Crucible Zero by Devon Monk

As much as I enjoyed the other two books in the series, Crucible Zero managed to be so much better. Time travel and alternative realities are not always easy to navigate but Devon Monk does it seamlessly. Her characters are also incredible, especially Matilda who, as a heroine, isn't a know it all and admits she needs help to attain her goal. Matilda and Abraham's relationship, although different in this reality, continues to be entertaining and steamy.

At first, it was a little confusing as to why Matilda ends up in an alternate universe where she didn't even exist before, but at least all her loved ones and some of her family members are alive in this one, unlike in her original timeline. In Infinity Bell, Matilda had to travel back in time in order to save billions of people from a 300 year old experiment, but obviously not everything goes according to plan. The time travelling did change the future, in some capacity, but more specifically changed the course of Abraham's long lived life as he waits for the reappearance of Matilda Case, the mysterious future girl who saved him three centuries before.

The galvanized, like Abraham and Matilda, live extra long lives because of the ramifications of that long ago time travel experiment called Wings of Mercury. In order to survive, they sometimes need to be patched up and stitched so they are quite often recognized by their patchwork of skin and stitches. Living for a long time can get quite lonely and in the previous books, I was glad Matilda and Abraham found each other. However, in this new reality, they meet again for the first time and Matilda is the only one with memories of their time together. The chemistry between the two character is definitely still there and it's quite interesting to see them fall for each other a second time.

After the time travelling, Matilda still isn't done saving the world. This time, she plan to prevent a tyrannical leader from taking over the world. However, killing another galvanized isn't that easy so she'll need all the help she can find. In this new timeway, she also has to deal with new obstacles such as a plague, deadly ferals and mercenaries. I really like Matilda as a character. She has a strong mind and isn't afraid to do what she thinks is right. When she sets her mind on something, she tries her best to accomplish it but she's not afraid to ask for help. Physically, she's quite strong but she knows her limitations. However, physical limitations may not be what prevents her from attaining her goal. She admits multiple time that she's never killed anyone, yet her ultimate goal is an assassination. It's quite interesting to see Matilda go through various emotions. As a galvanized, her kind aren't always seen as human, but there's there's nothing more human than Matilda.

In my opinion, this series has reached a new height with Crucible Zero and I have no clue if Devon Monk will be able to surpass it. Honestly, I have no clue if there's going to be a next book because the story felt quite finished. No cliffhanger ending for this one. I don't want the series to be over because it happens to be one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series lately but I wouldn't be surprised if it is. Crucible Zero, like the other two books in the series, is exceptionally written and highly recommendable.

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Posted by Tynga at 03:45

 Devon Monk, Dystopian, Futuristic, House Immortal, Immortals, Penguin, Purchased, Review, ROC Fantasy, Science-Fiction, time travel, Urban Fantasy  1 Person left their mark

Infinity Bell by Devon Monk

This series is full of surprises. It's turning out to be more than I anticipated and it's all been great so far. Infinity Bell is only the second book in the series and I'm hooked on these characters, the story and the writing. Honestly, I had no clue what I was getting into when I started reading this series but it's so original I have a hard time classifying the series into a specific genre. The book is set a few centuries in the future so it definitely qualifies as science-fiction, but it also has paranormal elements and a dystopian feel. Basically some of my favorite genres all wrapped up in a neat little brown package.

Book one kind of left us on a cliffhanger but now as events unfold, the treaty between the houses and the galvanized (a group of immortal people created after a botched experiment) is crumbling and creating tension throughout the different houses. Matilda Case, her fellow galvanized Abraham, her brother Quinten and her farmhand Neds are on the run right from the start of the novel, and don't stop running until the very end of the book. This creates a wonderful pace for the story and definitely keeps you on edge throughout the whole thing. The urgency to get back to the Case farm is always present because countless lives depend on fixing time.

Now, this is where things get complicated (but in a good way). Apparently time was "broken" by Matilda and Quinten's ancestor when he tried to manipulate time in an experiment, a few hundred years ago. It's this experiment that unknowingly created the galvanized, extending the natural life of 13 humans by a few hundred years. Now, the hours are counting down to some time event that could be the end for Matilda and so many others, unless the time rift is fixed. I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the whole time thing but just go with it because it's definitely worth it.

The human race has always been fascinated with time. Early civilizations taught themselves to measure time with the sun, the moon and the stars. Modern time physicists are still trying to explain time and relativity with mathematics and physics. But one thing is for sure: time has always found a way to slip through our fingers, despite humanity's quest to find a way to live forever. That's why I find this series so fascinating. Not only is it about immortality, but it also tries to explain it with time and science. As a science geek, I'm hooked on this series for sure, even if it is pure fiction.

While book one was more about introducing the characters, this sequel was more about answering questions about the time experiment that started it all. However, we do learn new things about the characters, like Quinten's secret life that he hides so well from his sister. We also learn more about the galvanized's pasts, before they were revived. Abraham and Matilda's relationship also progresses despite the gloomy outlook. In my opinion, the author revealed just enough to keep us interested, without pestering us with too much information.

On a final note, the last chapter is infuriating. I still can't believe that's how Devon Monk ended the book. Reading the sneak peek for next book does very little to appease my frustration with this cliffhanger. It's maddening, but also sad because I don't know what it means for the characters and their relationship. I don't want to reveal anything else, but you'll definitely know what I mean once you read it.

A poignant sequel, Infinity Bell is action-packed, captivating and thought-provoking. I'm really glad the next book will be published in about six months from now. I don't want to wait too long to know what happens because it looks like Matilda will have a lot of explaining to do...

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Posted by Tynga at 03:48

 Devon Monk, Dystopian, House Immortal, Immortal, Penguin, Purchased, Review, Science-Fiction  Leave your mark

House Immortal by Devon Monk

HOUSE IMMORTAL is a dystopian book like you've never seen before. It mixes science and politics wonderfully, and this futuristic world is so original, I have nothing to compare it to. The world is now separated in groups called Houses that govern things like water, agriculture, medical, technology, etc. Countries have ceased to exist and the world is led by eleven House leaders. I admit, the breakdown into groups like these is definitely something we've seen before. One can simply think of the Hunger Games or Divergent and think that it might have some similarities, but the concept is completely different. However, what truly makes this a novel original is the galvanized, a group of people from a failed experiment that have been turned into stitched up humans that are in essence, impossible to kill. They live forever because the experiment that was trying to manipulate time somehow offered them an unlimited amount of time to live out their lives, and turned them into immortals.

Immortality isn't a new concept and because as human beings, we're always trying to extend our lives, this book will appeal to many people even if they aren't fans of science fiction. Freedom is another powerful theme that people will be able to understand. The idea of being contracted out to someone or in this case a House, unable to choose what you will do with your life, is definitely a scary thought. I think the author did a wonderful job in showing us how this dystopian world is full of flaws, and how power and politics can turn your life upside down.

HOUSE IMMORTAL without a doubt pleases the science fiction nerd in me, but it also appeals to me for more simple reasons. For example, I sympathise with some of the characters, although they might not be human. Matilda, the newest galvanized, has been hiding out on her parent's farm her whole life, afraid to announce to the world that she's someone that's alive, only because she's literally been stitched back together with a special kind of thread. Although she want to see herself as a human, she describes herself as a monster, time and time again.

When she meets Abraham, a galvanized that has been alive for more than 300 years, her life is completely altered and for once in her life, she fears what the future might bring. She understands she cannot trust Abraham because he represents House Grey, the house that governs humans, but they form a bond that might just become something more than just friendship. It's this bond that convinces her to leave her farm and venture into the world in order to find out if her missing brother is safe and unable to contact her or if he's being held captive by a House leader. Neds is another wonderful character that might not be considered human because he's a mutant with two heads. Right Ned and Left Ned don't always see eye to eye, so their presence offers comic relief when they don't agree with what to do with their body.

Amazing and brilliant are words that comes to mind in order to describe this novel. HOUSE IMMORTAL might just end up being one of my favorite novels of 2014. The first in a series, I can only hope Devon Monk stays on top of her game and brings us an awesome sequel, and hopefully many more books after that. Honestly, this is the first book I've read from this author and if her other series are as wonderful as this one, I'm definitely going to check them out.

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Posted by Tynga at 02:55

 Adult, Devon Monk, Dystopian, House Immortal, Immortals, Penguin, Purchased, Review, ROC Fantasy, Science-Fiction  Leave your mark

Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk

Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk

Book Stats:
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Roc
Release date: November 3, 2009

Series: Allie Beckstrom #3

Source: personal shelf

Reviewed by: Tynga

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Allison Beckstrom's magic has taken its toll on her, physically marking her and erasing her memories-including those of the man she supposedly loves. But lost memories aren't the only things preying on Allie's thoughts.

Her late father, the prominent businessman-and sorcerer-Daniel Beckstrom, has somehow channeled himself into her very mind. With the help of The Authority, a secret organization of magic users, she hopes to gain better control over her own abilities-and find a way to deal with her father...

Allie Beckstrom’s life is far from being easy and simple, she really has a knack for getting herself in the worst positions possible and this time around is no different. After a magical incident, more like apocalypse really, she is stuck with a part of her father, somewhere in her mind, and he is doing his very best to take her body over. Annoying you say? But it’s not all she has to deal with, after promising a dying friend to protect the other Hounds in town, she finds herself facing bigger and worst enemies than she ever has before and even though she has new back up in the form of the Authority, can she really trust them?

The Allie Beckstrom series is simply amazing, and quite honestly, each book gets better and better! I love how Devon Monk pushes the limit even farther every time she writes a new book, taking the reader by surprise book after book. Urban Fantasy is at it’s best with Allie and Zayvion on board!

A & Z’s relationship took a huge step back after book one and I was really happy to see their relationship move forward once more in this novel. I like the two of them to pieces and seeing them dance around each other is simply delicious! A new female character was introduced this time around and she will wreck havoc between them, bringing with her viciously interesting moments.

Chase wasn’t the only new character introduced, with Allie joining the Authority and all, and I must say I have a sweet spot for Shamus. He comes across as all fun and games but there is a lot more under his shell and I can’t wait to discover more. Allie also meets a new friend at a restaurant and I liked the touch of humor he brought to this dark world.

Monk was true to herself delivering an intricate and addicting plot once again. I love her way of setting different events into motion and bringing them all together, somehow, by the end of the book. Even though you know she’ll do it, you just never know how all the pieces will fit in the bigger picture, brilliant!

The conclusion was an amazing pyrotechnic show and the consequences should be rather interesting. I’m really anxious to find out all about it in the following book, Magic on the Storm. I also can’t wait to see where Allie & Zayvion will stand *wiggle eyebrow*.

If you haven’t picked up this series yet, I strongly suggest you do because it’s totally different from any other Urban Fantasy series out there. This world is dark and gritty and magic isn’t all sparkles and bright lights. Magic is dirty and when you use it, there is always a price to pay. The trick is to decided is it worth paying it when every time you use it, there’s a chance you could forget your own name?

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Posted by Tynga at 07:14

 Devon Monk, Magic, Penguin, Review  2 People left their mark

Daring You To Read… Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk

Daring You To Read is a weekly feature here on Tynga’s Reviews where we dare you to read some of our favorite older releases (at least 6 months old). All the books/series we choose to feature are titles we adored and think you should give them a shot! We think it’s a super awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

You’ve already read the book? Let’s us know what you thought!
You are accepting the dare? We’d love to know!
Have a dare of your own? Leave a comment ^^

This week I am daring you to read an highly original series… the Allie Beckstrom series by Devon Monk, starting with Magic to the Bone.

I first picked up this series because of its pretty covers, and I have to admit they sat on my to be read shelf for a long time before I finally picked up the first book, and right as I started reading, I found myself wondering why-the-hell had I not picked it up earlier?

Devon Monk created a jaded world where magic isn’t about shiny spells and pretty incantation. Magic is raw, dirty, and treacherous. Use it and it will use you right back and like with anything, when there’s power, there’s wrong doers. There is a whole underground and illegal world surrounding the use of magic in this world and its horror keeps you glued to the pages.

Of course, the world isn’t everything. Miss Monk blessed us with amazing characters. Allie is fierce and determined, putting Good before her own life and she pays the high price for it. She also has an amazing sidekick/lover called Zayvion and I love the guy to pieces. Their relationship evolve slowly throughout the books and has me begging for more.

I’m not up to date in the series yet, only read the first three books so far, but I’m truly enjoying this series and I think you would to!

Here’s a bit about Magic to the Bone:

Using magic meant it used you back. Forget the fairy-tale, hocus-pocus, wave a wand and bling-o, sparkles and pixie dust crap. Magic, like booze, sex, and drugs, gave as good as it got.

Everything has a cost. And every act of magic exacts a price from its user - maybe a two-day migraine, or losing the memory of your first kiss. But some people want to use magic without paying, and they Offload the cost onto innocents. When that happens, it falls to a Hound to identify the spell's caster - and Allison Beckstrom's the best there is.

Daughter of a prominent Portland businessman, Allie would rather moonlight as a Hound than accept the family fortune - and the strings that come with it. But when she discovers a little boy dying from a magic Offload that has her father's signature all over it, Allie is thrown into the high-stakes world of corporate espionage and black magic.

Now Allie's out for the truth - and must call upon forces that will challenge everything she knows, change her in ways she could never imagine ... and make her capable of things that powerful people will do anything to control.

My Review

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

The following books in the series:

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Posted by Tynga at 00:02

 Daring You to Read, Devon Monk, Magic, Penguin  7 People left their mark

Magic in the Blood by Devon Monk

Magic in the Blood by Devon Monk

Book Stats:
Reading level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Roc
Release date: May 5, 2009

Series: Allie Beckstrom #2

Source: Personal Shelf

Reviewed by: Tynga

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Working as a Hound-tracing illegal spells back to their casters-has taken its toll on Allison Beckstrom. But even though magic has given her migraines and stolen her recent memory, Allie isn't about to quit. Then the police's magic enforcement division asks her to consult on a missing persons case. But what seems to be a straightforward job turns out to be anything but, as Allie finds herself drawn into the underworld of criminals, ghosts, and blood magic.

Allie is recuperating, or at least trying to, from her magical outburst of Magic to the Bone’s end, but it’s not easy to get back to your normal – or not so normal- life when you have no memory of how you got there, forgot your father is dead and can’t remember ever knowing the guy you’re dating. But of course, Allie can’t deal with her crisis in peace because the police needs her help hounding a series of murders and ghosts – yes ghosts- decided now would be a good time to manifest themselves to her. To say Allie needs a vacation would be an understatement.

I really liked how Magic in the Blood picked up right where Magic to the Bone left-off. I actually read both books back to back and the distinction between the two feels blurry because they complete each other so well. This second installment in the series was exciting and action-packed and I loved how all the different elements of the plot eventually converged all together to make perfect sense – at least, as much sense as a paranormal world can make.

The world Allie Beckstrom lives in is amazingly original and I need to tip my metaphorical hat to Devon Monk for that. I love that magic is gritty and dirty and that this world’s reality is so harsh. Allie has a lot on her plate this time around dealing with ghosts, girls going missing, learning to play nice with other hounds, while being under threat by a powerful Blood Magic user and seeing her juggle with it all was highly entertaining.

We met some great new characters and got to know some others better and while I appreciated that, I truly missed Zayvion. Don't worry, he was there, but not as present as I would’ve loved and I wished the relationship between Allie and him would’ve progressed more. I have high hopes for the third book though! Hopefully the two of them will get back on track.

The conclusion was high in emotions and I enjoyed every moment! I’m really packed for the third book as I’m anxious to know what will hit Allie next.

The Allie Beckstrom series is definitely a must read for fans of darker Urban Fantasy.

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Posted by Tynga at 06:38

 Devon Monk, Magic, Penguin, Review  3 People left their mark

Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk

Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk

Book Stats:
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Roc
Release date: November 4, 2008

Series: Allie Beckstrom #1

Source: Personal shelf

Reviewer: Tynga

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Using magic meant it used you back. Forget the fairy-tale, hocus-pocus, wave a wand and bling-o, sparkles and pixie dust crap. Magic, like booze, sex, and drugs, gave as good as it got.

Everything has a cost. And every act of magic exacts a price from its user - maybe a two-day migraine, or losing the memory of your first kiss. But some people want to use magic without paying, and they Offload the cost onto innocents. When that happens, it falls to a Hound to identify the spell's caster - and Allison Beckstrom's the best there is.

Daughter of a prominent Portland businessman, Allie would rather moonlight as a Hound than accept the family fortune - and the strings that come with it. But when she discovers a little boy dying from a magic Offload that has her father's signature all over it, Allie is thrown into the high-stakes world of corporate espionage and black magic.

Now Allie's out for the truth - and must call upon forces that will challenge everything she knows, change her in ways she could never imagine ... and make her capable of things that powerful people will do anything to control.

Magic has been the biggest recent discovery and with new venues, comes new ways of making money. Allie’s father is at the head of the biggest company controlling the power grid allowing the Portland citizens to use magic. Using magic comes with a price though, may it be headache, stomachache or fever, every use of magic comes with an offload, thus should be used with cared. Some people found a way around it though, unloading the offload on proxies, or worst, innocent people. Allie’s use of magic comes at a bigger price though. Anytime she uses magic there is a chance she might suffer from memory loss. When will be the day when she’ll wake up not knowing her own name?

I truly enjoyed this first installment in the Allie Beckstrom series because Devon Monk created such an original and compelling world. Magic has been a recurrent subject through literature for centuries, but I had never seen it pictured quite that way. I like that there are areas where magic is accessible as opposed to magic-free remote areas, that every use of magic has its consequences and the mysterious and tractable signatures magic users leaves behind. I think Devon’s magic is raw and dirty compared to what we’re used to in Fantasy and it makes this world that much more interesting.

The characters are of course up to par with their grittiness and rough edges. Allie is strong and determined yet is vulnerable because of her memory losses. Zay, her hired stalker, is very secretive yet he’s obviously attracted to Allie, and failing at hiding it if you ask me lol. There is a lot about him we don’t know and I can’t wait to open the pandora box and find more.

The plot moved fast and steadily, keeping the readers on their toes the whole time. The emotions were running extremely high by the end and I can’t wait to see where this will all lead us for the second encounter. I would definitely recommend it the Urban / Dark fantasy lover. I’m sure it’s original set up will please you =)

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Posted by Tynga at 17:54

 Devon Monk, Magic, Penguin, Review  2 People left their mark

A Christmas With… Devon Monk

I’m really excited to welcome Devon Monk here today to celebrate the release of Magic on the Line! I’m not quite up to date in the series as I started reading it recently, but It’s really great so make sure you read along to discover more!

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1- Allie has come a long way since the first book, Magic to the Bone, was it all planned out since the get go?

It’s been mostly planned since the beginning.  I didn’t have every detail mapped out, and some things that have happened have surprised me (in a good way) but I’ve always known how it was going to end.

2- You've spent years now with those characters, which one is your favorite to write and why?

I don’t know who my favorite is, but I have to say two of the easiest are Shame and Stone. Shame, because he has a smart-mouth and has this attitude going 24/7, which is a ton of fun to write.  Stone, because he’s just kind of adorable to me.

3- If you had to build a top 3 songs that makes you think of Magic on the Line what would it be?

Oooh.  Hard question.  I don’t tend to attach certain songs to certain books, but instead listen to a variety of playlists while I’m writing.  Some of the songs I listened to while writing MAGIC ON THE LINE were Letters From the Sky by Civil Twilight, Bring Me The Disco King (Lohner mix) by David Bowie, Politik by Coldplay, Tear You Apart by She Wants Revenge, Into Dust by Mazzy Star, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer soundtrack from the episode, Once More With Feeling.

4- Magic Without Mercy, the eighth book in the series was announced to release on April 3rd, 2012, how many more books can we expect in the series?

Just one more after that.  There are nine in the series, and the last will release in November, 2012.

Now onto some Xmas-y questions:

5- How was a typical Christmas when you were a kid?

We didn’t have a lot of money, but we always had a gift under the tree we could open Christmas eve, and that would always be a new pair of pajamas.  We also had little gifts in our stockings.  My parents made Christmas a very special time by taking us out to see the neighborhood Christmas lights, making homemade nutmeg egg nog, going out to find the tree together, and making sure we spent as much family time together as possible.

6- What's your favorite thing to do on December 25th's morning?

We carry on the morning tradition my parents started.  We invite all our family over for stocking gifts and breakfast. Somehow we squeeze several dozen people into the living room, exchange gifts, laugh and talk, then cook up a breakfast to share.

7- How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa?

I’ve never stopped believing in Santa. To me, he represents the spirit of giving inside us all.

8- If we could offer Allie anything for Christmas, what should it be?

A weekend away with Zayvion.  I think they could use some private time together without the world falling apart around them.

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If it got you curious, here’s a bit more about Magic on the Line

I took a deep breath, set a Disbursement–a headache this time–and drew a Sight spell. I pulled magic into it. The world broke into shades of old magic among vibrant new spells, bright neon dripping down buildings, pastels drifting along the empty street.

Allison Beckstrom has willingly paid the price of pain to use magic and has obeyed the rules of the Authority, the clandestine organization that makes–and enforces–all magic policy. But when the Authority’s new boss, Bartholomew Wray, refuses to believe that the sudden rash of deaths in Portland could be caused by magic, Allie must choose whether to follow the Authority’s rules or to turn against the very people for whom she’s risked her life.

To stop the plague of dark magic spreading through the city, Allie must put all that she values on the line: her memories, her life. As dead magic users rise to feed upon the innocent and the people closest to her begin to fall, Allie is about to run out of options…

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Devon would like to offer a copy of Magic on the Line to one of you!

Open Internationally!

Giveaway Ends January 4th, 2012.

All you have to do is fill the Rafflecopter form below.

The only mandatory entry is to provide your name and email addy =)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Devon Monk spent her early childhood tucked behind couches or any other place with low light, “ruining her eyes” and reading. Her love of fairytales turned into a love of adventure, magic, future science, romance, mystery, humor, noir, and anything else she could get her hands on.

Devon has sold over fifty short stories to fantasy, science fiction, horror, humor, and young adult magazines and anthologies. Her stories have been published in five countries and included in a Year’s Best Fantasy anthology.  In 2010, Fairwood Press published twenty-two of her short stories in a collection titled: A Cup of Normal.

She is currently writing two series.  The Allie Beckstrom books (Magic to the Bone, Magic in the Blood, Magic in the Shadows, Magic on the Storm, Magic at the Gate, Magic on the Hunt)  are urban fantasy set in modern-day Portland, Oregon where magic is the new technology.  The Age of Steam books (Dead Iron) are steampunk set in the 1800′s American West.

Devon has one husband, two sons, and a dog named Mojo. She lives in Oregon and is surrounded by colorful and numerous family members who mostly live within dinner-calling distance of each other. When not writing, Devon is knitting strange things, remodeling the house-that-was-once-a-barn, or hosting a family celebration.

You can visit Devon here.

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Posted by Tynga at 06:05

 A Christmas With, Devon Monk, giveaway, Penguin  32 People left their mark

Dead Iron by Devon Monk

Dead Iron by Demon Monk

Book Stats:
Reading level: Adult
Genre: Steampunk
Trade paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Roc
Release date: July 5, 2011

Series: Age of Steam #1

Source: Personal shelf

Reviewed by: Jenn

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

In some ways, Cedar Hunt seems to have been created for America's steam age. This hard-working bounty hunter possesses the guns, the savvy, and the grit to survive in this power-driven world; but he also has a major chip on his shoulder: He's a werewolf and, even worse, he's burning with guilt about the death of his brother. When he receives word that his sibling may yet survive, Cedar pulls out all the stops to get to the truth.

Dead Iron is the first book in Devon Monk's new steampunk series. I've read a couple of her Allie Beckstrom novels before but wasn't bowled over by them, but I just couldn't resist picking up a copy of Dead Iron. I'm a sucker for a gorgeous cover and an intriguing synopsis, both of which this book definitely has.

What sets the Age of Steam apart from other steampunk series for me is that it's not set in Victorian England, it's set in the American West. I love Victorian steampunk (and its derivatives, like Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, which blends a whole bunch of genres together) but there was something about steampunk in the West that really grabbed me. It's a nice departure from some of the other steampunk books, plus it allows me to indulge in my love of Westerns, though I usually prefer TV shows and movies over books for this genre. The author does a great job of giving the book a Western feel, though I could have seen fewer "reckon"s in the dialogue and been okay. The world is well described and I love the way she gets inside the minds of devisers, those folks who tinker and make all sorts of matics.

Dead Iron is written in the third person, which allows Devon Monk to explore various perspectives. It's been a while since I've read a book that wasn't told from a first person perspective and it was refreshing to be able to get different viewpoints, particularly since the author has done a wonderful job of giving each character a distinct voice.

Most of the novel is told from the point of view of Cedar Hunt, a man cursed to be a werewolf and to hunt the Strange by a Pawnee god (though the word werewolf doesn't show up in the book, if I remember correctly). He's not too happy with transforming into a wolf but he tries to do right even as he keeps to himself. He gets sucked into the story when he tries to find a missing boy who was taken by one of the Strange. Also involved are Rose Small, the daughter of shopkeepers who has a little something going on, the Madders brothers, who are even odder and add a lot of humor to the story, and Mae Lindson, a powerful witch. They're a motley crew but they all have something to contribute to Dead Iron. Cedar, Rose, and Mae, in particular, have some great character arcs and it was very satisfying to watch them go on their individual journeys over the course of the novel.

By the end of Dead Iron, we have some resolution but there's definitely some stuff built in to fuel the second novel in the series, Tin Swift. I'm really happy about this because I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters or this setting. I just have to wait a year to get there...
Want to know more? Head on over to Dark Faerie Tales to read an interview with Devon Monk and have a chance to win your own copy of Dead Iron as part of Fantastic Fables!

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Posted by Tynga at 10:02

 Devon Monk, Penguin, Review, steampunk  8 People left their mark