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The Ghost Machine
Ella Rosenfeld is a lunatic. Locked away in the remote Auttenberg Asylum, she undergoes torturous treatment to cure her hallucinations. Yet the longer she remains within Auttenberg’s austere halls, the more gruesome her visions become, until Ella is sure she’s seeing ghosts and Auttenberg’s doctor knows it. He doesn’t plan to cure her; he wants to study her ability by dissecting her.
Ella refuses to accept her fate. She assaults her captors, scales the asylum fence, and finds sanctuary in the castle of Baron Viktor Szarka. Young and arrogant, the baron offers her protection, but he’s rumored to have locked a woman in the asylum to hide his dark past. Unable to trust him, Ella must uncover the conspiracy surrounding the asylum, her visions, and the baron’s secret...or join the rest of Auttenberg’s ghosts.
If you're a fan of steampunk or gothic romance, download a sample or buy now.
Ella refuses to accept her fate. She assaults her captors, scales the asylum fence, and finds sanctuary in the castle of Baron Viktor Szarka. Young and arrogant, the baron offers her protection, but he’s rumored to have locked a woman in the asylum to hide his dark past. Unable to trust him, Ella must uncover the conspiracy surrounding the asylum, her visions, and the baron’s secret...or join the rest of Auttenberg’s ghosts.
If you're a fan of steampunk or gothic romance, download a sample or buy now.
- GenresSteampunk
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2016
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Brand
29 books506 followersIf Kristen Brand could have any superpower, she’d want telekinesis so she wouldn’t have to move from her computer to pour a new cup of tea. She spends far too much time on the internet, and when she’s not writing, she’s usually reading novels or comic books. Icon by @heckosart.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 24, 2018
The Ghost Machine was an immersive read! It has been accompanying me for a good night.
The world-building is very detailed told in a character perspective. I enjoy how detailed it is, but at a certain time, it can be too much. In which I find can be a bit dragging. Aside from that, the blending of the Victorian era and paranormal figures with futuristic science was handled profoundly. It sounds ambitious knowing that things could go over the top. It was not the case here. I would very much see more of this universe in another novel(s).
The plot was such an enigmatic twist layer upon layer! There was Elle's whole storyline thrown in another with the Szarkas! The whole mixture of these plotlines was done justice. Action-sequencing, the your-eyes-are-in-the-dark happening both literally and figuratively, the technology surrounding the action, well-done! Oh, I love to discuss this more in details. But I am afraid that I will be giving too many spoilers away. But I can say that this plot alone deserves a round of applause good.
About the characters, our MC, Elle Rosenfeld, I like her introducing her as kind of an unstable-stable narrative for the novel. It made me grip more and read it through. About the SCs, Baron Viktor, he's firm and mysterious as hell. Andras, Ilona, Captain Melek Elle's parents. Each of the characters development is to watch out for. Chemistry is as of nothing forced but natural. I liked how it all turns out. It has to be done.
It was ambitious and adventurously good! The coming together of the elements done enough to make me squirm excitedly to the edge. And lastly, the end note got me giddy for Elle! I'm a sucker for mysterious people in books.
The world-building is very detailed told in a character perspective. I enjoy how detailed it is, but at a certain time, it can be too much. In which I find can be a bit dragging. Aside from that, the blending of the Victorian era and paranormal figures with futuristic science was handled profoundly. It sounds ambitious knowing that things could go over the top. It was not the case here. I would very much see more of this universe in another novel(s).
The plot was such an enigmatic twist layer upon layer! There was Elle's whole storyline thrown in another with the Szarkas! The whole mixture of these plotlines was done justice. Action-sequencing, the your-eyes-are-in-the-dark happening both literally and figuratively, the technology surrounding the action, well-done! Oh, I love to discuss this more in details. But I am afraid that I will be giving too many spoilers away. But I can say that this plot alone deserves a round of applause good.
About the characters, our MC, Elle Rosenfeld, I like her introducing her as kind of an unstable-stable narrative for the novel. It made me grip more and read it through. About the SCs, Baron Viktor, he's firm and mysterious as hell. Andras, Ilona, Captain Melek Elle's parents. Each of the characters development is to watch out for. Chemistry is as of nothing forced but natural. I liked how it all turns out. It has to be done.
It was ambitious and adventurously good! The coming together of the elements done enough to make me squirm excitedly to the edge. And lastly, the end note got me giddy for Elle! I'm a sucker for mysterious people in books.
July 4, 2017
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've never actually read a Steampunk Novel. I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book, which starts with; "Ella Rosenfeld is a lunatic." I was like YEAH! That's something interesting, something new, a POV I've not seen often.
I was surprised by this book and I was in doubt whether to give the book 3 stars or 4 stars. But since I can name more Pros than Cons, it's not more than fair to give the book 4 as a rating!
A longer review can be found at Bite Into books
This book has a futuristic, but also back-in-time feel to it with certain steampunk and sci-fi elements. I can't explain it any other way.
I liked the different aspects, since the book also contains adventure, action and the necessary feels.
Especially the different aspects in this book, made me give the book 4 stars. Also the fact that it reminded me of one of my beloved games, was great!
I've never actually read a Steampunk Novel. I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book, which starts with; "Ella Rosenfeld is a lunatic." I was like YEAH! That's something interesting, something new, a POV I've not seen often.
I was surprised by this book and I was in doubt whether to give the book 3 stars or 4 stars. But since I can name more Pros than Cons, it's not more than fair to give the book 4 as a rating!
A longer review can be found at Bite Into books
This book has a futuristic, but also back-in-time feel to it with certain steampunk and sci-fi elements. I can't explain it any other way.
I liked the different aspects, since the book also contains adventure, action and the necessary feels.
Especially the different aspects in this book, made me give the book 4 stars. Also the fact that it reminded me of one of my beloved games, was great!
May 20, 2017
(The author sent me a free copy of this book in return for an honest review)
The combination of Gothic and Steampunk isn’t as unusual as one might at first think. The genre of science fiction actually has its origins in the early gothic pulps, many of which incorporated scientific elements in their plots. See, for example: Frankenstein; Dracula; The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; Poe’s novella “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar” and so on.
Ghost Machine begins in that most gothic of locals- an isolated asylum ( in Transylvania, no less! Though, there are no vampires to be found). Ella Rosenfeld has been brought to Auttenberg Asylum by her parents to cure her of the visions she’s been suffering from ever since she was caught in an accident involving her father’s automata creations. Ella is having hallucinations of ghosts, you see. Well, she and her family would like to believe they’re only hallucinations. But Ella soon realizes the unquiet spirits she sees are quite real. And, unlucky for her, the head psychiatrist of the asylum, Dr. Grünewald, fully believes in her abilities too and furthermore intends to turn her into his prized test subject whether she is willing or not. After enduring several days of the doctor’s excruciatingly painful experiments, Ella escapes and manages to make it to the castle of Baron Szarka, a local noble and her inventor father’s current benefactor. But Dr. Grünewald will not let Ella go that easily and soon comes after her with a small army- including a gigantic iron war automaton (a surprising technological marvel for a seemingly ordinary medical doctor to have at his disposal...)
Ghost Machine starts off as a mostly gothic story with little dashes of Victorian “mad science” here and there. But as the novel progresses the steampunk elements become more pronounced, including the appearance of lightning guns, flying metal giants and that classic of the genre- airships. Brand seamlessly melds both genres together in her tale, and indeed supernatural and super-science eventually come together in an excellent denouement.
I really like the character of Ella Rosenfeld. Despite all the danger and pulpy action happening around her, she never feels like an unrealistically over-the-top “badass”. She is, rather, a very real normal young woman surviving a dangerous situation through resourcefulness and not a little bravery.
I appreciate that injury is handled realistically. A quarter of the way through the book, Ella’s foot is severely frostbitten and the pain and risk of infection continue to plague her throughout the rest of the story, though she does her best to deal with it.
I also appreciate that, although Grünewald and his staff are cruel and corrupt, the book portrays institutions for the treatment of mental illnesses as essentially good and positive places if they have genuinely compassionate administrators.
Ghost Machine is a great blending of gothic and steampunk that will please fans of either genre.
The combination of Gothic and Steampunk isn’t as unusual as one might at first think. The genre of science fiction actually has its origins in the early gothic pulps, many of which incorporated scientific elements in their plots. See, for example: Frankenstein; Dracula; The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; Poe’s novella “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar” and so on.
Ghost Machine begins in that most gothic of locals- an isolated asylum ( in Transylvania, no less! Though, there are no vampires to be found). Ella Rosenfeld has been brought to Auttenberg Asylum by her parents to cure her of the visions she’s been suffering from ever since she was caught in an accident involving her father’s automata creations. Ella is having hallucinations of ghosts, you see. Well, she and her family would like to believe they’re only hallucinations. But Ella soon realizes the unquiet spirits she sees are quite real. And, unlucky for her, the head psychiatrist of the asylum, Dr. Grünewald, fully believes in her abilities too and furthermore intends to turn her into his prized test subject whether she is willing or not. After enduring several days of the doctor’s excruciatingly painful experiments, Ella escapes and manages to make it to the castle of Baron Szarka, a local noble and her inventor father’s current benefactor. But Dr. Grünewald will not let Ella go that easily and soon comes after her with a small army- including a gigantic iron war automaton (a surprising technological marvel for a seemingly ordinary medical doctor to have at his disposal...)
Ghost Machine starts off as a mostly gothic story with little dashes of Victorian “mad science” here and there. But as the novel progresses the steampunk elements become more pronounced, including the appearance of lightning guns, flying metal giants and that classic of the genre- airships. Brand seamlessly melds both genres together in her tale, and indeed supernatural and super-science eventually come together in an excellent denouement.
I really like the character of Ella Rosenfeld. Despite all the danger and pulpy action happening around her, she never feels like an unrealistically over-the-top “badass”. She is, rather, a very real normal young woman surviving a dangerous situation through resourcefulness and not a little bravery.
I appreciate that injury is handled realistically. A quarter of the way through the book, Ella’s foot is severely frostbitten and the pain and risk of infection continue to plague her throughout the rest of the story, though she does her best to deal with it.
I also appreciate that, although Grünewald and his staff are cruel and corrupt, the book portrays institutions for the treatment of mental illnesses as essentially good and positive places if they have genuinely compassionate administrators.
Ghost Machine is a great blending of gothic and steampunk that will please fans of either genre.
August 26, 2018
The Ghost Machine is a deliciously creepy blend of Gothic horror and romance with steampunk technology and sensibilities.
Here are dark, brooding castles, secret candle-lit passages and heroines fleeing in high-necked nightdresses. Here also are airships, clockwork and automatons. Chilling medical and supernatural horror, interspersed with some light banter and sweet, clean courtship.
The light, witty touch with characterisation and dialogue reminded me very much of Elizabeth Peter’s Peabody series (one of my personal favourites), although the plot content is far darker than those Egyptological cosy mysteries!
Kristen Brand has created some fantastic and memorable characters here. Obviously Ella is a favourite, as a main character so strong, determined and enterprising that she makes an excellent role model and inspiration. The side characters are also beautifully layered. I especially enjoyed the relationship building between Ella and András.
I was less keen on the side plot of Jakab and Ilona, as I felt that the motivations were weaker than in the rest of the storyline and the resultant actions seemed out of character in places.
Still, the story as a whole is well-paced and packed with action, terror and adventure. I literally could not put it down and had to finish it all in one big glomph! Kristen Brand has captured a heady blend of humour, horror and the terribly, terribly sad which is both gripping and memorable.
Recommended to all who can handle some good old ghostly horror!
It was a woman. But then it wasn’t, not really. Women weren’t eerily transparent. Something that looked like both smoke and light composed her body, and she was right next to the bed, her feet hovering just inches in front of my face. At first I thought she was floating, but I was wrong. A rope made of the same wispy, glowing substance as her body was fastened to the pipes in the ceiling. It ended in a noose around her neck. My mouth opened in a voiceless scream, but that wasn’t the worst of it.
– Kristen Brand, The Ghost Machine
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Here are dark, brooding castles, secret candle-lit passages and heroines fleeing in high-necked nightdresses. Here also are airships, clockwork and automatons. Chilling medical and supernatural horror, interspersed with some light banter and sweet, clean courtship.
The light, witty touch with characterisation and dialogue reminded me very much of Elizabeth Peter’s Peabody series (one of my personal favourites), although the plot content is far darker than those Egyptological cosy mysteries!
Kristen Brand has created some fantastic and memorable characters here. Obviously Ella is a favourite, as a main character so strong, determined and enterprising that she makes an excellent role model and inspiration. The side characters are also beautifully layered. I especially enjoyed the relationship building between Ella and András.
I was less keen on the side plot of Jakab and Ilona, as I felt that the motivations were weaker than in the rest of the storyline and the resultant actions seemed out of character in places.
Still, the story as a whole is well-paced and packed with action, terror and adventure. I literally could not put it down and had to finish it all in one big glomph! Kristen Brand has captured a heady blend of humour, horror and the terribly, terribly sad which is both gripping and memorable.
Recommended to all who can handle some good old ghostly horror!
It was a woman. But then it wasn’t, not really. Women weren’t eerily transparent. Something that looked like both smoke and light composed her body, and she was right next to the bed, her feet hovering just inches in front of my face. At first I thought she was floating, but I was wrong. A rope made of the same wispy, glowing substance as her body was fastened to the pipes in the ceiling. It ended in a noose around her neck. My mouth opened in a voiceless scream, but that wasn’t the worst of it.
– Kristen Brand, The Ghost Machine
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
December 16, 2019
The Ghost Machine by
Kristen Brand.
Ella Rosenfeld doesn’t feel insane. In fact, she feels quite normal. Exactly how she did before the accident.
Until the sun goes down. Then the hallucinations start...and the ghosts come. Sometimes they speak to her. Sometimes they merely stare. But they couldn’t possibly be real, could they?
Checking herself into an asylum in the mountains of Eastern Europe, Ella hopes the doctor there can cure her. She doesn’t want to be a burden to her family. She doesn’t want to keep seeing ghosts, or whatever they are, every night. Desperate for relief, she’ll try anything to banish the dead.
But there is no solace to be found. Only silence, knitting, and cruelty. Soon Ella realizes that while she could check herself into the asylum, she cannot check herself out. At the mercy of the doctor, her treatments grow more barbarous and agonizing by the day.
Ella must escape before the horrific experiments leave her dead. Or completely mad. But her only hope is the surly and stubborn Baron. Only he can stand between her and the twisted treatments her Doctor insists are necessary.
Will the Baron help Ella or betray her? And what terrible fate is waiting for Ella beneath the asylum?
A fantastic read with some great characters. I loved Ella's character. There were some characters I didn't like. Brilliant. 5*.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kristen Brand.
Ella Rosenfeld doesn’t feel insane. In fact, she feels quite normal. Exactly how she did before the accident.
Until the sun goes down. Then the hallucinations start...and the ghosts come. Sometimes they speak to her. Sometimes they merely stare. But they couldn’t possibly be real, could they?
Checking herself into an asylum in the mountains of Eastern Europe, Ella hopes the doctor there can cure her. She doesn’t want to be a burden to her family. She doesn’t want to keep seeing ghosts, or whatever they are, every night. Desperate for relief, she’ll try anything to banish the dead.
But there is no solace to be found. Only silence, knitting, and cruelty. Soon Ella realizes that while she could check herself into the asylum, she cannot check herself out. At the mercy of the doctor, her treatments grow more barbarous and agonizing by the day.
Ella must escape before the horrific experiments leave her dead. Or completely mad. But her only hope is the surly and stubborn Baron. Only he can stand between her and the twisted treatments her Doctor insists are necessary.
Will the Baron help Ella or betray her? And what terrible fate is waiting for Ella beneath the asylum?
A fantastic read with some great characters. I loved Ella's character. There were some characters I didn't like. Brilliant. 5*.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2017
This book is obviously very different than the author's prior work, as it's a YA Gothic Steampunk. The main character Ella is sent to an asylum for seeing hallucinations, and the story is written from her point of view. In her mind, she's not sure what's real and what isn't, and Brand balances this excellently. The pacing is just enough to keep me on the edge of my seat wanting to know more, but I never felt overwhelmed with the action so much that I had to put the book down. Definitely would recommend!
June 3, 2018
Loved this one!
You should read this book because-
-headstrong and relatable female protagonist
-combines genres like steampunk and paranormal
-great world buliding
-lots of death which is inevitable in good books
-influential and badass female captain!
-really cute young Prince who acts like he has a hard shell but is a total softie
-well developed-characters
FULL REVIEW ON MY BLOG HERE https://itsnotjustfiction.wordpress.c...
You should read this book because-
-headstrong and relatable female protagonist
-combines genres like steampunk and paranormal
-great world buliding
-lots of death which is inevitable in good books
-influential and badass female captain!
-really cute young Prince who acts like he has a hard shell but is a total softie
-well developed-characters
FULL REVIEW ON MY BLOG HERE https://itsnotjustfiction.wordpress.c...
July 14, 2019
This book was totally different from anything I've read and I loved it! It was well written and the story flowed nicely. The characters was strong and likable. I look forward to reading more by this new to me author.
May 8, 2018
Fun book!
I really enjoyed this book! Fast paced and good plot. I thought the protagonist was likable and the steam punk part of it was pretty cool. Definitely reading more by this author!
I really enjoyed this book! Fast paced and good plot. I thought the protagonist was likable and the steam punk part of it was pretty cool. Definitely reading more by this author!
August 4, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Never read a Steampunk novel and very much enjoyed it. I would like to read more about Ella and her world.
July 10, 2017
https://functioninginsanity.blogspot....
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I don't think I've read too much steampunk in the past but the idea really does fascinate me. As does the idea of asylums there is just something about them that can mess with your head. So when I saw that the book would follow Ella as she was locked away in a remote asylum and put through torturous treatments to cure her hallucinations I was already hooked. She wants to get better from the ghosts she began seeing but as the treatment becomes unbearable and seems to even been making her visions worse she begins to see the good doctor doesn't plan to cure her but to dissect her ability. Refusing to accept her fate and be slowly killed she is going to make a break for it. When she makes her daring escape she nearly dies but finds herself in the home of Baron Viktor Szarka, a cruel man and possible murderer if her fellow patient at the asylum is to be believed. Unable to trust him, or anyone, Ella must try to uncover the truth behind her visions and the secrets of the Baron and the asylum or become a ghost herself.
To feel like there is something off with you and wanting to go somewhere to try and get better is a huge thing. The idea of anyone taking advantage of someone in such a vulnerable position is truly monstrous. Seeing ghosts is scary enough but to be somewhere that is supposed to help you overcome this but instead has its own purposes and agendas really makes you relate to Ella. I found myself really rooting for her from the start. She loved her family and wanted to do what was best for them. She is a very strong character throughout the book because even as she is scared or in pain she continues to push through knowing she must. She also doesn't do things solely for herself but in the service of others which is always commendable. Ella is also of a scientific upbringing and knows that you must have facts to make sound decisions and while she may have questions or concerns about some she is constantly changing her stance on things as new information becomes available not getting stuck in one way of thinking.
The rest of the cast, from parents, to the Viktor the Baron and his small brother Andras, the staff at the asylum including the vile Dr and his head nurse, to the various people we meet along the way in this novel were all so much fun. Be it good and truly evil like the best old time villains or the precocious little Andras, or the confounding and mysterious baron. I can't go into them too much without ruining the story as it unfolds because while they all play their parts to the story they all have their own motivations.
The plot of the story is really an escape story. Ella is set to escape and is trying to get out of reach of the powerful Dr and his experiments in the asylum. The ups and downs of the escape and running, the hits and misses with nothing being easy but adjusting as it goes was so much fun to read I didn't want to put it down. As more started to come out about her, gift, and she began to accept each new piece of information trying to understand it was so nice. The pacing was strong and kept things moving and it always kept up with itself, injuries continued to play a part not forgotten which is nice consistency. There is plenty of action and suspense in the daring escapes and fights, the changing landscapes and travel you really see so much of this world full of creations that really capture the imagination. Overall I really enjoyed this book and it was a super quick read. I think anyone can dive into it and enjoy it!
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I don't think I've read too much steampunk in the past but the idea really does fascinate me. As does the idea of asylums there is just something about them that can mess with your head. So when I saw that the book would follow Ella as she was locked away in a remote asylum and put through torturous treatments to cure her hallucinations I was already hooked. She wants to get better from the ghosts she began seeing but as the treatment becomes unbearable and seems to even been making her visions worse she begins to see the good doctor doesn't plan to cure her but to dissect her ability. Refusing to accept her fate and be slowly killed she is going to make a break for it. When she makes her daring escape she nearly dies but finds herself in the home of Baron Viktor Szarka, a cruel man and possible murderer if her fellow patient at the asylum is to be believed. Unable to trust him, or anyone, Ella must try to uncover the truth behind her visions and the secrets of the Baron and the asylum or become a ghost herself.
To feel like there is something off with you and wanting to go somewhere to try and get better is a huge thing. The idea of anyone taking advantage of someone in such a vulnerable position is truly monstrous. Seeing ghosts is scary enough but to be somewhere that is supposed to help you overcome this but instead has its own purposes and agendas really makes you relate to Ella. I found myself really rooting for her from the start. She loved her family and wanted to do what was best for them. She is a very strong character throughout the book because even as she is scared or in pain she continues to push through knowing she must. She also doesn't do things solely for herself but in the service of others which is always commendable. Ella is also of a scientific upbringing and knows that you must have facts to make sound decisions and while she may have questions or concerns about some she is constantly changing her stance on things as new information becomes available not getting stuck in one way of thinking.
The rest of the cast, from parents, to the Viktor the Baron and his small brother Andras, the staff at the asylum including the vile Dr and his head nurse, to the various people we meet along the way in this novel were all so much fun. Be it good and truly evil like the best old time villains or the precocious little Andras, or the confounding and mysterious baron. I can't go into them too much without ruining the story as it unfolds because while they all play their parts to the story they all have their own motivations.
The plot of the story is really an escape story. Ella is set to escape and is trying to get out of reach of the powerful Dr and his experiments in the asylum. The ups and downs of the escape and running, the hits and misses with nothing being easy but adjusting as it goes was so much fun to read I didn't want to put it down. As more started to come out about her, gift, and she began to accept each new piece of information trying to understand it was so nice. The pacing was strong and kept things moving and it always kept up with itself, injuries continued to play a part not forgotten which is nice consistency. There is plenty of action and suspense in the daring escapes and fights, the changing landscapes and travel you really see so much of this world full of creations that really capture the imagination. Overall I really enjoyed this book and it was a super quick read. I think anyone can dive into it and enjoy it!
March 13, 2018
Goes down as another off my 2018 Bookworm Bingo Challenge – A book you didn’t want to put down. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this gothic steampunk mystery but was gripped from the start and couldn’t put it down. Great story telling with twists, turns and misdirection’s seemingly coming at you to keep you guessing right to the end.
So Ella has come to Auttenberg Asylum in hopes of them helping her with what everyone thinks are hallucinations. Auttenberg is a place filled with history and death with battles long gone past. Not so good for Ella as the ‘hallucinations’ she sees are ghosts. She, along with her parents, thinks this is the best place to cure her but it doesn’t take Ella more than a couple of days to figure out something far worse. On her first session with Dr Grunewald, along with the help of Mrs Schuttmann (both of whom you get bad vibes from), puts her into a machine. One that seems to split her head in two, well it feels like it does anyway. Seems this machine has a purpose but right now Ella is just convinced it’s going to kill her. Fearing for her life, and after a chat with a ghost in her room, one that killed itself, she knows she has to escape. Easier said than done and luck most definitely has to be on her side because escaping the asylum is only her first hurdle. More are on the way and each more mysterious and dangerous than the last.
Now it seems Ella may have not paid too much attention to planning her escape. She found a moment to act and went with it. Thing is that the Auttenberg Asylum is in the Carpathian Mountains, a place currently with arctic weather and not one to be caught out in with only one shoe. Running for her life she fears death from the cold will get her first but its not long before wolves might play a part. Thank god for Baron Viktor Szarka as he comes to her rescue. But from the stories she’s been told can she really trust him. Could he just be luring her into another trap? He might take care of her recovery – frostbite is a bitch – but he doesn’t do much to put her at ease. He wants to hear her accounts of what really happened at Auttenberg, which she does minus the ghosts. Seems he knows what she omitted though as he has her journal. Invasion of privacy screaming from her but does he believe or think her mad? His home is a cold fortress but friendly faces do appear in the form of his younger brother Andras and his guardian/housekeeper Mrs Lupescu. All would seem well when parents arrive and with the Baron insisting they take Ella away as early as possible but with snow closing in and Dr Grunewald willing to do anything to get her back things don’t go to plan.
Adventure in the form of running for her life draws its head again and she knows its not just humans she should fear but iron soldiers too. She can see there is something different about them compared to the machines her father made. A clue to why she is so valuable to the wrong kind perhaps? Battles at the ready with flying ships, pirates, deaths and misdeeds forming but it seems she has a helper at hand with Andras throughout her journey and maybe even the Baron. Ghosts are what she feared but was she looking at things backwards. Was she meant to see them to help so they couldn’t be mistreated, even in death? She may be the asset Dr Grunewald and his team wants to claim back but she may also be their undoing. Well only if she figures everything out in time.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
So Ella has come to Auttenberg Asylum in hopes of them helping her with what everyone thinks are hallucinations. Auttenberg is a place filled with history and death with battles long gone past. Not so good for Ella as the ‘hallucinations’ she sees are ghosts. She, along with her parents, thinks this is the best place to cure her but it doesn’t take Ella more than a couple of days to figure out something far worse. On her first session with Dr Grunewald, along with the help of Mrs Schuttmann (both of whom you get bad vibes from), puts her into a machine. One that seems to split her head in two, well it feels like it does anyway. Seems this machine has a purpose but right now Ella is just convinced it’s going to kill her. Fearing for her life, and after a chat with a ghost in her room, one that killed itself, she knows she has to escape. Easier said than done and luck most definitely has to be on her side because escaping the asylum is only her first hurdle. More are on the way and each more mysterious and dangerous than the last.
Now it seems Ella may have not paid too much attention to planning her escape. She found a moment to act and went with it. Thing is that the Auttenberg Asylum is in the Carpathian Mountains, a place currently with arctic weather and not one to be caught out in with only one shoe. Running for her life she fears death from the cold will get her first but its not long before wolves might play a part. Thank god for Baron Viktor Szarka as he comes to her rescue. But from the stories she’s been told can she really trust him. Could he just be luring her into another trap? He might take care of her recovery – frostbite is a bitch – but he doesn’t do much to put her at ease. He wants to hear her accounts of what really happened at Auttenberg, which she does minus the ghosts. Seems he knows what she omitted though as he has her journal. Invasion of privacy screaming from her but does he believe or think her mad? His home is a cold fortress but friendly faces do appear in the form of his younger brother Andras and his guardian/housekeeper Mrs Lupescu. All would seem well when parents arrive and with the Baron insisting they take Ella away as early as possible but with snow closing in and Dr Grunewald willing to do anything to get her back things don’t go to plan.
Adventure in the form of running for her life draws its head again and she knows its not just humans she should fear but iron soldiers too. She can see there is something different about them compared to the machines her father made. A clue to why she is so valuable to the wrong kind perhaps? Battles at the ready with flying ships, pirates, deaths and misdeeds forming but it seems she has a helper at hand with Andras throughout her journey and maybe even the Baron. Ghosts are what she feared but was she looking at things backwards. Was she meant to see them to help so they couldn’t be mistreated, even in death? She may be the asset Dr Grunewald and his team wants to claim back but she may also be their undoing. Well only if she figures everything out in time.
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
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February 1, 2017
(The author of this novel sent me a free copy in exchange for an honest review)
Ella Rosenfeld begins seeing ghosts after being caught in an explosion at the ball celebrating her debut into society. Her scientist father had brought her to Transylvania when he was hired to work for the mysterious and brooding Baron Victor Szarka. But instead of enjoying her first Season amongst the Eastern European nobility, Ella finds herself alone in a foreign insane asylum. At first determined to cooperate fully in order to be cured as quickly as possible, Ella soon begins to suspect that the doctor and nurses of the asylum may not have her best interests at heart. And the ghost of a hanged woman who floats above her bed at night doesn't exactly reassure Ella of the asylum's ability to cure her. When Ella makes a daring escape attempt, she becomes entangled in a complex plot that is far more dangerous than she could have realized.
This novel blended the elements of steampunk and the gothic far more successfully than I initially expected. With two genres that are both known for their melodrama and tendency to go over the top, Kristen Brand does a remarkable job of staying grounded and keeping the all too common campiness to a minimum. Ghost Machine is a gem among the many self-published ebooks of Amazon, and I am grateful to the author for bringing this one to my attention!
See my full review at TheGothicLibrary.com
Ella Rosenfeld begins seeing ghosts after being caught in an explosion at the ball celebrating her debut into society. Her scientist father had brought her to Transylvania when he was hired to work for the mysterious and brooding Baron Victor Szarka. But instead of enjoying her first Season amongst the Eastern European nobility, Ella finds herself alone in a foreign insane asylum. At first determined to cooperate fully in order to be cured as quickly as possible, Ella soon begins to suspect that the doctor and nurses of the asylum may not have her best interests at heart. And the ghost of a hanged woman who floats above her bed at night doesn't exactly reassure Ella of the asylum's ability to cure her. When Ella makes a daring escape attempt, she becomes entangled in a complex plot that is far more dangerous than she could have realized.
This novel blended the elements of steampunk and the gothic far more successfully than I initially expected. With two genres that are both known for their melodrama and tendency to go over the top, Kristen Brand does a remarkable job of staying grounded and keeping the all too common campiness to a minimum. Ghost Machine is a gem among the many self-published ebooks of Amazon, and I am grateful to the author for bringing this one to my attention!
See my full review at TheGothicLibrary.com
July 24, 2019
I really liked this book. Let me begin by saying I really have never grasped the fascination with steampunk and have never read a steampunk book until now. This book doesn't have a heavy emphasis on the details of steampunk and seems to mostly just take place in a steampunk world. I thought there would be a stronger horror element due to the title but it has a stronger emphasis on adventure, scifi and the supernatural. Ella, the main character, is able to see ghosts. No one else can see them and her family admit her to an asylum to hopefully get her the help she needs. Things are not what they seem at the asylum and Ella will do anything she can to escape. The characters are really well developed and you can really empathize with Ella. There is a hint at possible romance and one male takes his shirt off for a key part of the story. Definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2019
A deliciously creepy Steampunk Gothic.
This book was so wonderfully futuristic favor to it yet the blending of the Victorian era and paranormal figures put this book on a different level completely. I think that is why I like steampunk the Victorian age saw many need inventions and ideas steampunk takes what was occurring during that time and put a fantasy/paranormal spin makes for great reading. This book also has that gothic feel too so it hits so many parts of the reader's imagination it is simply a well-written and must-read book. I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book was so wonderfully futuristic favor to it yet the blending of the Victorian era and paranormal figures put this book on a different level completely. I think that is why I like steampunk the Victorian age saw many need inventions and ideas steampunk takes what was occurring during that time and put a fantasy/paranormal spin makes for great reading. This book also has that gothic feel too so it hits so many parts of the reader's imagination it is simply a well-written and must-read book. I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 14, 2019
She still feels the same now as she did before the accident. It is when the sun goes down it all changes. the ghosts come out, sometimes they speak and sometimes they just stare at her. She needs to find out what is going on so She enters an asylum. is this a big mistake? What will happen there? Will she be able toescape? See what happens to her
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2019
It is a very good book. I think it is written very well with a lot of details. It wasn’t was I was expecting, it was way better. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. I love how Steampunk is tied in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2019
Kristen Brand did a great job on this book. The characters and story are really well written. This was a change from what I usually read and I really enjoyed reading. I will definitely read more from this author. I highly recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2019
The Ghost Machine by Kristen Brand is a wonderful story that I have read. This is a wonderful story writen by a brand new authoer for me to read. If you love reading about horror and fantasy then this story is just right for you and I highly recommend it to you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2019
As a sensitive, I had my doubts whether the material would meet my expectations, but the author has certainly done her homework, and it's action-packed, to boot. Love it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2019
This book is very well-written and takes off quickly, with wonderful, well-developed characters and a compelling story. I did not want to put it down! An awesome story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2019
I liked it well enough. I know not a ringing endorsement, but I enjoyed it while I read it. Plucky heroine, action, supernatural elements with some Steampunk in there. I enjoyed it. To be a five star book I have to think I'll read it again.
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