The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross
4/5 stars
HarlequinTeen, 2013
377 pages
YA Steampunk
3rd in series
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have eagerly followed The Steampunk Chronicles since the beginning, reading and reviewing The Strange Case of Finley Jayne, The Girl in the Steel Corset, and The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. Firstly I really enjoy the covers with the beautiful pops of vivid color and with a strong, not-dead young woman. Then, looking at the actual content, I've been drawn to the fun steampunk imaginings, fantastical settings, and healthy dose of romance.
After an outing to America in the previous book, the gang is back on their home turf in London. But their dangers are far from over with Emily falling into danger and everyone mobilizing to bring her back home and to face a not-so-new enemy. I don't want to get too enmeshed in the details for fear of spoilers but rest assured that you get to see all your favorite characters again (including blogosphere favorite Jack Dandy.)
Although I have been a bit disappointed not to focus entirely on Finley, who I think is so cool and who still has layers to demonstrate, it's tough to remain displeased when the focus shifts to the brainy and cool Emily. I love how she's always the smartest one in the room and is fully appreciated for her abilities. Of course we can't forget Griff who continues trying to carry the weight of the world on his own shoulders instead of sharing the burden with his friends. We can try to forget Sam who's never been my favorite character but who keeps working toward redeeming himself to me. And although Jack Dandy is also not very beloved by me, I found him quite charming in this book especially with his "accent." That needs to be explored more.
Two last notes are that this one seemed a little less romantic than the previous books...at least until the end. While we were a bit plagued by love triangles at the start, those have tapered off into the predictable couplings. The other note is that I initially thought this series was a trilogy and yet the ending seems to hint at a possible fourth book. Looking at the author's twitter, that seems to be in the works-thank goodness!
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I have enjoyed these books too and your review makes me eager to pick up this one soon. I always liked Emily but never cared for Sam. I am glad that the love triangles are fading. I was worried that maybe Finley would change her mind.
ReplyDeleteRight, Sam is kind of sucky? Still if it will make Emily happy to be with him...I'm glad this series moved past the love triangles too as they were tiresome.
DeleteI read the first book in this series and stopped after the second. All the characters seemed a little flat and one-dimensional to me. But I know a lot of people have loved these books and I do like Emily (probably the most of all the characters!)
ReplyDeleteYeah, the characters are pretty flat but Cross puts them in some amazing situations and I find them pretty enjoyable anyway.
DeleteI've only read the first, even though I have the second and this one. I do think I would like this, definitely going to have to catch up. It sounds awesome. Great review.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
If you liked the first, I think you will continue to like this series.
DeleteYou don't like Jack Dandy?! o_0 Whaaa??? But he's so hilarious! That's okay, I forgive you. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this last one yet, but it's been sitting on my Kindle for like forever. I really need to jump on this one...
I don't like Jack Dandy as a romantic partner for Finley-I actually quite liked him in this book because he is so obviously not the one for her.
DeleteI haven't read these yet, but I need to
ReplyDeleteI think they're a really cute series-perfect for lovers of action stories and steampunk.
DeleteOh yeah, there definitely needs to be another book! I'm not sure if I just assumed or if I looked it up. It's actually been awhile since I read it even though I just posted my review. I really want to know more about Jack! It looks like he might get his HEA, which is good. I really love his character. But I want to know more about Jasper and for him to get his HEA. So hopefully that happens. I'm glad you enjoyed this too!
ReplyDeleteThis book just felt so *not* final so I'm glad Cross mentioned she's working on a fourth and I hope Harlequin Teen will be publishing it.
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