Grand Tour

The Brass Queen #2

by Elizabeth Chatsworth

“Lush, exciting, and endlessly inventive . . .” ―Cherie Priest, award-winning author of Boneshaker, on The Brass Queen

The grass was always greener in another dimension.

In a fantastical steam-powered world, eccentric aristocrat and secret arms dealer, Miss Constance Haltwhistle, has been blackmailed into stealing alien artifacts from the crown heads of Europe. Only the shady but annoyingly handsome US spy, “Liberty” Trusdale, can help her execute her perfect palace heists. As Constance creates chaos and mayhem across the Continent, monstrous creatures are plotting an interdimensional invasion of Earth. Will Constance and Trusdale stop bickering long enough to end the war of the worlds before it starts?

If you enjoy stories inspired by HG Wells’s War of the Worlds, you’ll love this gaslamp romp across an alternate 1890s Europe where our bickering heroes may just be the bad guys.

Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk, Historical Fantasy, Romance

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Elizabeth Chatsworth is a British author and actor based in the US. She loves to write of rogues, rebels, and renegades across time and space.

Elizabeth won both the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ Gold and the Writers Of The Future Contest for Science Fiction & Fantasy. She’s the author of The Brass Queen, an award-winning fantasy set in an alternate Victorian age. The sequel, The Brass Queen: Grand Tour will be published on April 23rd, 2024.

When she’s not writing, Elizabeth works as a voiceover actor. There’s a rumor she possesses the world’s best scone recipe. Contact her at www.elizabethchatsworth.com to see if it’s true!

Reviews

[Mariella Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like its predecessor, The Brass Queen, this story was loads of fun. The sense of humor and wild adventures were a blast. And the shenanigans Constance and Trusdale get themselves into are second to none. Yet, what I think I enjoyed most in this story was watching Constance struggle with coming to terms with the fact that her father would rather leave her alone and unprotected to be with his (dead in this reality) wife in another dimension rather than heal from his own grief and spend his time with his living daughter. It was a really interesting arc to see play out. However, what knocked this down for me was that it felt a little off balance. In the last book, there was a really great balance between the plot and budding attraction/romance. In Grand Tour it seemed a bit like the romance overtook the rest of the plot or felt like it was interrupting the flow of the action when we’re constantly pulled back to it through thoughts, description, interactions, etc. That said, I really did enjoy watching Constance and Trusdale work through their differences and grow in their different arcs. Her in her fear and pride, him in his fear and dishonesty. I appreciated that those arcs felt believable. However, the off balance feeling left me feeling frustrated with the story and that’s why the story landed at a 3 star area for me. It was good. It was funny and enjoyable. But it didn’t quite eclipse the first book in the way I was hoping it would.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Elisabeth Chatsworth, the Author of “The Brass Queen” has written a captivating and enthralling novel, “Grand Tour”. “Grand Tour” is the second in the series and can be read alone. The genres for this novel are Steam Punk Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance and Fiction. The timeline for this story is set in 1897, yet could be in any futuristic year. I love the way Elizabeth Chatsworth vividly describes the characters, plots, and events. Of course, I am attached to the small protective dog that joins the cast. I also appreciate how the author mentions the importance of women’s rights.

The author describes her dramatic and colorful cast of characters as flawed, quirky, complex, complicated, and alien. This is a well- written, fast paced and witty novel. The protagonist of this novel, Constance Haltwhistle is known as the “Brass Queen”, who has an assortment of weapons, and is currently experimenting with peaceful means of defense, and travel. also, Constance is aware of alternate universes and dimensions, and wonders where her father is, and why he abandoned her. There are familiar characters from the first book, and some new characters.

There are secrets, betrayals, kidnappings, murder, and danger at every turn. There are twist and turns, and some unexpected surprises. Who can Constance trust? Constance is attracted to Liberty Trusdale, and it is questionable if his intentions are honorable, or does he have his own agenda for Constance? Constance is being blackmailed into stealing artifacts, and the Museum of England is threatening her to return the precious items. There are other characters that would like to capture Constance and her crew. Besides machines, weapons, treasures, there are aliens looking to take over. Kings and Queens from different European countries are in a power-play. Constance is unconventional, intelligent, and both feared and wanted by different characters. I would highly recommend this intense and action-packed story.

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as LOL funny and totally engaging as its predecessor, The Brass Queen.
In this one, Constance has been blackmailed into finding and stealing alien Enigma Keys which when together have the power to open interdimensional portals that will be used to destroy the world (in this dimension). Of course she enlists the help of her crew and especially one "Liberty" Trusdale to assist in this Grand Tour of Europe. Together they set sail on the Lady Penelope, a whimsical airship and begin to act on Constance's Plan with a "P". From here the hijinks and mayhem ensues as they make their way across Europe.

This book is so much fun! The author's imagination knows no bounds and is on constant display in these pages. From floating grand estates to unique and original weaponry and everything in between this one has it all. The dialog and inner thoughts are undeniably LOL funny, heck, even the villains are funny. I really think this series is Steampunk at its finest. I enjoyed every word of it!

Thank you to the author, CamCat Books and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this magical tour.

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I signed up for the audiobook tour of GRAND TOUR, and since this is the second book in the series, I also grabbed the first book, BRASS QUEEN, on hoopla. BOTH of these are fantastic.

This is a unique, sci-fi, steampunk world that was so fun. It is narrated by Erin Bennett. She was excellent. I had such a great time listening to it. I have never read anything like this. It's full of fantastical adventure, espionage, murder, blackmail, witty and funny banter and so much more!! 

L
I really enjoyed both Constance and Trusdales quirky characters. Their Grand tour around Europe was pure entertainment and action packed. Highly recommend! 

Thank you to the publisher and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted audiobook. All opinions are my own.

[Jordan Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight.

I have been eagerly awaiting this sequel since I closed the first book and it did not disappoint. It was muchier! We get more of our beloved characters, Constance gets some interesting depth and interdimensional perspective. Trusdale gets torn in two by his opposing duty/love predicament. Palaces fly, suffragettes obtain batons, and Popes aren't what they seem.

The costumes and gorgeous descriptions are worth the read alone.

It was exquisite and a joy to read.

[Jason Bleckly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series, The Brass Queen, about 3 months ago. I loved it so much I immediately put a hold on this book at the library. Being a new release it was in high demand and it took a while before it got to me.

Like this first book this is a fun light stempunk romp. Set in the latter years of the 19th century. Queen Vic is still on the throne and the British Empire is going strong. Constance is an arms dealer on the run from the British Museum who are demanding their relics backs that her father was storing and have been blasted through to another dimension. Constance has to embark on a Grand Tour to Paris, Rome, and Stockholm in order to resolve the issue before the British Museum curators turn her into a new mummy exhibit.

As you can see the story is bonkers, but enormously fun. Nothing about the book or the writing is serious. In Paris there’s a military officer called General Malaise. The book also contains various historical references, but they are all twisted slightly left of field.

There is a slight over indulgence in clothing description. A certain amount has to be included to set the steampunk style. One of the dominant aspects of steampunk is a Victorian aesthetic, but there are patches where it’s carried to excess and I skimmed a bit to get back to the story.

However, Chapter 1 – Not good. If this was my first exposure to her writing I’d probably have stopped here. It’s two people sitting in a carriage telling each other what happened in the last book, even though they were both there and know what happened. It would have been better with a 2 page narrative of ‘The Story So Far’ rather than the forced, contrived, and unconvincing conversation it starts with. Once past this chapter it gets back to the rollicking adventure style that made the first book so enjoyable. Additional backstory from the previous book still appears in the next few chapters, but it’s much better intergrated, and the new story is developed. It’s just the first chapter that’s a clanger.

But overall this book is great and I look forward to the next one where I feel sure Constance will be off on an American adventure at the behest of Queen Vic.

[Gabi Coatsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one in this series, where the characters of Constance Haltwhistle and the tall, dark, and almost handsome American spy Truelove first run into each other in an alternate Victorian time and set off, squabbling as they go, to save the world. This book continues their adventures, and although it might be good to read book 1, it’s not essential, since all is explained.
Suffice it to say that the novel contains some drama, some steampunk, some alternative history, a little science fiction and just the right amount of humor, all tied together with the huge imagination the author showed in Book 1. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that Versailles is floating above the earth in this book, which adds to the difficulties when our heroes are searching for something vital to save the world.
I’m normally not a reader of science fiction or steampunk novels, but this one won me over completely because of its great visuals, wonderful characters and the way it made me laugh out loud at times. And yes, I agree with the reviewer who said it would make a great graphic novel. Movie too!

[Christoffer Dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Constance Haltwhiste takes on the world - and this time, several other worlds along with it.
Grand Tour is a fast-paced, action-filled, humorous and bombastic extravaganza of larger-than-life characters and imaginative plot developments set in a fantastic steam-punked version of our past. The story moves swiftly, and the action is as wild as one can imagine. With the characters so quirky and unique, it feels like an ensemble, with most of the focus obviously being on Constance and Trusdale.
The humor seals the deal for me. The Brass Queen series is imagination on speed, and this second installment continues this, and the self-aware humor and the situational comedy and the funny dialogue keeps the balance between everything being over the top or taking itself too seriously, and for me, it strikes that balance. It’s a fun, action-packed read that’s entertaining, surprising and engaging, and with depth of character to make the emotional moments land.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This five star read was totally and delightfully unexpected.
I read and enjoyed The Brass Queen which is the first book, I enjoyed this one so much more. This is a steam punk sci fi novel. It’s a fun book to read with deep characters, drama, action, spies, aliens and charm. Constance and Trusdale are so much fun, can Constance trust Trusdale for help in escaping? You’ll have to read to find out.

[Bruce Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Constance Haltwhistle returns for her second steampunk adventure in GRAND TOUR, the sequel to THE BRASS QUEEN—and I am here for it!

Constance is more than a young British aristocrat in an alternative version of Victorian England. She’s a brilliant inventor of some of the coolest tech you’ve ever seen. She’s a fashion icon, a successful businesswoman, and an adventurer. In her first book, she met up with American cowboy J.F. Trusdale. He may seem a bit dim at first, but under that Stetson hat, he’s a secret agent—and Constance’s biggest fan. And after their hijinks in the first book, she’s reluctantly admitting that he’s not so bad to have around.

Anyway, Constance is one of my favorite fiction characters that I’ve encountered in a long time. Having loved THE BRASS QUEEN, I was pleased to find that GRAND TOUR offers more of the same: Nail-biting excitement with laugh-out-loud comedy.

Author Elizabeth Chatsworth has a flair for some of the funniest lines. For example, “But bizarre was her middle name. Or at least, it would have been if Mama hadn’t put her foot down to Papa about it when she was a baby.”

This book never loses its sense of fun. Constance & Trusdale get roped into stealing alien Enigma Keys and at the same time, creatures from outer space are plotting an invasion of earth. Our two heroes even explore their relationship, as they try to stay one step ahead of certain death! I love this series and hope we’ll get more tales of Constance Haltwhistle in the near future.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a fantastical steam-powered world, eccentric aristocrat and secret arms dealer, Miss Constance Haltwhistle, has been blackmailed into stealing alien artifacts from the crown heads of Europe. Only the shady but annoyingly handsome US spy, “Liberty” Trusdale, can help her execute her perfect palace heists.

This is such a wonderful story with the alternate histories and the great characters. The humor and the quips between Constance and Trusdale will have you grinning. Add in the ingenious assortment of weapons, the secrets and the betrayals and you have a mystery that will keep you coming back for more.

The narrator, Erin Bennett, does a very good job with all the banter!

Need a cute, witty mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received novel for a honest review.

[Taya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very unique read. I absolutely adored the steampunk aspect of this. I did at times get slightly confused from the world building with the handler being "god" but also everything was invented but also kinda magical but also.. Aliens? Overall I think the author did a great job combining all the different aspects. I would recommend

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series Info/Source: This is the second book in The Brass Queen series. I bought this on ebook.

Thoughts: I really loved the first book in this series and was incredibly excited to see a follow-up book had been released. I was not disappointed; this book was just as hilarious, creative, engaging, and heartwarming as the first. This book is a unique combination of steampunk elements with parallel universe elements as well.

Constance Haltwhistle has to steal some unique elements in order to return her estate from the inter-dimensional hole she accidentally sent it to. She starts off in Paris in an attempt to do just that. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately?, the handsome Trusdale (US spy and cowboy extraordinaire) ends up involved as well because of the assignment he is given by his handler, codename "God". What follows is an adventurous romp to many large European cities, including the floating palace city of Versallies.

This was such an entertaining and creative read. The characters are quirky, have a lot of depth to them, and are silly and heartwarming all at once. I love the world here and the adventures our characters go on. The craziness in here had me laughing out loud a number of times; it was just so much fun.

This is a very intricate and well thought out world. I love the quest to steal these special objects, and I love that so many parties end up involved and woven together.

Watching Haltwistle and Trusdale get to know each other better and dance around each other was very entertaining. They are both used to secrecy and lying, and watching them try to navigate that and still learn to trust each other was both fun and sweet.

The writing here is easy to read and flows well. This is really excellently written, and I have no complaints. It is a longer book, but I whipped right through it always excited to see what would happen next.

My Summary (5/5): Overall this was an amazing follow up to "The Brass Queen" and I can't wait to see if Chatsworth writes future books in this series. This is a wonderful blend of steampunk, historical fantasy, and some science fiction in the form of parallel realities. The characters are highly entertaining; there is a lot of humor and adventure here, the world-building is well done, and I really loved how it all blended together.

[Alison McBain · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Like its predecessor The Brass Queen, the second in the series takes off to a humorous start. Author Elizabeth Chatsworth paints a vivid picture of Constance Haltwhistle’s adventures with the dashing and handsome Liberty Trusdale, starting with the question: where is he? She’s waiting for him to show up as her date to the Parisian opera, but he hasn’t yet made an appearance. Perhaps it was his earlier electrocution by lighting or perhaps something else that has caused him to be late, such as getting hurt from Constance’s latest attempt (and failure) at weapons-making.

So begins the next installment of The Brass Queen II. Haltwhistle and Trusdale have an intriguing romantic dance throughout its pages as they battle against both the secrets they keep—Trusdale is an American spy and Haltwhistle is a secret British arms dealer—and the secrets of those who are after them. In a plot that will go all the way up to the king of France and involves generals and a spy named God, attempted kidnappings and foiled murders, flying castles and the British Museum, Trusdale and Haltwhistle might technically be on opposite sides of a game of cat and mouse, but they work together as if nothing will keep them apart.

There are cute descriptive touches and characters throughout the story, such as Constance’s Yorkshire terrier Boo (based on the author’s real-life canine of the same name), cool steampunk inventions, and the madcap adventures the two characters find themselves on. And there are touching similarities between the two characters—Trusdale is still mourning the loss of his brother, and Constance has lost her father, as declared by the British crown. Both of them want to make the world a better place, but they aren’t in agreement about what would make it so.

All in all, this is an interesting reimagining of the Victorian era world via a steampunk lens. I’d recommend this book for lovers of steampunk, ballsy British women, and cross-continental romances.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining world of steam punk, adventure, romance and searching for what's been missing. Constance is quite the character and the novel starts off with a bang of electrocution from the Eiffel Tower. Secret arms dealer, inventor, searcher and romantic (in her own odd way) is just the tip of what Constance can be classified as. This novel takes you all through out Europe as her and her romantic interest, American Cowboy Liberty Trusdale work to execute the most perfect heists. Meanwhile Constance is still hurt over her father leaving this world to be with her mother the after world and struggles with this. Although her quirky cousin keeps things interesting as well and you just never know what is going to happen next. I enjoyed Constance as a character, she was fun, eccentric and yet human. Her wardrobe was quite interesting as well! This was a little more sci-fi than what I typically read, but I enjoyed the steampunk, historical and adventures to the various historical places. I love the map like drawing in the beginning of the novel. I did not read the first novel, but I didn't feel lost at all and the author does do a go job of pulling in stuff from the past that explains why Constance is who she is and doing what she is. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Silver Petticoat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chatsworth returns with a delightful follow-up to The Brass Queen, as Constance Haltwhistle finds herself blackmailed into stealing alien artifacts from Europe’s royals (which could lead to worldwide destruction). She must team up with her crew and the attractive (and witty) US spy, Liberty Trusdale, to execute her plan, engage in impossible heists, and possibly save the world from an alien invasion.

Think of this whimsical book as a grand tour around Europe with a fantastical steampunk twist. It’s incredibly fun to read, featuring gorgeous costume descriptions (we definitely need an adaptation to see what creative costume designers would come up with!) alongside the witty banter between Constance and Trusdale, the marvelous settings, and the action-packed adventures. Both returning and new readers should enjoy this book.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with the Grand Tour if you’re in the mood for a romantic, witty adventure story filled with imagination and unique, eccentric (yet lovable) characters.

Adaptation Recommendation: It could work as a movie, like Stardust, or as a full-on Victorian fantasy TV series.

Content Note: Pretty PG with a closed-door romance.

Overall Rating: 4.5
Romance: 5

Disclosure: I received a free copy from CamCat Books. All opinions in the book review are my own.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grand Tour by Elizabeth Chatsworth is a fantastic follow up to The Brass Queen.
I absolutely LOVED The Brass Queen, and this sequel did not disappoint in the least. Brass Queen was the book that really introduced me to steampunk, and I am so glad it did.

Reading Grand Tour was like going on a grand adventure and revisiting with old friends, Constance and Trusdale.

I did feel bad for Constance with her dealing with her father leaving her. I won't put any spoilers in though.

The adventures and the romance were so well done. Flying Palaces, YEP I said it!
The complex drama and story arcs were written perfectly.

The plot was perfectly paced and I was turning the pages to see what would happen next.
The descriptions painted such an incredible picture in my mind of the story that I felt transported to another time.

As I said in my review of the first book, this is the best genre bending novel. With Steampunk, history, Sci-Fi and of course HUMOR!

The characters are multi-dimensional (no pun intended), complex and well-drawn out.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books which encourage you most fervently to read the whole series! When I saw the byline "If you enjoy stories inspired by HG Wells’s War of the Worlds, you’ll love this gaslamp romp across an alternate 1890s Europe where our bickering heroes may just be the bad guys" I was in like flynn and I was not disappointed!

I am sure I don't need to reiterate that anything based in the 1800s or 1900s with a strong FMC that defies convention is my jam and a good mystery is the cherry on top, but there it is, I will say it til the cows come home!

I absolutely adore the dynamic and dialogues between Constance and Truelove in their alternate history. Yes, you can certainly feel a strong HG Wells vibe and a whole lot of steampunkery, but the book cannot be pigeonholed into one genre as it also has adventure, sci-fi and a whole lot of humour, snarky and witty.

Elizabeth Chatsworth is an incredible author and the world created by their magnificent narrative is almost as colourful in my mind as the Adventures of Baron Munchausen (80s film, amazing)

A stunning book and I am off to fill up my basket!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📚 read book one in the series
😂 love to laugh
🖼️ like to visit art museums
❤️ enjoy romance in your books

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

In a fantastical steam-powered world, eccentric aristocrat and secret arms dealer, Miss Constance Haltwhistle, has been blackmailed into stealing alien artifacts from the crown heads of Europe. Only the shady but annoyingly handsome US spy, “Liberty” Trusdale, can help her execute her perfect palace heists. As Constance creates chaos and mayhem across the Continent, monstrous creatures are plotting an interdimensional invasion of Earth. Will Constance and Trusdale stop bickering long enough to end the war of the worlds before it starts?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

Such a cute and hilarious read! I didn’t read The Brass Queen, but the author does a fantastic job of catching the reader up on anything and everything you may need to know to enjoy book two in the series. The plot line was so funny, and I found myself laughing out loud several times. The humor is a bit tongue in cheek, featuring puns and other jokes. I loved the mystery and murder elements, though romance does play a big role in this book. Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I’ll need to go back and read book one!

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑦 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑑𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑚𝑠𝑦.

I loved 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧. It introduced me to an alternate Victorian England, full of gadgets, inventions, and clothing straight out of a Tim Burton movie. It had a steampunk vibe and tons of adventure and excitement.

I adored Constance Haltwhistle, aristocratic inventor extraordinaire. Now she and her crew, plus American cowboy spy Trusdale, are back to pull off a daring palace heist.

This time, their madcap adventures take them across Europe. But mayhem follows Constance everywhere (or maybe she creates it); either way, it’s always wild when you're with Constance Haltwhistle.

She and Trusdale are still doing their romantic dance, with hilarious banter, as they meet aliens and nobles, all while being chased down by spies and kidnappers.

I highly recommend this book (the series is the best way to go), especially if you enjoy a unique blend of steampunk fantasy, science, history, espionage, and the whimsical.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @elizabethchatsworth for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I've been eager to read this sequel since I read the first book "The Brass Queen" few years ago. Either time has dimmed my recollection of just how good the first book was, or this one is even better than the first. It brings back all of the wonderfully quirky humour, impossible gadgets, daring escapades and clean romance of the first book and adds famously grand new settings such as Paris and Rome. You meet spies, suffragettes, kings, and the odd interdimensional alien. There are high stakes heists, implausable steampunk technology, Victorian sensiblities, and characters who make up in charm what they may lack in sanity. This book is perfect for anyone who doesn't take their reading (or themselves) too seriously amd is exactly what it sets out to be; a purely fun romp across and alternate version of late 1800s Europe that is both hilarious and charming.

I received an ARC and freely offer an honest review.

[Geri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested this book for review because I enjoy steam punk fantasy and saw the endorsement by Genevieve Cogman, an author I enjoy reading. Grand Tour is the second in The Brass Queen series. I have not read the first. When I began reading Grand Tour I wondered if I should have read the previous book as characters and events were mentioned that had obviously occurred in the previous one. However all is explained and this is a stand alone adventure for Constance Hardwhistle and the motley crew of her cousin's airship. In addition to these characters we meet various famous historical personages in alternative versions of themselves including Queen Victoria, the Sun King and the Pope. The story is an enjoyable romp and the author creates very vivid images of people, costumes, locations and artefacts. I do believe the book would work really well as a graphic novel. Overall however it was a bit too light and romantic for my taste.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a steam punk sci-fi novel set at the end of the 19th century. It is a sequel to THE BRASS QUEEN which I read and enjoyed when it came out in 2021.

Every chapter in this book has either action or drama or both. The characters all have BIG personalities and they shine on every page.

In this book Constance and her crew (including a spy named Liberty) are looking for keys for the British Museum that tie into ancient aliens and other dimensions.

This leads the group on some daring heists to places like Versailles, which is a floating castle thanks to the energy in one of the keys. They journey to the Vatican, the Tower of London, and Copenhagen during the search.

Did I mention that Constance is also being pursued by kidnappers and a group of suffrages?

I had so much fun reading this book. I could totally see this read coming to life on a screen as a series!!

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm having a hard time putting into words how imaginative, fantastical, exciting, and just pure fun this series truly is. It's a journey into steampunk fantasy where normal rules do not apply and humorous situations abound. In this installment, Constance and Liberty are back, struggling once again with attraction, hidden agendas, and possibly doing the wrong thing for the right reasons?

We see a lot of character growth in each of them as they embark on their Grand Tour, but the hijinks and humor that I adore is still there setting the undertone of an outrageous adventure. The author excels at internal and external witty dialog and keeping the pace moving forward so there is never a dull moment spent in this world. I love getting lost in these books and I can only hope that there is more to come!

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Angya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



I haven't read the first book, and I still enjoyed this one. I highly recommend the author, and will be keeping them on my radar for future releases.

There could be spoilers for the first book below!!!










The book is a steam punk like fantasy with different worlds travel. Very cosy, with wonderful British Victorian descriptions and feel. Also, strong female characters, and mysterious American cowboy… If any of these sound attractive, absolutely grab this, and definitely start with the first for the full experience.

To be honest, can be a bit over the top every now and then, but that didn't bother me, personally.

[Katrina Freckleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The Grand Tour to be an amusing and slightly eccentric book, lots of fun and the second in the series. I had not read the first although it would have been helpful to have read the first in the series as I struggled to understand what was going on to begin with. Once into it, not reading the first did not detract from the enthusiasm that this clearly written with.

The author has created an unreal world with air boats, aliens, alternate worlds and strange characters. There is always something happening and with lots of mischief, but it works. I saw this all happening in my head like a reel, and I can see this being made into a movie. Fantastic read for young adults.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve eagerly and been anticipating this sequel and it didn’t disappoint!
Facing blackmail our main character Constance is having to to find and stealing the alien Enigma Keys, when they are put together have the power to open inter dimensional portals that can be used to destroy the world. She decides to enlist the help of her crew and one American spy Trusdale to assist in this Grand Tour of Europe. They set sail on the Lady Penelope and amazing and magical ship. Once on the ship the team begins to experience mayhem and tricks while on their trip across Europe. While monstrous creatures are plotting an interdimensional invasion of Earth. Can our two main characters put their differences aside and save the world? I truly enjoy the description of the costumes which sounds amazing!!

[Sarah W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun genre mashup. It had history, fantasy, romance, and mystery all rolled into one and they blended well together. I loved steampunk inventions and how creative and curious Constance was. Her humor helped keep her crew positive and it also created good banter between her and Trusdale. I listened to the audio, and I highly recommend that. The narrator did a great job with the characters voices and personalities bringing out the witty humor that I loved. Constance’s cousin was one of my favorite supporting characters because of his comments. There was never a dull moment as Constance and her crew were either planning or carrying out the plan. I loved the adventure and action as the emotions were high and big decisions were made.

[Meg Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brass Queen is back on more adventures. Book 1 was definitely interesting but I enjoyed book 2 even more. With more character development, more excitement, more tension rising 😉, there's a lot going on. These books are in the steam punk genre which is one I haven't read much in. Part old time (late 1800's), part futuristic with flying airships and a floating castle with 16 acre grounds. I mean, what's not to like?? I love the historical feel, with Constance's attention to manners and polite society, her ever faithful butler, and her sass and bossiness. It's the perfect combination. I can just see her bossing people around all while ensuring her ankles don't show. Full of villains, adventure, and girls being awesome, this book will definitely keep you entertained!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book just made me HAPPY.

Between the hilarity and the madcappery and WTF-did-I-just-readery, it was a delight from start to finish.

It gave India Holton vibes – while still being entirely itself – and I am here for all of it.

I loved the Steampunk imagery and costumes, the banter was on point, and I thought the slow progression into Constance and Trusdale’s redemption/romance arc was adorable and weirdly believable.

Now, you CAN read this is a standalone, but you SHOULD go read The Brass Queen first, both to round out the story, and also, ‘cause it’s WONDERFUL.

Steampunk was never on my radar, until these two books made it a top genre for me. Here’s hoping this series goes on and on and on.