Review: The Alchemists of Loom

The Alchemists of Loom (Loom Saga, book 1) by Elise Kova

Genre: Steampunk
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Alchemists of Loom (1)

Her vengeance. His vision.

Ari lost everything she once loved when the Five Guilds’ resistance fell to the Dragon King. Now, she uses her unparalleled gift for clockwork machinery in tandem with notoriously unscrupulous morals to contribute to a thriving underground organ market. There isn’t a place on Loom that is secure from the engineer turned thief, and her magical talents are sold to the highest bidder as long as the job defies their Dragon oppressors.

Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King and sit on the throne. His family’s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung in the Dragons’ society for far too long. The Alchemist Guild, down on Loom, may just hold the key to putting his kin in power, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King’s assassins.

When Ari stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse. But the Dragon sees an opportunity to navigate Loom with the best person to get him where he wants to go.

He offers her the one thing Ari can’t refuse: A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom.

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Review:

After the Air Awakens series I honestly thought I would never pick up another Lisa Kova book again. (No really check out my review of Fire Falling.) Thankfully Alchemists of Loom wasn't just a pretty cover with a fun idea. It turned into an awesome story with amazing characters! Yeah!

The POV changes between leads Arianna, Cvareh, Florence, and some other cast members. Most importantly Leona who was a pretty awesome Mistress of Evil. He-he. I love a good Mistress of Evil. Because if or when they get what they deserve you kind of feel bad that you don't want them to go, but then you're just as blood thirsty for them to day. Talk about mixed up feelings! Good evil villains are like that.

I will admit that the characters took a bit to grow on me. Arianna felt more like non-stop grumpiness than a character to care about. However, once the characters do develop it's a true treat. Not to mention that the clear love connections about to happen aren't rushed and are given due course to start to build. After all this is a series, no point in rushing the emotions. (Though I do have second book phobia with Kova. Please don't burn me woman!)

I also truly loved the world and the plot. It's so unique and complex. It also really brings something fresh to steampunk. I won't lie, I haven't read that much steampunk so take it with a grain of salt. It is all unique though and I like the idea of twisting the names of things we are familiar with and making them new. Dragons, Chimera, and Alchemists. Okay, so alchemists are kind of what we think they should be.

The wit and ingenuity of the characters was a treat. Not to mention when they interacted with one another. Good and evil isn't so cut and dry here. Some of the good guys are even essentially at times villains. I like that the world is so brutal and rough. If you do notice how long it took me to read this book it's nothing against it, I really wanted to read it! (Health issues prevented me from doing so.) I did pick up a number of grammar errors, but all minor and really this book is very professional. The only warnings I'd truly flag it for is having a cliffhanger, not too bad of one. Also, there is a guide at the back for pronouncing names and such. It's there! Yeah! Wish I'd had found it, but I was Ereading it. I'm so happy how soon the next book is coming out!!!

Content Warning: Some homosexual themes, nothing explicit. Some “racial” slurs and such between the species of the world. Graphic violence and foul language. Basically a good time. ^_-

  
4/5 - A true obsession! (Yes, I did just rate a Kova book that high!)

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
The Alchemists of Loom (1) The Dragons of Nova (2) The Rebels of Gold (3)	The Alchemists of Loom (1) The Dragons of Nova (2) The Rebels of Gold (3)	The Alchemists of Loom (1) The Dragons of Nova (2) The Rebels of Gold (3)

Review: Burned by Magic

Burned by Magic (The Baine Chronicles, book 1) by Jasmine Walt

Genre: New Adult Fantasy Steampunk
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Burned by Magic (1)

In the city of Solantha, mages rule absolute, with shifters considered second-class citizens and humans something in between. No one outside the mage families are allowed to have magic, and anyone born with it must agree to have it stripped from them to avoid execution.

Sunaya Baine, a shifter-mage hybrid, has managed to keep her unruly magic under wraps for the last twenty-four years. But while chasing down a shifter-hunting serial killer, she accidentally loses control of her magic in front of witnesses, drawing the attention of the dangerous and enigmatic Chief Mage.

Locked up in the Chief Mage’s castle and reduced to little more than a lab rat, Sunaya resists his attempts to analyze and control her at every turn. But she soon realizes that to regain her freedom and catch the killer, she must overcome her hatred of mages and win the most powerful mage in the city to her side.

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Review:

First it needs to be said that this book is edited right. I did not want to bash my brains out due to grammar errors. The writing isn't too bad either. It has life and a flavor to it. Sadly the overall story, events, and characters bored me. I fell asleep while reading. Had to skip a few parts that basically went exactly how I knew they would. (For a read-every-word girl like me, that's not a good sign.)

The first thing I need to touch base with was the world building. The idea of a world where humans evolved into mages, and then the mages experimented on humans that then created shifters is awesome. When first diving into the story I thought this was an urban fantasy read. It felt like it. It revealed we were not on our earth, but a totally made up one. Cool. Then all of a sudden a steambike pops up and whams me in the face. OK. I rolled with it because the idea that this is a made up world with steampunk technology thrilled me.

So it was a steampunk fantasy world!

Maybe? The technology felt off because there was a power plant and lots of things that didn't quite fit a steampunk world. Such as sweatpants. And I'm assuming they are sweats, because that is the term used for them. Sweats in fantasy/steampunk worlds are usually “loose pants” or “baggy pants”. “Work out pants.” So on. Because the type of technology to make our kind of sweats does not mesh with the world.

I'm a picky reader. I felt like Walt simply wanted me to feel in the blanks. Assume a lot of things about this world. Which sucked.

Ah, the cast of characters. Who all felt barrowed from other stories and pieced together. Definitely urban fantasy characters. Who did and said the things I expected them to. The lead was supposed to be witty and snarky, but I found her more stupid and irritating. Rude. The male interests where boring and so typical that no attempt was made to flesh them out.

Oh, and the lead is magically attracted to the rude—excuse me mysterious/misunderstood—Chief Mage. AKA the man with all the power that seems like a bad guy but isn't. Of course she's drawn to him despite herself.

The mystery of her mentor's death and the “silver murders” is tacked onto the lead's secret being found out and so on. It's all rather boring. And well typical. (Yeah, I'm tired of using that word.) Actually it may have behooved this series to get us to care about the lead and her world before playing all of its cards.

The names of the characters have already left my head. Instead I remember them as stereotypes that did their stereotypical things. That just happened to be cut into a stereotypical UF plot. Which is a true shame as the basis of this world was so unique. With an underwhelming romance and boring plot. Despite the fact that this is supposed to be a fantasy steampunk world. It all falls short because it's so busy following the steps of a Urban Fantasy book that it forgets to be itself. To build emotions and distinguish its characters from the many others out there. To build the world and not just the buildings and rooms. To have the world figured out enough to clue readers into the hows and whys. Thumbs up for solid editing. Thank you.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, minor dark themes, and overall clean.

 

2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Burned by Magic (1) Bound by Magic (2) Hunted by Magic (3)	Burned by Magic (1) Bound by Magic (2) Hunted by Magic (3)	Burned by Magic (1) Bound by Magic (2) Hunted by Magic (3)

Review: Kiss of Steel

Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk, book 1) by Bec McMaster

Genre: Steampunk
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Kiss of Steel (1)

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.

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Review:

This was a great historical romance. Honoria was an interesting female lead. I like how it emphasized how cruel and harsh it was for woman in that time period. Society basically made it impossible for woman to avoid becoming a prostitute. It's a sad truth. It was bad for women to work or have a profession. By protecting women society made them become part of a work force that it frowned upon.

I loved Honoria's determination to take care of her family and protect them. She knew when to fold and when to push on. Blade was the perfect counterpart for her. Shockingly he wasn't the typical mysterious male. It soon become clear that he was a compassionate and respectful lead. The way he treated Honoria was wonderful. Normally by the time the PNR ends I feel like the woman should have slapped the guy and told him where the crap to shove it. Instead I felt like Honoria was in the wrong most of the time, but I understood where she was coming from.

The quality of the writing was wonderful and I could see the world in my minds eye. Sadly the world building wasn't what I had hoped for. The time period felt real, but the steampunk themes where underdeveloped. The society with vampires and werewolves was so well thought out and developed with an alternative history that I was baffled how badly the technology was lacking. There are robots and a few “steampunk” things. But they were never described. What did the robots look like? How did they tick exactly? It was vague and it seemed like more of the technology was randomly talked about then actually present in the book.

Overall as a romance it was great. The society of vampires was well realized. But I felt like this could have been just another Victorian with a vampire twist than a steampunk. Hopefully the next book addresses this issue. At this point the Steampunk felt like a gimmick to lure in fans. However, I loved the setup and character Kiss of Steel introduced and I want to see them in their own stories. Not to mention I want to see a revolution in this London/Britain. Down with the blue bloods! Not to mention I want to see how other male leads will be. It was so wonderful to have  a male lead who wasn't a total jerk.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, standard romance/sex scene, some frank thoughts/discussions about prostitution as a career choice and such. Some darker themes, but overall pretty standard.

 

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Kiss of Steel (1) Heart of Iron (2) My Lady Quicksilver (3) Forged by Desire (4) Of Silk and Steam (5) Mission: Improper (6)	Kiss of Steel (1) Heart of Iron (2) My Lady Quicksilver (3) Forged by Desire (4) Of Silk and Steam (5) Mission: Improper (6)	Kiss of Steel (1) Heart of Iron (2) My Lady Quicksilver (3) Forged by Desire (4) Of Silk and Steam (5) Mission: Improper (6)

Review: Shadow Kin

Shadow Kin (The Half-Light City, book 1) by M.J. Scott

Genre: Urban Fantasy (Steampunk-ish)
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Shadow Kin (1)

Welcome to the Half-Light City.

Imagine a city divided. On one side, the Night World, ruled by the Blood Lords and the Beast Kind. On the other, the elusive Fae and the humans, protected by their steadfast mages. A city held together by nothing more than a treaty-and even then, just barely...

I was born of a Fae mother, but I had no place amongst her kind. They called me "soulless." An abomination. Perhaps they're right...I'm a wraith, a shadow who slips between worlds. I was given into the service of a Blood Lord who raised me to be his most feared assassin. Still, I'm nothing more than a slave to my master, and to the need that only he can fulfill...

Then he orders me to kill Simon DuCaine, a powerful sunmage. In the blaze of his magic, my own disappears. Instead of seeking revenge, Simon shows me mercy. He wants to free me. But that's one thing my master and his kind will never allow.

And even if I thought I could trust Simon, stepping from the shadow into the light isn't as simple as it sounds...

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Review:

This was the perfect book to get me out of my stupid female lead syndrome. Shadow was everything I wanted her to be (I won't use her name just incase you haven't read the synopsis. That way it will be a treat/surprise). A wraith assassin! A half breed of the Fae sold to an evil vampire named Damon. She's lived in darkness her entire life.

So when her job to kill a Sunmage clearly turns into the setup of a romance I wasn't bummed. Because Simon was actually a cool character. Not to mention it felt like the setup for Kate and Curran from the Kate Daniel's verse. In fact this is the perfect blend of epic fantasy, some steampunk flavors, and urban fantasy genre meld. Not to mention that when Shadow meets Simon she tells him she doesn't need a “white knight”. Yes, she's her own hero.

The world and politics are awesome. I love the idea of the Blood (vampires), Fae, Beast (animal shifters) and humans residing in world that is fully aware. The politics and history that make them coincide together. There's intrigue, violence, sexy times, a fantastic world, and wonderful characters.

Sadly Scott did a lot to make her amazing female lead into a damsel. Don't get me wrong, Shadow is wonderfully realized. However, the reason for her change of heart will always be in question. Was she strong enough to do it? Or was it Simon taking the matter out of her hands? Not to mention that Shadow is supposed to me this great fighter.

But when she attacks Simon out of rage she loses, her second time losing to him. Then when she starts fighting Simon's brother, Guy a pretty awesome character, she can go toe to toe with him. Despite the fact that Guy is supposed to be the better fighter. Simon was always trying to beat Guy. I got the first time that Simon's Sunmage skills took her buy surprise and is basically the perfect weapon to defeating her powers. But this was sloppy. Not to mention she doesn't get to take out the villain. Because Shadow deserved to take out this particular villain. No matter what I would have been disappointed. The fact that Shadow was the bait and Simon was the hero. OK, what she did took guts. Maybe I'm being overly sensitive because I got done reading some stupid female leads prior.

All the questionable scenes were simply verified by Shadow saying at the end that she really did need a white knight to save her. Yuck. It didn't help that Simon demanded Shadow's trust but he threw her to the wolves. Oh, but he could still give a good #*%@*%&.

Overall I love the world. I want to know more about it, explore it. Not to mention that I really enjoy the cast of characters. Hopefully Simon and Shadow can reach a balance of equality in later books. You know, no more forced losing scenes or damsel scenes created to obviously have Simon be the hero. Either way I want to see Shadow create a life with Simon. And in general I just want to see how she lives her life with her new found freedom. This was a promising start and I truly love the dark gritty world Scott has created.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, some dark themes, and sex scenes.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Shadow Kin (1) Blood Kin (2) Iron Kin (3) Fire Kin (4)	Shadow Kin (1) Blood Kin (2) Iron Kin (3) Fire Kin (4)	Shadow Kin (1) Blood Kin (2) Iron Kin (3) Fire Kin (4)

Review: Girl in the Steel Corset

Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles, book 1) by Kady Cross

Genre: Young Adult Steampunk
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Girl in the Steel Corset (1)

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one... except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch...

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on even if it seems no one believes her.

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Review:

The Girl in the Steel Corset is everything I have been dying to find in a steampunk novel. The technology flavors the world perfectly and I love that there's so many different verities of fashion. This is a whole new reimagined world! One where 20 years prior an expedition lead by the Duke of Greythorne journeyed to the center of the earth. Discovery of the Cradle of Life, THE place were creation began. Strange things called The Organites where discovered. Tiny organisms that can mimic other things on a cellular level. While the general public is only aware of some ore that powers the technology from this expedition. Every thing else is kept hush, hush by order of the Queen.

So now we're 20 years later after these events. Where despite keeping everything a secret things are definitely happening. People are developing powers because of certain events and there's a villain out there, The Machinist, who wants to use The Organites for evil. It's all very shady with plots against the Queen and reimagining of Dr. Hyde and Mr. Jekyll.

There is a lot of technology here leading to a new and different world. Though I have a hard time believing that facial piercing, and multiple ones at that, would be acceptable for a Lady. That's a different kind of advancement. Even the pants seemed far out. Because there were still many rules a lady should follow that contradict those advancements in sexism. But hey that's me being nit picky.

Speaking of technology. There is a lot of it here. Finally a steampunk novel chocked full of it! I love the way the machines work and the description of the gears! However, there was some technology that made me pause. Some of it was sooooooooo advanced that it felt like it was out of a futuristic novel, not a steampunk. And if you don't know steampunk novels generally take place in the past. Some in the Victorian age mainly. So that took me out a bit. Hey, they've journeyed to the center of the world! They've discovered the Cradle of Life. Anything can happen.

GitSC has a wonderful cast of characters here. Griffin is a suave leader of his gang of misfits, as expected as the current Duke of Greythorne. He's a true hero and I love how it fits along with his humanity. Finley is his social opposite. The best part is she's a fighter and I love how tough she is. Even when she's trying to figure out who she is from circumstances outside of her control. You know there's a romance happening there. The best part is it isn't rushed. Cross is doing what I have missed. Building the romance and creating the romantic/sexual tension. Not to mention Jack Dandy a dark character well worth the swooning and a nice counter part to Griffin. Because there is a love triangle, but at least it’s done well. So it fits really good here. (No teenage melodrama. I dare say it’s realistic.)

The other cast of characters are amazing as well. They all stand out and I adore how dastardly gangsters or stupid muscle men eventually flesh out and become likeable characters. People make mistakes, but they learn. Griffin's band of misfits is like a family. The trust they've all earned is moving and I enjoyed watching Finley become part of it.

Overall I love all of the aspects presented. Some readers might find it a bit full. There's changing points of views, lots of steampunk technology, people developing powers, the other worldly Aether, historical references, fantastic character interactions, witty humor and dialogue, strange Organite things, and—basically a marvelously brilliant world! It's well developed and quite fantastic. Oh, and I've been saving the best for last. A female Hyde and Jekyll. Boom. Bet you were wondering when I'd bring it up again. The Girl in the Steel Corset was an unexpected treat! If you're new to steampunk or a connoisseur of the genre don't miss this one!

Sexual Content: All rather politely clean. There is sexual humor and some hints of more.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (0.5) Girl in the Steel Corset (1) Girl With the Clockwork Collar (2) The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy (2.5) The Girl with the Iron Touch (3) The Wild Adventure of Jasper Renn (3.5) The Girl with the Windup Heart (4)	The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (0.5) Girl in the Steel Corset (1) Girl With the Clockwork Collar (2) The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy (2.5) The Girl with the Iron Touch (3) The Wild Adventure of Jasper Renn (3.5) The Girl with the Windup Heart (4)	The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (0.5) Girl in the Steel Corset (1) Girl With the Clockwork Collar (2) The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy (2.5) The Girl with the Iron Touch (3) The Wild Adventure of Jasper Renn (3.5) The Girl with the Windup Heart (4)

Review: Soulless

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, book 1) by Gail Carriger

Genre: Steampunk
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Soulless (1)

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations.

First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire--and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

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Review:

Gosh, I'm in love. Everything about Soulless hits all the good spots. While it's not over the top steampunk, it has enough flavor to spice up a world that is now aware of the supernatural and has taken different steps into the future from our known history. To me it makes perfect since the technology would take slightly more colorful steps. Not to mention that Alexia Tarabotti is an amazing lead. She may be a spinster due to her Italian blood and dead father, plan looks, too voluptuous—no it’s not actually called that in polite society—and smarts; she's a proper English lady. Well, as proper as she wants to be. She tells things how it is most of the time which may be shocking, but she's always polite about it. Come on how can you not love a book that has the utmost politeness while the lead is being strapped up for torture?

It might take readers a moment to fall into the swing of the British “accent” of the book, but it's like any good BBC show. Once you catch on the rest is magic! For me one of my most favorite things about the British is their humor, made all the more awesome because of the historical time period of the book. While it could get annoying that the amazing Alexia is a spinster and everyone—especially her family—keeps informing her about her undesirable qualities Carriger does a wonderful job bringing humor and just enough depth to make it understandable for the time period. (And personally makes me happy those days are gone for women. In the most part.)

Lord Maccon is Alexia’s rake. Come on he’s  a Alpha werewolf, high ranking, powerful, smart and on top of all that Scottish. Boom! What a combination. Not to mention when Alexia and Maccon are tossed together. They’re bickering flirting is cute and the mystery of the hedgehog warms my heart. With smiles. What I like more is that Maccon can’t understand why no one would want her. While reading this with a friend she stated that she didn’t understand why Maccon could see how amazing Alexia was, but Alexia despite all her brains agreed with everyone that she would be a spinster forever. But it was clear to me with society, her friends, and most importantly her family mentioning her faults constantly I’m amazed she turned out as awesome as she did. Even the most amazing characters have personal doubts, what’s true character strength is to eventually get past them. (And personally I did not think it was that big of a deal. Just over thinking. Yeah, I know me saying that.)

I did have a problem with The Queen telling Alexia that she had great investigation skills, when the plot/mystery just falls into her lap and everyone is simply pulled in. Really it's a bunch of dandies that deserve all the praise this time. However, I can forgive it this time around. Because the humor, sophistication, paranormal elements, and the historical romance-investigation feel of Soulless is perfect. Even if I still don't quite understand why Alexia is classified as soulless in the long run . . . and other obvious paranormal related questions are ignored. That's for another book.

Overall Soulless is pretty darn close to perfection. Don't let the British accent of the book intimidate you. It always saddens me when readers can't embrace other flavors of English. (Yes, I'm thinking of my beloved Kate Forsyth.) Soulless is the ultimate in genre blending with urban fantasy elements, mystery, historical romance, comedy, and tea. (Tea had to be mentioned at some point!) Alexia is a fantastic leading lady and Lord Maccon is one sizzling gentleman werewolf. The Parasol Protectorate is clearly going to be a wonderful addiction.

Sexual Content: Actually for be so proper. It’s got the goods. Wink. Plenty of sexual humor, some homosexual themes, and such.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Soulless (1) Changeless (2) Blameless (3) Heartless (4) Timeless (5)	Soulless (1) Changeless (2) Blameless (3) Heartless (4) Timeless (5)	Soulless (1) Changeless (2) Blameless (3) Heartless (4) Timeless (5)