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128th out of 471 books
—
2,479 voters
Her Own Devices (Magnificent Devices #2)
by
Shelley Adina (Goodreads Author)
If you like steampunk stories by Cherie Priest and Gail Carriger, you’ll love Her Own Devices, the sequel to Shelley Adina’s bestselling Lady of Devices.
Escaped lunatics, lost children, vengeful lords, and love. Really, the situation is becoming quite impossible.
Seventeen-year-old Lady Claire Trevelyan, left alone after the Arabian Bubble financial disaster claims home and...more
Escaped lunatics, lost children, vengeful lords, and love. Really, the situation is becoming quite impossible.
Seventeen-year-old Lady Claire Trevelyan, left alone after the Arabian Bubble financial disaster claims home and...more
Kindle Edition, 185 pages
Published
December 22nd 2011
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I think that part of the reason so many writers and their readers are drawn to 19th Century settings for their stories is the fact that roles in that society seem very definitive compared with our "post-modern" time. We like the feeling of having boundaries if only for the chance to go beyond them.
This is apparent to me in the Magnificent Devices> series created by Shelley Adina. I have had the pleasure of reading the first two books in the series: Lady of Devices and Her Own Devices. The pr...more
This is apparent to me in the Magnificent Devices> series created by Shelley Adina. I have had the pleasure of reading the first two books in the series: Lady of Devices and Her Own Devices. The pr...more
Lady Claire is back with her horde of children, defending her patch of London with lightening and bombs, if necessary. But far more fraught than keeping her squad of gamblers safe on the mean streets of London is negotiating the pitfalls of marriage.
Because her erstwhile employer and frequent foe, Lord Selwyn has proposed to her. And it seemed like such a good idea at the time that she found herself saying yes. Unfortunately, it’s never that simple – especially since she still holds on to the de...more
Because her erstwhile employer and frequent foe, Lord Selwyn has proposed to her. And it seemed like such a good idea at the time that she found herself saying yes. Unfortunately, it’s never that simple – especially since she still holds on to the de...more
Sometimes there are series where the subsequent books aren't as good or as addicting as the first. You know, the series where you only finish it just to find closure so you can put the whole mess behind you and find a new book that you'll like better.
This is most definitely NOT one of those.
I didn't think it was possible for me to be more disappointed that the next book wasn't out yet than I was with LADY OF DEVICES, but Ms. Adina has trumped herself. My only complaint about these books is tha...more
This is most definitely NOT one of those.
I didn't think it was possible for me to be more disappointed that the next book wasn't out yet than I was with LADY OF DEVICES, but Ms. Adina has trumped herself. My only complaint about these books is tha...more
Definition of a 5 star review - stayed up late reading it. I liked the second installment in this series even better than the first, which has been a real problem for me lately. I mostly like the world building you get in the first book of a series, and find the second lagging. Definitely not the case here.
What I found most engaging about this story, is Lady Claire doing what she needs to do to make her way in the world. She is still caring for the orphans, but starts working for Andrew Malvern...more
What I found most engaging about this story, is Lady Claire doing what she needs to do to make her way in the world. She is still caring for the orphans, but starts working for Andrew Malvern...more
This is the follow-on book to "Lady of Devices". Parts of this were good, parts were kinda meh. The steampunky bits were pretty good, the romancey bits were less so. If I hadn't been told the third book is better, I probably would skip this.
I have a few particular things I'll discuss below.
The parts with Claire's gang were the best. The kids are good characters and the scenes with them are usually good. There weren't enough scenes of the gang doing their gang things; just two, IIRC. There also w...more
I have a few particular things I'll discuss below.
The parts with Claire's gang were the best. The kids are good characters and the scenes with them are usually good. There weren't enough scenes of the gang doing their gang things; just two, IIRC. There also w...more
This second book in the hilariously fun and exciting Her Devices Steampunk series picks up where the first left off. Claire is still working to make her place in the world, believing as all women of the 19th century, she must find a husband. Pressure from her mother and two suitors after her heart, Claire is questioning her ambitions, her loyalties and the work she has come to love. Reunited with the band of urchins, their scenes bring laughter and joy into the story. Shelley Adina has recreated...more
I would really like to be able to say that everything good in the first book became better, and everything bad in the first book just somehow dwindled and died away. Sadly, that is not true – it is the opposite of what happened, actually.
When I first started this book, I actually thought that it would last about 100 pages before finishing. Why I thought that? Well, because everything was so rushed – one minute Claire and James were enemies and the next they were engaged – that I thought there wa...more
When I first started this book, I actually thought that it would last about 100 pages before finishing. Why I thought that? Well, because everything was so rushed – one minute Claire and James were enemies and the next they were engaged – that I thought there wa...more
Lady Claire Trevelyan took matters into her own hands after her family was ruined financially. Two months have passed since then, and now she’s known as the Lady of Devices, leader of a gang of smart orphans who she’s taken under her tutelage. Claire’s passion for engineering is strong and she has decided to ignore Lord James’s threats and accept Andrew Malvern’s offer of becoming his lab assistant. Work, the children, James’s advances and her mother’s schemes, all make for a very hectic life, b...more
Just a quick note that the four stars only applies if you read all four (so far) books in the series. These four books form the story of Claire Trevelyan, the unexpected Lady of Devices, who transforms from schoolroom young lady to dashing steampunk heroine over the course of these books. Much in the style of Gail Carriger, this is an alternative Victorian world, filled with steam-powered gadgets, overly polite society figures, and a young woman determined to do much more than her mother's expec...more
Her Own Devices is a fabulous continuation of the Magnivicent Devices series. Lady Claire Trevelyan, left alone in London, is more than just surviving by her own wit but is actually prospering. She lives with her adopted family of street children, which are also an extremely clever gang in the London underworld. Trying to keep everything she has built for herself and the children, she's come to love, may be more than she can handle when she is faced with a mother wishing to marry her off, a cont...more
The second steam-punk novel I've read - the first was Shelley Adina's #1 in this series. Before I say anything else, my advice is: DO NOT start reading this until you have also purchased #3 in the series! (I'm reading it now.) This book ends in a cliff-hanger. that absolutely impels you to go forward.
This book takes place in England during Victorian times with a re-imagined past where petroleum-based power is out and mechanical power is in (also kinetic). Claire is 17 and on her own, overseeing...more
This book takes place in England during Victorian times with a re-imagined past where petroleum-based power is out and mechanical power is in (also kinetic). Claire is 17 and on her own, overseeing...more
After securing her position amongst London's criminals, Lady Claire is able to turn to her real interest: science. As assistant to a smart young inventor, she's able to work on the edge of current science. But after a breakthrough, Claire is horrified to find that no one will acknowledge her contribution to the work.
This is one of my favorite steampunk series out there, with a lot of verve and wit. The dialog never feels forced and theatrical, and the science is only a bit fantastic--it never fe...more
This is one of my favorite steampunk series out there, with a lot of verve and wit. The dialog never feels forced and theatrical, and the science is only a bit fantastic--it never fe...more
Much better then the first book! The first entry in the series felt like "an extended prologue" to quote another reviewer and they are exactly right. It was still good but took far too long to get into the deeper substance of the story.
Not so with this book! James of course is even more of a chauvinistic pin head then he was in the first book. By the time this novel comes to an end his true colors have shown through bright and clear! Lady Claire has certainly grown up and has developed quite a b...more
Not so with this book! James of course is even more of a chauvinistic pin head then he was in the first book. By the time this novel comes to an end his true colors have shown through bright and clear! Lady Claire has certainly grown up and has developed quite a b...more
Just as wonderful as the 1st book in the series. So efficiently written - it really sweeps the reader along, and Lady Claire is an absolutely wonderful character. I have to say I'm tired of writers who refuse to tell a story in a single book, and I think the 1-woman 2-man love triangle has been horribly overused of late (Twilight [which I haven't read], Hunger Games [which I have], et. al.) but that's a minor-ish aspect of this story (or maybe I just downplay it in my own mind?) and in spite of...more
Very readable.
My only complaint is that the books are too short. Not in terms of page length, but more in terms of background. The lack of explanation and context adds to the quick pace of the books, but leaves a lot of questions unanswered.
(view spoiler)...more
My only complaint is that the books are too short. Not in terms of page length, but more in terms of background. The lack of explanation and context adds to the quick pace of the books, but leaves a lot of questions unanswered.
(view spoiler)...more
I didn't remember how much I liked the first one in the series, before I came back to this one. It's also the first book in awhile that I haven't been bothered by the romance. Especially, since the last book I was reading, was really disappointing in this aspect (Iron Duke). It was actually the only reason I lemmed that book. But not this one. Even if the main character might be slight Mary Sue-ish, I don't care. I'm totally loving this series!
This is a great addition to the "Lady of Devices" series. Spoilers not to be relieved, I will say that this book gives you a great deal more character development than the last. Unfortunately there is less tech talk than the first, but you do get some great bits of it in the story. As promised from the first book you do get much more of Andrew(which I am most pleased about) and his business with James. Over all a smooth transition, full of heart warming and surprising events. Not to be missed by...more
The Magnificent Devices continue to impress! Even though it often happens that the quality of book series diminishes with every number, I thought this number 2 very much held on to the bar Lady of Devices set - so much so that it leads me to believe that they were probably written as one and only split up later (maybe by the publishers since one novel on its own would have been too long).
In any case, Lady Claire's story continues to be enthralling and exciting and I cannot wait for the third vo...more
In any case, Lady Claire's story continues to be enthralling and exciting and I cannot wait for the third vo...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Set in London 1889, Children are to be seen and not heard. The same opinion, sadly, largely attributed to the "fairer" sex too.
Claire Trevelyan, however, objects quite strongly to this accepted social standard.
Homeless on the streets of London, Claire and her new found friends do what they do best. Survive.
Using their street-smarts and Claire's innate knowledge of polite society, they endeavor to improve their lot. And if they make a few new unusual friends along the way... so much the better.
In...more
Claire Trevelyan, however, objects quite strongly to this accepted social standard.
Homeless on the streets of London, Claire and her new found friends do what they do best. Survive.
Using their street-smarts and Claire's innate knowledge of polite society, they endeavor to improve their lot. And if they make a few new unusual friends along the way... so much the better.
In...more
I had sooooo much fun reading the 2nd book! The 1st book was more like an intro abt the story and characters, but the sequel is more action, more adventure! I really liked the fact that everything happens fast on the story! And it's really cute how much the friendship between Claire and the kids become more strong! I also love Claire's personality! She is strong and a fighter!! And again, Steampunk is soo cool!!!! Nice reading!!!!
Another fine romp with the Lady Claire Trevelyan, aka The Lady of Devices. Even if the plot line is a little thin, the interaction between characters and the characters themselves are just plain fun. The books are quick reads, and I can't tell if it's because I don't put them down or because they are shorter than my usual fare. Either way, I'm definitely moving on the the third book of the series, Magnificent Devices.
I enjoyed the further adventures and character development that went on in this book. There's some really fun stuff here. A good bit of intrigue, good adventures, and further exploration of her technical skills. I quite liked it.
Like all books in this series, it ends abruptly with a "to be continued" feel that seemed like a cheap trick to me.
Like all books in this series, it ends abruptly with a "to be continued" feel that seemed like a cheap trick to me.
Can't wait for the next book. What makes this stand out from the other steampunk YA, aside from Lady Claire Trevelyan being inventor rather than invested spectator, are the children (who are inventors themselves). And the chickens. Makes for an adorable, heart-in-mouth romp.
/also in books with looks... How does the Magnificent Devices' theme of colorful makeup and wig end up NOT looking clownish?! I love it.
/also in books with looks... How does the Magnificent Devices' theme of colorful makeup and wig end up NOT looking clownish?! I love it.
I liked this book even better than the first. It was great to see Claire become sort of a bad ass in her leather corselet w/her lightning gun. I did get a little irritated at her a couple times, but realistically....she was just making decisions that a real 17 year old would probably make. Good plot twists and excitement. Can't wait for the next one.
FABULOUS! Started the first book, Lady of Devices, because I found a free Kindle edition and wanted to check out the Steampunk genre.
If you're a fan of Victorian fiction, but are unsure about the Steampunk genre, this series will win you over! Shelley Adina puts in some really interesting steampunk touches without going overboard - I think some steampunk authors try too hard to make every possible detail "steampunk" and end up getting redundant.
This second book was every bit as good as the fir...more
If you're a fan of Victorian fiction, but are unsure about the Steampunk genre, this series will win you over! Shelley Adina puts in some really interesting steampunk touches without going overboard - I think some steampunk authors try too hard to make every possible detail "steampunk" and end up getting redundant.
This second book was every bit as good as the fir...more
This was good clean fun but I'm not sure exactly *why* the evil fiance is quite so awful, which makes it harder to get into this series. Sure, he's a penniless baron and a sexist jerk, but why does he insist on getting Claire in particular? Otherwise good stuff. I like the hen a lot.
Another installment by Shelley Adina in her "steampunk" series involving Lady Claire and her charges from book 1 - even more fabulous than the first adventure! Social intrigue at its best, a glorious view of an alternative Victorian world -- what's not to like?? Can't wait for book 3!!
Jan 26, 2013
Sylvia
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
1800s,
alternative-history,
digital,
fantasy,
historical,
fun,
regency,
sci-fi,
steampunk,
young-adult,
romance
This story had a tighter plot than the first one, with a more villainy villain. The adventures were fun, even dare I say it, madcap. And the devices, (swoon); electric, kinetic, steam powered and more! Like the first one, I stayed up half the night to finish it. Wonderful!
A follow up that is stronger than the starting volume. The characters are fleshed out and Claire's chaotic and some what desperate and implausible choices of the first story start being put to reality in an adventure and a betrayal, with plenty of tea and coal.
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Award-winning author Shelley Adina wrote her first teen novel when she was 13. It was rejected by the literary publisher to whom she sent it, but he did say she knew how to tell a story. That was enough to keep her going through the rest of her adolescence, a career, a move to another country, a B.A. in Literature, an M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, and countless manuscript pages. Shelley is a...more
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“...one did not need to speak much, only to say what was worth hearing when one did.”
—
4 people liked it
“Thank you. I realize my methods have dampened your spirits somewhat, but in the long run you will not regret it."
She did not answer, simply preceded him to the door of her room.
"You look very nice tonight, Claire. May I say that that color suits you admirably."
The door closed in his face.”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
She did not answer, simply preceded him to the door of her room.
"You look very nice tonight, Claire. May I say that that color suits you admirably."
The door closed in his face.”
Aug 21, 2012 11:59am