The Mysterious Madam Morpho (Blud, #1.5)

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The Mysterious Madam Morpho (Blud #1.5)

by Delilah S. Dawson (Goodreads Author)

4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 · rating details · 182 ratings · 64 reviews

Taking place after Wicked as They Come, this original eBook features a mysterious lady and a reclusive mechanical genius who find love and danger in a traveling circus. An elusive woman arrives at Criminy’s doorstep with a steamer trunk, begging for a position in the caravan to perform her unique new act. She opens her trunk to reveal a menagerie of brilliantly colored but...more

ebook, 100 pages

Published October 2nd 2012 by Pocket Books

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Sep 05, 2012 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-pnr-sci-fi-romance

"I find that I trust you, Mr Murdoch."
"God help you, Madam Morpho"

Imogen Morpho has run away and joined the circus, Criminy Stain's travelling circus to be precise. She brings her butterfly act with her, hoping to hide away among the performers and leave her past behind. But Imogen has brought something with her that her former professor and employer wants back.

The Mysterious Mr Murdoch, Artificer and Metallurgical Zoologist, is the circus's engineer. Imogen strikes up a friendship with the rec...more

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Dec 16, 2012 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, pnr-uf, quickreads

**********
Content: This is paranormal / steam-punk / romantic suspense. It is witty and light, but there is also tension, danger, death. One long sex scene, two bloody attack scenes. No typos, no ugly language :-)
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4.5 stars. Book 1.5 in the Blud series. A fun read, and well written! The characters are likable and the plot held my interest, keeping me guessing as to the suspense (what ARE these butterflies? What is inside the brooch? Who is Henry?).

(For those who read book 1, Tish and...more

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May 19, 2013 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-immortals-reading-challenge, steampunk-steampunk-pnr

This follow-up novella to Wicked As They Come takes place a few years afterward and possesses the same otherworldly and magical feel as the first book. The story takes place with Criminy's carnival as the backdrop and Criminy and Letitia along with the others are in the story, but the focus is on a new set of leading characters, Imogene Morpho and the mysterious mechanical genius of the carnival. I loved the blend of romance between the two characters and the intrigue behind who they really are....more This follow-up novella to Wicked As They Come takes place a few years afterward and possesses the same otherworldly and magical feel as the first book. The story takes place with Criminy's carnival as the backdrop and Criminy and Letitia along with the others are in the story, but the focus is on a new set of leading characters, Imogene Morpho and the mysterious mechanical genius of the carnival. I loved the blend of romance between the two characters and the intrigue behind who they really are. It is a shorter story so it moves along quickly.

Imogene arrives at Criminy's door seeking employment in his carnival for her lovely rare butterflies and herself. Letitia persuades Criminy to take her on and then Criminy directs Imogene to work with the mechanical genius of the group Mr. Murdock to devise a stage for her little fluttery performers. Through their time together, Imogene and Mr. Murdock find mutual respect and then companionship that allows the mysterious mechanic to leave his trailer and move about amongst other people. He is parts inviting and parts repelling toward her which she cannot figure out, but he is the first person to accept her scholarly nature and isn't offended to find it in a woman's body. She challenges him and he, her to trust their mutual secrets. But the danger that pursues Imogene trails her to the carnival and she wonders if her first performance is to be her last.

The pace of the story is gentle and it is told all first person from Imogene's perspective. This is no hardship as she is observant and descriptive. For a novella-length story, I enjoyed the strong, layered plot that blended romance, danger, and good characterizations. The world-building was detailed out in the first story so it is assumed here which leads me to say that the reader should definitely read this in order. The secondary characters are also introduced in the first book and it is assumed that backstory, descriptions and personalities are already known. The new characters, Imogene and Mr. Murdock, were yet a new set of favorites in the series. I loved following their interactions and found their scientific approach to passion and relationship a hoot. They were so great in their blend of matter of fact acceptance with passionate interest.

I find myself more in love than ever with this series and look forward to the next installment. Both steampunk and paranormal romance lovers should definitely give this series a whirl.(less)

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Mar 10, 2013 Marlene rated it 5 of 5 stars

Originally published at Reading Reality

I was hungering for the next full installment of Delilah S. Dawson's darkly delicious Blud series after the chills and thrill's of last year's Wicked as They Come, but was disappointed to discover that Wicked as She Wants won't be out until April 30.

And that Edelweiss doesn't seem to have egalleys. Damn.

Then I remembered that I have egalleys of two "tide-me-over" novellas, that might just satisfy my taste for Sangland until the end of April.

So the Mysteriou...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Meaghan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I fell in love with the world of Sang when I read Wicked as They Come and was so excited to see Delilah write a novella in this world. The Mysterious Madam Morpho takes place after Wicked as They Come and can be read alone, but I highly suggest reading the first book in the series before you pick up this novella. Delilah does an excellent job of explaining this world, but it was explored in depth in Wicked as They Come and has many recurring characters that will come to life even more if you hav...more I fell in love with the world of Sang when I read Wicked as They Come and was so excited to see Delilah write a novella in this world. The Mysterious Madam Morpho takes place after Wicked as They Come and can be read alone, but I highly suggest reading the first book in the series before you pick up this novella. Delilah does an excellent job of explaining this world, but it was explored in depth in Wicked as They Come and has many recurring characters that will come to life even more if you have read the previous book.

In The Mysterious Madam Morpho we follow Madam Morpho, Imagen, who has asked Criminy if she can join his caravan. She seems to be hiding quite a few things (things I will not be revealing to you because you have to read to find out about them) but he takes a shot with her after his wife, Tish, does a glancing on her. Just having Tish do that glancing and we as the reader not knowing what she saw was enough for me to want to know what her future held. Imogen has not had an easy life, she has been mistreated by the people she should have been able to trust and as a result she is a little broken inside. She wants to trust again, but keeps her heart guarded. Mr. Murdoch keeps people at arm’s length as well, but he is fascinated by Imogen and the two of them slowly drop their guard and begin to open up to one another. One of my favorite moments between the two of them is this one when Mr. Murdoch is explaining his work to Imogen:

“I myself have a soft spot for things discarded by men who think themselves great” he said gently. “My work is to see the masterpiece hiding underneath. To fix what has been broken.”

“What if the object in question isn’t broken at all?”

She kept her back to him, and she was aware of his closeness as he stepped under the tent and stood close enough to touch her. But something held him back.

“Then I think perhaps it’s a case of finding the right mechanism to bring it alive.”

It felt like a pivotal moment for the two of them, a turning point, and the emotion behind those words in the scene was very powerful. They have both been hiding for a very long time and through this story they find themselves again within one another.

Sometimes novellas can give too little information, or not have a fully established world and I am left wanting. That is not the case with The Mysterious Madam Morpho. Delilah delivers a complete and well-rounded story that had me captivated from beginning to end. Her characters are well developed, the world is fascinating and the story was intriguing. I appreciate her ability to give me everything I need in such a short story.

Delilah is also a master with her descriptions and inventions in this world. I would give almost anything to see Criminy Stain’s Clockwork Caravan in real life. Delilah paints such a vivid picture though, so for now I am going to have to be satisfied with what I can see with my mind’s eye. Trust me, the world alone is worth picking these books up for.

Overall, I am still in love with the world of Sang and the characters that dwell within it. The Mysterious Madam Morpho is an outstanding addition to this world and cannot be missed if you have read the first book. I am very eager to get my hands on the next book, Wicked as She Wants, which releases next year.(less)

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Oct 13, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Original Post at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust 10/13/12
THE MYSTERIOUS MADAME MORPHO You'll Want to Run Away with the Circus!

THE MYSTERIOUS MADAME MORPHO
By Delilah S. Dawson
Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books, October 2012
eBook, 100 pages
E-book provided by Simon And Schuster in expectation that any review would be fair. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions herin are my own unless otherwise cited or noted.

In addition to having created the best counter-hero hero name ever with "Criminy Stain"...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Carien rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk

I really enjoyed this story.

The first chapter was from Criminy and Letitia's point of view, but after that it changes to Imogen's (Madam Morpho) point of view.

I liked Imogen from the start, even though it is clear she has many secrets. I wanted to learn more about her and what had happened to her.

Mr Murdoch was very intriguing as well. He's a complicated character with some secrets of his own. Being a recluse he hides away in his caravan surrounded by the most amazing and cool inventions and co...more

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Oct 08, 2012 The Book Tart rated it 4 of 5 stars

Originally posted on The Book Tart at http://thebooktart.com/new-fiction-re...

Oh how I missed you Sang! If you fell in love with Delilah's storytelling while reading Wicked As They Come and have longed to return to the world of Sang, The Mysterious Madam Morpho is a delicious treat to help alleviate the agony of waiting for the next full length Blud novel Wicked as She Wants next spring. If you have never visited before, this novella is a excellent introduction to the series and for $0.99 it's a...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Jenni Arndt rated it 3 of 5 stars

More like 3.5 stars.

Having been a big fan of Dawson's Wicked as They Come, I was quick to jump at the opportunity to read this short companion novel. The cover is stunning, and I couldn't wait to travel back to the vivid world of Sang. I once again got wrapped up in the characters but did find myself longing for some more action rather than pages of descriptions.

That being said, beautiful descriptions and stunning imagery is one area where this novel flourishes, the rich descriptions get you los...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Laura *Little Read Riding Hood* rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a novella taking place in the world of Sang, a place where all animals are "blud" creatures, meaning they are basically vampires. Those that didn't evolve into bluds, from my understanding, went extinct. This story does take place after the events in Wicked as They Come (Blud) but I do not believe it necessary to read that first. Though there will be some things spoiled, it wouldn't ruin the story.

I didn't realize how much I could miss a fictional land until I read Morpho. I mean, viciou...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Melindeeloo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, steampunk

The Marvelous Madam Morpho sketches the world of the Blud series without attempting to completely elaborate the details of those who inhabit it: Gazers, Bludmen, Pinkies, Coppers and Strangers and only alludes to a world that seem sort of steampunkish but is actually in another dimension from ours. There is a quick little chance to catch up with Criminy Stain and Leticia from Wicked as They Come, and a bit of foreshadowing for the next book Wicked as She Wants with references to missing Bludprin...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: didi-reviews

DiDi's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars

COME ONE, COME ALL for a return visit to Criminy Stain's Clockwork Caravan!!! Where you are sure to be amazed by the incredible world Delilah S. Dawson has created.

In Ms. Dawson's debut book Wicked As They Come readers are introduced to a world of a modern day world consisting of wonders of days gone by, steampunk elements, bludanimals, clockworck pets and vampires. In The Mysterious Madam Morpho we are transported back to this intriguing world. C...more DiDi's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars

COME ONE, COME ALL for a return visit to Criminy Stain's Clockwork Caravan!!! Where you are sure to be amazed by the incredible world Delilah S. Dawson has created.

In Ms. Dawson's debut book Wicked As They Come readers are introduced to a world of a modern day world consisting of wonders of days gone by, steampunk elements, bludanimals, clockworck pets and vampires. In The Mysterious Madam Morpho we are transported back to this intriguing world. Criminy and Tish are married, the caravan is going strong and just outside London when a mysterious lady shows up at their door. Tish convinces Criminy to let Madam Morpho stay and perform to see if she will fit in their family of misfits. Criminy agrees and tells Madam Morpho she will have to work with the Mysterious Mr. Murdoch.

Reclusive, gruff Mr. Murdoch does not know what to think about Madam Morpho, he is intrigued by her, but he has lived the life of a recluse for years.

Madam Morpho is a woman on the run, a woman who has never had affection or care from anyone. Raised by a neglectful and cruel father, taunted and ridiculed while at University, she doesn't trust anyone. Now she is being forced to trust Mr. Murdoch in order to survive, as she starts working with him she realizes for the first time in her life she feels attraction.

Mr. Murdoch and Madam Morpho are perfect for each other, they have each been cut off from affection and warmth for years. Their attraction is instant and the straightforward way shy Madam Morpho goes after Mr. Murdoch leaves him no choice but to give in. For being a recluse and without a woman for years, Mr. Murdoch is a gentleman and sweet...until Madam Morpho pushes his buttons and he can no longer resist her.

I am so glad Ms. Dawson wrote this novella about Mr. Murdoch, I was intrigued by him from his brief appearance in WATC.

I LOVE this series! Nothing is as it seems...or is it? Ms. Dawson has a way of pulling readers into this twisted, fantasy world, full of passion and romance...along with blud creatures just waiting to eat you.

If you are looking for something original, sexy, fun and interesting to read, you should really start this series! I cannot wait for the release of Wicked As She Wants, April 30, 2013.(less)

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Oct 04, 2012 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, request, ebook, paranormal-romance, steampunk

I was happy that I had the chance to visit Sangland again. The uniqueness of this series is an enormous draw for me. It is not every day that you get to read about bludbunnies, blubmen, pinky’s, and the magic that is Criminy Stain’s Clockwork Carnival. I was even more pleased by the fact that this little novella takes places entirely within the caravan. The members of Criminy’s caravan are such an interesting lot.

Criminy’s carnival is growing again, this time with a mysterious lady who has a tr...more

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Oct 01, 2012 She-Wolf Reads rated it 4 of 5 stars

**A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.**

Is it possible to miss a world you’ve never visited? A world that actually doesn’t exist? This is what I asked myself after finishing Delilah S. Dawson’s The Mysterious Madam Morpho, a novella that takes place between books one and two in her Blud Series. You see, I loved the first book, Wicked As They Come. I loved the two main characters, Criminy Stain and Tish Everett. I loved the wholl...more

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Dec 13, 2012 Katherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: novella, paranormal-romance, steampunk

This review also posted at A Bookish Compulsion

This was a quick and fun read that had me back into the Blud universe and enjoying every minute of it.

This book, while not exactly expanding the world of Sang, did give a greater in-depth view of life with the caravan and the social views of the native inhabitants. I loved the main characters and enjoyed the glimpses of both Crimminy and Lititia along with the rest of the gang left over from Wicked as They Come along with the advancing of framework...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Jessica Adkins rated it 4 of 5 stars

After reading this I find myself needing a Criminy fix!

After reading Wicked as They come, I wanted more! I love the world of Sang! I especially love being pulled right back into the world that Delilah Dawson has created! It was like I had never left! And yes it really does feel like you're there! For an example when I was reading it and I actually looked up from my kindle after hearing my name being repeatedly called, it was a shock to my system that I was sitting in my living room reading ins...more

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May 17, 2013 Robin Snyder rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sexy

Sang Sang Sang…..I cannot sing the praises of this land enough. Delilah S. Dawson has created the fantastic steampunk world that I can’t seem to get enough of. A world full of vampiric wildlife, mechanical automatons, magic and romance. This novella was a delightful look into more of Criminy’s Clockwork Caravan. Although the story is centered around two other characters it starts with my favorite couple in Sang Criminy Stain and Letitia Everett. I enjoyed seeing there playful banter yet again t...more Sang Sang Sang…..I cannot sing the praises of this land enough. Delilah S. Dawson has created the fantastic steampunk world that I can’t seem to get enough of. A world full of vampiric wildlife, mechanical automatons, magic and romance. This novella was a delightful look into more of Criminy’s Clockwork Caravan. Although the story is centered around two other characters it starts with my favorite couple in Sang Criminy Stain and Letitia Everett. I enjoyed seeing there playful banter yet again two years after we left their story. Criminy and Letitia’s interlude is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Imogen, a woman running away from London with a butterfly act. Madam Morpho (Imogen) and the Mysterious Mr. Murdoch are brought together to build a stage of sorts for the butterfly act.
The romance in this builds quickly as it must because of the length but it is still tender and warm. Both Imogen and Mr. Murdoch have something they are hiding. As Mr. Murdoch learns of Imogen’s past it is clear that he feels a need to protect her. I like that Imogen is such a smart and savvy person, she found a way to go to Kings College when it was only open to men. She has been isolated for most of her life so she and Mr. Murdoch have a kinship of sorts in that area.
Dawson’s dialog is fun and each person’s voice seems individual to them alone.
“I’m not a scientist Imogen. I’m an artificer.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning I’m better with my hands than my words.”
And,
“So long as you understand that this experiment of yours is not without consequences. A butterfly’s wings flapping in Ceylon can bring a hurricane twirling to your door in London. Everything I do is done with intention and cannot be undone”
Shocked at her own impropriety, she murmured, “So undo me.”

There is a particularly steamy scene with some wonderful imagery….Fans self.
I enjoyed the mystery of finding out what secrets both were hiding. Although I basically knew how the story would end up I enjoyed reading this novella to the very end and I don’t think it would have been right to end any other way.
Again just another delight from Mrs. Dawson and I look forward to reading many more books from the world of Sang.
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Apr 03, 2013 Ines rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: shortstories, fantasy

After reading Wicked as They Come, I was eager to read a little more about the world of Sang and this short story was the natural follow-up. The main character is a runaway who goes by the name of Imogen Morpho and has a special magical act involving butterflies. Imogen manages to get the attention of the mysterious Mr. Murdoch as they both have something in common: a past they want to forget.

What I liked more about the other book is lost in this one: there are no new scenarios to visit in Sang,...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this story. Normally, I am not a fan of short stories. I always feel like either I’m missing something or that there is so much more to tell. I did not feel that way this time, probably because it gives me my Sang fix until Wicked as She Wants comes out. I never knew I could become so excited to read about a fictional world until now.
It starts out with Madam Morpho on the steps to Criminy’s trailer requesting (pleading) for a job. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she is forced to leave...more I loved this story. Normally, I am not a fan of short stories. I always feel like either I’m missing something or that there is so much more to tell. I did not feel that way this time, probably because it gives me my Sang fix until Wicked as She Wants comes out. I never knew I could become so excited to read about a fictional world until now.
It starts out with Madam Morpho on the steps to Criminy’s trailer requesting (pleading) for a job. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she is forced to leave London, and finds herself in need of a place to stay (hide). She carries with her a butterfly circus. The reader is lead to believe that Butterflies are now extinct. In order for her to perform her act, she must gain assistance in the construction of her circus from the Mysterious Mr. Murdoch, a reclusive artificer. This story follows Imogen (Morpho) through the building and subsequent performance of her butterfly circus.
Imogen is very clearly hiding a very big secret. She tells the tale of her life in the city to be one that truly sucks. The women of Sang are certainly underappreciated, but Imogen’s story is even worse than under appreciation. You feel so sorry for her, and at the same time, you are so happy that she was able to escape the horrible life she had led up until that point. You want her to have her happy ending. The fact that she can be as strong willed as she is is amazing to me because I would have just curled up into a ball and cried if I had to go through what she did. She is a very strong woman indeed.
As her story and what she is hiding unfolds, I found myself anxious to find out the truth. I honestly thought her secret was going to be worse than it was, but it was still a pretty serious problem. I enjoyed the progress of her relationship with Murdoch, but I did want to kick him at one point for being an asshat. This story could have easily turned into a story more about him, but Miss Dawson does a good job of keeping us focused on the main character.
Delilah S. Dawson does such a great job in building the world of Sang. I often have trouble picturing certain environments in books I read, but I have found that I have no such problem here. I can picture every detail of the circus, from the clockwork animals, to the bludbadgers (who knew a group was called a cete or clan?) to the beautiful costumes designed by Master Antonin Scabrous. Her descriptions of the world around are beautiful even though they are sometimes filled with darkness.
I recommend this book to everyone, but especially those who have read Wicked as They Come and are patiently waiting for Wicked as She Wants.
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Oct 14, 2012 Shortlatte rated it 4 of 5 stars

Last year, Dawson’s debut novel Wicked As They Come introduced one of the most unique and delightful landscapes I’ve come across in the paranormal genre for a long time. The world of Sang is dark, twisted, wonderfully irreverent and impossibly sexy. In this novella, Dawson plunges readers back into her world, and I couldn’t be happier to return.

The story is rather short yet surprisingly well-developed for its truncated page time. Dawson effectively balances the necessity of reuniting us with pas...more Last year, Dawson’s debut novel Wicked As They Come introduced one of the most unique and delightful landscapes I’ve come across in the paranormal genre for a long time. The world of Sang is dark, twisted, wonderfully irreverent and impossibly sexy. In this novella, Dawson plunges readers back into her world, and I couldn’t be happier to return.

The story is rather short yet surprisingly well-developed for its truncated page time. Dawson effectively balances the necessity of reuniting us with past characters (because what Blud book would be complete without an appearance from Criminy?) with further developing the characters and creations that populate her fantasy world. I was so pleased with the pace of the worldbuilding with this novella, as it allows us a better glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes in the caravan as well as a taste of life in the cities. I adored Mr. Murdoch and could have read twice as many pages recounting the various inventions he has contributed to the circus. Madam Morpho’s talent is equally as enchanting, and while I won’t spoil some of the surprises that are in store by going into detail about how her show really works, I will say that Dawson has succeeded in emphasizing the steampunk underpinnings of her story in a way that I haven’t seen before.

As for the characters, I didn’t connect as strongly with Madam Morpho as I had with Trish, which proved to be somewhat of a struggle as I read, but her chemistry with Mr. Murdoch more than made up for any shortcomings I found in her character. I wish we could have gained a bit more insight into Mr. Murdoch’s psychology, as it plays quite an important role in the story and I felt that the story ended on a rather unresolved note. Yet in this regard Madam Morpho‘s ending was rather similar to the resolution of Tish and Criminy’s story in the previous book, and Dawson has shown that she is willing and eager to revisit their storyline, so I’m hoping that further installments in the series give us more insight into how Madam Morpho and Mr. Murdoch’s relationship allows each character to grow past their insecurities.

Overall, The Mysterious Madam Morpho is a great installment in the series and makes me greedy to get my hands on the second book, Wicked As She Wants, next year.

http://abookandashortlatte.wordpress....(less)

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Nov 27, 2012 VampireNovelFan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk, vampires

Love the cover, but more Criminy please!

This is a novella from the Blud series. As a follow-up to Delilah Dawson's debut novel Wicked as They Come, to hold us over until the next book we get to revisit her alternative London and Criminy Stain's caravan. Instead of Criminy and Leticia (Tish) getting focus, we meet Madam Morpho, a new addition to the caravan with a unique ability to re-animate butterflies, and we meet Mr. Murdoch, the mysterious engineer behind the caravan's clockworks and staging...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Kara-karina rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Mysterious Madam Morpho is a short and sweet novella which might help to tide you over until the next full novel comes out.

I was glad to get back into that charming wonderful world of carnivallieros ruled by Criminy and Letitia. However until the very end I wasn't enthralled by it like it happened to me with Wicked as They Come.

I think novellas are too short for me to believe in the love story between new characters although they are very useful if you want an update on familiar and well lo...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, adult, better-than-i-thought-it-would-be, characters-i-loved, cover-love, cute, erotica, edelweiss, fantasy, female-pov, galley, science-fiction, part-of-a-series, supernatural, reviewcopies, romances-i-love, paranormal-romance, short-story, romance, steampunk, urban-fantasy

For this review and more visit my blog

The Mysterious Madam Morpho is a novella between books 1 and 2 of the Blud series. I have not read the first book in the series but do not think you need to in order to understand and enjoy this book. It did take a little getting used to but after a few pages I was fine.

I really quite liked this, the storyline was entertaining and exciting. I also loved the setting and the steampunk elements.

The characters were great both Imogen and Henry are extremely like...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Nikki Brandyberry rated it 3 of 5 stars

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to check out book one in this series, Wicked As They Come, and its unique take on vampireism . I was impressed by the vivid descriptions and the depth of characters that I grew to love quickly. I was saddened to learn it would be a long wait until book two. That is before I learned this novella was on the way.

Madam Morpho is on the lamb from a future she had no control over in a time when men are far superior to women in all ways. Forced to join allegianc...more Earlier this year I had the opportunity to check out book one in this series, Wicked As They Come, and its unique take on vampireism . I was impressed by the vivid descriptions and the depth of characters that I grew to love quickly. I was saddened to learn it would be a long wait until book two. That is before I learned this novella was on the way.

Madam Morpho is on the lamb from a future she had no control over in a time when men are far superior to women in all ways. Forced to join allegiances with a Bludman and escape into his circus. At least until they get far enough away that no one knows her. With her enchanted (and stolen) act of re-animated butterflies, she is sure be a crowd pleaser.

The only thing that stands in her away is a fellow human whose reclusive nature is something everyone else at the circus just accepts. The elusive Mr. Murdoch is the chief engineer in charge of creating the spectacular mechanical animals that nature robbed them of when the blud “disease” took over.

I was once again entranced in the completely unique world Ms Dawson has created in this series. While many things stay the same in vampire type novels, she has figured out a way to make things feel fresh and new. The world in which these people live is a world that exists along side our own but their world is stuck in a steam punk type atmosphere. The absence of any animals, except those that suck blood themselves, gives the world a twist and makes even a stroll past the walls of the cities, a dangerous affair. The allure of the other circus performers and their interactions amongst themselves was entertaining. Though I’ve always had a weird fascination with the inner workings of a circus.

Where I think this one fell a bit short was the connection between male and female. That primal connections between the two main characters just felt…off. There isn’t a whole lot of heat associated with this story. I thought that for as elusive has Mr. Murdoch (Henry) was supposed to be, his quick change in personality felt forced somehow. Like Ms Dawson was pressed for time with this being a novella. I liked them as a couple though in the end and I thought the witty dialogue between the two was spot on. I enjoyed Henry’s surge of protectiveness for Imogen and his abrupt reactions were often amusing and irritating at the same time.

The ending was a bit anti-climatic and also felt like the restraints with a shorter book were taking its toll on the author. All the build up of being found and everything was over within a short amount of time. Nothing for Imogen and Henry to work through together. Just….done.

As another steam punk addition to this series it does well even with its short comings. Getting to see Criminy and Trish again was also a pleasure since I fell in love with them both in book one. The novella is priced at a mere $.99 so if you enjoyed Wicked As They Come, you’ll be sure to like this one as well.

I give The Mysterious Madam Morpho by Delilah S Dawson 3 stars!

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Nov 14, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Mysterious Madam Morpho is a short novella from Delilah Dawson's imaginative Blud series that opens with Criminy and Letitia's POV (from Wicked as They Come, Blud #1) and a really intriguing glimpse of what is to come in Wicked as She Wants (Blud #2) - Casper's story - coming in April 2013.

There isn't as much of the world building in this novella as there was in Wicked as they Come (it is a novella after all, so that's to be expected) but the relationship between Madam Morpho and Mr. Murdoch...more

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May 04, 2013 Michelle Leah Olson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: literal-addiction-books, may-2013-author-events, reviewed

Our review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pak Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

The Mysterious Madam Morpho takes place after book #1 of the Blud series, but can be read as a stand-alone story. Delilah does a fantastic job of explaining this unique world so that first time readers are able to get a mental picture & then just enjoy the tale...

The story revolves around our leading lady, the very mysterious & guarded Imogen, who has come to ask Criminy if she can join his Clockwork Carnival. Once his wife...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Janice (the_red1) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: edelweiss, book-in-a-series, novella, received-for-review, steampunk, vampires

Do you hear that? That, my friends, is the happy sigh of a very satisfied reader.

I could fill a Broadway musical with songs singing the praises of Delilah S. Dawson's Blud series. The world she has created is so vibrant and unique, its characters so darkly charming, you won't want to say goodbye to it. You'll get to the last page and keep turning, hoping for just one more word or chapter. Something, anything, so you'll have an excuse to spend more time with Criminy Stain and his delightful carav...more

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May 16, 2013 S.M. Blooding rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk

I just have to say first and foremost that I love this carnival world that Ms. Dawson has created. I love it!! I love the magic, the feel. When I read her work in Criminy's Carnival, I feel like I've escaped this world and gone to another!

I love the way she set it up. In this book, we're outside of London, but everything's just a little...off. It is a different dimension. The titles of books are familiar, but twisted. Names of famous people and their stories are changed. It's really ingenious!...more I just have to say first and foremost that I love this carnival world that Ms. Dawson has created. I love it!! I love the magic, the feel. When I read her work in Criminy's Carnival, I feel like I've escaped this world and gone to another!

I love the way she set it up. In this book, we're outside of London, but everything's just a little...off. It is a different dimension. The titles of books are familiar, but twisted. Names of famous people and their stories are changed. It's really ingenious! There is just no end to the possibilities with this world.

The steampunk element is just fun in this series, too. We finally get to meet the mechanist who makes all the mechanical creatures. OMW! I want to be in his brain, and we were able to step into it a little, in this book!

I love Imogen. She...OMW! She's had to deal with some of the stuff I've had to, but worse, of course. Men here aren't as bad (generally). They've had a few generations to get used to the idea that women can do more than just make copies and answer phones. In Ms. Dawson's world, they don't have to. Women have no place in the man's world, are wasting their time, money and effort by going to universities. *shakes head* I was able to really sync with Imogen. Plus, her voice is very...*chuckles* geeky! I just loved it!

Then we got to meet the mysterious Mr. Murdoch. It was really fantastic to have Imogen's geeky moments entangled with his. I LOVED it!! LOVED it!!!

The plot was good, too. I knew because of Letitia (she can see the future) that things were going to be okay, but that seemed like...I don't know, it felt too easy. The bad guy is standing in the crowd outside of Imogen's tent as she performs, Letitia and Criminy are just standing there with smiles on their faces. I felt that was too easy, probably because this was supposed to be a novella. In novella's there's at least one key structural element that gets the shortcut, and this felt like the shortcut.

It was really great to see Letitia and Criminy again, and the remaining crew of the carnival. My favorite scene was where Mr. Murdoch (Henry) walked Imogen through the carnival. OMW! I just LOVED that! It was so MAGICAL! Also, it was great to get that tease about the next book! TEASE! GAH! I want to read Wicked As She Wants now! LOL!!!
All in all, you really have to read this story!(less)

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Jan 19, 2013 Opal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi, wishlist

Courtesy of The Akamai Reader.

This novella was fun and sweet, full of mystery. Madam Morpho was an intriguing character. Within the pages of her precious books, she kept her rare and dormant butterflies. When she calls to them they come alive. I thought that particular magic was clever. I also thought her character was wonderful and well-developed within such a short story. She had a vulnerability that came of being a woman out on her own outside of the shelter of city walls for the first time.Y...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Paranormal Haven rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-athenna

3.5 stars

I love Delilah's flare for Steam Punk. She seams to hit it on the nail every time. She takes just enough of the historical era and blends it with the most amazing clock works and inventions with a little super natural twist and poof you have an amazing story.

I was not as fond of these two characters as i was the first two in book 1. But I would imagine Criminy is a hard act to follow in any since of the word. I thought Mr. Murdoch was a bit dry, but i guess what would i expect from a s...more

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About Delilah S. Dawson

Delilah S. Dawson comes from a long line of Roswell, GA natives. WICKED AS THEY COME is the first in her Blud series for Pocket/S&S, and a creepy paranormal YA, SERVANTS OF THE STORM, will be out with Simon Pulse in 2014. Delilah is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Georgia Romance Writers. She is also an Associate Editor at www.CoolMomPicks.com and www.CoolMomTech.com, where...more

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