Review: Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger

Waistcoats & Weaponry

Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Finishing School #3
Pages: Hardcover, 304 pages
Genre: YA, Steampunk
Release Date: November 4th 2014

Summary:

Class is back in session...
Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school in style--with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown, of course. Such a fashionable choice of weapon comes in handy when Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey stowaway on a train to return their classmate Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland. No one suspected what--or who--they would find aboard that suspiciously empty train. Sophronia uncovers a plot that threatens to throw all of London into chaos and she must decide where her loyalties lie, once and for all.


Gather your poison, steel tipped quill, and the rest of your school supplies and join Mademoiselle Geraldine's proper young killing machines in the third rousing installment in the New York Times bestselling Finishing School Series by steampunk author, Gail Carriger

Review:

In all honesty I kinda expected this to be the conclusion of the series. Don't ask me why. I just did. So I was kinda surprised when at the end of the book I discovered that well, there is at least one more instalment to come.

I enjoyed this instalment, quite a bit. In fact if you would have asked me halfway in I probably would have stated this was my favorite so far. But in the end, I guess it wasn't, since I rated Curtsies & Conspiracies half a star higher. Which made me pause.
Before I give you my long explanation as to why, let me start at the beginning.

I love Carriger's writing.  Her witty take on the Brits makes me giggle and her gadget descriptions are a pure joy to the steampunk lover in me.
Having read all her works that have been published so far, I was actually astounded by this one, I think she is getting better and better actually.

The world of the Finishing School is set in the same one as her previous series,  Parasol Protectorate, I loved the first series, so I am enjoying the world building in this one as well. But Carriger is not lazy about it, if you haven't read the Parasol Protecorate, you won't be lost or miss out on anything. Except, that some of the Characters reappear in the Parasol Protecorate and one sees what events actually led them to become who they were. The first series in this world being set later in time.
I really enjoyed that especially when it comes to Sidheag story and her character.

I think one of the reasons I liked this was the character building. Sophronia being up to her usual shananigans, is doing a lot of self-reflection, still desperately trying not to grow-up , she discovers that in fact she and all the others will do so, no matter what.
Carriger did a lot of character building when it comes to the group of friends, I really am looking forward to revisiting them.
But as much as I loved the surprising depth that was added to Sophronia's and her pals, I did get really really agitated with the love triangle situation. I loath those anyway. And while I didn't mind it in the last book, I seriously lost my patience with it this time around. The constant, oh but he is so nice, oh but that's not right about him... he is so much nice but maybe not - went on my last nerve. Thankfully, though, I think this has been resolved. One little side note to this, I was kinda disappointed by a certain lordling. Where is the freakn backbone I ask you?!

So while the love triangle was my annoyance, and probably added to the slightly lower rating, The storyline was probably the main reason for this to not rate as high as Finishing School #2. Because if one looks at it. What did really happen? I mean just before the big showdown and the resolve of this storyline? NOT much. So I was kinda left a bit baffled.
They basically went to a ball, a mystery was thrown in, then they went on a trip, big showdown. The end.
This left me feeling like I wanted more. I also got quite a few questions. The mystery was not as enticing as the others, I guess quite quickly where it was going, the adventure was also not quite as exciting as the others... so that left me with the character building. Which admittedly was deeper than any of Carriger's other books.
So basically if you are after a great plot, this will leave you a wee bit disappointed. If however you love character driven novels, this will be right up your alley.

A great steampunk YA. I am looking forward to hopefully get some of the questions I got answered in the next instalment. Which I will have to wait nearly a year for... BUT the good news: Prudence the first of Carriger's third Series set in this world will be released in March 2015.


Rating: 

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ARC Review: Wicked after Midnight by Delilah S. Dawson

 Wicked after Midnight by Delilah S. Dawson




Publisher: Pocket
Series: Blud #3
Pages: Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Genre: Steampunk
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Summary:
A contortionist and a rakish brigand navigate the cabarets of Paris to rescue a girl taken by slavers in the third steampunk-tinged romance of the Blud series.

Life as a contortionist in Criminy’s Clockwork Caravan should be the height of exotic adventure, but for Demi Ward, it’s total dullsville. Until her best friend, Cherie, is stolen by slavers outside of Paris, and Demi is determined to find her.


On the run from his own past, Vale Hildebrand, a dashing rogue of a highwayman, hides Demi from the slavers…but why? He pledges to help her explore the glittering cabarets of Paris to find her friend, but much to Vale’s frustration, Demi soon attracts a host of wealthy admirers. The pleasures of music, blood, and absinthe could turn anyone’s head, and it would be all too easy to accept Cherie’s disappearance as inevitable—but with Vale’s ferocious will and Demi’s drive to find her friend, they soon have a lead on a depraved society of Parisian notables with a taste for beautiful lost girls. Can Demi wind her way through the seedy underbelly of Paris and save her best friend before she, too, is lost?

Rating: 

Review:

I got a bit of a dilemma here....I've had huge issues rating this. I would honestly like to say, this is just absolutely fabulous and that I'm totally smitten. But well I am not. 

Well, this is good. Don't misunderstand me. But it's NOT wow! I am totally smitten and this is fabulous like the previous two were. Two reasons:

I had huge expectations, because let's face it Dawson has never disappointed including this time;

and I really really didn't like Demi.

Because I loved the previous books and novellas so much, was smitten by each and every one of them. I ended up comparing Wicked after Midnight to all of them. And since I wasn't wowed by Wicked after Midnight as much as I was with Wicked as They Come or Wicked as She Wants, I ended up analyzing each detail and comparing story-lines, characters, world-building, writing-style to the t - even the smut got inspected and compared. So while I adored the storyline of Blud #1 and was smitten by Dawson's world-building and description in Blud #2 - Wicked after Midnight, well did't in either point wow me as much as the other two books. 

One of the things I adore about the series is that each book is actually really different. Yes they all set in the same world, same kinda background, there is a connection to the MCs; but each novel is different, they set in different locations in the same world, the MCs in each book are really different and the story lines are quite different as well.

It's like they are a paintings in a series and each one of them holds a different color theme.  

And the comparison to a painting, is not by chance. When I read her books, I feel like Dawson paints worlds for me with her words. While in the first, was a painting, done in dark colours, with a goth feel - it depicted a bond forming between two people - one that really moved me , the second was one of lots of whites, whimsical but cruelly beautiful -fairytalesque - still a touch of goth- a painting that enchanted me- the third was bright red, and greens and well ruffles and showgirls and while I admire it, it didn't do that much for me, other than me thinking oh this is nice. I expected a wee bit more Dumas... instead I got Mouline Rouge. 

The thing is Paris Cabaret, not necessary my scene, Paris and I share a wary relationship. Cabaret and I - seem unable to comunicated what so ever. AND I really didn't like Demi 

And there lays the gist of this. I expected to be blown away and Demi prevented that.

She was so spoilt and so selfish, self-centered and egotistical and top that with her at best teenage behavior - which by the way makes no sense, since had been in College in the US, and at the time of the book was TWENTY-Freakn- SEVEN. This was a serious draw back for more than half the book. 

But thankfully Dawson's is great a character building -so I had Vale. Vale is so dumaesque, so mysterious, so handsome, so charming and so oh-la-la je suis french which makes me super hot. And he also is the only interesting character for first half of the book. Because there was just too much cattiness for my taste and too much well cabaret? Here we go again, the two of us, just not a good combo.  

Even more thankfully Dawson does character growth. So during all the stuff the goes down- and a lot of stuff does go down- this is by no means a boring book- Demi does change, many of the female characters do as well and Vale just gets better and better- so that in the end, I could relate to them and actually did care for them, even Demi- who marred a perfectly pleasant experience with her stuck-up selfishness. 

So you might have guessed the world building is not my favorite in the series- BUT this is the third book and there are three novellas as well and each and every time Dawson adds more awesome stuff to it. While I enjoyed the world building in the previous two more, this was just as innovative and fantastic as the other two. I do wonder how Dawson does come up with this stuff!

So back to my dilemma- I wanted this to be more than 3,5Stars because Dawson is one of my favorite fantasy writers and because this is a good book. But well for me it wasn't more.

And I am saying this with a heavy heart, because it is totally subjective. I did just enjoy the other two better- I can't say that this is not as good quality-wise...

Do I hope Dawson will write book 4 in the series? Absolutely

Will I read anything she publishes? Hell yes!

Would I recommend it to Steampunk lovers? Naturally, it's a must.

And still I have after long thinking and pondering decided - though I know lots of people might love this one better- to be absolutely honest.

See I am more of a dark colored goth or whimsical whites kinda of a girl than the bright ruffles.  So 3,5 Stars.

ARC was provided by Publishers in exchange for an honest review

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ARC Review: The Damsel and the Daggerman by D. S. Dawson

The Damsel and the Daggerman by Delilah S. Dawson




Publisher: Pocket Star
Series: Blud #2.5
Pages: 100 p
Genre: Steampunk
Release Date: January 14, 2014
Summary:
In this “carniepunk” e-novella from the author of Wicked As They Come, a knife-thrower meets a lady journalist determined to uncover his dark and dangerous past.

Bad boy knife-thrower Marco Taresque is the hottest and most dangerous performer in the caravan. He keeps to himself until a pesky female journalist arrives, anxious to interview him about his checkered past—his last assistant disappeared under mysterious and bloody circumstances, earning him the nickname “The Deadly Daggerman.”

Unsinkable journalist and adventurer Jacinda Harville doesn’t take no for an answer, and she’s determined to wear down Marco no matter how threatening—or incredibly desirable—he might appear. He agrees to an interview—but only if she’ll let him strap her to a spinning table and throw knives at her body. How can she say no? And how can she resist him when he leans close for a kiss that strikes her more sharply than any blade? It’s the first time she’s let a man get the better of her, and she’s determined it will be the last… 

Just when she thinks she can’t take any more of his games, Jacinda receives a note from Marco saying he’s finally ready to tell her the truth about what happened to his missing assistant. She sets out for an address miles away, but what she finds there turns the tables on everything she thought she knew about the tender lover who wears a smile as sharp as his knives. 

As secrets are unraveled and passions take hold, Ginger realizes her hard heart has melted. But will it be too late to save Marco—and herself—from the daggerman’s dangerous pas

Rating: 

Thoughts:

LOVE!LOVE!LOVE!
That was my first reaction upon finishing this. That and the warm giddy feeling that spread across my being, materialising itself in a silly happy grin.. and "oh no! wait! it's finished" a slightly panicked run to the laptop and check on amazon. To be disappointed with the knowledge that well, the next book in this series "Wicked after Midnight"will only be published at the end of January 2014.  le sigh!

Well the good news is- The Damsel and the Daggerman is going to be published beginning of January- thus sweetening the waiting time a bit. The novella has all the things we have come to expect from Dawson. Great world building, interesting characters and good smut as well.

The story is set in Criminy's Caravan and is a romantic mystery. The plot is interesting and enticing  with a big showdown moment and several twists- some of them totally unexpected.  Despite being relatively short it didn't feel rushed - except maybe at the end the big showdown bit, was kinda sudden and fast.

The world building oh the world building! - well as you know I adore this series. One of the reasons is the world building.  And Dawson didn't slack this time around. She built on the previous books but in such a way that this could be easily read as a stand alone. Her Steampunk world is surprising, dark, dangerous, gritty, full of magic and paranormal beings but also beautiful, surprisingly Victorian, with great Steampunk gadgets and details and leans cleverly onto our real world.

The character building is really well done as well. Many of the characters we got to know in the previous book featured. But it is mainly about new Characters. Mainly Jacinda and Marco.
In this short story I got to know Jacinda- most of this is written in her POV- and connected with her. I understood what drives her and how she became who she was. Given that this is only 100pages long, this is a great feat.
Marco was totally enticing, mysterious and hot. And I might change from camp Criminy ;) Seriously though, he was a puzzle most of the times, he also felt real and interesting. (did i mention he is seriously hot?)
There was also an introduction to Demi, the main female character of Wicked after Midnight. One only got a glimpse of her, but I am the hook and I can't wait to read her story in Blud #3

Dawson's prose is again beautiful, captivating and enticing. She seriously can write steamy scenes like very few other authors I know. But she also captures my imaginations, paints a beautiful, dark and goth world with her words that seeps into my being in some way and stays with me like a wonderful vivid dream.

A great novella that could be easily read as a stand alone. A definite must read for lovers of the series and the genre.


ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: My Lady Quicksilver by Bec McMaster

My Lady Quicksilver by Bec McMaster




Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Series: London Steampunk #3
Pages: 416 Pages
Genre: PNR, Steampunk
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Summary:
Determined to destroy the Echelon she despises, Rosalind Fairchild is on seemingly easy mission. Get in. Uncover the secrets of her brother's disappearance. And get out.

In order to infiltrate the Nighthawks and find their leader, Sir Jasper Lynch, Rosalind will pose as their secretary. But she doesn't count on Lynch being such a dangerously charismatic man, challenging her at every turn, forcing her to re-evaluate everything she knows about the enemy.

He could be her most dangerous nemesis—or the ally she never dreamed existed

Rating: 

Review:

WOW!! I feel like I've been wrought through an emotional roller coaster... and I loved it. *gasph!* yes, i did- as shocking as it is, i usually don't deal well with that many emotions. Or maybe its just the mushy kind I don't like?
Well. I like this. Despite my gut being destroyed and my heart beating way faster than usual - and lets not talk about the twists and knots I felt throughout this. REALLY! I don't know why I like this. Well I guess because of all of the above?

The world building was quite minimal actually. This is the third book of the series. But can just as well be read as a standalone. This is steampunk yes, but just barely- not many cool gadgets or even much machinery. This book is purely action and character driven. Thought the world building was not awe inspiring it also wasn't bad. I could describe you the place the story is set and its social structure. While there was nothing exciting  tech wise, the social structures are actually quite interesting- and closely linked to the plot and characters- one even got all the historical facts fill by the end of the book.  The world building just  totally took the background, and honestly who cares? I for one was busy having my heart and gut wrenched through twists and turns and couldn't care less about cool gadget right now.

The plot was action filled and the was some good smut peppered all over the book. But honestly its in the end all about Rosa and Lynch and their story. So if you boil it down to the gist it's your PNR plot as usual on many level. But again, who cares?  When the story told had me totally invested for the characters?

And I think that's where the strength of this book lies. The character building. Each one was carefully build up. The main characters and the support cast. Slowly one gets to know more and more about them. And at the end, I cared what happened to Jack or Ingrid and Garrett and Co.
The book is written from Lynch and Rosa's POV.
While both of them seem totally ruthless in the pursuit of their goals, slowly one gets to know them. See different aspects about them, their insecurity and I really really loved them both. Seriously I adore Lynch- and identified with Rosa to a scary degree (not that I am a liar, a thief or an assassin)

Which brings me to the writing style. McMaster knows how to pace and slowly unwrapped thing, all in the middle of loads of action and delectable smut.
She somehow has found a formula that got straight to my secret hidden core and I think that's a huge part due to great writing. I am definitely going to read whatever she writes next!

A great read for PNR lovers, if you looking for hardcore steampunk- this isn't for you.
But be warned! This will leave you feeling like your heart has been twisted, wrenched through a press, thrown at the wall and in the end caressed and deftly put back into place... and even worse you might discover you liked that just like I did.

ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Skies of Fire by Zoe Archer

Skies of Fire by Zoe Archer

Publisher: Avon Impulse
Series: The Ether Chronicles #1
Pages: 200 Pages (ebook)
Genre: Steampunk, Romance
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Summary:

Man made of metal and flesh

Captain Christopher Redmond has just one weakness: the alluring spy who loved and left him years before…when he was still just a man. Now he's superhuman—a Man O' War, made as part of the British Navy's weapons program—and his responsibility is to protect the skies of Europe. If only he could forget Louisa Shaw.

A most inconvenient desire

Louisa, a British Naval Intelligence agent, has never left a job undone. But when her assignment is compromised, the one man who can help her complete her mission is also the only man ever to tempt her body and heart. As burning skies loom and passion ignites, Louisa and Christopher must slip behind enemy lines if they are to deliver a devastating strike against their foe . . . and still get out alive.

Rating:


Review: 

I love steampunk, the series sounded interesting and with little time at hand I thought these roughly 200page novellas would be the way to go

The world building was classic steampunk - I in fact really reminded me of Meljean Brooks Iron Seas Series - which I love
I like the idea of Man O' Wars as well
But all in all it's not awe inspiring or amazing. In fact it's rather basic, which I am guessing is due to the length of the novel as well.

The character building was probably the strongest part of the novel. But to be honest I found both of the MC's way to melodramatic. All their angst and lust made me roll my eyes. I liked some of the banter and found their whole pining and regretting bit rather unattractive. Saying that this is the strongest part of the novel, I also got to say, that I wasn't left knowing tons about the characters. I did find myself caring for them and was glad the things worked out the way they did. I couldn't connect to them though. Again I was left wondering where Archer would have taken this if it was longer.

The plot was straight from a to b to c. Rather predictable, and the action was a tad to smooth for me. It made it a bit cartoonish.
The romance part too romantic for me. Yes, I just said that. Well it was just too much for me.

The prose is good. I really enjoyed it, so much that I am definitely going to check out other books of Archer. Possibly the reason why I rated it 3 Stars rather than 2.5.

I am definitely gonna read at least one or two more books in this series. For a couple of reasons: First. I am hoping that the next installment will be better. This has good potential in my opinion and I wanna see were the series goes
Second. The series is a collaboration between Archer and her husband (N.Ross) and I am intrigued by the fact that they took turns writing the series

Definitely an interesting book for lover of romance steampunk

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Review: The Airship Captain's Daughter by Sapphire Del Rey

The Airship Captain's Daughter by Sapphire Del Rey

Genre: Steampunk *Adult*
Release Date: June 6, 2013
Summary:


Once a daughter of privilege, Moira Drake now lives and works at the Somerfield Blimp Port with her adoptive father, Captain Teague, running an air ferry service for the wealthy class of English society. It's not a bad life, precisely, but Moira yearns for more. She craves action and adventure. She also, unsurprisingly, craves sex, as she's still a virgin, even at her advanced age. However, she also knows that to invite one of the local men into her bed is a dangerous proposition, as once they discover her secret, they'll want to marry her, ending her dreams of freedom forever.
Captain Zac Relfi, a member of the American Air Command, has orders to "deflower" Moira before the Queen and members of The Old Peerage use Moira and her precious virginity to retain control over a steam-powered populace growing tired of the old ways. Using force at first, Zac soon discovers that the need for adventure that lives in Moira is more than enough to match his own. And when her legs are wrapped around his waist, he finds that all he wants is more of her hot, slick, naked body beneath his.
All people depicted in this work of fiction, which features adult sexual acts, are over 18 years of age.

Rating:


Review: 

I love Steampunk and I thought a little fun hot Steampunk would just be the right thing to read today, I expected M.Brooks kinda steamy airship fun. Instead I got basically just a sex scene. Set in Steampunk Victorian times- the world building bits and pieces were the best part of the novella btw. BUT the sex scene? First the woman got basically raped, then forced to oral and after that got some unwanted butt sex. REALLY?! So let's say we think some women like it rough, NO still means FREAKN NO!!!
But on top of that to add insult to injury the language is horrifying. The choice words that Del Rey has for vagina are just simply disgusting.
So not what I bargained for when I started this.  
Definitely one of the worst things I ever read!

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ARC Review: The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN
Series: Steampunk Chronicles #3
Pages: 384 Pages (Hardcover)
Genre: Steampunk, YA
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Summary:

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has....

Rating:


Review: 

This is a piece of Steampunk heaven right there!
I love this series, and Cross definitely delivered beyond my expectations. The world-building is again deliciously mechanical and slightly Goth, just like I like it. It was fun to return to the much liked characters and watch them evolve and grow. Exciting to battle old evil nemesis. And this is definitely the most romantic one of them all.

The storyline is in somewhat similar keeping as the previous books. There is a mystery going on, and one of the crew gets into trouble- this time it's Emily. The crew sets out to rescue her. What sticks out in compare to the previous books, the romantic entanglement between different parties have become more intense, a thing I wholeheartedly approve of. So it's all there, the technical inventive Steampunk, mystery, action and romance.  This is really well paced, loads of stuff is happening but it doesn't feel rushed. Cross spends just enough time on the emotional part and on the action scenes, so one can relate to the characters but still get a kick-ass read out of it.


The character building is probably the best of the entire series. Revisiting the crew of misfits felt like revisiting old friends. But in this book, we got to explore their insecurities and how the try to come to with their abilities and past actions. Throw in there the wonderful sense of humor Cross displayed in the previous book with great dialogues and you get great characters, that seriously grow on you and make you laugh as well.

"What do you have in mind?"he asked, Oh, she had a list. But he was talking about rescuing Emily, so she put her mind to that instead. 

It was girly of her. Vain, too, but while she'd die for Sam, she would not go bald for him unless she absolutely had to.

"Yes, you should have know. After all, you're omnipotent." He shot her a narrow glance in the light of their torches. "You know, sarcasm can be a very unattractive trait.""So can being a martyr."

And we have a return of the Mechanist, he is even creeper than before. Jack Dandy also makes a return after an absence in The Girl With The Clockwork Collar. I am totally on team Jack- and was rather pleased he made a return. Even more interestingly we've been given more insight into his past. Again Cross slowly shows more sides to this character, which makes him not only more endearing but also more interesting and mysterious.

The world building of these series has been phenomenal. It's straight classic Steampunk and I love all the gadgets Cross comes up with. Being a geek girl, i savor those passages! Cross uses several modern inventions and add her own Victorian twist to it. Which makes them rather believable actually, very clever indeed.

A question that has stuck with me though; What has happened to Jasper during his absence? Will we hear about that in the next book? I really wanna know!
I guess there isn't much i can do to find out- except wait. For an unannounced time period! There hasn't been a release date set for the next novel in the series.
The good new however? The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy is set to be released on July 1, 2013. A must read for all Jack fans, it's set before the Girl with the Iron Touch.  And yep, I shall be reading it as well, already pre-ordered it!


ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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