A Desperate Plan: A Desperate Plan
A steampunk short story collection about mechanical zombies fighting a plague.
The narrative unfolds in a world where a terrible disease preserves victims after death, rendering traditional cures ineffective as they only spread the sickness further. The Inventors Guild attempts to neutralize this threat through science, creating Automazombs by attaching mechanical enhancements to the recently deceased. These constructs are tasked with cleansing the land of infected bodies. Meanwhile, desperate citizens attempt to rebuild their uprooted lives. Some brave individuals search for genuine solutions, while others view the catastrophe as an opportunity for gain. The story explores the limits of survival in Eysan against these dual threats. This second edition offers updated text and corrected author names for clarity.
The book is set in a steampunk world, drawing on traditions of supernatural fiction and gothic horror. It utilizes the genre's focus on science and machinery to explore themes of death and resurrection. The narrative is organized as a short story series, providing a fragmented view of this dystopian society.
📝 Description: A Desperate Plan: A Desperate Plan
💎 Our verdict on A Desperate Plan: A Desperate Plan
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate the intersection of mechanical ingenuity and visceral dread will find this collection compelling. It offers a unique exploration of survival ethics when death is rendered obsolete by plague. The narrative structure allows for diverse perspectives on catastrophe, appealing to those who enjoy examining human nature under extreme duress. Fans of dark fantasy and cosmic horror will engage with the tension between scientific hubris and existential threat. The focus on the moral ambiguity of using the dead to save the living provides a thought-provoking layer beyond simple action. It suits audiences seeking atmospheric world-building where technology fails to conquer primal fear, inviting reflection on what it means to be alive in a broken world.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Greenbright delivers a chilling steampunk anthology that effectively merges industrial imagery with supernatural terror. The concept of Automazombs cleansing the land creates a potent visual metaphor for scientific desperation. The short story format allows for varied explorations of survival, keeping the pacing tight and the horror intimate. While the premise is strong, the collection relies heavily on atmosphere rather than complex character arcs, which may limit its appeal to those seeking deep emotional investment. It best suits readers who prioritize world-building and thematic depth over traditional narrative progression. The moral questions raised are provocative, though occasionally overshadowed by the sheer scale of the catastrophe. A solid entry for enthusiasts of dark speculative fiction.
📖 Read on the blog
📖 From the series “Tales of the Automazombs”
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