Series: Gaslight Chronicles #1
Genre: Steampunk
Published by: Carina Press on March 17, 2011
Format: eARC
Pages: 212
Source: NetGalley
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Sir Merrick Hadrian hunts monsters, both human and supernatural. A Knight of the Order of the Round Table, his use of magick and the technologies of steam power have made him both respected and feared. But his considerable skills are useless in the face of his greatest challenge, guardianship of five unusual children. At a loss, Merrick enlists the aid of a governess.
Miss Caroline Bristol is reluctant to work for a bachelor but she needs a position, and these former street children touch her heart. While she tends to break any mechanical device she touches, it never occurs to her that she might be something more than human. All she knows is that Merrick is the most dangerously attractive man she's ever met—and out of reach for a mere governess.
When conspiracy threatens to blur the distinction between humans and monsters, Caroline and Merrick must join forces, and the fate of humanity hinges upon their combined skills of steam and sorcery...
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A satisfying steampunk read with magic and the paranormal!
As a Knight of the Order of the Round Table, Sir Merrick Hadrian’s duties are to hunt down the monsters that inhabit the streets of London, whether they’re supernatural or human. While battling some vampires one night in an ambush attack, Merrick encounters a group of children with special abilities that join him in fending off the monsters. When he discovers the eldest of the group, Thomas is a potential Knight, Merrick decides to take him under his wing. Thomas agrees to Merrick’s proposition under one condition, that he take all five children in as his wards. Merrick gets more than he bargains for when he realizes this is one task he cannot handle himself. In comes Caroline Bristol, a governess recommended by his trusted aunt Dorothy, who will not only captivate the hearts of the children but that of their guardian’s as well.
This is an endearing story about finding family and love in the most unexpected places. It centers around the danger and consequences technology will have if falling into enemy vampire hands by allowing them to blend in with humans undetected but the main focus throughout is the developing romance between Sir Merrick and Caroline. Merrick and Caroline try to resist each other in the beginning and the sexual tension that builds with each scene leaves you on edge. The intensity of their sexual encounters is pleasantly surprising when you consider they are in Victorian times…those two know how to heat things up! I especially enjoyed the interaction Caroline had with the children, it felt natural giving you an inside look into her maternal side where her scenes with Merrick show you the vixen in her…the author flawlessly displays these facets of her personality. Merrick’s character is set in his ways but his transition from bachelor to guardian doesn’t feel forced and shows the softer side of him. With Caroline and the children he learns there is something worth living for, something he was truly missing in his bachelor life…love.
This book is a fun filled journey back in time. The writing is so detailed you’ll be transported to life in 1800’s London, from the streets and architecture to the beautiful fashions. There are some memorable secondary characters involved and a few secrets revealed that make the it that more enticing. The story flows effortlessly without a rushed ending which is a great thing in my book! Vampires, werewolves and fae mixed with technology, secret societies and magic make STEAM & SORCERY a must read for fans of all things steampunk and romance!
Great review! Adding this book to my list! =) Never read any ‘steampunk’ before I’m I’m seeing that a lot of it is really good.