An Unsubstantiated Chamber

The Rail Legacy, Book 1

By: William J. Jackson

Narrated by: Amy Pastoor

Is it ever too late to do what is right?

A fusion of steampunk and superheroics...this is the Rail. Mix in a healthy dose of human foibles, and you are in for a reading on the ups and downs of paranormals, how people react to them, and how their actions shape (and destroy) the world around them.

The Guild of Honor: once this fabled society of paranormals kept the metropolis safe from abnormal threats, and gifted America with advanced steampowered technology. Then, jealousy and rivalry brought them to a deadly end at the hands of a military takeover.

The year is 1886.

Flag Banner Epsom. Aretha Tyne Astin. Two paranormals in a world that fears them, a Victorian Wonderland of fast trains and gravity-defying cloudcraft. Can these two solve an invisible murder, and catch a killer with plans to shed more blood, or will they succumb to the fist of the United States Regular Army?

©2015 William J. Jackson (P)2017 William J. Jackson

Steampunk & Paranormal Adventure on The Rail

Would you consider the audio edition of An Unsubstantiated Chamber to be better than the print version?

I consider the audio version a supplementation of the text version.

What other book might you compare An Unsubstantiated Chamber to and why?

There is no comparison, imo.

Which character – as performed by Amy Pastoor – was your favorite?

I liked the Ex-Spy and the Scotsman, both.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found this book to be funny at times. The chemistry between Aretha and Epsom is entertaining.

Any additional comments?

I am reviewing this audiobook, as a volunteer, being a previous customer of the author’s text novels.I used my Audible first free credit to purchase this audiobook. Writer William J. Jackson introduces readers to “The Rail”; an area rich in history that is a bit familiar, but also has its own story to tell. Some of The Rail’s inhabitants are living and performing jobs not so familiar. We become engaged with two formidable main characters who make somewhat of a team, out of necessity. Both are feisty residents who’ve done their share of battle, with long-lasting wounds, both physical & psychological, for their efforts. This tale involves steampunk mechanical capabilities and paranormal abilities bestowed to humans in an evolving world of terrorism, capitalism and social evolution. This work is unlike any another novels I have ever read and the characters coming alive in audio is exciting. This is only the beginning; tales of The Rail get better from here. This installment sets the foundation for characters & setting. Our leaders taking us through The Rail are a salty Scotsman and a gutsy, untamable fem fatale, both engaged in murder-for-hire, if one so desires their services. And therein lies a dilemma. What are the long-term effects of your business? Will you end up on the right side… much later? The ballsy Aretha, aka, The Huntress in Hazel, is our story narrator and is given voice by Narrator, Amy Pastoor, who tackled a tough challenge of multiple accents; delivering an animated portrayal of The Huntress’s inner dialogue & outer repartee with our railroad city drama.

Steampunk with Super Powers!

In this alternate world, certain people have gained superhuman abilities. Some can throw lightning bolts, some have super strength, some can conduct heat and become human torches and more. Ordinary humans have decided to hunt down the superhumans or paranormals, as they're known. The sole exception is when a paranormal is useful to the autocratic regime. Enter our protagonist Aretha Astin. She's essentially a human lie detector brought in by an army sergeant to track down anarchists. She brings in a curmudgeonly Scottish professor who can see what happened in the past of place by visiting it. They end up stumbling on a murder. Aretha and the professor are given a week to get to the bottom of the mystery. Lush in detail with lots of cool steampunk gadgets and an engaging mystery. My only real stumbling block were a few phrases that felt a little too modern for the time period. A solid steampunk novel.

The best of the best !

The author William J. Have done a remarkable job writing this book, I’m amazed how it captured me from page one till the most ending.
After all this is not my style and still what a beautiful masterpiece.
Perfectly preformed and perfectly writing, what else would you ask for?
I truly and fully recommend this book, there will not be any disappointed here !!!

An Interesting blend

I should start by saying this was not what I expected. You won't hear of men in tights flying thru the air, but normally-dressed people with hidden powers. It was still a good story with quality narration. It's a bit slow starting, but gets exciting as one continues.

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request from the author and have voluntarily left this review.

Paranormals killing Paranormals, mystery,steampunk

Any additional comments?

An Unsubstantiated Chamber: The Rail Legacy, Book 1
Written by: William J. Jackson
Narrated by: Amy Pastoor
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I love this steampunk fantasy book. It has a good mystery, fantasy-(certain people have talents or paranormal gifts), a good plot, and interesting characters. I can't say I liked the main characters at first, I don't think the reader is suppose to. The characters grow as the book continues. I wonder how they will change in future books because they are still not quite there yet, but better. They are paranormals that were killing paranormals for the government to begin with. Great mystery with good surprises and twists. I enjoyed it.
The narrator was pretty good too.