THE LOWDOWN:
In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken
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.
FIRST IMPRESSION:
A giant tentacle slapped the front of the submersible, driving the small craft backward in the water.
—ARC paperback edition
SNAPSHOT:
This third installment in The Steampunk Chronicles has the organite-enhanced superhero gang back from America and safely in London. This time, between their anguished woes over whether or not they love or are loved by their sweethearts, they are hunting down a human-hybrid automaton. Only now, mechanical genius Emily’s been kidnapped. And villainous Garibaldi, aka The Machinist, needs her to transfer his consciousness into the lovely sentient automaton!
While everyone jumps to hunt for Emily, even Jasper and Jack Dandy, Emily is an enjoyable, creative, intelligent and conflicted narrator despite any tacked on history of abuse. Contrastingly, Finley’s narrative chapters continue spotlighting her blustering bravado, hotheaded temper, and angsting over Griffin (a plot that never feels important or as though he might not actually like her) which some readers may find unlikable. Several other characters take a turn at narrating as well; a seamless feat, though at times unnecessary.
Filled with action, adventure, mystery, moral quandaries, and clean romance. This tale’s most positive addition to the series is how it expands the universe of intriguing character plotlines and back-stories, unique tech-toys, and superpowers. The inclusion of Jack Dandy as a more prominent figure added much needed humor. Too often these character takes themselves far too seriously.
For all the advanced technology and metahuman abilities at these teens’ fingertips, it would be beneficial to see their social morals evolve as well. Certainly the tale is set in Victorian-era London, but the fantasy is allowed to extend beyond superpowers and steam-tech cell phones—perhaps to the realm of LGBT acceptance, which Finley really comes across as backwards and hypocritical about when she’s not exactly “normal” herself. Readers should consider further discussing those issues.
Appropriate for ages 13+. Mild language, fantasy violence, cut-to-the-window sexual situations, preoccupation with sex and romance.
GET IT ON YOUR SHELF:
If you…
– Have read the other Steampunk Chronicles
– Enjoy historical romance with a dash of science fantasy
– Are a sucker for a man vs. machine motifs
– Need your heroines kicking-ass, taking names, and outwitting the bad guys
– Want a teenage Victorian-era superhero team of misfits in your life
THE ESSENTIALS:
YA steampunk paranormal romance
Hardcover & Ebook, 384 pages
Published May 28th, 2013 by Harlequin TEEN (ISBN 037321085X)
http://www.harlequin.com/author.html?authorid=2093
(Review copy provided by Harlequin TEEN.)