400p.
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: 5/27/14
Source: From NetGalley and Publisher for review
In 1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin.
London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus.
Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe-especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends.
Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields.My thoughts:
This is the final installment in the Steampunk Chronicles. For those that have been following the story all loose ends seemed to be pretty wrapped up. There were two stories within this book. One was with the Machinist, Griffin and Finley. The other had to do with Jack Dandy and Mila. I have to be honest, I wasn't too happy with splitting the focus. I would have rather have one book and one novella. The Jack/Mila storyline could have easily ended up as a novella. The ending also seemed rather rushed. One minute there was no hope and the next everything is HEA. Not that I'm complaining too much, I need my HEA. :) I will say that it does feel complete and that is so good for an ending series book.
The book was an easy read and those that love this series from the beginning will enjoy this installment as well. I give this book 3 stars. While I enjoyed each story, I wanted to me immersed into each story. I didn't want to be taken out and rejoin the adventure I had left only moments ago. I enjoyed seeing more of Jack, but even he didn't seem to shine as brightly in this book. Again, I am thinking it is because my attention was split. I do recommend it to those that enjoy a fun steampunk series and those that have joined Finley from the beginning... you don't want to miss this one at all.
I didn't know it was the last book but I'm sorry it wasn't that good. It's always so difficult with last novels.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't bad, and I did like it. I just wished it was 2 stories.
DeleteI've never gotten to this series and I do love my steampunk! Need to put it on my list. :)
ReplyDeleteI think this was a pretty fun steampunk. :)
Deletetwinsies! :D
ReplyDeleteI do want this one, it has been a while since I read steampunk
ReplyDeleteI've not read her yet. Will have to check out the earlier ones. I've read some like that too where they add a second romance and it's just too much for one book. Two would be much better.
ReplyDeleteAh, I enjoyed this a little more then you, but I liked all of the threads. I was sad to say good-bye to these characters.
ReplyDeleteI didn't want to start this series because I know the author under a different pen name and she is not quite right for me, however I was always in awe of the lush covers for this series. Great review, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteSo I've said this a few times already, but The Girl in the Steel Corset was one of the first steampunks that I ever REALLY liked. I think the concept is wonderful, but most of what I've read focuses too much on gadgets, and not enough on plot. NOT Kady Cross though. I really need to finish this series.
ReplyDeleteI have this one to read. I can't wait to get to it, but just haven't been able to immerse myself into that world again. I'm sad that it's ending because I have loved this series!! I hope I love the ending. I've thought each of the books got better and better. Glad everything is wrapped up!
ReplyDeleteI loved that it wrapped up everything and ended the series when it felt right to end it, you know? No dragging it out & that kind of thing :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame the focus was split and it wasn't as strong as it could have been. I am behind in this series but now I don't feel so bad about needing to catch up. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteBesides the fact that the focus wasn't as evenly distributed as it could have been, this sounds wonderful otherwise! I haven't read this series yet, but I've heard a lot of great things about it, and your review has motivated me to give it a try! Thanks for sharing, and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3
ReplyDelete~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf
I don't read much steampunk, but I should. The dress on this cover is so pretty!
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw you read this I admit I got a bit jealous. I've been following this series and super excited to read this one.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, the series is over already. I want to get this series one day. :)
ReplyDeleteI've read the first book in this series. I liked it well enough, but it didn't grab my attention enough to keep me going with the series. Ah well!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog and I'm now following through bloglovin :)
I always liked the sound of this series and yet never picked it up. I still totally plan to and sad to hear they didn't have as much muchy muchness as you would have liked. Definitely will nab the first and try to make time for it because I'm loving steampunk lately.
ReplyDelete