Boneshaker summary

The Plague and the Wall

In Boneshaker by Cherie Priest, we are introduced to a Seattle that has been devastated by a catastrophic event. The story starts with a machine called the Boneshaker, built by Leviticus Blue, which went haywire and tore through the city, releasing a toxic gas that turns people into zombies. This event, known as the Great Seattle Fire, forces the survivors to wall off the affected area, now called the Blight, to contain the gas and the undead.

Blue's widow, Briar Wilkes, and her son, Ezekiel, live their lives on the other side of the wall, enduring the stigma of being related to the man responsible for the disaster. Ezekiel, however, is curious about his father's legacy and ventures into the Blight despite his mother's warnings.

A Journey into the Blight

As Ezekiel enters the Blight, he discovers a community of survivors who have adapted to life in this hostile environment. He also learns that his father was not entirely to blame for the disaster. Dr. Blue had been manipulated into the test run by a group of people who wanted to use the Boneshaker for their own sinister purposes. Ezekiel is determined to clear his father's name and bring back evidence to prove his innocence.

Meanwhile, Briar, worried sick about her son, decides to follow him into the Blight. She teams up with a group of airship pirates, hoping to find Ezekiel and bring him back safely. Their journey is fraught with danger as they navigate through the zombie-infested streets and avoid the ruthless criminal gangs that control the Blight.

The Truth and a Final Showdown

As Briar and Ezekiel move deeper into the Blight, they encounter a variety of characters, some helpful and some hostile. They eventually find the evidence they need to exonerate Dr. Blue. However, their discovery attracts the attention of the criminal overlord, Minnericht, who was the mastermind behind the Boneshaker's disastrous test run.

In a climactic showdown, Briar and Ezekiel confront Minnericht. They learn that he is, in fact, Dr. Blue, who survived the disaster but was transformed by the gas into a powerful and ruthless figure. In the end, Minnericht sacrifices himself to save his son and the city, allowing Briar and Ezekiel to escape the Blight.

Redemption and Moving Forward

As they return to the safe side of the wall, Briar and Ezekiel are hailed as heroes for exposing the truth about the Boneshaker incident. The city begins to acknowledge Dr. Blue's innocence and the role he played in creating the Blight. Briar and Ezekiel, having found closure, look forward to a new beginning.

In conclusion, Boneshaker is a thrilling steampunk adventure that takes us through a world ravaged by a zombie plague and a family's quest for redemption. The story is a mix of action, suspense, and heart, and it leaves us with a sense of hope for the future.