Scan barcode
renuked's review against another edition
5.0
Love. In total love. I think this series just upped every standard set previously. I want the next one.
shadowrealmreader's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so much fun! I really like the fact that the two main women are strong and smart and able to kick some ass. I liked how the relationship between Finley and Griffin slowly develops. I thought the steampunk elements in this book are amazing and I would like to own some of the contraptions myself.
thelibrarylady42's review against another edition
3.0
*Copy provided by Net Galley*
What I Liked: Finley. I really like Finley. She is a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. She has super human strength and speed but she is also a young woman falling in love. Instead of depending on others to define who she is she is working really hard to do it herself. I also enjoy the romance developing between Finley and Griffin. It's not based on instant attraction like some other teen romances, okay maybe there is a little instant attraction. But they also grow to care about each other because they actually get to know each other. The steampunk aspect was quite enjoyable as well. This is the second or third book this year that I have read involving Nikola Tesla. Can I tell you how much I love that crazy scientist. For some reason I always find books with him as a character fascinating. Maybe because he was essentially the ultimate sci-fi mad scientist, only his stuff worked, most of the time.
What I Didn't Like: The plot was slightly predictable. Who didn't see. I feel like maybe each book we get to know each of the characters a little better which would be fine except for that I am struggling to follow them now. It would be nice to know a little more about each one and what motivates them then delve deeper into their stories. There also was a large plot line that was picked up and then suddenly dropped. I'm sure it will be picked up again in the next book but it was just left hanging in the middle of the story for now.
Verdict: Over all the enjoyment outweighed the things that bothered me. I will have to go back and double check the first book but I think I could safely put both in my library (Grades 5-8). I would recommend for a regular junior high or high school library that has a lot of romance/paranormal romance seekers.
What I Liked: Finley. I really like Finley. She is a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. She has super human strength and speed but she is also a young woman falling in love. Instead of depending on others to define who she is she is working really hard to do it herself. I also enjoy the romance developing between Finley and Griffin. It's not based on instant attraction like some other teen romances, okay maybe there is a little instant attraction. But they also grow to care about each other because they actually get to know each other. The steampunk aspect was quite enjoyable as well. This is the second or third book this year that I have read involving Nikola Tesla. Can I tell you how much I love that crazy scientist. For some reason I always find books with him as a character fascinating. Maybe because he was essentially the ultimate sci-fi mad scientist, only his stuff worked, most of the time.
What I Didn't Like: The plot was slightly predictable. Who didn't see
Spoiler
that Mei was working for DaltonSpoiler
There is something dark in the Aether that is after Griffin. It attacks him at Tesla's house and almost kills him. Then it isn't really heard from again except to be mentioned in passing.Verdict: Over all the enjoyment outweighed the things that bothered me. I will have to go back and double check the first book but I think I could safely put both in my library (Grades 5-8). I would recommend for a regular junior high or high school library that has a lot of romance/paranormal romance seekers.
sdb27's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars.
You know those times when you open a book to the first chapter, read the first few paragraphs, and just sort of do this sigh of contentment because you’re finally back in that world, reading about the characters and the storylines you love? That’s how I felt when I finally got around to reading the second book in Kady Cross’ spectacular Steampunk Chronicles series, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar.
There are many things that are absolutely awesome about this book. Right off the bat, one thing that really made me excited as a reader was the cover: just like the first book, this cover is gorgeous, with an Asian girl featured on the cover. I remember my first thought being, “Awesome! A girl of color on the cover of this prominent book series! That’s not very common.” I was really excited to see who this mystery girl was, and how she factored into the story. Also, the last book left me with a lot of questions—how was Finley going to negotiate her “good” side and her “bad” side now that they were one? What was going to happen to Jasper? Were Griffin’s powers really as badass as they were hinted to be? All of these questions and more were answered in glorious fashion in The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, and I was not disappointed.
The characterization of this book was on point. We really get to see Finley’s struggles to stay honest and “good” despite the constant presence of her bloodthirsty tendencies like a voice in her ear. I also liked the development of the secondary characters, like Jasper. We didn’t really get to learn much about Jasper in the last book and I’m really glad we get more from his point of view this time around. Jasper has gotten himself into a lot of trouble, having stolen something of the criminal Dalton’s and hidden it around New York to prevent Dalton from getting his hands on it. However, Dalton has leverage on Jasper: Mei, the girl he loved, is in his grasp, and Dalton knows Jasper will do anything to protect her. I can’t go into too many details about this situation without spoiling it but I will say that Dalton is a worthy adversary and Jasper shows his true worth whenever the occasion calls for it, proving that he is a worthy addition to Griffin’s gang.
The plot moves along at a gallop, with no shortage of twists and new developments. I also liked that we got to see each character’s talents in more detail, particularly Griffin’s and Jasper’s. Griffin has control of the Aether, an unseen substance connected to the souls of the dead. Something dark is at work in the Aether, and more than once Griffin is attacked by a shadowy demon out for his blood in particular. Another time, Griffin takes hold of too much Aetheric power and showcases just what kind destruction he is capable of and has to hold a tight rein on every day. These insights into Griffin’s power peeled away some of the enigma and made him a more well-rounded character. I’ve always thought he was the least well-developed character of the gang and appreciated Cross’ efforts to make the reader understand him and his motivations a little better.
That being said, the weakest part of the plot for me was Griffin and Finley’s relationship, which to me was dull and lacking. Honestly, I forget if there was anything I enjoyed about their relationship from the first book but going on the second book alone, I wasn’t impressed. There may be affection between the two, but as for the spark, it just didn’t do it for me. I felt like Finley had a more organic attraction to people like Dalton or even Jasper, not to mention Jack Dandy, who, sadly, does not make an appearance in this book (he was hands-down my favorite in the first book. I do hope we see more of him in the third of the series).
The Girl in the Clockwork Collar is a fast-paced adventure that you will be absorbed in from start to finish. Cady owns the YA steampunk genre and for good reason. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for Griffin’s gang of misfits!
____
For more book reviews, visit my blog The Bookshelf!
You know those times when you open a book to the first chapter, read the first few paragraphs, and just sort of do this sigh of contentment because you’re finally back in that world, reading about the characters and the storylines you love? That’s how I felt when I finally got around to reading the second book in Kady Cross’ spectacular Steampunk Chronicles series, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar.
There are many things that are absolutely awesome about this book. Right off the bat, one thing that really made me excited as a reader was the cover: just like the first book, this cover is gorgeous, with an Asian girl featured on the cover. I remember my first thought being, “Awesome! A girl of color on the cover of this prominent book series! That’s not very common.” I was really excited to see who this mystery girl was, and how she factored into the story. Also, the last book left me with a lot of questions—how was Finley going to negotiate her “good” side and her “bad” side now that they were one? What was going to happen to Jasper? Were Griffin’s powers really as badass as they were hinted to be? All of these questions and more were answered in glorious fashion in The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, and I was not disappointed.
The characterization of this book was on point. We really get to see Finley’s struggles to stay honest and “good” despite the constant presence of her bloodthirsty tendencies like a voice in her ear. I also liked the development of the secondary characters, like Jasper. We didn’t really get to learn much about Jasper in the last book and I’m really glad we get more from his point of view this time around. Jasper has gotten himself into a lot of trouble, having stolen something of the criminal Dalton’s and hidden it around New York to prevent Dalton from getting his hands on it. However, Dalton has leverage on Jasper: Mei, the girl he loved, is in his grasp, and Dalton knows Jasper will do anything to protect her. I can’t go into too many details about this situation without spoiling it but I will say that Dalton is a worthy adversary and Jasper shows his true worth whenever the occasion calls for it, proving that he is a worthy addition to Griffin’s gang.
The plot moves along at a gallop, with no shortage of twists and new developments. I also liked that we got to see each character’s talents in more detail, particularly Griffin’s and Jasper’s. Griffin has control of the Aether, an unseen substance connected to the souls of the dead. Something dark is at work in the Aether, and more than once Griffin is attacked by a shadowy demon out for his blood in particular. Another time, Griffin takes hold of too much Aetheric power and showcases just what kind destruction he is capable of and has to hold a tight rein on every day. These insights into Griffin’s power peeled away some of the enigma and made him a more well-rounded character. I’ve always thought he was the least well-developed character of the gang and appreciated Cross’ efforts to make the reader understand him and his motivations a little better.
That being said, the weakest part of the plot for me was Griffin and Finley’s relationship, which to me was dull and lacking. Honestly, I forget if there was anything I enjoyed about their relationship from the first book but going on the second book alone, I wasn’t impressed. There may be affection between the two, but as for the spark, it just didn’t do it for me. I felt like Finley had a more organic attraction to people like Dalton or even Jasper, not to mention Jack Dandy, who, sadly, does not make an appearance in this book (he was hands-down my favorite in the first book. I do hope we see more of him in the third of the series).
The Girl in the Clockwork Collar is a fast-paced adventure that you will be absorbed in from start to finish. Cady owns the YA steampunk genre and for good reason. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for Griffin’s gang of misfits!
____
For more book reviews, visit my blog The Bookshelf!
beccajoek's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. again a fun fun read but I still feel like the author could expand on some the the events that happen.
kaitortot's review against another edition
4.0
Love this cover! That necklace/collar is crazy looking. Imagine having that thing strapped to you. The colors are also amazing.
I really enjoyed The Girl in the Steel Corset last year and was excited to enter the wonderful steampunk world again in The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. This time, the gang traveled to New York City to try to save their friend Jasper after he was arrested at the end of Book 1. Naturally, nothing goes as planned and Finley, Griffin, Jasper, Sam, and Emily find themselves in the middle of trouble.
One of my complaints from Book 1 was that I felt the characters weren’t developed enough. This all changed in this book and I got to know them much more. Finley and Jasper were the two characters that the readers will really get to know. Some new characters were also introduced and I hope we get to see a few of them again. Although mentioned quite a few times, Jack Dandy wasn’t in the book. Maybe he will be in the next one.
The relationships were fleshed out some--although Finley and Griffin still drive me crazy. Just make it work, you two crazy kids. I had wished there was more Sam and Emily, but the moments that were there were completely precious.
While I was able to predict the answers to some of the mysteries, the very end was actually pretty surprising. I didn’t see that one coming--you’ll have to let me know if you do. Hopefully some of the consequences will play out in the next book.
The Girl in the Clockwork Collar was packed with action and adventure. It was really exciting and I had a hard time putting the book down.
This sequel really solidified my love for steampunk and I cannot wait for the next book to come out! I’ll be glad for the trip back to London, even though I enjoyed them crossing the pond for a bit.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kady Cross and Harlequin Teen for this review copy!
I really enjoyed The Girl in the Steel Corset last year and was excited to enter the wonderful steampunk world again in The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. This time, the gang traveled to New York City to try to save their friend Jasper after he was arrested at the end of Book 1. Naturally, nothing goes as planned and Finley, Griffin, Jasper, Sam, and Emily find themselves in the middle of trouble.
One of my complaints from Book 1 was that I felt the characters weren’t developed enough. This all changed in this book and I got to know them much more. Finley and Jasper were the two characters that the readers will really get to know. Some new characters were also introduced and I hope we get to see a few of them again. Although mentioned quite a few times, Jack Dandy wasn’t in the book. Maybe he will be in the next one.
The relationships were fleshed out some--although Finley and Griffin still drive me crazy. Just make it work, you two crazy kids. I had wished there was more Sam and Emily, but the moments that were there were completely precious.
While I was able to predict the answers to some of the mysteries, the very end was actually pretty surprising. I didn’t see that one coming--you’ll have to let me know if you do. Hopefully some of the consequences will play out in the next book.
The Girl in the Clockwork Collar was packed with action and adventure. It was really exciting and I had a hard time putting the book down.
This sequel really solidified my love for steampunk and I cannot wait for the next book to come out! I’ll be glad for the trip back to London, even though I enjoyed them crossing the pond for a bit.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kady Cross and Harlequin Teen for this review copy!
amotisse's review against another edition
5.0
I love these fast paced adventures in The Steampunk Chronicles. The characters are strong and gutsy and their world is incredible. There is an agreeable feminine/masculine balance and each strange skill set is unique and unlike other steam reads I've come across. Love the setting and can't decide which costume I will try to emulate first!