hgranger's review against another edition
1.0
This book is bad. There is no other way of putting it — it promises steampunk and conspiracy, and delivers a confused mix of supernatural creatures who are there just to be there, not to actually move the story in any direction, and painfully awful romance. And if I have to read the words “little one” again in the near future I might scream.
The author has her protagonist, Elle, billed as a suffragette who goes against traditional roles for women, and has some supernatural power to boot. What she actually delivers is a petulant child who once in a while has a glimpse of gumption and the rest of the time demurely defers to Marsh, Patrice, her captors, random people on the street, blah blah. She goes off to save her father and packs a corset. She is busy worrying about her clothes and hair, her reactions to anything that happens are those of a spoiled tween, and her one thought when she is facing a serious threat is “but surely he doesn’t love me.” UGH!!! Also, despite her so-called powers she seems incapable of doing anything in her own when it comes to self-defense or getting out of trouble. The one time she does (kind of) save the day is because her powers set themselves off, not because of anything she actively does.🤮 She constantly talks about being a strong woman and a suffragette but never does anything to support these statement. I suddenly see Rachel Mariana Morgan in a completely different and positive light. That’s when you know it’s bad.
Marsh, who is supposed to be a 231 year old warlock is incapable of defending himself, let alone anyone else. In fact, the second time he tries fighting, one blow has him dying in the street. It’s truly a miracle that he’s survived this long. 🙄
The romance is sappy, forced, and completely without any chemistry. They’re in love because the author tells us so. The entire book was one long run-on of tell not show, interspersed by inane and pointless conversations that take the story nowhere and go on for pages.
There’s also the random racist statements thrown in for good measure; for example when speaking about the Chinese member of the warlock council who is described as a villain who sells opium to ruin Europe. (Presumably because he’s Chinese? Awful!!)
And just for the record; saying the words “spark reactor” over and over again doesn’t make a steampunk novel. What a disappointment.
The author has her protagonist, Elle, billed as a suffragette who goes against traditional roles for women, and has some supernatural power to boot. What she actually delivers is a petulant child who once in a while has a glimpse of gumption and the rest of the time demurely defers to Marsh, Patrice, her captors, random people on the street, blah blah. She goes off to save her father and packs a corset. She is busy worrying about her clothes and hair, her reactions to anything that happens are those of a spoiled tween, and her one thought when she is facing a serious threat is “but surely he doesn’t love me.” UGH!!! Also, despite her so-called powers she seems incapable of doing anything in her own when it comes to self-defense or getting out of trouble. The one time she does (kind of) save the day is because her powers set themselves off, not because of anything she actively does.🤮 She constantly talks about being a strong woman and a suffragette but never does anything to support these statement. I suddenly see Rachel Mariana Morgan in a completely different and positive light. That’s when you know it’s bad.
Marsh, who is supposed to be a 231 year old warlock is incapable of defending himself, let alone anyone else. In fact, the second time he tries fighting, one blow has him dying in the street. It’s truly a miracle that he’s survived this long. 🙄
The romance is sappy, forced, and completely without any chemistry. They’re in love because the author tells us so. The entire book was one long run-on of tell not show, interspersed by inane and pointless conversations that take the story nowhere and go on for pages.
There’s also the random racist statements thrown in for good measure; for example when speaking about the Chinese member of the warlock council who is described as a villain who sells opium to ruin Europe. (Presumably because he’s Chinese? Awful!!)
And just for the record; saying the words “spark reactor” over and over again doesn’t make a steampunk novel. What a disappointment.
moirwyn's review against another edition
4.0
For a full review, please see:
"A Conspiracy of Alchemists" by Liesel Schwarz http://wp.me/p1yTss-Kw
Overall, I'm pretty happy with this one. I've been trying to read more steampunk, but most of the ones I've read are hit or miss--either they are brilliant, or they try to do too much and don't do any of it well.
"A Conspiracy of Alchemists" is one of those feel-good, guilty pleasure love stories, but with gyrocopters and absinthe fairies. It brightened up a rough week, and as long as you don't go into it expecting something more serious, you're in for a fun read.
"A Conspiracy of Alchemists" by Liesel Schwarz http://wp.me/p1yTss-Kw
Overall, I'm pretty happy with this one. I've been trying to read more steampunk, but most of the ones I've read are hit or miss--either they are brilliant, or they try to do too much and don't do any of it well.
"A Conspiracy of Alchemists" is one of those feel-good, guilty pleasure love stories, but with gyrocopters and absinthe fairies. It brightened up a rough week, and as long as you don't go into it expecting something more serious, you're in for a fun read.
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
Since [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351213445s/15849472.jpg|21595633] is Liesel Schwarz's debut novel I didn't know what to expect. The cover promised a lot of steampunk-ish goodness and that it will be set in Europe, Paris to be exact. I am glad to say that the book fulfilled all the promises and excited my expectations. It's rare to find a true steampunk novel these days. A lot of them seem like steampunk is added as an after-though to increase the sale - but that is not the case with [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351213445s/15849472.jpg|21595633]. This book is overflowing with intriguing steam powered contraptions: dirigibles, gyrocopters... Steam and magically powered machines are ingrained into every aspect of life to create a very interesting alternative Victorian age that you will wish it really existed (and you live in it of course).
Eleanor Chance or Elle is the pilot of small dirigible 'Water Lily'. When she is hired to transport a mysterious box from Paris to London, Elle gets more than she bargained for. All hell breaks lose as alchemists, warlocks,vampires Nightwalkers and other various creatures of Light and Shadow start to pursue her and threaten not only her but her family too. Luckily for us (and her), Elle is one of those kick-ass heroines that I adore. She does not only flaunt conventions by flying and wearing men's clothing, Elle also has enough spunk to fight for herself. You gotta love Elle's determination and she has one of the best motivational mottoes ever:
"Just because it hasn't been done before, does not mean that it is not possible."
So, I already told you to expect steampunk goodies and kick-ass heroine. But, wait there is more! If you like to travel (for real or via books), then this book has another treat for you, because Elle will follow trails to unmask conspiracy trough Paris, Oxford, Venice, Budapest and Constantinople. Of course, since [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351213445s/15849472.jpg|21595633] is not very long and there is so much going on, there will be no detailed descriptions, but I am satisfied with little glimpses of these amazing cities we got. And I hope more will come in the next books...
I keep going on and on how this book is great. So why the 4 star rating then, you are probably thinking. Well, the one aspect where this book fell short was romance. Don't get me wrong, I am totally satisfied if I have no romance whatsoever in a book, but if it's there is a love story - I want to feel the attraction. And that was not the case in [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351213445s/15849472.jpg|21595633]. Big plus is that there is no love triangle and it's not insta-love - the feelings between Elle and Hugh have a slow buildup, but still I didn't buy it. I could feel Elle's passion about everything else (her family, carier, etc.) but for Hugh - no sparks or butterflies whatsoever.
If we ignore this, [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351213445s/15849472.jpg|21595633] was a great mix of steampunk and fantasy that made me wish to make a road trip trough Europe, learn to fly a plane and kick some serious ass. *performs imaginary awesome roundhouse kick in her head* I'm glad that this is a series and I can't wait to read more about Elle's adventures.
My rating: 4.5 stars (flat romance lowered my rating)
I recommend this book to fans of: steampunk (duh), kick-ass heroines, heroines in strict historical societies that ignore the conventions and fight for their dreams and ideals, fans of urban fantasy who would like to spice it up with historical elements.
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for a honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
Eleanor Chance or Elle is the pilot of small dirigible 'Water Lily'. When she is hired to transport a mysterious box from Paris to London, Elle gets more than she bargained for. All hell breaks lose as alchemists, warlocks,
"Just because it hasn't been done before, does not mean that it is not possible."
So, I already told you to expect steampunk goodies and kick-ass heroine. But, wait there is more! If you like to travel (for real or via books), then this book has another treat for you, because Elle will follow trails to unmask conspiracy trough Paris, Oxford, Venice, Budapest and Constantinople. Of course, since [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351213445s/15849472.jpg|21595633] is not very long and there is so much going on, there will be no detailed descriptions, but I am satisfied with little glimpses of these amazing cities we got. And I hope more will come in the next books...
I keep going on and on how this book is great. So why the 4 star rating then, you are probably thinking. Well, the one aspect where this book fell short was romance. Don't get me wrong, I am totally satisfied if I have no romance whatsoever in a book, but if it's there is a love story - I want to feel the attraction. And that was not the case in [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351213445s/15849472.jpg|21595633]. Big plus is that there is no love triangle and it's not insta-love - the feelings between Elle and Hugh have a slow buildup, but still I didn't buy it. I could feel Elle's passion about everything else (her family, carier, etc.) but for Hugh - no sparks or butterflies whatsoever.
If we ignore this, [b:A Conspiracy of Alchemists|15849472|A Conspiracy of Alchemists (The Chronicle of Light and Shadow, #1)|Liesel Schwarz|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351213445s/15849472.jpg|21595633] was a great mix of steampunk and fantasy that made me wish to make a road trip trough Europe, learn to fly a plane and kick some serious ass. *performs imaginary awesome roundhouse kick in her head* I'm glad that this is a series and I can't wait to read more about Elle's adventures.
My rating: 4.5 stars (flat romance lowered my rating)
I recommend this book to fans of: steampunk (duh), kick-ass heroines, heroines in strict historical societies that ignore the conventions and fight for their dreams and ideals, fans of urban fantasy who would like to spice it up with historical elements.
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for a honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
richard_farley1976's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book and sampled it due to a giveaway. I have not read steam punk for a long time, the last was George Mann, I was worried that I would not get back into this genre again, but thanks to Liesel Schwarz I need not have worried. The book was very easy to read and the characters were well developed. The idea of the mystical mix on top of steam punk was a novel and great idea. I enjoyed the twists within the story and could not put it down. The only thing I did not like was that it is Liesel Schwarz first novel of a series and no second one yet! I look forward to the next book. Well done Liesel on your first book!!!!
raebandrui's review against another edition
3.0
A quick, fun read. I will be on the lookout for more from Liesel Schwarz.
First off, this is the first time I have ever read steampunk, I actually didn't know the genre existed until I started talking with my daughter. So I felt a little lost at first with the technology and magic side by side. I really had to stick with it the first third of the book, but I am glad I did.
The world was descriptive and full of sound and texture. The character "Marsh" was a likable, enigmatic figure with good looks, sardonic humor and self depreciating mastery of himself. All good qualities in a romantic hero. The heroine was a bit flat in the beginning but I could see where she was developing.
The story line and pacing were good. All in all a quick fun read and although I won't add to my lists of need to reread (but honestly not many make that list alongside Tolkien, Robert Jordan and Jane Austen), I will look for the second novel when it comes out and find time to read it.
I have to disclose that I was sent this book free from winning it on Goodreads First Reads.
First off, this is the first time I have ever read steampunk, I actually didn't know the genre existed until I started talking with my daughter. So I felt a little lost at first with the technology and magic side by side. I really had to stick with it the first third of the book, but I am glad I did.
The world was descriptive and full of sound and texture. The character "Marsh" was a likable, enigmatic figure with good looks, sardonic humor and self depreciating mastery of himself. All good qualities in a romantic hero. The heroine was a bit flat in the beginning but I could see where she was developing.
The story line and pacing were good. All in all a quick fun read and although I won't add to my lists of need to reread (but honestly not many make that list alongside Tolkien, Robert Jordan and Jane Austen), I will look for the second novel when it comes out and find time to read it.
I have to disclose that I was sent this book free from winning it on Goodreads First Reads.
djinnia's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It wasn't a hard read (thank goodness). Nothing ruins a good sci-fi/fantasy/steampunk/whatever book better than having it be too complicated.
I liked Elle. She had sass and a brain. She had opinions in a time that women were fighting for the right to have opinions taken seriously. When she is told about her destiny, I thought she reacted like any other person would. Denial and outrage. She didn't like the group Marsh was in so she wanted nothing to do with it especially how he told her they were going to treat her, which again comes into play with Suffrage.
Marsh is cool. I really like him even though he couldn't see the forest for the trees sometimes, but he got it in the end (and that's all that matters.)
I liked how there was a mix of genres. It wasn't too heavy-handed in my opinion. The clash of science and magic was awesome. (that Ms. Schwarz mentions some well-known books of the period and brought them into the storyline was awesome.)
All in all, I would buy this book. I would continue to the second book with pleasure.
I liked Elle. She had sass and a brain. She had opinions in a time that women were fighting for the right to have opinions taken seriously. When she is told about her destiny, I thought she reacted like any other person would. Denial and outrage. She didn't like the group Marsh was in so she wanted nothing to do with it especially how he told her they were going to treat her, which again comes into play with Suffrage.
Marsh is cool. I really like him even though he couldn't see the forest for the trees sometimes, but he got it in the end (and that's all that matters.)
I liked how there was a mix of genres. It wasn't too heavy-handed in my opinion. The clash of science and magic was awesome. (that Ms. Schwarz mentions some well-known books of the period and brought them into the storyline was awesome.)
All in all, I would buy this book. I would continue to the second book with pleasure.
kketelaar's review against another edition
1.0
I love to read and rarely do I not complete a book. I made it a tad over halfway in this one, but I found myself not reading at all rather than pick this book up again so I am giving it up.
This story was beyond trite and predictable. I honestly could have finished if that was the only issue. But the problem was that the author seemed to count on the reader filling in the blanks in the narrative through their knowledge of genre tropes. I found myself reading scene after scene, thinking that I knew what the author was trying to get at based, not on what I was actually reading, but on other steampunk fantasy I have read previously.
The author seemed to focus on each individual scene, but not on the cohesiveness of the story as a whole. This was apparent in the numerous inconsistencies in the narrative. Again, something I can usually overlook in SMALL doses. But seriously, when the main female protagonist spends the bulk of the first half of the book annoyed and/or furious at the main male character (the whole hate the one you will love storyline), it is impossible to take a line that then tells us how same female protagonist responding in anger to something is so out of character. WHAT?? She just spent the first half of the book either angry, fighting her attraction to aforementioned male, or asleep. You can't throw in a line telling us how she doesn't loose her temper and expect it to fit her character development when all of her previous actions seem to indicate otherwise.
I could go on - but it seems silly to waste any more time on this one.
This story was beyond trite and predictable. I honestly could have finished if that was the only issue. But the problem was that the author seemed to count on the reader filling in the blanks in the narrative through their knowledge of genre tropes. I found myself reading scene after scene, thinking that I knew what the author was trying to get at based, not on what I was actually reading, but on other steampunk fantasy I have read previously.
The author seemed to focus on each individual scene, but not on the cohesiveness of the story as a whole. This was apparent in the numerous inconsistencies in the narrative. Again, something I can usually overlook in SMALL doses. But seriously, when the main female protagonist spends the bulk of the first half of the book annoyed and/or furious at the main male character (the whole hate the one you will love storyline), it is impossible to take a line that then tells us how same female protagonist responding in anger to something is so out of character. WHAT?? She just spent the first half of the book either angry, fighting her attraction to aforementioned male, or asleep. You can't throw in a line telling us how she doesn't loose her temper and expect it to fit her character development when all of her previous actions seem to indicate otherwise.
I could go on - but it seems silly to waste any more time on this one.
shai3d's review against another edition
5.0
First of all, let me get this out of the way. I freakin' loved this book! The blend of steampunk and paranormal was magnificent!
Now that is out of the way, on to the review. A CONSPIRACY OF ALCHEMISTS is Ms. Schwarz's debut novel yet she has already mastered the craft of world building and characterization. I had not an issue one with placing myself along side Elle and Marsh as they go harrowing off trying to rescue a stolen item. We travel from Paris to England to Venice and onto Constantinople as we experience both the best and the worst of what the far flung cities have to offer.
There isn't a dull moment to be found between the danger that lurks at all around them and the witty dialogue between the characters. Elle is definitely a unique woman for that time and Marsh really learns to appreciate her as time rushes by.
I highly recommend A CONSPIRACY OF ALCHEMISTS to my readers that both enjoy steampunk and the paranormal. It is one wild ride that is sure to please. I rate this book a 4.7.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
Now that is out of the way, on to the review. A CONSPIRACY OF ALCHEMISTS is Ms. Schwarz's debut novel yet she has already mastered the craft of world building and characterization. I had not an issue one with placing myself along side Elle and Marsh as they go harrowing off trying to rescue a stolen item. We travel from Paris to England to Venice and onto Constantinople as we experience both the best and the worst of what the far flung cities have to offer.
There isn't a dull moment to be found between the danger that lurks at all around them and the witty dialogue between the characters. Elle is definitely a unique woman for that time and Marsh really learns to appreciate her as time rushes by.
I highly recommend A CONSPIRACY OF ALCHEMISTS to my readers that both enjoy steampunk and the paranormal. It is one wild ride that is sure to please. I rate this book a 4.7.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
leontiy's review against another edition
4.0
A Conspiracy of Alchemists is my first steampunk novel. I’m pleased to say it was a good choice to begin with. Requested on a whim via NetGalley, I clicked through the eARC and within minutes I was hooked. There’s something different about this story and whatever it is, it makes it a definite winner.
In a world where the Light and the Shadow realms weave and melt into the real world, where absinthe fairies and Nightwalkers mix with Alchemists, and human Warlocks live for centuries, the balance is tipping with the growing use and power of spark and science. There is great power locked away in the Shadow realm but as the Light grows stronger and logic and reason banish its hold, draining its power, the power of all who rely on the darker realm ebbs away to nothingness.
To Elle, this is no concern. She is a perfectly normal young woman merely going about her business, which just happens to be flying her own small freight service craft and studying physics. She lives for flying and sure, she might not be cut out for the regular married life of her peers—in fact, although she was educated in etiquette and even débuted, her heart was scarcely in it—but she is still an exceedingly normal woman with no need to concern herself with the mysterious box that has landed in her hands, the absinthe fairy in the café she’s meeting at, or the presence of Nightwalkers and Warlocks. Nothing of this is her concern.
Until it does concern her—and those closest to her. Then, of course, she needs to reassess and put aside all the logical thoughts and rationality that comes from the Light and embrace the Shadow that runs deep in her family. And then there’s Marsh, who never quite seems to tell her the truth, yet doesn’t really lie to her either. He is a conundrum—a handsome one, at that—and Elle simply isn’t sure what to do. Under normal circumstances, she would follow her instincts… but since all this started, they’re not quite what they used to be. Something is changing in her and she’s not sure what it is… It might have something to do with her lineage and the strange bracelet that won’t come off… and yet surely not? She’s a sensible, normal girl and that’s that.
The darker beings of the Shadow realm don’t seem to agree, however. Elle is in serious trouble and those after her do not necessarily need her consent to use her for their ends. With or without her consent, things are set to change.
Of course, being the daughter of a genius scientist does have its perks and Elle is definitely not without her wiles, feminine or otherwise. She is a bright young lady and she will not go quietly—whatever it is these people have planned. If she has a destiny, then she will jolly well choose which parts of it she will accept and those that will have to merely jump off the next dirigible.
A Conspiracy of Alchemists is an adventure of a story that never stops. It is full of intrigue and excitement that constantly twists and turns, all whilst offering charm, wit and humour. It is an urban fantasy for the 1900s complete with all the right elements of romance that make for one excellently good story.
As far as the genre goes, I can’t judge, since it’s my first steampunk novel or even my first with any steampunk sensibilities. Even so, I don’t need to be an avid reader of steampunk to know that this is a great story that keeps fun at its heart yet still manages to be completely unputdownable. It is as pacy as the setting calls for—imagine that the 1900s setting makes for a wholly different pace than a modern fantasy—and is completely compelling and intriguing.
Elle is just brilliant. It’s always good to have a strong female who is balanced out by a great guy; it makes for more enjoyable reading, especially for me. She doesn’t try too hard to be a tough girl—it is naturally a part of who she is and it is balanced out with realistic vulnerability that makes her so likeable. She is just fantastic and born for the setting and the story she occupies. The same can be said for Marsh, who is a perfectly roguish gentleman with a soft squishy side beneath all that charm, wit and hidden steel.
Overall, I was surprised by this story. It was good. I will wholeheartedly admit that whilst I prefer the US (I think?) cover, the hot pink font did almost put me off. Preconceptions about gender stereotypes are sometimes hard to get rid of, and a cover splashed with hot pink does sort of give a wrong idea in relation to precisely just what sort of book A Conspiracy of Alchemists is. On the other hand, the UK cover also gives a completely wrong impression of the book, taking away Elle’s other side—her classy, sassiness—replacing it with the expected colours and images associated with steampunk.
But, a cover’s a cover and either way, this is a five-star book that I like to think of as period urban fantasy. It is a brilliant, imaginative story that paves the way for an excellent series that evidently has a lot more still to offer.
Awesome, fun and just plain cool, you need to give this book a chance.
In a world where the Light and the Shadow realms weave and melt into the real world, where absinthe fairies and Nightwalkers mix with Alchemists, and human Warlocks live for centuries, the balance is tipping with the growing use and power of spark and science. There is great power locked away in the Shadow realm but as the Light grows stronger and logic and reason banish its hold, draining its power, the power of all who rely on the darker realm ebbs away to nothingness.
To Elle, this is no concern. She is a perfectly normal young woman merely going about her business, which just happens to be flying her own small freight service craft and studying physics. She lives for flying and sure, she might not be cut out for the regular married life of her peers—in fact, although she was educated in etiquette and even débuted, her heart was scarcely in it—but she is still an exceedingly normal woman with no need to concern herself with the mysterious box that has landed in her hands, the absinthe fairy in the café she’s meeting at, or the presence of Nightwalkers and Warlocks. Nothing of this is her concern.
Until it does concern her—and those closest to her. Then, of course, she needs to reassess and put aside all the logical thoughts and rationality that comes from the Light and embrace the Shadow that runs deep in her family. And then there’s Marsh, who never quite seems to tell her the truth, yet doesn’t really lie to her either. He is a conundrum—a handsome one, at that—and Elle simply isn’t sure what to do. Under normal circumstances, she would follow her instincts… but since all this started, they’re not quite what they used to be. Something is changing in her and she’s not sure what it is… It might have something to do with her lineage and the strange bracelet that won’t come off… and yet surely not? She’s a sensible, normal girl and that’s that.
The darker beings of the Shadow realm don’t seem to agree, however. Elle is in serious trouble and those after her do not necessarily need her consent to use her for their ends. With or without her consent, things are set to change.
Of course, being the daughter of a genius scientist does have its perks and Elle is definitely not without her wiles, feminine or otherwise. She is a bright young lady and she will not go quietly—whatever it is these people have planned. If she has a destiny, then she will jolly well choose which parts of it she will accept and those that will have to merely jump off the next dirigible.
A Conspiracy of Alchemists is an adventure of a story that never stops. It is full of intrigue and excitement that constantly twists and turns, all whilst offering charm, wit and humour. It is an urban fantasy for the 1900s complete with all the right elements of romance that make for one excellently good story.
As far as the genre goes, I can’t judge, since it’s my first steampunk novel or even my first with any steampunk sensibilities. Even so, I don’t need to be an avid reader of steampunk to know that this is a great story that keeps fun at its heart yet still manages to be completely unputdownable. It is as pacy as the setting calls for—imagine that the 1900s setting makes for a wholly different pace than a modern fantasy—and is completely compelling and intriguing.
Elle is just brilliant. It’s always good to have a strong female who is balanced out by a great guy; it makes for more enjoyable reading, especially for me. She doesn’t try too hard to be a tough girl—it is naturally a part of who she is and it is balanced out with realistic vulnerability that makes her so likeable. She is just fantastic and born for the setting and the story she occupies. The same can be said for Marsh, who is a perfectly roguish gentleman with a soft squishy side beneath all that charm, wit and hidden steel.
Overall, I was surprised by this story. It was good. I will wholeheartedly admit that whilst I prefer the US (I think?) cover, the hot pink font did almost put me off. Preconceptions about gender stereotypes are sometimes hard to get rid of, and a cover splashed with hot pink does sort of give a wrong idea in relation to precisely just what sort of book A Conspiracy of Alchemists is. On the other hand, the UK cover also gives a completely wrong impression of the book, taking away Elle’s other side—her classy, sassiness—replacing it with the expected colours and images associated with steampunk.
But, a cover’s a cover and either way, this is a five-star book that I like to think of as period urban fantasy. It is a brilliant, imaginative story that paves the way for an excellent series that evidently has a lot more still to offer.
Awesome, fun and just plain cool, you need to give this book a chance.