A very satisfying sequel to a fantastically unique YA series that I hope to read more of. This series is my first encounter with steampunk and it definitely makes me a fan of this genre!

There were a few things that I missed from the first book. Like, what happened to Emily and Sam!!?! I feel like I hardly got to see them in this book. I get that they aren’t where the action is happening. But I so missed Sam being the big burly teddy bear and Emily showing everyone that there really is a heart in there. (And not just because she’s the one that put it there. No really she physically put his heart in there!)

And more importantly… where the heck was Dandy? I mean he sends some flowers and that was it!? I missed him!

Such an exciting addition to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens to these four next!

I think some of the problem with this series is that it wants to be X-Men but with a steampunk background. On the surface it seems to sort-of/maybe fit the mold cast by Charles Xavier and his motley crew: there are a bunch of mutated kids with special abilities like super strength and speed and healing, the ability to talk to machines, dual natures, etc. that all live together in a big mansion, owned by a family with a lot of money. But such a comparison starts to fall apart upon closer inspection - most aspects of this historical steampunk young-adult novel are rather run-of-the-mill and cliched, easy to find in slightly different forms all over the paranormal teen novel market.

We didn't we a formal review at the time, but we did a promo post "Daring" our readers to pick up the book.

This week, I’m daring you to read a book I’ve recently discovered myself. THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET by Kady Cross is without a doubt an interesting book that can’t be overlooked. As the first book of the Steampunk Chronicles, it starts off with quite a bang. Even thought this is the first full book of the series, a prequel called THE STRANGE CASE OF FINLEY JANE is also available and should probably be read first.

I’m not sure what I liked the most about the series but one thing’s for sure, both the characters and the steampunk setting are impressive. Finley Jane is such a great protagonist. Despite her mysterious abilities, she’s not overly confident. On the contrary, she’s simply trying to fit into a society that expects young women to be pretty, dull and submissive. However, when she gets the strange urges to use her abilities (superstrength and speed among them), she does the complete opposite of what society might expect—like punch a sleazy lord in the face. Since puberty, she’s been dealing with her ever increasing abilities and until the beginning of THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET, she thought she was the only one with strange abilities. So when she meets a gang a misfits that have their own special talents, the real adventures begins.

London 1897 is the setting of the book but it’s unlike the London we know today or back then. Automatons are everywhere, clockwork gadgets are being created daily and most importantly, the steampunk fashion is not to be missed.

If you’re a fan of the genre, this book will surely please. The only thing is, I feel guilty for recommending this series even if I haven’t read past book 1. However, since I enjoyed both the prequel and the first book so much, I’m sure the rest of the series is as entertaining as these two.

My interests have changed since I requested this book as I no longer primarily read YA. At this time, I won't reading or reviewing this title as it does not fit my current interests or the interests of followers of my blog/Instagram followers. Thank you.

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar picks up from where the last ended. Finley, Griffin and the gang are travelling to New York, in the hopes of rescuing their cowboy friend Jasper - though from what, the motley group do not know.

But politics, parties and rescue missions aren't the only thing on their minds.

Everyone has their own problems. Sam is trying his best to prove his trustworthiness to the gang, whilst Emily finds happiness in her love for Sam but still aches at the loss of Jasper. Finley is finally whole once more but the dark side seems more inviting than ever and Griffin...well, he doesn't know what to do about his growing love for Finley. Or his growing connection to the Aether.

Both of which could prove dangerous not only to the gang but to the mission ahead.

Old friends resurface...including the roguish Jack Dandy. But friends are not the only ones to make an appearance, as old enemies lie in wait, eager to exact their revenge.

Join Finley, Griffin and the rest on the steampunk adventure of a lifetime, today!


My thoughts on the book:

The setting, the world that Kady Cross has created...it blows me away every time I enter it. The inventions, the fight scenes, the bas-ass girls, the ballgowns and the raw human emotions create a world I want so badly to live in.

Jack reminds me of George from the Lioness books by Tamora Pierce...it could be the "love" and "lass" thing, he always does!

Griffin's so green-eyed about Jack's friendship with Finley, it's hilarious how blind he is to Finley's feelings.

Unlike some other books, the bringing in of new characters - such as Dalton and Mei - has not stopped the machine rolling, so to speak. Rather it has created a fast-paced, detailed, highly enjoyable adventure that rivals Girl in the Steel Corset and makes me long for what is to come.

And I'm sure, whatever it is, will be great!

I have loved this whole series, it's probably why all of them are on my actual bookshelf. This one is my least favorite but that's not saying much because it's still an amazing book. The writing is just perfection as well as the plot.

Requested and read this book back in 2012 but never got around to posting review on blog and now don't recall it enough to leave an accurate review.

Beware, for I love steampunk. It's the best genre there is, but it's a challenge for any author to hit the right note with their readers. Meljean Brook is my go-to, but she writes adult titles, and I'm constantly thinking of YA titles in the genre that fit the bill.

I enjoyed "The Girl in the Steel Corset" (the first of this series), and it managed to introduce the reader to the world Kady Cross created, as well as the characters inhabitating it. The Girl in the Clockwork Collar starts off where its prequel had finished, which is really great for people who are able to read these titles back to back, and didn't get me too strain anything when I tried to remember. (There's enough exposition that reminds the reader of the smaller details, IMO)

I'm not going to get into the story too much because I know a lot of my readers here haven't read the first title in the series. It's a very good series overall, though this second book wasn't quite as "tense" as the first. I always measure YA titles by whether I'd buy them for my sister, and this one gets a 50:50, mainly because Cross doesn't rely as heavily on her world-building as I personally'd prefer she did. (Steampunk is just that kind of genre! Authors, please!!)

Alas, read an excerpt, enjoy the ride, et cetera. ;)

Kady Cross has such a great way with words. Her characters are adventurous, lovable, and above all, witty. The Girl in the Clockwork Collar is such a grand adventure. I didn't want to put it down!

*I never got around to reading and reviewing this book. I may do so in the future*