Not for me unfortunately - I couldn't get past the first chapter. Remembered I never left a review here. It's been a while since I read it so my review isn't going to help very much! I haven't been on my Netgalley in years.

One of the very best steampunk novels I have read. I love the author's ability to seamlessly blend together so many genres, from historical fiction to love story, to horror, and science fiction. This is an innovative and enchanting book.
The setting is the Lincolnshire Fens, where Eliza's father is a retro futuristic Doctor Frankenstein figure. The hero is Oddie, a stoker, the most lusted-after man in Lincoln. Together they will face witchcraft and wizardry and the forces of nature will come together to create dark magic.
This is a compelling dark fantasy with extraordinary and unforgettable characters.

The premise of this book really sold it to me and to start with I was really enjoying the story. But 3/4 of the way through I lost my way as the book took a turn that I wasn't expecting and it completely changed the story for me.

I loved Oddie's character, but the others I took an instant dislike to, when I neared the end it became evident why.

It's certainly intriguing and compelling, and the final few chapters certainly made up for everything!

Many thanks to Kaleidoscopic Tours for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5)

I really liked the sound of the premise but unfortunately it just didn't live up to expectations amd was quite predictable at times

A romance about a helpless girl whose father turns on her for the sake of prestige. She is smitten with the Stoker- a man who shovels coal. And he has also noticed her.

For lovers of Romance who want a bit of fantasy.

In an age of revolution, revolt and reinvention, Leon Odling is reduced to stoking coal in a fiery hellhole. His troubles are doubled when he encounters the Governor’s enchanting, wilful daughter.

For her part, Eliza Elvidge is smitten with the stoker. She must have him whatever the cost.

Drawn into a sinister world of lost boys and subversive science, neither could have known how high a price must be paid. By them both.

This had an ok premise, but just didn’t deliver. Too much predictability, choppy/disjointed scenes, and the immature quality of the writing made this read like fan fiction. I found myself rolling my eyes at the annoying silliness of the characters and many scenarios.

I was immediately hooked. A fast paced, effortlessly quick read where the pages just turned themselves and I was engaged throughout, mission accomplished.

This was a gothic, dark and sisniter read that I couldn't put down. The story was compelling and the characters were interesting and engaging. I really enjoyed it.