Gideon Smith and the Brass Dragon

In a Victorian-era world where Britain never lost its American colonies and steam-powered airships crisscross the skies, Gideon Smith finds himself thrust once again into the role of reluctant hero. When the roguish Texas pirate Louis Cockayne makes off with a mechanical girl named Maria and a colossal brass dragon unearthed from Egyptian sands, Gideon leads his ragtag crew across the Atlantic into the dangerous, lawless territories of free Texas. Barnett's alternate history crackles with invention, blending steampunk adventure with Western grit and genuine emotional stakes.

The full cast production transforms this sprawling ensemble story into vivid theatrical life, with Terence Aselford, Kimberly Gilbert, and the rest of the ensemble bringing distinct energy to each character. The varied voices keep the pace lively across nearly eight hours, and the ensemble format suits Barnett's wide-lens storytelling particularly well. Listeners who enjoy adventure fiction with personality and spectacle will find this a satisfying second outing for Gideon and company.