Given my rocky relationship with steampunk (it's a genre I really want to like, but seldom do), I was pleased to discover that this was one of those times when I truly enjoyed a steampunk novel.
Hodder's book is so patently absurb, so incredibly fun and yet so well researched, that it's hard not to fall in love with. Those who are meticulous about their science will be less than impressed with much of the silliness Hodder introduces, but once one accepts his obvious premise (Steampunk is already absurd, let's run with it), the story unwinds wonderfully and is enhanced by things like genetically modified giant swans as a form of air travel. By not confining himself to the possible, Hodder has opened up a world of possibilities.
Of course, it helps that his research into the characters and time period was so well detailed. He does an impressive job, given how few main characters he invents. And, of course, the story is a mad and mysterious read.
My one complaint is that Hodder's ear for dialogue is not always spot-on and people will occasionally speak in a way that leaves me thinking "but no one really sounds like that".
All in all, a good read and one that reminded me why I seek out steampunk novels even after finding myself disappointed with many of them.