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The Monster of Selkirk #3
The Machines of Theda
Trying to put the events in Selkirk behind them, Tallis and Tomas find themselves in a land where people and machines have created a newfound relationship. Tallis wishes to hide and heal in this strange land while giving the people of Selkirk time to forget and perhaps forgive her. For with no one but once feral elves to verify her claim that she was not responsible for the recent carnage, who would give her an opportunity to explain?
Despite Theda’s golden coastline and amazing technology, something odd is happening throughout the port city of Aelius and Theda’s mechanical hub in Cato. Something nefarious is taking root in Tallis, making her bones ache; her dreams constantly torment her with visions she can’t ignore. But as Tomas isn’t affected, none believe Tallis’s claims that Theda is not as idyllic as it appears.
All Tallis and Tomas want is to rest and explore their budding relationship, free from the fear of death, but that desire is quickly crushed. How can Tomas and Tallis figure out what they mean to each other when a brilliant student sets her sights on Tomas, and a pirate makes secret plans for Tallis? Not to mention Theda’s elves have taken an uncomfortable interest in Tallis. Theda may be a land full of wonder, but Tallis is finding that wherever she goes, danger trails her like a mischievous shadow, following her every step.
Despite Theda’s golden coastline and amazing technology, something odd is happening throughout the port city of Aelius and Theda’s mechanical hub in Cato. Something nefarious is taking root in Tallis, making her bones ache; her dreams constantly torment her with visions she can’t ignore. But as Tomas isn’t affected, none believe Tallis’s claims that Theda is not as idyllic as it appears.
All Tallis and Tomas want is to rest and explore their budding relationship, free from the fear of death, but that desire is quickly crushed. How can Tomas and Tallis figure out what they mean to each other when a brilliant student sets her sights on Tomas, and a pirate makes secret plans for Tallis? Not to mention Theda’s elves have taken an uncomfortable interest in Tallis. Theda may be a land full of wonder, but Tallis is finding that wherever she goes, danger trails her like a mischievous shadow, following her every step.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
First published October 16, 2018
17 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Clayton
11 books274 followersC. E. Clayton is the author of young adult fantasy series, “The Monster of Selkirk”, the creator of the award winning cyberpunk Eerden Novels, and her horror short stories have appeared in anthologies across the country. By signing up for her newsletter, you'll immediately get a free novella set in the Eerden universe! She'd also be thrilled if you followed her on Instagram and liked her bookish and pet photos, and Amazon where you can get updates on her new releases. When she’s not writing you can find her treating her fur-babies like humans, constantly drinking tea, and trying to convince her husband to go to more concerts. And reading. She does read quite a bit.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 26, 2020
The story started off slowly. Our characters - Tallis and Tomas - arriving in a new country took a lot of time being described. However - the descriptions were so very detailed and amazing! I was intrigued by the clothes mentioned. Let alone the accessories. The thing I thought of most while reading those was "steampunk!" and I was all for it.
Tomas and Tallis [a half-elf by the way] switch POV's throughout the book. It makes the story very interesting, especially taking into account their personal relationship and the growth we see happening on-page. I thought it all very well done and even applauded Chelscey for it.
Also, when it comes to Tomas? I absolutely adore him even more after this book! He's so insecure, yet secure and so smart, yet naive and.. and.. Endearing.
Tallis, on the other hand, is still her amazing, trouble-finding self. She stands up for the people needing it, is willing to sacrifice herself for anything remotely good and.. she simply succeeds at being that person, if you know what I mean.
Not too far into the book, we're introduced to one of the new characters - Rodrigo. I'm hoping he'll get more of a place in the story later for one reason and one reason alone. He's a pirate. I totally forgot there'd be a pirate and now I want him to be all dangerous and awesome! But.. knowing Chelscey I'm going to curse him to the seven seas and back eventually. She tends to get that reaction out of me.
As far as the story goes... I was enraptured. Not only the writing helped, but also all the events, the sugary sweet conversations between Tomas and Tallis. There was so much going on that I couldn't help but continue reading. Or, wanting to read more whenever I had to stop reading.
If there is one thing that was "less" for me, it was the ending of the book. Not because the ending didn't fit or things happened that should have been different but.. Because it felt too long. The main "ending", as you'd say, happens way before the actual ending of the book. This made the ending seem unnecessarily long and slow-paced while.. I think it shouldn't have been? On the other hand.. It is pretty much Chelscey's "thing" to write very descriptively as was definitely the case in those final chapters. And there were certain things happening that needed to happen so I get why at least!
4.5 / 5!
Overall, this was another very enjoyable read! Tallis and Tomas grew, seperately and together, there are new characters [I don't mention some because it might spoil some things] and.. well.. I'm very intrigued to see where our cast is heading next!
Tomas and Tallis [a half-elf by the way] switch POV's throughout the book. It makes the story very interesting, especially taking into account their personal relationship and the growth we see happening on-page. I thought it all very well done and even applauded Chelscey for it.
Also, when it comes to Tomas? I absolutely adore him even more after this book! He's so insecure, yet secure and so smart, yet naive and.. and.. Endearing.
Tallis, on the other hand, is still her amazing, trouble-finding self. She stands up for the people needing it, is willing to sacrifice herself for anything remotely good and.. she simply succeeds at being that person, if you know what I mean.
Not too far into the book, we're introduced to one of the new characters - Rodrigo. I'm hoping he'll get more of a place in the story later for one reason and one reason alone. He's a pirate. I totally forgot there'd be a pirate and now I want him to be all dangerous and awesome! But.. knowing Chelscey I'm going to curse him to the seven seas and back eventually. She tends to get that reaction out of me.
As far as the story goes... I was enraptured. Not only the writing helped, but also all the events, the sugary sweet conversations between Tomas and Tallis. There was so much going on that I couldn't help but continue reading. Or, wanting to read more whenever I had to stop reading.
If there is one thing that was "less" for me, it was the ending of the book. Not because the ending didn't fit or things happened that should have been different but.. Because it felt too long. The main "ending", as you'd say, happens way before the actual ending of the book. This made the ending seem unnecessarily long and slow-paced while.. I think it shouldn't have been? On the other hand.. It is pretty much Chelscey's "thing" to write very descriptively as was definitely the case in those final chapters. And there were certain things happening that needed to happen so I get why at least!
4.5 / 5!
Overall, this was another very enjoyable read! Tallis and Tomas grew, seperately and together, there are new characters [I don't mention some because it might spoil some things] and.. well.. I'm very intrigued to see where our cast is heading next!
January 21, 2019
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author! Thanks! All opinions are my own!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 16, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (some sexual assault mentioned, sla
Publisher: DevilDogPress
Pages: 507
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Trying to put the events in Selkirk behind them, Tallis and Tomas find themselves in a land where people and machines have created a newfound relationship. Tallis wishes to hide and heal in this strange land while giving the people of Selkirk time to forget and perhaps forgive her. For with no one but once feral elves to verify her claim that she was not responsible for the recent carnage, who would give her an opportunity to explain?
Despite Theda’s golden coastline and amazing technology, something odd is happening throughout the port city of Aelius and Theda’s mechanical hub in Cato. Something nefarious is taking root in Tallis, making her bones ache; her dreams constantly torment her with visions she can’t ignore. But as Tomas isn’t affected, none believe Tallis’s claims that Theda is not as idyllic as it appears.
All Tallis and Tomas want is to rest and explore their budding relationship, free from the fear of death, but that desire is quickly crushed. How can Tomas and Tallis figure out what they mean to each other when a brilliant student sets her sights on Tomas, and a pirate makes secret plans for Tallis? Not to mention Theda’s elves have taken an uncomfortable interest in Tallis. Theda may be a land full of wonder, but Tallis is finding that wherever she goes, danger trails her like a mischievous shadow, following her every step.
Review: I loved returning to Tallis’ world and I loved how the book didn’t immediately feel weird because it had been months since I read the second book. Everything was wonderfully well summed within the first few chapters. The book featured my favorite two characters and they were so so sweet. I loved that the book series doesn’t have that insta-love component and the two characters have issues within their relationship like any relationship would. While I understand how it can be annoying to some people to read about the same issues sometimes popping up, it’s realistic. You’re never going to have a relationship where you talk about an issue once and it goes away. I’ve been married for almost 3 years now and I still have to talk to my husband about leaving his dirty socks everywhere. I loved the world building in this book and I was fully invested in it. The book was absolutely well written and I loved how the events turned out. I also thought the book had good commentary on slavery, which is still an issue in today’s world. I thought that it did well explaining the horrors of modern day slavery, how hidden it can be, how it sometimes can be legally sanctioned even by accident, and how fast people can just disappear.
However, I do feel that some of the later events were a bit coincidental and I feel that it was a bit too fast that Theda found a replacement for their issues, but it might come back to bite them in the butt in the end.
Verdict: Love this series and this book!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 16, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (some sexual assault mentioned, sla
Publisher: DevilDogPress
Pages: 507
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Trying to put the events in Selkirk behind them, Tallis and Tomas find themselves in a land where people and machines have created a newfound relationship. Tallis wishes to hide and heal in this strange land while giving the people of Selkirk time to forget and perhaps forgive her. For with no one but once feral elves to verify her claim that she was not responsible for the recent carnage, who would give her an opportunity to explain?
Despite Theda’s golden coastline and amazing technology, something odd is happening throughout the port city of Aelius and Theda’s mechanical hub in Cato. Something nefarious is taking root in Tallis, making her bones ache; her dreams constantly torment her with visions she can’t ignore. But as Tomas isn’t affected, none believe Tallis’s claims that Theda is not as idyllic as it appears.
All Tallis and Tomas want is to rest and explore their budding relationship, free from the fear of death, but that desire is quickly crushed. How can Tomas and Tallis figure out what they mean to each other when a brilliant student sets her sights on Tomas, and a pirate makes secret plans for Tallis? Not to mention Theda’s elves have taken an uncomfortable interest in Tallis. Theda may be a land full of wonder, but Tallis is finding that wherever she goes, danger trails her like a mischievous shadow, following her every step.
Review: I loved returning to Tallis’ world and I loved how the book didn’t immediately feel weird because it had been months since I read the second book. Everything was wonderfully well summed within the first few chapters. The book featured my favorite two characters and they were so so sweet. I loved that the book series doesn’t have that insta-love component and the two characters have issues within their relationship like any relationship would. While I understand how it can be annoying to some people to read about the same issues sometimes popping up, it’s realistic. You’re never going to have a relationship where you talk about an issue once and it goes away. I’ve been married for almost 3 years now and I still have to talk to my husband about leaving his dirty socks everywhere. I loved the world building in this book and I was fully invested in it. The book was absolutely well written and I loved how the events turned out. I also thought the book had good commentary on slavery, which is still an issue in today’s world. I thought that it did well explaining the horrors of modern day slavery, how hidden it can be, how it sometimes can be legally sanctioned even by accident, and how fast people can just disappear.
However, I do feel that some of the later events were a bit coincidental and I feel that it was a bit too fast that Theda found a replacement for their issues, but it might come back to bite them in the butt in the end.
Verdict: Love this series and this book!
December 7, 2018
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘The Monster of Selkirk: Book III: The Machines of Theda’ by C.E. Clayton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on November 21, 2018
$3.99 on Kindle | $18.50 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In an effort to put the events in Selkirk behind them, Tallis and Tomas travel by ship to a new an exotic land — one in which machines and people have merged. People live with mechanical organs and limbs powered by something not completely understood.
Tallis wants to lay low and heal her broken and guilty heart, but the elves of Theda have other plans for her. They know who she is — what she is, and they want her help.
On top of that, there’s something about Theda that brings out a painful ache deep inside Tallis. It gives her nightmares filled with visions she cannot ignore. Since she’s the only one experiencing these things, no one believes there’s anything nefarious going on in Theda.
Tallis is finding that wherever she goes, danger trails her like a mischievous shadow, following her every step.
MY REVIEW:
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series I’ve ever read.
Have you ever had a moment like this? You read something that just makes you stop and say, “This is good writing.” That’s what reading Clayton’s work did to me. Clayton’s writing flows beautifully, the world she’s created is full and rich, and her characters are vibrant and real. She truly knows how to write and write well.
‘The Machines of Theda’ is the third book in the Monster of Selkirk series. It picks up seamlessly from where the second book left off, and immediately throw you into the action and lives of Tomas and Tallis as they try to find a new life in a steampunk-esque city.
Their blossoming relationship is weaved into a larger plot, and the way they struggle to find their own personal happiness amidst that larger plot feels real and honest. Both characters are complex and complicated in their feelings and actions. There’s real depth to why they make the choices they do. There’s nothing two-dimensional about Clayton’s characters.
I cannot wait to see what happens for these two in the next installment. Give this series a read. I promise you won’t regret it.
‘The Monster of Selkirk: Book III: The Machines of Theda’ by C.E. Clayton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on November 21, 2018
$3.99 on Kindle | $18.50 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In an effort to put the events in Selkirk behind them, Tallis and Tomas travel by ship to a new an exotic land — one in which machines and people have merged. People live with mechanical organs and limbs powered by something not completely understood.
Tallis wants to lay low and heal her broken and guilty heart, but the elves of Theda have other plans for her. They know who she is — what she is, and they want her help.
On top of that, there’s something about Theda that brings out a painful ache deep inside Tallis. It gives her nightmares filled with visions she cannot ignore. Since she’s the only one experiencing these things, no one believes there’s anything nefarious going on in Theda.
Tallis is finding that wherever she goes, danger trails her like a mischievous shadow, following her every step.
MY REVIEW:
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series I’ve ever read.
Have you ever had a moment like this? You read something that just makes you stop and say, “This is good writing.” That’s what reading Clayton’s work did to me. Clayton’s writing flows beautifully, the world she’s created is full and rich, and her characters are vibrant and real. She truly knows how to write and write well.
‘The Machines of Theda’ is the third book in the Monster of Selkirk series. It picks up seamlessly from where the second book left off, and immediately throw you into the action and lives of Tomas and Tallis as they try to find a new life in a steampunk-esque city.
Their blossoming relationship is weaved into a larger plot, and the way they struggle to find their own personal happiness amidst that larger plot feels real and honest. Both characters are complex and complicated in their feelings and actions. There’s real depth to why they make the choices they do. There’s nothing two-dimensional about Clayton’s characters.
I cannot wait to see what happens for these two in the next installment. Give this series a read. I promise you won’t regret it.
November 5, 2018
Finally, book 3!! I was curious how this series was going to continue, and I love the vibe of “Theda”. As the cover suggests, Theda is a region with a clear “steampunk” style. While the addition of technology and mechanical devices is a departure from books 1 and 2, the original feeling of the series is intact—particularly with the fact that something is amiss/wrong, and of course, Tallis needs to get to the root of it all. Elves are still present, and it is cool to see Tallis and Tomas adjust to the elves’ role in Theda. Tallis and Tomas’ character values and traits are consistent, but the two have both matured. They go to Theda to try to find themselves, heal, and grow…but some relationship complications come into play in the form of Fabiana and Rodrigo. I found Rodrigo particularly fun. And I love Rosslyn, as always. Great book!! Highly recommended!!
October 26, 2018
Action packed
Action packed with ongoing twists and turns while a race of elves are being subjected to horrendous peril that only Tallis with the assistance Tomas and Roz can overcome.
Action packed with ongoing twists and turns while a race of elves are being subjected to horrendous peril that only Tallis with the assistance Tomas and Roz can overcome.
August 27, 2019
The story just keeps getting better! Can't wait to read more!
August 27, 2019
Love how this story is continuing!
December 27, 2018
The 3rd book felt completely different from the first 2 books in the series and (in my opinion) could have been shortened. The second half of the book was really good - suspenseful and fascinating.
October 3, 2019
Let me identify first, I graciously received a copy of the book from the author. I have read the predecessors to this book, and will be reading its successors! If you haven't read the first two in this series, DO! It's no secret I am in love with C.E. Clayton's writing, and will always be a fan of her ever growing skill as an incredibly talented author <3!
Now, onto the review :).
This book was such a contrast to the first two it took me by surprise! My favorite experience as a reader is in seeing how authors blossom as they continue to progress in their craft, and Clayton has made impressive progress. The detail that was presented was well balanced with the intrigue and action, introducing new characters that you could completely understand the range of emotions that followed in their wake. We also get to revisit previous characters, which I will say no more on! Throughout this book we get to experience the blossoming relationship between Tallis and Tomas, and I love and appreciate just how well paced things are for the two. Their relationship is not like what is seen in today's society, but something that should be more aspired to, and that made me love their situation and characters all the more.
Through the discoveries that both Tallis and Tomas experience you are introduced to a land that is steampunk, which I adored. Personally, I have always been fascinated with it, and now I got to experience a taste of it in The Machines of Theda! I read the entire last half last night, foregoing several hours of sleep-that's how enthralled I was with the book to see where it went and how it ended, and am more than eager to start book IV! For as large of novel as this is, it went quickly, in my opinion. The last half is especially compelling, but I don't want to ruin this for anyone! Just know our Tally is as brave, and sometimes reckless, as ever, but that's what makes her so endearing and human.
Wonderful job, Mrs. Clayton! Can't wait to read the rest of your works!
Now, onto the review :).
This book was such a contrast to the first two it took me by surprise! My favorite experience as a reader is in seeing how authors blossom as they continue to progress in their craft, and Clayton has made impressive progress. The detail that was presented was well balanced with the intrigue and action, introducing new characters that you could completely understand the range of emotions that followed in their wake. We also get to revisit previous characters, which I will say no more on! Throughout this book we get to experience the blossoming relationship between Tallis and Tomas, and I love and appreciate just how well paced things are for the two. Their relationship is not like what is seen in today's society, but something that should be more aspired to, and that made me love their situation and characters all the more.
Through the discoveries that both Tallis and Tomas experience you are introduced to a land that is steampunk, which I adored. Personally, I have always been fascinated with it, and now I got to experience a taste of it in The Machines of Theda! I read the entire last half last night, foregoing several hours of sleep-that's how enthralled I was with the book to see where it went and how it ended, and am more than eager to start book IV! For as large of novel as this is, it went quickly, in my opinion. The last half is especially compelling, but I don't want to ruin this for anyone! Just know our Tally is as brave, and sometimes reckless, as ever, but that's what makes her so endearing and human.
Wonderful job, Mrs. Clayton! Can't wait to read the rest of your works!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews