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The Time Corps Chronicles #1
The Clockwork Cathedral
Medical student Felicia Sanchez is only trying to help an injured man when she slips through a time rip and into a 19th century New Orleans, one very different than the one she knows from history books.
The only person who can get her home is Professor Seamus Connor, a former convict seeking a quiet life of obscurity. But even the “mad Irishman” knows that recreating a freak accident is next to impossible.
With the help of a local street urchin, they discover that their problems run deeper than solely getting Felicia back to her own time. The three of them must unravel the secrets of a steam engine that operates upon a scientific impossibility and the mysteries of a grand cathedral at the center of town, where clockwork automatons perform for rapt audiences.
But can a convict, a guttersnipe, and an accidental time traveler prevent the destruction of a city and the death of thousands? Others are watching, and Felicia may not be the only time traveler in New Orleans.
The only person who can get her home is Professor Seamus Connor, a former convict seeking a quiet life of obscurity. But even the “mad Irishman” knows that recreating a freak accident is next to impossible.
With the help of a local street urchin, they discover that their problems run deeper than solely getting Felicia back to her own time. The three of them must unravel the secrets of a steam engine that operates upon a scientific impossibility and the mysteries of a grand cathedral at the center of town, where clockwork automatons perform for rapt audiences.
But can a convict, a guttersnipe, and an accidental time traveler prevent the destruction of a city and the death of thousands? Others are watching, and Felicia may not be the only time traveler in New Orleans.
306 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2013
75 people are currently reading
1728 people want to read
About the author
Heather Blackwood
11 books79 followersGet your FREE ebook on my website:
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Heather Blackwood is an American author of urban and historical fantasy, steampunk and mystery. Her books include Hounds of Autumn and the Time Corps Chronicles.
She enjoys playing Celtic harp, writing and reading historical fiction, fantasy, mystery and science fiction. Her obsessions include historic cemeteries, cuckoo clocks, tea, nesting dolls, old books, time travel and stained glass.
She graduated with a BA in literature with a minor in history. She has worked as a high school English teacher, a marketing copy editor, technical editor and an engineering technical writer at a Fortune 500 company. She is now a full-time novelist.
www.heatherblackwood.com
Follow me on Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heath...
Follow me on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Heather-Blackw...
Heather Blackwood is an American author of urban and historical fantasy, steampunk and mystery. Her books include Hounds of Autumn and the Time Corps Chronicles.
She enjoys playing Celtic harp, writing and reading historical fiction, fantasy, mystery and science fiction. Her obsessions include historic cemeteries, cuckoo clocks, tea, nesting dolls, old books, time travel and stained glass.
She graduated with a BA in literature with a minor in history. She has worked as a high school English teacher, a marketing copy editor, technical editor and an engineering technical writer at a Fortune 500 company. She is now a full-time novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 14, 2013
Before I begin, I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“She would never see anyone she loved again. Trapped in a strange past with no money, no family and no way to make a living, she would be like a piece of debris, cast up by the tide.”
Aside from the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, I haven’t really read much time-traveling romances or, actually, just time-traveling books in general so this is all pretty unfamiliar ground for me. Imagine my delight when I read this book and found myself sinking fast and deep into a story packed with action, mystery, betrayal, murder, political intrigue and romance! Yep, this one’s got it all!! Definitely familiar ground now and my type of book!!!! *rubs hands gleefully*
Our heroine, Felicia Sanchez, is a medical student and on her way home, rams straight into a ripping time hole and lands in New Orleans, 1857. She, of course, is confused and bewildered about her surroundings, especially since many landmarks don’t match up to what she usually sees. What I love so much about this part is Heather’s detailed writing style about the differences Felicia sees in the clothing, architecture, and speaking manner. It was extremely gratifying to see the differences being compared and the reactions of both Felicia and Seamus to one another’s remarks.
“The world was different. Every street and every shop looked different. The burrito restaurant where she often bought lunch, Mel’s Coffee Shop, Pyewocket’s Books, all were gone. In their places were strange shops with old-fashioned people moving in and out.”
I love Felicia’s character. She has the perfect mix of wit, intelligence, beauty, and charm. She isn’t vain or a workaholic, and she has strong morals and values. I love how she uses the term “recreationists” when referring to the people she sees in 1857 New Orleans. I was constantly chuckling at the light banter between Felicia and Seamus, and just waiting for the bomb to drop and for her to realize she went back in time. For Seamus to put it bluntly:
“I think you came through from another time. Or another place. Or both.”
Seamus is not the usual hero I read about. First, he’s a nerdy professor, but he can also kick some serious butt, and treats Felicia and his housekeeper with respect. Slavery still exists, which is a sore point to Felicia, and I love how Heather constantly drops little snippets of history within the story. It gives the book a rich background and provides the reader with context relevant to plot. Seamus has a complex past, mostly unpleasant, but it never shakes his core values and mores and he always is a gentleman. Well, most of the time.
“I am threatening. I’ll stuff the cookies down your ugly gullet, shatter the plate on your head and slit your throat with the shards. Now get out.”
*Laugh* I absolutely adore Seamus, and Felicia. The one character that really stood out to me, though, was Hazel. My heart broke for her, over and over, when I read about her tragic childhood. First, the death of her parents. Then, her awful, terrible, disgusting excuse for an uncle who completely shatters the rest of her childhood and innocence and forces her to live out on the streets. She is so strong, so indomitable, and though she’s been through hell and back, she NEVER gives up and works towards her dreams of playing the violin. I’ve always though music was the way towards a person’s soul, and for Hazel, that is definitely the case.
“It sang for her. It sang her fear, her hurt, her loss of Mandy and of something else she could not name. It sang her last moments of freedom, here in the sunlight, facing the muddy river.”
As for the romance part, there was never a completely defined moment where Seamus and Felicia both acknowledged their attraction to one another. It was definitely implied, though, and through both of their actions and thoughts, you can see just how deep the two of them like one another.
“She must want to return to her home very badly, he thought with a pang. She would endure this, draw McCullen’s attention and place herself in danger, all to go back where he could never see her again.”
The catch about time-traveling stories is, when will it end? When will the characters leave each other and go back to their own time? Honestly, I dreaded that part. I did NOT want Felicia to go back, no matter how much I knew she had to for the sake of her family and friends. I think Heather handles this aspect very well, and though I wasn’t 100% satisfied with the ending, she finishes the plot with a bang, leaving room for optimism and hope for the couple to become, well, a couple. The only issue I had with this book was that it ended. I seriously hope Heather makes this a series because I need to know more about Felicia and Seamus and all their crazy, wild adventures!!!!
4.5-5 FASCINATING STARS!!!!!!
“She would never see anyone she loved again. Trapped in a strange past with no money, no family and no way to make a living, she would be like a piece of debris, cast up by the tide.”
Aside from the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, I haven’t really read much time-traveling romances or, actually, just time-traveling books in general so this is all pretty unfamiliar ground for me. Imagine my delight when I read this book and found myself sinking fast and deep into a story packed with action, mystery, betrayal, murder, political intrigue and romance! Yep, this one’s got it all!! Definitely familiar ground now and my type of book!!!! *rubs hands gleefully*
Our heroine, Felicia Sanchez, is a medical student and on her way home, rams straight into a ripping time hole and lands in New Orleans, 1857. She, of course, is confused and bewildered about her surroundings, especially since many landmarks don’t match up to what she usually sees. What I love so much about this part is Heather’s detailed writing style about the differences Felicia sees in the clothing, architecture, and speaking manner. It was extremely gratifying to see the differences being compared and the reactions of both Felicia and Seamus to one another’s remarks.
“The world was different. Every street and every shop looked different. The burrito restaurant where she often bought lunch, Mel’s Coffee Shop, Pyewocket’s Books, all were gone. In their places were strange shops with old-fashioned people moving in and out.”
I love Felicia’s character. She has the perfect mix of wit, intelligence, beauty, and charm. She isn’t vain or a workaholic, and she has strong morals and values. I love how she uses the term “recreationists” when referring to the people she sees in 1857 New Orleans. I was constantly chuckling at the light banter between Felicia and Seamus, and just waiting for the bomb to drop and for her to realize she went back in time. For Seamus to put it bluntly:
“I think you came through from another time. Or another place. Or both.”
Seamus is not the usual hero I read about. First, he’s a nerdy professor, but he can also kick some serious butt, and treats Felicia and his housekeeper with respect. Slavery still exists, which is a sore point to Felicia, and I love how Heather constantly drops little snippets of history within the story. It gives the book a rich background and provides the reader with context relevant to plot. Seamus has a complex past, mostly unpleasant, but it never shakes his core values and mores and he always is a gentleman. Well, most of the time.
“I am threatening. I’ll stuff the cookies down your ugly gullet, shatter the plate on your head and slit your throat with the shards. Now get out.”
*Laugh* I absolutely adore Seamus, and Felicia. The one character that really stood out to me, though, was Hazel. My heart broke for her, over and over, when I read about her tragic childhood. First, the death of her parents. Then, her awful, terrible, disgusting excuse for an uncle who completely shatters the rest of her childhood and innocence and forces her to live out on the streets. She is so strong, so indomitable, and though she’s been through hell and back, she NEVER gives up and works towards her dreams of playing the violin. I’ve always though music was the way towards a person’s soul, and for Hazel, that is definitely the case.
“It sang for her. It sang her fear, her hurt, her loss of Mandy and of something else she could not name. It sang her last moments of freedom, here in the sunlight, facing the muddy river.”
As for the romance part, there was never a completely defined moment where Seamus and Felicia both acknowledged their attraction to one another. It was definitely implied, though, and through both of their actions and thoughts, you can see just how deep the two of them like one another.
“She must want to return to her home very badly, he thought with a pang. She would endure this, draw McCullen’s attention and place herself in danger, all to go back where he could never see her again.”
The catch about time-traveling stories is, when will it end? When will the characters leave each other and go back to their own time? Honestly, I dreaded that part. I did NOT want Felicia to go back, no matter how much I knew she had to for the sake of her family and friends. I think Heather handles this aspect very well, and though I wasn’t 100% satisfied with the ending, she finishes the plot with a bang, leaving room for optimism and hope for the couple to become, well, a couple. The only issue I had with this book was that it ended. I seriously hope Heather makes this a series because I need to know more about Felicia and Seamus and all their crazy, wild adventures!!!!
4.5-5 FASCINATING STARS!!!!!!
December 7, 2013
I really like time travel stories. This one was a real surprise because I found an unexpected gem.
It is really different compared to time travel books I read. Nothing like go back in time to save the world. It starts with a simple accident and the desperate tries to return to the time where the story started. But there is much more ....
There is a real end and a cliffhanger at the same time.
This is the first book in a series and I can't wait to read the other two available books.
It is really different compared to time travel books I read. Nothing like go back in time to save the world. It starts with a simple accident and the desperate tries to return to the time where the story started. But there is much more ....
There is a real end and a cliffhanger at the same time.
This is the first book in a series and I can't wait to read the other two available books.
December 4, 2013
3.5 stars actually. Combines time traveler(s) with alternative histor(ies). Well written. Got my attention, but didn't quite satisfy it. Despite the dramatic conclusion, the whole thing is just a set up for the books to follow. When all was said and done, too much unsaid and undone.
Still, I liked it. A good read.
Still, I liked it. A good read.
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August 9, 2018
Unfortunately my attention could not be kept by the writing, which seemed fine most of the time but tended to fall in to the mundane. At times it was possible to skip one or two pages at a time without missing anything at all. It seemed also to be easy to guess the outcome, at least between the two protagonists. A nice try but nothing special, or even worthwhile in truth.
July 17, 2019
7/17/19 FREE for Kindle.
June 29, 2013
*I received an e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I don't read many historical books. I don't know why that is, but maybe it has to do with the fact that sometimes they can get quite boring. Usually I'll read them if they have at least some other aspect to them other than the history and romance.
The Clockwork Cathedral was a fascinating book, intertwining a little bit of history with the elements of time-traveling.
The Characters:
Felicia: She's a medical student, so she knows and understands science fairly well. But it took a lot of convincing from Seamus that she really did fall through a rip in time. And when she knows in her heart that he's right, her world starts to fall apart. Her family is back there. Her friends. Her nephew, who is dying. She needs to get home, but she also takes the time to appreciate this piece of the past that she's only read about in history books. I thought Felicia was a strong character, and she is especially, because she's an independent woman in a time where women were the inferior race. She's a feminist with a sharp tongue and even sharper wit. Even though she's in a different time, she doesn't stop being herself. Her courage in a frightening situation was very refreshing.
Seamus: The crazy, mad Irish scientist who accidentally creates the time rip that brings Felicia there. He's a very quiet and endearing man, who just wants to help. And he loves puzzles, so trying to figure out why this is all happening is extremely interesting to him. He's called a mad man by fellow neighbors and society. But there's more to him than meets the eye, a past that haunts him. He's caring and kind, and he treats everyone equally in a time where women and Black people were cast aside. As he and Felicia grow closer, Seamus starts to care for this woman and her "wild" ways. For how can he let her go when he wants her stay?
Hazel:
I loved Hazel's character! A young girl, a runaway, who lives on the streets and does odd errands for the Professor. She's a genius violin player. Her past is as dark as the streets she walks down alone. With her parents gone, she has her wits and courage, but all that is tested when a figure from her past comes back into her life. Felicia helps Hazel, and Seamus lets her into his home. With people who care for her, Hazel finally feels happy.
Mr. Grey:
He is as mysterious as his name is. He's got secrets, and he knows things. Only Hazel is the one who knows he has these secrets, and as much as she tries to get him to talk, he won't budge. And he is one of those characters who I just want to learn more about. There's definitely more to him than we all know.
Plot:
We meet Felicia in modern-time (which, in this case, is 2015). When an accident happens, Felicia goes to help, being as she's a medical student trying to become a doctor. But something happens. When her vision clears, everything's changed. As it stands, she's sent back in Pre-Civil war time. At first, she won't believe it. They must just be recreationists playing out their parts thoroughly well, right? Wrong. In a race against time, these four individuals must figure out why the time rips are happening, and how to send Felicia home before something terrible happens.
The Writing:
I really liked the author's writing style and how she drew me in from the very first page. It was fairly easy to read all three main characters' thoughts. They each had their own personality.
My Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed this book! I knocked a star off only because of my confusion on how things worked. Even when all the scientific and mechanical questions were answered, it was still hard to understand what was going on and why it was happening. But other than that, I thought it was wonderful, the historical aspects dead-on, and the lively characters a joy to read about.
Full review at: http://skizzles22hu.blogspot.com/2013...
I don't read many historical books. I don't know why that is, but maybe it has to do with the fact that sometimes they can get quite boring. Usually I'll read them if they have at least some other aspect to them other than the history and romance.
The Clockwork Cathedral was a fascinating book, intertwining a little bit of history with the elements of time-traveling.
The Characters:
Felicia: She's a medical student, so she knows and understands science fairly well. But it took a lot of convincing from Seamus that she really did fall through a rip in time. And when she knows in her heart that he's right, her world starts to fall apart. Her family is back there. Her friends. Her nephew, who is dying. She needs to get home, but she also takes the time to appreciate this piece of the past that she's only read about in history books. I thought Felicia was a strong character, and she is especially, because she's an independent woman in a time where women were the inferior race. She's a feminist with a sharp tongue and even sharper wit. Even though she's in a different time, she doesn't stop being herself. Her courage in a frightening situation was very refreshing.
Seamus: The crazy, mad Irish scientist who accidentally creates the time rip that brings Felicia there. He's a very quiet and endearing man, who just wants to help. And he loves puzzles, so trying to figure out why this is all happening is extremely interesting to him. He's called a mad man by fellow neighbors and society. But there's more to him than meets the eye, a past that haunts him. He's caring and kind, and he treats everyone equally in a time where women and Black people were cast aside. As he and Felicia grow closer, Seamus starts to care for this woman and her "wild" ways. For how can he let her go when he wants her stay?
Hazel:
I loved Hazel's character! A young girl, a runaway, who lives on the streets and does odd errands for the Professor. She's a genius violin player. Her past is as dark as the streets she walks down alone. With her parents gone, she has her wits and courage, but all that is tested when a figure from her past comes back into her life. Felicia helps Hazel, and Seamus lets her into his home. With people who care for her, Hazel finally feels happy.
Mr. Grey:
He is as mysterious as his name is. He's got secrets, and he knows things. Only Hazel is the one who knows he has these secrets, and as much as she tries to get him to talk, he won't budge. And he is one of those characters who I just want to learn more about. There's definitely more to him than we all know.
Plot:
We meet Felicia in modern-time (which, in this case, is 2015). When an accident happens, Felicia goes to help, being as she's a medical student trying to become a doctor. But something happens. When her vision clears, everything's changed. As it stands, she's sent back in Pre-Civil war time. At first, she won't believe it. They must just be recreationists playing out their parts thoroughly well, right? Wrong. In a race against time, these four individuals must figure out why the time rips are happening, and how to send Felicia home before something terrible happens.
The Writing:
I really liked the author's writing style and how she drew me in from the very first page. It was fairly easy to read all three main characters' thoughts. They each had their own personality.
My Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed this book! I knocked a star off only because of my confusion on how things worked. Even when all the scientific and mechanical questions were answered, it was still hard to understand what was going on and why it was happening. But other than that, I thought it was wonderful, the historical aspects dead-on, and the lively characters a joy to read about.
Full review at: http://skizzles22hu.blogspot.com/2013...
June 17, 2013
Mad science, poker on a Riverboat and explosions! What more could you ask for?
Ok, so there's no poker on a riverboat scene, per-se, but they talk about it. It's there I promise.
First off Seamus should have been Scottish. Because I am and other than that, the Irish mad scientist is totally me. Cutting the novel some slack for that obvious oversight (^_-) it turns out to be a great book.
I am typically leery of books which involve time travel. It's just such an easy plot to screw up. Often either the language is either completely modern which throws you from the period or everyone is a cardboard cutout of the period. Clockwork Cathedral contains none of that. The author addresses the differing customs of the times but instead of wild gasps of outrage it's mostly head shaking and sending the "local street urchin" to pick up something more suitable.
One of the most difficult things to deal with in differing times are strong social issues like woman's rights and slavery. Kudos to the author for managing to cover the topic without trying to be "The Color Purple." Which is a difficult thing to do. Once again I'm impressed with the author's ability to have the period characters react to it in a way that sounds plausible. She doesn't have them instantly become equal rights pioneers at the first mention that slavery should be stopped (like they had never considered that it's inhuman?) Instead she somehow manages to make the reaction seem period plausible without making you want to punch the guy repeatedly in the teeth.
I'll definitely be following this series. I'm dying to see how the relationship between Felicia and the Professor ends up(*nudge*,) Hazel looks like she's going to turn out to be pretty involved in whatever kind of shenanigans come next (I'm leaving why out of the review due to it being a blatant spoilers) and there's definitely _something_ going on with the "Others" mentioned in the description "Others are watching" who all seem to know more about what's going on than any of the main characters while frustratingly managing to not bring any of the rest of us, characters or readers, into the loop.
And as much as that is a VERY strong lead into wherever this series is going the author manages to actually end the story on a cliffhanger without completely pissing me off. I've stopped reading other authors who seem incapable of finishing a book. A novel should end. The story told in that novel should be connected to the larger story of the entire series but most of the events of the novel should leave you with a sense of completion. Even epic series like The Wheel of Time and The Lord of the Rings manage to let you close that book with a feeling of accomplishment. Without this how can you greet the next novel with wide eyed exuberance? Blackwood is no exception. There's no doubt _something_ is coming next, but I have no idea what it is and that means I can't want to find out. Hopefully she follows this one up as closely as she did her last book.
Ok, so there's no poker on a riverboat scene, per-se, but they talk about it. It's there I promise.
First off Seamus should have been Scottish. Because I am and other than that, the Irish mad scientist is totally me. Cutting the novel some slack for that obvious oversight (^_-) it turns out to be a great book.
I am typically leery of books which involve time travel. It's just such an easy plot to screw up. Often either the language is either completely modern which throws you from the period or everyone is a cardboard cutout of the period. Clockwork Cathedral contains none of that. The author addresses the differing customs of the times but instead of wild gasps of outrage it's mostly head shaking and sending the "local street urchin" to pick up something more suitable.
One of the most difficult things to deal with in differing times are strong social issues like woman's rights and slavery. Kudos to the author for managing to cover the topic without trying to be "The Color Purple." Which is a difficult thing to do. Once again I'm impressed with the author's ability to have the period characters react to it in a way that sounds plausible. She doesn't have them instantly become equal rights pioneers at the first mention that slavery should be stopped (like they had never considered that it's inhuman?) Instead she somehow manages to make the reaction seem period plausible without making you want to punch the guy repeatedly in the teeth.
I'll definitely be following this series. I'm dying to see how the relationship between Felicia and the Professor ends up(*nudge*,) Hazel looks like she's going to turn out to be pretty involved in whatever kind of shenanigans come next (I'm leaving why out of the review due to it being a blatant spoilers) and there's definitely _something_ going on with the "Others" mentioned in the description "Others are watching" who all seem to know more about what's going on than any of the main characters while frustratingly managing to not bring any of the rest of us, characters or readers, into the loop.
And as much as that is a VERY strong lead into wherever this series is going the author manages to actually end the story on a cliffhanger without completely pissing me off. I've stopped reading other authors who seem incapable of finishing a book. A novel should end. The story told in that novel should be connected to the larger story of the entire series but most of the events of the novel should leave you with a sense of completion. Even epic series like The Wheel of Time and The Lord of the Rings manage to let you close that book with a feeling of accomplishment. Without this how can you greet the next novel with wide eyed exuberance? Blackwood is no exception. There's no doubt _something_ is coming next, but I have no idea what it is and that means I can't want to find out. Hopefully she follows this one up as closely as she did her last book.
August 19, 2013
I found this book to be pretty entertaining. I have a love for steampunk so it was no question on if I would read this book when I came across it. It was nice to see a steampunk book that actually had a lot of steampunk creations in it. I find that a lot of books in this genre don't actually have all the fun clockwork, steam run machines in them.
It is defiantly an interesting concept of time travel. I liked how Felicia was able to come to grips with her situation pretty quickly. Also that she still spoke her mind even though she was trapped in a time when women weren't suppose to do that.
The Professor was like icing on the cake. Just what I would expect someone that is passionate about the things he does to act. It was pretty fun listening to him talk about everything, even if it was on the hard side to follow at times.
Henry was a great character as well. I wasn't to sure what I expected from him in the beginning, but his back story is so sad that I couldn't help but root from him. But he was also pretty vital to the success of everything that Felicia and the Professor were working for.
The plot of the book was good as well. Just enough mystery to keep you wondering what was going to happen next, but getting enough answers at the same time that it wasn't frustrating waiting for everything to unravel itself. I really liked the ending, even though I could guess what Felicia was going to do, it still made me smile. I want to think that this is the first in a series. Everything wrapped up nicely, but there was a few minor loose end that are left hanging that make me think there will be a second book sometime in the future.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you like steampunk and a little mystery you will like this book.
On a side note: I really want to know what the big mystery about every ones feet is.
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
It is defiantly an interesting concept of time travel. I liked how Felicia was able to come to grips with her situation pretty quickly. Also that she still spoke her mind even though she was trapped in a time when women weren't suppose to do that.
The Professor was like icing on the cake. Just what I would expect someone that is passionate about the things he does to act. It was pretty fun listening to him talk about everything, even if it was on the hard side to follow at times.
Henry was a great character as well. I wasn't to sure what I expected from him in the beginning, but his back story is so sad that I couldn't help but root from him. But he was also pretty vital to the success of everything that Felicia and the Professor were working for.
The plot of the book was good as well. Just enough mystery to keep you wondering what was going to happen next, but getting enough answers at the same time that it wasn't frustrating waiting for everything to unravel itself. I really liked the ending, even though I could guess what Felicia was going to do, it still made me smile. I want to think that this is the first in a series. Everything wrapped up nicely, but there was a few minor loose end that are left hanging that make me think there will be a second book sometime in the future.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you like steampunk and a little mystery you will like this book.
On a side note: I really want to know what the big mystery about every ones feet is.
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
August 2, 2013
Clockwork Cathedral is a very engaging tale of intrigue, time travel and alternate worlds. I found it fast-paced with lots of mystery surrounding it. The characters were well-written; each with their own story. Ms. Blackwood wrote her characters in a way that intertwined very naturally. It wasn’t hard to switch perspectives. It flowed really well.
I’ve never been a huge fan of steampunk, but this book didn’t really overwhelm you with the mechanical and other worldly stuff. To me, the differences between worlds were very subtle which I really appreciated. The names of certain historical figures confused me a bit; however it was just another example of the alternate world.
Felicia, Seamus and Henry/Hazel are really great characters. There have many times that I would like to visit a different time; but Felicia reminds me that a modern woman has a very difficult time living in an earlier time. Felicia is resilient and tries to face her present. Seamus is great! I love the “mad scientist” aspect to him. At the same time, he is emotional and a good man. Hazel was once lost and now has been found with the encouragement and care from Felicia and Seamus.
Clockwork Cathedral is fun and well-worth reading. I hope Ms. Blackwood writes more about these characters. I want to know what other adventures they will face.
I’ve never been a huge fan of steampunk, but this book didn’t really overwhelm you with the mechanical and other worldly stuff. To me, the differences between worlds were very subtle which I really appreciated. The names of certain historical figures confused me a bit; however it was just another example of the alternate world.
Felicia, Seamus and Henry/Hazel are really great characters. There have many times that I would like to visit a different time; but Felicia reminds me that a modern woman has a very difficult time living in an earlier time. Felicia is resilient and tries to face her present. Seamus is great! I love the “mad scientist” aspect to him. At the same time, he is emotional and a good man. Hazel was once lost and now has been found with the encouragement and care from Felicia and Seamus.
Clockwork Cathedral is fun and well-worth reading. I hope Ms. Blackwood writes more about these characters. I want to know what other adventures they will face.
August 9, 2014
Historical fiction with a little steampunk mixed in. Having read Ms. Blackwood's first novel, The Hounds of Autumn, I think it leaned a little more toward steampunk than this book. There are elements of futuristic machines and time travel, as well as steam carriages, but I think rather than a steampunk story, it's a historical fiction story that contains some steampunk-like characters. The world of the story itself is not steampunk.
Felicia Sanchez, modern day medical student, finds herself transported through time in the midst of a bus accident. She is catapulted back over a century in time to pre-civil war New Orleans. The man responsible is Seamus Connor, who brings Felicia through a rip in time while trying to find the secret of a machine developed by his nemesis, Oren McCullen, based on an engine plan stolen from Seamus.
Felicia and Seamus work together to try and solve the puzzle of McCullen's machine to try and send Felicia while learning about New Orleans past and present from each other, and befriending a street orphan named Henry.
The story line is well-written, characters are believable, but not extremely well-developed. The plot is rather linear, but for quick, enjoyable read, I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and steampunk alike.
Felicia Sanchez, modern day medical student, finds herself transported through time in the midst of a bus accident. She is catapulted back over a century in time to pre-civil war New Orleans. The man responsible is Seamus Connor, who brings Felicia through a rip in time while trying to find the secret of a machine developed by his nemesis, Oren McCullen, based on an engine plan stolen from Seamus.
Felicia and Seamus work together to try and solve the puzzle of McCullen's machine to try and send Felicia while learning about New Orleans past and present from each other, and befriending a street orphan named Henry.
The story line is well-written, characters are believable, but not extremely well-developed. The plot is rather linear, but for quick, enjoyable read, I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and steampunk alike.
September 4, 2013
My first thought as I started this book was that I noticed a couple of similarities between the Outlander series by Diana Gabladon but once I got further into the book, the similarities ended. I found this book to be a very nice surprise from what I was expecting as the concept of time travel has been done. This author has found a way to bring a fresh and interesting twist to traveling through time and I really enjoyed this book, in fact, it was difficult to put down!
Felicia Sanchez has her life was in order when a freak accident caused her to fall into a past world full of the unexpected. With the help of a nutty but easy-to-love professor and an orphan girl, Felicia not only causes a splash in this new world but manages to vastly help the friends that she makes in more than one way.
I particularly enjoyed how Felicia was not afraid to voice her opinion and show her intelligence even during a time when this behavior in women was frowned upon.
With an unexpected ending, this book will not disappoint!
Felicia Sanchez has her life was in order when a freak accident caused her to fall into a past world full of the unexpected. With the help of a nutty but easy-to-love professor and an orphan girl, Felicia not only causes a splash in this new world but manages to vastly help the friends that she makes in more than one way.
I particularly enjoyed how Felicia was not afraid to voice her opinion and show her intelligence even during a time when this behavior in women was frowned upon.
With an unexpected ending, this book will not disappoint!
September 5, 2013
Time travel and Steampunk, what's not to like?
On her way home from a typical day, Felicia Sanchez suddenly finds herself in another time and place. After coming to terms with the fact that she is no longer in her time, she discovers other differences that prove she is also not in the same world.
Seamus Connor, an Irish immigrant/professor, vows to help Felicia and do what he can to try to get her home.
I really enjoyed this book, it had me turning pages (or scrolling on my Kindle) quickly to find out what happened next. Looking forward to the next book to find out what happens next!
On her way home from a typical day, Felicia Sanchez suddenly finds herself in another time and place. After coming to terms with the fact that she is no longer in her time, she discovers other differences that prove she is also not in the same world.
Seamus Connor, an Irish immigrant/professor, vows to help Felicia and do what he can to try to get her home.
I really enjoyed this book, it had me turning pages (or scrolling on my Kindle) quickly to find out what happened next. Looking forward to the next book to find out what happens next!
May 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Time travel books are one of my favorites, and this one had some twists and turns that were different from other time travel books. I enjoyed the characters, and found them to be fitting to the story. I also enjoyed the setting in New Orleans. Having been there, I was able to picture many of the places mentioned. There were enough unanswered questions to make me want to read the next book in the trilogy.
May 9, 2015
Enjoyable all the way through although I felt the ending was fairly abrupt. I expected at least another chapter from where it ended. I imagine there is (or will be) a sequel though and I am looking forward to it. I have enjoyed both books I have read by this author.
The time travel aspect was well done and I liked all the characters in the book.
The time travel aspect was well done and I liked all the characters in the book.
March 11, 2014
This is an amazing book. I cannot say enough great things about it. Already starting on book 2. A keeper on my shelf. Time travel of a medical student going back in time before the Civil War. Not too many characters, but enough to keep it interesting. Prepare yourself for talking monkeys. Smoothly written. 5 star book
November 21, 2013
I very much enjoyed this time travel novel. I have read others, but this one had many twists and turns that kept me questioning just how many time travelers there really were. Ms. Blackwood did an excellent job describing various situations, and as far as I could tell, performed careful research about the time period that the book was set in. Can't wait to read the sequel, Cat's Paw!
January 5, 2022
A pleasant mixture of time slip / alternate history fantasy, but not very interesting or exciting. I fail to understand why the base starting point is not our own world, but I am sure that will be made clear in later episodes, but I will not find out because I will not be following either the series or the author.
June 17, 2013
I received this book from the author for an honest review. From the moment I started reading Clockwork Catherdral I was drawn into it. The author Heather Blackwood does a remarkable job of describing situations, and did careful research about the time it was set in. Four stars and recommended.
November 29, 2016
I like time travel books, but this one is in some way different. Probably it is the 'woman touch'. I felt good reading it, even the 'dramatic' parts. And, by the way, I really like how it ends :)
Now... on to the second one
Now... on to the second one
July 9, 2016
Enjoyable read with several endearing characters. The plot seemed to plod initially but gained momentum in the final third. I was left with some questions but hopefully those will be answered as I continue the series.
June 4, 2013
Wonderfully written, clever and unique. I can't wait to get my hands on the next novel this wonderful up and coming brilliant author writes!!!!
August 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The time travel, alternate realities, and Steampunk aspects meshed together very well.
December 1, 2013
This was really cute. Came across it as a free kindle pick and was a fast, entertaining read. I also have the second book in the series, which I'll definitely read.
March 7, 2014
I've never read a book with time travel in it, but enjoyed this one very much. I will definetly read the second book in the series. It put my mind to think.....what if?
September 17, 2016
4,5 stars. I enjoyed this story very much! I hope I'll be able to read the rest of the series.
June 27, 2014
I enjoyed this book. Creative story line, well developed characters. Fun read.
August 12, 2017
Ah, such mixed feelings. I am not even sure how to rate this. So here goes a stream of consciousness "review" or rambling.
First, until the end, I was just half-heartedly reading. I liked some things and was put off by others.
I don't know if I have ever read anything so very steampunk before. I feel disloyal to steampunk lovers everywhere (though I have never claimed to be one) because I felt like the whole steampunk dynamic cluttered up the story rather than aided it. There was what I might call steampunk grandstanding going on, saying, "Hey! Look at me! Look at this steampunk detail and that one!" So much of the story was taken up with machines, their workings and their descriptions--ambrosia to steampunk lovers everywhere but a sidetrack from the story for me. I did like the automaton display at the cathedral and its description so I am not beyond redemption-by-steampunk, I suppose, and what is steampunk without a few automatons?!
I have been on a time travel "bender" this summer and so this is one of many time travel books I have read. However, this is a first in that it was travel to a parallel universe, where people had weird feet, no less. Even the main universe that Miss Sanchez left was slightly different from my world (wasn't her equivalent of Abraham Lincoln named Ezekiel Lincoln?) so it really amounted to travel from one parallel universe to another. Surely that is to be expected from steampunk. However, one of the things I like about time travel generally is the time traveler experiencing actual history and commenting on it--participating in it with modern sensibilities. Of course this was entirely absent here. Plus, I assumed there was no amount of reliable history from my world in this at all. So I struggled with that throughout the story.
I did like the characters, particularly the professor, Miss Sanchez, Miss Washington, and *Henry*--in fact I am now teetering between trying to decide whether to read further in the series or whether to give up the series right here and now and the only reason I am teetering at all is because of my attachment to those very characters. 😬Well, maybe I could just go to book 2 on Goodreads and read all the spoilers!😬 I am quite attached to the characters. While there was somewhat of a resolution to this book, there was still a series cliffhanger. Until right at the end, I was reading the book just to finish and be done. Now I don't know. Am I hoping to read just far enough to know whether
Also, in my Hansel-and-Gretel best, I am attempting to leave breadcrumbs for those coming behind me by saying this was a clean book. There was mention of incest, abuse and molestation, though not in a graphic way. However, if you have a heart, those chapters are hard to read.
So how to rate this? Even with all my dislikes, and my skim reading, I do not think it is quite a 2. Maybe it was the ending that pulled it up a bit. However, I do not think I like it enough to recommend it to anyone. So it must be three stars.
Okay, here are my Hansel-and-Gretel bread crumbs to myself in case I come back to this review to see why I did not read on in the series! I have gone to the summaries (not the spoilers 😬) for books 2 through 5 of this series, and I believe fully this series is not for me. I have read a lot of fantasy fiction but I am not in a fantasy fiction phase at present. Additionally, until book 5, nothing is mentioned in the summary about Miss Sanchez and the professor, and their interaction would be my primary motivation to continue reading, although Hazel and Mr. Grey run a close second but I could barely read through the summaries because I am just not interested in those kinds of stories.
First, until the end, I was just half-heartedly reading. I liked some things and was put off by others.
I don't know if I have ever read anything so very steampunk before. I feel disloyal to steampunk lovers everywhere (though I have never claimed to be one) because I felt like the whole steampunk dynamic cluttered up the story rather than aided it. There was what I might call steampunk grandstanding going on, saying, "Hey! Look at me! Look at this steampunk detail and that one!" So much of the story was taken up with machines, their workings and their descriptions--ambrosia to steampunk lovers everywhere but a sidetrack from the story for me. I did like the automaton display at the cathedral and its description so I am not beyond redemption-by-steampunk, I suppose, and what is steampunk without a few automatons?!
I have been on a time travel "bender" this summer and so this is one of many time travel books I have read. However, this is a first in that it was travel to a parallel universe, where people had weird feet, no less. Even the main universe that Miss Sanchez left was slightly different from my world (wasn't her equivalent of Abraham Lincoln named Ezekiel Lincoln?) so it really amounted to travel from one parallel universe to another. Surely that is to be expected from steampunk. However, one of the things I like about time travel generally is the time traveler experiencing actual history and commenting on it--participating in it with modern sensibilities. Of course this was entirely absent here. Plus, I assumed there was no amount of reliable history from my world in this at all. So I struggled with that throughout the story.
I did like the characters, particularly the professor, Miss Sanchez, Miss Washington, and *Henry*--in fact I am now teetering between trying to decide whether to read further in the series or whether to give up the series right here and now and the only reason I am teetering at all is because of my attachment to those very characters. 😬Well, maybe I could just go to book 2 on Goodreads and read all the spoilers!😬 I am quite attached to the characters. While there was somewhat of a resolution to this book, there was still a series cliffhanger. Until right at the end, I was reading the book just to finish and be done. Now I don't know. Am I hoping to read just far enough to know whether
Also, in my Hansel-and-Gretel best, I am attempting to leave breadcrumbs for those coming behind me by saying this was a clean book. There was mention of incest, abuse and molestation, though not in a graphic way. However, if you have a heart, those chapters are hard to read.
So how to rate this? Even with all my dislikes, and my skim reading, I do not think it is quite a 2. Maybe it was the ending that pulled it up a bit. However, I do not think I like it enough to recommend it to anyone. So it must be three stars.
Okay, here are my Hansel-and-Gretel bread crumbs to myself in case I come back to this review to see why I did not read on in the series! I have gone to the summaries (not the spoilers 😬) for books 2 through 5 of this series, and I believe fully this series is not for me. I have read a lot of fantasy fiction but I am not in a fantasy fiction phase at present. Additionally, until book 5, nothing is mentioned in the summary about Miss Sanchez and the professor, and their interaction would be my primary motivation to continue reading, although Hazel and Mr. Grey run a close second but I could barely read through the summaries because I am just not interested in those kinds of stories.
January 7, 2026
Dealing with some difficult news, I needed something fast-paced, gripping, and escapist. From my shelves, I chose The Clockwork Cathedral by Heather Blackwood. It's a time travel story set in New Orleans. If you know me at all from my blog or videos, you know that's the sweet spot for me, what I consider a comfort read. Felicia, a medical student at Tulane, gets sent back in time to 1857 New Orleans and struggles to find a way to get back to her own time. It was just what I needed! Suspenseful, compelling, and intriguing. I'm about to start book #2 in the series! I talk more about the book in this video, starting at 2:19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLEa8...
January 30, 2019
Well written, entertaining and quite mysterious, The Time Corps Chronicles first book is a good read. Having a straightforward plot to follow in a time traveling novel is an unusual treat. The Sci-Fi/Steampunk elements are on the weak side, but the story is strong enough to carry the book without them. I'm intrigued to see where the series goes and you should be too.
October 22, 2021
Absolutely Charming!
Felicia Sanchez is my new favorite time traveler. Seamus Conner is the kindly professor who is responsible for her trip back in time and he is the perfect Victorian counterpart to her 21st Century sense of adventure. I could not put this book down and am looking for the next one in the series.
Felicia Sanchez is my new favorite time traveler. Seamus Conner is the kindly professor who is responsible for her trip back in time and he is the perfect Victorian counterpart to her 21st Century sense of adventure. I could not put this book down and am looking for the next one in the series.
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