4.5

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Garth Treasure has claimed Clark as his bastard son in order to protect him, but Clark knows who his real father is. Ever since he stole a vial of what he thought was absinthe from an Army officer and drank it, he’s been able to see the dead. Not just see though, he can bring the recently deceased back. Clark hates this ability, but even worse, the Army is after him for the abilities he stole. His true father has appeared to him and beseeched Clark to seek out his inventions that Senator Horan has been using for his own ill-gotten gain and destroy them. Clark and Amethyst are doing just that, but the Senator’s reach is long and now the whole family is in danger because of him. Is there a way out from under a corrupt politician? Or are they all doomed?

Fast-paced and nail biting I couldn’t read this steampunk suspense quickly enough to satisfy and soothe my nerves. And I’m a pretty fast reader! I don’t now how many times I said, “Omg, someone just kill that guy (the Senator, his brother and/or Greenwood at various points in the book) already!” I hated them. They are wonderful villainous asshats. On the other hand, there’s Clark, the other Treasures and Amethyst. I loved Clark in book 1 and I still love him even though he’s sometimes really quick to use his gun to solve his problems. Wowzers. But it’s war. Not actual war, but a personal war of the Army and a corrupt asshole against Clark and the Treasures. The two people who I didn’t really like in book 1, Jeremiah and Amethyst, really grow in this book. They still have a few “we’re rich and therefore entitled” moments, but they’ve pulled their heads almost completely out of their asses and for the most part they are people I’d love to have as friends. This story has a satisfactory conclusion, but I wouldn’t say no to more books in this world. ( )

I got this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to reading this one. This was a fantastic continuation of the story started in the first book; I really enjoyed it. There is a ton of wonderful western steampunk action. This book wraps up the story started in the first book, but is sounds like there may be more adventures in the future for Clark and Amethyst.

Clark and Amethyst are traveling the countryside in an effort to find all of Clark’s father’s inventions and keep them out of the hands of the evil Senator Horan. However when Captain Greenwood can’t track down Clark he decides to go after the rest of the Treasure family in an effort to drive Clark out. With the army taking over their ranch the Treasure family ends up in exile. Clark is helping them survive but they deserve better than this and he wants to be the one to fix things. Of course Amethyst has a better idea and when she finds a vial of the same elixir that gave Clark his powers over death all bets are off.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s one of those perfect books that is an excellent balance of everything. There is excellent world-building, engaging characters, interesting magic, tons of action, and a wonderfully unpredictable plot.

I really loved spending more time with Clark and Amethyst; they are a great couple with a lot of pluck. We hear a lot more from Amethyst in this book. Over the course of the book she develops into a very daring and capable women, who is fierce yet still tender. We also spend more time getting to know the Treasure family and I really enjoyed that; they are an intriguing and resourceful family.

We get to spend a bit more time in that grey in-between world of death. Amethyst does not shy away from power over death like Clark does. Also the powers that Erik’s serum give over death are explored more and expanded...this was really interesting. I would love to see this explored more in future books.

The whole world has a very wild west feel to it, but there is also some interesting technology sprinkled throughout. There are a lot of interesting devices that were incredibly cool. I also really enjoyed all the shootouts and awesome action scenes.

The story is very engaging and easy to read; the dialogue is snappy and flows well. The story is tied up well, but I would love to see more about these characters in future book. I will be sad if this is the last book in the series and we don’t get to read any more about this world and characters!

Overall an absolutely wonderful western steampunk story. This book has it all; an excellent world, engaging characters, magic, action, and a twisty plot. I really loved it. I sincerely hope there are more books added to this series and that this isn’t the last one. I would recommend to those who like having some western feel to their action packed steampunk reads. ( )