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.
jkpettit11's review against another edition
2.0
My full review can be found on my blog: 3 Bluestockings
The story moved at a good clip, and there was enough intrigue to keep me reading. However, I’m fairly certain this will be my only foray into the series.
If you are a devoted steampunker (I’m sure there’s a word for that I am not aware of) then you should probably give this book a try. Otherwise, I’d be fairly hesitant to recommend this title.
The story moved at a good clip, and there was enough intrigue to keep me reading. However, I’m fairly certain this will be my only foray into the series.
If you are a devoted steampunker (I’m sure there’s a word for that I am not aware of) then you should probably give this book a try. Otherwise, I’d be fairly hesitant to recommend this title.
rclz's review against another edition
4.0
This was fun, kind of light but still good. Steampunk/alternative history/parnormal romance lots of different elements that I think worked well together. Good characters that I liked. I'll read the next one.
izzy_happyfornow's review against another edition
3.0
From the title and cover alone this book sounds promising. Even the blurb is promising, but all it manages to do is stumble about and be a weird mix of steampunk and not steampunk. Instead of complaining though I'll break it all down for you.
A seemingly strong female Elle is put into a precarious situation with her father being kidnapped and the 'quick' delivery she was supposed to make. It all turns out to be a huge set up for some terrible things to take place.
The things I liked in this book. The characters were pretty unique and awesome. Lots of treachery and fun to be had by all. It was interesting seeing some of the characters I was suspicious of turn out to be evil. I really liked Marsh and how much he grew throughout the book. Elle seemed like a strong character, but later on she started to fall flat for me.
The things I didn't care for was that the book literally took a turn around 50% of being slow and boring. I almost didn't finish it, but I made myself stick it out. Which the ending was pretty good so I'm glad I did.
Overall I really can't say a lot of good about this book I give it 2.5/5 stars. I was left just not as interested in the end. Don't foresee myself picking up the sequel either. It's definitely more on the trash end of things.
A seemingly strong female Elle is put into a precarious situation with her father being kidnapped and the 'quick' delivery she was supposed to make. It all turns out to be a huge set up for some terrible things to take place.
The things I liked in this book. The characters were pretty unique and awesome. Lots of treachery and fun to be had by all. It was interesting seeing some of the characters I was suspicious of turn out to be evil. I really liked Marsh and how much he grew throughout the book. Elle seemed like a strong character, but later on she started to fall flat for me.
The things I didn't care for was that the book literally took a turn around 50% of being slow and boring. I almost didn't finish it, but I made myself stick it out. Which the ending was pretty good so I'm glad I did.
Overall I really can't say a lot of good about this book I give it 2.5/5 stars. I was left just not as interested in the end. Don't foresee myself picking up the sequel either. It's definitely more on the trash end of things.
regitzexenia's review against another edition
4.0
Great female protagonist, I absolutely adore her.
And Marsh, oh lord Marsh.
What a plot twist towards the end, I will most definitely be picking up the rest of this series, there's a definite chance this series will become one of my favourites.
And Marsh, oh lord Marsh.
What a plot twist towards the end, I will most definitely be picking up the rest of this series, there's a definite chance this series will become one of my favourites.