Clockwork Dagger Duology, Book 1
Synopsis: Orphaned as a child, Octavia Leander was doomed to grow up on the streets until Miss Percival saved her and taught her to become a medician. Gifted with incredible powers, the young healer is about to embark on her first mission, visiting suffering cities in the far reaches of the war-scarred realm. But the airship on which she is traveling is plagued by a series of strange and disturbing occurrences, including murder, and Octavia herself is threatened.
Suddenly, she is caught up in a flurry of intrigue: the dashingly attractive steward may be one of the infamous Clockwork Daggers—the Queen’s spies and assassins—and her cabin-mate harbors disturbing secrets. But the danger is only beginning, for Octavia discovers that the deadly conspiracy aboard the airship may reach the crown itself.
Review: When I saw the cover I immediately thought of a steampunk novel and I love this genre. I did not know anything about the author, but it’s true that I love discovering new writers and it was a good opportunity here. But I think my expectations were perhaps a little too high…
Octovia is a Medician, a person capable of using herbs and incantations to save anyone harmed, whatever the reason. But her secret must be hidden because many people might use her for disreputable purposes. Embarking on an airship to visit several cities and help those in need, she certainly does not expect to end up in a story that is completely beyond her. Indeed, it seems that many people are interested in this girl. Between a cabin’s colleague who is much more important than what she seems, a stuart who hides his true identity and a gremlin that we can only adore, Octavia will have many things to do.
I’m sad to say that I was not hooked by the story or the characters and I struggled to finish the book. The idea is really nice and I loved the gremlin and its attachment to the characters but it’s true that the rest failed to touch me particularly. I do not know what point really bothered me, and I think unlike me, other readers will be delighted. By cons I was quite surprised at the end of the novel and it’s true that the story has carried me a little more at that time. It’s pretty rare when I can not get into a novel like that, but I think this story was not made for me. I think it will, however for others.
anna@herding cats & burning soup
Oh well that’s just a shame. That cover really is catching for sure. Sorry it didn’t live up to what you were hoping. Hard when the characters just aren’t doing it for you.
Melliane
I think I just wasn’t in a mood maybe.
Jennifer Bielman
Awww, sorry it didn’t work out for you.
Silvia
I agree with Anna, what a shame 🙁 … Too bad it didn’t work for you, but thanks for the honest review, Melliane!
Melliane
Yeah, I was a little sad, this month wasn’t the best books for me.
Stephanie Faris
I’ve never read a steampunk novel–still trying to get my head around what that is! When you say “gremlin,” is it like the scary ones in the movie Gremlins?
Melliane
I think it’s in the same idea, but this one was really cute.
Kristi-The Book Faeary
Well, sometimes when you get in a funk, it means that you’re going to read an amazing book 🙂
October just might be the month of awesomeness for you! I wish you Fabulous reading this month!
An amazing review despite your disappointment!
Melliane
thank you lady! I hope so! I’ve read some pretty good too.
Joy (Joyousreads)
Sorry it didn’t work out for you, Melliane. The cover does look deceiving. And there’s nothing worse than reading something that you can’t reach on a book-to-reader level.
Melliane
Yes I think it was just not for me.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
It’s a shame this one didn’t work for you Melliane! I had high hopes for it as well and have my copy sitting on a shelf staring at me. I might still give it a try though, as you said, everyone reacts differently to a story. I’m glad things at least picked up at the end for you!
Melliane
I’m curious to see what you think of it!
Kirsty-Marie
It does look steampunky, haven’t read many of them, and two I was really disappointed on too. It’s hard to get into it when there’s not a lot of connection to the characters so yeah, get that completely. 🙁
Melliane
I thought we would have more steampunk in it I confess.
kindlemom1
Sorry this wasn’t a better read for you.
Kim { Book Swoon }
I’m Sorry it didn’t work out for you, Melliane. The cover is eye-catching and I love steampunk as well and have thought of picking this one up myself. I need to connect with at least one of the characters to enjoy a story – so I can totally relate. Thanks for the honest review 🙂
Melliane
Maybe it will be better for you, I confess that I had a difficult time with all of them but I don’t know, maybe the mood?
blodeuedd
Oh no, that bad? It looked so cool
Melliane
yes I thought so too.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh too bad! I would have snatched this one up because of the cover as well. If it didn’t capture you, I don’t think it would for me as well. 🙁
aurian
I am sorry you were not entertained by this book Melliane, I also love the cover and the blurb is certainly intriguing. I will add it to my wishlist for now.
Lola @ Hit or Miss Books
Ouch, sorry you had to struggle!!! I hate that though I’m surprised you finished it. I would have DNFed, except if it were a book I’d had hopes would get better.
LilyElement
I’ll admit, I was intrigued by this one by the cover, sad to see it didn’t grab you. I’ll probably pass on this one for now.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Oh how disappointing! When I saw the cover I immediately thought of steampunk and wanted to read it too. Sorry you didn’t like it, if the book ever falls in my lap I’d give it a shot, but failure to connect with characters tends to be a dealbreaker for me.