Review: Revenge and the Wild by Michelle Modesto

Title: Revenge and the Wild

Author: Michelle Modesto

Series: Stand Alone

Published: February 2nd 2016 by Balzer + Bray

ISBN: 9780062366153

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.  Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.  But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

I GIVE THIS ...

This is probably the fastest I've finished a book in awhile. It kept me up at night, messed with my brain in the form of some crazy dreams, and finished with a bang!

I'm still not sure I'm crazy about Westie. She's a little to head strong for me. But, I have to admire her shear determination to get her revenge on the family that killed hers. And lets all admit, this was no ordinary murder. I don't think I've ever read a book based around cannibalism! And this was not glossed over in an way. That's were it really messed with me. 

The setting was a little bit much for me. It was hard for me to get a real handle on this western world that was full of steampunk, magic, and every mythical creature imaginable. It made for some interesting twists to the story though, because the story would not have been the same without most of these elements!

I really loved the secondary characters. Nigel was the perfect father figure and he tried really hard not to put up with Westie's bullshit. I loved Alistair. I knew exactly were the story was going with him, but I enjoyed the build up immensely. But honestly, my favorite was James. He character literally blew me away.

I highly recommend this if you are looking for something totally different!

Review - Of Metal and Wishes (Of Metal and Wishes #1) by Sarah Fine

Title: Of Metal and Wishes

Author: Sarah Fine

Series: 1st

Pages: 320

Published: August 5th 2014 by Margaret K. McElderry Books 

ISBN: 9781442483583

Source:  Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: There are whispers of a ghost in the slaughterhouse where sixteen-year-old Wen assists her father in his medical clinic—a ghost who grants wishes to those who need them most. When one of the Noor, men hired as cheap factory labor, humiliates Wen, she makes an impulsive wish of her own, and the Ghost grants it. Brutally. Guilt-ridden, Wen befriends the Noor, including their outspoken leader, a young man named Melik. At the same time, she is lured by the mystery of the Ghost and learns he has been watching her … for a very long time.As deadly accidents fuel tensions within the factory, Wen must confront her growing feelings for Melik, who is enraged at the sadistic factory bosses and the prejudice faced by his people at the hand of Wen’s, and her need to appease the Ghost, who is determined to protect her against any threat—real or imagined. She must decide whom she can trust, because as her heart is torn, the factory is exploding around her … and she might go down with it. 

I Give This ...

I can tell you one thing, this book is unlike anything I've read this year.  And that in itself is amazing.  To be original is a feat in itself since book topics tend to come in waves.  On top of that, I really enjoyed the story.

At first, I wasn't sure what to think of Wen.  She came across as extremely protected which seemed strange in such an intense environment.  As the story goes on, I came to realize that this wasn't suppose to be how Wen's life ended up.  But, the death of her mother left her family in a situation she wasn't use to.  I don't think Wen was purposely naive enough to not see it, her father was just that good at hiding it.  Just as Wen is good at hiding that she knows her father has been taking loans from the slaughter-house.  Loans with such high interest rates that he will forever indebted.  All just to keep her out of the clutches of the slaughter-house.

     I found it extremely interesting the slaughter-house operates more like a contained environment and not just a place of employment.  But, there's mutiny in the ranks and soon this carefully constructed environment will have all hell break loose.  Our "ghost" is way more than just a story the workers tell to keep up spirits.  This ghost has a vendetta and Wen has attracted his attention.

An intense story once it gets going.  It has some intense scenes including a malfunction on the slaughter floor.  This book also seems to defy a category.  It feels dystopian, historical fiction, and steampunk all rolled into one strange but awesome novel!  I also really enjoyed the subtle romance.  Looking forward to next book in the series!

 

Review - The Girl with the Windup Heart (Steampunk Chronicles #4) by Kady Cross

Title: The Girl with the Windup Heart

Author: Kady Cross

Series: 4th (The Girl with the Steel Corset, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, The Girl with the Iron Touch)

Pages: 396

Published: May 27th 2014 by Harlequin TEEN 

ISBN: 9780373211197

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus. Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe-especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends. Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields. 

I Give This ...

 I was pleased to see this one as I had no real indication that the series was over after the last book.  After a rocky start, I've come to really enjoy this characters and I wanted to see an satisfying ending.

I really wish that Griffin would stop holding so much back from his friends.  Granted we wouldn't have a story without it.  But, his friends rely so much on him, I wish he would give the slightest indication that he needed them a little bit.  Because of this character flaw, he is literally draining himself dry in the Aether.  It's a good thing that Finley doesn't stand for that kind of crap.  She's determined to prove her worth to Griffin.  I think she feels like she needs for Griffin to see that he can trust her, heart and soul.

I was surprised by the tension between Finley and Emily.  I don't think that was there before.  I think it might be because they both care for Griffin in different ways and have to argue about who has the better way to save him.  I really enjoyed that addition of Mila in relation to Jack Dandy.  I didn't particularly care for his relationship with Finley, but I liked his character.  So, I readily accepted his new found fascination with Mila.

I liked how most of this story took place in the aether.  It reminded me a little bit of Dante's Inferno.  I enjoyed Finley's own personal demons that she had to overcome in order to get to Griffin.   I enjoyed how conniving The Machinist could be.   I never failed to be surprised the lengths he wold go to get what he wanted.

In the end, I was surprised by this series.  I'm still hesitant when it comes to steampunk, but I've learned to give it a chance.  This series has helped me accomplish that.  I will be looking for Kady Cross again.

 

 

Review - Dark Metropolis (Dark Metropolis #1) by Jaclyn Dolamore

Title: Dark Metropolis

Author: Jaclyn Dolamore

Series: 1st

Pages: 304

Published:  June 17th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion 

ISBN: 9781423163329

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description:  Sixteen-year-old Thea Holder's mother is cursed with a spell that's driving her mad, and whenever they touch, Thea is chilled by the magic, too. With no one else to contribute, Thea must make a living for both of them in a sinister city, where danger lurks and greed rules.  Thea spends her nights waitressing at the decadent Telephone Club attending to the glitzy clientele. But when her best friend, Nan, vanishes, Thea is compelled to find her. She meets Freddy, a young, magnetic patron at the club, and he agrees to help her uncover the city's secrets-even while he hides secrets of his own. Together, they find a whole new side of the city. Unrest is brewing behind closed doors as whispers of a gruesome magic spread. And if they're not careful, the heartless masterminds behind the growing disappearances will be after them, too. Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, this is a chilling thriller with a touch of magic where the dead don't always seem to stay that way.

I Give This ...

I've quite enjoyed Jaclyn Dolamore's work so far.  She managed to turn her stories into something unique.  This one is no exception.  

One can't help feel sorry for Thea soon after meeting her.  Her father is dead, or so they have been told.  Without a body and her mother's decent into madness, Thea is often left wondering if he's possibly still alive.  Her mother and father were bonded through magic with their marriage, a process now considered illegal.  Without his presence,  Thea's mother is going losing touch with reality a little more everyday.  If the people in authority knew this, they would take her away.  So, Thea does what she must and works hard to keep them feed and a roof over their head.

And then she meets Freddy, whose got a lot of problems of his own.  Taken from his parents to be raised by his uncle, his life has been focused on his talent.  You see, Freddy can raise people from the dead.  He sees it as giving them a second chance of life, but his uncle has been keeping something from him.  These people aren't returned to their families, and life might be stretch at what these people are living.  They are being used to run the city and kept in their place because they need something extra from becoming zombish creatures.

I really enjoyed how this story played out.  Thea faces some crazy things throughout, but she never back down from doing what is right.  Freddy final takes the blindfold off and realizes what he has helped to create.  I know he did it unknowingly, but I can't help but wonder what the true purpose of his powers are.   There has to be something useful about it.  Especially knowing how he can control it as well.

I will be looking forward to the next one!  I'm eager to get to know these characters more! 

 

 

Review - The Falconer (The Falconer #1) by Elizabeth May

Title: The Falconer

Author: Elizabeth May

Series: 1st

Pages: 378

Published: May 6th 2014 by Chronicle Books 

ISBN:  9781452114231

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

 

Description: Lady Aileana Kameron, the only daughter of the Marquess of Douglas, was destined for a life carefully planned around Edinburgh’s social events – right up until a faery killed her mother.  Now it’s the 1844 winter season and Aileana slaughters faeries in secret, in between the endless round of parties, tea and balls. Armed with modified percussion pistols and explosives, she sheds her aristocratic facade every night to go hunting. She’s determined to track down the faery who murdered her mother, and to destroy any who prey on humans in the city’s many dark alleyways.  But the balance between high society and her private war is a delicate one, and as the fae infiltrate the ballroom and Aileana’s father returns home, she has decisions to make. How much is she willing to lose – and just how far will Aileana go for revenge? 

I Give This ...

I really liked the description on this one.  Historical fiction set in Scotland, the fae, and the hit of steampunk has all the right elements.  This book ended up being just what I needed.

I thought Aileana was fantastic.  She makes no apologies for who she is, no matter the rumors that may be flying around.   It's not like she can tell anyone what she's really doing when she stopping all over protocols and proper behavior for a young women.  I think she feels guilty for lying to her friends, but that's about as deep as it goes.  In fact, I think she gets a little bit of pleasure from tracking down bad fae and killing them.  Especially if she can save a human life while doing it.  The problem is that I don't think anybody bothered to explain all the rules to her.  She setting herself up for immense danger.

I particularly enjoyed Aileana relationships with her pixie friend Derrick.  Who though a sidekick like this could be so much fun.  He's just the right mix of humor to give the story a lighter tone in certain places.  But, you can also tell he really cares about Aileana.  Overall though, I was must drawn to Aileana's relationship with Kiaran.  He gives off the impression that it's all business with Aileana.  But, you can tell there's something smoldering underneath.  There's something about the fae that just draw you, especially when it's done right.

The story seems so fast paced at times, that I didn't get a real feel for the world they live in.   It feels steampunk, but not to the point were I end up having problems with it.  And, in very few instances could I actually tell that this book was suppose to be set in Scotland.  However, in the end those things didn't really effect how I felt about the story.   I'm ready for the next one!

 

  

Review - A Study in Ashes (The Baskerville Affair #3) by Emma Jane Holloway

Title: A Study in Ashes

Author: Emma Jane Holloway

Series: 3rd (A Study in Silks, A Study in Darkness

Pages: 662

Published: December 31st 2013 by Del Rey

ISBN:  9780345537201

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: As part of her devil’s bargain with the industrial steam barons, Evelina Cooper is finally enrolled in the Ladies’ College of London. However, she’s attending as the Gold King’s pet magician, in handcuffs and forbidden contact with even her closest relation, the detective Sherlock Holmes.  Not even Niccolo, the dashing pirate captain, and his sentient airship can save her. But Evelina’s problems are only part of a larger war. The Baskerville Affair is finally coming to light, and the rebels are making their move to wrest power from the barons and restore it to Queen Victoria. Missing heirs and nightmare hounds are the order of the day—or at least that’s what Dr. Watson is telling the press. But their plans are doomed unless Evelina escapes to unite her magic with the rebels’ machines—and even then her powers aren’t what they used to be. A sorcerer has awakened a dark hunger in Evelina’s soul, and only he can keep her from end angering them all. The only problem is…he’s dead. 

First Line: "You are not welcome here," said the man in the quietly understated brown suit.

I Give This ...

I saw this through to the end and I must say I'm very proud of myself on this one.   It's out of my comfort zone, but it attracted my attention from the start.  Steampunk is hard for me and with no guarantee that I would like it, this was a stretch.  And with each book being hefty, this one comes in at just over 650 pages, they are time consuming as well.  

I was greatly impressed with how the characters grew in this final book.  There were definite possibilities of a love triangle in the series beginning.  But, each character followed their were they should (ok maybe not Tobias) and didn't sway.  I was pleased that even Tobias didn't always think with his head, I think he could have been happy in the end with Alice.  And really, I think Nick and Evelina are perfect for each other.  I think my favorite couple was Imogen and Bucky.  Bucky went above and beyond to prove his love for Imogen.

The events were honestly like reading about a chess match and that's were I struggled with this book.  At this many pages, you can bet there were a lot of moves.  I wasn't sure we would ever get to the final showdown.  I also seriously wondered if this story would have some sort of happy ending.  Our Gold King seemed to have all the pieces.  In the end, it all came down to Evelina and the power she could wield.  It's no wonder that she was frightened of it though.

I was completely satisfied with how this ended.  There's room for a spin off series, and I might read it just because I found it intriguing. 

 

Review - A Study in Darkness (The Baskerville Affair #2) by Emma Jane Holloway

Title: A Study in Darkness

Author: Emma Jane Holloway

Series: 2nd (A Study in Silks)

Pages: 513

Published: October 29th 2013 by Del Rey 

ISBN: 9780345537195

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: When a bomb goes off at 221B Baker Street, Evelina Cooper is thrown into her Uncle Sherlock’s world of mystery and murder. But just when she thought it was safe to return to the ballroom, old, new, and even dead enemies are clamoring for a place on her dance card. Before Evelina’s even unpacked her gowns for a country house party, an indiscretion puts her in the power of the ruthless Gold King, who recruits her as his spy. He knows her disreputable past and exiles her to the rank alleyways of Whitechapel with orders to unmask his foe. As danger mounts, Evelina struggles between hiding her illegal magic and succumbing to the darker aspects of her power. One path keeps her secure; the other keeps her alive. For rebellion is brewing, a sorcerer wants her soul, and no one can protect her in the hunting ground of Jack the Ripper.

I Give This ...

I'm so glad that I decided to stick with this series.  There was something in the first book that made me want to continue on despite my 3 rating.  I was right!

Evelina is really beginning to grow on me as our main character.  She's got a very unique background with her connections to the aristocracy, the lower class, and then there's her uncle the infamous Sherlock Holmes.  But, she really holds her own in this story.  She may naive enough to take the bait to be the Gold King's spy, but I can't imagine anyone else for the job.  She manages to integrate herself in place that others can't.  Plus, she learns things about her magic that likely wouldn't have happened.  I imagine that will become more key as the story progresses.

I feel the love triangle is kind of up and down this time around.  I don't necessarily think Evelina's feeling for Tobias were misplaced.  He just didn't seem to think about the repercussions their actions might have on Evelina.  Plus, he's too easily swayed by a pretty face.  Niccolo's affection seem to be much more genuine.  He would do anything for her, including walk away.  I'm hoping that Evelina will stick to what seems to be a clear cut choice.  Who knows though!

I'm really enjoying the little bit we see of Sherlock in this series.  He's an character that could easily take center stage, but he stays in the background.  He may be part of the bigger picture, but he's not the one maneuvering the pieces.   I'm curious as to what his final role will be in this series.  And I LOVED the inclusion of Jack the Ripper in this story.  This serial killer has fascinated me for years, and I loved how it played out in the story.  It stuck with the details of the original crimes and lead to the allure of how it remained unsolved.   It worked beautifully here.

I'm excited to tackle the next book in the series.  I'm not sure if it the final one, but I will savor it and hope the story has a satisfying conclusion if it is!

 

 

Review - Curtsies and Conspiracies (Finishing School #2) by Gail Carriger

Title: Curtsies and Conspiracies

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: 2nd (Etiquette and Espionage)

Pages: 320

Published: November 5th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 9780316190114

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldines Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing. For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy. Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ships boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a school trip to London than is at first apparent. A conspiracy is afootone with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot and survive the London Season with a full dance card.

I Give This ...

I know I can sometimes have issues when it comes to steampunk.  But at the same I have a hard time saying no to any of it.  So, I didn''t say no when I noticed this up for review.  I'm glad I didn't.

I still love the idea of a spy finishing school.  I really enjoy what we get of the school this time around.  There's a test the girls take to show their placement in the program that I particularly enjoyed.  I feel it showed just exactly why Sophronia should be at the school.   I hated when the other girls ostracized Sophronia, but I understood the reasoning behind it.   Most of these girls know who to stand up for when it really counts.  The others just make the story more interesting.

I liked the storyline more this time.  Sometimes my issues with steampunk involves the gadgets that seem so out of place in the time period.   I was a little afraid of it because this series tends to be heavy on those aspects.  But this time around, I actually found it very intriguing.  There's a lot of implications that go far beyond what's happening in the school.  The government has just at much at stake as the supernaturals.  

I think one of things that I found most interesting was the explanation of vampires, their hives, queens, and roves.  The idea of tethers and a vampires ability to travel within the range of that was something new and a little fascinating.  Especially in light of what happens when that tether is broken.

I'm really interested in where this story is going now.  So, I'm sure I will be reading the next one!

Review - A Spark Unseen (The Dark Unwinding #2) by Sharon Cameron

Title: A Spark Unseen

Author: Sharon Cameron

Series: 2nd (A Dark Unwinding)

Pages: 352

Published: September 24th 2013 by Scholastic Press 

ISBN:  9780545328135

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: When Katharine Tulman wakes in the middle of the night and accidentally foils a kidnapping attempt on her uncle, she realizes Stranwyne Keep is no longer safe for Uncle Tully and his genius inventions. She flees to Paris, where she hopes to remain undetected and also find the mysterious and handsome Lane, who is suspected to be dead. But the search for Lane is not easy, and Katharine soon finds herself embroiled in a labyrinth of political intrigue. And with unexpected enemies and allies at every turn, Katharine will have to figure out whom she can trust--if anyone--to protect her uncle from danger once and for all. 

I Give This ...

I'm so glad this series caught my eye.  I find it to be an excellent series with characters that I really love.  And the steampunk element work just right in this one.

I grew to love Katharine's character in the first book and it's no exception this time around.  She's fiercely loyal to those she cares about.  She does not accept when she is told that Lane is dead even though she has no evidence to the contrary.  So when it's clear the Uncle Tully is in danger the only thing for her to do is fake his death and cart him off to Paris in a trunk.  There she embarks on a whirlwind adventure to find Lane and while trying to keep her uncle safe (and sound).

I find Uncle Tully to be one of the highlights of this story.  A prime example of the fine line between genius and insanity.  The fact that they have to drug him, cart him across the English Channel in a trunk, and then set up his room in Paris exactly like his room at home speaks loads about his frame of mind.  But, what a mind it is!   One never knows what Uncle Tully might create with the simplest of things.

The intrigue behind what really happened to Lane and who might be after Uncle Tully's inventions is all connected.  Everybody wants to stop the inevitable war between England and France, and above all, nobody wants a Bonaparte to have control over Uncle Tully.  But, how is that this goes all the way up to the very leaders of the country?  And how can Katherine keep Tully from becoming an expendable object?  And who exactly is Lane?   All questions that are satisfyingly answered!  

I breezed through this book.  Just when it seemed like I had no idea which way this story might go another piece to the puzzle fell into place.   I loved the tension and intrigue.  I would no be disappointed if the author decided to continue with this series!  

Review - A Study in Silks (The Baskerville Affair #1) by Emma Jane Holloway

Title: A Study in Silks

Author: Emma Jane Holloway

Series: 1st

Pages: 531

Published: September 24th 2013 by Del Rey 

ISBN: 9780345537188

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: Evelina Cooper, niece of Sherlock Holmes, is ready for her first London Season - except for a murderer, missing automatons, a sorcerer, and a talking mouse. In a Victorian era ruled by a ruthless steam baron council, mechanical power is the real monarch, and sorcery the demon enemy of the empire. Evelina has secretly mastered a coveted weapon - magic that can run machines. Should she trust the handsome, clever rake who speeds her breath, or the dashing trick rider who would dare anything she would ask? 

I Give This ...

I knew this one was a risk for me.  I don't have the best track record when it comes to steampunk.  But the cover and description caught me eye and I admit I was curious at how Sherlock Holmes might play into this.  

I really liked Evelina.  She has an extremely unique history.  Her mother was aristocratic but feel in love with a commoner.  She was raised in the circus.  Her grandmother brings her back into society upon her mother's death.  I love that she acknowledges that she really has no place among them but it doesn't seem to bother her at all.   The only thing really seems to bother her is not being able to fully participate in The Season along side her best friend.  Plus, she is a women with a brain.  Something that was frowned upon in this day.

It doesn't take long for our story to develop.  One of the servants is murdered in the parlor room of her best friends house.  Evelina is quickly brought to the scene because she's developed a reputation among the household as someone who knows exactly what to do.  But, this case might be to much for Evelina.  There are more people involved that she could ever imagine.  Even her famous Uncle Sherlock is pulled into the case.  Between the two of them, they manage to unlock most of the secrets hidden behind many doors.

Evelina must decide who to trust and who might be hiding things.  In the end, she must also decide if she wants to divulge the secrets of the family she has come to love.  An interesting blend of magic, steampunk, and historical fiction.  I enjoyed the characters immensely.  But, I found the story could be confusing.  Or course in case this big, there are many players.  But, I had a hard time keeping track of who was who.  The steampunk elements were ok, and not overly distracting to the storyline.  My biggest complaint was that the story really dragged in places.  And with a book at 500+ pages, that's probably not a good thing.  I found myself skimming passages and the then rereading certain details.

I make a case by case decision on whether to read the next book in the series when I give a 3 rating.   This time around, I want to know more about our characters.  Evelina and Sherlock are great.  Plus, there's an interesting love triangle building here.

Review - Dance of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #2) by Bethany Griffin

Title: Dance of The Red Death

Author: Bethany Griffin

Series: 2nd (Masque of the Red Death)

Pages: 327

Published: June 11th 2013 by Greenwillow Books 

ISBN: 9780062107824

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss 

Description: In Dance of the Red Death, Araby’s world is in shambles—betrayal, death, disease, and evil forces surround her. She has no one to trust. But she finds herself and discovers that she will fight for the people she loves, and for her city. Her revenge will take place at the menacing masked ball, though it could destroy her and everyone she loves…or it could turn her into a hero. With a nod to Edgar Allan Poe, Bethany Griffin concludes her tragic and mysterious Red Death series with a heroine that young adult readers will never forget.

I Give This ...

This one somehow slipped right by me and missed publication date.  So unfortunately, I had to work on remembering some of the details from the first book.  I think I manged it because I wasn't nearly as confused as I thought I would be.

Araby is determined to save her friend April (and possibly the city if she can) at all costs.  I think she's tired of those around her wavering in their decisions.  But, it's interesting to think that the story kind of sticks to the time period that a girl needs a boy to save her.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure Araby can count on Will or Elliott to serve her best interests.  They are both to wrapped up in their own ideals to take note.  And thankfully, she finally doesn't wait around for them.

Speaking of Elliott and Will, I had high hopes for them.  Sadly, the really disappointed me.  Will seems to wallow in his own betrayal.  Araby may be mad at him, and possibly want nothing to do with, but she also understands.  I think he just needed to buck up and show her the kind of man he could me.  As for Elliott, I really wanted to see the person that I thought he could be.  But, he really is just shallow.  Araby looks good on his arm only when it's convenient for him.     

I thought the chain of events was interesting.  It was slow moving to build up the ending that then h a happened at a break neck speed.  I found it extremely intriguing that Elliott thought he had the upper hand in planning this big revolution.  Sadly the Prince was way ahead of them.   He was the one that had it all planned out....I just don't think he fully counted on how Araby played into it all.

The ball at the end was absolutely fantastic.  I had such vivid imagery going that I didn't want the scene to end.  I would love to see it play out in a trailer.  I've read further reviews that its an awesome tribute to the Edgar Allen Poe short Masque of the Read Death.  I must seek this story out and read it!  If I was as fascinated with this version, I can only imagine Poe's!

A satisfying conclusion.  I'll have to keep an eye on this author!

 

Cold Magic (Spiritwalker #1) by Kate Elliott

Title: Cold Magic

Author: Kate Elliott

 Series: 1st

Pages: 528

Published: September 2nd 2010 by Orbit

ISBN:  9781841498812

Source: Personal Copy

 

Description: It is the dawn of a new age... The Industrial Revolution has begun, factories are springing up across the country, and new technologies are transforming in the cities. But the old ways do not die easy. “I was not a bard or a djeli or an historian or a scribe and I was certainly not a sage, but that didn't mean I wasn't curious…” Young Cat Barahal thinks she understands the world she lives in and her place in it, but in fact she is merely poised, unaware, on the brink of shattering events. Drawn into a labyrinth of politics involving blood, betrayal and old feuds, she will be forced to make an unexpected and perilous journey in order to discover the truth, not just about her own family but about an ancient secret lying at the heart of her world.  Cat and her cousin Bee are part of this revolution. Young women at college, learning of the science that will shape their future and ignorant of the magics that rule their families. But all of that will change when the Cold Mages come for Cat. New dangers lurk around every corner and hidden threats menace her every move. If blood can't be trusted, who can you trust? From one of the genre's finest writers comes a bold new epic fantasy in which science and magic are locked in a deadly struggle.

I Give This ...

DNF (Did Not Finish)

I've seen this pop up many times and couldn't make up my mind about it.  But then it came up for free on kindle and jumped.   I finally thought I would dive into it, but had a hard time with the story.

If you've read any past reviews of mine, especially those that have a steampunk theme, you know I'm hit or miss with the genre.  I just don't connect with the idea for some reason.   I think I have to really like the story in order to get past some of the elements.   I just couldn't do that here.  I was really looking forward to this book too!    I made 1/4 of the way through when I realized I had no idea what was going on.  I was having a really hard time just picking up the book to read.  I decided to let it go.  Maybe one day I will come back to it

I'm so wary about steampunk.  I really want to enjoy the genre and just can't seem to get past some of the elements to the story.  I have no idea why.   I'm sure I'll try it again someday.

Review - The Girl with the Iron Touch (Steampunk Chronicles #3) by Kady Cross

Title: The Girl With The Iron Touch

Author: Kady Cross

Series: 3rd (The Girl with the Steel Corset, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar)

Pages: 384

Published: May 28th 2013 by Harlequin TEEN 

ISBN: 9780373210855

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives. With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin. Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine. To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has.... 

I Give This...

I honestly didn't think I would be continuing this series after the first book.    But I'm so glad I gave the series another chance, because I loved the final book in the series!

It's always interesting to watch a male character go through so much to save everyone he knows and loves.  Griffin definitely believes he needs to be the one to save everyone.  The problem is that he often does this without any help.  He's willing to risk his own life to protect them.  Never admitting that outcome might have a higher rate of success if he lets them in on the plan.  Thankfully his friends are able to get him to recognize that the aether will take him under before he can accomplish anything.

I love the Finley is still no nonsense.  She doesn't need Griffin to complete.  In face, she's completely kick ass on her own.  However, she also knows the sometimes love is worth sacrificing a few things for.  She just wants to know its worth is before she does.  I also loved that we finally get a definite feel for Sam and Emily's relationship.  I just was never sure what Sam would do for Emily.  How deep that devotion actually ran.

The one aspect of steam punk that tends to get to me is the combination of Victorian age and modern technology.  It sometimes works and sometimes doesn't.  This time around, I was really able to separate the two and enjoy the book for what it was.  Plus, the way the technology was used this time around was just down right creepy and that really drew me in.  Deformed automatons and bodies barely kept alive by machines gave this story a totally different feel.

If you haven't read this series, I really recommend that you pick it up!  I can't wait to see what Kady Cross comes up with next!

Review - Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1) by Gail Carriger

Title: Etiquette & Espionage

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: 1st

Pages: 320

Published: February 5th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

ISBN: 9780316190084

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

 

Description: It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.  Sophronia Temminnick at 14 is a great trial more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners -- and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Her poor mother, desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady, enrolls the lively tomboy in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.  But young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage -- in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.  

I Give This ...

I've heard so many good things about the authors adult series.  I have most of them sitting on my shelf but have not got around to reading them just yet.   When this one came on my radar, I never hesitated to add it to my to read list.

The idea of a spy school disguised as a finishing school was actually a really great idea.  I love that they learn how to be a lady in high society and at the same time learn the art of espionage.  Who better for the job than the people they least suspect?   It really had to potential to be a perfect mix. 

 I also really liked the characters.  Sophronia was humorous and I loved her sense of adventure.  She never once shies away from exploring her surroundings.  Her curious nature makes her a perfect person for spying in my opinion.  She truly sees what is going on around her.  She also knows how to manipulate her situation.  I also really enjoyed her interactions with the other characters in the story.

Sadly, I think is once again a case of steam punk failing to connect with me.  I'm not sure exactly what it is about it, but I'm only about 50/50 when it comes to the enjoying the genre.  Mechanical dogs, floating ships, and the likes were just to front and center for me.  Add in vampires and werewolves and it just felt like there was too much going on in the story.

I was a tad disappointed in this book.  I'm really hoping her other series doesn't follow the same pattern.  I have to admit I'm a little leery of it it now.  

Review - The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

Title: The Dark Unwinding

Author: Sharon Cameron

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 318

Published: September 1st 2012 by Scholastic Press 

ISBN: 9780545327862

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.   Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.  As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance. 

I Give This ...

I'm not sure what called to me more, the fact that this is set in regency England or that the book seemed to have a steampunk feel to it.  Either way, I was eager to give it a shot.

Katharine proved to me a great lead character.  I think she has an hard place in life.  She's at the mercy of her Aunt and believes she has no other way out but to take the abuse handed to her.  When she's forced to her uncle's estate to see to his affairs, she begins to see that there are worse things than being tossed out of her aunt's house.  She begins to question what's more important, her own perceived shot at happiness.  Or is the happiness and well being of an entire town worth the possibility of a lifetime of just one's own suffering.

What Katharine discovers among her uncle's estate is sometimes confusing.  A house that has endless corridors and rooms, a workshop that consists of gadgets that I couldn't even being to understand mixed in with a group of people that will stop at nothing to make sure their benefactor stays right were he is.  But, not everybody is manipulating Katharine in the ways that she thinks.  Someone on the estate sees power among the inventions tucked away on the farm and think Katharine is the perfect tool to get what they wants.  

I really enjoyed the plot and cast of characters.  There were times the story dragged a little and the details got a little fuzzy.  But, the story was past paced and interesting.  I wondered until the very end of Katherine would have the guts to stand up for her uncle and all that he built.  I truly loved her uncle and felt that she did as well.  I didn't think in the end that she could take away all the he had done.  

I was happy that the story had a generally happy ending.  It didn't end exactly the way that I had hoped.   It does have an open ending leaving room for a sequel.  I would like to see were the character go, so I hope there is one!

Review - The Girl in the Clockwork Collar (Steampunk Chronicles #2) by Kady Cross

Title: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

Author: Kady Cross

Series: 2nd (The Girl in the Steel Corset)

Pages:  416

Published: May 22nd 2012 by Harlequin 

ISBN: 9780373210534

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous. Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves. One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens. 

I Give This ...

I wasn't sure if I was going to read this.  I had a hard time with the first in the series but not for reasons most people would think.  I strictly had an issue with the steam punk aspect of the story.  I was beginning to think that the genre wasn't for me.   But, I decided to give it one more shot.

Maybe it's because there's a little less steam punk elements in this book, or maybe it's something else.  Either way, I liked this book way more than the first.  I liked that Jasper gets a lot of mention in this book.  He's got a really interesting past and we really get to see that.  The people he used to associate with in the US compared to the people he came to associate with in England show the difference in his values and what was important to him.  I like to see that kind of change in a character.  His devotion to Mei is also sweet and the fact that he is willing to go to such lows to keep her safe shows how much she meant to him.

I  love the development of the relationships of the other characters.  I sometimes wanted to bop Griffin and Finley on the head.  They are both too stubborn and refuse to recognize how they feel about each other.  But, it also makes for excellent tension in the book.  Sam and Emily are also very sweet.  The gang as a whole is becoming more comfortable together.  I love that.

The action of the story is really interesting.  Dalton is a great villain.  I love how he pushes the others because it makes for some great scenes.  I love the part in 5 points were Jasper has to take on a gang and then the leader (who is a scorned ex).  It's just exciting.

After this installment, I will be reading the next.  I'm so glad I decided to give this series another try!