by Lavie Tidhar
First published 2010
Young poet Orphan witnesses chaos when a masked terrorist detonates bombs hidden inside books throughout London. The attack coincides with the launch of the first Mars expedition, fired from a giant cannon. Orphan realizes his fate connects to this shadowy figure known as the Bookman, but the nature of their bond remains unclear. His search for answers leads him through London's secret underground tunnels as revolution threatens the city. He sails across dangerous waters ruled by pirates and reaches a remote island that may reveal the Bookman's origins and Orphan's own mysterious past. In this alternate Victorian world, giant lizards rule as royalty while automatons walk the streets. Airships cross the skies and steam powers fantastic machines. Orphan must navigate political upheaval, technological marvels, and personal discovery as he pursues the truth about the enigmatic terrorist whose actions have changed his life forever.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, fantasy, alternate-history
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, mystery, political-intrigue
Setting: London, Mars, Island
Period: Victorian
395 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Angry Robot