Dreadnought

Mercy Lynch works as a nurse in a Confederate hospital during an extended American Civil War in the 1880s. After receiving news from Seattle about her estranged father, she embarks on a cross-country journey aboard various airships and trains, including the Union war dirigible Dreadnought. The journey takes Mercy through war-torn territories where she encounters Confederate soldiers, Union troops, and mechanical walkers. Her trip west becomes complicated by threats both human and mechanical, forcing her to navigate political tensions and literal battlefields. This alternate history novel combines elements of steampunk technology with Civil War-era America, featuring steam-powered machinery and zombie-like soldiers. The story maintains focus on Mercy's personal quest while painting a broader picture of a divided nation locked in seemingly endless conflict. The narrative explores themes of family bonds, loyalty, and the human cost of prolonged warfare. Through its reimagining of American history, the book raises questions about how technology shapes conflict and what price people will pay for their beliefs.

Readers note the book's slower pacing in the first half but praise its action-packed conclusion. Many highlight the steampunk world-building, creative alternate history elements, and complex female protagonist. Likes: - Strong characterization of Mercy Lynch - Civil War medical details and zombie elements - Fresh take on steampunk without overused tropes - Vivid descriptions of machines and battles Dislikes: - Pacing issues in first half - Some felt the ending was rushed - Side characters needed more development - Plot threads left unresolved Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (180+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (300+ ratings) Reader quote: "Takes a while to get going but the second half more than makes up for it with non-stop action and creative steampunk elements" - Goodreads reviewer Some readers note it works as a standalone despite being part of the Clockwork Century series.

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Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld During an alternate World War I, a British airship crew and a disguised princess navigate a conflict between machine-driven powers and genetically engineered beasts.

The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook In a post-invasion England where nanotech-infected citizens struggle under former Mongol rule, a detective investigates murders tied to the rebellion's greatest hero.

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🔍 The novel takes place in an alternate-history Seattle during the American Civil War, which in this timeline has stretched on for two decades. 🛠️ Cherie Priest created a subgenre she calls "Clockwork Century," which combines steampunk elements with zombie horror and alternate American history. ⚡ The titular Dreadnought is a massive steam-powered train that serves as a crucial setting for much of the book's action, inspired by real Civil War-era military innovations. 🏥 The main character, Mercy Lynch, is a Civil War nurse - a role that was historically groundbreaking during the actual Civil War, when women like Clara Barton revolutionized battlefield medicine. 🎭 The book was nominated for the 2011 Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel and helped establish Priest as a leading voice in the steampunk literary movement.