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Clockwork Dollhouse
The clockwork dolls seem to be moving on their own. What are they trying to show? When Ainsley moves in with her uncle, the governor, it seems like a beautiful situation. An orphan is finding love in an elite household. However, she carries with her the power to reveal her uncle’s darkest secrets.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 12, 2018
I would read this author's grocery list. Talent, absolute talent, just leaps off of the page.
The story is creepy and has a very satisfying ending. Well, it would have been more satisfying if it hadn't been so sad, but it was an ending that made me happy for the MC.
I don't want to give ANYthing about it away. It's a quick and worthy read. 5, sad yet satisfying, stars.
Disclaimer: I received this for free from the author to read and review. That does not sway my opinion in any particular direction, though if it was REALLY bad, I would try to say so nicely. Thankfully, this was a great story, so I didn't have to!
The story is creepy and has a very satisfying ending. Well, it would have been more satisfying if it hadn't been so sad, but it was an ending that made me happy for the MC.
I don't want to give ANYthing about it away. It's a quick and worthy read. 5, sad yet satisfying, stars.
Disclaimer: I received this for free from the author to read and review. That does not sway my opinion in any particular direction, though if it was REALLY bad, I would try to say so nicely. Thankfully, this was a great story, so I didn't have to!
October 22, 2018
Dark secrets are revealed when clockwork dolls mysteriously come to life after years of silence in the room where they sit, unused. Could these dolls be used to tell of the evil of the past? Have one man’s deeds come back to haunt him? Ahh, revenge can be so sweet…has a ghost come back to haunt him and expose his dirty little secrets or has a young child accidentally re-enacted crimes she is unaware of?
Jordan Elizabeth’s CLOCKWORK DOLLHOUSE is a quick and twisted little tale of revenge, just dark enough for Halloween reading, any time of year!
I received a complimentary copy from Jordan Elizabeth!
Publisher: CHBB Publishing (October 8, 2018)
Publication Date: October 8, 2018
Genre: YA short story
Print Length: 28 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Jordan Elizabeth’s CLOCKWORK DOLLHOUSE is a quick and twisted little tale of revenge, just dark enough for Halloween reading, any time of year!
I received a complimentary copy from Jordan Elizabeth!
Publisher: CHBB Publishing (October 8, 2018)
Publication Date: October 8, 2018
Genre: YA short story
Print Length: 28 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 19, 2018
A very short novella, Clockwork Dollhouse by Jordan Elizabeth is a haunting steampunk tale of revenge. Set in a previous century, Governor Robert Pendleton is shocked to discover an intruder in a set of rooms that have not been entered for years. He is even more shocked to discover the intruder is his niece, Ainsley, the daughter of his sister, Jane.
When Jane was young, unable to walk due to a disfigured foot, she took delight in creating mechanical dolls, representing her family. Ever since Ainsley, now an orphan, appeared at the castle, the dolls have taken on a life of their own, acting out events to suggest Robert had murdered his parents and sister. Unnerved, Robert wonders who is moving the dolls; is it Ainsley or have the mechanical figures come to life. Could it even be Jane's ghost?
In under thirty pages, Jordan Elizabeth engages readers with a gripping tale of secrets and deceit. The steampunk genre adds an extra element of thrill, making Clockwork Dollhouse an apt short story to be published at this time of year. Although short, it proves the author's skill and wide imagination.
When Jane was young, unable to walk due to a disfigured foot, she took delight in creating mechanical dolls, representing her family. Ever since Ainsley, now an orphan, appeared at the castle, the dolls have taken on a life of their own, acting out events to suggest Robert had murdered his parents and sister. Unnerved, Robert wonders who is moving the dolls; is it Ainsley or have the mechanical figures come to life. Could it even be Jane's ghost?
In under thirty pages, Jordan Elizabeth engages readers with a gripping tale of secrets and deceit. The steampunk genre adds an extra element of thrill, making Clockwork Dollhouse an apt short story to be published at this time of year. Although short, it proves the author's skill and wide imagination.
October 12, 2018
I have read other works by Jordan Elizabeth, and I must say that this story meets all my expectations of her work. It is particularly appropriate for this fall season as it is a mystery with an unexpected twist at the end. The mechanical dolls with the eerie true to life events dollhouse make for an unusual backdrop for a who-done-it mystery. One I enjoyed very much.
I would recommend this book. It was a quick read for me, and the events moved rather well throughout the story as you are sure you have it figured out until the end when you realize that the author snuck one over on you. Good job Jordan!
I would recommend this book. It was a quick read for me, and the events moved rather well throughout the story as you are sure you have it figured out until the end when you realize that the author snuck one over on you. Good job Jordan!
July 11, 2019
Ainsley was an awesome character. I always love stories that have a kickass protagonist, and Ainsley fit that. The situation she was in was a rough one. As an orphan, it was up to her to reveal everything that her Uncle had done to their family, Ainsley’s mother included. The dolls her mother left behind carry all the clues to unlock every secret that Ainsley wants to bring to light.
Short, sweet, and full of suspense, this is an excellent little steampunk short story. Narration was spot on.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Short, sweet, and full of suspense, this is an excellent little steampunk short story. Narration was spot on.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
October 12, 2018
A quick, short story about a girl who goes to live with her uncle. She knows the real man and not the man he shows the world. He keeps her isolated, but she finds a way around that to expose his deeds.
October 19, 2018
A very quick read that had me wishing there was more to it. Jordan Elizabeth really knows how to quickly drag in a reader and have them hungry for more
August 25, 2019
Clockwork Dollhouse by Jordan Elizabeth is a YA Steampunk short story that I listened to on audio narrated by Lisa Hicks. This is the first book of Jordan’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. This is my first time reading a steampunk novel so it was a bit outside my usual genre but it was very entertaining and a bit creepy. I would recommend listening to this book while you can focus on the story. I got distracted and had to rewind a few times. Lisa did a great job narrating. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Steampunk, Young Adult, or Suspense stories.
December 27, 2018
In the dark, chilling steampunk novella “Clockwork Dollhouse” opens with a contest of wills between brother and younger sister as Jane Pendleton with a disfigured foot takes refuge in her room creating mechanical dolls reminiscent of each member of her family.
Years later, Jane’s orphan daughter Ainsley suddenly trespasses on the life of her uncle the arrogant and assertive Governor Robert Pendleton by taking up residence in his home after the cottage where she’s isolated and treated poorly burns to the ground. Plagued by guilt, afraid of his sister’s room, Robert begins to hear noises and notices the dolls being moved around as he takes charge of Ainsley’s life, determined to make her position as his niece advantageous to his ambitions.
Skillfully in this short creepy story Jordon Elizabeth quickly builds intensity, and suspense after Ainsley Michaels appears in her uncle’s home and his aspirations are disturbed by echoes of the past and the dolls that seem to be moving around on their own. Filled with secrets the mystery deepens as he decides to barter Ainsley in an arranged marriage that would benefit him only to have her tarnish his image when he’s called to her school. Fast-paced but with little character development or detailed background because of its length, the plot progresses to a surprising ending filled with twists that you don’t see coming.
Although I would have liked a longer story with more buildup “Clockwork Dollhouse” is as intriguing as it is captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Years later, Jane’s orphan daughter Ainsley suddenly trespasses on the life of her uncle the arrogant and assertive Governor Robert Pendleton by taking up residence in his home after the cottage where she’s isolated and treated poorly burns to the ground. Plagued by guilt, afraid of his sister’s room, Robert begins to hear noises and notices the dolls being moved around as he takes charge of Ainsley’s life, determined to make her position as his niece advantageous to his ambitions.
Skillfully in this short creepy story Jordon Elizabeth quickly builds intensity, and suspense after Ainsley Michaels appears in her uncle’s home and his aspirations are disturbed by echoes of the past and the dolls that seem to be moving around on their own. Filled with secrets the mystery deepens as he decides to barter Ainsley in an arranged marriage that would benefit him only to have her tarnish his image when he’s called to her school. Fast-paced but with little character development or detailed background because of its length, the plot progresses to a surprising ending filled with twists that you don’t see coming.
Although I would have liked a longer story with more buildup “Clockwork Dollhouse” is as intriguing as it is captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
July 12, 2019
This was a short and haunting steampunk story. Young Jane and Robert Pendleton didn’t get along. She spent her time seeking solace in her room creating mechanical dolls of each of her family members. Years later, Jane’s daughter, Ainsley, becomes an orphan and moves in with her uncle Robert. Robert is an arrogant and horrible man and treats Ainsley poorly just like he did with Jane many years ago. She finds her mother’s room, the dollhouse, and all of the dolls inside of it. Ainsley wants nothing more than to show everyone just how cruel and dark her uncle truly and somehow the dolls come to life, telling a story of the Pendleton family’s dark past.This story was fast paced, eerie, and heart breaking all woven together in such a short amount of time.
Lisa did an amazing job with this narration! She truly brought the haunting and eerie feeling into the performance and let it sink into your bones, keeping you captivated until the very end!
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Lisa did an amazing job with this narration! She truly brought the haunting and eerie feeling into the performance and let it sink into your bones, keeping you captivated until the very end!
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 12, 2021
This was an enjoyable short story about a young disabled girl who loves mechanical things. Her horrid brother berates her at every turn, but she spends her time with the dollhouse created by her father. Flash forward to her daughter showing up at her Uncle's home. Her Uncle is now the Governor and is concerned with his reputation. However, Ainsley has other things in mind. I especially enjoyed the steampunk aspects of this story.
This story of revenge was well-written and entertaining and it's always nice to see a villainous person get their just reward. The narrator did a good job, but I had to speed up her narration in order to really enjoy it. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
This story of revenge was well-written and entertaining and it's always nice to see a villainous person get their just reward. The narrator did a good job, but I had to speed up her narration in order to really enjoy it. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
October 17, 2018
Absolutely amazing steampunk short story. It's a quick and fun read. I loved the little twist in the end. It's truly magical. It's a well-paced story that is quite entertaining. I always enjoy Jordan Elizabeth's work and this one is no exception, well-written, intriguing, and with an epic ending, I think this story is a must read for everyone.
All families have secrets and Ainsley's is no different. But someone wants to reveal the truth now after all the years. When she comes to live with her uncle it's like her mother's magic has awakened and it seeks revenge. But who knows all their secrets and why would they want to reveal them now?
You must read to find that out.
All families have secrets and Ainsley's is no different. But someone wants to reveal the truth now after all the years. When she comes to live with her uncle it's like her mother's magic has awakened and it seeks revenge. But who knows all their secrets and why would they want to reveal them now?
You must read to find that out.
November 27, 2018
Cleverly constructed, like the dollhouse of the title, Jordan Elizabeth’s Clockwork Dollhouse is a short, haunting tale of corrupted power in a steampunk world. Blending classic who-done-it mystery with the misadventures of the Governor’s somewhat rebellious teenage niece, the story contains all the right elements; strange machines, political power, and deceptive innocence all coming together in an ending that manages to surprise, even as readers might almost feel they know the answer. It’s a smooth, fascinating read, cleverly Victorian, mysterious, mechanical, and with just the right touch of magic in the telling.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I really enjoyed it.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I really enjoyed it.
May 24, 2019
My wife has been a fan of Jordan's work for some time now and has always sung her praises to me. I have been waiting for an audiobook version of her stories so I could give them a shot. This first audio release lived up to every bit of hype my wife proclaimed to me and was a wonderful short story.
Only the second steampunk story I have ever listened to, Clockwork Dollhouse easily held my attention with the writing style, ambiance, and "magic" present throughout. The narrator did a great job differentiating the characters and set the mood appropriately for each scene.
I can't wait to hear more of Jordan's works produced in audio format.
Only the second steampunk story I have ever listened to, Clockwork Dollhouse easily held my attention with the writing style, ambiance, and "magic" present throughout. The narrator did a great job differentiating the characters and set the mood appropriately for each scene.
I can't wait to hear more of Jordan's works produced in audio format.
July 12, 2019
"Peculiar occurrences"
Amazed by this chilling steampunk novella “Clockwork Dollhouse”. As intriguing as captivating, creepy little story I have wished longer. I'm a hungry listener.
Dark secrets are revealed when clockwork dolls mysteriously come to life in an unused and forbidden room. How true to life events can a dollhouse show? A tale of secrets and deceit.
The suspense haunting plot of scenes progress to a surprising ending filled with twists.
Great wide imagination of the writer, Someone I will follow and the narration was really spot on.
I recommend this.
Amazed by this chilling steampunk novella “Clockwork Dollhouse”. As intriguing as captivating, creepy little story I have wished longer. I'm a hungry listener.
Dark secrets are revealed when clockwork dolls mysteriously come to life in an unused and forbidden room. How true to life events can a dollhouse show? A tale of secrets and deceit.
The suspense haunting plot of scenes progress to a surprising ending filled with twists.
Great wide imagination of the writer, Someone I will follow and the narration was really spot on.
I recommend this.
October 29, 2019
It lost a star because I didn’t like the narrator. She talked really weird. But the story really intrigued me so I dialed it up to 1,5x speed to make it bearable.
So let’s focus on the story instead. I’d give it 4 stars. It’s a nice short story about a young disabled girl with a bully brother and a power hungry uncle. While it seemingly started a normal story, it took a magical and creepy turn.
I wouldn’t read it before bed if you’re prone to nightmares.
Another good book from Jordan Elizabeth.
So let’s focus on the story instead. I’d give it 4 stars. It’s a nice short story about a young disabled girl with a bully brother and a power hungry uncle. While it seemingly started a normal story, it took a magical and creepy turn.
I wouldn’t read it before bed if you’re prone to nightmares.
Another good book from Jordan Elizabeth.
December 10, 2018
Can Jordan Elizabeth go wrong? I've been reading her work for years, and she only gets better! This is just another testament.
The first sentence sets a tone that the story delivers on! I live and breathe with the characters, as they are so lively and fully realized. You'll fall in love with Jordan Elizabeth and Jane when you read Clockwork Dollhouse.
Oh, and do yourself a favor and block off a few hours. You won't want to put it down!
The first sentence sets a tone that the story delivers on! I live and breathe with the characters, as they are so lively and fully realized. You'll fall in love with Jordan Elizabeth and Jane when you read Clockwork Dollhouse.
Oh, and do yourself a favor and block off a few hours. You won't want to put it down!
October 21, 2018
I received a free copy of this short story by the author. Needless to say, while I had issues with the editing aspect or lack thereof (major punctuational errors), it was a really interesting/scary type of story.
I only have one question—"Her hair was darker though, more blonde than yellow." How is blonde darker than yellow?
I only have one question—"Her hair was darker though, more blonde than yellow." How is blonde darker than yellow?
October 22, 2018
Amazing short story! I love the suspense the author built into this tale. It has great characters, and the whole story is wrapped up very nicely with plenty of detail even though it is a short story. I also love the way the clockwork schoolhouse was used throughout to give clues to the past. Just enough steampunk mixed with mystery.
November 28, 2018
This book was really short but it was brilliant. There was a bit of mystery, some suspense and I loved how the villain was driven crazy.
The atmosphere was quite dark and the main character only acting in the shadows and we never actually saw her do what the villain expected from her. It was all implied. A really nice read.
The atmosphere was quite dark and the main character only acting in the shadows and we never actually saw her do what the villain expected from her. It was all implied. A really nice read.
July 4, 2019
She is glad when she goes to live with her uncle at his home. He has clockwork dolls but they seem to move on their.own. He is hiding a very dark secret. What is the secret? What will be do if she finds it out? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2019
I really liked the concept of Clockwork Dollhouse. Using a child's dollhouse to expose the past was a unique way to incorporate steampunk into the world.
I enjoyed the author's style and I would definitely read more by her. I received this audiobook from the author/narrator/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the author's style and I would definitely read more by her. I received this audiobook from the author/narrator/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2018
A quick entertaining read. Is there magic afoot or deception? The dolls tell the story of murder, the murderer thinks he got away with it all. The twist at the end was surprising and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 30, 2018
although it was a story too short to fall for any of the characters, it was straight to the point & definitely satisfying to read. it was a little mystical & easily held my attention throughout the pages.
October 30, 2018
What a gripping tale! In less than 30 pages, Jordan Elizabeth spun a web of secrets and deceit with so much steampunk, it was bursting out of the pages. The suspense is perfect, and the details make the story come to life. I highly recommend this short story to everyone who loves steampunk!
October 31, 2018
This story is ingenious in a Poe-esque way. And the twist at the end? Perfect!
A highly recommended short story for lovers of the creepy!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
A highly recommended short story for lovers of the creepy!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
October 31, 2018
good short and some what creepy story. it was very short but well written so it didnt feel like you didnt get enough.. i really enjoyed the creep factor and the wondering what was next lol. i liked it
March 29, 2019
This was a fun steam punk short story. I like the tension that slowly built throughout the story. A great short story. Thanks for sharing it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. Really good plot to the story. Very well written. Would highly recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of stories. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2018
A really good short story. So creative and original. I wish I had this author's imagination. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews