Mars On the Rise

Mars on the Rise by Rae Gee

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this for review.

This is certainly not a read for everybody, but I really liked it. This is the first steampunk novel that I have read and I found it very different than what I am used to. Its a completely different world set in Victorian times, full of fantastical machines.

This story is told from Cedo's point of view. He's a local storyteller that is discovered by the wealthy, mysterious Erus. Erus takes him in and tells him that he sees great potential in his talent. Theirs is a complicated relationship that makes you wonder why Cedo stays or even why he loves Erus. But often there is no explanation as to why one loves another, after all there is a saying that love has no reason why. The character of Billy is at the other end of the spectrum from Erus, and one that I would love to see more of.

There are some very relevant issues woven into this story: war and peace and the impact it has on economy, domestic violence, and also poverty and the differences between the economic classes. All of these issues have been carefully woven in, each one bringing the story to life.

Overall, I really liked this story. Its certainly not for everone, there are some scenes of M/M that are definitely steamy and there are also some pretty violent parts as well which makes me say this is for those over 18. But these scenes definitely enhance the story and not detract from it.



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