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Godspeed
Abigail’s young life was saved by the kindness of strangers: Schuyler Algernon, the man who found her collapsed on cold city streets, and Quinn Godspeed, the doctor who risked everything by breaking the law to keep her fragile heart beating.
As the truth about what she’s become and her feelings for her savior overtake her, Abigail is forced to ask what constitutes life, living, and what dark secrets are contained within Godspeed’s past and the walls of Schuyler’s house.
As the truth about what she’s become and her feelings for her savior overtake her, Abigail is forced to ask what constitutes life, living, and what dark secrets are contained within Godspeed’s past and the walls of Schuyler’s house.
406 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2012
About the author
February Grace
12 books83 followersFebruary Grace is an author, poet, and artist from Southeast Michigan. She is more than mildly obsessed with clocks, music, colors, meteor showers, and steam engines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 4, 2016
This was a slow, sweet historical novel with a bit of romance and a slight dash of steampunk. While not at all what I expected, it was very enjoyable nonetheless.
Our protagonist in this story is a young woman who has lost her father to a rare plague, and suffers some severe side effects herself from this same plague, is removed from the only home she has ever known and is left wandering the streets of the city when her ailment causes her to lose consciousness. She wakes up in the care of Schuyler who calls in his friend, the mysterious Dr. Quinn Godspeed. Days (weeks?) later she awakens to find herself attached to a machine that is keeping her heart pumping.
Due to her condition and the device keeping her alive she is stick living with these two men. She soon meets other patients of the doctor. Penn who has hearing loss, and 3 other teens of various conditions. This group of youth call themselves 'The Freaks.' and soon she finds herself and part of a family to the teens and the two older men of the house.
Our main character (who refuses to share her name) is obsessed with the doctor. She falls in love with him but the books gives us so little about her that I felt it was more obsession than love, especially as she felt so strongly the moment she laid eyes on him. Due to her love for the doctor she strives to learn all she can about him. Why must she never venture outside, why does no one speak his name and why are there rumors about him killing himself? Her investigations give her great insight into the lives of each character in the book and some things she learns are darker than she may like.
This story is beautifully written. The story is smooth and has an almost wistful feel to it. The descriptions and emotions felt are rich and invoking. A few plot holes and consistency errors but the story was still sound (ages of the other teens being one). We never learn why she refuses to tell the others her name or her past (although the summary spoils her name for us). I kept hoping there was some connection or reason but no there were none. Also, I wanted more steampunk! The device she uses and the mention if airships are the only indicator we have. Otherwise is was a sweet story, with a twist at the end. Slow at first but the last quarter of the book is impossible to but down!
Our protagonist in this story is a young woman who has lost her father to a rare plague, and suffers some severe side effects herself from this same plague, is removed from the only home she has ever known and is left wandering the streets of the city when her ailment causes her to lose consciousness. She wakes up in the care of Schuyler who calls in his friend, the mysterious Dr. Quinn Godspeed. Days (weeks?) later she awakens to find herself attached to a machine that is keeping her heart pumping.
Due to her condition and the device keeping her alive she is stick living with these two men. She soon meets other patients of the doctor. Penn who has hearing loss, and 3 other teens of various conditions. This group of youth call themselves 'The Freaks.' and soon she finds herself and part of a family to the teens and the two older men of the house.
Our main character (who refuses to share her name) is obsessed with the doctor. She falls in love with him but the books gives us so little about her that I felt it was more obsession than love, especially as she felt so strongly the moment she laid eyes on him. Due to her love for the doctor she strives to learn all she can about him. Why must she never venture outside, why does no one speak his name and why are there rumors about him killing himself? Her investigations give her great insight into the lives of each character in the book and some things she learns are darker than she may like.
This story is beautifully written. The story is smooth and has an almost wistful feel to it. The descriptions and emotions felt are rich and invoking. A few plot holes and consistency errors but the story was still sound (ages of the other teens being one). We never learn why she refuses to tell the others her name or her past (although the summary spoils her name for us). I kept hoping there was some connection or reason but no there were none. Also, I wanted more steampunk! The device she uses and the mention if airships are the only indicator we have. Otherwise is was a sweet story, with a twist at the end. Slow at first but the last quarter of the book is impossible to but down!
February 17, 2013
Since I began writing, I’m sad to say my tolerance for poor writing has diminished. Perhaps this is due to the endless hours spent honing one’s words in attempt to gain a perfection they will never attain. Perhaps it’s due to nothing more than my tolerance for having my time wasted decreasing, as realization of time’s precious nature grows….
Whatever the reason, it is seldom that I find myself enthralled by a work of such exceptional quality as “Godspeed”, by February Grace. Thus, this review.
What is Godspeed about? If what you seek is a synopsis, you won’t find it here – if that is your desire this is not the place for you.
Godspeed, is many things, highest amongst them {least in my opinion} it is a literary marvel. Throughout the novel, February Grace holds true to the imagined time within which it occurs {Godspeed is far more real than “is set” could convey}. Her sentences deliver thoughts that are profound, complex, yet always consistent. Sometimes, they require you to slow down, backtrack, calm your beating heart with a deep drawn breath… and read them, again. When this occurs, the timepiece of your soul strives to overstep its bounds in its eagerness to answer the pleas of the characters, each of whom are dear. February Grace states the most complicated thoughts in a fashion that makes you appreciate them, and the chance of a reprieve a re-read grants.
I suffer from heavy feet, capable of cracking the fragile shell of disbelief’s suspension. The slightest jar and my overly critical mind leaps to the fore, ever eager to draw me away from the fantasy world each novel strives to be. All too often, skeptical mind overcomes willing heart, and renders the remainder of whatever novel an exercise in criticism, not escape. Simply stated, Godspeed is so exceptional my critical mind never stood a chance. Oh, it tried – eagerly pointing out a missing word here, an out of place one, there. Yet I disregarded my mind completely, scoffing at its vain attempt to distract me from paradise. That, is what Godspeed is, an oasis of contentment in a sandy sea of also ran.
What is Godspeed? It’s a marvelous escape into a cruel, yet more perfect world – for where else could such passion stand a chance? It’s a story of delightful tragedy, for in its tragedy the seeds of love are sown, and take root. It’s a tale of romance rewarded, and denied. It’s about love lost, and gained. It’s an imagined world so real, its readers find themselves dwelling there. It’s of life recovered, and life lost. It’s not happy, yet its joy overwhelms. It’s of mystery, and mastery. In a world of irrelevant star ratings, Godspeed shines as bright as the sun and eclipses them all.
In short, Godspeed is the next book you should read. What are you still doing here? Go!
Only when you reach Godspeed’s end, and are able to place it aside {if only for a time} would I have you venture back, and sample my work – perhaps you’ll find similar satisfaction, likely not.
P.S. I met February Grace on Twitter, a few short days ago, we exchanged a few words and in her I recognized… something very special. I hope she enjoys this little tribute. You can follow her @FebruaryGrace. Or me, @CGAyling
Whatever the reason, it is seldom that I find myself enthralled by a work of such exceptional quality as “Godspeed”, by February Grace. Thus, this review.
What is Godspeed about? If what you seek is a synopsis, you won’t find it here – if that is your desire this is not the place for you.
Godspeed, is many things, highest amongst them {least in my opinion} it is a literary marvel. Throughout the novel, February Grace holds true to the imagined time within which it occurs {Godspeed is far more real than “is set” could convey}. Her sentences deliver thoughts that are profound, complex, yet always consistent. Sometimes, they require you to slow down, backtrack, calm your beating heart with a deep drawn breath… and read them, again. When this occurs, the timepiece of your soul strives to overstep its bounds in its eagerness to answer the pleas of the characters, each of whom are dear. February Grace states the most complicated thoughts in a fashion that makes you appreciate them, and the chance of a reprieve a re-read grants.
I suffer from heavy feet, capable of cracking the fragile shell of disbelief’s suspension. The slightest jar and my overly critical mind leaps to the fore, ever eager to draw me away from the fantasy world each novel strives to be. All too often, skeptical mind overcomes willing heart, and renders the remainder of whatever novel an exercise in criticism, not escape. Simply stated, Godspeed is so exceptional my critical mind never stood a chance. Oh, it tried – eagerly pointing out a missing word here, an out of place one, there. Yet I disregarded my mind completely, scoffing at its vain attempt to distract me from paradise. That, is what Godspeed is, an oasis of contentment in a sandy sea of also ran.
What is Godspeed? It’s a marvelous escape into a cruel, yet more perfect world – for where else could such passion stand a chance? It’s a story of delightful tragedy, for in its tragedy the seeds of love are sown, and take root. It’s a tale of romance rewarded, and denied. It’s about love lost, and gained. It’s an imagined world so real, its readers find themselves dwelling there. It’s of life recovered, and life lost. It’s not happy, yet its joy overwhelms. It’s of mystery, and mastery. In a world of irrelevant star ratings, Godspeed shines as bright as the sun and eclipses them all.
In short, Godspeed is the next book you should read. What are you still doing here? Go!
Only when you reach Godspeed’s end, and are able to place it aside {if only for a time} would I have you venture back, and sample my work – perhaps you’ll find similar satisfaction, likely not.
P.S. I met February Grace on Twitter, a few short days ago, we exchanged a few words and in her I recognized… something very special. I hope she enjoys this little tribute. You can follow her @FebruaryGrace. Or me, @CGAyling
October 24, 2013
To describe it in one word, and quite acutely, I'd call Godspeed nebulous. And not the kind that comes to my mind as I automatically associate nebulous to stars, all hazy and twinkling and diamonds in the sky. It's wanting from east to west to down south. It's the kind of book that makes me garrulous and indolent simultaneously. Fact: I feel like egressing my detestation of LEGO®, but I can find neither an aesthetic way nor any kind of devious opening to input it into the review. (But fear not, if itch comes to desperation, I can always do an off-topic 'review', presumptuously expecting you all to be okay with it.)
Our no-name(you'll figure it out if you read the book, that should be incentive enough) heroine is cast away(!), lost in this morphing, cruel high school of a world(!) and she falls dead. Almost, sorta. Bring in our silver-haired Dr. Frankenstein- rendition and he saves our young, naive, forlorn MC with a clockwork heart. Fact: it's not steampunk. The most disgruntled through the entirety of the novel I was, was when Thunder, Water, Lightning, and bippety-boppity-boo both failed to show up, and in lieu, solar energy made an appearance. That's a feeble premise right there, considering the book's set somewhere in the huge period that is the Industrial Revolution(it's all very unspecific), maybe mid-t-late 1800's, because that's what the writing style, the very formal and old-fashioned, the kind that you don't expect from our 1900's gals. Same goes for the location, which remains a mystery but alludes(methinks) to London, or simply my overworked my mind that, by default, makes everything old London-ish. Evidence(to support my theory): Mention of a clock tower. I know, absolutely irrefutable. I suppose the fact that the story(or lack, thereof) takes place inside one house makes it redundant, but refusing redundancy can be a faux pas.
Abigail was an enigma of sorts to me, not the interesting kind- she was pretty much a cave with no personality(but other caves do, too(have you ever noticed how differently they all howl)). She had the annoying habit of explaining every nuance of action and meaning behind every word. In fact, so did one of the other characters. Which makes it kinda obvious that it's the author's own quirks, at which I'd also add that most of the story came across as affected by the author, not Abigail, at which point I'd point out that it maybe due to the whole Abigail-no-person-cave-thesis. Case in point:
Definitely not moving on.
What also fascinates me about Abigail is her ease of acceptance of Schulyer's homosexuality. In fact, she's so accepting that she doesn't even view it as something untoward, she accepts it so easily that there's no need of even viewing it as acceptance. Now kudos and all would be hers, if only I could just wrap my not-too-tiny-nor-too-large-perfectly-shaped-thank-you-genes(there's a friend of mine who has this huge triangular head(but he has no brains)(wonder what he stuffs in there)(probably spare pasta, he loves that)) head. This comes from a girl from the olden times[see above] who used to believe that your death was decided by God before you were born. But hey, empty caves bring surprises! And then also starts to shelve the eccentric doctor's book shelves correctly, and claims not to know the pattern which begs the question: did she actually memorize the placement of all those books? Freaky-freaky!
All I had to say about the writing I have, except sometimes it's taken too far, inflated too much, and in general, I scream,"Come on!"
There are a few editing problems, grammatical mistakes, but the one glaringly obvious and needing to be addressed is the miscalculation in ages. One of the side characters- Jib- is said to appear a few years younger than another- Penn. Someone else goes on to mention that he is 17 yrs old while Penn, later on, himself states that he is sixteen. Unless Penn is really a middle-aged auntie(just one of the few I know) in disguise, I don't see any reason why he'd lie about his age. Occam's Razor: author made a mistake and everybody skipped it.
All of them other people in the story were fake, too. Every scene or conversation, even about a certain other character in peril, comes about to the doctor, the doctor, the GODDAMN DOCTOR! Every scene, look, sign, word, emotion if for him, about him. The famous doctor inevitably disappoints, though. Some claim him to be a broken man, with a heart too dangerous or some cliche, and he turns out to have a Bluebeard-type secret. However, he remains a good, kind soul who gives and gives and hurts for I know not what, like some others proclaimed. Oh luv, I don't like you!There is no story except Abigail going,"Thank you, kind sirs, thank you for letting me stay. Oh my, what will I do when I get well enough to be thrown out. Lordie, I love him so much, how can I possibly love him more?
I love him most- you don't!" That's the whole gist of the story, except tone down the whiny because our MC's not got enough in her to even whine and annoy the fuck out of me. Strangely enough, I have the feeling some folks out there might actually like it; I can't ascertain the reason.
Review copy provided by... I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you.
Our no-name(you'll figure it out if you read the book, that should be incentive enough) heroine is cast away(!), lost in this morphing, cruel high school of a world(!) and she falls dead. Almost, sorta. Bring in our silver-haired Dr. Frankenstein- rendition and he saves our young, naive, forlorn MC with a clockwork heart. Fact: it's not steampunk. The most disgruntled through the entirety of the novel I was, was when Thunder, Water, Lightning, and bippety-boppity-boo both failed to show up, and in lieu, solar energy made an appearance. That's a feeble premise right there, considering the book's set somewhere in the huge period that is the Industrial Revolution(it's all very unspecific), maybe mid-t-late 1800's, because that's what the writing style, the very formal and old-fashioned, the kind that you don't expect from our 1900's gals. Same goes for the location, which remains a mystery but alludes(methinks) to London, or simply my overworked my mind that, by default, makes everything old London-ish. Evidence(to support my theory): Mention of a clock tower. I know, absolutely irrefutable. I suppose the fact that the story(or lack, thereof) takes place inside one house makes it redundant, but refusing redundancy can be a faux pas.
Abigail was an enigma of sorts to me, not the interesting kind- she was pretty much a cave with no personality(but other caves do, too(have you ever noticed how differently they all howl)). She had the annoying habit of explaining every nuance of action and meaning behind every word. In fact, so did one of the other characters. Which makes it kinda obvious that it's the author's own quirks, at which I'd also add that most of the story came across as affected by the author, not Abigail, at which point I'd point out that it maybe due to the whole Abigail-no-person-cave-thesis. Case in point:
"Leave him for now," Schuyler advised, reaching over and patting me gently on the hand. "I am certain that there is no way you could have prevented upsetting him, and you had no knowledge of the fact that the subject would upset him. So you have nothing to apologize for."
Definitely not moving on.
What also fascinates me about Abigail is her ease of acceptance of Schulyer's homosexuality. In fact, she's so accepting that she doesn't even view it as something untoward, she accepts it so easily that there's no need of even viewing it as acceptance. Now kudos and all would be hers, if only I could just wrap my not-too-tiny-nor-too-large-perfectly-shaped-thank-you-genes(there's a friend of mine who has this huge triangular head(but he has no brains)(wonder what he stuffs in there)(probably spare pasta, he loves that)) head. This comes from a girl from the olden times[see above] who used to believe that your death was decided by God before you were born. But hey, empty caves bring surprises! And then also starts to shelve the eccentric doctor's book shelves correctly, and claims not to know the pattern which begs the question: did she actually memorize the placement of all those books? Freaky-freaky!
All I had to say about the writing I have, except sometimes it's taken too far, inflated too much, and in general, I scream,"Come on!"
"Like a kitten who has had his stolen ball of wool yarn taken from his grasping paws?”
***
"Do not we all."(Hint: Requires contraction, or I will blow a gasket.)
There are a few editing problems, grammatical mistakes, but the one glaringly obvious and needing to be addressed is the miscalculation in ages. One of the side characters- Jib- is said to appear a few years younger than another- Penn. Someone else goes on to mention that he is 17 yrs old while Penn, later on, himself states that he is sixteen. Unless Penn is really a middle-aged auntie(just one of the few I know) in disguise, I don't see any reason why he'd lie about his age. Occam's Razor: author made a mistake and everybody skipped it.
All of them other people in the story were fake, too. Every scene or conversation, even about a certain other character in peril, comes about to the doctor, the doctor, the GODDAMN DOCTOR! Every scene, look, sign, word, emotion if for him, about him. The famous doctor inevitably disappoints, though. Some claim him to be a broken man, with a heart too dangerous or some cliche, and he turns out to have a Bluebeard-type secret. However, he remains a good, kind soul who gives and gives and hurts for I know not what, like some others proclaimed. Oh luv, I don't like you!There is no story except Abigail going,"Thank you, kind sirs, thank you for letting me stay. Oh my, what will I do when I get well enough to be thrown out. Lordie, I love him so much, how can I possibly love him more?
I love him most- you don't!" That's the whole gist of the story, except tone down the whiny because our MC's not got enough in her to even whine and annoy the fuck out of me. Strangely enough, I have the feeling some folks out there might actually like it; I can't ascertain the reason.
Review copy provided by... I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you.
December 12, 2013
All reviews on http://ssbookfanatics.blogspot.com
Well, don't fabulous surprises come in all sorts of packages? I got this book from Wendy Logsdon, the author's marketing manager at Booktrope, as a thank you. Godspeed was part of my blogaversary this year, for which I was most thankful, but after I downloaded it to my iPad, it joined many, many others awaiting my attention. Of late, I go through periods where I'm stumped as to what to read. Yes, I've just said this book joined many others on my eReader so it's most definitely not a case of being short on books to read, but stumped means just that. I look at everything, even some of my favourite authors, but I'm just not sure if that particular book is something I want to read right then. Also, work does interfere with reading, whether I like it or not, and by the end of the day I'm too darn tired to concentrate. I hate reading just to get reading in. I love to read for the love of reading, and for the love of numerous emotions authors are able to put me through with their book, their story.
This happened a few weeks ago. It's happening more often than not of late. Anyway, I was just about to start a book, which is part of a series, but for some reason my eyes fell on Godspeed once again. I have books set aside for review purposes, and books I choose to read myself. This falls under the latter. Before I go on, I have to be quite honest about something, as I always am, and say that although I don't believe there's anything wrong with this cover per say, as far as I'm concerned it doesn't do this amazing book any justice at all. There are so many possibilities here, and I can guarantee that should this cover be changed to incorporate not only one of the characters as it now stands, but say a certain balcony and Abigail, it will most definitely garner the attention from all age groups without a doubt.
With that said, I loved this book so much. It took me by surprise. I haven't read anything written in this manner in years! The prose, the characters, the story - just everything appealed to me. It's a period novel, although we (at least I don't) don't know which, and you know what? I don't give a hoot at all. Makes absolutely no difference, and doesn't detract one iota from the story if an exact year is not mentioned. At all. It also incorporates romance, and is steampunkish in a sense, but to me reads more historical at times, especially where garments and such were concerned. Fabulous. Seriously.
The setting is in Fairever (loved!), and it starts off with Abigail Courage being dismissed and turned out from the only home she's ever known due to having suffered at the hands of the Dread Fever. A fever which affects those struck down by it in different ways. Some go blind, others deaf, and yet others who suffer from heart failure as a result, and die. To think that the family who had employed her father for years upon years, turns around and basically discards her is nothing but cruel to say the least. Abigail has nothing, and she has no one. After wandering around, she collapses in the street where a kind soul by the name of Schuyler comes to her rescue. She would have died had he not intervened, and for all intents and purposes as you will gather once you've read the book, she is dead. Enter Dr. Quinn Godspeed, who by using his amazing talents, heart and hands, creates a device which keeps her heart beating - keeps her alive. Prior to her receiving a smaller device in the form of a pendant, which interconnects to her heart via her chest, she'd been hooked up to a machine which periodically (and almost) shocked what little life she hung on to. It's so perfectly explained in the book, I won't even attempt a description here. I wouldn't do it justice. Needless to say that daylight hours for Abigail are no longer a part of her life due to her device having to be recharged by solar power during the day. Enough said.
As the story progresses, more surprises come to light including the handful of young adults she meets, who also have sad stories of their own. I loved every character from Penn to Jib, from Marielle to Lilibet - you have to love all these names - even Schuyler and Quinn, despite both their pasts making me wonder at times if they were all there, which eventually come to the fore. Abigail struggles quite a bit throughout the story as to whether living as she is was the best option for her, or if perhaps it would have been better for death to have claimed her. Of course, Quinn, plays a huge role not only in the book, but in Abigail's life. From the first time she opened her eyes, something about him captured not only her attention but also her heart.
When she finds out that where she was at first held is where she will stay albeit more expanse than what she had originally thought, she tries to find out what circumstances led to Quinn and Schuyler having the arrangement they have, and also why Quinn acts as his own twin brother. Oh, believe me, it's not something you will expect. I didn't, but could totally sympathise with both. It proved to be an ordeal for Schuyler for most of his life, as well as for Quinn - there's more than meets the eye, with Schuyler's sister having played a big part in the backstory - and something that by the end of the book is so explosive, I never saw it coming.
This story captured my heart, and is riddled with sadness, courage, love, compassion, and pain. I do believe this is the author's debut novel, I could be wrong. But if I'm right, I am more than impressed, more so because the ending was nothing what I expected. This, for me, was seriously amazing writing. Beautifully descriptive, and easy flowing. I got goosebumps within the first couple of pages, it's how much the writing affected me. Loved, loved, loved and I haven't read anything like this before. Oh, one more thing. I'm painful this way. I'm not one for books written in first person. I love third person POV, always have and always will, but sometimes an author comes along who writes in first person, doing it so well, that when I read their book my brain is tricked into thinking it's written in third person. I'm that unaware. Amazing. Not every author can pull this off, but February Grace can, with ease.
Well, don't fabulous surprises come in all sorts of packages? I got this book from Wendy Logsdon, the author's marketing manager at Booktrope, as a thank you. Godspeed was part of my blogaversary this year, for which I was most thankful, but after I downloaded it to my iPad, it joined many, many others awaiting my attention. Of late, I go through periods where I'm stumped as to what to read. Yes, I've just said this book joined many others on my eReader so it's most definitely not a case of being short on books to read, but stumped means just that. I look at everything, even some of my favourite authors, but I'm just not sure if that particular book is something I want to read right then. Also, work does interfere with reading, whether I like it or not, and by the end of the day I'm too darn tired to concentrate. I hate reading just to get reading in. I love to read for the love of reading, and for the love of numerous emotions authors are able to put me through with their book, their story.
This happened a few weeks ago. It's happening more often than not of late. Anyway, I was just about to start a book, which is part of a series, but for some reason my eyes fell on Godspeed once again. I have books set aside for review purposes, and books I choose to read myself. This falls under the latter. Before I go on, I have to be quite honest about something, as I always am, and say that although I don't believe there's anything wrong with this cover per say, as far as I'm concerned it doesn't do this amazing book any justice at all. There are so many possibilities here, and I can guarantee that should this cover be changed to incorporate not only one of the characters as it now stands, but say a certain balcony and Abigail, it will most definitely garner the attention from all age groups without a doubt.
With that said, I loved this book so much. It took me by surprise. I haven't read anything written in this manner in years! The prose, the characters, the story - just everything appealed to me. It's a period novel, although we (at least I don't) don't know which, and you know what? I don't give a hoot at all. Makes absolutely no difference, and doesn't detract one iota from the story if an exact year is not mentioned. At all. It also incorporates romance, and is steampunkish in a sense, but to me reads more historical at times, especially where garments and such were concerned. Fabulous. Seriously.
The setting is in Fairever (loved!), and it starts off with Abigail Courage being dismissed and turned out from the only home she's ever known due to having suffered at the hands of the Dread Fever. A fever which affects those struck down by it in different ways. Some go blind, others deaf, and yet others who suffer from heart failure as a result, and die. To think that the family who had employed her father for years upon years, turns around and basically discards her is nothing but cruel to say the least. Abigail has nothing, and she has no one. After wandering around, she collapses in the street where a kind soul by the name of Schuyler comes to her rescue. She would have died had he not intervened, and for all intents and purposes as you will gather once you've read the book, she is dead. Enter Dr. Quinn Godspeed, who by using his amazing talents, heart and hands, creates a device which keeps her heart beating - keeps her alive. Prior to her receiving a smaller device in the form of a pendant, which interconnects to her heart via her chest, she'd been hooked up to a machine which periodically (and almost) shocked what little life she hung on to. It's so perfectly explained in the book, I won't even attempt a description here. I wouldn't do it justice. Needless to say that daylight hours for Abigail are no longer a part of her life due to her device having to be recharged by solar power during the day. Enough said.
As the story progresses, more surprises come to light including the handful of young adults she meets, who also have sad stories of their own. I loved every character from Penn to Jib, from Marielle to Lilibet - you have to love all these names - even Schuyler and Quinn, despite both their pasts making me wonder at times if they were all there, which eventually come to the fore. Abigail struggles quite a bit throughout the story as to whether living as she is was the best option for her, or if perhaps it would have been better for death to have claimed her. Of course, Quinn, plays a huge role not only in the book, but in Abigail's life. From the first time she opened her eyes, something about him captured not only her attention but also her heart.
When she finds out that where she was at first held is where she will stay albeit more expanse than what she had originally thought, she tries to find out what circumstances led to Quinn and Schuyler having the arrangement they have, and also why Quinn acts as his own twin brother. Oh, believe me, it's not something you will expect. I didn't, but could totally sympathise with both. It proved to be an ordeal for Schuyler for most of his life, as well as for Quinn - there's more than meets the eye, with Schuyler's sister having played a big part in the backstory - and something that by the end of the book is so explosive, I never saw it coming.
This story captured my heart, and is riddled with sadness, courage, love, compassion, and pain. I do believe this is the author's debut novel, I could be wrong. But if I'm right, I am more than impressed, more so because the ending was nothing what I expected. This, for me, was seriously amazing writing. Beautifully descriptive, and easy flowing. I got goosebumps within the first couple of pages, it's how much the writing affected me. Loved, loved, loved and I haven't read anything like this before. Oh, one more thing. I'm painful this way. I'm not one for books written in first person. I love third person POV, always have and always will, but sometimes an author comes along who writes in first person, doing it so well, that when I read their book my brain is tricked into thinking it's written in third person. I'm that unaware. Amazing. Not every author can pull this off, but February Grace can, with ease.
October 8, 2013
3.5 stars
I went into this thinking that this was a different book than what it ended up being. I initially thought maybe time-travel/steampunk and then as I was reading I was thinking steampunk, which it is, but really that is very much in the background. The only role that the steampunk setting really has to play is in that it allows Dr. Godspeed to do what he does. Beyond that, there isn't any of your usual steampunk adventures with other mechanical robots, travelling contraptions, weapons, etc. If you can go into this knowing that, then I think you will end up really enjoying this story. It took me a while to settle into that. I just kept expecting a little bit more and so there were parts that just didn't engage me or took me a while to figure out. My only other qualm is that I didn't completely understand why the protagonist wouldn't give anyone her name. It just didn't make sense to me.
What did I like? I actually liked figuring out each of the characters. They each have something of their person that doesn't function correctly and Dr. Godspeed has tried to help them with different inventions and surgeries as best he can. This group is definitely a little ragtag and they all have it pretty rough.
Dr. Godspeed (Quinn) took some time to figure out and decide if I liked Abigail's infatuation with him or not. He is quite a bit older than her and has experienced much compared to her 18 years as a daughter to and then as servant herself. Abigail was also quite interesting. She is so very weak in some ways, such as physically with her heart, but then so strong in others, such as dealing with the pain and being strong when she needs to be.
There is this huge revelation towards the end of the book and that was a complete surprise to me. It made some pieces click together for me in regards to two of the characters. It is quite a shocking revelation and I felt a little as Abigail felt, which was not knowing exactly how I felt about it as it was a little morbid.
I have to say that the ending was my favorite part of the whole book. There are some sweet places throughout, but still that was my favorite. It raised this up from a 2.5/3 star book to a 3.5 star book. I'm so glad I decided to keep going when I was struggling through places that lagged for me.
Here is a favorite excerpt:
"It is said that there are but a few, critical moments that define a human lifetime; the most meaningful a being will ever experience. The one when you are born (which you can't remember) and the one when you die (which I could tell you from personal experience you wish you could forget) are supposed to be among those most significant. I would argue that it is moments like this one; the one in which I found myself staring into those fathoms deep, bluest of all eyes, and starting to trmble at his touch, that defined the life I would wish to lead."
Content: Clean
Source: Received copy form tour host, which did not affect my review in any way.
I went into this thinking that this was a different book than what it ended up being. I initially thought maybe time-travel/steampunk and then as I was reading I was thinking steampunk, which it is, but really that is very much in the background. The only role that the steampunk setting really has to play is in that it allows Dr. Godspeed to do what he does. Beyond that, there isn't any of your usual steampunk adventures with other mechanical robots, travelling contraptions, weapons, etc. If you can go into this knowing that, then I think you will end up really enjoying this story. It took me a while to settle into that. I just kept expecting a little bit more and so there were parts that just didn't engage me or took me a while to figure out. My only other qualm is that I didn't completely understand why the protagonist wouldn't give anyone her name. It just didn't make sense to me.
What did I like? I actually liked figuring out each of the characters. They each have something of their person that doesn't function correctly and Dr. Godspeed has tried to help them with different inventions and surgeries as best he can. This group is definitely a little ragtag and they all have it pretty rough.
Dr. Godspeed (Quinn) took some time to figure out and decide if I liked Abigail's infatuation with him or not. He is quite a bit older than her and has experienced much compared to her 18 years as a daughter to and then as servant herself. Abigail was also quite interesting. She is so very weak in some ways, such as physically with her heart, but then so strong in others, such as dealing with the pain and being strong when she needs to be.
There is this huge revelation towards the end of the book and that was a complete surprise to me. It made some pieces click together for me in regards to two of the characters. It is quite a shocking revelation and I felt a little as Abigail felt, which was not knowing exactly how I felt about it as it was a little morbid.
I have to say that the ending was my favorite part of the whole book. There are some sweet places throughout, but still that was my favorite. It raised this up from a 2.5/3 star book to a 3.5 star book. I'm so glad I decided to keep going when I was struggling through places that lagged for me.
Here is a favorite excerpt:
"It is said that there are but a few, critical moments that define a human lifetime; the most meaningful a being will ever experience. The one when you are born (which you can't remember) and the one when you die (which I could tell you from personal experience you wish you could forget) are supposed to be among those most significant. I would argue that it is moments like this one; the one in which I found myself staring into those fathoms deep, bluest of all eyes, and starting to trmble at his touch, that defined the life I would wish to lead."
Content: Clean
Source: Received copy form tour host, which did not affect my review in any way.
May 11, 2012
I'm not a literary romance reader ordinarily—too much Greg Egan in my youth; I'm confused by romance plots confined to two genders and one universe—but I read some of Grace's poetry on Rusty Nail (rustynailmag.com), and found myself wanting a novel of that stuff. A couple of months later, there was one such novel to choose from, and it was romance or the highway.
The setting is non-specific beyond the fictitious city “Fairever”. The presence of a few large, unwieldy typewriters says it's probably past 1870. More than the technology, though, the emotional reservation and awareness of social caste evoke Victorian England. The story is told entirely from the perspective of Abagail Courage, a young woman suffering an arrhythmic heartbeat following a bout of fever. Her life, monotonous and uninspiring as it was, comes crashing down until, at death's door, she is taken in by a stranger, and introduced to the care of the titular Dr. Quinn Godspeed.
The story is predominantly narrative, though the dialogue gains ground as the story moves forward. The claustrophobic morality of Fairever keeps tension between Abagail and Quinn. The Doctor's silence, coupled with sharp mood swings, adds notes of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed the adherence to a single viewpoint character.
While the quality of the prose did not disappoint, there were hints of the author's voice overwhelming the characters, beyond the prevalence of people with ongoing major medical problems—it is, after all, a story about an altruistic doctor. First, most of Godspeed's cast used an assumed name or nickname for much of the story. An underlying identity issue is in there, shouting for attention. Second, all of the characters are empathic, emotional thinkers, listening for each other's hearts, with or without a stethoscope. Empathic writing is appropriate for a romance, but, at risk of sounding like a chauvinist pig, it becomes conspicuous when a large number of male characters have enough sensitivity and subtlety to follow Romeo & Juliet without a map, a compass, and a foghorn. An astute writer might have trouble believing the volume of cluelessness that passes for normal among men. I commend Grace for not stereotyping us all as dopes, but at the same time I must warn against putting us on a pedestal.
Finally, the editing was the best I've seen to date in an e-book. This dimension is frequently neglected by everyone from major publishing houses to independent authors. Well done.
In summation, Godspeed was a very strong debut, with disciplined writing, and solid characters. It was an enjoyable note just beyond my normal range. I shall keep my ear to the ground for Grace's next book.
The setting is non-specific beyond the fictitious city “Fairever”. The presence of a few large, unwieldy typewriters says it's probably past 1870. More than the technology, though, the emotional reservation and awareness of social caste evoke Victorian England. The story is told entirely from the perspective of Abagail Courage, a young woman suffering an arrhythmic heartbeat following a bout of fever. Her life, monotonous and uninspiring as it was, comes crashing down until, at death's door, she is taken in by a stranger, and introduced to the care of the titular Dr. Quinn Godspeed.
The story is predominantly narrative, though the dialogue gains ground as the story moves forward. The claustrophobic morality of Fairever keeps tension between Abagail and Quinn. The Doctor's silence, coupled with sharp mood swings, adds notes of mystery and suspense. I enjoyed the adherence to a single viewpoint character.
While the quality of the prose did not disappoint, there were hints of the author's voice overwhelming the characters, beyond the prevalence of people with ongoing major medical problems—it is, after all, a story about an altruistic doctor. First, most of Godspeed's cast used an assumed name or nickname for much of the story. An underlying identity issue is in there, shouting for attention. Second, all of the characters are empathic, emotional thinkers, listening for each other's hearts, with or without a stethoscope. Empathic writing is appropriate for a romance, but, at risk of sounding like a chauvinist pig, it becomes conspicuous when a large number of male characters have enough sensitivity and subtlety to follow Romeo & Juliet without a map, a compass, and a foghorn. An astute writer might have trouble believing the volume of cluelessness that passes for normal among men. I commend Grace for not stereotyping us all as dopes, but at the same time I must warn against putting us on a pedestal.
Finally, the editing was the best I've seen to date in an e-book. This dimension is frequently neglected by everyone from major publishing houses to independent authors. Well done.
In summation, Godspeed was a very strong debut, with disciplined writing, and solid characters. It was an enjoyable note just beyond my normal range. I shall keep my ear to the ground for Grace's next book.
July 22, 2013
I will admit to two things – 1. Godspeed is my first foray into Steampunk, and, 2. I may be spoiled for life in the genre. Okay, I’ll admit to one more – I have a family memoir penned in the mid-later 1800’s, and Ms. Grace’s writing voice flawlessly captures the lilt and elegance of that era.
Dr. Quinn Godspeed is a genius driven to save or improve the lives of those stricken with infirmity in an era when fiddling with “God’s Plan” is not to be tolerated. Nevertheless, and in spite of the danger he might bring upon himself, Godspeed cannot let those less fortunate in health be tossed out onto society’s refuse heap.
Called “Elsewhere”, because she will give no account of herself, a young woman is thrown out of the only world she has ever known, to fend for herself because she has a weak heart. Found near death, she is taken into a household whose function she cannot understand, yet implicitly trusts. To say her world is turned upside down is an understatement, and by turns the reader is taken on an emotionally draining/exhilarating ride through her highs and lows, both physical and psychological.
Writing in First Person is a difficult task, and it is with amazing mastery that Ms. Grace reveals to us the hardships and fear the heroine must endure. The only strike, albeit minimal, I might put against this work is the length of time the reader must read about Elsewhere, while she is an observer only to the life and activities going on around her. However, as said, the writing is so compelling, one cannot but continue, and thus reap the rewards. The first half of the book is riveting; the second half is a rollercoaster of tenderness, empathy, and passion that will not let you rest. The ending was unforeseen and had me running to my laptop in glee, wanting to capture and evoke the powerhouse I’ve just finished.
Very well done!
I purchased this book online and have given this review freely and without compensation of any kind.
Dr. Quinn Godspeed is a genius driven to save or improve the lives of those stricken with infirmity in an era when fiddling with “God’s Plan” is not to be tolerated. Nevertheless, and in spite of the danger he might bring upon himself, Godspeed cannot let those less fortunate in health be tossed out onto society’s refuse heap.
Called “Elsewhere”, because she will give no account of herself, a young woman is thrown out of the only world she has ever known, to fend for herself because she has a weak heart. Found near death, she is taken into a household whose function she cannot understand, yet implicitly trusts. To say her world is turned upside down is an understatement, and by turns the reader is taken on an emotionally draining/exhilarating ride through her highs and lows, both physical and psychological.
Writing in First Person is a difficult task, and it is with amazing mastery that Ms. Grace reveals to us the hardships and fear the heroine must endure. The only strike, albeit minimal, I might put against this work is the length of time the reader must read about Elsewhere, while she is an observer only to the life and activities going on around her. However, as said, the writing is so compelling, one cannot but continue, and thus reap the rewards. The first half of the book is riveting; the second half is a rollercoaster of tenderness, empathy, and passion that will not let you rest. The ending was unforeseen and had me running to my laptop in glee, wanting to capture and evoke the powerhouse I’ve just finished.
Very well done!
I purchased this book online and have given this review freely and without compensation of any kind.
August 8, 2017
So, this book wasn't perfect. I would have liked a bit more characterization of some of the minor characters. They were presented in a way that caught my interest, but I would have liked to have learned more about them. And some characters were introduced and then rarely, if ever, spoken of again (I've been guilty of this in my own writing, so I know it can be hard to avoid).
There were also some plot holes that bugged me a bit. More information about statements characters had made would've tied up some loose ends. Granted, sometimes it's necessary to leave things untied, but these particular ends, I felt, needed some tying (namely with regards to Orchid, Shuyler, and Quinn). It also seemed to end quite suddenly, which can work, but it felt like maybe things could have played out a little longer at the end.
There were also moments that, even though they were part of a fantasy story, seemed a little far-fetched in my mind. I kept questioning how Abigail just knew for a certainty just by looking at Quinn what a genius he was, that she could trust him implicitly, etc. I get intuition, but this seemed a bit of a stretch.
And yet, I have given this book five stars. Why? Because of the reaction it got out of me. I could not put this piece down. I was enthralled. More than enthralled, my emotions were stirred numerous times. It's rare that I find a story that can make me feel so much. When I finished Godspeed, I felt breathless. I had so many feelings running through me. I was so sad it was over. I wanted to take the book up and read it through again just to experience the emotions that the author was able to evoke in me.
I compare this book to a best friend who you know has flaws, some that even irk you considerably. But they are such a great friend to you, and they bring out something in you that no one else does, so those flaws? They really don't affect your view of them; they will always be the best.
There were also some plot holes that bugged me a bit. More information about statements characters had made would've tied up some loose ends. Granted, sometimes it's necessary to leave things untied, but these particular ends, I felt, needed some tying (namely with regards to Orchid, Shuyler, and Quinn). It also seemed to end quite suddenly, which can work, but it felt like maybe things could have played out a little longer at the end.
There were also moments that, even though they were part of a fantasy story, seemed a little far-fetched in my mind. I kept questioning how Abigail just knew for a certainty just by looking at Quinn what a genius he was, that she could trust him implicitly, etc. I get intuition, but this seemed a bit of a stretch.
And yet, I have given this book five stars. Why? Because of the reaction it got out of me. I could not put this piece down. I was enthralled. More than enthralled, my emotions were stirred numerous times. It's rare that I find a story that can make me feel so much. When I finished Godspeed, I felt breathless. I had so many feelings running through me. I was so sad it was over. I wanted to take the book up and read it through again just to experience the emotions that the author was able to evoke in me.
I compare this book to a best friend who you know has flaws, some that even irk you considerably. But they are such a great friend to you, and they bring out something in you that no one else does, so those flaws? They really don't affect your view of them; they will always be the best.
May 28, 2012
What does one say when one reads such a profound and amazing book? GODSPEED is like nothing I have ever read before – part Frankenstein, part love story, part memoir – it is all these things and more.
When Abigail is dismissed from the only home she’s ever known and winds up in the street, the kindness of a stranger thrusts her into a strange fantastical world of one whom can only be called a “mad scientist.” Quinn Godspeed, with his brilliant mind and strange devices, saves Abigail from a weak heart. Without him and his “electric” shocks, she would die.
However, as Abigail comes to love him, she finds Quinn is not a man so easily loved. He pushes her away for ethical reasons, he’s her physician after all, yet, it seems Abigail means more to him than he lets on. Unfortunately, there is another person who loves Quinn as well, and jealousy cannot be quelled. Not until the end of the book do we see the whole story unfold.
February Grace has done an incredible job of keeping us spellbound within the context of the mythical town of Fairever. Her prose is elaborate, but not purple; each and every sentence captivates and forms pictures in the mind. Pain, despair, hope, and in the end, joy, washes over you as the story draws you in. Part Victorian steampunk, the detail with which Grace writes about the machines is superb. The despair in which she feels her unrequited love for Godspeed made me weep. And the physical pain with which she writes, not only from Abigail’s point of view, but the other children as well, only shows how strong a character can be if modeled from personal experience.
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I look forward to reading so much more from February Grace.
When Abigail is dismissed from the only home she’s ever known and winds up in the street, the kindness of a stranger thrusts her into a strange fantastical world of one whom can only be called a “mad scientist.” Quinn Godspeed, with his brilliant mind and strange devices, saves Abigail from a weak heart. Without him and his “electric” shocks, she would die.
However, as Abigail comes to love him, she finds Quinn is not a man so easily loved. He pushes her away for ethical reasons, he’s her physician after all, yet, it seems Abigail means more to him than he lets on. Unfortunately, there is another person who loves Quinn as well, and jealousy cannot be quelled. Not until the end of the book do we see the whole story unfold.
February Grace has done an incredible job of keeping us spellbound within the context of the mythical town of Fairever. Her prose is elaborate, but not purple; each and every sentence captivates and forms pictures in the mind. Pain, despair, hope, and in the end, joy, washes over you as the story draws you in. Part Victorian steampunk, the detail with which Grace writes about the machines is superb. The despair in which she feels her unrequited love for Godspeed made me weep. And the physical pain with which she writes, not only from Abigail’s point of view, but the other children as well, only shows how strong a character can be if modeled from personal experience.
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I look forward to reading so much more from February Grace.
May 14, 2012
First off, I want to talk about February's lyrical style. Her prose are smooth and her descriptions are both striking and rich in detail. The world building in this book was fantastic and I really liked the steam punk atmosphere of this story.
Secondly, I'd like to talk about the characters. I had a hard time with the protagonist at first because I thought she was kind of weak. My initial instincts were to question why the protagonist was so obsessed with Dr. Godspeed.He struck me as the kind of man who was so wrapped up in himself and his work that he didn't realize how he often hurt others with his words and actions. I thought he was insensitive, cold, and unreasonably demanding throughout most of the story. But when I stopped trying to bend the characters to my own taste and really got into the action and intent of the book, I began to see Dr. Godspeed as a kind of Henry Higgins and the protagonist as a sort of Eliza Doolittle.
When I began to see the story as steam punk retelling of My Fair Lady with a much more fascinating and action filled ending,the characters really grew on me. The tension in this novel was perfect, the twist at the end was so well done that I didn't see it coming. The character development of Dr. Godspeed's assistant and closest friend was particularly moving. The scene with the piano (I won't say anymore than that lest I give anything away) was a stroke of genius IMO. An intense and fascinating read.
Secondly, I'd like to talk about the characters. I had a hard time with the protagonist at first because I thought she was kind of weak. My initial instincts were to question why the protagonist was so obsessed with Dr. Godspeed.He struck me as the kind of man who was so wrapped up in himself and his work that he didn't realize how he often hurt others with his words and actions. I thought he was insensitive, cold, and unreasonably demanding throughout most of the story. But when I stopped trying to bend the characters to my own taste and really got into the action and intent of the book, I began to see Dr. Godspeed as a kind of Henry Higgins and the protagonist as a sort of Eliza Doolittle.
When I began to see the story as steam punk retelling of My Fair Lady with a much more fascinating and action filled ending,the characters really grew on me. The tension in this novel was perfect, the twist at the end was so well done that I didn't see it coming. The character development of Dr. Godspeed's assistant and closest friend was particularly moving. The scene with the piano (I won't say anymore than that lest I give anything away) was a stroke of genius IMO. An intense and fascinating read.
April 20, 2012
Wow... what a story! What a beautiful, enchanting story! Upon finishing Godspeed, I was actually left speechless.
I loved the characters. LOVED them! Abigail was such a likable heroine; she was strong-willed, even if she wasn't physically strong, and wise beyond her years without being unbelievable or unrelatable. Dr. Godspeed was by far my favorite. Ms. Grace really struck a balance with him -- he was mysterious and aloof, but not so much that he was a jerk, and his redeeming caring nature was written just right, not overdone to be unbelievable. (Can you tell I have an issue with books being unbelievable? This book, however, was as real to me as life itself.)
I also really, really liked Lilibet, a character who is introduced later. Ms. Grace wrote her character perfectly.
Both the anticipation of romance and the plot's unexpected twists kept me reading chapter after chapter without stopping. That phrase "couldn't put it down" is sometimes overused, but I mean it when I say, I could not put Godspeed down. By the end, I didn't want to turn off my e-reader. I didn't want to leave the world of Dr. Godspeed, Abigail, Schuyler and friends.
THAT is how you know a book is phenomenal.
Ten out of five stars to February Grace's Godspeed. But since Goodreads only allows a maximum of five, five it will be.
I loved the characters. LOVED them! Abigail was such a likable heroine; she was strong-willed, even if she wasn't physically strong, and wise beyond her years without being unbelievable or unrelatable. Dr. Godspeed was by far my favorite. Ms. Grace really struck a balance with him -- he was mysterious and aloof, but not so much that he was a jerk, and his redeeming caring nature was written just right, not overdone to be unbelievable. (Can you tell I have an issue with books being unbelievable? This book, however, was as real to me as life itself.)
I also really, really liked Lilibet, a character who is introduced later. Ms. Grace wrote her character perfectly.
Both the anticipation of romance and the plot's unexpected twists kept me reading chapter after chapter without stopping. That phrase "couldn't put it down" is sometimes overused, but I mean it when I say, I could not put Godspeed down. By the end, I didn't want to turn off my e-reader. I didn't want to leave the world of Dr. Godspeed, Abigail, Schuyler and friends.
THAT is how you know a book is phenomenal.
Ten out of five stars to February Grace's Godspeed. But since Goodreads only allows a maximum of five, five it will be.
October 11, 2013
I happened across this book by chance, and am I ever glad I did. I had a little trouble early on discerning the setting (historical vs dystopian-blasted-back-to-primative-living), but it was my first experience with steampunk, and my first experience with author February Grace.
I'm not sure where to begin describing her writing. The prose is eloquent and rich, but not purple. When one examines it line by line, there's quite a bit of telling, but it doesn't feel that way.
All I know is the POV is close, the pacing is brisk, the characters are multi-dimentional and extremely well developed, and the story moved me.
The woman has a way with words.
If you're looking for a good romance with a medical/sci-fi twist, this is your story. A solid 5 stars.
I'm not sure where to begin describing her writing. The prose is eloquent and rich, but not purple. When one examines it line by line, there's quite a bit of telling, but it doesn't feel that way.
All I know is the POV is close, the pacing is brisk, the characters are multi-dimentional and extremely well developed, and the story moved me.
The woman has a way with words.
If you're looking for a good romance with a medical/sci-fi twist, this is your story. A solid 5 stars.
May 11, 2012
I really fell in love with this book. At first, I wanted the MC to "take charge" and direct her own fate, but I blame that on my tendency to read young adult. Once I reframed that in my head, I was able to see how earnest and beautiful the prose was.
For me, the novel was a mixture of romance, gothic (a la Mary Shelley's Frankenstein), Steampunk, and paranormal. The mystery surrounding Godspeed pulled me in and refused to let go, right to the end.
I thought the characters were brightly painted and endearing. I wish I could spend more time with them!
Can't wait to read more of February's work.
August 29, 2012
A powerful story of the desire to live and love, to belong.
The writing is contemporary, but with echoes of the style of a century ago. Works perfectly. Cory Doctorow channelled Dickens for one of his recent Steampunk short stories (can't remember the name) and I was hooked by how well that modern twist on an old and loved style worked. I felt Godspeed did the same with the style of the old romance novels, like those of Grace Livingston Hill.
Godspeed is a steampunk story where magic doesn't do away with agony, but miracles -- love -- are still possible.
The writing is contemporary, but with echoes of the style of a century ago. Works perfectly. Cory Doctorow channelled Dickens for one of his recent Steampunk short stories (can't remember the name) and I was hooked by how well that modern twist on an old and loved style worked. I felt Godspeed did the same with the style of the old romance novels, like those of Grace Livingston Hill.
Godspeed is a steampunk story where magic doesn't do away with agony, but miracles -- love -- are still possible.
May 31, 2012
In her unique, lyrical style, February Grace uses beautiful language and rich descriptions to give us a novel full of mystery, danger, intriguing characters, and romance. Abigail and Quinn’s story hooked me from the first page and wouldn’t let go until the end. My only regrets in reading it were that I should have picked it up sooner, and I was sorry when it was over.
Read
April 20, 2012I beta read an early version of this and absolutely loved it! Couldn't wait to get each section from the author as she completed it.
I am looking forward to reading the finished version.
I am looking forward to reading the finished version.
Read
June 29, 2012This beautifully written story has a bit of romance, a bit of mystery, a bit of steampunk, and a whole lot of heart. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 24, 2019
Boring. We don’t know anything about this girl before she’s rendered completely and utterly useless. She doesn’t do anything. She doesn’t hardly say anything. She’s an experiment for a scientist whom she falls immediately in love with.
But for a stupid reason she won’t tell her saviors her name or where she comes from. And they won’t explain anything either, for no good reason other than to keep the reader in suspense... except it’s utterly obvious from the beginning. So it’s wholly boring.
The writing was pretty but unnecessarily descriptive considering nothing really happens. It felt like a novella stretched into what barely could be considered a book.
God... the drama....
But for a stupid reason she won’t tell her saviors her name or where she comes from. And they won’t explain anything either, for no good reason other than to keep the reader in suspense... except it’s utterly obvious from the beginning. So it’s wholly boring.
The writing was pretty but unnecessarily descriptive considering nothing really happens. It felt like a novella stretched into what barely could be considered a book.
God... the drama....
October 21, 2013
From the moment Godspeed started, I was in for the long run. A twist of sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk, romance, and YA, this is pretty much the perfect novel for a range of readers. I enjoyed every single moment of reading Godspeed, and I devoured it in under 24 hours (which is a feat because I am so very busy at the moment). There was not one second where I wanted to put Godspeed down, nor one second when my attention wavered from what Grace was telling me through her writing.
The writing. I have never come across a novel written in such beautiful lyrical prose as that in Godspeed. It was so engaging, and splendid; I am absolutely in love with it. The way Grace weaves the story through this writing style is simply just magical.
Abigail is kind of an odd main character. She doesn’t possess an overly strong voice, or character traits, which is actually really interesting. Because of her quietness, for lack of a better word, it was as if I could project myself onto her very easily. Which was really fun, to be honest. I felt as if I was experiencing everything that Abigail was, because I could almost imagine that I was her. Her emotions shone through the strongest, and what emotions they were! I was in love with how in love Abigail was with Godspeed. It was heartbreaking, really. But I shan’t say any more about it, for risk of ruining many a surprise!
Godspeed himself is the epitome of swoon-worthy. A mix between Mr.Darcy, Frankenstein, and the Beast, there was no hope for me when it came to falling hopelessly in love with this book boy (man). He is the epitome of the stand-offish yet completely charming gentleman. He even wears overcoats and waistcoats – can it get any better than this? No, I say. NO. Godspeed is definitely one of my favourite love interests. Tortured scientists are always a draw in for this young woman.
Godspeed wasn’t a busy novel, nor was it action-packed. But I am a self-professed lover of books that follow lives. Not to say that Godspeed was slow, because it most definitely wasn’t. It focussed more on intrigue and a kind of suspense, rather than bam-bam-bam action all the time. And, I, for one, love those kind of stories. They allow me to really immerse myself in the world created by the author, and to connect to the characters and the going-ons within the pages, which I wholeheartedly appreciate.
There’s not too much more that I can say about Godspeed, except that I can definitely see myself re-reading this wonderful novel sometime in the future. I would absolutely LOVE to own a paperback, just for easy access, and the gorgeous cover. I think this story would be even more beautiful on paper.
I highly recommend Godspeed to readers who enjoy any of the genres I mentioned at the beginning of the review, as I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed in the slightest!
© 2013, Chiara @ Books For A Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
The writing. I have never come across a novel written in such beautiful lyrical prose as that in Godspeed. It was so engaging, and splendid; I am absolutely in love with it. The way Grace weaves the story through this writing style is simply just magical.
Abigail is kind of an odd main character. She doesn’t possess an overly strong voice, or character traits, which is actually really interesting. Because of her quietness, for lack of a better word, it was as if I could project myself onto her very easily. Which was really fun, to be honest. I felt as if I was experiencing everything that Abigail was, because I could almost imagine that I was her. Her emotions shone through the strongest, and what emotions they were! I was in love with how in love Abigail was with Godspeed. It was heartbreaking, really. But I shan’t say any more about it, for risk of ruining many a surprise!
Godspeed himself is the epitome of swoon-worthy. A mix between Mr.Darcy, Frankenstein, and the Beast, there was no hope for me when it came to falling hopelessly in love with this book boy (man). He is the epitome of the stand-offish yet completely charming gentleman. He even wears overcoats and waistcoats – can it get any better than this? No, I say. NO. Godspeed is definitely one of my favourite love interests. Tortured scientists are always a draw in for this young woman.
Godspeed wasn’t a busy novel, nor was it action-packed. But I am a self-professed lover of books that follow lives. Not to say that Godspeed was slow, because it most definitely wasn’t. It focussed more on intrigue and a kind of suspense, rather than bam-bam-bam action all the time. And, I, for one, love those kind of stories. They allow me to really immerse myself in the world created by the author, and to connect to the characters and the going-ons within the pages, which I wholeheartedly appreciate.
There’s not too much more that I can say about Godspeed, except that I can definitely see myself re-reading this wonderful novel sometime in the future. I would absolutely LOVE to own a paperback, just for easy access, and the gorgeous cover. I think this story would be even more beautiful on paper.
I highly recommend Godspeed to readers who enjoy any of the genres I mentioned at the beginning of the review, as I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed in the slightest!
© 2013, Chiara @ Books For A Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
March 9, 2014
I won this book in a contest, and I'm so glad I did. Don't be fooled by the slimness of this volume; the book has an amazing world and story. I had tears in my eyes as I read the conclusion. Although I didn't want the story to end, it is fully-realized and complete, all heart and all kindness, plus the other range of human emotions: loss, anger, sadness, fear, destruction: but above all, love.
Godspeed is the story of a young servant girl who is turned out from her employ after an illness. She is rescued from certain death by a man named Schuyler, who runs a shop that sells arts and antiquities. But her life is actually saved by Doctor Quinn Godspeed, a man cloaked in secrecy, and one who breaks the law to keep her heart beating. More I do not want to say, as it will spoil the story; you just need to read it for yourself.
The book is beautifully written in the voice of our servant girl, who refuses to tell her saviors her name; at first for fear they'll turn her out as well, and then as a small rebellion. The author never wavers from the voice of the girl; it is never marred by language that would not have been used at that (albeit imaginary) time. As the girl's heart gains strength, so does her love. From another writer with a less-deft hand, this could have either tilted into great annoyance and melancholy, or it could have been incredibly sappy, but instead was perfect. You love the girl, you love Schuyler and Dr. Godspeed (well, perhaps him not quite as much, since he seems far too preoccupied with his work and less with the humans around him), you love the other characters the girl comes to know.
Although it is never spelled out, it seems the book is set in the middle of the Industrial Age in a city not unlike London of that time; air- and steam-ships and railroads are common, but advances in medical science are feared because that means interfering with the workings of God's creation.
I had two small quibbles with the book. One, with all that Schuyler does to keep the characters fed and the time he spends making them clothing, I find it hard to believe he also had time to run his store! Second, and this is just because I am a visual person, I would have loved if the author had included a floorplan of the house and shop; I couldn't quite figure out how all the rooms fit together.
Otherwise, a perfectly lovely read, one I really love and will treasure and read again. I look forward to getting this author's future works!
Godspeed is the story of a young servant girl who is turned out from her employ after an illness. She is rescued from certain death by a man named Schuyler, who runs a shop that sells arts and antiquities. But her life is actually saved by Doctor Quinn Godspeed, a man cloaked in secrecy, and one who breaks the law to keep her heart beating. More I do not want to say, as it will spoil the story; you just need to read it for yourself.
The book is beautifully written in the voice of our servant girl, who refuses to tell her saviors her name; at first for fear they'll turn her out as well, and then as a small rebellion. The author never wavers from the voice of the girl; it is never marred by language that would not have been used at that (albeit imaginary) time. As the girl's heart gains strength, so does her love. From another writer with a less-deft hand, this could have either tilted into great annoyance and melancholy, or it could have been incredibly sappy, but instead was perfect. You love the girl, you love Schuyler and Dr. Godspeed (well, perhaps him not quite as much, since he seems far too preoccupied with his work and less with the humans around him), you love the other characters the girl comes to know.
Although it is never spelled out, it seems the book is set in the middle of the Industrial Age in a city not unlike London of that time; air- and steam-ships and railroads are common, but advances in medical science are feared because that means interfering with the workings of God's creation.
I had two small quibbles with the book. One, with all that Schuyler does to keep the characters fed and the time he spends making them clothing, I find it hard to believe he also had time to run his store! Second, and this is just because I am a visual person, I would have loved if the author had included a floorplan of the house and shop; I couldn't quite figure out how all the rooms fit together.
Otherwise, a perfectly lovely read, one I really love and will treasure and read again. I look forward to getting this author's future works!
August 6, 2016
Read this review and many more at To Another World
I received a free copy for review of this book from Fiction Addiction Blog Tours, courtesy of the author. This does not affect my review in any way possible, nor does the fact that the blog tour will be advertised.
I'd never actually read a steampunk before this book, though I knew what it was all about, and I wasn't entirely sure to expect, so that's something you guys need to keep in mind as I write this review!
The first chapter, though particularly the first paragraph, was really interesting, and the back story in the first few pages makes you wonder where the story is going to go.
"I WAS RAISED in and among the beautiful, well-tended gardens
just beyond the city of Fairever, though the residence in which I
lived was never mine.
My earliest memories are of spring… of days spent contentedly
hiding amidst graceful, gossamer willow branches as they curtsied
in the afternoon breeze."
For a large part of the book, there is lots of description. In a way, it feels like there should be more dialogue, but there's no need for it. A big part of this book was how everything was described in so much detail, particularly the emotions of the characters. It makes it furtherly intriguing! The descriptions and emotions used in this are beautiful. Only in a few places did the detail feel like too much.
Physically, I wasn't gripped to the book, because there wasn't a huge amount of action during it and I didn't feel connected; but I still felt the name to keep reading it. However, there is a big block of action near to the end.
I think the reason why I didn't feel particularly connected or gripped to this book was the fact that it was probably for older readers. I'm a younger reader of YA, because I have the maturity, but realistically it's actually for readers slightly older than me, who have more patience. And, in all honesty, it wasn't really what I like to read.
A couple of quote loves:
"Every feature had been erased of emotions, leaving
the slate completely blank."
"I STRUGGLED FOR AIR; gasping, halting breaths of atmosphere
too thick to be contained by my constricting lungs."
So, overall, this wasn't the worst read, but I think it's for people of around 15+ who don't mind there not being much going on.
I received a free copy for review of this book from Fiction Addiction Blog Tours, courtesy of the author. This does not affect my review in any way possible, nor does the fact that the blog tour will be advertised.
I'd never actually read a steampunk before this book, though I knew what it was all about, and I wasn't entirely sure to expect, so that's something you guys need to keep in mind as I write this review!
The first chapter, though particularly the first paragraph, was really interesting, and the back story in the first few pages makes you wonder where the story is going to go.
"I WAS RAISED in and among the beautiful, well-tended gardens
just beyond the city of Fairever, though the residence in which I
lived was never mine.
My earliest memories are of spring… of days spent contentedly
hiding amidst graceful, gossamer willow branches as they curtsied
in the afternoon breeze."
For a large part of the book, there is lots of description. In a way, it feels like there should be more dialogue, but there's no need for it. A big part of this book was how everything was described in so much detail, particularly the emotions of the characters. It makes it furtherly intriguing! The descriptions and emotions used in this are beautiful. Only in a few places did the detail feel like too much.
Physically, I wasn't gripped to the book, because there wasn't a huge amount of action during it and I didn't feel connected; but I still felt the name to keep reading it. However, there is a big block of action near to the end.
I think the reason why I didn't feel particularly connected or gripped to this book was the fact that it was probably for older readers. I'm a younger reader of YA, because I have the maturity, but realistically it's actually for readers slightly older than me, who have more patience. And, in all honesty, it wasn't really what I like to read.
A couple of quote loves:
"Every feature had been erased of emotions, leaving
the slate completely blank."
"I STRUGGLED FOR AIR; gasping, halting breaths of atmosphere
too thick to be contained by my constricting lungs."
So, overall, this wasn't the worst read, but I think it's for people of around 15+ who don't mind there not being much going on.
October 17, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Godspeed is a YA steampunk/romance that is reminiscent of great medical ethics works like Frankenstein and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This is the type of novel I would love to discuss in one of my Philosophy classes. Such a deeply moving story about a man who is an enigma wrapped in a conundrum and the young woman whose life he saves through extreme measures.
Abigail Courage is a servant, mortally wounded as a result of the Dread Fever and turned out into the streets to die. She is rescued by Schuyler Algernon and ultimately saved by the scientific genius of Quinn Godspeed. The poor girl is thrust into a world of pain and confusion as her body tries to recover from the drastic surgeries to save her life. I loved Abigail's character, enjoyed seeing this new world and Quinn through her eyes. It's not surprising at all that she'd develop feelings for the man who saved her life.
Quinn Godspeed is an unusually gifted man. I would love to read the novel from his perspective, though I have a feeling I'd get lost somewhere along the way trying to keep up with his genius. Part humanitarian, part mad scientist, he just pulled at my heartstrings. Schuyler is intriguing in his own right. As the story progressed and more is revealed about this complicated man, my heart ached for him.
I loved the group of secondary characters, 'the freaks', as young Jib likes to call the lot of them. Several teens who have benefitted from Quinn's more outrageous medical experimentation. Though I loved how the story ended, I wouldn't mind a sequel featuring more of these teens, and definitely more romance between Quinn and Abigail! February Grace does such an excellent job writing; her prose flows out like lyrical verse. I was so drawn into the story that I completely missed a phone call...never heard my iPhone ring (and the ringtone is rather loud).
I highly recommend Godspeed to everyone middle school and up that enjoys an engrossing, fast-paced read. It was so different from most of the novels I've read lately, and a refreshing change at that. The romance is sweet, with a very innocent quality to it. Frankly, I loved everything about this book. Don't forget to bring the tissues...you'll need them.
Godspeed is a YA steampunk/romance that is reminiscent of great medical ethics works like Frankenstein and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This is the type of novel I would love to discuss in one of my Philosophy classes. Such a deeply moving story about a man who is an enigma wrapped in a conundrum and the young woman whose life he saves through extreme measures.
Abigail Courage is a servant, mortally wounded as a result of the Dread Fever and turned out into the streets to die. She is rescued by Schuyler Algernon and ultimately saved by the scientific genius of Quinn Godspeed. The poor girl is thrust into a world of pain and confusion as her body tries to recover from the drastic surgeries to save her life. I loved Abigail's character, enjoyed seeing this new world and Quinn through her eyes. It's not surprising at all that she'd develop feelings for the man who saved her life.
Quinn Godspeed is an unusually gifted man. I would love to read the novel from his perspective, though I have a feeling I'd get lost somewhere along the way trying to keep up with his genius. Part humanitarian, part mad scientist, he just pulled at my heartstrings. Schuyler is intriguing in his own right. As the story progressed and more is revealed about this complicated man, my heart ached for him.
I loved the group of secondary characters, 'the freaks', as young Jib likes to call the lot of them. Several teens who have benefitted from Quinn's more outrageous medical experimentation. Though I loved how the story ended, I wouldn't mind a sequel featuring more of these teens, and definitely more romance between Quinn and Abigail! February Grace does such an excellent job writing; her prose flows out like lyrical verse. I was so drawn into the story that I completely missed a phone call...never heard my iPhone ring (and the ringtone is rather loud).
I highly recommend Godspeed to everyone middle school and up that enjoys an engrossing, fast-paced read. It was so different from most of the novels I've read lately, and a refreshing change at that. The romance is sweet, with a very innocent quality to it. Frankly, I loved everything about this book. Don't forget to bring the tissues...you'll need them.
February 22, 2017
The synopsis makes the plot of this book sound interesting and compelling. When the opportunity to read and review came up, I was curious to see if the book was as good as it sounded, or if the blurb gave everything way. Luckily for me, it was even more interesting than the blurb made it seem! With flavors of steam-punk, turn-of-the-century living, and true love, this book gave me a wonderful night of reading.
The characters in this story are all interesting, and wonderful in their own ways. I adore Abigail- she is someone I can relate to completely, and I love seeing her in this incredible situation. Schuyler is a hoot! He completely shocked me half way through the book, taking the story to a whole new level of interest. Godspeed is a wonderful character- he reminds me very much of a medical Sherlock Holmes, with his intense and abrasive, somewhat unsympathetic characteristics and personality. Not that he is a mean character, in any way, but simply a brilliant genius, who tends toward eccentric behavior, which is entertaining.
The writing immediately reminded me of a Jane Austen novel. February Grace is a very good writer- she had me laughing, crying, and on the edge of my seat throughout the book, and I couldn't imagine this story being any better. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone.
*I was given a complimentary eCopy of this book, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2015
Beautifully written, this book captivates from the first page to the last. Told from the eyes of Abigail Courage, a young woman working as a house servant who becomes ill and is turned out to the streets, it follows her as she journeys into that strange middle ground between life and death - where one simply exists, wondering their purpose and what is to become of them.
Though categorized as Steampunk, the genre is not used in a heavy-handed fashion. Instead, it is intricately worked into the threads of the story, allowing the unbelievable to be believable to the reader, including the idea of a Victorian-era pacemaker that Doctor Quinn Godspeed installs into Abigail's chest to save her life. It has a small touch of Dr. Frankenstein meeting the dark ingenious nature of Sherlock Holmes. There were many twists and turns as the mystery behind Godspeed unravels, along with the story of Abigail's new caretaker, Algernon.
Though Abigail does appear to cry quite a bit within the book, the rest of her character is quite enjoyable. The story, however, is not so much centred on her as it on Godspeed, Algernon and the group of young folk they have been helping overcome various medical ailments by twisting the technology and 'scientific ethics' of the time period. The relationship that slowly develops between Abigail and Godspeed also served as a good reason to keep turning pages.
We recommend reading, at the very least, the preview available on Amazon. It only took me a few pages to decide that $3 was well worth spending to experience this delightful book.
Though categorized as Steampunk, the genre is not used in a heavy-handed fashion. Instead, it is intricately worked into the threads of the story, allowing the unbelievable to be believable to the reader, including the idea of a Victorian-era pacemaker that Doctor Quinn Godspeed installs into Abigail's chest to save her life. It has a small touch of Dr. Frankenstein meeting the dark ingenious nature of Sherlock Holmes. There were many twists and turns as the mystery behind Godspeed unravels, along with the story of Abigail's new caretaker, Algernon.
Though Abigail does appear to cry quite a bit within the book, the rest of her character is quite enjoyable. The story, however, is not so much centred on her as it on Godspeed, Algernon and the group of young folk they have been helping overcome various medical ailments by twisting the technology and 'scientific ethics' of the time period. The relationship that slowly develops between Abigail and Godspeed also served as a good reason to keep turning pages.
We recommend reading, at the very least, the preview available on Amazon. It only took me a few pages to decide that $3 was well worth spending to experience this delightful book.
February 4, 2014
I first came across this books on Wattpad, I wasn't sure what it was about and judging from the title I didn't think I would be interested.
I was so wrong. (Thankfully)
Miss February Grace writes with an old fashioned prose that fits with the style and timframe of the storyline. I was captured by the uniqueness of the story and all the characters that went along with it. The steampunk side of the story is not something that I've read lately, but I love the idea and I'm craving more.
The main character is a doozy. She's head-over-heels, but not in a bad way. She's an interesting character, weak, but at the same time strong in her own way. The dynamic between her & him is not too rushed, you can feel the two of them slowly building trust and acceptance. The relationships between characters is dynamic and well written. The conversations are not forced, but flow alongside the plot.
There were some parts that I felt were lacking substance. I do wish that she went more in depth about some of the side characters and their back stories, but I was still satisfied with what I read about them.
The ending was wonderful in that after I finished the book, I re-read the last few chapters several times in order to let it sink in.
This book is artfully written and definitely deserves some more attention.
Read!
I was so wrong. (Thankfully)
Miss February Grace writes with an old fashioned prose that fits with the style and timframe of the storyline. I was captured by the uniqueness of the story and all the characters that went along with it. The steampunk side of the story is not something that I've read lately, but I love the idea and I'm craving more.
The main character is a doozy. She's head-over-heels, but not in a bad way. She's an interesting character, weak, but at the same time strong in her own way. The dynamic between her & him is not too rushed, you can feel the two of them slowly building trust and acceptance. The relationships between characters is dynamic and well written. The conversations are not forced, but flow alongside the plot.
There were some parts that I felt were lacking substance. I do wish that she went more in depth about some of the side characters and their back stories, but I was still satisfied with what I read about them.
The ending was wonderful in that after I finished the book, I re-read the last few chapters several times in order to let it sink in.
This book is artfully written and definitely deserves some more attention.
Read!
March 9, 2015
Godspeed is not my first foray into steampunk (I have lot's of machine embroidery patterns that are steampunk oriented, actually, and they're beautiful). I think the first book I tried was by Susan Dennard-- Something Strange and Deadly, or something like that.
I didn't like that book.
And I'm sorry to say that I was under-impressed when it came to Godspeed.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad book, but it left too many unanswered questions that it should have answered at the end. This girl Abigail who was the daughter of servants, why was she so intent on keeping her name a secret? So what if they knew?
Why did Quinn Godspeed decide to save her of all people?
And for that matter-- the man created a pacemaker-- whoop-de-do.
Like I said, too many unanswered questions for me. But this wasn't a bad book.
I didn't like that book.
And I'm sorry to say that I was under-impressed when it came to Godspeed.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad book, but it left too many unanswered questions that it should have answered at the end. This girl Abigail who was the daughter of servants, why was she so intent on keeping her name a secret? So what if they knew?
Why did Quinn Godspeed decide to save her of all people?
And for that matter-- the man created a pacemaker-- whoop-de-do.
Like I said, too many unanswered questions for me. But this wasn't a bad book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2015
I downloaded this book because-
1. It was free
2. It seemed a bit steampunkish and Iove me some steampunk.
I am so pleased I followed my gut on this one and decided to snatch it up. I really enjoyed everything about this book. The characters, the story, the time period. It seems quite a lot of research went into the writing of this book. The only thing I wish had been different was that I wish the author would have gone deeper into Schuyler and Quinn's back story and history. I feel like we missed quite a bit of the story involving Orchid, the engagement ring, etcetera, but these were some of the aspects that added to the over-all suspenseful feeling of the story so I just wish there had been more explanation. All in all a great story and a pretty breezy read.
1. It was free
2. It seemed a bit steampunkish and Iove me some steampunk.
I am so pleased I followed my gut on this one and decided to snatch it up. I really enjoyed everything about this book. The characters, the story, the time period. It seems quite a lot of research went into the writing of this book. The only thing I wish had been different was that I wish the author would have gone deeper into Schuyler and Quinn's back story and history. I feel like we missed quite a bit of the story involving Orchid, the engagement ring, etcetera, but these were some of the aspects that added to the over-all suspenseful feeling of the story so I just wish there had been more explanation. All in all a great story and a pretty breezy read.
October 2, 2015
While generally a fun, interesting novel, the book had too many flaws for me to like it more. Such as:
* So. Much. Crying. Seriously, at first I enjoyed the fact that Abigail was emotional as it's a nice break from many heroes. However, she quite literally cried in almost every single chapter. It stopped being a good character trait and started being really, really annoying. It robbed any scene of real emotional agency because it happened all. The. Time.
* The romance had such weird pacing. Abigail lived too early, Godspeed too late.
* the whole fight between Godspeed and Schuyler - I don't know. It didn't sit right and felt shoehorned in. Like they needed a 'bad guy' and couldn't figure out another way.
* So. Much. Crying. Seriously, at first I enjoyed the fact that Abigail was emotional as it's a nice break from many heroes. However, she quite literally cried in almost every single chapter. It stopped being a good character trait and started being really, really annoying. It robbed any scene of real emotional agency because it happened all. The. Time.
* The romance had such weird pacing. Abigail lived too early, Godspeed too late.
* the whole fight between Godspeed and Schuyler - I don't know. It didn't sit right and felt shoehorned in. Like they needed a 'bad guy' and couldn't figure out another way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2013
Godspeed is a story about misfits in a society where the sick and the broken are not welcome. It's about longing and finding a place to fit. Mostly, it is a about a young girl who would rather be Elsewhere until she finds a way into the heart of the emotionally closed off but noble Doctor Quinn Godspeed.
February Grace's strengths as a writer lie in her beautiful use of language and the care with which she paints a picture of her characters on the page. Godspeed is a romance with elements of steampunk and a nice doff of the hat to Frankenstein along the way with its Gothic/Victorian style setting and style. An enjoyable read.
February Grace's strengths as a writer lie in her beautiful use of language and the care with which she paints a picture of her characters on the page. Godspeed is a romance with elements of steampunk and a nice doff of the hat to Frankenstein along the way with its Gothic/Victorian style setting and style. An enjoyable read.
June 10, 2014
This is a wonderfully fantastic book that really spoke to me about finding your true home, your true family, and being able to trust your heart. Author February Grace described this book as a steampunk romance, and I could definitely get a sense of the steampunk vibe through her rich description, but it didn't overpower the true heart of the story - the story of Dr. Quinn Godspeed and Abigail. Their story could not be complete without the wonderful secondary characters. In fact, I don't see them as secondary characters at all, I see them part of the family ensemble that helps to make Abigail's heart stronger after suffering such heartbreak.
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