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smuttea_matcha's review against another edition
4.0
A short and sweet story with no wild plot twists or anything like that. Just an enjoyable read for a little escapism!
tracey_stewart's review
4.0
For the most part, this was a lot of fun.
The setting was very nicely drawn, and exposition nicely handled – just the right balance between suspense and explanation.
There were a couple of unfortunate errors (which might, I hope, have been corrected by the time of publication); Sir Edwin Aldridge is frequently referred to as "Sir Aldridge", for example. I do hope that's fixed.
There's a little bit of romance; a nice amount of humor; a heroine who has her priorities straight ("The wings paid for one month’s rent and a bag of butterscotch candy") and whose situation manages to stand out in a field of fierce and feisty underdog young ladies.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book, with thanks, via Netgalley for review.
The setting was very nicely drawn, and exposition nicely handled – just the right balance between suspense and explanation.
There were a couple of unfortunate errors (which might, I hope, have been corrected by the time of publication); Sir Edwin Aldridge is frequently referred to as "Sir Aldridge", for example. I do hope that's fixed.
There's a little bit of romance; a nice amount of humor; a heroine who has her priorities straight ("The wings paid for one month’s rent and a bag of butterscotch candy") and whose situation manages to stand out in a field of fierce and feisty underdog young ladies.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book, with thanks, via Netgalley for review.
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a free ARC of Immersed from the author, Katie Hayoz, in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
Immersed is a tightly written steam-punk novelly with intriguing and compelling characters, as well as mysterious mythology where all I want is to know more!
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Immersed is a tightly written steam-punk novelly with intriguing and compelling characters, as well as mysterious mythology where all I want is to know more!
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
lolasreviews's review
4.0
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I had seen two very positive reviews for this book on blogs of bookbloggers that I frequently visit so when I saw this one netgalley I didn't hesitate for a second and hit request. I really enjoyed this book and was amazed by the seamless blend of multiple genres, this book has steampunk, paranormal, romance and historical aspects and it all worked together to create an interesting world and story. I really enjoyed this book and wanted to keep reading. There's a bit of a mystery surrounding Melusine her past as well, which was well done with a few flashbacks to reveal more.
Melusine is an interesting main character, she doesn't want to fall in love, because of something that happened in the past. While the story furthers we also learn more and more about her past and I could see how it shaped her into the person she is today. She was a great character, with her monster fighting skills, but also having a dark past. Levi was a nice character, although it took me awhile to warm up to him as I found him a bit annoying at first. The side characters are less developed, but there's still enough characteristics about them to give the reader a feel of who they are.
There is some romance going on, although it isn't the focus. it nicely blends in within the plot and I almost felt like it was as much part of the plot as everything else. It was very well done, although at times I which there was a bit more depth and connection between them. I do felt like they were a good couple, but as it is a short story there is less time for them to get to know each other, so things develop rather quickly. I did like how things ended with their romance and the later half of the book I enjoyed their relationship more than in the first half when they are still trying to hide their feelings, although it all makes sense why they acted that way later on in the story.
The world building was done very well, although it wasn't the focus. We learn how there are monsters and those who hunt them. Melusine makes the distinction to only kill monsters who harm others, although Levi seems more easy with what he'll kill. So there was some hint that not all monsters were as evil or harmful. There's a big diversity in monsters and it seems like almost all monster are possible, we see more common monsters like sirens and Cyclops, but also weirder ones like the siren eel and some sort of mud snake creature. I thought it was well done, although the author leaves a lot open as well.
Another part I loved was the historical setting, it's set in 1850 in Chicago and there were mentions of raising the city form the mud. I had to check out the links in the front of the book before I believed it was real, it sounded so surreal how they raise the whole city and I loved learning this little tidbit about the city's history. There are frequent mentions of mud and one where a house is being moved with the people having breakfast inside and it just added a great atmosphere to this book. I could vividly imagine how the city looked like and combined with all the steampunk elements it really was a joy to read about.
To summarize: This book nicely blends different genres in one story. This book has paranormal, romance, steampunk and historical elements and it all fits together nicely. I was really impressed by the blend of genres and how it created an interesting world. I liked the characters and enjoyed learning more about Melusine her past. The romance was well done, although i would've enjoyed to see more about the two of them and how they felt in love as it felt like things happened rather quickly even though they have a past together. The world building was well done, although it also leaves some thing open. I really liked the setting in Chicago and almost didn't believe it was real with how they raised the city form the mud. It was very interesting and I enjoyed learning this tidbit of history.
I had seen two very positive reviews for this book on blogs of bookbloggers that I frequently visit so when I saw this one netgalley I didn't hesitate for a second and hit request. I really enjoyed this book and was amazed by the seamless blend of multiple genres, this book has steampunk, paranormal, romance and historical aspects and it all worked together to create an interesting world and story. I really enjoyed this book and wanted to keep reading. There's a bit of a mystery surrounding Melusine her past as well, which was well done with a few flashbacks to reveal more.
Melusine is an interesting main character, she doesn't want to fall in love, because of something that happened in the past. While the story furthers we also learn more and more about her past and I could see how it shaped her into the person she is today. She was a great character, with her monster fighting skills, but also having a dark past. Levi was a nice character, although it took me awhile to warm up to him as I found him a bit annoying at first. The side characters are less developed, but there's still enough characteristics about them to give the reader a feel of who they are.
There is some romance going on, although it isn't the focus. it nicely blends in within the plot and I almost felt like it was as much part of the plot as everything else. It was very well done, although at times I which there was a bit more depth and connection between them. I do felt like they were a good couple, but as it is a short story there is less time for them to get to know each other, so things develop rather quickly. I did like how things ended with their romance and the later half of the book I enjoyed their relationship more than in the first half when they are still trying to hide their feelings, although it all makes sense why they acted that way later on in the story.
The world building was done very well, although it wasn't the focus. We learn how there are monsters and those who hunt them. Melusine makes the distinction to only kill monsters who harm others, although Levi seems more easy with what he'll kill. So there was some hint that not all monsters were as evil or harmful. There's a big diversity in monsters and it seems like almost all monster are possible, we see more common monsters like sirens and Cyclops, but also weirder ones like the siren eel and some sort of mud snake creature. I thought it was well done, although the author leaves a lot open as well.
Another part I loved was the historical setting, it's set in 1850 in Chicago and there were mentions of raising the city form the mud. I had to check out the links in the front of the book before I believed it was real, it sounded so surreal how they raise the whole city and I loved learning this little tidbit about the city's history. There are frequent mentions of mud and one where a house is being moved with the people having breakfast inside and it just added a great atmosphere to this book. I could vividly imagine how the city looked like and combined with all the steampunk elements it really was a joy to read about.
To summarize: This book nicely blends different genres in one story. This book has paranormal, romance, steampunk and historical elements and it all fits together nicely. I was really impressed by the blend of genres and how it created an interesting world. I liked the characters and enjoyed learning more about Melusine her past. The romance was well done, although i would've enjoyed to see more about the two of them and how they felt in love as it felt like things happened rather quickly even though they have a past together. The world building was well done, although it also leaves some thing open. I really liked the setting in Chicago and almost didn't believe it was real with how they raised the city form the mud. It was very interesting and I enjoyed learning this tidbit of history.
cathepsut's review
4.0
Very good. Well written, vivid imagery, enticing main character, good backstory, well-paced, not too predictable. Only four stars, because I want it to be longer....
I haven't read a lot of steampunk, so I can't say if the setting worked for that. I liked it. The world building was great, I was transported there right away, down to the muck squelching in my boots. I would wish for more details on the automatons, to flesh out the imagery.
Nice touch of explaining a little bit about Chicago before the start of the story.
Good plot, no loose ends dangling, it all flowed together nicely. A little more ass-kicking and build-up of suspense would have been great. My only gripe with the story: The length. With a little over 100 pages it was over too quickly. And the sequel only has 42 pages, which is worse. Maybe both together would have made a proper novel...?
Small set of characters, likeable, believable, nobody is silly or too stupid to live... I am not into mermaids as a rule, but here they were nicely evil and not the too sweet Disney version. Dark mermaids and Steampunk, I could do more of that!
I am pretty sure I will get book two, despite it's extreme shortness. I hope the author will eventually graduate to full-length novels. Her novels to date all seem to be YA, which is not my thing.
Would I recommend this to my UF reading buddies in favour of ass-kicking heroines? Absolutely.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read a lot of steampunk, so I can't say if the setting worked for that. I liked it. The world building was great, I was transported there right away, down to the muck squelching in my boots. I would wish for more details on the automatons, to flesh out the imagery.
Nice touch of explaining a little bit about Chicago before the start of the story.
Good plot, no loose ends dangling, it all flowed together nicely. A little more ass-kicking and build-up of suspense would have been great. My only gripe with the story: The length. With a little over 100 pages it was over too quickly. And the sequel only has 42 pages, which is worse. Maybe both together would have made a proper novel...?
Small set of characters, likeable, believable, nobody is silly or too stupid to live... I am not into mermaids as a rule, but here they were nicely evil and not the too sweet Disney version. Dark mermaids and Steampunk, I could do more of that!
I am pretty sure I will get book two, despite it's extreme shortness. I hope the author will eventually graduate to full-length novels. Her novels to date all seem to be YA, which is not my thing.
Would I recommend this to my UF reading buddies in favour of ass-kicking heroines? Absolutely.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
donna_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
"I see very little difference between monsters and men"
A fun and entertaining steam punk fantasy!! Set in Chicago, this novel is a wonderful combination of the hunt for creatures like mermaids, cyclops and others and mechanical automaton men, horses and carriages. The lifting and moving of homes and buildings at this time in Chicago was not anything I had heard of before but really adds to the atmosphere of the book. The story follows Melusine, who works as a monster hunter, but has a secret from her past that keeps her from forming any close relationships. When her monster hunter rival, Levi, comes back to town, they are thrown into working together to catch a beast lurking in Lake Michigan, and her desperation to not get close to anyone is threatened, and this may doom both of them.
I really enjoyed the world and all the mechanical creations in the story. Melusine is skilled, tough and determined to earn her own way in the world. Levi is funny and delightful and I loved all the banter between the two of them. This is part of a trilogy and I am definitely looking forward to continuing on with the series!!!
A fun and entertaining steam punk fantasy!! Set in Chicago, this novel is a wonderful combination of the hunt for creatures like mermaids, cyclops and others and mechanical automaton men, horses and carriages. The lifting and moving of homes and buildings at this time in Chicago was not anything I had heard of before but really adds to the atmosphere of the book. The story follows Melusine, who works as a monster hunter, but has a secret from her past that keeps her from forming any close relationships. When her monster hunter rival, Levi, comes back to town, they are thrown into working together to catch a beast lurking in Lake Michigan, and her desperation to not get close to anyone is threatened, and this may doom both of them.
I really enjoyed the world and all the mechanical creations in the story. Melusine is skilled, tough and determined to earn her own way in the world. Levi is funny and delightful and I loved all the banter between the two of them. This is part of a trilogy and I am definitely looking forward to continuing on with the series!!!
ltg584's review
5.0
I would give this six stars if I could. No, that’s not enough. Immersed gets ALL the stars! I haven’t read the second novella yet, and I can already tell you that it won’t be enough. I’m going to need a lot more of these characters. This is the most excited I’ve been for a new series in a long time!
I originally wanted to read this book because I was working my way through the Falling in Deep Collection. Plus, I had heard good things about Katie Hayoz, so it seemed like the perfect chance to try one of her stories. I’m going to live dangerously and say that this was my favorite book in the entire collection (so far). I had no idea that it was steampunk too! Pretty much my most favoritest genre! The world created is a steampunk Chicago, where they live side by side with the creatures of myth and legend. Mermaids, vampires, werewolves… they’re all real, and Melusine is a monster hunter. Gotta love a kick ass female lead! Skirts are for sissies! Regardless of her tough exterior, you can tell that she has a softer side. Still waters run deep, and all that. Levi Cannon was immediately a character I could see myself falling for, but I also feel like his story has only just been skimmed. I hope that there might be an opportunity to hear some chapters from his point of view in an upcoming story.
I’m trying my darnedest to come up with something even slightly critical to say, but I got nothin’. All I can say is “Enjoy!”
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I originally wanted to read this book because I was working my way through the Falling in Deep Collection. Plus, I had heard good things about Katie Hayoz, so it seemed like the perfect chance to try one of her stories. I’m going to live dangerously and say that this was my favorite book in the entire collection (so far). I had no idea that it was steampunk too! Pretty much my most favoritest genre! The world created is a steampunk Chicago, where they live side by side with the creatures of myth and legend. Mermaids, vampires, werewolves… they’re all real, and Melusine is a monster hunter. Gotta love a kick ass female lead! Skirts are for sissies! Regardless of her tough exterior, you can tell that she has a softer side. Still waters run deep, and all that. Levi Cannon was immediately a character I could see myself falling for, but I also feel like his story has only just been skimmed. I hope that there might be an opportunity to hear some chapters from his point of view in an upcoming story.
I’m trying my darnedest to come up with something even slightly critical to say, but I got nothin’. All I can say is “Enjoy!”
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review
4.0
*I received a free ARC of Immersed from the author, Katie Hayoz, in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
Immersed is a tightly written steam-punk novelly with intriguing and compelling characters, as well as mysterious mythology where all I want is to know more!
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Immersed is a tightly written steam-punk novelly with intriguing and compelling characters, as well as mysterious mythology where all I want is to know more!
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
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