Exiling the GearSmiths

About This Audiobook

Martin Francom’s *Exiling the GearSmiths* isn’t your granddad’s steampunk adventure—it’s a zippy, high-stakes romp through an alternate 19th century where etheric energy powers the Empire’s darkest secrets. The story follows Professor Finch, a brilliant but reckless inventor, as he’s hunted by the shadowy Coterie of the Cog, a cabal of elite engineers who’ll stop at nothing to control the etheric grid. Paired with his sharp-tongued assistant Ada and the silver-tongued diplomat Tristan Byrne, Finch’s escape becomes a globe-trotting chase full of mechanical marvels, betrayals, and just enough gadgetry to make Jules Verne blush. The real draw? Francom’s knack for snappy dialogue and a plot that moves at the speed of a runaway locomotive, leaving little time for world-building navel-gazing.

What sets this apart isn’t just the breakneck pacing—it’s the way the audiobook leans into its theatrical roots. Ashleigh J. C. Wells’ narration crackles with energy, voicing each character with distinct accents and cadences that feel like a Victorian stage play brought to life. Ada’s dry wit and Tristan’s effortless charm balance Finch’s frantic genius, making the trio’s dynamic feel like a cross between Sherlock Holmes and a heist movie. The production is crisp, with subtle sound design that hints at the etheric energy’s eerie hum without overpowering the story. If you crave a fast, fun, and slightly unhinged steampunk adventure, this is the audiobook to grab.