Monday, June 1, 2015

The Shadow Revolution by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith

Series: Crown & Key #1
320 p.
Publisher: Del Ray
Published: 6/2/15
Source: From publisher and NetGalley for review
"They are the realm’s last, best defense against supernatural evil. But they’re going to need a lot more silver." 
As fog descends, obscuring the gas lamps of Victorian London, werewolves prowl the shadows of back alleys. But they have infiltrated the inner circles of upper-crust society as well. Only a handful of specially gifted practitioners are equipped to battle the beasts. Among them are the roguish Simon Archer, who conceals his powers as a spell-casting scribe behind the smooth veneer of a dashing playboy; his layabout mentor, Nick Barker, who prefers a good pub to thrilling heroics; and the self-possessed alchemist Kate Anstruther, who is equally at home in a ballroom as she is on a battlefield. 
After a lycanthrope targets Kate’s vulnerable younger sister, the three join forces with fierce Scottish monster-hunter Malcolm MacFarlane—but quickly discover they’re dealing with a threat far greater than anything they ever imagined.
My thoughts:

I enjoyed this team's last steampunk so I was excited to give this one a try. This one started off sort of like a Holmes-ian type of mystery with steampunk magic. Simon and Nick have a relationship not unlike Holmes and Watson in the Robert Downey Jr. version. It was an interesting way to introduce the characters but it also seemed to keep me at a distance from them. I didn't become involved with Simon until he really gets involved with Kate further into the book. There is also a backstory we are not privy to in the book. This also slows things down and frustrates the reader wanting to know more. I do believe that all things will be revealed in good time within the series.

However, the book only seems a bit slow in the beginning but does pick up quite quickly and is almost at break neck speed toward the end. Also, what I thought it lacked in some connection, it made up for in strong women characters. Aside from Imogene (although she proves herself in the end even if it is out of character) we also have a capable Kate, a young but brave werewolf, and even a hard to kill evil who is also female but also capable. I have to say if you are looking for good female characters do check out this book!

I give this book 4 stars. Although it did start out a bit slow for me in the beginning it made up for that lack in the end. I recommend this book to those that enjoy steampunk, mystery and strong women.

23 comments:

  1. This is a genre you and I both enjoy (Ministry ftw), and I had a good feeling about this book since I first saw it. I don't mind slow beginnings if they pay off in the end, and a strong heroine is always a plus. Besides, you DID mention Sherlock, which is more or less the magic world. I'm off to buy a copy.

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    1. Oh I'd love to know what you think and I hope you feel as I do! Ministry FTW indeed! :D

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  2. Oooo I'm so out of the loop! I didn't know these two were writing a new series! I absolutely loved their Vampire Empire books, so I'm excited to read this one. Good to know about the slow pacing upfront though:)

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    1. There is also a new one coming from the Vampire Empire. I'm curious as to what it could be since the series felt complete.

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  3. I have liked some steampunk but if its slow to start, I might have a hard time continuing

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    1. It's slow but at a good pace to keep reading. You may not feel it is as slow as I did.

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  4. First you know I love steampunk and then you had to mention the whole Holmes type thing and now I want it!

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  5. Oh I love this cover--and although i'm not much of a steampunk reader you've still got me curious about this one. I'm definitely picking it up!
    Lily @ Lilysbookblog

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    1. I hope you enjoy this one. I really like the cover too!

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  6. I just saw another review of this one and I think I might really like it! I have less patience lately so that might be an issue but I think if I stick with it I'd like it a lot!

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  7. I actually love that type of dynamic a lot! And strong women - hell yesh.

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  8. Even if it's slow at first, it sounds so good! I heard great things about it. I want to try!!!

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  9. Loving the cover and the premise of this one as it sounds so atmospheric.

    Great review, I'm so glad that despite its slow start this proved a hit.

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  10. Loving that cover! And the Holmes and Watson relationship? I'm pretty interested! VERY interested. Awesome review!

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  11. I have their other series on my audio tbr pile. Gah I need to do that. Maybe while yard work this week. Hmmm! Glad you enjoyed it even with the slowish bits there at the start. Sounds like it ended up being a great start to the series :D

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  12. I can deal with a slow start as long as it sucks me in! I think I might have to check this one out. Sounds really good.

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  13. You had me at Holmes and Steampunk. :) I'll definitely will be on the lookout for this one. Btw, I love the blog's summer theme.

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  14. OOooh I need to look into this duo. I am in love with that cover too! Thanks for sharing about this one.

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  15. I love the whole Holmes and Watson dynamic in pretty much any form, so I'm sure I'll love Simon and Nick! This sounds awesome, thanks for introducing me to it!

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  16. I do love strong women characters :) I saw that one on Netgalley but refrained from requesting it because of my gigantic to-be-read-neverending-pile, but boy, do I regret being reasonable :'(

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Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!