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Cadaver & Queen #2
Corpse & Crown
From Alisa Kwitney comes a connected novel set in the same alternative Victorian England of Cadaver & Queen. Corpse & Crown follows the story of Agatha DeLacey, an Ingold nursing student who travels to London and uncovers a devastating secret about the country's Bio-Mechanicals. Inspired by the classic story of Oliver Twist and complete with a dashing Artful Dodger-inspired male lead, this retelling is a satisfying follow-up to Kwitney's clever and critically acclaimed young adult debut.
304 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2019
6 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Alisa Kwitney
103 books190 followersI'm the author of YA, graphic novels and novels for adults who still feel young, at least most of the time. Recent works include GILT, a graphic novel about time-traveling women of a certain age; Cadaver & Queen, a YA Feminist Frankenstein meets Grey's Anatomy tale, and Mystik U from DC Comics, which features Zatanna and other magical characters in their first year at college. I also co-host a Sandman podcast, The Endless, with Lani Diane Rich.
My first novel, Till the Fat Lady Sings, is also about college and romance and eating disorders. (It was my thesis at Columbia University's MFA Program, where I felt like an outlier for liking comic books and romance as much as literature.) I was an editor at Vertigo, the mature/dark fantasy branch of DC Comics, before going freelance. (I've also written two hormonal werewolf books as Alisa Sheckley.)
I live near the Vanderbilt Estate in Hyde Park, NY, with two dogs and a frightening number of books.
aka Alisa Sheckley
My first novel, Till the Fat Lady Sings, is also about college and romance and eating disorders. (It was my thesis at Columbia University's MFA Program, where I felt like an outlier for liking comic books and romance as much as literature.) I was an editor at Vertigo, the mature/dark fantasy branch of DC Comics, before going freelance. (I've also written two hormonal werewolf books as Alisa Sheckley.)
I live near the Vanderbilt Estate in Hyde Park, NY, with two dogs and a frightening number of books.
aka Alisa Sheckley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
the-nope-shelf
May 6, 2019
**DNFed at 15% because i'm an idiot and didn't see that this was book 2**
i am so goddamn pissed at myself for NOT FUCKING PAYING ATTENTION when getting fucking ARCs.
it was alright for the first 15% i read. reminded me of frankenstein mixed with oliver twist.
January 20, 2019
Corpse and Crown ARC Review
I received a copy of Corpse and Crown from Harlequin TEEN in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
Agatha DeLacey’s family isn’t rich or titled, so studying nursing at Ingold’s East End Hospital in London is a rare opportunity for her. Despite the school’s focus on the innovative Bio-Mechanical program, Aggie cares more about the desperately poor human patients who flood the hospital, even if that means providing unauthorized treatment after hours... and trusting a charming, endlessly resourceful thief.
But the Artful Dodger is barely a step ahead of his underworld rivals, the menacing Bill Sykes and mercurial Oliver Twist, and Aggie’s association with him soon leads her into danger. When a brutal attack leaves her blind, she and the Dodger find themselves at the mercy of an experimental Bio-Mech surgery. Though the procedure restores Aggie’s sight, her new eyes come with an unnerving cost, and the changes in Dodger are even more alarming- instead of seeing Aggie as the girl he fancies, he now views her as a potential threat.
As war between England and Germany brews on the horizon and a sinister medical conspiracy threatens to shatter the uneasy peace in Europe, Aggie and the Dodger must find a way to work together so they can protect their friends and expose the truth... even if it means risking their own survival.
“I promise you, we’re not going to do anything bad to your mum. We’re going to help her.” His eyes searched her face. “You swear?” “On my life. May I be struck blind if I’m lying.”
We met Aggie in Cadaver and Queen. We didn’t learn too much about her in the previous book. All that we knew was that she was a nursing student and roomed with Lizzie.
“There were so many ways for a working woman to get burned and bruised and broken in the course of a day. Whenever some man started talking about how women were the weaker sex, Aggie thought about all the women she knew who worked in factories until the moment they went into labor.”
In Corpse and Crown we learn a lot now about Aggie. She’s a nursing student, yes, but she’s a great nursing student. She’s compassionate and caring. She wants to help anyone who is in need of her assistance. I loved seeing the character development throughout the book. It was amazing.
“Without the older woman’s support, Aggie knew she wouldn’t last long here. Her own mother had said as much. “London, is it? You’re just asking for trouble aren’t nurses supposed to keep their legs crossed? We’ll see how long that lasts. I reckon you’ll be ruined by one of them young doctors and selling yourself in the streets within a year.”
My heart does go out for Aggie. Just hearing the way her mother, her own mother, didn’t believe in her. Saying those awful things about her own daughter. Telling her that she will end up a prostitute instead of a nurse.
Even though she was told that she would end up the lowest of the low, and even thought she suffered through a terrible life changing accident, she didn’t let that stop her. She came out stronger than ever and even more confident in her abilities.
“What the eye cannot see, the heart never grieves.”
Throughout the book we see other characters, primary as well as secondary, go through their own struggles and challenges. Dodger, Will, Byram, Justine, Lizzie, Victor.
But in the end, everything will be okay.
“The moment you chose to harm him, you stopped being a nurse.”
4/5 Stars!
I received a copy of Corpse and Crown from Harlequin TEEN in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
Agatha DeLacey’s family isn’t rich or titled, so studying nursing at Ingold’s East End Hospital in London is a rare opportunity for her. Despite the school’s focus on the innovative Bio-Mechanical program, Aggie cares more about the desperately poor human patients who flood the hospital, even if that means providing unauthorized treatment after hours... and trusting a charming, endlessly resourceful thief.
But the Artful Dodger is barely a step ahead of his underworld rivals, the menacing Bill Sykes and mercurial Oliver Twist, and Aggie’s association with him soon leads her into danger. When a brutal attack leaves her blind, she and the Dodger find themselves at the mercy of an experimental Bio-Mech surgery. Though the procedure restores Aggie’s sight, her new eyes come with an unnerving cost, and the changes in Dodger are even more alarming- instead of seeing Aggie as the girl he fancies, he now views her as a potential threat.
As war between England and Germany brews on the horizon and a sinister medical conspiracy threatens to shatter the uneasy peace in Europe, Aggie and the Dodger must find a way to work together so they can protect their friends and expose the truth... even if it means risking their own survival.
“I promise you, we’re not going to do anything bad to your mum. We’re going to help her.” His eyes searched her face. “You swear?” “On my life. May I be struck blind if I’m lying.”
We met Aggie in Cadaver and Queen. We didn’t learn too much about her in the previous book. All that we knew was that she was a nursing student and roomed with Lizzie.
“There were so many ways for a working woman to get burned and bruised and broken in the course of a day. Whenever some man started talking about how women were the weaker sex, Aggie thought about all the women she knew who worked in factories until the moment they went into labor.”
In Corpse and Crown we learn a lot now about Aggie. She’s a nursing student, yes, but she’s a great nursing student. She’s compassionate and caring. She wants to help anyone who is in need of her assistance. I loved seeing the character development throughout the book. It was amazing.
“Without the older woman’s support, Aggie knew she wouldn’t last long here. Her own mother had said as much. “London, is it? You’re just asking for trouble aren’t nurses supposed to keep their legs crossed? We’ll see how long that lasts. I reckon you’ll be ruined by one of them young doctors and selling yourself in the streets within a year.”
My heart does go out for Aggie. Just hearing the way her mother, her own mother, didn’t believe in her. Saying those awful things about her own daughter. Telling her that she will end up a prostitute instead of a nurse.
Even though she was told that she would end up the lowest of the low, and even thought she suffered through a terrible life changing accident, she didn’t let that stop her. She came out stronger than ever and even more confident in her abilities.
“What the eye cannot see, the heart never grieves.”
Throughout the book we see other characters, primary as well as secondary, go through their own struggles and challenges. Dodger, Will, Byram, Justine, Lizzie, Victor.
But in the end, everything will be okay.
“The moment you chose to harm him, you stopped being a nurse.”
4/5 Stars!
February 11, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney is an excellent companion novel to Cadaver & Queen. The first book in the series was such a pleasant surprise that I was so excited to be approved for book two. Luckily for me, this companion was just as good. You could read this without being familiar with book one, but you won't be sorry if you take the time to read it before diving into this novel. I loved seeing how a retelling of Oliver Twist would fit into Kwitney's initial alternate history world of a Frankenstein-retelling featuring Bio-mechanicals (aka reanimated corpses who perform menial tasks and follow orders). This installment primarily follows a different set of lead characters, including Agatha who was Lizzie's nursing student roommate in book one. We get to know quite a bit more about her this time around. She's brilliant in her own right and refreshingly caring. Her character arc is incredible over the course of the story here. Without giving too much away, the Artful Dodger is probably my favorite male character of the series - he has a lot of great moments. Finally, I'm glad we got to see more of Queen Victoria since she's so delightfully impish. Since I've been hooked on Victoria I totally imagined her as an older Jenna Coleman. Overall, if you're a fan of alternate historical fantasy, steampunk, Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco, and Cinder by Marissa Meyer, I have a feeling you'll enjoy Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney. I'm looking forward to from the author in the future, especially more set in the world of Cadaver & Queen.
Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney is an excellent companion novel to Cadaver & Queen. The first book in the series was such a pleasant surprise that I was so excited to be approved for book two. Luckily for me, this companion was just as good. You could read this without being familiar with book one, but you won't be sorry if you take the time to read it before diving into this novel. I loved seeing how a retelling of Oliver Twist would fit into Kwitney's initial alternate history world of a Frankenstein-retelling featuring Bio-mechanicals (aka reanimated corpses who perform menial tasks and follow orders). This installment primarily follows a different set of lead characters, including Agatha who was Lizzie's nursing student roommate in book one. We get to know quite a bit more about her this time around. She's brilliant in her own right and refreshingly caring. Her character arc is incredible over the course of the story here. Without giving too much away, the Artful Dodger is probably my favorite male character of the series - he has a lot of great moments. Finally, I'm glad we got to see more of Queen Victoria since she's so delightfully impish. Since I've been hooked on Victoria I totally imagined her as an older Jenna Coleman. Overall, if you're a fan of alternate historical fantasy, steampunk, Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco, and Cinder by Marissa Meyer, I have a feeling you'll enjoy Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney. I'm looking forward to from the author in the future, especially more set in the world of Cadaver & Queen.
March 10, 2019
Corpse & Crown is the companion novel to Cadaver & Queen. While it's a smooth adventure, it fails to live up to its predecessor's passion, and it lacked substance in comparison. The plot could have been stronger. However, it is an easy read with fun characters, a well developed atmosphere and laughs along the way. It can be understood on its own but I highly advise reading the other book first for it to really make sense. I like the writing style and pace a lot. I will be on the look out for other books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
March 14, 2019
ARC Received from Netgally for honest review!
First can we all take a second to worship this cover!
This was a pretty good book. It takes right off and really pulls you in! This isn't a stand alone, you absolutely should read the first book before digging into this one!
Aggie quickly became on of my new favorite characters, even though she wasn't a main character in the last one. She's a lead character now and thank the sweet gods for that. She's everything.
I think anyone can read this, but the tie to classics and embedded story is great and I can honestly recommend to anyone who wants to give it a chance!
First can we all take a second to worship this cover!
This was a pretty good book. It takes right off and really pulls you in! This isn't a stand alone, you absolutely should read the first book before digging into this one!
Aggie quickly became on of my new favorite characters, even though she wasn't a main character in the last one. She's a lead character now and thank the sweet gods for that. She's everything.
I think anyone can read this, but the tie to classics and embedded story is great and I can honestly recommend to anyone who wants to give it a chance!
January 8, 2019
I’ll start by suggesting that you read Cadaver & Queen first. Though this largely works as a standalone, there is some character background that would be extremely useful for this 2nd book.
Now, in Corpose & Crown, we change main characters. I wasn’t sure at first (and our old characers still feature), but this was actually a welcome change. Aggie is wonderful. She’s definitely from a different background than Lizzie and it plays very well with our Oliver Twist and Artful Dodger connection.
The author gives us a good idea of the squalor that comes with the poverty in much of her setting and it works.
And, no worries – we still have our bio-mechanicals and they are wonderful!
The author pulls no punches. This one is a little more bawdy at times and definitely a bit more edgy.
And it’s a very good read!
Looking forward to the next book!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
February 3, 2019
"Sometimes, it was more important to have the hope things would improve than to have the security of knowing that things would not get worse"
It’s no secret, I’m a sucker for Frankenstein retellings, so last year I jumped on the chance to read Cadaver and Queen and was lucky enough to read it early. I came for the Frankenstein retelling and stayed for the excellent writing and the bio-mechanicals plot. I liked Cadaver and Queen, and I liked Lizzie and Victor but the novel wasn’t everything I wanted it to be.
This sequel however, is everything I wanted to be a more. The Bio- Mechanicals are further explained and fleshed out. I’m forever intrigued by them. This sequel shifts focus to another set of characters who we caught brief glimpses of in the first novel and adds in a new retelling of Oliver Twist that just flows beautifully into the world Kwitney already built. The main character is Agatha DeLacey aka Aggie. Aggie is a young woman, who wants more out of life than it was destined to give her. She’s determined to prove herself as a nursing student, and build a better life not only for herself but for others. I really connected with Aggie, she’s strong, determined, confident and is willing to fight tooth and nail for what she wants. With characters who have such strong ambition, especially women, authors tend to write the characters as cold and unfeeling. It’s a tired trope. Aggie is a breath of fresh air. Yes, she’s ambitious, but she’s also caring and empathetic, willing to help others by doing after hours treatment for the poor and overlooked. Even though the treatment could have costed her everything she wanted. Aggie can’t stand to see those overlooked and forgotten in the name of advancement. I also loved that Aggie is fully described as a plus size character and it’s merely a descriptor like her red hair, no storylines about her lack of confidence or shyness. Aggie is a fully fleshed out character who jumps off the page. Her character development is off the charts. Her romance with the thief, the Artful Dodger, is playful and heartfelt at the same time. I may have picked up the sequel to learn more about the bio- mechanicals but I could have read an entire book just about Aggie and her thief.
Even though I have a such a strong love for Aggie, and the Artful Dodger, I also adored the Queen (so glad she made a comeback) and her mischievous self! She was hilarious!
The writing style is amazing and I had such a hard time putting this book down. I found myself picking it up every chance I got just to see what happened next. If you were on the fence about reading this sequel after Cadaver and Queen, pick it up because it’s amazing. It’s a binge reading treat that takes the classics to a whole another level. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book and can’t wait to see what Kwitney does next.
It’s no secret, I’m a sucker for Frankenstein retellings, so last year I jumped on the chance to read Cadaver and Queen and was lucky enough to read it early. I came for the Frankenstein retelling and stayed for the excellent writing and the bio-mechanicals plot. I liked Cadaver and Queen, and I liked Lizzie and Victor but the novel wasn’t everything I wanted it to be.
This sequel however, is everything I wanted to be a more. The Bio- Mechanicals are further explained and fleshed out. I’m forever intrigued by them. This sequel shifts focus to another set of characters who we caught brief glimpses of in the first novel and adds in a new retelling of Oliver Twist that just flows beautifully into the world Kwitney already built. The main character is Agatha DeLacey aka Aggie. Aggie is a young woman, who wants more out of life than it was destined to give her. She’s determined to prove herself as a nursing student, and build a better life not only for herself but for others. I really connected with Aggie, she’s strong, determined, confident and is willing to fight tooth and nail for what she wants. With characters who have such strong ambition, especially women, authors tend to write the characters as cold and unfeeling. It’s a tired trope. Aggie is a breath of fresh air. Yes, she’s ambitious, but she’s also caring and empathetic, willing to help others by doing after hours treatment for the poor and overlooked. Even though the treatment could have costed her everything she wanted. Aggie can’t stand to see those overlooked and forgotten in the name of advancement. I also loved that Aggie is fully described as a plus size character and it’s merely a descriptor like her red hair, no storylines about her lack of confidence or shyness. Aggie is a fully fleshed out character who jumps off the page. Her character development is off the charts. Her romance with the thief, the Artful Dodger, is playful and heartfelt at the same time. I may have picked up the sequel to learn more about the bio- mechanicals but I could have read an entire book just about Aggie and her thief.
Even though I have a such a strong love for Aggie, and the Artful Dodger, I also adored the Queen (so glad she made a comeback) and her mischievous self! She was hilarious!
The writing style is amazing and I had such a hard time putting this book down. I found myself picking it up every chance I got just to see what happened next. If you were on the fence about reading this sequel after Cadaver and Queen, pick it up because it’s amazing. It’s a binge reading treat that takes the classics to a whole another level. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book and can’t wait to see what Kwitney does next.
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February 11, 2019
ARC received in exchange for an honest review - thank you!
Unfortunately this wasn't as good as the previous one in terms of the romance - I just love the chemistry between Victor and Lizzie. I didn't get that here and I feel like Aggie was cheated. But the plot was interesting, and I'm keen to see where the series goes next.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
Unfortunately this wasn't as good as the previous one in terms of the romance - I just love the chemistry between Victor and Lizzie. I didn't get that here and I feel like Aggie was cheated. But the plot was interesting, and I'm keen to see where the series goes next.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
February 17, 2019
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one, Cadaver and Queen. I found myself just jumping right into this book. That is because the back story and introductions of the characters from the first book were over. Therefore, for this reason I do suggest you start with the first book to get the better reading experience with this book.
In the prior novel, Aggie was not as prominent. Yet, in this book, she was one of the main lead characters. I really liked her. The other person that also made a good impression on me was Artful Dodger. He plays the role of "Oliver Twist" in this spin off of that classic story. Yet, he had more attitude and spunk.
I criticized the first book because I felt that the bio-mechanical aspect was not that strong. However, in this book it was more prominent. Thus, I was happy. This is a good series with a fun twist on classics, Frankenstein and Oliver Twist.
In the prior novel, Aggie was not as prominent. Yet, in this book, she was one of the main lead characters. I really liked her. The other person that also made a good impression on me was Artful Dodger. He plays the role of "Oliver Twist" in this spin off of that classic story. Yet, he had more attitude and spunk.
I criticized the first book because I felt that the bio-mechanical aspect was not that strong. However, in this book it was more prominent. Thus, I was happy. This is a good series with a fun twist on classics, Frankenstein and Oliver Twist.
November 12, 2018
We follow the infamous tale of Frankenstein back into the world of BioMechanicals only this time we follow a different set of characters as they tackle the consequences of the scientific breakthrough.
“Corpse and Crown” follows Aggie as she works to prove herself as a nurse when she meets an unlikely friend in need of her assistance. When things go wrong she finds herself at the mercy of the doctors researching the BioMechanicals and finds that sometimes getting what you want comes with a price.
I really love when sequels are given to other characters to really expand the world by giving us more people to care for as the plot races forward. We still get to see our favorites from the first book but the narrative shifts just enough to give weight to others going through this change and showing different responses to the evolving world.
That being said I do think there was a bit of a disconnect as certain characters who belong to that of a group of people who were historically cast aside or thought to be less than are treated no different in this book by the characters who are supposed to be the heroes. It’s an odd choice given that they make this connection in terms of the cruel treatment and the lack of grief at the quick disposal of the BioMechanicals but when it comes to the human characters it’s a bit of a shrug in the name of science and I’m not sure that was a wise stance to make.
It’s hard to get into exact details to better explain that point without giving away spoilers but there’s more than a few moments where you think it’s going to be acknowledged only for it to be cast aside and I guess my only hope is that the next book will better rectify that as I’m assuming the character I had some of my concerns about will most likely be getting narrative control.
Overall this is a good companion to book 1 and we get to see a new love story play out which I think I enjoyed a bit more than Lizzie and Viktor but I’ve also have a soft spot for the underdogs so I may be a bit biased.
**special thanks to the publishers and edelweiss for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review!**
“Corpse and Crown” follows Aggie as she works to prove herself as a nurse when she meets an unlikely friend in need of her assistance. When things go wrong she finds herself at the mercy of the doctors researching the BioMechanicals and finds that sometimes getting what you want comes with a price.
I really love when sequels are given to other characters to really expand the world by giving us more people to care for as the plot races forward. We still get to see our favorites from the first book but the narrative shifts just enough to give weight to others going through this change and showing different responses to the evolving world.
That being said I do think there was a bit of a disconnect as certain characters who belong to that of a group of people who were historically cast aside or thought to be less than are treated no different in this book by the characters who are supposed to be the heroes. It’s an odd choice given that they make this connection in terms of the cruel treatment and the lack of grief at the quick disposal of the BioMechanicals but when it comes to the human characters it’s a bit of a shrug in the name of science and I’m not sure that was a wise stance to make.
It’s hard to get into exact details to better explain that point without giving away spoilers but there’s more than a few moments where you think it’s going to be acknowledged only for it to be cast aside and I guess my only hope is that the next book will better rectify that as I’m assuming the character I had some of my concerns about will most likely be getting narrative control.
Overall this is a good companion to book 1 and we get to see a new love story play out which I think I enjoyed a bit more than Lizzie and Viktor but I’ve also have a soft spot for the underdogs so I may be a bit biased.
**special thanks to the publishers and edelweiss for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review!**
October 24, 2019
320 pages of my life I'll never get back!
So I normally hate when sequels or later books in a sequel change POV from the first book (with the exception of the His Fair Assassin series) so I was prepared to hate this book already. I didn't care much for Aggie in the first book and I didn't understand how suddenly she and Lizzie were best friends.
But when Aggie meets Dodger, I thought 'hey up, this could work and I might not hate this book'. No, it didn't work and I did hate this book. The author tries to do too many things at once and I don't think she's good at wrapping things up. There were too many side plots and too many things to be juggled that it just came across as a mess.
If the book had been solely about Aggie and Dodger, I might have loved it. But no, the Bio-Mechanical thing is still forefront and present, and it's stupid.
Meh.
So I normally hate when sequels or later books in a sequel change POV from the first book (with the exception of the His Fair Assassin series) so I was prepared to hate this book already. I didn't care much for Aggie in the first book and I didn't understand how suddenly she and Lizzie were best friends.
But when Aggie meets Dodger, I thought 'hey up, this could work and I might not hate this book'. No, it didn't work and I did hate this book. The author tries to do too many things at once and I don't think she's good at wrapping things up. There were too many side plots and too many things to be juggled that it just came across as a mess.
If the book had been solely about Aggie and Dodger, I might have loved it. But no, the Bio-Mechanical thing is still forefront and present, and it's stupid.
Meh.
February 13, 2019
I didn't realize Corpse and Crown was part of a series. Reading the first book would have been better. Turns out, I'm not a fan of Frankenstein retellings. I could not get interested enough to really care about the characters. Unfortunately, this story was a miss for me. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2019
'Corpse & Crown' is the thrilling second book in a young adult series that blends together historical fantasy with retellings of classic novels. In this case, the author gives us a retelling of Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist.' The world building really caught my attention, as it brought the historical setting to life in front of my eyes. I was pulled into Aggie's world right from the beginning and it felt as if I was right there beside her during the entire story.
Aggie was a great main character for the novel. She's smart, strong, has high morals and ethics, and is determined to do what is ultimately right - even if that might mean breaking some rules or laws along the way. I liked watching her character grow, change and mature throughout the story. It made her character all the more realistic and easy to identify with. The other major characters were well rounded and I enjoyed seeing how Aggie interacted with them along with how their interpersonal relationships developed and changed over time. Sadly, I haven't read 'Oliver Twist', so I can't compare the book's plot to the classic novel. You obviously don't have to read the original to understand or get into this story, but I'm sure it would've been cool to see where the two stories lined up and what the author included from the original story. I definitely recommend this book to fans of YA fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and even romance.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Aggie was a great main character for the novel. She's smart, strong, has high morals and ethics, and is determined to do what is ultimately right - even if that might mean breaking some rules or laws along the way. I liked watching her character grow, change and mature throughout the story. It made her character all the more realistic and easy to identify with. The other major characters were well rounded and I enjoyed seeing how Aggie interacted with them along with how their interpersonal relationships developed and changed over time. Sadly, I haven't read 'Oliver Twist', so I can't compare the book's plot to the classic novel. You obviously don't have to read the original to understand or get into this story, but I'm sure it would've been cool to see where the two stories lined up and what the author included from the original story. I definitely recommend this book to fans of YA fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and even romance.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2019
Oh my, CORPSE & CROWN did not disappoint. In fact, it surprised me. Like a hydra beast of Frankenstein meets Oliver Twist (I’m laughing because for real what is this mash-up and how did it work so well 😂) this book proved to be much different than its predecessor in all the best ways. I have to admit the very short back jacket didn’t instill me with overwhelming confidence, because there wasn’t much to anticipate, but now that I’ve finished, I understand the vagueness. Because holy moly, things things got crazypants. Glorious, unpredictable, escalating surprises, each chapter got wilder than the last. Had the back jacket mentioned any specifics, they would’ve been spoilers, so while the description doesn’t have much “hype,” don’t be deceived. There are a ton of bananapants-level twists and overlapping storylines.
This series remains my favourite Frankenstein retelling, and I really hope there are more books on the way because a lot of crazy stuff went down that left things wide open. While some readers have skipped the first and headed straight for CORPSE & CROWN, I wouldn’t recommend it. Yes, the POVs are different in the sequel, but the concept behind Bio-Mechanicals is explained in greater detail in the first, and there are several crucial scenes that give context for certain relationships. Also, CADAVER & QUEEN is awesome and you need to read it just because of the awesomeness.
This series remains my favourite Frankenstein retelling, and I really hope there are more books on the way because a lot of crazy stuff went down that left things wide open. While some readers have skipped the first and headed straight for CORPSE & CROWN, I wouldn’t recommend it. Yes, the POVs are different in the sequel, but the concept behind Bio-Mechanicals is explained in greater detail in the first, and there are several crucial scenes that give context for certain relationships. Also, CADAVER & QUEEN is awesome and you need to read it just because of the awesomeness.
May 30, 2021
Well, I don't really have too much to say about this book to be honest. Like the first book in the series it ia an interesting consept, but i couldn't seem to get into the plot all that much. In addition, it felt kinda like the first book repeating itself again, only with some slight changes and different characters. After that is said, there was some interesting moments, and I did really like the characters. My exact ranking would be around 3,5 stars.
April 4, 2019
Not sure why I haven't reviewed this one on here? I read it back in February and it's now April. Whoops!
3.5 Stars! I really thought this was a fun conclusion to the duology! It is a retelling of Oliver Twist with Frankenstein! This was such a fun sereis and I would definitely read more from this author!
3.5 Stars! I really thought this was a fun conclusion to the duology! It is a retelling of Oliver Twist with Frankenstein! This was such a fun sereis and I would definitely read more from this author!
December 13, 2018
This book was received as an ARC from Harlequin TEEN in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and Thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I knew from the looks of the cover and the detailed description that this was going to be an intensely captivating book and was I right. I was not expecting the direction the book took with the plot incorporating the characters from Oliver Twist to get involved with Aggie and her family. I am a huge fan of overcoming adversity and achieving dreams but it was such an unusual twist when Aggie had to team up with the Artful Dodger in order to save her family and herself. From page to page cover to cover it was just more interesting as you read on.
We will definitely consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I knew from the looks of the cover and the detailed description that this was going to be an intensely captivating book and was I right. I was not expecting the direction the book took with the plot incorporating the characters from Oliver Twist to get involved with Aggie and her family. I am a huge fan of overcoming adversity and achieving dreams but it was such an unusual twist when Aggie had to team up with the Artful Dodger in order to save her family and herself. From page to page cover to cover it was just more interesting as you read on.
We will definitely consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
Want to read
August 20, 2019hi I'd like this now, please
February 22, 2019
Check out my full review here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...
Adding in the characters of Oliver Twist to the unique world of Bio-mechanicals created in the first book, this stand-alone continues the story begun in the first book. Agatha DeLacey (Aggie), who is Lizzie’s roommate from the first book, is a nursing student, who is glad to be at the school and away from her impoverished background. She is dedicated to saving lives, but since the mission of the hospital is Bio-mechanicals, the people running the place are equally interested in death.
Bio-mechanicals are typically made from dead bodies, which are reassembled of many parts and machinery. They are thought to create a new army which can save young men from having to fight. The potential war with Germany is spurring new innovations as the Kaiser has created advanced Bio-mechanicals and the English have only Victor (from the first book). They must figure out how to create another like him, versus the typical grunting and unintelligent Bio-mechanicals formed from corpses.
What I loved: Aggie was absolutely wonderful, and her perspective brings a whole new vantage point to the interesting story which was created in the first book. She is strong, engaging, and rational. The plot moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged throughout. I found myself quickly page-turning, eager to find out what would happen to our characters. In addition to the characters we knew from the first book, we are introduced to new, intriguing characters in the impoverished group of pick-pockets from Oliver Twist. Dodger, who is the primary new character, was clever, kind, and with an exciting bit of mischief that made him the perfect lead and counter for Aggie.
The whole premise of the book is pretty unique, combining Victorian England with mechanical innovation and some elements of, for lack of a better term, magic. It raises some interesting questions about what makes us human, scientific ethics/conflicts of interest, poverty and its consequences, and the lengths people will go to in terms of inventing weapons as well as whether they actually have any usefulness for preventing war. These themes can give the reader something to ponder, and the questions are interesting ones.
What left me wanting more: While the book states it was inspired by Oliver Twist, the characters felt very different from the original book. They shared names and pickpocket abilities as well as poverty, but beyond that, it felt completely different, so I think they could have been completely set apart. It is unclear whether another book in the series will be coming, and this one did not fully wrap up all the storylines. The set-up at the end definitely left me curious about where this world will go.
Final verdict: Overall, this is an interesting installment in a unique series. While it could be read as a stand-alone, I think it is helpful to have read the first book as there are many characters and they are better understood with background context. The interesting themes of this book raise intriguing questions.
Adding in the characters of Oliver Twist to the unique world of Bio-mechanicals created in the first book, this stand-alone continues the story begun in the first book. Agatha DeLacey (Aggie), who is Lizzie’s roommate from the first book, is a nursing student, who is glad to be at the school and away from her impoverished background. She is dedicated to saving lives, but since the mission of the hospital is Bio-mechanicals, the people running the place are equally interested in death.
Bio-mechanicals are typically made from dead bodies, which are reassembled of many parts and machinery. They are thought to create a new army which can save young men from having to fight. The potential war with Germany is spurring new innovations as the Kaiser has created advanced Bio-mechanicals and the English have only Victor (from the first book). They must figure out how to create another like him, versus the typical grunting and unintelligent Bio-mechanicals formed from corpses.
What I loved: Aggie was absolutely wonderful, and her perspective brings a whole new vantage point to the interesting story which was created in the first book. She is strong, engaging, and rational. The plot moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged throughout. I found myself quickly page-turning, eager to find out what would happen to our characters. In addition to the characters we knew from the first book, we are introduced to new, intriguing characters in the impoverished group of pick-pockets from Oliver Twist. Dodger, who is the primary new character, was clever, kind, and with an exciting bit of mischief that made him the perfect lead and counter for Aggie.
The whole premise of the book is pretty unique, combining Victorian England with mechanical innovation and some elements of, for lack of a better term, magic. It raises some interesting questions about what makes us human, scientific ethics/conflicts of interest, poverty and its consequences, and the lengths people will go to in terms of inventing weapons as well as whether they actually have any usefulness for preventing war. These themes can give the reader something to ponder, and the questions are interesting ones.
What left me wanting more: While the book states it was inspired by Oliver Twist, the characters felt very different from the original book. They shared names and pickpocket abilities as well as poverty, but beyond that, it felt completely different, so I think they could have been completely set apart. It is unclear whether another book in the series will be coming, and this one did not fully wrap up all the storylines. The set-up at the end definitely left me curious about where this world will go.
Final verdict: Overall, this is an interesting installment in a unique series. While it could be read as a stand-alone, I think it is helpful to have read the first book as there are many characters and they are better understood with background context. The interesting themes of this book raise intriguing questions.
June 24, 2019
I'll start this by saying I completely missed that this was the second book in a series when I requested it. That being said, it was still very easy to figure out what was going on. Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney is a YA historical fiction blended with sci-fi (with a little bit of a retelling thrown in!) that is definitely different from anything on the market today.
It's the Victorian era in England, and Aggie is training to be a nurse. The hospital where she is completing her studies is controversial due to its research in Bio-Mechanicals: human robot hybrids. The hospital becomes aflutter when the Kaiser plans a visit hoping to pit his bio-mechanical soldier against British technology, but thus far nothing they have produced has been successful enough to face the challenge. Aggie doesn't like the focus placed on this research, and would instead rather help the average patients that walked through the door. But she gets trapped in the Bio-Mechanical research, like it or not, and soon discovers things she never would have imagined.
I liked the story fine, but nothing special jumped out to me. As unique as this was, I just didn't feel any attachment to the book or the characters. Between the sci-fi elements, the historical fiction setting, and the Oliver Twist retelling, I honestly thought this book was trying to do to too much. Two of these elements combined might have been more successful rather than trying to squeeze in all three.
There were too many story lines to follow and too many points of view for my liking. I kept losing track of who each chapter was about, and with so many characters to care about I ended up not really caring about any of them at all. I don't think reading the first book would have made a difference for me in these opinions, as my struggles were more with the writing style and too much content, rather than not understanding the back story. This was one of those books that I couldn't wait to get through so I could read something else.
I will absolutely give credit where credit is due however, and I thought the world building in this book was phenomenal. I also appreciated Kwitney's inventiveness and creativity, even if it didn't quite hit it out of the park for me. All this being said, I do actually want to give the first book, Cadaver & Queen, a shot if I can fit it into my reading schedule, as I did like the overall premise and this may just be a case of "second book in a series slump."
Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars
Thank you to Inkyard Press for an advanced copy of this read! Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney is out now!
It's the Victorian era in England, and Aggie is training to be a nurse. The hospital where she is completing her studies is controversial due to its research in Bio-Mechanicals: human robot hybrids. The hospital becomes aflutter when the Kaiser plans a visit hoping to pit his bio-mechanical soldier against British technology, but thus far nothing they have produced has been successful enough to face the challenge. Aggie doesn't like the focus placed on this research, and would instead rather help the average patients that walked through the door. But she gets trapped in the Bio-Mechanical research, like it or not, and soon discovers things she never would have imagined.
I liked the story fine, but nothing special jumped out to me. As unique as this was, I just didn't feel any attachment to the book or the characters. Between the sci-fi elements, the historical fiction setting, and the Oliver Twist retelling, I honestly thought this book was trying to do to too much. Two of these elements combined might have been more successful rather than trying to squeeze in all three.
There were too many story lines to follow and too many points of view for my liking. I kept losing track of who each chapter was about, and with so many characters to care about I ended up not really caring about any of them at all. I don't think reading the first book would have made a difference for me in these opinions, as my struggles were more with the writing style and too much content, rather than not understanding the back story. This was one of those books that I couldn't wait to get through so I could read something else.
I will absolutely give credit where credit is due however, and I thought the world building in this book was phenomenal. I also appreciated Kwitney's inventiveness and creativity, even if it didn't quite hit it out of the park for me. All this being said, I do actually want to give the first book, Cadaver & Queen, a shot if I can fit it into my reading schedule, as I did like the overall premise and this may just be a case of "second book in a series slump."
Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars
Thank you to Inkyard Press for an advanced copy of this read! Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney is out now!
February 19, 2019
Set in foggy London's past, this tale takes an interesting turn on Oliver Twist and weaves an intriguing magic, which is hard to put down.
Agatha is a nurse in training and has a difficult path, but finds herself in one of the top places to learn. That the school's focus is on Bio-Mechanicals doesn't phase her in so much, especially since she is more concerned with people who need care. Still, London holds a life different than she's accustom to, which also leads her to Dodger, an intriguing man who sits more in tune with the underground that Aggie should appreciate. When an attack leaves her blind, she turns to her school and their specialty for help, but the results lead to more than she expected.
This is the second book in the series, and while it isn't too difficult to sink into the story without reading the first book, I wouldn't recommend doing this. The characters do build on the foundation laid in the first novel, and it makes the second easier to appreciate.
This second novels shifts a bit from the first, allowing Aggie to now take center stage. And what a wise choice this was! Agatha is wonderful as a nurse in training—unsure but determined, uncertain but clever, and perhaps, a little naive but can take care of situations as they arise. Her heart is golden, and despite what others say, she sticks to what she believes. She learns a lot in these pages and slips into the role she has to play, while maturing along the way. It was a treat to get to know her and root for her until the last page.
The author does a nice job of allowing Oliver Twist to be mirrored in some ways, but take a completely new life in other. The setting and scenes build the perfect atmosphere and allow the reader to sink right in, seeing an atmosphere similar to the classic without copying it completely. The addition of bio-mechs adds a fresh change but doesn't over-power the tale either. Many issues are touched up one which lead to thought, but yet, the story drives forward with a quick paced plot and plenty of action and intrigue.
It's an interesting read and one that especially historic fantasy fans are sure to enjoy.
I received an ARC copy and was so drawn into the tale that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
Agatha is a nurse in training and has a difficult path, but finds herself in one of the top places to learn. That the school's focus is on Bio-Mechanicals doesn't phase her in so much, especially since she is more concerned with people who need care. Still, London holds a life different than she's accustom to, which also leads her to Dodger, an intriguing man who sits more in tune with the underground that Aggie should appreciate. When an attack leaves her blind, she turns to her school and their specialty for help, but the results lead to more than she expected.
This is the second book in the series, and while it isn't too difficult to sink into the story without reading the first book, I wouldn't recommend doing this. The characters do build on the foundation laid in the first novel, and it makes the second easier to appreciate.
This second novels shifts a bit from the first, allowing Aggie to now take center stage. And what a wise choice this was! Agatha is wonderful as a nurse in training—unsure but determined, uncertain but clever, and perhaps, a little naive but can take care of situations as they arise. Her heart is golden, and despite what others say, she sticks to what she believes. She learns a lot in these pages and slips into the role she has to play, while maturing along the way. It was a treat to get to know her and root for her until the last page.
The author does a nice job of allowing Oliver Twist to be mirrored in some ways, but take a completely new life in other. The setting and scenes build the perfect atmosphere and allow the reader to sink right in, seeing an atmosphere similar to the classic without copying it completely. The addition of bio-mechs adds a fresh change but doesn't over-power the tale either. Many issues are touched up one which lead to thought, but yet, the story drives forward with a quick paced plot and plenty of action and intrigue.
It's an interesting read and one that especially historic fantasy fans are sure to enjoy.
I received an ARC copy and was so drawn into the tale that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
February 26, 2019
Synopsis
Agatha DeLacey’s family isn’t rich or titled, so studying nursing at Ingold’s East End hospital in London is a rare opportunity for her. Despite the school’s focus on the innovative Bio-Mechanical program, Aggie cares more about the desperately poor human patients who flood the hospital, even if that means providing unauthorized treatment after-hours…and trusting a charming, endlessly resourceful thief.
But the Artful Dodger is barely a step ahead of his underworld rivals, the menacing Bill Sykes and mercurial Oliver Twist, and Aggie’s association with him soon leads her into danger. When a brutal attack leaves her blind, she and the Dodger find themselves at the mercy of an experimental Bio-Mech surgery. Though the procedure restores Aggie’s sight, her new eyes come at an unnerving cost, and the changes in Dodger are even more alarming—instead of seeing Aggie as the girl he fancies, he now views her as a potential threat.
As war between England and Germany brews on the horizon and a sinister medical conspiracy threatens to shatter the uneasy peace in Europe, Aggie and the Dodger must find a way to work together so they can protect their friends and expose the truth…even if it means risking their own survival.
Review
Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney is a YA historical fiction and Frankenstein retelling mash up. Victorian England is on the verge of war with Germany, so British scientists and doctors are building an army of Bio-Mechanicals (corpses engineered to be soldiers). This is the second book in the Cadaver & Queen, but I was advised that it could be read as a standalone. I think it would have been beneficial to read Cadaver & Queen first, so I would have more background knowledge on the characters. The beginning of the story is super confusing because there are too many POVs to keep up with. I expected the story to be just a Frankenstein retelling but then the Artful Dodger and Oliver Twist made an appearance, and I really didn’t know what to make of it. The author took too much creative liberation with classic characters, and I overall I did not enjoy the message of the story. I recommend this book to fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper and The Impossible Girl.
Agatha DeLacey’s family isn’t rich or titled, so studying nursing at Ingold’s East End hospital in London is a rare opportunity for her. Despite the school’s focus on the innovative Bio-Mechanical program, Aggie cares more about the desperately poor human patients who flood the hospital, even if that means providing unauthorized treatment after-hours…and trusting a charming, endlessly resourceful thief.
But the Artful Dodger is barely a step ahead of his underworld rivals, the menacing Bill Sykes and mercurial Oliver Twist, and Aggie’s association with him soon leads her into danger. When a brutal attack leaves her blind, she and the Dodger find themselves at the mercy of an experimental Bio-Mech surgery. Though the procedure restores Aggie’s sight, her new eyes come at an unnerving cost, and the changes in Dodger are even more alarming—instead of seeing Aggie as the girl he fancies, he now views her as a potential threat.
As war between England and Germany brews on the horizon and a sinister medical conspiracy threatens to shatter the uneasy peace in Europe, Aggie and the Dodger must find a way to work together so they can protect their friends and expose the truth…even if it means risking their own survival.
Review
Corpse & Crown by Alisa Kwitney is a YA historical fiction and Frankenstein retelling mash up. Victorian England is on the verge of war with Germany, so British scientists and doctors are building an army of Bio-Mechanicals (corpses engineered to be soldiers). This is the second book in the Cadaver & Queen, but I was advised that it could be read as a standalone. I think it would have been beneficial to read Cadaver & Queen first, so I would have more background knowledge on the characters. The beginning of the story is super confusing because there are too many POVs to keep up with. I expected the story to be just a Frankenstein retelling but then the Artful Dodger and Oliver Twist made an appearance, and I really didn’t know what to make of it. The author took too much creative liberation with classic characters, and I overall I did not enjoy the message of the story. I recommend this book to fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper and The Impossible Girl.
February 24, 2019
I liked the first book of this duology, and when I saw this one was taking inspiration from Charles Dickens, I was eager to see what would happen. What we get is basically the same story, except it focuses on Dodger and Agatha. It's hugely disappointing.
I will say that the author has built this world convincingly. I can believe in all of things that are happening, no matter how fantastic they seem. I also like that the side characters got more fleshing out. Also, there wasn't much by the way of romance here. What we did get was fairly sweet, though it started really abruptly and their connection was forced rather than being allowed to progress naturally.
Also, the other characters from Oliver Twist either got severely short-changed or completely neutered. Take Bill Sykes, for example. In the book, he's extremely intimidating and dangerous. Here, he seems to exist just to get Nancy's hopes up. And he's also apparently seventeen in this. What? And poor Nancy... well, I guess her fate's a little better here, but not by much. I think even Dodger got shafted, and he was featured pretty prominently. I think what got me was how much of his story was just a re-tread of what happened in the first book. I guess I was hoping for something unique or at least a different perspective on what was going on in the city. It just didn't capture the spirit of a Dickens novel; it was too busy still trying to be Frankenstein.
Though Justine and Will were both fleshed out more in this book, I still don't feel like enough was done with them. I feel like Justine had two or three different plots going for her and none of them were explored to their full potential. And Will could've been fleshed out a lot more and been allowed to explore himself, what he wanted to be and so on. But no such luck there. As for the ending, it was way too "happily ever after", and even all that build-up of the Kaiser's biomechanical led up to nothing.
So it was a disappointing follow-up. And since I think it's meant to be a duology, I don't have any hopes of the other characters getting the focus and development they deserve. Though even if there was more, I'm not sure I'd be interested.
I will say that the author has built this world convincingly. I can believe in all of things that are happening, no matter how fantastic they seem. I also like that the side characters got more fleshing out. Also, there wasn't much by the way of romance here. What we did get was fairly sweet, though it started really abruptly and their connection was forced rather than being allowed to progress naturally.
Also, the other characters from Oliver Twist either got severely short-changed or completely neutered. Take Bill Sykes, for example. In the book, he's extremely intimidating and dangerous. Here, he seems to exist just to get Nancy's hopes up. And he's also apparently seventeen in this. What? And poor Nancy... well, I guess her fate's a little better here, but not by much. I think even Dodger got shafted, and he was featured pretty prominently. I think what got me was how much of his story was just a re-tread of what happened in the first book. I guess I was hoping for something unique or at least a different perspective on what was going on in the city. It just didn't capture the spirit of a Dickens novel; it was too busy still trying to be Frankenstein.
Though Justine and Will were both fleshed out more in this book, I still don't feel like enough was done with them. I feel like Justine had two or three different plots going for her and none of them were explored to their full potential. And Will could've been fleshed out a lot more and been allowed to explore himself, what he wanted to be and so on. But no such luck there. As for the ending, it was way too "happily ever after", and even all that build-up of the Kaiser's biomechanical led up to nothing.
So it was a disappointing follow-up. And since I think it's meant to be a duology, I don't have any hopes of the other characters getting the focus and development they deserve. Though even if there was more, I'm not sure I'd be interested.
April 11, 2019
Corpse & Crown drew my attention even though I didn't realize it was part of a series. I was intrigued by the idea of Bio-Mechanicals people in this alternative history story.
Aggie is a practicing nurse at the Royal Victoria the home of England’s most promising Bio-Mechanical Victor Frankenstein. Victoria has been tasked with creating a Bio-Mechanical shoulder that will take of Germany’s creation. Aggie find herself directly connected to the project when her sight is ruined. Now Aggie must decide between her integrity and her dream.
After reading this entry in the series I want to read all entries in this series. Corpse & Crown does a great job of welcoming new readers, giving out the back ground you need to enjoy the story while being vague enough that you still want to read the first one. While I wish the end had been fleshed out a bit more, it left me waiting for the next installment.
I enjoyed the writing style. The prose wasn't overly word and or overly showy. It wasn't light and airy either. It was the right about of depth without being overbearing. Combined with the steam punk elements, I was instantly hooked.
I enjoyed the idea of Bio-Mechanicals. His wasn't just some zombie story but a look at technology and how it can hinder and help humanity. I enjoyed these ideas were taken into a historic period; usually human amplification are future sci-fi.
I enjoyed the characters. I liked how they each had different experiences and outlooks on the situation. While, not all of them share the same levels of depth, it is possible this is because I hadn't read the original book to better understand some of those characters.
Entertaining and fun, Corpse & Crown is a solid addition to YA fiction.
Aggie is a practicing nurse at the Royal Victoria the home of England’s most promising Bio-Mechanical Victor Frankenstein. Victoria has been tasked with creating a Bio-Mechanical shoulder that will take of Germany’s creation. Aggie find herself directly connected to the project when her sight is ruined. Now Aggie must decide between her integrity and her dream.
After reading this entry in the series I want to read all entries in this series. Corpse & Crown does a great job of welcoming new readers, giving out the back ground you need to enjoy the story while being vague enough that you still want to read the first one. While I wish the end had been fleshed out a bit more, it left me waiting for the next installment.
I enjoyed the writing style. The prose wasn't overly word and or overly showy. It wasn't light and airy either. It was the right about of depth without being overbearing. Combined with the steam punk elements, I was instantly hooked.
I enjoyed the idea of Bio-Mechanicals. His wasn't just some zombie story but a look at technology and how it can hinder and help humanity. I enjoyed these ideas were taken into a historic period; usually human amplification are future sci-fi.
I enjoyed the characters. I liked how they each had different experiences and outlooks on the situation. While, not all of them share the same levels of depth, it is possible this is because I hadn't read the original book to better understand some of those characters.
Entertaining and fun, Corpse & Crown is a solid addition to YA fiction.
January 24, 2019
Thank you to Harlequin TEEN publishing for allowing me to read the ARC of Corpse & Crown in exchange for my honest review.
A delectable and captivating story that I just could not put down!
Aggie is an up and coming nurse who came from a poor town and had wanted nothing more than to become something better than what her mother claimed she would be. She is fierce and headstrong yet with every healed patient that leaves the Royal Victoria Hospital brings her a loneliness that gin just doesn’t fix. When her dear friend Jenny decides to visit a shady doctor for a surgery Aggie is pulled from her bed to help and that is when she meets the lovely and deceptively wicked Artful Dodger who wants to make a quick shilling out of a lost redhead girl on the wrong side of town. Yet when he sees Aggie’s intentions for her friend his lost little heart flips upside down that leads him to a playful kiss between the him and Aggie that changes their life irrevocably.
The story was masterfully written with such care and inventiveness that I had stayed up all night just to see what would happen next! The characters were well crafted and you just felt like you were in an emotional turmoil whenever something didn’t go as planned for them. I was captivated by the beginning to the end and still I am left wanting MORE. Just stunning!
A delectable and captivating story that I just could not put down!
Aggie is an up and coming nurse who came from a poor town and had wanted nothing more than to become something better than what her mother claimed she would be. She is fierce and headstrong yet with every healed patient that leaves the Royal Victoria Hospital brings her a loneliness that gin just doesn’t fix. When her dear friend Jenny decides to visit a shady doctor for a surgery Aggie is pulled from her bed to help and that is when she meets the lovely and deceptively wicked Artful Dodger who wants to make a quick shilling out of a lost redhead girl on the wrong side of town. Yet when he sees Aggie’s intentions for her friend his lost little heart flips upside down that leads him to a playful kiss between the him and Aggie that changes their life irrevocably.
The story was masterfully written with such care and inventiveness that I had stayed up all night just to see what would happen next! The characters were well crafted and you just felt like you were in an emotional turmoil whenever something didn’t go as planned for them. I was captivated by the beginning to the end and still I am left wanting MORE. Just stunning!
February 17, 2019
First, let's get this out of the way. I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Teen in exchange for my honest review.
Now then. Maybe I didn't fully read the synopsis. Maybe I stopped at 'oh there's a nurse treating patients at night on the down low? THIS IS FOR ME!' I'm a nurse, so I was like, I can totally relate to this character. I would be the one in these times who would try to treat HUMANS in the age of bio-mechanicals. I would take from the hospital I worked at to treat humans at night. Like, this girl is me!
I was wrong. This ended up being more of a Frankenstein retelling. It focused more on the bio-mechanical aspect and the conflict of Germany and England pitting their best bio-mechanicals against each other to see who was superior. Unsuspecting characters turned out to be bio-mechanicals. There was a lot of sci-fi involved, which honestly, isn't my favorite subject matter. All in all, this book was not bad. The story was intriguing. I just wished that it would have been the story I hoped for. But that's completely on me, guys!
Now then. Maybe I didn't fully read the synopsis. Maybe I stopped at 'oh there's a nurse treating patients at night on the down low? THIS IS FOR ME!' I'm a nurse, so I was like, I can totally relate to this character. I would be the one in these times who would try to treat HUMANS in the age of bio-mechanicals. I would take from the hospital I worked at to treat humans at night. Like, this girl is me!
I was wrong. This ended up being more of a Frankenstein retelling. It focused more on the bio-mechanical aspect and the conflict of Germany and England pitting their best bio-mechanicals against each other to see who was superior. Unsuspecting characters turned out to be bio-mechanicals. There was a lot of sci-fi involved, which honestly, isn't my favorite subject matter. All in all, this book was not bad. The story was intriguing. I just wished that it would have been the story I hoped for. But that's completely on me, guys!
February 25, 2019
This is a fun series! It is set in Victorian times, with science fiction themes.
The first book in the story, Cadaver and Queen, is an adaptation of Frankenstein. This story is an adaptation of Oliver Twist. I actually haven’t read either of those books, so I’m not sure how much of the original story is included, though the characters are there.
There are a lot of medical scenes because it is set in a hospital. I’m quite squeamish, but I was able to get through those scenes. There were some blood and surgeries involved. However, these scenes were limited so I was able to enjoy the story.
The biomechanicals in this story are corpses who have been turned into machines by attaching different body parts. An interesting aspect of these creatures is that they can continue to experience the lives and memories of the donor. This was similar to the phantom limb syndrome, which is when a person can still feel their limbs after they have been amputated.
I really enjoyed this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The first book in the story, Cadaver and Queen, is an adaptation of Frankenstein. This story is an adaptation of Oliver Twist. I actually haven’t read either of those books, so I’m not sure how much of the original story is included, though the characters are there.
There are a lot of medical scenes because it is set in a hospital. I’m quite squeamish, but I was able to get through those scenes. There were some blood and surgeries involved. However, these scenes were limited so I was able to enjoy the story.
The biomechanicals in this story are corpses who have been turned into machines by attaching different body parts. An interesting aspect of these creatures is that they can continue to experience the lives and memories of the donor. This was similar to the phantom limb syndrome, which is when a person can still feel their limbs after they have been amputated.
I really enjoyed this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2019
This had A LOT going on in just a 300 page book. There were too many storylines and POVs to follow that it seemed messy and incomplete. I did enjoy following the characters in this one especially Dodger and Aggie and Will but I think it would have been better if we focused on only a couple of them and saved the rest for another book. I would love a Will and Byram book. I also felt like pieces of the stories were missing. We were told things happened but we didn't get to experience them so it felt random and overall, underdeveloped. I also didn't really like the overall plot of this story. The bio-mechanics seemed intriguing in the first book but they didn't really utilized them in an interesting way in either plot. Overall, I enjoyed the Oliver Twist nods but there was just too much going on and not enough time to get invested.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2019
I was a little hesitant coming into this book knowing that a couple of characters were taken from Charles Dickens and I despise Dickens. I can't get through his books at all. Luckily the characters were used in the context of the steampunk world that Kwitney developed and the book flew by for me. I really enjoyed the main characters, Aggie and Dodger, and while I knew that there would be a conflict of the Bio-mechanical nature, I was still surprised by the events of the story and how Kwitney developed the conflict.
My one quibble (and this may be because there's a book 3 coming?) was that we didn't get all the information for the events at the end and how Dodger was able to win his bout with the German Bio-mechanical. There was no explanation for what Henry Clerval was doing with the ichor and if it will play out in future books, I can understand the lack of explanation. But the characters didn't seem to really find it a point of contention or even discuss it.
My one quibble (and this may be because there's a book 3 coming?) was that we didn't get all the information for the events at the end and how Dodger was able to win his bout with the German Bio-mechanical. There was no explanation for what Henry Clerval was doing with the ichor and if it will play out in future books, I can understand the lack of explanation. But the characters didn't seem to really find it a point of contention or even discuss it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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