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2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
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Showing posts with label steampunk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steampunk. Show all posts
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Review: Enthralled Anthology
Enthralled
Author: Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Meljean Brook, Lucy Monroe
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
ISBN: #978-0425253311
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, Fantasy, Anthology
Format(s): Paperback (464 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Received as a gift
About the book:
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Lora Leigh - The Devil’s Due (Breeds #28)
Leigh's stubborn Breed meets her match, and can deny neither him nor herself.
Alyssa Day - The Curse Of The Black Swan (League Of The Black Swan #1.5)
Day introduces the League of the Black Swan, and a woman cursed to kill the man she loves.
Meljean Brook - Salvage (Iron Seas #3.5)
In Brook's steampunk Iron Seas world, a man bereft of everything finds his marriage in jeopardy, and sky pirates stealing his wife.
Lucy Monroe - Ecstasy Under The Moon (Children Of The Moon #3.5)
Monroe unleashes a werewolf's passions on the body, mind, and soul of his prey, his lover, his lifemate.
What I’m talking about:
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The Devil's Due by Lora Leigh (Breeds series)
Katie is a unique woman whose Breed DNA did not manifest until she was in her twenties. Due to this, and the imposing testing requirements of her homeland in Europe, Katie seeks asylum in the US with Callan Lyons and the US Division of Breed Affairs. Here she is a protected guest, with the notorious Devil as her body guard.
Although the opening prologue was confusing, these early events do not have a big impact on the entire novella (although for readers of the series, it will probably come into play down the road). The entire story flows smoothly after the group move to the US and settle in.
Katie and Devil are SO HOT together! This is the Breeds I’ve been missing in the last few titles. The pair are overcome by the Breed’s mating hormone - and since both are Breeds, they both exhibit the signs, including insatiable lust and desire. What makes the story fun is that Devil realizes immediately that the mating hormone is being produced, even though he had thought it was just rumor prior to his own experiences. And poor Katie--she has no clue.
The novella takes place within the timeline and plot of the larger Breeds series story arc. For fans of the series, there are a few clues for the overall story and some fun surprises. I feel someone new to the series could read this novella, but it would probably not be as enjoyable since there is a lot going on, and it does tie into the bigger story.
Overall, The Devil’s Due is a hot and sweet story of two breeds coming together. They both enjoy their mating heat and don't fight the coupling--in fact they want it, which is a refreshing change from most Breed books. There is little conflict within this story, but hints of a war brewing in the larger story arc. Things were left open ended with respect to the bigger picture.
4 stars.
The Curse of the Black Swan by Alyssa Day (League of the Black Swan prequel)
Sean, half human-half fire demon, is a firefighter in Bordertown. Although it is a paranormal friendly area, being part demon isn’t something accepted in town, and so Sean and his family hide their true natures.
Brynn Carroll is a woman cursed to turn into a black swan and sing songs to the moon every third night. She is determined to break the curse by never falling in love. Then one night, Sean witnesses Brynn transform, and the pair hit it off immediately.
The story is sweet and fun. I adore both Sean and Brynn - two lonely people who come to realize that they can be themselves and be accepted. The story follows their courtship while Sean attempts to solve the mystery as to who is starting magically enhanced fires.
Without spoiling the story, my only negative is that I wish we'd been told how “things” transpired at the end to come to the conclusion it did. The Curse of the Black Swan is a wonderful little story, happy and sweet. I adored both the romance and mystery. Although it ties into the overall mythology of Ms. Day’s new series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone.
4.5 stars
Salvage by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas)
When Georgiana and Thom married years ago, she thought he understood her desire to have a husband who stayed home. Her expectations were shattered when Thom sailed off the morning after they were married. She may have been able to forgive that one time, but his last trip has kept him away for four years (and he abandoned her while they were copulating)!
Georgiana discovers Thom (whom we met briefly in Heart of Steel) badly injured and washed-up on shore near their home. She drags him back home, and together with the doctor, she nurses Thom back to health. Before she can ask Thom to leave for good, the pair are kidnapped and forced to make a daring salvage expedition.
Ah... I just love Ms. Brook’s world. Salvage is yet another marvelous stand alone story in her amazing Iron Seas series. Thom and Georgiana are wonderful characters, both strong as individuals, but not so much as a married pair. The reader learns so much of their situation through their individual POVs. Thom's POV is so sad. He loves and craves Georgiana; he just never figured out how to give her what she needed. And Georgiana thought she was so clear in her coversations with Thom, but it’s not until the pair are held in captivity do they really talk it all out.
Salvage reads with the details and descriptions usually found only in a full-length novel. The action is fairly intense and exciting; the plot is engrossing. All of the characters are well-developed and fun. It is a wonderful story about second chances. Being kidnapped and threatened with death allows Thom and Georgiana to share their feelings and passion uninhibited.
4 stars
Ecstasy Under the Moon by Lucy Monroe (Children of the Moon)
Ecstasy Under the Moon is the only title in the anthology that is a new-to-me author and series. Thankfully, Ms. Monroe includes a detailed prologue; however, even with the details, I was lost for a while.
Ean are bird shifters that have stayed hidden for years. The Faol are wolf shifters. There is a bad history of the Faol hurting and killing the Ean. So it comes as a great shock that the high priestess of the Ean, tells of visions that the Faol and Ean will need to merge tribes.
Una and her father are not pleased with the news that emissaries of the Faol shall come to live with the Ean. However, once Una meets one of the Faol warriors, Bryant, in the Chrechte spirit realm (in her dreams), her attitude begins to change. Even her long-held fear of the Faol begins to dissipate.
Ecstasy Under the Moon has a traditional fantasy feel, more so than a paranormal romance. The world-building is extremely complex and intense. I enjoy fantasies, so this did not bother me; however, if you are looking for more of a light-hearted PNR, this one may not be for you. The highland/Scottish clan setting also gave it a historical feel.
I liked the easy-going nature and flow of the story after I became grounded in the world. Bryant is a noble man/wolf, and I admire what he is trying to accomplish with his Faol brethren. I enjoyed the stories of his history, which piqued my interest and left me wanting to know more. The story had a strong message of good over bad and “never judge a book by its cover.” It never got deep, but had a solid message.
There was also a bit of humor - subtle, but fun.
Overall, Ecstasy Under the Moon was enjoyable. It was my first introduction to Ms. Monroe's series. Even though it is obvious that there is much to Ms. Monroe's world, and possibly several other books, I was able to enjoy this as a stand alone.
3.5 stars
In conclusion, Enthralled is an extremely enjoyable anthology, especially for those that read some or all of the series represented.
Overall Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, June 21, 2013
Review: The Havoc Machine by Steven Harper
The Havoc Machine
Author: Steven Harper
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: ROC
Clockwork Empire Book 4
ISBN: #978-0451417046
Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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In a world riddled with the destruction of men and machines alike, Thaddeus Sharpe takes to the streets of St. Petersburg, geared toward the hunt of his life….
Thaddeus Sharpe’s life is dedicated to the hunting and killing of clockworkers. When a mysterious young woman named Sofiya Ekk approaches him with a proposition from a powerful employer, he cannot refuse. A man who calls himself Mr. Griffin seeks Thad’s help with mad clockwork scientist Lord Havoc, who has molded a dangerous machine. Mr. Griffin cares little if the evil Lord lives or dies; all he desires is Havoc’s invention.
Upon Thad’s arrival at Havoc’s laboratory, he is met with a chilling discovery. Havoc is not only concealing his precious machine; he has been using a young child by the name of Nikolai for cruel experiments. Locked into a clockwork web of intrigue, Thad must decipher the dangerous truth surrounding Nikolai and the chaos contraption before havoc reigns….
What B is talking about:
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Since the murder of his son, Thaddeus Sharpe has cared about only one thing: relieving the world of its population of clockworkers. Revered by those who have suffered at the hands of these madmen, he is ruthless in his pursuit of them, and quick to dispatch justice once he finds them. But, when a beautiful woman enlists him to recover a special invention for a secretive benefactor, he inadvertently embarks on a journey that will make him question every step he takes, and turn everything he believes in upside down.
The Havoc Machine takes place during the reign of tsar Alexander III of Russia and the unrest caused by the oppression that went largely unchecked at the time. As has been true with previous novels in this series, Mr. Harper takes great care to weave the more fantastical elements of his story around historical fact. While the clockwork plague is central to the problems facing Thaddeus and Sofiya, it is the underlying, irrefutable conflict between the classes that is truly in need of attention. The Havoc Machine is part social commentary which, while told through the lens of history, is still relevant, and isn’t wrong in its implication that we don’t learn nearly as much from that history as we should.
As it is primarily a work of fantasy, there isn’t a great deal of romance in The Havoc Machine. Thaddeus and Sofiya have moments of true tenderness during the course of the story, but even that serves a greater purpose in the end. Still, there are quite a few moments when they seem to really like antagonizing each other, which I enjoyed. Their connection beyond the job they’re hired to do is obvious, however, and I found myself hoping they’d find a way to make something more of their relationship before the story’s end.
While not my favorite novel of the Clockwork Empire in terms of science and adventure, The Havoc Machine was very effective in that it led me to do some research of my own, as well tugging at my heart. This novel is quite dark in places, but so are history and science, both of which we still stand to learn a lot from. Thad’s loss is what fuels his hate, yet is by turns the thing that allows him to change. He finds in himself a kind of empathy that is only possible through the infliction of wounds that are unbearably slow to heal, yet which may be the only thing that ties us to our own humanity. Regardless, I still think this is a fascinating series, and, as long as Mr. Harper continues to explore all the possibilities within it, I’ll be more than happy to continue the journey.
B’s Rating:
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Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
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
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Monday, June 3, 2013
Review: Fire & Frost Anthology
Fire & Frost
Authors: Meljean Brook, Carolyn Crane & Jessica Sims
Release Date: May 25, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk Romance, Anthology
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims – Estrella may be going into heat, but she’s determined to remain in control. Just because she’s ovulating doesn’t mean she has to settle for just any man (or his beast). Her sexy alpha’s determined to find her a tiger to take care of her heat and father her child…but no one seems to look quite as good as the man in charge. Will giving in to her need for her alpha ruin her tenuous relationship with her clan or be a match made in heaven?
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane – The witches of the world ridiculed and rejected nerdy Veronica for trying to use newfangled computers to enhance old world spellcasting. Well, it’s 1984 now, and she’s perfected her spellcasting computer program. Hey, who needs friends when you can conjure virtually anything…or anybody? So when Veronica makes powerful new enemies, she conjures Max, a pitbull of a cop, to deal with the pesky hitmen who keep coming around. Maybe Veronica can finally get some peace and quiet so she can work on her computer. But tough-guy Max is in no mood to play lapdog to a gorgeous witch.
Wrecked by Meljean Brook – Elizabeth has spent the past five years running from her father; her father’s huntsman, Caius, has spent the past five years pursuing her. But when he finally catches up to her on an airship flying above Europe’s zombie-infested cities, Elizabeth discovers that Caius isn’t the only danger she has to fear—and now that he’s found her, Caius doesn’t intend to let her go…
What I’m talking about:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims
Midnight Liaisons series
Estrella is an anomaly in her pack--she is a liger: half tiger, half lion. While she doesn't really fit in with her tiger pack, she is not accepted at all by the lion pack. Estrella had always been told she was sterile, and she believed that right up until she realized that she was going into heat. Now with only a week's notice, she needs to find someone she likes to service her needs and be the father of her child.
The one man she truly desires is her alpha, Vic. But since she thinks he could never be interested, she goes through the motions of dating and looking for a mate.
Speed Mating is a fun and sexy little story. There is a bit of humor and light-heartedness throughout the novella. I liked that the story stayed in Estrella's POV for the duration of the tale because it elevated the tension without knowing Vic’s true feelings. The pair are a joy to watch as they come together.
Bottom line: Cute, sexy shifter story. Lots of fun.
4 stars.
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane
Code of Shadows 0.5
Readers of Ms. Crane’s first release in this series, Mr. Real, will recognize Vicky as Alix’s Great Aunt who left Alix all of her worldly possessions - including a computer program that brings to life objects from photos. One need not have read Mr. Real to enjoy this novella.
Vicky is in danger and in hiding from crime syndicate boss, Salvo. She’s used her knowledge of witchcraft and computer programing to bring to life Max, former Chicago police officer recently killed in the line of duty, to be her bodyguard.
The story opens about three months after Vicky first conjured Max. I liked that Max knows he's been conjured from a photo (and the “real” Max is dead). Max is more human that most as he contemplates life, the existence of a soul, falls in love with Vicky, and learns to let go of the daughter he orphaned after his murder.
The opening of the novella is very exciting. We have no idea why Salvo is after Vicky, only that he is relentless in his pursuit. The action is suspensefully written, keeping this reader glued to the pages. In addition, the book has a heart and tackles powerful emotions. The concepts of life, death and love are wonderfully interwoven into the thrilling tale.
The story switches POV between Vicky and Max. We learn of their mutual yet secret desire and admiration for the other. I loved how Vicky pushes Max and how Max teaches Vicky to learn to let go. As the story progresses you learn how perfectly matched the pair is. It's lovely to see the give and take between the individuals.
Bottom line: Exciting action with heart. As a fan of Mr. Real, I enjoyed “history lesson” about how the computer codes came to be.
4 stars
Wrecked by Meljean Brook
Iron Seas series
Five years ago, Elizabeth Jannsen ran from her powerful father, who subsequently sent highly-trained hunters to collect her and bring her home. Caius Trachter was the only one to ever capture her, but she was able to make a dangerous escape. (2 years prior to the start of this story.)
Now Elizabeth's father has caught up to her, and she must make a quick exit. Little does she know that Caius is watching, nor does she know that he has loved her since the day he met her.
I must share with you that I am completely in awe of Ms. Brook’s storytelling and of the tales she spins. She is simply a master at her craft. Wrecked is no exception, further cementing the Iron Seas series as one of the Top 5 series among the current romance genre.
Elizabeth has every reason to run from her father, and when you find out why, I imagine your jaw will drop just like mine. Knowing that she has little chance to escape Caius, Elizabeth makes the decision to trust the man that once tried to turn her in. The pain and heartache, loneliness and internal torment of both Elizabeth and Caius is portrayed with an absolute care for detail. Elizabeth loves her father, but he is a madman and she cannot see a way out of her situation without someone's death. She wants to trust and believe Caius, but she isn't certain how. This creates emotional conflict and amazing tension. The emotional depth of the novella is on par with a story two to three times its length.
In addition, the details of the ship, voyage and world are wonderfully woven into the tale. The action--hunt and chase--are thrilling and suspenseful.
The story reaches beyond the two primary characters without stretching thin the plot of and time allotted to the primary tale. For example, I adore Captain Harker who is the captain of the ship on which Elizabeth attempts her escape. He is a supporting character with a ton of integrity. His actions give Elizabeth the ability to trust another human. It is endearing how he cares for her in his own polite way.
The ending of the story was “perfect” for the situation and again brought forward an array of emotions, but this time a bit different from the earlier scenes. It was a touching, albeit simple, way to wrap up the tale... perfect.
I absolutely loved this novella. *sigh* I cannot say enough about how great the Iron Seas series is. This novella is a stand alone and can be enjoyed by all. It is a sweet romance, suspenseful action, exquisite steampunk world and all around wonderful story.
Bottom line: Amazing adventure full of rich detail and complex storytelling that will blow you away.
5 stars
Overall, Fire & Frost offers three wonderful tales, each very different, but all exciting, romantic and fun!
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Midnight Liaisons
Code of Shadows:
Iron Seas:
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Review: Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre
Bronze Gods
Author: A.A. Aguirre
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Ace
Apparatus Infernum Novel #1
ISBN: #978-0425258194
Genre: Steampunk
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko work all hours in the Criminal Investigation Division, keeping citizens safe. He's a charming rogue with an uncanny sixth sense; she's all logic--and the first female inspector. Between his instincts and her brains, they collar more criminals than any other partnership in the CID.
Then they're assigned a potentially volatile case where one misstep could end their careers. At first, the search for a missing heiress seems straightforward, but when the girl is found murdered--her body charred to cinders--Mikani and Ritsuko's modus operandi will be challenged as never before. Before long, it's clear the bogeyman has stepped out of nightmares to stalk gaslit streets, and it's up to them to hunt him down. There's a madman on the loose, weaving blood and magic in an intricate, lethal ritual that could mean the end of everything...
What Nima’s talking about:
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Books like Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre remind me why I love science fiction so much. A. A. Aguirre is actually a pseudonym for Ann and her husband Andres Aguirre. I have previously read Ann’s Sirantha Jax Series, and I found her to be a wonderfully complex, chewy author. Her books are not fluffy poolside reads. These are the books you read when you want to leave your life, no, the planet, and escape to somewhere else completely. Needless to say I was anxious to get my hands on this first novel in the new Apparatus Infernum Series.
Bronze Gods was my first steampunk, and I have to give kudos to any husband and wife who can not only write together, but survive the process and still like each other enough to continue the series. Like in Ann’s previous books, I enjoyed an alternative world that isn’t simply explained to me. Blissfully, there was no info-dumping. The reader learns the rules, the economy, and even the slang of this alternative London by experiencing them through well-developed characters. Further, I have to respect writing that’s intelligent enough to make me go look up vocabulary words: atavistic, inchoate, and empyreal. Yes, now I’m making you go look them up.
Even though this falls clearly into the steampunk family, it includes paranormal elements of fae magic and mystery. Regardless of the genre, this is a crime novel. We have two inspectors, Janus Mikani, and Celeste Ritsuko, the first female inspector in the entire criminal division. She’s tough and extremely methodical. She’s had to be to fight her way up to inspector status in an unapologetically chauvinistic society. I liked her. Mikani is messy and impulsive—but he knows how to cook and that is always a saving quality in a would-be hero. This is not a romance, but there is most definitely a romance budding between Mikani and Ritsuko over the course of the novel. It’s an extremely slow burn that will probably take the length of the whole series to come into bloom. In this installment it becomes character depth and set dressing. Parts of the plot moved slowly, but to me it felt like the pace slowed deliberately for the sake of detail and introduction to the world the Aguirres created—detail which I believe will be important in future books.
Bronze Gods was truly an introductory book. We have a storyline that is resolved on the surface, but I came away from the book with more questions than answers—questions that I expect will be answered in future installments. The Aguirres are just too meticulous to leave any hanging threads. One niggling fact (and this was the single thing that kept me from giving the book a solid “A”) was the fact that the significance of the title was not explained to my satisfaction. I believe titles have value and should reflect something important about the book. In this case it is a reference to long gone history, and repeatedly used as a punctuating expression, but wasn’t tied into the story itself.
Book two in the series, Silver Mirrors, is due out sometime in May 2014.
Nima’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
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)
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