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Showing posts with label Avon Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Avon Books. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Review: Skies of Steel by Zoe Archer
Skies of SteelAuthor: Zoe Archer
Release Date: Nov. 6, 2012
Publisher: Avon Impulse
The Ether Chronicles #3
ISBN: #978-0062218155
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ Edelweiss
About the book: |
The prim professor
Daphne Carlisle may be a scholar, but she’s far more comfortable out in the field than lost in a stack of books. Still, when her parents are kidnapped by a notorious warlord, she knows she’ll need more than quick thinking if she is to reach them in time. Daphne’s only hope for getting across enemy territory is an airship powered and navigated by Mikhail Denisov, a rogue Man O’ War who is as seductive as he is untrustworthy.
The jaded mercenary
Mikhail will do anything for the right price, and he’s certain he has this mission—and Daphne—figured out: a simple job and a beautiful but sheltered Englishwoman. But as they traverse the skies above the Mediterranean and Arabia, Mikhail learns the fight ahead is anything but simple, and his lovely passenger is not entirely what she seems. The only thing Mikhail is certain of is their shared desire—both unexpected and dangerous.
What I’m talking about: |
Professor of Anthropology Daphne Carlisle finds herself in a desperate situation when her parents are kidnapped by a warlord on the Arabian Peninsula. The British government refuses to get involved, which leaves Daphne to seek out the help of rogue Man O’ War Airship Captain Mikhail Mikhailovish Denisov. Once a decorated Captain in the Russian navy, Mikhail is now a mercenary for hire. Daphne convinces a wary Mikhail to take her to her parents with ransom in tow.
Once underway, Daphne and Mikhail discover that each has secrets to hide, yet their attraction to one another is strong. Both fascinated with the other, but unwilling to share personal stories. They play a fragile game, revealing only the barest amount of information and only when forced into a situation which calls for the truth.
I adored the opening chapter of Skies of Steel. The whole exchange between Daphne and the Captain as she barters for passage to the Arabian Peninsula set the stage for their exciting journey! The entire scene was well written and successful at pulling me into the book! The descriptions of Mikhail ... are sublime.
Hard angles comprised his face: a boldly square jaw, high cheekbones, a decidedly Slavic nose. The slightly almond shape of this eyes revealed distant Tartar blood, while his curved, full mouth was all voluptuary, framed by a trimmed, dark goatee. ... He’d shaved most of his head to dark stubble, but down the center of his head he’d let his hair grow longer, and it stood up in a dramatic crest, the tip colored crimson.
Right from the start the reader understands that Mikhail isn’t the bad guy his reputation would leave one to believe; however, he clearly has a history he’s unwilling to share. He’s ashamed of his past, which includes a serious betrayal by a man he considered a brother. In spite of his history, he can’t help but place some trust in Daphne - a woman unlike any he’s met before. So when the reader is made aware of the fact that Daphne is lying to Mikhail, I had serious concerns that this book would end up falling into a familiar theme of “growing close, discovering betrayal, contrived separation until the end of the book, when the hero and heroine make up.” However, unlike the majority of books, Skies of Steel handles the betrayal different than the norm. I like that Daphne’s betrayal was discovered early on, and that we didn't get near to the end when all of the truths come out. This gave the pair a lot of time to rebuild trust and a true relationship. And although the betrayal was multifaceted (and I was groaning for a few pages), Ms. Archer spins a fabulous path for our couple, and I was completely satisfied (although my heart broke for the couple a few times).
Daphne is a heroine I can get behind. Not only is she academically intelligent, she is “street” smart, strong and capable. She is loyal, but not afraid to go out on a limb. And she is extremely witty and sarcastic! It pains her to keep the truth from Mikhail, but she’s only doing what she believes necessary to save her family.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It was exciting, action-filled and very entertaining. I love Mikhail… his description is awe-inspiringly hunky! I adore that he is flawed and he doesn't make apologies. He went down the wrong path - he isn't a "good guy." But he does have a heart, and he tries to make good choices.
I love Daphne's tenacity! She is a strong character and woman; one without apologies. She is driven and I love that she never apologizes for lying to Mikhail for doing what she believed she had to.
The story line was intense, having a bit of an "Indiana Jones" feel. The adventure was exciting. The final battle was a bit chaotic, and I would have liked a bit more with the warlord and his advisor. I would LOVE to read more about Mikhail and Daphne - they make a great pair, and I foresee wonderful adventures ahead. But I will be satisfied to read another one of Ms. Archer's wonderful tales.
My Rating: |
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
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Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Review: Night of Fire by Nico Rosso
Night of Fire
Author: Nico Rosso
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Publisher: Avon Impulse
The Ether Chronicles #2
ISBN: #978-0062201089
Genre: Steampunk Romance, Western
Format(s): Paperback (256 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/Edelweiss
About the book:
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US Army Upland Ranger Tom Knox trades the front lines for a different conflict as he returns home to California on his ether-borne mechanical horse. Three years ago, he skipped town, leaving the one girl who ever mattered. Rosa Campos. He thinks she’ll be settled down but discovers Rosa’s the town sheriff, caught in a battle with a mining company’s five-story, rock-eating machine.
Tom’s the last person Rosa expects to see riding out of the sky to her aid, and seeing him again reignites a flame more dangerous than the enemy threatening to destroy them both.
What I’m talking about:
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Our hero, Tom Knox, left his small coastal hometown of Thornville three years ago, leaving behind his love, Rosa Campos. He joined the service and has been fighting against the Hapsburg soldiers here on US soil - or in Tom’s case, in the sky as an Upland Ranger. Before Tom left, he wasn’t much of a hero or a man worthy of Rosa, and her parents were certain to remind him of that often. He returns now, uncertain of how he’ll be received, yet certain that Rosa has settled down and moved on. To his surprise, Rosa is a changed woman - now the sheriff of Thornville, and she’s never forgiven Tom for abandoning her those three long years ago.
Unfortunately, as soon as Tom arrives, there are serious problems for Thornville. The Crandall Mining Company, unhappy that no one would sell land in Thornville, is heading towards town in a massive monstrosity of a machine that destroys everything in its path. It’s up to Tom and Rosa to overcome their past and work together to save the town.
Although this is the second story in The Ether Chronicles, the opening of Night of Fire is almost the complete opposite of the first book, Skies of Fire. Instead of jumping right into the action as in Skies, this book takes its time and introduces the reader to the surrounding landscape. We take a stroll down memory lane with Tom as he flies his way back to his childhood homestead and the woman he left behind. The beginning focuses on world-building and filling the reader in on the environment of the times.
Another change from the first book is that the locale has shifted from Europe to the United States in Night of Fire. The Army is warring with the Hapsburg troops (as they did in Skies), yet here in the US, there are no Men O’ Wars or large airships. The culture is that of the “Wild West” and cowboys, complete with flying metal “horses” used to combat the foe. This book has a very different feel from Skies of Fire.
Yet even with the differences, the story still has similarities with its predecessor. Once again we have a hero and heroine that share a history - a love - that ended abruptly when one partner left. This time around it's the guy who ran away three years ago, instead of the girl. But that’s about where the similarities end.
Although I’m not a big western-genre fan, I hoped the steampunk elements would supersede the wild west feel. At times the story did have the action and intrigue of a more traditional steampunk, yet at others, it was all whooping it up and cowboys. And while I felt the opening was strong and compelling, once the pair start their interactions with the mining company, the dialogue became flat and repetitive. The storyline held promise, but the voice it was written in just couldn’t keep me glued to the pages.
I liked that Rosa was such a strong woman and could handle herself. I liked that Tom appreciated that in her and even found it sexy. I also enjoyed that they both recognized that their time apart (although it was painful), was the best thing for their relationship.
However, their one sex scene came across mechanical in style and didn’t flow well for me. I also became annoyed with Tom and his constant jabs at and about Parker, the man he thought Rosa would marry. I wanted Rosa to punch him and tell him to get over it.
Overall, Night of Fire is an average book for me. It started out strong, and I found it intriguing. But all too soon, the story started to drag and felt repetitious. The high-intensity action was exciting for a while, but then started to grow old, and I found the insertion of serious relationship dialogue in the middle of fighting to be awkward. I had hoped for more after loving the first book, written by Zoe Archer. Knowing the next book is also written by her, I look forward to getting back to the Men O’ Wars and the British navy.
My Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, September 21, 2012
Review: Skies of Fire by Zoe Archer
Skies of Fire
Author: Zoë Archer
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Publisher: Avon Impulse
The Ether Chronicles #1
ISBN: #978-0062184498
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Format(s): Paperback (224 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author/Publisher/Edelweiss
About the book:
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Man made of metal and flesh
Captain Christopher Redmond has just one weakness: the alluring spy who loved and left him years before…when he was still just a man. Now he’s superhuman—a Man O’ War, made as part of the British Navy’s weapons program—and his responsibility is to protect the skies of Europe. If only he could forget Louisa Shaw.
A most inconvenient desire
Louisa, a British Naval Intelligence agent, has never left a job undone. But when her assignment is compromised, the one man who can help her complete her mission is also the only man ever to tempt her body and heart. As burning skies loom and passion ignites, Louisa and Christopher must slip behind enemy lines if they are to deliver a devastating strike against their foe . . . and still get out alive.
What I’m talking about:
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Our action-filled story starts with our brave Man O’War Captain, Christopher, and his ship, Demeter, waged in a sky battle with enemy airships. It’s Her Majesty’s Royal Navy against the Hapsburg (aka Huns) troops, and the odds are against the British. Although Christopher is completely engaged, his mind wanders to thoughts of his lost love, Louisa - the woman who left him three years prior.
Christopher’s vessel survives the skirmish only to end up in enemy territory, alone. After successfully hiding from the enemy, Christopher notices a distress signal coming from a nearby village. The crew prepares for and makes a daring rescue of the British Intelligence officer who was ambushed while undercover. The agent is none other than the captain’s long lost love, Louisa.
Right at the start of the book, the reader is tossed into heavy action. The scenes are intense and exciting, leaving little room for long, purposeful world-building. Instead, the reader enjoys an almost “on-the-job training,” learning bits and pieces of this steampunk world through the storyline. It’s extremely effective for allowing the reader to get caught up in the plot and become emotionally invested in the characters. Once the initial action quiets some, Ms. Archer takes time to fill in bits and pieces of her world. For example, in the beginning we are told that Christopher is a Man O’War ... a man who has been physically altered with metal plates of telumium implants. These implants power the batteries and ship. But it isn’t until later that we learn more about what it really means to become a Man O’War. The concept grabbed my attention in the beginning, and the further explanations later quenched my thirst for more information.
With Louisa on board and Christopher determined to help her with her mission to destroy a hidden munitions operation deep in enemy territory, the pair must confront their past so that the mission can be successful. The close quarters, coupled with their possible and probable deaths while attempting this mission, heighten the tension and emotions - creating an ideal situation for some HOT and needy reunion sex! It also allows for the couple to quickly get over issues and move forward.
I love that although Christopher and Louisa have been apart for three years, both never let go of the amazing friendship and love that connected them. I enjoyed learning more about the couple as they each recalled pieces of their past lives together via both internal recollection and also via shared memories. It paints a warm picture without the need for lengthy backstory or flashbacks. It is evident that their love was mutual and deep, even though Louisa left him after he proposed.
The couple work extremely well together. They are each amazed at the other’s abilities to perform their duties (Man O'War and spy). They offer help one another, but back off when they recognize the other’s expertise. They understand each other’s strengths and never try to overrun the other. They both worry about the other, but again, trust the other to be able to handle the situation. Their mutual admiration is contagious.
The Ether Chronicles is an interesting concept - Zoe Archer wrote this first story, and her husband, Nico Rosso, wrote the second book, Night of Fire. The second book takes place in the United States, whereas the first takes place in Europe. The third book, Skies of Steel, is due out in October, and is written by Ms. Archer - and is back in Europe. It appears as if the books are loosely related - perhaps all taking place in the same world, but not following the same characters. I look forward to finding out!
Overall, I found Skies of Fire an enjoyable read. It is a lovely romance with an historical setting and a steampunky feel. There are equal parts wartime spy thriller, action-adventure, and love story. The book has a great tempo - moving seamlessly between the interpersonal stories and romance to the intensity of wartime. For those looking to test out the steampunk waters, or if you just want an entertaining story, I recommend Skies of Fire.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
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