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Showing posts with label The Glorious Victorious Darcys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Glorious Victorious Darcys. Show all posts
Friday, June 21, 2013
Review: His Clockwork Canary by Beth Ciotta
His Clockwork Canary
Author: Beth Ciotta
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Signet
The Glorious Victorious
Darcys #2
Darcys #2
ISBN: #978-0451239990
Genre: Steampunk (Paranormal Romance)
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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History is repeating itself.
For ambitious engineer Simon Darcy, winning Queen Victoria’s competition to recover lost inventions of historical significance is a matter of pride—and redemption. After all, it was Simon’s failed monorail project that left his family destitute, and winning the tournament would surely restore the Darcys’ reputation.
Simon sets his sights high, targeting no less than the infamous time-travel device that forever changed the world by transporting scientists, engineers, and artists from the twentieth century. The Mod technology was banned and supposedly destroyed, but Simon is sure he can re-create it.
His daring plan draws the attention of Willie G., the Clockwork Canary, London’s sensationalist reporter. Simon soon discovers that Willie is a male guise for Wilhemina Goodenough, the love of his youth, who left him jilted and bitter. He questions her motives even as he falls prey to her unique charm. As the attraction between the two reignites, Simon realizes that this vixen from his past has secrets that could be the key to his future…as long as he can put their history behind him.
What Una is talking about:
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I have found that I love steampunk romance – that glorious mix of historical and science fiction all tied up with romance. It’s great escapism. Speaking of great escapism, the second novel in The Glorious Victorious Darcys is out! His Clockwork Canary is an exciting and passionate sequel to Her Sky Cowboy, leaving me salivating for the next book.
This second novel begins where the previous novel began, the death of Reginald Darcy. Unlike the first book that follows the path of Amelia, His Clockwork Canary follows Simon on his pursuit of the Triple R Tourney prize. What continues to be fascinating about this world is the blend of decades it represents. We get more of it in this novel than the previous.
The steampunk elements are related to a time machine that Briscoe Darcy created that sent him (during a world’s fair demonstration) to 1969. When the device returned, it was with the Peace Rebels – people from 1969 looking to stop the wars and devastation of the time by going back and urging the world towards peace. They had hoped to bypass those atrocities in our world’s history that took place after. However…things did not go as planned. Now this Victorian era has modern conveniences, some altered to work in this time period and Freaks. Freaks are those children who are the result of a Mod (a person from 1969) and a Vic (a person from the Victorian era). They are easily distinguishable by their rainbow sparkling eyes and they have a special ability (or more). Due to this, there are Old Worlders – those who wish to retain the Victorian era, and New Worlders – those who wish to embrace the new. In those two groups you also have the Flatlines – those that want to capitalized on the modern world and dominate. Not only does the Victorian era still have its social stratification, but now Freaks and Vics are forbidden to marry.
As the novel unfolds, we discover that Simon is feeling guilt-stricken by the situation the family finds itself in after his father’s death. Simon feels responsible for his family being near destitute and the fact that he was not assisting his father in his experiments. Simon has strived to make his mark on the world bringing pride to his parents and a little glory to himself. It’s tough growing up in the shadow of Briscoe Darcy, his cousin responsible for creating a time machine. Not to mention, Simon feels as if he is a shadow to his twin brother Jules, a war hero. Simon is compelled to win this competition as a means to alleviate his guilt and gain a little pride and glory back for his family and himself.
The notorious Clockwork Canary is Willie G. He is widely known for the titillating tabloid articles and being able to ferret out information. However, Willie hides a few deep secrets, one of which is that he is really a she. Even though this is a time period in flux, it is still restricting to women – meaning Willie would not have this job if she was a woman, and hence her deception. She works to keep her father afloat because ever since her mother was killed, her father has not been mentally stable. To complicate matters, she is estranged from her brother, Westley, who has taken off and cut ties with her and her father. Another secret Willie keeps is her connection to Simon. We discover that someone knows all of Willie’s secrets and uses those secrets to blackmail her into shadowing Simon on his quest. Once he finds something of merit for the Triple R Tourney, she is to contact the blackmailer at once so he can obtain it.
As His Clockwork Canary progresses, there is an undeniable connection between Simon and Willie – but they are both nursing their hurts and guilt from their own issues. However, watching them overcome these different obstacles was heartwarming. Just when you think they are past the point of no return, they come together again. There are a few cliffhanger moments that make this novel a nail bitter to the end. It was difficult to put down.
I will admit I felt that the sibling rivalry was not as noticeable or severe as it was built up to be. There is great love and affection between Jules and Simon, making it difficult to surmise he would feel a sense of lack as compared to his brother. It never seemed to come across that strongly – this deep rooted sibling rivalry. Part of me is pleased by it since I felt it was not necessary to the story. Also, I really liked Simon and just didn’t see the rivalry in his character. One thing I had hoped to be explained was the emotional connection or tie that existed between Simon and his brother because I felt he had that same emotional connection with Willie. I loved it, as it enhanced the rightness of their relationship, but I did wonder how that was possible.
All in all though, I really enjoyed His Clockwork Canary. Being able to see Amelia and Tucker was the icing on the cake. While researching for this review, I discovered a 1.5 novella, His Broken Angel, which I will be picking up. I have my suspicions on who it is focused on (I am so excited) which is why I am eager to get it downloaded to my Kindle. If you are looking for some fun, a bit fluffy, but exciting steampunk – pick up The Glorious Victorious Darcys. However, I really recommend you start with Her Sky Cowboy, it’s just as fabulous.
Una’s Rating:
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Enjoyed – Strongly Recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
4 stars,
Beth Ciotta,
romance,
Signet,
steampunk,
The Glorious Victorious Darcys,
Una Review
|
0
comments
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Review: Her Sky Cowboy by Beth Ciotta
Her Sky Cowboy
Author: Beth Ciotta
Release Date: Nov. 6, 2012
Publisher: Signet
The Glorious Victorious
Darcys #1
Darcys #1
ISBN: #978-0451238474
Genre: Steampunk
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Amelia Darcy has no interest in marrying well. Her heart belongs to the sky and the dirigibles of brass and steel that swoop over Victorian England. But when her father, an eccentric inventor, dies, the Darcy siblings are left with scrap metal—and not a penny to their names. Their only hope to save the family reputation and fortune is to embark on a quest to discover an invention of historical importance in honor of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
Armed with only her father's stories of a forgotten da Vinci workshop, a mechanically enhanced falcon, and an Italian cook, Amelia takes flight for Florence, Italy. But her quest is altered when her kitecycle crashes into the airship of ex-Air Marshal—and scandalous dime novel hero—Tucker Gentry.
Tuck agrees to escort Amelia to her destination, but the two are challenged by political unrest, a devious sky pirate, and their own sizzling attraction. Soon the pair is dragged into an international conspiracy that could change the course of history…again.
What Una is talking about:
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I admit, I am still a bit of a newbie when it comes to Steampunk. However, I enjoy the melding of technology and historical within my romance. I jumped at the chance to read the first in this steampunk series, The Glorious Victorious Darcys. Although I had a bumpy start and I am still a bit wary, I enjoyed Her Sky Cowboy and look forward to the next novel in this series.
Ms. Ciotta has introduced the reader to an interesting mythology in this new steampunk series. It seems an accomplished inventor created a time machine that was debuted at the World's Fair, causing quite a stir. Unfortunately, that time machine that went 100 years into the future...then returned with people from the 1960's (referred to as Mods) in order to prevent wars. This Peace War caused a significant shift in history. Those that came back remained (because I believe the time machine was destroyed). Those of the era, Victorians (Vics for short) that somehow bred with these Mods produced Freaks. So named because due to the fact that one parent came from the future, caused their eyes to be a kaleidoscope of color...and they seem to posses an unusual skill or talent.
What I find fault with is the way the mythology is revealed. I was incredibly confused for most of Her Sky Cowboy, trying my best to figure out the modern references. It really never clicked for some reason until over halfway through, when I realized that these Peace Rebels came BACK in the time machine that was used at the World's Fair. I kept finding it odd, references to electricity, dabbling in solar power, early "pagers" and the like. Once this was blatantly pointed out and explained, much more of the world made sense. It's like it all clicked into place, much to my relief. Here is an excerpt that illustrates my point (this takes place before the aforementioned explanation).
The skies of Paris were less congested and not nearly as polluted, but, looking down, she saw the city itself appeared nearly as choked with humanity. As was typical of this altered age, the Industrial Revolution had melded with bits and pieces of twentieth-century technology. Steam power thrived, yet electrical power gained momentum by the day. Amelia noted the endless industrial smokestacks and the factories that housed enormous electric generators.
Suffice to say although that truly frustrated me, the characters kept me intrigued in and reading Her Sky Cowboy. I thoroughly loved Amelia and her quirky nature. By contrast, I enjoyed Tuck's laid-back nature. This was not a typical alpha male and stubborn and forthright female. They seemed very much well suited, complementing each other. The journey they go through was passionate and heartfelt. I thoroughly enjoyed their chemistry and especially the banter.
However, there are a few moments where when Tuck speaks, his accent doesn't always read well. It took me quite a bit to realize when he says, "I swan" he was saying "I swear". Not that it is a big deal...but for some strange reason, I can understand Dunkirk and his scottish brogue better than Tuck and his cowboy dialect. If it didn't happen on several occasions, I would never have figured it out. It is a pet peeve of mine...sometimes reading dialect can completely enhance a story while other times it can really just frustrate me. Luckily, there are only a few occasions where I found difficulty in Her Sky Cowboy, but I feel I should share this since it did occur enough to irk me a little bit.
Overall, I enjoyed this new novel and the world that is created. There is a e-novella that comes out next summer that I look forward to reading along with the next novel due after. Considering the "big bad" is still out there after the Darcys, I just have to keep reading. If you enjoy steampunk and are looking for something different and fun, you might want to give Her Sky Cowboy a shot.
Una’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
3 stars,
Beth Ciotta,
romance,
Signet,
steampunk,
The Glorious Victorious Darcys,
Una Review
|
1 comments
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