STEAMPUNK REVIEW: The Iron Sea's 2: Riveted - Meljean Brook

Release Date: 13/09/12
Publisher:  Penguin UK

SYNOPSIS:

Meljean Brook, "The New York Times" bestselling author of "The Iron Duke" and "Heart of Steel" returns to the Iron Seas with a riveting new adventure of steampunk and passionate romance...A century after a devastating volcanic eruption forced Iceland's inhabitants to abandon its shores, the island is enshrouded in legend. Fishermen tell tales of giant trolls guarding the land, and of seductive witches who steal men's hearts. But the truth behind the legends is mechanical, not magic - and the mystery of the island a matter of life and death for a community of women who once spilled noble blood to secure their freedom. Five years ago, Annika unwittingly endangered that secret, but her sister Kalla took the blame and was exiled. Now Annika serves on the airship Phateon, flying from port to port in search of her sister, and longing to return home ...but that home is threatened when expedition leader David Kentewess comes aboard. Determined to solve the mystery of his own origin, David will stop at nothing to expose Annika's secrets. But when disaster strikes, leaving David and Annika stranded on a glacier and pursued by a madman, their very survival depends on keeping the heat rising between them - and generating lots of steam..."Riveted" by Meljean Brook is steampunk romance at its very best ...and steamiest. Praise for Meljean Brook: "A stunning blend of steampunk setting and poignant romance - smart, sexy, breathtaking, and downright addicting". (Ilona Andrews). "Meljean Brook has brilliantly defined the new genre of steampunk romance". (Jayne Ann Krentz). Meljean Brook lives in Oregon with her family. She is the author of the "Iron Seas "steampunk series, which include "The Iron Duke" and "Heart of Steel", and are also published by Penguin. For more information and "Iron Seas" extras, please visit the website.


REVIEW:

I love a Steampunk novel that brings not only Victoriana to life as it should have been but also brings the tempestuous aspect of a romantic and wild love affair to the fore. This title from Meljean not only does this with a smart and sassy heroine but gives the reader solid pace, great twists and cracking world building thrown in.

Add to this an author who understands not only her target audience but loves to entertain and you know all round that its going to be a book that will be hard to put down. Finally throw into the mix a huge arc that doesn’t answer all the questions (which leaves things open for future outings) and all round I was more than happy I made time for it. Great stuff.

STEAMPUNK WEEK: The Iron Duke - Meljean Brook

Release Date: 12/04/12

SYNOPSIS:

After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power - and fear - of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

Mina can't afford his interest, however. Horde blood runs through her veins, and becoming Rhys's lover would destroy both her career and her family, yet the investigation prevents her from avoiding him.

But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans - and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.


REVIEW:

In a world where people want something that could have been, Steampunk is a genre that is fast growing. What this title by Meljean brings to the fore is a story of mystery, a tale of heroism and of course a fiction that is full of action as well as love. Its quirky, its fast paced and when you add to the mix characters that the reader wants to spend time around, it makes it something that is hard to put down.

Finally add to the mix characters that bring the world to life as well as some wonderfully clever twists and overall it left me demanding more from the author. Thank the gods that it’s only a short time until I can get my hands on the second book.