Barrus / Steampunk fiction / Books from America

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