The Clockwork Menagerie

Cooper’s short tale draws readers into a charming steampunk world with heart and personality. Clement Dyer is an autosmith, manufacturing automatic animals for an elite clientele. When one of his customers is unsatisfied with his work, his livelihood is threatened. While he frets over the possibility of losing his job and starting afresh, his competitor and ex-lover, Duke Goodwin, taunts him. He thinks Duke is up to no good, but the lingering heat between them hints at other possibilities. In a brief space, Cooper captures the passion Clement has for his work, and the intricacies of the world in which he lives. The romance comes across clearly and never feels trite. Cooper’s writing is suffused with atmosphere, and fantasy and steampunk readers will find it very enjoyable. (BookLife)