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Magnificent Devices #6
A Lady of Spirit
You can choose your friends, but you cannot choose your family … or can you?
Under normal circumstances, Maggie and Lizzie would be delighted to meet their long-lost relatives and be reunited with those who had believed them dead, but when are the Mopsies’ circumstances ever to be considered normal? With her half-brother Claude Seacombe, Lizzie travels to Cornwall to meet her mother’s parents. Maggie goes along, too, since she is part of the family … or so one might assume. But the more time she spends in her grandparents’ clifftop mansion, the more she realizes that something is not right, and the events surrounding her own mother’s death are more mysterious—and dangerous—than anyone alive suspects.
For an old nemesis is preying on the weak and proud, and no matter how well dressed or well educated a young lady might be, she cannot stand by and watch evil destroy a beloved cousin’s future. Maggie must straighten her spine and plunge into danger for Lizzie’s sake … and prove that no matter the name she bears, she is first and foremost what the Lady of Devices believes her to be … a lady of spirit.
Under normal circumstances, Maggie and Lizzie would be delighted to meet their long-lost relatives and be reunited with those who had believed them dead, but when are the Mopsies’ circumstances ever to be considered normal? With her half-brother Claude Seacombe, Lizzie travels to Cornwall to meet her mother’s parents. Maggie goes along, too, since she is part of the family … or so one might assume. But the more time she spends in her grandparents’ clifftop mansion, the more she realizes that something is not right, and the events surrounding her own mother’s death are more mysterious—and dangerous—than anyone alive suspects.
For an old nemesis is preying on the weak and proud, and no matter how well dressed or well educated a young lady might be, she cannot stand by and watch evil destroy a beloved cousin’s future. Maggie must straighten her spine and plunge into danger for Lizzie’s sake … and prove that no matter the name she bears, she is first and foremost what the Lady of Devices believes her to be … a lady of spirit.
311 pages, ebook
First published April 28, 2014
62 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Adina
91 books628 followersShelley Adina is the author of 24 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, and Hachette, and a dozen more published by Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk and contemporary romance as Shelley Adina, and as Adina Senft, writes Amish women’s fiction. She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where she teaches as adjunct faculty. She won RWA’s RITA Award® in 2005, and was a finalist in 2006. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or hanging out in the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 6, 2019
In book 6, Maggie and Lizzie meet their grandparents who are none too friendly and treat Maggie like she's dirt. Maggie also meets a new friend, who turns out to be a cousin and as events play out she learns the rest of her true history and parentage. Her and Lizzie also find out that their grandparents are involved in illegal affairs that leads Maggie to foil a plot by a group of revolutionaries intent on reclaiming the throne they held hundreds of years ago.
I didn't care one fig for Maggie & Lizzie's rude, uncaring grandparents but I thought the rest of the book was a lot of fun. I'm happy that Maggie finally found out about her parents. So happy for Andrew Melvern too. I've always like him and I can't wait to see how this turn of events play out in the next book.
I didn't care one fig for Maggie & Lizzie's rude, uncaring grandparents but I thought the rest of the book was a lot of fun. I'm happy that Maggie finally found out about her parents. So happy for Andrew Melvern too. I've always like him and I can't wait to see how this turn of events play out in the next book.
March 2, 2017
This is another installment that's missing the energy of the initial series with Claire as the main character. I honestly wish we just had more of Claire's adventures instead of jumping to Lizzie and Maggie. The portions that show her point of view are still my favorites, and there aren't enough of them.
There was so much setup to this one, much more to do with Maggie trying to fit into her determined place in society than anything else. With a couple of grandparents refusing to acknowledge her because she wasn't legitimate, this was a drag. There was also a distinct lack of adventure or steampunk until at least 60%. (Reference title.) Not cool. Luckily it did kick in, though, and when it did, it was fun, reminding me of why I am reading the series in the first place. It was enough to salvage a 3 star rating. Now if only it had started out that way.
There was so much setup to this one, much more to do with Maggie trying to fit into her determined place in society than anything else. With a couple of grandparents refusing to acknowledge her because she wasn't legitimate, this was a drag. There was also a distinct lack of adventure or steampunk until at least 60%. (Reference title.) Not cool. Luckily it did kick in, though, and when it did, it was fun, reminding me of why I am reading the series in the first place. It was enough to salvage a 3 star rating. Now if only it had started out that way.
March 10, 2020
I listened to this in audio and enjoyed the narration. I also like where the series is going in the lives of all the main characters. The last book was told primarily from the POV of Lizzie, one of the Mopsies, now 16-years old (a jump in about 6 years from book 4). This book was told primarily from the POV of Maggie, the other Mopsie. Both of the Mopsies have always been brave, determined, and smart, doing things most adults would never do, let alone 10-year olds. In this book Maggie continues to be brave, smart, and "spirited" (hah!), but she's also trying to figure out her true background.
There are adventures a-plenty in this book, but also some major changes for a number of the characters. I'm completely addicted to this series and can't wait to start the next. This is a B+ for me.
If you like steampunk, this is a great series to dip into, but definitely start at the beginning, not here. The series has to be read in order.
There are adventures a-plenty in this book, but also some major changes for a number of the characters. I'm completely addicted to this series and can't wait to start the next. This is a B+ for me.
If you like steampunk, this is a great series to dip into, but definitely start at the beginning, not here. The series has to be read in order.
July 13, 2014
Lizzie found a whole new family in the last book – which came with the revelation that Maggie was her cousin and not her sister. Now Lizzie has grandparents, a brother and a family name to become familiar with, all accepting her with open arms.
And where does that leave Maggie? Well, the illegitimate daughter is not nearly so welcome nor as sure as her place in the world and certainly not in the family. The rift between her and her sister/cousin yawns ever wider and even Lady Claire can’t fix this.
With all this family drama going on, the last thing Maggie needs to get wrapped up in is foiling a plot to invade Britain and overthrow the crown and government!
The last book was very much Lizzie’s book with her discovering who she was, dealing with her insecurities and doubts even while Maggie seemed to be more confident and focused. This book is Maggie’s book and it’s now her turn for considerable insecurity while Lizzie has the confidence and focus – but in a very different way.
Lizzie was insecure about who and what she wanted to be, how to be a lady, which role model to follow, who she aspires to be. Maggie doesn’t have those doubts, she has a fairly strong idea of what she wants to be and seems inclined to follow Lady Claire’s example. But she is insecure about who she is – after all, both she and Lizzie were revealed to be cousins, not sisters and that was the defining element of their identity. They were the Mopsies… what are they now? They could have continued as the Mopsies, probably, if it weren’t for Lizzie gaining a family – she found her father, she found a brother and, now, she finds grandparents, a family, and a good family name of considerable importance (so very important in the Victorian setting). Yet all of that is denied Maggie with her unknown father, her semi-disgraced mother and her viciously disapproving grandparents. All of these people deny Maggie, but in some ways they’re even cruelly by their deep acceptance of Lizzie – because that separates them. The Mopsies, treated as a whole for so long, are now being treated separately, which can only further damage Maggie’s sense of self and identity.
All of these together really work for Maggie, drawing on the last book and bringing all these pressures at once to make it a far more nuanced and complicated depiction beyond the simplistic “my grandparents hate me because I’m illegitimate” – there are so many more layers than that. And those layers define the rest of Maggie’s actions (her desperate need to find out who her father was and which of the competing tales are true) that wouldn’t make sense unless we take
I think there’s a small element of the patriarchy of the times in some ways with the fact Maggie looked to her absent father for identity more than her dead mother – but I think it has far more to do with her mother’s family (and that much valued family name) being thoroughly closed to Maggie by her grandparents’ hostility. It became less about valuing her father as grasping the only avenue of identity left open to her. Again, the layers in the story and the echoes of the last book really work together to add more depth to Maggie’s character.
I really like how the Mopsies are both very similar, having grown up together and been so inseparable, yet at the same time they are individuals with their own character and personalities.
Though she’s not the main character in these last books, I also like how Lady Claire has developed. She is brimming with confidence and security in her position, aware of her authority and willing to use all of it without flinching. In a way it shows why Claire isn’t the protagonist any more, because while her story will continue, her main arc is completed in her own excellent growth. I like how Maggie and Lizzie still look at Claire as an amazing authority and power who can do nearly anything – while still not relying on her. I also like how Claire simply cannot rescue them from every situation. Again, an excellent layered depiction.
The main plot beyond the character development is fun, exciting with lots of courage and ducking and dodging and intelligence – though I think it did come a little out of nowhere. There’s a small feel of Maggie and her grandparents being the main plot and then a sudden feeling of “damn, that’s not enough to keep the book going, we need something meatier!” so we had the invasion plot line added in. It was still fun though and Maggie got the chance to be awesome in a story that pretty much worked and only relied a little on amazing protagonist luck. I think it was necessary to keep the series exciting and swashbuckling and Steampunky and not let it change into Victorian Relationship Drama; we needed the excitement, the machines, the daring escapes and adventure to keep the theme and feel of the books. And, hopefully, to set up a lot more plotting for the future because this meta is going to be fun!
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And where does that leave Maggie? Well, the illegitimate daughter is not nearly so welcome nor as sure as her place in the world and certainly not in the family. The rift between her and her sister/cousin yawns ever wider and even Lady Claire can’t fix this.
With all this family drama going on, the last thing Maggie needs to get wrapped up in is foiling a plot to invade Britain and overthrow the crown and government!
The last book was very much Lizzie’s book with her discovering who she was, dealing with her insecurities and doubts even while Maggie seemed to be more confident and focused. This book is Maggie’s book and it’s now her turn for considerable insecurity while Lizzie has the confidence and focus – but in a very different way.
Lizzie was insecure about who and what she wanted to be, how to be a lady, which role model to follow, who she aspires to be. Maggie doesn’t have those doubts, she has a fairly strong idea of what she wants to be and seems inclined to follow Lady Claire’s example. But she is insecure about who she is – after all, both she and Lizzie were revealed to be cousins, not sisters and that was the defining element of their identity. They were the Mopsies… what are they now? They could have continued as the Mopsies, probably, if it weren’t for Lizzie gaining a family – she found her father, she found a brother and, now, she finds grandparents, a family, and a good family name of considerable importance (so very important in the Victorian setting). Yet all of that is denied Maggie with her unknown father, her semi-disgraced mother and her viciously disapproving grandparents. All of these people deny Maggie, but in some ways they’re even cruelly by their deep acceptance of Lizzie – because that separates them. The Mopsies, treated as a whole for so long, are now being treated separately, which can only further damage Maggie’s sense of self and identity.
All of these together really work for Maggie, drawing on the last book and bringing all these pressures at once to make it a far more nuanced and complicated depiction beyond the simplistic “my grandparents hate me because I’m illegitimate” – there are so many more layers than that. And those layers define the rest of Maggie’s actions (her desperate need to find out who her father was and which of the competing tales are true) that wouldn’t make sense unless we take
I think there’s a small element of the patriarchy of the times in some ways with the fact Maggie looked to her absent father for identity more than her dead mother – but I think it has far more to do with her mother’s family (and that much valued family name) being thoroughly closed to Maggie by her grandparents’ hostility. It became less about valuing her father as grasping the only avenue of identity left open to her. Again, the layers in the story and the echoes of the last book really work together to add more depth to Maggie’s character.
I really like how the Mopsies are both very similar, having grown up together and been so inseparable, yet at the same time they are individuals with their own character and personalities.
Though she’s not the main character in these last books, I also like how Lady Claire has developed. She is brimming with confidence and security in her position, aware of her authority and willing to use all of it without flinching. In a way it shows why Claire isn’t the protagonist any more, because while her story will continue, her main arc is completed in her own excellent growth. I like how Maggie and Lizzie still look at Claire as an amazing authority and power who can do nearly anything – while still not relying on her. I also like how Claire simply cannot rescue them from every situation. Again, an excellent layered depiction.
The main plot beyond the character development is fun, exciting with lots of courage and ducking and dodging and intelligence – though I think it did come a little out of nowhere. There’s a small feel of Maggie and her grandparents being the main plot and then a sudden feeling of “damn, that’s not enough to keep the book going, we need something meatier!” so we had the invasion plot line added in. It was still fun though and Maggie got the chance to be awesome in a story that pretty much worked and only relied a little on amazing protagonist luck. I think it was necessary to keep the series exciting and swashbuckling and Steampunky and not let it change into Victorian Relationship Drama; we needed the excitement, the machines, the daring escapes and adventure to keep the theme and feel of the books. And, hopefully, to set up a lot more plotting for the future because this meta is going to be fun!
Read More
November 11, 2014
I hesitate to call the previous two books of Shelley Adina’s Her Own Devices series as disappointments, because although they don’t quite reach the levels of awesome from the first three books and I disliked the plot elements, they’re still good books. But I was a little wary going into A Lady of Spirit, and finally getting Maggie’s perspective of things. And although this feels like a retread of the previous book on the surface—Lizzie and Maggie continuing to find out their family history—this worked a lot better for me than A Lady of Resources did.
For starters, this is the first time that we’ve really gone back to Victorian society in these books since Lady of Devices. It’s been in the background throughout the whole series, but it’s never really observed or criticized beyond “Oh, Lady Claire (and later Lizzie and Maggie) isn’t like those other girls” (which very quickly got shunted away, thank God). So to have Maggie meet the Seacombes and see the way that they treat her makes complete and total sense to me. It makes sense that they would be quick to defend Charles de Maupassant despite being a traitor, because he did right by their daughter, and go out of their way to blackball the Polgrath family. (If there’s any quibble I have about the reveal of Maggie’s parentage, the VERY CONVENIENT reveal that she is the granddaughter of Claire’s poultryman. I don’t hate it, but I really want the theme of “Family is who you choose to be it” to really come across and not end up as OMG WE’RE ACTUALLY RELATED. It’s a minor plot revelation but still.) I think Adina actually portrays the Seacombes’ out of touch nature admirably well, rather than just saying that they don’t like modern technology and leaving it at that.
A Lady of Spirit also puts A Lady of Resources in a really interesting perspective. The one thing that I’ve really enjoyed throughout the entire series is Lizzie and Maggie’s characterizations and growth as they’ve grown up, and that they’re both plagued by the same fears and doubts. I loved that Maggie is so afraid of losing the only family she’s known not because of any major antagonistic forces, but because Lizzie’s ‘meant’ to be in society and has expectations. And going back, and seeing that Lizzie has similar fears about Maggie moving away from her is really undercut as well—it’s such a subtle direction in character development that I really enjoyed. I also really liked that both girls have their own reasons for feeling out of place in society—Lizzie feeling like she doesn’t live up to everyone’s expectations of her, and Maggie preferring simple country life. I also loved how this really highlights Maggie’s talents of mimicry and how she uses it to infiltrate the Kingmaker. (Plus the fact that the plot revolves around Lord Meriweather-Astor’s second attempt at trying to overthrow Queen Victoria. I have to give Adina points for not wasting villains or foiled plots for future books. (Unless this means James Selwyn hasn’t been dead all these years. That, I might not like as much.))
I also really enjoyed the supporting cast here more. Claude’s really grown on me since the last book; yes, he’s an irresponsible cad, but he’s a lovable irresponsible cad. I wanted a little more to do with Michael Polgrath and the rest of Maggie’s family, but that might be saved for a future book in the series. I also really liked the romantic developments, specifically Lizzie/Tigg. (Oh please let us have a book about Tigg. I really want to see his perspective on things.) And Andrew’s entire attempt to get somebody’s permission to finally marry Claire. I do like that Claire’s love quadrangles have finally been solved at this point.
While the plot’s pretty straightforward and not as exciting as some of the earlier books, I do like this as a character study for Maggie, and I was just happy with this one overall. It would be easy to say that there’s really no need to continue the series beyond this point, but I am interested in seeing what happens next. (And according to the epilogue letter, it is the return of Alice Chalmers! Hopefully her awesomeness has returned as well!)
For starters, this is the first time that we’ve really gone back to Victorian society in these books since Lady of Devices. It’s been in the background throughout the whole series, but it’s never really observed or criticized beyond “Oh, Lady Claire (and later Lizzie and Maggie) isn’t like those other girls” (which very quickly got shunted away, thank God). So to have Maggie meet the Seacombes and see the way that they treat her makes complete and total sense to me. It makes sense that they would be quick to defend Charles de Maupassant despite being a traitor, because he did right by their daughter, and go out of their way to blackball the Polgrath family. (If there’s any quibble I have about the reveal of Maggie’s parentage, the VERY CONVENIENT reveal that she is the granddaughter of Claire’s poultryman. I don’t hate it, but I really want the theme of “Family is who you choose to be it” to really come across and not end up as OMG WE’RE ACTUALLY RELATED. It’s a minor plot revelation but still.) I think Adina actually portrays the Seacombes’ out of touch nature admirably well, rather than just saying that they don’t like modern technology and leaving it at that.
A Lady of Spirit also puts A Lady of Resources in a really interesting perspective. The one thing that I’ve really enjoyed throughout the entire series is Lizzie and Maggie’s characterizations and growth as they’ve grown up, and that they’re both plagued by the same fears and doubts. I loved that Maggie is so afraid of losing the only family she’s known not because of any major antagonistic forces, but because Lizzie’s ‘meant’ to be in society and has expectations. And going back, and seeing that Lizzie has similar fears about Maggie moving away from her is really undercut as well—it’s such a subtle direction in character development that I really enjoyed. I also really liked that both girls have their own reasons for feeling out of place in society—Lizzie feeling like she doesn’t live up to everyone’s expectations of her, and Maggie preferring simple country life. I also loved how this really highlights Maggie’s talents of mimicry and how she uses it to infiltrate the Kingmaker. (Plus the fact that the plot revolves around Lord Meriweather-Astor’s second attempt at trying to overthrow Queen Victoria. I have to give Adina points for not wasting villains or foiled plots for future books. (Unless this means James Selwyn hasn’t been dead all these years. That, I might not like as much.))
I also really enjoyed the supporting cast here more. Claude’s really grown on me since the last book; yes, he’s an irresponsible cad, but he’s a lovable irresponsible cad. I wanted a little more to do with Michael Polgrath and the rest of Maggie’s family, but that might be saved for a future book in the series. I also really liked the romantic developments, specifically Lizzie/Tigg. (Oh please let us have a book about Tigg. I really want to see his perspective on things.) And Andrew’s entire attempt to get somebody’s permission to finally marry Claire. I do like that Claire’s love quadrangles have finally been solved at this point.
While the plot’s pretty straightforward and not as exciting as some of the earlier books, I do like this as a character study for Maggie, and I was just happy with this one overall. It would be easy to say that there’s really no need to continue the series beyond this point, but I am interested in seeing what happens next. (And according to the epilogue letter, it is the return of Alice Chalmers! Hopefully her awesomeness has returned as well!)
February 4, 2022
I loved the first 4/5 books and was excited to dig into the rest! I just can't get past the excessive outfit descriptions and awkward "English" manner. It's all a little too...much for me. The concepts are fantastic and it sounded great but since I only have the audiobooks to get these stories for the next 10 books (which makes it harder to skip over paragraphs of description and introspection I find a nuisance), I can't get through it. It's ok: reading all the descriptions for all the books makes me feel like I've read all the books anyways so certain curiosities are satisfied!
I'll miss the experience of the first few books though!
*Edit*
I missed the characters...and I think that's what will get me to finish the series. I liked the people and world this author created, even if I stand by everything I said in this review about the awkwa speech. (Gives me Sir Percy Blackeney acting a fool vibes) But the action really gets you in the middle... So I'll be continuing...
I'll miss the experience of the first few books though!
*Edit*
I missed the characters...and I think that's what will get me to finish the series. I liked the people and world this author created, even if I stand by everything I said in this review about the awkwa speech. (Gives me Sir Percy Blackeney acting a fool vibes) But the action really gets you in the middle... So I'll be continuing...
December 27, 2023
Hjertevarm, sjov og spændende
May 15, 2014
There is something about Shelley Adina's writing that just works for me. She writes fun, exciting, adventures with wonderfully crafted female heroines.
In this installment of the Magnificent Devices series, the Mopsies are discovering more about their history and their lost families. Lizzie has been invited to meet her grandparents and brings Maggie along. Lizzie's reception is joyous but Maggie is greeted with bare tolerance. An unexpected revelation gives Maggie insight into her parentage, but when the opportunity arises to go off to meet them she must decide between helping her chosen family or meeting her new one.
Danger, mystery, romance and machinations always abound in Adina's writing. This was another fabulous adventure into this marvelously devised Steampunk world. But that is not all, it always comes with an even better message...
Sometimes the family you choose is thicker than blood.
The easy road isn't always the best road.
Family friendly writing, characters with integrity and heart, an adventure you can't help but wish you could join...Don't miss
A Lady of Spirit.
Written by: Shelley Adina
Series: Magnificent Devices
Sequence in Series: 6
Page Count: 243 pages
Publisher: Moonshell Books, Inc.
Publication Date: April 28, 2014
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Steampunk | Scifi | Fantasy
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
In this installment of the Magnificent Devices series, the Mopsies are discovering more about their history and their lost families. Lizzie has been invited to meet her grandparents and brings Maggie along. Lizzie's reception is joyous but Maggie is greeted with bare tolerance. An unexpected revelation gives Maggie insight into her parentage, but when the opportunity arises to go off to meet them she must decide between helping her chosen family or meeting her new one.
Danger, mystery, romance and machinations always abound in Adina's writing. This was another fabulous adventure into this marvelously devised Steampunk world. But that is not all, it always comes with an even better message...
Sometimes the family you choose is thicker than blood.
The easy road isn't always the best road.
Family friendly writing, characters with integrity and heart, an adventure you can't help but wish you could join...Don't miss
A Lady of Spirit.
Written by: Shelley Adina
Series: Magnificent Devices
Sequence in Series: 6
Page Count: 243 pages
Publisher: Moonshell Books, Inc.
Publication Date: April 28, 2014
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Steampunk | Scifi | Fantasy
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
May 30, 2014
The last book told of Lizzie's new family, revealing that she and Maggie were not twins, as they had thought, but cousins born within a few days of one another. This book is about Maggie's search for her family... more specifically, her father's family. Her maternal grandparents are rather dismissive of her, leading everyone to believe that she was an illegitimate child. It all makes Maggie more determined to discover her father, but she seems to have the same kind of genius as Lady Claire and her cousin for becoming involved in international political situations.
July 3, 2015
Non-stop action. Cliff Hangers! 2 more books to go! Loving the ride.
January 21, 2016
I love Maggie. It was great to have a book from her perspective.
December 14, 2022
The Lady of Spirit here is Maggie. After the events of the previous book, Claude, who has never seen the bad side of his father but is hurt that Lizzie and Maggie were nearly killed - and that he was a traitor to his country - Maggie and Lizzie have no trouble not mentioning his name in front of the Seacombe grandparents (as they demand), but to Claude, who needs to work through his grief at both his father's death and his perfidy, and who loved the father he did know, the forbidden name gets mentioned occasionally, and he is always in trouble when he mentions it.
The Seacombes are rigid, inflexible, cold, unloving, and care for nothing but their own wealth, status, and desires. They treat Maggie, their granddaughter by their other daughter, as a servant, and say horrible things about her, yet it is she who saves their heirs' lives at the possible loss of her own.
One evening, Maggie discovers Lizzie has formed an attachment to a lifelong friend. Angry and hurt at how she's been treated by the Seacombes, but happy for Lizzie, and not wishing to intrude, she goes down the steps cut into the earth and rock to a different beach, where she throws rocks into the surf until she gets it out of her system, and makes a discovery that will impact 4 countries, cause Claude (who at the time is way more than 3 sheets to the wind) to be kidnapped, and Maggie to have to do something to rescue him. The resultant adventure will mean finding out the truth about her parents, sabotage, and a daring rescue. Lizzie's cry for help results in nothing from the Seacombes and a full out effort by the Lady, Andrew, and Lizzie. Maggie has help from the Resistance, and meets her aunt and a cousin who helps her with her sabotage. Will the Lady be there in time to rescue Maggie and her newfound cousin? Will Claude be safe? Will her mimicry and knowledge of French plus full blown courage and stubbornness, and memories of the Lady's training, be enough to carry the day? And will the Lady follow her advice, her potential last words, about Andrew?
Again, nonstop action, and along with the despair of the way the Seacombes treat their 3 grandchildren, and the joy of discovery of their loving families, you feel the push, pull, and yearnings of 2 young 16 year old girls and their older brother/cousin, this one is truly very up close and personal as well as action packed.
The Seacombes are rigid, inflexible, cold, unloving, and care for nothing but their own wealth, status, and desires. They treat Maggie, their granddaughter by their other daughter, as a servant, and say horrible things about her, yet it is she who saves their heirs' lives at the possible loss of her own.
One evening, Maggie discovers Lizzie has formed an attachment to a lifelong friend. Angry and hurt at how she's been treated by the Seacombes, but happy for Lizzie, and not wishing to intrude, she goes down the steps cut into the earth and rock to a different beach, where she throws rocks into the surf until she gets it out of her system, and makes a discovery that will impact 4 countries, cause Claude (who at the time is way more than 3 sheets to the wind) to be kidnapped, and Maggie to have to do something to rescue him. The resultant adventure will mean finding out the truth about her parents, sabotage, and a daring rescue. Lizzie's cry for help results in nothing from the Seacombes and a full out effort by the Lady, Andrew, and Lizzie. Maggie has help from the Resistance, and meets her aunt and a cousin who helps her with her sabotage. Will the Lady be there in time to rescue Maggie and her newfound cousin? Will Claude be safe? Will her mimicry and knowledge of French plus full blown courage and stubbornness, and memories of the Lady's training, be enough to carry the day? And will the Lady follow her advice, her potential last words, about Andrew?
Again, nonstop action, and along with the despair of the way the Seacombes treat their 3 grandchildren, and the joy of discovery of their loving families, you feel the push, pull, and yearnings of 2 young 16 year old girls and their older brother/cousin, this one is truly very up close and personal as well as action packed.
August 29, 2017
I am an unabashed fan of Steampunk and I have to admit that, as a result, I have become an unabashed fan of Shelley Adina's "Magnificent Devices" series.
The sixth book in the series - "A Lady of Spirit" - finds the Mopsies - cousins Lizzie and Maggie - on unfamiliar ground, meeting their grandparents for the first time. The grandparents are, to put it bluntly, not very nice people. They treat Lizzie well enough because she is the daughter of their married daughter, even though she was murdered by her husband and he turned out to be an anarchist and traitor. They believe Maggie to be the illegitimate daughter of the same man and their other unmarried daughter, who died in childbirth. As such, she is given short shrift by two people who should love her.
If that were the entire plot this would still be an interesting tale but, because this is a Shelley Adina novel, that's not even the half of it.
There is also a fantastic plot to invade England and Prussia, "underwater dirigibles," a blossoming love affair, a monstrous weapon, awkward social affairs, newly discovered family ties, and... well, let's just say this novel is crammed full of plots, subplots, a few red herrings, and some truly interesting characters,
Another five-star effort by the prolific - and very imaginative - Ms. Adina.
The sixth book in the series - "A Lady of Spirit" - finds the Mopsies - cousins Lizzie and Maggie - on unfamiliar ground, meeting their grandparents for the first time. The grandparents are, to put it bluntly, not very nice people. They treat Lizzie well enough because she is the daughter of their married daughter, even though she was murdered by her husband and he turned out to be an anarchist and traitor. They believe Maggie to be the illegitimate daughter of the same man and their other unmarried daughter, who died in childbirth. As such, she is given short shrift by two people who should love her.
If that were the entire plot this would still be an interesting tale but, because this is a Shelley Adina novel, that's not even the half of it.
There is also a fantastic plot to invade England and Prussia, "underwater dirigibles," a blossoming love affair, a monstrous weapon, awkward social affairs, newly discovered family ties, and... well, let's just say this novel is crammed full of plots, subplots, a few red herrings, and some truly interesting characters,
Another five-star effort by the prolific - and very imaginative - Ms. Adina.
December 13, 2017
3.5 stars
This book & the last one in this series were focused on Lizzie (#5) and Maggie (this one, #6) instead of Claire and while I wasn't thrilled with the last one, I did like this one better. I think the main reason is that in the last book Lizzie was kind of a spoiled brat and didn't really think about Maggie's feelings much. There was still some of that in this one, but it was more subdued.
It's not that I can relate, but Maggie was treated appallingly in this book while Lizzie was basically treated like a princess and I really felt for Maggie. She is a smart girl though and Claire has instilled in them that they need to use their brains and the resources around them to rise above and Maggie definitely did that and got a pretty happy ending, all things considered.
This book & the last one in this series were focused on Lizzie (#5) and Maggie (this one, #6) instead of Claire and while I wasn't thrilled with the last one, I did like this one better. I think the main reason is that in the last book Lizzie was kind of a spoiled brat and didn't really think about Maggie's feelings much. There was still some of that in this one, but it was more subdued.
It's not that I can relate, but Maggie was treated appallingly in this book while Lizzie was basically treated like a princess and I really felt for Maggie. She is a smart girl though and Claire has instilled in them that they need to use their brains and the resources around them to rise above and Maggie definitely did that and got a pretty happy ending, all things considered.
September 18, 2017
The focus shifts mainly to Maggie - though Lizzie's parentage still has a large part to play - in this volume. Much of it is spent in Cornwall - at the Seacombe residence in Torquay - but important developments take place in France and mid-Channel. We akso visit Gwynn Place once more - and there are chickens (though not, I fear, Rosie, who may have succumbed to Anno Domini... )
The threat this time is not to the Royal Family but to the entire realm - not to say Empire - and in part comes from the dastardly Bourbons, pretenders to the throne of France.
Another splendid story.
The threat this time is not to the Royal Family but to the entire realm - not to say Empire - and in part comes from the dastardly Bourbons, pretenders to the throne of France.
Another splendid story.
January 8, 2018
A mad dash adventure through steampunk society with great characters, fabulous storylines and... some very lovely chickens! A great read that explores what family really means - your blood or your flock. Highly recommended series.
I also loved listening to the audiobook of the story, and with Fiona Hardingham narrating again it was, of course, full of character and really brought the story to life. I'd definitely recommend it to all Magnificent Devices fans.
I also loved listening to the audiobook of the story, and with Fiona Hardingham narrating again it was, of course, full of character and really brought the story to life. I'd definitely recommend it to all Magnificent Devices fans.
February 16, 2023
I love this series. This volume, though short, introduced some great new thematic elements and left me far more satisfied than #5. I loved the person the main character has grown into. I enjoyed the new supporting characters. It did feel rushed, but that and the slightly soggy middle weren't enough to deter me. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment and find this whole series thoroughly rereadable (and worthy of the highest quality fan art!)
July 9, 2018
Love this seris
I truly love this series. I've burned through the first six books in about a week. What's not to love about a series with a very strong female protagonist cutting her way through a Victorian society despite what "polite society" thinks of the role a lady should fill. The adventures of Claire and her ragtag group of former street urchins is an absolute delight.
I truly love this series. I've burned through the first six books in about a week. What's not to love about a series with a very strong female protagonist cutting her way through a Victorian society despite what "polite society" thinks of the role a lady should fill. The adventures of Claire and her ragtag group of former street urchins is an absolute delight.
December 8, 2025
This is the sixth book in the series, and in this part of the series we get to follow the Mopsies, two sisters that have been part of Claire's flock, as they are now growing up. The steampunk setting is very good, and the characters are well written and very realistic. I enjoyed this book and will continue the series.
May 22, 2018
Slow start that focuses on Claire and other characters, then slow ramp up as it goes over to Maggie. Then the story hits "overdrive" and gets really interesting.
Good read, but do not expect much character development from Maggie.
Good read, but do not expect much character development from Maggie.
January 16, 2019
I love this series, but man are these books short! Do they all qualify as novellas? In any case, I'm going to start saving them for those times that I can't find anything to read. And I love the narrator!
April 20, 2020
As usual, a great story full of suspense and love
I love this author's work. Intelligent stuff. I love the strong women who love and support one another. And the men who love and respect them.
I love this author's work. Intelligent stuff. I love the strong women who love and support one another. And the men who love and respect them.
December 6, 2024
The sixth book in the series A Lady of Spirit finds the Mopsies, Lizzie and Maggie, on unfamiliar ground, meeting their grandparents for the first time. The Seacombes are horrible people. They treat Lizzie well enough because she is the daughter of their married daughter despite her father being an anarchist and murderer. They believe Maggie to be the illegitimate daughter of the same man and their other daughter who died in childbirth. They refer to her as a "bastard" and treat her worse than their servants.
Both girls have their own reasons for feeling out of place in society.
Lizzie feeling like she doesn’t live up to everyone’s expectations of her, and Maggie prefers simple country life and doesn't want to be part of society. She has a fairly strong idea of what she wants to be and seems inclined to follow Lady Claire’s example.
Everything changes when Maggie uncovers the mystery of her birth in France and prevents an international incident. This is a great character study of Maggie, and I liked it much better than the last book that featured Lizzie.
The epilogue gives us our first clue that the next book, A Lady of Integrity, will feature Alice Chalmers. I can't wait to read it.
Both girls have their own reasons for feeling out of place in society.
Lizzie feeling like she doesn’t live up to everyone’s expectations of her, and Maggie prefers simple country life and doesn't want to be part of society. She has a fairly strong idea of what she wants to be and seems inclined to follow Lady Claire’s example.
Everything changes when Maggie uncovers the mystery of her birth in France and prevents an international incident. This is a great character study of Maggie, and I liked it much better than the last book that featured Lizzie.
The epilogue gives us our first clue that the next book, A Lady of Integrity, will feature Alice Chalmers. I can't wait to read it.
August 27, 2019
well, hell. This was so good & the ending!!! How sweet & romantic and FINALLY!!
January 2, 2020
Book 6.
Again the focus is on the Mopsies and then becoming young women with connections - even unwanted connections.
Excellent exploration of their coming of age and use of all of their many skills.
Again the focus is on the Mopsies and then becoming young women with connections - even unwanted connections.
Excellent exploration of their coming of age and use of all of their many skills.
February 25, 2020
Keeps me up
The adventures of the Lady of Devices and her wards continue. This time it is Maggie who is at the centre of the story as she struggles to find her place in the world
The adventures of the Lady of Devices and her wards continue. This time it is Maggie who is at the centre of the story as she struggles to find her place in the world
January 27, 2021
3.5 Stars
This has become such a cute found family.
This has become such a cute found family.
September 29, 2021
Great story
Love, love this book and the series. I love the love of family, even if not a family of blood. Great adventure, highly recommended.
Love, love this book and the series. I love the love of family, even if not a family of blood. Great adventure, highly recommended.
February 16, 2022
It was lovely to find out that Maggie has a great back story. Old enemies raise their heads and new friends and family help to save the day.
March 31, 2022
An underrated series and this was back to its best
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