Title: The Mechanical Chrysanthemums
Series: N/A
Author: Felicitas Ivey
Genre: Steampunk
Length: Novella (91 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 14th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Hachisuka Narihiro is a pilot in the Shogun’s elite unit of musha-ki, robotic armor automated by steam and magic for the defense of Nippon in a slowly modernizing 19th Century, when he’s requested to help with political negotiations. Compromises are difficult, with American Admiral Perry determined to open Japan to the West but only on his terms.
Like most Western leaders, the admiral is unaware of the advances the Japanese have made with steam and thinks Nippon is an isolated and backward nation. Narihiro’s uncle, the twelfth Tokugawa Shogun, believes Narihiro is the best man for the duty. Despite his extensive training, plans might not go as well as expected.
With the American delegation comes closeted former Pennsylvania Dutch farmer, Maarten Zook, a shy translator who catches Narihiro’s interest. As negotiations stall, the Japanese are left with few options to convince America that Nippon is its equal.
Japan is ready to open its borders, but a show of force may be needed, and that force may destroy the budding relationship between Narihiro and Maarten.
ISBN-13 # 978-1-63216-493-3
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5941
Reviewer: Gigi
Review: This was a lovely, imaginative introduction to what events could have been like if 19th century Japan had been handled differently by British and US empires at the time. It’s a little bit historical romance, a little bit anime, a little bit of dominance and submission an a small and large scale, and an introduction to Japanese customs vs. American shortsightedness.
There is a lot of East Meets west cultural barrier examination. The author introduces Japanese or Nippon culture to the reader through Maarten’s experiences, one of the largest differences being the acceptance of nanshoku, or male love, among its citizens, and American’s prudishness when it comes to such things.
Tensions rise, insults are slung, and a rude awakening is imminent for the American delegation, but will Maarten be bundled in with the other soldiers when the the musha rise?
Will the passion between Maarten and Narishiro have the chance to bloom? Don’t worry. At the very least, they try with some very hot scenes! A great short story, very colorful and informative. Other than being insulted that all Americans seemed to be painted with the same brush, I was very entertained and enlightened.