THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY by Genevieve Cogman

Rating: B-
Synopsis:
Irene must be at the top of her game or she'll be off the case - permanently...

Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, which harvests fiction from different realities. And along with her enigmatic assistant Kai, she's posted to an alternative London. Their mission - to retrieve a dangerous book. But when they arrive, it's already been stolen. London's underground factions seem prepared to fight to the very death to find her book.

Adding to the jeopardy, this world is chaos-infested - the laws of nature bent to allow supernatural creatures and unpredictable magic. Irene's new assistant is also hiding secrets of his own.

Soon, she's up to her eyebrows in a heady mix of danger, clues and secret societies. Yet failure is not an option - the nature of reality itself is at stake. 

My thoughts on the book:
The Invisible Library is a unique and intriguing read. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not, especially after seeing mixed reviews, but I actually enjoyed the book as a whole. It wasn't perfect, and the world and characters weren't fully developed, in my opinion, but it held my interest enough that I liked reading it, and I'm looking forward to the sequel. It is a well-written, genre bending book. I hope I get to learn more about the characters and the world in the next installment.

Irene grew on me, even though her emotions were kind of stifled. I know she was meant to be portrayed this way, but because of that, even though the POV was third person, limited, we didn't get to see any of the emotions of the other characters, either. I mean emotional reactions were mentioned some, but there was a lot more that could have been done. However, the story, and Irene herself, wouldn't have been as prim and stereotypically librarian if that had been the case. Kai was interesting, and I really want to learn more about him. Vale was super fun, and I look forward to seeing him again as well. The big bad guy of the story was kind of vague. I would have liked a bit more from him. 

Like the characters, the world-building was a bit vague. I'm not sure I 100% understand the rules of the world, why the Library exists, and what all of the implications are. This may be intentional, because part of the underlying themes in this book is should you question old institutions if they are doing no harm. However, it did make it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The plot was intriguing and fast-paced, but the romance was a bit dull/non-existent. I'd like to see a little more romance in future installments. The writing was pretty well done, and the dialogue was fairly realistic. There was a lot of action going on, but the action/fight scenes were never described in a way that made me completely absorbed in them. I felt that a lot of stuff was glossed over more than it should have been. The ending tied up a lot of loose ends and set the next book up well.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to someone who is looking for something unique to read. I enjoyed the novel, and I am looking forward to the sequel.

THIS MONSTROUS THING by Mackenzi Lee

Rating: C
Synopsis:
In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.

His brother, Oliver—dead.

His sweetheart, Mary—gone.

His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.

Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.

Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…

My thoughts on the book:
This Monstrous Thing is an intriguing retelling of the classic novel, Frankenstein. One of my favorite things about this novel is that Mary Shelley was actually in the book. Also, the characters were so real and flawed. It felt like I was reading history instead of fiction. That being said, since the mystery wasn't really that mysterious for the reader, the big reveal(s) didn't stand out to me. I was invested in this story because of the lovely writing and wonderful characters, but the plot was lacking. 

Alasdair was an intriguing and trustworthy narrator. I really enjoyed reading from his perspective, though he was a bit emotional for a male narrator, in my opinion. That's not to say that men don't have emotions, I'm just saying that the way he relayed his emotions seemed a bit feminine at times. Also, he was extremely selfish, and that annoyed me at times, but that also made him seem real. Mary was a horrendous character, and I really didn't like her, but I loved the author's take on her in this novel, if that makes sense. Oliver was interesting, and I wish we had gotten to see more of him. I really felt bad for him. Clemence was intriguing as well, and I really liked her. 

The plot itself wasn't very exciting because the big mysteries were already pretty obvious and/or well known, depending on which mystery you're thinking about. What really happened the night Oliver died was glaringly obvious, and it was clear that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein. That being said, the events that occurred were gripping, and I flew through this book. The writing itself was gorgeous, and Lee is excellent at describing the scenery and world around the characters. The ending was well-done, too. 

Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who loves steampunk and classics. This was an interesting novel, and I look forward to reading more by Mackenzi Lee. 

SKY PIRATES by Liesel Schwarz

Rating: B-
Synopsis:
Following A Conspiracy of Alchemists and A Clockwork Heart, Sky Pirates is the third book of the Chronicles of Light and Shadow series, starring the spunky dirigible pilot Elle Chance and the handsome warlock Marsh. For urban fantasy fans and readers of Gail Carriger's Changeless and Cherie Priest's Boneshaker, a fun, fast-paced, action-packed new historical fantasy adventure series starring vampires, fairies, and the unforgettable heroine, Elle Chance.

Set during the Belle Epoque, Sky Pirates is a thrilling and inventive historical fantasy novel, where the myths and legends of Old Europe live side by side with the wondrous creations of modern scientists and aviators. It's also set in a world haunted by vampires, fairies, and other supernatural creatures. And it mixes a thrill-a-minute page-turning plot with a genuinely moving love story. In Sky Pirates, Elle and Marsh escape to the jungles of Cambodia in search of a sacred temple that holds the key to erasing the barrier between Shadow and Light.

My thoughts on the book:
Sky Pirates got off to an incredibly slow start for me. Elle's obsession with bringing back Marsh was a bit annoying at times, though I can't say that I wouldn't have been the same way in her position. Once the ball got rolling and we were able to get to know some of the new characters, though, things started to pick up. I really loved Dashwood, and Schwarz's writing was much better this time around, in my opinion. The last half of the book flew by, and I liked the ending. I hate love triangles, though, so that detracted from the book's rating. 

Elle was a bit stagnant for the first half of this installment, but by the 50% mark, she started growing. She was incredibly selfish during the first part, and I didn't like that very much. I liked her as the book progressed, though. Patrice was a good villain, and he's all kinds of messed up. It was interesting to see things from his perspective, showing how awful he was. Dashwood was a fantastic hero. I loved him very much, and I'm totally shipping him and Elle now. Marsh bored me. A lot of the pirates were fun, and they each had their own personalities. 

The plot was slow to start with, but picked up and was fast-paced toward the end. Elle being stuck in the jungle was a fun change, and I enjoyed the setting very much. The monastery was also interesting. As I previously stated, the writing was well-done. The romance and chemistry between Elle and Dashwood was fantastic. I just wish Marsh hadn't come back, honestly. I was sad he went away in the last installment, but since he was gone, I wish he'd stayed gone. The ending tied things up nicely.

Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who loves steampunk. You'll enjoy this series. 

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THE GIRL AND THE CLOCKWORK CAT by Nikki McCormack

Rating: A
Synopsis:
Feisty teenage thief Maeko and her maybe-more-than-friend Chaff have scraped out an existence in Victorian London’s gritty streets, but after a near-disastrous heist leads her to a mysterious clockwork cat and two dead bodies, she’s thrust into a murder mystery that may cost her everything she holds dear.

Her only allies are Chaff, the cat, and Ash, the son of the only murder suspect, who offers her enough money to finally get off the streets if she’ll help him find the real killer. 

What starts as a simple search ultimately reveals a conspiracy stretching across the entire city. And as Maeko and Chaff discover feelings for each other neither was prepared to admit, she’s forced to choose whether she’ll stay with him or finally escape the life of a street rat. But with danger closing in around them, the only way any of them will get out of this alive is if all of them work together.

My thoughts on the book:
I went into The Girl and the Clockwork Cat thinking it'd be a cute, light story to read, but it's so much more than that. McCormack combines two of my favorite things (steampunk and cats). Also, she doesn't pull any punches when it comes to dealing with life on the streets, and her sensory descriptions make Maeko's life seem very real. The characters themselves also come across a realistic and easy to relate to. Furthermore, McCormack's world-building is top notch. I really enjoyed every aspect of this book. 

Maeko is a terrific leading lady. She's strong and independent. She doesn't compromise herself or her values for anyone. Maeko is no damsel in distress, so this isn't your typical rebellious and impoverished girl meets rich guy who takes her in and saves her. Nope. Maeko doesn't need saving, and if she did, she'd save herself. Yes, she worries about what people think sometimes, but don't we all? She still holds fast to what she believes, for the most part. However, her beliefs do change over the course of the novel. Maeko grows a lot in this book, and I can't wait to see what she chooses to do next. Ash is an okay love interest, but I really loved Chaff. He's a good guy, even if he is a little rough around the edges. Chaff has had a rough life, but he's not angsty, and I respected that. Ash is a bit of a pansy, in my opinion, but he does toughen up as the novel progresses. I also adored Macack, the cat. He has tons of personality. 

The story itself is intriguing and unique. I really liked the feeling of suspense about the murders and not knowing who could and could not be trusted. I also enjoyed McCormack's world-building. I felt like I was in Victorian London. The author even uses English colloquialisms, which give the entire story an air of authenticity that many books set in London lack. The writing is fluid and the pacing is top notch. I was never bored and nothing felt rushed. There is a bit of a love triangle, but this book doesn't focus much on romance. The love triangle itself is more about Maeko deciding what kind of life she wants (does she want to stay on the streets or have a more comfortable life?) than it is about which boy Maeko has a bigger crush on. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, which left me hoping the next installment comes out soon. 

Overall, I'd recommend this story to anyone who loves a good steampunk read, but is looking for something a little bit different. This book has heart, and it is easy to get lost in the world that McCormack created. Do yourself a favor and give this novel a try. 

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GUILD ASSASSIN: CURSE BREAKER by Berley Kerr

Rating: DNF
Synopsis:
Wendy Magdalena Braca lived in a Victorian mansion under three moons in Jupiter City. But her privileged upbringing falters when after the death of her father and the murder of her mother, she is shipped away to Greenleaf Asylum for Troubled Girls and lived there for years until she is “rescued” by a strange guild that shows Wendy their world; the world of Guild Assassins made up of the Cæcus (normal humans), the Validus (magic-users), and Half-Breeds (demi-gods). In this world, Wendy discovers she is the most special and powerful Validus known to exist, the Curse Breaker.

My thoughts on the book:
Guild Assassin: Curse Breaker had the potential to be an amazing and unique book. However, after about 50-something pages, I simply could not continue. I was bored to tears. 

For starters, I could not connect to Wendy. There was no heart to her character. I had no idea what she was feeling ever because no feelings were discussed. She was very robotic. I didn't care what happened to her because she didn't seem real. 

The writing was bad. Kerr told everything and didn't show anything, ever. The settings were so overly-described that my eyes started glazing over, yet the world-building was lacking. I didn't understand much about the world. That could have changed as the book progressed, but since I couldn't make myself finish it, I didn't know. Also, the pacing was slow and the events that did happen felt forced. The book didn't flow. 

I was hoping for a good steampunk/sci-fi masterpiece, but that wasn't what I got. Feel free to give this one a try. You may like it more than I did. 

STRANGE AND EVER AFTER by Susan Dennard

Rating: B+
Synopsis:
In the conclusion to the trilogy that Publishers Weekly called “a roaring—and addictive—gothic world,” Eleanor Fitt must control her growing power, face her feelings for Daniel, and confront the evil necromancer Marcus...all before it’s too late.

He took her brother, he took her mother, and now, Marcus has taken her good friend Jie. With more determination than ever to bring this sinister man to justice, Eleanor heads to the hot desert streets of nineteenth-century Egypt in hopes of ending this nightmare. But in addition to her increasingly tense relationships with Daniel, Joseph, and her demon, Oliver, Eleanor must also deal with her former friend, Allison, who has curiously entangled herself in Eleanor’s mission.

With the rising dead chomping at her every move and Jie’s life hanging in the balance, Eleanor is convinced that her black magic will see her through to the bitter end. But there will be a price. Though she and the Spirit Hunters have weathered every battle thus far, there will be consequences to suffer this time—the effects of which will be irreversible. And when it’s over, only some will be able to live a strange and ever after.

Susan Dennard will leave readers breathless and forever changed in the concluding pages of this riveting ride.

My thoughts on the book:
This novel was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Every time I thought I had something figured out, Dennard threw in another surprise. The character growth was fantastic, the plot and pacing were top notch, and the writing was wonderful. My only complaint was the lack of chemistry between Eleanor and Daniel. I just didn't feel like they really loved each other this time. I'm not sure why. Anyway, this was a great end to a fantastic series. 

Eleanor showed her strength time and time again in this installment. She suffered loss after loss after loss, and while she had her selfish moments, she ended up growing into a very selfless, caring, and courageous character. I really enjoyed her progression throughout the trilogy, and especially in this book. Her strength at the end was unbelievable. I credit Oliver for a lot of her growth. Speaking of Oliver, his character grew immensely as well. I absolutely adored the demon in this novel. I will admit, I was kind of shipping Eleanor and Oliver. Jie, Daniel, and Joseph didn't grow that much, but that didn't detract from the rest of the book. I know that secondary characters never evolve as much as the main character, and I'm happy with how Eleanor turned out. 

There was a lot of action and adventure in this book, and the pacing was pretty spot on. I didn't get bored at all, as we traveled from city to city. Dennard did a great job at painting the scenery, and I could fully picture Cairo, Marseilles, and Paris. The plot was intriguing, and Dennard's writing was fabulous. The ending tied things up nicely and really showed how much Eleanor had grown. I know a lot of people didn't like the ending, but I did. Yes, I cried, but it worked, and Dennard handled the situation believably and beautifully, in my opinion. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who loves steampunk and/or zombie novels. This trilogy is unique, and I'm so glad I read it. I can't wait to see what Dennard comes up with next. 

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THE GIRL WITH THE WINDUP HEART by Kady Cross

Rating: A
Synopsis:
In 1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin.

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.

My thoughts on the book:
The Girl with the Windup Heart is a fantastic end to a terrific series. As many of you know, I absolutely adore steampunk, and Kady Cross is the author who got me into this genre. I was incredibly pleased that Jack Dandy finally got a book of his own, and his story did not disappoint. The character development in this novel is top-notch, and Cross' world-building when discussing the Aether is perfect. The pacing is spot-on, and the switching points-of-view flowed nicely. This book (and series) is a must for steampunk fans. 

I'll be honest with you guys... while I am firmly on Team Griffin, when it comes to Finley, I always adored Jack Dandy. I just didn't think he was the right match for Finley. Therefore, I was super excited to read a book about Jack and a new love interest. Mila is a wonderful and unique character. She's more human than many of the human characters out there today, but she's actually part automaton. I was hesitant about the fact that Mila was part robot, more or less, when I started the book because I generally can't connect to those characters as well, but I fell in love with Mila right away. Her way of learning and storing social information is endearing, and her analysis of Jack's ignorance when it came to dealing with women cracked me up. I really enjoyed getting to know her, and I was rooting for her and Jack the entire time. 

Cross does an amazing job of painting the settings in this novel. I could clearly picture Piccadilly Circus. It was clear that the author did her research. Victorian Era circuses are always interesting topics in novels, and this one was no exception. The characters working in the circus were intriguing and well-developed; no one felt like a filler character. When we weren't at Piccadilly Circus or Jack's house with Mila, we were in the Aether with Griffin and Finley. Finley really steps up in this novel, and her relationship with Griffin grows immensely. The Aether is a strange place, and Cross did an excellent job of explaining it. I could picture this foreign concept without a problem, which is a testament to the author's world-building skills.

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys steampunk. The conclusion is satisfying, and I am happy with how everything worked out. I read this entire book in one sitting. I just could not put it down. Be prepared to lose some sleep with this one. 

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MY LADY QUICKSILVER by Bec McMaster Review+Interview+Giveaway!

Rating: A+
Synopsis:
“I WILL COME FOR YOU…”

He will find her no matter what. As a blue-blooded captain of the Nighthawk Guard, his senses are keener than most. Some think he’s indestructible. But once he finds the elusive Mercury, what will he do with her? 

It’s his duty to turn her in—she’s a notorious spy and traitor. But after one stolen moment, he can’t forget the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her, or the sharp sting of betrayal as she slipped off into the night. Little does Mercury know, no one hunts better than the Nighthawk. And his greatest revenge will be to leave her begging for his touch…

My thoughts on the book:

My Lady Quicksilver is, by far, my favorite book in this series. This novel is full of heart, romance, action, humor, and heartbreak. I couldn't put this one down, and I was attached to Rosalind/Mercury and Lynch almost immediately. McMaster does not disappoint in the third installment of her series, and this book will have readers coming back for more. 

Rosalind is a terrific leading lady. She's strong, yet vulnerable (even though she doesn't want to be). She is a complex character with a good heart, and one can't help but sympathize with her. She's tougher than most of the heroines we see in literature today, and I really admired her fortitude and willingness to risk everything for those she cares about. 

Lynch is one of the most swoon-worthy male leads I've read all year. I'll admit, I was hesitant to read a book about Lynch after how he was represented in the previous novels, but he's so much more complicated than McMaster let on! I really fell in love with his character throughout the course of the novel. 

We also get to meet an entire new cast of secondary characters, which opens up this world quite a bit. Each one seems extremely real and clearly has his or her own story to tell. I can't wait to see who McMaster writes about next. 

The plot, along with the characters, is quite different from the first two novels. This book could be read as a standalone or as part of the series since we don't hear much about any of the previous characters. Lena makes a small appearance, and Barrons is there (when is he getting his own story?! He's so interesting). Other than that, we get to know all new characters and learn about all new circumstances. Yes, we are still dealing with the bombing, but now we get to explore how these acts of revolution affect the Nighthawks who aren't really accepted in Blue Blood society, and they aren't accepted in human society either. McMaster almost created an entire new world within the world she already built, and I really enjoyed that. The plot itself is full of mystery, intrigue, steamy romance, humor, and action. I was hooked from the first page and read this entire novel all in one sitting. This is the best book I've read in awhile. The ending ties up their story nicely and leaves room for more sequels to take place.

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys good Steampunk literature. With the addition of vampires into the mix, McMaster has created a unique and addicting world that is sure to captivate readers. 

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About the author:

Award-winning author Bec McMaster lives in a small town in Australia and grew up with her nose in a book. A member of RWA, she writes sexy, dark paranormals and steampunk romance. When not writing, reading, or poring over travel brochures, she loves spending time with her very own hero or daydreaming about new worlds. Read more about her at www.becmcmaster.com or follow her on Twitter, @BecMcMaster.

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A STUDY IN SILKS by Emma Jane Holloway

Rating: F
Synopsis:
Evelina Cooper, the niece of the great Sherlock Holmes, is poised to enjoy her first Season in London’s high society. But there’s a murderer to deal with—not to mention missing automatons, a sorcerer, and a talking mouse.
  
In a Victorian era ruled by a council of ruthless steam barons, mechanical power is the real monarch, and sorcery the demon enemy of the empire. Nevertheless, the most coveted weapon is magic that can run machines—something Evelina has secretly mastered. But rather than making her fortune, her special talents could mean death or an eternity as a guest of Her Majesty’s secret laboratories. What’s a polite young lady to do but mind her manners and pray she’s never found out?
 
But then there’s that murder. As Sherlock’s niece, Evelina should be able to find the answers, but she has a lot to learn. And the first decision she has to make is whether to trust the handsome, clever rake who makes her breath come faster, or the dashing trick rider who would dare anything for her if she would only just ask.

My thoughts on the book:
A Study in Silks has to be one of the most boring and slowly paced books that I've ever read. The characters bored me, the plot bored me, the mystery was easy to figure out, and the pacing was slow as molasses. I had to stop and start this book several times because I kept dozing off every time I read a few paragraphs. The writing is horridly dull. I normally love steampunk, and the cover is gorgeous, but I just could not make myself get into this book. It was a chore to finish it.

Evelina is a well-developed character, but she's so dull that I didn't care what happened to her. One would think that Sherlock Holmes' niece would be the slightest bit interesting, but she really wasn't. I did like how Holloway made flawed characters because that made them seem more realistic. Still, none of them stood out, and most of them just fell extremely flat for me. 

The pacing was so slow. I have never read a book that moved so slowly. Holloway is also a fan of over-description. I hated the fact that she described every single thing that may have ever thought about crossing Evelina's path in excruciating detail. The descriptions themselves made the book painful to read. It also slowed down the already slow pacing. The mystery wasn't that mysterious. I had everything figured out pretty quickly. The ending didn't stand out to me. It tied things up okay, but left room for a sequel, which I won't be reading.

I know a lot of people liked this book, but I absolutely hated it. I wish I could say nicer things about it, but it just wasn't for me. I cannot stand slowly paced books and over-description. If you do give this one a try, I say check it out from the library. It may work for you, and I hope it does. However, it didn't work for me. 

A SPARK UNSEEN by Sharon Cameron

Rating: A-

Release Date: 09/24/13

Synopsis:

The thrilling sequel to Sharon Cameron's blockbuster gothic steampunk romance, THE DARK UNWINDING, will captivate readers anew with mystery and intrigue aplenty.

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.

Filled with deadly twists, whispering romance, and heart-stopping suspense, this sequel to THE DARK UNWINDING whisks readers off on another thrilling adventure.

My thoughts on the book:

A Spark Unseen whisks readers off to Paris in an effort to hide from not one, but two corrupt governments, giving this novel a sense of urgency and making it difficult to put down. By showing the light and dark side of eccentricities - and human nature in general - this novel argues that people are not always what they seem and that one must not judge based on first impressions alone. With endearing main characters and a suspenseful plot, A Spark Unseen should be on everyone's must-read list. 

Katharine does not grow immensely in this novel, but she does learn to stand on her own quite a bit more. I can't wait to see how she grows in the next installment. She didn't have time to deal with many of the occurrences in this book, so I know the next one will be full of character growth for her. Uncle Tully, on the other hand, grows quite a bit. I was surprised by that, foolishly thinking that he had grown all that he could and was stagnant now - due to his age more than his condition. I admit that I am ashamed for thinking that way, ageism is not becoming, and I am glad that Cameron proved me wrong. Tully also showed great insight at many points throughout the book, which displays how astute he can be when he's not focused on his work. I have a feeling that Mary, like Katharine, will do most of her growing in the next installment. She really impressed me a few times, though, and I can't wait to see what Cameron has in store for this character. 

The plot is full of mystery and suspense. Cameron really puts her characters through the ringer in this book. Poor Katharine has a terribly difficult time. I was genuinely worried for her several times throughout the story. This is a bridge book, definitely, but it also has an intriguing plot and stands on its own. However because of the multitude of occurrences in this novel that were not dealt with, I foresee the next installment focusing more on the characters than the plot. I am interested to see how these events will affect the characters and the new characters will fit into future stories. The setting was lacking, in my opinion. I absolutely adore France, and I didn't feel like Cameron really described Paris at all. The story could have been set anywhere due to the lack of description, and I felt that was an injustice to such a marvelous city. Aside from random French phrases being thrown around, I really didn't get a sense that the characters were in France at all. The pacing is spot on, and I did not get bored once. The ending wraps up the main problem of this book, but so many new problems were introduced that there is more than enough room for several future installments, and I am glad for that. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to those who enjoy Steam Punk novels that are more historically accurate than the run-of-the-mill "futuristic" devices and gender roles. Cameron seems very adamant to keep social norms for the time period in place, and transportation and other such technologies keep with the times. The only thing that makes this Steam Punk is the clockwork devices that Uncle Tully builds. But I digress. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of clockwork goodies, then this series is definitely for you. 

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A DARKNESS STRANGE AND LOVELY by Susan Dennard

A Darkness Strange and Lovely
Susan Dennard

Rating: A-
Synopsis:
Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath...

With her brother dead and her mother insane, Eleanor Fitt is alone. Even the Spirit-Hunters—Joseph, Jie, and the handsome Daniel—have fled to Paris. So when Eleanor hears the vicious barking of hounds and see haunting yellow eyes, she fears that the Dead, and the necromancer Marcus, are after her.

To escape, Eleanor boards a steamer bound for France. There she meets Oliver, a young man who claims to have known her brother. But Oliver harbors a dangerous secret involving necromancy and black magic that entices Eleanor beyond words. If she can resist him, she’ll be fine. But when she arrives in Paris, she finds that the Dead have taken over, and there’s a whole new evil lurking. And she is forced to make a deadly decision that will go against everything the Spirit-Hunters stand for.

In Paris, there’s a price for this darkness strange and lovely, and it may have Eleanor paying with her life.

My thoughts on the book:
A Darkness Strange and Lovely is an intriguing follow-up to Something Strange and Deadly. Dennard continues Eleanor's story, and complicates her life even further. This novel does not suffer from "second book syndrome," and I was engaged throughout the entire story. With rich world-building, an intriguing plot, and captivating characters, this is sure to be one of the summer's hottest reads. 

The characterization in this novel is top-notch. Eleanor annoyed me some in this installment, even though she is still a strong and interesting heroine. I don't like how she insists on keeping secrets from people, and she never seems to learn from her mistakes regarding that. Hopefully she'll improve in this department in the third book. Also, she keeps whining that no one will teach her anything, but she avoids the people who could teach her something. It makes no sense. Other than those two things, she is still extremely likable and surprisingly strong, considering the time period. I wish we could have seen more of Daniel, and I'm hopeful that the next book will focus on him quite a bit. I absolutely adored the new addition to the team, Oliver. He's extremely entertaining and well-developed. I can't wait to get to know him better. 

The plot is intriguing and mysterious, though I figured out the bad guy pretty early on. However, there were a few things thrown in there that surprised me. Also, Dennard includes a couple of red herrings to keep the reader on his/her toes. The pacing is pretty much perfect, and the descriptions are well-written. I could picture Victorian Paris, and I felt like I was there. Dennard's writing is lovely, and I enjoyed the awkward tension between Eleanor and Daniel. The ending sets the stage for the third installment, but ties up most of the problems in this novel quite nicely. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good Steam Punk novels. The zombie twist, along with Dennard's unique characters, make this series stand out from the other Steam Punk books. Give this series, and this book, a try. You won't be sorry. 

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A CLOCKWORK HEART by Liesel Schwarz

A Clockwork Heart
Liesel Schwarz

Rating: C-
Release Date: 08/13/13
Synopsis:
FOR BETTER OR CURSE. That might as well have been the wedding vow of Elle Chance and her new husband, the ex-Warlock Hugh Marsh in the second book of this edgy new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy, historical adventure, and paranormal romance into storytelling magic.

As Elle devotes herself to her duties as the Oracle—who alone has the power to keep the dark designs of Shadow at bay—Marsh finds himself missing the excitement of his former life as a Warlock. So when Commissioner Willoughby of the London Metropolitan police seeks his help in solving a magical mystery, Marsh is only too happy to oblige. But in doing so, Marsh loses his heart . . . literally.

In place of the flesh-and-blood organ is a clockwork device—a device that makes Marsh a kind of zombie. Nor is he the only one. A plague of clockwork zombies is afflicting London, sowing panic and whispers of revolution. Now Elle must join forces with her husband’s old friend, the Nightwalker Loisa Beladodia, to track down Marsh’s heart and restore it to his chest before time runs out.

My thoughts on the book:
I expected A Clockwork Heart to be an improvement over A Conspiracy of Alchemists, but unfortunately I was wrong. This novel failed to engage me, and while I liked Elle and Marsh in the first installment, both characters fell flat for me this time around. I couldn't force myself to care about what happened to them. The pacing was slow, and I got bored quite a few times. Unless you're a huge Steampunk fan, you may want to pass this one up. 

Elle annoyed me this time. She comes across as a spoiled brat, who refuses to sacrifice anything for her marriage. She's also cocky and arrogant, which results in plenty of problems for herself. Marsh seems like a door mat this time around, which made me not respect him as much. The secondary characters are all flat, filler characters. Also, none of the characters really evolve in this novel. 

The plot is inconsistent at best and overly convenient at worst. The pacing is so slow, and there is a huge lack of world-building. Considering the world wasn't 100% clear in the first book, I was hoping that Schwarz would clear some things up this time around. That wasn't the case, though. The last fourth of the book is the best, and at least made me somewhat interested in the series again. I'll probably read the last installment just to see how things end, but even with the decent ending, I still am not too invested in these characters. 

Overall, I'd say if you're a die hard Steampunk fan, you should read this. Otherwise, try it out from the library first. You may be disappointed. 

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HER LADYSHIP'S CURSE by Lynn Viehl

Her Ladyship's Curse
Lynn Viehl

Rating: F
Release Date: 08/12/13
Synopsis:
In a steampunk version of America that lost the Revolutionary War, Charmian (Kit) Kittredge makes her living investigating magic crimes and exposing the frauds behind them. While Kit tries to avoid the nobs of high society, as the proprietor of Disenchanted & Co. she follows mysteries wherever they lead.

Lady Diana Walsh calls on Kit to investigate and dispel the curse she believes responsible for carving hateful words into her own flesh as she sleeps. While Kit doesn’t believe in magic herself, she can’t refuse to help a woman subjected nightly to such vicious assaults. As Kit investigates the Walsh family, she becomes convinced that the attacks on Diana are part of a larger, more ominous plot—one that may involve the lady’s obnoxious husband.

Sleuthing in the city of Rumsen is difficult enough, but soon Kit must also skirt the unwanted attentions of nefarious deathmage Lucien Dredmore and the unwelcome scrutiny of police Chief Inspector Thomas Doyle. Unwilling to surrender to either man’s passion for her, Kit struggles to remain independent as she draws closer to the heart of the mystery. Yet as she learns the truth behind her ladyship’s curse, Kit also uncovers a massive conspiracy that promises to ruin her life—and turn Rumsen into a supernatural battleground from which no one will escape alive.

My thoughts on the book:
I was hoping for a good Steampunk story with this novel, but unfortunately I was disappointed. The writing isn't very good. The characters fall flat. The plot is boring. You get the idea. Nothing about this book appealed to me. 

Kit isn't a very likable character, and she doesn't have much of a personality. Many of her actions don't make a lot of sense (like why she gives money to people who insult her). Also, she felt kind of robotic to me. I think it is Viel's writing that made Kit come across with no emotion, but I just could not connect to her at all. The secondary characters are cliches, even though the author tries incredibly hard to make them unique. Lucien is repulsive, and Thomas is obnoxious. I didn't like a single character in this novel. 

The plot is kind of nonexistent, and Kit spends a lot of time just wandering around. I think this is Viehl's attempt at world-building, but it didn't work for me. Also, Kit's tone is overtly racist against indigenous peoples, but I also understand that is because of the time period. However, it really disgusted me to read some of the things she said (a "shaman" (only Inuit tribes from Alaska practice any form of Shamanism, by the way) killing a rat because of something to do with a farm animal - I can't remember the details - wouldn't happen and makes indigenous peoples look more barbaric than they ever have been). Also, the fact that the men in her life basically sexually assault her and that turns her on is really messed up. There was just so much wrong with this book. I'm pretty sure I scowled for the entire time I read it. 

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this novel to anyone. I love a good Steampunk book, but unfortunately, this isn't one. 

KISS OF STEEL by Bec McMaster

Kiss of Steel
Bec McMaster

Rating: A+
Synopsis:
When Nowhere Is Safe

Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single-handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood-craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

My thoughts on the book:
Kiss of Steel completely blew me away. I picked up this book on a whim at my local library, and I was pleasantly surprised. I've been wanting a Steampunk read for awhile, and this looked like the perfect way to get my fix. McMaster has created an intriguing and captivating world with sympathetic and well-developed characters. The plot, while not overly mysterious, has quite a bit of action and a lot of suspense (a lot of which is sexual tension). Anyone who is looking for a good Steampunk Romance should give this book a try. 

Honoria is a strong, yet vulnerable, leading character. Sometimes she irritated me with her stubbornness, but overall, I really liked her. I could understand why she behaved the way she did, though, and McMaster didn't overdo the defensiveness. Since the novel was told from a third-person omniscient perspective, I also got to know Blade very well. I absolutely adored him. He's a complex and intriguing love interest, and his loyalty is admirable. The POV even touched on the secondary characters some, which fleshed them out and helped me get to know them better. My personal favorites are Barrons and Lena. I'd also like to know more about Charlie, so I hope we see more of him in the sequels. 

The world-building is fantastic, and I could clearly picture this version of London while reading the book As I said, the plot isn't overly mysterious. It's obvious who the bad guy is from the start, but there are still some surprises. There is a lot of suspense and tension throughout the novel, which kept me reading and engaged. The romance is touching and very steamy. The pacing is perfect, and the ending tied up Blade and Honoria's story very well. I can't wait to see what McMaster has in store for this group of characters next. I think the next novel is focused on Will (who is also extremely complicated) and Lena. I am checking Heart of Iron (the sequel) out from the library this week!

Overall, I'd recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a good, steamy, and unique Steampunk Romance story. You won't be disappointed. 

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THE GIRL WITH THE IRON TOUCH by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Iron Touch
Kady Cross

Rating: A+
Release Date: 05/28/13
Synopsis:
In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken 

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. 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....

My thoughts on the book:
These books just keep getting better! The Girl with the Iron Touch is my favorite Steampunk Chronicles book to date. Cross takes readers on an adventure they'll never forget. This installment is full of suspense, romance, and intrigue. The characters grow, new characters are introduced, and relationships evolve. From the first page I was hooked. I couldn't put this novel down. 

This story is told in third person limited from alternating points of view. It switches between Emily, Finley, and a new character named Mila. Normally I hate when viewpoints switch, but each of these characters offer something that the others lack. Also, the various viewpoints allow the readers to get to know all of the characters better and from different perspectives. Finley is still my favorite, but I really enjoyed learning more about Emily and getting introduced to Mila, too. 

Finley grows a lot in this novel, and so does Griffin. I really love how both of them are changing and how these changes affect their relationship. Emily and Sam also change over the course of the story, but not as much. The relationships between Finley and Griffin as well as Emily and Sam evolve quite a bit, too. It's interesting to see how the dynamics between all of the characters develop as the relationships grow. I'm also interested to see how Mila fits in with everyone. Additionally, I loved getting to know Jack better. He's just more and more of a mystery. I'm totally team Finley and Griffin, but I adore Jack, too. I just don't think he's right for Finley. 

The plot is intense, and while there is some action, it's not necessarily action-packed. Cross starts the book with an action scene, but as the story line progresses, the action takes a back seat to the mysteries and suspense. I was completely invested in the story, though, and wasn't bored for a second. Also, the pacing is perfect, and the world that Cross developed keeps growing. The ending, which I love, resolves most of the issues in this book, but it leaves a few things open ended for the next installment. 

Overall, I'd recommend this book and series to anyone who loves steampunk. Cross really outdid herself with this novel. It is amazing. Give this series a try. You won't be sorry.

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A CONSPIRACY OF ALCHEMISTS by Liesel Schwarz

A Conspiracy of Alchemists
Liesel Schwarz

Rating: C
Release Date: 03/05/13
Synopsis:
LEAVE IT TO CHANCE. Eleanor “Elle” Chance, that is—the intrepid heroine of this edgy new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy, historical adventure, and paranormal romance into pure storytelling gold.  
In a Golden Age where spark reactors power the airways, and creatures of Light and Shadow walk openly among us, a deadly game of Alchemists and Warlocks has begun.
 
When an unusual cargo drags airship-pilot Elle Chance into the affairs of the mysterious Mr. Marsh, she must confront her destiny and do everything in her power to stop the Alchemists from unleashing a magical apocalypse.

My thoughts on the book:
A Conspiracy of Alchemists is an intriguing tale of love and adventure set in a steam punk universe. Fans of the genre are sure to eat this one up. While the novel has some glaring issues, such as pacing, character development, and world-building, I was still able to enjoy the story and will be reading the sequel, if one is in the making. 

Elle is supposed to be this kick-ass heroine. I can tell by the way she's set up. However, she came across more as a temperamental and immature simpering miss. She just isn't strong enough for me to buy into the whole kick-ass image the author was trying to portray. Having a fiery temper and being strong are two completely different things. Sometimes emotional control requires more strength than mouthing off. At the end of the day, Elle is unable to take care of herself, just like all the other weak heroines in the YA genre. 

Mr. Marsh is your typical arrogant rich guy. He also sucks at communication. Seriously, he was the source of most of the world-building, and I still have no idea how anything in the world works. Also, I have no idea what he looks like. None. Some people like that, but I was distracted the entire book trying to figure out what kind of face I wanted him to have. His back story also isn't entirely clear, and I really didn't feel like I got to know him well enough. 

The secondary characters are mostly filler, and I didn't feel a connection with any of them. The most interesting character is the professor, but he, too is a cliche. I just wasn't impressed with the characterization of this novel. The bad guys were so generic, I expected them to actually go, "Muah hah hah hah." 

The relationship between Elle and Mr. Marsh is a little insta-lovey. Also, their dialogue is, more often than not, stilted and awkward. There were some awesome lines between them, though, such as when Elle told Marsh that she would rather eat her own foot than marry a man like him, in which he replied that he should propose right then just to see her try. Regardless, I don't know how they could possibly have fallen in love in case there was something I didn't see that happened, like some touching verbal exchange or something. Considering every mundane detail is explained for the first 70% of the book, I doubt I missed anything. The pacing is incredibly slow to start. When the plot picks up, nothing is explained still. I'm a bit frustrated that I don't know how Elle's power works. I'm also irritated at the lame explanations given for the alchemists and warlocks. The last 30% of the book happens in a rush and nothing seems fully developed. Also, the backstabber didn't come as a shock to me. Everything was pretty predictable. 

I know that it sounds like I didn't like this book at all, but I did. I enjoyed the idea and I look forward to seeing what happens next. I just hope that some of these issues are fixed in the next installment. This has the potential to be a good series. 

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