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Showing posts with label London Steampunk Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London Steampunk Series. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Review: Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster
Heart of Iron
Author: Bec McMaster
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
London Steampunk #2
ISBN: #978-1402270307
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk
Format(s): Paperback (448 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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In Victorian London, if you’re not a blue blood of the Echelon then you’re nothing at all. The Great Houses rule the city with an iron fist, imposing their strict ‘blood taxes’ on the nation, and the Queen is merely a puppet on a string…
Lena Todd makes the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a sympathizer for the humanist movement haunting London’s vicious blue blood elite. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can’t twist around her little finger, and the one man whose kiss she can’t forget…
Stricken with the loupe and considered little more than a slave-without-a-collar to the blue bloods, Will wants nothing to do with the Echelon or the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds a coded letter on Lena—a code that matches one he saw on a fire-bombing suspect—he realizes she’s in trouble. To protect her, he must seduce the truth from her.
With the humanists looking to start a war with the Echelon, Lena and Will must race against time—and an automaton army—to stop the humanist plot before it’s too late. But as they fight to save a city on the brink of revolution, the greatest danger might just be to their hearts…
What I’m talking about:
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I want to open my review with a brief mention of Tarnished Night, a free novella from Ms. McMaster. You can find out how to download the novella HERE (for a limited time). This novella takes place two years after the conclusion of the first book, Kiss of Steel, and a year before Heart of Iron. Although one does not need to read the novella to understand the current release, there is a “prologue” to Heart of Iron found at the conclusion of the novella that adds a lot of value to the book. I highly recommend reading it first. With three years between the first two books, both the novella and the accompanying prologue do much to fill in the gaps, creating a smoother, richer transition from the first to second book.
Will Carver, protector of Blade - master of the rookeries, is a verwulfen with a bounty on his head. Known as the Beast of Whitechapel, he helps Blade keep order, something Will cannot find within his own life. For more than three long years he’s desired Ms. Lena Todd, but knows he can never have her, and that fact drives him crazy every day.
Meanwhile, Lena has moved back to live with her (secret) half-brother, Leo Barrons, a blue-blood member of the Echelon. Fleeing life in the rookeries after Will rebuffed her advances a year ago, she attempts to make her way through society, playing their games in hopes she will find a place to fit in. But when she learns about the Humanists, a group interested in overthrowing the ruling Echelon, she begins to help the illegal society - hoping someday she’ll find some sort of happiness.
It comes as a complete shock to both Will and Lena that the Prince Consort and four of the more “liberal” members of the council of Dukes want to form a treaty with the verwulfen clans of Scandinavia, and they want to enlist the help of Will to smooth the waters. In exchange for his aid, the council is willing to change the laws regarding the treatment of verwulfen. In order to learn proper etiquette and fit in, Will ropes Lena into tutoring him - bringing the pair together almost daily.
Heart of Iron is a suspenseful tale of political maneuvering among the classes with a paranormal twist that ups the ante. To try and describe the complexities and nuances of the blue bloods (pre-vampires), verwulfen and human factions in this review would be a great disservice to this book; however, it is not so intricate that one cannot easily read and enjoy this tale.
The entire mix of intrigue created an exciting read. I was leery of everyone except our main characters - but most especially of the slimy Alaric Colchester, Duke of Lannister. His intensions for Lena are anything but honest and pure, and I was on edge every time Lena thought he was near. Adding to the tension are the Humanist leaders who may or may not be threatening Lena with her brother’s life so that she’ll betray Will and her own heart. Knowing that this threat put Lena in an impossible situation in which she would have to destroy Will or see her brother hurt created a stressful circumstance. I enjoyed every moment!
Although the suspense makes Heart of Iron a thrilling read, it’s the budding romance between Lena and Will that make this book such a wonderful story. The pair long for each other, but each has a set of expectations and rules that govern they stay apart. For years, Lena would “test the waters” with flirtatious games - wanting Will to respond, but fear of rejection, or even acceptance, keeping her distanced. There was no honesty for so long, that when the barriers started to crumble, it was intense. Frankly, Will broke my heart a few times during the book, especially after Lena would open up her heart and he’d push away. Normally that kind of behavior in a romance is a turn off for me. Yet, Ms. McMaster spins a beautiful broken web that grows stronger over time. There are so many interactions between the pair that I just adored. Ms. McMaster was able to convey every emotional moment with such clarity that I laughed and cried right along side the characters. The lead up to the conclusion was an emotional masterpiece - bringing me to tears as the entire gang from Whitechapel came together.
The back and forth nature of Will and Lena’s relationship created intense sexual tension. Their first real kiss was passionate and needy and so wonderful. With every encounter, the heat ratcheted up a notch, and I swear my face flushed for a few moments.
Once again, Ms. McMaster ends her story with a bang that leaves this reader anxious for more. Although the primary story within Heart of Iron comes to a satisfying conclusion, the events of the climatic ending will have substantial impacts to the Echelon, verwulfen, humanists and our friends in the rookeries. Add to that an interesting epilogue, and I am hooked, wondering what will happen next.
Overall, I found Heart of Iron extremely well-written and highly entertaining. The story hit highs and lows, causing me to laugh, my heart to race, and I even shed some tears. Will and Lena's developing love was sweet and passionate. Their sexual tension was palatable. Even though the pair kept secrets, and I was frustrated with the number of times Will pushed Lena away after she opened her heart to him, it didn't ruin the story. Rather it surprisingly enhanced the overall outcome and made for a richer love story. The layers of mystery were complex but didn't weigh down the progress of the plot. And although the story isn't over, Heart of Iron had a fulfilling conclusion. I cannot wait to read My Lady Quicksilver, coming in October.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Contest Winner - Kiss of Steel
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my interview with steampunk author Bec McMaster and my review of her newest title, Kiss of Steel. A special thanks goes to Sourcebooks for hosting the giveaway of Ms. McMaster’s book!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The winner as selected by Rafflecopter:
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I am sending the winner an email to contact me with their full name and mailing address. Please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your information so the author can send you the book. You have until Friday September 28, 2012 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you and Happy Reading!
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Thursday, September 13, 2012
Review & Giveaway: Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster
Kiss of Steel
Author: Bec McMaster
Release Date: Sept. 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks
London Steampunk #1
ISBN: #978-1402270277
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Historical, Steampunk
Format(s): Paperback (448 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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He craves her like no other…
Honoria Todd has no choice. Only in the dreaded Whitechapel district can she escape the long reach of the Duke of Vickers. But seeking refuge there will put her straight into the hands of Blade, legendary master of the rookeries. No one would dare cross him, but what price would he demand to keep her safe?
Ever since Vickers infected him with the craving, Blade has been quicker, stronger, almost immortal—and terrified of losing control of the monster within. Honoria could be his perfect revenge against the duke…or the salvation he never dared to dream of.
What I’m talking about:
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Kiss of Steel starts the reader off in the middle of Honoria Todd’s meager life. It is evident right from the get go that Honoria and her family were living a good life just a mere six months ago, but now they must scrape to make ends meet. She is slowly starving herself to death from malnutrition, she lies to hide the fact that she’s living in the slums just so she can keep her job, and her younger brother is very ill. In addition, there is a magnificent bounty on her head, so she must hide her family from those who would turn her in for cash. But all of her hard work didn’t keep her from the notice of Blade, the protector of the rookery and provider for the slums. So when Honoria’s life takes another turn for the worst, she must turn to Blade, and sell her body for blood to make ends meet.
Honoria and Blade are both interesting characters. I enjoyed watching them learn to deal with their lot in life, fighting against stereotypes and falling in love. Their chemistry was fairly hot, at times sensual and at others combative and humorous. Both are strong willed and put others (family) above their own individual needs. I enjoyed how they worked together, and I was entertained by their interchanges and discussions. By the end of Kiss of Steel, the pair had compiled and integrated a good size cast of characters that bodes well for books to come.
One of the things I really liked and disliked about Ms. McMaster’s storytelling is that she relates the events and tales as if the reader has intimate knowledge of her world. There are no side explanations of her lexicon or creations. The reader must figure out the world by piecing together bits of information and inferring their meanings and importance from dialogue. It makes the story flow faster, but it did make understanding everything a bit difficult at first. For example, we find out that Blade is a rogue “blue blood,” and Honoria’s brother suffers from the “craving virus.” We aren’t really told what these things are, but based on circumstance I guessed maybe a “vampire.” However, although the blue bloods drink blood, they are not vampires. It took a while to figure this out, but it mostly did not detract from the enjoyment of the story. However, there were certain times that I did get frustrated and wished I better understood.
At one point in the story, Ms. McMaster uses her characters to retell the history of the craving virus, which was used by only the upper class and royalty. Although it started in the far East, it eventually spread across Europe. In some countries, there were uprisings, and the “blue bloods” were eliminated. However, in England, the Echelon keep a tight fist over those who receive the virus and suppress the masses to keep them in line. Blade is a rogue blue blood, one not born into the Echelon, and escaped their tyranny. He now protects his district, but his name inspires fear to those outside the slums.
One key aspect of the craving virus is that after about 50-75 years (my guess based on this book), an infected blood blue loses control over the blood cravings and turns into a mindless vampire. In order to prevent these killing machines from existing, blue bloods are monitored and their lives ended if they get too close to the Fade (transitioning to vampire). In Kiss of Steel, there is a rogue vampire loose in the slums, and Blade must work with the Echelon to find it. The mystery of where the vampire came from is an interesting one, giving the tale an edge of suspense. And adding to the tension, is Honoria’s attempts to find a cure for her brother before he is discovered.
I would like to mention that I feel this book is primarily a paranormal romance with a historical setting. The steampunk aspect is very minimal, with little detail about any mechanisms or contraptions. The steampunk is more of an afterthought and not the primary aspect of the setting or storyline.
Overall I have to say I really enjoyed this story. Although I felt there were some inconsistencies in Blade’s character, and I longed for more details at times, the tale kept my interest, and I became invested in the characters. A few open-ended items such as the political ramifications of the ending and the desire to find out more about the side characters and the craving virus, vampires, blue bloods, etc., have me looking forward to reading the second story.
My Rating:
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ENTER TO WIN! Fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win the book. For more details, see my interview with Bec McMaster, HERE.
Author Interview & Giveaway: Bec McMaster
Today I have the honor of bringing to you author Bec McMaster. Bec lives in a small country town in Victoria, Australia, with her boyfriend, two budgies with a thirst for flesh, and a beautiful dog named Kobe. She grew up either with her nose in a book or writing, and she never understood why other people didn’t get to watch ‘all the movies in their heads.’ Following a lifelong love affair with fantasy, she discovered romance at the age of sixteen and hasn’t looked back.
When she’s not writing she likes to read, go hiking with her boyfriend, pour over travel brochures, and go to the gym. She’s addicted to travel and loves to set her books in foreign places. She says that it’s the next best thing to traveling there. One day she vows to see the entire world, whether it’s by plane, paper or imagination.
Bec’s new Steampunk title, Kiss of Steel debuted this month with Sourcebook Publishing. Please help me welcome Bec toThat’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Bec, welcome and thank you for stopping by.
Bec: Hi! Thank you for having me!
Twimom: On your website you state that other than a writer, you’ve wanted to be an archaeologist, a travel agent, paleontologist, biologist, librarian and horse manager. So... was there a winner? Did you get a “day job?”
Bec: I did. I always wanted to study Creative Writing at University, but succumbed to the ‘get a real job’ lure and studied Biology instead. I love Biology, but the idea of being trapped in a lab for many years began to feel a bit stifling, so I ended up going into beauty therapy. I’ve always wanted to travel, so I figured getting a job in a trade would make it easy to find work anywhere.
Then three years ago, I decided it was time to do something I really wanted to do. I began a course in tourism, but just as I finished the course I sold Kiss of Steel and well… Tourism was always number two on the list.
Its funny how things come full circle. I could have saved a lot of time if I’d just listened to my instincts. Or maybe it was meant to happen the way it did.
Twimom: And you want to see the entire world... what a wonderful aspiration! What is the most exciting/exotic local you’ve visited in real life? What is the number one place you’d like to visit if you had the financing?
Bec: There are so many places I’ve been that I’ve loved, but two of the most exotic would have to be Russia and Turkey. I loved the spice markets and bazaars in Istanbul, but my absolute favorite place was Russia. Russian history fascinates me and I could wander through museums or palaces all day.
If I could go anywhere in the world – money being no object… Wow, that’s a tough one to pick! It changes frequently, but I have always wanted to spend a month or two in Egypt. I’m not a cruise ship/five star hotel kind of person, so the idea of sleeping beneath the stars on a felucca on the Nile, or scuba diving in the Red Sea appeals. And of course, more museums, temples, palaces…
Twimom: So... Steampunk! Kiss of Steel is the debut title in your new London Steampunk Series. Please tell us more about the world you’ve created and what to expect in the first book.
Bec: Kiss of Steel was so much fun to write. Set in my steam-fuelled world of London, where the City is ruled by the aristocratic Echelon and people pay their taxes in blood, it’s about a young woman on the run from a dangerous duke. Honoria Todd seeks safety in the slums of Whitechapel with her brother and sister, and a secret the Duke of Vickers would kill to get his hands on. The only one she can turn to for protection is Blade, the notorious Devil of Whitechapel, who has his own plans for Honoria – and Vickers.
Twimom: There are many types of stories that fall under the steampunk genre... How would you describe your world? Romance? Mystery/suspense? Do you get into the nitty-gritty of how the gadgets all work, or are the gadgets more part of the scenery? (I’m an engineer, I love gadgets!)
Bec: Kiss of Steel is a mix of paranormal romance and steampunk and should also appeal to historical romance lovers.
There are three basic classes in my London; the blue bloods of the Echelon, the humans who serve their needs and mechs, those that were forced by circumstance to take an artificial limb and are considered less than human because of it. After the French guillotined their blue blood aristocracy, the British Echelon sat up and took notice. To prevent the same uprising in Britain, they created an automaton army that keeps the humans and mechs in their place. There are a lot of steampunk elements that revolve around the world; the draining factories where the blood gathered in the taxes is stored, the enclaves where the mech’s live and work and some secret research the anti-blue blood humanist movement is involved in. Of course, this will all be explored more in subsequent books as there can’t be steampunk without the punk!
As for gadgets, Honoria’s father was a scientist who created all manner of weapons for the Duke of Vickers before he died. Honoria has access to all of his knowledge – which she will need. I need to know how the gadgets work (it’s the same with the paranormal aspects), so there is enough description for readers to know what each gadget is and does, but not pages and pages of it.
Twimom: Other than your Steampunk series, do you write any other genres?
Bec: I do! I love anything speculative and paranormal, so if something catches my interest I write it. I love to write Paranormal Romance and I have a few Urban Fantasy ideas bubbling away. The two main characteristics you’ll find, no matter what genre I write is that it’s often fast-paced adventure and I love to really develop the world-building.
Twimom: I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What is your favorite read so far in 2012?
Bec: Again, I read what I write. Mainly steampunk romance, paranormal romance, fantasy, sci-fi, UF or some paranormal-based YA. I don’t have a lot of time to read, so I tend to buy more than I can get around to. My TBR pile looks like that hoarders show.
As to books that blew my mind in the first half of 2012 – the Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane (UF), Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (YA), Firelight by Kristen Callihan (PR) and Alliance Forged by Kylie Griffin (Fantasy Romance).
Twimom: What upcoming releases are you most excited to read?
Bec: I just bought Riveted by Meljean Brook and Archangel’s Storm by Nalini Singh. I’m also halfway through The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow. September seems to have a heap of fantastic titles out.
Twimom: Oh yes! I agree! (By the way, Riveted is my favorite read so far of 2012!)
Bec, thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourselves and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you.
Bec: Thank you so much for having me! It’s been fun.
You can find Bec McMaster on line at
About Kiss of Steel:
He craves her like no other…
Honoria Todd has no choice. Only in the dreaded Whitechapel district can she escape the long reach of the Duke of Vickers. But seeking refuge there will put her straight into the hands of Blade, legendary master of the rookeries. No one would dare cross him, but what price would he demand to keep her safe?
Ever since Vickers infected him with the craving, Blade has been quicker, stronger, almost immortal—and terrified of losing control of the monster within. Honoria could be his perfect revenge against the duke…or the salvation he never dared to dream of.
GIVEAWAY: I have one (1) copy (one winner) of Kiss of Steel to giveaway here at That’s What I’m Talking About. Thank you to Sourcebooks (www.sourcebooks.com) for sponsoring the giveaway of Bec McMaster’s debut steampunk title. To enter, please use the RAFFLECOPTER entry form, below. Winners restricted to US and Canada mailing addresses, only. Contest open from September 13, 2012 until September 19, 2012 at 12:00 AM EDT. One (1) winner will be selected from the eligible entries. Book will be sent to winner by the publisher.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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