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Elemental Web Chronicles #3
The Iron Fin
Off the windswept shores of Scotland, unnatural and deadly secrets lurk beneath the waves
Isa McQuiston is caught between two worlds
Strange creatures are attacking her people, the injuries inflicted beyond her medical expertise. Men tossed ashore by the waves, drained of blood, a severed tentacle piercing their flesh. Any hope of finding answers involves forging a cautious alliance with a handsome outsider.
Dr. Alec McCullough, recovering naval officer, is investigating a rash of inexplicable octopus attacks, but his every effort is met with resistance. Coaxing an attractive young widow—the local healer—to allow him to examine the latest victim only leads to further complications.
Together, they uncover layers of deceit—and creatures fabricated from a fusion of both living and mechanical components. As innocent lives are callously sacrificed, Isa and Alec struggle to forge a future together while attempting to prevent a disaster of international proportions.
Isa McQuiston is caught between two worlds
Strange creatures are attacking her people, the injuries inflicted beyond her medical expertise. Men tossed ashore by the waves, drained of blood, a severed tentacle piercing their flesh. Any hope of finding answers involves forging a cautious alliance with a handsome outsider.
Dr. Alec McCullough, recovering naval officer, is investigating a rash of inexplicable octopus attacks, but his every effort is met with resistance. Coaxing an attractive young widow—the local healer—to allow him to examine the latest victim only leads to further complications.
Together, they uncover layers of deceit—and creatures fabricated from a fusion of both living and mechanical components. As innocent lives are callously sacrificed, Isa and Alec struggle to forge a future together while attempting to prevent a disaster of international proportions.
503 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2018
88 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Anne Renwick
19 books728 followersThough Anne Renwick holds a Ph.D. in biology and greatly enjoyed tormenting the overburdened undergraduates who were her students, fiction has always been her first love. Today, she writes steampunk romance, placing a new kind of biotech in the hands of mad scientists, proper young ladies and determined villains.
Books: https://www.annerenwick.com/bookshelf/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anne-Re...
Books: https://www.annerenwick.com/bookshelf/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anne-Re...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
dnf
February 14, 2025Stopping at 24% because the h and H have just agreed to have an affair (she’s a widow and he’s single so not that kind) but they barely know each other! There are tons of questions regarding multiple mysteries AND about each other swirling about. Yet they’re giving into physical attraction despite it seeming out of character for both to ignore some of those mysteries 🤷♀️. I saw reviews that mentioned this being a strangers to friends to lovers romance and no friendship has been established when they agree to some sort of physical intimacy. The mystery aspect is also kind of confusing because there are so many moving parts and people and entities. Kind of bummed but moving on since this isn’t working for me.
April 15, 2020
Oh, I just enjoy so much this kind of books where the adventure and action never stops! And where the MCs are such a strong people!
Also mix in the steampunk elements and you get this very good and interesting story!
I hope Ms. Renwick will write the next book soon!
Also mix in the steampunk elements and you get this very good and interesting story!
I hope Ms. Renwick will write the next book soon!
March 28, 2019
The Iron Fin is the third historical/steampunk romance in the wonderful Elemental Web Chronicles. While loosely related to the first two books (same world and a couple overlapping characters), the story shifts location and brings a new set of characters to the forefront. This time around we meet Isa, a widowed healer who is caught between two worlds; neither accepting her for her dual heritage. She’s part Fin, a human who has biological adaptations for swimming and diving at depths, and part Scottish, longing to become a medical doctor. Both groups find her tarnished by the heritage of the other.
Naval officer and doctor Alec McCullough doesn’t care about Isa’s heritage, only that she is intelligent and his lead to discovering the truth about the mysterious biotech octopus that is attacking fishermen. Yet the more he works with the alluring Isa, the stronger their attraction pulls, and soon they whisper their desires to one another. Side-by-side, the pair works to uncover the truth and save the Fin.
The Iron Fin is a wild adventure, bringing along compelling new technology and interesting new characters. Ms. Renwick creates a myriad of fascinating gadgets using science and engineering to back it up. Much to my inner geek’s joy, both Isa and Alec are scientists, weaving into the storyline the explanations of the tech, which is critical to the plot and solving the case. The pair respects one another on a level that is not common for the time, allowing them to share resources and spill secrets. I love that they develop a deep sense of trust, confiding in one other so that they can unravel the mystery. The only negative I really had while listening was that the book felt long at times, with scenes that could have benefited from content editing to trim it down a bit.
Alec and Isa’s congenial natures give way to a passionate affair. While the pair shares an attraction at first site, the more time they spend together, the deeper the feelings run. And while both agree to a short-term affair, Alec realizes all too soon that he is falling hard for Isa, wanting more. Yet because of her previous marriage and the restraints placed on her career, she cannot give herself completely to Alec. Their ups and downs sent my heart on a roller coaster.
Narration: Once again, British-born actress Henrietta Meire, shares the story in alternating third person POVs. While her narrator voice remains a neutral, British-accented female, the dialogue is adjusted to fit the character, using a multitude of accents, including British and Scottish. While I’m not an expert, I feel that she accurately varies the speech based on socio-economic conditions and the locale of the character. Each character is unique and identifiable. I enjoy her performance quite a bit.
Overall, I enjoyed much about The Iron Fin, from the change in scenery to the new characters and especially the mysterious Fin folk. While the gadgets and tech sucked me into the story, I loved the passion and romance between Isa and Alec.
My Ratings: Story: B+
Narration: A-
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
Naval officer and doctor Alec McCullough doesn’t care about Isa’s heritage, only that she is intelligent and his lead to discovering the truth about the mysterious biotech octopus that is attacking fishermen. Yet the more he works with the alluring Isa, the stronger their attraction pulls, and soon they whisper their desires to one another. Side-by-side, the pair works to uncover the truth and save the Fin.
The Iron Fin is a wild adventure, bringing along compelling new technology and interesting new characters. Ms. Renwick creates a myriad of fascinating gadgets using science and engineering to back it up. Much to my inner geek’s joy, both Isa and Alec are scientists, weaving into the storyline the explanations of the tech, which is critical to the plot and solving the case. The pair respects one another on a level that is not common for the time, allowing them to share resources and spill secrets. I love that they develop a deep sense of trust, confiding in one other so that they can unravel the mystery. The only negative I really had while listening was that the book felt long at times, with scenes that could have benefited from content editing to trim it down a bit.
Alec and Isa’s congenial natures give way to a passionate affair. While the pair shares an attraction at first site, the more time they spend together, the deeper the feelings run. And while both agree to a short-term affair, Alec realizes all too soon that he is falling hard for Isa, wanting more. Yet because of her previous marriage and the restraints placed on her career, she cannot give herself completely to Alec. Their ups and downs sent my heart on a roller coaster.
Narration: Once again, British-born actress Henrietta Meire, shares the story in alternating third person POVs. While her narrator voice remains a neutral, British-accented female, the dialogue is adjusted to fit the character, using a multitude of accents, including British and Scottish. While I’m not an expert, I feel that she accurately varies the speech based on socio-economic conditions and the locale of the character. Each character is unique and identifiable. I enjoy her performance quite a bit.
Overall, I enjoyed much about The Iron Fin, from the change in scenery to the new characters and especially the mysterious Fin folk. While the gadgets and tech sucked me into the story, I loved the passion and romance between Isa and Alec.
My Ratings: Story: B+
Narration: A-
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
July 26, 2019
4.5 stars
This is the third and final book in the Elemental Web Chronicles. While I felt like this was the weakest book in the Elemental Web Chronicles series, I still enjoyed it a ton. For some reason this book just felt a bit drawn out and long to me. I listened to this on audiobook and at one point thought it was almost done and then realized I had another 3 hours left.
As mentioned above, I listened to this on audiobook and it was well done. The male voices still tend to sound a bit robotic but the women’s voices and general narration are a joy to listen to.
This book tells the story of Isa (a Fin folk/doctor) and Alec (a Naval officer). When Fin start washing up on the beach dead with strange tentacular attachments, Alec is sent out to Isa’s Fin community to investigate. As they work together they grow not only to respect each other’s intellect but also forge a growing attraction and bond to each another.
I did enjoy the introduction of the Fin people and the strange biomechanical octopi. Isa and Alec have great chemistry together. However, I felt that Isa was one of the weaker heroines in this series...she just wasn't as scientifically inclined as her predecessors. She was smart, but her main contribution was her ability to swim really well.
Overall I really enjoyed this whole series. It has plenty of action paired with some steamy romance. I love the scientific theme to these books and the wonderful steampunk contraptions throughout. Each book in this series is fairly self contained.
If there were more books in this series I would definitely read them (there are some existing short stories in this series I will be picking up for Kindle). I love this world (and writing) enough that I plan on also reading the Elemental Web Tales, a trilogy of additional stories set in this world.
This is the third and final book in the Elemental Web Chronicles. While I felt like this was the weakest book in the Elemental Web Chronicles series, I still enjoyed it a ton. For some reason this book just felt a bit drawn out and long to me. I listened to this on audiobook and at one point thought it was almost done and then realized I had another 3 hours left.
As mentioned above, I listened to this on audiobook and it was well done. The male voices still tend to sound a bit robotic but the women’s voices and general narration are a joy to listen to.
This book tells the story of Isa (a Fin folk/doctor) and Alec (a Naval officer). When Fin start washing up on the beach dead with strange tentacular attachments, Alec is sent out to Isa’s Fin community to investigate. As they work together they grow not only to respect each other’s intellect but also forge a growing attraction and bond to each another.
I did enjoy the introduction of the Fin people and the strange biomechanical octopi. Isa and Alec have great chemistry together. However, I felt that Isa was one of the weaker heroines in this series...she just wasn't as scientifically inclined as her predecessors. She was smart, but her main contribution was her ability to swim really well.
Overall I really enjoyed this whole series. It has plenty of action paired with some steamy romance. I love the scientific theme to these books and the wonderful steampunk contraptions throughout. Each book in this series is fairly self contained.
If there were more books in this series I would definitely read them (there are some existing short stories in this series I will be picking up for Kindle). I love this world (and writing) enough that I plan on also reading the Elemental Web Tales, a trilogy of additional stories set in this world.
October 13, 2018
“The Iron Fin” is a steampunk story filled with resourceful innovations of which we have yet to see.
Read full review in the 2018 Oct issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 Oct issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 16, 2023
5 Stars:)
April 12, 2018
When I was growing up my favorite fantasy world was the Land of Oz, which I loved for its complexity and the ingenious mechanics that would pop up periodically (a city that can raise and lower itself to the bottom of a lake?!). There was also something delightful to read about. Anne Renwick has created a steampunk world that is equally delightful. Even more so in this this installment because there is a whole crew of hunky naval guys as supporting characters.
In this installment of the Elemental Web Chronicles we meet Isa and Alec who are on a mission to save a castle and capture a megalodon. Isa is a young woman who has been a widow for a year. She has some medical training, though she is not a doctor, and she travels amongst the villages of the Finn people helping those in need of medical attention. She is half Scottish and half Finn and has some of the distinctive characteristics of the Finn. Her marriage was a disappointment and she is not interested in giving up her independence. Alec is a naval officer who leads a highly trained team that specializes in covert operations. He has never been interested in marriage because he doesn’t want to repeat the disastrous relationship of his parents. When Alec is injured while on an underwater mission he is sidelined from his team and instead asked to track down rumors of seamen being attacked by octopus in the North Sea. This is when he meets Isa, and to say that sparks fly would be a huge understatement. As they work together to uncover the secrets of the megalodon and the octopus both will put their lives on the line.
I think this is my favorite book so far in this series. I felt an instant connection to the main characters and I just love the way they play off of each other. There is no holding back with these two, no playing hard to get, they want to be together but they also want it on their own terms. The story also holds quite a lot of surprises and moves at an excellent pace. Once I picked it up, I was very reluctant to put it down. For me, this is another homerun from Anne Renwick.
In this installment of the Elemental Web Chronicles we meet Isa and Alec who are on a mission to save a castle and capture a megalodon. Isa is a young woman who has been a widow for a year. She has some medical training, though she is not a doctor, and she travels amongst the villages of the Finn people helping those in need of medical attention. She is half Scottish and half Finn and has some of the distinctive characteristics of the Finn. Her marriage was a disappointment and she is not interested in giving up her independence. Alec is a naval officer who leads a highly trained team that specializes in covert operations. He has never been interested in marriage because he doesn’t want to repeat the disastrous relationship of his parents. When Alec is injured while on an underwater mission he is sidelined from his team and instead asked to track down rumors of seamen being attacked by octopus in the North Sea. This is when he meets Isa, and to say that sparks fly would be a huge understatement. As they work together to uncover the secrets of the megalodon and the octopus both will put their lives on the line.
I think this is my favorite book so far in this series. I felt an instant connection to the main characters and I just love the way they play off of each other. There is no holding back with these two, no playing hard to get, they want to be together but they also want it on their own terms. The story also holds quite a lot of surprises and moves at an excellent pace. Once I picked it up, I was very reluctant to put it down. For me, this is another homerun from Anne Renwick.
August 14, 2023
The action never stops in this heart-racing adventure that takes place in late 19th century Scotland. At the heart of the story is Isa McQuiston, and her people, the Finn. Based on the mythical selkies, the Finn have superhuman abilities to navigate underwater – but they do not change shape. Several of the Finn have washed up on shore dead or nearly dead with unexplained injuries and tentacles ticking out of them.
Strange happenings have come to the attention of the Navy too. The lead of the BURR team (Benthic Underwater Reconnaissance and Rescue) has been tasked with investigation. Alex McCullough’s search leads him to Isa. After an uncomfortable start they team up.
Their pursuit of evidence leads to all sorts of trouble and danger, political ramifications and conspiracy, social impropriety and ethnic biases. And it leads to Isa and Alec forging a relationship that runs the gamut from friends to…more. The high stakes adventure and the heated romance meant I did a lot of reading in very little time. Including this book, I have read 9 Anne Renwick books from her Elemental Steampunk Stories, Tales or Chronicles, which are technically three different series, but they belong together. They all combine historical settings, advanced science and technology, great characters, danger, and romance. The Iron Fin is my favorite Anne Renwick novel to date containing all the aforementioned elements all wrapped up in an extremely delicious plot!
Strange happenings have come to the attention of the Navy too. The lead of the BURR team (Benthic Underwater Reconnaissance and Rescue) has been tasked with investigation. Alex McCullough’s search leads him to Isa. After an uncomfortable start they team up.
Their pursuit of evidence leads to all sorts of trouble and danger, political ramifications and conspiracy, social impropriety and ethnic biases. And it leads to Isa and Alec forging a relationship that runs the gamut from friends to…more. The high stakes adventure and the heated romance meant I did a lot of reading in very little time. Including this book, I have read 9 Anne Renwick books from her Elemental Steampunk Stories, Tales or Chronicles, which are technically three different series, but they belong together. They all combine historical settings, advanced science and technology, great characters, danger, and romance. The Iron Fin is my favorite Anne Renwick novel to date containing all the aforementioned elements all wrapped up in an extremely delicious plot!
April 24, 2018
This is the third instalment of the Elemental Web series and I think it is Anne's best so far! I had only read a few pages, but became completely gripped by this dark and harrowing tale. Isa McQuiston is a beautiful, kind, intelligent, loyal and driven young widow who only wants to help people and become a doctor studying medicine at the University of Glasgow, but she has been fighting society, her family, her mother and her family's folklore for years. Torn between her community and it's outdated rules and a life she has always wished for, she unexpectedly meets Captain Alec McCullough. Handsome, heroic, mysterious, honourable, patriotic, he falls for Isa in a way he was not expecting. The two are thrown together by a mad scientist, genetically mutated octopuses and passion. I love the way that Anne wraps human biology, science and biology around this gripping adventure of love and saving the Finn people.The way Anne describes the behaviour of the octopus make them come alive off the page! The sexual energy between the two oozes off the page every time they are together and the story is so descriptive, you will never want this tale to end. This is a
triumph and I cannot wait for number four.
triumph and I cannot wait for number four.
April 11, 2018
I love coming back to this world, filled with dashing heroes and the fierce heroines who battle beside them. I’m finding that I just want to say the same things as I’ve said for every other book in this world: I loved it, I want to read it again and again. I still find that this ‘universe’ reminds me of a cross between House and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, with modern technological marvels in the midst of the staid British aristocracy. It’s also an impossible medical puzzle wrapped up in one man’s plot for world domination. I loved Alec and Isa. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is, but there’s something so grounded and relatable about these characters. They’re strong, and brilliant, and brave, and the chemistry between them lit up my reader. This adventure may be completed, but I’m no where near ready to say goodbye to them. They have so many laugh-out-loud moments that delighted me. The supporting cast are such a unique group of characters, I hope they return in future books of the series. I can't wait to see what the next book brings.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
May 29, 2022
A mythical creature
Isa is a Finn descendant from a mythical group of people that can swim in extreme cold and remain under water for extremely long periods of time.
Alec is a doctor with a special BURR team with access to amazing technological advances for his time.
He has been sent to investigate the reports of strange deaths involving mechanical octopus.
Isa is a healer who specializes in her people performing surgery as needed in and around her Island. I love the fireworks and chemistry between the two of them.
There is betrayal from the closest member of Isa family that saw her married and her husband killed. The plans involved in experiments and use of her people are horrific and insane.
There are several moments when it seems she and Alec will not survive to have a future. But what started as a torrid affair ends in a love for the ages if they can survive to embrace it! Alec sister needs her own story for her expertise in poisons and Logan for his mysterious connections with the Queen and Englands finest! Hold on because this one takes you through many twists and turns! Bravo!!
Isa is a Finn descendant from a mythical group of people that can swim in extreme cold and remain under water for extremely long periods of time.
Alec is a doctor with a special BURR team with access to amazing technological advances for his time.
He has been sent to investigate the reports of strange deaths involving mechanical octopus.
Isa is a healer who specializes in her people performing surgery as needed in and around her Island. I love the fireworks and chemistry between the two of them.
There is betrayal from the closest member of Isa family that saw her married and her husband killed. The plans involved in experiments and use of her people are horrific and insane.
There are several moments when it seems she and Alec will not survive to have a future. But what started as a torrid affair ends in a love for the ages if they can survive to embrace it! Alec sister needs her own story for her expertise in poisons and Logan for his mysterious connections with the Queen and Englands finest! Hold on because this one takes you through many twists and turns! Bravo!!
December 30, 2020
Another exciting, romantic standalone story in this fun steampunk series! Though this one is darker and heavier in tone and content than the previous books, it is nonetheless a great read for anyone who is looking for adventure and a good time.
Isa is a strong female with big dreams and an admirable will. She is independent and a clever hero worthy of following. Alec is charming, flirty, and sweet. It was easy to be charmed by him and the deep affection he showed Isa. I'm not usually a fan of insta-love stories, but even I couldn't deny that these two had a fun chemistry. One which resulted in welcome levels of steam.
The story is smart and fun, with unique and terrifying creatures, betrayals, and more magic than has been previously shared in this universe. It almost felt like another book entirely, and I think that helped keep it fresh. The villains were particularly nefarious this time around, which always makes for a good time.
This is the kind of book you want to read for fun escapism. It's a standalone with fun characters, adventure, romance, and a high level of intelligence. If you enjoy any or all of those, this one is for you!
Isa is a strong female with big dreams and an admirable will. She is independent and a clever hero worthy of following. Alec is charming, flirty, and sweet. It was easy to be charmed by him and the deep affection he showed Isa. I'm not usually a fan of insta-love stories, but even I couldn't deny that these two had a fun chemistry. One which resulted in welcome levels of steam.
The story is smart and fun, with unique and terrifying creatures, betrayals, and more magic than has been previously shared in this universe. It almost felt like another book entirely, and I think that helped keep it fresh. The villains were particularly nefarious this time around, which always makes for a good time.
This is the kind of book you want to read for fun escapism. It's a standalone with fun characters, adventure, romance, and a high level of intelligence. If you enjoy any or all of those, this one is for you!
January 24, 2022
The third installment of the elemental chronicles does not disappoint. Full of biotech intrigue and introducing new characters with the old, this story deals with a small communities needing to both expand into the modern world but trying desperately to preserve what sets them apart. Along this thin line emerges radical obsessions with blood purity, and the more sinister control mechanisms characteristic of small insular communities.
Here you find Isa, trying to find both validation from her community and the outside world as a medical professional in an era where her expertise and unique perspective went unappreciated and valued. Alec? Well, he was smart enough to value everything in front of him. And what helps build trust on adrenaline? A series of secret-op missions to rescue her people from fascist-esq medical experimentation.
You won’t be able to stop turning the pages, intrigued by the biotech imagined in this story as well as the equality between the two main characters that makes their dynamic so attractive.
Here you find Isa, trying to find both validation from her community and the outside world as a medical professional in an era where her expertise and unique perspective went unappreciated and valued. Alec? Well, he was smart enough to value everything in front of him. And what helps build trust on adrenaline? A series of secret-op missions to rescue her people from fascist-esq medical experimentation.
You won’t be able to stop turning the pages, intrigued by the biotech imagined in this story as well as the equality between the two main characters that makes their dynamic so attractive.
April 8, 2018
Before I give my review, I should reveal that I'm a HUGE Anne Renwick fan, and have read all her stories. However, that aside, I think that this might be her best story yet. With mythical selkies, spies, biomechanical hybrids, plots to blow up Royal weddings and so much more (plus a twist of romance of course!), all in the wonderful steampunk world she invented, this book has something for everyone. Brilliantly written, full of great characters, and at a pace that'll keep you hooked and turning pages from beginning to end. With more twists and turns than an English (or should that be Scottish?!) country lane, this book is an awesome addition to the series, and I highly recommend to everyone!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
August 19, 2019
I did enjoy this book though I had no idea what they were talking about half the time. I did like the steampunk aspect of the book which is why I wanted to read the book. I of course love everything to do with Scotland and this book drew me in. I did find it hard to read and follow because I had no idea what they were talking about half the time. I did love Maura's character and how Alec want to change nothing about her. He only wanted to help her build up what she already was. They are the perfect match. The story that intertwined was interesting enough that it kept my attention and kept me going. I wanted to see where the story was going but I really wanted to see where Maura and Alec was going to end up.
*I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
*I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
August 22, 2019
I am totally annoyed. I picked up Anne Renwick’s The Iron Fin (An Elemental Steampunk Chronicle, Book 3) from one of the freebie sites and it’s sooo good. That’s not why I’m annoyed. I’m annoyed because it’s book 3 and I somehow missed books 1 and 2! Well, at least Isa and Alec’s story works pretty darn well as a stand-alone (though I’m sure there’s much I’m missing and just don’t realize), and at least it’s exciting and really well written fun (actually there is no “least” there). Frankly, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed, I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to more books in this series.
April 28, 2025
Once again, I was enthralled. I enjoyed how, again, this book brought an entirely new branch of steampunk technology into play without reusing the same concepts each time. You find out a lot more about Mr. Black in this book, which I very much wanted to - still waiting on him to have his own love story - hint, hint, nudge, nudge. The main characters love story moved very quickly and was a little harder to find believable but to be fair, that is how Romance novels tend to go and I'm here for it anyways. Strong, fiercely independent, brilliant female lead and best of all, a male lead not emasculated by any of that but fully supporting and hot for it! No coddling her no matter how much he wants to, that my friends, is respect and faith in your chosen person! On to the next with certainty that it will be fantastic as well.
July 7, 2019
The evil villain and his dastardly contraption in this one were almost a little too much for me, but Isa is a great character. Capable, prioritizes the needs of her people over her own fears, creative, and an interesting mix between outcast and pillar of her community, she is complex and interesting. Alec I find extremely relate-able because I read this before I was a year post-op for ACL replacement and meniscus repair surgery and I totally get the whole "I just need my knee to hang on for one more day" before coming to the harsh reality of "nope, can't do that anymore" and all of the identity issues that go with it.
April 1, 2020
I liked the characters in this one, but I wasn't a huge fan of the plot. Lost me a little bit. I'm not sure I really get the world building in this series to be honest. Or how all the characters connect to one another. Still Anne Renwick is very talented and definitely knows how to write an interesting story with strong characters. It might not have been my favourite plot but it was enjoyable. I loved Cait, I hope she gets her own book. And it was interesting to see Logan Black appear considering he's always lurking somewhere in the background. Isa and Alec were likable characters and the romance between them was nice. Overall 3 stars.
April 12, 2018
This is my fourth book that I have read by Anne Renwick and I have loved them all! I had never read any steampunk before and I must say that I fell in love with these stories. This latest story is an action-packed thriller. Isa is a marvelous and well-developed character. Alec is her perfect match and I love how they play off one another. This story kept me turning pages anxious to find out what is going to happen next. I highly recommend this book and believe that it will make you want to read more by this author.
April 19, 2018
I'm really glad I choose to take the leap in to Steampunk Romance and that I found not only this series but this author. Anne Renwick has a way of weaving such an intricate and thrilling story in the world of Steampunk that it's a live action movie playing in your head as you read. I loved this book in the series as you meet so many new side characters as well as hearing from old ones. I loved Isa and Alec they have such wonderful chemistry and work so well together and their story just flows. I can't wait to read more from this series! I received an ARC for an honest review.
December 10, 2019
Love and science
I've read all three books in this series. I've loved every single one. I adore how ms. Renwick takes actual science and adapts it into strange and wonderful creations.
There is a a part of me that wants further explanation into the science. But there is the other part that loves looking up the basis she used and learning things.
I can only hope the author will continue with her unique magic. There is no greater gift then inspiring the search for both true love and science.
I've read all three books in this series. I've loved every single one. I adore how ms. Renwick takes actual science and adapts it into strange and wonderful creations.
There is a a part of me that wants further explanation into the science. But there is the other part that loves looking up the basis she used and learning things.
I can only hope the author will continue with her unique magic. There is no greater gift then inspiring the search for both true love and science.
February 26, 2020
I received this as an advanced reading copy.
I read a few too many bad steampunk books back when the genre was just gaining steam (pun not intended but made me giggle so I'm keeping it there) and gave up on it. This one was very good with characters I found intriguing. Well written characters, good plot, and so many interesting family members about whom I want to know more. It turns out that there are a number of books out by this author so I've had to add a lot of new title to the books I want to read list.
I read a few too many bad steampunk books back when the genre was just gaining steam (pun not intended but made me giggle so I'm keeping it there) and gave up on it. This one was very good with characters I found intriguing. Well written characters, good plot, and so many interesting family members about whom I want to know more. It turns out that there are a number of books out by this author so I've had to add a lot of new title to the books I want to read list.
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July 12, 2021The 3rd full length book in this Steampunk espionage series.
What's going on in the islands off the coast of Scotland? Bodies are turning up on beaches, drained of blood. There's nothing, natural, in the water that could be doing this. Alec McCullough of BURR, Benthic Underwater Reconnaissance an Rescue, shouldn't be going on missions any more but this is just a test, a test that get's him injured and a teammate dead.
What's going on in the islands off the coast of Scotland? Bodies are turning up on beaches, drained of blood. There's nothing, natural, in the water that could be doing this. Alec McCullough of BURR, Benthic Underwater Reconnaissance an Rescue, shouldn't be going on missions any more but this is just a test, a test that get's him injured and a teammate dead.
December 13, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story, it has fantasy, intrigue, mystery, and romance. The storyline is well written and the characters are strong and likeable. The only negative and its not really one, but I did occasionally have a hard time imagining that it was taking place during the late 1800's while Victoria was Queen. I would definitely recommend this book.
* I received this book free as part of a holiday giveaway.
* I received this book free as part of a holiday giveaway.
February 25, 2022
Once again, Steampunk for the scientifically bent reader!
Anatomy, biology and chemistry are mixed with Sci-fi in a steampunk setting, that sets the mind whirring with the possibilities of….what if?! All the drama of Seal Team rescue and retrieval actions provide the basis of the heart-pounding plot, while a hot and spicy love story as well as a folk-lore tale are woven into the mix. Just the thing to provide a welcome diversion from the catastrophes of our time.
Anatomy, biology and chemistry are mixed with Sci-fi in a steampunk setting, that sets the mind whirring with the possibilities of….what if?! All the drama of Seal Team rescue and retrieval actions provide the basis of the heart-pounding plot, while a hot and spicy love story as well as a folk-lore tale are woven into the mix. Just the thing to provide a welcome diversion from the catastrophes of our time.
January 12, 2026
Basic Plot: A Finn healer finds herself entangled with a Scottish doctor/special agent to investigate a series of attacks.
I'm really liking this series. Renwick has created an interesting alternative history/world full of intrigue and steampunk science. The biomechanical tech described is fully believable within the framework, and fascinating. The characters are unique and full of realistic motivations and personalities. So much fun.
I'm really liking this series. Renwick has created an interesting alternative history/world full of intrigue and steampunk science. The biomechanical tech described is fully believable within the framework, and fascinating. The characters are unique and full of realistic motivations and personalities. So much fun.
June 20, 2018
I just love this series, and I loved this book. Another win! This book was much more action packed than some of her others, and I would have liked there to be a smidge more romance development between these two, considering all they go through together, but overall it's another great installment. I just cannot wait for Logan Black's book.
January 22, 2020
A steampunk Navy SEAL-type working with a selkie would-be doctor to rescue other selkies from a mad scientist out to "purify" his Master Race. The only thing missing (and this is a good thing) is a world war. What a truly original twist on steampunk romance!
I received a copy of this from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2020
Absolutely brilliant!! What a finale to the trilogy! All parts of the back story and the main agenda came together and I could not put the book down! This was by far the most grisly of all three and at times made me wrinkle my nose, but I wasn't deterred and determined to find out how it all ended! So glad I did - definitely an author I will look out for.
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