Released on September 20, 2015
Pages: 282
After rushing through book one and having a good time with the western-paranormal- steampunk world, plot and characters, I was eager for book two. When I read book one, I had no idea that it was a duology. I was thinking it would be a longer series and maybe it will, but the particular story arc in book one was concluded by book two in a most satisfactory way.
This is part two to the story begun in book one and thus, it’s not one that can standalone or be read out of order.
The story picks up from where book one left off. Clark and Amethyst are traveling about collecting the important magical gadgets that his father invented to keep them out of the hands of the powerful Senator Horan, the rest of the Treasures are faced with a conniving army captain trying to capture and bring Clark in for experimentation and exploitation of his necromantic power even while the Senator is working to crush the Treasures once and for all.
Things get pretty dire for everyone, but it is not hopeless. Amethyst takes advantage of an opportunity even while the Treasures learn they are not without friends in the midst of betrayal and injustice.
Alright, this one leaped out of the gate and never looked back. There is a thrilling opening scene and then things escalate from there. This is not the book to grab if you’re looking for deep character development. Any character building and plot development took place in book one. The worldbuilding is established although the characters explore a few new settings in their adventures. I felt that this book was the big finish while book one was the foundation that built to the finish. Not that this was a problem, but it was unexpected since I didn’t realize it was a duo instead of a series. This is on me. I made the adjustment and enjoyed what I got.
I was actually glad for the feverish pace because that issue I had with Clark and Am’s relationship was still there and my iffy feelings about Am probably got stronger. I can appreciate Am’s spoilt, strong-willed character and even chuckle a bit at her over the top antics and ‘the world revolves around me’ view. But like it and respect it? Not really.
As to the relationship between Clark and Am, I didn’t feel like they grew up as much as got somewhat more cunning and slightly lucky. It was like two horny teens with impulsive tendencies and not enough maturity to be in a relationship. I was left hanging on something that should have occupied a significant part in the end when it came to their relationship.
View Spoiler »The end came fast and furious when it came to the confrontation with the villains. And then things wrapped up quickly, too. After all the build up through the first book and into most of the second, I did want more though I will say that all loose ends when it came to the action plot were dealt with.
I don’t mean to give the impression that I didn’t like the book because I did, but just that there were some niggles mixed in with the like. I enjoyed the time spend with the Treasure family and would hope for some more adventures.
Speaking of more adventures, I loved that surprise short story about Clark tucked in there in the end. That was a creepy one to be sure.
All in all, I had a good time with this set of books blending the Old West with steampunk and paranormal, some romance and a whole lot of gritty action.
My thanks to Curiosity Quills for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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I don’t like when the ending is rushed, even when they tie up all the loose ends. That always seems to me like they just ran out of time and realized they had to cram it all in there!
Stephanie
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
Yes, it can feel like that. There were a few things that seemed important to me that weren’t addressed even though the threat from the Senator was tied up.
That girl in the background, I have seen her on other covers
Yep, me, too. I’ve read at least two other books with her on the cover. She’s popular. 😉
Yep, me, too. I’ve read at least two other books with her on the cover. She’s popular. 😉
Eeee, two horny teens, LOL. I love steampunk romance but three stars isn’t enough for me to commit to a series! Glad it wasn’t awful though. 😀 Great review, Sophia!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Yeah, that romance aspect just didn’t do it for me. They weren’t mature enough. But the worldbuilding and action side was well worth the read. There are so many good books out there that its hard to choose one that someone thought was only okay.
Thanks, Alyssa!
I don’t like a lot of YA, haven’t read many because they just don’t do it for me for the most part.
I love the cover, bummer that the ending felt rushed. I do love steampunk.
Both covers are captivating for sure. Yes, wasn’t pleased with the rushed ending after all the build up. Steampunk is one of my favs, too, Kimberly.
I’m hit or miss. Some I like if the characters are mature, but others are too young for me.
so basically it felt it would have benefited from a trilogy?
Yes and no, Lily. I think she could have cut out some of the running around and given a bit more to the ending and wrapping up some of the situations that were left dangling. I honestly thought it was a longer series the way she was digging in deep with the larger cast of characters and the complex situation of the main pair, but then it ended. So enough for a third more book, but not a whole book, maybe?
I don’t like when the ending is rushed, even when they tie up all the loose ends. That always seems to me like they just ran out of time and realized they had to cram it all in there!
Stephanie
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
Yes, it can feel like that. There were a few things that seemed important to me that weren’t addressed even though the threat from the Senator was tied up.
Eeee, two horny teens, LOL. I love steampunk romance but three stars isn’t enough for me to commit to a series! Glad it wasn’t awful though. 😀 Great review, Sophia!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
I don’t like a lot of YA, haven’t read many because they just don’t do it for me for the most part.
I love the cover, bummer that the ending felt rushed. I do love steampunk.
Both covers are captivating for sure. Yes, wasn’t pleased with the rushed ending after all the build up. Steampunk is one of my favs, too, Kimberly.
so basically it felt it would have benefited from a trilogy?
Yes and no, Lily. I think she could have cut out some of the running around and given a bit more to the ending and wrapping up some of the situations that were left dangling. I honestly thought it was a longer series the way she was digging in deep with the larger cast of characters and the complex situation of the main pair, but then it ended. So enough for a third more book, but not a whole book, maybe?