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Magnificent Devices #7
A Lady of Integrity
Book 7 in the Magnificent Devices steampunk series!
Will a daring rescue put a wedding and a future at risk?
Lady Claire Trevelyan and renowned scientist Andrew Malvern are looking forward to domestic felicity in London when they are surprised by an unexpected visitor. A desperate and fugitive Alice Chalmers seeks their help—her ship has been seized in the Duchy of Venice and worse, her navigator Jake has been thrown into the dreaded underwater prison from which no one ever escapes. Even the innocent.
Lady Claire is about to embark on her career in Munich at the Zeppelin Airship Works. The Mopsies are beginning their final year at school. Andrew Malvern begins to despair of his fiancée ever choosing a wedding gown … but when help is denied from official quarters, the close bonds of friendship and shared adventure trump all these considerations with an urgency that cannot be ignored.
But there is a brooding evil waiting for them in Venice … an evil that would just as soon put an end to the flock’s interference once and for all. With an innocent friend’s unexpected return and a pair of secret agents who would prefer that women not become involved … the situation clearly calls for the inner resources of a lady of integrity.
“An immensely fun series with some excellent anti-sexist messages, a wonderful main character (one of my favourites in the genre) and a great sense of Victorian style and language that’s both fun and beautiful to read.” —Fangs for the Fantasy: The latest in urban fantasy from a social justice perspective
Will a daring rescue put a wedding and a future at risk?
Lady Claire Trevelyan and renowned scientist Andrew Malvern are looking forward to domestic felicity in London when they are surprised by an unexpected visitor. A desperate and fugitive Alice Chalmers seeks their help—her ship has been seized in the Duchy of Venice and worse, her navigator Jake has been thrown into the dreaded underwater prison from which no one ever escapes. Even the innocent.
Lady Claire is about to embark on her career in Munich at the Zeppelin Airship Works. The Mopsies are beginning their final year at school. Andrew Malvern begins to despair of his fiancée ever choosing a wedding gown … but when help is denied from official quarters, the close bonds of friendship and shared adventure trump all these considerations with an urgency that cannot be ignored.
But there is a brooding evil waiting for them in Venice … an evil that would just as soon put an end to the flock’s interference once and for all. With an innocent friend’s unexpected return and a pair of secret agents who would prefer that women not become involved … the situation clearly calls for the inner resources of a lady of integrity.
“An immensely fun series with some excellent anti-sexist messages, a wonderful main character (one of my favourites in the genre) and a great sense of Victorian style and language that’s both fun and beautiful to read.” —Fangs for the Fantasy: The latest in urban fantasy from a social justice perspective
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2014
66 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Adina
91 books628 followersShelley Adina is the author of 24 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, and Hachette, and a dozen more published by Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk and contemporary romance as Shelley Adina, and as Adina Senft, writes Amish women’s fiction. She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where she teaches as adjunct faculty. She won RWA’s RITA Award® in 2005, and was a finalist in 2006. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or hanging out in the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 18, 2019
I can't get enough of this series! It's so much fun. I've been speeding through the audiobooks one right after the other. In this book 7, Lady Claire and her crew head to Venice to break Jake out of their underwater prison. Each book is full of adventure, daring rescues and narrow escapes and this one was no different. If you like adventure, steampunk and the Victorian era you should give it a try.
November 22, 2025
Once again wowed by Shelley Adina's fresh, fun and fabulous next installment of the Magnificent Devices series, A Lady of Intergrity.
Lady Claire, her finance Andrew, Alice, the Mopsies and the rest of the gang are all back together to break Jake out of perilous, inescapable prison. Of course, Jake was wrongfully imprisoned by the Duchy of Venice and it just happens to be underwater. If anyone can pull it off its Lady Claire.
I love the progression all these marvelous characters have made into adulthood or near adulthood. Its like watching your own children grow up right before your eyes. They have become part of my fictional family and this is a progression of stories I wouldn't miss.
Speaking of children, Adina's stories are family friendly but still packs a punch in the action, humor and heartfelt character involvement.
Fan girl here! You want a fun, easy and highly entertaining read, check out Shelley Adina's A Lady of Integrity.
Lady Claire, her finance Andrew, Alice, the Mopsies and the rest of the gang are all back together to break Jake out of perilous, inescapable prison. Of course, Jake was wrongfully imprisoned by the Duchy of Venice and it just happens to be underwater. If anyone can pull it off its Lady Claire.
I love the progression all these marvelous characters have made into adulthood or near adulthood. Its like watching your own children grow up right before your eyes. They have become part of my fictional family and this is a progression of stories I wouldn't miss.
Speaking of children, Adina's stories are family friendly but still packs a punch in the action, humor and heartfelt character involvement.
Fan girl here! You want a fun, easy and highly entertaining read, check out Shelley Adina's A Lady of Integrity.
March 10, 2015
Claire has finished the university and she is ready to begin her position at Von Zepplin’s dirigible works. And she has a wedding to plan to her fiancé, Andrew. The Mopsies are returning to school, everything is looking up
When Alice arrives who has lost everything – including her first mate Jake, and member of Claire’s extended family. He is being held prisoner by the Doge of Venice in what is little more than an extortion scheme. The politics of the situation are tricky and there are few people to intervene beyond Claire herself.
She has never abandoned her flock in danger
It’s another swashbuckling adventure for Lady Claire and her flock, the excellent Alice, Elizabeth, Maggie, Tigg and Andrew
And I think that’s the first thing I want to praise about this – I like most of the flock. Most of the characterisation has fallen on Claire, Lizzie and Maggie, of course, since they’ve been the main protagonists but every character has had some characterisation. Even though she’s the protagonist, Claire doesn’t exactly eclipse those around her.
The world setting has expanded nicely – we’ve already seen adventures in North America and some insight into France and Germany, while this book moves to Venice with some nicely original ideas and concepts. I like that even when we don’t look in great depth at the politics of all the places Claire has passed through, there is a sense that a full system has been developed (even if it is not info-dumped on us).
The adventure itself is fun, lots of action and plotting, some plans that go awry, many members of the party using their talents, their intelligence and their creativity to cobble together success as nothing quite goes to plan. It was a fun romp in which Claire and her flock got to remind us just how awesome they are on a regular basis. I won’t say the story was especially twisty or nuanced or complex – but it was fun, a nice adventure story we kind of knew how it was going to end, but it wasn’t any less fun because of that
Like the rest of the books in this series, Lady of Integrity contains a lot of challenges to sexism that is both accurate to the period and still very much in evidence today
I also really liked the direct challenge to the idea that a man wants to keep his beloved woman safe because he worries for her – throwing back the equal challenge that women worry about the safety of their beloved men as well, but everyone expects them to deal with it. If Andrew wants to keep Claire safe out of fear for her and he couldn’t bear to lose her, why shouldn’t Claire feel the same about Andrew? It’s a common excuse but it’s a weak one.
We also have numerous male characters completely speaking over Claire, refusing to listen to her input or allow her to be involved and, ultimately, making an utter pig’s ear of things and leaving Claire and the rest of her flock to try and sweep up afterwards.
Ok, there are a few female lead steampunks now, we’ve certainly read a few, where the kind of overt, very period-defined (though far from limited to the period) “marry a rich husband, have lots of kids and don’t do any of that tricky thinking, you pretty little thing” sexism is challenged a lot (which is nice to see). But Lady of Integrity takes it beyond challenging this – by addressing the idea of a woman having to choose between her career and her family (which is overwhelmingly prevalent – as even full time employed women are expected to be full time child carers and home makers as well).
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When Alice arrives who has lost everything – including her first mate Jake, and member of Claire’s extended family. He is being held prisoner by the Doge of Venice in what is little more than an extortion scheme. The politics of the situation are tricky and there are few people to intervene beyond Claire herself.
She has never abandoned her flock in danger
It’s another swashbuckling adventure for Lady Claire and her flock, the excellent Alice, Elizabeth, Maggie, Tigg and Andrew
And I think that’s the first thing I want to praise about this – I like most of the flock. Most of the characterisation has fallen on Claire, Lizzie and Maggie, of course, since they’ve been the main protagonists but every character has had some characterisation. Even though she’s the protagonist, Claire doesn’t exactly eclipse those around her.
The world setting has expanded nicely – we’ve already seen adventures in North America and some insight into France and Germany, while this book moves to Venice with some nicely original ideas and concepts. I like that even when we don’t look in great depth at the politics of all the places Claire has passed through, there is a sense that a full system has been developed (even if it is not info-dumped on us).
The adventure itself is fun, lots of action and plotting, some plans that go awry, many members of the party using their talents, their intelligence and their creativity to cobble together success as nothing quite goes to plan. It was a fun romp in which Claire and her flock got to remind us just how awesome they are on a regular basis. I won’t say the story was especially twisty or nuanced or complex – but it was fun, a nice adventure story we kind of knew how it was going to end, but it wasn’t any less fun because of that
Like the rest of the books in this series, Lady of Integrity contains a lot of challenges to sexism that is both accurate to the period and still very much in evidence today
I also really liked the direct challenge to the idea that a man wants to keep his beloved woman safe because he worries for her – throwing back the equal challenge that women worry about the safety of their beloved men as well, but everyone expects them to deal with it. If Andrew wants to keep Claire safe out of fear for her and he couldn’t bear to lose her, why shouldn’t Claire feel the same about Andrew? It’s a common excuse but it’s a weak one.
We also have numerous male characters completely speaking over Claire, refusing to listen to her input or allow her to be involved and, ultimately, making an utter pig’s ear of things and leaving Claire and the rest of her flock to try and sweep up afterwards.
Ok, there are a few female lead steampunks now, we’ve certainly read a few, where the kind of overt, very period-defined (though far from limited to the period) “marry a rich husband, have lots of kids and don’t do any of that tricky thinking, you pretty little thing” sexism is challenged a lot (which is nice to see). But Lady of Integrity takes it beyond challenging this – by addressing the idea of a woman having to choose between her career and her family (which is overwhelmingly prevalent – as even full time employed women are expected to be full time child carers and home makers as well).
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March 6, 2015
I’m so happy that these books have picked back up in terms of plot and writing. I’m a little afraid that Adina might be stretching the series a bit (especially with the detour in Lizzie and Maggie’s backstory in the last two volumes), but if this does end with A Gentleman of Means and Claire and Andrew’s long-delayed wedding, I would be completely fine with it. (Okay, I’d be fine if she decided to do a spin-off series, but if only she moves away from Lady Claire and the Mopsies. Or something completely different.)
I do really think that this series is going to end with Claire and Andrew’s wedding, because the events are leading up to that, and that feels like it would be a fitting end. And it also feels like there’s a lot of plot threads that are starting to wrap up at this point, I don’t see what more Adina can do with Claire and the Flock’s adventures. Not that Claire settling down means that she can’t have adventures, but I don’t think that there’s much more left to do for her.
So that said. As evidenced by the ending letter of the last book, A Lady of Integrity signals the return of Alice Chalmers and brings in more elements of the larger world, which I do think this series sorely needed (especially this late in). Moving the action to Venice and dealing with the corrupt government there was a shot in the arm, even though we’re still continuing on with Gerald Meriweather-Astor’s plots. And by the way- CLOCKWORK POWERED VENICE THAT CHANGES POSITIONS DAILY? HOLY SHIT YES GIVE THIS TO ME. AND KRAKENS ARE INVOLVED. The only thing that I’m disappointed with is that the idea of a clockwork Venice isn’t used to its fullest potential—it’s played up that tourists get lost easily and outsiders don’t really know the layout of the city and we only see the city moving once. There was a chase scene, for crying out loud, and yet, nothing happened with this. And considering that the clockwork mechanism does play a huge role in the plot (saving Jake from prison, and potential death in the canals and/or by bloodthirsty kraken), I’m left going “But you had such a good idea!”
Over the course of the last four books, this series has slowly become more of an ensemble cast, with more characters getting roped into the adventures. Here, we get the fantastic return of Gloria Meriweather-Astor, who I just adore. She’s a really fascinating parallel to Claire—no one really expects much out of Gloria (even Claire herself), and yet she’s incredibly adaptive and perceptive. She’s not only game to take down her father’s plans, but Gloria throws herself into the adventure so readily. (I kinda want a spin-off of Gloria slowly turning into a femme fatale government spy. I think I need to write this fanfiction.)
(Speaking of Claire unwittingly roping people into her adventures, I think this is the first time in three books where Claude’s been actually involved and privy to what his sister and cousin have been doing this whole time. And he fails miserably at being helpful. I really like Claude, though—he’s adorkably fun.)
My one other problem with this book is that despite Alice Chalmers finally returns to the series, it’s also the return of Alice “I’m Not Good Enough!” Chalmers. I am glad that we’re finally done with the love quadrangle bullshit that bogged down books 4 and 5—only to have a new love triangle rear its head (Alice—Captain Hollys—Gloria). And it makes me sad, because I really like Alice, I love her character, but I can’t stand that she goes into this “Oh, but I’m never gonna be good enough to be compared to Claire (or Gloria) because she’s gone to finishing school and wears dresses and has manners.” And I just want to shake her character and go “OWN YOUR AWESOMENESS.” (To be fair as well, I don’t think that Alice and Captain Hollys would work well, considering what Ian’s looking for in a wife. I do want Alice to reaffirm his thinking, though.
And I’ll also say this about this volume, it does feel like filler. Yes, we do get the reveal that Gerald Meriweather-Astor is still alive and is still plotting, but the whole plot just felt like “Well, we need more adventures to put around Claire and Andrew’s relationship.” Which even then, I don’t think we needed more about how Andrew’s afraid for Claire’s safety—there’s some sweet moments between the two, but we’ve seen this happen several times throughout the series. (When Andrew was trying to convince Claire “Oh, you have to stay here! I can’t bear the thought of losing you!”, I was just thinking “You two have been together how long and you still think Claire’s gonna sit there quietly and wait for you?”) I think that there’s an endgame being set up—I do not trust that ending for one second—but this did largely feel like “Well, we need this one thing to happen, and we’ll just pad the rest of the book out with relationship drama.” (Side note: Lizzie and Tigg. I SHIP IT SO MUCH.)
And that’s what I mean about being worried that Shelley Adina is going to stretch this out—I do think she’s got great characters, she’s got this really fun and interesting world to play with, but I don’t think there’s an overarcing plot to last eight books. It’s been great character development, but I think she’s reached a point where’s there not much left to do with the characters and she’s in danger of treading water. (And why I want a Gloria spin-off now—I think she’s got a lot of potential to be a really interesting character if done well, and not just a retread of Claire.) I’m invested in what’s going to happen in the next book, and I’m excited to read what happens next…but I’m not sure how much more this has going for it.
(Side-note the second: The fact that Gerald Meriweather-Astor came back has only reaffirmed my belief that Lord James—who died off-screen at the end of the third book—is TOTALLY NOT DEAD and is actually banking rolling Meriweather-Astor’s efforts. NO BODY NOT DEAD, THAT’S THE RULE and considering how much he was played up in those first three books, I DON’T BUY THAT HE’S CONVENIENTLY DEAD.)
I do really think that this series is going to end with Claire and Andrew’s wedding, because the events are leading up to that, and that feels like it would be a fitting end. And it also feels like there’s a lot of plot threads that are starting to wrap up at this point, I don’t see what more Adina can do with Claire and the Flock’s adventures. Not that Claire settling down means that she can’t have adventures, but I don’t think that there’s much more left to do for her.
So that said. As evidenced by the ending letter of the last book, A Lady of Integrity signals the return of Alice Chalmers and brings in more elements of the larger world, which I do think this series sorely needed (especially this late in). Moving the action to Venice and dealing with the corrupt government there was a shot in the arm, even though we’re still continuing on with Gerald Meriweather-Astor’s plots. And by the way- CLOCKWORK POWERED VENICE THAT CHANGES POSITIONS DAILY? HOLY SHIT YES GIVE THIS TO ME. AND KRAKENS ARE INVOLVED. The only thing that I’m disappointed with is that the idea of a clockwork Venice isn’t used to its fullest potential—it’s played up that tourists get lost easily and outsiders don’t really know the layout of the city and we only see the city moving once. There was a chase scene, for crying out loud, and yet, nothing happened with this. And considering that the clockwork mechanism does play a huge role in the plot (saving Jake from prison, and potential death in the canals and/or by bloodthirsty kraken), I’m left going “But you had such a good idea!”
Over the course of the last four books, this series has slowly become more of an ensemble cast, with more characters getting roped into the adventures. Here, we get the fantastic return of Gloria Meriweather-Astor, who I just adore. She’s a really fascinating parallel to Claire—no one really expects much out of Gloria (even Claire herself), and yet she’s incredibly adaptive and perceptive. She’s not only game to take down her father’s plans, but Gloria throws herself into the adventure so readily. (I kinda want a spin-off of Gloria slowly turning into a femme fatale government spy. I think I need to write this fanfiction.)
(Speaking of Claire unwittingly roping people into her adventures, I think this is the first time in three books where Claude’s been actually involved and privy to what his sister and cousin have been doing this whole time. And he fails miserably at being helpful. I really like Claude, though—he’s adorkably fun.)
My one other problem with this book is that despite Alice Chalmers finally returns to the series, it’s also the return of Alice “I’m Not Good Enough!” Chalmers. I am glad that we’re finally done with the love quadrangle bullshit that bogged down books 4 and 5—only to have a new love triangle rear its head (Alice—Captain Hollys—Gloria). And it makes me sad, because I really like Alice, I love her character, but I can’t stand that she goes into this “Oh, but I’m never gonna be good enough to be compared to Claire (or Gloria) because she’s gone to finishing school and wears dresses and has manners.” And I just want to shake her character and go “OWN YOUR AWESOMENESS.” (To be fair as well, I don’t think that Alice and Captain Hollys would work well, considering what Ian’s looking for in a wife. I do want Alice to reaffirm his thinking, though.
And I’ll also say this about this volume, it does feel like filler. Yes, we do get the reveal that Gerald Meriweather-Astor is still alive and is still plotting, but the whole plot just felt like “Well, we need more adventures to put around Claire and Andrew’s relationship.” Which even then, I don’t think we needed more about how Andrew’s afraid for Claire’s safety—there’s some sweet moments between the two, but we’ve seen this happen several times throughout the series. (When Andrew was trying to convince Claire “Oh, you have to stay here! I can’t bear the thought of losing you!”, I was just thinking “You two have been together how long and you still think Claire’s gonna sit there quietly and wait for you?”) I think that there’s an endgame being set up—I do not trust that ending for one second—but this did largely feel like “Well, we need this one thing to happen, and we’ll just pad the rest of the book out with relationship drama.” (Side note: Lizzie and Tigg. I SHIP IT SO MUCH.)
And that’s what I mean about being worried that Shelley Adina is going to stretch this out—I do think she’s got great characters, she’s got this really fun and interesting world to play with, but I don’t think there’s an overarcing plot to last eight books. It’s been great character development, but I think she’s reached a point where’s there not much left to do with the characters and she’s in danger of treading water. (And why I want a Gloria spin-off now—I think she’s got a lot of potential to be a really interesting character if done well, and not just a retread of Claire.) I’m invested in what’s going to happen in the next book, and I’m excited to read what happens next…but I’m not sure how much more this has going for it.
(Side-note the second: The fact that Gerald Meriweather-Astor came back has only reaffirmed my belief that Lord James—who died off-screen at the end of the third book—is TOTALLY NOT DEAD and is actually banking rolling Meriweather-Astor’s efforts. NO BODY NOT DEAD, THAT’S THE RULE and considering how much he was played up in those first three books, I DON’T BUY THAT HE’S CONVENIENTLY DEAD.)
April 5, 2017
Many books ago, Lady Claire Trevelyan was a naive schoolmaid whose father's disgrace left her penniless on the streets of (alternate steampunk) London. Luckily for her, an early interest in engineering, a basic understanding of chemistry, and a stubborn desire to claw her way out of destitution combined to make her the head of a criminal enterprise at an impressively young age. Claire took other urchins, ne'er do wells, and unlikely scientists under her wings, and now has a (frankly overwhelming) number of protegees, apprentices, and dependents. All of which brings us to her latest predicament: two people she formerly helped have fallen into a terrible predicament, and due to political entanglements, no one can officially help them. Claire abandons her wedding preparations and new job to go rescue her friend from his underwater prison.
I like that this series continues to seriously deal with the tension Claire and her female moppets experience, of knowing the value of education and feminine accomplishments, while simultaneously yearning for adventures and to do good works, regardless of how well accepted their activities are. I also really like the tech in these books, from electric guns to diving bells to a whole moving city resting on an almost infinitely complex gear system. BUT. At this point I think there are too many characters who are too similar to each other; the cast should be halved at least. Not only would this give the remaining characters more of a chance to have their own plots and personalities, but it would reduce my second problem with this book. It felt like a third of the book was spent either explaining events to other characters, or endless arguments about who should participate in each mission. If every time one character tried to keep another from being part of a daring rescue, reconnaissance, or ball was deleted from this book, it would be significantly shorter but also significantly more readable. More adventures, less arguing about whether to adventure or not!
I like that this series continues to seriously deal with the tension Claire and her female moppets experience, of knowing the value of education and feminine accomplishments, while simultaneously yearning for adventures and to do good works, regardless of how well accepted their activities are. I also really like the tech in these books, from electric guns to diving bells to a whole moving city resting on an almost infinitely complex gear system. BUT. At this point I think there are too many characters who are too similar to each other; the cast should be halved at least. Not only would this give the remaining characters more of a chance to have their own plots and personalities, but it would reduce my second problem with this book. It felt like a third of the book was spent either explaining events to other characters, or endless arguments about who should participate in each mission. If every time one character tried to keep another from being part of a daring rescue, reconnaissance, or ball was deleted from this book, it would be significantly shorter but also significantly more readable. More adventures, less arguing about whether to adventure or not!
January 21, 2020
My favorite in the magnificent devices series so far.
January 24, 2015
I bought this the minute it was released on Christmas. Such an amazing present. Only disappointed that I didn't get to reading it right away. Life, and it happening when I would rather be reading.
A Lady of Integrity is the seventh novel in what is quickly becoming my all time favorite series. This series is brilliant. As I reflected on how to write up this review, besides it being filled with glowing praise, I decided a few things about steampunk. Now that I have read several authors and spent a year pondering this new genre of fiction, I have fully decided what makes the genre so great for me and where my pet peeves lie. Shelley Adina has managed to only fall into the great column.
Strong women characters that are represented in multiple spheres of society.
Language that is genuine for the timescape of steampunk and societal London, street urchin, or rough neck Texan.
No people who actually lived in the Victorian time period make a feature character.
No sex but plenty of love.
Danger and excitement that isn't overdone to boring.
Characters with intelligence and wit - and more importantly: development.
Morals. Integrity. Loyalty.
Have I praised this book enough? Have you bought a copy for yourself yet? If you haven't started this series yet, the first novel is free and the rest are only $4.99. So there is absolutely no excuse. Amazon
All right, to the meat of the story. In previous novels, we have developed Claire, the Lady of Devices herself, and the Mopsies with their subsequent male partners. Now we get a chance to come back around to Alice, that wily Texican. With life ever full of adventure for the Wilton Crescent gang, they most complete a daring rescue mission in Venice. Nothing like a little change of scenery to keep stories fresh, and this was wonderfully researched for authenticity in local flora/fauna if not the actual geography. There are also plenty of bombs and kraken to keep things exciting.
My only disappointment with this novel was the development for Alice's story felt a little lost in the overly large personalities of the other characters. The beginning makes it clear that it will be Alice's adventure, but she seems to be unable to complete it without a gaggle of supporting characters who demand to be heard loudly. Then, we are surprised with a ghost from the past and a small tangent for her development that also seemed a little lackluster. However, I was pleased with the closing letter promising further development. Maybe we will get more of Alice with that crazy adventure too.
As always, I eagerly await the release of Magnificent Devices, Book Eight: A Gentleman of Means.
A Lady of Integrity is the seventh novel in what is quickly becoming my all time favorite series. This series is brilliant. As I reflected on how to write up this review, besides it being filled with glowing praise, I decided a few things about steampunk. Now that I have read several authors and spent a year pondering this new genre of fiction, I have fully decided what makes the genre so great for me and where my pet peeves lie. Shelley Adina has managed to only fall into the great column.
Strong women characters that are represented in multiple spheres of society.
Language that is genuine for the timescape of steampunk and societal London, street urchin, or rough neck Texan.
No people who actually lived in the Victorian time period make a feature character.
No sex but plenty of love.
Danger and excitement that isn't overdone to boring.
Characters with intelligence and wit - and more importantly: development.
Morals. Integrity. Loyalty.
Have I praised this book enough? Have you bought a copy for yourself yet? If you haven't started this series yet, the first novel is free and the rest are only $4.99. So there is absolutely no excuse. Amazon
All right, to the meat of the story. In previous novels, we have developed Claire, the Lady of Devices herself, and the Mopsies with their subsequent male partners. Now we get a chance to come back around to Alice, that wily Texican. With life ever full of adventure for the Wilton Crescent gang, they most complete a daring rescue mission in Venice. Nothing like a little change of scenery to keep stories fresh, and this was wonderfully researched for authenticity in local flora/fauna if not the actual geography. There are also plenty of bombs and kraken to keep things exciting.
My only disappointment with this novel was the development for Alice's story felt a little lost in the overly large personalities of the other characters. The beginning makes it clear that it will be Alice's adventure, but she seems to be unable to complete it without a gaggle of supporting characters who demand to be heard loudly. Then, we are surprised with a ghost from the past and a small tangent for her development that also seemed a little lackluster. However, I was pleased with the closing letter promising further development. Maybe we will get more of Alice with that crazy adventure too.
As always, I eagerly await the release of Magnificent Devices, Book Eight: A Gentleman of Means.
April 27, 2015
Shelly Adina's 7th Steampunk novel, Lady of Integrity, is a fast-paced, fun to read adventure. Alice Chalmers, who Lady Claire Trevelyan, met in a previous adventure, breaks in while Claire is planning her wedding with Andrew Malvern to plead for help. Her airship and her first mate, Jake, have been seized by agents of the Duchy of Venice on trumped up charges. Jake has been sentenced to labor underwater on the clockwork devices that constantly change the positions of the islands on which Venice rests.
Lady Claire, Andrew and the rest of her crew take off for Venice to rescue Jake, a member of Claire's gang of former petty street criminals and regain Alice's ship. Along with them is Capt. Ian Hollys who is still smarting over Claire's choice of Andrew's proposal over his.
Ms. Adina write some of the best Steampunk books I have read. I particularly enjoy the way she promotes her female characters without resorting to making the male characters look like dolts. Her characters are dynamic and they have grown and matured throughout the series. Her alternative history is highly realistic.
Highly recommended for those loving high adventure and alternative realities.
Lady Claire, Andrew and the rest of her crew take off for Venice to rescue Jake, a member of Claire's gang of former petty street criminals and regain Alice's ship. Along with them is Capt. Ian Hollys who is still smarting over Claire's choice of Andrew's proposal over his.
Ms. Adina write some of the best Steampunk books I have read. I particularly enjoy the way she promotes her female characters without resorting to making the male characters look like dolts. Her characters are dynamic and they have grown and matured throughout the series. Her alternative history is highly realistic.
Highly recommended for those loving high adventure and alternative realities.
December 31, 2019
How was Captain Hollys simultaneously touring the prison AND escorting Alice in the search for Lizzie? Did I miss something? (Chapters 14-16)
May 2, 2025
I LOVE this series. So fanciful. So exciting! So JULES VERNE-esque.
December 2, 2016
Amazing! This book was everything I've come to love about this series.
September 12, 2017
How far would you go to help a friend in need?
If you are Lady Claire Trevelyan the answer is simple: All the way.
In "A Lady of Integrity," the seventh book in author Shelley Adina's "Magnificent Devices" Steampunk series, Claire is preparing to - at long last - marry Andrew Malvern. Those plans are interrupted when old friend Alice Chalmers appears seeking her help in freeing her navigator Jake, a former member of Claire's ragtag band of street urchins. Jake has been seized by the Duchy of Venice and is being held in an underwater prison.
There are all kinds of reasons why Claire should NOT go the aid of her friends: She is about to start her career as an engineer with the Zeppelin Airship Works, her two wards are about to enter their final year of school, and there is - of course - the wedding to consider.
If, however, you are a Lady of Integrity none of that matters when there is a friend in need.
And because that's true, Claire and her companions are off on another adventure.
Adina has created a fascinating world in this series and in this novel she continues to expand its boundaries. Her description of Venice is detailed without slowing down the rapid pace of the narrative. Her central characters - very strong, inventive, and courageous women - are well drawn. Without trying to sound preachy, they are excellent role models for young women. This is not to say that the male characters in Adina's series are cardboard cutouts: They are well conceived and equally interesting but this is a series about some truly remarkable young women and so the men necessarily play a secondary role in the stories.
The plot of "A Lady of Integrity" is well thought out and though it does not contain many twists and turns there are some interesting side issues that make this an enjoyable read.
If you are a Steampunk fan - and I am - I think you'll enjoy this novel as much as I did.
If you are not a Steampunk fan you might want to read it anyway because it's a darn fine adventure story.
If you are Lady Claire Trevelyan the answer is simple: All the way.
In "A Lady of Integrity," the seventh book in author Shelley Adina's "Magnificent Devices" Steampunk series, Claire is preparing to - at long last - marry Andrew Malvern. Those plans are interrupted when old friend Alice Chalmers appears seeking her help in freeing her navigator Jake, a former member of Claire's ragtag band of street urchins. Jake has been seized by the Duchy of Venice and is being held in an underwater prison.
There are all kinds of reasons why Claire should NOT go the aid of her friends: She is about to start her career as an engineer with the Zeppelin Airship Works, her two wards are about to enter their final year of school, and there is - of course - the wedding to consider.
If, however, you are a Lady of Integrity none of that matters when there is a friend in need.
And because that's true, Claire and her companions are off on another adventure.
Adina has created a fascinating world in this series and in this novel she continues to expand its boundaries. Her description of Venice is detailed without slowing down the rapid pace of the narrative. Her central characters - very strong, inventive, and courageous women - are well drawn. Without trying to sound preachy, they are excellent role models for young women. This is not to say that the male characters in Adina's series are cardboard cutouts: They are well conceived and equally interesting but this is a series about some truly remarkable young women and so the men necessarily play a secondary role in the stories.
The plot of "A Lady of Integrity" is well thought out and though it does not contain many twists and turns there are some interesting side issues that make this an enjoyable read.
If you are a Steampunk fan - and I am - I think you'll enjoy this novel as much as I did.
If you are not a Steampunk fan you might want to read it anyway because it's a darn fine adventure story.
October 10, 2022
I loved the first couple of books in this series; a girl from a well-off family in Steampunk London finds herself out on the streets and on her own, armed only with her quick wits and a good knowledge of engineering and chemistry. Her adventures, and how the titular Magnificent Devices come about to make for a story full of adventure and action.
Unfortunately, the series steadily moves from that to a focus more on Claire's wishes to get back into her old world and marry a handsome, eligible gentleman. I read the first six in the series, and I did enjoy the adventure aspects of each.
Several years later, the addition of these books to Kindle Unlimited and Audible Plus gave me an incentive to continue the series.
The audiobook of this one is read well, but I found I had to slow the reading down slightly to stop the narrator from sounding awful when reading dialogue from each of the characters (normally I have an audiobook set at 1.3 speed, otherwise it's too slow).
The story in this seventh book of the series follows the adventures of each of the characters and more of the troubles they find themselves in. I found the first half of the story a little boring - only as the focus was on the romantic and societal element of Claire's life, and not adventure and crazy machines. When the story switched to the plans to rescue Jake from his underwater prison I found I could hardly put this down.
But this is the problem I have with this series; there are 16 books in this one so far, and although I can see the appeal to the target reader (of which I know I am not), I feel that there are too many of the parts I dislike in each to outweigh the parts I thoroughly enjoy.
Will I read book 8? Right now, I'm not sure. I almost didn't finish book 7, but at the end of it, I was almost tempted to head straight into the next one.
Unfortunately, the series steadily moves from that to a focus more on Claire's wishes to get back into her old world and marry a handsome, eligible gentleman. I read the first six in the series, and I did enjoy the adventure aspects of each.
Several years later, the addition of these books to Kindle Unlimited and Audible Plus gave me an incentive to continue the series.
The audiobook of this one is read well, but I found I had to slow the reading down slightly to stop the narrator from sounding awful when reading dialogue from each of the characters (normally I have an audiobook set at 1.3 speed, otherwise it's too slow).
The story in this seventh book of the series follows the adventures of each of the characters and more of the troubles they find themselves in. I found the first half of the story a little boring - only as the focus was on the romantic and societal element of Claire's life, and not adventure and crazy machines. When the story switched to the plans to rescue Jake from his underwater prison I found I could hardly put this down.
But this is the problem I have with this series; there are 16 books in this one so far, and although I can see the appeal to the target reader (of which I know I am not), I feel that there are too many of the parts I dislike in each to outweigh the parts I thoroughly enjoy.
Will I read book 8? Right now, I'm not sure. I almost didn't finish book 7, but at the end of it, I was almost tempted to head straight into the next one.
November 27, 2024
This one needed to go through another edit.
There was at least one time when the author forgot what a character did and did not know (Claude is told the identity of the bad guy, then it is said that he DOESN'T know and is told again) and, overall, it just felt like the author was overwhelmed with too many characters, plots, secrets, and half truths. It felt like maybe she just gave up on keeping it straight sometimes.
Some things were described poorly, like the underwater gears and how people live, function etc there.
At one point, a character (Hollys) inexplicably shows up in another location. Was a paragraph left out that explained how he got there and how he knew to go there or is he somehow in two places at once?
And there were a lot of coincidences and overly lucky circumstances, which is kind of a thing with this series.
However, I'm still quite fond of the characters, and all the action is fun.
There was at least one time when the author forgot what a character did and did not know (Claude is told the identity of the bad guy, then it is said that he DOESN'T know and is told again) and, overall, it just felt like the author was overwhelmed with too many characters, plots, secrets, and half truths. It felt like maybe she just gave up on keeping it straight sometimes.
Some things were described poorly, like the underwater gears and how people live, function etc there.
At one point, a character (Hollys) inexplicably shows up in another location. Was a paragraph left out that explained how he got there and how he knew to go there or is he somehow in two places at once?
And there were a lot of coincidences and overly lucky circumstances, which is kind of a thing with this series.
However, I'm still quite fond of the characters, and all the action is fun.
December 27, 2022
Quite the adventure! Several things impeded on my finishing it as quickly as usual, to my regret, for this tale is more than non-stop, it is fast and hard action that keeps you guessing from one bit to the other and ends on a cliffhanger. From skies to sea to land, our heroes are in peril that never stops. Andrew invents new things, Alice's encyclopedic curiosity and love of airships and engines stands stands everyone in good stead, Ian behaves unexpectedly, and, once again, Gloria does the right thing - repeatedly. Jake adapts to adverse circumstances, and Lizzie and Tigg make some new and unusual friends, one of whom returns the favor given. Claude proves himself useful, yet maintains his easy going ways for the most part. The hens fly the coop and are lured back by a mozt unusual and ingenious trick. An enjoyable tale, and it likely leads to yet another spirited tale in turn.
September 20, 2017
The scene here is (mostly) Venice - a city redesigned by Leonardo da Vinci to run by clockwork, changing topography frequently to avoid the Doge being trapped in a known place. Alice's ship the Stalwart Lass has been impounded and Jake imprisoned on false charges - condemned to work underwater to maintain the clockwork mechanism.
Claire is about to begin her employment with the Zeppelin company and the Mopsies return to school - but all that is forgotten when the call of duty to aid friends comes. Added to the mix is the welcome secondment of Tig and Captain Hollys who have a mandate from the Crown, no less - but anenemy from the past resurfaces to complicate matters.
An excellently realised reimagining of the Serene Republic.
Claire is about to begin her employment with the Zeppelin company and the Mopsies return to school - but all that is forgotten when the call of duty to aid friends comes. Added to the mix is the welcome secondment of Tig and Captain Hollys who have a mandate from the Crown, no less - but anenemy from the past resurfaces to complicate matters.
An excellently realised reimagining of the Serene Republic.
July 2, 2021
I'm done. This was terrible. The characters grow in theory only, the same as the plots. While they age, the men don't learn from previous adventures by becoming more accepting of women as equals and the woman don't learn from previous adventures by thinking. It's just repeating every other novel like the Perils of Pauline: Someone in danger, people do stupid things, somehow it works and they save the person, end with a cliffhanger.
Then there's this book moving from Steampunk SF to fantasy. What she claims Da Vinci did to Venice is completely unbelievable. Then she exceeds that stupidity. Sadly, it does. Enough.
Then there's this book moving from Steampunk SF to fantasy. What she claims Da Vinci did to Venice is completely unbelievable. Then she exceeds that stupidity. Sadly, it does. Enough.
December 26, 2017
In this book, the gang is (mostly) back together with a few extras thrown in, but I didn't enjoy it as much. I don't think it was the personal character interactions that I didn't like, but more of the location that the events took place and some of the technology introduced. Since it didn't take place too long after the previous book ended, there wasn't a lot of backstory that needed to be given, but we saw that someone we thought dead and was not and that never ends well. We also got the help of someone that I'm not entirely sure can be trusted, but I guess we'll find out in the next one, since she ends up "missing" at the end of this book.
September 21, 2023
Well, the flock is off to an intricate new setting. Things are finally progressing in the personal arena. The beginning was fun and interesting. The middle was a bit tame and confusing. And there was a completely unwieldy cast to wrangle. I liked the romantic pairing and slight tension in this one. There was an obvious deus ex machina BUT the rip-roaring ending was worth it all. Satisfying for our do-gooders. I would have wished Alice would have been more of the star as much as I love Claire and like the young adult mopsies. That hardly left room for some of the rest who I would have liked to see shine. Sigh. Can't wait for the next installment!
January 8, 2018
A mad dash adventure through steampunk society with great characters, fabulous storylines and... some very lovely chickens! A great read and some cool ideas for how Venetian society could've been changed had one of Leonardo di Vinci's strangest ideas been put into place - with added underwater convicts!
I also loved listening to the audiobook of the story, and with Fiona Hardingham narrating again it was, of course, full of character and really brought the story to life. I'd definitely recommend it to all Magnificent Devices fans.
I also loved listening to the audiobook of the story, and with Fiona Hardingham narrating again it was, of course, full of character and really brought the story to life. I'd definitely recommend it to all Magnificent Devices fans.
May 12, 2017
This one started a bit slower for me, tougher to get into. But in the end, as always, it was a rollicking good ride. Clockwork cities, Undersea dirigibles, krakens, betrayals and more. This book has plenty to offer any lover of steampunk. Adina puts her characters through the wringer. Anything that could possibly go wrong, did. Lots of twists I didn't see coming. Many times throughout the book, a good resolution seemed impossible. But it was, and Adina did it in fine style.
June 2, 2020
Action, adventure, underwater rescue, and evil villains, what more can you want in a book!? I LOVE this series! The story gets better with every book and each character is getting more interesting. This time Lady Clare and her crew embark on a daring rescue. They are asked to help rescue Jake out of a underwater prison before something more terrible happens to him. Will they be able to rescue him? You'll have to read to find out. Happy reading my friends.
February 26, 2020
Another unbievable tale
But a wonderful adventure for Lady Claire and her e pā ding group of friends. This time they are in the Duchy of Venice attempting to break a friend out of an underwater prison.
But a wonderful adventure for Lady Claire and her e pā ding group of friends. This time they are in the Duchy of Venice attempting to break a friend out of an underwater prison.
April 18, 2022
These are light adventure novels that I think should be a TV series. No romance in this one, this is definitely a series to read in order as it has set up for the next book. Consistent good fun without feeling repetitive in the adventures to be had.
August 2, 2017
Krakens!
This is another good adventure in the series, glad to see some krakens and the return of Jake to the series.
This is another good adventure in the series, glad to see some krakens and the return of Jake to the series.
January 31, 2018
Shelly Adina is my newest favorite author. She is sure to be a hit with any steampunk fan - no matter which of her books you pick up. I would definitely recommend this, and all, of her work.
June 4, 2019
A riveting steampunk author i was so happy i discovered!
January 3, 2020
Book 7. Nice exploration of girl rights in this one!
October 1, 2021
So much fun
Love the cast of wonderful characters and especially their adventures. This is a great book in the best series. Highly recommended.
Love the cast of wonderful characters and especially their adventures. This is a great book in the best series. Highly recommended.
September 3, 2024
I haven’t read a steampunk book in a while and had forgotten how adventurous they are. I picked right up where I left off with the characters and remembered why I love them so much. On to the next!
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