That's What I'm Talking About...: Review & Giveaway: Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Review & Giveaway: Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

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Kiss of Steel

Author: Bec McMaster

Release Date: Sept. 1, 2012

Publisher: Sourcebooks

London Steampunk #1

ISBN: #978-1402270277

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Historical, Steampunk

Format(s): Paperback (448 pgs), e-book

Book Source: Publisher

About the book:

He craves her like no other…

Honoria Todd has no choice. Only in the dreaded Whitechapel district can she escape the long reach of the Duke of Vickers. But seeking refuge there will put her straight into the hands of Blade, legendary master of the rookeries. No one would dare cross him, but what price would he demand to keep her safe?

Ever since Vickers infected him with the craving, Blade has been quicker, stronger, almost immortal—and terrified of losing control of the monster within. Honoria could be his perfect revenge against the duke…or the salvation he never dared to dream of.

What I’m talking about:

Kiss of Steel starts the reader off in the middle of Honoria Todd’s meager life. It is evident right from the get go that Honoria and her family were living a good life just a mere six months ago, but now they must scrape to make ends meet. She is slowly starving herself to death from malnutrition, she lies to hide the fact that she’s living in the slums just so she can keep her job, and her younger brother is very ill. In addition, there is a magnificent bounty on her head, so she must hide her family from those who would turn her in for cash. But all of her hard work didn’t keep her from the notice of Blade, the protector of the rookery and provider for the slums. So when Honoria’s life takes another turn for the worst, she must turn to Blade, and sell her body for blood to make ends meet.

Honoria and Blade are both interesting characters. I enjoyed watching them learn to deal with their lot in life, fighting against stereotypes and falling in love. Their chemistry was fairly hot, at times sensual and at others combative and humorous. Both are strong willed and put others (family) above their own individual needs. I enjoyed how they worked together, and I was entertained by their interchanges and discussions. By the end of Kiss of Steel, the pair had compiled and integrated a good size cast of characters that bodes well for books to come.

One of the things I really liked and disliked about Ms. McMaster’s storytelling is that she relates the events and tales as if the reader has intimate knowledge of her world. There are no side explanations of her lexicon or creations. The reader must figure out the world by piecing together bits of information and inferring their meanings and importance from dialogue. It makes the story flow faster, but it did make understanding everything a bit difficult at first. For example, we find out that Blade is a rogue “blue blood,” and Honoria’s brother suffers from the “craving virus.” We aren’t really told what these things are, but based on circumstance I guessed maybe a “vampire.” However, although the blue bloods drink blood, they are not vampires. It took a while to figure this out, but it mostly did not detract from the enjoyment of the story. However, there were certain times that I did get frustrated and wished I better understood.

At one point in the story, Ms. McMaster uses her characters to retell the history of the craving virus, which was used by only the upper class and royalty. Although it started in the far East, it eventually spread across Europe. In some countries, there were uprisings, and the “blue bloods” were eliminated. However, in England, the Echelon keep a tight fist over those who receive the virus and suppress the masses to keep them in line. Blade is a rogue blue blood, one not born into the Echelon, and escaped their tyranny. He now protects his district, but his name inspires fear to those outside the slums.

One key aspect of the craving virus is that after about 50-75 years (my guess based on this book), an infected blood blue loses control over the blood cravings and turns into a mindless vampire. In order to prevent these killing machines from existing, blue bloods are monitored and their lives ended if they get too close to the Fade (transitioning to vampire). In Kiss of Steel, there is a rogue vampire loose in the slums, and Blade must work with the Echelon to find it. The mystery of where the vampire came from is an interesting one, giving the tale an edge of suspense. And adding to the tension, is Honoria’s attempts to find a cure for her brother before he is discovered.

I would like to mention that I feel this book is primarily a paranormal romance with a historical setting. The steampunk aspect is very minimal, with little detail about any mechanisms or contraptions. The steampunk is more of an afterthought and not the primary aspect of the setting or storyline.

Overall I have to say I really enjoyed this story. Although I felt there were some inconsistencies in Blade’s character, and I longed for more details at times, the tale kept my interest, and I became invested in the characters. A few open-ended items such as the political ramifications of the ending and the desire to find out more about the side characters and the craving virus, vampires, blue bloods, etc., have me looking forward to reading the second story.

My Rating:

Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)

ENTER TO WIN! Fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win the book. For more details, see my interview with Bec McMaster, HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Labels: 4 stars, Bec McMaster, London Steampunk Series, New-to-Me Author 2012, paranormal romance, Sourcebooks, steampunk, Twimom Review

6 comments:

mariehahn13 said...: This book sounds fantastic! Thank you for sharing, and for the great giveaway! :); September 13, 2012 at 1:44 PM
Drmgrl99 - Dawn said...: I saw this book the other day at the store and I immediately took down the name for future purchase - It looks GREAT!! I'm somewhat new to Steampunk but what I have read I love! - Thanks for the giveaway.; September 13, 2012 at 2:29 PM
Na said...: A book that starts off with a character's meager life is definitely going to make me want to root for them! The world itself is intriguing especially with the craving virus and creatures. Sounds like a great read.; September 13, 2012 at 6:01 PM
Danni T said...: I really enjoy steampunk. There is something so fascinating about the genre. This book is definitely on my TBR pile.; September 13, 2012 at 11:00 PM
Angela Brown said...: I must admit I was looking at this one wondering how much of it was steampunk or not. My interest in this subgenre has be seeking out more novels of this kind. But I would love to get into more.

The world building aspect you mentioned can be a tough balance to deal with, but it sounds like a great read all around. Thanks for mentioning this one.; September 14, 2012 at 7:05 AM
Elizabeth H. said...: Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I've only read one steampunk type book and I am not that familiar with the genre.
My question for Bec is, what elements make a story steampunk?; September 14, 2012 at 11:21 AM

Disclaimer

About our reviews: The reviews posted here are the writer's own honest opinion of the book, not a judgement on the subject matter or author. We read for pleasure and at the request of authors and publishers. We do not receive compensation for our reviews, other than the copy of the book to read for the review.

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Review & Giveaway: Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

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