Steampunk 'New Mutants'
584343
Kady Cross continues her fun and creative novel and sort story series. She continues to develop the characters and their relationships. She's also building the cast of characters. The denouement of her story arch is still to come but this is an enjoyable continuation of that path
1726045
REVIEW: NEFERTITI' S HEART by A. W. Exley
[ARTIFACT HUNTERS #1]

If you prefer your steampunk early Victorian with violence, brutality, a frisson of romance and sensuality, plus mystery and a rockin' strong female protagonist, here's your story. It's 1861 and Cara Devon, cast-out daughter of the recently deceased Lord Devon, devotee of archaeological artifacts, is twenty-one, determined to find just enough of his hidden collections to sell and then leave London. Her upbringing has been nothing but dire, and Cara has no reason to trust anyone, especially the nobleman who is king of London's Underworld--not even to avoid a serial killer targeting young debutantes.

18+
1585920
While I do marvel at the steampunk culture and was thoroughly satisfied with the various inventions and ideas strewn throughout this story, THE STORY is the most excellent faction. Hodder pays meticulous attention to detail, stays true to history (with a few twists and tall tales), yet manages to weave in the avant-garde steampunk concept. The characters are exceptionally lovable or loath-able, so much so that my only complaint about this book would be that some of the (spoiler alert?) soldiers lost to the cause should have received more homage. I can't wait to read the next in the series! Long live Burton and Swinburne!!
1470293
A good twist on the steampunk genre - worth the read
162729
A fun and jolly steampunk romp ... enjoying the series so far.  As my first (2nd?) foray into this genre and world - I quite enjoy it
4333453
Lady of Devices is an engaging and lovely addition to the Steampunk genre! The characters are sweet and interesting, each of them unique in their own ways. The progression of the story and the dialogue between characters was well done. As the novel progressed I fell a little in love with a few of her young charges, wanting to see them grow and succeed. You also get to see the main character begin to develop her resourcefulness, strength and confidence as she takes them under her wing.  Although this novel was written fore the YA set, I enjoyed it thoroughly - I was left wanting more, and will be buying the next in the series. I am looking forward to see where this wonderful world goes, with the release of the author's next novel.
1131955
I've had this book sitting on my shelf for some time just waiting for me to get around to it.  Well it took a reading challenge, but I did it.  And now I'm kicking myself in the pants for putting it off.  Talk about a fantastic steampunk world, deep engaging characters, a riveting intrigue style plot, and ho hey, the sweltering passion in a slow-burn romance.  Definitely planning on taking this series full steam ahead!

This first book, The Iron Duke, was a great blend of present time action, but a steady release of the complex world of an alternate history steampunk world.  The steampunk elements are fundamental to this series instead of just an annoying gadget name drop here and there.  I think I was equally taken with the world and elements as the actual plot which was a great blend of mystery, action, passion, and character growth.

It's based on the premise of what would have happened if Ghenghis Khan and his Mongolian Horde had steamrolled across Europe and even the British Isles using a blend of steampowered and nano-tech weaponry.  At the beginning of this story, England is finally free of the rule, thanks to the daring act of one dashing pirate now made a duke.  But recovery isn't so simple.  The people who were under horde rule are indelibly altered and looked on differently compared to those who fled, lived in exile, and the new generations are returning and reclaiming family titles and fortunes or jobs.  All stratas of society and culture are effected.  I found it all quite fascinating.

Beyond fascination, the heroine and the hero are in their own way, outcasts and trying to make their way.  Mina struggles under the stain of being the result of her mother being forced by someone from the horde.  Her family loves her and she loves them, but they are all tainted and though titled are poor and have little respect.  Mini works as a female police detective inspector and must accept a protective constable's burly strength to keep her safe because of her 'horde' features.  She has no dreams more than the little she has.  The insouciance and free-spirited arrogance of the duke who sees what he wants and takes it is grating on her- but she fears the emotions and desires he raises inside her.
For his part, Rhys Trahaern, the 'Iron' Duke of Anglesey, never set out to be a hero.  He has been scrabbling after life's scraps since he was born and raised himself up from abuse and slavery to being a pirate captain until respectability clipped his wings and he channeled his efforts into a merchant and shipping empire.  Mini flashes into his life and he is forced to see another perspective.  And yet, he is determined to get her to see beyond the cage she has placed herself in to what might be if she will take the chance.

The romance is full of sparks.  The pair are combustible.  Mina is so strong-willed and stubborn.  She is an abuse survivor in her way and must be handled as such, but the ruthless, straight-shooting Rhys who was also abused struggles to understand and  has to navigate things carefully with her.  They are so full of passion and I don't just mean sexually- though there was that.  I was riveted and anticipating as they drew closer and closer though it did not come easy.

The action part of the plot began as a sort of murder mystery that expanded to involve a secret plot of tremendous proportions.  The secretive and powerful Black Guard are a formidable enemy.  And some are still loose to wreck havoc in the on going series.  There was great fight action and sea battles and woot, we do have a kracken sighting.

All in all, this was a steampunk romance power house that packs many punches to hook in readers well outside the usual steampunk fandom.  I am definitely powering up for more passion and adventure with the Iron Seas series.
951142
There are so many options for Steampunk books and it is fun to see what an author puts into their world.  Liesel Schwarz has created an interesting mix of steampunk and the paranormal in A Conspiracy of Alchemists.

Eleanor is an airship pilot, something out of the ordinary for women.  She is in Paris to pick up cargo set up by Patrice, her agent.  It turns out this is not any ordinary cargo.  Part of it is just a small wooden box and before Eleanor can get it to her airship it is stolen. .  The other part is Marsh.  A man Eleanor clashes with from the very beginning.
All of this is part of the world building.  The box contains something the Alchemists want and need.  March is part of an opposing group that is trying to stop the alchemists.  Eleanor has special talents that she does not want to acknowledge.  Both groups are trying to get Eleanor and her talent.  You just have to keep reading to find out who is the good guy and who is the bad one.

There is a very interesting world built in A Conspiracy of Alchemists.  While some elements are common to steampunk many are unique to this book.  The book is also filled with interesting characters.  Marsh and Eleanor carry the bulk of the story but there are side characters that add interest and color to the story.  The plot is well developed.  The dialog keeps the story moving in an active manner.  All in all a very well written book.

This is the first book in a new series.  While this part of the story is complete and has a satisfying ending there is a teaser epilog that sets up the next book.
2590877
I've found that I want to like steampunk more than I actually like it, and I don't know why. "Carpathia" is my favorite so far, but maybe it's because it doesn't try to be pure steampunkit's more of a vampire novel set in a steampunk world.

The action takes place in Romania, pre-WW1. The Romanian government is sponsoring a race of steam-driven carriages, with hopes of launching an industry that will help to modernize the interior of the country. Certain denizens of the interior are against the idea, and on this the story hinges. The technology, politics, and the interpersonal relationships were well-done and highly believable, better than most straight-steampunk stories I've read. The pacing is good, building to the fast-paced climactic chapters.

There are more typos than I like to see in Kindle books these days, mostly missing/skipped words, but within my tolerances. :-) Still, an editing pass would improve it. I found myself caring more about some of the main characters than othersand I wouldn't be surprised to find that those were the author's favorites as well.

So, if you like vampire stories but want something a little off the beaten path, this story is worthwhile. If you haven't found a steampunk story you like just yet, this one might fill the bill because it's not 100% steampunk. Try it!
2899840
After learning about Steampunk Holmes on Kickstarter, I read the first book, Legacy of the Nautilus, on my Kindle. Now I am hooked! Martin accurately captures the literary style of the Doyle's original series (I read them all!) and then pumps it up to a new steampunk level for our times. I will certainly read the other books planned for the series.
636716
I agree with the other 5 star reviews, this is a great steampunk adventure, with airships, submersibles, mind control machines, a "sewing machine" that has more in common with the loader Sigourney Weaver used at the end of Aliens than a sewing machine, but I have to ask (if Elizabeth Bear is reading this), is the title of the book a typo?  The main character is Karen Memery, not Karen Memory.
4447306
Don't let the title fool you, this is the first installment of a new story series. The Clockhaven Chronicle numbering system confuses the heck out of me. I loved this story! Fresh steampunk ideas in a fresh setting. The sea serpents and their pharmaceutical venom where intriguing hooks, I can't wait to read the end of this series.
2682398
I love the steampunk genre, which is why I chose this book. I thought it was good, not great, but I see a lot of promise in the storyline, plot and characters. It was well-written and interesting enough to have me wanting to read the second book, and I will write another review after I read it.
3756810
This is such a great and unusual book! Well written and unique among the genre. I would recommend it for any steampunk-loving, YA-book-reading, Frankenstein-adoring or overall inquiring minds that you know!
1705807
I am hopelessly in love with Steampunk.  While reading this book I found myself on etsy.com looking at steampunk clothing and jewelry. So finding books like Kady Cross' The Girl In The Steel Corset is like finding a diamond in a coal mine.
  Sixteen year old Finley Jayne thinks the beast within her a curse.  Lifting men three times her weight is unladylike and improper. However, after her employer attempts to take advantage her, Finley is forced to fight back, and flees when she leaves him unconscious.  Running wild through the streets of 1897's London Finley collides with a young man, and is knocked unconscious herself.  She awakes to discover that she crashed into the young Duke of Greythorne, Griffin King, and is now in his home.  Griffin believes Finley's darker side is not a curse, but a talent that can be controlled if trained properly. And he should know, him and his friends Emily, Sam, and Jasper all have abilities that go beyond simple explanation.  Together, the five of them work and train to defeat an enemy known as The Machinist whose plan is to terrorize London with an army of automatons.  Of course, working so closely together, Finley can't help but notice just how handsome her savior Griffin really is...

  Veteran author Kady Cross (her bio says she's had over 20 best sellers) delivers an awesome debut in a promising series.  I don't like to compare one author's work to another, but in this case it may help: fans of Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel need to add this to their shelf as well.  Even though I like to see more romance in the books I read, the turn of the century was a time of proper morals and sophistication. With that, even though there was a lot of action in the books pages, the blossoming feelings the characters have towards their crushes are enough to keep the reader turning the pages, and begging Ms. Cross for a sequel.
568974
Steamfunk is the steampunk culture told from the historical perspective of African Americans and blacks. Dealing with racism, classism, and sexism of the Victorian era, this book features strong, loyal, and resilient male and female black characters and their adventures with steampowered technology. With the exception of a few, most of the stories are engaging and action-packed reads that keep you turning the page. I have almost all of them bookmarked as favorites but a few of the stand out ones were "The Delivery" by Milton Davis, "Men in Black" by P. Djeli Clark, ""The Refuge" by Kochava  Greene, "Once Upon a Spider" by Rebecca Mcfarland Kyle, "The Sharp Knife of a Short Life" by Hannibal Tabu, and "Rite of Passage: Blood and Iron" by Balogun Ojetade.

Great anthology for anyone wanting to get their feet wet with Steamfunk!
3217360
When Jim Butcher announced he was taking on Steampunk, I was really hoping for something good.  I wasn't a fan of his fantasy series, Codex Alera, but he has a gift for creating compelling story with his Dresden series, so I had a good feeling about it.  Hell, I even created a Live Action Roleplay system JUST to be ready for this series to come out!

I just finished the book two days ago, and it is fresh in my mind.  Amazing combat scenes with fine detail, some great characters (and some a little flat, but it was a large cast and I'm sure there will be more fleshing in books to come)...and through Jim Butcher's words I was able to see in my minds eye some amazing airships, the dystopian Etherpunk (not much steam really) technology with great ease.

Trust me...when it gets to the ship combat, it'll hook you.  Get it, listen to it, read it...love it.