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leelurface's review against another edition
2.0
Wasn't particularly amazing but not awful
I'm hoping the second installment is better
I'm hoping the second installment is better
lilyelement's review against another edition
DNF
I honestly wanted to love this book. But I couldn't get into it. I'm not sure if maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it or what. It is well written, but I think it just isn't for me.
I honestly wanted to love this book. But I couldn't get into it. I'm not sure if maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it or what. It is well written, but I think it just isn't for me.
sheltzer's review against another edition
3.0
This book is not what I expected it to be. I don't know that I would call it a Steampunk novel because it is more of a romance than anything else. In fact, I wish there were more World-building in the book. I enjoyed watching the romance unfold between Elle and Marsh and it was certainly entertaining to have them cross Europe. I wish the narrative had injected more of the differing flavors between England, Paris and Constantinople, but on the whole I liked the characters and the story. I will read the second book in the series.
etoiline's review against another edition
4.0
Steampunk alchemy: what's not to like? For the most part, I enjoyed this story, until it became a story about destiny. The world is well imagined, with fairy elements alongside interesting steam-powered machinery (the steam/magically-powered helicopter was pretty nice). It degenerated a little bit into cliche when we find that our heroine is the only one who can save the world, and of course, due to previous circumstances, she doesn't want that responsibility. There is the requisite love interest, which is actually handled well, and the recruitment by both good and evil. The MC is betrayed by the men in her life, sometimes in obvious ways. She does experience strange dreams, and these sequences are handled well. The romance is a little underwhelming, but certain gestures make it worthwhile (like the picnic). The secret society is at times overbearing and their ritual at the climax of the book veers into the ridiculous, but the story is fun, overall. The mixture of fairies and steam technology is a winning world-building mix, and even though the MC can be too stubborn for her own good sometimes, the characters have personality, so the dialogue is snappy. I'll keep an eye out for the next book in the series.
owlishbookish's review against another edition
4.0
This review originally appeared on Book Brats on March 29, 2013.
Elle Chance is an extraordinary woman, but don’t try telling her that. As an airship pilot in an era when women are expected to uphold the role society deems appropriate for them, Elle is an adventurer in more ways than one. When she is drawn into a dangerous situation when she agrees to transport cargo from Paris to London, Elle will soon find out that the cargo isn’t all that is being sought out. As Elle learns more of herself than she ever could have guessed at, she is faced with difficult choices, dangerous foes, and the possibility of a romance that she had never thought to seek out before.
A Conspiracy of Alchemists is the beginning of a fun series that blends steampunk and fantasy into one action-packed tale of adventure, intrigue, and romance. With easy-to-follow writing and an engaging plot, A Conspiracy of Alchemists introduces us to Elle, a female steamship pilot in 1903 who is more than she seems. Taking place in a wide variety of cities across Britain, Europe, and the birthplace of the Ottoman empire, the story is one with much to offer. With great attention to detail, Liesel Schwarz has created a world all to easy to get lost in.
Elle is a formidable character, to say the least. She is strong-willed, self-assured, and resistant to those who would push her around. All of this makes her an easy character to become intrigued with, although she isn’t without her flaws. At times, she is a little too strong-willed, especially where her stubbornness and temper are involved. When it comes to Elle’s more difficult nature, Hugh Marsh says it best:
“Don’t you sometimes get a little tired of being so constantly outraged?”
It is Elle’s propensity for thinking the worst and distrusting the wrong people that can make her frustrating to read, at times, but she makes for an overall good lead character to observe.
Hugh Marsh, our male lead character and one Viscount Greychester makes for a great counterpart for Elle. Though the two irritate each other more often than not, they also work well together for the purposes of the story. It is Hugh’s willingness to go after criminals, himself, and his practical nature that makes him a much-needed calming force when situations grow tense. He is a very appealing character that brings out both the best and worst of Elle. It’s hard not to enjoy the dynamic between them.
Though I enjoyed the steampunk side of the story immensely, I did spot a few flaws in its execution. Much of it was well done, especially when it came to the descriptions of airships and inventions, I was satisfied and enjoyed what I was reading. However, there were times when it felt as though steampunk elements were thrown in for the heck of it. There is a brief mention of automatons that comes to mind. They are nothing more than a passing thought and it was as though they were included just to up the number of steampunk references. They didn’t really play a role in the story whatsoever. It is the fantasy side that I found the most well done out of the two. The descriptions of Light versus Shadow and the plethora of Otherworldly creatures was nothing short of riveting. Schwarz’s novel approaches to each and every one made the story all the more entertaining and one that kept me reading for hours on end.
While there are a few flaws present, I believe that A Conspiracy of Alchemists is a fun, entertaining read that readers of both YA and adult fantasy will enjoy. With its steampunk traits, it is bound to capture the interests of some sci fi fans, as well. Fans of The Parasol Protectorate series may also want to check out A Conspiracy of Alchemists. If you like stories with nonstop adventure and a unique blend of settings, you should definitely check this one out. I, for one, will be looking forward to the next books in the series and can’t wait to find out if my instincts about the quality of the story to come rings true.
Elle Chance is an extraordinary woman, but don’t try telling her that. As an airship pilot in an era when women are expected to uphold the role society deems appropriate for them, Elle is an adventurer in more ways than one. When she is drawn into a dangerous situation when she agrees to transport cargo from Paris to London, Elle will soon find out that the cargo isn’t all that is being sought out. As Elle learns more of herself than she ever could have guessed at, she is faced with difficult choices, dangerous foes, and the possibility of a romance that she had never thought to seek out before.
A Conspiracy of Alchemists is the beginning of a fun series that blends steampunk and fantasy into one action-packed tale of adventure, intrigue, and romance. With easy-to-follow writing and an engaging plot, A Conspiracy of Alchemists introduces us to Elle, a female steamship pilot in 1903 who is more than she seems. Taking place in a wide variety of cities across Britain, Europe, and the birthplace of the Ottoman empire, the story is one with much to offer. With great attention to detail, Liesel Schwarz has created a world all to easy to get lost in.
Elle is a formidable character, to say the least. She is strong-willed, self-assured, and resistant to those who would push her around. All of this makes her an easy character to become intrigued with, although she isn’t without her flaws. At times, she is a little too strong-willed, especially where her stubbornness and temper are involved. When it comes to Elle’s more difficult nature, Hugh Marsh says it best:
“Don’t you sometimes get a little tired of being so constantly outraged?”
It is Elle’s propensity for thinking the worst and distrusting the wrong people that can make her frustrating to read, at times, but she makes for an overall good lead character to observe.
Hugh Marsh, our male lead character and one Viscount Greychester makes for a great counterpart for Elle. Though the two irritate each other more often than not, they also work well together for the purposes of the story. It is Hugh’s willingness to go after criminals, himself, and his practical nature that makes him a much-needed calming force when situations grow tense. He is a very appealing character that brings out both the best and worst of Elle. It’s hard not to enjoy the dynamic between them.
Though I enjoyed the steampunk side of the story immensely, I did spot a few flaws in its execution. Much of it was well done, especially when it came to the descriptions of airships and inventions, I was satisfied and enjoyed what I was reading. However, there were times when it felt as though steampunk elements were thrown in for the heck of it. There is a brief mention of automatons that comes to mind. They are nothing more than a passing thought and it was as though they were included just to up the number of steampunk references. They didn’t really play a role in the story whatsoever. It is the fantasy side that I found the most well done out of the two. The descriptions of Light versus Shadow and the plethora of Otherworldly creatures was nothing short of riveting. Schwarz’s novel approaches to each and every one made the story all the more entertaining and one that kept me reading for hours on end.
While there are a few flaws present, I believe that A Conspiracy of Alchemists is a fun, entertaining read that readers of both YA and adult fantasy will enjoy. With its steampunk traits, it is bound to capture the interests of some sci fi fans, as well. Fans of The Parasol Protectorate series may also want to check out A Conspiracy of Alchemists. If you like stories with nonstop adventure and a unique blend of settings, you should definitely check this one out. I, for one, will be looking forward to the next books in the series and can’t wait to find out if my instincts about the quality of the story to come rings true.
sungmemoonstruck's review against another edition
2.0
When airship pilot Elle Chance receives a mysterious cargo to carry across the Channel, she is plunged into a world of Alchemists, Warlocks, magic, and the infuriatingly attractive Mr. Marsh. This book has some fantastic world building. It's interesting, well-developed, and has lots of potential for expansion. However, the plot was a bit slow moving and the romance between Elle and Marsh simply wasn't convincing.
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
3.0
Just fun. It's a little uneven, parts drag, the romance is a bit predictable, but it was a joy. The world is a fascinating mix of fantasy and steampunk, with dirigibles and fairies, gyrocopters and vampires. It came alive for me. I could picture the monks lighting the lamps with the prostitutes on the corner, the passengers on the Orient Express in all their finery. In this world, Light and Shadow form a kind of shaky balance and I thought it seemed appropriate that as science advanced, the Shadow lost some of its power.
See my full review on my blog, Carol's Notebook.
See my full review on my blog, Carol's Notebook.
dkscully's review against another edition
3.0
Such a very silly collection of clichés and tropes. Made for fairly good, mindless listening on a long train journey, however.
mackle13's review against another edition
3.0
Mental note: Just because a book cover reminds you very strongly of one series doesn't mean that the new series will be remotely similar.
*ahem*
So, this book has a lot going on - different kinds of magic, faeries, vampires, missing persons, romance, steampunky gadgets, damsels in distress, overbearing men, intrigue, etc - but none of it felt fully developed. Like, we never get any real detail on the different types of magical systems. We're told that the Light and Shadow balance each other, but also that scientific advancement hurts the magical side - but we're not really told how the balance/interdependence thing works while also, apparently, being divided.
Also, the book will, I think, appeal to those who like larger doses of PNR in their diet. For those who like such things more on the side, I might recommend skipping this. It's one of those books where, despite everything else going on, they can't help but focus on the shape of the other person's fingers, or some such.
For all of that, though, it's a decent enough little story. It kept me engaged enough to be interested, and I never really lamented it.
I did lament the characters a bit, though. Elle is meant to be strong and independent, but comes across more often as petulant and obstinant, almost, but not quite to the point of being TSTL. Of course, part of that went into the shaky world-building. I mean, Elle was "skeptical" and outright dismissive of magic at times - but this is a world where she knows, for a fact, that faeries and vampires exist and has seen magic work.
Marsh is one of those men whose meant to be charming, but often is just overbearing. But, again, it varies. In one chapter he very sensibly explains that Elle isn't the sort of woman who can be forced to do anything and has to come to a decision in her own terms, but, in the next chapter, is doing the very thing he told others not to do.
It was all very inconsistent.
Luckily, though, both of them developed into the people they were described as being in the beginning, and became much less annoying, in general.
Oh, and the surprised twist about the identity of the bad guys was telelgraphed from a mile away. Boo.
I'm sort of on the edge about whether I'll want to continue this series or not. It wasn't bad, really, but it didn't leave a very strong impression, either. For instance, I kept thinking that I had to write a review for something, but couldn't remember what it was I'd read. And then I had to read the blurb to remind me of Marsh's name. So, yeah...
***
One last thing, about world-building, and a bit of nitpicking.
There's one character who is described as being a female fairy trapped in horse form who is dripping with water. She's later in human form, with black hair, and also has the water thing going on. Sounds like a kelpie, right?
Except the book calls her a sylph.
A sylph?
Sylphs are fucking AIR elementals.
Even if you don't want to go kelpie for some reason, at least use undine - a water elemental.
And how, exactly, does a member of the Dryad, whatever that means, turn into an absinthe faery? The way it's used, "one of the Dryad" is almost like "one of the Fae" so, in that sense, I guess I understand... but it's a bit jarring since a dryad is a particular kind of fae.
This goes along with the sort of shoddy world-building in general. If you're going to use creatures from existing myth, you should probably do your research. Or, if you can't be bothered, then make up entirely new names, at least, so as not to just look lazy.
***
The more I think about it, the more I think I'm gonna downgrade this to 2.5.
*ahem*
So, this book has a lot going on - different kinds of magic, faeries, vampires, missing persons, romance, steampunky gadgets, damsels in distress, overbearing men, intrigue, etc - but none of it felt fully developed. Like, we never get any real detail on the different types of magical systems. We're told that the Light and Shadow balance each other, but also that scientific advancement hurts the magical side - but we're not really told how the balance/interdependence thing works while also, apparently, being divided.
Also, the book will, I think, appeal to those who like larger doses of PNR in their diet. For those who like such things more on the side, I might recommend skipping this. It's one of those books where, despite everything else going on, they can't help but focus on the shape of the other person's fingers, or some such.
For all of that, though, it's a decent enough little story. It kept me engaged enough to be interested, and I never really lamented it.
I did lament the characters a bit, though. Elle is meant to be strong and independent, but comes across more often as petulant and obstinant, almost, but not quite to the point of being TSTL. Of course, part of that went into the shaky world-building. I mean, Elle was "skeptical" and outright dismissive of magic at times - but this is a world where she knows, for a fact, that faeries and vampires exist and has seen magic work.
Marsh is one of those men whose meant to be charming, but often is just overbearing. But, again, it varies. In one chapter he very sensibly explains that Elle isn't the sort of woman who can be forced to do anything and has to come to a decision in her own terms, but, in the next chapter, is doing the very thing he told others not to do.
It was all very inconsistent.
Luckily, though, both of them developed into the people they were described as being in the beginning, and became much less annoying, in general.
Oh, and the surprised twist about the identity of the bad guys was telelgraphed from a mile away. Boo.
I'm sort of on the edge about whether I'll want to continue this series or not. It wasn't bad, really, but it didn't leave a very strong impression, either. For instance, I kept thinking that I had to write a review for something, but couldn't remember what it was I'd read. And then I had to read the blurb to remind me of Marsh's name. So, yeah...
***
One last thing, about world-building, and a bit of nitpicking.
There's one character who is described as being a female fairy trapped in horse form who is dripping with water. She's later in human form, with black hair, and also has the water thing going on. Sounds like a kelpie, right?
Except the book calls her a sylph.
A sylph?
Sylphs are fucking AIR elementals.
Even if you don't want to go kelpie for some reason, at least use undine - a water elemental.
And how, exactly, does a member of the Dryad, whatever that means, turn into an absinthe faery? The way it's used, "one of the Dryad" is almost like "one of the Fae" so, in that sense, I guess I understand... but it's a bit jarring since a dryad is a particular kind of fae.
This goes along with the sort of shoddy world-building in general. If you're going to use creatures from existing myth, you should probably do your research. Or, if you can't be bothered, then make up entirely new names, at least, so as not to just look lazy.
***
The more I think about it, the more I think I'm gonna downgrade this to 2.5.