Assassinate

• Author: Priest
• Genres: Sci-Fi, Tâm Lý, Đam Mỹ
• Status: Completed
• Rating: ★ 4.0 / 5
• Published: 2026-09-29

The Dawn of Steampunk

The story unfolds in an alternate London at the onset of the Industrial Revolution. Advanced steam machines emerge as a testament to human progress, yet they simultaneously sow seeds of dread.

A palpable tension between new knowledge and conservative ideologies permeates the atmosphere. This world is defined not just by industrial smog, but by the sharp social conflicts that arise when humanity stands on the precipice of change.

The Tragedy of a Silent Genius

The protagonist, Edward Lander, is portrayed as a brilliant science mind burdened by a speech impairment. This physical silence acts as an invisible barrier, relegating him to a complex and solitary inner world.

Despite his groundbreaking intellect, Edward Lander retains a certain childishness, impulsive and deeply introverted. This personality contrast makes him feel vivid—not a soulless calculating machine, but a man riddled with instability.

Hatred and the Fear of heresy

Lurking in the shadows, the AS Party seeks to dismantle science achievements they deem heresy. His ambition to create a humanoid robot becomes the fuse for an endless string of assassination attempts.

While the Empire strives to shield him, the assassins are equally relentless in their pursuit. Edward Lander's existence is like a solitary lighthouse amidst a sea of radical rejectionism.

Silent Bonds and a Long Expedition

The brilliant science mind's heart belongs entirely to an anonymous local gang member. This unrequited love drives emotional decisions that often fly in the face of a researcher's rational logic.

When his lover fails to appear at their rendezvous, he chooses to face the music rather than hide. By his side is a mechanical dog—the only mechanical being that offers a sense of absolute trust in a world rife with betrayal.

Highlights of the World-Building

• A meticulously detailed and convincing steam-based science system.
• A deep exploration of the psychology of disability in asserting one's self-worth.
• A seamless blend of sci-fi elements with the delicate emotional nuances of danmei.
• The inclusion of the mechanical dog as a supporting character, providing a rare sense of warmth.

A Few Reservations

• The pacing is quite slow, leaning heavily into psychological descriptions and scientific philosophy.
• Some readers may find Edward Lander's impulsive and childish behavior in life-threatening situations somewhat grating.
• Concepts regarding heresy and the clash between religion and science can be quite dense, requiring a high level of concentration.

Community Reception

• Novel Updates: 4.4/5.0 (65 votes, as of 09/29/2026). Readers highly praise the creativity in blending alternate history settings.
• Goodreads: 3.66/5 (58 votes, as of 09/29/2026). Many noted the author’s prose is an acquired taste but offers immense emotional depth.

Personal Reflections

Fans of the steampunk genre will find a world of gears and pistons that is truly enchanting. However, if you are looking for a high-octane romance from the start, the character's internal slow-burn may leave you feeling impatient.

The work requires patience to peel back the emotional layers hidden behind cold inventions. Ultimately, it is the connection between soul and machine that leaves the most haunting impression.

Assassinate is a somber melody about geniuses left behind by the march of progress and the cruelty of the human heart. It is a work of science fiction rich in humanity and the poignant search for understanding.

Tags: mechanics, psychology, steampunk