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Magnificent Devices #9
Devices Brightly Shining
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Dreadful relations, high expectations,
And a sudden urge to pull up ropes and flee.
It is the event of the season—on Twelfth Night, the Dunsmuirs have invited the cream of London society to celebrate the marriage of Lady Claire and Andrew Malvern at a reception to which the Prince Consort himself is expected. Captain Ian Hollys brings his fiancée Alice Chalmers to London to attend and to meet his family—people who cannot see past her flight boots to the woman who stands by his side as an equal.
Now adjusting to life as a newlywed, seeing to her business affairs, and preparing the Mopsies to return to school in Munich, Lady Claire is settling into her new life with joy. When two young cousins of Gloria Meriwether-Astor arrive in London, the inhabitants of Carrick House are happy to welcome them. Sydney and Hugh Meriwether-Astor are completing a world tour, and the Dunsmuirs’ ball is just the thing to cap it off in splendid fashion. But Maggie learns that Sydney has his own plans for the family business—and they don’t include cutting off the supply of arms to the Royal Kingdom of Spain and the Californias, as Gloria is determined to do.
It’s time for someone with a spine, an airship of her own, and reasons to put fields of air between herself and decisions about her future to pull up ropes and warn Gloria that betrayal is closer than she thinks …
“It’s another element I love about these books; from Claire to Gloria to Alice to Lizzie and Maggie to Lady Dunsmuir, the women in this series generally like and respect each other. Other women are not required to be lesser—weaker, more cowardly, less intelligent—in order for Claire to be awesome. She is not an exceptional woman, she is an awesome woman among awesome women.” —Fangs for the The latest in urban fantasy from a social justice perspective
Dreadful relations, high expectations,
And a sudden urge to pull up ropes and flee.
It is the event of the season—on Twelfth Night, the Dunsmuirs have invited the cream of London society to celebrate the marriage of Lady Claire and Andrew Malvern at a reception to which the Prince Consort himself is expected. Captain Ian Hollys brings his fiancée Alice Chalmers to London to attend and to meet his family—people who cannot see past her flight boots to the woman who stands by his side as an equal.
Now adjusting to life as a newlywed, seeing to her business affairs, and preparing the Mopsies to return to school in Munich, Lady Claire is settling into her new life with joy. When two young cousins of Gloria Meriwether-Astor arrive in London, the inhabitants of Carrick House are happy to welcome them. Sydney and Hugh Meriwether-Astor are completing a world tour, and the Dunsmuirs’ ball is just the thing to cap it off in splendid fashion. But Maggie learns that Sydney has his own plans for the family business—and they don’t include cutting off the supply of arms to the Royal Kingdom of Spain and the Californias, as Gloria is determined to do.
It’s time for someone with a spine, an airship of her own, and reasons to put fields of air between herself and decisions about her future to pull up ropes and warn Gloria that betrayal is closer than she thinks …
“It’s another element I love about these books; from Claire to Gloria to Alice to Lizzie and Maggie to Lady Dunsmuir, the women in this series generally like and respect each other. Other women are not required to be lesser—weaker, more cowardly, less intelligent—in order for Claire to be awesome. She is not an exceptional woman, she is an awesome woman among awesome women.” —Fangs for the The latest in urban fantasy from a social justice perspective
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2015
61 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Adina
89 books628 followersShelley Adina is the author of 24 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, and Hachette, and a dozen more published by Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk and contemporary romance as Shelley Adina, and as Adina Senft, writes Amish women’s fiction. She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where she teaches as adjunct faculty. She won RWA’s RITA Award® in 2005, and was a finalist in 2006. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or hanging out in the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 1, 2020
It's not often that I enjoy EVERY single book in a series especially when there are 5+ books but I'm on the 9th book of the series and I've enjoyed the hell out of all of these! : )
April 11, 2020
This is really more of a short story, rather bridging the events that happened in book #8 and I believe setting up the action in #10. I write the latter because this really ends rather abruptly, with what I can only feel is an introduction to book #10.
I still love almost all of the characters in this series, and like where most of them are and/or seem to be going. I guess I just wanted a bit more. However, it's lovely to see Clare and Andrew now happy and newly married, living in England with all of their latest wards. It also seems as if the Mopsies are somewhat more settled into their goals for the future. However, this just felt a bit incomplete and rushed, perhaps trying to include too many of the main characters in the very short format. Overall, I would give it a C, so three stars here, and look forward to reading the next.
NOTE: This will be completely meaningless if you haven't read the rest of the series, so please start back at #1!
I still love almost all of the characters in this series, and like where most of them are and/or seem to be going. I guess I just wanted a bit more. However, it's lovely to see Clare and Andrew now happy and newly married, living in England with all of their latest wards. It also seems as if the Mopsies are somewhat more settled into their goals for the future. However, this just felt a bit incomplete and rushed, perhaps trying to include too many of the main characters in the very short format. Overall, I would give it a C, so three stars here, and look forward to reading the next.
NOTE: This will be completely meaningless if you haven't read the rest of the series, so please start back at #1!
December 28, 2015
It is time for the event of the season – the Dunsmuirs are holding a party to celebrate Claire and Andrew’s marriage and everyone who is everyone will be invited to take part.
Of course that includes Claire’s best friend Alice and her fiancé Ian. And Alice is beginning to realise what it means to be marriage to a British noble – and while she loves him, she’s having second thoughts about everything that comes with him
Gloria Meriwether-Astor’s cousins also arrive and, of course, get an invite – but in the process the tensions in the family and in Gloria’s family business come to light
This is a short story, and pretty much an ideal example of one for me.
The plot is fun and works so well with the rest of the world. I don’t think you will need to read this book to transition from the last book to Gloria’s adventures in the next novel. But by reading this it nicely will fill in a lot of gaps and really set up the next chapter. We’ve been introduced to the new principle characters and the details of the conflict. It’s a truly excellent prologue that really tells us why all the characters are there and what they are doing and their goals.
The next book can launch right into the story because everything has been excellently established without the need to make it essential. For me this is exactly what a short story needs to do – add richness to the world and characters without making them an essential component.
It also does this through a fun little story. It’s not super-dramatic and it’s certainly not action packed. But that’s a good thing – Claire et al seem to spend so much of their life in peril and action that this is an excellent change of pace. Why not just have a party? Let’s see these characters living together, dealing with something relatively mundane together – it’s lighter and fun because of it.
It also has some very nice challenges and examination of sexism of the era. There’s the obvious – all of the women are planning their own lives. Even better, they’re all planning different lives, different paths – because there’s more than one way for a woman to live and be strong and express her agency.
There are some excellent call outs – Alice fighting fiercely and courageously against the idea that she cannot captain her own airship. This is the kind of thing I’d expect on most female led steampunks at this point.
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Of course that includes Claire’s best friend Alice and her fiancé Ian. And Alice is beginning to realise what it means to be marriage to a British noble – and while she loves him, she’s having second thoughts about everything that comes with him
Gloria Meriwether-Astor’s cousins also arrive and, of course, get an invite – but in the process the tensions in the family and in Gloria’s family business come to light
This is a short story, and pretty much an ideal example of one for me.
The plot is fun and works so well with the rest of the world. I don’t think you will need to read this book to transition from the last book to Gloria’s adventures in the next novel. But by reading this it nicely will fill in a lot of gaps and really set up the next chapter. We’ve been introduced to the new principle characters and the details of the conflict. It’s a truly excellent prologue that really tells us why all the characters are there and what they are doing and their goals.
The next book can launch right into the story because everything has been excellently established without the need to make it essential. For me this is exactly what a short story needs to do – add richness to the world and characters without making them an essential component.
It also does this through a fun little story. It’s not super-dramatic and it’s certainly not action packed. But that’s a good thing – Claire et al seem to spend so much of their life in peril and action that this is an excellent change of pace. Why not just have a party? Let’s see these characters living together, dealing with something relatively mundane together – it’s lighter and fun because of it.
It also has some very nice challenges and examination of sexism of the era. There’s the obvious – all of the women are planning their own lives. Even better, they’re all planning different lives, different paths – because there’s more than one way for a woman to live and be strong and express her agency.
There are some excellent call outs – Alice fighting fiercely and courageously against the idea that she cannot captain her own airship. This is the kind of thing I’d expect on most female led steampunks at this point.
Read More
December 28, 2022
So, now, at last, the Lady has married her Andrew, and is in the whirlwond of post wedding calls, to include a party held by the Dunsmuirs. And Ian and Alice are now engaged. They will meet someone very influential at the Dunsmuirs' fete, and Alice, having faced a week of shopping for girl clothes, being shunned by her future SIL and nieces, has now decided - after an afternoon shopping amd having tea and conversation with Claire - to stiffen her backbone and tell the nieces that she will not tolerate any more rude and snide remarks, and if they continue, she will speak with their mother about their rudeness and insist it stop. Then she makes sure their mother knows the same...no more rudeness or snide remarks or Ian will be told the full extent of her rudeness when he is absent. After the Dunsmuirs' gala, she has made her opiniom directly clear on another matter to someone who can remedy another situation.
Meanwhile, Gloria's cousins have come to visit, along with Claude, who has brought Evan of the dream machine debacle, used by Claude's and Lizzie's father. The cousins soon become a source of direct and indirect conflict, and Alice pulls up ropes to help her friend Gloria, in need of some time on her own and with an urgent message for Gloria, accompanied by an unlikely last minute passenger and her 2 faithful crewmen.
Alice has always been a favorite of mine, since our opinions on dressing up are very similar, and I was glad to see her put her foot down with Ian's big sister and her 2 bratty daughters...and extend that iron spine where it will benefit her and many others.
Meanwhile, Gloria's cousins have come to visit, along with Claude, who has brought Evan of the dream machine debacle, used by Claude's and Lizzie's father. The cousins soon become a source of direct and indirect conflict, and Alice pulls up ropes to help her friend Gloria, in need of some time on her own and with an urgent message for Gloria, accompanied by an unlikely last minute passenger and her 2 faithful crewmen.
Alice has always been a favorite of mine, since our opinions on dressing up are very similar, and I was glad to see her put her foot down with Ian's big sister and her 2 bratty daughters...and extend that iron spine where it will benefit her and many others.
August 3, 2024
The best wau tp begin this review of the novella is to quote the first line in the blurb given to the introduction to the audiobook that I checked out:
******
is the event of the season—on Twelfth Night, the Dunsmuirs have invited the cream of London society to celebrate the marriage of Lady Claire and Andrew Malvern at a reception to which the Prince Consort himself is expected. Captain Ian Hollys brings his fiancée Alice Chalmers to London to attend and to meet his family—people who cannot see past her flight boots to the woman who stands by his side as an equal.
*******
Alice Chalmers is from the Americas and doesn't really understand or feel comfortable with the formality of the English but since Claire is a dear friend, she believes she h as to try to fit so she goes along with her finance's invitation to spend time with Clarie as well as Ians' family...although she finds their children a trial.
In the process of apparing at the balls etc, she manages to be there in order to possibly save a friend back home from running into serious problems with a man who wants to take control of a family business. She also manages to speak up to Queen Victoria and possibly get a major change in how the military in England is run.
*****
It is a short listen at slightly over two houses and enjoyable, althogh there are lots of characters, not all of which I could keep up with.I do recommend it to anyway that enjoy steampunk science fiction.
******
is the event of the season—on Twelfth Night, the Dunsmuirs have invited the cream of London society to celebrate the marriage of Lady Claire and Andrew Malvern at a reception to which the Prince Consort himself is expected. Captain Ian Hollys brings his fiancée Alice Chalmers to London to attend and to meet his family—people who cannot see past her flight boots to the woman who stands by his side as an equal.
*******
Alice Chalmers is from the Americas and doesn't really understand or feel comfortable with the formality of the English but since Claire is a dear friend, she believes she h as to try to fit so she goes along with her finance's invitation to spend time with Clarie as well as Ians' family...although she finds their children a trial.
In the process of apparing at the balls etc, she manages to be there in order to possibly save a friend back home from running into serious problems with a man who wants to take control of a family business. She also manages to speak up to Queen Victoria and possibly get a major change in how the military in England is run.
*****
It is a short listen at slightly over two houses and enjoyable, althogh there are lots of characters, not all of which I could keep up with.I do recommend it to anyway that enjoy steampunk science fiction.
June 22, 2017
A fairly quiet respite in the Magnificent Devices series.
After eight books of nearly non-stop danger of one kind or another, Claire and Andrew are finally married and the Dunsmuirs are throwing a reception and ball for them at their London house. Newly engaged Alice Chalmers and Ian Hollys come to London for the event and stay with Ian’s sister, allowing Alice to meet Ian’s family for the first time and also requiring her to navigate the thorny paths of family opinion.
Meanwhile Claire and her family discover that Gloria Meriwether-Astor’s cousins, Sydney and Hugh, are in London and they are brought to meet the family of their cousin’s friend. Over the course of a couple of days of social events, Maggie discovers some worrisome things about Sydney Meriwether-Astor that she thinks it imperative that they inform Gloria of as soon as possible. Alice volunteers to undertake the task, leading up to the next book in the series.
After eight books of nearly non-stop danger of one kind or another, Claire and Andrew are finally married and the Dunsmuirs are throwing a reception and ball for them at their London house. Newly engaged Alice Chalmers and Ian Hollys come to London for the event and stay with Ian’s sister, allowing Alice to meet Ian’s family for the first time and also requiring her to navigate the thorny paths of family opinion.
Meanwhile Claire and her family discover that Gloria Meriwether-Astor’s cousins, Sydney and Hugh, are in London and they are brought to meet the family of their cousin’s friend. Over the course of a couple of days of social events, Maggie discovers some worrisome things about Sydney Meriwether-Astor that she thinks it imperative that they inform Gloria of as soon as possible. Alice volunteers to undertake the task, leading up to the next book in the series.
September 30, 2017
This novella is a delightful little tale that lacks the usual high-stakes adventure narrative that the other books in Shelley Adina's "Magnificent Devices" series have as a central feature.
Despite that, I found it a great read because it deepens our understanding of the characters in this series, which I have to admit I have followed faithfully for a few years now. The narrative revolves around the Christmas season of 1894 as Lady Claire Trevelyan and her new husband Andrew Malvern start their married life with a succession of social events including a ball at which Prince Albert is scheduled to attend. That would seem like a joyous time but there is a lot of social pressure involved and not all the members of Claire's "flock" of friends feel quite up to coping with them.
Again, this is more confection than adventure story, but it's a quick read featuring characters I enjoy and I found it delightful.
Despite that, I found it a great read because it deepens our understanding of the characters in this series, which I have to admit I have followed faithfully for a few years now. The narrative revolves around the Christmas season of 1894 as Lady Claire Trevelyan and her new husband Andrew Malvern start their married life with a succession of social events including a ball at which Prince Albert is scheduled to attend. That would seem like a joyous time but there is a lot of social pressure involved and not all the members of Claire's "flock" of friends feel quite up to coping with them.
Again, this is more confection than adventure story, but it's a quick read featuring characters I enjoy and I found it delightful.
January 8, 2018
A great read, although it kind of felt a little like a bridging book to get the story to where the author needed to be, so that the characters were all in the right places for the next book. However, with a great insight into Alice's feelings about marrying Ian, it was quite interesting, plus we got to meet some of his extended family too. And, of course there was the beautiful party for Lady Clare and Andrew's wedding celebration. So, overall a good book, and definitely worth reading for Magnificent Devices devotees!
I also loved listening to the audiobook of the story (combined with the Fields of Air audiobook), and with Fiona Hardingham narrating again it was, of course, full of character and really brought the story to life. I'd definitely recommend it to all Magnificent Devices fans.
I also loved listening to the audiobook of the story (combined with the Fields of Air audiobook), and with Fiona Hardingham narrating again it was, of course, full of character and really brought the story to life. I'd definitely recommend it to all Magnificent Devices fans.
December 1, 2021
This story is filled with emotion and bold characters who are unapologetic in their beliefs and relentless in their pursuit of liberty. The abundant life breathed into these characters and the authentic attention to historical details all came together to create a vibrant story that is sure to stick with you long after you’ve read the last words on the page. Fiona Hardingham does an amazing job portraying the characters, bringing them to life and humanizing them with their emotions, attitude and personality.
January 4, 2018
This book in the Magnificent Devices series is a novella, so it's a lot shorter. It is also very cute. We get a little Alice, a little Claire and a little Maggie and of course it's not just a simple straight forward 'this is what happens next', it naturally ends in intrigue and fuss to be made in the next book so of course I can't wait to see what happens!
February 28, 2020
Another thrilling story.
A shorter story this time but not lacking in twists and turns in the simple plot.
Alice Chalmers is second guessing her acceptance of Ian Hollys proposal especially after meeting her future sister-in-law and her daughters. Will the daughter of a spy ever fit into English High society?
A shorter story this time but not lacking in twists and turns in the simple plot.
Alice Chalmers is second guessing her acceptance of Ian Hollys proposal especially after meeting her future sister-in-law and her daughters. Will the daughter of a spy ever fit into English High society?
September 13, 2019
Lovely novella
A lovely little story set at Christmas time ahead of Andrew and Claire's big wedding reception. Alice meets her in laws and struggles to come to terms with what she may be letting herself in for.
A lovely little story set at Christmas time ahead of Andrew and Claire's big wedding reception. Alice meets her in laws and struggles to come to terms with what she may be letting herself in for.
March 2, 2018
A good tether between her two latest novels. I'm not a huge fan of "feel good" short stories but the tie-together was very helpful and I loved the two novels before and after.
April 19, 2019
I love this steampunk series!
November 22, 2021
Another fantastic fun addition to the Magnificent Devices series.
July 23, 2023
50%
This is so short was it necessary to make this a standalone book?
If not it shouldn't have been done
This is so short was it necessary to make this a standalone book?
If not it shouldn't have been done
September 22, 2024
A nice short novella bridging two of the longer books in the series. Keeping the suspense alive as to what will happen next…
January 11, 2016
The good news: You know how I’ve been clamoring for a spin-off of the Magnificent Devices series featuring Glora Meriweather-Astor given her awesome characterization in the last few books? Well we’re getting that with the next book in the series, Fields of Air. (Hooray!)
Branching the two series, Devices Brightly Shining covers the gap between Claire and Andrew’s wedding in A Gentleman of Means and sets up the plot for Fields of Air, involving Gloria’s power struggle for control of her father’s company and to sever ties with the Spanish Californian colonies. (Insert my pet theory about Lord Selwyn here.) The only problem being that Gloria’s two cousins object to her taking over the board and locking them out, but luckily for Gloria, they’re travelling abroad for the time being and won’t be home in time. Unless, say they just so happened to run into the Flock during their holidays and someone accidentally drops this piece of news.
While I like the hints of seeing where the plot is going to go next in this series, I’m not sure if we really need a full novella to cover the events. Yes, there’s a large chunk of the plot that focus on Alice and Ian’s engagement and Alice’s fears of being confined to be a housewife and lady of her husband’s lands (and dealing with Ian’s family and their dislike of Alice), but this being a full set-up for Book 10 I think takes away a little bit for the next book? (I should note that the preview for Fields of Air is actually the opening chapter to Devices Brightly Shining. I got halfway through the preview chapter and thought “Wait, I’ve read all this already.) I mean, I did enjoy seeing these characters again, and seeing how they’ve managed to uncover yet another plot that they can’t necessarily stop, but it feels like this plugging holes that could have easily been dealt with in the full book.
Sure, there’s fun scenes—like Claire and Co. meeting Queen Victoria (and the near-shock of everyone telling Lizzie and Maggie “So, you know you’re officially out in society now? THIS DOESN’T HAPPEN WHO ARE YOU.”) or Alice dealing with her future nieces and the implications of society, but I don’t know if we need a full story to helped plug in the plot holes for the next book. It’s a cute enough entry, but I don’t know if we really need it overall. I don’t want to pass judgment on Fields of Air too early, but I do hope there’s a grander plot to that book than just being a retread of Devices Brightly Shining for the first half.
Branching the two series, Devices Brightly Shining covers the gap between Claire and Andrew’s wedding in A Gentleman of Means and sets up the plot for Fields of Air, involving Gloria’s power struggle for control of her father’s company and to sever ties with the Spanish Californian colonies. (Insert my pet theory about Lord Selwyn here.) The only problem being that Gloria’s two cousins object to her taking over the board and locking them out, but luckily for Gloria, they’re travelling abroad for the time being and won’t be home in time. Unless, say they just so happened to run into the Flock during their holidays and someone accidentally drops this piece of news.
While I like the hints of seeing where the plot is going to go next in this series, I’m not sure if we really need a full novella to cover the events. Yes, there’s a large chunk of the plot that focus on Alice and Ian’s engagement and Alice’s fears of being confined to be a housewife and lady of her husband’s lands (and dealing with Ian’s family and their dislike of Alice), but this being a full set-up for Book 10 I think takes away a little bit for the next book? (I should note that the preview for Fields of Air is actually the opening chapter to Devices Brightly Shining. I got halfway through the preview chapter and thought “Wait, I’ve read all this already.) I mean, I did enjoy seeing these characters again, and seeing how they’ve managed to uncover yet another plot that they can’t necessarily stop, but it feels like this plugging holes that could have easily been dealt with in the full book.
Sure, there’s fun scenes—like Claire and Co. meeting Queen Victoria (and the near-shock of everyone telling Lizzie and Maggie “So, you know you’re officially out in society now? THIS DOESN’T HAPPEN WHO ARE YOU.”) or Alice dealing with her future nieces and the implications of society, but I don’t know if we need a full story to helped plug in the plot holes for the next book. It’s a cute enough entry, but I don’t know if we really need it overall. I don’t want to pass judgment on Fields of Air too early, but I do hope there’s a grander plot to that book than just being a retread of Devices Brightly Shining for the first half.
February 16, 2016
This was a very nice tidbit between books. I'm always ready to read the next Magnificent Devices as soon as it's out, and I really enjoyed having the novella in between this time just to refresh my memory on where we were, to catch up with all the characters, and of course, to have a Christmas read.
I'm very excited to see the series continuing without ever getting tired. Sometimes a series feels scattered when every book focuses on a different character - but this series is so well-woven together. While some characters may be more present in books than others, Ms. Adina never leaves you hanging for so long that you forget about a character. I've loved seeing Claire grow up over the series and really making her own way, and I've loved even more seeing the family she's built. There are so many valuable lessons about the family we choose in this series, and the loyalty and honor among friends. I can't wait for the next adventure!
I'm very excited to see the series continuing without ever getting tired. Sometimes a series feels scattered when every book focuses on a different character - but this series is so well-woven together. While some characters may be more present in books than others, Ms. Adina never leaves you hanging for so long that you forget about a character. I've loved seeing Claire grow up over the series and really making her own way, and I've loved even more seeing the family she's built. There are so many valuable lessons about the family we choose in this series, and the loyalty and honor among friends. I can't wait for the next adventure!
January 6, 2016
A bite-sized treat that happens over the epiphany season (no lightning gun gift-giving, sadly), this is a nice bridge to transition Alice into Gloria's adventure, which will be the subject of the next book. Alice is trying to navigate her feelings about becoming Ian's wife - the shift to her identity, expectations, responsibilities, and whether love is enough to weather that change. Claire and Andrew are finally married, and Mrs. Malvern is able to use her four days experience to try to calm Alice's fears.
But of course, feelings are not the only source of drama. New visitors to town are Gloria's cousins, and Maggie has to navigate through flirtations and etiquette to determine how best to help her flock.
But of course, feelings are not the only source of drama. New visitors to town are Gloria's cousins, and Maggie has to navigate through flirtations and etiquette to determine how best to help her flock.
January 27, 2016
I bought this when it first released but saved it to read on Christmas day. I am really getting on board with the little holiday novella concept. And as I really love this series, it was just a brilliant surprise. This little story is also a great set up for the next set of novels featuring Gloria Merriweather-Astor.
We are presented here with just a few nights that revolve around a ball celebrating The Lady and Andrew's wedding. But absolutely no characters are left out for the festivities. Alice and Ian are basking in their admitted feelings. The Mopsies are finally young women finding love themselves. So much magic is in the air. Perfect of Christmas and getting the spirits right. A supremely great novella.
We are presented here with just a few nights that revolve around a ball celebrating The Lady and Andrew's wedding. But absolutely no characters are left out for the festivities. Alice and Ian are basking in their admitted feelings. The Mopsies are finally young women finding love themselves. So much magic is in the air. Perfect of Christmas and getting the spirits right. A supremely great novella.
December 9, 2015
Another fun Magnificent Devices Read
Shelley Adina continues her fun steampunk series with this (too brief) holiday novella. While this isn't the place to join Adina's world, it's a great excursion for those of us familiar with the Victorian steampunk world. Adina introduces a couple new characters (Meriweather-Astor clan) that will likely play key roles in her next full length novel. More importantly, we get a glimpse into Alice's fears around marrying Ian and becoming Lady Hollys. The ladies remain strong, independent and supportive of each other as has been the hallmark of Adina's writing. Only downside is that is was over way too soon.
Shelley Adina continues her fun steampunk series with this (too brief) holiday novella. While this isn't the place to join Adina's world, it's a great excursion for those of us familiar with the Victorian steampunk world. Adina introduces a couple new characters (Meriweather-Astor clan) that will likely play key roles in her next full length novel. More importantly, we get a glimpse into Alice's fears around marrying Ian and becoming Lady Hollys. The ladies remain strong, independent and supportive of each other as has been the hallmark of Adina's writing. Only downside is that is was over way too soon.
June 4, 2023
Short novella showcasing Alice
This is a bridge story introducing new characters and letting us see into the relationship between Ian and Alice.
Although it could have been simply the beginning of the next book in the series, separating it out in this way allows it to be sold as a holiday-themed book while letting us in on some juicy background tidbits regarding Gloria and her plans for her inheritance.
I'm glad it was broken up this way, and I've already downloaded the next book.
This is a bridge story introducing new characters and letting us see into the relationship between Ian and Alice.
Although it could have been simply the beginning of the next book in the series, separating it out in this way allows it to be sold as a holiday-themed book while letting us in on some juicy background tidbits regarding Gloria and her plans for her inheritance.
I'm glad it was broken up this way, and I've already downloaded the next book.
October 19, 2015
"We need more of the Lady. We need more of the Lady. We need more of the Lady.", we the readers chant and so we got it!
A cute novella to set the stage for the next book and to tide us over until we see what Gloria and Alice are up to next.
So adorable Andrew and Claire, and the hilariousness of Alice amongst the Bloods during the holidays. Just a teaser for what is to come, but more adventures.
A cute novella to set the stage for the next book and to tide us over until we see what Gloria and Alice are up to next.
So adorable Andrew and Claire, and the hilariousness of Alice amongst the Bloods during the holidays. Just a teaser for what is to come, but more adventures.
November 29, 2019
A lovely novella with a Christmas theme, just enough to whet your appetite for more. A wedding, the struggles of another budding romance and hints of the trials of Gloria in the colonies. Wasn't long enough for me but now with this re-read, I can go straight to book #10.
This time through I have been enjoying the audio version, Fiona Hardingham does a lovely job with all the accents. Very fun story.
This time through I have been enjoying the audio version, Fiona Hardingham does a lovely job with all the accents. Very fun story.
May 27, 2016
alight in snow
Alice finds that it is one thing to be engaged to a member of British peerage and another to feel at home among them. thank heavens for Claire. she gets through the tedium of shopping and gives her an inkling of life as a one of the elite. which includes meeting royalty. but Gloria needs their help and Alice takes this time to think
what a delightful transition piece. short but it serves an extremely important role
Alice finds that it is one thing to be engaged to a member of British peerage and another to feel at home among them. thank heavens for Claire. she gets through the tedium of shopping and gives her an inkling of life as a one of the elite. which includes meeting royalty. but Gloria needs their help and Alice takes this time to think
what a delightful transition piece. short but it serves an extremely important role
October 18, 2015
I was a bit confused by this story. Not only should the first chapter be the last but the next book starts with the exact same chapter. It belongs in book ten and should have been left out of this novella. Or it could have been an Epilogue. This does continue to be a delightful, clean series full of friendships, usually competent women, action, cool steampunk devices and some romance too.
January 17, 2016
This was a sweet, very short, magnificent devices story. I appreciated how they explained women's clothing; armor for the rugby situation. I just wished there was more. It seemed as if we only received half a story this time around. Needless to say, I waiting excitedly for the magnificent devices book.
August 15, 2016
Both a part of the larger 'Devices' story, and also a delightful little rest-stop from much of the action, Devices Brightly Shining is a quick read. The focus is less on action (though it's there!) and more on the characters relationships and personalities. I enjoyed this bit of a side-road, and now feel ready to take the onramp back on to the Magnificent Devises main highway with "Fields of Air"
November 22, 2020
This is not a stand alone. I love this series and will continue to read it but this is a between novella incomprehensible to those unfamiliar with the books. Start at the beginning and enjoy these books in order.
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