Assassinate

Assassinate is a short story written by Priest, part of Machine Fantasy – A Dream of Steampunk (机械幻想 – 蒸汽朋克之梦), a steampunk anthology published in 2015. Set in a fictional London, at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, Edward Lander’s name was both renowned and hated by the empire, which needed his groundbreaking intelligence, and by the anti-science organizations who detested such unnatural progress. While the empire expended its effort in protecting him and the anti-science organizations set assassins after him, Edward Lander only wished for his unspeakable feelings to reach the object of his affection.

Original Publisher

Unknown

Original Language

chinese

Type

Published Novel

## My Thoughts on Assassinate "Assassinate" is a compact yet surprisingly impactful story by Priest that left me pondering long after I finished reading. Clocking in at just eight chapters, it's a quick read, but definitely not a simple one. This isn't a fluffy romance; it's a thought-provoking exploration of science, conflict, and the human heart. ### First Impressions Going in, I knew Priest was known for complex characters and angsty relationships, so I steeled myself. The premise, a world divided by science and anti-science sentiments, immediately grabbed my attention. The two main characters, Edward Lander and Arno Hall, are caught in this conflict, setting the stage for a story that's as much about societal issues as it is about their personal connection. ### What Works Well The strength of "Assassinate" lies in its ability to pack so much depth into a short space. Priest masterfully creates complex characters with compelling motivations. Edward, in particular, is fascinating. His cold exterior masks a deep vulnerability and a passionate devotion to Arno. The story beautifully explores the idea of directing intelligence and technology towards creation rather than destruction. Watching Edward and Arno navigate their opposing worlds and find a way to bridge the gap is incredibly moving. The writing itself is poetic and evocative, even in translation. The author has a knack for weaving philosophical themes into the narrative without it feeling preachy. The plot twists are subtly revealed, adding an extra layer of intrigue that kept me hooked. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk about some specifics. Edward's backstory is heartbreaking. The brutal murder of his family due to anti-science sentiment and Arno's mother's kindness leading to her death create a powerful foundation for their conflict. The question of whether Edward always possessed the Difference Engine or if it was implanted later is intriguing and adds another layer to his character. ### Final Verdict Despite the angst (and trust me, there's a lot), I highly recommend "Assassinate." It's a story that will make you think, feel, and maybe even shed a tear or two. The ending, while perhaps not fully satisfying for those craving a more explicit resolution, offers a glimmer of hope. If you're looking for a short but powerful read that explores complex themes and features unforgettable characters, "Assassinate" is definitely worth your time. Just be prepared to have your heartstrings tugged.