Recently, Kallie challenged me to read a new genre that I had never read before. She wanted me to read Steampunk and specifically Kady Cross’s new book, The Girl in the Steel Corset. I was a little nervous because I wasn’t sure what to expect. My nerves began to subside somewhat, though, when I realized this novel was set in Britain during the Victorian age. Um…those are two things that I absolutely love! So, I downloaded the book on my kindle and started reading. I was caught up in the characters and the story from the very beginning. Finley, the main character, was definitely my type of girl. She could kick some serious butt! I loved that she didn’t know why things were happening to her and the references to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I could feel the inner struggle Finley was going through. As a reader, you get caught up in this mystery, and I was surprised when I found out what exactly was causing it. I also liked Finley because, deep down, I like to imagine that I am that tough too. I’m not, by the way, but I do like to pretend.

And then, two of my favorite characters entered the scene. Griffin King and Mr. Jack Dandy-Oh my goodness…these two boys… I know that I’m supposed to pick a team and all of that, but I just can’t. I like them both! The mysteriousness of Jack, the touch of kindness mixed with naughty, makes him just about delicious. And Griffin is so protective, strong and loyal. What kind of girl wouldn’t want that? Yes, they are really good characters. There are other characters that play a big role, too. Emily, Sam and Jasper-If I’m honest, I didn’t connect with Sam all that much. He kind of infuriated me throughout, but the role he plays in the storyline is major and needed. I just wanted to smack him a few times throughout.

Kady Cross did a fantastic job of linking the Victorian era with this other world that contains automatons and steam-powered everything. Even the horses that pull the carriages are robotic! Different storylines weave and interchange together to create one beautiful book. There are mysteries to be solved and evil characters to be found and demolished throughout. The twists and turns make you want to keep turning the page, even when the pages run out! Lucky for us, there is a book 2 coming! There is also a prequel e-book, The Strange Case of Finley Jane that you can download if you want even more of Finley. I predict you will!

Published by Harlequin Teen, The Girl in the Steel Corset makes me glad Kady Cross has entered the YA scene! I am a believer of Steampunk now. I’ve already been researching some others to pick up and check out. 4 out of 5 books!

Author Kady Cross