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ceridwenanne's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This whole series is fun, pulpy steampunk vampire bollocks, and all the better because the alt-history actually makes sense, given how the "craving virus" works: the upper classes are literal blood-sucking parasites. Which I'm into.
Anyway, I listened to this working on some home improvement nonsense, and Dukes Are Forever definitely sticks the landing of the whole series. I mean, yeah, the romantic plot with Malloryn and Adele is a little over-determined, but a whole lot of people get to have their Boss Fights, and in satisfying ways.
Anyway, I listened to this working on some home improvement nonsense, and Dukes Are Forever definitely sticks the landing of the whole series. I mean, yeah, the romantic plot with Malloryn and Adele is a little over-determined, but a whole lot of people get to have their Boss Fights, and in satisfying ways.
avid_reader_96's review
4.0
This book didn't not disappoint. I was beyond pleased to get an inside look into The Duke of Malloryn and the chemistry between him and Adele was off the charts. I do agree with another reviewer that Balfour's end was a bit anticlimactic but that's partly due to me not wanting this series to end. I've loved almost every book in this series and could see myself venturing into the author's other pieces of work. Farewell, London, for now.
roobie's review
3.0
⭐3.5 stars⭐
No Rogue left behind.
It means something to them. It means something to you. It means something to me.
Stop thinking of it as a weakness, and start thinking of it as a strength.
No Rogue left behind.
It means something to them. It means something to you. It means something to me.
Stop thinking of it as a weakness, and start thinking of it as a strength.
sarahcars's review
5.0
I'd been looking forward to Malloryn's book since he first appeared on page earlier in the series, and it did not disappoint. Ugh do we love a dumb, noble man willing to sacrifice himself for good. And heroines who are set up to seem boring or fluffy but turn out to have much more to them once we get to know them better? I love
labyrinth_witch's review against another edition
3.0
Finally we get a look into Malloryn’s internal dialogue and emotional struggles after he’s returned from his month-long torture in Russia. Is the love of his Company of Rogues enough to cushion him as he heals from the physical and psychological damage? Or does he need a more intimate confident to reveal his true self?
Enter his bride, Adele.
This story examines what level of trust and patience is required to heal from PTSD. And how, when you’ve built a support network, it’s okay to lean on them when you’re struggling. How love gives you something to fight for, not a weakness that exposes your vulnerabilities. How love keeps you human even in the most inhumane circumstances. Malloryn has to confront the role he played in the events unfolding, whether he has become the monster he is trying to take down, and how far he has allowed the conflict to destroy the best parts of himself.
Adele is incredibly intelligent and matches Malloryn for her ability to strategically think, a spymaster in her own right who has had years to navigate the world of the thrall. As the leader of the circle of roses, I wish the author had explored this aspect of her more in-depth as it wasn’t well appreciated in the narrative. Along with that, Malloryn was “surprised” by how intelligent and astute she was, which is not common in steampunk worlds and set my teeth on edge. One of the aspects of steampunk literature that I love above all is that the women are expected to be competent, which turns patriarchal bias on its head. So I was disappointed to find that patriarchal note in this narrative.
They kept saying he finally found his match, but there is little evidence that makes Adele stand out against the other characters like Ingrid and Gemma. If they had made her a spymaster in her own right- with her own network, skill sets, and agents in the thrall world- she would have actually been his equal. Instead they kept the thralls as “adornments” with no apparent agency. Plus, I have never read a story of a female spymaster, they are always males. I hate it when authors have an opportunity to fully embody feminism in a character and then pull back right before they cross the finish line, almost like they don’t fully understand what that equality of minds could look like.
Also, it breaks the pattern: book 1-tracker with tracker, book 2- mechanical intelligence with detailed oriented intelligence, book 3- assassin with assassin, book 4- thief with thief. Wouldn’t it then make sense that book 5 would be spymaster and spymaster?
McMaster could have emphasized that Adele was a human spymaster in a world where the other spymasters are blue bloods or dhampir. And she could have kept that Malloryn and Adele would be unaware of each other since Malloryn doesn’t indulge in the thrall world. Adele would have been looking a different objective, but could have seen how her objective intersected with Malloryn arch nemesis. So many elements that could have been explored to make this a richer conclusion to the series!
The other discordant aspect of this narrative was the style of the intimate scenes which involved tying hands so the other could have “their way” with the other, surrendering, and submitting. This just seemed strange given Adele’s trauma of being forcefully held down and bloodlet, leading her to lead the thrall world. Also strange for Malloryn who just spent a month in manacles hoist above his head, suspended by the ceiling. That style of intimacy would be hugely triggering given her back story and his recent torture. That’s not how trauma works. I felt like the author could have capitalized on Adele’s traumatic history in the thrall world to help Malloryn heal from his traumatic experiences, especially with intimacy.
While it was a good conclusion of the series where all the villains gets their comeuppance and redemption is found for our beloved spymaster, the discordant elements offset it where it could have been absolutely brilliant.
I would have liked one last book that is the Queen’s story, casting her as the crux of this whole world and how she navigates the politics and her spymasters.
Enter his bride, Adele.
This story examines what level of trust and patience is required to heal from PTSD. And how, when you’ve built a support network, it’s okay to lean on them when you’re struggling. How love gives you something to fight for, not a weakness that exposes your vulnerabilities. How love keeps you human even in the most inhumane circumstances. Malloryn has to confront the role he played in the events unfolding, whether he has become the monster he is trying to take down, and how far he has allowed the conflict to destroy the best parts of himself.
Adele is incredibly intelligent and matches Malloryn for her ability to strategically think, a spymaster in her own right who has had years to navigate the world of the thrall. As the leader of the circle of roses, I wish the author had explored this aspect of her more in-depth as it wasn’t well appreciated in the narrative. Along with that, Malloryn was “surprised” by how intelligent and astute she was, which is not common in steampunk worlds and set my teeth on edge. One of the aspects of steampunk literature that I love above all is that the women are expected to be competent, which turns patriarchal bias on its head. So I was disappointed to find that patriarchal note in this narrative.
They kept saying he finally found his match, but there is little evidence that makes Adele stand out against the other characters like Ingrid and Gemma. If they had made her a spymaster in her own right- with her own network, skill sets, and agents in the thrall world- she would have actually been his equal. Instead they kept the thralls as “adornments” with no apparent agency. Plus, I have never read a story of a female spymaster, they are always males. I hate it when authors have an opportunity to fully embody feminism in a character and then pull back right before they cross the finish line, almost like they don’t fully understand what that equality of minds could look like.
Also, it breaks the pattern: book 1-tracker with tracker, book 2- mechanical intelligence with detailed oriented intelligence, book 3- assassin with assassin, book 4- thief with thief. Wouldn’t it then make sense that book 5 would be spymaster and spymaster?
McMaster could have emphasized that Adele was a human spymaster in a world where the other spymasters are blue bloods or dhampir. And she could have kept that Malloryn and Adele would be unaware of each other since Malloryn doesn’t indulge in the thrall world. Adele would have been looking a different objective, but could have seen how her objective intersected with Malloryn arch nemesis. So many elements that could have been explored to make this a richer conclusion to the series!
The other discordant aspect of this narrative was the style of the intimate scenes which involved tying hands so the other could have “their way” with the other, surrendering, and submitting. This just seemed strange given Adele’s trauma of being forcefully held down and bloodlet, leading her to lead the thrall world. Also strange for Malloryn who just spent a month in manacles hoist above his head, suspended by the ceiling. That style of intimacy would be hugely triggering given her back story and his recent torture. That’s not how trauma works. I felt like the author could have capitalized on Adele’s traumatic history in the thrall world to help Malloryn heal from his traumatic experiences, especially with intimacy.
While it was a good conclusion of the series where all the villains gets their comeuppance and redemption is found for our beloved spymaster, the discordant elements offset it where it could have been absolutely brilliant.
I would have liked one last book that is the Queen’s story, casting her as the crux of this whole world and how she navigates the politics and her spymasters.
laurenjodi's review
5.0
Dukes Are Forever
4.5 Stars
In the aftermath of their forced marriage, Auvry Cavill, Duke of Malloryn, suspects that his bride, Adele Hamilton, may be in league with his enemies. To prove his suspicions one way or the other, he decides to engage in the unthinkable - the seduction of his wife.
Malloryn and Adele long-awaited showdown more than lives up to expectations. Their banter and chemistry have been a highlight of the previous installments, and their love/hate relationship continues to play out with each giving as good as they get. Seeing Malloryn engage with the one woman who can bring him to his knees is immensely satisfying.
The resolution to the ongoing Blueblood Conspiracy has some intense and exciting moments. Nevertheless, much of the action has already played out in earlier books, and as such, it is the romance that truly shines.
In sum, an excellent conclusion to the arc. There is one final epilogue novella to complete the series.
4.5 Stars
In the aftermath of their forced marriage, Auvry Cavill, Duke of Malloryn, suspects that his bride, Adele Hamilton, may be in league with his enemies. To prove his suspicions one way or the other, he decides to engage in the unthinkable - the seduction of his wife.
Malloryn and Adele long-awaited showdown more than lives up to expectations. Their banter and chemistry have been a highlight of the previous installments, and their love/hate relationship continues to play out with each giving as good as they get. Seeing Malloryn engage with the one woman who can bring him to his knees is immensely satisfying.
The resolution to the ongoing Blueblood Conspiracy has some intense and exciting moments. Nevertheless, much of the action has already played out in earlier books, and as such, it is the romance that truly shines.
In sum, an excellent conclusion to the arc. There is one final epilogue novella to complete the series.
alisonb's review
5.0
So good! This story was all that I would have hoped it would be, and Malloryn and Adele were amazing!
unapologetic_romantic's review against another edition
5.0
You Malloryn are my favourite.
All these books have been working their way towards unraveling your secrets and I love it! You are one badass motherfucker.
All these books have been working their way towards unraveling your secrets and I love it! You are one badass motherfucker.
emlaal's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
renpuspita's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
And so the journey (or rather my London Steampunk arc 1 and 2 marathon reading, lol) has ended. With Dukes Are Forever, McMaster said her goodbye to the world of the blue bloods, verwulfen, mechs, dhampir, etc with its steampunk elements. I will never forget the day when I give book 1, Kiss of Steel a chance even though its needs years for me to finally complete the series. Kiss of Steel is the book that start it all, that make McMaster is one of my favorite authors to date. And now, after I immersed myself into her Victorian steampunk world, I have a bittersweet moment to say goodbye again.
Dukes Are Forever is the culmination point between Malloryn and his nemesis cold war, Lord Balfour. All pieces are finally revealed (even though most of them already opened in book 3 and 4). Malloryn barely recovered from his captivity and torture, yet Balfour will do anything to destroy him. Anyway, who knows that Malloryn's cold marriage to Adele turn to explosive in the end? I like how McMaster turn the tables not just to Malloryn, but Adele as well. Their tipping point actually start in book 3, and reach its peak in this book. Who knows that behind her icy demeanor, Adele is just an ordinary woman that longed to be loved? I must admit, even Adele just a human, this woman have plenty of scars. First from her childhood memories, underestimated by her father just because she born as female. And then how she is in the bottom of the food chain in Echelon, just because she is a WOMAN. Like the era she had born, she doesn't have a say, so basically she will do anything to survive. For others, she will look ruthless, but maybe that why she's a good opponent to Malloryn, because both of them were good at hiding their feelings to the rest of the world.
Dukes are Forever is basically about how Malloryn, the MIGHTY Malloryn finally fall to his knees. Literally and metaphorically (idk if this a right term since I wrote my review on apps, lol). McMaster already give reader glimpses to his past, his devil-may-care personality, his action when he pulling the strings of events in the previous books. In his book, we will get to know why Malloryn is Malloryn, ruthless, cold but also like Adele, he longed to love and be loved. It's just his rage, his sense of avenge toward Balfour can blinded him sometimes, rendered him sideways, make him cannot see that he have the rogues beside him. I know that he didn't want any of the rogues of people he love died again like what happen to his first love, but well its about time for Malloryn to open his heart. My favorite part is when he recalled the memories when Adele was drunk and she said that her favorite husband is not the duke, but his "Auvry Cavill" side. I can feel how he ached to love but in the other side he afraid to show his feeling. Another is when they finally recognize their feeling to each other and Malloryn renew their marriage vow, I fell like "it's about time, Malloryn. It's about time."
In the term of "steam" (ehm, of course this aspect must be reviewed. Thoroughly) this book is definitely the steamiest book, with the game of seduction between Malloryn and Adele. Haha..who said theirs marriage are cold? Jokes on me for this one since McMaster hold no barrels. You have hate sex, you have "omg you alive" sex, and you got all that tender moments of make love scene. Sigh, if only you also did this with To Catch a Rogue and Mission:Improper, because I feel that this two books are lacking in smexy scenes department even though the sexual tension is off the chart, lol! Why McMaster, whyyy? T_T
With all that opinion above, I feel that this book is heavily on romance and angst compared to the previous. There were some actions, twist and suspense, but in the end Dukes are Forever is how Adele and Malloryn come to their senses (and feeling) and discover that love is indeed, the greatest weapon (haha, I sound corny). Maybe McMaster already learn from the previous books, like To Catch a Rogue and You Only Love Twice that have so many points of view, so Dukes are Forever just focus to Malloryn and Adele. As for the final book, I can said that the book is okay even its not exceeded my expectation. I think I have a high expectation and can't help to compare Dukes are Forever with Of Silks and Steams since both are the final book. I will said Of Silks and Steams is better since its about a bloody revolution and the stakes definitely higher, while in Dukes are Forever the end kinda a little bit of anti-climatic. Idk, maybe McMaster running of her fumes because of what she had write in To Catch a Rogue that definitely have higher stakes, or maybe another factor. Either way, she conclude the arc 2 nicely, and its nice to have Malloryn, Adele and the Company of Rogues to finally find their peace.
Speaking favorites, for arc 1, from the book I loved to okay is:
1. My Lady Quicksilver (I read it TWICE..and I want to read it again, tbh, lol)
2. Of Silks and Steam ( a much better and well written conclusion book)
3. Heart of Iron (yes Ami, I take it back my "Lena is bratty" comment, haha)
4. Kiss of Steel (the book that start it all)
5. Forged by Desire (if only Perry don't playing victim that much *sigh).
For arc 2, it's:
1. To Catch of Rogues (I know why its get its RITA nomination. Full of action and ahhh, young love!)
2. Mission:Improper (I really LIKED Byrnes and Ingrid banters. Gawd..to see Byrnes always with his dark sense of humor for the rest of the series. I always think that he's very much like Lynch, in arc 1 he's so mysterious, all that dark and brooding. Ingrid is a really good match for Byrnes, since she bring the best of him. Also don't forget their battle of wits!).
3. You Only Love Twice (the espionage, the suspense, also Gemma is the most badass heroines!)
4. Dukes are Forever (sorry Malloryn, lol)
5. The Mech Who Loved Me (eh..)
Favorite couples is still, of course, Rosalind and Lynch, followed with Charlie and Lark. For heroines, I like them all (yes even Perry, hahaha), although for heroes, my favorite is Lynch, Charlie, Blade (sigh, he's the first hero, you know and I still adored him. I like that he got significant role in To Catch a Rogue) and Byrnes, with the less favorite is Kincaid, lol. If you read my review of the Mech Who Loved Me, you will know why. Although, I wished McMaster will someday write about Herbert and how he meet his wife. And in the end, finally the queen find her love again after what happen to her. I don't know if her love for Gideon Scott will open another arcs, since Gideon is human, and I can see that some blue blood (especially Echelon) won't accept their relationship.
I can't recommend enough for London Steampunk, especially if you like steampunk with dash of paranormal elements, heroes to die for and heroines that always fight back. Although I feel that Arc 2 have a little, very littleeee downgrade compared to Arc 1, I still enjoyed this. And with what happen in my country right now (election and all), her books is a distraction that I need. So what are you waiting for? Start with Kiss of Steel, and you will not regret it! :)
And so the journey (or rather my London Steampunk arc 1 and 2 marathon reading, lol) has ended. With Dukes Are Forever, McMaster said her goodbye to the world of the blue bloods, verwulfen, mechs, dhampir, etc with its steampunk elements. I will never forget the day when I give book 1, Kiss of Steel a chance even though its needs years for me to finally complete the series. Kiss of Steel is the book that start it all, that make McMaster is one of my favorite authors to date. And now, after I immersed myself into her Victorian steampunk world, I have a bittersweet moment to say goodbye again.
Dukes Are Forever is the culmination point between Malloryn and his nemesis cold war, Lord Balfour. All pieces are finally revealed (even though most of them already opened in book 3 and 4). Malloryn barely recovered from his captivity and torture, yet Balfour will do anything to destroy him. Anyway, who knows that Malloryn's cold marriage to Adele turn to explosive in the end? I like how McMaster turn the tables not just to Malloryn, but Adele as well. Their tipping point actually start in book 3, and reach its peak in this book. Who knows that behind her icy demeanor, Adele is just an ordinary woman that longed to be loved? I must admit, even Adele just a human, this woman have plenty of scars. First from her childhood memories, underestimated by her father just because she born as female. And then how she is in the bottom of the food chain in Echelon, just because she is a WOMAN. Like the era she had born, she doesn't have a say, so basically she will do anything to survive. For others, she will look ruthless, but maybe that why she's a good opponent to Malloryn, because both of them were good at hiding their feelings to the rest of the world.
Dukes are Forever is basically about how Malloryn, the MIGHTY Malloryn finally fall to his knees. Literally and metaphorically (idk if this a right term since I wrote my review on apps, lol). McMaster already give reader glimpses to his past, his devil-may-care personality, his action when he pulling the strings of events in the previous books. In his book, we will get to know why Malloryn is Malloryn, ruthless, cold but also like Adele, he longed to love and be loved. It's just his rage, his sense of avenge toward Balfour can blinded him sometimes, rendered him sideways, make him cannot see that he have the rogues beside him. I know that he didn't want any of the rogues of people he love died again like what happen to his first love, but well its about time for Malloryn to open his heart. My favorite part is when he recalled the memories when Adele was drunk and she said that her favorite husband is not the duke, but his "Auvry Cavill" side. I can feel how he ached to love but in the other side he afraid to show his feeling. Another is when they finally recognize their feeling to each other and Malloryn renew their marriage vow, I fell like "it's about time, Malloryn. It's about time."
In the term of "steam" (ehm, of course this aspect must be reviewed. Thoroughly) this book is definitely the steamiest book, with the game of seduction between Malloryn and Adele. Haha..who said theirs marriage are cold? Jokes on me for this one since McMaster hold no barrels. You have hate sex, you have "omg you alive" sex, and you got all that tender moments of make love scene. Sigh, if only you also did this with To Catch a Rogue and Mission:Improper, because I feel that this two books are lacking in smexy scenes department even though the sexual tension is off the chart, lol! Why McMaster, whyyy? T_T
With all that opinion above, I feel that this book is heavily on romance and angst compared to the previous. There were some actions, twist and suspense, but in the end Dukes are Forever is how Adele and Malloryn come to their senses (and feeling) and discover that love is indeed, the greatest weapon (haha, I sound corny). Maybe McMaster already learn from the previous books, like To Catch a Rogue and You Only Love Twice that have so many points of view, so Dukes are Forever just focus to Malloryn and Adele. As for the final book, I can said that the book is okay even its not exceeded my expectation. I think I have a high expectation and can't help to compare Dukes are Forever with Of Silks and Steams since both are the final book. I will said Of Silks and Steams is better since its about a bloody revolution and the stakes definitely higher, while in Dukes are Forever the end kinda a little bit of anti-climatic. Idk, maybe McMaster running of her fumes because of what she had write in To Catch a Rogue that definitely have higher stakes, or maybe another factor. Either way, she conclude the arc 2 nicely, and its nice to have Malloryn, Adele and the Company of Rogues to finally find their peace.
Speaking favorites, for arc 1, from the book I loved to okay is:
1. My Lady Quicksilver (I read it TWICE..and I want to read it again, tbh, lol)
2. Of Silks and Steam ( a much better and well written conclusion book)
3. Heart of Iron (yes Ami, I take it back my "Lena is bratty" comment, haha)
4. Kiss of Steel (the book that start it all)
5. Forged by Desire (if only Perry don't playing victim that much *sigh).
For arc 2, it's:
1. To Catch of Rogues (I know why its get its RITA nomination. Full of action and ahhh, young love!)
2. Mission:Improper (I really LIKED Byrnes and Ingrid banters. Gawd..to see Byrnes always with his dark sense of humor for the rest of the series. I always think that he's very much like Lynch, in arc 1 he's so mysterious, all that dark and brooding. Ingrid is a really good match for Byrnes, since she bring the best of him. Also don't forget their battle of wits!).
3. You Only Love Twice (the espionage, the suspense, also Gemma is the most badass heroines!)
4. Dukes are Forever (sorry Malloryn, lol)
5. The Mech Who Loved Me (eh..)
Favorite couples is still, of course, Rosalind and Lynch, followed with Charlie and Lark. For heroines, I like them all (yes even Perry, hahaha), although for heroes, my favorite is Lynch, Charlie, Blade (sigh, he's the first hero, you know and I still adored him. I like that he got significant role in To Catch a Rogue) and Byrnes, with the less favorite is Kincaid, lol. If you read my review of the Mech Who Loved Me, you will know why. Although, I wished McMaster will someday write about Herbert and how he meet his wife. And in the end, finally the queen find her love again after what happen to her. I don't know if her love for Gideon Scott will open another arcs, since Gideon is human, and I can see that some blue blood (especially Echelon) won't accept their relationship.
I can't recommend enough for London Steampunk, especially if you like steampunk with dash of paranormal elements, heroes to die for and heroines that always fight back. Although I feel that Arc 2 have a little, very littleeee downgrade compared to Arc 1, I still enjoyed this. And with what happen in my country right now (election and all), her books is a distraction that I need. So what are you waiting for? Start with Kiss of Steel, and you will not regret it! :)