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Of Magic & Machine #1
A Dance Like Flame
She’s the daughter of an earl with a secret no one can know. He’s a mage who has sacrificed everything to save those he loves. They were born worlds apart, but inside a city drenched in magic, anything is possible. Unmarried at the age of six-and-twenty, Lady Elizabeth “Bits” Warner has become a burden to her family. Therefore, she isn’t surprised when they pack her on a train bound for Scotland and a fiancé she has never met. She’s not surprised, but she is terrified. In Corrigan, a walled-off city that serves as refuge to those capable of using the aether to cast spells and concoct potions, Ezra Nash is devoted to healing the sick and injured. Between his work as a surgeon and caring for his sisters, he doesn’t have time for distractions. When the train Bits is traveling on explodes, she finds herself inside the gates of Corrigan and under Ezra’s care. The two are drawn to one another, but it will take more than attraction to overcome the difference in their stations and the secrets they hide from the world.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2017
68 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 21, 2017
A Dance Like Flame (Of Magic & Machine) by Tammy Blackwell is a Kindle Scout book. This book has a setting in the past, steampunk, has fae, and humans. It has Queens, Dukes, and such. I found the plot slow, and the characters a bit lacking. It was an okay read but I did find myself checking to see how much more I had to go. With a great read I find myself reading and finished and thinking that was quick.
June 10, 2020
DNF @ 48%
I was being super lenient here with the writing since I knew it was Indie. Ignoring numerous issues with the writing, Blackwell pretty much completely lost me by normalizing grown men kissing immature young girls. This is justified by the world's way of functioning. Then it felt like Blackwell tried to back track on the girl being young by adding a conversation to signify the girl was possibly 17 or 18 years old. This tells me she knew what she was doing, so she used the rules from the Real World to fabricate this, to then set up a really lame scene. It wasn't worth it.
This book basically:
Her: He did [some minor, pretty normal thing] so he must be in love with me!
Him: I am so inferior to this high class lady!
I was being super lenient here with the writing since I knew it was Indie. Ignoring numerous issues with the writing, Blackwell pretty much completely lost me by normalizing grown men kissing immature young girls. This is justified by the world's way of functioning. Then it felt like Blackwell tried to back track on the girl being young by adding a conversation to signify the girl was possibly 17 or 18 years old. This tells me she knew what she was doing, so she used the rules from the Real World to fabricate this, to then set up a really lame scene. It wasn't worth it.
This book basically:
Her: He did [some minor, pretty normal thing] so he must be in love with me!
Him: I am so inferior to this high class lady!
March 11, 2017
Absolutely amazing. I cried from happiness during romantic developments, seriously. Bits thinks of herself as too large and awkward for anyone to love and my soul was healed as those around her convinced her of her beauty and bravery. The magic is a cool spin on fairies with metal magic and necromancy thrown in, plus steampunk! Oh and dragons! Seriously, do not ignore this because it isn't from a major publisher, this book is the best paranormal romance I have ever read.
July 5, 2020
I didn't dislike this. I just felt like it had so much more potential than it lived up to. There were many moments I felt there must be a previous book because the story felt built on something the reader didn't have access to. The hero's resistance seems forced and then his sudden turn around seems out of nowhere. The villain is a caricature and his ultimate goal isn't even revealed in this book, nor is the purpose of the event that brought the heroine to faery land in the first place. And it felt a bit like the author just brought in whatever elements she wanted willy-nilly. It felt disjointed.
Having said all that, I appreciated that the couple was a little older than normal. The blend of fantasy and aether-punk is interesting. And the diversity was welcome. I'd read more of the series. But I'm not in any hurry about it.
Having said all that, I appreciated that the couple was a little older than normal. The blend of fantasy and aether-punk is interesting. And the diversity was welcome. I'd read more of the series. But I'm not in any hurry about it.
January 19, 2018
This one was a disappointment for me. This is a prime example of what happens when an author tries to kitchen sink too much stuff together and it ends up being weak at all levels. Steampunk without the grittiness, fae and magic without any intricacy, romance without enough chemistry or depth, death of a loved one without any real impact. Too much set up for future character’s books in the series. Too many romance novel cliches.
The two main characters both think they aren’t good enough for each other, which annoyingly leads to our heroine being insecure and whiny, and the hero justifying some crappy sexual behavior because he isn’t aristocracy(he has good enough social standing apparently to screw her against a wall, but not enough to give her some post-coital cuddling that she asks for...) . I feel like the author intended to make her heroine a spunky bluestocking and her hero a bit of a brooding tortured soul, but she fails miserably and we end up with two annoying people that are difficult to care about at all.
I also feel like the parts that an author might find difficult to write all happened off page. The death of a character. The success of a magic ritual. At one point the town is packed into a ballroom for an event so important an untimely death could not postpone it, then that event happens off page. There were POV switches that made no sense. At the climax of the story the author switches to the POV of a character that only just showed up in the story rather than writing through the perspective of the characters we’ve been following, and to whom the events of the climax would matter most. It was a bizarre choice and I feel written that way because she cannot truly write any emotion or struggle or action without it being a meaningless mess.
And lastly, the book’s title has absolutely nothing to do with the story at all. Literally nothing.
Unfortunately, for me there isn’t enough here to justify spending more time or money on this series.
The two main characters both think they aren’t good enough for each other, which annoyingly leads to our heroine being insecure and whiny, and the hero justifying some crappy sexual behavior because he isn’t aristocracy(he has good enough social standing apparently to screw her against a wall, but not enough to give her some post-coital cuddling that she asks for...) . I feel like the author intended to make her heroine a spunky bluestocking and her hero a bit of a brooding tortured soul, but she fails miserably and we end up with two annoying people that are difficult to care about at all.
I also feel like the parts that an author might find difficult to write all happened off page. The death of a character. The success of a magic ritual. At one point the town is packed into a ballroom for an event so important an untimely death could not postpone it, then that event happens off page. There were POV switches that made no sense. At the climax of the story the author switches to the POV of a character that only just showed up in the story rather than writing through the perspective of the characters we’ve been following, and to whom the events of the climax would matter most. It was a bizarre choice and I feel written that way because she cannot truly write any emotion or struggle or action without it being a meaningless mess.
And lastly, the book’s title has absolutely nothing to do with the story at all. Literally nothing.
Unfortunately, for me there isn’t enough here to justify spending more time or money on this series.
April 4, 2017
Oh, what a wonderful story! This has it all, great characters, magic, romance, a great antagonist that will have you wrought with anger and worrying; such an exciting plot that keeps you engaged.
I love the setting of this story. I enjoyed getting to know each character and love that it’s about so many different people: Bits, Ezra, Alice, Jack, Hattie, Rose, Lily, Braxton, Nellie, and Garroway. So much is happening! The events that evolve for everyone keep you on your toes.
So much is set up for what’s to come, it’s very exciting! I can’t wait for the next book!
I love the setting of this story. I enjoyed getting to know each character and love that it’s about so many different people: Bits, Ezra, Alice, Jack, Hattie, Rose, Lily, Braxton, Nellie, and Garroway. So much is happening! The events that evolve for everyone keep you on your toes.
So much is set up for what’s to come, it’s very exciting! I can’t wait for the next book!
March 28, 2020
Love!
Ooo I loved this book. The combination of fairies and other magical creatures was great. I loved the character of Bits too. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Ooo I loved this book. The combination of fairies and other magical creatures was great. I loved the character of Bits too. Can’t wait to read the next one.
March 7, 2017
I received an ARC for my honest review of this book. This is the first book that I have read by this author. Additionally, this is the first book of this kind that I have read. I was surprised to find myself very interested in this book. I was confused at times about the terminology and overall the ins and out of the world that the book portrayed - but I did figure it out. The character development for the main two characters, Bits and Ezra, was done well. I liked the twists and turns that were presented throughout the story. The two downfalls I found myself wanting more of an explanation at the end - I understand that there will be more stories but I had a lot of unanswered questions. Also, the amount of names (and the switch between how they were being referred to throughout the book) was confusing at times. I got a couple of the characters mixed up in my head for awhile. But other than that I genuinely liked the book and will read the next in the series.
April 11, 2020
I feel like I rated this 3 stars because I saw the potential, rather than the delivery. The setting of this book is fascinating - a faery-infused steampunk with magic and technology living side by side, and so many types of magic a human or fae could be proficient in. Technology aided by magic, and the entire country on the edge of war, while a girl learning to accept herself falls for a man below her station in an unfamiliar society.
All of this sounds really promising, and it was enjoyable to read (which is why it doesn't get 2 stars), but there is so much left off the page that the reader cannot put together. The villain has a grand moment where he reveals all his plans, but... they make no sense, because you don't understand his motives or who he is connected to or why - instead of clues that might help a reader put it together, we get information with no anchor or context that just feels like flotsam. You can use your critical thinking skills to make certain conclusions which SEEM sound, but as we go through the novel from the heroine's POV, she simply does not know enough for the Motive to make any kind of sense.
Not to mention that the inciting event for the entire story goes un-discussed THE ENTIRE NOVEL, presumably to set it all up for the next novel, which yes, I'm interested in, but only because I didn't get the satisfaction of understanding what the heck was going on from the first one. Bits was introduced as the heroine, but I feel that Alice should have been the heroine for this novel, because so much seemed to be linked to her, and the reader is given very little opportunity to understand her or her motives for putting, it turns out, quite a lot on the line for a total stranger who was, simply not a jerk to her. Alice and Bits's friendship is given no development - it just *is*, and I wanted more. Same with her friendship with Lily, which has some good context, but no meat.
I don't dislike the hero - Ezra Nash is a good dude. But you could have knocked me over with a feather when the Duke was described as a classic romance hero and... he was already married to someone you know you're supposed to like, but it felt disjointed because you didn't get to know her until much too late in the story.
For a book with so many issues, I mostly did not engage with them because I wanted to know what the heck was going on, and kept reading. I don't know that is a particularly good reason, but I DID like this book. I just felt it could have been so much better, and that there was a lot left out for incomprehensible reasons.
All of this sounds really promising, and it was enjoyable to read (which is why it doesn't get 2 stars), but there is so much left off the page that the reader cannot put together. The villain has a grand moment where he reveals all his plans, but... they make no sense, because you don't understand his motives or who he is connected to or why - instead of clues that might help a reader put it together, we get information with no anchor or context that just feels like flotsam. You can use your critical thinking skills to make certain conclusions which SEEM sound, but as we go through the novel from the heroine's POV, she simply does not know enough for the Motive to make any kind of sense.
Not to mention that the inciting event for the entire story goes un-discussed THE ENTIRE NOVEL, presumably to set it all up for the next novel, which yes, I'm interested in, but only because I didn't get the satisfaction of understanding what the heck was going on from the first one. Bits was introduced as the heroine, but I feel that Alice should have been the heroine for this novel, because so much seemed to be linked to her, and the reader is given very little opportunity to understand her or her motives for putting, it turns out, quite a lot on the line for a total stranger who was, simply not a jerk to her. Alice and Bits's friendship is given no development - it just *is*, and I wanted more. Same with her friendship with Lily, which has some good context, but no meat.
I don't dislike the hero - Ezra Nash is a good dude. But you could have knocked me over with a feather when the Duke was described as a classic romance hero and... he was already married to someone you know you're supposed to like, but it felt disjointed because you didn't get to know her until much too late in the story.
For a book with so many issues, I mostly did not engage with them because I wanted to know what the heck was going on, and kept reading. I don't know that is a particularly good reason, but I DID like this book. I just felt it could have been so much better, and that there was a lot left out for incomprehensible reasons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2017
I got so wrapped up in Tammy Blackwell’s new world that I got really upset when real life got in the way. I could have easily devoured this book in one day if given the chance. The writing is so fluid and beautiful. I could picture everything so vividly in my head. Sometimes I feel like steampunk books have a lot of explaining that needs to be done and it’s obvious. In this book, I never felt lost or confused and I never felt like there was a huge info dump. The characters were compelling and the world extremely interesting. Immediately, I was eager to read more, even before I had finished this book.
I really loved Bits and Ezra. The chemistry between them was combustible. I also loved the comradery between all of the characters and how easily they accepted Bits into their world. There is so much going on in this book, magic, romance, amazing clockwork inventions, intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak and death. I was on the edge of my seat regarding all of it and I still am. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this world and these characters since I finished the book last night. I’m intrigued to see where things go from here.
I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing that the next book will feature a different couple while also focusing on the danger that the Touched are facing. I’m hoping to see everyone again and in future books. I need to know that Alice, Jack, Lily, Rose, and Nellie all get their happily ever afters. I also need to know that they all survive and defeat their enemies. I hope we get to check in on Bits and Ezra as well, especially given what was revealed about their future.
I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read more in this series and anything else Tammy Blackwell writes.
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review
I really loved Bits and Ezra. The chemistry between them was combustible. I also loved the comradery between all of the characters and how easily they accepted Bits into their world. There is so much going on in this book, magic, romance, amazing clockwork inventions, intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak and death. I was on the edge of my seat regarding all of it and I still am. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this world and these characters since I finished the book last night. I’m intrigued to see where things go from here.
I don’t know for sure, but I’m guessing that the next book will feature a different couple while also focusing on the danger that the Touched are facing. I’m hoping to see everyone again and in future books. I need to know that Alice, Jack, Lily, Rose, and Nellie all get their happily ever afters. I also need to know that they all survive and defeat their enemies. I hope we get to check in on Bits and Ezra as well, especially given what was revealed about their future.
I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read more in this series and anything else Tammy Blackwell writes.
Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review
August 16, 2017
While I think the world building in this story is freaking awesome--hell, it go me to read a book about the Fae and not find them incredibly annoying--the plot (especially the romance plot) is only somewhat passing. Pretty much if you've read any romance novel ever, you've read the main plot of this book. The romance is so cliche that it is painful. Which is sad because there was so much potential there.
And the villain. Just shoot me, please. He wasn't a cliche, he was cliche eating a smaller cliche eating a smaller cliche. He is the Russian nesting doll of cliches. I'm surprised he didn't end a scene twirling his mustache.
This book had so much going for it. I the writing was really good, and the world was clearly by far and away the best thing in this story. But I got to 70% and found myself going...I know how this ends. I know every little step from here to that ending, and I don't really care to waste my time reading it to find out if I am right or wrong. So I stopped.
And the villain. Just shoot me, please. He wasn't a cliche, he was cliche eating a smaller cliche eating a smaller cliche. He is the Russian nesting doll of cliches. I'm surprised he didn't end a scene twirling his mustache.
This book had so much going for it. I the writing was really good, and the world was clearly by far and away the best thing in this story. But I got to 70% and found myself going...I know how this ends. I know every little step from here to that ending, and I don't really care to waste my time reading it to find out if I am right or wrong. So I stopped.
August 17, 2017
LOVE this one.
September 10, 2018
This book was so fantastic and I am deeply sad that it only 216 ratings. This immediately goes onto my list of books not enough people are reading!
It's a historic/steampunk/paranormal set in 1800s England where the fair folks (the Touched) still exist in a somewhat uneasy truce with the non-magical folk (the Untouched). At it's heart this is a romance between awkward, odd, "too big" Lady Elizabeth (Bits) and the touched bastard son of an Untouched Marquess and a touched mother, Ezra Nash. But it's oh so much more.
The thing that made this book special for me is that it is chock full of plot! I frequently struggle with romance novels because I do get frustrated being totally immersed in relationship angst for 300 pages. Not to mention that because most romances focus 100% on the couple falling in love and their relationship, if I don't like one or both of them or if I do like them but one of them does something particularly stupid, that's it for the book. There's no other substance to smooth over or carry the reader through annoying parts of the wooing.
A Dance Like Flame has a large cast of characters, a fascinating world and culture it presents and it has a fast moving plot revolving around a few mysteries and political intrigue. The two main characters are wonderful - I loved Bits to...well...Bits. She's an outcast looking for a place to belong and be able to be unconventional self. Ezra is a beta hero which I LOVE and while he has enough baggage to sink a ship, it is easy to understand why Bits loves him. There relationship is developed nice and slow and realistic. The book does lose a star for me because their low self-esteem does get a tad on the irritating side towards the end but because their is other stuff going on and we haven't been wallowing in angst for the whole book, it's not a big deal.
The world-building is just right. There's lots of interesting details and unique features but because it is all embedded in a known historic setting (one very familiar to historic romance readers), the world building doesn't take over. It's a great balance.
Finally, I really enjoyed the plot and am excited that there will be carryover into book two (which I have already borrowed and plan to buy) of certain elements while introducing a new couple.
All in all this was the perfect marriage of a historic romance with a steampunk, fairy-filled fantasy plot!
It's a historic/steampunk/paranormal set in 1800s England where the fair folks (the Touched) still exist in a somewhat uneasy truce with the non-magical folk (the Untouched). At it's heart this is a romance between awkward, odd, "too big" Lady Elizabeth (Bits) and the touched bastard son of an Untouched Marquess and a touched mother, Ezra Nash. But it's oh so much more.
The thing that made this book special for me is that it is chock full of plot! I frequently struggle with romance novels because I do get frustrated being totally immersed in relationship angst for 300 pages. Not to mention that because most romances focus 100% on the couple falling in love and their relationship, if I don't like one or both of them or if I do like them but one of them does something particularly stupid, that's it for the book. There's no other substance to smooth over or carry the reader through annoying parts of the wooing.
A Dance Like Flame has a large cast of characters, a fascinating world and culture it presents and it has a fast moving plot revolving around a few mysteries and political intrigue. The two main characters are wonderful - I loved Bits to...well...Bits. She's an outcast looking for a place to belong and be able to be unconventional self. Ezra is a beta hero which I LOVE and while he has enough baggage to sink a ship, it is easy to understand why Bits loves him. There relationship is developed nice and slow and realistic. The book does lose a star for me because their low self-esteem does get a tad on the irritating side towards the end but because their is other stuff going on and we haven't been wallowing in angst for the whole book, it's not a big deal.
The world-building is just right. There's lots of interesting details and unique features but because it is all embedded in a known historic setting (one very familiar to historic romance readers), the world building doesn't take over. It's a great balance.
Finally, I really enjoyed the plot and am excited that there will be carryover into book two (which I have already borrowed and plan to buy) of certain elements while introducing a new couple.
All in all this was the perfect marriage of a historic romance with a steampunk, fairy-filled fantasy plot!
May 28, 2017
I do not do this a lot but this time I have to write down some thoughts before I even finish the book. Elizabeth is amazing (and I say this while only 1/3 through). The first few pages I was iffy but I always give books 3-4 chapters before I let them go as duds. Thank goodness that is my policy because by the end of the first chapter I was so into it I did not even notice how much I had read until I had to tear myself away for bedtime and I was a third of the way through! So far this book is addicting. The more information is given about the world and the people in it the more question you have which keeps the story from getting boring. So far super awesome!
Okay this is written after I finished. Let me talk more in detail about characters than I had the chance to last time.
Mr. Nash is so insecure and adorable. Every time he had doubts I wanted to the hug him. His sister is just the sweetest thing and let me just say shows a strength of character that feel people (real or characters from fiction) ever really have let alone share. The things she can push aside to stay sunny is nothing short of miraculous. They are a really sweet family.
The Oberon intrigued me as did his wife. Not going to lie though I kind of disliked his wife Hattie. Not that she was a terrible person but one of those that often seems a bit thoughtless to how they make the people around them feel. Though I understand very well why she had to exist in this book I did not always accept it. :)
Alice and her son. Let me just say that from the very beginning I loved that little boy. I wanted to smack the mouth off the harpy that called him names! (here comes me as mama bear lol). Alice was so loyal and caring. She is the type of person people meet and instantly can feel friendly and comfortable with. A much needed friend.
Elizabeth aka Bits. She was timid with crowds but never let that stop her from being a champion of justice. Never able to see an underdog kicked she often gets herself into trouble but thinks its well worth it. I like her strength of will and determination.
The plot flowed nicely with a mixture of background, character, and other information mixing with the story line. A very unique idea that ended up becoming a very interesting book to read. I look forward to the second one.
Okay this is written after I finished. Let me talk more in detail about characters than I had the chance to last time.
Mr. Nash is so insecure and adorable. Every time he had doubts I wanted to the hug him. His sister is just the sweetest thing and let me just say shows a strength of character that feel people (real or characters from fiction) ever really have let alone share. The things she can push aside to stay sunny is nothing short of miraculous. They are a really sweet family.
The Oberon intrigued me as did his wife. Not going to lie though I kind of disliked his wife Hattie. Not that she was a terrible person but one of those that often seems a bit thoughtless to how they make the people around them feel. Though I understand very well why she had to exist in this book I did not always accept it. :)
Alice and her son. Let me just say that from the very beginning I loved that little boy. I wanted to smack the mouth off the harpy that called him names! (here comes me as mama bear lol). Alice was so loyal and caring. She is the type of person people meet and instantly can feel friendly and comfortable with. A much needed friend.
Elizabeth aka Bits. She was timid with crowds but never let that stop her from being a champion of justice. Never able to see an underdog kicked she often gets herself into trouble but thinks its well worth it. I like her strength of will and determination.
The plot flowed nicely with a mixture of background, character, and other information mixing with the story line. A very unique idea that ended up becoming a very interesting book to read. I look forward to the second one.
June 22, 2017
Steampunk novels are always hit or miss, and when it comes to debuting a series, it seems like a miss is way more likely to happen.
A Dance Like Flame is a hit. No, it's more than that. It's a punch in the face that you love and want to happen again and again.
Blackwell introduces a world of dragons, flying machines, and magic, and it's not one I have any desire to leave any time soon. The characters are either lovable, and the types of people you want to root for, or so horribly villainous you want to watch them fail and have to watch as the world succeeds around them. The romance draws you in with the promise of something wonderful, and delivers when it proves to be authentic caring between characters who deserve the world. The strong, independent women are ones to admire and long to be like, and the strong, passionate men are ones who prove their love and desire to make the world better. The tragedy rips your heart out, but the joy makes it beat a million times faster.
Steampunk is a particularly sticky genre. It requires effort and energy, dedication and a desire to produce something magical. And Tammy Blackwell proved to know the genre, and how to mold it best to fit the story she wanted to tell. I found myself staying up late wanting to take in this world, and I know that it's one I'll be ready to delve back into as soon as the sequel is sent to my Kindle.
A Dance Like Flame is a hit. No, it's more than that. It's a punch in the face that you love and want to happen again and again.
Blackwell introduces a world of dragons, flying machines, and magic, and it's not one I have any desire to leave any time soon. The characters are either lovable, and the types of people you want to root for, or so horribly villainous you want to watch them fail and have to watch as the world succeeds around them. The romance draws you in with the promise of something wonderful, and delivers when it proves to be authentic caring between characters who deserve the world. The strong, independent women are ones to admire and long to be like, and the strong, passionate men are ones who prove their love and desire to make the world better. The tragedy rips your heart out, but the joy makes it beat a million times faster.
Steampunk is a particularly sticky genre. It requires effort and energy, dedication and a desire to produce something magical. And Tammy Blackwell proved to know the genre, and how to mold it best to fit the story she wanted to tell. I found myself staying up late wanting to take in this world, and I know that it's one I'll be ready to delve back into as soon as the sequel is sent to my Kindle.
March 21, 2017
I was given an ARC of 'Magic and Machine' bk one from the the author for my honest review.
I can't think of the book series title without hearing that Charlie Chaplin speech:
"...Machine men, with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines, you are not cattle, you are men!..."
If you have no idea what I'm taking about look it up...or play some Paolo Nutini.
You're welcome.
Anyway....
There is some grammatical errors, but the author is aware, as this is not the final work.
3 stars.
There was so much skin but not enough bone (for me); if that makes sense.
There were changing viewpoints and ideas that seemed to fly out of nowhere...like skin tags or skin flaps --sorry for the visuals-- I wanted under the dermis, not the gradual layering of skin and moles on top. I wanted to be shown the marrow and bone of the story. Bones give movement and strength and help all to fall into the world one is building.
Many will enjoy this, it's a fun world to read and parts I did like. There is definitely a prequel story that I would be interested in (holy hell I would love to read the Sidhe's story), but altogether I would of enjoyed more inklings and chances to start trying to figure things out on my own, rather then being told this is how it is.
I wouldn't of finished this book if it wasn't interesting--and I did finish it--so hopefully there can be more building of the history of this world, so we can start to think of relationships and ideas as we read through it.
I can't think of the book series title without hearing that Charlie Chaplin speech:
"...Machine men, with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines, you are not cattle, you are men!..."
If you have no idea what I'm taking about look it up...or play some Paolo Nutini.
You're welcome.
Anyway....
There is some grammatical errors, but the author is aware, as this is not the final work.
3 stars.
There was so much skin but not enough bone (for me); if that makes sense.
There were changing viewpoints and ideas that seemed to fly out of nowhere...like skin tags or skin flaps --sorry for the visuals-- I wanted under the dermis, not the gradual layering of skin and moles on top. I wanted to be shown the marrow and bone of the story. Bones give movement and strength and help all to fall into the world one is building.
Many will enjoy this, it's a fun world to read and parts I did like. There is definitely a prequel story that I would be interested in (holy hell I would love to read the Sidhe's story), but altogether I would of enjoyed more inklings and chances to start trying to figure things out on my own, rather then being told this is how it is.
I wouldn't of finished this book if it wasn't interesting--and I did finish it--so hopefully there can be more building of the history of this world, so we can start to think of relationships and ideas as we read through it.
February 29, 2020
A fast easy read, well described by the cover
They tell you not to judge a book by the cover. Here you could. You wouldn’t be wrong. There’s magic. There’s machines. Humans with access to magic are called Touched and there’s a reason why they’re considered Faery. Humans figure out and use clockworks to do amazing things. Women are still property. Love is thwarted for apparently ridiculous internal reasons but at least it’s plot progressing. There’s an explanation for why sex is treated like today when the setting is a couple hundred years ago, which is more than most romances manage. And make no mistake, this is more a romance rather than SFF. SFF is merely setting.
All that said it’s fast and it’s fun and I’ll read the next too.
They tell you not to judge a book by the cover. Here you could. You wouldn’t be wrong. There’s magic. There’s machines. Humans with access to magic are called Touched and there’s a reason why they’re considered Faery. Humans figure out and use clockworks to do amazing things. Women are still property. Love is thwarted for apparently ridiculous internal reasons but at least it’s plot progressing. There’s an explanation for why sex is treated like today when the setting is a couple hundred years ago, which is more than most romances manage. And make no mistake, this is more a romance rather than SFF. SFF is merely setting.
All that said it’s fast and it’s fun and I’ll read the next too.
August 1, 2017
A Fun Steampunk Series
I'm always a fan of steampunk, but often feel one series could be the same as a other. I'm excited that Blackwell seems to be making her own unique path in this world. The world of the Touched and fairies is a fun one and different than other authors have done before. The characters are fun and lead openings for future books in the series that I want to read. Didn't give it a five star because I wanted more details to the story - it felt a little unnecessarily rushed. Also the editing could be a little better (but wasn't overly distracting). Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I'm always a fan of steampunk, but often feel one series could be the same as a other. I'm excited that Blackwell seems to be making her own unique path in this world. The world of the Touched and fairies is a fun one and different than other authors have done before. The characters are fun and lead openings for future books in the series that I want to read. Didn't give it a five star because I wanted more details to the story - it felt a little unnecessarily rushed. Also the editing could be a little better (but wasn't overly distracting). Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 31, 2019
Interesting
I like the world building and set up but by 40-60% into this book I was tired of the inner security from the main woman. I am all for having them and being aware of them, making her more realistic, blah blah. This seemed excessive. As if every other page was her going on a tangent about all her flaws.
Look, one of my “pleasure reads” is a book with a chubby adult woman. And yeah it’s mentioned a couple times, but it was not shoved in our faces as a defining trait- it was just part of her package. It didn’t bug down the story but just added flavor to her characterization.
This felt bugged down. It made it boring.
I like the world building and set up but by 40-60% into this book I was tired of the inner security from the main woman. I am all for having them and being aware of them, making her more realistic, blah blah. This seemed excessive. As if every other page was her going on a tangent about all her flaws.
Look, one of my “pleasure reads” is a book with a chubby adult woman. And yeah it’s mentioned a couple times, but it was not shoved in our faces as a defining trait- it was just part of her package. It didn’t bug down the story but just added flavor to her characterization.
This felt bugged down. It made it boring.
July 7, 2018
A Dance Like Flame is a romance more than a steampunk or anything else. The plot is rather light. Normally that doesn't work for me, but in this case something about the characters caught my attention and kept it through the whole thing. It was all delightfully angsty and full of emotion - almost a little too much, but it worked for me. The world was very interesting, I liked the different magics and everything else. If you're looking for a romance with a little magic and steampunk, this book may work for you too.
June 25, 2017
Suprised and getting ready to purchase the next
I was very pleased that I happened upon this book. The cover caught my attention and the story held it. This book had it all; romance, espionage, mystery and of course loss. I love that world that was created and I cannot wait to see what happens to the other characters. At first I thought it was more if a YA read but the farther I got into it and after reading the first love scene it is not intended for young adults.
I was very pleased that I happened upon this book. The cover caught my attention and the story held it. This book had it all; romance, espionage, mystery and of course loss. I love that world that was created and I cannot wait to see what happens to the other characters. At first I thought it was more if a YA read but the farther I got into it and after reading the first love scene it is not intended for young adults.
October 29, 2017
Likeable characters and interesting story line
I am all about tortured souls and love stories with some passion. But these characters felt a bit too tortured and more so without real cause. There were a few scenes where Bits ' internal dialogue was rather amusing. Will like read the next in the series.
I am all about tortured souls and love stories with some passion. But these characters felt a bit too tortured and more so without real cause. There were a few scenes where Bits ' internal dialogue was rather amusing. Will like read the next in the series.
May 6, 2018
Touching and Engrossing
I read this book I one day. Once I started I couldn't put it down. It is well written with complex characters and an interesting world. It's also a bit heartbreaking so if you're prone to tears have a few tissues nearby. The second book is currently free on Kindle Unlimited but I enjoyed the first one so much I'm buying the second and third books.
I read this book I one day. Once I started I couldn't put it down. It is well written with complex characters and an interesting world. It's also a bit heartbreaking so if you're prone to tears have a few tissues nearby. The second book is currently free on Kindle Unlimited but I enjoyed the first one so much I'm buying the second and third books.
March 17, 2021
I liked it more than I expected considering I had never heard of it and picked it out at random from ebooks that happened to be checked in at the library.
The world was fascinating and Bits was an interesting character, but the whole book felt like it could've used another round of editing, especially the romantic scenes. It wasn't bad - just a bit rough around the edges.
The world was fascinating and Bits was an interesting character, but the whole book felt like it could've used another round of editing, especially the romantic scenes. It wasn't bad - just a bit rough around the edges.
Read
November 11, 2017Big fan. But I love anything remotely steampunk with a fantasy twist. Well written, the characters are interesting and troubled but not in an obnoxious way. They are relatable. Skipped sleep to finish it. Already picked up the second one.
November 26, 2018
I enjoy a good periodical based novel with magic users and this book was a great read. I did however get sick and tired of the MCs doubting each other with insecurities slapping me in the face at every turn.
Story was OK.
Story was OK.
August 9, 2019
Creative ideas but really needs editing
I found the book a fun and interesting read but I had a lot of problems with the overall execution. It was a clunky read that could have done with more editing.
I found the book a fun and interesting read but I had a lot of problems with the overall execution. It was a clunky read that could have done with more editing.
August 24, 2019
An entertaining story. I think it needed an editor though. So many grammatical mistakes.
As for the characters, I think Ezra was only in love with Bits perfectly large breasts, but I guess there are worse reasons to want to be with someone.
As for the characters, I think Ezra was only in love with Bits perfectly large breasts, but I guess there are worse reasons to want to be with someone.
August 31, 2019
#Romanceopoly - London Street: Steampunk
Ripped Bodice Summer Book Bingo - Dragons
I just discovered this series while browsing Overdrive. Bummed that my library only has Book 1. An interesting blend of steampunk and Fae magic. I’m looking forward to reading more in this world.
Ripped Bodice Summer Book Bingo - Dragons
I just discovered this series while browsing Overdrive. Bummed that my library only has Book 1. An interesting blend of steampunk and Fae magic. I’m looking forward to reading more in this world.
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