Prudence

Fun read.

Good Stories are made from taking something that everyone is familiar with, then approach it from a new angle, or with slight twisted generality. And I’d the author can stick within those boundaries, What shakes out of it can be a lot of fun. Victorian Steampunk is the setting, and the twist is simply that good manners were created to keep the werewolves and the vampires playing nicely in the sandbox together. So this series of books isn’t about the supernatural, it’s about politeness between aristocrats. Strange, correct, ridiculous, funny, outrageous, weird, thought-provoking, difficult yet enviable ways to treat others, and to be treated by them. Because the twist is small, and easily understandable, yet unexpected, the world building from that twist seem very different from a distance. However at its core, that world is a logical conclusion of the twist, is very relatable and on point. The suspension of disbelief required to be absolutely pulled into this story is minimal, even though where you end up going is completely unexpected. It’s like a fine meal from a supreme chief, cooked with some extra spices that give it a whole unique flavor, that makes you want to lick the plate and then ask for another helping. It’s fun, smart and a joy to read.

This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier. Synopsis: Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is a socialite in the steampunk alternative universe of Victorian London. She is also something of a wellborn scamp. When she is given a dirigible as a surprise gift, she names it the Spotted Custard. She is then given a mission to pursue the perfect cup of tea. In India, she finds herself in the midst of a brewing crisis. Local dissidents have kidnapped the local army commander’s wife. Rue is far from helpless, however. She is a metanatural, able to steal other supernatural creatures powers. Risking the loss of her bloomers when she changes shape, she must solve the mystery of the brigadier’s wife and prevent a war. Review: The Custard Protocol is set in the same universe as the Parasol Protectorate series. (It should be noted that the reviewer is has yet to read the Parasol Protectorate series.) Prudence is a mortal protagonist in a world dominated by various immortal creatures such as vampires and werewolves. She possesses one advantage from being related to such beings by birth. She has a rare “metanatural” power. She can steal the powers from an immortal. Of course she may have to sacrifice whatever she’s wearing if she takes the powers of a were-creature, leaving her embarrassingly exposed. The first thing one must realize about this book is it is written “tongue-in-cheek.” The characters are stereotypical in their Victorian mannerisms. This leads to some amusing situations. The story is episodic instead of plotted. This weakens the story, but not terribly. The setup is long with the action taking place in the second half of the story. While not quite a page turner, the story is witty and fun to read.