The Secret - A Boston Metaphysical Society Story - Madeleine Holly-Rosing

What is steampunk? It is defined as a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, rather than advanced technology [Oxford University Press] especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century. Some of the genre’s best offering include: The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling, William Gibson and The Encyclopedia of Fantastic Victoriana by Jess Nevins as an example or for the movie fan how about The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen?

Frankly, I had no idea until I was turned on to “The Secret” by Madeleine Holly-Rosing and further to Boston Metaphysical Society – I recommend if you are a steampunk fan or steampunk curious. But, now onto “The Secret.”

The story follows the main character, Elizabeth (a socialite) who has a secret, one she has kept from her father. In time, she will need to make a decision based on that secret and what she wants for her life moving forward. The story is set in Boston in the 1800s’ and is steampunk (of course) influenced.

The storyline builds upon Elizabeth and her bodyguard, a gentleman by the name of Samuel Hunter and their relationship and the growing concern over the secret that worries Elizabeth. The story scoots right along and the pages float by as one finds themselves engrossed in the world that Holly-Rosing displays. Everything is well delivered and feeds on the word before.

The descriptive voice here in some places is almost poetic and overall is strong and delivers on a cinematic FB) is a universe in itself and “The Secret” is derived from that world (I understand there is also a RPG).

Her characters are well throughout and the dialog is delivered with precision and believability. I enjoyed the setting and grew very fond of Elizabeth.The Secret is exceptional and provided me with a new genre to play in – and I will do so in Holly-Rosing world. See more on Amazon and enjoy the steam engine ride. As a writer, I find myself wanting to learn from Holly-Rosing through her ability to not only create such worlds and deliver on them as well.