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Disenchanted & Co. #2
The Clockwork Wolf
As the proprietor of Disenchanted & Co. in a steampunk version of America, Charmian “Kit” Kittredge makes her living solving magical crimes. But when a snobbish lady begs for help, saving her reputation might very well cost Kit her life.
Doing a favor for deathmage Lucien Dredmore, Kit agrees to interview a newly widowed lady as a potential client. Upon meeting, however, she learns that the woman in question is none other than Lady Eugenia Bestly, president of the Rumsen Ladies Decency Society—someone who once led a vicious campaign to ruin Kit’s life. Ironically Lady Bestly now lives in fear herself, for the press is about to unmask her husband as the savage “Wolfman” who died while terrorizing the city.
As monstrous rampages continue to occur, Kit soon determines there is more than one Wolfman, and that they may themselves be victims of evil players. While avoiding both mechanized assassins and attempts by Dredmore and Chief Inspector Tom Doyle to take her under their protection, Kit follows a tangled path that leads from a prestigious gentlemen’s club fronting a hellish secret to a vengeful native tribe and dangerous, ancient magics.
Doing a favor for deathmage Lucien Dredmore, Kit agrees to interview a newly widowed lady as a potential client. Upon meeting, however, she learns that the woman in question is none other than Lady Eugenia Bestly, president of the Rumsen Ladies Decency Society—someone who once led a vicious campaign to ruin Kit’s life. Ironically Lady Bestly now lives in fear herself, for the press is about to unmask her husband as the savage “Wolfman” who died while terrorizing the city.
As monstrous rampages continue to occur, Kit soon determines there is more than one Wolfman, and that they may themselves be victims of evil players. While avoiding both mechanized assassins and attempts by Dredmore and Chief Inspector Tom Doyle to take her under their protection, Kit follows a tangled path that leads from a prestigious gentlemen’s club fronting a hellish secret to a vengeful native tribe and dangerous, ancient magics.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 25, 2014
21 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Viehl
54 books986 followersAlso see S.L. Viehl, Gena Hale, Jessica Hall. Rebecca Kelly.
She writes mostly novels in a variety of genres and under several pseudonyms. Among them are science fiction (as S. L. Viehl), romantic fiction (as Lynn Viehl, Gena Hale, and Jessica Hall), and Christian fiction (as Rebecca Kelly). She has described herself as primarily a writer of romance: no matter what genre she is working in, an element of romance will always be present.
In what spare time remains she enjoys quilting, reading, cooking, painting, and knitting. She currently lives with her family in Florida.
She writes mostly novels in a variety of genres and under several pseudonyms. Among them are science fiction (as S. L. Viehl), romantic fiction (as Lynn Viehl, Gena Hale, and Jessica Hall), and Christian fiction (as Rebecca Kelly). She has described herself as primarily a writer of romance: no matter what genre she is working in, an element of romance will always be present.
In what spare time remains she enjoys quilting, reading, cooking, painting, and knitting. She currently lives with her family in Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
August 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this short series. Steampunk inspired mystery that was entertaining to read. Need to see if I can find anything more to read from Lynn Viehl!
March 18, 2014
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
THE CLOCKWORK WOLF is an excellent example of a second book in a series that surpasses the first. Maybe I’m biased because I read DISENCHANTED & CO in two parts, but THE CLOCKWORK WOLF is a spectacular dive into Kit’s world of Toriana, complete with fascinating magic, nefarious villains, and multiple love interests.
Disenchanted & Co. is the series you should pick up if you’re having Parasol Protectorate withdrawal pangs. Kit is a less prim Alexia, without a parasol but with her own alpha male suitors and dry wit. Her friends are remarkably less silly than Ivy (Rina has got to be my favorite) and the mystery was a lot of fun, if convoluted. While the physical book is labeled paranormal romance on the spine, I wouldn’t say the romance/relationship aspect is center to the plot at all- this is more of a mystery, with a spoonful of romance on the side. To me, this was in this case a perfect ratio, but I’m warning you in case you’re looking for a romance, which THE CLOCKWORK WOLF certainly is not.
One complaint I have is that sometimes the world in the Disenchanted & Co. series can be a bit hard to follow. The previous book, while memorable, packed a lot of details at the end, and sometimes I was a bit confused when past events were mentioned. Plus, there is the vocabulary that while mostly understandable from context clues, can still turn the reader around a bit. Viehl treats this a bit more like a epic fantasy, with a glossary at the back, but in my opinion, most readers looking at this type of book aren’t necessarily keeping their eye out for that (so maybe take a glance before you start). My one other issue is the seemingly unnecessary love triangle – but that could be because I’m seriously biased toward one tall, dark and handsome suitor (could anybody tell I’m swooning a bit?).
Despite any complaints, I absolutely adored THE CLOCKWORK WOLF, and couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read more about Kit and her mystery solving abilities, her crazy grandparent turned ghost, and her relationships. Bring on the next Disenchanted & Co. book soon, please!
Sexual content: Several sex scenes, references to rape
THE CLOCKWORK WOLF is an excellent example of a second book in a series that surpasses the first. Maybe I’m biased because I read DISENCHANTED & CO in two parts, but THE CLOCKWORK WOLF is a spectacular dive into Kit’s world of Toriana, complete with fascinating magic, nefarious villains, and multiple love interests.
Disenchanted & Co. is the series you should pick up if you’re having Parasol Protectorate withdrawal pangs. Kit is a less prim Alexia, without a parasol but with her own alpha male suitors and dry wit. Her friends are remarkably less silly than Ivy (Rina has got to be my favorite) and the mystery was a lot of fun, if convoluted. While the physical book is labeled paranormal romance on the spine, I wouldn’t say the romance/relationship aspect is center to the plot at all- this is more of a mystery, with a spoonful of romance on the side. To me, this was in this case a perfect ratio, but I’m warning you in case you’re looking for a romance, which THE CLOCKWORK WOLF certainly is not.
One complaint I have is that sometimes the world in the Disenchanted & Co. series can be a bit hard to follow. The previous book, while memorable, packed a lot of details at the end, and sometimes I was a bit confused when past events were mentioned. Plus, there is the vocabulary that while mostly understandable from context clues, can still turn the reader around a bit. Viehl treats this a bit more like a epic fantasy, with a glossary at the back, but in my opinion, most readers looking at this type of book aren’t necessarily keeping their eye out for that (so maybe take a glance before you start). My one other issue is the seemingly unnecessary love triangle – but that could be because I’m seriously biased toward one tall, dark and handsome suitor (could anybody tell I’m swooning a bit?).
Despite any complaints, I absolutely adored THE CLOCKWORK WOLF, and couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read more about Kit and her mystery solving abilities, her crazy grandparent turned ghost, and her relationships. Bring on the next Disenchanted & Co. book soon, please!
Sexual content: Several sex scenes, references to rape
April 29, 2020
Re read in 2017. So bloody sorry the publisher dropped this series. It was really good.
Pity it didn't delve more in the mystery, and played with "romance" instead. Love this world, but I wasn't keen on the Native angle, it was too shallow for me.
The triangle that was hinted in the past grew to full bloom here, and I wonder a bit how. It seems a tad too risky considering the world she lives in. I am soo curious to see how it will be played. :)
Pity it didn't delve more in the mystery, and played with "romance" instead. Love this world, but I wasn't keen on the Native angle, it was too shallow for me.
The triangle that was hinted in the past grew to full bloom here, and I wonder a bit how. It seems a tad too risky considering the world she lives in. I am soo curious to see how it will be played. :)
March 26, 2014
This would have been 4 stars but I'm docking one because of the stupid love triangle that suddenly escalated out of nowhere à la Twilight and had Kit . Girl wanted to have her cake and eat it too. Which is fine, I guess. Good for her. But don't try to get me sold on any serious romance with Dredmore afterwards because:
Seriously.
Other than that, this book was as enjoyable as the first one (even if Kit is starting to veer into Mary Sue in Distress territory). I'm always game for a good steampunk story as long as the steampunk part isn't just a label with nothing behind it to back it up. The Clockwork Wolf is more of a cookie book than a meaty one but the ride was enjoyable.
July 10, 2017
Plus un 3.5. Un peu en dessous du 1er
February 24, 2014
4.5 stars - My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2014/02...
Magic meets mechanization in Lynn Viehl’s wonderfully inventive The Clockwork Wolf . The fast-paced, engaging second installment of the Disenchanted & Co. series lives up to its predecessor as readers follow Kit on a new investigation, one that takes readers deeper into the world of Toriana, delves further into Aramanthan mythology, and introduces us to “native magic.”
The Clockwork Wolf picks up not long after the first book in the series, Disenchanted & Co., left off. Kit, a dispeller who didn’t believe in magic until very recently, is adjusting to her changing world view while still making her living solving crimes and avoiding the occasional attack on her person. I love Kit. She’s an independent woman in a time and place where said independence is frowned upon. While she isn’t perfect, Kit is loyal, honorable, clever, and overall simply a character who commands respect from readers, if not from the society she lives in.
And speaking of that society, Toriana (The Provincial Union of Victoriana) is an alternate-history version of America, one where the Revolutionary War was lost. Kit lives in Rumsen (roughly equivalent to San Francisco) and from the nobs on the Hill to the prostitutes on the street, people are being terrorized by the Wolfmen, supernatural steampunk predators created by a mysterious force. It’s up to Kit to discover who is making the Wolfmen, how they’re doing it, and why…all while managing to stay alive and out of police custody. I won’t spoil what happens, but suffice it to say Kit’s case takes readers on an exciting journey. I was fascinated by the Wolfmen and the intricacies of the steampunk elements Ms. Viehl threads into the story, and I was on the edge of my proverbial seat for much of the book as Kit faced danger time and again.
Though The Clockwork Wolf isn’t a romance, there definitely are strong romantic elements. Deathmage Lucien Dredmore once again joins forces with Kit on her case (whether she wants his help or not) and he continues to pursue her romantically. I flat-out love Lucien and Kit together. They complement each other in terms of skills, and when it comes to their budding relationship their personalities both mesh and clash in the most entertaining ways. Every scene they’re in together ratchets up the energy level of the book. That being said, Ms. Viehl does introduce a love triangle element, as Chief Inspector Tom Doyle steps up to become a major player for Kit’s affections. I hate to say it, but what happens between Tom and Kit near the end of the story cast a slight pall over my enjoyment of the book. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not overly fond of love triangles, and that should be noted, seeing as my aversion is not one universally shared. But though Ms. Viehl makes it clear why Kit is drawn to her childhood friend, the all-too-perfect Tommy Doyle simply doesn’t carry the same charismatic appeal as the utterly compelling Lucien Dredmore. Lucien emanates power, but has a hint of vulnerability which breaks your heart at unexpected moments. And, as previously mentioned, there’s no duplicating the chemistry he and Kit have; the banter between them is a big part of why I enjoy the Disenchanted & Co. stories so much.
The Clockwork Wolf is a novel that defies strict characterization. It’s steampunk, alternate history, urban fantasy, and romance all woven together to create one engrossing book. If you haven’t read Disenchanted & Co., I recommend doing so before beginning The Clockwork Wolf , or at least reading the glossary. There’s a lot to take in as far as world-building goes, but Ms. Viehl does it so expertly that you don’t really notice, as you’re immersed in Kit’s world. I highly recommend The Clockwork Wolf – it’s an exciting adventure penned by a phenomenally talented author, and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Viehl takes Kit next!
Note: I received this book for free from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Magic meets mechanization in Lynn Viehl’s wonderfully inventive The Clockwork Wolf . The fast-paced, engaging second installment of the Disenchanted & Co. series lives up to its predecessor as readers follow Kit on a new investigation, one that takes readers deeper into the world of Toriana, delves further into Aramanthan mythology, and introduces us to “native magic.”
The Clockwork Wolf picks up not long after the first book in the series, Disenchanted & Co., left off. Kit, a dispeller who didn’t believe in magic until very recently, is adjusting to her changing world view while still making her living solving crimes and avoiding the occasional attack on her person. I love Kit. She’s an independent woman in a time and place where said independence is frowned upon. While she isn’t perfect, Kit is loyal, honorable, clever, and overall simply a character who commands respect from readers, if not from the society she lives in.
And speaking of that society, Toriana (The Provincial Union of Victoriana) is an alternate-history version of America, one where the Revolutionary War was lost. Kit lives in Rumsen (roughly equivalent to San Francisco) and from the nobs on the Hill to the prostitutes on the street, people are being terrorized by the Wolfmen, supernatural steampunk predators created by a mysterious force. It’s up to Kit to discover who is making the Wolfmen, how they’re doing it, and why…all while managing to stay alive and out of police custody. I won’t spoil what happens, but suffice it to say Kit’s case takes readers on an exciting journey. I was fascinated by the Wolfmen and the intricacies of the steampunk elements Ms. Viehl threads into the story, and I was on the edge of my proverbial seat for much of the book as Kit faced danger time and again.
Though The Clockwork Wolf isn’t a romance, there definitely are strong romantic elements. Deathmage Lucien Dredmore once again joins forces with Kit on her case (whether she wants his help or not) and he continues to pursue her romantically. I flat-out love Lucien and Kit together. They complement each other in terms of skills, and when it comes to their budding relationship their personalities both mesh and clash in the most entertaining ways. Every scene they’re in together ratchets up the energy level of the book. That being said, Ms. Viehl does introduce a love triangle element, as Chief Inspector Tom Doyle steps up to become a major player for Kit’s affections. I hate to say it, but what happens between Tom and Kit near the end of the story cast a slight pall over my enjoyment of the book. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not overly fond of love triangles, and that should be noted, seeing as my aversion is not one universally shared. But though Ms. Viehl makes it clear why Kit is drawn to her childhood friend, the all-too-perfect Tommy Doyle simply doesn’t carry the same charismatic appeal as the utterly compelling Lucien Dredmore. Lucien emanates power, but has a hint of vulnerability which breaks your heart at unexpected moments. And, as previously mentioned, there’s no duplicating the chemistry he and Kit have; the banter between them is a big part of why I enjoy the Disenchanted & Co. stories so much.
The Clockwork Wolf is a novel that defies strict characterization. It’s steampunk, alternate history, urban fantasy, and romance all woven together to create one engrossing book. If you haven’t read Disenchanted & Co., I recommend doing so before beginning The Clockwork Wolf , or at least reading the glossary. There’s a lot to take in as far as world-building goes, but Ms. Viehl does it so expertly that you don’t really notice, as you’re immersed in Kit’s world. I highly recommend The Clockwork Wolf – it’s an exciting adventure penned by a phenomenally talented author, and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Viehl takes Kit next!
Note: I received this book for free from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 22, 2017
Star rating: 4 - 4.5 stars
After the giant kerfuffle with Zarath, Kit is ready for everything to get back to normal (or as normal as it ever really is) with her business Disenchanted & Co. But when the one person she's let into her heart asks for a favor, she finds it very hard to resist, even if she will have to work for the beastly Lady Bestly. With 'wolfmen' running about Rumsen and two men running after her heart, Kit will need everything in her arsenal to take down the person behind all of the mayhem.
What a fun read! I forgot how much I loved the characters from the first novel. Especially Rina and Harry, though I do feel that this novel had a few bumps and bruises along the way. I didn't particularly enjoy how each action sequence ended up going wildly out of control, almost to the point of absurdity. Once or twice I can understand, but each time? That's a little much. The love triangle irritated me a bit as well, but not as much as it would normally. I understood the appeal of each man, I just felt it added a bit too much to the plot. Like adding allspice after you've already put salt, pepper and cayenne powder into the mix. I really wish this series had more novels in it. If it did you can bet I'd pick them up in a heartbeat.
After the giant kerfuffle with Zarath, Kit is ready for everything to get back to normal (or as normal as it ever really is) with her business Disenchanted & Co. But when the one person she's let into her heart asks for a favor, she finds it very hard to resist, even if she will have to work for the beastly Lady Bestly. With 'wolfmen' running about Rumsen and two men running after her heart, Kit will need everything in her arsenal to take down the person behind all of the mayhem.
What a fun read! I forgot how much I loved the characters from the first novel. Especially Rina and Harry, though I do feel that this novel had a few bumps and bruises along the way. I didn't particularly enjoy how each action sequence ended up going wildly out of control, almost to the point of absurdity. Once or twice I can understand, but each time? That's a little much. The love triangle irritated me a bit as well, but not as much as it would normally. I understood the appeal of each man, I just felt it added a bit too much to the plot. Like adding allspice after you've already put salt, pepper and cayenne powder into the mix. I really wish this series had more novels in it. If it did you can bet I'd pick them up in a heartbeat.
March 1, 2014
I really liked this a lot, but I have the same issue that I had with Charmian in this novel that I had with Alexandra in the later Darkyn novels: the "almost cheating." In the Darkyn series, Alex is at the mercy of someone else's "allure/appeal" and situations of dubcon occur as a result. Here, however, Charmian I have to say, it was an eye-rolling moment because Charmian really is smart enough to have thought of something that won't lead to Yes, Charmian does some questionable things that everyone around her thinks qualify for TSTL status, but she is a pretty smart cookie. And what is up with her actually considering Dare I draw this comparison... Doyle : Lucien :: Luke Skywalker : Han Solo
Other than the it is a 5 for me.
Other than the it is a 5 for me.
February 21, 2015
A book that would have gotten more stars if not for the unresolved issues, that aren't likely to be resolved since the possibility of another book in the series is very low.
I enjoyed reading Kit's adventures and she is undeniably brave, but I wish she were a little more decisive in her romantic life.
Elaborate world, interesting mystery and quite a bit of action, but everything was overshadowed by the lack of resolution in that one big issue that left me unsatisfied.
Let's hope that sometime in the future there will be another book in the series, despite the author's statement.
I enjoyed reading Kit's adventures and she is undeniably brave, but I wish she were a little more decisive in her romantic life.
Elaborate world, interesting mystery and quite a bit of action, but everything was overshadowed by the lack of resolution in that one big issue that left me unsatisfied.
Let's hope that sometime in the future there will be another book in the series, despite the author's statement.
October 24, 2016
I love steampunk but to tell you the truth this one was very confusing - native magic with steampunk technology and dark magic = mechanical werewolves who want to procreate. And then we have Kit trying to figure out who she loves more which had the song "Torn Between Two Lovers" running through my mind. Since I hate the song, this wasn't a good thing. I just didn't like this book very much which is a shame because this author is one of my favorites.
February 21, 2014
*Genre* Steampunk Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
I became a fan of Lynn Viehl's writing after reading Disenchanted & Co. and was pleasantly pleased when Pocket Books sent me a copy of The Clockwork Wolf, Disenchanted & Co. #2. The world of Disenchanted & Co is set in an alternative reality steampunk United States called Toriana (The Provincial Union of Victoriana). It is a world where the original Thirteen colonies lost the War of Independence from England and remains a part of the British Empire who treated them as traitors for nearly three decades.
Charmian “Kit” Kittredge, who lives in the city Rumsen (San Francisco in our world), is the main protagonist of this series. She has gone from being a non-believer in magic because her parents were both scientists, to understanding that she's rather special when it comes to her heritage and the fact that magic has no affect on her. Kit's business, Disenchanted & Co., makes its bread and butter by proving or disproving the existence of magical crimes. Kit's road to success hasn't exactly been an easy one especially since there are still those who truly want to see Kit run out of town with her tail between her legs and nearly succeeded in destroying her when she arrived in town 8 years before.
Once again, Viehl's world and character building are the highlights of The Clockwork Wolf along with a a twisted romance that I love to call a "3 way I can't make up my mind on which man I really want since they are both genuinely in love with me!" Kit, I think, prefers to remain single and therefore has the ability to control her my own life if the men in it would just respect her enough to back up and respect her choices! I am, of course, referring to the deathmage Lord Lucien Dredmore and New Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Tom Doyle who grew up with Kit.
I must respectfully repeat myself from the first installment's review in that I adore Kit. I love her tenacity, her strength, her whit, her desire to become successful despite living in a male dominated society where women have no rights whatsoever, including the inability to drive herself anywhere, and can be put in prison or claimed by those on the Hill (Rich people) without any consequences.
I love the fact that she has reliable friends in Bridget Duluc, Carina Eagle, Docket, and of course, her own grandfather Harry who watches over her, and is also her business partner. I think that with Kit's actions in The Clockwork Wolf, things may be heading for a brighter future for her. I sincerely hope that Viehl's takes Kit's desires and hopes and dreams in to account for the next installment since there was a bit of head scratching going on in the end and a major decision dumped into Kit's lap.
If you love steampunk, mixed with an urban fantasy feel to it, then please consider reading this series. I believe that this series is definitely worth the time and effort to read it, and I think more readers who do will come to fall in love with Kit and friends as much as I do. Do I have to say that there is definitely romance and ::gasp:: SEX involved as well?
Expected publication: February 25th 2014 by Pocket Books
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
I became a fan of Lynn Viehl's writing after reading Disenchanted & Co. and was pleasantly pleased when Pocket Books sent me a copy of The Clockwork Wolf, Disenchanted & Co. #2. The world of Disenchanted & Co is set in an alternative reality steampunk United States called Toriana (The Provincial Union of Victoriana). It is a world where the original Thirteen colonies lost the War of Independence from England and remains a part of the British Empire who treated them as traitors for nearly three decades.
Charmian “Kit” Kittredge, who lives in the city Rumsen (San Francisco in our world), is the main protagonist of this series. She has gone from being a non-believer in magic because her parents were both scientists, to understanding that she's rather special when it comes to her heritage and the fact that magic has no affect on her. Kit's business, Disenchanted & Co., makes its bread and butter by proving or disproving the existence of magical crimes. Kit's road to success hasn't exactly been an easy one especially since there are still those who truly want to see Kit run out of town with her tail between her legs and nearly succeeded in destroying her when she arrived in town 8 years before.
Once again, Viehl's world and character building are the highlights of The Clockwork Wolf along with a a twisted romance that I love to call a "3 way I can't make up my mind on which man I really want since they are both genuinely in love with me!" Kit, I think, prefers to remain single and therefore has the ability to control her my own life if the men in it would just respect her enough to back up and respect her choices! I am, of course, referring to the deathmage Lord Lucien Dredmore and New Scotland Yard Chief Inspector Tom Doyle who grew up with Kit.
I must respectfully repeat myself from the first installment's review in that I adore Kit. I love her tenacity, her strength, her whit, her desire to become successful despite living in a male dominated society where women have no rights whatsoever, including the inability to drive herself anywhere, and can be put in prison or claimed by those on the Hill (Rich people) without any consequences.
I love the fact that she has reliable friends in Bridget Duluc, Carina Eagle, Docket, and of course, her own grandfather Harry who watches over her, and is also her business partner. I think that with Kit's actions in The Clockwork Wolf, things may be heading for a brighter future for her. I sincerely hope that Viehl's takes Kit's desires and hopes and dreams in to account for the next installment since there was a bit of head scratching going on in the end and a major decision dumped into Kit's lap.
If you love steampunk, mixed with an urban fantasy feel to it, then please consider reading this series. I believe that this series is definitely worth the time and effort to read it, and I think more readers who do will come to fall in love with Kit and friends as much as I do. Do I have to say that there is definitely romance and ::gasp:: SEX involved as well?
Expected publication: February 25th 2014 by Pocket Books
December 19, 2024
This book had more steampunk elements, gadgetry and whimsical mechanisms, as well as more mystery/plot and a smidgen less romance than the first book, but it was equally enthralling.
Pleeeeeease Lynn Viehl I neeeeed more of this series plsssssssssssssss~!~!
Pleeeeeease Lynn Viehl I neeeeed more of this series plsssssssssssssss~!~!
June 18, 2015
I'm so glad I finally started this series. I love it! I'm not thrilled with the love triangle (I never am) and way to leave us hanging, dear author. Don't worry, the book does NOT have a cliffhanger ending but rather the love triangle leaves us hanging on a "crazy" note. When's the next book? As a side note, I wish these came in audio books as I think they'd be well-suited with the right reader.
**Addendum: After doing some research online, I have discovered that for now there will not be any more books in this series. Apparently they didn't sell well enough so the publisher didn't want more and the author does not wish to self-publish. I am thoroughly disappointed to not only not see these characters and world again but also not to see a resolution for this love triangle and some sort of HEA for Kit. The author says the series could come back if the publishing company sees enough interest (or perhaps a rise in sales for the other books?). I'd love that, but doubt it will happen. Very disappointed.
**Addendum: After doing some research online, I have discovered that for now there will not be any more books in this series. Apparently they didn't sell well enough so the publisher didn't want more and the author does not wish to self-publish. I am thoroughly disappointed to not only not see these characters and world again but also not to see a resolution for this love triangle and some sort of HEA for Kit. The author says the series could come back if the publishing company sees enough interest (or perhaps a rise in sales for the other books?). I'd love that, but doubt it will happen. Very disappointed.
March 22, 2014
I really liked book 1. Unfortunately, I felt the love triangle that developed in this book was...forced. She was put into a situation and took a step forward to save her friend. I didn't feel that it was romantic at all.
I'm Team Deathmage.
I'm Team Deathmage.
September 10, 2017
le triangle amoureux me hérisse le poil et j'ai trouvé qu'il y avait des longueurs, pourtant cela reste original et distrayant.
March 9, 2014
Originally published at The Book Pushers
I’m very happy to say that I enjoyed The Clockwork Wolf more than I did the first book in this series, Disenchanted & Co.. I think that is partially because the world has been established, and we don’t need to go through all the introductory stuff again. But mostly, it feels like it’s because unlike Disenchanted & Co., The Clockwork Wolf reads like it was always intended as a single story. It flows better.
One of the classic steampunk matchups (assuming that steampunk has been around long enough to have anything classic) is the paranormal werewolf vs the scientific engineer. (There’s an excellent steampunk romance using this pairing in Moonlight & Mechanicals by Cindy Spencer Pape.)
In The Clockwork Wolf, the titular werewolf (werewolves, actually) is partially created by engineering. So a scientific werewolf. With some Native magic thrown in.
That’s an interesting twist to the story that we haven’t seen yet. Because this is an alternate universe where the Colonies never broke from the Empire, this is the first we’ve heard of the Native Americans. (I suppose they’d be Native Torians in this world).
Unfortunately this is not an alternate universe where relations between the Natives and the incomers worked any better than in our version of history.
(Spoiler alert for the first book in the series) Disenchanted & Co. ends with Kit using her powers as a spirit-born curse breaker along with some interesting gizmos to reverse time back to the beginning of the adventure so that Deathmage Lucien Dredmore survives. Kit is the only person who remembers the original timeline, but Dredmore has dreams about the “might have beens”. Kit shows the strain of knowing what happened before, including truths that change her relationships with both Dredmore (who has been pursuing her relentlessly) and her childhood friend Tommy Doyle who is now a police inspector.
It was very cool to see this time-altering reboot have consequences for Kit. It shouldn’t be easy to live with what she did. (If anyone remembers the TV Series Witchblade, it also had a total reboot sort of like this one).
I digress.
Revenge by honor is the way this story begins. Kit takes the case of finding out what caused Lord Bestly (name too coincidental for words) to turn into a were-creature and go on a killing rampage the night he died. Kit refers to her actions as “revenge by honor” because she takes the case to save the reputation of Lady Eugenia Bestly, the woman most responsible for Kit’s initial ostracism when she arrived in Rumsen. Lady Bestly treated, and continues to treat, Kit extremely beastly, simply because Kit is an independent working woman and “ladies” are not supposed to work. Or be independent. Or do anything Lady Bestly and her tonnish friends don’t approve of.
That Lady Bestly now requires the kind of help that only Kit can provide is sweet revenge.
The case is not a simple one. The were-beasts are a combination of mech and magic, and Native magic at that. The evil at the heart of the conspiracy believes that Kit’s powers make her the only person who can make his dreams of conquest come true.
The Natives believe that Kit is the only person who can return their sacred artifact to its rightful place.
Kit just wants to thwart the conspiracy, AND bring all of her friends and loved ones out the other side. Without re-writing history–again.
What makes The Clockwork Wolf so much fun to read is Kit, and the more we learn about her backstory, the more fascinating she becomes. She solves the mystery by her wits and her connections, all of whom are interesting characters in their own right (I particularly enjoy Rinna’s perspective).
Kit knows that her acts have consequences, particularly her unwillingness to become a traditional female and marry either of the men who love her. But this isn’t a standard romantic triangle, where Kit can’t make up her mind or goes back and forth. She seriously weighs the consequences of choosing Dredmore, or Doyle, or neither, and keeps coming back to “neither”. Not because she doesn’t love them both, but because she values her independence more.
I give The Clockwork Wolf a B+
I’m very happy to say that I enjoyed The Clockwork Wolf more than I did the first book in this series, Disenchanted & Co.. I think that is partially because the world has been established, and we don’t need to go through all the introductory stuff again. But mostly, it feels like it’s because unlike Disenchanted & Co., The Clockwork Wolf reads like it was always intended as a single story. It flows better.
One of the classic steampunk matchups (assuming that steampunk has been around long enough to have anything classic) is the paranormal werewolf vs the scientific engineer. (There’s an excellent steampunk romance using this pairing in Moonlight & Mechanicals by Cindy Spencer Pape.)
In The Clockwork Wolf, the titular werewolf (werewolves, actually) is partially created by engineering. So a scientific werewolf. With some Native magic thrown in.
That’s an interesting twist to the story that we haven’t seen yet. Because this is an alternate universe where the Colonies never broke from the Empire, this is the first we’ve heard of the Native Americans. (I suppose they’d be Native Torians in this world).
Unfortunately this is not an alternate universe where relations between the Natives and the incomers worked any better than in our version of history.
(Spoiler alert for the first book in the series) Disenchanted & Co. ends with Kit using her powers as a spirit-born curse breaker along with some interesting gizmos to reverse time back to the beginning of the adventure so that Deathmage Lucien Dredmore survives. Kit is the only person who remembers the original timeline, but Dredmore has dreams about the “might have beens”. Kit shows the strain of knowing what happened before, including truths that change her relationships with both Dredmore (who has been pursuing her relentlessly) and her childhood friend Tommy Doyle who is now a police inspector.
It was very cool to see this time-altering reboot have consequences for Kit. It shouldn’t be easy to live with what she did. (If anyone remembers the TV Series Witchblade, it also had a total reboot sort of like this one).
I digress.
Revenge by honor is the way this story begins. Kit takes the case of finding out what caused Lord Bestly (name too coincidental for words) to turn into a were-creature and go on a killing rampage the night he died. Kit refers to her actions as “revenge by honor” because she takes the case to save the reputation of Lady Eugenia Bestly, the woman most responsible for Kit’s initial ostracism when she arrived in Rumsen. Lady Bestly treated, and continues to treat, Kit extremely beastly, simply because Kit is an independent working woman and “ladies” are not supposed to work. Or be independent. Or do anything Lady Bestly and her tonnish friends don’t approve of.
That Lady Bestly now requires the kind of help that only Kit can provide is sweet revenge.
The case is not a simple one. The were-beasts are a combination of mech and magic, and Native magic at that. The evil at the heart of the conspiracy believes that Kit’s powers make her the only person who can make his dreams of conquest come true.
The Natives believe that Kit is the only person who can return their sacred artifact to its rightful place.
Kit just wants to thwart the conspiracy, AND bring all of her friends and loved ones out the other side. Without re-writing history–again.
What makes The Clockwork Wolf so much fun to read is Kit, and the more we learn about her backstory, the more fascinating she becomes. She solves the mystery by her wits and her connections, all of whom are interesting characters in their own right (I particularly enjoy Rinna’s perspective).
Kit knows that her acts have consequences, particularly her unwillingness to become a traditional female and marry either of the men who love her. But this isn’t a standard romantic triangle, where Kit can’t make up her mind or goes back and forth. She seriously weighs the consequences of choosing Dredmore, or Doyle, or neither, and keeps coming back to “neither”. Not because she doesn’t love them both, but because she values her independence more.
I give The Clockwork Wolf a B+
December 25, 2014
Meh.
OK, I didn't read #1 first, but this one seemed to stand alone well.
Feels like a clear tribute to Carriger's Parasol series, which is fine. Dredmore is Akeldama, but the world can't have too many of those.
Heroine with magic-killing power? Good.
World setting: not bad.
Natives: cringeworthy. I kept waiting for one of them to say "Ugh! Me want firewater!"
Saving Doyle: Oh, come ON, really? Is this some kind of joke?
Plot: classic mustache-twirling all-nasty-all-the-time, explains-what-he's-up-to, yeah, yeah.
Not clear why the bad guy consistently does far less than he appears capable of.
The magic-bio-clockwork is purest bologna, hogwash, flim-flam, hand-waving piffle. ALMOST exceeded by the but not quite. First, why do the wolves have to be clockwork at all, except to make the book appeal to a steampunk audience? Why not just bio-enhance them? How do you make clockwork that never needs to be wound and never runs down? Surely if that's the case it isn't clockwork at all. What DO they use for power: aetheric spirits? tiny nuclear fusion implants? moonlight? And the thing with Doyle and the exoskeleton (which by the way somehow still let him walk through an ordinary doorway)? Pfaugh! If our bad guy can do that with the exoskeleton, why stop there? Why not turn St. Paul's into a giant strawberry blancmange, and turn the family silver into self-propelled sentient machine-guns?
If you're going to play with SF/F ideas, you have to follow the unwritten rules; you can't just make up any old stuff. What you do has to be incredibly unlikely, then possible (SF) or impossible (fantasy), but above all it has to be credible. The reader has to believe that it *could* happen. We can imagine how magic could somehow make a wall permeable, or even transform a prince into a frog, because hundreds of authors have made up just-credible explanations (Laws of Similarity, etc.) But the clockwork wolf thing just didn't work for me, and the Doyle/exoskeleton completely failed. I could not maintain the suspension of disbelief that any story requires.
Almost a good book, though.
OK, I didn't read #1 first, but this one seemed to stand alone well.
Feels like a clear tribute to Carriger's Parasol series, which is fine. Dredmore is Akeldama, but the world can't have too many of those.
Heroine with magic-killing power? Good.
World setting: not bad.
Natives: cringeworthy. I kept waiting for one of them to say "Ugh! Me want firewater!"
Saving Doyle: Oh, come ON, really? Is this some kind of joke?
Plot: classic mustache-twirling all-nasty-all-the-time, explains-what-he's-up-to, yeah, yeah.
Not clear why the bad guy consistently does far less than he appears capable of.
The magic-bio-clockwork is purest bologna, hogwash, flim-flam, hand-waving piffle. ALMOST exceeded by the but not quite. First, why do the wolves have to be clockwork at all, except to make the book appeal to a steampunk audience? Why not just bio-enhance them? How do you make clockwork that never needs to be wound and never runs down? Surely if that's the case it isn't clockwork at all. What DO they use for power: aetheric spirits? tiny nuclear fusion implants? moonlight? And the thing with Doyle and the exoskeleton (which by the way somehow still let him walk through an ordinary doorway)? Pfaugh! If our bad guy can do that with the exoskeleton, why stop there? Why not turn St. Paul's into a giant strawberry blancmange, and turn the family silver into self-propelled sentient machine-guns?
If you're going to play with SF/F ideas, you have to follow the unwritten rules; you can't just make up any old stuff. What you do has to be incredibly unlikely, then possible (SF) or impossible (fantasy), but above all it has to be credible. The reader has to believe that it *could* happen. We can imagine how magic could somehow make a wall permeable, or even transform a prince into a frog, because hundreds of authors have made up just-credible explanations (Laws of Similarity, etc.) But the clockwork wolf thing just didn't work for me, and the Doyle/exoskeleton completely failed. I could not maintain the suspension of disbelief that any story requires.
Almost a good book, though.
November 5, 2014
3.5 Stars!
Kit is this amazing independent, paranormal investigator that will pull you into her odd world. She is smart, resourceful, and a little bit foolish but only because she can’t say no and finds herself waist deep in trouble more often than not.
You still have Lucien, Kit’s love interest, and we get to know more about him. Risk taker comes to mind when talking about Lucien. There is a love triangle that smacks you in the face near the end, threw this reader for a loop and had it not been incorporated, The Clockwork Wolf would have had more stars.
Despite the head scratcher triangle, the steampunk elements are fun and actually move the story along. Kit’s sense of humor and her banter with her ghost-like grandfather, Harry combined with a fun mystery full of powerful characters will have you finishing this in no time.
If you enjoy steampunk, pick this up. And maybe, cross your fingers, we will get another book in the Disenchanted & Co. series! Come on publisher, or self-pub it Viehl!
Kit is this amazing independent, paranormal investigator that will pull you into her odd world. She is smart, resourceful, and a little bit foolish but only because she can’t say no and finds herself waist deep in trouble more often than not.
You still have Lucien, Kit’s love interest, and we get to know more about him. Risk taker comes to mind when talking about Lucien. There is a love triangle that smacks you in the face near the end, threw this reader for a loop and had it not been incorporated, The Clockwork Wolf would have had more stars.
Despite the head scratcher triangle, the steampunk elements are fun and actually move the story along. Kit’s sense of humor and her banter with her ghost-like grandfather, Harry combined with a fun mystery full of powerful characters will have you finishing this in no time.
If you enjoy steampunk, pick this up. And maybe, cross your fingers, we will get another book in the Disenchanted & Co. series! Come on publisher, or self-pub it Viehl!
July 29, 2016
I read Her Ladyship's Curse Part 1 without reading His Lordship Possessed Part 2. I couldn't find a copy. Also, I was a little miffed that the book was split into two sections.
However, I really didn't need to read the second half to appreciate this story. I do recommend reading part 1, as that built up the world. But honestly, I could have jumped right in and been perfectly at ease.
Charmian Kittredge is a lovely character with memorable friends. I enjoyed reading this adventure even if I vehemently disagreed with the lovemaking scenes. Otherwise, it's a recommend from me!
However, I really didn't need to read the second half to appreciate this story. I do recommend reading part 1, as that built up the world. But honestly, I could have jumped right in and been perfectly at ease.
Charmian Kittredge is a lovely character with memorable friends. I enjoyed reading this adventure even if I vehemently disagreed with the lovemaking scenes. Otherwise, it's a recommend from me!
July 26, 2016
2.75 stars ... this was okay and I don't mean that in a negative way. All the elements that are in place should ensure that I love this series: magic and clockworks in an alternate America, but there is just something holding me back. It might be that the heroine doesn't quite click for me even with two love interests and smexy times to spice things up, and I can't say that that I am overly fond on the brand of paranormal for the bad guys.
July 23, 2016
Hmfp... liked the book, but I'm left feeling terrible unsatisfied since the book ended with a couple of cliffhangers and the series had been discontinued. So we're left hanging. I wish I had know this before reading the books... I wouldn't have bothered then.
January 30, 2016
I liked the series a lot, and couldn’t put down reading and of course I can't wait to read more about Kit and her stunning adventures, her mad ghost grandfather, her friends and her love. So much action, passion, mysteries and unexpectedness
September 25, 2018
So many mixed feelings about this one. I loved everything about it and was planning on giving it 5 stars, and then the last few chapters were so infuriating. I'm sorry, but she had to have sex with Doyle in order to break the spell on him? Why? It always works just by a single touch every other time, but this time is different because...why? There was no reason for that other than to give him false hope that Kit would marry him because we all know that if the series continues there's a 95% chance that she will end up with Lucien. She went back in time to save him because she realized how much he means to her, but suddenly we have to make sure that this arbitrary love triangle continues? And what about the line when Doyle proposes to her that he wouldn't stop her from working? That's all he ever does! He is always trying to get her to stop and let the police handle it. Plus she has said on multiple occasions that what he wants from a wife (someone who will cook, clean, and have children) is not what she wants at all! I don't see why we are having this dilemma. Lucien is overbearing and arrogant sometimes, but the two of them have had so much character development in both books that a relationship between them can work. With Doyle he's just constantly arresting her over some trumped up thing or another that he knows is trumped up, or telling her to step aside and let him handle things despite the fact that doing her job is how she survives. Not to mention they had to have this scene in a bush in the park right across from the bad guy's lair? Was that really the best place for this? And she even said in her inner monologue that doing it would mess up everything that she has built with Lucien, but she suddenly feels this inexplicable urge to have sex with Doyle. Really...
Like I said, I really was going to give this 5 stars originally. I like the characters and the plot was awesome. The last few chapters really did ruin a perfect book. I know some people will say that it was fine and they liked the added conflict, and I am fine with people liking it; I personally just find unnecessary love triangles irritating. I really hope the author picks the series back up and ends that conflict quickly.
Like I said, I really was going to give this 5 stars originally. I like the characters and the plot was awesome. The last few chapters really did ruin a perfect book. I know some people will say that it was fine and they liked the added conflict, and I am fine with people liking it; I personally just find unnecessary love triangles irritating. I really hope the author picks the series back up and ends that conflict quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2018
I loved this! I really liked the first book in the series, and wasn't sure what to expect for the second, but it not only lived up to my hopes, it far and away surpassed them!
I adore the character of Kit! She is smart, funny, resourceful, independent, honourable and brave. She is also stubborn, sarcastic and often completely foolhardy. I ask you - what's not to love in a character like that?! Honestly, she's one of my favourite characters in paranormal fiction and I truly love everything about her.
I even liked the love triangle in this [which I normally don't especially care for] because it was so believable and understandable, given the world and the story and the two men involved, which is all I'll say to avoid spoiling anything for future readers.
Speaking of world-building, I very much enjoy this world the author's created. It's a nice combination of steam-punk, Victoriana and kick-ass action adventure. I am totally in for more of this world.
I even loved all the supporting characters! From Harry, to Doyle, to Rina and Wrecker, literally everybody in this world is someone I like and would love to be friends with!
There is nothing about this series that I don't like. I will definitely be continuing with this series. Highly recommended.
I adore the character of Kit! She is smart, funny, resourceful, independent, honourable and brave. She is also stubborn, sarcastic and often completely foolhardy. I ask you - what's not to love in a character like that?! Honestly, she's one of my favourite characters in paranormal fiction and I truly love everything about her.
I even liked the love triangle in this [which I normally don't especially care for] because it was so believable and understandable, given the world and the story and the two men involved, which is all I'll say to avoid spoiling anything for future readers.
Speaking of world-building, I very much enjoy this world the author's created. It's a nice combination of steam-punk, Victoriana and kick-ass action adventure. I am totally in for more of this world.
I even loved all the supporting characters! From Harry, to Doyle, to Rina and Wrecker, literally everybody in this world is someone I like and would love to be friends with!
There is nothing about this series that I don't like. I will definitely be continuing with this series. Highly recommended.
August 8, 2017
J'étais en kiff totale, mais genre le bonheur ultime avec cette saga et ce personnage féminin plein de peps, de répondants... des punchlines de malade, des personnages secondaires excellents, une intrigue hyper rythmée mais arrivée à la fin : l'auteur nous colle un putain de triangle amoureux !!! Non ! Non ! Non ! Quelle déception.
Le personnage féminin est dans le même ton que Kate Daniels, c'est dire à quel point je serais vraiment déprimée si je devais m'arrêter là, mais il y a quelque chose que je ne supporte pas en littérature c'est bien le personnage féminin qui se tape tous les mecs. Ça n'apporte strictement rien à l'histoire, au personnage, rien, rien, mis à part me foutre en rogne contre Kit ou l'auteur ! Pourquoi ?!
Mon coeur est tout dépressif là, je termine avec un gout amer, comme une connerie que j'ai du mal à accepter. Alors que 90% de ma lecture était parfaite. Je ne sais pas ce qu'il y a de prévu pour la suite, j'irais un peu à reculons malheureusement, il y a quelque chose qui s'est brisée. *larmichette*
Le personnage féminin est dans le même ton que Kate Daniels, c'est dire à quel point je serais vraiment déprimée si je devais m'arrêter là, mais il y a quelque chose que je ne supporte pas en littérature c'est bien le personnage féminin qui se tape tous les mecs. Ça n'apporte strictement rien à l'histoire, au personnage, rien, rien, mis à part me foutre en rogne contre Kit ou l'auteur ! Pourquoi ?!
Mon coeur est tout dépressif là, je termine avec un gout amer, comme une connerie que j'ai du mal à accepter. Alors que 90% de ma lecture était parfaite. Je ne sais pas ce qu'il y a de prévu pour la suite, j'irais un peu à reculons malheureusement, il y a quelque chose qui s'est brisée. *larmichette*
October 9, 2017
I picked up this book on a whim at the library and I'm so glad I did. This was a great book! I was so completely engaged that I had a really hard time putting it down to do real life stuff (i.e. feed the kids). The main character Charmian is a strong independent female with quirky humor who is going around solving crimes involving magical elements. As if that's not enough, she also has the attention of two very different men, who both want more from her. The story focuses on the mystery Charmian is solving, but the romance and action all play a part throughout and work together to keep the reader engaged. I'll now go back and read the first book in the series and hope the author keeps the series going with book 3.
March 14, 2019
2019 bk 86. An enjoyable steampunk novel by Lynn Viehl. The characters and setting were interesting. Viehl chose to not set her novel in 19th century London, but in an alternative history colony in the western hemisphere. I did not realize that this was a sequel and it took awhile to catch up on her universe, but the book was acceptable as a stand alone. This factor makes it unique in series writing. Poor Kit has enough problems with people trying to kill her that when you factor in two persistent suitors, a shaman determined to use her for his own purposes, and a mad man using magic and technology in not so nice ways to build an army, it's almost too much for one lady to handle - but she does it admirably. I enjoyed the read, now to find the first book in the series....
March 14, 2018
This is the sequel to Disenchanted & Co and like that book a mixture of steampunk, romance and paranormal. Once again I really loved the book. I loved the setting and the main characters were sympathetic and the villains were villains and all well drawn. I had difficulty putting it down.
May 6, 2018
I love this steampunk genre. This is the second book in this series and I really enjoyed it except for one scene. I was hoping there was a third book but it's been 4 years since this one. I have hope though that the author will come back to this series lol. Don't leave me hanging lol.
June 8, 2017
DNF'd it due ridiculous love triangle.
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