Someone else mentioned that the characters are somewhat wishy washy and that the action is a bit unbelievable and they were right. The writing was okay, but it could have be better.

This is a true steampunk novel and not just an afterthought to lure readers into a false sense of satisfaction, only to let them down in the end. I loved the gyrocopters and dirigibles of course. I loved the mixture of Vampires (Nightwalkers), Warlocks, Light and Shadow and the fact that Elle is the girl who casts no shadows and is destined to hold the realms of Light and Shadow together. Obviously, since I’ve already read the second book in the series, I intend to continue reading Elle’s adventures and see what kind of mischief she can get into next.

This was an entertaining read. I wouldn't fully call it steampunk but it has steampunk tendencies. The surprise twist was one I didn't see coming but it was well done. I also was surprised with the vampires. I'm not sure why I didn't expect that, but I didn't.

I'm sorry I was not able to read and review this book before it was archived due to serious health issues.

Did I chose this book for the title? Absolutely, yes. Was it worth it? Also yes. It was honestly surprising how fun this was, especially for a debut that mixes urban fantasy, romance, and steampunk in a way I honestly usually don't love. Worth it for a quick fun read.

"LEAVE IT TO CHANCE. Eleanor “Elle” Chance, that is—the intrepid heroine of this edgy new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy, historical adventure, and paranormal romance into pure storytelling gold.

In a Golden Age where spark reactors power the airways, and creatures of Light and Shadow walk openly among us, a deadly game of Alchemists and Warlocks has begun.

When an unusual cargo drags airship-pilot Elle Chance into the affairs of the mysterious Mr. Marsh, she must confront her destiny and do everything in her power to stop the Alchemists from unleashing a magical apocalypse.

Discover the thrilling new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy and paranormal romance into pure storytelling gold."

This looks like it's going to be a big spending week at the bookstore!

I love this sort of fantasy novel: a slightly historical setting, lots of steampunk creations, and a female lead who knows what she wants from life and won't let the fact that she's a woman stop her. The book begins with Elle in Paris, meeting a contact who gives her a mysterious package to take back to England. Unfortunately, she's attacked before she can leave Paris, and this kicks off a journey where she and the enigmatic Mr Marsh are chased to her Cambridge home, then across Europe, to Constantinople.

The chase added a sense of urgency to the book, which I think might have lacked a little otherwise. Although there is a deadline driving the bad guys, our good guys are just trying to keep one step ahead of the danger. In a lot of places, then, Elle is forced into action because of outside factors, rather than her own drive. The events of A Conspiracy of Alchemists affect her a lot, however, so I'm optimistic that she'll be different in the rest of the trilogy.

The descriptions of the settings and scenery around our main characters are very well done. Liesel Schwarz brings Paris, Venice and Constantinople to life. I hope book two has as much traveling for Elle, because I'd really like to see what else Ms Schwarz can conjure up for the reader.

Overall, this was a great book. The plot carried me along, I feared for the characters' safety, despaired over some of their decisions, and cheered at their successes. I love the world Liesel Schwarz has created, and I found it a lot of fun to read this book as well. It's not written to be funny, as Gail Carriger's books are, but there is a certain sarcasm to some of the interactions which made it very entertaining. I really enjoyed the book, and I'm looking forward to the sequel when I can get a copy. I'm giving this one 7/10.

Wonderful setting! The characters are all very interesting and the plot and steampunk elements kept me hooked! Love this series.

No rating or review. The story was just not my cup of tea. DNF.