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avid_reader_96's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. The plot thickens. I initially didn't see Ingrid and Byrnes as a couple but I warmed to the idea. They had such great chemistry and he remind me so much of Lynch, who I adore. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I can't get enough of the world that Bec McMaster has created. I of course can't wait to learn more about these Dhampirs, especially Obsidian.
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
4.0
Bec McMaster once again delivers on a fun, sexy paranormal steampunk adventure. This one follows reluctant partners Caleb and Ingrid as they uncover secrets about a dangerous experiment and attempt to resist their fiery attraction to one another.
The story is a great mix of romance, adventure, and mystery. There is a lot going on but it never feels like one plot element takes over the other. The characters each get their time in the spotlight and long time readers will recognize certain names and faces.
Ingrid and Caleb are perfect for readers who like romances between rivals, especially when those rivals are fiery together. They have some steamy moments and are a seamless team once they decide to cooperate with each other.
There were plenty of side characters who stood out, but none more so for me than Ava and Kincaid. I absolutely loved their banter and Ava’s awkwardness, so I can’t wait to see more of them.
The plot and action are tight and intense, with many scenes feeling like they should be in an action movie. The dialogue and romance are just what longtime and new fans will love. There are twists and turns, everything one could want in a paranormal steampunk romantasy. I had a great time with this book and am ready for the next!
The story is a great mix of romance, adventure, and mystery. There is a lot going on but it never feels like one plot element takes over the other. The characters each get their time in the spotlight and long time readers will recognize certain names and faces.
Ingrid and Caleb are perfect for readers who like romances between rivals, especially when those rivals are fiery together. They have some steamy moments and are a seamless team once they decide to cooperate with each other.
There were plenty of side characters who stood out, but none more so for me than Ava and Kincaid. I absolutely loved their banter and Ava’s awkwardness, so I can’t wait to see more of them.
The plot and action are tight and intense, with many scenes feeling like they should be in an action movie. The dialogue and romance are just what longtime and new fans will love. There are twists and turns, everything one could want in a paranormal steampunk romantasy. I had a great time with this book and am ready for the next!
alikatson's review
4.0
I’ve always loved Byrnes and Ingrid put them together and it is fun banter and sizzling chemistry. Byrnes is that lone wolf type detective who pisses off most of his colleagues, Ingrid is a passionate former resistance member turned freelance detective.
The new series developments are pretty intense and as usual I wasn’t sure how things could resolve themselves.
I loved seeing some of the previous characters including some sweet domestic scenes with the Current & former nighthawk crew
Loved it!
The new series developments are pretty intense and as usual I wasn’t sure how things could resolve themselves.
I loved seeing some of the previous characters including some sweet domestic scenes with the Current & former nighthawk crew
Loved it!
_camk_'s review against another edition
3.0
2.75 stars.
+I think this series as a whole has potential. This book set up for what seem to be some more interesting stories in the future books.
+The conspiracy is intriguing.
-This blurb should come with a big disclaimer that this book is a spin-off and there will be a lot of confusion if you know nothing about her other series. I read the first book from the previous series but didn't remember anything so that wasn't helpful.
-You are straight in the flirtations between Byrnes and Miller with no build up of tension.
-The push/pull, back and forth between Byrnes and Miller loses entertainment fast as every scene seems like a recycling of previous scenes.
+I think this series as a whole has potential. This book set up for what seem to be some more interesting stories in the future books.
+The conspiracy is intriguing.
-This blurb should come with a big disclaimer that this book is a spin-off and there will be a lot of confusion if you know nothing about her other series. I read the first book from the previous series but didn't remember anything so that wasn't helpful.
-You are straight in the flirtations between Byrnes and Miller with no build up of tension.
-The push/pull, back and forth between Byrnes and Miller loses entertainment fast as every scene seems like a recycling of previous scenes.
roobie's review against another edition
3.0
⭐️3.5 stars⭐️
I never used to dream. Not when I was trapped in the cage, because if you dared to dream, then you would dare to hope.
And nothing hurts more than having that crushed and thrown in your face.
I never used to dream. Not when I was trapped in the cage, because if you dared to dream, then you would dare to hope.
And nothing hurts more than having that crushed and thrown in your face.
elizpeace's review against another edition
3.0
So so fun. Seriously. Vampires, werewolves, steampunk, victorian/regency, and sexy times? Yes please. And I have absolutely no problem saying I am loving this guilty pleasure read, and will happily run through the rest of the series as fast as I can :)
labyrinth_witch's review against another edition
5.0
I was at first uncertain about this series, especially coming off reading Anne Renwick with her emotionally intelligent and well formed characters. The male protagonist at first seemed to hold to that “loner” archetype (which I find uninspired) with an arrogant attitude toward others and a possibly negative approach to female agents.
However, the character growth throughout the narrative was spot on. Combined with delicious heat from the 3rd page on, it was wonderful reading how the characters wrestled with their issues and came to an equitable relationship all while testing the upper limit of their capabilities and learning how to trust in both love and the hunt. And the way Byrnes loves Ingrid is an excellent portrait of what sincerity and attention-as-love looks like.
The world is very complex, introducing blue bloods, vampires, dhimpir, verwulfen, humans, and mechs (part human, part mechanical). Each character is distinct and one is immediately caught up in trying to figure out the intrigue ahead of the characters. It has me wonder what it would be like to live in such a world.
However, the character growth throughout the narrative was spot on. Combined with delicious heat from the 3rd page on, it was wonderful reading how the characters wrestled with their issues and came to an equitable relationship all while testing the upper limit of their capabilities and learning how to trust in both love and the hunt. And the way Byrnes loves Ingrid is an excellent portrait of what sincerity and attention-as-love looks like.
The world is very complex, introducing blue bloods, vampires, dhimpir, verwulfen, humans, and mechs (part human, part mechanical). Each character is distinct and one is immediately caught up in trying to figure out the intrigue ahead of the characters. It has me wonder what it would be like to live in such a world.
nturner2810's review against another edition
3.0
McMaster is clearly in for the long haul in this first of a series- London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy. Her world-building and character detail suggests she has lots of plans for the members of the Company of Rogues.
Set in a slightly alternate timeline in history, where mechs, blue bloods and verwulfen exist and intermingle with humans, Ingrid and Caleb, amongst others, are recruited to stop the beginnings of a war between species that will decimate London and the world. A rag-tag bunch with representatives from every race must work together to find and stop the masterminds behind the stirrings of social unrest that threaten to undo three years of good work.
I don't usually take to steampunk, I'm more of a magic and fairies fan, rather than tech/mech fan, but I enjoyed McMaster's take on the concept of werewolves and vampires. She is also brilliant with action and adventure, weaving both together to achieve a believable plot and enjoyable pace.
The chemistry between the two main characters is established form the start and, though I haven't read her previous series, I would believe that the two had a somewhat conflicting past, which is the key to their tumultuous relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed this suspenseful mystery but my attention was quite snagged by the scene in the garden with the mech and the girl with the clockwork heart. I will be reading on because I love a good beauty and the beast take.
Set in a slightly alternate timeline in history, where mechs, blue bloods and verwulfen exist and intermingle with humans, Ingrid and Caleb, amongst others, are recruited to stop the beginnings of a war between species that will decimate London and the world. A rag-tag bunch with representatives from every race must work together to find and stop the masterminds behind the stirrings of social unrest that threaten to undo three years of good work.
I don't usually take to steampunk, I'm more of a magic and fairies fan, rather than tech/mech fan, but I enjoyed McMaster's take on the concept of werewolves and vampires. She is also brilliant with action and adventure, weaving both together to achieve a believable plot and enjoyable pace.
The chemistry between the two main characters is established form the start and, though I haven't read her previous series, I would believe that the two had a somewhat conflicting past, which is the key to their tumultuous relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed this suspenseful mystery but my attention was quite snagged by the scene in the garden with the mech and the girl with the clockwork heart. I will be reading on because I love a good beauty and the beast take.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Mission: Improper
4 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in the London Steampunk spin-off series. Reading the original story arc is crucial to understanding the evens in this installment as there are numerous references to past events as well as characters from the first arc.
This installment begins a new story arc in the aftermath of the revolution 3 years prior. In the interceding time, Nighthawk Caleb Byrnes and Verwulfen Ingrid Miller (both characters from the first arc) have met and disliked one another intensely despite their physical attraction. Now they must once again work together on a case as agents of a new agency called the Company of Rogues.
It's been a while since I finished the previous book, but it was easy to become immersed once again into Bec McMaster's original and engrossing Steampunk world. At first, the references to Byrnes and Ingrid's initial meeting were confusing as it seemed I had missed a book or novella. But that is not the case as these events take place off page. Nevertheless, all the salient information is quickly provided and the story continues from there.
While Byrnes and Ingrid are likable characters with intriguing backstories, their romance does not really resonate. They are both afraid of commitment, and their eventual acceptance of their love for one another feels forced.
That said, the suspense plot revolving around the mass disappearance of an entire neighborhood in engrossing and the secondary characters are very intriguing, especially Kincaid and Ava.
All in all, this spin-off has tremendous potential and I look forward to continuing.
4 Stars
Series note: This is book #1 in the London Steampunk spin-off series. Reading the original story arc is crucial to understanding the evens in this installment as there are numerous references to past events as well as characters from the first arc.
This installment begins a new story arc in the aftermath of the revolution 3 years prior. In the interceding time, Nighthawk Caleb Byrnes and Verwulfen Ingrid Miller (both characters from the first arc) have met and disliked one another intensely despite their physical attraction. Now they must once again work together on a case as agents of a new agency called the Company of Rogues.
It's been a while since I finished the previous book, but it was easy to become immersed once again into Bec McMaster's original and engrossing Steampunk world. At first, the references to Byrnes and Ingrid's initial meeting were confusing as it seemed I had missed a book or novella. But that is not the case as these events take place off page. Nevertheless, all the salient information is quickly provided and the story continues from there.
While Byrnes and Ingrid are likable characters with intriguing backstories, their romance does not really resonate. They are both afraid of commitment, and their eventual acceptance of their love for one another feels forced.
That said, the suspense plot revolving around the mass disappearance of an entire neighborhood in engrossing and the secondary characters are very intriguing, especially Kincaid and Ava.
All in all, this spin-off has tremendous potential and I look forward to continuing.
eventualghost's review against another edition
I wanted this book to be good, but if I’m being honest, I was intrigued by the cover art more than anything else. Right off the bat, the world building is too much all at once. It feels unnecessary to have the entire world’s political system, history, and species all dumped on you in the first 2 chapters. I was also disappointed in the dialogue, which is predictable and unimaginative. The romance story feels very childish, despite the age of the main characters.