Review: A Matter of Temperance by Ichabod Temperance

A Matter of Temperance by Ichabod, AF -Steampunk, 2013, 262p, Rating=3.5
Source: Kindle freebie; author asked me to review this book

In a past that never was...
The year is 1869. Earth experiences the close pass of a comet never before seen. In its wake, many of Terra's inhabitants find themselves changed. Among men, prodigies rise in unprecedented numbers, while many ordinary adults suddenly find themselves possessed of preternatural genius. Likewise, non-hominid animals become self-aware and intelligent.
Fast forward to 1875. A young “comet prodigy” from humble beginnings, Ichabod Temperance, has become the world's foremost inventor. He travels to England to deliver his latest brilliant invention to a famous explorer, until Fate intervenes. Meanwhile, a lovely young Bluestocking, Miss Persephone Plumtartt, survives an experimental accident only to find herself imbued with a power she can neither understand nor control, while dark forces and malevolent creatures pursue her, leaving a gruesome wake of death.
Yet, worse is to come. The naïve young inventor and the lovely intellectual find themselves fighting not only to save their own lives, but to prevent the destruction of all life on Earth.

This novel certainly can't be accused of lacking adventure nor acronymic gadgets.  What a ride!  Ichabod and Persephone certainly had an unusually exciting meeting and journey thereafter.  Ichabod couldn't seem to pass up saving Persephone every chance he got and there was plenty.  Plenty paranormals after Persephone so plenty of opportunities for Ichabod to practice his gentlemanliness and use of his inventions.  What an adorable couple they turned out to be.  Opposites do attract.  I wonder what they'll be up to in the next installment!

I thought I hadn't read any steampunk but I read Cassandra Clare's Clock Work Angel and enjoyed it.  A Matter of Temperance is in that same genre but this take is lighter.  There was some giggle worthy moments.  Mix that with around the world backdrop and you've got yourself a fast moving venturesome book.  As you can imagine, I enjoyed Ichabod's stop in the Philippines.  Not much was said but I like the mention nonetheless. 

My impression of the writing was fearless and dramatic.  I got a theatrical feel in the read.  Wouldn't be surprised if this gets turned into film.  Hence, a solid good book.  It just needs another editing run through to clean up some minor composing texts.

**If you recall, Mr. Temperance stopped by here for an author interview.  Go HERE to learn more about him and his book.

Purchase the series here: