Sharon Cameron (1) (1970–)

Steampunk novels are really hit or miss with me. Sometimes I find them too mired down in heavy detail, and then sometimes I find that the plot and character development are lost and/or totally overshadowed by the world and all the gadgets. I'm happy to say that The Dark Unwinding did not suffer from either of these problems, mainly because the story is very light in Steampunk elements and heavier on the Gothic mystery (which I love).

The story revolves around young Katherine Tulman. show more Katherine is sent by her greedy aunt to live with her uncle and evaluate his mental state. It's made clear that Katherine is expected to deem her uncle mentally incompetent in order to secure her cousin Robert's inheritance, therefore securing Katherine's lifestyle once her aunt passes away. Katherine makes the journey to her uncle's estate expecting to meet a lunatic, but what she finds instead is a brilliant, though slightly eccentric inventor who employs hundreds of out of place workers by building his inventions. It's then that Katherine must make a tough decision -- save her uncle and the workers of Stranwyne, or commit her uncle and secure her own financial future by committing him.

What most captivated me about this book was our lead character. I really believed in Katherine and I could feel her inner conflict. She didn't feel like a caricature, or like your typical, cookie-cutter YA heroine. She's strong and determined, yet has a good heart. I especially loved Uncle Tully. It's obvious that he is autistic, and Ms. Cameron portrays him wonderfully without turning him into a poster child. Another major plus to the novel is the world Ms. Cameron has invented and the mystery surrounding Katherine's family. I didn't expect the Gothic mystery that I found between the pages and it was a very well-written surprise.

While I did feel the plot dragged in places, overall I really enjoyed this one. Creepy and atmospheric, The Dark Unwinding was a refreshing read and one I highly recommend to fans of Gothic mysteries and light Steampunk. show less

I wasn't quite sure what to expect in this book. I definitely wasn't expecting what I got, which ended up being a good thing. When I started, I was feeling kind of bored and less than impressed with the story. I very nearly set it aside for better things.

Something made me keep going though, and I'm glad I did. I ended up getting totally into the story and loving it in the end. It had a pull that I didn't expect

Katharine's uncle is described in the synopsis as 'childlike', but I think a more show more accurate description would be autistic. I feel like Sharon Cameron portrayed Uncle Tully in a positive light - as someone you want to know and be around. I read a book not long ago (which shall remain nameless on purpose) where a side character with autism was treated like a freak. Sorry, but that just doesn't fly. People with disabilities are people first and should be treated as such. I didn't feel even a little bit of degradation in Uncle Tully's character. Cameron didn't treat him like some sideshow to come and gawk at...no, he was a real person with hopes, dreams, feelings, cares, and everything anyone would experience. I really loved Uncle Tully.

That's what kept me reading. A respectful treatment of a person with a disability.

Plus, steampunk.

I ADORE steampunk. Tell me a book is steampunk and I'm pretty well guaranteed to pick it up.

I ended up really enjoying the story. I worked through Katharine's issues right along with her, and wondered what I'd do in her shoes. I wanted desperately to protect the people at the estate. I hoped so hard that Katharine would make the 'right' choice (that being the choice *I* wanted her to make, of course). I think I figured out 'the thing' before she did, and I despaired that she'd make the wrong choice by default. No!!!!!

I also really liked Mary and Lane. Mary appoints herself to be Katharine's ladies' maid, and she's absolutely delightful. A ton of fun. I loved her scenes. Lane, on the other hand, is very dark when he wants to be. I wasn't sure at all what I thought of him at first, except that I found him strangely alluring. I wanted him to win out in the end. I never, ever liked the other what's-his-name. Never.

Overall, with a great story and some great characters, it's a 4 Eiffel Tower book.

Content Advisory
Language: Mild
Sexuality: Mild
Violence: Moderate show less

Stefania Podgorska is a teenager in a small Polish town when the Germans invade. Known as Fusia, she works for the Diamants - a Jewish family - and finds herself making impossible choices trying to help the people she loves.

This story starts with a bang and never lets up. It's all the more impressive knowing it's based on a true story of a girl who, from the age of approximately 16-18 cared for herself and others, all while knowing she could be imprisoned or killed for what she did. I don't show more want to give much away, but suffice it to say the story is powerful and affecting. The author's note at the end, with photographs, was truly amazing. show less

I love Sharon Cameron’s books! I’ve long been a fan and appreciate her beautiful prose and attention to detail. Artifice was a well crafted story exploring the Dutch Resistance during WWII. Based on actual people and events, she captures what it was like to live under German rule during WWII with suspicions running high and not knowing whom you could trust. This particular story explores Hitler’s and his minions’ thirst for art and the Dutch painters who fooled them with forged show more paintings of Vermeer and Rembrandt. Through her characters, she also delivers a powerful story of the brave men and women who saved hundreds of Jewish babies and children.

Isa de Smit was raised in an art gallery with a talented father who could flawlessly recreate Dutch masterpieces. When the Nazis invaded, the gallery was looted and priceless works of art confiscated. Facing the loss of the gallery and her home due to unpaid taxes, Isa embarks on a daring plan to sell one of her father’s forged paintings to none other than Hitler himself. But, she’s noticed by Michel Lange. an old friend who is now a German soldier. He attempts to bribe her not for money, but for a means to escape to Switzerland. Can she trust him?

When she witnesses her friend Truus kill a German soldier, Isa and Michel, her frenemy German soldier concoct a scheme to sell more forged art with the money going to save Jewish children and help Michel escape. Isa finds herself caught between the Germans who would kill her if they discover she sold them a fake and the Dutch resistance who would kill her as a collaborator.

Art lovers will enjoy the rich descriptions through Isa’s eyes. I also enjoyed the fascinating look at the world of forgers and their techniques. The relationship between Isa and Michel is complicated and I was never quite sure if he could be trusted. The romantic tension was high with that element of danger mixed in.

The story itself was interesting and at times very suspenseful. I found the last third of the book extremely compelling as the danger exponentially increases. The first two thirds of the book was slow at times and some of the descriptions may be lost on YA readers. It took awhile for me to get into, and at first I had a hard time connecting to Isa. But, as I kept reading I became more engaged and ended up enjoying the story. I found myself on pins and needles as they were trying to smuggle the children out. Each encounter with the Nazis had me holding my breath especially when Isa’s trying to sell the forged art.

There is a gay character and mentions of prostitution as well as drug addiction and overdose. All of these were based on actual people and events. I found the author’s note at the end to be a must read as she explains the history behind the story. It’s fascinating in itself and made me want to learn more about the Dutch Resistance. All in all a compelling read for historical fiction fans and older YA readers. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. show less