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aklev13's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh it was ok. I kept rolling my eyes at the romance though. Back when i was a teenager i think this would have been more my thing but now i just find the instant romance for no other reason other than that he is attractive and there in a moment of danger boring. The love interest came off as entitled and misogynistic until the very end - it would be fine if he changed and then she fell in love with him but no apparently being attractive and a good kisser is all that’s necessary to fall in love. Liked the steampunk stuff and the absinthe fairy though.
eyreguide's review against another edition
3.0
This novel sets up a very compelling new world - with the battle between the light and shadow and Elle Chance in the middle of it. The action starts pretty quickly as Elle is thrown into the conspiracy, and gradually uncovers things about herself and her past that reveals she has a very important power. Most of the story is spent though in Elle denying that power and her destiny which got a little tiresome as I read further. I felt that it made the story drag a little as Elle and Mr. Marsh clashed so much in their own little power struggle. Although the romance that bloomed up between them was sweet, it felt a little forced, and a little confusing given the stakes that Mr. Marsh was very much aware of. The characters could have used a little more development I think, as I sometimes felt distanced from them, and a little disbelieving of the motives for their actions.
This story was a very entertaining read however, and even though I was not completely charmed by the characters or the romance, the mystery and the world building - especially the way things came together in the end was very exciting and such a page-turner. The different elements of urban fantasy and steampunk were a great mixture to bring this world to life, and I loved the historical detail of the story and the different settings. It's a very rich novel that perhaps has too much going for it, so that some things seemed too rushed or unexplored, but it's a great, quick read that fans of the genre should enjoy.
This story was a very entertaining read however, and even though I was not completely charmed by the characters or the romance, the mystery and the world building - especially the way things came together in the end was very exciting and such a page-turner. The different elements of urban fantasy and steampunk were a great mixture to bring this world to life, and I loved the historical detail of the story and the different settings. It's a very rich novel that perhaps has too much going for it, so that some things seemed too rushed or unexplored, but it's a great, quick read that fans of the genre should enjoy.
athene_sionnach's review against another edition
3.0
A little slow to start but once you get to know the characters it pulls you through.
heidenkind's review against another edition
Good story, but the romance was so cheesy and ridiculous, I wish it had just been cut. Probably one of the better steampunk novels I've tried, though.
christajls's review against another edition
4.0
This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic
When I started reading A Conspiracy of Alchemists my first thought was that I had opened up the steampunk version of The Transporter. Which would be awesome! And I was perfectly happy to settle in and read that story. But, like books often too, it became so much more than what I expected, and as a result was even more awesome than I hoped.
At its most basic A Conspiracy of Alchemists is the story of a girl, pushing against the constraints/expectations of her society and doing what needs to be done to rescue her father. Elle is a spunky, strong willed woman and when she sets her mind to something she is going to do it. Like getting her pilot’s license. Or flying an otherwise untested machine. I like reading about characters that have a strong head on their shoulders and know exactly what they want.
There is a big romantic element to this story but at the same time it doesn’t take away from the adventure of the central plot line. It’s easy to get annoyed if a protagonist is too focused on the romance when there are more important things going on. But Elle is like us. She knows there’s no time for distractions. There was a good balance between the main story and the romance. The swoon worthy moments were a nice break between the more intense scenes and they made me cheer for Elle and Hugh as a unit rather than just Elle on her own.
My one problem however with A Conspiracy of Alchemists was that sometimes I did get bogged down by unnecessary detail. At times it felt like a lot of extra elements were added in and you just wanted to get to the point. Other times I wanted those extra details expanded upon. Like the absinthe fairy. Hopefully some things get fleshed out/explored further in book 2.
Recommendation: Great for those who like a touch of romance with their action. Recommended for fans of Cassandare Clare’s Infernal Devices series and Kate Locke’s Immortal Empire series.
When I started reading A Conspiracy of Alchemists my first thought was that I had opened up the steampunk version of The Transporter. Which would be awesome! And I was perfectly happy to settle in and read that story. But, like books often too, it became so much more than what I expected, and as a result was even more awesome than I hoped.
At its most basic A Conspiracy of Alchemists is the story of a girl, pushing against the constraints/expectations of her society and doing what needs to be done to rescue her father. Elle is a spunky, strong willed woman and when she sets her mind to something she is going to do it. Like getting her pilot’s license. Or flying an otherwise untested machine. I like reading about characters that have a strong head on their shoulders and know exactly what they want.
There is a big romantic element to this story but at the same time it doesn’t take away from the adventure of the central plot line. It’s easy to get annoyed if a protagonist is too focused on the romance when there are more important things going on. But Elle is like us. She knows there’s no time for distractions. There was a good balance between the main story and the romance. The swoon worthy moments were a nice break between the more intense scenes and they made me cheer for Elle and Hugh as a unit rather than just Elle on her own.
My one problem however with A Conspiracy of Alchemists was that sometimes I did get bogged down by unnecessary detail. At times it felt like a lot of extra elements were added in and you just wanted to get to the point. Other times I wanted those extra details expanded upon. Like the absinthe fairy. Hopefully some things get fleshed out/explored further in book 2.
Recommendation: Great for those who like a touch of romance with their action. Recommended for fans of Cassandare Clare’s Infernal Devices series and Kate Locke’s Immortal Empire series.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
I have actually never read a steampunk that takes place in the early 1900s, so that was different. Because new things were already on the move, but then this book also mixes magic and tech. The world is divided into Light and Shadow. Magic and new inventions. And things have gone wrong in the past when one side has grown too strong.
Elle our heroine was strong and a woman pilot. She went for what she wanted and got it. The hero, Marsh is mysterious and someone she comes into contact with when she is hired to bring a parcel to England. He is a warlock, she does not believe in that nonsense. He has secrets, she is annoyed by that. He wants to tell her something, she starts to fall. Yes you see my point, they are quite the pair.
These two will have quite the adventure as..things happens. Again I will leave it at that. There will be magic, bad guys, vampires, an absinthe fairy and flying.
I enjoyed the story. It was light and the story always moved forward with a good pace, and threw a few surprises too.
The end was good too as it was a solid ending that I could live with. It did not end with a horrid cliffhanger, but still left a big danger still to come
Elle our heroine was strong and a woman pilot. She went for what she wanted and got it. The hero, Marsh is mysterious and someone she comes into contact with when she is hired to bring a parcel to England. He is a warlock, she does not believe in that nonsense. He has secrets, she is annoyed by that. He wants to tell her something, she starts to fall. Yes you see my point, they are quite the pair.
These two will have quite the adventure as..things happens. Again I will leave it at that. There will be magic, bad guys, vampires, an absinthe fairy and flying.
I enjoyed the story. It was light and the story always moved forward with a good pace, and threw a few surprises too.
The end was good too as it was a solid ending that I could live with. It did not end with a horrid cliffhanger, but still left a big danger still to come
mcfade28's review against another edition
3.0
A pretty generic steampunk fantasy novel with a plucky female lead, with a unknown destiny, and a mysterious gentleman who knows more than he's letting on.
I found it a bit flat, and the characters a little childish. It was OK but I wouldn't recommend.
I found it a bit flat, and the characters a little childish. It was OK but I wouldn't recommend.
awebster92's review against another edition
5.0
I am in love with this book! I finished it at work and stopped on my way home to get the second one. 5/5 stars!
cammmiam's review against another edition
1.0
Meet Elle Chance - a young, stubborn, and independent minded English woman with a love of flying machines. As a pilot she is often employed to carry cargo from the continent over the Channel. On the most significant job to date she goes to Paris, meets up with an old friend, and is given a task. Elle is to take a wooden box into her possession and keep keep it safe. As payment she is given a diamond bracelet to wear. What follows is a journey across Europe as she goes in search of the father who is abducted under mysterious circumstances before her arrival home, along with the unraveling of Elle's past and destiny.
My biggest problem with this book is that it is set-up to leave the reader in the dark at the beginning. I did not understand the world that Elle lives in. Apparently it is an element of steampunk (and I'll be honest when I say that I continue to be uncertain about what that even means) and the paranormal. There is a clash between the realms of Shadow and Light, but it is never really explained until about 150 pages into the story. There were so many times that I considered abandoning this book because I did not understand it. To make the world even more convoluted there is also elements of mythology, for an Oracle is very important to the story and the energy of this world.
If you feel as if I am doing a bad job explaining then that is because the author never clearly explained things to me.
I tried to go for the ride with this book but I don't believe that I found it enjoyable. Confusion is a major turn-off for me when it comes to stories, as is the addition of far too many paranormal elements. I mean, the main love interest was a Warlock who is part of a council that is in competition with the scientific revolution to maintain their energy? What was the purpose of the final conspiracy, and did it even have a lasting impact? Unless you have an extreme fetish for steampunk paranormal then I would leave this book on whatever shelf you happen to find it.
My biggest problem with this book is that it is set-up to leave the reader in the dark at the beginning. I did not understand the world that Elle lives in. Apparently it is an element of steampunk (and I'll be honest when I say that I continue to be uncertain about what that even means) and the paranormal. There is a clash between the realms of Shadow and Light, but it is never really explained until about 150 pages into the story. There were so many times that I considered abandoning this book because I did not understand it. To make the world even more convoluted there is also elements of mythology, for an Oracle is very important to the story and the energy of this world.
If you feel as if I am doing a bad job explaining then that is because the author never clearly explained things to me.
I tried to go for the ride with this book but I don't believe that I found it enjoyable. Confusion is a major turn-off for me when it comes to stories, as is the addition of far too many paranormal elements. I mean, the main love interest was a Warlock who is part of a council that is in competition with the scientific revolution to maintain their energy? What was the purpose of the final conspiracy, and did it even have a lasting impact? Unless you have an extreme fetish for steampunk paranormal then I would leave this book on whatever shelf you happen to find it.
git_r_read's review against another edition
4.0
Steampunk genre is a favorite, but it doesn't always translate well into a good read. Thankfully, A CONSPIRACY OF ALCHEMISTS is in the right side of the thin line.
A fast-paced story with magic being a moving power as much as steam and science.
I really liked Eleanor 'Elle' Chance. She's gutsy and keeps on going even though others around her are trying to keep her lady-like and at home. She owns her own airship and has a successful freight business.
She also has magic to deal with, the dark kind. And a Viscount....the dark and handsome kind...
This is the beginning of a pretty nifty series. I look forward to the next in the series.
A fast-paced story with magic being a moving power as much as steam and science.
I really liked Eleanor 'Elle' Chance. She's gutsy and keeps on going even though others around her are trying to keep her lady-like and at home. She owns her own airship and has a successful freight business.
She also has magic to deal with, the dark kind. And a Viscount....the dark and handsome kind...
This is the beginning of a pretty nifty series. I look forward to the next in the series.