Twisted Histories:
Vampires, monsters, superheroes and steam-punks....and you thought history was boring! A new display and reading list at the Shoreline Library called “Twisted Histories” explores the wonderful worlds of alternative history, Gothic horror, and historical fantasy. Stop in today and take a twisted trip back in time.

Marvel 1602 by Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert (Graphic Novel, 2007) A slew of heroes from the Marvel universe, including the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and Nick Fury, are re-imagined in the year 1602.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld and Keith Thompson (2009)In this steam-punk version of World War One, two young teens are caught up in opposite sides of a battle being fought with genetically engineered warbeasts and mechanized monsters.

The Monstrumologist by Richard Yancey (2009)Young Will Henry is the orphaned ward of a “mad scientist” who studies, dissects, and hunts monsters.

A Great and Terrible Beauty (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy) by Libba Bray (2005)Teenage Gemma is sent to an exclusive boarding school when her mother suddenly dies. But the social conventions governing young women in the 19th century are just the beginning of her problems, which include dark visions, and strange happenings on campus.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith (2010) The author of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies turns his attention from British literature to American history, imagining the former president as a battler of the undead.

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party by M. T. Anderson (2008)A young boy in 18th century America is the subject of a mysterious experiment in this challenging novel.

London Calling by Edward Bloor (2008)Martin has good reason to be depressed, with problems at home and bullying at his exclusive prep school. But when Martin’s grandmother bequeaths him a mysterious radio and he begins to have strange dreams, his world may change forever.

The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle (2006)In 19th century England, sisters Kate and Emily are sent to live at their family home of Hallow Hill in the wake of their father’s death. However, the girls have no idea that a there is a strange, dark presence at the estate with his own plans for the girls’ future.

Steamboy (Film, 2005 or Manga 2005) In this steam-punk thrill-ride, Victorian London is re-imagined to dazzling visual effect by Akira writer/direct Katsuhiro Otomo.

The Year of the Hangman by Gary Blackwood (2004)15-year-old Creighton, a spoiled, selfish English lad, is kidnapped by privateers in this alternative history of the year 1777, which explores what would have happened if the Americans had lost the Revolutionary War.