Ef Deal

Set in Paris, this book explores a series of strange events through pair of twins - the mechanically minded Jacqueline, and the musical and part-time werewolf Angelique. Together with friends, they are determined to put an end to the danger and chaos.

Combining steampunk and historical fiction is definitely a bold choice. I will say that at times I felt like things were a little off but I'm neither an expert in France nor history so that could just be a me thing. I do feel like the steampunk nature of the book may make these points easier to look past for those who are experts though. I did very much enjoy our characters though. Especially Angelique. Being a more scientifically minded person myself I though I would enjoy reading about Jacqueline more, but I loved that Angelique just wandered around as a wolf. It was a little borderline uncomfortable at one point, but this is probably just a me thing. It is implied that Llewellyn starts having *cough* somewhat intimate dreams about her after she slept with him as a human even though he is not aware that she isn't a wolf at this point.

This is a fascinating and action packed novel and I can definitely recommend it. I would have rated it a little higher, but there was something about the writing style that just didn't quite do it for me. I can't put my finger on what it is though. But since this is such a subjective thing, I am sure that others won't have the same issue.… (meer)

What an entertaining start to a new historical fiction/steampunk series. Jacqueline Duval is a young frenchwoman, and surprisingly for the time, an engineering genius. Her twin sister, Angelique, is a prodigy of a different sort (musical), but after a recent trauma, has mainly been focused on living a life of debauchery. While heading home from Paris, Jacqueline is intrigued by a chance run in with an automaton that seems to be powered by mystical, rather than mechanical means. This sets the sisters off on a journey to discover who created this mechanical man, and what its purpose might be. This knowledge won't come easily, or without dangers. Luckily, both Jacqueline and Angelique have their own strengths, and along the way, they just might find some strapping men to lend a helping hand.

I've not read a lot of fiction in the steampunk genre, but this one definitely piqued my interest. You have to love strong and intelligent female protagonists, like Jacqueline and Angelique. Angelique in particular has to overcome a serious trauma, and it is great to see her succeed. The paranormal elements were perfectly wound in with the more scientific bits that characterize steampunk novels, and the romance added a nice extra touch. I will happily pick up future novels from EF Deal.… (meer)