Cindy Spencer Pape

This was a refreshingly well rounded short story with underpinnings of steampunk woven throughout. Despite being a companion novella to Steam and Sorcery, which I haven't read yet, Pape does a wonderful job keeping the story rooted in the here and now. Other then a few throw away comments to the adventures of Merrick and Caro (from the aforementioned book), there was no sense of confusion or as if I had missed something crucial.

Kendall and Amy were straight forward and far more sensible than show more most romantic couples I've encountered. Kendall acknowledged that Amy was the grand-niece of a highly influential man, but he didn't harp on about it. Amy, to her benefit, recognized that marriage was not in the cards for her, so why not just do what feels right? Before anything went on they calmly talked about consequences and such. Not terribly romantic, but I appreciated the fact that Pape didn't have them completely lose their heads. They were both practical people who thought things through. They didn't allow their attraction to rule their every breath.




While I guessed the nature of the curse, or at least what was causing it if not whom at first, I was taken back by the sudden change. In hindsight I could see that Pape gave plenty of clues leading up to the revelation, but I was so caught up in the romantic progression I paid the clues little mind.

Caro and the brood of children were funny and charming. They were all introduced in Steam and Sorcery, but the quick backstory didn't take much time. A few lines at most. I thought they were fun and am looking forward to a longer sojourn with them in their own novel.

The world intrigued me. Some of it is vague--historical events are referenced (though I couldn't tell you how accurately, British history isn't my forte), but there is very little said about the current time so there's no definitive way to contrast the alternate history vs. our own. There are plenty of mechanical wonders--from the steam powered tram to the dirigibles and the Sergent's own mechanical arm--but very little is said of the world itself. This could possibly be because its only meant as a companion to the larger novel (a sampling of what to expect) however and not a defect in the story itself. Mildly irritating, but not anything to worry over. show less

So many things that appeal to me here--really interesting child characters, bookish folks, steampunk goings-on, magic, romance, kindness, queerness at least a bit visible in a MC's sister who appears to be in a happy long-term romantic relationship with another woman--and yet the treatment of gender (feels gender essentialist and very binary), attraction, attractiveness (she removes her unneeded spectacles and behold they were hiding some of her extraordinary beauty!), and sexual pleasure show more (the sex scenes seem boring and not important to character or plot development to me, and keep referring to her "womb" as the big place she's feeling desire and pleasure?), as well as of the power dynamics between a governess who's been sexually harassed and assaulted by a string of employers and her ... employer ..., all feel a bit yuck to me. show less

The Book: Steam and Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape

The Particulars: Steampunk, Carina Press, available as e-book

Why was it in my TBR? I got this one from Netgalley. The cover caught my attention

The Review:

The blurb:
Sir Merrick Hadrian hunts monsters, both human and supernatural. A Knight of the Order of the Round Table, his use of magick and the technologies of steam power have made him both respected and feared. But his considerable skills are useless in the face of his greatest challenge, show more guardianship of five unusual children. At a loss, Merrick enlists the aid of a governess. Miss Caroline Bristol is reluctant to work for a bachelor but she needs a position, and these former street children touch her heart. While she tends to break any mechanical device she touches, it never occurs to her that she might be something more than human. All she knows is that Merrick is the most dangerously attractive man she’s ever met—and out of reach for a mere governess. When conspiracy threatens to blur the distinction between humans and monsters, Caroline and Merrick must join forces, and the fate of humanity hinges upon their combined skills of steam and sorcery…

My impressions:
I must admit, I am weak for romance novels were a strong woman meets a man with orphaned children. Toss in steampunk and magic, and I has too read it. This was one of the first ARCs I requested from NetGalley. And I am glad I did. Cindy Spencer Pape have created a fascinating world, that houses magic, tech and monsters. I liked that the world was nuanced, and that she didn’t hesitate to show the uglier sides. The uglier sides have affected the characters, and that also affect the plot. The steampunk elements were light, but important to the plot.
I fell in love with the characters. All of them, even Edwin Berry. The children were depicted as children and not mini adults. I liked the way Caroline handled them. But I especially liked the growing romance between Merrick and Caroline. Both of them are aware of their attraction, but determined to fight it.
The plot was fast paced, and sucked me in. The combination of plot, world and characters was good enough to make me ignore some of the less than subtle hints. But, it is a well written story, in a fascinating world. I am looking forward to the next book in the Series. show less

There was something just so utterly delightful about this book. I loved the steampunk, which I haven't read much of but I am definitely a fan. Then the author threw in other genres that I enjoy. This blending of vampyres, knights, some 1800 time period romance and shifters is so much fun. I love the spunky characters. The kids, the governess, the stodgy tutor and Lord Merrick himself are an interesting assortment of characters. I have never read anything by this author before but I think I show more will definitely read more. show less