speljamr reviewed Clockwork Angels by Kevin J. Anderson
Review of 'Clockwork Angels' on 'Storygraph'
5 stars
The story here is a pretty classic coming of age story and everyone reading it will find something that mirrors their own experiences growing up in the world. The loss of our created illusions is clearly exposed by Owen Hardy's journey across his steampunk world, one world of many worlds. And the battle between anarchy and order should be familiar enough to everyone; a clear unmasking of the dangers that come from extreme ideologies. But though the concepts are not new, the way the story is told has a more modern feel.
The book is the companion novel to the current RUSH album of the same title, the first concept album the band has done since Hemispheres (Release in 1978). It's a fantastic idea, having a novel that tells the more intricate details of the story initially unveiled in the music. It almost has me pining for Kevin J. Anderson …
The story here is a pretty classic coming of age story and everyone reading it will find something that mirrors their own experiences growing up in the world. The loss of our created illusions is clearly exposed by Owen Hardy's journey across his steampunk world, one world of many worlds. And the battle between anarchy and order should be familiar enough to everyone; a clear unmasking of the dangers that come from extreme ideologies. But though the concepts are not new, the way the story is told has a more modern feel.
The book is the companion novel to the current RUSH album of the same title, the first concept album the band has done since Hemispheres (Release in 1978). It's a fantastic idea, having a novel that tells the more intricate details of the story initially unveiled in the music. It almost has me pining for Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart to go back and write the novel for 2112.
The artwork throughout the book is also a big plus for the story; Hugh Syme does a damn fine job capturing the feel of this world. Clearly the collaboration of the writer, the musician, and the artist is capably of producing a stunning work; it all comes together perfectly.
P.S. I've been a huge RUSH fan since I was 12, so I may be a bit biased.