ARC REVIEW: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar (The Steampunk Chronicles, #2), by Kady Cross

Released: May 22, 2012 (Harlequin Teen)
Series: The Steampunk Chronicles, #2
Author Links: WEB / TWITTER / GOODREADS / FACEBOOK
Source: NetGalley, for review

Buy Now From: Amazon

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling – or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her “straynge band of mysfits” have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him…for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei’s neck tightens. And tightens.

My Thoughts

When I read the first book in the Steampunk Chronicles series by Kady Cross, The Girl in the Steel Corset, I admit that I wasn’t completely blown away. In fact, one of my most favourite things about that book was the absolutely gorgeous cover. So, when I saw the cover for the sequel — same gorgeous girl in a gorgeous dress — I was a little skeptical.

Luckily, though, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar did not disappoint! All of the little things I didn’t like in the first book weren’t even present in the second book. One huge thing that bothered me in the first book was Sam. I thought he was annoying in his hatred for Finley and I just couldn’t stand it. I was happy to see that that hatred is toned down a lot in this book.

The action was spot on for the entire book — even though I had a hard time believing that the characters were still under the age of twenty — and I loved every single fighting scene that took place. I’m still getting used to the whole steampunk angle, but it’s definitely growing on me. I love how the elements are similar in all of the steampunk books I’ve read, but Kady Cross makes her elements just a bit different. I love the mixture of the machines, the wardrobe (corsets! lace!), and the scenery of the Victorian era.

One thing that really grabbed my interest was the love triangle — which isn’t usually something that has my jumping for joy. In this book, the love triangle was not so much focused on Finley. In fact, her love triangle was quite pale in comparison to the other love triangle that took place (mainly because this story takes place in New York, rather than in England — therefore, no Jack Dandy). Some might not see the love triangle as a love triangle, but I totally got it. I don’t want to ruin anything by mentioning names, but I’m sure when you’ll read it, you’ll get it.

Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed reading The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. Kady Cross kept me guessing the entire time and I flew through the book in an afternoon. And the cover is just as gorgeous as the cover on the first book — if you’re wondering why the same girl wasn’t used for this cover, just read the book and you’ll figure it out.

I really look forward to reading more of Kady Cross’s steampunk world!