HE INHERITED A WATCHMAKER'S STORE - AND A WHOLE HEAP OF TROUBLE. But idle sometime-musician George has little talent for clockwork. And when a shadowy figure tries to steal an old device from the premises, George finds himself embroiled in a mystery of time travel, music and sexual intrigue. A genuine lost classic, a steampunk original whose time has come.
Infernal Devices (Angry Robot)
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store. |
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
K.W. Jeter is a respected American novelist who wrote what was likely the first true cyberpunk novel, Dr. Adder,
which was enthusiastically recommended by Philip K. Dick. His many original novels range between dark noir-horror
and visionary science fiction. He has also written several authorized sequels to Blade Runner (aka Do Androids Dream of
Electric Sheep). The author lives in Las Vegas, NV.
which was enthusiastically recommended by Philip K. Dick. His many original novels range between dark noir-horror
and visionary science fiction. He has also written several authorized sequels to Blade Runner (aka Do Androids Dream of
Electric Sheep). The author lives in Las Vegas, NV.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In his introduction to this novel, K.W. Jeter discusses the steampunk phenomenon. Distilled to its essence, Jeter's explanation is: If you name it, they will come. Jeter coined the word steampunk; readers wanted this new thing called steampunk; writers filled the demand for steampunk. Although I'm not a big follower of steampunk, I am a fan of K.W. Jeter, and so I seized the opportunity to read Infernal Devices, first published in 1987 and now reissued by Angry Robot. I quickly found myself drawn into Jeter's sumptuous Nineteenth Century prose, which may have been modeled upon early H.G. Wells but brought to mind Arthur Conan Doyle.
The story follows the hapless George Dower, son of a famous maker of timepieces and other intricate gadgetry, who inherited none of his father's talent but nonetheless keeps his shop open, eking out a living by making simple repairs to his father's mechanical creations. Dower is visited by the Brown Leather Man, who wants him to repair a mysterious device, and then by two people with odd speech patterns who seem intent on stealing the device. Dower's adventure takes him into a red light district whose inhabitants resemble fish and to an estate where he finds more of his father's gadgetry, including a machine that threatens the world.
Infernal Devices succeeds as comedy (consistently amusing but rarely laugh out loud funny) and as a simple adventure story. It clearly isn't meant to be taken too seriously and that's the spirit in which I read and enjoyed it. As is often true of steampunk, the novel isn't straightforward science fiction.... Read more ›
The story follows the hapless George Dower, son of a famous maker of timepieces and other intricate gadgetry, who inherited none of his father's talent but nonetheless keeps his shop open, eking out a living by making simple repairs to his father's mechanical creations. Dower is visited by the Brown Leather Man, who wants him to repair a mysterious device, and then by two people with odd speech patterns who seem intent on stealing the device. Dower's adventure takes him into a red light district whose inhabitants resemble fish and to an estate where he finds more of his father's gadgetry, including a machine that threatens the world.
Infernal Devices succeeds as comedy (consistently amusing but rarely laugh out loud funny) and as a simple adventure story. It clearly isn't meant to be taken too seriously and that's the spirit in which I read and enjoyed it. As is often true of steampunk, the novel isn't straightforward science fiction.... Read more ›
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Mookie Fan
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I very much enjoyed this novel (I knew from the first sentence that I would) -- for one thing, the author's vocabulary is perfect for this genre. Each character speaks with his or her own voice, and the voice of the narrator is that of a somewhat stuffy Victorian Brit. Jeter never puts in a word that doesn't fit.
Which just made me that much more distressed by the poor editing of this book. I don't mind the occasional slip-up, mind you, but toward the end of Infernal Devices the editing what so sloppy that several sentences or even paragraphs became almost incomprehensible. Punctuation was either omitted or added randomly in the middle of sentences; this is obviously not the writer's fault, but if I hadn't been enjoying other aspects of the book so much I would just have given up on it midway.
That said, the book itself was a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me; the plot was all over the place, but the characters were interesting enough that I didn't mind the chaos of the storyline. If I had read this book with no background on the author I would have assumed that it was written as a Steampunk farce. This book has everything: robots, half-fish prostitutes (admittedly not a staple of the genre, but suitably bizarre), flying machines, exposition that borders on jibberish, clockwork, hallucinogens, time-travel, and pretty much whatever else you can think of. Sadly, lackadaisical editing sometimes eclipsed my appreciation for these madcap Steampunk hijinks.
Which just made me that much more distressed by the poor editing of this book. I don't mind the occasional slip-up, mind you, but toward the end of Infernal Devices the editing what so sloppy that several sentences or even paragraphs became almost incomprehensible. Punctuation was either omitted or added randomly in the middle of sentences; this is obviously not the writer's fault, but if I hadn't been enjoying other aspects of the book so much I would just have given up on it midway.
That said, the book itself was a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me; the plot was all over the place, but the characters were interesting enough that I didn't mind the chaos of the storyline. If I had read this book with no background on the author I would have assumed that it was written as a Steampunk farce. This book has everything: robots, half-fish prostitutes (admittedly not a staple of the genre, but suitably bizarre), flying machines, exposition that borders on jibberish, clockwork, hallucinogens, time-travel, and pretty much whatever else you can think of. Sadly, lackadaisical editing sometimes eclipsed my appreciation for these madcap Steampunk hijinks.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Nicki J
Format:Mass Market Paperback
For the first chapter or so, I really wasn't sure that I was going to like this book, but then suddenly the story grabbed hold of me and I was completely entranced.
There is plenty of action in this fast paced novel and the main character is extremely likeable and well-rounded, which helps draw the reader in.
Jeter was the one who coined the term 'steampunk' and there are so many great elements in this tale: historical setting, mechnical devises, glimpses of the future, supernatural creatures. It is packed full of wonderful visions and excitement.
I liked how the style of the prose was very old-fashioned and Victorian as it really helped to set the scene and establish the time period. It also added a certain weight to the events as they unfolded.
Another excellent feature of this book is the way Jeter lulls the reader into a sense of security - thinking they know what is happening and who is who - then shocks with a sudden plot twist that you didn't see coming.
This is a great read for any steampunk fans as well as anyone who enjoys a good adventure story with a hint of mystery.
I received this book as a free ebook ARC from NetGalley.
There is plenty of action in this fast paced novel and the main character is extremely likeable and well-rounded, which helps draw the reader in.
Jeter was the one who coined the term 'steampunk' and there are so many great elements in this tale: historical setting, mechnical devises, glimpses of the future, supernatural creatures. It is packed full of wonderful visions and excitement.
I liked how the style of the prose was very old-fashioned and Victorian as it really helped to set the scene and establish the time period. It also added a certain weight to the events as they unfolded.
Another excellent feature of this book is the way Jeter lulls the reader into a sense of security - thinking they know what is happening and who is who - then shocks with a sudden plot twist that you didn't see coming.
This is a great read for any steampunk fans as well as anyone who enjoys a good adventure story with a hint of mystery.
I received this book as a free ebook ARC from NetGalley.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
I was so excited to see that this book is once again available, both for Kindle and, soon, in paperback. If you're into steampunk as it is now, you must read this book, as it's one of the foundations of that subgenre.
I particularly love the darkness of the mystery plot, and its interesting thematic implications revolving around clockwork automatons.
I particularly love the darkness of the mystery plot, and its interesting thematic implications revolving around clockwork automatons.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By F. Jones
Format:Mass Market Paperback
When I started reading this novel, I did not really know what to expect other than a Steampunk novel by Jeter. I was pleasantly surprised by a plot that twists in unexpected ways. George Dower is the son of a renowned (and infamous) watchmaker who was the Victorian version of Leonardo da Vinci.
An usual visitor, the Brown Leather Man asks George to repair a device made by his father. This seeming simple request leads him on an adventure where he encounters clockwork men, unsavory companions and secret societies. There are conspiracies, double crosses, triple crosses and chases galore. It is an unpredictable ride that gets better as the book progresses.
The book has a slow beginning, the book quickly picked up pace and became a rousing adventure. It was a fun read that was much more than I expected. I would highly recommend it, even if you are not a Steampunk fan.
An usual visitor, the Brown Leather Man asks George to repair a device made by his father. This seeming simple request leads him on an adventure where he encounters clockwork men, unsavory companions and secret societies. There are conspiracies, double crosses, triple crosses and chases galore. It is an unpredictable ride that gets better as the book progresses.
The book has a slow beginning, the book quickly picked up pace and became a rousing adventure. It was a fun read that was much more than I expected. I would highly recommend it, even if you are not a Steampunk fan.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
OK, not great
Merely OK. The plot line was interesting although seemed to drag at times. I found the setting very interesting (steampunkish victorian).
Published 12 days ago by Sbuzz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Infernal Review
I've never read a "Steampunk" novel. I was looking for something to read and the cover caught my eye. I read a review of the book and decided to try it.
I loved this novel. Read more
I loved this novel. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rockindon
3.0 out of 5 stars
My first steam punk novel
For my first steam punk novel, not too bad. Some interesting plot twists and interesting plot lines. Read more
Published 1 month ago by bjwitz3
3.0 out of 5 stars
Worth reading for steampunk fans
George Dower is the son of a genius mechanical creator who inherits his father's shop. However, he does not have any of the genius of his father nor does he especially know who... Read more
Published 1 month ago by E. Raye
3.0 out of 5 stars
Strange and hard to stick with.
This book was quite odd. Funny at times. I had to step away from it several times before I finally finished it.
Published 1 month ago by MB
5.0 out of 5 stars
My first time
This was my first foray into "steampunk". It felt very much like something from H.G. Wells or Jules Vern. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Philip A. Mcclimon
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is the one that sticks with me
I wasn't sure if I would like this book, but as it's one of the classics of Steampunk, I felt compelled to read it. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Shepen
5.0 out of 5 stars
A strong Steampunk adventure with a twist at the end.
This is a great steampunk genre adventure involving one George Dower.
Although his father was a genius at the clock work skills, not much of that rubbed off on... Read more
Although his father was a genius at the clock work skills, not much of that rubbed off on... Read more
Published 2 months ago by fastreader
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review
Entertaining, fast read.
I recommend this book if you like SF and fantasy. I will look for more from Jeter.
I recommend this book if you like SF and fantasy. I will look for more from Jeter.
Published 3 months ago by arch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good starting spot if you want to get into "steampunk" genre.
I was interested in getting into the steampunk genre and KW Jeter had written a few Star Wars novels that I enjoyed. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jeffro
