Clockmaker: A Gothic Steampunk Novel

                Hello happy readers! So today I have a review for a stand-alone sequel.  I know that sounds kind of strange but it’s legit.  I reviewed the Kristen Brand’s previous book Ghost Machine:  A Gothic Steampunk Novel and really enjoyed it as you can tell from my review.  So when the author messaged me about reviewing her newest title, Clockmaker:  A Gothic Steampunk Novel that focuses on a side character from the original book some time later of course I was interested.  So it technically takes place after the other book but can be read alone as well.  I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:  4.5 Stars

                The crew of the Sultana is small but they have come through and rebuilt after past wows.  That has taken a toll and they are running on fumes.  Captain Melek knows this so when she gets a very generous offer from a reclusive gentleman who wears a golden mask for a quick transport job she can’t refuse.  Even if he is very mysterious about his cargo.  Now noises haunt her ship and warships fill the skies looking for her ship bringing an added danger to her ship and crew.  Despite the threats her passenger continues to be secretive and argumentative about his affairs but as the trip continues Captain Melek must have the truth if they have any chance of making it to Istanbul in one piece.

                This is a mysterious journey with all types of monsters to behold and secrets to uncover.  The back and forth with Captain Melek and Mr. Lesauvage was pretty entertaining even when I like her wanted to strange him and his secrecy.  The dangers of the journey and situations they end up in keep you on the edge of your seat.  This is a serious journey for our small but colorful crew.  I loved the way they interacted with one another both good and bad as things get dicer and sanity and loyalty are tested.  Emin, Ahmet, Ziska (who totally reminds me in small part of Kaylee from Firefly), Brocksby, and Mr. Moses.  Each one of them has a story and a purpose they are working towards as well an important job on the ship. 

                I don’t want to spoil anything but as we get closer to the destination with lots of dings and near misses along the way truths come out and it brings back old horrors and enemies.  Who can be trusted?  Is the risk too high?  Full of fantastical inventions like flying ships, recording spiders, and more it was a feast to the senses.  I really enjoyed this story and could see it being a stand-alone but having read the original introduction to the good Captain I really enjoyed seeing more of her as she had been a favorite character.

                Until next time…

Ghost Machine: A Gothic Steampunk Novel

                Hello happy readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  I have been battling a sinus infection, fun times, so I did a whole lot of sleeping when not arguing with my internet provider.  Anywho on a happier note I'd like to share my thoughts and feelings on a newer stand-alone I finished, Ghost Machine:  A Gothic Steampunk Novel by Kristen Brand.  I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

                I don't think I've read too much steampunk in the past but the idea really does fascinate me.  As does the idea of asylums there is just something about them that can mess with your head.  So when I saw that the book would follow Ella as she was locked away in a remote asylum and put through torturous treatments to cure her hallucinations I was already hooked.  She wants to get better from the ghosts she began seeing but as the treatment becomes unbearable and seems to even been making her visions worse she begins to see the good doctor doesn't plan to cure her but to dissect her ability.  Refusing to accept her fate and be slowly killed she is going to make a break for it.  When she makes her daring escape she nearly dies but finds herself in the home of Baron Viktor Szarka, a cruel man and possible murderer if her fellow patient at the asylum is to be believed.  Unable to trust him, or anyone, Ella must try to uncover the truth behind her visions and the secrets of the Baron and the asylum or become a ghost herself.

                To feel like there is something off with you and wanting to go somewhere to try and get better is a huge thing.  The idea of anyone taking advantage of someone in such a vulnerable position is truly monstrous.  Seeing ghosts is scary enough but to be somewhere that is supposed to help you overcome this but instead has its own purposes and agendas really makes you relate to Ella.  I found myself really rooting for her from the start.  She loved her family and wanted to do what was best for them.  She is a very strong character throughout the book because even as she is scared or in pain she continues to push through knowing she must.  She also doesn't do things solely for herself but in the service of others which is always commendable.  Ella is also of a scientific upbringing and knows that you must have facts to make sound decisions and while she may have questions or concerns about some she is constantly changing her stance on things as new information becomes available not getting stuck in one way of thinking.

                The rest of the cast, from parents, to the Viktor the Baron and his small brother Andras, the staff at the asylum including the vile Dr and his head nurse, to the various people we meet along the way in this novel were all so much fun.  Be it good and truly evil like the best old time villains or the precocious little Andras, or the confounding and mysterious baron.  I can't go into them too much without ruining the story as it unfolds because while they all play their parts to the story they all have their own motivations.

                The plot of the story is really an escape story.  Ella is set to escape and is trying to get out of reach of the powerful Dr and his experiments in the asylum.  The ups and downs of the escape and running, the hits and misses with nothing being easy but adjusting as it goes was so much fun to read I didn't want to put it down.  As more started to come out about her, gift, and she began to accept each new piece of information trying to understand it was so nice.  The pacing was strong and kept things moving and it always kept up with itself, injuries continued to play a part not forgotten which is nice consistency.  There is plenty of action and suspense in the daring escapes and fights, the changing landscapes and travel you really see so much of this world full of creations that really capture the imagination.  Overall I really enjoyed this book and it was a super quick read.  I think anyone can dive into it and enjoy it! 

                Until next time…