Tempered

The St. Croix Chronicles #4

by Karina Cooper

Book Four of The St. Croix Chronicles

Forced out of London's coal-blackened streets, Cherry St. Croix is faced with her most difficult undertaking yet: sobriety.

At long last, my guardian, the enigmatic Mr. Oliver Ashmore, has revealed himself—and his order is clear: I am to be dried out at once, regardless of my wishes.

I loathe the country estate I am imprisoned within. Footsteps follow me, voices call for me, and my sanity wavers. In my fevered dreams, I am haunted by those I failed, while waking proves no protection from the ghosts of my reckless past. The craving for laudanum plagues me. I require a distraction.

To unravel the alchemical mysteries of my mother's family, I must rely on Ashmore's tutelage. I am lured to the art and drawn by the secrets my guardian possesses. Yet the deeper I delve, the more I believe that something dreadful disturbs these haunted corridors. In my madness, I fear that what it wants most...is me.

106,000 words

Genres: Steampunk, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Ghosts, Historical Fiction

333 pages, ebook

First published February 10, 2014

About the author

After writing happily ever afters for all of her friends in school, Karina Cooper eventually grew up (sort of), went to work in the real world (kind of), where she decided that making stuff up was way more fun (true!). She is the author of dark and sexy paranormal romance, steampunk urban fantasy, and writes across multiple genres with mad glee.

One part glamour, one part dork and all imagination, Karina is also a gamer, an airship captain’s wife, and a steampunk fashionista. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with a husband, a menagerie, a severe coffee habit, and a passel of adopted gamer geeks. Visit her at www.karinacooper.com, because she says so.

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Genre* Steampunk, Gothic, Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4

*My Thoughts/Series Summary*

"Tempered - having a specified temper or disposition. To make (something) less severe or extreme."

My first thought after reading Tempered was that I am hoping that Cherry's adventures continue for at least a few more books to tie up loose ends. The second thought was that I truly hope that more people start reading this series so that Ms Cooper will continue to write and we can enjoy more of Cherry's adventures for a few more years. The third was that if you DO start reading this series, please, please go back to the beginning with not only Tarnished, but The Mysterious Case of Mr. Strangeway as well. I don't think this series gets the credit it deserves and am thankful to Carina Press for picking up this series when it did.

My personal journey through the life of Cherry St. Croix aka The St. Croix Chronicles has been entertaining to say the least. I've watched Cooper take Cherry to the highest highs, lowest lows, and betrayals by nearly everyone she has ever come in contact with or allowed her heart to experience what she believed was love.

Think on that a moment. Cherry was married to Cornelius Kerrigan Compton for not even a day when he was murdered and thanks to an antiquated pro-men stance by the English regime, she lost all her possessions, money, house, and her staff to the conniving mother of Compton who continues to blame Cherry for his death. If Cherry had not escaped to the London underground when she did, she would have had her freedom taken away.

We've met her nefarious collector counterpart and rival who took Compton away, and was devastated to discover that this person was someone Cherry trusted more than anyone else in her life. This also just happened to be right after she went eye to eye with Jack the Ripper. We went inside the life and times of the mysterious Micajah Hawke as well as The Midnight Menagerie who left Cherry broken, betrayed, and so addicted to opium that it would take a miracle for her to come back with her sanity in check.

Cherry has experienced so many emotions and experiences since becoming a Collector at age FIFTEEN, that it is now up to the devilish Mr. Oliver Ashmore, Cherry's guardian, to attempt to dry her out, and save her life. Will he save her life, or will he be one who rocks Cherry's world and tears the last piece of dignity away from her? What other secrets will be exposed and revealed in the process?

Tempered takes you on a difficult journey for Cherry and depending on your personal issues when it comes to drugs and addiction, you may or may not have the same experiences that I did. Cooper really dives into the cause of Cherry's addiction and the fact that she hasn't exactly had the easiest life for a person who is out in society even with her families less than honorable past. Cherry's personal journey into dealing with her past, her addiction, and the lure of Oliver Ashmore as well as her families own past exploits are the main ingredients for Tarnished.

I am happy that Ashmore was finally revealed to us especially since I've been hearing about him being the DEMON who holds my future ever since Tarnished was released. I found it interesting to read about Ashmore's own connection to Cherry's family and really hope that this is the last time we hear or see from them again. Cherry's parents will never ever win Parents of the year awards for their pain and suffering they've caused her. I am interested to see in what direction Cooper takes Cherry and her secondary characters from here especially Hawke, Communion, and Cherry's former staff. I am thankful that Cooper didn't leave Maddie Roth behind after introducing her in Corroded. Maddie is such a curious character who loves tinkering with things.

Lastly, I am curious to see Cherry's journey in alchemy and whether or not she will become as powerful as Ashmore. Powerful enough to perhaps take on the Menagerie and make them pay for her pain and suffering she's experienced at their hands.

*Recvd 01/06/2014 via NetGalley/Carina Press*
Expected publication: February 10th 2014 by Carina Press

[Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karina Cooper .....



Cherry St Croix is back , but sadly not with a bang . Cherry is in a very dark place at the beginning of this book with her struggling addiction to Opium , with her heart broken and her trust betrayed by Hawke . Oliver Ashmore , Cherry's guardian finally shows face at I must say what a timing !

I loved this book because it was all Cherry and her struggles with life . The truth about her parents , their life and death were finally revealed and let me tell you it was sooo not a good thing !

I can't wait to see what more adventure Ms Cooper has up her sleeve for Cherry St Croix !

[Jess the Romanceaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful blend of actions and angst, and a perfect addition to the St. Croix series.

It’s been a long time coming, but Cherry’s addiction to opium finally brought her to rock bottom in the last book, and the painful journey towards recovery wasn’t always easy to witness, but really brought out another side of her character. The title itself is perfect, because to temper steel — that is, make it stronger — you have to heat it and cool it to extremes, and that’s exactly what happens to Cherry in this book. She’s knocked down, raised high, and forged into something stronger than she was before.

Honestly the only thing I didn’t really care for about this book was that Cherry has sex with someone who is not her Happily Ever After. I know, I know, that sounds awful, and to make it even worse (or better?), it was hot. I just prefer that when reading romance, when a couple has sex (especially hot, angry sex — guh!), it’s because they’re going to end up together. Not judging or anything, it’s just a personal preference of mine. That said, I’m actually kind of relieved that things worked out the way they did, because I’m greatly looking forward to the next book.

I did figure out the “twist” fairly early, as one of the very first questions that popped into my head when reading the first chapter was actually one that answered by the revelation of the twist towards the end. Even though I rather suspected it early on, I have to say that the reveal was still wonderfully, shockingly done.

I also really enjoyed that “magic” aka alchemy comes to play a larger part in this story. We’ve had hints and teasings, but this is the first time that Cherry has actually embraced alchemy and the mysticism that comes along with it, with fantastic results.

In the end, this is probably my favorite book of the series. Though I was (and to a point, still am) a little bothered by Cherry using no-strings-attached hot sex to distract herself from the other major issues that she was experiencing, the action and emotional turmoil in this story made it an incredibly enjoyable read (and did I mention the really hot, angry sex? Yum!)



4.5/5 Stars

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a Karina Cooper is like frolicking through a world made up of Dali, Poe, Burton and an episode of The Following. I get lost and don't ever want to be found...

I have A LOT to say about this book, but I need to collect my thoughts first.

--Full review coming soon.

[Trixiter Marczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great next step in Cherry's adventures...can't wait to see what happens to her next.

[Christal · Rating 4 out of 5]

See this review and others like it at Badass Book Reviews!

Tempered was a very different chapter in the Cherry St. Croix story. It served as a reboot for Cherry after her fall into the lowest of personal lows in the last book. She now has a new lease on life and a new mission as well. She has someone guiding her and caring for her, but she also has a new personal focus to right the wrongs from her past.

Tempered was a very difficult journey for Cherry. When we saw her at the end of the previous book, Corroded , she had been betrayed by almost everyone she cared about, had fallen deeply into debt with the Karakash Veil, and had become ruled by her opium addiction. It seemed like Cherry was heading toward self-destruction, but then Mr. Oliver Ashmore, Cherry's oft mentioned but rarely seen guardian, swooped in and removed her from the terrible situations in London. He is intent on drying her out and getting her started down a better path, but is that what Cherry really wants? Can she find the strength to beat her addiction and conquer her shame? Is Mr. Ashmore really the saving grace he appears to be?

All of these questions are addressed in Tempered and it isn't the smoothest ride for Cherry. She has setbacks and hiccups along the way; everything is painful and raw and difficult to face. Her emotions are bubbling to the surface without the opium cloud suppressing them and she finally has to face her actions head on. The events of the previous book weigh heavily on Cherry and she can't forget those friends she left behind. She feels she has to make amends for the things that happened, including making sure Hawke and Zylphia are safe.

Like all the characters in Karina Cooper's St. Croix Chronicles, Mr. Oliver Ashmore is cloaked in shades of grey. He seems too good to be true -- the mysterious benefactor swooping out of nowhere to save Cherry -- but he has his own agenda and reasons. Through Ashmore, we learn more of Cherry's history and legacy. We learned even more about Cherry's parents in Tempered and, yep, they continue to win the award for Worst Parents Ever.

Alchemy plays a much bigger role in Tempered than any of the previous books and we begin to move away from the steam punk sensibilities a little bit more. Instead of gadgets and gizmos, Cherry is now learning about elements and theories. She is also being drawn deeper and deeper into her parents' alchemical plot that began in Gilded . The events of that book come back to haunt Cherry and are even taken many steps farther. Ashmore has his own Dorian Gray-esque role to play with Cherry's heritage and it was painful to see her feel so betrayed yet again. Though it seems to have worked out in the end between them, I am wondering how much we will see him in future installments.

Ashmore and Cherry have great chemistry, but their heart-strings are still being pulled by others. Though I liked Cherry and Hawke in the previous books, I grew very fond of Cherry and Ashmore here. Even though he makes some major mistakes, he just seems to complement her better, especially in wit and banter. The plot concerning Ashmore and Cherry's entwined histories was disheartening and understandably hard for Cherry. I do understand why she might never be able to consider her a true partner, but that doesn't have to derail my ship completely. A girl can hope, right?

All in all, Tempered was an intriguing new direction for Cherry and The St. Croix Chronicles. I am very much looking forward to Cherry's return to London and her continued study of alchemy. I loved the Maddie Ruth was in this book, but I do hope we will see the return of other characters in the next story. Hawke, Zylphia, and Ishmael Communion of course, but maybe some of Cherry's old household staff might also make an appearance? I can't help but be excited to see what Karina Cooper has up her sleeve for next time!

Thank you to Netgalley and Carina Press for providing an ARC copy of this book!

[Britt Marczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man. Yet again, Karina Cooper had me glued to the edge of my seat for the entire ride. Once the story really got going, I knew there was no putting it down until I finished. So here I am having just finished TEMPERED, at nearly 5am.

Was it worth it? Oh, yeah. It absolutely was.

As a preface, please note that this series CANNOT be read out of order. You must start with book one, Tarnished. And I absolutely recommend this series. Another thing to keep in mind is that as I read each book, I'm more and more hooked. (Suspiciously like a drug addiction ಠ_ಠ) That is to say it is like the long con; while appearing slow at first, it builds with intensity at increasing speeds with each book.

The end of the previous book, Corroded, I had absolutely no clue where the story was going to go. Cherry is so addled, so betrayed, so utterly drowning to the depths, that I was curious to see how the following events would play out.

As usual, I went into this book with high expectations but no assumptions of what would happen except for seeing Hawke naked and was happily taken on a roller coaster with so many twists and turns I was blown away.

Secrets revolving around Cherry's parents and past, and her mysterious guardian, Oliver Ashmore, are brought to the forefront in this novel. I was hungry for answers, and it didn't disappoint.

And, I must admit that despite everything that is revealed, I do have quite a soft spot for Ashmore.

I absolutely loved the journey Cherry goes through in this book-her journey to become sober, and her journey of self. She's an absolutely broken women as the novel opens, truly becoming the Fool, and with a new beginning in her grasp.

I am DYING for the next book because Hawke although not a cliffhanger (there's a natural swell and crest of a solid storyline), I feel as if I've been raised to the top of the next hill on the roller coaster and am anticipating the next ride.

[All Things Urban Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

Where the previous books in the St. Croix Chronicles were fast paced with danger and dangerous people lurking around every corner, TEMPERED deals with more internal battles and emotional trauma. Cherry has gone through so much externally dealing with the Veil and Society it felt fitting to have a story spend some time dealing with the internal effects of what happened to Cherry. A large portion of the book is dedicated to Cherry’s addiction to opium, how she became an addict, and what she goes through mentally as she detoxes. Being familiar with detox from movies like TRAINSPOTTING which depict detox and a harrowing and scary thing to go through I think TEMPERED did an excellent job of depicting the paranoia and sickness Cherry feels.

In the midst of dealing with Cherry’s addiction there is the mystery of her guardian and the large house she is trapped in. I loved the gothic horror aspect of TEMPERED where we have a dark, foreboding house with ghosts and dark secrets hidden within the walls. The house is almost its own character and it was thrilling to go exploring with Cherry as she opens doors in search of answers to just who her guardian, Ashmore really is and learn about her family’s twisted past. When Cherry finally learns about how Ashmore is related to her family the plot becomes a sort of dark soap opera filled with betrayal and obsession. Along with the revelations and internal struggle there are some pretty steamy scenes between Cherry and Ashmore that after we find out more about Ashmore had me questioning her choices in regards to suitors.

TEMPERED also deals with a lot of alchemy and metaphysics which was really confusing but actually seeing the alchemy in action was pretty cool. With this much needed rest from the outside world I am looking forward to see what is in store for Cherry as she goes back to London, her friends, and the ever mysterious Hawke who seems to grow more mysterious and confusing with every new fact we learn about him.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempered takes us out of the familiar steampunk streets of London and brings us into a country side estate.

Mr. Oliver Ashmore, Cherry's guardian, has stepped in and saved Cherry from the menagerie...he has also taken her away to help her “dry out” from her opium addiction.

It is a very rocky road and at least the first 1/3 of the book is Cherry struggle through her withdraws while strange circumstances and loss of large chunks of time plague Cherry. Hating the prison of the estate, Cherry starts to explore what she soon discovers is one of her family's homes. The more she uncovers the more foreboding her future becomes...

This is quite a change up from our normal St Criox adventures. The character cast is at a minimum, but the dark fantasy side still shines through. We are given a lot more details into the technical side of alchemy, showing us the mystery behind the "magic".

Tempered unveils shocking insights into Cherry's past and her future while Cherry delves deep into her own character, attempting to correct her flaws. I think we are going to find a much stronger Cherry in the future.

We get to know the elusive Mr. Oliver Ashmore, the secretive guardian...the secrets behind his past and his connection to Cherry.

I found myself slowly drawn into this story and by the end I was glued to the pages wanting to discover more. Karina Cooper writes awesomely wounded and dark characters that she weaves into a magnificent story for us to enjoy.

I received this ARC copy of Tempered from Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on February 10, 2014.

[Kara-karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very different books from the rest of the series, like a quiet before the storm, and I have to say, that it surprised and delighted me at the same time.


Corroded was really dark. All that desperation and pain and hurt led to an explosive ending which left us all feeling hollow, and this is how Tempered starts. Cherry goes through all the expected motions of a recovering addict, but what intermixes with such a recovery is a fascinating twist.


One word, Ashmore. Her old guardian, who is apparently not so old and not so scary. In some ways he might even give Hawke a run for his money. *gasp* He is the one, who saves broken and suicidal Cherry and he is the one who is giving her means to go on when she discovers the darkest secrets of her family line. Secrets that I suspect is a major reason behind her emotional and mental instability.

This book is quiet, but it is full of revelations and some pretty steamy moments. It's also Gothic and delves into much more metaphysics and alchemy that I've ever expected to see. I know at last why each book of this series is named in such a peculiar way! Two words - alchemical transformations. *grin* I loved that it gave the series a very new and powerful direction and I can not wait to see what will happen next. Very much recommended.

[BrokenMnemonic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel to be the most introspective and interesting of the novels in the series so far, perhaps because of the combination of the much tighter focus/smaller pool of characters and the resolution of a number of mysteries from earlier novels. It was very nice to get some fairly clear answers about Cherry's life and certain events she'd been involved in; the focus on an unwilling recovery from addiction and the various stages of behaviour and substitution that Cherry moved through - or tried to move through - and its effects on those around her made for a gripping read.

[Amanda The Book Slayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but was sad Hawke was left out of it. Looking forward to the next bout of mischief that Cherry manages to get tangaled up in.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ashmore decides to force Cherry to dry out, and her recovery just might be the death of her.

[vyoletkyss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uh, what? Any sort of logic seems to be defied here.

[Matilde Damkier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really enjoy this whole "haunted house" storyline.
Her journey to sobriety however, was heartbreaking. As was the ending of the book - as always.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can also read this review here http://qwillery.blogspot.co.uk/2014/0...

*This review contains spoilers*

Tempered is the fourth instalment of the Cherry St. Croix Chronicles and starts immediately after book 3, Corroded. Cherry has been rescued from The Menagerie by her guardian, Oliver Ashmore. He is taking her to the family estate to recover and to dry out from the opium that has ruled her life for years. Cherry's withdrawal from the drug is a living hell with the inevitable physical pain but also with nightmares that force her to relive the multitude of horrific events in her past. Cherry's drive and fight is whittled down during this period and it is a life or death struggle for sobriety. Cherry only has to pull her way through the pain and the fugue left by her drug addiction in order to learn about Ashmore, her mother and the alchemical arts studied by both her parents. Secrets are lurking at every turn and it will take everything Cherry has and more to fight her addiction and find out who she really is and what she is capable of.

I was really looking forward to Tempered as Cooper managed to leave us with such a huge cliff-hanger at the end of book 3 even after wrapping up so many plot threads from the previous books. Tempered almost felt like a stand-alone book as Cherry's story is told at her family's cold and crumbling estate and far away from London and the Menagerie where the last three books have been set. The story focused mainly on Cherry and Ashmore's relationship. He becomes the tool for her to learn about her mother. The chapters of the book involving Cherry's withdrawal from opium were particularly harrowing due to the realistic and believable way they were written. It was almost like you were there, suffering along with Cherry.

I didn't, however, warm to Oliver Ashmore as a character. I thought it was a bit odd how often comparisons where made to the colour of Cherry and Ashmore's hair and I thought that he was going to end up being related somehow. However, later in the novel I thought it even more unusual when these comparisons continued even after he becomes a romantic interest. I wasn't sure if I was 'reading' too much into this or I was missing the point. I also thought that given Cherry's character that she would have been less likely to pursue a romantic relationship with Ashmore given the disastrous way her first sexual encounter with Hawke ended. She was going through opium withdrawal so I will let her off with bad choices at this point. It felt in parts that the story is moving more towards PNR rather than its beginnings in steampunk or noir. I hope this isn't the case.

Cooper manages to wrap up yet another plot line that started back in book 1. It feels like she is really tying up loose ends. But what of the enigmatic Micajah Hawke? He is mentioned but does not play a part in this instalment, much to my dismay. Hopefully, book 5 will see more of the Menagerie's bad boy ring master. I didn't enjoy Tempered as much as the others books in the St. Croix Chronicles. I thought it was quite similar in some respects to Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. In Wilde's story the young Dorian's life is linked to his portrait which stores his sins while he leads a life of debauchery and vice. In Tempered however, Ashmore stores the 'life force' of his victims in their portraits and fuels his immortality from them. Perhaps it was this similarity that helped me to predict what would happen next, something that I hadn't been able to do so far. I do really enjoy the series though and I like the way that Cooper deals with a character that is so flawed and with such a debilitating addiction. I am looking forward to see what Cherry is up to next. Bring on book 5!

[Kristen Rinaldo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
Cherry St. Croix has been in a downward spiral since the murder of her husband on the day of their wedding. Ever since she has had one thing to comfort her as she disappeared from society and into the filthy streets of the London below: opium. However, now she has hit rock bottom and can no longer dwell in either London society or the dark underside of London.
Now her guardian, Mr. Oliver Ashmore, is involved and she has to deal with something even harder to come to terms with: sobriety.
My Review:
I have been reading right along with this series and I have not been disappointed yet! In fact, I think that this was a great story because many of the plot points from the past three books have been tied up and we find Cherry up against a very different kind of enemy: herself. We are taken out of the environment of London and are placed in a more introspective place. She must battle her own demons, and eventually those of her parents. Unfortunately for Cherry, things are not straightforward with her guardian either and she learns that there was more to her parents’ lives and deaths than what she has been told.
In the last three books we have watched Cherry become more and more reliant on the opium that she has used since her days in the traveling carnival as a child. As things got worse and worse for her she spiraled down, relying on tar rather than simply a draught of opium to help her sleep. Her life in the London Underground has come to an end after she was saved from total humiliation at the Menagerie.
It is painful to watch Cherry work her way through the process of becoming sober. We are right along with her as she is desperate for more opium and finally stops caring about living. Ashmore is there with her as well, and since she barely knows him it is interesting to watch her learn about him in her compromised state.
The entire story is not made up of these intense emotions because she finally pulls through, but this leaves her with other aspects of her past to deal with, ones that she is surprised to discover about her family and the unknown Mr. Ashmore.
My Rating:
4.5 out of 5 bookmarks. This books cannot be read out of order, so take the time to read the earlier books in the series. You will be glad that you did. I have enjoyed this entire series. This one was different from the rest, making the story fresh and moving it along from the plot that had occupied the first three books. I would recommend this series to anyone who wants to read steampunk set in an alternative London. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books to find out what happens since there are still loose ends to deal with.

[Charli · Rating 3 out of 5]

LJ review:

Cooper, Karina. Tempered. Carina: Harlequin. (St. Croix Chronicles, Bk. 4). 2014. NAp. ebk. ISBN 9781426897924. $3.99. STEAMPUNK ROMANCE
Cherry St. Croix is a collector who hunts criminals in an alternative steampunk Regency London. She’s a flawed, three-dimensional character, and the darkness in her life is reflected in her opium addiction. Her guardian, Oliver Ashmore, takes her from London to a country home called Siristine to help her to recover. As Cherry struggles, she’s not sure if the things she begins to see and hear are real or brought on by the detox, or if she should trust Ashmore and his alchemical lessons. Events unfold at a leisurely pace, allowing the reader to sink into Cherry’s first-person point of view and the book’s lavish, detailed prose about family secrets and history, alchemy and science, and the desperation of romance and addiction. The end is left wide open with a return to the circus Midnight Menagerie and Cherry’s hope of reuniting with Hawke, its ringmaster.
Verdict: Tempered is not for readers new to Cooper’s (Corroded) series—vague references to earlier events don’t illuminate but confuse—but Cooper’s creepy gothic sensibility and shots of self-deprecating humor will thrill those familiar with Cherry and her circumstances.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be the first to admit I am happy that there is someone who will care and look after Cherry. Boy does she need it. Her nickname should be Wagon Tumbler. We got to see a more indepth look and history behind the mysterious Mr. Ashmore. For the longest time I swore up and down he was a relative of hers. Long lost brother or something?

This whole novel is about Cherry receiving an intervention via Ashmore. We find out why he is doing it as well. A lot of answers are revealed in this novel. Even to things that you wouldnt even have questioned to begin with.

I cant say I can really grasp the concept of the relationship between Cherry and Ashmore. Right to the end of the book I kept trying to figure it out. Maybe we will see a hidden agenda in the next book.

We only see one person from her adventures in London and sorry it is a female. We do not see any of Hawke in this book, he is mentioned a few times (even a declaration!) but we will definitely be seeing a lot more of him in the next novel.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This installment brings a few more of the unsolved threads to their conclusions. There are some good classic literature elements, as the author tends to incorporate. She is proficient at making them her own in her world, which I enjoy, and the action, pacing and character development are still quite good, so I will investigate the next one. It's a pleasant surprise to have a series this long keep the quality of the first novel.

There was a bit of sex in the prior novel, and this one is full of it. It fits with the story, which is important to me. This is also the first series in which I've seen the extensive physical characterization I usually associate with male authors writing flat female characters solely serving as sex objects. I find that I don't really need a detailed description of anyone's lips, in any novel, really.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so DAMN good and it just keeps getting better and better. I absolutely recommend it. If you haven't read this series and you like steampunk romances, start reading it TODAY.

So up until now, I have been a rigid Hawke fan and hate anyone else who has entered as a possible love interest. After this one, I am still definitely in love with Hawke, but I also now LOVE Ashmore. Sandwich, please? I have no idea how Cooper did that to me, but I guess that's just a testament to how great the writing is; the author can go somewhere you didn't expect (or necessarily want really) and make you love it. I can't wait for the next one, which is probably a ridiculously long time from now. Damn. It.

[Dr susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would categorize Tempered as Gothic Paranormal Romance, since the steampunk seems to be taking a back seat to the paranormal. Tempered is the first of Cherry's books to offer hope that the light at the end of the tunnel is on. Hope does not mean that this book does not follow in the grim, betrayal laden footsteps of the previous books. I am giving nothing away by saying that Cherry's road to sobriety is ugly, and paved with some unwelcome faces. I read today in RT Book Reviews that two more St. Croix Chronicles are planned. I look forward to them.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the disastrous fall-out in the last book, Cherry is whisked away to heal by her guardian mr Ashmore. Addiction, ghosts and guilt torments her while she tries to come back to her old self.
When mr Ashmore starts teaching her the secrets of Alchemy all starts to change, and come together, and she finds an unlikely ally in someone she never expected.
Steampunk action, smut and suspense in a great combo, can´t wait to see what´s next for Cherry!

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I am going to make it until book 5 of this series is released because it is impossible not to be drawn in by it. Much has already been said about the flawed heroine, the unexpected events, but honestly, what i think is so compelling is that the story is large scale representation of things we all go through - heartbreak, guilt, disappointment, hope, determination - and it's just so easy to find something to relate to in Cherry.

[Yveva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a solid five in my mind because Cooper manages the near impossible: a complete change of setting and drastic changes for the lead character that add depth to the story without dropping the plot. This breather away from London is a complete change from the earlier novels, but by the end Cherry and the reader are ready for a completely new take on her London life. Didn't see this one coming, but SO GOOD :)

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little slower for me, a little more ethereal than the others. Still hooked. And oh my goodness, I finally am to the point where I have to wait for the next. I'm crushed that I have to wait! This series is so cracktastic!

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must say I got confused a few times. And no Hawke was upsetting.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This I'd the best one yet!
I loved this story the best in the series with Cherry St. Croix! Karina Cooper definitely has a unique gift for writing! I can't wait to read the next one!

[Lisa Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich with gothic mystery, romance, alchemy and family secrets, the latest installment in the St. Croix Chronicles will please and delight fans of the series.

[Dumpy Unicorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just goes from strength to strength.

I was worried about the plotting for this one but shouldn't have.

LOVE this series, when is the next one due?