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Magnificent Devices #4
Brilliant Devices
Book four in the Magnificent Devices steampunk series! A lady of resources has the power to change the world-if she can stay alive long enough to do it. Lady Claire Trevelyan had been looking forward to glittering balls, congenial society, and relief from pursuit during her stay with Lord and Lady Dunsmuir in the Canadas. Well, perhaps not entirely. Being pursued by a handsome airship captain is rather diverting, especially when it appears her erstwhile employer, Andrew Malvern, is becoming much too distracted by a certain blond mechanic. But a shot fired in the night puts an end to such diversions, and instead plunges her and her orphaned band of children into a fight for their very survival. Between secret conversations at the highest levels of society and skullduggery in the diamond mines, Claire must discover who is behind a series of alarming attempts on her friends' lives-before her mother is compelled to make funeral arrangements yet again. "I have a big grin on my face which is my Magnificent Devices grin-it's impossible not to smile your way through this book. It's such swashbucklingly good fun. The tone has that wonderful lightness of humour and joy that keeps up in even the direst of situations. At the same time it wonderfully maintains the sense of time and place-the Victorian feel, the language, the class, the clothing, the attitudes are all extremely vivid, carefully maintained and, at times, gloriously lampooned." -Fangs for the Fantasy, on Brilliant Devices
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2013
87 people are currently reading
924 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 173 reviews
March 12, 2014
Well.
You know how I keep saying that I really don’t know what to expect from this series? Because every time that I think “Oh, here’s what the predictable route is going to be for the next book,” there’s suddenly a massive plot shift with the next volume and I’m sitting there going “Oh my God, this is so much better than what I thought it would be.” This is kind of the opposite version of that—it’s not how I thought that the story was going to move along, but this didn’t really gel with me completely. This seemed to rush the conclusion to Claire’s story and I just didn’t feel it as much as I did with the first three volumes. I still enjoyed reading this, but when I got to the end, it was like “That’s it?”
It is a conclusion with Claire’s struggle directly, and I do like that she does get everything she’s wanted to do throughout the series—she gets to go to university, still keep the children in her care, and Andrew Malvern will be waiting for her, along with a patent. But how she finally gets those things is so happenstance, that it lessens the impact of their importance. I needed more buildup and conclusion than just Claire rescues Count von Zeppelin and he took a liking to her. I really wanted an emotional payoff for Claire, that she’s proven to the world that nothing is going to stop her, and it’s not here.
It also doesn’t help that the plot of this book is even further distanced by anything that had been leading up from the previous three books. To be fair, Isobel Churchill’s involvement with the Canadian Inuit tribes had been mentioned throughout, but given everything that had happened in Magnificent Devices, it felt like there had been a massive plot thread dropped in between books. Instead of the Spanish Kingdom and a not-dead-yet Lord James Selwyn catching up to the flock in Canada and making their final stand there, we get enterprising business men trying to start World War I a few decades too early by trying to assassinate Count von Zeppelin, and an incredibly extended subplot about indigenous tribes and land rights that literally up and leaves the plot with barely any resolution. (Can I have an Alice Chalmers spin-off story dealing with that? Please?) And again, it’s not that any of these plot lines are bad, it’s just…there was so much that was unresolved from the previous book, that to kill off the major antagonist we’ve been dealing with for at least three books, kill off his business partners and there’s no mention of any other parties that may be gunning for revenge, it feels like a massive cop-out. I mean, on the one hand, I do applaud Adina for killing off James so unexpectedly, but there’s so many loose ends that needed to be addressed and we don’t get that here.
And there’s the whole subplot with Alice trying to find her father, which is similarly unresolved and actually fairly underdeveloped. Once the flock finally arrives in Edmonton, Alice sets off to find her birth father, and we soon learn that Fredrick Chalmers is suspected of sabotaging the Dunsmuirs’ diamond mines. If the whole plot was focused on the diamond mines and the land rights and the oppression of indigenous tribes (particularly apt given what we learn of Lady Dunsmuir’s ethnicity, which again: where the hell did that come from?), I would have been fine with this. But it’s initially set up as “this is the main plot” and then the Count von Zeppelin plot comes in and smashes it aside. The two plotlines never quite gelled for me, and I really got confused as to what was happening. (And a massive missed opportunity, if you ask me. Examining the Inuit land rights in the veil of the Victorian era would have been fascinating, especially when you bring in characters like Isobel Churchill and Fredrick Chalmers and the implications of Isobel Churchill being vehement about indigenous rights and facing off against Lady Davinia Dunsmuir.)
It also doesn’t help that we don’t get to see either one of these plot lines (aside from character introductions) for a good half of the book. The first half of Brilliant Devices is devoted to one of my favorite plot devices : the love decahedron. Alice has fallen hard for Andrew, who’s all jealous because Captain Hollys kissed Claire, who’s all confused if she’s still in love with Andrew after all of this. The reason that I didn’t mind Claire’s back and forth with Andrew and James was her situation was presented as “Society has bound me in such a way that I can’t publicly pursue Andrew. If I can break off the engagement, sure, but for now, not happening.” (And also because James was a massive rampaging douchebag.) Here, what we get is Alice continuously thinking, “Oh, Claire’s a lady and she’s so fancy and she’s danced with the Prince Consort, and knows what fork to use and I’m just so plain in my greased shirt and I hate wearing corsets and frippery and Andrew would never look at me.” The thing that I loved about Alice and Claire’s friendship is that even though they do come from very different worlds, they still respect and admire each other and bond over engineering and mechanics! And yeah, that’s still in here, but it sucks reading about Alice brooding over her perception that “Andrew could never love meeee!” OH AND points off to you, Mr. Malvern: I don’t care if it’s ‘only right’ that Claire was kissed by another man, WHY THE HELL DID YOU KISS ALICE? JUST TO MAKE CLAIRE JEALOUS? The only way I’d feel better about the entire resolution to this was Alice and Andrew figuring out that they do work better together and Claire ended up with no one because she don’t need no man. That would have been fantastic. (The only saving grace about this whole affair is that when Alice confesses about her kiss to Claire, Claire’s reaction is “Well, at least he’s got good taste in other women. I’m not jealous.” Bless.)
(I have to touch on Gloria Meriweather-Astor here; she is the daughter of the main antagonist of this volume, and a former classmate of Claire’s. Basically, I still don’t know why she plays such a major role in the events, because Claire’s so far removed from the upper class halls of London and I honestly don’t remember Gloria showing up until this point. BUT when Claire starts to give Gloria the cold shoulder, thinking her to be nothing more than a brainless “meringue,”Gloria’s the one to tell Claire, “No. I know what you think of me, and it’s the same thing my father and his associates think. You all think that I’m vapid and naïve, but there’s so much more to me.” If there’s anything that I will champion about this series is that even though this begins with Claire being built up as “not like the other girls,” this does validate a lot of different female characters and steadily moves away from that attitude.)
There’s so many dropped threads of plots that I’m really sad that we’re probably not going to see their full resolution. Like, Alice’s finding her father and reconciling with him—given that the entire Inuit tribe flies off before the climax of the book, we never get a full resolution or even an explanation from Fredrick Chalmers in why he’s been integrated into this tribe. (Side note: the Inuit huts are actually half-buried air ships. Part of the reason why I needed more of them.) All we learn is that he crossed Ned Mose and he’s been keeping tabs on Alice ever since he left. Alice is rightfully angry about this, but there’s still no emotional payoff aside from her rescuing her father and half-brothers from hanging. There’s so much there that isn’t explored, only barely touched on. (Hence why I want an Alice spin-off.) And I still have no idea why Meriweather-Astor wanted to start a war aside from profiteering.
Again, it’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy reading this, because I did. It’s just when these plot points showed up, I was sitting there thinking “Okay, what? But…okay.” This felt more like a jumble of plots and the resolution to most of them are so rushed that everything that had been leading up to the ending didn’t have much impact on me. It’s not that the plotlines came out of nowhere (see Magnificent Devices; now that was a left field plotline) And it’s kind of a problem because the next two books are going to be about the Mopsies in six years, and I don’t think that there’s going to be as much of a focus on Claire. I want more of that emotional pay-off to her story, and here it feels like “Oh, well, she gets to go to university anyway! And she’ll be able to keep her operations in London! Everyone wins!” was decided at the last minute.
It’s not as well-crafted or awesome as the prior two books, and it’s not a bad read—for all of the meandering about with the love decahedron, it moves fairly quickly. But the mish-mashed plot and rushed resolution just didn’t stick for me, and I felt more disappointed than happy. I am still holding out hope that the entire series resolution will be better, but it depends on how things develop. In the meantime, bring on the Mopsies.
You know how I keep saying that I really don’t know what to expect from this series? Because every time that I think “Oh, here’s what the predictable route is going to be for the next book,” there’s suddenly a massive plot shift with the next volume and I’m sitting there going “Oh my God, this is so much better than what I thought it would be.” This is kind of the opposite version of that—it’s not how I thought that the story was going to move along, but this didn’t really gel with me completely. This seemed to rush the conclusion to Claire’s story and I just didn’t feel it as much as I did with the first three volumes. I still enjoyed reading this, but when I got to the end, it was like “That’s it?”
It is a conclusion with Claire’s struggle directly, and I do like that she does get everything she’s wanted to do throughout the series—she gets to go to university, still keep the children in her care, and Andrew Malvern will be waiting for her, along with a patent. But how she finally gets those things is so happenstance, that it lessens the impact of their importance. I needed more buildup and conclusion than just Claire rescues Count von Zeppelin and he took a liking to her. I really wanted an emotional payoff for Claire, that she’s proven to the world that nothing is going to stop her, and it’s not here.
It also doesn’t help that the plot of this book is even further distanced by anything that had been leading up from the previous three books. To be fair, Isobel Churchill’s involvement with the Canadian Inuit tribes had been mentioned throughout, but given everything that had happened in Magnificent Devices, it felt like there had been a massive plot thread dropped in between books. Instead of the Spanish Kingdom and a not-dead-yet Lord James Selwyn catching up to the flock in Canada and making their final stand there, we get enterprising business men trying to start World War I a few decades too early by trying to assassinate Count von Zeppelin, and an incredibly extended subplot about indigenous tribes and land rights that literally up and leaves the plot with barely any resolution. (Can I have an Alice Chalmers spin-off story dealing with that? Please?) And again, it’s not that any of these plot lines are bad, it’s just…there was so much that was unresolved from the previous book, that to kill off the major antagonist we’ve been dealing with for at least three books, kill off his business partners and there’s no mention of any other parties that may be gunning for revenge, it feels like a massive cop-out. I mean, on the one hand, I do applaud Adina for killing off James so unexpectedly, but there’s so many loose ends that needed to be addressed and we don’t get that here.
And there’s the whole subplot with Alice trying to find her father, which is similarly unresolved and actually fairly underdeveloped. Once the flock finally arrives in Edmonton, Alice sets off to find her birth father, and we soon learn that Fredrick Chalmers is suspected of sabotaging the Dunsmuirs’ diamond mines. If the whole plot was focused on the diamond mines and the land rights and the oppression of indigenous tribes (particularly apt given what we learn of Lady Dunsmuir’s ethnicity, which again: where the hell did that come from?), I would have been fine with this. But it’s initially set up as “this is the main plot” and then the Count von Zeppelin plot comes in and smashes it aside. The two plotlines never quite gelled for me, and I really got confused as to what was happening. (And a massive missed opportunity, if you ask me. Examining the Inuit land rights in the veil of the Victorian era would have been fascinating, especially when you bring in characters like Isobel Churchill and Fredrick Chalmers and the implications of Isobel Churchill being vehement about indigenous rights and facing off against Lady Davinia Dunsmuir.)
It also doesn’t help that we don’t get to see either one of these plot lines (aside from character introductions) for a good half of the book. The first half of Brilliant Devices is devoted to one of my favorite plot devices : the love decahedron. Alice has fallen hard for Andrew, who’s all jealous because Captain Hollys kissed Claire, who’s all confused if she’s still in love with Andrew after all of this. The reason that I didn’t mind Claire’s back and forth with Andrew and James was her situation was presented as “Society has bound me in such a way that I can’t publicly pursue Andrew. If I can break off the engagement, sure, but for now, not happening.” (And also because James was a massive rampaging douchebag.) Here, what we get is Alice continuously thinking, “Oh, Claire’s a lady and she’s so fancy and she’s danced with the Prince Consort, and knows what fork to use and I’m just so plain in my greased shirt and I hate wearing corsets and frippery and Andrew would never look at me.” The thing that I loved about Alice and Claire’s friendship is that even though they do come from very different worlds, they still respect and admire each other and bond over engineering and mechanics! And yeah, that’s still in here, but it sucks reading about Alice brooding over her perception that “Andrew could never love meeee!” OH AND points off to you, Mr. Malvern: I don’t care if it’s ‘only right’ that Claire was kissed by another man, WHY THE HELL DID YOU KISS ALICE? JUST TO MAKE CLAIRE JEALOUS? The only way I’d feel better about the entire resolution to this was Alice and Andrew figuring out that they do work better together and Claire ended up with no one because she don’t need no man. That would have been fantastic. (The only saving grace about this whole affair is that when Alice confesses about her kiss to Claire, Claire’s reaction is “Well, at least he’s got good taste in other women. I’m not jealous.” Bless.)
(I have to touch on Gloria Meriweather-Astor here; she is the daughter of the main antagonist of this volume, and a former classmate of Claire’s. Basically, I still don’t know why she plays such a major role in the events, because Claire’s so far removed from the upper class halls of London and I honestly don’t remember Gloria showing up until this point. BUT when Claire starts to give Gloria the cold shoulder, thinking her to be nothing more than a brainless “meringue,”Gloria’s the one to tell Claire, “No. I know what you think of me, and it’s the same thing my father and his associates think. You all think that I’m vapid and naïve, but there’s so much more to me.” If there’s anything that I will champion about this series is that even though this begins with Claire being built up as “not like the other girls,” this does validate a lot of different female characters and steadily moves away from that attitude.)
There’s so many dropped threads of plots that I’m really sad that we’re probably not going to see their full resolution. Like, Alice’s finding her father and reconciling with him—given that the entire Inuit tribe flies off before the climax of the book, we never get a full resolution or even an explanation from Fredrick Chalmers in why he’s been integrated into this tribe. (Side note: the Inuit huts are actually half-buried air ships. Part of the reason why I needed more of them.) All we learn is that he crossed Ned Mose and he’s been keeping tabs on Alice ever since he left. Alice is rightfully angry about this, but there’s still no emotional payoff aside from her rescuing her father and half-brothers from hanging. There’s so much there that isn’t explored, only barely touched on. (Hence why I want an Alice spin-off.) And I still have no idea why Meriweather-Astor wanted to start a war aside from profiteering.
Again, it’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy reading this, because I did. It’s just when these plot points showed up, I was sitting there thinking “Okay, what? But…okay.” This felt more like a jumble of plots and the resolution to most of them are so rushed that everything that had been leading up to the ending didn’t have much impact on me. It’s not that the plotlines came out of nowhere (see Magnificent Devices; now that was a left field plotline) And it’s kind of a problem because the next two books are going to be about the Mopsies in six years, and I don’t think that there’s going to be as much of a focus on Claire. I want more of that emotional pay-off to her story, and here it feels like “Oh, well, she gets to go to university anyway! And she’ll be able to keep her operations in London! Everyone wins!” was decided at the last minute.
It’s not as well-crafted or awesome as the prior two books, and it’s not a bad read—for all of the meandering about with the love decahedron, it moves fairly quickly. But the mish-mashed plot and rushed resolution just didn’t stick for me, and I felt more disappointed than happy. I am still holding out hope that the entire series resolution will be better, but it depends on how things develop. In the meantime, bring on the Mopsies.
June 1, 2019
So many strong girls and women in this series- I love it! It's not often that the fourth book in a series becomes my favorite but this one just did. I live for the ending epilogue letters too. They always entice me to start the next book when I should be sleeping. : ) Thankfully it's a Friday....
June 28, 2018
A fine ending to the storyline
October 30, 2025
This book is like a breath of clean air, refreshing, riveting and completely unsoiled and wholesome. Yes, wholesome. There is romantic tension, boy is there romantic tension but it’s purely swoon worthy romance. This is a story I would happily share with my 14 year old daughter, but it is sure to grip even the loyal steampunk fans.
The story is filled with gadgetry but to my utter elation it is also packed with magnificent heroines that are quick thinking, witty, motivated, self sacrificing, moral and beyond petty jealousy. Absolutely TRUE HEROINES, and there is not just one but many plus a few in training. Speaking of which, I’m quoting a note from Shelley…”but I really feel that Maggie and Lizzie need their own book or books, plural.” Do you see me doing the happy book dance, cause its happening right now!
I have loved this series from the very first book, Brilliant Devices is an amazing continuation to this series. What a completely re-read worthy series. White knuckling anticipation till your next adventure, please write fast Shelley Adina.
Written by: Shelley Adina
Series: Magnificent Devices #4
The story is filled with gadgetry but to my utter elation it is also packed with magnificent heroines that are quick thinking, witty, motivated, self sacrificing, moral and beyond petty jealousy. Absolutely TRUE HEROINES, and there is not just one but many plus a few in training. Speaking of which, I’m quoting a note from Shelley…”but I really feel that Maggie and Lizzie need their own book or books, plural.” Do you see me doing the happy book dance, cause its happening right now!
I have loved this series from the very first book, Brilliant Devices is an amazing continuation to this series. What a completely re-read worthy series. White knuckling anticipation till your next adventure, please write fast Shelley Adina.
Written by: Shelley Adina
Series: Magnificent Devices #4
March 19, 2014
This book is definitely on the level with the first book in the series, Lady of Devices. SO much character development!! I especially enjoyed seeing the Mopsies growing into strong young ladies, wise beyond their years, and coming to true sense of family with Claire.
We last left Lady Claire in quite a pickle at the end of Book 3. It was the cliff-hanger of all cliff-hangers for this series. This novel finds Lady Claire regrouping with her Flock, including it's true avian member, the adventurous hen, Rosie. Together, they must uncover a murderous plot, discover the truth about a long-lost relative, Claire finds herself in confusion regarding her feelings for a certain engineer, and more than one member of the Flock must make life-changing decisions about their future...
One of the best endings yet, a sense of closure, with serious ambitions for the future of the series ; )
We last left Lady Claire in quite a pickle at the end of Book 3. It was the cliff-hanger of all cliff-hangers for this series. This novel finds Lady Claire regrouping with her Flock, including it's true avian member, the adventurous hen, Rosie. Together, they must uncover a murderous plot, discover the truth about a long-lost relative, Claire finds herself in confusion regarding her feelings for a certain engineer, and more than one member of the Flock must make life-changing decisions about their future...
One of the best endings yet, a sense of closure, with serious ambitions for the future of the series ; )
December 21, 2014
Lady Claire returns for the fourth instalment in the Magnificent Devices series. In this episode she is joined by a brash American inventor, Alice Chalmers. As they journey to Canada to rejoin the Dunsmuirs they find themselves at the centre of a plot to assassinate none other than Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. Thwarting the assassination attempt and preventing a war will just about fill up a book.
I quite enjoy a bit of Steam Punk. That said, I find some of it harder to digest but this whole series is on the light and fluffy end of the spectrum. Fairly innocent not too dark and in some ways quite simple. A great series for a teenage girl if you're still looking for a Christmas gift. I found the switching between points of view a little distracting in this book but overall another entertaining instalment in the series.
I quite enjoy a bit of Steam Punk. That said, I find some of it harder to digest but this whole series is on the light and fluffy end of the spectrum. Fairly innocent not too dark and in some ways quite simple. A great series for a teenage girl if you're still looking for a Christmas gift. I found the switching between points of view a little distracting in this book but overall another entertaining instalment in the series.
Want to read
February 2, 2013Just waiting for the moment this becomes available for order on Amazon! After the ending of Magnificent Devices and the excerpt for Brilliant Devices- cannot wait! Very soon....
May 12, 2014
I was hooked on this series a few years back, but hadn't gotten around to reading this one until just now. I really loved this series, but, alas, I think it will be my last foray into this world.
I was fully engrossed in the story, but two things completely ruined it for me.
1) the sudden OMG I LOVE YOU from Captain Hollys (whom I barely remembered from the other books) to Claire.
2) the ridiculous non-resolution to the romance at the end. A letter? Really? That's it, huh? Okay. We're done here.
And number 2 would probably be completely forgivable if the next in this series was about Claire and Andrew. It's not. It jumps, I think, five years ahead and follows the twin girls, who I always thought were cute, but not compelling enough to read a book about. Alice's further adventures? Absolutely. But the mopsies? Ah, no.
So, sorry. I really liked this series, but I'm done with it now. Disappointing. *sigh*
Still, a solid three stars for the writing.
Also: Apollo was the Greek god of mathematics, not Athena. *twitch*
I was fully engrossed in the story, but two things completely ruined it for me.
1) the sudden OMG I LOVE YOU from Captain Hollys (whom I barely remembered from the other books) to Claire.
2) the ridiculous non-resolution to the romance at the end. A letter? Really? That's it, huh? Okay. We're done here.
And number 2 would probably be completely forgivable if the next in this series was about Claire and Andrew. It's not. It jumps, I think, five years ahead and follows the twin girls, who I always thought were cute, but not compelling enough to read a book about. Alice's further adventures? Absolutely. But the mopsies? Ah, no.
So, sorry. I really liked this series, but I'm done with it now. Disappointing. *sigh*
Still, a solid three stars for the writing.
Also: Apollo was the Greek god of mathematics, not Athena. *twitch*
November 11, 2020
I think something is lost in this book with their travels to America - there was such charm in the story taking place in London. A bit too much action, to where I was sometimes not sure what was happening where and with whom. I like the character additions, it just felt like by the time the book ended there were too many characters with major storylines happening. It was still a fun read though!
May 23, 2022
I absolutely love the fantasy mixed with history, the adventure and the relationship between the lady her “children” and her friends. Luckily there are quite a few books in the series!
May 24, 2018
2.75- while I did enjoy the the series on a whole, towards the end I really had to suspend my disbelief that all of the characters were so young and so adept at feats of grandeur- still fun
December 24, 2020
These are good reads - not sure that I am going past book 4 (there are 18) but I might
May 17, 2019
Magnificent Devices 4-book Bundle by Shelley Adina
I initially obtained the first book Lady of Devices free and thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters to the point of not being able to pass up the great bargain of the 4 book bundle. I thought if they were even only half as well done as the first I couldn't go wrong. I set them aside for a bit before getting to them, but when I started I couldn't put the whole group down until I finished.
Lady Claire or Claire Trevelyan daughter of Viscount St. Ives is one of the most remarkable female protagonists to come along. At the age of 17 she has been brought up proper to become a lady who will soon be offering her hand to the most eligible gentleman she can snare. The problem for Lady Claire is that despite all the efforts to cow and mold her into a pleasant perfect petticoat-ed proper lady she has other plans that can't include that gentlemen under her societies present circumstances. She wants to go to college to obtain a degree in engineering so that she can continue to pursue the passion she already has for designing and improving upon the steam driven technology that are emerging into the present era. Of course her goals are simply absurd in her day and age and she has an uphill battle, although the hill looks more like a cliff.
A dreadful event changes her life and perhaps is what catapults her into having to use her wits to survive. Her father fails in a desperate gamble with combustion engines and ruins not only himself but a large number of investors. His subsequent suicide leaves his family trying to scramble up from the ashes to avoid poverty. Despite her mothers protests and preaching Lady Claire manages to free herself from tradition long enough to attempt to find a temporary job that will help her put herself through college. Because everything that Claire proposes to do is against the grain of societies rules she has a hard battle before her.
Early on we discover one of Lady Claire's most prized possessions is her father's steam landau, which she uses to get around the city. It is through the theft of the landau, while she's wandered into an unsavory part of the city, that she begins to really show her mettle. Not knowing what she is facing she attempts to recover her landau from the thieves. This leads to the discovery that the thieves are mostly children. Perhaps it's a bit of that ingrained mother instinct that ultimately leads to Lady Claire taking over the 'gang'. The gang has since passed her landau off to another more dangerous gang and in exchange for Lady Claire teaching them how to make gaseous explosive devices they promise to help her gain back the landau. In the end Lady Claire ends up killing a man (Lightning Jackson) and beginning her life of crime.
Lady Claire continues to search for a job while she rides herd over the gang of youths and spends her free time teaching them mathematics, chemistry, reading, writing, mechanical engineering, various poker hands and all the essentials including bomb building. Her search for a job intersects with an old family friend James Selwyn who has a business colleague Andrew Malvern who is designing a new way to make coal more efficient. James Selwyn immediately comes off as a bit of a stuffy self-involved character who has only one vision of what a woman's place in society is. This is so narrow that it precludes the probability that his efforts will damage his chances of completing the project of creating Hyper-efficient coal. Despite James effort Claire and Andrew must work around James to succeed.
Eventually Lady Claire will find herself torn between the professed affections of these two men.
The second book has a spot that I found to be a point of epiphany for Claire. Claire knows that if she wanted to make many things in her life easier she could Marry James as he keeps insisting he wants her to do. James has gone as far as to manipulate things in his favor despite his seeming distaste for most of what Claire represents. Because of James's cruel and insensitive nature she know that his final goal is to separate her from her life goals and from her new found family of the children she has been sheltering. She has made the children a promise and James intends on forcing her to break that promise and at this point of the book Lady Claire has a moment of clarity where she realizes that her first commitment is to the children, her new family, and that anyone who comes into her life has to be able to accept them. Clearly the children are as important to her as her goal to go to a university and become an engineer. Lady Claire seems to be more than willing and capable of handling the requirements of the average woman while still striving to obtain something that far surpasses every woman.
Lady Claire is the Lady of Devices but more appropriately she is later described as the Lady of Resources which defines her much better. Lady Claire does have a mind and a inclination for devices but she seems less the inventor and more the innovator of other inventions. She surrounds herself with others with valuable skills and has set herself up as a leader of a small army that includes several other ladies of resources. James can't tolerate this and Andrew can only marvel at it all (and they only know the half of it). That does not mean that these two men are weak or less than men. James typifies everything that Lady Claire had to fight and overcome while Andrew is more tolerant and finds himself puzzling over the old paradigm of social order and this new vision that he sees working not only with Lady Claire but in the children she has in her charge. Even Lady Claire struggles with the whole new paradigm when she finds herself stifling the twins more often than not. It is hard to let go and realize that these young girls and all of her children are no longer ordinary.
A majority of the successes of Lady Claire and her charges stems from not weak and inept male characters, but more so from a real existing mental attitude ingrained in the minds of those men. I've met many that exist today that have this same blind spot when trying to judge the capability of some women. It's such a powerful influence that they teach their own wives to live within the same blind spot; helping to affirm and fulfill their own skewed expectation of woman's abilities. James is a strong male character on one side of the blind spot and Andrew is a strong male character on the other side. Andrew's strength only becomes less evident to anyone looking at him from that blind spot, which is going to include a majority of those typical strong male types.
And now for quibbles. Shelley Adina writes well and is a magnificent story teller and as always I tend not to downgrade the work for common errors in the understanding that I have my own problems ferreting out all the straggling errors that hide amongst my own writing. I am not one who thinks that every published manuscript must be totally error free or it becomes invalid. It is insanity for authors to attempt to edit their own work especially when there is proof that even many so called professional editors have left enough errors intact for the author too find, forcing the author to attempt the insane. Errors happen. My present quibble is not addressed directly at Ms. Adina as it is at a number of authors who seem to find the use of a particular somewhat poetic word necessary at least once within their work. I'm referring to that beautiful word susurrus. In this instance it shows up as susurration. I just want to point out that susurrus is spelled S-U-S-U-R-R-U-S note two r's together not two s's. I'm beginning to love/hate this word. It's pronunciation is almost a clear clue to it definition and I am certain that at the very least in literary circles (particularly poetic) it is a well known word. But if I were to include it within my own narrative I would suspect that in my venue it might not be so well known, so I would be extra careful to be sure I was spelling it correctly. Of the last four times I've seen this in someones work it has shown up as sussurus and in this instance as sussuration. Those two words as they are spelled don't exist and anyone looking them up or using the dictionary within kindle is going to be disappointed.
On a side note; had it not been for the few authors who have used and so often misspelled this word I would likely have lived the rest of my life without being acquainted with it.
Make no mistake; I loved this series of books and will be looking into the 5th book soon. I love Ms. Adina's writing style and suspect I will be tempted into reaching out of my genre preferences once again to peruse a few more of her works.
Anyone who loves SteamPunk or even SFF (and is not ultra picky about the science or strict adherence to history) should love these books.
For those who are picky I'd like to point out the disclaimer at the beginning which includes.
[Quote] This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real.[/Quote]
J.L. Dobias
I initially obtained the first book Lady of Devices free and thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters to the point of not being able to pass up the great bargain of the 4 book bundle. I thought if they were even only half as well done as the first I couldn't go wrong. I set them aside for a bit before getting to them, but when I started I couldn't put the whole group down until I finished.
Lady Claire or Claire Trevelyan daughter of Viscount St. Ives is one of the most remarkable female protagonists to come along. At the age of 17 she has been brought up proper to become a lady who will soon be offering her hand to the most eligible gentleman she can snare. The problem for Lady Claire is that despite all the efforts to cow and mold her into a pleasant perfect petticoat-ed proper lady she has other plans that can't include that gentlemen under her societies present circumstances. She wants to go to college to obtain a degree in engineering so that she can continue to pursue the passion she already has for designing and improving upon the steam driven technology that are emerging into the present era. Of course her goals are simply absurd in her day and age and she has an uphill battle, although the hill looks more like a cliff.
A dreadful event changes her life and perhaps is what catapults her into having to use her wits to survive. Her father fails in a desperate gamble with combustion engines and ruins not only himself but a large number of investors. His subsequent suicide leaves his family trying to scramble up from the ashes to avoid poverty. Despite her mothers protests and preaching Lady Claire manages to free herself from tradition long enough to attempt to find a temporary job that will help her put herself through college. Because everything that Claire proposes to do is against the grain of societies rules she has a hard battle before her.
Early on we discover one of Lady Claire's most prized possessions is her father's steam landau, which she uses to get around the city. It is through the theft of the landau, while she's wandered into an unsavory part of the city, that she begins to really show her mettle. Not knowing what she is facing she attempts to recover her landau from the thieves. This leads to the discovery that the thieves are mostly children. Perhaps it's a bit of that ingrained mother instinct that ultimately leads to Lady Claire taking over the 'gang'. The gang has since passed her landau off to another more dangerous gang and in exchange for Lady Claire teaching them how to make gaseous explosive devices they promise to help her gain back the landau. In the end Lady Claire ends up killing a man (Lightning Jackson) and beginning her life of crime.
Lady Claire continues to search for a job while she rides herd over the gang of youths and spends her free time teaching them mathematics, chemistry, reading, writing, mechanical engineering, various poker hands and all the essentials including bomb building. Her search for a job intersects with an old family friend James Selwyn who has a business colleague Andrew Malvern who is designing a new way to make coal more efficient. James Selwyn immediately comes off as a bit of a stuffy self-involved character who has only one vision of what a woman's place in society is. This is so narrow that it precludes the probability that his efforts will damage his chances of completing the project of creating Hyper-efficient coal. Despite James effort Claire and Andrew must work around James to succeed.
Eventually Lady Claire will find herself torn between the professed affections of these two men.
The second book has a spot that I found to be a point of epiphany for Claire. Claire knows that if she wanted to make many things in her life easier she could Marry James as he keeps insisting he wants her to do. James has gone as far as to manipulate things in his favor despite his seeming distaste for most of what Claire represents. Because of James's cruel and insensitive nature she know that his final goal is to separate her from her life goals and from her new found family of the children she has been sheltering. She has made the children a promise and James intends on forcing her to break that promise and at this point of the book Lady Claire has a moment of clarity where she realizes that her first commitment is to the children, her new family, and that anyone who comes into her life has to be able to accept them. Clearly the children are as important to her as her goal to go to a university and become an engineer. Lady Claire seems to be more than willing and capable of handling the requirements of the average woman while still striving to obtain something that far surpasses every woman.
Lady Claire is the Lady of Devices but more appropriately she is later described as the Lady of Resources which defines her much better. Lady Claire does have a mind and a inclination for devices but she seems less the inventor and more the innovator of other inventions. She surrounds herself with others with valuable skills and has set herself up as a leader of a small army that includes several other ladies of resources. James can't tolerate this and Andrew can only marvel at it all (and they only know the half of it). That does not mean that these two men are weak or less than men. James typifies everything that Lady Claire had to fight and overcome while Andrew is more tolerant and finds himself puzzling over the old paradigm of social order and this new vision that he sees working not only with Lady Claire but in the children she has in her charge. Even Lady Claire struggles with the whole new paradigm when she finds herself stifling the twins more often than not. It is hard to let go and realize that these young girls and all of her children are no longer ordinary.
A majority of the successes of Lady Claire and her charges stems from not weak and inept male characters, but more so from a real existing mental attitude ingrained in the minds of those men. I've met many that exist today that have this same blind spot when trying to judge the capability of some women. It's such a powerful influence that they teach their own wives to live within the same blind spot; helping to affirm and fulfill their own skewed expectation of woman's abilities. James is a strong male character on one side of the blind spot and Andrew is a strong male character on the other side. Andrew's strength only becomes less evident to anyone looking at him from that blind spot, which is going to include a majority of those typical strong male types.
And now for quibbles. Shelley Adina writes well and is a magnificent story teller and as always I tend not to downgrade the work for common errors in the understanding that I have my own problems ferreting out all the straggling errors that hide amongst my own writing. I am not one who thinks that every published manuscript must be totally error free or it becomes invalid. It is insanity for authors to attempt to edit their own work especially when there is proof that even many so called professional editors have left enough errors intact for the author too find, forcing the author to attempt the insane. Errors happen. My present quibble is not addressed directly at Ms. Adina as it is at a number of authors who seem to find the use of a particular somewhat poetic word necessary at least once within their work. I'm referring to that beautiful word susurrus. In this instance it shows up as susurration. I just want to point out that susurrus is spelled S-U-S-U-R-R-U-S note two r's together not two s's. I'm beginning to love/hate this word. It's pronunciation is almost a clear clue to it definition and I am certain that at the very least in literary circles (particularly poetic) it is a well known word. But if I were to include it within my own narrative I would suspect that in my venue it might not be so well known, so I would be extra careful to be sure I was spelling it correctly. Of the last four times I've seen this in someones work it has shown up as sussurus and in this instance as sussuration. Those two words as they are spelled don't exist and anyone looking them up or using the dictionary within kindle is going to be disappointed.
On a side note; had it not been for the few authors who have used and so often misspelled this word I would likely have lived the rest of my life without being acquainted with it.
Make no mistake; I loved this series of books and will be looking into the 5th book soon. I love Ms. Adina's writing style and suspect I will be tempted into reaching out of my genre preferences once again to peruse a few more of her works.
Anyone who loves SteamPunk or even SFF (and is not ultra picky about the science or strict adherence to history) should love these books.
For those who are picky I'd like to point out the disclaimer at the beginning which includes.
[Quote] This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real.[/Quote]
J.L. Dobias
March 6, 2013
Lady Claire is back and rumours of her demise are greatly exaggerated; though he reappearance causes quite a shock for Lord and Lady Dunsmuirs, especially since this is the second time Claire has been presumed dead. Reunited with her flock, Claire can return to her original plan, visiting Edmonton with the Dunsmuirs, seeing their holdings and making plans for the future – especially since she no longer has the threat of forced marriage being held over her.
Of course, things can’t be that easy. Alice is joining them, severely out of place among the nobility and desperately looking for her father who may be involved in nefarious schemes. And when they arrive at the Dunsmuirs’ most remote mine they find a whole crew of people ready to join them, from Britain, from the colonies and even the famous Baron Zeplin himself. Of course, not all of these people can be gathered without nefarious schemes afoot – and soon sabotage follows kidnapping follows lots of adventure and excitement as Claire and her flock must again try to avert disaster – this time on an international scale.
I have a big grin on my face which is my Magnificent Devices grin – it’s impossible not to smile your way through this book. It’s such swashbucklingly, good fun. The tone has that wonderful lightness of humour and joy that keeps up in even the direst of situations. At the same time it wonderfully maintains the sense of time and place – the Victorian feel, the language, the class, the clothing, the attitudes are all extremely vivid, carefully maintained and, at times, gloriously lampooned.
The story didn’t let up for a moment and was full of twists and new developments. For a long time I had no idea what the focus was going to be or what the main plot line was – partly because all the characters have their own lives and their own agendas – but it didn’t matter because these characters and their interactions are so much fun and so truly excellent that it was worthy reading even without the main plot of the book being present.
And when it did develop it was wonderful – intricate with new revelations and surprises, I didn’t predict it, didn’t know where we were going and was surprised every step. The action kept flowing and the story kept up – it was an extremely quick and fun read.
I have to say I feel minorly cheated by the ending. Not because of a cliffhanger or anything like that – no the story was brought to a close and in a wonderfully concise and clear manner, the bad guys vanquished, the good guys triumphant – but it was summed up in a latter. The letter covered everything and we knew how it was going to end before that letter because Claire & Co had, through daring and intelligence and each of their useful skills, come up with a plan that was rapidly reaching its forgone conclusion. We didn’t need to see the bad guys humbled and defeated to know they were. We didn’t need to see the glorious victory that had become inevitable. We didn’t need to see Claire and the Dunsmirs and Zeplin proud and triumphant. But I wanted to – after a book of wrangling and struggling and ducking and weaving, I wanted the pay off of a glorious victories, the enemies shamed and cast down, smugness all round. This letter did not have my smugness pay off nor nearly enough villains having their noses pushed into the mud. I am disappointed.
Read More
Of course, things can’t be that easy. Alice is joining them, severely out of place among the nobility and desperately looking for her father who may be involved in nefarious schemes. And when they arrive at the Dunsmuirs’ most remote mine they find a whole crew of people ready to join them, from Britain, from the colonies and even the famous Baron Zeplin himself. Of course, not all of these people can be gathered without nefarious schemes afoot – and soon sabotage follows kidnapping follows lots of adventure and excitement as Claire and her flock must again try to avert disaster – this time on an international scale.
I have a big grin on my face which is my Magnificent Devices grin – it’s impossible not to smile your way through this book. It’s such swashbucklingly, good fun. The tone has that wonderful lightness of humour and joy that keeps up in even the direst of situations. At the same time it wonderfully maintains the sense of time and place – the Victorian feel, the language, the class, the clothing, the attitudes are all extremely vivid, carefully maintained and, at times, gloriously lampooned.
The story didn’t let up for a moment and was full of twists and new developments. For a long time I had no idea what the focus was going to be or what the main plot line was – partly because all the characters have their own lives and their own agendas – but it didn’t matter because these characters and their interactions are so much fun and so truly excellent that it was worthy reading even without the main plot of the book being present.
And when it did develop it was wonderful – intricate with new revelations and surprises, I didn’t predict it, didn’t know where we were going and was surprised every step. The action kept flowing and the story kept up – it was an extremely quick and fun read.
I have to say I feel minorly cheated by the ending. Not because of a cliffhanger or anything like that – no the story was brought to a close and in a wonderfully concise and clear manner, the bad guys vanquished, the good guys triumphant – but it was summed up in a latter. The letter covered everything and we knew how it was going to end before that letter because Claire & Co had, through daring and intelligence and each of their useful skills, come up with a plan that was rapidly reaching its forgone conclusion. We didn’t need to see the bad guys humbled and defeated to know they were. We didn’t need to see the glorious victory that had become inevitable. We didn’t need to see Claire and the Dunsmirs and Zeplin proud and triumphant. But I wanted to – after a book of wrangling and struggling and ducking and weaving, I wanted the pay off of a glorious victories, the enemies shamed and cast down, smugness all round. This letter did not have my smugness pay off nor nearly enough villains having their noses pushed into the mud. I am disappointed.
Read More
June 9, 2015
Wow.....what a great fantastical adventure!
Claire was rescued from the train wreck. Lord James is definitely out of the picture (kind of sad the way he's out of the equation but he is quite a sneaky villain) Will Andrew finally confess his feelings? Seems like there's never a good moment and when there is, he's just not quick enough. Sheeeesh!
We've got a new guy who's also vying for Claire, if only she shows more interest....and Andrew is distracted with Alice when looks all pretty for the party. Competition for both parties.
But the focus of the story is not Claire and Andrew's almost romance. Now that the whole plot unfolds we've got a whole bigger plan: someone is sabotaging the Dunsmuir's diamond mine, an attempted assassination on a German Count, Alice's effort in finding her long lost father and more plot twists and mystery unfolding and connecting all the main characters together.
Yeay:
1) the Mopsies are featured a lot in this story as they are always with Claire. These two girls are awesomely scary smart and stealthy. I love the part where every one who doesnt know them would always under estimate them but the Mopsies will always prove them wrong.
2) Claire-Andrew-Alice triangle. Also a great example of sisters before misters.
3) more plot twists, daring rescues and escapes by our MCs.
4) more girl power (sorry....many of the great ideas in the story were from the female characters...haha!) how using quick thinking and a calm resolve can get you out of sticky situations.
5) unlikely allies and loyal friendships.
Meh:
1) whatever happened to the Dunsmuirs at the end of the story? Sort of got glossed over.
2) what happened to Gloria? Why was she so eager to switch sides?
3) the not quite happy HEA for Claire and Andrew. Are they ever going to be together?
This book marks the end of one part of the adventure. Don't know if there will be more in the books after this. So i'm going to continue on to the next book.
Claire was rescued from the train wreck. Lord James is definitely out of the picture (kind of sad the way he's out of the equation but he is quite a sneaky villain) Will Andrew finally confess his feelings? Seems like there's never a good moment and when there is, he's just not quick enough. Sheeeesh!
We've got a new guy who's also vying for Claire, if only she shows more interest....and Andrew is distracted with Alice when looks all pretty for the party. Competition for both parties.
But the focus of the story is not Claire and Andrew's almost romance. Now that the whole plot unfolds we've got a whole bigger plan: someone is sabotaging the Dunsmuir's diamond mine, an attempted assassination on a German Count, Alice's effort in finding her long lost father and more plot twists and mystery unfolding and connecting all the main characters together.
Yeay:
1) the Mopsies are featured a lot in this story as they are always with Claire. These two girls are awesomely scary smart and stealthy. I love the part where every one who doesnt know them would always under estimate them but the Mopsies will always prove them wrong.
2) Claire-Andrew-Alice triangle. Also a great example of sisters before misters.
3) more plot twists, daring rescues and escapes by our MCs.
4) more girl power (sorry....many of the great ideas in the story were from the female characters...haha!) how using quick thinking and a calm resolve can get you out of sticky situations.
5) unlikely allies and loyal friendships.
Meh:
1) whatever happened to the Dunsmuirs at the end of the story? Sort of got glossed over.
2) what happened to Gloria? Why was she so eager to switch sides?
3) the not quite happy HEA for Claire and Andrew. Are they ever going to be together?
This book marks the end of one part of the adventure. Don't know if there will be more in the books after this. So i'm going to continue on to the next book.
March 7, 2013
Alternative history? Check
Steam driven machines? Check
Clockwork devices? Check
Use of human level engineering? CheckTrevelyan
Young characters having to get old characters out of trouble? Check
A tale of high adventure, dark conspiracies, and hairbreath escapes? Check
"Brilliant Devices", the 4th episode in Shelley Adina's "Magnificent Devices" stories about the adventures of Lady Claire Trevelyan has all of the elements of a great steampunk tale, and more.
This time Claire travels from the American (or the Colonies) Southwest to the wilds of Canada. Claire, having escapes the dastardly clutches of Lord James Selwyn, goes north to meet up with Earl Dunsmuir and family with Alice Chalmers, Adrew Malvern, and her wards Maggie and Lizzy, known together as the Mopsies. Alice has her own purpose in going to Edmonton where the Dunsmuir family have a large diamond mining operation. She is looking for her father, whom she suspects is involved in the enterprise, though under mysterious circumstances.
While there, they all uncover a plot against Count Zepplin, a brilliant creator of dirigible airships. And we discover more about the growing attraction between Claire and Andrew. Claire learns a good deal about herself in the process.
Lovers of the Steampunk genre will find all elements of what we have come to enjoy about these stories, plus Adina has created some memorable characters about whom I hope she continues to write.
Steam driven machines? Check
Clockwork devices? Check
Use of human level engineering? CheckTrevelyan
Young characters having to get old characters out of trouble? Check
A tale of high adventure, dark conspiracies, and hairbreath escapes? Check
"Brilliant Devices", the 4th episode in Shelley Adina's "Magnificent Devices" stories about the adventures of Lady Claire Trevelyan has all of the elements of a great steampunk tale, and more.
This time Claire travels from the American (or the Colonies) Southwest to the wilds of Canada. Claire, having escapes the dastardly clutches of Lord James Selwyn, goes north to meet up with Earl Dunsmuir and family with Alice Chalmers, Adrew Malvern, and her wards Maggie and Lizzy, known together as the Mopsies. Alice has her own purpose in going to Edmonton where the Dunsmuir family have a large diamond mining operation. She is looking for her father, whom she suspects is involved in the enterprise, though under mysterious circumstances.
While there, they all uncover a plot against Count Zepplin, a brilliant creator of dirigible airships. And we discover more about the growing attraction between Claire and Andrew. Claire learns a good deal about herself in the process.
Lovers of the Steampunk genre will find all elements of what we have come to enjoy about these stories, plus Adina has created some memorable characters about whom I hope she continues to write.
March 18, 2013
I am one of those unfortunate souls who has a hard time abandoning a book or series. Even if I'm not loving it, I don't like leaving it all hanging.
So uhg, I was ready for this series to end one book ago. All have abrupt "to be continued" style endings which feel cheap to me. This book had some interesting new plots, but the story just got cumbersome to me. Each book is longer than the last, partly because there are so many characters now involved, more added in each book with very few laid to rest, that the subplots abound overboard.
I will be abandoning the series at this point. I had no idea when I started it that it was planned to be a 7 book series or I wouldn't have touched it anyway. I was ready to be done with the story and characters in three books. There are way too many POV characters at this point that are all being kept up and it feels unwieldy to me, but then, I'm not really the target demographic either. Either way, adieu.
So uhg, I was ready for this series to end one book ago. All have abrupt "to be continued" style endings which feel cheap to me. This book had some interesting new plots, but the story just got cumbersome to me. Each book is longer than the last, partly because there are so many characters now involved, more added in each book with very few laid to rest, that the subplots abound overboard.
I will be abandoning the series at this point. I had no idea when I started it that it was planned to be a 7 book series or I wouldn't have touched it anyway. I was ready to be done with the story and characters in three books. There are way too many POV characters at this point that are all being kept up and it feels unwieldy to me, but then, I'm not really the target demographic either. Either way, adieu.
June 10, 2013
Probably the best of the series!
There are four books in Adina's Magnificent Devices Series, all set with Claire as the main character in a steampunk world. I really didn't know I'd like steampunk this much! The four books are: Lady of Devices, Her Own Devices, Magnificent Devices, and Brilliant Devices.
In Brilliant Devices all the threads come together at the end (somewhat abruptly) and everything reaches a satisfying conclusion. Which made me sad, because I wanted more.
Here's the funny thing. I don't think I'm the target audience. But I sure like a good story.
The author is a superb story-teller and fleshes out each of her characters, providing plot twists and action scenes that are believable (well, if you're reading steampunk, you don't mind stretching a little).
Bottom line: If you haven't read the first three, go get them and read them first. Then sit back and prop your feet up - because you'll certainly enjoy this last steam-powered balloon ride with Claire.
There are four books in Adina's Magnificent Devices Series, all set with Claire as the main character in a steampunk world. I really didn't know I'd like steampunk this much! The four books are: Lady of Devices, Her Own Devices, Magnificent Devices, and Brilliant Devices.
In Brilliant Devices all the threads come together at the end (somewhat abruptly) and everything reaches a satisfying conclusion. Which made me sad, because I wanted more.
Here's the funny thing. I don't think I'm the target audience. But I sure like a good story.
The author is a superb story-teller and fleshes out each of her characters, providing plot twists and action scenes that are believable (well, if you're reading steampunk, you don't mind stretching a little).
Bottom line: If you haven't read the first three, go get them and read them first. Then sit back and prop your feet up - because you'll certainly enjoy this last steam-powered balloon ride with Claire.
April 3, 2013
Just a quick note that the four stars only applies if you read all four (so far) books in the series. These four books form the story of Claire Trevelyan, the unexpected Lady of Devices, who transforms from schoolroom young lady to dashing steampunk heroine over the course of these books. Much in the style of Gail Carriger, this is an alternative Victorian world, filled with steam-powered gadgets, overly polite society figures, and a young woman determined to do much more than her mother's expectations of a good marriage. Although I truly feel the four books should be only two given length and dangling plot lines, I enjoyed them immensely. This isn't heavy reading, but it is wonderfully entertaining, and always thrilled to read another series where a woman's brains and courage are more important than her beauty.
November 1, 2017
I can't help loving this romance-y steampunk series. A variety of characters and great mechanics. Brilliant devices was better than #3 with more plot and twists. A little disappointed with the shifting POV, slightly muddled characterizations, and the wishy-washy treatment of Mr. Malvern, but interesting world-building (as always) and a charming setting make these a quick and satisfying read. This book comes to more of a conclusion than 2 and 3, making it a good stopping place. Can't wait to read the further adventures of these characters. My guilty pleasure.
July 28, 2014
After how Book 3 ended, you would think Claire and company would get a small reprieve or much-needed rest, but there doesn’t appear to be much down time for the traveling entourage in book 4. Once again, they are being shot at and embroiled in yet more mysteries, treachery and deceit! As always, the Mopsie twins and Rosie, the ever-present chicken, provide much comic relief. Another winner!
December 5, 2015
This was really quite good. It ended the original arc, I think, and the books going forward take up with the younger girls all grown up.
I'd like to finish the series, I think.
I'd like to finish the series, I think.
July 18, 2022
Magnificent Devices is a steampunk series centered around seventeen year old, Claire Trevelyan who is about to graduate from school and make her societal debut. The series has inventions and villains and lots of strong women who are resourceful and resilient and content to make their own way in life.
Claire Trevelyan is one of the best heroines I've seen and definitely one of the most realistic. She doesn't start out perfect - she lacks confidence, she makes mistakes and she is unwilling to stand up for what she believes in for fear of her mother and the society she doesn't actually believe in. But over the course of the series, she grows. She learns, she adapts and she molds herself a spine, becoming a fierce, kind spirited and intelligent woman who works hard and fights for what she believes in. I really love this series. It's funny, quirky and has a lot of heart.
The "final" book in the Claire quartet starts with Lady St. Ives once again planning and attending a funeral that wasn't necessary. I kind of want a short story from her point of view of all Claire's "deaths".
Maggie laid a hand on Claire’s arm. “Yer mum’ll be happy to ’ear you ent dead again, Lady. Funeral or no funeral.” “She’s going to stop believing in reports of my demise after this, that is certain.”
Adina, Shelley. Magnificent Devices: Books 1-4 Quartet: Four steampunk adventure novels in one set (Magnificent Devices Boxset) (Kindle Locations 8830-8832). Moonshell Books, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
I mean it is starting to get a bit ridiculous.
There was a pounding in the corridor outside the salon and Willie burst into the room. “Lady!” He dashed over to Claire and flung himself against her skirts. “I knew you’d come back!” “Yes, I do seem rather like the proverbial penny. I’m very glad to see you, darling.”
Adina, Shelley. Magnificent Devices: Books 1-4 Quartet: Four steampunk adventure novels in one set (Magnificent Devices Boxset) (Kindle Locations 9121-9123). Moonshell Books, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
The romance in this series sucks. I hated James. I'm not particularly fond of Andrew. I don't care about Ian Holly at all. But what this series does really well, is female solidarity.
Other books, movies, tv shows, real life, show women clashing over men and jealousy and whatever else, but this series argues for women sticking together and it's totally #lifegoals. I love that Claire and Alice worry about each other first and foremost before concerning themselves with the romance. They do get jealous - but they also overcome it, rising above it to be better than that. And I loved every minute of it.
“I knew you would help me.”
“Didn’t you tell me once that we women must stick together?”
Adina, Shelley. Magnificent Devices: Books 1-4 Quartet: Four steampunk adventure novels in one set (Magnificent Devices Boxset) (Kindle Locations 10359-10360). Moonshell Books, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
The action was full on. Like the last book, it seemed very much a comedy of errors, going from one dangerous situation to the next. Alice is busy searching for her father. Davina and John are trying to get to their diamond mines to take a tour. There's balls and dresses and dinners and shootings and gambling. I love Claire clearing out the poker table and getting an escort. Poor George. He's having all his assumptions turned upside down.
My favourite part was the Meriwether-Astor airship - it was hilarious. The only bit that might've been better was when
Honestly, I just adore this series. All the characters are fantastic. The female solidarity is inspiring. The flock is heartwarming. And the rest is hilarious. Even though the series continues, I love that this book is a nice stopping point and wraps up all the plot points and dramas. Claire's come a long way and I love that she's well on her way to achieving her dreams and goals and is surrounded by her flock. And I really love the focus on being a lady of resources, of intellect, of spirit. It's total girl power and I loved it.
It was an amazing offer— one prompted by affection as well as appreciation and faith. Faith, the substance of things hoped for. Claire could not remember anyone— save perhaps Polgarth the poultryman— ever having faith in her. And now look. She was rich in people who possessed it. The Mopsies. Andrew. The count. Alice. Perhaps even the Dunsmuirs, whom she hoped would regain their faith in her once the Meriwether-Astor affair was settled for good. She had been through some perilous times, it was true. She had learned and grown and was no longer that shy, unsure, untried girl she had been when Snouts had pulled her from her landau outside Aldgate station. She was a woman now. A lady of resources, of intellect— and of faith in herself and the ones she loved.
Adina, Shelley. Magnificent Devices: Books 1-4 Quartet: Four steampunk adventure novels in one set (Magnificent Devices Boxset) (Kindle Locations 12237-12243). Moonshell Books, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
A perfect end to the Claire quartet, Brilliant Devices wraps up the main part of Claire's story - leaving her on the verge of achieving her dreams and setting the stage for future adventures. 5 stars.
Claire Trevelyan is one of the best heroines I've seen and definitely one of the most realistic. She doesn't start out perfect - she lacks confidence, she makes mistakes and she is unwilling to stand up for what she believes in for fear of her mother and the society she doesn't actually believe in. But over the course of the series, she grows. She learns, she adapts and she molds herself a spine, becoming a fierce, kind spirited and intelligent woman who works hard and fights for what she believes in. I really love this series. It's funny, quirky and has a lot of heart.
The "final" book in the Claire quartet starts with Lady St. Ives once again planning and attending a funeral that wasn't necessary. I kind of want a short story from her point of view of all Claire's "deaths".
Maggie laid a hand on Claire’s arm. “Yer mum’ll be happy to ’ear you ent dead again, Lady. Funeral or no funeral.” “She’s going to stop believing in reports of my demise after this, that is certain.”
Adina, Shelley. Magnificent Devices: Books 1-4 Quartet: Four steampunk adventure novels in one set (Magnificent Devices Boxset) (Kindle Locations 8830-8832). Moonshell Books, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
I mean it is starting to get a bit ridiculous.
There was a pounding in the corridor outside the salon and Willie burst into the room. “Lady!” He dashed over to Claire and flung himself against her skirts. “I knew you’d come back!” “Yes, I do seem rather like the proverbial penny. I’m very glad to see you, darling.”
Adina, Shelley. Magnificent Devices: Books 1-4 Quartet: Four steampunk adventure novels in one set (Magnificent Devices Boxset) (Kindle Locations 9121-9123). Moonshell Books, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
The romance in this series sucks. I hated James. I'm not particularly fond of Andrew. I don't care about Ian Holly at all. But what this series does really well, is female solidarity.
Other books, movies, tv shows, real life, show women clashing over men and jealousy and whatever else, but this series argues for women sticking together and it's totally #lifegoals. I love that Claire and Alice worry about each other first and foremost before concerning themselves with the romance. They do get jealous - but they also overcome it, rising above it to be better than that. And I loved every minute of it.
“I knew you would help me.”
“Didn’t you tell me once that we women must stick together?”
Adina, Shelley. Magnificent Devices: Books 1-4 Quartet: Four steampunk adventure novels in one set (Magnificent Devices Boxset) (Kindle Locations 10359-10360). Moonshell Books, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
The action was full on. Like the last book, it seemed very much a comedy of errors, going from one dangerous situation to the next. Alice is busy searching for her father. Davina and John are trying to get to their diamond mines to take a tour. There's balls and dresses and dinners and shootings and gambling. I love Claire clearing out the poker table and getting an escort. Poor George. He's having all his assumptions turned upside down.
My favourite part was the Meriwether-Astor airship - it was hilarious. The only bit that might've been better was when
Honestly, I just adore this series. All the characters are fantastic. The female solidarity is inspiring. The flock is heartwarming. And the rest is hilarious. Even though the series continues, I love that this book is a nice stopping point and wraps up all the plot points and dramas. Claire's come a long way and I love that she's well on her way to achieving her dreams and goals and is surrounded by her flock. And I really love the focus on being a lady of resources, of intellect, of spirit. It's total girl power and I loved it.
It was an amazing offer— one prompted by affection as well as appreciation and faith. Faith, the substance of things hoped for. Claire could not remember anyone— save perhaps Polgarth the poultryman— ever having faith in her. And now look. She was rich in people who possessed it. The Mopsies. Andrew. The count. Alice. Perhaps even the Dunsmuirs, whom she hoped would regain their faith in her once the Meriwether-Astor affair was settled for good. She had been through some perilous times, it was true. She had learned and grown and was no longer that shy, unsure, untried girl she had been when Snouts had pulled her from her landau outside Aldgate station. She was a woman now. A lady of resources, of intellect— and of faith in herself and the ones she loved.
Adina, Shelley. Magnificent Devices: Books 1-4 Quartet: Four steampunk adventure novels in one set (Magnificent Devices Boxset) (Kindle Locations 12237-12243). Moonshell Books, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
A perfect end to the Claire quartet, Brilliant Devices wraps up the main part of Claire's story - leaving her on the verge of achieving her dreams and setting the stage for future adventures. 5 stars.
July 11, 2017
I am a big fan of Steampunk novels.
I suppose there are some deep-rooted psychological reasons for that but beyond them, I like Steampunk novels because they give me an alternative view of history. One member of an online Steampunk community I belong to perhaps put it best when he wrote that this genre provides us with "the history we should have had." I like that description of Steampunk's appeal to readers worldwide because it captures the essence of a particular time when people were not afraid to dream and dream big. They took, almost as an article of faith, the view that anyone could rise above their circumstances and become the next Rockefeller or Carnegie on the strength of their intellect and willingness to work hard.
Would that were still true today.
That aside, author Shelley Adina's "Magnificent Devices" series upholds that characterization with verve, more than a little humor, memorable characters, swashbuckling action scenes, and even a touch of romance. This novel, the fourth and final book in the series, is a fitting conclusion to it.
The plot is a little convoluted but I don't see that as a bad thing. Lady Claire Tevelyan has made her way to Canada after some hair-raising adventures in an America that never broke away from England and thinks she is safe from any further mishaps.
Alas, much to her surprise and my delight, she finds herself embroiled in international intrigue, as she pits her wits against a well-financed and very sophisticated enemy. To defeat that enemy, and save her friends, she must think fast, keep a tight rein on her heart, and stand steadfast in the face of danger.
I am a big fan of Lady Claire. Her life of privilege is snatched away at age 17 when her father loses the family fortune in some unwise investments. Rather than do what her powerful mother wants - find a nice rich gentleman and get married - she sets out to make her own way in the world. She does so in an unconventional manner - becoming the leader of a street gang of orphans.
If that idea intrigues you as much as it did me, I think you'll enjoy this series and Lady Claire's adventures.
I certainly did.
If you're a Steampunk fan you might also enjoy "The Ashtabula Irregulars: Opening Gambit." You can find it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CE4B3C4
I suppose there are some deep-rooted psychological reasons for that but beyond them, I like Steampunk novels because they give me an alternative view of history. One member of an online Steampunk community I belong to perhaps put it best when he wrote that this genre provides us with "the history we should have had." I like that description of Steampunk's appeal to readers worldwide because it captures the essence of a particular time when people were not afraid to dream and dream big. They took, almost as an article of faith, the view that anyone could rise above their circumstances and become the next Rockefeller or Carnegie on the strength of their intellect and willingness to work hard.
Would that were still true today.
That aside, author Shelley Adina's "Magnificent Devices" series upholds that characterization with verve, more than a little humor, memorable characters, swashbuckling action scenes, and even a touch of romance. This novel, the fourth and final book in the series, is a fitting conclusion to it.
The plot is a little convoluted but I don't see that as a bad thing. Lady Claire Tevelyan has made her way to Canada after some hair-raising adventures in an America that never broke away from England and thinks she is safe from any further mishaps.
Alas, much to her surprise and my delight, she finds herself embroiled in international intrigue, as she pits her wits against a well-financed and very sophisticated enemy. To defeat that enemy, and save her friends, she must think fast, keep a tight rein on her heart, and stand steadfast in the face of danger.
I am a big fan of Lady Claire. Her life of privilege is snatched away at age 17 when her father loses the family fortune in some unwise investments. Rather than do what her powerful mother wants - find a nice rich gentleman and get married - she sets out to make her own way in the world. She does so in an unconventional manner - becoming the leader of a street gang of orphans.
If that idea intrigues you as much as it did me, I think you'll enjoy this series and Lady Claire's adventures.
I certainly did.
If you're a Steampunk fan you might also enjoy "The Ashtabula Irregulars: Opening Gambit." You can find it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CE4B3C4
February 11, 2019
Brilliant Devices (Magnificent Devices #4) - Shelley Andina | 328 pgs, Kindle, 2013, lido de 24 a 26 de Janeiro, 2019
SINOPSE
Livro quatro na série steampunk da Magnificent Devices! Uma dama de recursos tem o poder de mudar o mundo - se ela puder permanecer viva por tempo suficiente para fazê-lo. Lady Claire Trevelyan esperava ansiosamente por bailes cintilantes, sociedade agradável e alívio da perseguição durante sua estada com lorde e lady Dunsmuir no Canadá. Bem, talvez não inteiramente. Ser perseguido por um belo capitão de aeronave é bastante divertido, especialmente quando parece que seu antigo empregador, Andrew Malvern, está ficando muito distraído por uma certa mecânica loira.
Mas um tiro disparado à noite põe fim a essas diversões e, em vez disso, mergulha ela e seu bando órfão de crianças em uma luta pela própria sobrevivência. Entre conversas secretas nos níveis mais altos da sociedade e trapaças nas minas de diamantes, Claire deve descobrir quem está por trás de uma série de tentativas alarmantes na vida de seus amigos - antes que sua mãe seja obrigada a fazer os arranjos funerários novamente.
RESENHA
Um novo interesse amoroso entra na história, e a relação de Claire e Andrew começa a ficar abalada. Porém, as coisas pioram muito para a protagonista, quando uma série de atentados cometidos contra ela e suas crianças, a lança em uma investigação que irá trazer revelações terríveis!
As aventuras nos Estados Unidos e nos territórios Canadenses continuam, com grandes cenas de ação! Esse livro também aborda questões colonialistas, com a relação do Império Britânico e o povo inuit, os “esquimós”.
Chegando nesse livro quatro, eu vejo que o segredo da popularidade da série Magnificent Devices está no tom dado pela autor para a narrativa. Cada livro alterna entre um tom leve, cheio de humor e muito divertido, pontuado por momentos dramáticos emocionantes, em uma excelente sugestão de literatura juvenil. A determinação e o desejo de independência e superação da protagonista trabalham de maneira orgânica os temas feministas da narrativa.
Ao mesmo tempo que diverte, a série tem uma excelente ambientação, recriando uma era vitoriana alternativa bem imersiva através da linguagem, das classes sociais, das roupas, além de, por meio de sátiras, fazer uma crítica social relevante para o nosso tempo!
Recomendadíssimo! :)
SINOPSE
Livro quatro na série steampunk da Magnificent Devices! Uma dama de recursos tem o poder de mudar o mundo - se ela puder permanecer viva por tempo suficiente para fazê-lo. Lady Claire Trevelyan esperava ansiosamente por bailes cintilantes, sociedade agradável e alívio da perseguição durante sua estada com lorde e lady Dunsmuir no Canadá. Bem, talvez não inteiramente. Ser perseguido por um belo capitão de aeronave é bastante divertido, especialmente quando parece que seu antigo empregador, Andrew Malvern, está ficando muito distraído por uma certa mecânica loira.
Mas um tiro disparado à noite põe fim a essas diversões e, em vez disso, mergulha ela e seu bando órfão de crianças em uma luta pela própria sobrevivência. Entre conversas secretas nos níveis mais altos da sociedade e trapaças nas minas de diamantes, Claire deve descobrir quem está por trás de uma série de tentativas alarmantes na vida de seus amigos - antes que sua mãe seja obrigada a fazer os arranjos funerários novamente.
RESENHA
Um novo interesse amoroso entra na história, e a relação de Claire e Andrew começa a ficar abalada. Porém, as coisas pioram muito para a protagonista, quando uma série de atentados cometidos contra ela e suas crianças, a lança em uma investigação que irá trazer revelações terríveis!
As aventuras nos Estados Unidos e nos territórios Canadenses continuam, com grandes cenas de ação! Esse livro também aborda questões colonialistas, com a relação do Império Britânico e o povo inuit, os “esquimós”.
Chegando nesse livro quatro, eu vejo que o segredo da popularidade da série Magnificent Devices está no tom dado pela autor para a narrativa. Cada livro alterna entre um tom leve, cheio de humor e muito divertido, pontuado por momentos dramáticos emocionantes, em uma excelente sugestão de literatura juvenil. A determinação e o desejo de independência e superação da protagonista trabalham de maneira orgânica os temas feministas da narrativa.
Ao mesmo tempo que diverte, a série tem uma excelente ambientação, recriando uma era vitoriana alternativa bem imersiva através da linguagem, das classes sociais, das roupas, além de, por meio de sátiras, fazer uma crítica social relevante para o nosso tempo!
Recomendadíssimo! :)
January 11, 2022
This was a solid read. Exciting with the failed attempted assassination and seeing Alice have her arc and reunion with her father. I like the almost truth when it comes to this world's history and geography and the attempt at a world war. It's fascinating and is rooted in just the right amount of fiction. The ending is hopeful and I'm glad Claire grew from who she was when her father was alive to who she is now. Especially love the fact that she and Andrew love each other but our handling their personal goals first so that's a pretty fantastic message for the young adults who would be reading this.
That being said, I did not give it five stars. James dying for real and him not surviving the train wreckage was... anti-climactic. He was a really good antagonist and even villain, then the author just offs him. So by pure chance and mismanagement (technically through not listening to Claire because she's a women; i get it it's supposed to be poetic justice) the two baddies Claire was facing are gone. Removed. Idk i missed him popping up everywhere and being evil. But to move the story along and create a love triangle between Alice, Claire, and Andrew (let's throw in the awesome Captain Hollys). So I guess that's okay. But basically everyone is separated and doing their thing and i am curious to see where their adventures lead them. I don't mind if Claire isn't a main character in the other books because we'll her arc has been told and there's no pressing need to follow her story. Just curiousity.
P.S. skimmed the excerpt for the book in the series, I'm not stoked. Might just listen to the audio book version.
That being said, I did not give it five stars. James dying for real and him not surviving the train wreckage was... anti-climactic. He was a really good antagonist and even villain, then the author just offs him. So by pure chance and mismanagement (technically through not listening to Claire because she's a women; i get it it's supposed to be poetic justice) the two baddies Claire was facing are gone. Removed. Idk i missed him popping up everywhere and being evil. But to move the story along and create a love triangle between Alice, Claire, and Andrew (let's throw in the awesome Captain Hollys). So I guess that's okay. But basically everyone is separated and doing their thing and i am curious to see where their adventures lead them. I don't mind if Claire isn't a main character in the other books because we'll her arc has been told and there's no pressing need to follow her story. Just curiousity.
P.S. skimmed the excerpt for the book in the series, I'm not stoked. Might just listen to the audio book version.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2022
Alice has a lead on her Pa. Will she find him when she and the Dunsmuirs head north to inspect the Dunsmuir'sq mine? Andrew is Alice's hero, but is he her intended beau, or is he the Lady's? And do any of them know how they feel about one another? After all, Ian, who captains the Dunsmuir's ship, has a "thing" for the Lady himself. They meet Eskimos and hear their legends; get to ride in an 8 cylinder Landau with a Prussian count...and get shot at, and have to do some first aid and hightail it back, picking up their 4th - who went to check on the guards, who were killed, and picked up an unusual bullet - and speed back to get medical aid. There are 2 rescues, the first with an unlikely ally, the 2nd gives them proof of the plot the Lady has suspected since she saw the bullet casing and began putting things together. Alice has had to take on extra people, from the 1st rescue, and Jake stays as her navigator, so she had to jettison 3 automatons. The Mopsies use them wisely and they obtain a ship, with the proof they seek, and go for help for the Dunsmuirs, who are captives of the plotter...but perhaps not for long with Tigg back on board. But the Mopsies, trying to stop the ship from pursuing them, cut the wiring that allowed the relay of orders to make the ship go where they want it to go. Then the Lady has an idea, and receives an offer, as they fly toward help.
Nonstop adventure from stem to stern and port to starboard; once again, the author has outdone herself.
Nonstop adventure from stem to stern and port to starboard; once again, the author has outdone herself.
August 24, 2021
Series Info/Source: This is the fourth book in the Magnificent Devices series. Right now there are 21 books in this series. I borrowed this as an audiobook through Audible Plus.
Audiobook Quality (4/5): This continues to be a very well done audiobook series. The narrator is pleasant to listen to and does an amazing job with narration. I would definitely recommend listening to this series on audiobook if you listen to audiobooks.
Thoughts: This was another fun installment in this steampunk adventure series. This book takes us up into Canada, into a mining community. Alice is continuing to search for her father, while Clare and crew get embroiled in trying to unravel a plot that aims to assasinate a famous inventor.
These remain fun books with a lot of neat steampunk devices, a great adventure, and wonderful characters. I love that the characters are generally kind to each other. Watching both Claire and her wards mature and grow is also very fun. These are just such nice, fun, feel-good reads.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a wonderful addition to this steampunk adventure series. I continue to enjoy the world, the fun characters, and the mysteries. This is one of the best and most consistently decent YA steampunk series I have ever read and I am eager to continue it!
Audiobook Quality (4/5): This continues to be a very well done audiobook series. The narrator is pleasant to listen to and does an amazing job with narration. I would definitely recommend listening to this series on audiobook if you listen to audiobooks.
Thoughts: This was another fun installment in this steampunk adventure series. This book takes us up into Canada, into a mining community. Alice is continuing to search for her father, while Clare and crew get embroiled in trying to unravel a plot that aims to assasinate a famous inventor.
These remain fun books with a lot of neat steampunk devices, a great adventure, and wonderful characters. I love that the characters are generally kind to each other. Watching both Claire and her wards mature and grow is also very fun. These are just such nice, fun, feel-good reads.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a wonderful addition to this steampunk adventure series. I continue to enjoy the world, the fun characters, and the mysteries. This is one of the best and most consistently decent YA steampunk series I have ever read and I am eager to continue it!
November 30, 2024
In book #4 of the "Magnificent Devices" series Brilliant Devices we find Lady Claire regrouping with her Flock, including it's true avian member, the adventurous hen, Rosie. Together, they must uncover a murderous plot and discover the truth about a long-lost relative,
Another new character, Ferdinand von Zeppelin, enters the picture and Alice is busy searching for her father. Davina and John Dunsmuir are trying to get to their diamond mines to take a tour. There are plenty of balls, dinners, shootings and gambling. It was hilarious to see tomboy Alice getting fitted for a gown for a society dinner with visiting royalty.
I love this series. It's a combination of mystery, suspense, and espionage all wrapped up together with a core group of characters that will do anything to save the people they love and right the wrongs they see. The steampunk elements are very strong, especially the transportation systems.
"Brilliant Devices" was an amazing continuation to the series and seemed very much a comedy of errors, going from one dangerous situation to the next. It wraps up the main part of Claire's story and leaves her on the verge of achieving her dreams and setting. It sets the stage for future adventures, and the books going forward take up with the Lizzie and Maggie all grown up. Count me in.
Another new character, Ferdinand von Zeppelin, enters the picture and Alice is busy searching for her father. Davina and John Dunsmuir are trying to get to their diamond mines to take a tour. There are plenty of balls, dinners, shootings and gambling. It was hilarious to see tomboy Alice getting fitted for a gown for a society dinner with visiting royalty.
I love this series. It's a combination of mystery, suspense, and espionage all wrapped up together with a core group of characters that will do anything to save the people they love and right the wrongs they see. The steampunk elements are very strong, especially the transportation systems.
"Brilliant Devices" was an amazing continuation to the series and seemed very much a comedy of errors, going from one dangerous situation to the next. It wraps up the main part of Claire's story and leaves her on the verge of achieving her dreams and setting. It sets the stage for future adventures, and the books going forward take up with the Lizzie and Maggie all grown up. Count me in.
November 25, 2017
These books aren't just "steampunk", they are mystery, suspense, murder, espionage & spy novels all wrapped up together with a core group of people that will do anything to save the people they love and right the wrongs they see (even if that means they have to steal things in the process). New characters are met in this book and old characters begin to find their way and to "leave the nest", but I suspect they will all come back together at some point later on. The end of this one leaves Claire and the Mopsies with the possibility of a very interesting future, so I look forward to seeing what happens.
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