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Electric Empire #3
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie
Dr. Eliza Jekyll must turn to her dark side, Miss Lizzie Hyde, to stop a madman targeting London’s most important scientists and sorcerers terrorizing the city with dark magic in this third Electric Empire novel—a dazzlingly original steampunk fantasy set in the gritty world of alternate Victorian London, with echoes of H G. Wells classic, The Time Machine
Being two people in one body isn’t easy. Metropolitan Police crime scene physician Eliza Jekyll is trying to maintain a semblance of control, even as her rebellious second self, Lizzie, grows increasingly wild—threatening the respectable Eliza’s reputation and her marriage to Remy Lafayette, the Royal Society investigator and occasional lycanthrope. With England on the brink of war, Remy’s away in sorcery-riddled Paris on a secretive mission that grows ever more sinister. Has he been an enemy agent all along? Or is coping with Eliza’s secret divided self finally driving her mad?
Eliza needs her mind clear and sharp if she’s to catch an evil genius who is killing eminent scientists. The chase uncovers a murky world of forbidden books, secret laboratories, and a cabal of fanatical inventors whose work could change the world—or destroy it—and who may hold answers to Eliza's past.
As sorcery-wielding terrorists attack London, Eliza discovers her own enemies are closing in, driving her to desperate measures—enlisting the aid of the wily, resourceful, mercurial Lizzie—to thwart the killer. But Lizzie’s got her own life now, and true to her nature, will resort to the devious and diabolical to keep it. Even if it means throwing Eliza to the wolves, and letting the world burn. . . .
Except for wily, resourceful, mercurial Lizzie. But Lizzie’s got her own life now. And she’ll do anything to keep it. Even if it means attempting the unspeakable and finding her own body. Even if it means throwing Eliza to the wolves, and letting the world burn. . . .
Being two people in one body isn’t easy. Metropolitan Police crime scene physician Eliza Jekyll is trying to maintain a semblance of control, even as her rebellious second self, Lizzie, grows increasingly wild—threatening the respectable Eliza’s reputation and her marriage to Remy Lafayette, the Royal Society investigator and occasional lycanthrope. With England on the brink of war, Remy’s away in sorcery-riddled Paris on a secretive mission that grows ever more sinister. Has he been an enemy agent all along? Or is coping with Eliza’s secret divided self finally driving her mad?
Eliza needs her mind clear and sharp if she’s to catch an evil genius who is killing eminent scientists. The chase uncovers a murky world of forbidden books, secret laboratories, and a cabal of fanatical inventors whose work could change the world—or destroy it—and who may hold answers to Eliza's past.
As sorcery-wielding terrorists attack London, Eliza discovers her own enemies are closing in, driving her to desperate measures—enlisting the aid of the wily, resourceful, mercurial Lizzie—to thwart the killer. But Lizzie’s got her own life now, and true to her nature, will resort to the devious and diabolical to keep it. Even if it means throwing Eliza to the wolves, and letting the world burn. . . .
Except for wily, resourceful, mercurial Lizzie. But Lizzie’s got her own life now. And she’ll do anything to keep it. Even if it means attempting the unspeakable and finding her own body. Even if it means throwing Eliza to the wolves, and letting the world burn. . . .
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2017
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575 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 9, 2017
THE DASTARDLY MISS LIZZIE is book three in the Electric Empire series. For those of you that are unfamiliar with this series the books are about Dr. Eliza Jekyll/Miss Lizzie Hyde. Yes, they are the same person, but if you are familiar with the classic book DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE by Robert Louis Stevenson the names of the main characters will ring a bell. Eliza is the daughter of Dr. Jekyll. And, like her father Eliza has a wild alter ego, Lizzie. Through the books Eliza tried to control Lizzie, but it's hard to control someone that is part of you. And, sometimes, she needs the wild Lizzie to take control.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
May 5, 2017
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Science Fiction, Steampunk
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie is the third installment in author Viola Carr's Electric Empire series. The author does her own take on the classic tale of the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Electric Empire is set to the background of an alternative Victorian London where steam rules, and monsters of both human and supernatural variety skulk in the darkness. Here is where things get really interesting. Carr tells her story by alternating first person narrative with third person. Dr. Eliza Jekyll is in the third person, while her "sister" Miss Lizzie Hyde, is in the first person.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Science Fiction, Steampunk
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie is the third installment in author Viola Carr's Electric Empire series. The author does her own take on the classic tale of the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Electric Empire is set to the background of an alternative Victorian London where steam rules, and monsters of both human and supernatural variety skulk in the darkness. Here is where things get really interesting. Carr tells her story by alternating first person narrative with third person. Dr. Eliza Jekyll is in the third person, while her "sister" Miss Lizzie Hyde, is in the first person.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
April 10, 2017
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I really liked the first two volumes and I confess that I was eager to see Eliza and Lizzie again to discover more of their adventures. I can tell you that once again Viola Carr charmed me!
We find our dear Eliza on a new case. Indeed, it would appear that scientists are targeted and that no one really wants to reveal what they were working on. Yet the murders continue and Eliza is going to have to do everything to understand what is going on exactly. Yet nothing will be simple, especially when some of these researchers are part of her past and remind her of the things she seems to have forgotten. On top of that, Lizzie is increasingly strong and determined to be the only one to stay. A fierce inner fight there begins between the two young women … But it’s not over because Hyde seems to have lost his mind… So while he is himself accused of murder, the two young women will have to try to understand what is going on. And then we have Remy who also seems more and more attracted by his dark side as their wedding approaches and that he leaves in France for a secret mission.
As you can see, there’s a lot going on in this novel and I can tell you that it’s impossible to get bored. We also see the return of a character whom I didn’t expect and I confess that it was a real pleasure for me. Thanks to this survey we learned a little more about Eliza and Lizzie and it was fascinating to be able to discover some pieces of her past.
Yes, I had a great time with this new novel that I read in one go! I am really curious to see if we will have more because it is always a pleasure to find all the characters!
My English review
I really liked the first two volumes and I confess that I was eager to see Eliza and Lizzie again to discover more of their adventures. I can tell you that once again Viola Carr charmed me!
We find our dear Eliza on a new case. Indeed, it would appear that scientists are targeted and that no one really wants to reveal what they were working on. Yet the murders continue and Eliza is going to have to do everything to understand what is going on exactly. Yet nothing will be simple, especially when some of these researchers are part of her past and remind her of the things she seems to have forgotten. On top of that, Lizzie is increasingly strong and determined to be the only one to stay. A fierce inner fight there begins between the two young women … But it’s not over because Hyde seems to have lost his mind… So while he is himself accused of murder, the two young women will have to try to understand what is going on. And then we have Remy who also seems more and more attracted by his dark side as their wedding approaches and that he leaves in France for a secret mission.
As you can see, there’s a lot going on in this novel and I can tell you that it’s impossible to get bored. We also see the return of a character whom I didn’t expect and I confess that it was a real pleasure for me. Thanks to this survey we learned a little more about Eliza and Lizzie and it was fascinating to be able to discover some pieces of her past.
Yes, I had a great time with this new novel that I read in one go! I am really curious to see if we will have more because it is always a pleasure to find all the characters!
May 10, 2017
Once again there is a murderer terrorising and sensationalising London all at once and Dr Eliza Jekyll is on the case. But, there may be more going on than their first appears. As the mystery slowly unravels, it seems that so is Eliza’s mind. Lizzie Hyde, her alter ego is becoming more powerful, able to effect the outside world and Eliza’s sanity even when she is not in control.I love this rendition of the Jekyll and Hyde, Viola Carr has put her very own steampunk twist on the old story and brought it fresh life. The Dastardly Miss Lizzie really starts to bring things to a head as Lizzie and Eliza’s mutual dislike and jealousy bring disastrous consequences as the ever present tension between them explodes.
I had mixed feelings about this book, some of the reasons I enjoy this book, also became some of the points that made it a slow and not always enjoyable process to read. The main aspect of this is Carr’s writing style. It’s almost 18th century in style, matching the time period in which she has set it in. It’s high descriptive, with every word and sentence stylised. Which makes it very vivid, but at the same time I feel like I am fighting through each paragraph and each chapter and ultimately the whole book to try and get to the exciting parts. It took me a long time to read this book and it wasn’t because I wasn’t interested in the story and the characters, but just because the prospect of reading a book with so many adjectives being thrown at me was exhausting.
One of the things I did like though, was the way in which you can clearly discern whether it was Lizzie or Eliza who held the reins of the narrative, just by the way it was written. The contrast between Eliza’s logical mind and Lizzie’s more earthy personality are immediately apparent. I also liked the story, I am a massive fan of the whodunit and this one was a doozy! Although it seemed to take forever to get to the point, and it fell into that trap of revealing everything right in the last few chapters rather than a slow build, it was worth it when you get the whole picture.
If you are a fan of steampunk and urban fantasy then you need to give this a try, it’s full of adventure, romance and some highly imaginative gadgets and gizmos. If you are looking for something quick and easy with lots of romance though, you might want to give this one a miss.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
March 31, 2017
This is the third book in the Electric Empire series. I was unable to find how many books are planned for this series, but this would be a decent book to end the series on. This was a good read, I didn’t like it as much as the first book but it was on par with the second book.
The beginning of this book was horribly slow and I really struggled with it; I almost stopped reading it a couple times. Luckily the last third or so of the book was very fast-paced and interesting, leaving me to wonder why the first part was so slow.
I think part of my issue with this book is Eliza; I enjoy her less and less as a character with each book. She just comes off as very hypocritical with the way she represses and admonishes Lizzie. I liked Lizzie a lot in this book, but unfortunately most of the book is from Eliza’s perspective.
There were a few scenes in this book where Eliza and Remy are talking politics together and these scenes were mind-numbingly boring. There is a lot of throwing around of names and discussion of things that don’t really pertain to the story.
Things are wrapped up fairly completely at the end of this book. This seems like it would be a good book to end the series on. However, I am not sure if it actually is the last book or not. I personally don’t plan on reading any more books in this series (whether or not this is the last book). The pacing in this book was too inconsistent and there were parts that were very boring.
Overall an okay read. I loved the ending but really struggled with the beginning. This wraps things up nicely. I would tentatively recommend this series if you are a fan of the whole gaslight steampunk genre. The first book was amazing and the following two books are decent enough to be entertaining.
The beginning of this book was horribly slow and I really struggled with it; I almost stopped reading it a couple times. Luckily the last third or so of the book was very fast-paced and interesting, leaving me to wonder why the first part was so slow.
I think part of my issue with this book is Eliza; I enjoy her less and less as a character with each book. She just comes off as very hypocritical with the way she represses and admonishes Lizzie. I liked Lizzie a lot in this book, but unfortunately most of the book is from Eliza’s perspective.
There were a few scenes in this book where Eliza and Remy are talking politics together and these scenes were mind-numbingly boring. There is a lot of throwing around of names and discussion of things that don’t really pertain to the story.
Things are wrapped up fairly completely at the end of this book. This seems like it would be a good book to end the series on. However, I am not sure if it actually is the last book or not. I personally don’t plan on reading any more books in this series (whether or not this is the last book). The pacing in this book was too inconsistent and there were parts that were very boring.
Overall an okay read. I loved the ending but really struggled with the beginning. This wraps things up nicely. I would tentatively recommend this series if you are a fan of the whole gaslight steampunk genre. The first book was amazing and the following two books are decent enough to be entertaining.
May 11, 2017
Once again there is a murderer terrorising and sensationalising London all at once and Dr Eliza Jekyll is on the case. But, there may be more going on than their first appears. As the mystery slowly unravels, it seems that so is Eliza’s mind. Lizzie Hyde, her alter ego is becoming more powerful, able to effect the outside world and Eliza’s sanity even when she is not in control.
I love this rendition of the Jekyll and Hyde, Viola Carr has put her very own steampunk twist on the old story and brought it fresh life. The Dastardly Miss Lizzie really starts to bring things to a head as Lizzie and Eliza’s mutual dislike and jealousy bring disastrous consequences as the ever present tension between them explodes.
I had mixed feelings about this book, some of the reasons I enjoy this book, also became some of the points that made it a slow and not always enjoyable process to read. The main aspect of this is Carr’s writing style. It’s almost 18th century in style, matching the time period in which she has set it in. It’s high descriptive, with every word and sentence stylised. Which makes it very vivid, but at the same time I feel like I am fighting through each paragraph and each chapter and ultimately the whole book to try and get to the exciting parts. It took me a long time to read this book and it wasn’t because I wasn’t interested in the story and the characters, but just because the prospect of reading a book with so many adjectives being thrown at me was exhausting.
One of the things I did like though, was the way in which you can clearly discern whether it was Lizzie or Eliza who held the reins of the narrative, just by the way it was written. The contrast between Eliza’s logical mind and Lizzie’s more earthy personality are immediately apparent. I also liked the story, I am a massive fan of the whodunit and this one was a doozy! Although it seemed to take forever to get to the point, and it fell into that trap of revealing everything right in the last few chapters rather than a slow build, it was worth it when you get the whole picture.
If you are a fan of steampunk and urban fantasy then you need to give this a try, it’s full of adventure, romance and some highly imaginative gadgets and gizmos. If you are looking for something quick and easy with lots of romance though, you might want to give this one a miss.
October 16, 2019
Dr. Eliza Jekyll continues to fight the other side of herself, Lizzie Hyde, while trying to stop the serial killer who is terrorizing scientists. She must also find who The Ripper is before more women turn up dead. The problem? Life has gotten a lot worse than Eliza and Lizzie fighting over who has control of their body at any given time. With Eliza’s reputation on the line as a crime scene physician, her fight with Lizzie goes from bad to worse as sorcerers aim to make their timeline the worst of the worst.
I’ve enjoyed this series since book one, so I was very excited to finally pick up the third installment. I think that this has been an interesting series that has a good balance between paranormal and science fiction from the start. I’ve always enjoyed following Eliza and Lizzie, the daughters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and watching how they struggle with sharing the same body. On the same token, it’s been fun how supernatural elements such as werewolves and sorcerers, were weaved into the story.
This time around, a new science fiction element gets thrown into the ring: time travel. I have mixed feelings about this because it was done well, but it does get confusing as the story inches closer to the end. I like how time traveling is explained and that the rules of time travel are very clear. However, too much was going on at some point and it was very confusing by the time I reached the climax. There are a few things that I’m still confused on, but overall, I’m happy with how the story ends.
I believe that this is the final book in the series and I’m happy with how it has ended. However, I wish the time travel plot was introduced much earlier in the book so that it had time to truly flourish.
I’ve enjoyed this series since book one, so I was very excited to finally pick up the third installment. I think that this has been an interesting series that has a good balance between paranormal and science fiction from the start. I’ve always enjoyed following Eliza and Lizzie, the daughters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and watching how they struggle with sharing the same body. On the same token, it’s been fun how supernatural elements such as werewolves and sorcerers, were weaved into the story.
This time around, a new science fiction element gets thrown into the ring: time travel. I have mixed feelings about this because it was done well, but it does get confusing as the story inches closer to the end. I like how time traveling is explained and that the rules of time travel are very clear. However, too much was going on at some point and it was very confusing by the time I reached the climax. There are a few things that I’m still confused on, but overall, I’m happy with how the story ends.
I believe that this is the final book in the series and I’m happy with how it has ended. However, I wish the time travel plot was introduced much earlier in the book so that it had time to truly flourish.
February 21, 2018
3.5 stars. This took a while to get going, but once it did, it was non-stop action. So the second half was awesome, the first half was a little slow and confusing.
It seemed like a pretty solid ending to the storylines. Definitely read these in order.
It seemed like a pretty solid ending to the storylines. Definitely read these in order.
January 27, 2018
Not sure if it is the same, since I have the uncorrected proof. But I really loved how it turned out. Honestly, Viola Carr did an excellent job on leaving her audience aghast, making them at the edge of their seats. I know I did, because I was binge reading.
As I have noticed, Lizzie was growing more rambunctious and vile than the last two series. As for Eliza, she kept fighting to have her own life. Thus, they keep getting at each other's throats. But hey, at least they have come to a conclusion and you will see, if you haven't read the story.
As I have noticed, Lizzie was growing more rambunctious and vile than the last two series. As for Eliza, she kept fighting to have her own life. Thus, they keep getting at each other's throats. But hey, at least they have come to a conclusion and you will see, if you haven't read the story.
April 17, 2017
3.5
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie opens with Eliza and Lizzie still at odds in the same body, although now Lizzie appears more as an apparition in Eliza’s everyday life, which is the last distraction Eliza needs. Eliza and her job are still under pressure to solve the mystery of murderer-at-large The Slasher. Then, there’s a new case where the deceased are all prominent scientists whose latest experiment could have significant impact on the world.
Added to all this is the fact that Eliza’s sometime lycanthrope fiancé Remy Lafayette has been conducting undercover business within the sorcerer community in Paris. As war looms on the horizon, Remy’s loyalties are called into question.
Then there’s Eliza’s other-half Lizzie. Lizzie is growing frustrated coming in second-fiddle to the Doctor. With the frustration comes an ever more reckless abandon, regardless that her actions will directly affect Eliza. Lizzie could care less, she’s ready to take charge no matter the consequences.
Eliza and Lizzie have one of the more dynamic relationships that I’ve ever read. Yes, this has a lot to do with them actually sharing the same body, but Viola Carr has always played this relationship very well, giving each their own distinctive traits. In Dastardly, I felt like everything was shot into overdrive as far as the escalating tension between Eliza and Lizzie. You can tell from the beginning that something’s going to come to a head, you just don’t know exactly how that is going to happen.
The entire book was a big surprise for me, actually. This may be due to the fact that it’s been about a year and a half since the second book was released, but I felt like I came into a story where there was still so much left open, in addition to the new case that Eliza picks up as well. It felt overly jam-packed, so I wasn’t able to get as invested in the story as I otherwise might have been.
This is especially true in regards to the relationship between Eliza and Remy. Remy was out of the picture for the majority of the book. Many of the revelations involving him occur while he’s away and Eliza has much time to contemplate their relationship. I like them together a lot because they both have to deal with dual identities. Remy changing at the full moon, and Eliza of course with Lizzie. It was a common ground where they could both understand one another, yet here some big things happen for Remy, yet we don’t see because they happen off page. I understand that he is not a main focus character, but his ties to Eliza warrant more explanation.
Like the other two books, Viola Carr again tackles another classic sci-fi story. I won’t tell you which one here because I think it would turn out to be rather spoilery. Suffice it to say, it’s always an interesting concept, but I felt like it kind of get pushed aside for everything else that happens in this book.
Amongst everything going on, though, there is a lot of character growth, especially where Eliza is concerned. I don’t know what the plans are in regards to this series, but the way Dastardly ends could be a good way to cap things off if it is, indeed, the ending. This series has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, and I would love if we got more stories.
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie opens with Eliza and Lizzie still at odds in the same body, although now Lizzie appears more as an apparition in Eliza’s everyday life, which is the last distraction Eliza needs. Eliza and her job are still under pressure to solve the mystery of murderer-at-large The Slasher. Then, there’s a new case where the deceased are all prominent scientists whose latest experiment could have significant impact on the world.
Added to all this is the fact that Eliza’s sometime lycanthrope fiancé Remy Lafayette has been conducting undercover business within the sorcerer community in Paris. As war looms on the horizon, Remy’s loyalties are called into question.
Then there’s Eliza’s other-half Lizzie. Lizzie is growing frustrated coming in second-fiddle to the Doctor. With the frustration comes an ever more reckless abandon, regardless that her actions will directly affect Eliza. Lizzie could care less, she’s ready to take charge no matter the consequences.
Eliza and Lizzie have one of the more dynamic relationships that I’ve ever read. Yes, this has a lot to do with them actually sharing the same body, but Viola Carr has always played this relationship very well, giving each their own distinctive traits. In Dastardly, I felt like everything was shot into overdrive as far as the escalating tension between Eliza and Lizzie. You can tell from the beginning that something’s going to come to a head, you just don’t know exactly how that is going to happen.
The entire book was a big surprise for me, actually. This may be due to the fact that it’s been about a year and a half since the second book was released, but I felt like I came into a story where there was still so much left open, in addition to the new case that Eliza picks up as well. It felt overly jam-packed, so I wasn’t able to get as invested in the story as I otherwise might have been.
This is especially true in regards to the relationship between Eliza and Remy. Remy was out of the picture for the majority of the book. Many of the revelations involving him occur while he’s away and Eliza has much time to contemplate their relationship. I like them together a lot because they both have to deal with dual identities. Remy changing at the full moon, and Eliza of course with Lizzie. It was a common ground where they could both understand one another, yet here some big things happen for Remy, yet we don’t see because they happen off page. I understand that he is not a main focus character, but his ties to Eliza warrant more explanation.
Like the other two books, Viola Carr again tackles another classic sci-fi story. I won’t tell you which one here because I think it would turn out to be rather spoilery. Suffice it to say, it’s always an interesting concept, but I felt like it kind of get pushed aside for everything else that happens in this book.
Amongst everything going on, though, there is a lot of character growth, especially where Eliza is concerned. I don’t know what the plans are in regards to this series, but the way Dastardly ends could be a good way to cap things off if it is, indeed, the ending. This series has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, and I would love if we got more stories.
June 2, 2017
Electric Empire series is inspired by the classic novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and feature's Dr. Eliza Jekyll aka. Miss Lizzie Hyde (their daughter). Previous two books in the series very refreshing spin of the steampunk genre featuring dark gritty Victorian London that you don't encounter often in novels.
The setting didn't change for this book, but I was constantly bored because after two books it seems nothing changed and it all starts to feel the same.
- Murder mystery felt the same. They are again chasing some serial killer and I had to find and check in The Devious Dr. Jekyll to see if it's the same or different one.
- Eliza was annoying. While I was completely team Eliza in the first book, now I felt sorry for poor Lizzie most of the time.
- Plot was scattered. A lot of pages dragged on and they felt like pure filler with already seen doubts and inner monologues.
- The plot holes.
After two very good books, The Dastardly Miss Lizzie was pale and confusing ending to a great series. What a shame. :(
The setting didn't change for this book, but I was constantly bored because after two books it seems nothing changed and it all starts to feel the same.
- Murder mystery felt the same. They are again chasing some serial killer and I had to find and check in The Devious Dr. Jekyll to see if it's the same or different one.
- Eliza was annoying. While I was completely team Eliza in the first book, now I felt sorry for poor Lizzie most of the time.
- Plot was scattered. A lot of pages dragged on and they felt like pure filler with already seen doubts and inner monologues.
- The plot holes.
After two very good books, The Dastardly Miss Lizzie was pale and confusing ending to a great series. What a shame. :(
April 18, 2017
Iiiiinnnnn-teresting. I missed the second book but enough transferred from the first installment that I jumped in without issue, and if I missed anything important from the middle installment it didn't affect my enjoyment. Now, if you can understand that statement you'll get a kick out of The Dastardly Miss Lizzie. ;)
Ok, so it did start out slow. No bs, the first half to two-thirds were juuusst enough to keep me going. But, I knew from Diabolical Miss Hyde that Carr would crank it up, and did she ever! I burned through the last 150 pages in an afternoon, if that gives you any sense. I can't say any more because it'd give away all the fun!
So yeah, I dinged it a star for the slow start, but those other 4 stars are well earned on that closing run. Thanks to Harper Voyager for the arc (in return for an honest review), keep up the good work!
Ok, so it did start out slow. No bs, the first half to two-thirds were juuusst enough to keep me going. But, I knew from Diabolical Miss Hyde that Carr would crank it up, and did she ever! I burned through the last 150 pages in an afternoon, if that gives you any sense. I can't say any more because it'd give away all the fun!
So yeah, I dinged it a star for the slow start, but those other 4 stars are well earned on that closing run. Thanks to Harper Voyager for the arc (in return for an honest review), keep up the good work!
August 16, 2017
This novel and the series to date are well worth read for its unique perspective on the Jekyll and Hyde story. Also, good steampunk is hard to find.
September 20, 2017
This was such a confusing book for me!
I really wanted to like this book but it was just too confusing! The main voice switches from Eliza to Lizzy as she changes her skin. That I was totally OK with because it made sense to the story overall. What was so difficult was the throwing in of every single Victorian era horror character. There was Sweeny Todd, Jack the Ripper, Jekyll and Hyde, Frankenstein, and The Artful Dodger. I found myself trying to remember their stories and how they would fit into this world. Sometimes it made sense and other times it was just distracting from the story. Then there was the time travel bit. When done well it can work but in this book it was very slapdash and really didn't make sense overall.
The overall feel of the book was very dark and that didn't lift at all. There didn't seem to be any hope or light really. Even the ending was just a relief that the horribleness was finally over. I was just too stubborn to DNF this book and I held out hope for improvement until the end. Sadly this book just ended up being a confusing muddle.
I really wanted to like this book but it was just too confusing! The main voice switches from Eliza to Lizzy as she changes her skin. That I was totally OK with because it made sense to the story overall. What was so difficult was the throwing in of every single Victorian era horror character. There was Sweeny Todd, Jack the Ripper, Jekyll and Hyde, Frankenstein, and The Artful Dodger. I found myself trying to remember their stories and how they would fit into this world. Sometimes it made sense and other times it was just distracting from the story. Then there was the time travel bit. When done well it can work but in this book it was very slapdash and really didn't make sense overall.
The overall feel of the book was very dark and that didn't lift at all. There didn't seem to be any hope or light really. Even the ending was just a relief that the horribleness was finally over. I was just too stubborn to DNF this book and I held out hope for improvement until the end. Sadly this book just ended up being a confusing muddle.
January 24, 2017
Thanks Edelweiss for this ARC.
The best one yet for the series. I could not ask for anything more in a fantasy/steampunk series. It's otherworldly, extraordinary, and perfect in it's completely unique way. Viola Carr is a genius!
The best one yet for the series. I could not ask for anything more in a fantasy/steampunk series. It's otherworldly, extraordinary, and perfect in it's completely unique way. Viola Carr is a genius!
May 11, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie
Electric Empire, Book #3
By Viola Carr
ISBN# 9780062363121
Author Website: Violacarr.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Dr. Eliza Jekyll must turn to her dark side, Miss Lizzie Hyde, to stop a madman targeting London’s most important scientists and sorcerers terrorizing the city with dark magic in this third Electric Empire novel—a dazzlingly original steampunk fantasy set in the gritty world of alternate Victorian London, with echoes of H G. Wells classic, The Time Machine
Being two people in one body isn’t easy. Metropolitan Police crime scene physician Eliza Jekyll is trying to maintain a semblance of control, even as her rebellious second self, Lizzie, grows increasingly wild—threatening the respectable Eliza’s reputation and her marriage to Remy Lafayette, the Royal Society investigator and occasional lycanthrope. With England on the brink of war, Remy’s away in sorcery-riddled Paris on a secretive mission that grows ever more sinister. Has he been an enemy agent all along? Or is coping with Eliza’s secret divided self finally driving her mad?
Eliza needs her mind clear and sharp if she’s to catch an evil genius who is killing eminent scientists. The chase uncovers a murky world of forbidden books, secret laboratories, and a cabal of fanatical inventors whose work could change the world—or destroy it—and who may hold answers to Eliza’s past.
As sorcery-wielding terrorists attack London, Eliza discovers her own enemies are closing in, driving her to desperate measures—enlisting the aid of the wily, resourceful, mercurial Lizzie—to thwart the killer. But Lizzie’s got her own life now, and true to her nature, will resort to the devious and diabolical to keep it. Even if it means throwing Eliza to the wolves, and letting the world burn. . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie is a fitting farewell to the inimitable Dr. Eliza Jekyll and her wayward alter ego Lizzie Hyde.
Viola Carr’s England is a dark, electrified world full of alchemy, sorcery, cyborg enforcers, and fey creatures lurking in the shadows. Queen Victoria has been assassinated, Sir Isaac Newton is imbecile King Edward VII’s regent, and war is seemingly imminent. Eliza still faces the struggles of a woman working in a typically man’s profession and is helping the police find a serial killer dubbed The Slasher. When a group of eminent scientists are one by one meeting ugly fates, Eliza discovers links to her own past and a path of destruction that could end the world as she knows it. If this were not enough, she is also worried about her upcoming marriage to Royal Investigator Remy, afraid that she will lose her identity and independence, all while wondering if Remy has been on the wrong side of the pending war all along. And, Lizzie is becoming harder and harder to control. She “pops out” and inopportune times and has no regard to how her actions will affect Eliza. Lizzie seems intent on squashing Eliza out all together. Finally, Rat King of the London Underworld Eddie Hyde, Eliza/Lizzie’s father, might actually have finally gone completely mad.
There is a lot going on in this third installment in the Electric Empire steampunk fantasy series. At times, too much. It gets off to a slow start, then picks up to an almost feverish pace. I think it is longer than it needs to be. A few details shaved off here and there could have improved the uneven pace. The reappearance of a character thought dead adds a nice touch to the resolution of the story. The identity of The Slasher comes as a complete, and satisfying, surprise. The secret work of the scientists provides a great twist on a classic sci-fi theme (I won’t spoil it here), and its far reaching implications are a bit mind boggling.
Having read all of the books in this trilogy, I have generally liked Eliza. However, here she becomes more and more unpleasant, perhaps weaker and more unfocused. Her flashbacks to a time in her youth that she had forgotten are grizzly and disturbing. Lizzie, always a salty handful, is even more coarse and wild than in the past. Her reckless abandon is almost unfathomable and the perfect allegory for the price of total freedom. The whole tone is darker than the other books so it is very bleak indeed. Remy is absent for most of the book, and I missed him. Though at times coming across as a little too perfect, despite his lycanthrope issue, he and Eliza make a good pair facing their inner monsters together. There were some tense moments when I, like Eliza, questioned his motives and loyalty. Other recurring and new characters bare some of their own secrets, and they are not at all pretty. In contrast, some “evil” characters show that no one is entirely good or evil.
I enjoyed The Dastardly Miss Lizzie and recommend it to fans of the Electric Empire series and the steampunk fantasy genre. Since the build off of each other, I do suggest reading them in order.
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie
Electric Empire, Book #3
By Viola Carr
ISBN# 9780062363121
Author Website: Violacarr.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
Dr. Eliza Jekyll must turn to her dark side, Miss Lizzie Hyde, to stop a madman targeting London’s most important scientists and sorcerers terrorizing the city with dark magic in this third Electric Empire novel—a dazzlingly original steampunk fantasy set in the gritty world of alternate Victorian London, with echoes of H G. Wells classic, The Time Machine
Being two people in one body isn’t easy. Metropolitan Police crime scene physician Eliza Jekyll is trying to maintain a semblance of control, even as her rebellious second self, Lizzie, grows increasingly wild—threatening the respectable Eliza’s reputation and her marriage to Remy Lafayette, the Royal Society investigator and occasional lycanthrope. With England on the brink of war, Remy’s away in sorcery-riddled Paris on a secretive mission that grows ever more sinister. Has he been an enemy agent all along? Or is coping with Eliza’s secret divided self finally driving her mad?
Eliza needs her mind clear and sharp if she’s to catch an evil genius who is killing eminent scientists. The chase uncovers a murky world of forbidden books, secret laboratories, and a cabal of fanatical inventors whose work could change the world—or destroy it—and who may hold answers to Eliza’s past.
As sorcery-wielding terrorists attack London, Eliza discovers her own enemies are closing in, driving her to desperate measures—enlisting the aid of the wily, resourceful, mercurial Lizzie—to thwart the killer. But Lizzie’s got her own life now, and true to her nature, will resort to the devious and diabolical to keep it. Even if it means throwing Eliza to the wolves, and letting the world burn. . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie is a fitting farewell to the inimitable Dr. Eliza Jekyll and her wayward alter ego Lizzie Hyde.
Viola Carr’s England is a dark, electrified world full of alchemy, sorcery, cyborg enforcers, and fey creatures lurking in the shadows. Queen Victoria has been assassinated, Sir Isaac Newton is imbecile King Edward VII’s regent, and war is seemingly imminent. Eliza still faces the struggles of a woman working in a typically man’s profession and is helping the police find a serial killer dubbed The Slasher. When a group of eminent scientists are one by one meeting ugly fates, Eliza discovers links to her own past and a path of destruction that could end the world as she knows it. If this were not enough, she is also worried about her upcoming marriage to Royal Investigator Remy, afraid that she will lose her identity and independence, all while wondering if Remy has been on the wrong side of the pending war all along. And, Lizzie is becoming harder and harder to control. She “pops out” and inopportune times and has no regard to how her actions will affect Eliza. Lizzie seems intent on squashing Eliza out all together. Finally, Rat King of the London Underworld Eddie Hyde, Eliza/Lizzie’s father, might actually have finally gone completely mad.
There is a lot going on in this third installment in the Electric Empire steampunk fantasy series. At times, too much. It gets off to a slow start, then picks up to an almost feverish pace. I think it is longer than it needs to be. A few details shaved off here and there could have improved the uneven pace. The reappearance of a character thought dead adds a nice touch to the resolution of the story. The identity of The Slasher comes as a complete, and satisfying, surprise. The secret work of the scientists provides a great twist on a classic sci-fi theme (I won’t spoil it here), and its far reaching implications are a bit mind boggling.
Having read all of the books in this trilogy, I have generally liked Eliza. However, here she becomes more and more unpleasant, perhaps weaker and more unfocused. Her flashbacks to a time in her youth that she had forgotten are grizzly and disturbing. Lizzie, always a salty handful, is even more coarse and wild than in the past. Her reckless abandon is almost unfathomable and the perfect allegory for the price of total freedom. The whole tone is darker than the other books so it is very bleak indeed. Remy is absent for most of the book, and I missed him. Though at times coming across as a little too perfect, despite his lycanthrope issue, he and Eliza make a good pair facing their inner monsters together. There were some tense moments when I, like Eliza, questioned his motives and loyalty. Other recurring and new characters bare some of their own secrets, and they are not at all pretty. In contrast, some “evil” characters show that no one is entirely good or evil.
I enjoyed The Dastardly Miss Lizzie and recommend it to fans of the Electric Empire series and the steampunk fantasy genre. Since the build off of each other, I do suggest reading them in order.
July 3, 2017
Two people, two personalities, two body shapes. But just one allotted space on earth. That's the background you need to know. Way more than split personality, these characters, Dr. Eliza Jekyll and Miss Lizzie Hyde, have the misfortune of sharing the exact same space. Share is all they can do. They have an arrangement, albeit an imperfect arrangement. But imperfect is part of the fun.
The story takes place in London, half on the cheery middle class side of town, but also half on the darker, seedier side of town. The juxtaposition of these settings can be jolting, though I mean that in a positive way. It draws attention to the polar personalities of Eliza and Lizzie.
Lizzie's favorite neighborhood is dark, gritty and populated with the ultra-poor, rejects, criminals, and not a few oddities that may or may not be human. Both crime and passion are rampant there, so I would expect much of the action to take place there. And it does.
Eliza's middle class neighborhood is calm. And it is mostly safe. But murder is not class-conscious and Eliza is called to investigate a murder that turns into a grizzly and convoluted case. I mean Grizzly with a capital 'G'. Ms. Carr's murderers have quite the imagination! And, as usual, Eliza seems to be working on more than one mystery at a time with her friend and partner, Inspector Harley Griffin. They work the cases, while Eliza's nemesis Chief Inspector Reeve, continually gets in the way. Reeve is such a great character to boo at!
Like books 1 and 2, The Dastardly Miss Lizzie has rather the intricate plot. Multiple murders, suspects galore and complex characters. Lizzie's friend Johnny and Eliza's beau Lafayette are part of the continuing cast of characters and both add to the romance aspect of the story, but also play their own roles in the big climactic finish.
Yes, there is a big finish. This plot far surpasses the solving of a serial murder mystery and becomes extraordinary. We are talking a magnificent, physics-defying, beyond-time, character-defining dénouement. Clues leading up to the finish are found all along the way, though I don't think I could possibly have guessed who the baddie was and what they would do. Let's just say it is a satisfying, steampunkish ending to an amazing series.
The relationship between Eliza and Lizzie is, by far, my favorite part of these stories. It adds both suspense and humor. The manifestation of Lizzie when Eliza is in control is a delightful complication to the relationship between these two. Their constant battle to either hate each other or support each other itches to be resolved. The writing, clearly depicting these two personalities is so cool, with the different voices and dialects. By the way, if you happen to enjoy audiobooks, narrator Beverly A. Crick is a genius with these voices and the first time I heard her read a scene where Eliza shifted to Lizzie, I got chills.
I would like to say that The Dastardly Miss Lizzie can be read as a stand alone, but I believe the experience would be immensely enhanced by reading the books in order. Otherwise, you might be likely to quote Eliza's clockwork assistant Hippocrates: “Does not compute.” You will better understand the relationships and also Eliza's and Lizzie's background.
It is impossible for me to review The Dastardly Miss Lizzie without referring to the entire Electric Empire series. I immersed myself in the series this summer, re-reading book one and following it up with book 2 and book 3. This series is dark and light, gritty and fantastic, creepy and funny, disastrous and hopeful. It has romance, mystery and a quite a bit of steampunkiness throughout. I love this series!
Review copy provided by Edelweis.
Originally posted at Whiskey With My Book.
The story takes place in London, half on the cheery middle class side of town, but also half on the darker, seedier side of town. The juxtaposition of these settings can be jolting, though I mean that in a positive way. It draws attention to the polar personalities of Eliza and Lizzie.
Lizzie's favorite neighborhood is dark, gritty and populated with the ultra-poor, rejects, criminals, and not a few oddities that may or may not be human. Both crime and passion are rampant there, so I would expect much of the action to take place there. And it does.
Eliza's middle class neighborhood is calm. And it is mostly safe. But murder is not class-conscious and Eliza is called to investigate a murder that turns into a grizzly and convoluted case. I mean Grizzly with a capital 'G'. Ms. Carr's murderers have quite the imagination! And, as usual, Eliza seems to be working on more than one mystery at a time with her friend and partner, Inspector Harley Griffin. They work the cases, while Eliza's nemesis Chief Inspector Reeve, continually gets in the way. Reeve is such a great character to boo at!
Like books 1 and 2, The Dastardly Miss Lizzie has rather the intricate plot. Multiple murders, suspects galore and complex characters. Lizzie's friend Johnny and Eliza's beau Lafayette are part of the continuing cast of characters and both add to the romance aspect of the story, but also play their own roles in the big climactic finish.
Yes, there is a big finish. This plot far surpasses the solving of a serial murder mystery and becomes extraordinary. We are talking a magnificent, physics-defying, beyond-time, character-defining dénouement. Clues leading up to the finish are found all along the way, though I don't think I could possibly have guessed who the baddie was and what they would do. Let's just say it is a satisfying, steampunkish ending to an amazing series.
The relationship between Eliza and Lizzie is, by far, my favorite part of these stories. It adds both suspense and humor. The manifestation of Lizzie when Eliza is in control is a delightful complication to the relationship between these two. Their constant battle to either hate each other or support each other itches to be resolved. The writing, clearly depicting these two personalities is so cool, with the different voices and dialects. By the way, if you happen to enjoy audiobooks, narrator Beverly A. Crick is a genius with these voices and the first time I heard her read a scene where Eliza shifted to Lizzie, I got chills.
I would like to say that The Dastardly Miss Lizzie can be read as a stand alone, but I believe the experience would be immensely enhanced by reading the books in order. Otherwise, you might be likely to quote Eliza's clockwork assistant Hippocrates: “Does not compute.” You will better understand the relationships and also Eliza's and Lizzie's background.
It is impossible for me to review The Dastardly Miss Lizzie without referring to the entire Electric Empire series. I immersed myself in the series this summer, re-reading book one and following it up with book 2 and book 3. This series is dark and light, gritty and fantastic, creepy and funny, disastrous and hopeful. It has romance, mystery and a quite a bit of steampunkiness throughout. I love this series!
Review copy provided by Edelweis.
Originally posted at Whiskey With My Book.
August 7, 2017
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Eliza and Lizzie are back and not only must they solve a murder, they must save their country and the future as well.
Opening Sentence: “Go away, Lizzie, I’m working.”
Excerpt: No
The Review:
Eliza is back and investigating the murder of Miss de Percy, an aether physicist working on a project with a couple other people. Remy is away in France doing something for the Regent. Lizzie as always is wanting to get rid of Eliza permanently much the way Eddie did with Henry. Before too much can go wrong Eliza is summoned to meet the King and while there she meets Princess Victoria. She also begins to suspect the young King is something like her.
Then another scientist working with Miss de Percy is murdered, a Professor Crane, and Eliza knows that it must have something to do with the project they were working on. She also discovers a note addressed to Eddie asking for a loan to help pay a blackmailer. Lizzie seeks out Eddie only to find that he is truly losing it and no one knows where he is until Eliza discovers him with a murdered prostitute and he is arrested for her murder.
Eliza and Lizzie know that he didn’t do it, despite the fact that Eliza knows he is a murderer. Remy has returned and disappeared from their house, someone has attacked Eliza more than once, and the last member of the group shows up dead! Eliza knows that time is running out, and it is up to her and Lizzie to figure out what happened in their past and how it ties into what is going on now!
As you all know, Steampunk is so hit or miss for me, but I love this approach to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This series has gotten better with each book, and I hope this isn’t the end. It could be taken that way, but I for one really want more of Lizzie and Johnny and Eliza and Remy. Plus, I just have to rave that for all purposes despite sharing a body, they really don’t. I love that aspect. I don’t know why, but I seriously love that there are almost two separate people housed in the same body. Lizzie is dark, but she isn’t as bad as you might think she would be, she drinks and carries on a bit, but she really has stepped up in the last few books and made herself a huge part of what is going on.
Swoon Remy, he might just be my favorite book boyfriend lately. A werewolf, hot, super generous and just plain wonderful. Plus, he knows about and does things for Lizzie too. I mean come on, he has to be a little too good right? I love the mixture of steampunk, supernatural and good ole Victorian days. It’s truly a wonderful world that Carr has created!
Notable Scene:
Her vision frosted, smearing into memories of old. Dim gaslights, low murmurs of wonder, surgical bowls and spiecimen jars passed from hand to hand. Stern men in high ccollars, authoritative voices lecturing on the nervous system or blood circulation or the operation of valves in the heart. Henry Jekyll’s earnest, insistent speeches, that way he had of knowing the turth, irrevocably committed, and his impluse to tell everyone, for good or ill….
FTC Advisory: Harper Voyager provided me with a copy of The Dastardly Miss Lizzie. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Eliza and Lizzie are back and not only must they solve a murder, they must save their country and the future as well.
Opening Sentence: “Go away, Lizzie, I’m working.”
Excerpt: No
The Review:
Eliza is back and investigating the murder of Miss de Percy, an aether physicist working on a project with a couple other people. Remy is away in France doing something for the Regent. Lizzie as always is wanting to get rid of Eliza permanently much the way Eddie did with Henry. Before too much can go wrong Eliza is summoned to meet the King and while there she meets Princess Victoria. She also begins to suspect the young King is something like her.
Then another scientist working with Miss de Percy is murdered, a Professor Crane, and Eliza knows that it must have something to do with the project they were working on. She also discovers a note addressed to Eddie asking for a loan to help pay a blackmailer. Lizzie seeks out Eddie only to find that he is truly losing it and no one knows where he is until Eliza discovers him with a murdered prostitute and he is arrested for her murder.
Eliza and Lizzie know that he didn’t do it, despite the fact that Eliza knows he is a murderer. Remy has returned and disappeared from their house, someone has attacked Eliza more than once, and the last member of the group shows up dead! Eliza knows that time is running out, and it is up to her and Lizzie to figure out what happened in their past and how it ties into what is going on now!
As you all know, Steampunk is so hit or miss for me, but I love this approach to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This series has gotten better with each book, and I hope this isn’t the end. It could be taken that way, but I for one really want more of Lizzie and Johnny and Eliza and Remy. Plus, I just have to rave that for all purposes despite sharing a body, they really don’t. I love that aspect. I don’t know why, but I seriously love that there are almost two separate people housed in the same body. Lizzie is dark, but she isn’t as bad as you might think she would be, she drinks and carries on a bit, but she really has stepped up in the last few books and made herself a huge part of what is going on.
Swoon Remy, he might just be my favorite book boyfriend lately. A werewolf, hot, super generous and just plain wonderful. Plus, he knows about and does things for Lizzie too. I mean come on, he has to be a little too good right? I love the mixture of steampunk, supernatural and good ole Victorian days. It’s truly a wonderful world that Carr has created!
Notable Scene:
Her vision frosted, smearing into memories of old. Dim gaslights, low murmurs of wonder, surgical bowls and spiecimen jars passed from hand to hand. Stern men in high ccollars, authoritative voices lecturing on the nervous system or blood circulation or the operation of valves in the heart. Henry Jekyll’s earnest, insistent speeches, that way he had of knowing the turth, irrevocably committed, and his impluse to tell everyone, for good or ill….
FTC Advisory: Harper Voyager provided me with a copy of The Dastardly Miss Lizzie. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
June 6, 2017
The Dastardly Miss Lizzie by Viola Carr
I was given this book by Harper Collins Voyager in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to receive this book even though I have not read the previous two. It has many themes that I like: steampunk, classic movie monster, paranormal, and sci-fi. But it was really hard to read. I don't know if it was the wordyness or the plot but it took me a lot longer than I expected to finish.
The story is that of Dr.Jekyll's daughter who herself has an Ms.Hyde. In this installment she is trying to solve murders and stop a revolution. Eliza is also trying to piece together her past and future. Lizzie is trying to break free and forge her own life outside of Eliza. The French are in the midst of a civil uprising and the English are worried that they too will fall. Many scientists are trying to create machines to stop or start the revolution. There are cyborgs and werewolves and aether machines in the middle of London. Eliza is battleing Lizze, her own conscience, the patriarchy and feelings for many men: her father, her lover, and an old friend.
The main two characters were sometimes hard to differentiate from each other. At times, it was unclear who was thinking and talking even though there is a clear distinction between their dialects. I suppose if I had read the first two books I would have an easier time deciphering the voices. I was a little surprised at the amount of character development in the third installment of a series. We are given a chance to see each girl change and grow as individuals and as a pair.
The world in which Eliza lives is brought to life very vividly. The stark differences between the parts of the city are so dramatic its easy to see why the girls live such different lives. Eliza's city is clean and bright while Lizzie's is dirty and dark. Which is funny since Eliza wears drab grey skirts and Lizzie wears bright red corsets. Even their boyfriends are different: Remy an upstanding well dressed military man and Johnny a poor thief who dresses somewhat above his station.
There number of secondary characters was confusing at times and annoying at others. There were some many people intertwined in both worlds.
Overall the book was good and enjoyable. I think the series must be read as a whole to fully enjoy it though.
All three book are now available.
I was given this book by Harper Collins Voyager in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to receive this book even though I have not read the previous two. It has many themes that I like: steampunk, classic movie monster, paranormal, and sci-fi. But it was really hard to read. I don't know if it was the wordyness or the plot but it took me a lot longer than I expected to finish.
The story is that of Dr.Jekyll's daughter who herself has an Ms.Hyde. In this installment she is trying to solve murders and stop a revolution. Eliza is also trying to piece together her past and future. Lizzie is trying to break free and forge her own life outside of Eliza. The French are in the midst of a civil uprising and the English are worried that they too will fall. Many scientists are trying to create machines to stop or start the revolution. There are cyborgs and werewolves and aether machines in the middle of London. Eliza is battleing Lizze, her own conscience, the patriarchy and feelings for many men: her father, her lover, and an old friend.
The main two characters were sometimes hard to differentiate from each other. At times, it was unclear who was thinking and talking even though there is a clear distinction between their dialects. I suppose if I had read the first two books I would have an easier time deciphering the voices. I was a little surprised at the amount of character development in the third installment of a series. We are given a chance to see each girl change and grow as individuals and as a pair.
The world in which Eliza lives is brought to life very vividly. The stark differences between the parts of the city are so dramatic its easy to see why the girls live such different lives. Eliza's city is clean and bright while Lizzie's is dirty and dark. Which is funny since Eliza wears drab grey skirts and Lizzie wears bright red corsets. Even their boyfriends are different: Remy an upstanding well dressed military man and Johnny a poor thief who dresses somewhat above his station.
There number of secondary characters was confusing at times and annoying at others. There were some many people intertwined in both worlds.
Overall the book was good and enjoyable. I think the series must be read as a whole to fully enjoy it though.
All three book are now available.
October 15, 2018
I read The Dastardly Miss Lizzie because I enjoyed the previous two books in the series. Harper Voyager was kind enough to send me a review copy. My opinions are my own.
Quick Review: Twist on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with female leads and steampunk elements. Slow start, but gets better as it goes along.
About the Story
It dragged in parts. I found myself wanting to skip forward in the book, which was surprising because I didn't feel that way when I read the other books. As I got further into the book, I grew more interested; I'm not sure why--I just didn't feel that invested in what was happening to Eliza and Lizzie until about halfway into the story.
About the Characters
Viola Carr does an excellent job of making Lizzie and Eliza different from one another. They each have their own weaknesses, positive qualities, desires, and aspirations. This makes it very easy to tell (along with the difference in dialect) which woman is the point of view character.
I liked that Eliza had to face some of her personal shortcomings, character flaws. She had to grow as a person to be successful in this book.
The author continued to develop the other characters as well. Eliza's romance with Remy and her relationship with her father's old friend took interesting turns.
About the Writing
For the most part, the writing style is enjoyable and easy to read. Sometimes, though, the story got bogged down with too much description and wordy sentences. This is probably a contributing factor to the slow beginning.
I enjoyed how Carr included other characters from classic fiction and history, while mixing it with fantasy and steampunk.
About the Worldbuilding and/or Setting
The world in this series is very well developed. I feel like I know a lot about this alternate London. It is also very easy to visualize the settings.
Do I Recommend?
Although it took a while for me to get invested in the book, I did enjoy reading it. I recommend it to readers, only if they have read the other two books in the series.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (B)
Quick Review: Twist on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with female leads and steampunk elements. Slow start, but gets better as it goes along.
About the Story
It dragged in parts. I found myself wanting to skip forward in the book, which was surprising because I didn't feel that way when I read the other books. As I got further into the book, I grew more interested; I'm not sure why--I just didn't feel that invested in what was happening to Eliza and Lizzie until about halfway into the story.
About the Characters
Viola Carr does an excellent job of making Lizzie and Eliza different from one another. They each have their own weaknesses, positive qualities, desires, and aspirations. This makes it very easy to tell (along with the difference in dialect) which woman is the point of view character.
I liked that Eliza had to face some of her personal shortcomings, character flaws. She had to grow as a person to be successful in this book.
The author continued to develop the other characters as well. Eliza's romance with Remy and her relationship with her father's old friend took interesting turns.
About the Writing
For the most part, the writing style is enjoyable and easy to read. Sometimes, though, the story got bogged down with too much description and wordy sentences. This is probably a contributing factor to the slow beginning.
I enjoyed how Carr included other characters from classic fiction and history, while mixing it with fantasy and steampunk.
About the Worldbuilding and/or Setting
The world in this series is very well developed. I feel like I know a lot about this alternate London. It is also very easy to visualize the settings.
Do I Recommend?
Although it took a while for me to get invested in the book, I did enjoy reading it. I recommend it to readers, only if they have read the other two books in the series.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (B)
January 22, 2019
Wow, that was quite the ending! It was exciting, engaging, and inventive. While everything was wrapped up, the story explored many options and more complexities of the relationship between Lizzie and Eliza. They both had their moments, but it was clear that Eliza did more growing than Lizzie did, though Lizzie's final character growth was far less ruthless and a little more subtle.
Among the other characters, I felt Remy didn't get as much attention as I would have liked, and many of the side characters truly were left to the side to make way for newer characters that moved the primary mystery along. That said, these new side characters opened new doors to Eliza and Lizzie's dark, grim past, so I didn't often mind when handsome, charming Remy was moved aside.
There were two mysteries that were pursued by Lizzie and Eliza virtually separately. I thought there was a bit too much going on at some points, but was pleased when both stories closed together in the truly explosive finale. There were some shocking twists and more than a little violence and betrayal. This was definitely the darkest series in the book, and it made for an exciting read.
All in all, this was a fun, unique series and a great new take on the Hyde/Jekyll lore. I had a lot of fun reading it, once I got past its brutal opening from the first book, and encourage all readers to dive into the madness and hang on for the ride!
Among the other characters, I felt Remy didn't get as much attention as I would have liked, and many of the side characters truly were left to the side to make way for newer characters that moved the primary mystery along. That said, these new side characters opened new doors to Eliza and Lizzie's dark, grim past, so I didn't often mind when handsome, charming Remy was moved aside.
There were two mysteries that were pursued by Lizzie and Eliza virtually separately. I thought there was a bit too much going on at some points, but was pleased when both stories closed together in the truly explosive finale. There were some shocking twists and more than a little violence and betrayal. This was definitely the darkest series in the book, and it made for an exciting read.
All in all, this was a fun, unique series and a great new take on the Hyde/Jekyll lore. I had a lot of fun reading it, once I got past its brutal opening from the first book, and encourage all readers to dive into the madness and hang on for the ride!
January 31, 2021
It has been years since I first read this series. I love steampunk stories and when I picked up the first book, it was definitely something different and so intriguing. Lizzie and Eliza share a body and it is wild. I did miss the second book and tried to get into this 3rd one. This book is definitely not recommended as a standalone because it will be too out there.
There is a lot going on in this book. Between the "fey underworld", physics and political intrigue, my head is spinning. It took a while for me to get into this book and near the end, even though the conclusion comes swiftly and satisfyingly. Overall, the story is okay for me. The concept is awesome. The execution of the story is well done, I just didn't enjoy it.
This story is recommended to readers who like steampunk and something very different than the norm.
*provided by Edelweiss
There is a lot going on in this book. Between the "fey underworld", physics and political intrigue, my head is spinning. It took a while for me to get into this book and near the end, even though the conclusion comes swiftly and satisfyingly. Overall, the story is okay for me. The concept is awesome. The execution of the story is well done, I just didn't enjoy it.
This story is recommended to readers who like steampunk and something very different than the norm.
*provided by Edelweiss
September 22, 2017
This book was an okay ending to this trilogy. The characters are all struggling in their own ways, and we can see growth from the way that Eliza thinks at the beginning of the book to the end. I immensely enjoyed the atmosphere, the moderately challenging vocabulary, and seeing the dark end of things from Lizzie's point of view, just like in the other two novels. What I didn't like was messing with time. Time travel and change can be good if done right, but it is so difficult to get just the right balance of how it works. It's very messy to deal with time, and its changing, and I don't enjoy it in general, so I'm taking a star off for that. However, the rest of the book was deeply fascinating and I readily recommend it to teenagers who would like to bring their comprehension and vocabulary to another level.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2017
This cast of characters really keeps you guessing, and my recommendation is to definitely read these stories in order. I found the alternate personalities can be very confusing without having a good background knowledge of Eliza and the people in her life. This story line however is full-out action, and there is never a dull moment with Lizzie in the mix. She is definitely the devil on Eliza’s shoulder, but without her, Eliza would be missing an integral part of her personality.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
August 21, 2017
Although I haven't read the first two Electric Empire books, it's not hard to follow: Victorian era, lots of anachronistic clockwork tech, Jekyll and Hyde have a daughter with the same problem. Lizzie's a hedonist, Eliza's a police forensic scientist investigating an increasingly nasty and convoluted series of murders. Bogs down once or twice (I find Lizzie's first-person scenes a little tedious) and I got lost occasionally (I blame that on starting midseries) but it's still fun. But I wish Carr had put a definite date on it — I always find that frustrating, especially when a book plays this fast and loose with history.
August 5, 2019
My least favourite of the trilogy, honestly. The vibe between Remy and Eliza was adorable, but a bit grating after a while. Good banter, but jeez. I get you love each other, will you just have sex and get it over with?
Also I'm always iffy on time travel. It can seem like such a cop out, and this book wasn't any different. It just felt off and wrong.
Overall, still enjoyed it. The series was fun, adventurous, and brilliant. Again, I do love me some Victorian steampunk murder mysteries. And reading this in a hammock beside a lake is just absolutely so much fun.
Also I'm always iffy on time travel. It can seem like such a cop out, and this book wasn't any different. It just felt off and wrong.
Overall, still enjoyed it. The series was fun, adventurous, and brilliant. Again, I do love me some Victorian steampunk murder mysteries. And reading this in a hammock beside a lake is just absolutely so much fun.
October 5, 2017
The third book of the Electric Empire is filled with more drama and mystery than the first two.
Eliza and Lizzie are back to solve the murder of Miss de Percy and save their country.
Carr's Victorian London twisted with steampunk and supernatural elements is an enchanting world I can't get enough of.
I adore this series and hope to read more of Eliza and Lizzie's escapades.
Eliza and Lizzie are back to solve the murder of Miss de Percy and save their country.
Carr's Victorian London twisted with steampunk and supernatural elements is an enchanting world I can't get enough of.
I adore this series and hope to read more of Eliza and Lizzie's escapades.
March 9, 2018
Well, I think I would have enjoyed this way more if I had started the series at the beginning. The story was very good. I just personally felt I was missing something. I recommend beginning the series at the beginning.
June 9, 2017
3.5 stars.
July 2, 2017
Review to come later - courtesy of Romance Junkies
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews