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A Slipper in the Smoke
All Elena wants to do is escape her tyrannical stepmother and return to her beloved Navarra. Meeting a handsome stranger from the palace offers her a chance at happiness, but everything is thrown into jeopardy when she runs into a rebel by the name of Snowdrop.
Elena finds herself embroiled in an assassination attempt against a hapless prince. If she doesn’t assist the Rebellion, the Mechanical Kingdoms could be plunged into a civil war.
And yet, if the Rebellion is to succeed, Elena will have to sacrifice everything she’s worked so hard to accomplish… and the man who has claimed her heart.
Elena finds herself embroiled in an assassination attempt against a hapless prince. If she doesn’t assist the Rebellion, the Mechanical Kingdoms could be plunged into a civil war.
And yet, if the Rebellion is to succeed, Elena will have to sacrifice everything she’s worked so hard to accomplish… and the man who has claimed her heart.
- GenresFairy Tale Retellings
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2023
5 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Macdonald
37 books463 followersKatherine "Kate" Macdonald writes the books she wishes she could have read more of as a teen—stories of fierce girls and gentle boys, of romance and adventure, and where the "three Cs" (chemistry, communication and consent) reign supreme. There may still be a little bit of miscommunication along the way as the characters grow as people, but she tries not to rely on that trope too much!
She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.
She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.
At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.
She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.
She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.
She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.
At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.
She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 26, 2023
The first Mechanical Kingdoms book was one of my favorites that I’ve read by Macdonald and the second book did not disappoint!
Taking the futuristic steampunk setting and mixing it in with the traditional tale of Cinderella, A Slipper in the Smoke is a wonderful read that I didn’t want to put down.
Macdonald writes with her usual gorgeous prose and her characters seem to jump off the pages. Pip was an absolute darling and the romance left me swooning.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! Kudos Macdonald on another wonderful story under your belt!
*I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest voluntary review.*
Taking the futuristic steampunk setting and mixing it in with the traditional tale of Cinderella, A Slipper in the Smoke is a wonderful read that I didn’t want to put down.
Macdonald writes with her usual gorgeous prose and her characters seem to jump off the pages. Pip was an absolute darling and the romance left me swooning.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! Kudos Macdonald on another wonderful story under your belt!
*I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest voluntary review.*
July 3, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
How is this series so good? Why it doesn’t get more attention, I will never understand. The first book, A Rose of Steel, is amazing but I think I may like this one better! And Cinderella has never been my favorite story but God, I love this!
Elena is a fun main character and I love the layers to her character. All the elements we know are still present—the kindness, the patience, but now, we have a character with determination and willpower that she keeps hidden under a layer of femininity. It’s a great character trait in that she is both strong yet feminine. I love the combo.
Pip, our Prince, is all kinds of marshmallowy goodness. I want to hug him the whole time. He can be a bit oblivious about things but it never comes across as stupidity. His good hearted nature is the heart of his character and I love it.
Snowdrop is a fun, sarcastic and driving character. You become ensnarled in her cause and learn to love her spunk, despite it being a bit overwhelming at times. You want to follow her and totally see why Elena is drawn to her.
I adore the setting of a bunch of steam punk kingdoms made of oil, metal and gears. It’s immensely creative and also makes characters who have seen beyond the kingdoms and can describe nature all the more endearing.
When’s the next book again?
How is this series so good? Why it doesn’t get more attention, I will never understand. The first book, A Rose of Steel, is amazing but I think I may like this one better! And Cinderella has never been my favorite story but God, I love this!
Elena is a fun main character and I love the layers to her character. All the elements we know are still present—the kindness, the patience, but now, we have a character with determination and willpower that she keeps hidden under a layer of femininity. It’s a great character trait in that she is both strong yet feminine. I love the combo.
Pip, our Prince, is all kinds of marshmallowy goodness. I want to hug him the whole time. He can be a bit oblivious about things but it never comes across as stupidity. His good hearted nature is the heart of his character and I love it.
Snowdrop is a fun, sarcastic and driving character. You become ensnarled in her cause and learn to love her spunk, despite it being a bit overwhelming at times. You want to follow her and totally see why Elena is drawn to her.
I adore the setting of a bunch of steam punk kingdoms made of oil, metal and gears. It’s immensely creative and also makes characters who have seen beyond the kingdoms and can describe nature all the more endearing.
When’s the next book again?
Read
April 30, 2023It's book baby number 20!
Apologies to the people that have been waiting so long for the second Mechanical Kingdoms story... and apologies that this doesn't continue Beau and Asami's tale---you'll have to wait a little long for that, although there may be a cameo ;)
"A Slipper in the Smoke" instead tells the story of Pip and Elena, two idiots in love. Elena is an engineer from Navarra living in Petragrad, desperate to return to her homeland. Pip, also known as Phillippe Alexander the Second, is the crown prince of Toulouse, summoned to Petragrad for a peace conference. When the two meet, there's an instant spark between them, but the course of true love never did run smooth, and with a war brewing and a planned assassination to foil, Pip and Elena will have to fight tooth and nail in they ever hope to be together.
This story features the closest I will ever come to insta love, but there's still plenty of internal conflict and dodging-around their feelings, and the customary banter you've come to expect from my work. The rebels, led by Snowdrop, also feature heavily in this story.
Although a direct continuation of "A Rose of Steel" it is possible to read this book first as different characters are at the centre---it just features spoilers for book 1, and book 3, A Clockwork Apple, will be hard to follow without having read both. You've been warned!
Apologies to the people that have been waiting so long for the second Mechanical Kingdoms story... and apologies that this doesn't continue Beau and Asami's tale---you'll have to wait a little long for that, although there may be a cameo ;)
"A Slipper in the Smoke" instead tells the story of Pip and Elena, two idiots in love. Elena is an engineer from Navarra living in Petragrad, desperate to return to her homeland. Pip, also known as Phillippe Alexander the Second, is the crown prince of Toulouse, summoned to Petragrad for a peace conference. When the two meet, there's an instant spark between them, but the course of true love never did run smooth, and with a war brewing and a planned assassination to foil, Pip and Elena will have to fight tooth and nail in they ever hope to be together.
This story features the closest I will ever come to insta love, but there's still plenty of internal conflict and dodging-around their feelings, and the customary banter you've come to expect from my work. The rebels, led by Snowdrop, also feature heavily in this story.
Although a direct continuation of "A Rose of Steel" it is possible to read this book first as different characters are at the centre---it just features spoilers for book 1, and book 3, A Clockwork Apple, will be hard to follow without having read both. You've been warned!
July 23, 2023
Such a beautiful and unique Cinderella retelling !
Cinderella was one of my favorite fairy tales when I was a kid, and Katherine Macdonald is one of my favorite authors, so I didn't think too much before diving into this new book. Actually I was so eager that I only realized after finishing it that it was the book 2 of a series haha. But no worries, A Slipper in the Smoke can be read first, and just like me, you can go and read book 1 after this one.
About the book. I felt like it was really short, but no, it's just that I read it very quickly haha. It was like watching a movie and getting lost into it until it's already the end, that's how A Slipper in the Smoke completely stole my attention. The plot is well-structured, the world-building is amazing, and the romance is oh-so-sweet, I loved it ! I loved everything about this book, and I can't wait to read what comes next ~
Cinderella was one of my favorite fairy tales when I was a kid, and Katherine Macdonald is one of my favorite authors, so I didn't think too much before diving into this new book. Actually I was so eager that I only realized after finishing it that it was the book 2 of a series haha. But no worries, A Slipper in the Smoke can be read first, and just like me, you can go and read book 1 after this one.
About the book. I felt like it was really short, but no, it's just that I read it very quickly haha. It was like watching a movie and getting lost into it until it's already the end, that's how A Slipper in the Smoke completely stole my attention. The plot is well-structured, the world-building is amazing, and the romance is oh-so-sweet, I loved it ! I loved everything about this book, and I can't wait to read what comes next ~
July 1, 2023
4.5 stars
Usually, the characters are Katherine Macdonald's strongest point. In this book, the characters are great, well developed and so loveable (and I do love them quite a lot!) but they don't stand out as particularly notable in comparasion with the plot and worldbuilding because they are also up there.
All the parts of this story are very strong and that made for a very enjoyable read!
The only negative point was that the ending was left a bit too open to my liking, but it is understandable that not everything was wrapped in this book, seeing that this is a series and not a standalone (although you could very well read this one first and not be utterly and irredeemably lost, you'll just want to read the next one as soon as possible after you finish this, and possibly go back and read the first book as well).
All in all, this was a great read and I want to go reread A Rose of Steel and get my hands on the next one in the series to start reading both as soon as I can. I'm also very curious to see the cover for Clockwork Apple because the two covers I've already seen are great and match so well with each other!
Of note: There is some explicit sexual content in this book. Those scenes are easily skipped without loosing context or part of the plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Usually, the characters are Katherine Macdonald's strongest point. In this book, the characters are great, well developed and so loveable (and I do love them quite a lot!) but they don't stand out as particularly notable in comparasion with the plot and worldbuilding because they are also up there.
All the parts of this story are very strong and that made for a very enjoyable read!
The only negative point was that the ending was left a bit too open to my liking, but it is understandable that not everything was wrapped in this book, seeing that this is a series and not a standalone (although you could very well read this one first and not be utterly and irredeemably lost, you'll just want to read the next one as soon as possible after you finish this, and possibly go back and read the first book as well).
All in all, this was a great read and I want to go reread A Rose of Steel and get my hands on the next one in the series to start reading both as soon as I can. I'm also very curious to see the cover for Clockwork Apple because the two covers I've already seen are great and match so well with each other!
Of note: There is some explicit sexual content in this book. Those scenes are easily skipped without loosing context or part of the plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2023
This is book 2 in The Mechanical Kingdoms Quartet; and has been long awaited by me, as I loved the first one and it was worth the wait.
The fairytale is not only transported into the Steampunk realm, it is changed to the degree that it is only loosely based on Cinderella, but still recognisable, with many beloved characters from the original Grimm’s tales as well as the Disney version transformed into new and exciting ones.
Once again Katherine blows me away with her world crafting, building is too crass a word, and her imaginative technology. The characters, their relationships and interactions are believable and compelling and the balance between action, drama and romance is well thought out and always moves at a good pace.
There are some passionate scenes, with just the right amount of spice, without being too explicit, but may be unsuitable for younger adult readers.
As for the story: Elena the main protagonist has had a rotten life, from a young age she discovered a talent for mechanical engineering and her stepmother exploits that talent, making her into the sole provider for the family after her father’s death. Elena’s faith and a plan to free herself from her domineering stepmother keep her going.
The Kingdom she lives in is ruled by a tyrannical Queen and there is a lot of unrest amongst the people. One of the rebels seeks refuge in her workshop and an unlikely friendship ensues, and when she is contracted to work in the palace her rebel friend enlists her to act as spy and agent.
Meanwhile she encounters servant boy Pip in the palace, who shows her kindness and generosity and a chance at love and happiness.
Unfortunately, the growing civil unrest, as well as threats from enemy Kingdoms throws everything into turmoil and Elena is forced to make some drastic life changing decisions.
I received this book as ARC copy from the author and am leaving this review of my own volition.
The fairytale is not only transported into the Steampunk realm, it is changed to the degree that it is only loosely based on Cinderella, but still recognisable, with many beloved characters from the original Grimm’s tales as well as the Disney version transformed into new and exciting ones.
Once again Katherine blows me away with her world crafting, building is too crass a word, and her imaginative technology. The characters, their relationships and interactions are believable and compelling and the balance between action, drama and romance is well thought out and always moves at a good pace.
There are some passionate scenes, with just the right amount of spice, without being too explicit, but may be unsuitable for younger adult readers.
As for the story: Elena the main protagonist has had a rotten life, from a young age she discovered a talent for mechanical engineering and her stepmother exploits that talent, making her into the sole provider for the family after her father’s death. Elena’s faith and a plan to free herself from her domineering stepmother keep her going.
The Kingdom she lives in is ruled by a tyrannical Queen and there is a lot of unrest amongst the people. One of the rebels seeks refuge in her workshop and an unlikely friendship ensues, and when she is contracted to work in the palace her rebel friend enlists her to act as spy and agent.
Meanwhile she encounters servant boy Pip in the palace, who shows her kindness and generosity and a chance at love and happiness.
Unfortunately, the growing civil unrest, as well as threats from enemy Kingdoms throws everything into turmoil and Elena is forced to make some drastic life changing decisions.
I received this book as ARC copy from the author and am leaving this review of my own volition.
July 28, 2023
Cinderella is one of my favorite fairytales of all time. It's hard to explain which part of the story speaks to me the most, but I guess it's partly the message that kindness is rewarded in the end. You don't have to be an asshole to get what you want. You don't have to hurt others for it. I was therefore really looking forward to this, especially because I fell in love with the world in the previous book. Luckily I could grab an arc via BookSprout.
This story was and has everything a Cinderella retelling should be. All the elements are there. Our heroine is orphaned and used by her stepfamily. She's unable to leave this toxic situation at this point. And yet she keeps on dreaming and hoping. She keeps on fighting. She keeps on trying to earn enough coin to make it out. And on top of that, despite everything, she still believes in being kind, no matter who's in front of her. And of course there's a special slipper.
Although the romance in this book was just as lovely as the Beauty and the Beast romance in the previous book, it also felt a little softer. Both characters involved had little experience with love and I like how there were therefore a lot of cute, innocent and sweet moments in this book. Which makes sense. Because not just the heroine is one of the kindest people in the world, her secret prince is surely one of them too.
I also really love the world the author has created! There is room for all the different fairytales to co-exist and the author managed to link them in the best way possible. The political system is really well thought out, while still fitting into the retelling aspect of the series, and then there's the science and steampunk part of the world. There are less horrible reveals in this book and yet it feels like the world did grow a little bigger and a little more layered.
I can't wait for the Snow White retelling to be released!
This story was and has everything a Cinderella retelling should be. All the elements are there. Our heroine is orphaned and used by her stepfamily. She's unable to leave this toxic situation at this point. And yet she keeps on dreaming and hoping. She keeps on fighting. She keeps on trying to earn enough coin to make it out. And on top of that, despite everything, she still believes in being kind, no matter who's in front of her. And of course there's a special slipper.
Although the romance in this book was just as lovely as the Beauty and the Beast romance in the previous book, it also felt a little softer. Both characters involved had little experience with love and I like how there were therefore a lot of cute, innocent and sweet moments in this book. Which makes sense. Because not just the heroine is one of the kindest people in the world, her secret prince is surely one of them too.
I also really love the world the author has created! There is room for all the different fairytales to co-exist and the author managed to link them in the best way possible. The political system is really well thought out, while still fitting into the retelling aspect of the series, and then there's the science and steampunk part of the world. There are less horrible reveals in this book and yet it feels like the world did grow a little bigger and a little more layered.
I can't wait for the Snow White retelling to be released!
July 25, 2023
A prison isn’t a coffin…
…but a passion can be an escape. Put on your thinking cap and come up with some ideas that would get you out of whatever rut you find yourself. Creatively, emotionally, financially, professionally, etc. Learn new information, try your hand at something different. Broaden your horizons and see just how huge your new world can be. And how wonderful you can make it…
Speaking of prisons, the author brought up a very valid point that I’ve never considered before:
Some civil wars are fought in the slums rather than on a battlefield.
Lack of basic resources takes some people completely off the playing field. No electricity, so no researching for homework or for jobs via the internet – if one even had a computer at home. Being bused in for school steals time away from employment that could help pay for the electricity and/or computer. Oh, but food first.
So, yeah. I can definitely agree with that point.
When you hear a nasty rumor that sounds too horrible to be true, believe in its possibility. People have ignored obvious warnings for too long far too many times and suffered the dire consequences. Don’t have to panic, but do keep your eyes and ears open.
Fave line (spoken like a true rebel!):
‘Nothing was ever accomplished without causing a stir.’
Not everybody needs to invent ‘something to fix the world’ – there are many ways in which we can improve our lot and for those of other people. It’s the little things, like this book’s gorgeous chapter openings…
…but a passion can be an escape. Put on your thinking cap and come up with some ideas that would get you out of whatever rut you find yourself. Creatively, emotionally, financially, professionally, etc. Learn new information, try your hand at something different. Broaden your horizons and see just how huge your new world can be. And how wonderful you can make it…
Speaking of prisons, the author brought up a very valid point that I’ve never considered before:
Some civil wars are fought in the slums rather than on a battlefield.
Lack of basic resources takes some people completely off the playing field. No electricity, so no researching for homework or for jobs via the internet – if one even had a computer at home. Being bused in for school steals time away from employment that could help pay for the electricity and/or computer. Oh, but food first.
So, yeah. I can definitely agree with that point.
When you hear a nasty rumor that sounds too horrible to be true, believe in its possibility. People have ignored obvious warnings for too long far too many times and suffered the dire consequences. Don’t have to panic, but do keep your eyes and ears open.
Fave line (spoken like a true rebel!):
‘Nothing was ever accomplished without causing a stir.’
Not everybody needs to invent ‘something to fix the world’ – there are many ways in which we can improve our lot and for those of other people. It’s the little things, like this book’s gorgeous chapter openings…
July 27, 2023
Since her Father died of the Black Death, Elena has been forced by her evil stepmother to provide for her and her 2 daughters. Elena does this by repairing mechanisms, while dreaming of being an engineer and going back to her hometown Naverra. When she gets a job by the Palace she grabs it in the hope it'll get her enough money to leave Petragrad for good. While working in the Palace she meets Pip, unbeknowst that he is the Prince Philipppe of Toulouse, and falls for him. When the rebellion finds out the Spartans want to kill Prince Philippe, they make a plan to kidnap him and save him from the enemies. Will Philippe and Elena work through their lies together or will this break them apart?
This is a cute cinderella story with a very evil stepmother. I really like the fact we get to know snowdrop a little more and that we see Asami and Beau back. And of course that we learn more what the government is trying to hide.
I totally recommend it. 4.5/5
Tropes:
- forbidden romance
- heroine × dude in distress
- forced proximity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a cute cinderella story with a very evil stepmother. I really like the fact we get to know snowdrop a little more and that we see Asami and Beau back. And of course that we learn more what the government is trying to hide.
I totally recommend it. 4.5/5
Tropes:
- forbidden romance
- heroine × dude in distress
- forced proximity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2023
I didn’t realize how much I missed this Steampunk world Katherine created and introduced us to in A Rose of Steel until I started reading this book! I’m anxiously awaiting the next part of that story. In the meantime, A Slipper in the Smoke was a great detour back into the world.
I genuinely don’t know how she does it, but Kate’s imagery and details have managed to paint this elaborate city in my brain. A dystopian world, I cringe and taste the grit as her characters walk through it and interact. It’s awesome!
Pip and Elena have the dynamic chemistry and playful interaction that we’ve all come to expect and love from Kate’s characters. While I enjoyed reading about them, I did feel they were missing a bit of fire and uniqueness.
The storyline moved along nicely to where I never felt bored or like it was unnecessarily drug out. Altogether, very enjoyable!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I genuinely don’t know how she does it, but Kate’s imagery and details have managed to paint this elaborate city in my brain. A dystopian world, I cringe and taste the grit as her characters walk through it and interact. It’s awesome!
Pip and Elena have the dynamic chemistry and playful interaction that we’ve all come to expect and love from Kate’s characters. While I enjoyed reading about them, I did feel they were missing a bit of fire and uniqueness.
The storyline moved along nicely to where I never felt bored or like it was unnecessarily drug out. Altogether, very enjoyable!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2023
Pip and Elena are wonderful characters to read about - both kind and caring, so lovely to see them find a friend and happiness with each other!
This book is not exactly book 2 of the series - more like a parallel to book 1. These are different main characters, but we do get a glimpse into where book 3 will take us in the epilogue when Beau and Asami and brought back into the fold. Can’t wait to see what these 4 do together in that final chapter!
A great read with an engaging set of characters and a richly developed world and plot. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so be aware you’ll want the final book as soon as it’s done!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is not exactly book 2 of the series - more like a parallel to book 1. These are different main characters, but we do get a glimpse into where book 3 will take us in the epilogue when Beau and Asami and brought back into the fold. Can’t wait to see what these 4 do together in that final chapter!
A great read with an engaging set of characters and a richly developed world and plot. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so be aware you’ll want the final book as soon as it’s done!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2023
A Slipper in the Smoke was a story I enjoyed as it uses elements of the classic Cinderella story to weave a highly engaging virtuoso performance of romance, intrigue, Steampunk and adventure into this second book of the Mechanical Kingdoms series.
With its engaging characters and vivid writing, a narrative soon unfolds spiced with rebellion and political subterfuge that will have readers immersed and riveted by its singular perfection as the tale of Elena who seeks to escape the life she currently lives and return to the happiness she once had brings her into a fate and complications therein that she could never have imagined.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With its engaging characters and vivid writing, a narrative soon unfolds spiced with rebellion and political subterfuge that will have readers immersed and riveted by its singular perfection as the tale of Elena who seeks to escape the life she currently lives and return to the happiness she once had brings her into a fate and complications therein that she could never have imagined.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2023
Fairy tales are timeless, and we are all familiar with them, so it's always interesting to see variations on the originals.
This is book two in the Mechanical Kingdoms quartet. It is a steampunk retelling of Cinderella, and it was a delight to read. I thought it was beautifully written, and it retained all the magic of the original story. It was a little bit sexier, perhaps, but still tasteful.
Towards the end, I noticed a connection with the first book, which I also enjoyed.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two in the Mechanical Kingdoms quartet. It is a steampunk retelling of Cinderella, and it was a delight to read. I thought it was beautifully written, and it retained all the magic of the original story. It was a little bit sexier, perhaps, but still tasteful.
Towards the end, I noticed a connection with the first book, which I also enjoyed.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2023
I loved book one so jumped at the chance to read book two and it did not disappoint! An exciting steampunk style Cinderella story with amazing world building and incredible characters and a storyline that grabs you hook, line and sinker. A well written, interwoven story of mystery, intrigue, romance and adventure as we follow Elena on her journey to escape her evil stepmother and return to the life she loves via a rebellion and an assassination attempt!! This absolutely captivated and enthralled me and I just could not put it down!
July 17, 2023
This is the second book in the series and it has all the main parts from the Cinderella story from the evil stepmother to the charming prince. The world building is beautiful as are the characters. I would suggest reading the first book first because there are some parts which connect with the first book and make some things more understandable. All in all the story was amazing and I just love reading the books from this author.
July 25, 2023
I have to say it’s always scary to read the second book in a series. This book delivers. Much like the first boom this unique adaptation of a classic story like Cinderella has been reimagined and made better in the steampunk world. I can’t believe how it ends and I’m so excited to read the next book!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2023
Interesting retelling of a classic fairy tale. There are several twists and turns in this story. Great characters help enhance the story and lead you on an adventure that will keep you reading until the end. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2023
Another great fairy tale type retelling from an author who takes the tales to new heights.
I loved the flow of the story and watching the characters grow and evolve. A great read that easily could be done in a couple days.
I also recommend her BATB retelling but I love everything BATB.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the flow of the story and watching the characters grow and evolve. A great read that easily could be done in a couple days.
I also recommend her BATB retelling but I love everything BATB.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2023
This is a steampunk take on the Cinderella story, which follows Elena and Pip. Elena has a plan to escape her 'home' but she is interrupted by Snowdrop. Meanwhile, Pip doesn't want the royal life. Elena and Pip are endearing characters to follow, their own agendas kept from each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2023
This is a very interesting take on the traditional Cinderella story. Lots of action and romance, with a twist of wicked stepmother thrown in. A definite page-turner, even if steampunk doesn't quite turn your key. Great character building and plot twisting, keeping the reader quite enthralled.
July 2, 2023
This book was so gripping I finished it in a matter of days.
The storyline was really strong work engaging accompanying characters.
5 stars. Would absolutely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The storyline was really strong work engaging accompanying characters.
5 stars. Would absolutely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2023
This book was so good! It was a twist on Cinderella that was to be frank, what the Cinderella tale needed. Full of action and spiked with some tortured romance and familial angst and you have an excellent read.
July 29, 2023
Elena dreams of one day saving up enough money to escape her evil stepmother and return home to Navarra, but life in Petragrad is not easy and with her stepmother taking most of her revenue for the family, that day is far off. But a job in the castle brings about some unique possibilities, least of which the job she was hired for. Meeting a well placed stranger offers a chance at love. And running into the rebel, Snowdrop, presents unique challenges as well.
I wasn’t sure how invested in the Mechanical Kingdoms I was until I read this book. This is a very unique Cinderella retelling and one that I enjoyed immensely. Elena was a really fun character, full of determination and will among the expected kindness and patience, and I loved her backstory. I loved that the stepsisters weren’t so much ‘evil’ as misguided by their mom. The Prince, Pip, is a really charming character and it was really nice to see some layers to his character, whereas in the classic movie he seems underdeveloped. Snowdrop is a really entertaining character full of snark and personality and really drives the plot of the series. I can’t wait for the next book and to see how the story progresses.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
I wasn’t sure how invested in the Mechanical Kingdoms I was until I read this book. This is a very unique Cinderella retelling and one that I enjoyed immensely. Elena was a really fun character, full of determination and will among the expected kindness and patience, and I loved her backstory. I loved that the stepsisters weren’t so much ‘evil’ as misguided by their mom. The Prince, Pip, is a really charming character and it was really nice to see some layers to his character, whereas in the classic movie he seems underdeveloped. Snowdrop is a really entertaining character full of snark and personality and really drives the plot of the series. I can’t wait for the next book and to see how the story progresses.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
August 14, 2023
This is Book 2 of the series. A retelling of Cinderella. It is written well. I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were great. I can't wait to read more of this series and more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2023
This series keeps getting better and better, moving to another fairytale we follow Snowdrop and her adventure in this mechanical haven! I cannot wait to see what follows this!!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2023
I've been waiting anxiously for the next book after reading A rose of steel and this book did not disappoint. I loved it! I can't wait for the next book.
December 15, 2025
Finished it in less than a day: that is how good this is! I do not know how, but Ms. Macdonald continues to outdo herself with every novel she writes.
I love Cinderella retellings, and this one outshines every other one I have read. The plot was fast-paced but has enough detail to evoke an emotional investment in the characters. I greatly appreciate that she introduced new characters for us to love while also including updates on those from A Rose of Steel.
The writing, as with her other works, draws you in and does not let you go until the very end. Even then, I certainly have a "book hangover" from this lovely story. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series (just wish it came out sooner than 2024!)
P.S Congratulations, Ms. Macdonald on your 20th novel!!
I love Cinderella retellings, and this one outshines every other one I have read. The plot was fast-paced but has enough detail to evoke an emotional investment in the characters. I greatly appreciate that she introduced new characters for us to love while also including updates on those from A Rose of Steel.
The writing, as with her other works, draws you in and does not let you go until the very end. Even then, I certainly have a "book hangover" from this lovely story. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series (just wish it came out sooner than 2024!)
P.S Congratulations, Ms. Macdonald on your 20th novel!!
December 21, 2025
I loved this book. It works as a standalone but I read a Rose of Steel earlier this week which was also great and I enjoyed seeing some of the characters again. Despite knowing the story of Cinderella this book built tension well, I couldn’t put it down. Pip and Ella are lovely and I love the idea that kindness is a quality that attracts. The world building as in a Rose of Steel was excellent. I highly recommended this and plan to read all the authors other books whilst I await the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2024
How much can you take before you snap? Sometimes it is just knowing you have an out. Love that we get to see more than just one "princess" in one book! Cannot wait to find out what happens with Elena next and hope we get to hear Snowdrops story soon!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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