Infernal Devices [Hardcover]

W. Jeterk (Author), K. W. Jeter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1986

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.

--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

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. --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press (December 1986)
• ISBN-10: 031294229X
• ISBN-13: 978-0312942298
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Steampunk Magic, April 30, 2011

By 

Nicki J - See all my reviews

This review is from: Infernal Devices (Angry Robot) (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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars So awesome to see this back in print!!!, April 12, 2011

By 

Victoria McManus (Philadelphia, PA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Infernal Devices (Angry Robot) (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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rousing Victorian adventure (spoiler free), July 2, 2011

By 

F. Jones (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Infernal Devices (Angry Robot) (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.