There were a number of groups that were growing and working to establish themselves during the early part of the industrial revolution. This is also the era many steampunk enthusiasts set stories in of what the world may have been like, and how it may have evolved with mechanical innovations. Combining steampunk with elements of other genres is a common characteristic and many of stories have done that.All Made of Hingesis the first of at least 3 anthologies combining Mormons and steampunk. This collection of twelve stories range from those closer to gearpunk, stories with clockwork devices, to those with grander mechanization along with magic and the supernatural. Some of them are steeped in the history of the religion while others touch lightly upon the subject. Together, All Made of Hinges, is a wonderful mix of tales that can be enjoyed by those who are familiar with the individual topics, or for those who are just getting their first introduction. No pre-requisites required.
As with many steampunk settings, All Made of Hinges crosses into different genres. The collection starts off with a story of intrigue within the religion. It captures historical moments with a steampunk twist and ends with a Cthulhu tale that stretches across the globe. Scattered amongst these are tales delving into human interests and weaknesses to others that give a different view of how life may have turned out.
The structure of the anthology places the stories well. Each is very much a standalone work. Some of them could take place in the same contextual universe. Others are different enough to know they are created in their own setting. But, as the book progresses, there is no jarring effect of shifting from one tale to the next. Each author provides an engaging tale that pulled me into their setting. I didn't come across a single one that I wanted to set down while I was reading it.
The characters range from historical people many will recognize to fabrications of everyman. Even the stories told from a character's viewpoint who may not have been part of the past, have enough historical references to allow a sense the events have a level of truth. Some of the information leads me to believe some of the writers even pulled from their family's history to get details used.
I know that All Made of Hinges in the first of three books created of Mormon steampunk. The combination of the western culture with religious overtones and the historical events and figures provides many great story telling opportunities. This selection is a good demonstration. There are plenty more stories available for those who want to continue.
I give All Made of Hinges 4 out of 5.
All Made of Hingesis available on Amazon (link).
About the Authors
Here are links provided within All Made of Hinges to find out more about the authors.
I have also included links to similar style of works (steampunk and short stories) written by the authors that have been reviewed on Guild Master Gaming. Reviews of additional works not related are available, but not linked.
Edited by James Wymore
Mere Pulp, No Less by D.J. Butler davidjohnbutler.com
A Strike to the Heart of the Cannon Lord by Steven L. Peck stevepeckniche.com
Avenger's Angel by Elizabeth Mueller Elizabethmueller.com
Ganesh by Scott E. Tarbet facebook.com/ScottETarbet Twitter @SETarbet
A Year of the Monkey (short story) (review)
The Pipes of Columbia by Jay Barnson
Napoleon's Tallest Teamster by Joe Monson joemonson.com
Reversal of Fortune by Amanda Hamblin
Machinations of Angels by Christopher McAfee christophermcafee.com
The Best Among Us by Jace Killan jacekillan.com
Strange Pilgrims by John D. Payne patreon.com/johndpayne @jdp_writes
Tracting Out Cthulhu by Lee Allred
If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.
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