The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

Title: The Dark Unwinding

Author: Sharon Cameron
ISBN: 9780545469647
Publisher: Scholastic
Released: September 01, 2012
Series: N/A
Page #: 318
Source: ARC from the publisher

Summary:
"When a rumor that her uncle is squandering away the family fortune surfaces, Katharine Tulman is sent to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of childlike rules, who is employing a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London. Katharine is now torn between protecting her own livelihood and preserving the peculiar community she has grown to care for deeply. And things are made even more complicated by the growing feelings Katharine has for her uncle's handome apprentice.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that it is not only her uncle's world that is at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its thrills and romance, until the stunning end.
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First Lines:

"June 1852
Warm sun and robin's-egg skies were inappropriate conditions for sending one's uncle to a lunatic asylum. I had settled this point four hours earlier, while miles of road slipped beneath the carriage wheels."
Page 1
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Review:

I was definitely in the mood for a historical story - and the mystery aspect of this story really gave it a boost. And some of the characters... well, you can't help but fall in love with them.

Katharine lives with her Aunt and cousin in London. Her Aunt is a very strict and sour woman - and reminds Katharine often about her situation and her control over her life. It is rumored that her uncle needs to be committed to an asylum and her aunt sends her off to make that determination. Once she gets to her uncle's house, she realizes just exactly what he is like and how people perceive him. It's not quite what her aunt thinks - and Katharine has a hard decision to make. Not to mention that there are strange noises, secret passages, and odd characters to contend with.

I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. It's a really solid historical fiction book that is very character driven - with types of people you would never expect. I would almost describe this book as heartwarming. Katharine starts out fighting opposition coming from all sides, and she has to believe in herself to get through the days. But you really are rooting for her from page one.

The character of Katharine's Uncle - Mr. Tully - is very interesting. He's a genius, to put it lightly. But he has a childlike mindset. He has playtime every day... takes tea at the same time every day... is very concerned with counting and repetition and rules. He builds these amazing clockwork characters - mostly based on people he has known. And Katharine finds that she understands him and knows how to be a part of his life. Which is much to the surprise of everyone else in the town.

There are tons of characters to love... Mary Brown, Davy, Lane, Ben Aldridge, and so many more. They really make this story interesting for very different reasons. They made me wish I lived in the town with them. But it seems like a great life and they all are very loyal (for the most part ;)). Not to mention the love interest for Katharine - mild as it may have been.

 It's really well done and I wished for about 100 more pages. Alas. I am a little worried that the ending was a bit rushed - it felt like there was a lot of ground to cover in the last couple of chapters. But I was happy enough with how things turned out. If there's a next book with these characters, I'm all in! :)

I really think that anyone who likes historical fiction will really love this book. It's a great story and it was such a fast read. I also think that the themes are so universal, you can get past the historical stuff if you're not interested - but I love that stuff. I've already recommended this book to a couple of people, so I'm excited. I also think it's great that the author is from Nashville - because that's where I'm from/live now. So cool! I love finding awesome local authors. I look forward to more from her.
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Other Blog Reviews:

Ravenous Biblioworm's Book Reviews
Yeah, so... didn't see any other reviews out there yet. I'm sure there will be more once we get closer to the pub date. I urge you all to give it a shot.

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Title: Masque of the Red Death
Author: Bethany Griffin
ISBN: 9780062107794
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Released: April 24, 2012
Series: Masque of the Red Death #1
Page #: 319
Source: My public library

Summary:
"Everything is in ruins.
A devastating plague has decimated the population, and those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?
Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery makeup... and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club - in the depths of her own despair - Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club, and Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find not just something to live for, but something to fight for - no matter what it costs her."
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First Lines:

"The charcoal sky spits cold rain as we rumble to a stop at a crossroad. A black cart blocks the road, and even in an armored carriage we know better than to force our way past. 
Burly men stagger to the cart, carrying something between them. Someone."
Page 1
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Review:

Originally, I thought this cover was very interesting - enough that it drew me to the book. But after reading it, I kinda wish it was different. But it served it's purpose... to bring me to this mesmerizing story.

Araby lives in a world where the plague is running rampant. She is the daughter of a scientist/inventor - who created the masks that keep the plague away. But they are only available to the rich and powerful. After losing her twin brother to the plague, she has nothing left to live for - so she spends her time at a club using various ways to forget about her life.  Until one night when Will - the handsome door guy - saves her from herself and she learns about other ways of life. Enough that it changes her own in unimaginable ways.

Okay, so my little overview of the story doesn't give you a full picture of what this book is really about. But there's only so much I can tell you! Let me just put it this way, I loved it. There are so many story lines and crazy things going on - it keeps you on your toes.

On one hand, you have the story of Will and his little brother and sister. The plague has completely ravaged every family - and it has taken his parents from them. Wen Araby learns about their life and how she can help out, they become a big focus for her. She sees them as people she can use her status to help - not just another poor family. Not to mention that she has a thing for Will - the tattooed, mysterious guy from the club.

On the other hand, you have Elliott. He's the brother of her best friend - and, in turn, the nephew of the Prince. He's focused on revolution and fixing the city the way it was always meant to be. In order to do that, he needs Araby. Her father is powerful enough that he could help change things. And Elliott sees her as a means to his ends. But then, of course, he starts to fall for her.

Sigh. Love triangles. I really had a hard time putting this book down. I just had to know what happened next! For me, that's the sign of a great story. I understand that this book is based on a short story written by Poe - which I haven't read. I believe she has really expanded the story to become this amazing steampunk historical thriller adventure. Doesn't that sound insane?! It is :). Though - nowhere does it say this is set in historical times. But there are some hints. I also think it's interesting that there is no designation of place.

Can I just say... darn cliffhangers! There is a ton of action at the end of this book - who betrays her, what happens to them, where they end up... it's amazingly crazy! And luckily, you can sort of see where the story is heading. You've got all of your main characters on their way to an unknown location... and that's all I'm going to give you. I'm hoping that means we will have all of them back in the next one! 

I do take one issue with the book. Because of the heavy drug use, I can only really recommend this book to older high school students. I think many teens could love this one, but that sort of takes it out of the younger set. I'm sure they'd love it to, but within the first ten pages, Araby finds herself in a club looking for absolute oblivion. It really didn't bother me, but I can imagine how that might go over for a few of my librarians.

Truly, I thought this book was fantastic. I'll be recommending it to every person I think could handle it. :) Honestly, this book might be awesome for the adult YA reader. Like moi. Goodreads says there is a second book in the works - and I am absolutely on board for that! I can't wait to see what happens to our characters! 
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Other Blog Reviews:

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Badass Book Reviews

Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear

Title: Innocent Darkness

Author: Suzanne Lazear

ISBN: 9780738732480
Publisher: Flux
Released: August 08, 2012
Series: The Aether Chronicles #1

Page #: 391

Source: ebook from Netgalley

Summary:

"If one girl lives, the whole world dies.

Sixteen-year-old Noli braddock and her best friend Steven "V" Darrow just wanted to take a flying car out for a joy ride. They had no idea it would result in Noli getting sent to reform school to mend her hoyden ways. While at the dreadful school, Noli's innocent Midsummer's Eve wish summons Kevighn, a mysterious man who takes Noli with him to the Realm of Faerie. At first Noli believes she has been rescued. But the sinister reason behind the handsome huntsman's appearance quickly becomes clear - he wants to use Noli as a blood sacrifice to restore his dying world. V, who has secrets of his own, shows up to help Noli escape and return to the mortal realm - but first, they must navigate the dangerious intrigues of the Otherworld. If they are successful, Noli will live. But the entire Otherworld civilization will perish."

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First Lines:

"Whatever happened, she could not allow them to catch her, nor could a single drop of her blood spill upon the ground. The only sounds were of her labored breath and the hum of night in the wildwood. Soon, the horns and hoof beats of pursuit would follow."

Page IX (Prologue)

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Review:

How can you NOT pick up this book - the cover is gorgeous! Well, if you like steampunky things. Which I believe I do :). The girl on the cover isn't quite what I pictured, but she'll do.

So, this is a steampunk fairytale set in 1901 LA. Noli and V are besties who are constantly getting into trouble. This time, though, it's the last straw. Noli gets sent away and V realizes she may be in more trouble than her mother thinks. Which is true - she's accidentally pulled into Otherworld. And Kevighn is there to make sure she never gets home. V - who has been harboring huge secrets - realizes he must go on a quest to save Noli. And, of course, to tell her how he feels about her.

I had some difficulty really picturing the setting. Of course, this story is much more character driven, so there may be a reason for that. But alone, LA during the early 1900s is hard for me to grasp... even if there werent airships and hovercops and such. Honestly, it was much easier once we got into the Faery world - at least then I have some reference points. But I'm not sure that it detracted from the story - as I said, the setting is definitely secondary. And just as a note, the whole steampunk thing sort of disappears halfway through the book. I mean, it's still there, but it's just thrown in for flavor.

Helloooo love triangle. Seriously. On one hand, you have V - Noli's best friend from childhood. He's handsome, studious, and all around romantic. He's had feelings for Noli for about forever... and it's finally time to let her know. On the other hand, you have Kevighn. He's the suave, smooth talking, liar of a man who wants to trap Noli into doing his bidding - namely, dying. But he soon realizes his feelings for her are deeper than that... even after all of the women he has been with. I'm definitely Team V. Who wants a liar - even if he is sexy? I mean, please :).

Now, as for these guys... they are the ones that push this book for only older teens. You've got some seriously sexual situations - enough that it might be a bit much for some readers. One has some serious drug use that makes him much more experienced and adult. Again, that makes the book geared toward older readers. I'm not sure how much these two things add to the story, but it may help you understand their characters a little bit more. And can I just say - V's character is drastically changed from the beginning to the end of the book. I'm still trying to decide if it's believable or not...

I am excited to find out what happens in the next book. Luckily, you're not left with any huge cliffhangers. There is a definite conclusion and you can sort of infer where the story is going to go. But there are a few things I'd like to hear the rest of. But this book works well as a standalone. At least, in my opinion.

I've just looked at a few other reviews and it seems like the general view is that the book is good, but not fantastic. I very much agree. And someone mentioned the two most overused words - "dollymop" and "hoyden." It really felt like those were the only words Noli would use to describe herself. And for me that made her seem a bit one dimensional - even though I know there was much more to her. For someone who proclaimed to be atypical and unconcerned with giggly, girly things. I guess I was hoping for more from her - more attitude, less tears.

For those of you into historical romance, I definitely recommend this book to you. Again, it is better for older teens because of some content...  And I know I have mentioned some things I didn't like about this book, but it was a fast and entertaining read. I think many people will really get into it. And with the whole coming series, it will probably be popular. I would just love to see more development and consistancy in the next book.

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Other Blog Reviews:

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The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Title: The Girl in the Steel Corset
Author: Kady Cross
ISBN: 9780373210336
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: May 34, 2011
Page #: 473
Source: My public library

Summary:
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch...

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help - and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on - even if it seems no one believes her.
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First Lines:

"The moment she saw the young man walking down the darkened hall toward her, twirling his walking stick, Finley Jayne knew she'd be unemployed before the sun rose. Her third dismissal in as many months."
Page 9
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Review:

There are times that I really want to get more into steampunk books... but there is some part of me that has a hard time re-learning history with machines/robots in it. I've had this problem before, so I'll try not to let it color my view of this book.

We have a girl - Finley - who is abnormally strong and sometimes forgets herself. Meaning, she has a whole other side. Think Jekyll and Hyde (in fact, that is referenced in the book as well). Her two sides like two different boys - both powerful in their own worlds. She falls into the lives of Griffin and his friends, who are figuring out what is making people so different. And there's someone who is using their power for evil. So there's mystery, intrigue, lurve, robots, and historical characters. Well, one really... Queen Victoria. Which was an interesting thing to throw in.

Honestly, I picked up this book because of its cover. How pretty is it?! And it speaks of a strong woman, I think. And strong, she is - stronger than most men in any age. But that's all physical strength - her mind is a bit of a mess at first. But you also have another strong woman character in this story, Emily. She's basically a robot genius and comes up with things no one could imagine. She really makes this story interesting for me and I wish we could have more about her. There's a lot more going on with her and you only get a taste of it.

Speaking of which, there's a lot going on in this one book. You've got characters trying to figure out who they even are and where they came from. You have characters that are just now joining the group and you learn very little about their backgrounds (see: Jasper and Finley). There's a villain who you only see enough of to hate him. There is the beginning of a love triangle that is only touched on. And a lot more...

The whole book starts about Finley and her affliction (if that's what you want to call it) - one that makes her lose herself. And you hear a lot about her struggle and how her life has been and what she's dealt with. You also get the feeling that this is something she has a really hard time with. I mean, who wouldn't - if your other half started taking over large chunks of your life. But about halfway through the book, it's like things are magically cured. Ta da! No more problems! Now you're just strong and awesome. I think it was a little abrupt for me. And if she was cured so suddenly, I wished for some more talk of adjustment to her new life. I dunno, I just missed Finley in the last half of the book - when we were fighting villains instead (and learning of other romance triangles that never resolve).

Of course, this book is left open-ended, and it's called part of the steampunk chronicles. The author's website says the next book will be out in summer '12. I hope there is even more development of these characters and their strange relationships. I look forward to reading this one, for sure. I'm crossing my fingers that this second book will be fantastic.
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Other Blog Reviews:

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