| Title | : | The Lady in the Coppergate Tower (Steampunk Proper Romance #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1629725544 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781629725543 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 355 |
| Publication | : | First published August 6, 2019 |
Sam MacInnes is a talented surgeon who runs in the highest social circles thanks to his family’s position and history. When Sam hires Hazel to assist him with his medical practice, he is immediately drawn to her intelligence, wit, and beauty.
Their potential relationship is derailed one evening when a mysterious count arrives in London and reveals to Hazel the truth about her past: she was abducted at birth and her twin sister has fallen dangerously ill.
Hazel agrees to travel to Romania with Count Petrescu in order to save her sister, and Sam insists on accompanying her. The count has secrets, though, and the journey grows more sinister with every mile that draws Hazel closer to her homeland. Even as her feelings for Sam become deeper and more complicated, she fears she might not survive the quest to save her sister with her heart intact, not to mention her life. She must learn to draw on gifts she doesn’t know she has if they are going to ever return home again.
Hazel and Sam must fight their way past dark magic, clockwork beasts, and their own insecurities as they try to reach her sister in the impenetrable Coppergate Tower before time runs out.
The Lady in the Coppergate Tower (Steampunk Proper Romance #3) Reviews
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Ok, the very first thing I have to say about this book is...Eugene! I've decided that I need a Eugene in my life. Now I have you wondering who Eugene is don't I? *smirks* Eugene is the best. Perfect timing, every time. Humorous, efficient, friendly, a little oblivious, understands sarcasm, impeccable taste in clothing, smart, loyal (to a fault), and a very humble (hmmmmm maybe not very but a little bit) automaton. I love Eugene! He just made me so happy. I giggled every time he was in a scene. His comments were hilarious! Honestly, I think you'll really want to have a Eugene in your life too once you meet him and read this book. The scene where he is waiting in the car in the rain *wiping tears from eyes while laughing*.
I am most definitely a fan of Nancy Campbell Allen's writings. She weaves together stories and characters that I can't help but adore (or abhor-depending on if they’re the good or bad guy). The mystery, the character growth, the friendships, the settings, the descriptions of the steampunk world, the sweet romance. Oh my! All great aspects that combined together make a great read!
If you haven't read any other books in this series, I would really recommend you read them in order because they're great and build up the world that the author has created in the Steampunk genre. But if you haven't read the other two, this one was written in a way that I think you'd be fine jumping in and reading as a stand alone.
This series has some elements of paranormal, fantasy creatures, fairytale retellings and (of course) Steampunk. If you're not sure if you enjoy those elements take a chance and see what you think. If you're not a fan, then you will probably want to skip this one. It's not my go to genre but I have really enjoyed each of these books that I instantly grab them. If you're looking for another option for a steampunk series to enjoy, I highly recommend Colleen Gleason's Stoker and Holmes series. It combines Sherlock Holmes and Bram Stoker's, Dracula, together. The characters are Sherlock Holmes niece and Bram Stoker's sister (fictional characters of course).
The Clockwork Scarab is the first book in the series.
I think the synopsis does a great job of telling you what's in the story so I'm not really delving into that in my review. I loved Hazel and Sam and was turning the pages quickly to try to unravel the mystery right along with them. And Eugene too, of course. I can't forget Eugene. I loved how the author used Rapunzel as the inspiration for this book. Very fun. And that Coppergate Tower...beware! Oh, and also, don't fall asleep. Those dreams Hazel is having, they can be very dangerous! So when you read this one, read it quickly, one sitting. I know, I didn't. I tried, I really did. Life, school year starting and pure exhaustion dictated that I couldn't read it straight through. But it was a nail biter for an ending...I was reading it before I fell asleep and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Now, the question I have is this...Nancy Allen Campbell will we readers be seeing more of these characters? Will there be another book in this series??? I really have my fingers crossed for Oliver and Emme....just saying. *smirks* Thanks for a fun series and a fun Steampunk world to escape to during my reading time!
Content: Clean. Some mild scenes of peril and violence but nothing overly graphic. Some kissing but nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!! -
The author does a wonderful job drawing the reader into the world of fantasy fairy-tale retelling and steampunk with realistically grounded characters and a mystery to solve. Unrequited love that is secretly not unrequited is one of my favorite tropes and I really enjoyed the developing romance between Hazel and Sam with the tension that holds them back all the while falling more in love with each other. There is a darkness to the suspense as they follow the dubious Romanian uncle to Hazel's sister, and I was anxious to see how they would rescue her. Such creative world-building! Characters and situations from the previous two books are referred to and while I had read the second book in the series, I wish that I had read the first one also, so I would recommend reading them in order for full enjoyment. It definitely works as a standalone though.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own) -
I've always loved fairy tales and the twists that Nancy Campbell Allen adds to them are phenomenal! Rapunzel, Steampunk style, had me on the edge of my seat. In fact, I couldn't put it down and read it all in one day.
Hazel is a healer, of sorts, and assists a cutting edge surgeon, Sam, with his work. I loved those medical aspects, as they really showed the teamwork and foundation necessary for a solid relationship. When Hazel leaves with her uncle to go find her sister, Sam and his automaton (bot), Eugene, tag along, despite fears and misgivings.
The dark overtones complemented the complexity of this mysterious and dangerous tale and I was captivated with the imaginative elements, twists and turns, and fantastic characters (Eugene almost stole the show with his robotic sarcasm and wit). The secrets unraveled to reveal a wonderfully intense climax and I just couldn't get enough. Of course, I adored the budding romance, which only served to add to the deliciously satisfying layers of entertainment. This is definitely a story you won't want to miss!
Content: mild romance; mild+ violence/moments of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.* -
It's official! I'm a lover of Nancy Campbell Allen's steampunk romances! What do I love about them? I love that they're different than everything else that's flooding the market these days. I love that they're fairy tale retellings with her own unique twist thrown in. I love that she has me guessing until the very end about what will happen. I love knowing that once I start the book, I will be whisked away to a magical place that will hold me hostage until the very end. If you haven't guessed yet.. I love this series!
I have been curious about Hazel and Sam since first meeting them in Beauty and the Clockwork Beast. There was just something about these two that called to me. Hazel and Sam were perfectly matched. She was the yin to his yang. Working together, they could anything and overcome whatever was thrown their way. I quickly fell in love with these two and found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.
You guys! I'm not going to lie... I couldn't devour their story fast enough! Once I started this book, I could not put it down! It was intense, mysterious, swoony, and all around amazing! When I got to the end, I found myself going back to the beginning to read it all over again. I love when a book grabs me like that! It's the sign of a fabulous author! I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
And can we take a minute to admire these two?! I absolutely love them as Hazel and Sam! What do you think?
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.* -
Smiling! I am smiling as I finish this book. I love a book that satisfies my desire for a good story. This book had characters that I couldn't help but like. It had mystery, conflict, and romance.
Hazel grew up thinking that she was an only child. She is smart, inquisitive, and proficient at her job. She is a healer working with Dr. Sam MacInnes. She has admired him for a long time and is pleased when he offers to accompany her on a journey to find the sister that she just found out she had. Her Uncle is shrouded in mystery. There is something that isn't quite right about him. Having Sam with her adds a level of comfort.
The mystery surrounding her Uncle is well written. I couldn't quite piece together all of the clues and figure out what he was about for most of the book. Hazel's sister, Marit, is introduced as snippets in Hazel's dreams. Hazel knows there is something wrong with her sister's situation and is determined to free and heal her broken mind.
This book has everything that I enjoy. I loved the Steampunk and paranormal aspect of the book. It was present without being overwhelming. Nancy Campbell Allen does a wonderful job at giving the right amount of information in increments to keep the interest of the reader
This book contains non-graphic violence and kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. -
I have read the other two previous books in this series and felt it helped understand the characters and the world.
That said, it can be read as a standalone, especially if the reader is used to steampunk/dieselpunk fiction.
This story is a mashup of more than one fairy tale, as well as some vampire lore and even a Jules Vernes flair in the mode of transportation. The worldbuilding continues setting itself apart, just as the previous novels, and this series would make an excellent one for TV or movies.
Hazel and Sam work together and they're attracted to each other but have not acted on their feelings for various reasons, mainly social expectations.
When Hazel meets a man who claims to be her uncle and tells her she has a twin sister who is sick, she's not completely surprised to find out about her twin. She accepts the invitation to travel with the man and Sam offers to accompany her.
I liked how Sam and Hazel worried about each other and put each other's welfare ahead of their own.
Looking forward to the next story in the series.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion. -
I really liked this steampunk romance set in London and Romania. The characters were really well developed, and I loved the romance between Sam and Hazel. The uncle was really eerie and eccentric. I also loved the automaton Eugene and his sarcastic humor.
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I love Nancy Campbell Allen's steampunk fairy tale retellings. Each book is a standalone, but the characters from the previous two books are talked about or make an appearance in this one. If this is your first book I think you'd be fine because I have a terrible memory and tend to forget characters, but I didn't get confused.
Hazel and Sam make a great couple, and it's not because she has a gift of healing and he's a surgeon. They work well together and they have that "something" people call chemistry. When Count Petrescu visits Hazel's mother and wants Hazel to come with him to save the sister (Marit) she never knew she had, Sam insist he come along. Of course if Sam goes then his automaton (or bot) Eugene must go too, and it's a good thing they do because all is not as they've been lead to believe.
Eugene is a wonderful character--it's like he's the comic relief. He's different than all the other automaton's and frequently acts as if he's a human. There a a couple of scenes involving rain that will make you laugh. I could really use a Eugene in my life.
I didn't want to put this book down--I needed to find out who Count Petrescu was and what he was up to. There was such an intensity towards the end of the book I couldn't read fast enough. It truly is a retelling of the original Rapunzel. This books are so much more than the steampunk elements, there are vampires, werewolves, and elements of magic woven in too. I really, really hope that Nancy Campbell Allen has more steampunk fairy tale retellings planned for the future.
Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain publishing for my copy. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own. -
I read this to get a taste of steam punk and it was an enjoyable read. Definitely different from my typical genre, but it was good to read this book that was part historical fiction and part futuristic dystopian.
I wish that I had read the other two previous books before reading, so that I could grasp the characters but it does read as a stand-alone book also.
Thank you netgalley for this free digital copy. All thoughts are my own -
I love this author's steampunk romances! This book is full of fascinating fantastic characters, exciting twists, and a lovely romance. And Rapunzel and steampunk are a great mix. This book also offers a wonderful mystery to solve and there were moments that made me smile, Eugene especially. Another beautiful story. I loved it.
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Mmmm... I liked it like I did the first book in the series.
Hazel was a nice person, but her actions were often questionable. She didn't talk with Sam and she kept doing things she promised not to do a few hours ago...
Sam, on the other hand, was too smitten to react as he should with Hazel...
But still the story was inetersting. -
(3.5 stars)
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As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for participating in the blog tour/my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
Retellings can always be a bit of a mixed bag. Especially retellings that bend genres. I think that my personal favourites, when it comes to re imaginings, are the ones that full on embrace new tropes or genre types. Which is why The Lady in the Coppergate Tower was so intriguing to me--described as part dystopian, part Steampunk--from the start. This proper romance felt like the right fit, due to its uniqueness.
The good news is, it definitely lived up to my expectations of it. The Lady in the Coppergate Tower is lush and unlike any of the retellings I've read in 2019 thus far. Deeply imaginative, high paced and utterly captivating, I was unable to put this book down. Nancy Campbell Allen pens a classic romance that will surely leave its audience on the edge of their seat and with a lasting fondness.
Mixed with a mesmerizing amount of worldbuilding, mythology and familiar steampunk elements, The Lady in the Coppergate Tower is a dazzling and romantic romp of its own caliber. Pages into it, readers will be able to visualize everything in Nancy Campbell Allen's vivid prose. This novel is certainly for the romantic at heart.
If you love love, if you love fantasy, if you love fairy-tales, The Lady in the Coppergate Tower will be engrossing as can be for you. Although there were some things in it that I wasn't keen on (nothing worth noting in the review, because my feelings towards it are positive) during the novel, it proved to be entertaining and I genuinely had a good time reading it.
Up until The Lady in the Coppergate Tower, I'd not familiarized myself with the series it originates from. It can be, after-all, read as a standalone. Although now, I certainly have it on my TBR and will gladly be picking up more novels by the author in the future. -
I think the thing I like most about this book and the others in this series is that it feels different to me. When I start reading, I know I will get a story that isn't like all the others. The light steampunk feel is fun and I love the creativity is allows the author to build up a world unlike the one I know. While this book is based on Rapunzel, it really doesn't feel that way at all, which also makes me happy.
This book has mystery, danger and a growing intensity that I really felt. The darkness sort of hovered around everywhere, waiting to jump at me. It gave the story a bit of edge that I really liked.
Sam and Hazel are two intelligent, even tempered people. They suit each other very well in their professions and as people falling in love. I loved being right there with them as they research, learn and put all the clues together. I think what I most appreciated was that even though they were smart, it was their intuition that they followed. Those gut feelings should never be ignored. Oh! And I cannot forget Eugene! He was definitely the comedic relief in this story. He kept things entertaining and light which was a much needed balance to the heavier feel to other parts of the story.
Overall, this was a fun story. I always love reading books by this author and can't wait to see what comes next!
Content: dark magic, death, mild violence, kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. -
The lady in the Coppergate Tower is about a young woman named Hazel who must travel to Romania with her mysterious long lost uncle to help save the twin sister she never knew she had. She is accompanied on this journey by her friend and Employer Sam who she secretly adores (he secretly adores her as well of course) as Sam is suspicions of her uncle's intentions...
This was an entertaining mixture of steampunk, horror, romance and mystery and I really enjoyed it. The world building was OK but the characters for me were the best part. I adored Hazel and I loved her romance with Sam - it was very sweet and believable. I also really enjoyed the writing style and found it quiet addictive in places and it kept me entertained throughout. The pacing was good and I enjoyed all the Steampunk elements and the Victorian setting.
There are other books in the series but you can read each as a stand alone which is lucky as they are very expensive on the kindle in the UK : (
I would recommend this if you like Steampunk fiction - received from Netgalley in exchange for and honest review -
I love anything Allen writes. She has never written a book that hasn't captured me and pulled me in. This is not my favorite of this series but I still liked it a lot. It was a good addition. This is the story of Hazel, a very smart Dr. assistant. We first meet her in B&B, she is attacked by a vampire and taken care of by Dr. Sam MacInnes. This book stars a year latter and they are now colleges. Hazel is feeling off, she does random dangerous things and has dreams of looking at herself but it's not her. She fears she is going mad. This has a slower pace then the other books and the romance is a slow building gentle one. This is very proper with some sweet kisses and a bit of violence. Her books have been a little darker then this one but there are still deaths and frightening ideas. Nothing too crazy, again tamer then the last two have been. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. I am guessing it is Emme and Oliver:]
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Allen brought together interesting characters; some quite sinister. Hazel Hughes can not figure out why her dreams picture herself going mad! Hazel works for a physician Sam Macinnes. Because this is set in a time where matches are made by social position; Sam and Hazel have overlooked their attraction to one another. Actually I say that but there are robotic aspects involved that possess unique personalities. The journey to Coppergate Tower is what makes the book move along so well. "A copy of this book was provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
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3.5 stars.
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Anytime there’s a new Proper Romance out, you can bet I’m going to read it. And even more so these Steampunk romances by Nancy Campbell Allen, I LOVE them! This one is amazing. It’s based on the Rapunzel story. I loved the way the author took this fairy tale and added Steampunk elements.
This one features Hazel and Sam. Hazel is Sam’s medical assistant. She seems to have a special ability to heal those she comes in contact with. That makes her a perfect assistant for Sam. But because he is her boss, Sam feels like Hazel is off limits for him to date or even dance with at balls. I loved these two main characters. Hazel is a strong woman, she works hard to not need protection. And she’s smart too. But everyone knows that everybody needs some help sometimes. And Sam is always there to help. These two make a great team!
The plot of this one kept me wanting to read more and more. I loved all of the little touches, the ‘ton named Eugene, the dreams that Hazel had, the ship they traveled on to Romania, Hazel’s crazy uncle. All of these things made the story fun. But it was the twists and turns in the plot that kept me interested. The story wasn’t at all what I expected, it was better!
I can’t wait for more of these Steampunk romance novels! They’re amazing! -
This book was another winner in Allen's fascinating steampunk twisted fairy tales. I've read all of them so far and was happy to see mention of other familiar characters. This book can be read as a stand alone but it's fun to see how connections keep building in Allen's world.
Hazel Hughes has an interesting set of abilities that she doesn't quite understand. She works with the gorgeous doctor Sam MacInnes and each day tries to talk herself out of a growing attraction.
When Hazel is invited to Romania by a count with nebulous intentions, Sam accompanies her and a mystery ensues. I enjoyed the hints, the chase, the romance, and the adventure. This book has a little bit of everything and will keep you busy uncovering secrets until the end. -
Romance, clean; Steampunk; series, but stand alone read
Gorgeous detailed period steam-punk novel, the third in this series, that is a stand alone read, but features cameos from the other characters in the prior novels. First, love the cover! Hazel and Sam's story is a wonderful addition to this series. As Hazel travels to Romania to help her long-lost sister after meeting her Uncle, finding out she is from nobility, so many things are suspicious, uncertain, and dangerous. She starts questioning her Uncle's motives and what has happened to her sister. Her dream connection to her sister, the intrigue on the ship, all suspicious and fearful. Luckily with Sam, her coworker, a surgeon/Dr. accompanying her and his automaton she is somewhat protected and not alone on this journey to help her sister who is in a tower. The tower, the entrapment/seclusion reminiscent of the Rapunzel story (without the romance for the sister), the journey, challenges and escaping the magic of her Uncle and his machinations was beautifully crafted, the romance sincere, honest, tender, and heartfelt, and of course the techno/steam-punk and magical elements made for a captivating, lush read. Highly recommend. This is my favorite read of this series, it totally captivated me!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own. -
3.5 stars.
I listened to the first two of these books and thought they were both okay. The steampunk is fun and different. I do enjoy the fantastical even though I do not often choose it. I didn't love the narrator for those, maybe a little too breathy, and I hoped that if I read the book I would enjoy it more, but was a little disappointed.
I don't know exactly what it is about this book that fell flat for me. I did enjoy the mystery and the steampunk. I liked both the main characters. I really liked the 'ton Eugene and his dry humor. I believe part of what fell flat was a little too much of the character analyzing their feelings in their heads. A little analyzing is okay, but when they are both doing it often it gets quite old. I also feel like there was too much time on ship, and it got boring. I would have liked less time on ship and more time at the Coppergate Tower.
I will probably still listen to or read the next one. I think I like Emme and her spunk and I think the story will be about her and Oliver.
I also hope to see more with Marit.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content: Clean romance
Violence: moderate -
Mysterious. Romantic. Amazing. I loved it! Full review to come.
And here it is:
I never thought I would love steampunk, but Ms. Allen has intertwined Victorian era romance and mystery with wonderful imaginative gadgets and 'tons. This one also has a Dracula-esque feel to it as well with the mysterious Count Petrescu on the scene to reveal some dark secrets to our heroine Hazel. Luckily, Sam is willing to help Hazel unravel her past, though there are a lot of twists and turns on the journey!
I thought Ms. Allen did an amazing job in highlighting intellect and contrasting that with gifts that defy explanation. Her setting is beautifully done (the underwater scenes were incredible!) and the characters have warmth and depth, (even Eugene. Loved him!), but Sam and Hazel will all have you on the edge of your seat to see if they can make it out alive and find their happily-ever-after. We do get glimpses of previous characters from the series, but you can read this as a standalone and not be lost. (Though I highly recommend the other books in the series. It's one of my favorites!)
I can't wait for the next book to come out already! This is definitely one for the keeper shelf. -
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Hazel Hughes has spent her life believing she is a Medium—someone who can talk to ghosts. She is also suffering from a reoccurring childhood dream of someone who looks almost exactly like Hazel, but this dream version of herself is slowly going mad.
Sam MacInnes is a talented surgeon who runs in the highest social circles thanks to his family’s position.
A mysterious count arrives in London and reveals to Hazel the truth about her past: she was abducted at birth and her twin sister has fallen dangerously ill.
Hazel agrees to travel to Romania but Count Petrescu has secrets, though, and the journey grows more sinister with every mile that draws Hazel closer to her homeland.
Hazel and Sam must fight their way past dark magic, clockwork beasts, and their own insecurities as they try to reach her sister in the impenetrable Coppergate Tower before time runs out.
MY TAKE
I've loved all the books in this series, especially the first one which I read again right after finishing it the first time. We've already met Sam and Hazel in that book, but this story lets us get to know them really well.
Sam is wealthy and a brilliant doctor who runs in the best circles. He felt responsible for Hazel after she was injured helping his friends in the first book. It's a year later, and Hazel has been working for Sam as his medical assistant. She has a gift of healing that helps. She's been in love with him for months but has tried to hide it from him. He is in the cream of society while she is only on the fringes. At the beginning of the book, Sam only sees Hazel as a friend and coworker.
When a man shows up claiming to be her uncle and providing proof, Sam is wary. He doesn't trust the count. When the man tells her she has a twin sister and that he needs her help, Hazel feels an obligation to go. Sam refuses to let her go alone. And that's when everything changes.
While this is the third book in the series, each book can be read as a standalone. There will are hints of things that have happened in the past, but knowledge of those are not needed to understand what's happening in each book. The steampunk world is interesting in many ways and runs parallel to a similar timeframe in our world.
I do find it ironic that one thing that carries over from the real English society on which this is based is that in the higher levels of society it is more socially acceptable to be a soldier who takes lives than a doctor who saves them. Sam has been both, but his mother still isn't happy that he chose to be a doctor.
The story does drag just a little during the trip in the submersible ship. There are so many suspicions and the sense of being watched that I just wanted to grab somebody and shake them and say just come out with it instead of all the subterfuge. But that's the nature of the mystery in the story. Who can Hazel and Sam trust?
Yes, it seems insane for her to go to Romania in the company of a man she does not trust to help a sister she's never met. Except that Hazel has met her twin, in her dreams. And it's obvious the girl needs help.
4 1/2 stars -
For the full review:
https://perfectionistwannabe.com/2019...
I loved "The Lady in the Coppergate Tower." The Vlad the Impaler reference really lifted this to five stars for me. Once Count Petrescu was introduced, I was hooked. I didn't know what he wanted with Hazel. I kept trying to guess, but I had no clue what he wanted her for. When that is revealed, the word "maddening" is the correct word to explain it.
Being new to the steampunk universe, I have to say that Nancy Campbell Allen did a marvelous job intertwining all of the different types of stories together. From Jules Verne to gothic to the Disney version of Rapunzel, she did a great job of bringing these elements together to create a rather scary love story.
For those who are not big on romance, just FYI, the romance takes a back page to the nefariousness of Petrescu. But like any good movie, you have to throw a little bit of a love story in there, even if it is not the main part of the story.
I think I'm still a little giddy that Vlad the Impaler is a part of this book. I have to admit, I just loved that part. I can handle vampires. Zombies, not so much.
I recommend reading this adventure. It is PG, so not too dark and not too mushy with the love stuff. It is a little scary, but very thrilling and shrouded in mystery.
[Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.] -
Grab a blanket and get comfortable because this steampunk romance will keep your attention for quite some time! It is part of a series, and would probably make much more sense if read in order but it doesn’t have to be.
I have truly enjoyed each of the books in this steampunk fairytale series. Due to the fairytale quality of each story I always go into each book thinking I know what will happen, and the author never fails to throw twists and surprises into the plot. This retelling of Rapunzel had just enough twists to keep me guessing, and I really loved the way things turned out. The combination of technology, regency era, and magic made this quite a fantastical tale- I loved the little details that made it feel like a whole different world.
Hazel was a fantastic protagonist. She is kind and humble, with an incredible photographic memory, and a growing sense of her powers that only continues as the story progresses. I loved how strong she was in the face of increasingly difficult odds.
Sam was a great hero as well- he is observant and smart, an incredible doctor in his time, and quickly comes to realize his feelings for Hazel go beyond friendly protectiveness. His ‘ton Eugene was hilarious and a fun side character. Despite his disadvantages in having little to defend himself with against the magical forces he and Hazel face, he doesn’t give up.
I do wish the ending didn’t feel so rushed, but all around it was still a great story. Now I am anxious to read the next story about a certain couple this book introduces you to (hoping author Nancy Campbell Allen will write it soon!).
**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. -
Moved right along to book 3 of the series and finished it in one day. To be honest I was not expecting so much subversion of Dracula mythology in a Rapunzel variant, but it WORKS. I really liked the way the author wove all the strands together to give us this story and the mis-directions about the Count's true nature were well done - first I wasn't sure, and then I wasn't sure in a different way, and then I gave up all hope of trying to guess, but all along I really wanted to know, so good on the author for the teasing this time. It was darker than the two prior books, with forced captivity, magically-induced insanity and straight up murder of innocents (also: necromancy) plus some significant whumping of the hero. But I always have space in my heart for plucky independent intelligent quick thinking heroines, and Hazel so far is my favorite of the series. When Hazel is in danger, it's not because she has made any personally stupid decisions or for lazy plot reasons, so already she's ahead of Lucy & Isla who occasionally just did dumb things. Hazel is smart, and shown to be so instead of just being told that she is, and I'm so relieved. Indoor plumbing makes another appearance in the medical facilities (whew) and we get a *submersible* which I was excited for, but only gives us one quick glimpse of an octopus, which is a sad under-use of this steampunk genre favorite. Most importantly we get a tiny bit more insight into how magic works in this universe as well as a bit more of the manufacturers specs on the extraordinary automatons and I am pleased to announce I have a new favorite 'ton: please tell me where to buy my own Eugene? Snarky, competent, anticipatory, and all around good fellow. He's my new favorite. I need a spinoff series for the adventures of Eugene and Samson from book 2, two gentle'tons about town getting up to shenanigans all over the place.
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3.5 stars
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It's sad when I was way more interested in a side character's exploits than in the hero or heroine. I found myself hoping that Eugene was going to be a romantic lead or something because I just was not into Sam and Hazel and no amount of trying helped. I think it's because I found the plot very stagnant until they actually got to Romania, and then the plot was WILD. Hazel and Sam were both hopelessly naive and the plot with the resurrection just absolutely lost me.
I think that more established fans of Nancy Campbell Allen will appreciate this installment, and I have no doubt I will read the next one. However, I do hope that the series goes back to the steampunk fairytale roots in the next installment. -
This is a book in which the romance is (for my taste) done well, the adventure aspects done OK, and the mystery and setting done badly.
First, the best part. This is a "clean" romance; nothing steamier than a kiss, and yet the kisses manage to be more powerful than some romance writers' descriptions of sex. The man is a decent fellow; he may be intelligent, wealthy, and from a prominent family, but he's also kind (genuinely kind, not just we're-told-he's-kind-but-shown-he's-selfish), has respect for his love interest, and is devoted to her interests without being a lapdog. He's also vulnerable without being weak. She, in turn, is intelligent (actually intelligent, not just we're-told-she's-intelligent-but-she-makes-a-series-of-stupid-decisions), determined, capable, and strong without being harsh or cold. Their love story is a partnership, and, at the climax, she rescues him rather than vice versa (many, many points for that). I have no complaints at all about the romance; I wish there were more like this. If it only had the romance part, it would be excellent.
There's nothing exceptional about the adventure aspects. There are some echoes of Dracula and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, though lacking the tension of the first or the social consciousness of the second. The action is almost all at the end, though there's a promise of it at the beginning - which also tells us that vampires exist, strengthening the Dracula comparisons and making us wonder if the mysterious Romanian count is one. If the story only had the adventure part, it would be average.
Now, the steampunk. Steampunk authors constantly disappoint me because they don't do their research and show me an authentic Victorian period, and they don't do their imaginative work and show me a properly thought through speculative version of the Victorian period either. This book has both faults. The author appears to have no idea whatsoever how noble titles work (something that half an hour with Wikipedia could remedy), and the relations between men and women are not remotely period-authentic. A servant, much less a mechanical servant, especially one belonging to the man in the relationship, would not constitute an adequate chaperone, and a man going into a young woman's bedroom, even with the intent to just talk with her as a valued colleague, would be a much bigger deal than we see here. There are a range of ways that one can approach gender roles in steampunk, and this author has chosen the popular "largely ignore the problem and pretend they're moderns" option.
To the problems of imagination. This is what I think of as "high" steampunk. Not only is there a massive submersible, but there are mechanical servants that are widespread enough, and affordable enough, that a widowed seamstress can own one. They're also sophisticated enough that an advanced model can improbably act like Google and, by looking at a drawing (made from memory) of a cabinet of curiosities, figure out not only where all the items came from and what magic they're likely to have, but also, and very unconvincingly, what exact magic must have been used to retrieve them. This provides information towards resolving the mystery without any actual detective work on the part of the main characters. They don't appear to be governed by Asimov's laws - they can harm humans, and don't seem to have to obey them strictly. And yet these widespread, affordable, sophisticated, largely untrammelled artificial people have not apparently caused widespread technological unemployment leading to Luddite resentment; have not revolted against their servant status; and, in general, haven't had any social impact whatsoever.
To me, the biggest opportunity that steampunk offers is to examine the impact of technology on a society quite different from ours - a society which, like ours, is in the throes of social change already. This is an opportunity that steampunk keeps missing, instead opting to use the technology as mere ornamentation. Case in point: in this book, the rebuilt ancient tower in which the heroine's sister is confined has been made to rotate slowly with a massive and complex set of machinery, for no real reason that I could make out - presumably just because it was cool. That's one of the two things that technology is doing here, and the other is providing easy outs for tedious things like travelling without encountering other people, finding out backstory without doing real research, and having servants that can be disabled at key moments without being killed.
So, romance strong; adventure just OK; speculative and historical elements extremely weak. I almost gave it four stars for the romance aspects, but really they're not so amazing as to make up for the weaknesses as far as I'm concerned.
I received an unedited pre-publication copy via Netgalley for review. Accordingly, I won't talk about the copy editing.
