Arrival Over Golden City

Daisy and her sister Freddie, driven by the hope of finding their missing father, arrive by airship in the dazzling city of San Francisco de Asis. The city, perched on the edge of the Pacific, is a marvel of steampunk innovation and old-world grandeur, with airfields, mechanical horses, and a palace that dominates the skyline. Their arrival is met with both awe and anxiety, as the sisters are acutely aware of the dangers lurking in the city's infamous Barbary Coast. They are welcomed by friends and acquaintances, including the enigmatic May Lin, and quickly realize that their quest will require courage, resourcefulness, and the forging of new alliances in a city where politics, technology, and magic intertwine.

Palace Intrigues and New Alliances

The sisters are swept into the palace's social whirl, where they meet the Viceroy, Carlos Felipe, and his circle of confidantes. May Lin, a brilliant engineer and river witch, stands out as both an outsider and a power in her own right. Daisy and Freddie find themselves balancing the need for royal favor with the necessity of discretion in their search for their father. The palace is a place of both hospitality and hidden agendas, where alliances are formed over banquets and balls, and where the sisters must learn to trust their instincts. The emotional undercurrents of longing, loss, and hope run deep, as each character grapples with personal secrets and the weight of recent wars.

Desperate Hopes and Hidden Grief

Daisy's determination to find her father is matched only by her grief for her mother and the uncertainty of her own future. She confides in May Lin, whose own past is marked by loss and resilience. The two women bond over shared pain and the practicalities of survival in a world that is both wondrous and perilous. Daisy's artistic sensibility is both a comfort and a burden, as she tries to capture the beauty and tragedy around her. The sisters' relationship is tested by the strain of their quest, but their love for each other remains a source of strength. The city's festive surface conceals a simmering tension, as rumors of unrest and political intrigue swirl.

Reunion on the Airfield

The arrival of William Barnicott and his companions, including Lin and Davey, brings a surge of hope and relief. Old friends are reunited, and new friendships are forged as the group shares stories of their adventures and misadventures across the West. The airfield becomes a place of laughter, tears, and renewed purpose. May Lin and Lin discover a familial connection, deepening the emotional bonds within the group. The reunion is bittersweet, as the search for Daisy and Freddie's father remains unresolved, and the city's underlying dangers have not abated. Yet, for a moment, the warmth of companionship and the promise of mutual aid shine through the uncertainty.

May Lin's Mission

May Lin, now president of the Viceregal Society of Engineers, is tasked with navigating the treacherous waters of court politics and technological progress. She faces resistance from the church and conservative factions, who view her gender, heritage, and innovations with suspicion. Her meeting with the bishops over steam landaus is fraught with tension, and she is acutely aware of the precariousness of her position. May Lin's practical intelligence and unflinching honesty make her both a target and a leader. Her relationship with the Viceroy is complicated by mutual respect, unspoken affection, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. The city teeters on the brink of transformation, with May Lin at the center of its most contentious debates.

Earthquake and Upheaval

Without warning, a massive earthquake devastates San Francisco de Asis. Buildings collapse, fires break out, and chaos reigns as the city's fragile order is upended. Daisy, William, and Davey are thrown into the streets, searching desperately for Lin and May Lin, who have vanished in the turmoil. The palace is damaged, and the fate of the Viceroy and his court is uncertain. The earthquake exposes the city's vulnerabilities and the limits of human ingenuity. Amid the destruction, acts of courage and compassion emerge, as friends and strangers alike risk their lives to save others. The disaster becomes a crucible, forging new alliances and revealing hidden strengths.

Buried and Betrayed

Trapped beneath the rubble, May Lin fights for survival in the darkness of a collapsed tunnel. She discovers she is not alone—her captors, monks loyal to the bishop, have orchestrated her downfall. The betrayal is both personal and political, as the church seeks to eliminate her influence and silence her voice. May Lin's resourcefulness and will to live are tested to the limit, and she is joined by Lin, who becomes both her companion and her hope. Together, they navigate the dangers of the underground, forging a bond that transcends blood and circumstance. The city above is in chaos, but below, a quieter battle for survival and dignity unfolds.

Rescue Chains and Revelations

As the dust settles, rescue efforts begin in earnest. Peony Churchill and the crew of Iris transform the airship into a lifeboat, ferrying the injured to safety. Daisy and her friends search for Lin and May Lin, piecing together clues and confronting the reality of loss. The earthquake has not only destroyed buildings but also upended the social order, forcing characters to confront their own prejudices and fears. The revelation of hidden gold, secret tunnels, and the bishop's machinations adds layers of complexity to the unfolding drama. The city's fate hangs in the balance, as old loyalties are tested and new ones are forged in the crucible of disaster.

Iris Becomes a Lifeboat

The airship Iris, once a symbol of luxury and progress, becomes a beacon of hope amid the ruins. Peony, Barnaby, and the Boyle family work tirelessly to rescue survivors and provide aid. The ship's transformation from pleasure craft to hospital ship mirrors the resilience and adaptability of its crew. The Viceroy, believed dead by his enemies, finds refuge aboard Iris, where he is forced to confront his own limitations and the responsibilities of leadership. The airship's vantage point offers a unique perspective on the city's devastation and the possibilities for renewal. In the sky above the chaos, a fragile sense of community and purpose takes root.

Prisoners of the Barbary Coast

May Lin, Lin, and the Viceroy are captured and imprisoned on a decrepit ship, victims of the bishop's plot to eliminate rivals and seize power. The Barbary Coast, long a symbol of lawlessness and danger, becomes the setting for a desperate struggle for freedom. The prisoners' resourcefulness and mutual support are their only weapons against overwhelming odds. The revelation of family ties between May Lin and Lin adds emotional depth to their ordeal. The Viceroy's vulnerability and humanity are laid bare, as he relies on the strength and ingenuity of his companions. The ship becomes a crucible, forging bonds that will shape the city's future.

The Search for Lin

Daisy, William, and Davey race against time to find Lin, following a trail of clues through the devastated city. Their search is complicated by the chaos of the earthquake, the dangers of the Barbary Coast, and the machinations of the bishop's agents. The group's determination and resourcefulness are tested at every turn, as they navigate collapsing buildings, treacherous streets, and shifting alliances. The search for Lin becomes a metaphor for the larger quest for justice, belonging, and hope in a world turned upside down. The emotional stakes are high, as each character confronts their own fears and limitations.

The Prince's Abduction

Freddie, separated from her friends, witnesses the abduction of the Viceroy and risks everything to follow his captors. Her journey through the city's underbelly is fraught with danger, both physical and supernatural, as she is haunted by the ghosts of the past and the specter of failure. Freddie's courage and determination are tested to the limit, as she navigates the labyrinthine docks and confronts the reality of her own vulnerability. The prince's fate hangs in the balance, and Freddie's actions become a turning point in the struggle for the city's soul. The chapter is a testament to the power of individual agency in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Tunnel of Gold

Daisy, Freddie, and Davey discover a network of tunnels beneath the city, leading to a hidden cache of gold and explosives. The tunnels are both a physical and symbolic representation of the city's hidden dangers and the lengths to which its rulers will go to maintain power. The discovery of the bishop's hoard reveals the depth of his ambition and the scale of the threat facing the city. The group's journey through the tunnels is a test of courage, ingenuity, and trust, as they confront both human and supernatural dangers. The gold becomes a symbol of both hope and corruption, a prize that could save or doom the city.

The Bishop's Plot

The full extent of the bishop's plot is revealed, as May Lin, Evan, and Isabela uncover his plans to use the church's gold to finance a coup and install a puppet ruler. The discovery of the gold's destination—a fortified island—raises the stakes, as the group races to intercept the treasure and prevent the bishop's victory. The chapter is a whirlwind of action, intrigue, and moral reckoning, as characters must decide where their loyalties lie and what they are willing to sacrifice for the greater good. The city's fate hangs in the balance, as the forces of progress and reaction collide in a final confrontation.

The Sea's Final Fury

Just as the city begins to recover from the earthquake, a massive tsunami strikes, completing the destruction and scattering survivors. The wave is both a literal and metaphorical force, washing away the old order and forcing characters to confront the fragility of life and the possibility of renewal. Daisy, Freddie, Davey, and Pilar narrowly escape death in the tunnels, while May Lin and the others witness the devastation from the air. The city is transformed, its future uncertain but not without hope. The disaster becomes a catalyst for change, as survivors band together to rebuild and reimagine their world.

Aftermath and New Beginnings

In the wake of the tsunami, survivors emerge to tend the wounded, bury the dead, and begin the work of rebuilding. The traitor's house becomes a hospital, and old enmities are set aside in the face of shared suffering. The Viceroy, May Lin, and their allies rally the people, offering leadership and hope. The city's social and political landscape is irrevocably altered, as new alliances are forged and old hierarchies are challenged. The chapter is suffused with both grief and gratitude, as characters reflect on what has been lost and what remains. The promise of renewal is fragile but real, rooted in the resilience and compassion of the survivors.

The Council of War

The city's leaders gather to chart a course forward, debating the fate of the bishop, the role of the church, and the possibilities for reform. May Lin declines the prince's proposal, choosing freedom and family over power, while Pilar emerges as a new force for good. The council is a microcosm of the city's struggles, as competing visions of justice, progress, and tradition vie for supremacy. The chapter is marked by both tension and hope, as characters confront the realities of leadership and the responsibilities of power. The seeds of a new order are sown, even as the wounds of the past remain raw.

The Last Tunnel

Daisy, Freddie, and Davey follow the bishop's agents through the final tunnel, risking everything to uncover the last secrets of the conspiracy. The journey is fraught with danger, both physical and moral, as the group confronts the limits of their own courage and the depths of human depravity. The collapse of the tunnel and the destruction of the bishop's stronghold mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The chapter is a testament to the power of persistence, ingenuity, and the willingness to face the unknown.

The Tsunami's Toll

The aftermath of the tsunami is a time of reckoning, as characters count their losses and celebrate their survival. Pilar's mother's spirit intervenes to save the group, offering a moment of grace amid the devastation. The city is a landscape of ruin and renewal, where the bonds of family and friendship are both tested and strengthened. The chapter is a meditation on the fragility of life, the endurance of love, and the possibility of redemption. The survivors emerge from the tunnels, changed but not defeated, ready to face the challenges of a new world.

A City Reborn

The survivors of San Francisco de Asis come together to rebuild their city, drawing on the lessons of disaster and the strengths of their diverse communities. The Viceroy, May Lin, and their allies lead the effort, balancing the demands of justice, compassion, and progress. Old wounds are healed, new alliances are forged, and the city begins to imagine a future beyond the shadow of the past. The chapter is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of hope. The city is not what it was, but it is alive, and its people are determined to make it better.

Farewells and Promises

As the immediate crisis passes, the group prepares to go their separate ways. May Lin and Lin choose freedom and family over power, returning to the river canyons. Daisy, Freddie, William, and Davey set out for the Canadas, determined to continue their search for Daisy and Freddie's father. Pilar finds a new purpose in service to the city, while the Viceroy and his allies lay the foundations for a more just and inclusive society. The chapter is suffused with both sorrow and hope, as characters say goodbye and look to the future. The promise of reunion and the enduring bonds of love and friendship offer a beacon of light in a world remade by disaster.

Characters

Daisy Linden

Daisy is the emotional and narrative heart of the story—a young woman driven by the desperate hope of finding her missing father. Her artistic sensibility colors her perception of the world, allowing her to see beauty even amid chaos, but also making her vulnerable to grief and longing. Daisy's relationship with her sister Freddie is central, providing both comfort and conflict as they navigate the dangers of San Francisco. Her journey is one of resilience, growth, and the gradual acceptance of uncertainty. Daisy's interactions with May Lin, William, and the wider circle of friends reveal her capacity for empathy, leadership, and quiet courage. She is both a witness to and an agent of change, embodying the story's themes of hope, loss, and renewal.

Frederica "Freddie" Linden

Freddie is Daisy's younger sister, marked by a deep sensitivity to both the living and the dead. Her ability to sense spirits adds a supernatural dimension to the narrative, heightening the story's emotional stakes. Freddie's journey is one of overcoming fear—of death, of loss, of her own limitations. She is often the voice of caution, but when the moment demands, she acts with surprising courage, as in her pursuit of the prince's kidnappers. Freddie's relationship with Daisy is a source of strength, but also a crucible in which both sisters are tested. Her arc is one of self-discovery, as she learns to trust her instincts and embrace her own unique gifts.

May Lin (Yang May Lin)

May Lin is a force of nature—intelligent, resourceful, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. As president of the Viceregal Society of Engineers, she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, technological innovation, and cultural prejudice. Her identity as both an engineer and a witch places her at the intersection of tradition and progress, making her both a target and a leader. May Lin's relationship with the Viceroy is fraught with unspoken affection, mutual respect, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. Her bond with Lin, revealed to be her cousin, adds emotional depth and a sense of legacy. May Lin's arc is one of self-acceptance, as she chooses freedom and family over power, embodying the story's themes of agency and belonging.

Carlos Felipe, Viceroy

The young Viceroy is a study in contrasts—regal yet vulnerable, idealistic yet pragmatic. His commitment to progress and justice is matched by his awareness of the limitations imposed by tradition and politics. Carlos Felipe's relationships with May Lin, Evan, and his court reveal both his strengths and his insecurities. His abduction and near-death experience strip away the trappings of power, exposing the man beneath the crown. The prince's proposal to May Lin and her refusal mark a turning point in his development, forcing him to confront the realities of leadership and the sacrifices it demands. His arc is one of maturation, as he learns to balance personal desire with public duty.

William Barnicott

William is Daisy's steadfast companion and eventual love interest, a man whose scientific curiosity and practical skills are matched by his emotional intelligence. His journey is one of quiet heroism, as he risks his life to save others and supports Daisy in her quest. William's relationship with Daisy is marked by mutual respect, affection, and a shared sense of purpose. His interactions with Davey and Lin reveal a capacity for mentorship and friendship. William's arc is one of self-discovery, as he learns to balance his own ambitions with the needs of those he loves.

Lin (Yang Lin-Bai)

Lin is a young girl whose search for her own family mirrors Daisy and Freddie's quest. Her resilience, resourcefulness, and independence are hard-won, the result of loss and hardship. The revelation of her kinship with May Lin provides both characters with a sense of belonging and continuity. Lin's journey is one of healing, as she learns to trust and accept love. Her decision to join May Lin in the river canyons marks a new beginning, rooted in the strength of family and the promise of freedom.

Davey Fletcher

Davey is the group's irrepressible spirit—a boy whose rough upbringing has made him both tough and compassionate. His practical skills, quick thinking, and willingness to take risks make him an invaluable ally. Davey's relationship with Lin is marked by both camaraderie and rivalry, while his loyalty to William and the Lindens is unwavering. His arc is one of belonging, as he finds a place among friends who value him for who he is.

Peony Churchill

Peony is the owner of the airship Iris and a woman of both charm and substance. Her ability to navigate social hierarchies, organize rescue efforts, and provide comfort in crisis makes her a linchpin of the group. Peony's relationship with Detective Hayes adds a romantic subplot, while her interactions with the other women highlight themes of female solidarity and leadership. Her arc is one of self-realization, as she moves from socialite to savior, embracing the responsibilities of command.

Evan Douglas

Evan is the Viceroy's chief advisor, a man whose intellect and integrity are matched by his humility. His relationship with Isabela and his role in the city's recovery efforts reveal both his strengths and his vulnerabilities. Evan's arc is one of reluctant leadership, as he is thrust into the role of regent and must balance personal happiness with public duty. His partnership with May Lin and Isabela exemplifies the story's themes of collaboration and progress.

Elena Pilar de Aragon y Valdez

Pilar is a young woman whose royal lineage makes her both a pawn and a potential queen. Her imprisonment by the bishop is both a personal tragedy and a symbol of the old order's cruelty. Pilar's intelligence, resilience, and capacity for leadership emerge as she joins forces with Daisy and the others. Her arc is one of liberation, as she moves from victim to agent of change, finding purpose in service to her city and its people.

Plot Devices

Steampunk Setting and Social Hierarchies

The novel's alternate-history, steampunk world is more than mere backdrop—it shapes every aspect of the plot and character dynamics. The technological marvels (airships, mechanical horses, moonglobes) are both symbols of progress and sources of conflict, as traditionalists and innovators vie for control. The rigid social hierarchies of the Royal Kingdom, with its palaces, missions, and church power, create a landscape where personal ambition, prejudice, and the desire for change collide. The setting allows for both grand spectacle and intimate drama, as characters navigate the intersections of gender, class, and culture.

Disaster as Catalyst

The twin disasters of earthquake and tsunami are not merely plot twists—they are crucibles that force characters to reveal their true selves, forge new alliances, and confront the limitations of their world. The disasters strip away the veneer of civilization, exposing both the best and worst in people. They also serve as metaphors for the upheavals—personal, social, and political—that define the story. The city's destruction and rebirth mirror the characters' own journeys of loss, resilience, and renewal.

Secret Tunnels and Hidden Gold

The network of tunnels beneath the city, the caches of gold, and the bishop's plot to finance a coup are classic adventure devices, providing both suspense and thematic depth. The gold is both a literal prize and a symbol of the corrupting influence of power. The tunnels represent the hidden dangers and possibilities that lie beneath the surface of society. The pursuit of the gold—and the struggle to prevent its misuse—drives much of the action and brings characters into conflict with both external enemies and their own moral dilemmas.

Female Agency and Solidarity

The novel foregrounds the agency of its female characters, who are not merely damsels in distress but leaders, inventors, and rescuers. May Lin, Daisy, Peony, Freddie, Isabela, and Pilar each play crucial roles in the unfolding drama, often outwitting or outlasting their male counterparts. Their solidarity, resourcefulness, and willingness to challenge tradition are central to the story's themes of progress and justice. The narrative structure often shifts to highlight their perspectives, giving voice to experiences and ambitions often marginalized in historical fiction.

Foreshadowing and Parallel Journeys

The search for missing family members (Daisy and Freddie's father, Lin's relatives, May Lin's kinship with Lin) creates a web of parallel journeys that echo and reinforce each other. The use of foreshadowing—through dreams, omens, and the supernatural—heightens the sense of destiny and interconnectedness. The characters' personal quests are mirrored in the city's larger struggle for survival and renewal, creating a narrative structure that is both intimate and epic.

Analysis

Shelley Adina's The Engineer Wore Venetian Red is a masterful blend of steampunk adventure, political intrigue, and emotional depth, set against the backdrop of a vividly imagined alternate-history San Francisco. At its core, the novel is about resilience—of individuals, families, and communities—in the face of overwhelming disaster and entrenched injustice. The earthquake and tsunami are not just plot devices but metaphors for the upheavals that force characters to confront their own limitations, prejudices, and desires. The story's women are its true heroes, challenging the constraints of gender, class, and tradition to forge new paths and alliances. The novel interrogates the uses and abuses of power, the dangers of nostalgia, and the necessity of change, all while delivering a gripping tale of survival, love, and hope. Its message is clear: progress is possible, but only when individuals are willing to risk comfort for justice, and when communities come together to rebuild not just what was lost, but what was never truly whole. The emotional arc—from loss and fear to renewal and promise—offers a blueprint for resilience in any age.

Last updated: January 20, 2026