British Steampunk X Files? Book opinion...
Newbury and Hobbes just may be the steampunk counterpart to Mulder and Scully
I think in previous posts, I only briefly mentioned the steampunk marvel The Affinity Bridge that has graced my shelves with its presence. This is its satisfying and appealing sequel. When I first read The Affinity Bridge--or rather blazed right through it, unable to stop, I had not developed the now-raging X Files obsession. If I had, I might have noticed the likeness of the two main characters to Mulder and Scully, or at least the similarities of their peculiar situations and relationship.
Firstly, I should mention that this book was very satisfying, but I expected as much coming from Mann, who captivated me after the first three chapters of his first Newbury/Hobbes novel. I remember thinking that it could make a fantastic series, and was more than elated to find out the series has been contracted to six exciting issues. After waiting most of the summer to obtain the second, I tried to pace myself through it in order to preserve some of the tasty steampunk until I was guaranteed more. Unfortunately, the books read quickly, and are not particularly long, so it was finished after sitting down with it only three or four times. Fortunately, it was once again terribly addictive and worth every minute.
I could elaborate on the details of the plot and the story, but usually when I endeavor to do so, I end up writing a spoiler-ridden synopsis, which frankly makes reading it virtually accomplished. At any rate, the book involved rambunctious steam-powered tricycles, screaming mummies, unknown symbols, pentagrams made of intestines, a robotic agent, and the newest "craze" in the 1800s drug world: laudanum. Fun reads! But instead, I shall elaborate on the relationship of the two main characters, because the more I read them, the more hooked I get with the fictional pairing.
art by M.D. Penman, George Mann-WordPress
Sir Maurice Newbury is a determined and intelligent investigator for the Crown, and risks his own life on multiple occasions at the mere chance of succeeding in his endeavors, which, of course, he always does. Jubilant and generally good humoured, Newbury has the soft personality of Mulder, but with just a bit of Sherlock Holmes' spunk about him. His partner, Miss Veronica Hobbes, is smart, clever, and most of all independent and strong. She is very comparable to Scully, in that she keeps her professional distance from aspects of her cases that would otherwise frighten, intimidate, or "soften" a female--especially for the time. She maintains a respectful partnership with Newbury that is hinted at being more than just pertinent to their work as investigators. Her importance to Newbury is evident, and vise versa, but the plot never plays up a romance, or presents the characters with the opportunity for such.
This is so like the continuous chemistry between Mulder and Scully that everyone can feel but nobody gets to see expand past a friendly hug, New Years' kiss, or long, meaningful conversations. I like this. It drives me mad with desire for more, but it's an awesome feeling to have for a fictional couple. Mann takes care to not give his audience what he's set them up for, but he certainly indicated that he plans to elaborate on the characters' chemistry in the following books--that is, after they get through their current trust-dilemma , which Mulder and Scully *also* experienced many times. But elaborating on the hows and whys of that would definitely present a spoiler. . . .
01 September 2010