Book Review: Rebel Mechanics

TITLE: Rebel Magisters
Book 2 in the Rebel Mechanics series
AUTHOR: Shanna Swandson
PUBLISHED: July 2016
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Steampunk/Alternate History
PREMISE: Verity tries to bridge the gap between the wealthy Magisters who are ready to rebel and the Rebel Mechanics already having a rebellion under way...
MY REVIEW: I will be forever sad that this series didn't take off more than it did among the YA crowd. It is a tad generic, true, but the world created here is great. Swandson really expanded that part in the second book.
Not only did she expand on the world, but she developed characters as well. This book took things in directions I wasn't expecting and that to me, is the mark of a great middle book of a trilogy. My favorite part, surprisingly is the way the author handled the love triangle. This is the most mature way I've seen a love triangle handled in a YA trilogy.
Is this a brilliant series? No. I've seen ideas like this done before. But, if you're like me and hooked on these steampunk books, this series is one of the better ones to come out of YA.
WHO SHOULD READ: those that have read Rebel Mechanics, steampunk fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five huzzahs, because this improved things from the first book

Book Review: Ghost Talkers

TITLE: Ghost Talkers
AUTHOR: Mary Robinette Kowal
PUBLISHED: August 2016
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Historical Fantasy/Mystery/Alternate History
PREMISE: During WWI a medium enlisted in the army starts to uncover secrets and betrayals...
MY REVIEW: I have been meaning to read Kowal for awhile now. Her Glamourist Histories series looks right up my ally and I've heard good things. After reading this book, I understand why I've heard those good things. This book was just good.
It's an alternate history of sorts where there are mediums enlisted in the army to help talk to the ghosts of dead soldiers. The world is wonderfully built and the author weaves a damn good mystery in it to keep interest going. Ginger was a fun character whom I honestly wouldn't mind spending more time with. There seems to be only one book planned in this universe so far but honestly...I wouldn't say no to more books.
But in the meantime, I think I'm definitely going to be looking into Kowal's other books sooner, rather than later. This was so good and wonderfully written.
WHO SHOULD READ: Alternate History fans, steampunk fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five dead soldiers sticking around

Book Review: The Alchemists of Loom

TITLE: The Alchemists of Loom
Book 1 in the Loom Saga
AUTHOR: Elise Kova
PUBLISHED: January 10th, 2017
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Steampunk/Fantasy
PREMISE: In a world at war, Ari survives as best she can. Her latest job however, gets more complicated when she makes a deal with a dragon...
MY REVIEW: Looking for fun fast-paced steampunk? Then I highly recommend this new series. It does have all the usual trappings of steampunk: there's the badass female lead, magic, world at war, rebels, etc. But this author manages to put a fresh spin on all the usual tropes.
The world-building is a little bit shaky. I wish there were more details here and there. But I suspect that's coming in the second book. This one is mostly action oriented so it goes by really quick. I actually managed to read it in a day. Also, for some reason people keep putting this into the young adult category on Goodreads. Yeah, no guys. This is adult. All the characters are adults. Just because something is a fantasy, doesn't automatically put it in the YA category. There's also LGBT representation, though I hesitate to call it good representation. The author seems to go out of their way to avoid discussing Ari's sexuality even though she's clearly attracted to both men and women. I'm not sure if that's a world-building thing or what.
If you're in the mood for just a fun action-packed steampunk series to start, this one is definitely a good way to go. Apparently the author has written other books. I think I'm going to be looking into them sometime in the future.
WHO SHOULD READ: Steampunk fans, Elise Kova fans
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five shape-shifting dragons

Book Review: Timekeeper

TITLE: Timekeeper
First in a new series
AUTHOR: Tara Sim
PUBLISHED: November 2016
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Fantasy/Steampunk
PREMISE: A boy works on the clock tower in his neighborhood, in the meantime he falls in love with the clock spirit.
MY REVIEW: This was a very unique book. It is MM romance set in an alternate England where time is controlled and it's just an endlessly fascinating world.
I love the writing in this one. Sim's prose are lovely and her imagination with this world is great. The romance is also very sweet. It's written in a very fairy-tale like way that appeals to me a lot and reminds me of Stardust by Neil Gaiman. Which considering my love of Gaiman is many points in the author's favor.
If you're looking for a cute romance with an imaginative fantasy setting, I highly recommend this one. Looks like it's also going to be a series. To which I say, bring it.
WHO SHOULD READ: Those looking for more LGBTQA reads, steampunk fans
MY RATING: Four out of five clocktowers

Book Review: Imprudence

TITLE: Imprudence
Book 2 in the Custard Protocol series
AUTHOR: Gail Carriger
PUBLISHED: July 2016
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Historical Fantasy/Steampunk
PREMISE: The adventures of Rue continue as she returns home to find things have become chaotic in England since she left.
MY REVIEW: You guys know I love Gail Carriger. So it is probably no surprise to any of you that I loved this book. What more can I say that I haven't already said? Her books are just delightful.
As always we go full steam ahead into the plot in this one. Alexia and co. play bigger parts so that was fun to see. We get to see relationships develop and there's the usual Carriger brand of humor in it.
These books never fail to put me in a good mood when I read them. If you are a long time Carriger fan, the latest book will not disappoint. Sadly, it looks like we might have to wait a bit for the next book, but hey, she has a novella out sometime this year so it's not all bad.
WHO SHOULD READ: Gail Carriger fans, those that have read the Parasol Protectorate and the first Custard Protocol book
MY RATING: Four out of Five tricked out parasols

Book Review: A Curious Beginning

TITLE: A Curious Beginning
Book 1 in the Veronica Speedwell Mystery series
AUTHOR: Deanna Raybourn
PUBLISHED: September 2015
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Historical Mystery/Steampunkish
PREMISE: After Veronica buries her aunt, she's ready for a life of adventure. But before she can embark on said life, she gets caught up in a mystery...
MY REVIEW: I stumbled upon this book randomly while browsing around on Goodreads. So many of my books are found that way, which probably explains a lot about my random reading choices come to think of it. It sounded fun so I picked it up a the library.
It was pretty much what I was expecting from the summary. There's a sassy woman who is ahead of her time, a brooding man who gets charmed by said sassiness, and a mystery afoot. It reminds me a bit of the Parasol Protectorate series but not nearly as delightful as that series. But it is still pretty damn fun. There's bantering romantic partnership to help ease along the somewhat slow parts of the story. If you're going to have a slow story, always have banter, I say.
It's not the most original thing on earth, but if you're in the mood for a fun historical mystery with a sassy female lead, this book should please you.
WHO SHOULD READ: Parasol Protectorate fans, Miss Fisher Mysteries fans
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five sassy female detectives

Book Review: Manners and Mutiny

TITLE: Manners and Mutiny
Book 4 in the Finishing School series
AUTHOR: Gail Carriger
PUBLISHED: November 2015
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Steampunk, Historical Fantasy
PREMISE: Sophronia's time at her school draws to a close as she learns of a large plot and finally deals with her feelings for her friend Soap.
MY REVIEW: It seems only a short time ago we learned about this new series and everyone was speculating and all nervous about it. Now, it's come to a satisfying end and we have to bid a sad farewell to another awesome Carriger heroine.
This was a great ending to a endlessly fun series. As always, I will miss these characters something fierce. Especially Pillover. If you're familiar with Carriger's style, this book continues that tradition of romance and humor and it all leads to a satisfying end.
As always with Carriger, I loved this. While I'll definitely miss this series, there's still the Prudence series to read and whatever fun series Carriger gives us next.
WHO SHOULD READ: Gail Carriger fans, steampunk fans, historical fantasy fans, those who've read the first three books
MY RATING: Four out of Five sassy schoolgirls getting stuff done

Book Review: The Chess Queen Enigma

TITLE: The Chess Queen Enigma
Book 3 in the Stoker and Holmes series
AUTHOR: Colleen Gleason
PUBLISHED: October 6th, 2015
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Steampunk, Mystery, Classic Book Referencing
PREMISE: Evaline and Mina get stuck playing chaperone to a young socialite during the season, much to their dismay. However, chaperoning leads to a case in unexpected ways...
MY REVIEW: I really wish more people knew about the Stoker and Holmes books. They are such fun. A little ridiculous at times, yes, but it's a fun ridiculous if nothing else. This book was no exception.
This installment was great. It moved the plot forward. It brought some plotlines from way back in book one to a close. We get introduced to new plotlines. We also get a glimpse of the mysterious Mycroft Holmes, Mina's father, who I personally wanted to see more of. Perhaps next book? Even better, the author has stopped having the girls make catty remarks about each other. Yay! Progress! Made it ten times more enjoyable, let me tell you. Sure, the girls still bicker, but it was mostly free of girls hating on girls for no apparent reason other then because. It was honestly a relief.
I'm glad we're getting more Stoker and Holmes. It looks like the story is starting to take interesting turns. I can't wait to get back to these characters next time.
WHO SHOULD READ: fans of the first two books, Sherlock Holmes fans, Bram Stoker fans, steampunk fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five wooden stakes

Book Review: Rebel Mechanics

TITLE: Rebel Mechanics
Book 1 in a new series
AUTHOR: Shanna Swendson
PUBLISHED: July 2015
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Historical Fantasy/Steampunk
PREMISE: A young newly hired governess finds herself swept up in revolution.
MY REVIEW: Most of what I enjoyed about this series comes from the world building. The author did a fabulous job of creating a believable alternate history world where magic wielding Brits stopped the revolution and therefore America is still under British control.
Plot wise...this is kind of average for YA. There's a plucky protagonist. There's a possible developing love triangle, and there's snark and so on. But the author makes it likable so it's still very readable.
So this one is honestly, mostly average. But if like myself, you love wonderfully imaginative alternate history then I definitely recommend this one.
WHO SHOULD READ: Alternate History fans, historical fantasy fans, steampunk fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five steam contraptions

Book Review: Mechanica

TITLE: Mechanica
AUTHOR: Betsy Cornwell
PUBLISHED: August 25th, 2015
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Fantasy
PREMISE: A retelling of Cinderella set in a steampunk world with faeries.
MY REVIEW: Every so often I come across a book where I just honest to god, have no idea what I think of it. Mechanica is one such book. I didn't particularly adore this book. Nor did I quite hate it either. But I wasn't indifferent to it either, because it's a rather interesting take on Cinderella.
I will say, I love the world created here. It's highly imaginative. The characters are...okay. Not really ground breaking characters, but for once...this was an interesting love triangle. I know...who knew! But love triangles don't have to be crappy guys, and this is one that...is not like a phenomenal one but is rather interesting. Also for a Cinderella remix, it didn't go the way I was expecting. It's nice when fairy-tale retellings go unexpected routes.
But the story is also slow, as interesting as the love triangle was...it did tend to drag everything still. The writing was also average. So...this one was a bit of a mixed bag. I do know that my feelings about it are mostly positive. I hope this author sticks around, she has interesting ideas.
WHO SHOULD READ: Retelling fans, Cinderella fans, steampunk fans
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five Cinderellas

Book Review: Prudence

TITLE: Prudence
Book 1 in the Custard Protocol series, Spin-off of the Parasol Protocol series
AUTHOR: Gail Carriger
PUBLISHED: March 17th, 2015
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Steampunk/Adventure
PREMISE: Alexia's daughter is now all grown up and is off on the start of her own adventures in India.
MY REVIEW: This will probably come as no surprise to anyone who reads this blog: I adored this. I've enjoyed pretty much all of the Parasol Protectorate world books and this new addition to the world is no exception.
Prudence is just as fun as her mother, yet she's not a carbon copy of Alexia. This new generation is fun to hang out with because unlike the first one, they all knew each other from when they were kids so it's like hanging out with a bunch of best friends on a flying ship. I will admit, the story itself is a bit slow, but that's mostly because it's a first book introducing characters and plots that are to be developed later in the series.
But as an intro to a series, it does its job. I can't wait to spend more time with Prudence and see more of this great world that Carriger has created.
WHO SHOULD READ: Parasol Protectorate fans, steampunk fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five promising starts to a fun series

Book Review: The Eyre Affair

TITLE: The Eyre Affair
Book 1 in the Thursday Next series
AUTHOR: Jasper Fforde
PUBLISHED: 2001
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: Alternate history/steampunk, fantasy
PREMISE: In a different world that treats books like contraband, time travel is a reality, and cloning is regulated, a priceless book is stolen and Thursday Next is put in the case which puts her in the path of a evil mastermind...
MY REVIEW: I found out about this series from a book list...somewhere. I read so many book lists. This is possibly why my TBR list is over five hundred books long. It sounded interesting and right up my alley so I picked it up.
I am so glad I did too. This series is pretty awesome. It takes place in a alternate history world and has all the imagination that that usually implies. The world-building in this is spectacular. On top of that, it's just a entertaining story. Thursday is a fun character and the narration style is great, slightly similar to Douglas Adams.
In short, I loved this. It's great fun, especially if you happen to be a literature nut. I also highly recommend the audiobook version which is how I got through it
WHO SHOULD READ: those who like books that reference other books, steampunk/alternate history fans, Gail Carriger fans
MY RATING: Four and a half out of Five shady organizations

Book Review: The Case of the Missing Moonstone

TITLE: The Case of the Missing Moonstone
Book 1 in the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency
AUTHOR: Jordan Stratford
PUBLISHED: January 6th, 2015
CATEGORY: Middle-Grade
GENRE: Steampunk/Mystery
PREMISE: The daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft and the daughter of Lord Byron team up together to solve a mystery.
MY REVIEW: Middle-grade can often be a mix of perfect for tweens and then perfect for tweens and readers of all ages. This one I think falls in the category of perfect for tweens. Some adults may like all the history references in it, but if you're an adult who doesn't have a kid to read this with...it may not be for you.
But if you've got a kid who wants a mystery adventure and is tired of Nancy Drew this is definitely something to give them. The girls are great fun and spunky. Kid me would have been all over this series. Plus, it's even a good way to introduce some history to them, because there are many many history references. If you have an American Girl fan who loves the history part of that series but has maybe grown out of the series, definitely pick this up for them.
This was a fun steampunk mystery for the tween set. I hope it takes off because middle-grade could use some more spunky girl sleuths.
WHO SHOULD READ: tweens, middle-grade book fans, Nancy Drew fans, American Girl fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five hot-air balloons

Book Review: The Spiritglass Charade

TITLE: The Spiritglass Charade
Book 2 in the Stoker and Holmes series
AUTHOR: Colleen Gleason
PUBLISHED: October 2014
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Steampunk/Classic Book referencing/Historical Fantasy
PREMISE: Stoker and Holmes embark on a new adventure that leads them to discovering that vampires may not be as instinct as once believed...
MY REVIEW: I really enjoyed The Clockwork Scarab and was happy to see that there was indeed a sequel coming. For the most part this did not disappoint. It did all the things a sequel should. It advanced the story, introduced new story lines and had a good mystery along with it.
My only issue is that apparently we really need Stoker and Holmes making catty remarks about each other in their heads even though they're partners and have been through a lot. I'm sorry...we really don't. I get that these two girls have clashing personalities. I get that they aren't going to get along or see eye to eye on things. But we really do not need them making catty remarks about the way the other girl behaves or looks. Same with Holmes making remarks about other girl's appearance. It just is not necessary. It's more of this girls can't really be friends crap that floats around entertainment and I for one am sick of it. Especially because this drags down an otherwise really enjoyable book.
Other then that pet peeve of mine, I enjoyed this one just as much as I enjoyed the first one. If you loved the first one, you won't be disappointed. If you haven't checked out Clockwork Scarab yet, I strongly urge you too. Especially if you're a steampunk fan of any sorts.
WHO SHOULD READ: fans of the first book, steampunk fans, Sherlock Holmes/Dracula fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five glass balls

Book Review: Waistcoats and Weaponry

TITLE: Waistcoats and Weaponry
Book 3 in the Finishing School series
AUTHOR: Gail Carriger
PUBLISHED: November 4rth, 2014
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Historical Fantasy, Steampunk
PREMISE: Sophronia goes on an adventure to help her friend Sidheag that has some unforseen consequences.
MY REVIEW: You all know by know I love this world and this series. So I don't have to tell you there's major pro-bias going on here.
As always with Carriger this was another just plain fun adventure. This time we get to spend a little more time outside the school and get a peek into what's going on in the packs during this time. There's great development where Sophronia's romantic entanglements are concerned and where the character of Soap is concerned.
Definitely cannot wait until the next book. In the meantime, we have the new series about Prudence to tide us over.
WHO SHOULD READ: Gail Carriger fans, steampunk fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five corsets

Book Review: Ticker

TITLE: Ticker
AUTHOR: Lisa Mantchev
PUBLISHED: December 1rst, 2014
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Steampunk, Adventure
PREMISE: A girl goes on a mission when her parents are kidnapped.
MY REVIEW: I mostly picked this up for two reasons: it's written by Lisa Mantchev. I've long despaired over the fact that her Theatre Illuminate trilogy hasn't gotten more love then it deserves. Second: steampunk. Have I mentioned I love steampunk? Because I totally do.
This was exactly as it was billed: a fun steampunk romp. The plot is fast-paced. There's lots of things going on at once and the characters are snarky so there's lots of snark. It's what I've come to expect from this genre: creative world, fun characters, and a good time.
I will admit, it's not the most original thing in the world, especially compared the author's previous series. But it was a good time and I got what I wanted from it. I was satisfied with the book.
WHO SHOULD READ: Lisa Mantchev fans, steampunk fans, Finishing School series fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five clocks

Book Review: The Girl With the Wind Up Heart

TITLE: The Girl With The Windup Heart
Book 4 in the Steampunk Chronicles
AUTHOR: Kady Cross
PUBLISHED: May 27th, 2014
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Steampunk
PREMISE: Finley goes to rescue Griffin when he is kidnapped....
MY REVIEW: My feelings for this series have honestly gone up and down. There's stuff I love about it. The girls kick butt, the guys are actually likable, and the adventure is great.
But...some of the commentary on female issues in it make me side eye the author something fierce. Like this one, there are so many times Jack is condescending to Mila that it's not funny. But worse is, it's excused away because she doesn't know any better and that's what the times are like. I just can't with that excuse. Because that's all it is, an excuse.
As an ending, this one honestly felt like an add on. But I give that it ended the series in a satisfactory way. I would recommend this to those have stuck with the series so far and just want more.
WHO SHOULD READ: fans of the first three books
MY RATING: Three and a half out of Five clocks
FOR SERIES: Three and a half out of Five

Book Review: Strange and Ever After

TITLE: Strange and Ever After
Book 3 in the Something Strange and Deadly Trilogy
AUTHOR: Susan Dennard
PUBLISHED: July 22nd, 2014
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Steampunk, Zombies
PREMISE: Eleanor, Daniel and co. face off one last time against Marcus...
MY REVIEW: It's not often that I can honestly say I enjoyed a trilogy the whole way through. Either the second book was slow, or the ending was predictable as all get out. But this trilogy, I honestly can say, I've loved the whole ride. In fact, I think it's one of the few that got better as it went along.
One of the main reasons for that is, that it doesn't try to fill in time by focusing on too many characters at once or giving a boring love triangle when one isn't needed. Those two things are pretty much the downfall of most YA series. This series focuses on Eleanor and her character journey. That's it. It makes for a very satisfying read because you get to see her grow and become stronger and more settled into herself. Yes, along the way, she gets a love interest. But it's pretty incidental and not the whole damn point of the story. Also...there's a twist with Daniel that I honestly didn't see coming and was pleasantly surprised by. It was sad, but it was nice to see a YA trilogy be realistic about things for a change.
This is one of my personal favorite underrated books. I highly recommend the whole trilogy, especially if you're into the historical fantasy scene. I seriously can't wait for whatever Dennard has in store for us next. Word on the street is, she already has a new series coming out next year. Bring it on, is all I can say.
WHO SHOULD READ: fans of the first two books, Dearly Departed fans, zombie fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five satisfying endings
RATING FOR TRILOGY: Four and a half out of Five really good trilogy

Book Review: The Inventor's Secret

TITLE: The Inventor's Secret
Book 1 in a new series
AUTHOR: Andrea Cremer
PUBLISHED: April 22nd, 2014
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Steampunk, Historical Fantasy
PREMISE: Charlotte and her brother lead a band of refugees in the hopes of changing the tide of war.
MY REVIEW: In retrospect...I probably should have left this one alone. I wasn't the biggest fan of Nightshade. In fact, I still haven't read past the first book because I just plain didn't want too. I still have no regrets about it, either.
But, every so often, an author makes a different sort of series that is better then their original so I make it a point to give authors the benefit of my doubt and try new series unless I really really hated their first one. For instance, I will not be looking at Adornetto's new series, because I just plain couldn't stand Halo and from what I gather, she hasn't improved much. Sadly...there's not much improvement here either. This one has all the same problems that Nightshade had, just with a different setting. Like Nightshade, it had a competent enough plot and a great setting. But also like Nightshade, it had flat characters who didn't make sense, conflicting messages about feminism (for instance the main character is kick-butt, but it makes sure to scold things like wanting to wear pretty dresses), and plot-holes galore. Also, while I admit the plot is competent...the plot is also kind of the same as Nightshade just with different characters and different setting.
So, I guess if you happened to love Nightshade, go and read. You'll probably enjoy it very much. But if you were ho hum about Nightshade like myself....don't bother.
WHO SHOULD READ: Nightshade fans, light steampunk fans
MY RATING: Three out of Five shrugs

Book Review: Toxic Heart (contains spoilers so beware)

TITLE: Toxic Heart
Book 2 in the Mystic City series
AUTHOR: Theo Lawrence
PUBLISHED: April 8th, 2014
CATEGORY: YA
GENRE: Fantasy, Steampunk
PREMISE: Now with the rebellion in full swing, Aria has put her heart on the line and is all in with the rebels...but just because you love someone doesn't mean it's meant to be.
MY REVIEW: This was a sequel that actually managed to surprise me. Oh, not in a lot mind you. Once again, we have a love triangle where previously, we didn't have one. SO ANNOYING. There was also some stuff I saw coming.
My surprise mostly comes from the realistic handling of the Hunter/Aria thing. My gosh, a YA book is actually pointing out that just because you're together doesn't mean you're going to STAY together because there's this thing called LIFE. I know that doesn't sound like much, but most YA books have their heroines marrying their first loves and everything happily ever after, all tied in a bow. This one doesn't actually do that. The couple actually breaks up! What's better: THE GIRL DOES IT. It's not the guy doing it for "her own good" like most of these things go (and seriously, screw that nonsense). Aria straight up realizes that she and Hunter want different things and so it's probably not a good idea for them to be together. I just want to do this:

So I admit, there are some flaws here. But I was overall pleased that the author is trying his best to be realistic about this relationship. Now, whether or not he sticks to that in the coming books, remains to be seen. I hope he does though. It would kind of cheapen this if he had the two of them go through this growth only to go "oh hey, we're back together!" in the next one. Unless he does it really well. Personally, I look forward to the next book. 

WHO SHOULD READ: Fans of Mystic City, Romeo and Juliet fans, Hunger Games fans

MY RATING: Four out of Five heroines realizing that it's not the end of the world if she and her honey aren't together.