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The Crown Phoenix #2
Lamplighter's Special
Lizzie and her sister are forced to work in a huge manor and on a steamship to support their family.
They are caught up in several mysteries:
The squire’s oldest son cannot leave the attic
An old typewriter seems to move time and space
A passenger hides in a secret room
A beautiful visitor is plotting against them
And Lizzie discovers that she has a strange, new ability.
She and her sister must discover the secrets of The Lamplighter’s Special before their enemy catches up with them.
"DeLuca writes in an enjoyable faux-Victorian voice, capturing the ‘prim and proper’ spirit of the times while simultaneously subtly critiquing conventions (for example, the Marchpane’s treatment of Mana, a black governess). Mostly, the style gives the novel both a lightness of touch and, when the voice is at its strongest, an authenticity.”
They are caught up in several mysteries:
The squire’s oldest son cannot leave the attic
An old typewriter seems to move time and space
A passenger hides in a secret room
A beautiful visitor is plotting against them
And Lizzie discovers that she has a strange, new ability.
She and her sister must discover the secrets of The Lamplighter’s Special before their enemy catches up with them.
"DeLuca writes in an enjoyable faux-Victorian voice, capturing the ‘prim and proper’ spirit of the times while simultaneously subtly critiquing conventions (for example, the Marchpane’s treatment of Mana, a black governess). Mostly, the style gives the novel both a lightness of touch and, when the voice is at its strongest, an authenticity.”
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2011
3 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Alison DeLuca
13 books140 followersAlison DeLuca is the author of several steampunk and urban fantasy books. She was born in Arizona and has also lived in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Mexico, Ireland, and Spain.
Currently she wrestles words and laundry in New Jersey.
Currently she wrestles words and laundry in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 11, 2012
Much much much better than the first!! I really enjoyed this one over the first. For starters the weaving of the character events from chapter to chapter worked so much better not only for the pacing of the events but it felt more fluid reading it. The first book felt like I was chopped off from Simon and Miriam after they were kidnapped and a great deal of time was spent with Neil and Riki on the island while rescuing Mana.
The ending of Devil's Kitchen felt a little rushed in terms of how things were wrapped up. Everything seemed to simple. The dealings with the headmasters were believeable, but the dealings with the Marchpanes and the Cantwells felt like things were way to simple. Dealing with the fact that the pair were producing a drug that they were actively administering and testing on people felt to be much greater than a simple "ok stop that now".
Overall this book had a lot more errors which was incredibly disappointing give the fact that I got to 50% of the way through the first book before having found an error. Despite that fact though I will give it much more props over the first as it flowed much better. I look forward to reading more from this author, I'm so glad to have found her books on Amazon and at the time they were free!! Always a plus to read FREE books and to find a new indie author! The snippet of Devil's Kitchen titled the Lamplighter looked like it dealt with the same characters so I'll be looking for that one!
The ending of Devil's Kitchen felt a little rushed in terms of how things were wrapped up. Everything seemed to simple. The dealings with the headmasters were believeable, but the dealings with the Marchpanes and the Cantwells felt like things were way to simple. Dealing with the fact that the pair were producing a drug that they were actively administering and testing on people felt to be much greater than a simple "ok stop that now".
Overall this book had a lot more errors which was incredibly disappointing give the fact that I got to 50% of the way through the first book before having found an error. Despite that fact though I will give it much more props over the first as it flowed much better. I look forward to reading more from this author, I'm so glad to have found her books on Amazon and at the time they were free!! Always a plus to read FREE books and to find a new indie author! The snippet of Devil's Kitchen titled the Lamplighter looked like it dealt with the same characters so I'll be looking for that one!
December 2, 2012
The Devil's Kitchen (The Crown Phoenix #2) by Alison DeLuca
Page Count: 246
Release Date: 3 October 2012
Publisher: Myrddin Publishing Group
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review as part of the The Crown Phoenix Virtual Book Tour
I was pleasantly surprised by The Devil's Kitchen because I found myself immersed in the same fast-paced plot and entertaining characters from The Night Watchman Express, but with even more nerve and action. Last time, Neil, Miriam, and Simon made discoveries and grew together, but now they've been torn apart and are left to fight their battles alone. It's hard to determine whose predicament is the most dangerous out of the three children, but they all sound pretty dreadful: Neil starts off with those he trusts the most, but the perils enshrouding the throne of Lampala that he is inevitably tangled up in, make it clear he is nowhere near safe; Miriam is thrown into a dungeon and forced to work in a gruesome, but mysterious factory; and Simon is abducted to a place where he is physically pampered, but severely emotionally abused. Each of them use their wits and take advantage of the gift of chance when it comes to them, but in the end, none of them know whether they'll make it back home—if there even is a home to come back to.
Many of the questions and uncertainties raised by Miriam's late father's company, Pearson's Pharmaceuticals, are clarified through the introduction of a heinous, world-bending drug cartel, as well. The three kids somehow get in the middle of this high-risk endeavor, and they must rely only on quick judgment and wise thinking in order to get out. It was interesting to see how the background information tied together cleanly in the second book to explain the obscurities of the first. Overall it's very closely tied to the first book in the series, so I highly suggest you read The Night Watchman Express before this one.
DeLuca maintains a consistent style—reading this book didn't feel any different from reading her last. It is sometimes unnecessarily descriptive and oftentimes lacks the suspense necessary to follow the plot, but it's direct and fairly well executed. Not too many complaints in this area.
As a children's story, it has a gratifying happy ending, in which the good guys win—of course. Predictable, but not unenjoyable; I was rooting for Simon, Miriam, and Neil and their allies the entire time! But the ending isn't so clean-cut so that there's nothing left to be explained or further followed. In fact, there's a rather large cliffhanger that suggests, even though the journey is over, a new one is soon to begin.
Pros: More dangerous and exciting than, as well as a smooth continuation of, The Night Watchman Express.
Cons: Sort of falsely childish in tone... I'm not sure how many children would act exactly as Miriam would, realistically.
Verdict: A grittier, more adventurous, and more exciting sequel that is recommended only to those who were left hanging after the first installment in The Crown Phoenix series. The Devil's Kitchen has more action than The Night Watchman Express, yet it still maintains the Edwardian charm and DeLuca's straightforward style found in the first book. Would not make a very good stand-alone novel.
7 hearts - Not without flaws, but overall enjoyable.
Page Count: 246
Release Date: 3 October 2012
Publisher: Myrddin Publishing Group
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review as part of the The Crown Phoenix Virtual Book Tour
I was pleasantly surprised by The Devil's Kitchen because I found myself immersed in the same fast-paced plot and entertaining characters from The Night Watchman Express, but with even more nerve and action. Last time, Neil, Miriam, and Simon made discoveries and grew together, but now they've been torn apart and are left to fight their battles alone. It's hard to determine whose predicament is the most dangerous out of the three children, but they all sound pretty dreadful: Neil starts off with those he trusts the most, but the perils enshrouding the throne of Lampala that he is inevitably tangled up in, make it clear he is nowhere near safe; Miriam is thrown into a dungeon and forced to work in a gruesome, but mysterious factory; and Simon is abducted to a place where he is physically pampered, but severely emotionally abused. Each of them use their wits and take advantage of the gift of chance when it comes to them, but in the end, none of them know whether they'll make it back home—if there even is a home to come back to.
Many of the questions and uncertainties raised by Miriam's late father's company, Pearson's Pharmaceuticals, are clarified through the introduction of a heinous, world-bending drug cartel, as well. The three kids somehow get in the middle of this high-risk endeavor, and they must rely only on quick judgment and wise thinking in order to get out. It was interesting to see how the background information tied together cleanly in the second book to explain the obscurities of the first. Overall it's very closely tied to the first book in the series, so I highly suggest you read The Night Watchman Express before this one.
DeLuca maintains a consistent style—reading this book didn't feel any different from reading her last. It is sometimes unnecessarily descriptive and oftentimes lacks the suspense necessary to follow the plot, but it's direct and fairly well executed. Not too many complaints in this area.
As a children's story, it has a gratifying happy ending, in which the good guys win—of course. Predictable, but not unenjoyable; I was rooting for Simon, Miriam, and Neil and their allies the entire time! But the ending isn't so clean-cut so that there's nothing left to be explained or further followed. In fact, there's a rather large cliffhanger that suggests, even though the journey is over, a new one is soon to begin.
Pros: More dangerous and exciting than, as well as a smooth continuation of, The Night Watchman Express.
Cons: Sort of falsely childish in tone... I'm not sure how many children would act exactly as Miriam would, realistically.
Verdict: A grittier, more adventurous, and more exciting sequel that is recommended only to those who were left hanging after the first installment in The Crown Phoenix series. The Devil's Kitchen has more action than The Night Watchman Express, yet it still maintains the Edwardian charm and DeLuca's straightforward style found in the first book. Would not make a very good stand-alone novel.
7 hearts - Not without flaws, but overall enjoyable.
April 14, 2012
Once again Alison DeLuca hits the ground running in the opening chapters of 'Devil's Kitchen', the second book in 'The Crown Phoenix Series' and the story never stops moving until the last page. While this book is a second novel in a series, `Devil's Kitchen' is written in such a way that it is a stand-alone novel.
In the first book of the series `The Night Watchman Express', we met Miriam, an unhappy young girl who was orphaned when her wealthy industrialist father dies. With no other family, her father's business partners, the Marchpanes, become her guardians. The Marchpanes immediately move into Miriam's house, and take over her father's rooms. (Mrs. Marchpane is deliciously evil.) They make their attempt to gain full control of Miriam's money and her father's company. In book one, Miriam's adventures lead her and Simon, the Marchpane's son to captivity on the train known as the Night Watchman's Express. In this tale, their stories are picked up right where they left off in book one.
The book opens with Miriam and Simon on the terrifying train known as the Night Watchman Express. She is immediately thrown into a prison, the infamous `Devil's Kitchen' and forced to labor in horrible conditions. There are the requisite nasty, cruel people there, but there are also many characters who are kind, caring people.
Miriam's strength and courage make both friends and enemies for her, and her resourcefulness and courage make for a great adventure. Simon also is forced to find his courage and his strength and use his wits to survive the situation that he finds himself in.
Simon is also held captive, in a prison of a very different sort, but one that is a prison nonetheless.
Her former governess, Mana is SO much more than she appears to be on the surface. Mana, her devoted aide Kyoge and Simon's friend Neil return to London for the express purpose of rescuing both Miriam and Simon. They concoct an elaborate scheme which does not go exactly as they planned.
All of the characters are clearly drawn, and the threads of the story are woven seamlessly through each of the protagonist's stories to make a wonderful fantasy adventure.
Just as in the first book of the series, the story is told almost as if it were a fairy tale, but it has a gritty steampunk quality that makes it a perfect rainy weekend read. There is danger, there is darkness, and suspense; there is a serious good vs. evil plot, and sometime evil is not as evil as it wants to be. I found that I was thinking about the characters at the end, and wondering what was going to happen next. This story captured my interest from page one of book one, and kept me turning the pages as fast as I could all the way through it to the end of book two. I enjoyed it immensely, and I am dying for book three!
In the first book of the series `The Night Watchman Express', we met Miriam, an unhappy young girl who was orphaned when her wealthy industrialist father dies. With no other family, her father's business partners, the Marchpanes, become her guardians. The Marchpanes immediately move into Miriam's house, and take over her father's rooms. (Mrs. Marchpane is deliciously evil.) They make their attempt to gain full control of Miriam's money and her father's company. In book one, Miriam's adventures lead her and Simon, the Marchpane's son to captivity on the train known as the Night Watchman's Express. In this tale, their stories are picked up right where they left off in book one.
The book opens with Miriam and Simon on the terrifying train known as the Night Watchman Express. She is immediately thrown into a prison, the infamous `Devil's Kitchen' and forced to labor in horrible conditions. There are the requisite nasty, cruel people there, but there are also many characters who are kind, caring people.
Miriam's strength and courage make both friends and enemies for her, and her resourcefulness and courage make for a great adventure. Simon also is forced to find his courage and his strength and use his wits to survive the situation that he finds himself in.
Simon is also held captive, in a prison of a very different sort, but one that is a prison nonetheless.
Her former governess, Mana is SO much more than she appears to be on the surface. Mana, her devoted aide Kyoge and Simon's friend Neil return to London for the express purpose of rescuing both Miriam and Simon. They concoct an elaborate scheme which does not go exactly as they planned.
All of the characters are clearly drawn, and the threads of the story are woven seamlessly through each of the protagonist's stories to make a wonderful fantasy adventure.
Just as in the first book of the series, the story is told almost as if it were a fairy tale, but it has a gritty steampunk quality that makes it a perfect rainy weekend read. There is danger, there is darkness, and suspense; there is a serious good vs. evil plot, and sometime evil is not as evil as it wants to be. I found that I was thinking about the characters at the end, and wondering what was going to happen next. This story captured my interest from page one of book one, and kept me turning the pages as fast as I could all the way through it to the end of book two. I enjoyed it immensely, and I am dying for book three!
April 29, 2013
This third book in the Crown Phoenix series focuses on Neil's sisters--Lizzie, Ninna and Matilda, and their introduction to the ongoing schemes of the delectably devious Barbara and Valiant Cantwell.
The book follows mainly Lizzie, who is an enjoyable and realistic heroine, and her attempts to deal with her parental drug addiction, life in Edwardian service, and unravel a string of mysteries, including a strange lad in the attic, a macabre typewriter with incredible properties, and a hidden passenger on the Lamplighter's Special. The plot resolves perfectly a bunch of issues from books one and two, and throws a few more into the mix in the process.
There are a few things that make the writing here stand out. First is the detail of the characterisation. All too often female protagonists are weak, poorly written and charictures. Lizzie, in contrast, is strong-willed, smart and resourceful. She commands our affection, not least with how she intially copes with her appalling eye-sight in an era where only the wealthy could manage glasses. Her evolving relationshop with Toby is endearing, and is a pivotal dynamic in the book.
The second thing I love about this series is the intelligence with which it is crafted. In MG/YA fiction there is a strange compulsion to patronise the audience with information dumps, long explanations or deux ex machina. In the Crown Phoenix books we have a gradual progress of revelations about the time-space altering typewriter, how it is being exploited, how the cunning schemes of the Cantwells are being effected, and how the characters learn snippets in parralel with us. It is an intricately crafted work, like a marvellous Edwardian pocketwatch, and I am desperate for the fourth book to be published.
The book follows mainly Lizzie, who is an enjoyable and realistic heroine, and her attempts to deal with her parental drug addiction, life in Edwardian service, and unravel a string of mysteries, including a strange lad in the attic, a macabre typewriter with incredible properties, and a hidden passenger on the Lamplighter's Special. The plot resolves perfectly a bunch of issues from books one and two, and throws a few more into the mix in the process.
There are a few things that make the writing here stand out. First is the detail of the characterisation. All too often female protagonists are weak, poorly written and charictures. Lizzie, in contrast, is strong-willed, smart and resourceful. She commands our affection, not least with how she intially copes with her appalling eye-sight in an era where only the wealthy could manage glasses. Her evolving relationshop with Toby is endearing, and is a pivotal dynamic in the book.
The second thing I love about this series is the intelligence with which it is crafted. In MG/YA fiction there is a strange compulsion to patronise the audience with information dumps, long explanations or deux ex machina. In the Crown Phoenix books we have a gradual progress of revelations about the time-space altering typewriter, how it is being exploited, how the cunning schemes of the Cantwells are being effected, and how the characters learn snippets in parralel with us. It is an intricately crafted work, like a marvellous Edwardian pocketwatch, and I am desperate for the fourth book to be published.
March 10, 2012
Having devoured The Night Watchman Express, the first in the Crown Phoenix series, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Devil’s Kitchen (book 2). I purchased it the very day I finished the first book and can honestly say I’m glad I did!
Devil’s Kitchen is more involved than The Night Watchman Express yet the story flows from one book to the next seamlessly. There is more drama, greater subplots and increased intrigue in Devil’s Kitchen and is so well written, I found myself completely immersed in it.
This booker is a little darker than book 1; all the main characters experience trauma of varying degrees and I found myself sympathising with their predicaments and willing them on in their attempts to escape them. They each have great morals, genuinely care about others and still have the backbone to stand up for themselves.
The author demonstrates great skill crafting her characters; they have real depth. The antagonists are manipulative, cruel and remorseless and these traits jump off the page.
Devil’s Kitchen itself is depicted as a wicked place run by nasty people. Again Ms DeLuca’s superior world-building and descriptive flair creates believable settings that are tangible and interesting.
Again, this Steampunk adventure will appeal to young and older adults alike. The gripping story keeps you hooked to the very end and I, for one, eagerly await publication of the next book in the series, The Lamplighter’s Special.
I would strongly recommend this book and again, would give it more than 5 stars! Alison DeLuca is an incredibly talented author and I wish her every success.
Devil’s Kitchen is more involved than The Night Watchman Express yet the story flows from one book to the next seamlessly. There is more drama, greater subplots and increased intrigue in Devil’s Kitchen and is so well written, I found myself completely immersed in it.
This booker is a little darker than book 1; all the main characters experience trauma of varying degrees and I found myself sympathising with their predicaments and willing them on in their attempts to escape them. They each have great morals, genuinely care about others and still have the backbone to stand up for themselves.
The author demonstrates great skill crafting her characters; they have real depth. The antagonists are manipulative, cruel and remorseless and these traits jump off the page.
Devil’s Kitchen itself is depicted as a wicked place run by nasty people. Again Ms DeLuca’s superior world-building and descriptive flair creates believable settings that are tangible and interesting.
Again, this Steampunk adventure will appeal to young and older adults alike. The gripping story keeps you hooked to the very end and I, for one, eagerly await publication of the next book in the series, The Lamplighter’s Special.
I would strongly recommend this book and again, would give it more than 5 stars! Alison DeLuca is an incredibly talented author and I wish her every success.
December 1, 2012
Satisfying conclusion alert! The main storyline concludes but you know there is still work to do.
This book we get to follow Neil's family, mostly his sisters. Somehow his parents have been taking the drug that nasty Barbara and her brother Valiant Cantwell were making with the Marchpanes and they do nothing more than sit around. So Neil's sisters have been working their booties off trying to farm some land owned by a nobleman and his two sons. Then they get called up to the Manor to work as chambermaids before a lovely female guest arrives.
Neil has been worried about his family since they disappeared without a trace. Miriam, Neil, Simon and Riki meet back up on Lampala island to spend the summer frollicking with Mana, now the Queen of Lampala.
All sorts of junk happens. There is a mysterious boy in the attic, a dreadful dresser who treats the girls horribly. The nobleman is a pompous blowhard and the cook who takes them in is tough but fair. Every hard won accomplishment caused cheers of joy and happiness, every time the beautiful but awful lady guest was a jerk I wanted to smack her. What a wicked woman (can you guess who changed her name?)! I was behind our heroines. They are spunky and aren't afraid of hard work. They might not understand all they see and hear, but they put enough together and are good people so I was rooting for them shamelessly. :)
The trilogy was a lot of fun, the Edwardian setting, the steampunk device, the bad guys are the ends of their rope, desperate and evil...good stuff! Definitely a fun YA trilogy with worthwhile characters to root for.
This book we get to follow Neil's family, mostly his sisters. Somehow his parents have been taking the drug that nasty Barbara and her brother Valiant Cantwell were making with the Marchpanes and they do nothing more than sit around. So Neil's sisters have been working their booties off trying to farm some land owned by a nobleman and his two sons. Then they get called up to the Manor to work as chambermaids before a lovely female guest arrives.
Neil has been worried about his family since they disappeared without a trace. Miriam, Neil, Simon and Riki meet back up on Lampala island to spend the summer frollicking with Mana, now the Queen of Lampala.
All sorts of junk happens. There is a mysterious boy in the attic, a dreadful dresser who treats the girls horribly. The nobleman is a pompous blowhard and the cook who takes them in is tough but fair. Every hard won accomplishment caused cheers of joy and happiness, every time the beautiful but awful lady guest was a jerk I wanted to smack her. What a wicked woman (can you guess who changed her name?)! I was behind our heroines. They are spunky and aren't afraid of hard work. They might not understand all they see and hear, but they put enough together and are good people so I was rooting for them shamelessly. :)
The trilogy was a lot of fun, the Edwardian setting, the steampunk device, the bad guys are the ends of their rope, desperate and evil...good stuff! Definitely a fun YA trilogy with worthwhile characters to root for.
December 16, 2012
Previously in the Night Watchman Express we unfortunately were witness to Simon and Miriam's kidnapping through The Night Watchman Express. In The Devil's Kitchen Simon and Miriam attempt to survive in different surroundings from their previous lives without losing hope. Mana and Neil now reunited are out trying to rescue Miriam and Simon from their horrendous fates. Yet, danger looms dangerously everywhere especially with a new increase in consumption of a very nasty tonic by the Pearson Company.
Alison DeLuca have by now realized what sets her writing apart and that is when you read whole passages no matter if they are not filled with great secrets or incredible occurrences is still filled with interesting moments. She just knows how to always keep the story going and adds fully to each of her books. It is a great quality to be found in an author. So much so that consider Alison DeLuca my favorite author as of recently. One of my favorites and glad First Rule Publicity introduced me to her work.
The Devil's Kitchen brings Simon, Miriam, and Neil's adventures to a close from the evil of The Cantwells. Yet it isn't the end since there is more! More in The Lamplighter's Special which would see a return to Lampala. Exciting most definitely!
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Steampunk, Adventure
Alison DeLuca have by now realized what sets her writing apart and that is when you read whole passages no matter if they are not filled with great secrets or incredible occurrences is still filled with interesting moments. She just knows how to always keep the story going and adds fully to each of her books. It is a great quality to be found in an author. So much so that consider Alison DeLuca my favorite author as of recently. One of my favorites and glad First Rule Publicity introduced me to her work.
The Devil's Kitchen brings Simon, Miriam, and Neil's adventures to a close from the evil of The Cantwells. Yet it isn't the end since there is more! More in The Lamplighter's Special which would see a return to Lampala. Exciting most definitely!
Overall: Amazing read!
Genre: Steampunk, Adventure
September 6, 2016
This Neo-Victorian tale is structurally superior to Book 1, which kind of felt like two entirely different books stuck together, but it was still ultimately a little disappointing. I liked the "creepy underground factory" and Simon being held captive and brainwashed (with weird S&M undertones...), but a few issues carried over from earlier (e.g., the young characters' ages being ambiguous, making it difficult to gauge their emotional verisimilitude) and the last few chapters are rather abrupt and underdeveloped, as if author DeLuca just got tired of writing or something.
This is arguably more of a "problem with advertizing" than a problem with the book in itself, but I still fail to see anything steampunk or even particularly fantastical here, beyond one simple plot point of travel between England and the (fictional) tropical island of Lampala being made quick and easy by a strange metal device. That's actually a really great premise for post-colonial speculative fiction, so congrats to DeLuca for that! I wish that these books had done more with that premise.
This is arguably more of a "problem with advertizing" than a problem with the book in itself, but I still fail to see anything steampunk or even particularly fantastical here, beyond one simple plot point of travel between England and the (fictional) tropical island of Lampala being made quick and easy by a strange metal device. That's actually a really great premise for post-colonial speculative fiction, so congrats to DeLuca for that! I wish that these books had done more with that premise.
November 2, 2012
This is the second book in the re-issued Crown Phoenix series and follows directly on from the events in book one, The night Watchman Express. It could be read on its own, but it makes far more sense having read book one.
The pace of The Devil's Kitchen is quicker than TNWE, keeping the reader's interest and developing the characters well. Both the plot and the characters are superb, especially the strong female leads within the book. Miriam, Mana and Barbara are all very well drawn, and run rings around the lads in the story.
Alison DeLuca's style is rich and readable, drawing you into this Edwardian fantasy very easily. The conclusion of the book wraps up most of the plot threads, but leaves a few mysteries for book three.
Highly recommended.
The pace of The Devil's Kitchen is quicker than TNWE, keeping the reader's interest and developing the characters well. Both the plot and the characters are superb, especially the strong female leads within the book. Miriam, Mana and Barbara are all very well drawn, and run rings around the lads in the story.
Alison DeLuca's style is rich and readable, drawing you into this Edwardian fantasy very easily. The conclusion of the book wraps up most of the plot threads, but leaves a few mysteries for book three.
Highly recommended.
January 29, 2012
Swallowed it in a day...
The second novel in a YA Steampunk series, I read the first: "The Night Watchman Express" late last year and had immediately added this one to my reading list... I liked how the elements of this (and the previous) story are carefully threaded into the prose, finally coming together at the end. The only negative I can find is that perhaps because it had been a couple of months between reading the first and second book I had some difficulty remembering some of the earlier characters, such as Furnace. (Although, I have to say I prefer this over the 100 pages of introduction/re-hashing I've had with some other series *cough* Sword of Truth *cough*.)
The second novel in a YA Steampunk series, I read the first: "The Night Watchman Express" late last year and had immediately added this one to my reading list... I liked how the elements of this (and the previous) story are carefully threaded into the prose, finally coming together at the end. The only negative I can find is that perhaps because it had been a couple of months between reading the first and second book I had some difficulty remembering some of the earlier characters, such as Furnace. (Although, I have to say I prefer this over the 100 pages of introduction/re-hashing I've had with some other series *cough* Sword of Truth *cough*.)
November 24, 2011
Having never read a steampunk novel before, I was blown away by the first book in Alison DeLuca's Crown Phoenix series, the Nightwatchman Express. As such, I was excited to pick up this sequel and OMG! I loved it! If anything, I preferred it to the first! It's fast paced with some wonderful subplots and fantastic locations. Characterisations are spot on. Mana is a wonderful character, as are the others. VERY highly recommended!
October 18, 2015
I was surprise by the brutality experienced by the characters when they were kidnapped, but they survive and find their captures weakness. The suspense and conflicts were heavy and involving. I couldn't put this down.
July 2, 2017
Review coming soon!
May 20, 2013
Another one I devoured in a day. This is a bit different than the others. It's from the point of view of a new character, which surprised me at first. However, I found I slid into the easy, natural rhythm of the narrative without any trouble.
I couldn't put this down, because I really wanted to see what would happen between Lizzie (our MC) who is a housemaid, and Toby the squire's son. I found myself a touch frustrated with Toby, because he sort of KNOWS that if she gets caught with him, she could get in huge trouble. But then,I get the idea that he would stick up for her if something happened.
The action is non-stop, and I found the tension between the characters was riveting. I was a bit annoyed by Barbara's "dresser", Siddons, because I kept thinking "What is this woman's PROBLEM?" and I wanted to know WHY she had such a huge problem with the housemaids, but maybe her parents were killed by one or something.
There's a big twist in the end that made my eyes get very big, and I think it's going to take an LOT of 'splainin' on the author's part, so I'm dying to know what happens in the next book, The South Sea Bubble. I may be stalking her blog so I know the second it comes out.
I couldn't put this down, because I really wanted to see what would happen between Lizzie (our MC) who is a housemaid, and Toby the squire's son. I found myself a touch frustrated with Toby, because he sort of KNOWS that if she gets caught with him, she could get in huge trouble. But then,I get the idea that he would stick up for her if something happened.
The action is non-stop, and I found the tension between the characters was riveting. I was a bit annoyed by Barbara's "dresser", Siddons, because I kept thinking "What is this woman's PROBLEM?" and I wanted to know WHY she had such a huge problem with the housemaids, but maybe her parents were killed by one or something.
There's a big twist in the end that made my eyes get very big, and I think it's going to take an LOT of 'splainin' on the author's part, so I'm dying to know what happens in the next book, The South Sea Bubble. I may be stalking her blog so I know the second it comes out.
December 7, 2012
Book 2, Devil's Kitchen, the story picks up exactly where we left off in The Night Watchman's Express. Miriam and Simon are separated. Miriam is made to work at a horrendous factory and Simon is kept prisoner in a different fashion.
I read this book in one day , in fact just a few hours. I honestly feel this book was better than the first. The action continues fast and furious as Neil and Mana try and rescue Simon and Miriam. Though the chapters are told in 3rd POV as is the book, we get to jump from scenes with Miriam, Simon, Neil and Mana. I thought maybe I might be confused but the author did a fantastic job making sure that wasn't the case.
If you haven't read this series, I would definitely recommend it. I can't wait to dive into Lamplighter's Special and find out what adventure is next for these group of characters.
I read this book in one day , in fact just a few hours. I honestly feel this book was better than the first. The action continues fast and furious as Neil and Mana try and rescue Simon and Miriam. Though the chapters are told in 3rd POV as is the book, we get to jump from scenes with Miriam, Simon, Neil and Mana. I thought maybe I might be confused but the author did a fantastic job making sure that wasn't the case.
If you haven't read this series, I would definitely recommend it. I can't wait to dive into Lamplighter's Special and find out what adventure is next for these group of characters.
December 7, 2012
Book 3 in this series, dealt with Lizzie , Ninna and Matlida, Neil's sisters. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters as well. Though this book is surrounded around mainly Lizzie and Ninna , we follow them through their struggles to keep their family together and survive. We also see some nasty characters reappear.
This book was filled with all the drama , humor as the other book with a bit more romance, which I must say I love the blossoming romance of young love. One moment broke my heart and I so didn't expect it to happen. I can't tell you or I will ruin it for you. But I will say that you must read this series. It just gets better with each book I really hope this series continues on, which by the way this book ended it will be and I can honestly say I can't wait to read the next book.
This book was filled with all the drama , humor as the other book with a bit more romance, which I must say I love the blossoming romance of young love. One moment broke my heart and I so didn't expect it to happen. I can't tell you or I will ruin it for you. But I will say that you must read this series. It just gets better with each book I really hope this series continues on, which by the way this book ended it will be and I can honestly say I can't wait to read the next book.
May 20, 2013
The second book in the Crown Phoenix series was fabulous. I literally read it in one day, and walked around my kitchen bumping into things so I wouldn't starve, still reading.
The plot was executed even more skillfully than the last. The situations were frustrating (only because of the despicable bad guys)and I couldn't put it down.
The only thing I will warn the average steampunk reader about, is that this series isn't heavy on the tech end of things. These lean more towards Edwardian adventure/fantasy stories. It would be a great starting point for people just getting into steampunk. And in fact, I enjoyed this series far more than a few more "hardcore" steampunk books, because there's no long, exhaustive list of "how things work".
The plot was executed even more skillfully than the last. The situations were frustrating (only because of the despicable bad guys)and I couldn't put it down.
The only thing I will warn the average steampunk reader about, is that this series isn't heavy on the tech end of things. These lean more towards Edwardian adventure/fantasy stories. It would be a great starting point for people just getting into steampunk. And in fact, I enjoyed this series far more than a few more "hardcore" steampunk books, because there's no long, exhaustive list of "how things work".
December 5, 2012
Steampunk is a fairly new to me genre and this series is an awesome plunge in to the genre. There are three book currently in this series. I was able to read the first two books and look forward to the third. I was so glad I already had book two in hand when I finished the first book. DeLuca is a wonderful storyteller and these books are the type that suck you in and you almost feel like you are in the story. Her characters are so believable and they are so well written you begin to care about what happens to them. I recommend these books not only to steampunk lovers but people who enjoy an engrossing enjoyable storyline.
July 8, 2013
This is my first book I have read by Alison DeLuca, but I have to say won't be my last! Fantastic story, great characters, wonderfully told with zest & adventure! This book was most likely meant for the younger generation, but this senior of 58 years of age loved it! I won this book on goodreads.com, & I thank you so very much for this honor.
August 31, 2014
First, I would like to thank the author Alison DeLuca for giving me this book for an honest review. The world building is very good. The story-line is good and kept me wanting more. The characters are well developed and written. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and more from this author.
August 31, 2014
First, I would like to thank the author Alison DeLuca for giving me this book for an honest review. The world building is nicely done. The story-line is very good. The characters are well developed and written. I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more of this series and more from this author.
February 16, 2013
I was grateful to be a GOODREADS winner of this book. I quite enjoyed it. I had never read a steampunk book before. Can't wait to read the next book "The Lamplighter's Special".
February 19, 2013
amazing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2014
What a good series so far. The adventures will continue
in the third book for the four plus characters?
in the third book for the four plus characters?
June 19, 2014
Started the fourth book and what a good series.
Really like it.
Really like it.
August 5, 2022
Not as much action and adventure as on the first book. With how this one ended I wonder how the rest of the series will go.
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