OK, so it’s 1916. King George has decided he wants America back. The kind has Albert Einstein building long-range zeppelins that can drop bombs. Nasty bombs that will help the invading English force re-conquer the U.S.
In the States, everyone knows that war is coming, and Nicola Tesla is building something that he believes will end all wars – meaning to him that there will be no more war, or at least no more human cost. Not everyone sees the weapon that way, of course. The Beowulf tank may be invincible, and can take out an army. Oh, and it’ll be sentient once the brain is done.
As in life, Tesla’s biggest antagonist is Thomas Edison – a class-A jerk. Edison’s antics may ruin everything. And then there’s an assassination plot against Einstein.
Going into details about the action in book is difficult (not least because I read this book months and months ago) – plus, why spoil it for you? The story zips along, and the characters are (almost) all enjoyable. Like I said, Edison was a real ass. I used to be an Edison fan, but the more I’ve learned about him & Tesla, the more I’ve become Team Nicola.
Regardless of whether you’re a steampunk fan or not, so long as you’re not bothered by historical accuracy, this is an enjoyable read.