Violet sees her opportunity when her father departs for America. The school is run by his son, Ernest, who continues his father's policy that the small, exclusive college remain male-only. Violet Adams wants to attend Illyria College, a widely renowned school for the most brilliant up-and-coming scientific minds, founded by the late Duke Illyria, the greatest scientist of the Victorian Age. Can't ask for more than that.Inspired by two of the most beloved works by literary masters, All Men of Genius takes place in an alternate Steampunk Victorian London, where science makes the impossible possible. This book made me laugh, out loud, at several points. And while he jumps between heads often, it's always clear whose thoughts you're following. Rosen takes a few pages here and there to flesh out even minor characters so their motivations are understood. The plot becomes more and more complex as new characters are added, each with their own plans that interfere with those of the others. It has the feel of Victorian literature, with subtle wit and constant references to things of the period.Īs a steampunk novel there's a lot of experimentation going on, but very little scientific explanation, so those who want a more hard SF feel should look elsewhere, while those wishing for a book to ease someone into genre should think of this as the perfect gift.

This is a delightful romp that could well have been written by Oscar Wilde himself. Being a man is more difficult than Violet considered, and it turns out to be quite an interesting year, filled with experimentation, drinking, exploring the labyrinthine basement of the school, blackmail, avoiding the love of Cicely (ward of Illyria's duke) and dealing with her own complicated feelings towards said duke. Violet Adams has a plan to attend the illustrious school of science, Illyria, by dressing the year as her twin brother Ashton. The Importance of Being Earnest meets Twelfth Night in this fabulously written debut novel. Pros: fabulous writing, witty, complex story with multiple subplots, endearing characters, emotional punchĬons: the first 5 pages are a bit over the top, get past them and the rest of the book is fabulous

Science Fiction and Fantasy Books Coming in Decemb.

Book Review: Dark Eden by Patrick Carman.Book Review: The Prague Cemetery by Umberto Eco.Book Review: The Emperor's Knife by Mazarkis Williams.Paperback Writer's 10 Things Women Do Only In Novels.Book Review: All Men Of Genius by Lev A.Book Review: The Death Cure by James Dashner.Science Fiction and Fantasy Events in Toronto, Dec.

All men of genius by lev ac rosen