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The St. Croix Chronicles #5
Engraved
Cherry St. Croix returns to the fog-ridden streets of Victorian London, where the balance of power threatens all that she loves.
I will not wither without laudanum. Sober and determined, I have chosen another way— alchemy, and the pursuit of wellness it embodies. My name is Cherry St. Croix, and though freedom is finally at my fingertips, I return to the blackened streets intent on righting the wrongs I'd left behind.
All is not well in London low. Caught in a war between gangs, men are torn limb from limb, and I am called on to ascertain how. The immoral Karakash Veil is no doubt involved, and Micajah Hawke, a prisoner in his own Menagerie, cannot soften the danger this time.
Armed with the alchemical arts I have learned, my ever present guardian, and what few friends are left to me, I embark on a campaign to rescue the ringmaster I cannot abandon, save the Brick Street Bakers from annihilation, and finally face that which frightens me the most—my own heart.
Book five of the St. Croix Chronicles
106,000 words
I will not wither without laudanum. Sober and determined, I have chosen another way— alchemy, and the pursuit of wellness it embodies. My name is Cherry St. Croix, and though freedom is finally at my fingertips, I return to the blackened streets intent on righting the wrongs I'd left behind.
All is not well in London low. Caught in a war between gangs, men are torn limb from limb, and I am called on to ascertain how. The immoral Karakash Veil is no doubt involved, and Micajah Hawke, a prisoner in his own Menagerie, cannot soften the danger this time.
Armed with the alchemical arts I have learned, my ever present guardian, and what few friends are left to me, I embark on a campaign to rescue the ringmaster I cannot abandon, save the Brick Street Bakers from annihilation, and finally face that which frightens me the most—my own heart.
Book five of the St. Croix Chronicles
106,000 words
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Karina Cooper
23 books266 followersAfter 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 16, 2014
This book, nay, this entire series, has been such a roller coaster thus far, and I for one love it.
I take notes as I read so that when it comes time to write these reviews, I’ll (hopefully) be able to form somewhat coherent sentences. Yet, when I glance over my notes for this installment, I find that it’s mostly filled with expletives, excited exclamation points, quite a bit of angry underlining, and, well, even more colorful expletives. That, in turn, pretty much sums up my feelings in reading this book.
I will attempt to distill my wildly flailing emotions over this story into something readable, while still refraining from giving away too much in the way of actual storyline.
Here we go.
We open the story to find Cherry still dried out from her laudanum addiction thanks to her guardian turned tutor turned friend, Lord Ashmore. Unfortunately for her, this means she’s still not quite at her physical peak, nor does she have the opium to give her the false courage and bravado she’s relied on since she began her reckless career as a Collector.
Hawke is still help prisoner at the Menagerie, but the real question remains as always — is he a prisoner of the Veil because they truly have control over him, or because he chooses to remain under their thumb for reasons that are his own?
Cherry has a lot of amends to make — Communion, Zylphia, the younger Lord Compton, and even her old servants may have been marked by the Veil for her previous antics, and it is yet unknown as to which ones may prove to be allies and which ones may have decided that their own hides are more valuable than whatever previous loyalty they may have felt towards Cherry.
We very quickly find a familiar and terrifying face from Cherry’s past has become a major player in the Menagerie, and the Veil itself has expanded its territory with the help of the Ferrymen. Not only that, but their horrifying experiments on the people under their rule have created a new breed of fighter to do their dirty work.
With Cherry’s fall from grace both from society and from her position as Collector, she finds herself in a sort of a no man’s land, unable to move as freely as she used to, with none of the easy welcome she’s accustomed to either above or below London’s fog.
Hawke’s horrifying behavior the last time we saw him left Cherry hurt and confused, and, stubborn as ever, she’s still continuing to refuse to heed the warnings from coming from practically everyone involved with the situation, nor has she yet taken to heart Ashmore’s lessons on learning to walk before you run in regards to her newfound knowledge of alchemy.
I find that that’s all I can really say without giving away spoilers. Everything else that I had angrily underlined or followed by multiple exclamation points gave away a major plot point. I will say, however, that this was one hell of a ride, full of action, adventure, and emotional turmoil, and the very last thing in my notebook was yet another very colorful expletive, followed by several exclamation points. Infer from that what you will.
A very solid 5/5 Stars and I cannot WAIT to get my greedy little hands on the next (and I think final?) installment.
I take notes as I read so that when it comes time to write these reviews, I’ll (hopefully) be able to form somewhat coherent sentences. Yet, when I glance over my notes for this installment, I find that it’s mostly filled with expletives, excited exclamation points, quite a bit of angry underlining, and, well, even more colorful expletives. That, in turn, pretty much sums up my feelings in reading this book.
I will attempt to distill my wildly flailing emotions over this story into something readable, while still refraining from giving away too much in the way of actual storyline.
Here we go.
We open the story to find Cherry still dried out from her laudanum addiction thanks to her guardian turned tutor turned friend, Lord Ashmore. Unfortunately for her, this means she’s still not quite at her physical peak, nor does she have the opium to give her the false courage and bravado she’s relied on since she began her reckless career as a Collector.
Hawke is still help prisoner at the Menagerie, but the real question remains as always — is he a prisoner of the Veil because they truly have control over him, or because he chooses to remain under their thumb for reasons that are his own?
Cherry has a lot of amends to make — Communion, Zylphia, the younger Lord Compton, and even her old servants may have been marked by the Veil for her previous antics, and it is yet unknown as to which ones may prove to be allies and which ones may have decided that their own hides are more valuable than whatever previous loyalty they may have felt towards Cherry.
We very quickly find a familiar and terrifying face from Cherry’s past has become a major player in the Menagerie, and the Veil itself has expanded its territory with the help of the Ferrymen. Not only that, but their horrifying experiments on the people under their rule have created a new breed of fighter to do their dirty work.
With Cherry’s fall from grace both from society and from her position as Collector, she finds herself in a sort of a no man’s land, unable to move as freely as she used to, with none of the easy welcome she’s accustomed to either above or below London’s fog.
Hawke’s horrifying behavior the last time we saw him left Cherry hurt and confused, and, stubborn as ever, she’s still continuing to refuse to heed the warnings from coming from practically everyone involved with the situation, nor has she yet taken to heart Ashmore’s lessons on learning to walk before you run in regards to her newfound knowledge of alchemy.
I find that that’s all I can really say without giving away spoilers. Everything else that I had angrily underlined or followed by multiple exclamation points gave away a major plot point. I will say, however, that this was one hell of a ride, full of action, adventure, and emotional turmoil, and the very last thing in my notebook was yet another very colorful expletive, followed by several exclamation points. Infer from that what you will.
A very solid 5/5 Stars and I cannot WAIT to get my greedy little hands on the next (and I think final?) installment.
August 27, 2014
See this review and others like it at Badass Book Reviews!
Cherry's life is finally on the upswing in Engraved! The last two books in the series were brutal for Cherry and her sanity, but she's finally starting to pull herself back together here (with a little help from her friends). She's left the tar and her collecting days behind her and is now learning alchemy and is hell-bent on saving the enigmatic Micajah Hawke from the Karakash veil.
I am not Hawke's biggest fan, especially as a romantic foil for Cherry, but I did enjoy seeing her quest to save him. Engraved gave us a strong, capable woman saving the man... not something you see very often, especially in romantic fiction. The mythology behind the Menagerie is very complicated and I'm still not sure that I understand everything, but it was great fun to see Cherry kicking butt and being oh so crafty again and again. Hawke was very frustrating in the book, lying to Cherry or pushing her away over and over again, but he was doing it to protect her in his way. I was just hoping he would realize she didn't need his protection in the end. Cherry and Micajah are equals and, even though I ship her with someone else, I think they make a formidable pair.
Engraved is like a scrapbook for the series because so many beloved characters make appearances. Of course my favorites Maddy Ruth and Ishmael Communion show up, but we also have an appearance from characters that I thought were gone for good. Ashmore should be given sainthood for the caring and patience he displays with Cherry. He never hesitates to put others ahead of himself and is always pulling Cherry out of one mess or another, while still giving her the room to get into them in the first place. Sigh, I just love the dashing Ashmore.
The only thing that was a little difficult for me in Engraved was the final battle. Everything happened so quickly and I felt like I was getting literary whiplash. It was all exciting and I loved seeing Cherry use her instinctual alchemy, but I felt a little lost at some parts. Overall though, I was very satisfied and I am definitely hooked on this series. The next book can't come soon enough! I'm sure this wasn't the last we'll see of the Veil, especially now that Cherry has freed their tiger, Hawke.
Thank you to Carina Press and Netgalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cherry's life is finally on the upswing in Engraved! The last two books in the series were brutal for Cherry and her sanity, but she's finally starting to pull herself back together here (with a little help from her friends). She's left the tar and her collecting days behind her and is now learning alchemy and is hell-bent on saving the enigmatic Micajah Hawke from the Karakash veil.
I am not Hawke's biggest fan, especially as a romantic foil for Cherry, but I did enjoy seeing her quest to save him. Engraved gave us a strong, capable woman saving the man... not something you see very often, especially in romantic fiction. The mythology behind the Menagerie is very complicated and I'm still not sure that I understand everything, but it was great fun to see Cherry kicking butt and being oh so crafty again and again. Hawke was very frustrating in the book, lying to Cherry or pushing her away over and over again, but he was doing it to protect her in his way. I was just hoping he would realize she didn't need his protection in the end. Cherry and Micajah are equals and, even though I ship her with someone else, I think they make a formidable pair.
Engraved is like a scrapbook for the series because so many beloved characters make appearances. Of course my favorites Maddy Ruth and Ishmael Communion show up, but we also have an appearance from characters that I thought were gone for good. Ashmore should be given sainthood for the caring and patience he displays with Cherry. He never hesitates to put others ahead of himself and is always pulling Cherry out of one mess or another, while still giving her the room to get into them in the first place. Sigh, I just love the dashing Ashmore.
The only thing that was a little difficult for me in Engraved was the final battle. Everything happened so quickly and I felt like I was getting literary whiplash. It was all exciting and I loved seeing Cherry use her instinctual alchemy, but I felt a little lost at some parts. Overall though, I was very satisfied and I am definitely hooked on this series. The next book can't come soon enough! I'm sure this wasn't the last we'll see of the Veil, especially now that Cherry has freed their tiger, Hawke.
Thank you to Carina Press and Netgalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2014
I admit I am prejudiced about anything concerning this series, so my rating is a tad higher than it could have been, but I can't help it. I enjoy it way too much!
This time Cherry is coming back to London determined to take on the Karakash Veil and help the friends she left behind when Ashmore took her away to his estate to get clean from her years of drug abuse.
All I'm saying, get ready for a lot of action. A LOT. It's pretty much non-stop and it gets confusing because sometimes Cherry's trail of thoughts doesn't make sense. She goes back and forth between running to Menagerie and running from the Veil, and consequences be damned. I couldn't understand why she was doing half of what she was doing, but I enjoyed the process because of Micajah Hawke.
Yep, there is a lot of delicious, dangerous and deranged Hawke, and while we still don't know what's wrong with the guy, the sex is hot. *yes, I am shallow, deal with it*
What I always loved about Karina Cooper's writing is that it's crazily atmospheric. You get into it: the smells, the sweat and heat of the circus, the bloodthirsty crowds, the incredible tension between Cherry and Hawke. This is what forces me to come back to Miss St. Croix's adventures again and again.
While even sober Cherry is too hectic for my liking, I still recommend this series to the fans of steampunk and urban fantasy because it's a strong mixture of both. I'm a bit disappointed that Ashmore is wasted in Engraved as a character, but I hope he'll have a stronger role in the next book. The ending in this book is also too abrupt for my liking, but this is an unfortunate trend in publishing these days. All in all, hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
This time Cherry is coming back to London determined to take on the Karakash Veil and help the friends she left behind when Ashmore took her away to his estate to get clean from her years of drug abuse.
All I'm saying, get ready for a lot of action. A LOT. It's pretty much non-stop and it gets confusing because sometimes Cherry's trail of thoughts doesn't make sense. She goes back and forth between running to Menagerie and running from the Veil, and consequences be damned. I couldn't understand why she was doing half of what she was doing, but I enjoyed the process because of Micajah Hawke.
Yep, there is a lot of delicious, dangerous and deranged Hawke, and while we still don't know what's wrong with the guy, the sex is hot. *yes, I am shallow, deal with it*
What I always loved about Karina Cooper's writing is that it's crazily atmospheric. You get into it: the smells, the sweat and heat of the circus, the bloodthirsty crowds, the incredible tension between Cherry and Hawke. This is what forces me to come back to Miss St. Croix's adventures again and again.
While even sober Cherry is too hectic for my liking, I still recommend this series to the fans of steampunk and urban fantasy because it's a strong mixture of both. I'm a bit disappointed that Ashmore is wasted in Engraved as a character, but I hope he'll have a stronger role in the next book. The ending in this book is also too abrupt for my liking, but this is an unfortunate trend in publishing these days. All in all, hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
August 4, 2014
**I received this book from NetGalley/Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Steampunk, Romance
*Rating* 4
*My Thoughts*
In the Fifth installment of The St. Croix Chronicles, Engraved, Cherry and her guardian Oliver Ashmore, have returned to a very different London from the one they left five months ago. Cherry is attempting to remain clean from Opium and laudanum addiction, while focusing her energy on learning about alchemy from Oliver. Not far from her thoughts is the Ringmaster of The Menagerie, Micajah Hawke, who is like catnip to Cherry's desires. The man who has left Cherry broken, humiliated, and completely devastated more times than not.
*Full Review posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via NetGalley 07/31/2014* Expected publication: August 11th 2014 by Carina Press
*Genre* Steampunk, Romance
*Rating* 4
*My Thoughts*
In the Fifth installment of The St. Croix Chronicles, Engraved, Cherry and her guardian Oliver Ashmore, have returned to a very different London from the one they left five months ago. Cherry is attempting to remain clean from Opium and laudanum addiction, while focusing her energy on learning about alchemy from Oliver. Not far from her thoughts is the Ringmaster of The Menagerie, Micajah Hawke, who is like catnip to Cherry's desires. The man who has left Cherry broken, humiliated, and completely devastated more times than not.
*Full Review posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via NetGalley 07/31/2014* Expected publication: August 11th 2014 by Carina Press
August 15, 2014
This just keeps getting better and better!
Hopefully there're another 5 coming.
Hopefully there're another 5 coming.
March 31, 2016
All I can say is "I LOVE HAWKE!"
August 8, 2018
The best ending with more to come
I’ve enjoyed every book so far; I normally only read historical novels whether fiction or not, so this genre was not my usual type at all—but I’m glad that I have!
I’ve enjoyed every book so far; I normally only read historical novels whether fiction or not, so this genre was not my usual type at all—but I’m glad that I have!
December 31, 2017
Obligatory shark jumping.
September 29, 2014
Note: the review below will likely contain mild(ish) spoilers for previous books. Proceed with caution if you haven’t read them yet!
There is nothing in the world quite like finding a series you love absolutely. Better yet is finding one that immediately feels like sitting down with a familiar story, told often and well, yet which still manages to surprise and make you think things over. I’ve done just that with Karina Cooper’s Cherry St Croix series, and the more I think it over the more impressive it gets.
Sometimes the point of including a book in Rewriting the Script is to highlight the ways in which it immediately, obviously stands out from the crowd. In terms of urban fantasy, though, this is perhaps not one such series – at first glance, anyway. Female protagonist, flaws to overcome, mysteries to solve, peril to survive. Throw in the steampunk flavouring and you’ve got something that might sound an awful lot like The Usual.
Not so, and if you pick it up and read it you’ll see why. Cooper’s subversion of those tropes is kind of a quiet one, but the end result is a wonderfully fresh approach to urban fantasy – and, though that element is less dominant story-wise, to romance. For there is an underlying romantic entanglement powering Cherry’s goals, particularly in this book, but overlying it is not her need to be with her man, which might well shift focus from her to others, but her own personal development. Her struggles with opium addiction, handled so harrowingly well in the previous book (Tempered), dealing with hard truths about her family, and her unsuccessful attempts to find a place for herself in London’s high society, have seen her find rock bottom. With this book, she’s finding her way back at last, and by the end she’s finally able to start looking forward…
This is also the book where certain shrouds of mystery start to lift. One of those impressive aspects I mentioned is Cooper’s handling of the info-dump – and by that I mean that I don’t recall a single one. Like Cherry, we’re put in a position of having to persevere to get the answers we want, particularly where Micajah Hawke and the Karakash Veil are concerned. In there somewhere are our bad guys, that much is clear – but the who, the why and especially the how are the breadcrumb trails by which Cooper keeps us on the path through her wonderfully dark and creepy forest.
And it is dark indeed. There’s magic and mythology here, though that vein still mostly remains to be mined, but we’re starting to see just how dangerous the Veil really is. There is much more to Hawke than met the eye at the beginning as well, but as Cherry starts to really find her feet and understand her own motivations, that lifting of the mysterious shroud extends to the former ringmaster. He and Cherry have been at odds from the beginning, but nonetheless, here’s that romantic entanglement I mentioned, and … Well. Let’s just say that’s the other reason I’m so impressed with Karina as a writer.
I consider myself less than interested in romance as a genre, in general. I certainly don’t read urban fantasy for that element. And yet here I am, fanning myself and hanging on quite happily to find out What Happens Next, for them as well as with the Veil, or Cherry’s (mis)adventures in alchemy.
Therein lies another reason I love her as a character, in fact. Until now, Cherry has seemed to come across much of the information she gains by accident, or through sheer bull-headed stubbornness. She simply refuses to give up, and occasionally also to listen to reason. That said, this story would probably have ended long ago and been far less interesting if she had done so. Instead, what we have is a protagonist whose story is less about what others are doing to her, and more about what she’s doing to herself. The alchemy lessons, the drug abuse, the relentless throwing of herself into danger for Hawke – she really is lucky to still be alive at this point, and here is, I think, where she starts to really see that. Cherry has reached her turning point, and while she’d never have done it without that unbreakable stubborn streak, she is perhaps starting to see that she couldn’t have done it alone – and that she can’t. This is one more reason I swoon over her relationship with Hawke, and over this series in general. Can’t wait to see how it all ends.
Yes, I admit it. I found books I’m willing to swoon over.
Damn it, Cooper!
There is nothing in the world quite like finding a series you love absolutely. Better yet is finding one that immediately feels like sitting down with a familiar story, told often and well, yet which still manages to surprise and make you think things over. I’ve done just that with Karina Cooper’s Cherry St Croix series, and the more I think it over the more impressive it gets.
Sometimes the point of including a book in Rewriting the Script is to highlight the ways in which it immediately, obviously stands out from the crowd. In terms of urban fantasy, though, this is perhaps not one such series – at first glance, anyway. Female protagonist, flaws to overcome, mysteries to solve, peril to survive. Throw in the steampunk flavouring and you’ve got something that might sound an awful lot like The Usual.
Not so, and if you pick it up and read it you’ll see why. Cooper’s subversion of those tropes is kind of a quiet one, but the end result is a wonderfully fresh approach to urban fantasy – and, though that element is less dominant story-wise, to romance. For there is an underlying romantic entanglement powering Cherry’s goals, particularly in this book, but overlying it is not her need to be with her man, which might well shift focus from her to others, but her own personal development. Her struggles with opium addiction, handled so harrowingly well in the previous book (Tempered), dealing with hard truths about her family, and her unsuccessful attempts to find a place for herself in London’s high society, have seen her find rock bottom. With this book, she’s finding her way back at last, and by the end she’s finally able to start looking forward…
This is also the book where certain shrouds of mystery start to lift. One of those impressive aspects I mentioned is Cooper’s handling of the info-dump – and by that I mean that I don’t recall a single one. Like Cherry, we’re put in a position of having to persevere to get the answers we want, particularly where Micajah Hawke and the Karakash Veil are concerned. In there somewhere are our bad guys, that much is clear – but the who, the why and especially the how are the breadcrumb trails by which Cooper keeps us on the path through her wonderfully dark and creepy forest.
And it is dark indeed. There’s magic and mythology here, though that vein still mostly remains to be mined, but we’re starting to see just how dangerous the Veil really is. There is much more to Hawke than met the eye at the beginning as well, but as Cherry starts to really find her feet and understand her own motivations, that lifting of the mysterious shroud extends to the former ringmaster. He and Cherry have been at odds from the beginning, but nonetheless, here’s that romantic entanglement I mentioned, and … Well. Let’s just say that’s the other reason I’m so impressed with Karina as a writer.
I consider myself less than interested in romance as a genre, in general. I certainly don’t read urban fantasy for that element. And yet here I am, fanning myself and hanging on quite happily to find out What Happens Next, for them as well as with the Veil, or Cherry’s (mis)adventures in alchemy.
Therein lies another reason I love her as a character, in fact. Until now, Cherry has seemed to come across much of the information she gains by accident, or through sheer bull-headed stubbornness. She simply refuses to give up, and occasionally also to listen to reason. That said, this story would probably have ended long ago and been far less interesting if she had done so. Instead, what we have is a protagonist whose story is less about what others are doing to her, and more about what she’s doing to herself. The alchemy lessons, the drug abuse, the relentless throwing of herself into danger for Hawke – she really is lucky to still be alive at this point, and here is, I think, where she starts to really see that. Cherry has reached her turning point, and while she’d never have done it without that unbreakable stubborn streak, she is perhaps starting to see that she couldn’t have done it alone – and that she can’t. This is one more reason I swoon over her relationship with Hawke, and over this series in general. Can’t wait to see how it all ends.
Yes, I admit it. I found books I’m willing to swoon over.
Damn it, Cooper!
September 7, 2014
You can read can also read the review here
http://qwillery.blogspot.co.uk/2014/0...
Engraved is the 5th book of The St. Croix Chronicles and finds Cherry back in London, laudanum free. She has been joined by her mentor/lover/guardian Ashmore to rescue the enigmatic Micajah Hawke. The London that she has returned to, free of the fugue of heroin, is not what she was expecting. Everywhere she turns her friends and loved ones are victims of the changes that the Karakash Veil has spearheaded since she left the city. There is now a war between the street gangs and the sweets from the Menagerie who had protected her are being are being broken and tossed aside. The most horrifying event however, is what has happened to her reluctant lover, Hawke. Cherry finds that Hawke has been imprisoned by the Veil but it is not clear whether he has been caged by his master or has chosen to be caged. It would all seem quite bleak and hopeless, but not for Cherry. Things couldn't really get much worse than the events of book 4 (Tempered) when her mother, from beyond the grave, tried to kill her and take over her body. Stopping the war and freeing Hawke seems almost like a walk in the park in comparison. Dark forces are at work and Cherry will have to use all her skills from years as a Collector and the new ones learned during her time with Ashmore in order to save her friends and her love, Hawke.
This instalment was a refreshing change to the previous novels where everything seemed so hopeless as Cherry sunk deeper and deeper to the grip of her heroin addiction. It's not like Cherry is running in fields of flowers or playing with kittens with balls of strings in this novel but at least she now has a clear mind and is empowered with the alchemical arts taught to her by her former guardian, Ashmore. As much as I could see Cherry's attraction to Hawke in the first 2 novels I am more convinced that it is Cherry's innate self destructive nature that draws her to his anti-hero. Hawke offers her up as a sacrifice in book 3 and is physically abusive to her in book 5 but she is still convinced he is worthy of her love. I wasn't entirely sure. I think I would find it hard to forgive a lover who hurts me physically and mentally. I suppose she can't resist a bad boy!
Many of the characters from previous novels make a re-appearance in this instalment, even those who died or were killed in the other books. Her short lived marriage to Lord Compton is prominent in her mind in the early chapters as she is forced to rely on her brother-in-law for help. Even though the tragic demise of Lord Compton is a feature of the first half of the book Compton's murderer and Cherry's dear friend Freddy is barely mentioned. I was expecting Cherry to be forced to come to terms with what Freddy did and the part she played in his downfall and the murders he committed to draw her attention. There was a lot to cover, however, with Cherry trying to save Hawke, the Baker boys, her friends and to escape the Veil and the evil he has spread across London.
I enjoyed this instalment, much more than book 4. Cherry's return to London signaled to me that Cooper was going to return to the gritty, steampunky, noir feel of the previous novels. I also feel this is down to the return of characters from previous books, as well as, the familiar setting of London. I didn't especially like that Cherry was still a victim of Hawke's but at least she is able to stick up for herself a bit more now due to her newly found powers. This read like the final book of the series to me. I think that Cherry could now be left to live her life. However, Cooper has one more of Cherry's story to tell (Transmuted) and I will be happy to read it. This is a dark series and not for anyone who has a problem with a heroine with a drug addiction or a hero who isn't that nice to his love interest. If however, you have a like a conflicted heroine and a perpetual bad boy living in the smog of a steampunk London then this is the series for you.
http://qwillery.blogspot.co.uk/2014/0...
Engraved is the 5th book of The St. Croix Chronicles and finds Cherry back in London, laudanum free. She has been joined by her mentor/lover/guardian Ashmore to rescue the enigmatic Micajah Hawke. The London that she has returned to, free of the fugue of heroin, is not what she was expecting. Everywhere she turns her friends and loved ones are victims of the changes that the Karakash Veil has spearheaded since she left the city. There is now a war between the street gangs and the sweets from the Menagerie who had protected her are being are being broken and tossed aside. The most horrifying event however, is what has happened to her reluctant lover, Hawke. Cherry finds that Hawke has been imprisoned by the Veil but it is not clear whether he has been caged by his master or has chosen to be caged. It would all seem quite bleak and hopeless, but not for Cherry. Things couldn't really get much worse than the events of book 4 (Tempered) when her mother, from beyond the grave, tried to kill her and take over her body. Stopping the war and freeing Hawke seems almost like a walk in the park in comparison. Dark forces are at work and Cherry will have to use all her skills from years as a Collector and the new ones learned during her time with Ashmore in order to save her friends and her love, Hawke.
This instalment was a refreshing change to the previous novels where everything seemed so hopeless as Cherry sunk deeper and deeper to the grip of her heroin addiction. It's not like Cherry is running in fields of flowers or playing with kittens with balls of strings in this novel but at least she now has a clear mind and is empowered with the alchemical arts taught to her by her former guardian, Ashmore. As much as I could see Cherry's attraction to Hawke in the first 2 novels I am more convinced that it is Cherry's innate self destructive nature that draws her to his anti-hero. Hawke offers her up as a sacrifice in book 3 and is physically abusive to her in book 5 but she is still convinced he is worthy of her love. I wasn't entirely sure. I think I would find it hard to forgive a lover who hurts me physically and mentally. I suppose she can't resist a bad boy!
Many of the characters from previous novels make a re-appearance in this instalment, even those who died or were killed in the other books. Her short lived marriage to Lord Compton is prominent in her mind in the early chapters as she is forced to rely on her brother-in-law for help. Even though the tragic demise of Lord Compton is a feature of the first half of the book Compton's murderer and Cherry's dear friend Freddy is barely mentioned. I was expecting Cherry to be forced to come to terms with what Freddy did and the part she played in his downfall and the murders he committed to draw her attention. There was a lot to cover, however, with Cherry trying to save Hawke, the Baker boys, her friends and to escape the Veil and the evil he has spread across London.
I enjoyed this instalment, much more than book 4. Cherry's return to London signaled to me that Cooper was going to return to the gritty, steampunky, noir feel of the previous novels. I also feel this is down to the return of characters from previous books, as well as, the familiar setting of London. I didn't especially like that Cherry was still a victim of Hawke's but at least she is able to stick up for herself a bit more now due to her newly found powers. This read like the final book of the series to me. I think that Cherry could now be left to live her life. However, Cooper has one more of Cherry's story to tell (Transmuted) and I will be happy to read it. This is a dark series and not for anyone who has a problem with a heroine with a drug addiction or a hero who isn't that nice to his love interest. If however, you have a like a conflicted heroine and a perpetual bad boy living in the smog of a steampunk London then this is the series for you.
December 2, 2014
4.5 stars.
Cherry St. Croix fled London—having lost her home, her husband and her best friend—to spend several months in the countryside recovering from her opium addiction and studying alchemy. Now she finally feels well enough to return to save the object of her obsession, Micajah Hawke, from servitude to the mysterious Karakesh Veil, whether he wants to be saved or not. But she finds London drastically changed from the city she left.
The Midnight Menagerie has become darker, even trafficking children. They’ve also found a new ringmaster, an old acquaintance of Cherry’s. And Hawke, the previous ringmaster, has become a prisoner. One thing hasn’t changed though, the Veil still wants Cherry’s head. And they’ll threaten everyone she’s ever cared for to make sure they get it. Most of the first half of the book is focused on re-building the world of London Low, in part because Cherry is seeing it through sober eyes for the first time.
The Veil has allied with the Black Fish Ferrymen, whose members have taken over guarding the Menagerie. They’re also using the power they gained from the Veil to take over territory outside the Menagerie, starting with that occupied by Cherry’s allies the Brickstreet Bakers, who are finding their members savaged as though attacked by animals. Cherry agrees to help their leader, her friend Ishmail Communion, find the source of the attacks in hopes of preventing a gang war and saving Hawke, who seems to be connected to, if not responsible for, the creatures attacking the Bakers. The last half is action-packed and fraught with tension, especially the scenes between Cherry and Hawke. They can’t seem to decide if they want to kiss or kill each other.
For three books now Cherry, and readers, have been trying to figure out what Hawke really is and how he’s been changed by the Veil. (While reading Corroded I was sure he was possessed.) Others, including Hawke, try to explain it to her using a Chinese myth: the Veil is the dragon, he is the tiger and they are trapped in eternal battle. Cherry either can’t understand or won’t accept the metaphor and I wanted to throttle her for being so dense, though I too was nearly convinced he could sprout fur at any moment.
But Cherry surprised me in the end by understanding what Hawke needed even when he did not. Meanwhile, Cherry’s reunited with some old friends and tries to understand her odd relationship with Ashmore – it’s intimate, but no longer sexual. He seems to wish it could be more, but accepts her choices and continues to come to her rescue. Whatever else you call him, I think that makes him family, and Engraved is, in the end, about Cherry finding happiness with the family she’s chosen.
There are, however, still some actual relatives to be dealt with in the final book of the series. I like what the addition of alchemy does for Cherry, but it’s about halfway through the book before she uses any. Coincidentally, the action starts to pick up at about the same time.
Despite the slow start, Engraved builds to a surprising and heart-wrenching climax. It wraps up some aspects of Cherry’s story (it’s really hard to avoid spoilers – the ending is SO GOOD!) and still leaves me wanting some answers. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This review was original published at Vampire Book Club and was based on a copy provided by the publisher.
Cherry St. Croix fled London—having lost her home, her husband and her best friend—to spend several months in the countryside recovering from her opium addiction and studying alchemy. Now she finally feels well enough to return to save the object of her obsession, Micajah Hawke, from servitude to the mysterious Karakesh Veil, whether he wants to be saved or not. But she finds London drastically changed from the city she left.
The Midnight Menagerie has become darker, even trafficking children. They’ve also found a new ringmaster, an old acquaintance of Cherry’s. And Hawke, the previous ringmaster, has become a prisoner. One thing hasn’t changed though, the Veil still wants Cherry’s head. And they’ll threaten everyone she’s ever cared for to make sure they get it. Most of the first half of the book is focused on re-building the world of London Low, in part because Cherry is seeing it through sober eyes for the first time.
The Veil has allied with the Black Fish Ferrymen, whose members have taken over guarding the Menagerie. They’re also using the power they gained from the Veil to take over territory outside the Menagerie, starting with that occupied by Cherry’s allies the Brickstreet Bakers, who are finding their members savaged as though attacked by animals. Cherry agrees to help their leader, her friend Ishmail Communion, find the source of the attacks in hopes of preventing a gang war and saving Hawke, who seems to be connected to, if not responsible for, the creatures attacking the Bakers. The last half is action-packed and fraught with tension, especially the scenes between Cherry and Hawke. They can’t seem to decide if they want to kiss or kill each other.
For three books now Cherry, and readers, have been trying to figure out what Hawke really is and how he’s been changed by the Veil. (While reading Corroded I was sure he was possessed.) Others, including Hawke, try to explain it to her using a Chinese myth: the Veil is the dragon, he is the tiger and they are trapped in eternal battle. Cherry either can’t understand or won’t accept the metaphor and I wanted to throttle her for being so dense, though I too was nearly convinced he could sprout fur at any moment.
But Cherry surprised me in the end by understanding what Hawke needed even when he did not. Meanwhile, Cherry’s reunited with some old friends and tries to understand her odd relationship with Ashmore – it’s intimate, but no longer sexual. He seems to wish it could be more, but accepts her choices and continues to come to her rescue. Whatever else you call him, I think that makes him family, and Engraved is, in the end, about Cherry finding happiness with the family she’s chosen.
There are, however, still some actual relatives to be dealt with in the final book of the series. I like what the addition of alchemy does for Cherry, but it’s about halfway through the book before she uses any. Coincidentally, the action starts to pick up at about the same time.
Despite the slow start, Engraved builds to a surprising and heart-wrenching climax. It wraps up some aspects of Cherry’s story (it’s really hard to avoid spoilers – the ending is SO GOOD!) and still leaves me wanting some answers. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This review was original published at Vampire Book Club and was based on a copy provided by the publisher.
August 10, 2014
Allez hop!
Phase 1 of Cherry's comeback is done and it was explosive! The previous two books before ENGRAVED has been brutal for Cherry, her life has been turned upside down and thanks to Ashmore, Cherry's back on her feet with the sole purpose of rebuilding it with a solid foundation this time. No more opium-filled days and nights and she's coming for Micajah Hawke, the infamous Menagerie/Veil ringmaster/tiger, to free him from the Veil and claim him once an for all as hers.
I love the role reversal here with the damsel saving the knight from the dragons instead of the other way around, this switcheroo is a welcome change for me especially when said knight is proud and a force on his own. Micajah "Cage" Hawke made me blanch in Corroded as he played a crucial part in Cherry's downfall in that book, driving the final nail that pushed Cherry to the deep end. I hated Cage afterwards but I soon discovered that his part in that fateful night inside the Menagerie is more complicated. He sure paid for it ten-fold because something in him broke and only Cherry can put his pieces back together. But as Cage is a prideful man, he naturally made things very difficult for Cherry which is exasperating to say the least but the dialogue that ensued was tension filled and swoon worthy.
ENGRAVED is very romance driven in the sense that Cherry's motive here is love. Love for her friends and Cage, the consequences be damned! Cherry will see to it that the people she holds dear in her heart will be kept safe and away from the clutches of the Veil. I love this turn of events because Cherry is a very flawed heroine and to finally see her in this selfless place endeared her more to me. Of course I'm still unsatisfied because there's still the matter involving her evil mother-in-law but for now, Cherry and her crew are seared but alive and I can't wait to read the next chapter of Cherry's righteous vengeance.
Now I did say in Tempered that I want Cherry to go nuclear and that she did. Now that she's adept at alchemy and its powers, Cherry did go nuclear in ENGRAVED and I meant that in a literal way. I sure wouldn't want to be in Ikenna Osaba's place after Cherry blasted him with whatever that was, it sure sounded painful getting burned to a crisp by alchemical fire. And on that note, the fight scenes here are insane! Cherry's very ambitious in bringing down the Veil with the help of a handful of friends and sweets (aka prostitutes). They got the first round but the Veil isn't the Veil for nothing, I'm sure they're coming after Cherry and Hawke hard after this and that's one epic battle I wouldn't want to miss!
Phase 1 of Cherry's comeback is done and it was explosive! The previous two books before ENGRAVED has been brutal for Cherry, her life has been turned upside down and thanks to Ashmore, Cherry's back on her feet with the sole purpose of rebuilding it with a solid foundation this time. No more opium-filled days and nights and she's coming for Micajah Hawke, the infamous Menagerie/Veil ringmaster/tiger, to free him from the Veil and claim him once an for all as hers.
I love the role reversal here with the damsel saving the knight from the dragons instead of the other way around, this switcheroo is a welcome change for me especially when said knight is proud and a force on his own. Micajah "Cage" Hawke made me blanch in Corroded as he played a crucial part in Cherry's downfall in that book, driving the final nail that pushed Cherry to the deep end. I hated Cage afterwards but I soon discovered that his part in that fateful night inside the Menagerie is more complicated. He sure paid for it ten-fold because something in him broke and only Cherry can put his pieces back together. But as Cage is a prideful man, he naturally made things very difficult for Cherry which is exasperating to say the least but the dialogue that ensued was tension filled and swoon worthy.
ENGRAVED is very romance driven in the sense that Cherry's motive here is love. Love for her friends and Cage, the consequences be damned! Cherry will see to it that the people she holds dear in her heart will be kept safe and away from the clutches of the Veil. I love this turn of events because Cherry is a very flawed heroine and to finally see her in this selfless place endeared her more to me. Of course I'm still unsatisfied because there's still the matter involving her evil mother-in-law but for now, Cherry and her crew are seared but alive and I can't wait to read the next chapter of Cherry's righteous vengeance.
Now I did say in Tempered that I want Cherry to go nuclear and that she did. Now that she's adept at alchemy and its powers, Cherry did go nuclear in ENGRAVED and I meant that in a literal way. I sure wouldn't want to be in Ikenna Osaba's place after Cherry blasted him with whatever that was, it sure sounded painful getting burned to a crisp by alchemical fire. And on that note, the fight scenes here are insane! Cherry's very ambitious in bringing down the Veil with the help of a handful of friends and sweets (aka prostitutes). They got the first round but the Veil isn't the Veil for nothing, I'm sure they're coming after Cherry and Hawke hard after this and that's one epic battle I wouldn't want to miss!
November 15, 2014
Sooo first of all, this is necessary:
OH MY HAWKE, THIS BOOK! THIS BOOK!!!! *more flailing*
This is the book I've been waiting for all series long. I knew I would love it as soon as I read the dedication. I am ded. Ded of such good feels I thought impossible in this series' world.
Okay, I'm going to try to make a little sense here.Try being the key word
I've loved each subsequent book in this series more than the last, and that's something that's very difficult to pull off in any kind of series, let alone something as unique as the St. Croix Chronicles. Cherry has her ups and downs, and, let's be honest, has far more downs than she has ups. And we haven't seen her truly "up" for a while. The darkness we came off of from Tempered was brilliantly lifted in Engraved. And this is by no means a "light" book, but it has Cherry coming to a lot of realizations about herself and the people around her. And I couldn't be more proud of her.
Cherry is such a fascinating character. And a most amazing protagonist. She is called selfish more than once, by many characters, and it's very true. But it's handled so expertly by Karina Cooper that even in Cherry's darkest moments of opium addiction, a reader can truly never dislike Cherry. And I really loved seeing this sober side of Cherry. It's a new one, and watching her struggle (and come out on top) is something I really enjoyed. She always remains sympathetic and likable. Always. No matter how much she screws up or does something both she and the reader know is wrong, I can't help but love her.
And speaking of that pesky emotion...OH MY HAWKE.
Seriously.
HAWKE.
CAGE.
THIS BOOK.
There are still many mysteries about Hawke (who is my other favorite character, if you can't guess), but Engraved reveals several things about him, the Veil, and alchemy. And I loved every second of it. My heart is SOARING from the final scene. THANK YOU KARINA. THANK YOU.
ahem.
Anyway.
If you are at all interested in Steampunk, science fiction, the magic of a demented circus, alchemy, or amazing world building and characters, read this series. Now. But from the beginning.
Also, as a note, I received an ARC from Netgalley for review, but before even reading one page, I bought my own copy.
OH MY HAWKE, THIS BOOK! THIS BOOK!!!! *more flailing*
This is the book I've been waiting for all series long. I knew I would love it as soon as I read the dedication. I am ded. Ded of such good feels I thought impossible in this series' world.
Okay, I'm going to try to make a little sense here.
I've loved each subsequent book in this series more than the last, and that's something that's very difficult to pull off in any kind of series, let alone something as unique as the St. Croix Chronicles. Cherry has her ups and downs, and, let's be honest, has far more downs than she has ups. And we haven't seen her truly "up" for a while. The darkness we came off of from Tempered was brilliantly lifted in Engraved. And this is by no means a "light" book, but it has Cherry coming to a lot of realizations about herself and the people around her. And I couldn't be more proud of her.
Cherry is such a fascinating character. And a most amazing protagonist. She is called selfish more than once, by many characters, and it's very true. But it's handled so expertly by Karina Cooper that even in Cherry's darkest moments of opium addiction, a reader can truly never dislike Cherry. And I really loved seeing this sober side of Cherry. It's a new one, and watching her struggle (and come out on top) is something I really enjoyed. She always remains sympathetic and likable. Always. No matter how much she screws up or does something both she and the reader know is wrong, I can't help but love her.
And speaking of that pesky emotion...OH MY HAWKE.
Seriously.
HAWKE.
CAGE.
THIS BOOK.
There are still many mysteries about Hawke (who is my other favorite character, if you can't guess), but Engraved reveals several things about him, the Veil, and alchemy. And I loved every second of it. My heart is SOARING from the final scene. THANK YOU KARINA. THANK YOU.
ahem.
Anyway.
If you are at all interested in Steampunk, science fiction, the magic of a demented circus, alchemy, or amazing world building and characters, read this series. Now. But from the beginning.
Also, as a note, I received an ARC from Netgalley for review, but before even reading one page, I bought my own copy.
November 23, 2025
Cooper creates a spellbinding, dark fantasy that will leave you clinging to the pages.
Cherry is back in London after her forced sobriety. Dealing with life without the senses fogged by laudanum, Cherry is faced with unfamiliar, broiling emotions and fears. Determined to save Hawke, she must push past those fears and emotions and tackle the Menagerie head-on.
Engraved takes us to a new world, where magic, alchemical arts, power, and greed invade a steampunk Victorian London. The story is complex with a highly imaginative world that pops off the pages with an extremely authentic feel. The story and life circumstances of the characters is dark.
I savored this journey into Cherry's world. I especially enjoyed her character's growth and struggles. Engraved is a wonderfully entertaining excursion.
I received this ARC copy of Engraved from Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication August 11, 2014.
Written by: Karina Cooper
Series: The St. Croix Chronicles
Sequence in Series: 5
ISBN-13: 9781426898815
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: 8/11/2014
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Scifi | Dark Fantasy | Steampunk
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Cherry is back in London after her forced sobriety. Dealing with life without the senses fogged by laudanum, Cherry is faced with unfamiliar, broiling emotions and fears. Determined to save Hawke, she must push past those fears and emotions and tackle the Menagerie head-on.
Engraved takes us to a new world, where magic, alchemical arts, power, and greed invade a steampunk Victorian London. The story is complex with a highly imaginative world that pops off the pages with an extremely authentic feel. The story and life circumstances of the characters is dark.
I savored this journey into Cherry's world. I especially enjoyed her character's growth and struggles. Engraved is a wonderfully entertaining excursion.
I received this ARC copy of Engraved from Carina Press in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication August 11, 2014.
Written by: Karina Cooper
Series: The St. Croix Chronicles
Sequence in Series: 5
ISBN-13: 9781426898815
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: 8/11/2014
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: Scifi | Dark Fantasy | Steampunk
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 14, 2014
My brain hurts. There was so many things happening all at once that I feel somewhat out of balance...which is what Cherry was feeling.
Hawke though, I'm not quite sure that I want Cherry with Hawke, he's so...hard and ruthless. That scene where he popped Cherry's joint, man, that was...so unnecessary.
I do feel an urge to bang Cherry's head against something hard because I don't get why it didn't occur to her that Hawke is protecting her, perhaps it's because she's so in denial about her feelings that she is unable to figure out Hawke's? Maybe. Strong maybe.
I'm glad that they didn't make Cherry's addiction disappear suddenly.
Oh, and Ashmore. My lovely Ashmore. What do you really feel for Cherry? I mean really?
The Night Veil is SERIOUSLY bugging me. And I'm kind of glad that the Menagerie is burning.
Either that, I think the book follows on the previous book perfectly. Quite fast pace and I was kind of surprised at the end by how quick things seem to go after all the plans they made but hey, I'll take it.
Hawke though, I'm not quite sure that I want Cherry with Hawke, he's so...hard and ruthless. That scene where he popped Cherry's joint, man, that was...so unnecessary.
I do feel an urge to bang Cherry's head against something hard because I don't get why it didn't occur to her that Hawke is protecting her, perhaps it's because she's so in denial about her feelings that she is unable to figure out Hawke's? Maybe. Strong maybe.
I'm glad that they didn't make Cherry's addiction disappear suddenly.
Oh, and Ashmore. My lovely Ashmore. What do you really feel for Cherry? I mean really?
The Night Veil is SERIOUSLY bugging me. And I'm kind of glad that the Menagerie is burning.
Either that, I think the book follows on the previous book perfectly. Quite fast pace and I was kind of surprised at the end by how quick things seem to go after all the plans they made but hey, I'll take it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2014
I was tempted to get this book at two but since I am begrudgingly interested enough to read the next book, I had to bump it up to the three. In this latest installment of Cherry St. Croix's misadventures, we spend three quarters of the book dashing around, almost being badass and then fleeing dangerous situations.
Cherry is determined to save the man from whom she just can't take a hint. I had really hoped about three books ago that at some point I would like Cage's character. I mean, at the masquerade in the second novel, he was pretty hot. He did the whole tortured antihero thing very well and warned Cherry that he was dangerous. I took that bait and waited for some delicious backstory. Nope, he's just a dick. Muscles, vibrant eyes and long black hair can only make up for a shitty personality for so long. Thankfully, Cherry eats it up and even when Cage dislocates her shoulder expedite his 'hit it and quit it,' philosophy, Cherry's resolve to save him only strengthens.
Whereas once the mystery of what the Veil was, was exciting, now it feels exploratory, and undeveloped.
Cherry is determined to save the man from whom she just can't take a hint. I had really hoped about three books ago that at some point I would like Cage's character. I mean, at the masquerade in the second novel, he was pretty hot. He did the whole tortured antihero thing very well and warned Cherry that he was dangerous. I took that bait and waited for some delicious backstory. Nope, he's just a dick. Muscles, vibrant eyes and long black hair can only make up for a shitty personality for so long. Thankfully, Cherry eats it up and even when Cage dislocates her shoulder expedite his 'hit it and quit it,' philosophy, Cherry's resolve to save him only strengthens.
Whereas once the mystery of what the Veil was, was exciting, now it feels exploratory, and undeveloped.
August 29, 2014
The latest in Cooper's St. Croix Chronicles has so many pay-offs that readers will be pumping their fists and going "Yes!" -- if they can put their e-reader down long enough, that is.
Freshly sober after her opium detox in the country, accompanied by her mysterious benefactor and determined to save Micajah Hawke from the clutches of the Karakash Veil, Cherry St. Croix is a stubborn force to be reckoned with. And those, like yours truly, who have been discomfited by Cherry's narrow worldview will be happy to know that her own veil is starting to lift. Cherry's growing up and growing wise, and her complicated relationship with Hawke remains as fraught with tension and danger and passion as ever.
I don't know where the St. Croix Chronicles is going, but I'm sure there's going to be a reckoning — and a whole lot of steam.
Freshly sober after her opium detox in the country, accompanied by her mysterious benefactor and determined to save Micajah Hawke from the clutches of the Karakash Veil, Cherry St. Croix is a stubborn force to be reckoned with. And those, like yours truly, who have been discomfited by Cherry's narrow worldview will be happy to know that her own veil is starting to lift. Cherry's growing up and growing wise, and her complicated relationship with Hawke remains as fraught with tension and danger and passion as ever.
I don't know where the St. Croix Chronicles is going, but I'm sure there's going to be a reckoning — and a whole lot of steam.
December 4, 2014
Our hero is more sympathetic now that she is more reliable, both to her readers as a witness and actor in her story, as well as to her friends and family. The author does a good job with the bittersweet treatment of loss of childhood; the protagonist loses both some of her remaining innocence and her past baggage. The whole series could be labeled as a coming of age story, but this novel, out of all in the series, has the most of that flavor.
Much of the mystery of the Veil/Menagerie is solved in this installment. There is a touch of Orientialism, aligned with the attitudes of the time, but not enough to offend modern sensibilities.
Much of the mystery of the Veil/Menagerie is solved in this installment. There is a touch of Orientialism, aligned with the attitudes of the time, but not enough to offend modern sensibilities.
April 9, 2016
Cherry is back in London, after her exiled time away sobering up, and she´s back with a vengeance, to finally take a stand against the Veil and make an effort in trying to rescue the reluctant Hawke.
But the London she returns to has changed, and old threats have grown stronger.
Will she be able to spring Hawke from the Veils clutches, and at what price to her friends?
Steampunk romance, action, suspense and smutty fluff in an awesome combo, and I just can´t wait to get my hands at the next book!! *grabby hands*
But the London she returns to has changed, and old threats have grown stronger.
Will she be able to spring Hawke from the Veils clutches, and at what price to her friends?
Steampunk romance, action, suspense and smutty fluff in an awesome combo, and I just can´t wait to get my hands at the next book!! *grabby hands*
September 7, 2014
Another masterful ST CROIX CHRONICLE book my Ms. Cooper. I simply can't get enough of these books and am a little scared because this installment could go either way - it could be the finale, or it could be the start of even more greatness.
I ADORE these books, I can't even tell you how much, but when a new one comes out I have to drop everything and do a full night read until it's done. This one was no exception.
--Full review to come...
I ADORE these books, I can't even tell you how much, but when a new one comes out I have to drop everything and do a full night read until it's done. This one was no exception.
--Full review to come...
September 20, 2014
I admit I think Cherry should choose Ashmore; the man deserves some reward for putting up with her 'too stupid to live' stunts. That said, Engraved is a darkly thrilling tale that reminds me of the Fu Manchu books by Sax Rohmer that I read as a young teenager. Cooper makes her slant on those books even better by giving me an imperfect female heroine.
March 18, 2017
The streets of London low are changing, and the Veil is slowly taking charge. Something is killing the members of the Brick Street Bakers in gruesome ways, and it will take Cherry and Ashmore deeper into the pursuit of alchemy.
August 31, 2014
What an ending *swoon* took us long enough though...
September 5, 2014
Terrified going in that this was the last in the series because I adore it...loved the ending and I can't wait to read the next minute in this London.
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