“Infernal Devices” is a steampunk novel that combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction, and time travel. Set in Victorian London, it follows the adventures of George, an idle musician who inherits his father’s watchmaker shop. Little does he know that this inheritance will plunge him into a web of mystery, music, and sexual intrigue.
Main Characters
- George: The unremarkable protagonist who lacks major talents but finds himself embroiled in a time-travel conspiracy.
- Other Zany Characters: Various individuals, including shadowy figures and intriguing personalities, who drag George into their intricate machinations.
Plot
The central conflict revolves around an old device stolen from George’s watchmaker shop. This mysterious contraption has the power to manipulate time. As George investigates, he uncovers secrets, encounters dangerous foes, and grapples with the implications of time travel. The plot develops through a series of twists, revealing hidden agendas and unexpected alliances. Ultimately, George must decide how to wield this powerful device and confront the consequences of altering the past.
Setting
- Time Period: Victorian London, a city steeped in industrial revolution and innovation.
- Watchmaker’s Shop: George’s inherited shop serves as the epicenter of the story, where clockwork mechanisms and ancient devices intersect with the ordinary world.
- Intriguing Locations: The novel takes readers through smoky alleys, grand ballrooms, and secret chambers, each influencing the characters’ choices and actions.
Themes
- Time and Destiny: The exploration of time travel raises questions about fate, free will, and the impact of our choices.
- Music and Intrigue: Music plays a significant role, intertwining with the mysterious device and adding an artistic layer to the narrative.
- Sexual Intrigue: The novel weaves sensuality and desire into its plot, emphasizing the complexities of human relationships.
Conclusion
“Infernal Devices” is a genuine lost classic, blending steampunk aesthetics with a compelling mystery. K.W. Jeter’s dark themes and unsympathetic characters create a unique reading experience. As George grapples with the enigmatic device, readers are drawn into a world where time itself becomes a malleable force, and the consequences of meddling with it are both thrilling and perilous.
In summary, “Infernal Devices” invites us to ponder the ticking heart of existence, where gears and secrets intertwine, and where the past and future collide in a symphony of intrigue and danger.
