Recognition and Awards

Honorable Mention, Commercial Fiction, 2017 Eric Hoffer Book Awards

Finalist, Fantasy 2016 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Bronze Medal, Multicultural Fiction 2016 eLIT Book Awards

Finalist (Winners TBD), Multicultural Fiction, 2016 Foreword INDIES Book Awards

Shortlist Science Fiction, 2016 Cygnus Book Awards

Approved, Five Stars, Awesome Indies

Medallion Honoree, IndieB.R.A.G. Award

"First-time author Sorensen launches her Sakura Steam series with a well-told what-if story that brings a steampunk aesthetic to real-life 1800s Japan... Sorenson cunningly blends far-out fiction with actual historical personages (many of whom may be unfamiliar to round-eyed barbarian readers) and a Meiji Restoration-era mindset.....Young adults as well as older readers can partake of the delicious genre-blending bento. Cool alternative-history yarn of yester-century Nippon, a promising steampunk-energized start." -- Kirkus Reviews

"In an impressive debut Sorensen weaves a page-turning tale of alternate history....a satisfying blend of serious historical speculation, military action, suspense, and romance that at times also evokes the mood of a Miyazaki film." --The US Review of Books, 5 stars

“Sorensen immerses readers in a compelling and provocative story….an absorbing read.” – BlueInk Review

"Toru is an enjoyable and believable work of alternative historical fiction." – Clarion/Foreword Reviews, 5 Stars

"Toru is one of those novel, original stories set in a fantastic land that for once doesn't seem like a charcoal etching of another realm. Toru is a steampunk story set in the far east. Disciplined samurai ride into battle aboard bustling locomotives and the paths of sword and steam cross brilliantly....Approachable and satisfying." -- Awesome Indies, 5 Stars

"TORU: WAYFARER RETURNS is a fast-paced historical adventure steeped in Japanese culture." -- IndieReader

"A terrifically vivid historical novel set in an 1852 Japan re-imagined along Steampunk lines....Sorensen's characters are memorably shaped, and her dialog is sharp and lively, but the real highlight of this novel is its superb world-building - considerably helped by the stunning cover. Anyone reading it will eagerly look forward to the next volume." -- Historical Novel Society

"I loved this book and I definitely recommend it for anyone who is looking for Steampunk that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Airships and samurai swords collide in this thoughtful and compelling alternative history about a culture every bit as rich and nuanced as those usually featured in Steampunk literature, but far less familiar." -- Phoebe Darqueeling of For Whom the Gear Turns

“Rather than just a simple steampunk setting, Sorensen steeps her world in history, and finds a fascinating theme to play with: the conflict between tradition and the future, to say nothing of Japan’s complex relationship with the outside world.” -- Josh Mauthe of Umney's Alley 

"Outrageous book with strong characters and compelling story" -- Fred Fanning on Amazon 

"Steampunk adventure sharing a tale of patriotism, honor and love" -- MarthasBookshelf

"Good book. Good idea....Anyone interested in Japan, in samurai, in traditional cultures, or in the clash between tradition and modernity -- you should read this book. And the sequels, when they arrive. And anyone who likes a well-written story of one man struggling both for and against society, anyone who is interested in the struggle to break out of a rigid class system and become more than the role created by one's birth, you should read the book, too." -- Theoden Humphrey, VINE VOICE Amazon reviewer

"I loved TORU: WAYFARER RETURNS. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Author Stephanie R. Sorenson is an extremely intriguing new voice in the field of steampunk fiction, and any lover of the genre should run, not walk, to get her book!" -- Tracy Slowiak, Readers' Favorite reviewer

"I completely enjoyed author Stephanie R. Sorenson's creativity and ability to write a unique storyline overlying the actual time period of Japan in 1852. Author Sorenson has done a brilliant job at creating characters that her readers will connect with and care about, certainly no small feat. Any reader who enjoys steampunk, historical fiction, or just a great read in general should absolutely read Toru: Wayfarer Returns. I highly recommend this book, and am very much looking forward to reading the next in the series as soon as it is available. If it's anything like this book, it will absolutely be a worthwhile read!" -- Chris Fischer, Readers' Favorite reviewer

"Toru is a vast thought experiment, at times touching and engaging, it is also optimistic. There is the sense that we, in our time, with increasing levels of injustice in our society, could learn from a bunch of open-minded dreamers on the edge of revolution. And who wouldn't want dragon airships after all!" -- BlackRainbowBlade blog

"There will probably be some debate as to exactly what genre this book belongs. Is it Alternate Historical Fiction? Is it Steampunk? Is it somehow both? Or neither? My answer to those questions is that it is all of the above. With the addition of dirigibles, it clearly enters the realm of Steampunk, but since it is set in an actual period of our world's history, this takes it away from the Steampunk genre and instead into the realm of alternate historical fiction. All in all, the genre does not really matter. It is the story that matters and the story is superb." --AmiesBookBlog

“If you’re into the Steampunk genre or even if you’re not, it’s a beautiful read.” — T.S. O’Neill.

“If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, something that is gripping, intelligent, and utterly unique, read Toru: The Wayfarer Returns. The author expertly crafts a tale that weaves history and fantasy, American steam punk and ancient Japanese traditions, and the high stakes of love and honor into a beautiful tapestry as colorful and brash as the young, rebellious protagonists who set out to change the course of history. Each detail is written to be savoured; from the engineering of cutting edge 1850’s steam engines, dirigibles, and telegraphs, to the elaborate cuisine and embroidered kimonos of Japanese royalty. You’ll happily get lost in this world of “what ifs”.” — J.M. Lipp.