Actual rating: 4.5 / 5
The omnibus of the first 3 novels in a lengthy paranormal steampunk series.
This was free on Audible and I noticed it was soon to come off of the offer at the end of the month, so it was as good a time as any to give it a listen now! I didn't realise it was 3 books in 1 until I went to log it on my currently reading, so thought that was such a great deal.
This is my first steampunk/reimagined Victorian era book. I was obsessed with the fashion and style when I was a teenager and was madly adding anything with goggles to my tbr. I don't think this was about then, but nevertheless, here I am!
In Rogue, Rendegade, Rebel we are thrown straight into the action that gives us the chance to meet our bad ass main character, Jenny, A.K.A Rogue, who was appointed as the human agent of ghostly affairs when Queen Victoria (yes, that Queen Victoria) died, only to take over responsibility of the Paranormal Court.
I was expecting the story to stay in a past/Victorian era, and worried I wouldn't enjoy it being set predominantly in the present, but I was wrong. It still felt steampunk-y but with a lot of technology that was helpful for the cases. I enjoyed seeing Jenny and her companions adapting to life (and death) as the years, society, and tech evolved . The story was so action packed and I really enjoyed the fast paced high action that was delivered.
Some lines and descriptions were incredibly corny but it wasn't off putting and sort of added to the charm, in a strange way. Except for the mention of "those tits", that was way overused and kind of gross.
The initial betrayal twist felt so unexpected and was delivered so well. It really fleshed out this divide between the Queen's people and those on the spectral plane that wanted to break free from the reign, as well as unearthing some more deeper, complex narratives. On the topic of specters, I found it interesting that the specters appeared how they looked in death. That must have been a traumatic and unsettling experience for everyone involved. Imagine having to live your dead life exactly you how you died - it would be constantly triggering, and then those around you, whether specters too or mortals, like Jenny.... are we supposed to pretend we can't see this dudes bare backside in his hospital gown? I mean...
The adventures of Jenny, really reminded me of an adult version of Skulduggery Pleasant, which was a connection I adored.
There were definitely some times where it felt like a good closure to a plot, and I believe these might have been the natural end to each book - but there was no distinction in the audio when a book was finished, which did make it feel neverending. I would have preferred to have known when each part was done so I could better reflect and review.
Overall, this was a great romp! Much more invested in the narrative than I expected to be. I would like to continue on with the series!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!