Blog Tour: Born of Treasure by Jordan Elizabeth

Today I want to discuss Jordan Elizabeth's western steampunk sequel, Born of Treasure. Released September 21st by Curiosity Quills Press, this book is the sequel to Treasure, Darkly. Featuring a young man with the recently attained ability to bring the dead back to life, and to communicate with ghosts, Born of Treasure is quite entertaining!

Come back tomorrow for my last review on the Curiosity Quills Press September Releases Review Tour!

Of Silk and Steam by Bec McMaster

BLITZ!

Today, I'm participating in the spotlight post blitzing for Of Silk and Steam by Bec McMaster. The book comes out tomorrow, March 3rd, from Sourcebooks Casablanca!

When I was given the opportunity to participate, I was so thrilled because while I haven't read all the books in the series, I've really enjoyed the ones that I have. So much so, that I'm going to have to invest in the entire series in paperback so I can enjoy all the gorgeous covers sitting on my bookshelf.

This steampunk-paranormal romance series has intrigue, action, great love stories, great scheming, lots at stake and is absolutely on my list of favourite romance series. I am sad that Of Silk and Steam is the last book in the series only because it means moving on to new stories (though I'm hoping there's a glimmer of possibility in a second series featuring a younger generation? Maybe? Please?). As it stands, I think this is one of the most satisfying final books of any series that I've read lately. It pulled together all sorts of machinations and plots put into place by earlier books and... well... I've actually got a full review of the book below, so check it out!

Stick with me today because after hitting you with lots of information about the very awesome Of Silk and Steam (including an excerpt) and author Bec McMaster (who I assume is also very awesome because she's written these lovely books), I'm also sharing a giveaway and, care of the publisher, I'll let you know which London Steampunk heroine I would be (based on a cool little quiz they had bloggers take).

The Ruby Airship by Sharon Gosling

The Basics:
The Ruby Airship by Sharon Gosling
Switch Press
Book Two in the Diamond Thief series
YA, Steampunk
Published February 1, 2015
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon Kobo Goodreads

Why I picked up this book:

The first book in the series, The Diamond Thief, was a pleasant though not perfect surprise and I wanted to give this YA steampunk series a second shot.

Ticker by Lisa Mantchev

The Basics:
Ticker by Lisa Mantchev
Skyscape
YA, Steampunk
Published December 1, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon Goodreads

Why I picked up this book:

I loved that cover and 'steampunk YA' had me on board.

Nero's Fiddle by A.W. Exley

The Basics:
Nero's Fiddle by A.W. Exley
Curiosity Quills
Book Three in the Artifact Hunters series
Steampunk Romance
Published October 9, 2014
Source: Purchased an e-copy
Amazon Goodreads

** The first two books in this series, Nefertiti's Heart and Hatshepsut's Collar are priced at 99 cents until January 3rd, and the short story The Unicorn's Tail is free. Check them out *now*!

Why I picked up this book:

I'm a *huge* fan of the first two books, and had to know what happened next for Cara and Nate.

Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger

The Basics:
Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Book Three in the Finishing School series.
Steampunk, YA
Published November 4, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon Kobo Goodreads

Why I picked up this book:

Gail Carriger. Love love love.

The Diamond Thief by Sharon Gosling

The Basics:
The Diamond Thief by Sharon Gosling
Switch Press
Book One in the Diamond Thief series
YA Steampunk
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com

Why I picked up this book:

I'm a sucker for steampunk.

Forged by Desire By Bec McMaster

The Basics:
Forged by Desire By Bec McMaster
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca
Book Four in the London Steampunk series
Romance, Steampunk, Paranormal
Published September 2, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com

Why I picked up this book:

The cover, the description... I was hooked.

Curse Breaker: Guild Assassin by Berley Kerr

The Basics:
Curse Breaker: Guild Assassin by Berley Kerr
Curiosity Quills Press
Book One in the Curse Breaker series
New Adult, Steampunk, Fantasy
Published July 28th, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com

Why I picked up this book:

The cover had a steampunk vibe and I'm really into steampunk these days. It's a really gorgeous cover!

Gilded Lily by Delphine Dryden

The Basics:
Gilded Lily by Delphine Dryden
Berkley
Book Three in the Steam and Seduction series.
Steampunk, Romance
Published July 1, 2014
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com

Why I picked up this book:

I grabbed the first two in the series on a whim from Chapters (gorgeous, steampunk covers, I had to) and I loved them. I was *beyond thrilled* when I saw this come up as an opportunity on NetGalley

The Shadow Master by Craig Cormick

The Basics:
The Shadow Master by Craig Cormick
Angry Robot
Fantasy, Alternative History
Published June 24, 2014 (Happy Book Day!)
Source: Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon.ca Kobo.com

Why I picked up this book:

I love Angry Robot and this looked cool!

Hatshepsut's Collar by A.W. Exley

The Basics:.
Hatshepsut's Collar by A.W. Exley
Curiosity Quills
Book Two in the Artifact Hunters series
Steampunk romance
Published December 15, 2013

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:

An ancient Egyptian artifact is driving Queen Victoria insane, and that's not top of Cara Devon's growing list of problems.

Viscount Nathaniel Lyons is a man of numerous secrets, but there is one in particular that threatens his fledgling relationship with Cara. Stunned by Nate's revelation, and before she can absorb the ramifications of his actions, he is arrested, charged with treason and imprisoned in the grim Tower of London. He stole something the mad queen wants, and only has days to deliver, before his date with the executioner.

Although sorely tempted, Cara can't let him die on Tower Green, not when their connection means she would share his fate.

Only together can Cara and Nate figure out how to wrestle Hatshepsut's Collar from around the queen's neck, before she plunges Britain into a world war. The search for answers sends Cara to the opulent Winter Palace of St Petersburg and the frozen depths of Siberia, with every step shadowed by an enemy with his own dark plans.

Why I picked up this book:

I loved the first one - and reviewed it a few weeks ago. I was thrilled to receive a copy of the second book.

My thoughts:

An amazing sequel, Hatshepsut's Collar exceeded my expectations. Exley writes in her goodreads.com review of the book that "it is easy to fall in love with someone, but then you have to figure out how to live with all their little quirks, and whatever they have buried in the basement". This is definitely an accurate description of the romance portion of this novel, which is one part of the book. The other part deals with the dangers wrought by Hatshepsut's collar.

I think the romance is fantastic - it hit all the notes I wanted. Nate is a very protective, strong-willed criminal lord used to getting his own way. Cara's a wild soul, embracing her freedom after a horrific childhood experience, unwilling to be caged for any reason, even her own protection. Now, I've read a few comments that suggested that there's a disturbing, overly controlling aspect to the relationship, that Cara has no choice but to bend because of the circumstances. My experience of the book was definitely *not that.* Cara is presented as a supremely capable woman who could escape from Nate if she so desired (and there are many points in the book when he reflects on her ability to slip away). It never even occurred to me while reading that there was anything unequal about the relationship, and I think it's a disservice to Cara's character to think that she can't eke out whatever life she desires. I love these two together - very strong, clearly defined characters who need to cope with each other's rough edges.

I enjoyed the sprinkling of Nate's perspective alongside Cara's. Often in these urban fantasy-type books we don't get the hero's thoughts and that can make them seem more foreboding, let's say, than intended. Nate's inner struggle was satisfying, and there's a moment at the end when everything comes to a head that's just... perfect. It's not the obvious moment, but... yeah.

The collar plot is also a good one (and really the driving force of the book, even though I've fixated on the romance). There were some twists and turns that seemed obvious to me, but that didn't reduce my enjoyment of the novel at all. I like the way that mythology and fantasy are woven into the storyline. There's a ton of action in this book, with the appropriate gizmos and gadgetry. I think the action component is stronger, and there's less mystery, when compared to the first book. I wanted to soak this book up more quickly than I was physically able.

The story ends with new opportunities and opens things up for many sequels, which I wholeheartedly approve of. I'm looking forward to Cara and Nate's numerous adventures over the years to come!

Also: I am on board with a romance for Loki. Just saying.

Bottom line:

I enthusiastically recommend this novel - get the first one, Nefertiti's Heart to start!  It's an excellent book as well, and you don't want to shortchange yourself! 

5 stars
For fans of steampunk, romance, intrigue, Nefertiti's Heart (Book One in the series).

A Study in Ashes by Emma Jane Holloway

The Basics:
A Study in Ashes by Emma Jane Holloway
Del Ray
Book Three in The Baskerville Affair trilogy
Steampunk, Romance, Fantasy
Published December 31, 2013
Amazon.ca Kobo.com

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN THE SERIES MAY INADVERTENTLY FOLLOW!

Blurb:

As part of her devil’s bargain with the industrial steam barons, Evelina Cooper is finally enrolled in the Ladies’ College of London. However, she’s attending as the Gold King’s pet magician, handcuffed and forbidden contact with even her closest relation, the detective Sherlock Holmes.

But Evelina’s problems are only part of a larger war. The Baskerville affair is finally coming to light, and the rebels are making their move to wrest power from the barons and restore it to Queen Victoria. Missing heirs and nightmare hounds are the order of the day—or at least that’s what Dr. Watson is telling the press.

But their plans are doomed unless Evelina escapes to unite her magic with the rebels’ machines—and even then her powers aren’t what they used to be. A sorcerer has awakened a dark hunger in Evelina’s soul, and only he can keep her from endangering them all. The only problem is . . . he’s dead.

Why I picked up this book:

I love Sherlock Holmes and I loved the cover of this book - the colour scheme, the gorgeous young woman who is *fully clothed*!

My thoughts:

Wow, wow, wow. Magic, machines, mystery, politics, revolution, romance - this is book is phenomenal. It's packed full of all this amazing stuff. There's complex social and political maneuverings that held me in thrall as I raced to find out the fate of the characters I loved, the steam barons and the cast of minor characters that made this world so lush.

I wish I'd read this about a month earlier so I could have bought the first two books in the series for a number of people on my Christmas shopping list.

I love Sherlock Holmes adaptations, and by the blurb, I expected this to be a sort of YA title involving his niece with Holmes cameos. It is so, so much more. There's a dozen or more characters who offer up perspectives as we race to the climax of the Baskerville Affair.

Evelina Cooper is our primary perspective, and at the heart of the tale. Holmes' niece, she's  of the Blood - able to tap into magic. Her training with the sorceror Magnus has left her distrustful of her own abilities, and afraid of the dark powers he taught her to manipulate.

I didn't read either of the first two books in the series - I will definitely pick up the trilogy as a set! Though clearly a *lot* had happened in those two books, this third book does an excellent job of getting the reader up to speed. I never felt like I was out of the loop because I'd skipped the first two books (again, I still want to read them, because this book was so good).

Everyone, most especially Evelina, is dealing with the consequences of actions in earlier books. Her interactions with the Gold King - one of the most powerful of the steam barons - have left her trapped in an agreement that made *me* feel claustrophobic for her. I loved the sense of continuity and that decisions made in earlier books were still haunting these characters, even while new decisions and actions constantly changed the dynamics of the story and the flow of events.

I was able to enjoy A Study of Ashes superficially for the action, adventure and romance, but also on a deeper level for the secrets, backstabbing and manipulation. I loved how everything fit together.

I was extremely satisfied with the end of the novel. There's lots of threads that the author can pull on to start a new trilogy if she so desires, but I still had that sense of resolution. I didn't feel cheated by any shortcuts to finish the book (a common problem for trilogies, I find) nor did I feel like any major questions related to the main thrust of this book were left unanswered.


Bottom line:
I laughed, I cried, I cheered. A Study of Ashes is an amazing book, easily making my top ten for 2013. Read this one.

5 stars
For fans of steampunk, magic and machines, mysteries, political maneuvering, revolution, good books!

Nefertiti's Heart by A. W. Exley

The Basics:
Nefertiti's Heart by A W Exley
Curiosity Quills
Book One in the Artifact Hunters 
Mystery / New Adult / Steampunk / Romance
Published Feb 4, 2013

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:

Cara Devon has always suffered curiosity and impetuousness, but tangling with a serial killer might cure that. Permanently.

London, 1861. Impoverished noble Cara has a simple mission after the strange death of her father – sell off his damned collection of priceless artifacts. Her plan goes awry when aristocratic beauties start dying of broken hearts, an eight inch long brass key hammered through their chests. A killer hunts amongst the nobility, searching for a regal beauty and an ancient Egyptian relic rumored to hold the key to immortality.

Her Majesty’s Enforcers are in pursuit of the murderer and they see a connection between the gruesome deaths and Cara. So does she, somewhere in London her father hid Nefertiti’s Heart, a fist sized diamond with strange mechanical workings. Adding further complication to her life, notorious crime lord, Viscount Nathaniel Lyons is relentless in his desire to lay his hands on Cara and the priceless artifact. If only she could figure out his motive.

Self-preservation fuels Cara’s search for the gem. In a society where everyone wears a mask to hide their true intent, she needs to figure out who to trust, before she makes a fatal mistake.

Why I picked up this book:

Steampunk romance ? Yes.

My thoughts:

Do you ever start to read a book and think the author must have been writing with your personal hotspots in mind? This book has so many of the discrete elements I love in books all wrapped together that I couldn't help but fall for Nefertiti's Heart.

First, nineteenth century steampunk. The time period is near and dear to my heart. And the steampunk element was obvious even in the cover image - a clockwork heart. I like that the book is definitely set in a steampunk world but that it doesn't go overboard playing up those elements. Yes, we have automatons and mechanical horses, messages being zapped about the aether and airships for long range transport. But these are part of the fabric of everyday life in this book, not used to sledgehammer the reader into believing the setting.  

Second, paranormal. From the first chapter, we have a house that seems to have some autonomy. Whether or not this is true, Cara certainly talks about it as if it is so. Her father's artifacts also seem to be more than simply hunks of gold and jewels - part of the book's mystery is determining whether this is true or not. 

Third, romance. Cara has an attraction to Lyons from the start, but her past makes it difficult for her to comprehend that. Lyons knows what he wants, and that's Cara. His patience and determination are extremely sexy. They have a way of fitting together, sharp edges and all, that I found appealing.

Above and beyond these genre and setting components, I also loved Cara and cared about what happened to her. She's that rarely truly successful combination of spunky, capable and vulnerable. I wanted to know more about her childhood even though I kind of didn't because I knew it was going to be awful. I wanted to see her conquer her fears with Lyons' help. I wanted her to solve the murders. I liked that she and Lyons seemed to be well matched - her autonomy never felt jeopardized by his interest, and that really attracted me to this romance. 

I was reminded a little bit of Eve and Roarke from Nora Roberts as JD Robb's In Death series, in a really positive and favourable way. Cara and Lyons work even better for me than Eve and Roarke do. I think that if you're a fan of the In Death series and you like steampunk, you might enjoy this book as well. Beyond the romance, there's also a significant murder-mystery, plus the ongoing hunt for Cara's father's artifacts.

The Bottom Line:

I want to rave about Nefertiti's Heart! It's fun with a sharp-witted, plucky heroine and a sexy, supportive hero. I enjoyed the mystery, with the creepy 'from the killer's perspective' chapters. I loved the setting details and the atmosphere. The pacing was perfect for me. Love love love.  

Please read this book because I already want many, many more in the series!


5 stars
For fans of steampunk mysteries and/or steampunk romance, capable heroines and the men who want them.