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A Clockwork Apple: A Steampunk Snow White Retelling

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Presumed dead, Princess-In-Exile Ivory (AKA Snowdrop) is determined to take back her kingdom from the rule of her vicious stepmother and destroy anyone that stands in her way… even if that someone is the charming but cunning Prince Nero, with whom she shares a complicated history.

Aided by her friends Elena and Asami, and a band of rebel soldiers, Ivory is far from powerless. But how can she stand against the might of a united army?

When a reunion with an old enemy brings revelations and mixed feelings, Ivory must ask herself just how far she’s willing to go…

And what she’s willing to lose.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2024

3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Katherine Macdonald

37 books466 followers
Katherine "Kate" Macdonald writes the books she wishes she could have read more of as a teen—stories of fierce girls and gentle boys, of romance and adventure, and where the "three Cs" (chemistry, communication and consent) reign supreme. There may still be a little bit of miscommunication along the way as the characters grow as people, but she tries not to rely on that trope too much!

She loves books packed with witty banter, stories where you can feel the love growing between a pair, that include excellent, well-developed side-characters and a few subtly-foreshadowed twists and turns. She despises toxic relationships and tales that rely on old-fashioned notions of male and female stereotypes. She enjoys bending expectations and crafting worlds where sexism is a thing of the past. She considers herself an LGBTQIA+ friendly author, and her stories include a range of characters from within the community and absolutely no discrimination in sight.

She holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Lancaster University, and a PGCE in teaching English and Drama from the University of Exeter. She's been a writer since she was old enough to hold a crayon, but it was only after surviving a year of parenthood and a full-time job on less than six hours of sleep a night that she finally gained the courage to publish her debut novel, "The Rose and the Thorn." It's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast inspired by a dream of a girl surrounded by snow in a field of flowers.

At her heart, Macdonald is storyteller, and it is her dream to inspire others in the way that she has been inspired.

She lives in Devon with her manic child and well-behaved cats.

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Cat Bowser.
Author 6 books43 followers
April 4, 2025
I want more now

I will never understand why this series does not get more love. It's a gorgeous steampunk setting, brilliant characters and relationships—both romantic and platonic--made of gold.

The plot of the rebellion and corruption remains so wonderfully woven with these relationships. I love seeing how they play off each other and as the tensions rise, it gets better and better!

I love the development Snowdrop gets in this segment. She's a fascinating character and we get to see some vulnerability from her as Nero enters the picture. That vulnerability brings her from n interesting character to an empathetic one. It’s done so well and as always the dialogue is perfect.

Pip and Elena have my whole heart. Seeing them learn to lean on each other, uncover uncomfortable truths but find faith in one another…its a truly beautiful thing to witness. Pip’s optimistic attitude is so part of his personality and I adore he doesn't lose that.

Asami and Beau continue to be couple goals and I love how they recognize one another's flaws but find that to be something they love, no matter how infuriating it may be!

There is an amazing sisterhood/brotherhood between this group. It is tangible. You see it, hear it, smell it, taste it. Feel it. You feel it in your bones.

I am cheering so much for our heroes and I know Kate is going to make her suffer for it. She's the type of author who is so good at it. But that's a poisoned apple I will eat willingly.

Bring it.
366 reviews6 followers
December 27, 2024
I love this book and couldn’t put it down , choosing to read instead of sleep so I finished it within 24 hours of starting it. Now I can’t wait for the next one though I’ll have to as it’s not published yet. This is not a standalone tale it builds on the world and characters we have come to know and love from a Rose of Steel and A Slipper in the Smoke. I love Snow though she can be harsh and I loved seeing more of Elena. A love interest that thinks he can keep the love of his life as a mistress made me want to shake him but I’ll forgive him for now as he is having a hard time. I also love the artwork on the cover of these books, exceptional.
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