Corsets & Clockwork: Part 3

I'm currently making my way through Corsets & Clockwork: 13 Steampunk Romances (Running Press, 2011). I'm new to all of the authors featured in this collection as well as the world of steampunk, so this has been an interesting read so far.

Story: The Airship Gemini
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Summary: Conjoined twins Faith and Patience are making their final voyage on the cruising Airship Gemini where they have worked as part of the entertainment. They have no desire to be separated, but may not have a choice when they learn the mysterious and magical Dr. Connell is on board.
Thoughts: The premise for the story intrigued me, and I liked it at the start, but then Dolamore threw in one twist too many for my taste and took things from fantasy to farcical. Had it not been for one element, I would have liked this story a lot more, but as it is, this story just wasn't for me.

Story: Under Amber Skies
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Summary: Zosia lives in Poland and her father invents things to help fight the oncoming Nazis. When Nazis come after her in town and it's not safe for her to go home, Zosia, aided by Inek (the neighbor boy she loves but her parents dislike), tries to find her family with the help of her father's inventions.
Thoughts: Now THIS is a great short story, and I can't wait to check out what else Snyder has written. Just enough twists to keep characters and readers on their toes, and the situation actually felt plausible and realistic. I wish the story could keep going!

Story: King of the Greenlight City
Author: Tessa Gratton
Summary: In a land where each of the six ruling families have magical power over one of the main elements, Ever discovers that in addition to his familial command of fire, he can also fly. Going against all warnings, he seeks the advice of the Titan in the Greenlight City.
Thoughts: Gratton weaves a magical world and story here that makes your heart swell with beautiful feelings, and then she's not afraid to squash it. But there's still a bit of sparkle? This tale is perhaps the least steampunk-ish one lately, but it has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and I cannot wait to read more stories by Gratton over at The Merry Sisters of Fate and in the Sisters' latest collaboration, The Curiosities.

So that's it from me this time around. Comments welcome, and, as always, happy reading!