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Skeleton Key #4
Mechanical Hearts
Skeleton Key Book Series
One Skeleton Key. Endless Adventures.
https://skeletonkeybookseries.com
Caroline Abernathy has lost her mind. Perhaps it was the bump on the head she took when an afternoon sailing expedition cruised right in the middle of a violent storm or maybe the stress of grad school has finally proven to be too much. Whatever the cause, she finds herself alone in a strange underwater world and at the mercy of a ruthless pirate.
Everyone has a price, at least according to the Pirate Prince, Ezra Castle. In order to purchase the fare needed to bring her home, Caroline agrees to spend the remainder of the voyage on his ship, helping him locate the priceless artifact she cost him.
What starts as a simple journey turns deadly when their ship is attacked by a band of assassins. Stranded, wounded, and without transportation, Caroline and Ezra will have to rely on each other to make it back alive.
Life and love are on the line and time is running out. Tick Tock.
One Skeleton Key. Endless Adventures.
https://skeletonkeybookseries.com
Caroline Abernathy has lost her mind. Perhaps it was the bump on the head she took when an afternoon sailing expedition cruised right in the middle of a violent storm or maybe the stress of grad school has finally proven to be too much. Whatever the cause, she finds herself alone in a strange underwater world and at the mercy of a ruthless pirate.
Everyone has a price, at least according to the Pirate Prince, Ezra Castle. In order to purchase the fare needed to bring her home, Caroline agrees to spend the remainder of the voyage on his ship, helping him locate the priceless artifact she cost him.
What starts as a simple journey turns deadly when their ship is attacked by a band of assassins. Stranded, wounded, and without transportation, Caroline and Ezra will have to rely on each other to make it back alive.
Life and love are on the line and time is running out. Tick Tock.
Unknown Binding
Published June 15, 2016
7 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Blanchard
59 books1,939 followersNicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the TikTok-viral dark romance Toxic, a wildly addictive bestseller that has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Known for her morally gray antiheroes, off-the-charts heat, and jaw-dropping twists, Nicole’s stories drag readers deep into love’s darkest corners—where no one escapes unscarred.
When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.
You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...
When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.
You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
July 7, 2016
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
I'm pretty positive that I've read all of Nicole's books and this is the first that I've read of this genre from her or from any author. It was pretty new stuff to me.
There was some concepts I did not 100% get, with the civilization 'down side' versus those 'top side' and their need of mechanical hearts for energy stability~~ but I think it's a matter of just not being used to steampunk and science fiction is all. Otherwise, I'm sure that I would have been more adapted for this story concept.
All in all though, aside from my tad confusion, I really enjoyed this novella. It was pretty far from what I am used to but I enjoyed it immensely. Kind of wanted more, if I am to be honest. I felt as if there could have been more expanded upon.
I'm pretty positive that I've read all of Nicole's books and this is the first that I've read of this genre from her or from any author. It was pretty new stuff to me.
There was some concepts I did not 100% get, with the civilization 'down side' versus those 'top side' and their need of mechanical hearts for energy stability~~ but I think it's a matter of just not being used to steampunk and science fiction is all. Otherwise, I'm sure that I would have been more adapted for this story concept.
All in all though, aside from my tad confusion, I really enjoyed this novella. It was pretty far from what I am used to but I enjoyed it immensely. Kind of wanted more, if I am to be honest. I felt as if there could have been more expanded upon.
July 24, 2016
Simply amazing, original, captivating and filled with messages about home and heart and it all started When Caroline becomes part of a mysterious underwater world and makes a deal with a ruthless Pirate Prince, Ezra.
A world underwater? Has life’s pressures finally become too much for Caroline or is she trapped within a dream she cannot awaken from? Take a journey beyond the fantastical in Mechanical Hearts by Nicole Blanchard in her offering for the “Skeleton Key” series.
Two people from different worlds, one lost and the other far from the heartless man he portrays as Caroline and Ezra must pull together when they find themselves stranded and alone with only each other to depend on for survival. Will they realize the true meaning of “home?” Is it a place or a state of heart and mind?
Nicole Blanchard has created a magical world, added a few twists and the flavor of romance as the backdrop of her tale. Beautifully written, at times tumultuous, terrifying and yet each heartwarming sentiment shines through. Take a journey into her world and discover hope at the end of the dark tunnel of a Destiny that truly began with a Skeleton Key. Wonderful characters, powerful reading with a story that begs to be read.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Skeleton Key
Publication Date: June 14, 2016
Publisher: Nicole Blanchard
Genre: Fantasy | Coming of Age
Print Length: 109 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
A world underwater? Has life’s pressures finally become too much for Caroline or is she trapped within a dream she cannot awaken from? Take a journey beyond the fantastical in Mechanical Hearts by Nicole Blanchard in her offering for the “Skeleton Key” series.
Two people from different worlds, one lost and the other far from the heartless man he portrays as Caroline and Ezra must pull together when they find themselves stranded and alone with only each other to depend on for survival. Will they realize the true meaning of “home?” Is it a place or a state of heart and mind?
Nicole Blanchard has created a magical world, added a few twists and the flavor of romance as the backdrop of her tale. Beautifully written, at times tumultuous, terrifying and yet each heartwarming sentiment shines through. Take a journey into her world and discover hope at the end of the dark tunnel of a Destiny that truly began with a Skeleton Key. Wonderful characters, powerful reading with a story that begs to be read.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Skeleton Key
Publication Date: June 14, 2016
Publisher: Nicole Blanchard
Genre: Fantasy | Coming of Age
Print Length: 109 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 16, 2016
I RECEIVED AN E-ARC OF THIS NOVELLA FROM THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW!! BEWARE OF SPOILERS BELOW!!
The premise of both this novella series and this particular book sounded interesting to me, but this one fell rather flat in the end to me.
There's not much world building done, so when Caroline did her initial shift, my first thought was "What the heck happened? How did she shift into a different plane?" The question was never answered. Instead, more piled up: What sparked the war that made the land so toxic? What reason was there for the mechanical mutations? How did they help the survivors of the war adapt to living on the ocean floor? Why could Caroline survive in the Otherworld when her Aunt changed so drastically? Why did Caroline's father never attempt to get back to her? It made for difficult reading.
The characters themselves were decently written, but their mannerisms did not allow me to believe that they had suddenly fallen in love with one another, enough that Caroline would want to stay with Ezra in his world? They didn't spend enough time with one another for that sudden dynamic shift to be believable!
The plot felt a bit choppy to me at times, full of sudden shifts that had me going "Wait, what happened now?". I realize that the author was probably under a word count limit, but the story really didn't flow smoothly at all. However, the steampunk element was fairly interesting, despite the lack of world building done.
All in all, I'm not sure I would continue to read the author's work. I would definitely have to check out her other works from the Library first. I definitely can't recommend this book to others, though, but I am still interested in looking at the series more.
The premise of both this novella series and this particular book sounded interesting to me, but this one fell rather flat in the end to me.
There's not much world building done, so when Caroline did her initial shift, my first thought was "What the heck happened? How did she shift into a different plane?" The question was never answered. Instead, more piled up: What sparked the war that made the land so toxic? What reason was there for the mechanical mutations? How did they help the survivors of the war adapt to living on the ocean floor? Why could Caroline survive in the Otherworld when her Aunt changed so drastically? Why did Caroline's father never attempt to get back to her? It made for difficult reading.
The characters themselves were decently written, but their mannerisms did not allow me to believe that they had suddenly fallen in love with one another, enough that Caroline would want to stay with Ezra in his world? They didn't spend enough time with one another for that sudden dynamic shift to be believable!
The plot felt a bit choppy to me at times, full of sudden shifts that had me going "Wait, what happened now?". I realize that the author was probably under a word count limit, but the story really didn't flow smoothly at all. However, the steampunk element was fairly interesting, despite the lack of world building done.
All in all, I'm not sure I would continue to read the author's work. I would definitely have to check out her other works from the Library first. I definitely can't recommend this book to others, though, but I am still interested in looking at the series more.
June 28, 2016
I'm really enjoying these short stories that all feature a magical key opening up all sorts of possibilities. This time the journey takes us far beneath the ocean into an underwater world that somehow defies belief.
Caroline is not exactly having the best time of it when she finds a most peculiar key but her life is about to take a whole new turn when a freak storm lands her in a whole heap of trouble! Finding shelter in a submarine( yes I said submarine!) Caroline soon discovers a world beneath the ocean that's populated by the most astonishing life forms ! Now luckily there's not a lot Caroline is put off by but a particular pirate named Ezra just might get the jump on her!
Well this was unexpected I must say. Without giving the plot away I must say the twist at the end astonished me . I loved the idea of living in underwater pods/ cities, the unusual mechanical aspects that lent an almost steam punk feeling , oh and of course the adventure that Caroline got caught up in. I won't lie its short and would benefit from being expanded but with the taciturn Ezra being confronted by the ever determined Caroline it just made me smile. The author even redeemed someone which although tackled quickly had a poignancy about it. A new author to me but clearly one to watch out for with ideas far beyond the usual.
I was gifted a copy of this in exchange for an honest review
Caroline is not exactly having the best time of it when she finds a most peculiar key but her life is about to take a whole new turn when a freak storm lands her in a whole heap of trouble! Finding shelter in a submarine( yes I said submarine!) Caroline soon discovers a world beneath the ocean that's populated by the most astonishing life forms ! Now luckily there's not a lot Caroline is put off by but a particular pirate named Ezra just might get the jump on her!
Well this was unexpected I must say. Without giving the plot away I must say the twist at the end astonished me . I loved the idea of living in underwater pods/ cities, the unusual mechanical aspects that lent an almost steam punk feeling , oh and of course the adventure that Caroline got caught up in. I won't lie its short and would benefit from being expanded but with the taciturn Ezra being confronted by the ever determined Caroline it just made me smile. The author even redeemed someone which although tackled quickly had a poignancy about it. A new author to me but clearly one to watch out for with ideas far beyond the usual.
I was gifted a copy of this in exchange for an honest review
March 25, 2018
It was an information overload. Too many revelations. Too many life-altering truths.
This quote from the book accurately defines how I felt about this story toward the end. The awesome-looking and interesting world aside, it was simply too much and difficult to follow and, the worst of it, a lot of stuff was left unexplained—for example, how exactly did she get into another world, ? And I could go on and on...
March 29, 2017
***3.5***
This is a short and sweet read. It is a standalone and part of the Skeleton Key series. Each book is a completely different story.
Imagine, one day you're living your normal (shitty) life, looking forward to going to med school, trying to figure out a way to get away from your aunt and then, bam! you're sucked into this alternate world you didn't know existed. Then, you are waiting to get back to your normal, shitty life. Well, that's what happened to Caroline. One day, thanks to a special skeleton key, she is transported to a whole new, mysterious world that she had no clue was out there. Pretty soon she is sucked into the lives of the people at Port Arliss and trying to figure out how to return to her normal realm. Along the way, she meets a dashing, yet, rude captain Ezra Castle who wants nothing to do with her. But, he's the only person who is somewhat familiar in this new world and can help her figure out how to return to her old life and young cousin, Phoebe, that she left behind. How does the story end, you ask? Well, read it to find out. It is light and entertaining.
There isn't a whole lot of world or character building as this is a short novel. However, I enjoyed the steampunk elements to this story. There is a somewhat twist at the end that was interesting.
This is a short and sweet read. It is a standalone and part of the Skeleton Key series. Each book is a completely different story.
Imagine, one day you're living your normal (shitty) life, looking forward to going to med school, trying to figure out a way to get away from your aunt and then, bam! you're sucked into this alternate world you didn't know existed. Then, you are waiting to get back to your normal, shitty life. Well, that's what happened to Caroline. One day, thanks to a special skeleton key, she is transported to a whole new, mysterious world that she had no clue was out there. Pretty soon she is sucked into the lives of the people at Port Arliss and trying to figure out how to return to her normal realm. Along the way, she meets a dashing, yet, rude captain Ezra Castle who wants nothing to do with her. But, he's the only person who is somewhat familiar in this new world and can help her figure out how to return to her old life and young cousin, Phoebe, that she left behind. How does the story end, you ask? Well, read it to find out. It is light and entertaining.
There isn't a whole lot of world or character building as this is a short novel. However, I enjoyed the steampunk elements to this story. There is a somewhat twist at the end that was interesting.
July 19, 2016
Title: Mechanical Hearts
Author: Nicole Blanchard
Series: Skeleton Key series, Book 1
Publisher: Self Published
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: June 14th, 2016
Genre(s): Fantasy Romance
Page Count:109 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
From a first read where military romance was prevalent to a novella that takes you on a voyage on a ship with the help of a skeleton key, I can honestly say that Nicole Blanchard has managed to thoroughly surprise me. Mechanical Hearts is the fantasy novel I haven't read in too many months and found it refreshing, a new romance adventure that was a long time coming. Caroline had it all planned out - finish college grad, get a job to save enough money to pay for her university and enroll in medical school. Only, the last thing she ever expected was to find herself in an underwater world accompanied by the Pirate Price Ezra when she find a skeleton key. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that an attraction exists between one another. Caroline needs to figure out if she should go back to her 'regular' life or the new life where a prince is trying to prove that he can be the man that she needs him to be and that him family refuses to acknowledge.
It's been such a long time since I've taken the time and truly enjoyed a fantasy romance genre novel and when I opened the first pages of Mechanical Hearts, I was intrigued by the characters and their individual personalities, and how they overcame the many obstacles that were thrown their way only to become stronger together as a couple. The chemistry and the attraction (or the heat) is still identifiable - I could see it, feel it and wanted to read more about it. My only complaint is the fact that it was a novella and I had hoped there would be more, but I was still impressed with what I had read everything I could have hoped for in any book was present: angst, drama, action, romance and even some fantasy. It packed quite the punch and I can't wait to read the next book of the series.
Review Copy of Mechanical Hearts provided by the Author, Nicole Blanchard for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
Author: Nicole Blanchard
Series: Skeleton Key series, Book 1
Publisher: Self Published
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: June 14th, 2016
Genre(s): Fantasy Romance
Page Count:109 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Caroline Abernathy has lost her mind. Perhaps it was the bump on the head she took when she nearly drowned in the ocean or maybe the stress of grad school has finally proven to be too much. Whatever the cause, she finds herself alone in a strange underwater world and at the mercy of a ruthless pirate.
Everyone has a price, at least according to the Pirate Prince, Ezra Castle. In order to purchase the fare needed to bring her home, Caroline agrees to spend the remainder of the voyage on his ship, helping him locate the priceless artifact she cost him.
What starts as a simple journey turns deadly when their ship is attacked by a band of assassins. Stranded, wounded, and without transportation, Caroline and Ezra will have to rely on each other to make it back alive.
Life and love are on the line and time is running out. Tick Tock.
Review:
From a first read where military romance was prevalent to a novella that takes you on a voyage on a ship with the help of a skeleton key, I can honestly say that Nicole Blanchard has managed to thoroughly surprise me. Mechanical Hearts is the fantasy novel I haven't read in too many months and found it refreshing, a new romance adventure that was a long time coming. Caroline had it all planned out - finish college grad, get a job to save enough money to pay for her university and enroll in medical school. Only, the last thing she ever expected was to find herself in an underwater world accompanied by the Pirate Price Ezra when she find a skeleton key. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that an attraction exists between one another. Caroline needs to figure out if she should go back to her 'regular' life or the new life where a prince is trying to prove that he can be the man that she needs him to be and that him family refuses to acknowledge.
It's been such a long time since I've taken the time and truly enjoyed a fantasy romance genre novel and when I opened the first pages of Mechanical Hearts, I was intrigued by the characters and their individual personalities, and how they overcame the many obstacles that were thrown their way only to become stronger together as a couple. The chemistry and the attraction (or the heat) is still identifiable - I could see it, feel it and wanted to read more about it. My only complaint is the fact that it was a novella and I had hoped there would be more, but I was still impressed with what I had read everything I could have hoped for in any book was present: angst, drama, action, romance and even some fantasy. It packed quite the punch and I can't wait to read the next book of the series.
Review Copy of Mechanical Hearts provided by the Author, Nicole Blanchard for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
June 19, 2016
I loved that Mechanical Hearts takes place in a underwater world! So cool! I loved how descriptive Blanchard was; she really painted an interesting, unique world, that I could picture vividly in my mind as I read Mechanical Hearts. Caroline has a fight with her aunt; whom she lives with because something happened to her parents, so she packs up and leaves her home, and after finding a skeleton key on her family's boat, she decides to stay the night. A storm starts brewing, and Caroline is rescued by a submarine, which is captained by the at times surly, Ezra Castle. Caroline is glad she was rescued, but things don't seem quite right with the situation she finds herself in. There's robots, pretty much everyone has some type of mechanical body parts, and people live underwater in pods! Lots of cool, interesting stuff! Mechanical Hearts is an underwater adventure with a dash of romance. I do wish there were actually a pinch more romance, but I'm a romance fiend, so I'm sure it's fine for many readers, and I did enjoy the romantic parts that were included; they were sweet. I'm definitely looking forward to more books by Nicole Blanchard!
June 23, 2016
I received an E-Copy for an honest review.
A novella with a new twist on well basically everything. This Dystopian novella weaves a tale of insta love. You know how much I LOVE. insta love. (cue sarcasm) Though I can forgive it due to the exciting adventure this wonderful author has taken us on. A tale about a world so different the water kills you. just kidding. lol. no not really. But it's fun. This is a short book and I really didn't get time to look for faults. I like that. She just weaved a tale that pulled you in and kept you captivated until you read the last word.
I won't go more into detail for fear of revealing more than I would want to in a review. I recommend this for any dystopian fan. 5 stars and a job well done for Nicole Blanchard.
A novella with a new twist on well basically everything. This Dystopian novella weaves a tale of insta love. You know how much I LOVE. insta love. (cue sarcasm) Though I can forgive it due to the exciting adventure this wonderful author has taken us on. A tale about a world so different the water kills you. just kidding. lol. no not really. But it's fun. This is a short book and I really didn't get time to look for faults. I like that. She just weaved a tale that pulled you in and kept you captivated until you read the last word.
I won't go more into detail for fear of revealing more than I would want to in a review. I recommend this for any dystopian fan. 5 stars and a job well done for Nicole Blanchard.
July 6, 2016
Received ARC from author for Review*
This story was such an adventure. One minute this girl is drowning and the next she was saved by a sub. The "pirate" but a major butthead and so angry looking, lets her on the ship, on one condition. She stays away.
But, when she enters this crazy underworld, she knows nobody. So defying Ezra's (the "pirate") wishes, she goes to him.
Being in a place where everything is different, including the people, Caroline just wants to go back home. But, the adventure back home gets bad.
Being an adventure, all kinds of things happen. Including the biggest shock of her life.
This story was such an adventure. One minute this girl is drowning and the next she was saved by a sub. The "pirate" but a major butthead and so angry looking, lets her on the ship, on one condition. She stays away.
But, when she enters this crazy underworld, she knows nobody. So defying Ezra's (the "pirate") wishes, she goes to him.
Being in a place where everything is different, including the people, Caroline just wants to go back home. But, the adventure back home gets bad.
Being an adventure, all kinds of things happen. Including the biggest shock of her life.
June 17, 2016
I loved the adventure! It was fun and exciting. The book was easy to get swept up in but the world building was a little lacking for me. Since it wasn't a full length novel, the story wasn't fully developed in my opinion. I would've love to see not only more of the world but also their characters and see their relationship develop.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2016
This was a great storyline. It was different and fun. The characters were special and unique. Caroline an Otherworlder and Ezra a "pirate". Nothing is exactly as it seems all the way to the very end. I highly recommend reading this novella. Nicole Blanchard is an amazing writer. Thank you for letting me read it. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2016
Caroline thinks she's lost her mind when she wakes up on a under water world. Her only hope of surviving is with the help of a pirate. Will let him help her or will she to stubborn
This was a great book. Loved it
This was a great book. Loved it
June 17, 2016
Another amazing skeleton key book. This one is very interesting. I loved all the components of it and how t was laid out. The characters are fascinating and made the book what it is.
December 21, 2018
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Nicole Blanchard has written a Skeleton Key novella. Included is an odd yet exhilarating mix of love and hate, loyalty and betrayal, life and death. The title suggests a story about robots or Artificial Intelligence of some kind. The concepts were well defined, the language clear and very convincing. The author’s imagination seemingly having no limits, the ideas developed. When Caroline Abernathy finds the skeleton key, she’s thrown into an unknown and dangerous world ultimately meeting Ezra Castle. As they find themselves reluctantly relying on each other for survival, they start to develop tender feelings. The storyline, though a bit predictable, did have a twist at the end that may surprise you. I enjoyed this novella and recommend it to all Fantasy fans. This is one of 26 books in the Skeleton Key Book Series. Do yourself a favor and pick up this read, you won’t regret it.
September 9, 2020
Inhave never read anything by Nicole Blanchard and this was an Interesting introduction.
We have Caroline who after an argument with her aunt Millie leave the home and stay on her dads boat (who is no longer on this earth). During a storm she ends up in an unknown dimension I want to say where she meets Ezra (a pirate) and this begins an adventurous journey on finding her way back home to her 5 year old cousin Pheobe. Major surprises are revealed throughout this story. Even though it was a short read it was a great introduction to this series and can't wait to read more.
**thumbs up** Nicole :)
We have Caroline who after an argument with her aunt Millie leave the home and stay on her dads boat (who is no longer on this earth). During a storm she ends up in an unknown dimension I want to say where she meets Ezra (a pirate) and this begins an adventurous journey on finding her way back home to her 5 year old cousin Pheobe. Major surprises are revealed throughout this story. Even though it was a short read it was a great introduction to this series and can't wait to read more.
**thumbs up** Nicole :)
June 15, 2016
Mechanical Hearts is a wonderfully refreshing and beautifully passionate journey in finding where home truly resides. Sometimes home isn’t where or who we think it is, but rather is comes to us via a reflection in a smeared piece of glass. That reflection pulls at some long hidden truth that unravels our very existence. The life we think we had was only a dimmed version of the beauty and splendor that awaits us if we will only open our heart to its beckoning call. When your heart is being pulled away from what you have always known perhaps you should consider why it is leading you away. It’s useless to fight against what our heart knows is familiar and good. Instead, give into its pull and dare to want and hope for more.
Caroline has worked hard to build a life for herself and her cousin Phoebe. She graduated college in three years, and is now looking forward to attending medical school. Being a doctor is her dream, but more than that she wants to provide Phoebe a real home. A place where all she will know is love and dreams are welcomed and nurtured. However, as fate would have it, Caroline is about to crash into something that will change everything she ever knew or thought she knew. Ezra only wants to provide for his daughter and his parents. He doesn’t ask for much except an opportunity to prove himself to be a good man. Will his hopes and Caroline’s dreams shatter everything in their path by the impact of Destiny, or will they just find themselves living a temporary nightmare of epic proportions?
What an incredibly delightful story! I loved every minute I spent in their world, and oh how I longed to spend more time with these brilliant characters. I was completely spoiled by the unparalleled beauty and the blindingly captivating storyline that held my heart in its hands the entire time. The characters were simply stunning, and I was completely head over heels in love. The impressively expressive and overwhelmingly awe-inspiring world left me with a heart completely and utterly full of emotions and words I couldn’t form. This is a story that will weave itself into your heart and will not let you go.
Nicole Blanchard has stolen my heart with this wonderfully magnificent story that will thrill and entertain while it wraps you in mystery and coaxes your heart open with hope. What you find within these pages will alight your senses with a stunningly original storyline that will have you reaching out for more long after it has ended. Never underestimate the power of a well-written and hope filled story. You do so at the risk of your own heart.
Caroline has worked hard to build a life for herself and her cousin Phoebe. She graduated college in three years, and is now looking forward to attending medical school. Being a doctor is her dream, but more than that she wants to provide Phoebe a real home. A place where all she will know is love and dreams are welcomed and nurtured. However, as fate would have it, Caroline is about to crash into something that will change everything she ever knew or thought she knew. Ezra only wants to provide for his daughter and his parents. He doesn’t ask for much except an opportunity to prove himself to be a good man. Will his hopes and Caroline’s dreams shatter everything in their path by the impact of Destiny, or will they just find themselves living a temporary nightmare of epic proportions?
What an incredibly delightful story! I loved every minute I spent in their world, and oh how I longed to spend more time with these brilliant characters. I was completely spoiled by the unparalleled beauty and the blindingly captivating storyline that held my heart in its hands the entire time. The characters were simply stunning, and I was completely head over heels in love. The impressively expressive and overwhelmingly awe-inspiring world left me with a heart completely and utterly full of emotions and words I couldn’t form. This is a story that will weave itself into your heart and will not let you go.
Nicole Blanchard has stolen my heart with this wonderfully magnificent story that will thrill and entertain while it wraps you in mystery and coaxes your heart open with hope. What you find within these pages will alight your senses with a stunningly original storyline that will have you reaching out for more long after it has ended. Never underestimate the power of a well-written and hope filled story. You do so at the risk of your own heart.
July 2, 2016
Caroline can’t stand living with her aunt, but puts up with it so she can take care of her cousin Phoebe. After an especially bad fight, she storms out. She ends up at an old boat that use to belong to her dad and decided to stay the night. While trying to break into the boat, she discovers a key that doesn’t fit anything but appears to be special. Caroline ends up on an epic adventure in a new world, but all she wants is to be home.
I was really excited to get my hands on this story and I hope to read the rest of the novellas that create the shadow key series. For those who don’t know about the series, each book is written by different authors with new characters and adventures that tie in with a theme- in this case a key. The stories don’t need to be read in a particular order and are standalone by themselves, but together they create a bigger picture.
The story was incredibly complete for the fact it was only about 100 pages long (sure I have questions about how things work, but this plot wrapped up). I love the world the author created which was an underwater steampunkish type place. Due to a war, people have moved under the ocean to live, but all have some sort of strange enhancement due to birth defects. My favorite part was the setting and I would love for the author to write a full length story set in this same world because I am sure there is so much more for me to learn (I don’t need the same people to be in it, just the place).
I was a little confused by Caroline’s belief that she would take her cousin away from her aunt and it wouldn’t be a problem through a majority of the book, because that did not feel realistic to me. And yes, there is more revealed later on about Caroline’s family dynamic that makes more sense, but still for most of the story I was thrown off by this.
Overall it was a fun adventure with some very cool ideas presented by the author and a very attractive not-pirate to steal the show. I enjoyed the read and now need to discover more keys.
I received this title in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
I was really excited to get my hands on this story and I hope to read the rest of the novellas that create the shadow key series. For those who don’t know about the series, each book is written by different authors with new characters and adventures that tie in with a theme- in this case a key. The stories don’t need to be read in a particular order and are standalone by themselves, but together they create a bigger picture.
The story was incredibly complete for the fact it was only about 100 pages long (sure I have questions about how things work, but this plot wrapped up). I love the world the author created which was an underwater steampunkish type place. Due to a war, people have moved under the ocean to live, but all have some sort of strange enhancement due to birth defects. My favorite part was the setting and I would love for the author to write a full length story set in this same world because I am sure there is so much more for me to learn (I don’t need the same people to be in it, just the place).
I was a little confused by Caroline’s belief that she would take her cousin away from her aunt and it wouldn’t be a problem through a majority of the book, because that did not feel realistic to me. And yes, there is more revealed later on about Caroline’s family dynamic that makes more sense, but still for most of the story I was thrown off by this.
Overall it was a fun adventure with some very cool ideas presented by the author and a very attractive not-pirate to steal the show. I enjoyed the read and now need to discover more keys.
I received this title in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
June 22, 2016
“Mechanical Hearts” is a short but enjoyable novella, particularly well suited to a young adult audience.
Caroline, a young American about to embark on her medical studies, finds herself unexpectedly thrown into a different world (literally – this is a fantasy novella). She must find a way to survive, and a way back to her own world. Will the handsome Ezra help or hinder her?
This is a well written story, although the novella length does put limits on the depth or complexity of the plotting. A flaw is that the world building is sometimes shaky; we’re never given any indication, for example, of why cousin Phoebe exists given that Caroline’s Aunt Millie “never wanted children” and there’s no indication of her ever having had a relationship. She seems to exist solely so that Caroline has a reason to return home. Towards the end of the novella some things happen that are neither foreshadowed or well explained, and I think that goes back to Blanchard not having fully thought through her world building.
One thing that makes this a little more suited to a young adult audience is the way characters simply accept things unquestioningly – for example, Caroline didn’t seem to react much when she found herself in a new world. Older readers may hunger for a little more nuance, although again the novella length probably was a factor in Blanchard’s choices here.
However, there are some really original ideas in here which will make it interesting to those who enjoy the fantasy genre. For others, there’s a gentle romance, some action and adventure, and a little bit of treachery. Despite that, the story doesn’t feel over crowded. It’s well paced and lively.
Regardless of some minor weaknesses, this is an enjoyable novella which will appeal to readers looking for something light and not too long. This is the perfect length for reading in a single evening.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novella for review.
Caroline, a young American about to embark on her medical studies, finds herself unexpectedly thrown into a different world (literally – this is a fantasy novella). She must find a way to survive, and a way back to her own world. Will the handsome Ezra help or hinder her?
This is a well written story, although the novella length does put limits on the depth or complexity of the plotting. A flaw is that the world building is sometimes shaky; we’re never given any indication, for example, of why cousin Phoebe exists given that Caroline’s Aunt Millie “never wanted children” and there’s no indication of her ever having had a relationship. She seems to exist solely so that Caroline has a reason to return home. Towards the end of the novella some things happen that are neither foreshadowed or well explained, and I think that goes back to Blanchard not having fully thought through her world building.
One thing that makes this a little more suited to a young adult audience is the way characters simply accept things unquestioningly – for example, Caroline didn’t seem to react much when she found herself in a new world. Older readers may hunger for a little more nuance, although again the novella length probably was a factor in Blanchard’s choices here.
However, there are some really original ideas in here which will make it interesting to those who enjoy the fantasy genre. For others, there’s a gentle romance, some action and adventure, and a little bit of treachery. Despite that, the story doesn’t feel over crowded. It’s well paced and lively.
Regardless of some minor weaknesses, this is an enjoyable novella which will appeal to readers looking for something light and not too long. This is the perfect length for reading in a single evening.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this novella for review.
July 3, 2016
ONE OCEAN....TWO WORLDS....AMAZING
When I first began reading this story, by Nicole Blanchard, I thought "What have I got myself into?". But the more I read, the more I became trapped in her fantasy world with Caroline, the main character. It was a wonderful experience to be taken to a fantasical world below the sea and to witness a world different from our own. This is just one of 26 novellas in the Skeleton Key series, written by 26 different authors. Each novella being a standalone - but having one connection - the Skeleton Key.
Caroline cares for only one thing in her life, her little cousin Phoebe. Everything she does is to remove Phoebe from her aunt's care and to give her a better life. After yet another argument with her aunt Millie, Caroline leaves the only home she has ever known - then fate steps in to change her life forever. A storm arrives that transports her to another world and to Ezra, captain of a submarine and the man who will eventually change her entire world. Ezra, the man who only has one thought on his mind - to provide for his family, namely his young daughter.
Ms Blanchard's intricate descriptions she gives throughout this novella transported me as well. I actually felt as if I was standing there, in a capsule miles below the surface of the ocean. I enjoyed the banter that occurred between Caroline and Ezra - at times it was quite amusing. There are a couple of twists in this story that I didn't see coming and to me, that is what makes a good read.
It is a shame that this was only a novella as I would have enjoyed reading more about Caroline and Ezra and see how their characters grew.
I look forward to reading more stories from this series.
Written for me personally and for Reading Is Our Satisfaction Blog.
When I first began reading this story, by Nicole Blanchard, I thought "What have I got myself into?". But the more I read, the more I became trapped in her fantasy world with Caroline, the main character. It was a wonderful experience to be taken to a fantasical world below the sea and to witness a world different from our own. This is just one of 26 novellas in the Skeleton Key series, written by 26 different authors. Each novella being a standalone - but having one connection - the Skeleton Key.
Caroline cares for only one thing in her life, her little cousin Phoebe. Everything she does is to remove Phoebe from her aunt's care and to give her a better life. After yet another argument with her aunt Millie, Caroline leaves the only home she has ever known - then fate steps in to change her life forever. A storm arrives that transports her to another world and to Ezra, captain of a submarine and the man who will eventually change her entire world. Ezra, the man who only has one thought on his mind - to provide for his family, namely his young daughter.
Ms Blanchard's intricate descriptions she gives throughout this novella transported me as well. I actually felt as if I was standing there, in a capsule miles below the surface of the ocean. I enjoyed the banter that occurred between Caroline and Ezra - at times it was quite amusing. There are a couple of twists in this story that I didn't see coming and to me, that is what makes a good read.
It is a shame that this was only a novella as I would have enjoyed reading more about Caroline and Ezra and see how their characters grew.
I look forward to reading more stories from this series.
Written for me personally and for Reading Is Our Satisfaction Blog.
June 25, 2016
I love the fantasy genre and mixed with the romance in this steampunk setting, it is perfectly entertaining. This was a unique reading experience based on the Skeleton Key world shared by several authors. Caroline is tired of living with the aunt who hates her and after another big fight, she packs up and leaves to realize she has no place to stay so she uses the Skeleton Key she finds to gain access to her late father’s boat to sleep for the night. Except she wakes up drowning in icy water in the middle of a storm to find a submarine in front of her piloted by the brusk but handsome Ezra Castle, a pirate with a mechanical arm.
Ezra is cold, annoying and uninterested in Caroline in the least but Caroline needs to find a way home from the underwater port he drops her off at where she has no money and no friends. So she finds a way of making herself useful to him and she finds herself his new medic. As Ezra sees how valuable she is, he gives her the time of day and attraction begins between them slowly and carefully. We start to see that Ezra is not as tough and cold as he seemed. Truly no match for the fiery and tough as nails Caroline who has grown up with an aunt who hated her.
The details of this steampunk world are fascinating. Even if you have never considered reading this genre before or if you love shows like Dr. Who, you will really enjoy this book. It has so much to offer. A hero and heroine who are both backed into a corner and just trying to survive the only way they know how but deep down are extremely loyal to family and their loved ones. It will really pull at you and surprise you at the same time. I highly recommend this book and others in the Skeleton Key series.
Ezra is cold, annoying and uninterested in Caroline in the least but Caroline needs to find a way home from the underwater port he drops her off at where she has no money and no friends. So she finds a way of making herself useful to him and she finds herself his new medic. As Ezra sees how valuable she is, he gives her the time of day and attraction begins between them slowly and carefully. We start to see that Ezra is not as tough and cold as he seemed. Truly no match for the fiery and tough as nails Caroline who has grown up with an aunt who hated her.
The details of this steampunk world are fascinating. Even if you have never considered reading this genre before or if you love shows like Dr. Who, you will really enjoy this book. It has so much to offer. A hero and heroine who are both backed into a corner and just trying to survive the only way they know how but deep down are extremely loyal to family and their loved ones. It will really pull at you and surprise you at the same time. I highly recommend this book and others in the Skeleton Key series.
July 2, 2016
I received an eARC of this book via the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Mechanical Hearts by Nicole Blanchard is a quick read set in a steampunk realm. I think this may be my favorite from the Skeleton Key binge. The world-building is fantastic, the characters are memorable, and for a novella it is impressively written.
Caroline Abernathy is tired of living with her hateful aunt. Heading to medical school, she vows to make enough money to take her little cousin with her. The night she leaves she finds herself on her father’s boat, the only thing she has left of him. She finds a glass skeleton key that opens the cabin door and falls asleep thinking about what her life would be like if her father was still alive. When she wakes up, she’s drowning. Her boat has crashed in a storm. But that isn’t what worries her. No it’s the submarine that surfaces and the little robot that takes her inside to the captain: a pirate with a mechanical arm and eyes.
In this realm, everyone is altered. Everyone has something mechanical. For Ezra, the pirate captain, it’s his arm and eyes. He was born with them! Anyone exposed to the toxins in the water/land has a mutation, which is why Caroline fascinates him. He promises her a way home and for some reason she trusts him.
I really enjoyed this story! The world-building, the characters, everything!!! Steampunk is a genre that isn’t done enough in my opinion and it is done very well in this novella. If you enjoy that genre or you’re looking for a quick adventure, I highly recommend it!
Mechanical Hearts by Nicole Blanchard is a quick read set in a steampunk realm. I think this may be my favorite from the Skeleton Key binge. The world-building is fantastic, the characters are memorable, and for a novella it is impressively written.
Caroline Abernathy is tired of living with her hateful aunt. Heading to medical school, she vows to make enough money to take her little cousin with her. The night she leaves she finds herself on her father’s boat, the only thing she has left of him. She finds a glass skeleton key that opens the cabin door and falls asleep thinking about what her life would be like if her father was still alive. When she wakes up, she’s drowning. Her boat has crashed in a storm. But that isn’t what worries her. No it’s the submarine that surfaces and the little robot that takes her inside to the captain: a pirate with a mechanical arm and eyes.
In this realm, everyone is altered. Everyone has something mechanical. For Ezra, the pirate captain, it’s his arm and eyes. He was born with them! Anyone exposed to the toxins in the water/land has a mutation, which is why Caroline fascinates him. He promises her a way home and for some reason she trusts him.
I really enjoyed this story! The world-building, the characters, everything!!! Steampunk is a genre that isn’t done enough in my opinion and it is done very well in this novella. If you enjoy that genre or you’re looking for a quick adventure, I highly recommend it!
June 19, 2016
So first of all, a thank you is in order to the author for providing me with and ARC of "Mechanical Hearts" in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the concept of the novella, and I was actually kind of disappointed that it was no longer. The world that we are introduced to is intriguing and vast, and especially the notion of ocean-dwellers is awesome. There is something about the blue depths of the ocean that calls to people, something mysterious and wonderful, at once peaceful and chaotic, clear yet distorted. Furthermore, what little backstory we hear about these underwater cities and the reasons for why people have synthetic/mechanic/prosthetic limbs/organs only serve to heighten the immediate depth of the world.
The characters were alright. though they could have been more fleshed out, while the relationships were kind of bland, but mostly due to the characters not having "enough" time to express themselves. However, I did like them.
I liked the twist with the mechanical heart (though I'll not say why, because I'll probably give something away...).
The ending was really cool, especially because you could feel the growing distance from reality as the main character slowly faded, and the opposite as she finally found her way "HOME":
All things considered, it was a nice read, though I would have loved it even more, if it had been a little longer. By being longer, more space could have been used on depicting the world, the characters and the relationships!
I really liked the concept of the novella, and I was actually kind of disappointed that it was no longer. The world that we are introduced to is intriguing and vast, and especially the notion of ocean-dwellers is awesome. There is something about the blue depths of the ocean that calls to people, something mysterious and wonderful, at once peaceful and chaotic, clear yet distorted. Furthermore, what little backstory we hear about these underwater cities and the reasons for why people have synthetic/mechanic/prosthetic limbs/organs only serve to heighten the immediate depth of the world.
The characters were alright. though they could have been more fleshed out, while the relationships were kind of bland, but mostly due to the characters not having "enough" time to express themselves. However, I did like them.
I liked the twist with the mechanical heart (though I'll not say why, because I'll probably give something away...).
The ending was really cool, especially because you could feel the growing distance from reality as the main character slowly faded, and the opposite as she finally found her way "HOME":
All things considered, it was a nice read, though I would have loved it even more, if it had been a little longer. By being longer, more space could have been used on depicting the world, the characters and the relationships!
June 22, 2016
Lately I haven’t read much else but contemporary. Paranormal just hasn’t been doing it for me for a while now… until I came across the blurb for Nicole Blanchard’s MECHANICAL HEARTS. While pondering for a few days if I should take the plunge, the synopsis just did not want to let me go, so I signed up for the ARC. And I am so unbelievably grad I did!
This story – this unique WORLD – captivated me from the very beginning, it sucked me in and swallowed me whole. The world was so vivid and colorful, that I felt like I was a part of it. It is brilliantly written and I did not know where this story would lead to for a very long time. …and that plot twist… I definitely did not see it coming!
There is so much more I would love to say about this book, but although the cover hints at some of those aspects already, it is almost impossible to do so without giving away too much of the story. The world painted here is so different and unique, that I truly am absolutely sad that I did not get to read more about it. I think this world has so much more to offer, there is so much more to explore, about how this underwater world came to pass, more about the fascinating limbs / organs its residents have, about those mechanic creatures (my heart broke for Tink) that are living amongst them…
Yes, I would positively love, love, love, LOVE to read more about this fascinating world in the future!!
This story – this unique WORLD – captivated me from the very beginning, it sucked me in and swallowed me whole. The world was so vivid and colorful, that I felt like I was a part of it. It is brilliantly written and I did not know where this story would lead to for a very long time. …and that plot twist… I definitely did not see it coming!
There is so much more I would love to say about this book, but although the cover hints at some of those aspects already, it is almost impossible to do so without giving away too much of the story. The world painted here is so different and unique, that I truly am absolutely sad that I did not get to read more about it. I think this world has so much more to offer, there is so much more to explore, about how this underwater world came to pass, more about the fascinating limbs / organs its residents have, about those mechanic creatures (my heart broke for Tink) that are living amongst them…
Yes, I would positively love, love, love, LOVE to read more about this fascinating world in the future!!
June 18, 2016
This was the first of the skeleton key books I have read and if they are all this good I can't wait to read more.Mechanical hearts is the story of Caroline who wakes up in an underwater world and needs the help of handsome pirate Ezra Castle.
Nicole's world building was great and it's been a long time since a story has taken me by surprise,but this one one did. I found this was a refreshing take on the paranormal/sci-fi genre and i loved all the elements.Even though this was novella length it didn't feel rushed like some shorter books can.I got so immersed in this i didn't want it to end.I will definitely read more from this series and Nicole Blanchard is firmly on my read more by list.
A captivating and entertaining tale.4.5 Stars
Received the arc from the author for an honest review.
June 17, 2016
I would give this 4.5 stars although I think this story could have easily been bumped up to five. This is a mix of science fiction and romance. I find Nicole's imagination refreshing and definitely an interesting take. This story also has a nice twist in the end that took a while for me to guess at and yet I was still surprised at other twists she included. She did a very good job at world building... And it's a world destroyed and irrevocably changed by human's destructive tendencies. But, this is not an apoctylipic story but one more of hope, love, and sacrifice. I found the story also touching. Nicole was subtle and progressive in the change of relationship between Ezra and Caroline. I did not find the progression of the relationship abrupt. So my deduction in 1/2 a star comes in because I found that the development of the world and a clearer picture is needed. This would have made a better novel than novella because the world Nicole created is so interesting that I would have liked a bit more in depth understanding and insight. I would have also liked to learn more about Tink. Also, when Caroline is in the subship/submarine, I had a hard time picturing her environment. Otherwise, totally recommend. I could not put the book down!
I received this ARC for my honest review.
I received this ARC for my honest review.
June 17, 2016
The vivid imaginations of certain people never cease to amaze me, and that of Nicole Blanchard is certainly one of those. Her ability to spin a tale so vividly that you can't do anything but truly imagine being there yourself, is a gift that few people possess. In my opinion, Mechanical Hearts is a tale of believing, that if you don't give up, happiness will follow, and sometimes, in ways you never anticipate, or places you expect. Carried away by the storm, Caroline finds herself wondering whether or not she has drowned. Picked up by what appears to be a submarine of sorts, captained by who she suspects is a pirate, she has no doubt that her life is about to change. The only question is...will it be better? Or will she wish she truly did drown? Never in his wildest dreams did Captain Ezra ever expect to not only find, but rescue anyone who survived the ocean, let alone the beautiful creature in front of him. But this rescue has put him behind schedule, and he's not happy about that. What he will do with her, he's not sure, but first things first, get back to Port Arliss. After all, he has a very special person there waiting for him.
So much excitement packed into such a wonderful book, you won't want to miss it. A perfect way to let your imagination sail away...at least for a little while.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
So much excitement packed into such a wonderful book, you won't want to miss it. A perfect way to let your imagination sail away...at least for a little while.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2016
I received a copy of this book in response for an honest review
The blurb of this book drew me in and I was excited to read it but sadly this book did not live up to my expectations. However, not because it is a bad book, but because the length of the novella did not allow for enough words for the story and the characters to develop at the right pace. I felt at times like I was missing something, like maybe I had missed a page or chapter but it was all down to the length of the book and the fact that Nicole only had so much space to in which to develop her story. I didn't feel like the main characters had a chance to develop in any way, nor did I find their romantic connection believable, and the secondary characters had little worth considering how much you get to read about them and their interactions with the main characters.
Overall this novella feels rushed due to the amount of story that Nicole has tried to develop in a novella length book. This book would be fantastic if it was at least double the length (minimum) and the characters and story arc were explored in more depth. The idea behind the story and some of the elements are absolutely amazing and, I believe, are worth exploring in a longer length book.
The blurb of this book drew me in and I was excited to read it but sadly this book did not live up to my expectations. However, not because it is a bad book, but because the length of the novella did not allow for enough words for the story and the characters to develop at the right pace. I felt at times like I was missing something, like maybe I had missed a page or chapter but it was all down to the length of the book and the fact that Nicole only had so much space to in which to develop her story. I didn't feel like the main characters had a chance to develop in any way, nor did I find their romantic connection believable, and the secondary characters had little worth considering how much you get to read about them and their interactions with the main characters.
Overall this novella feels rushed due to the amount of story that Nicole has tried to develop in a novella length book. This book would be fantastic if it was at least double the length (minimum) and the characters and story arc were explored in more depth. The idea behind the story and some of the elements are absolutely amazing and, I believe, are worth exploring in a longer length book.
June 20, 2016
Mechanical Hearts is another short story within the Skeleton Key series. In it, we find Caroline leaving her aunt’s house after a fight. Caroline decides to stay in her father’s old boat, entering it using a skeleton key she found on board. When she wakes up, she finds herself being tossed about the ocean, and eventually rescued by a mysterious man with a mechanical arm. Ezra is the captain of a submarine and is out looking for important artifacts when he rescues Caroline. He agrees to let Caroline assist as a medical officer aboard his ship in order for her to try to find the way back to her world. What they don’t expect is to be attacked and stranded underwater, or to be drawn to each other.
I liked this story a lot. It had some good steampunk aspects to it, which I honestly don’t read a lot of, but do enjoy the details of it. Like most of the books in the Skeleton Key series, it was short, and in this case too short for my liking. I know there’s a word cap, but I feel like if this story was expanded on, details could be better fleshed out. I did receive an ARC, so I’m hoping when I read things that were confusing or contradictory it was the result of having a review copy as opposed to the published story. But otherwise, this was a very cute, short, enjoyable read.
I liked this story a lot. It had some good steampunk aspects to it, which I honestly don’t read a lot of, but do enjoy the details of it. Like most of the books in the Skeleton Key series, it was short, and in this case too short for my liking. I know there’s a word cap, but I feel like if this story was expanded on, details could be better fleshed out. I did receive an ARC, so I’m hoping when I read things that were confusing or contradictory it was the result of having a review copy as opposed to the published story. But otherwise, this was a very cute, short, enjoyable read.
June 18, 2016
I love the concept of the Skeleton Key books. Each of the 30 books are written by a different author, and each is separate and a standalone, but the one thing they all have in common is a skeleton key that opens the door to a new world. These books are romantic and adventurous fantasy stories.
This adventurous fantasy is about Caroline, who is getting ready to enter Med School and wants to find a place to raise her young sister after her aunt becomes too demanding. After a fight with her aunt, she escapes to spend a night on a boat her father left, but wakes in the middle of the night as it sinks while out to sea. She is rescued by an odd submarine and is taken by its captain, Ezra, to the underwater port of Arliss. A rich tycoon approaches Ezra and commissions him to find a mechanical heart to power their underwater world, and Caroline learns that she can also use this heart to return her to her land so she goes with Ezra.
I liked this short story. Even though it was short, I feel like it was a complete story. Sometimes these stories can feel rushed, or like something is left out, but not in this case. I liked the characters, and the story flowed well.
I'm excited to read some of the author's other works.
This adventurous fantasy is about Caroline, who is getting ready to enter Med School and wants to find a place to raise her young sister after her aunt becomes too demanding. After a fight with her aunt, she escapes to spend a night on a boat her father left, but wakes in the middle of the night as it sinks while out to sea. She is rescued by an odd submarine and is taken by its captain, Ezra, to the underwater port of Arliss. A rich tycoon approaches Ezra and commissions him to find a mechanical heart to power their underwater world, and Caroline learns that she can also use this heart to return her to her land so she goes with Ezra.
I liked this short story. Even though it was short, I feel like it was a complete story. Sometimes these stories can feel rushed, or like something is left out, but not in this case. I liked the characters, and the story flowed well.
I'm excited to read some of the author's other works.
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