From the Publisher
"A fun, frothy blend of fantasy and romance . . . Fans of humorous fantasy and headstrong heroines will be delighted." -Publishers Weekly
"With a satisfying bite, this steampunk venture includes an insightful twist on the British Empire . . . Best of all, Constance stays center stage: a feisty, lovable heroine who is capable of rescuing herself, thank you very much." -Foreword Reviews
"An intriguing alternate world, filled with sharply amusing dialog and lively characters. VERDICT: A delightful gaslamp fantasy that will please readers of Gail Carriger and Kate Locke." -Library Journal
"Chatsworth's debut is a good introduction to the world of steampunk fantasy romance." -Booklist
"The Brass Queen is a light-hearted, fast-paced page-turner with continuous action, lots of mystery, flawless worldbuilding, a swoony slow build romance between the 'Brass Queen' and an American cowboy spy, and deliciously descriptive outfits; not to mention the unique armaments." -Silver Petticoat Review
Library Journal
12/01/2020
Constance Haltwhistle knows that if she cannot prove her father is alive, her uncle will destroy the estates she has run for the last seven years. When a ball intended to find a husband turns into a kidnapping of famous scientists by automatons, Constance teams up with new assistant J.F. Truesdale to find the scientists and their revolutionary invisibility serum. Yet Constance and Truesdale have secrets both are struggling to hide: He is actually a U.S. spy entrusted to take the place of his deceased older brother, and she is the inventor of amazing warcraft weapons known as the "Brass Queen." Headstrong, brash, and determined to be in charge, both must find a way to work together, otherwise the future of the British Empire—and the life of Queen Victoria—will be lost. Chatsworth (Ten Minutes Past Teatime) builds an intriguing alternate world, filled with sharply amusing dialog and lively characters. VERDICT A delightful gaslamp fantasy that will please readers of Gail Carriger and Kate Locke.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton
School Library Journal
05/01/2021
Gr 9 Up—Set in an alternate 1897 England, this story opens at Miss Constance Haltwhistle's debutante ball. Constance is desperately in need of a husband by the end of the week or she'll lose her estate. Her uncle wishes to take control and raze Haltwhistle Hall in the absence of Baron Haltwhistle, who is presumed dead. Constance is frustrated that women of the time cannot inherit property and furthermore is on edge since she must dodge assassins at every turn. In fact, not only is she the last in her noble line but also a rogue inventor, known as The Brass Queen, who sells intricately designed weapons around the world to support her estate. Enter U.S. spy J. F. Trusdale, who inadvertently saves her when assassins appear and kidnap three scientists from the party. Trusdale and Miss Haltwhistle must work together to learn the whereabouts of the scientists and an invisibility serum, and discover a tightly knit plot on Queen Victoria's life. The protagonists must learn to trust each other while secrets may sabotage their prospective relationship. This is a delightful read full of comedy, romance, and adventure. The worldbuilding is particularly creative, with lush imagery and Victorianesque settings blended seamlessly with bold, humorous, and sassy characters, and fantastical steampunk gadgets including airships and weaponry. The narrative is well paced and grabs interest from the first page. Alternating chapter POV provides a well-rounded view of events as well as deeper characterization. The developing romance is flirty and plausible, leaving readers smitten. VERDICT This is what other steampunk narratives should strive to be—creative, light, and fun. Readers will be delighted by this romp full of action and adventure.—Linsey Milillo, Lane P.L., Fairfield, OH
