Boneshaker

What is the Science Fiction Premise?

Boneshaker is a piece of Steampunk fiction placed in 1880 Seattle. It is not clear that it has any particular Science Fiction premise. There are three types of fantastic assertions:

1. that history -- though mostly familiar -- has played out somewhat differently,
2. that many artifacts and gadgets are more prevalent and advanced than one would have expected for the time period, and
3. that a flesh-consuming/altering chemical can turn people into mindless "rotters". [Read zombie, though that term is never used.]

Is the science of the premise explored?

Each of the fantastic assertions mentioned above is justified/explained somewhat differently. The alternate history is not justified at all. Of course, given that the participants know this as the only possible history, no justification is required. We, the readers, are the only one's wondering why the Civil War has lasted for over fifteen years.

The gadgets and artifacts seem to be a significant feature of Steampunk. Though they are extrapolations for the time period, they do not seem outlandish, because the additional 100+ years of science available to the reader makes it all plausible. This is an interesting trick.

As for the Blight -- the chemical that turns people to "rotters" -- there is little explanation of how it works or why people are not simply dead, rather than "undead". We are offered an hypothesis at some point that it comes from volcanic cracks, but this still doesn't explain how it works.

Is the impact of the premise on an individual explored?

The key fantastic element that has altered everyone's life is the Blight. Much of the book consists of seeing how people have adapted to living with the Blight. Indeed, much of the gadgetry is part of this coping.

As for the alternate history, it has little impact on anyone.

Is the impact of the premise on society explored?

For the most part the story focuses on the ways in which people adapt to the Blight. The author does not appear to be making any larger statement about society. Nevertheless, we are offered a view of how things might run differently when people must live in extreme conditions.

How well written is the story?

The story is very well written. It is easy to read and quite engaging.

Can I recommend the book?

I confess that I did not really expect to like this book. I know little about Steampunk and I am not particularly fond of zombie stories. What I found was a thoroughly enjoyable adventure story that progresses well. I will definitely try some more Steampunk stories. As for zombies, I'm still not sure I like them, but somehow they seemed ok in Boneshaker.

My primary caution is that anyone looking for Science in their Science Fiction is likely to be disappointed. Boneshaker is more for fun than for expanding one's thoughts.

Tar Daddoo