The eponymous machine makes only a minimal appearance in the actual story, but its name pervades the atmosphere of the entire novel. The former plot keeps us grounded in the now and interested in what's happening to people instead of just an impersonal place, but it's supported by the rich narrative potential Priest creates with the latter plot. Priest accomplishes this by setting a deeply personal story-Briar searching for her son-against the backdrop of the intense, altered Seattle after the Boneshaker has unleashed the Blight upon the settlement. There's a certain fullness to the story that makes it a perfect sort of cozy fireplace read. In both respects, it succeeded, and I have no reservations about declaring Boneshaker a fine novel. Boneshaker had two difficult tasks: it had to live up to the expectations heaped upon it by so many others, and it had to be better than Fathom. I couldn't fathom Fathom, and that made me apprehensive about my next Priest experience. Cherie Priest comes highly recommended to me from many people whom I respect Boneshaker has been lauded most of all of her books.
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