Do you like steampunk? I think for those who are used to the other books in this line, they'll find that this is vastly different and may take some getting used to. However, for those of us who love other YA steampunk series by Kady Cross or Gail Carriger (her Finishing School series is a personal favorite), this would be a perfect, although slightly tamer, read. Check out my full review below...
Beauty and the Clockwork Beast
(A Steampunk Proper Romance)
by Nancy Campbell Allen
by Nancy Campbell Allen
Adult Steampunk
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
August 2nd 2016 by Shadow Mountain
Summary
Just like in the classic"Beauty and the Beast, "this Steampunk Romance features an unlikely love story.
When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border.
Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable and does not take kindly to visitors—even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Could Miles himself be to blame for the deaths?
Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man—beast and all?
Also includes a 15-page bonus prequel novelette, Marie s Story. Marie Blake is Miles s younger sister, and her untimely death begins the story of "Beauty and the Clockwork Beast. "Set on the eve of her murder and told in the first-person from her point-of-view readers will get to her know her as a person, and not just as the ghost who haunts the halls of Blackwell Manor. The story provides greater depth and more personal details to one of most memorable characters in the novel.
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My Review
BEAUTY AND THE CLOCKWORK BEAST was such an entertaining mix of intrigue, danger, complex family relationships, and romance all set in a alternate historical England world. The complex characters and a plot that played off a Beauty and the Beast theme written in its own way made for a rather interesting tale. Those who enjoy Steampunk are sure to love this from beginning to end!
I simply adored the heroine, Lucy. She was intelligent, witty, charming, and loyal. I loved her heart and determination. Then there was Miles. He is your usual brooding gentleman, but not quite as he hides his own secret. He is a foreboding force, but also has a very strong sense of loyalty and a sharp mind. I loved him with all his faults and walls to protect his heart. My favorite parts of the story were with the two of them, especially when the occasions they meet are spontaneous. I also really liked the other characters and am hoping to see future books that will focus on them.
The plot was very evenly paced with a few spots of climax that steadily grew to the very dramatic end. There were a few places towards the end that I thought could have been worked out slightly better in a different way, but that would be the only thing that was slightly off for me. Everything was balanced well between the witty banter and dialogue, the array of emotions, a humorous touch here and there along with some definite sarcasm, the ongoing mystery of the recent deaths, and the blooming romance. There is a dancing scene that literally made me swoon and is one of the most romantic moments I've ever read. Makes me sigh just thinking about it.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes. If you like your books straightly historical with no paranormal or steampunk aspects, then this definitely won't be for you. However, if you're like me and enjoy these types of stories, you will thoroughly enjoy this one. I'm happily awaiting the next installment!
Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: Purchased and received an ARC from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
I simply adored the heroine, Lucy. She was intelligent, witty, charming, and loyal. I loved her heart and determination. Then there was Miles. He is your usual brooding gentleman, but not quite as he hides his own secret. He is a foreboding force, but also has a very strong sense of loyalty and a sharp mind. I loved him with all his faults and walls to protect his heart. My favorite parts of the story were with the two of them, especially when the occasions they meet are spontaneous. I also really liked the other characters and am hoping to see future books that will focus on them.
The plot was very evenly paced with a few spots of climax that steadily grew to the very dramatic end. There were a few places towards the end that I thought could have been worked out slightly better in a different way, but that would be the only thing that was slightly off for me. Everything was balanced well between the witty banter and dialogue, the array of emotions, a humorous touch here and there along with some definite sarcasm, the ongoing mystery of the recent deaths, and the blooming romance. There is a dancing scene that literally made me swoon and is one of the most romantic moments I've ever read. Makes me sigh just thinking about it.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes. If you like your books straightly historical with no paranormal or steampunk aspects, then this definitely won't be for you. However, if you're like me and enjoy these types of stories, you will thoroughly enjoy this one. I'm happily awaiting the next installment!
Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: Purchased and received an ARC from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
Other Books in the Series
This is one of my favorite lines of books! Check out the ones I've read and the ones coming soon...
(Books link to my reviews or Amazon.)
About the Author
Nancy Campbell Allen (N.C. Allen) has a degree in elementary education and has been writing for fun since the third grade. Her first book was published in 1999, and she now has eleven books to her credit—four contemporary romance and seven historicals, including the award-winning Civil War series Faith of Our Fathers—and plans to write until the day she dies. She loves to read, travel, and spend time with family and friends. She has completed two half marathons and is trying to talk herself into doing another one. Nancy lives in Ogden, Utah, with her husband and three children, although one recently married, moved out, and brought a son-in-law to the mix. She still maintains that this does not make her old.
What do you think? Will you be reading this one?
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