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The St. Croix Chronicles #6
Transmuted
In this final installment of Cherry St. Croix's adventures, only one thing could compel the disgraced countess to return to Society—the threat of immortality.
All is not peaceful in the wake of the Midnight Menagerie's ruin. Although the Karakash Veil has been forced to flee its stronghold, the mysterious head of the criminal organization is not content to fade away.
Above the foggy drift, a priceless diamond vanishes. In the dangerous Underground, a murderous rampage demands retribution. The hunt for the mastermind behind these misdeeds sends me back to Society—and into the unforgiving embrace of the world I'd left behind.
Nothing is what it seems. Enemies, allies—and a man who struggles with a nature even devotion cannot tame. Torn between the scars of the past and fragile new beginnings, I must create balance in the world I have chosen—and with the people I have come to love. The game has changed; should the Veil achieve the immortality it craves, I will have nowhere left to run.
All is not peaceful in the wake of the Midnight Menagerie's ruin. Although the Karakash Veil has been forced to flee its stronghold, the mysterious head of the criminal organization is not content to fade away.
Above the foggy drift, a priceless diamond vanishes. In the dangerous Underground, a murderous rampage demands retribution. The hunt for the mastermind behind these misdeeds sends me back to Society—and into the unforgiving embrace of the world I'd left behind.
Nothing is what it seems. Enemies, allies—and a man who struggles with a nature even devotion cannot tame. Torn between the scars of the past and fragile new beginnings, I must create balance in the world I have chosen—and with the people I have come to love. The game has changed; should the Veil achieve the immortality it craves, I will have nowhere left to run.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
4 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Karina Cooper
23 books265 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 18, 2015
**I received this book for free from (Carina Press) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Science Fiction, Steampunk, Historical Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Transmuted, the sixth and final novel in The St. Croix Chronicles, finds Cherry facing the remnants of the Karakash Veil who want their own form of vengeance, while also retrieving a stolen diamond that disappeared from Her Majesty's vaults. This leads Cherry and her allies to the Underground where they face new enemies, and some interesting twists. With two devastating powerful and handsome men at her side, what could possibly go wrong?
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via NetGalley 12/05/2014* Expected publication: January 26th 2015 by Carina Press
*Genre* Science Fiction, Steampunk, Historical Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Transmuted, the sixth and final novel in The St. Croix Chronicles, finds Cherry facing the remnants of the Karakash Veil who want their own form of vengeance, while also retrieving a stolen diamond that disappeared from Her Majesty's vaults. This leads Cherry and her allies to the Underground where they face new enemies, and some interesting twists. With two devastating powerful and handsome men at her side, what could possibly go wrong?
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd via NetGalley 12/05/2014* Expected publication: January 26th 2015 by Carina Press
February 5, 2015
See this review and others like it at Badass Book Reviews!
Transmuted is the sixth and final novel in the St. Croix Chronicles and Karina Cooper has provided long-time readers with a finely crafted ending. There are no sudden superpowers or immaculate demonstrations of love thrown into this book. What we are given is a solid resolution to Cherry's story that feels authentic and right given her character arc throughout the series. Karina doesn't make everything sunshine and rainbows at the end, that's just not the world Cherry inhabits, but she does provide all her characters with a satisfying end to this chapter of their lives.
This book started a little slowly for me, but I was fully invested in Transmuted by the midway point. Cherry thought she had vanquished the Karakesh Veil in the previous novel but, when she finds herself drawn into the search for a priceless diamond, she realizes that they aren't as gone as she thought. As she tries to satisfy Queen and crown with her investigation into the diamonds whereabouts, she finds herself pulled into the Veil's newest scheme... and it might end up costing her life as well as the lives of those she holds most dear. Cherry joins with Ashmore, Hawke, Zylphia, Communion, Maddie Ruth, Piers Compton, and many others in her search for the diamond and for aid to stop the Karakesh Veil from completing their bid for immortality.
Cherry was wonderful in this book; she was spunky and fierce and best of all, sober. She's completely kicked the tar and is taking control of her destiny once again. Now that she's saved Hawke from the Veil, she's trying to balance her attentions to him with the time she needs to spend on her alchemical studies with Ashmore. They both think they know what's best for her, but Cherry won't let herself be bullied. She tells them both, in no uncertain terms, that she does not belong to nor does she answer to any man. She is her own self and not some prize to be won or delicate flower to be protected. That doesn't mean she doesn't love or respect them both; she just knows her own worth and it isn't something to be defined by anyone else.
In Transmuted, we see Cherry and Ashmore settled into a very familial relationship. They care about and love one another, but there isn't a heat, a passion between them. They are teacher and student, ancestor and descendant, and above all... friends. Cherry and Hawke, on the other hand, have always had a white-hot tension between them. Here we see it finally begin to blossom into something real. Cherry is the sole reason Hawke keeps the beast under his skin leashed; Hawke is the reason Cherry constantly puts her hide on the line to defeat the Karakesh Veil. They finally have a discussion about their feelings for one another and come to an understanding about how their lives will fit together.
Most of my favorite secondary characters had at least a cameo in this book and Cherry even got a little bit of closure with the Marchioness of Northampton, the mother of Piers and Cherry's late husband Cornelius. I loved Cherry's adventures back in society with Piers and Ashmore. Whereas Piers was quite an angry character when we first saw him in the last book, his temper has cooled and he and Cherry have developed something of a sibling relationship. Here, he uses Cherry's disgrace in society's eyes to further both her cause and his own. He's proven himself to be very smart... and just a little bit devious. I would love to get more stories about Piers, his adventures as an earl in society, and his relationship with Ms. Turner. It's a testament to Karina's writing that a character I cared very little about when he was first introduced ends up being the character that I would most like to follow in the future!
Everything isn't easy in Transmuted. There is one fairly major character death that greatly affects Cherry and our characters are put in harm's way several times. There is a lot of action in the second half and plenty of scheming and double-crosses. Of course our Cherry comes out ahead in the end, but I was happy to see Karina leave Cherry's successes as believable for someone at her level. She didn't take the easy way out and make Cherry an alchemical goddess who commanded all the trumps. She kept it grounded and plausible and had Cherry rely on her wits, her intelligence, and her friends to save the day. I am sad to see Cherry's story end, but I feel satisfied with her character arc. She has grown and matured in ways I couldn't imagine after reading the first book and I am glad to see her get her happy ending.
Thank you to Carina Press and Netgalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Transmuted is the sixth and final novel in the St. Croix Chronicles and Karina Cooper has provided long-time readers with a finely crafted ending. There are no sudden superpowers or immaculate demonstrations of love thrown into this book. What we are given is a solid resolution to Cherry's story that feels authentic and right given her character arc throughout the series. Karina doesn't make everything sunshine and rainbows at the end, that's just not the world Cherry inhabits, but she does provide all her characters with a satisfying end to this chapter of their lives.
This book started a little slowly for me, but I was fully invested in Transmuted by the midway point. Cherry thought she had vanquished the Karakesh Veil in the previous novel but, when she finds herself drawn into the search for a priceless diamond, she realizes that they aren't as gone as she thought. As she tries to satisfy Queen and crown with her investigation into the diamonds whereabouts, she finds herself pulled into the Veil's newest scheme... and it might end up costing her life as well as the lives of those she holds most dear. Cherry joins with Ashmore, Hawke, Zylphia, Communion, Maddie Ruth, Piers Compton, and many others in her search for the diamond and for aid to stop the Karakesh Veil from completing their bid for immortality.
Cherry was wonderful in this book; she was spunky and fierce and best of all, sober. She's completely kicked the tar and is taking control of her destiny once again. Now that she's saved Hawke from the Veil, she's trying to balance her attentions to him with the time she needs to spend on her alchemical studies with Ashmore. They both think they know what's best for her, but Cherry won't let herself be bullied. She tells them both, in no uncertain terms, that she does not belong to nor does she answer to any man. She is her own self and not some prize to be won or delicate flower to be protected. That doesn't mean she doesn't love or respect them both; she just knows her own worth and it isn't something to be defined by anyone else.
In Transmuted, we see Cherry and Ashmore settled into a very familial relationship. They care about and love one another, but there isn't a heat, a passion between them. They are teacher and student, ancestor and descendant, and above all... friends. Cherry and Hawke, on the other hand, have always had a white-hot tension between them. Here we see it finally begin to blossom into something real. Cherry is the sole reason Hawke keeps the beast under his skin leashed; Hawke is the reason Cherry constantly puts her hide on the line to defeat the Karakesh Veil. They finally have a discussion about their feelings for one another and come to an understanding about how their lives will fit together.
Most of my favorite secondary characters had at least a cameo in this book and Cherry even got a little bit of closure with the Marchioness of Northampton, the mother of Piers and Cherry's late husband Cornelius. I loved Cherry's adventures back in society with Piers and Ashmore. Whereas Piers was quite an angry character when we first saw him in the last book, his temper has cooled and he and Cherry have developed something of a sibling relationship. Here, he uses Cherry's disgrace in society's eyes to further both her cause and his own. He's proven himself to be very smart... and just a little bit devious. I would love to get more stories about Piers, his adventures as an earl in society, and his relationship with Ms. Turner. It's a testament to Karina's writing that a character I cared very little about when he was first introduced ends up being the character that I would most like to follow in the future!
Everything isn't easy in Transmuted. There is one fairly major character death that greatly affects Cherry and our characters are put in harm's way several times. There is a lot of action in the second half and plenty of scheming and double-crosses. Of course our Cherry comes out ahead in the end, but I was happy to see Karina leave Cherry's successes as believable for someone at her level. She didn't take the easy way out and make Cherry an alchemical goddess who commanded all the trumps. She kept it grounded and plausible and had Cherry rely on her wits, her intelligence, and her friends to save the day. I am sad to see Cherry's story end, but I feel satisfied with her character arc. She has grown and matured in ways I couldn't imagine after reading the first book and I am glad to see her get her happy ending.
Thank you to Carina Press and Netgalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2015
2.5/5
Right. Let me explain the low rating first.
I've been a staunch supporter of this series from the very beginning. A flawed heroine, a steampunk setting, a dual life full of secrets and hidden identities, an obsession with a forbidden savage leading Karakash Veil's Menagerie. What's not to love?
However, while the first two books were amazing, the rest of the series slowly went down in quality, and while my hope flared up when Cherry got cleaned up in Tempered, it promptly died with the book after.
I've been talking about the phenomenon that is Cherry with my book buddies, and I agree that at the core of my dissatisfaction is the fact that our girl doesn't deliver the kickassery she promises again and again.
If you think about it, all she's ever done was fail after boasting that she will prevail. It's like every time she is bigging herself up, but messes up when it comes to action. And the opportunities wasted.... Oh my God, am I the only one thinking that this series would have improved vastly with a hot threesome mess with such formidable characters as Hawke and Ashmore?
But no, Hawke has a fleeting couple of moments with Miss St. Croix and Ashmore becomes a steady friend and mentor after a hot scene in a Gothic mansion... Well, yes I am disappointed. What's the point of writing such delicious male specimen and not utilising them at the fullest?
So my low rating is reflecting my disappointment with the series in general.I also found that the amount of internal monologue and rehashing everything that happened before in Transmuted bored me to death, and I kept skimming to actual action scenes, of which there are only three!
And while the end battle is grand, it just wasn't redeeming enough to let me feel satisfied reading the last scene of Transmuted. Alas, I can only recommend the first two books in this series.
Right. Let me explain the low rating first.
I've been a staunch supporter of this series from the very beginning. A flawed heroine, a steampunk setting, a dual life full of secrets and hidden identities, an obsession with a forbidden savage leading Karakash Veil's Menagerie. What's not to love?
However, while the first two books were amazing, the rest of the series slowly went down in quality, and while my hope flared up when Cherry got cleaned up in Tempered, it promptly died with the book after.
I've been talking about the phenomenon that is Cherry with my book buddies, and I agree that at the core of my dissatisfaction is the fact that our girl doesn't deliver the kickassery she promises again and again.
If you think about it, all she's ever done was fail after boasting that she will prevail. It's like every time she is bigging herself up, but messes up when it comes to action. And the opportunities wasted.... Oh my God, am I the only one thinking that this series would have improved vastly with a hot threesome mess with such formidable characters as Hawke and Ashmore?
But no, Hawke has a fleeting couple of moments with Miss St. Croix and Ashmore becomes a steady friend and mentor after a hot scene in a Gothic mansion... Well, yes I am disappointed. What's the point of writing such delicious male specimen and not utilising them at the fullest?
So my low rating is reflecting my disappointment with the series in general.I also found that the amount of internal monologue and rehashing everything that happened before in Transmuted bored me to death, and I kept skimming to actual action scenes, of which there are only three!
And while the end battle is grand, it just wasn't redeeming enough to let me feel satisfied reading the last scene of Transmuted. Alas, I can only recommend the first two books in this series.
January 24, 2015
Every time a series ends is bittersweet however it's inevitable and a fan can only hope that the resolution is satisfactory. Cherry St. Croix has bren through hell and back countless times and with every return, she's changed somehow. Looking back I'd say Cherry's found a way to balance her vulnerabilities with her strengths including letting people in. Her romance with Micajah Hawke left me wanting for more though, for some reason their intense attraction and tightly coiled sexual tension in the beginning fizzled and became a low grade fevered want for each other.
Other than that I'm satisfied with how things wrapped up regarding her conflict with the Karakash Veil, the Menagerie, down to Cherry's in-laws and other social nemeses. The ending left me with a hopeful and happy note, its a fitting conclusion to Cherry's journey.
Other than that I'm satisfied with how things wrapped up regarding her conflict with the Karakash Veil, the Menagerie, down to Cherry's in-laws and other social nemeses. The ending left me with a hopeful and happy note, its a fitting conclusion to Cherry's journey.
September 1, 2016
Cherry St. Croix´s life hasn´t been easy lately, and it´s not about to get easier. Forced to find a stolen diamond while trying to end the Karakash Veil, and keeping her family safe at the same time, not to mention the scandal she´s about to stir.. No tediousness here.
With Hawke and Ashmore by her side, she´ll take on it all, and get out on top. Right?
The final book in Cherry´s series, and I´m sad to see her go, but oh, what great times we´ve had <3
Steampunk, action and suspense in a great combo.
With Hawke and Ashmore by her side, she´ll take on it all, and get out on top. Right?
The final book in Cherry´s series, and I´m sad to see her go, but oh, what great times we´ve had <3
Steampunk, action and suspense in a great combo.
November 22, 2025
Another marvelous series is coming to a close, Transmuted is the sixth and final book in The St. Croix Chronicles.
The Midnight Menagerie is in ruins but the Karakash Veil’s plots are still riding right under the surface of London society. Nothing would send Cherry back into the arm’s of society except the new threat from the Veil and their search for immortality…especially when it strikes close to home.
The lines between allies and enemies blur as Cherry traverses the complicated web the veil has constructed.
I loved the conclusion, it held true to the story but still ended up surprising me in the end.
This was a must read series for me and I will miss these characters.
Karina Cooper’s vivid imagination and world constructed between reality and the ether was extraordinary. Cooper paints a perfect picture of her world in your head. She gives you just enough detail to complete the plot without weighing it down by overly descriptive narrative which I absolutely adore.
There are a few series that I would re-read and this is one I will be definitely be revisiting.
I received this ARC copy of Transmuted from Carina Press in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 26, 2015.
The Midnight Menagerie is in ruins but the Karakash Veil’s plots are still riding right under the surface of London society. Nothing would send Cherry back into the arm’s of society except the new threat from the Veil and their search for immortality…especially when it strikes close to home.
The lines between allies and enemies blur as Cherry traverses the complicated web the veil has constructed.
I loved the conclusion, it held true to the story but still ended up surprising me in the end.
This was a must read series for me and I will miss these characters.
Karina Cooper’s vivid imagination and world constructed between reality and the ether was extraordinary. Cooper paints a perfect picture of her world in your head. She gives you just enough detail to complete the plot without weighing it down by overly descriptive narrative which I absolutely adore.
There are a few series that I would re-read and this is one I will be definitely be revisiting.
I received this ARC copy of Transmuted from Carina Press in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication January 26, 2015.
May 21, 2015
Yessssssssss!
THIS is the epic finale I was so hoping for. I can't even put all my good feelings into words.
The action is there, the heartbreak is there, but most of all, the LOVE is there.
It's no secret Karina Cooper is one of my favorite authors, so it should come as no surprise that I have an undying love for this under-the-radar series. Cherry is such a brilliant, strong, vulnerable, admirable, flawed, and amazing heroine. I love everything she stands for. I've been swept away by her adventures, and this final installment did not disappoint.
We finally see an end to all of the Menagerie madness that has evolved over the series. And DAMN was that an epic finale. I absolutely loved how Cherry was able to call on the third Trump and show that unity (and love) is everything. I can't even begin to describe how magical that scene was. I could see it all playing out in my mind's eye, not something easily done when magic and abstract concepts are part of the action. But it's just a testament to Karina's wonderful writing that I was able to not only read it, but experience it.
Now, the part I've been dying to get to, HAWKE AND CHERRY. SQUEE! YES! YES!!!! Their relationship is so fucking amazing. Not perfect, not by any means. But the way in which they communicate, not by saying, "I love you," but through physical dominance and submission, I just...GAH! They are very, very high on my personal list of favorite couples ever. I am very much over the moon happy with how their story ends -- or begins, as it were.
And if I'm over here, imagining a poly relationship between some of these characters, just ignore me while I weep happy tears
I'm just thrilled with this book. It was everything I wanted and needed it to be. Please, please, please do yourself a favor and start this series. It will satisfy you in ways you didn't know you needed.
As always, thank you so much to Karina, for writing a book that makes my heart happy. <3
THIS is the epic finale I was so hoping for. I can't even put all my good feelings into words.
The action is there, the heartbreak is there, but most of all, the LOVE is there.
It's no secret Karina Cooper is one of my favorite authors, so it should come as no surprise that I have an undying love for this under-the-radar series. Cherry is such a brilliant, strong, vulnerable, admirable, flawed, and amazing heroine. I love everything she stands for. I've been swept away by her adventures, and this final installment did not disappoint.
We finally see an end to all of the Menagerie madness that has evolved over the series. And DAMN was that an epic finale. I absolutely loved how Cherry was able to call on the third Trump and show that unity (and love) is everything. I can't even begin to describe how magical that scene was. I could see it all playing out in my mind's eye, not something easily done when magic and abstract concepts are part of the action. But it's just a testament to Karina's wonderful writing that I was able to not only read it, but experience it.
Now, the part I've been dying to get to, HAWKE AND CHERRY. SQUEE! YES! YES!!!! Their relationship is so fucking amazing. Not perfect, not by any means. But the way in which they communicate, not by saying, "I love you," but through physical dominance and submission, I just...GAH! They are very, very high on my personal list of favorite couples ever. I am very much over the moon happy with how their story ends -- or begins, as it were.
I'm just thrilled with this book. It was everything I wanted and needed it to be. Please, please, please do yourself a favor and start this series. It will satisfy you in ways you didn't know you needed.
As always, thank you so much to Karina, for writing a book that makes my heart happy. <3
January 21, 2015
The final volume in The St Croix Chronicles is by far the best read yet, which is only fitting for a finale. One seven hour reading binge (broken only by the need to sleep) can testify to how easily, and utterly, I fell into this book. I have waited all series long for that experience, and it paid off tremendously. I was shocked, intrigued, overjoyed and heartbroken, and here at the end I can only say that I’m nothing short of satisfied across the board...
Full review here: http://overtheeffingrainbow.co.uk/201...
Full review here: http://overtheeffingrainbow.co.uk/201...
January 7, 2016
A fitting resolution to the series, I think; I enjoyed very much seeing Cherry driving the plot and harrying her enemies, rather than being constantly harried and off-balance, as well as seeing her assert herself with those in her life who have a depressing tendency to try and be too dominant.
August 8, 2018
Sad to see this series end; I’ve enjoyed every moment!
I found the first book in this series in a discard pile at the library, and managed to read them all (I recommend reading the novella The Strange Case Of Mr. Greenaway (sp?) first). Although I normally do not enjoy supernatural/fantasy-type stories, the characters are usually what keep me reading (as I write the same way enjoying personality clashes and bonds formed with lots of dialogue). I can only hope there might be more to the series! Thank you, Karina
I found the first book in this series in a discard pile at the library, and managed to read them all (I recommend reading the novella The Strange Case Of Mr. Greenaway (sp?) first). Although I normally do not enjoy supernatural/fantasy-type stories, the characters are usually what keep me reading (as I write the same way enjoying personality clashes and bonds formed with lots of dialogue). I can only hope there might be more to the series! Thank you, Karina
December 31, 2017
Uh? Super abusive relationships.
Author does write a few poignant scenes in the series; particularly in this book between Fanny and Cherry.
Ultimately this was like the worst fan-fiction ever, where the author tries to cram everything but robots in. It had so many spots there were good sprinkled in the crap but not enough to salvage the series.
Such a pity.
Author does write a few poignant scenes in the series; particularly in this book between Fanny and Cherry.
Ultimately this was like the worst fan-fiction ever, where the author tries to cram everything but robots in. It had so many spots there were good sprinkled in the crap but not enough to salvage the series.
Such a pity.
August 16, 2018
The finale of a series is always hard to read (and write, quite possibly). The author almost never wraps it up quite the way you want it.
January 25, 2015
https://lynnsbooks.wordpress.com/2015...
Just finished reading Transmuted which finishes the St Croix Chronicles by Karina Cooper.
As far as ends in series go I think this particular one managed to find a happy balance whilst being realistically a little sad at the same time. It’s always sad to say goodbye to characters that you’ve grown quite attached to and with a series like this you always wonder how the author will manage to make it all work out.
The St Croix Chronicles follow the story of Cherry and her unusual exploits. In this final chapter she’s going to go up against the Veil and in doing so will have to reintegrate into the Society of London above – a society that never accepted her and that she was only too pleased to escape from. Going back is going to open up all sorts of old wounds for Cherry and others and there will be victims.
For the final instalment KC has come up with another unique plot. I can’t say that the plots are always the easiest to follow however the story here basically hinges on Cherry returning to London’s elite society in order to draw out the Veil from wherever he is hiding. Clearly somebody is providing him with sanctuary and he’s now hatching the final step of his plan for immortality.
Cherry will not only be forced to go above London but also below, to the disused tunnels that have become the home ground to violent gangs. On top of this, one of the strange and feral beasts that were created through the machinations of the Veil, and something of a blunder on the part of Cherry, is still on the prowl!
There is without doubt plenty going on here and no shortage of pace or action and as usual the author sets the scene well flitting between the well heeled grounds of the upper classes to the grimy haunts of London’s criminal classes depicting perfectly the fact that criminal behaviour transcends wealth and position.
I have to hand it to KC here for creating two rather delightful mind candy characters in Hawke and Ashmore. Yes, I think the two of them together definitely bring a certain appeal to these books and I unashamedly admit that. I may have mentioned in previous posts that these books border PNR/Urban Fantasy – with certain books definitely falling on the PNR side of the fence while others tend to stand firmly more on the UF side. This particular book remains more with UF with little emphasis on the romance side although there are a couple of brief altercations involving Hawke.
Strangely enough, I find myself at the end of the series having fallen definitely for Ashmore rather than Hawke – which is unusual to say the least. Hawke was definitely the beast of the piece – the brawn if you will – to Ashmore’s more refined brains and aloof presence. But, I would certainly read more adventures with Ashmore. Personally, I feel that KC has judged perfectly when to bring the series to the conclusion in terms of Cherry and Hawke but an Ashmore spin off would definitely be welcomed by me.
I think towards the end, and this is my only real criticism, I found both Cherry and Hawke a little bit more ‘bark worse than bite’. Cherry constantly seemed to wag her finger in a ‘there’ll be trouble now’ type of way whilst Hawke was constantly ‘growling’ and yet they, in fairness, didn’t really live up on their foreboding promises! Still, that being said, Cherry does without doubt prove the saviour on a couple of occasions.
On the whole, this may not have been my favourite book of the series but, I thought it was a very satisfactory conclusion!
And this is the first off my own personal challenge list to complete a series per month for 2015.
I was approved for a copy of this through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Just finished reading Transmuted which finishes the St Croix Chronicles by Karina Cooper.
As far as ends in series go I think this particular one managed to find a happy balance whilst being realistically a little sad at the same time. It’s always sad to say goodbye to characters that you’ve grown quite attached to and with a series like this you always wonder how the author will manage to make it all work out.
The St Croix Chronicles follow the story of Cherry and her unusual exploits. In this final chapter she’s going to go up against the Veil and in doing so will have to reintegrate into the Society of London above – a society that never accepted her and that she was only too pleased to escape from. Going back is going to open up all sorts of old wounds for Cherry and others and there will be victims.
For the final instalment KC has come up with another unique plot. I can’t say that the plots are always the easiest to follow however the story here basically hinges on Cherry returning to London’s elite society in order to draw out the Veil from wherever he is hiding. Clearly somebody is providing him with sanctuary and he’s now hatching the final step of his plan for immortality.
Cherry will not only be forced to go above London but also below, to the disused tunnels that have become the home ground to violent gangs. On top of this, one of the strange and feral beasts that were created through the machinations of the Veil, and something of a blunder on the part of Cherry, is still on the prowl!
There is without doubt plenty going on here and no shortage of pace or action and as usual the author sets the scene well flitting between the well heeled grounds of the upper classes to the grimy haunts of London’s criminal classes depicting perfectly the fact that criminal behaviour transcends wealth and position.
I have to hand it to KC here for creating two rather delightful mind candy characters in Hawke and Ashmore. Yes, I think the two of them together definitely bring a certain appeal to these books and I unashamedly admit that. I may have mentioned in previous posts that these books border PNR/Urban Fantasy – with certain books definitely falling on the PNR side of the fence while others tend to stand firmly more on the UF side. This particular book remains more with UF with little emphasis on the romance side although there are a couple of brief altercations involving Hawke.
Strangely enough, I find myself at the end of the series having fallen definitely for Ashmore rather than Hawke – which is unusual to say the least. Hawke was definitely the beast of the piece – the brawn if you will – to Ashmore’s more refined brains and aloof presence. But, I would certainly read more adventures with Ashmore. Personally, I feel that KC has judged perfectly when to bring the series to the conclusion in terms of Cherry and Hawke but an Ashmore spin off would definitely be welcomed by me.
I think towards the end, and this is my only real criticism, I found both Cherry and Hawke a little bit more ‘bark worse than bite’. Cherry constantly seemed to wag her finger in a ‘there’ll be trouble now’ type of way whilst Hawke was constantly ‘growling’ and yet they, in fairness, didn’t really live up on their foreboding promises! Still, that being said, Cherry does without doubt prove the saviour on a couple of occasions.
On the whole, this may not have been my favourite book of the series but, I thought it was a very satisfactory conclusion!
And this is the first off my own personal challenge list to complete a series per month for 2015.
I was approved for a copy of this through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
January 29, 2015
First, can I tell you how much I love this cover art? I seriously want to frame it and hang it on my wall. I would buy Transmuted just for the gorgeous cover. But in case that’s not a good enough reason for everyone else, I guess I should also tell you about the rest of the book.
The Midnight Menagerie has been destroyed, but its mysterious head, The Karakesh Veil, is still at large. And a few of the werewolf-like “beastmen” the Veil created still terrorize London Low. But Cherry St. Croix is starting to settle in to a somewhat normal life with the family she once thought lost. Until she is approached by agents of the Crown who want her to do one last Collection.
Cherry and her friends must find a priceless diamond stolen from the Crown and catch the thief who appears to have disappeared into the Underground. The search that begins in those tunnels though, soon leads above the fog. Cherry believes that the Veil is connected to the theft and is hiding with a Society patron. So with the help of her brother-in-law Lord Piers, the disgraced Countess returns to Society to draw out the villain.
I loved the interactions between Cherry and the puckish Piers. But even though I know he doesn’t belong at a Society party, I wished there was more Hawke in the first half of the book. He and Ashmore both accompany Cherry into the Underground, which felt a little bit like worlds colliding to me. Though it is fun to see the two alpha males butt heads. But otherwise Hawke made himself scarce early on.
He still struggles with controlling his inner beast, just as Cherry still struggles with her opium addiction, but they seem to be coming to understand each other. In fact, I thought Cherry was quite introspective early in the book, gaining perspective on the role Ashmore and the rest of her friends play in her life as well.
I was also happy to see Cherry finally do some alchemy on her own. Early on, I kept wishing (along with Cherry) that she was making more progress in her studies. I really wanted to see some magic! Though she does have a wonderful, acrobatic fight scene that more than makes up for it.
I didn’t find Transmuted as emotionally exhausting as Engraved, though it certainly has its moments. I actually felt like it was quite sunny given how dark most of the series has been. And I’m happy with the way it ended. It strikes a nice balance between feeling like a complete journey and suggesting that these characters can return for another story someday. If I get a vote though, it’s actually for Lord Piers to get a spin off series.
This review was originally published at Vampire Book Club and was based on a copy provided by the publisher.
The Midnight Menagerie has been destroyed, but its mysterious head, The Karakesh Veil, is still at large. And a few of the werewolf-like “beastmen” the Veil created still terrorize London Low. But Cherry St. Croix is starting to settle in to a somewhat normal life with the family she once thought lost. Until she is approached by agents of the Crown who want her to do one last Collection.
Cherry and her friends must find a priceless diamond stolen from the Crown and catch the thief who appears to have disappeared into the Underground. The search that begins in those tunnels though, soon leads above the fog. Cherry believes that the Veil is connected to the theft and is hiding with a Society patron. So with the help of her brother-in-law Lord Piers, the disgraced Countess returns to Society to draw out the villain.
I loved the interactions between Cherry and the puckish Piers. But even though I know he doesn’t belong at a Society party, I wished there was more Hawke in the first half of the book. He and Ashmore both accompany Cherry into the Underground, which felt a little bit like worlds colliding to me. Though it is fun to see the two alpha males butt heads. But otherwise Hawke made himself scarce early on.
He still struggles with controlling his inner beast, just as Cherry still struggles with her opium addiction, but they seem to be coming to understand each other. In fact, I thought Cherry was quite introspective early in the book, gaining perspective on the role Ashmore and the rest of her friends play in her life as well.
I was also happy to see Cherry finally do some alchemy on her own. Early on, I kept wishing (along with Cherry) that she was making more progress in her studies. I really wanted to see some magic! Though she does have a wonderful, acrobatic fight scene that more than makes up for it.
I didn’t find Transmuted as emotionally exhausting as Engraved, though it certainly has its moments. I actually felt like it was quite sunny given how dark most of the series has been. And I’m happy with the way it ended. It strikes a nice balance between feeling like a complete journey and suggesting that these characters can return for another story someday. If I get a vote though, it’s actually for Lord Piers to get a spin off series.
This review was originally published at Vampire Book Club and was based on a copy provided by the publisher.
January 13, 2015
The sixth and final part of the St. Croix Chronicles.
Cherry's development throughout the series has been a real arc. I have enjoyed seeing her fall and rise to carve out her own place in the world.
Things I loved Cherry and Cage the development of the relationship was fantastic, I was a happy happy fan. Karina Cooper is a meanie because she really makes the reader work for this ending and I kind of wanted more of these two because they are hot together.
I liked the way the dynamic of Cage, Cherry and Ashmore shifted and changed. As readers we've known how Cherry has felt about Hawke for ages but her being able to explain and for him to accept and for Ashmore to adjust to the roles was satisfying.
Things I was less fond of the Diamond subplot didn't really do anything.
Likewise I was starting to get frustrated at Cherry and Cage getting thwarted in their efforts towards achieving together time.
I also wavered on a knife edge with Cage I intensely dislike Alpha-douchebag men and there were times where he was perilously close to me being done with him as character. That said I believe that he was intentionally being written that way for reasons of PLOT and he never completely crossed the line.
The denouement really worked for me, I was worried that Cherry would suddenly become some kind of bad-ass Alchemist with command of all the Trumps, I'm glad to say a satisfying conclusion was found that did not involve her suddenly becoming all powerful.
All in all not perfect but a satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series.
Cherry's development throughout the series has been a real arc. I have enjoyed seeing her fall and rise to carve out her own place in the world.
Things I loved Cherry and Cage the development of the relationship was fantastic, I was a happy happy fan. Karina Cooper is a meanie because she really makes the reader work for this ending and I kind of wanted more of these two because they are hot together.
I liked the way the dynamic of Cage, Cherry and Ashmore shifted and changed. As readers we've known how Cherry has felt about Hawke for ages but her being able to explain and for him to accept and for Ashmore to adjust to the roles was satisfying.
Things I was less fond of the Diamond subplot didn't really do anything.
Likewise I was starting to get frustrated at Cherry and Cage getting thwarted in their efforts towards achieving together time.
I also wavered on a knife edge with Cage I intensely dislike Alpha-douchebag men and there were times where he was perilously close to me being done with him as character. That said I believe that he was intentionally being written that way for reasons of PLOT and he never completely crossed the line.
The denouement really worked for me, I was worried that Cherry would suddenly become some kind of bad-ass Alchemist with command of all the Trumps, I'm glad to say a satisfying conclusion was found that did not involve her suddenly becoming all powerful.
All in all not perfect but a satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2015
This series started out so strong, but she killed off the best character in the second book and kept on writing. There is barely anything likable about Cherry St Croix's and even sober she manages to be a FN idiot and throw herself into situations relying on her historic ass kicking abilities to save the day. Historically she has never managed to in fact, kick ass. She basically gets more capable characters caught up into fight situations.
With this book specifically, nothing happened. There were one or two key scenes with 70 pages of internal monologue in between. Characters will ask a question and it will take Cherry two pages of consideration and the rehashing of exposition before she answers.
If I were to review the first two books only, it might be a five star rating, but the series lost focus and couldn't sustain itself long before officially ending.
With this book specifically, nothing happened. There were one or two key scenes with 70 pages of internal monologue in between. Characters will ask a question and it will take Cherry two pages of consideration and the rehashing of exposition before she answers.
If I were to review the first two books only, it might be a five star rating, but the series lost focus and couldn't sustain itself long before officially ending.
January 28, 2015
I loved this series, but this last book lacked a little heat, and also, I didn't love the way that things were left between Cherry and Cage. I expected a little more acknowledgement between them or something? I don't know. It was great, but not as good as the last two books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2015
OMG!
THREE MORE DAYS!!
Will this never end? I've been waiting for a couple hundred years now.
C'mon already!
*I may not survive this*
THREE MORE DAYS!!
Will this never end? I've been waiting for a couple hundred years now.
C'mon already!
*I may not survive this*
February 10, 2015
a wonderful finale to a great series. :0)
March 18, 2016
Wrapped up nicely. I wonder if that was the end of the series.
April 22, 2016
What a fitting ending....but, it leaves you wanting more...so much more!
Wonderful series!
Wonderful series!
January 2, 2017
"Welcome to the Underground, you lot.”
March 22, 2017
A lot went on in this last book in the series, and while some of the loose ends were tied up, and the book ended on a positive note, there was enough left to the imagination to keep the ending from being trite.
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