When Professor Grim introduces Mr. Chumbles to his new invention on a sweltering August day, the Front Room Frigidizing System chills more than just Grim’s opulent parlor room. Once Chumbles discovers that Grim has been frozen solid, he realizes that it is up to him to get to an experimental anti-hypothermia solution before Admiral Sir Pendleton Frost III heads out to sea with the serum on his Antarctic expedition.
The Trying Tales of Chumbles & Grim
Professor Theophilus Grim is a clever scientist and inventor who dreams of making the world a better place through his many inventions and various concoctions. The trouble is, every invention he makes has a way of blowing him up, catching him on fire or causing him a great deal of pain.
F. Walter Chumbles, Grim’s best friend, is a disgraced former surgeon with a bone saw, a surgeon’s bag and a penchant for Scotch whiskey and declaring Grim dead.
Together, the two engage in a series of delightful adventures sure to brighten your day.
Set in late Victorian London, The Trying Tales of Chumbles & Grim is a series of surprising novelettes loaded with suspense, clever contraptions, a touch of mystery, a dose of mad science, and plenty of adventure. Dannal J. Newman offers up tasty tidbits of adventuresome fiction sure to delight the senses and satisfy the imagination. Great for ages nine through adult.
"An amusing read with some great moments that fans of humour, satire, and even steampunk will enjoy."
Reviewer: Reader for Bookangel.
When Theophilus Grim shows Mr. Chumbles his new invention, it is the start of an absolutely insane day. Victorian London, freeze-rays, battleships and more happen in this steampunk comedy of errors - and manners.
This is written in first person point of view, in the formal, quasi-Victorian style of adventure novels. The plot is simple, moves quickly, and - most importantly, given the utter insanity that results - is utterly logical.
A mix of satire, comedy of manners, and steampunk, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read. By the time a twelve year old boy ends up rafting down the Thames, sitting a frozen solid professor, and pursued by a battleship, things are well into the realm of high farce. It might not be laugh out loud funny, but there are certain a few chuckles, and raised eyebrows. Likely to appeal to fans of steampunk, farce and humour in general, this book might also appeal to Victoriana fans and readers of traditional adventures in the vein of H. Rider Haggard.
The protagonist and narrator is a likeable enough chap – even if these are a good few laughs at his expense. The supporting cast are nicely described, and can be clearly pictured by most.
An amusing read with some great moments that fans of humour, satire, and even steampunk will enjoy.
Between this story, '*Nyssa Glass*', and '*Cora and the Nurse Dragon*', I'm beginning to develop an interest in steampunk. It isn't everyday I find a new genre to follow.
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