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Blood and Clockwork
Alistair Click set out to lay to rest the superstitious fears about the Mad Prince's clockwork tower. If that meant he might bring the ghost city of Avalonia back to economic life, connecting the western kingdoms once again, so much the better. So what if no adventurer who'd entered the tower in the last century of desolation had ever re-emerged? They didn't have his skill and wit. He could do better.
The tower turns out to be far more than Alistair expected, however. Not only are there clockwork puzzles to open every door, but one of them drops a boy from a strange world into his lap—figuratively speaking, if only just. Marco Murphy was just gaming in his New Jersey apartment, and now he's stuck in what feels like a never ending LARP nightmare.
The deeper they delve into the Mad Prince's tower, the darker the secrets they uncover. They're not entirely sure they'll ever be able to get out again, either. It'll take all Marco's charm and Alistair's cleverness, plus the strange bond growing between them, to get them out together... and alive.
The tower turns out to be far more than Alistair expected, however. Not only are there clockwork puzzles to open every door, but one of them drops a boy from a strange world into his lap—figuratively speaking, if only just. Marco Murphy was just gaming in his New Jersey apartment, and now he's stuck in what feels like a never ending LARP nightmare.
The deeper they delve into the Mad Prince's tower, the darker the secrets they uncover. They're not entirely sure they'll ever be able to get out again, either. It'll take all Marco's charm and Alistair's cleverness, plus the strange bond growing between them, to get them out together... and alive.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2016
253 people want to read
About the author
Katey Hawthorne
61 books152 followersHi! I'm Katey. I write superpowered and fantasy romance of an LGBTQIA bent. I live at Superpowered Love -- kateyhawthorne.com.
I know, I know, it looks like I don't read anything here at GoodReads. But I do, I swear. My reviews and stuff are all over at my other GoodReads thingie, KV Taylor. Relevant shelves to Katey Hawthorne stuff:
Romance
LGBTQ
and
Comics, Graphic Novels, and Trade Paperbacks
I know, I know, it looks like I don't read anything here at GoodReads. But I do, I swear. My reviews and stuff are all over at my other GoodReads thingie, KV Taylor. Relevant shelves to Katey Hawthorne stuff:
Romance
LGBTQ
and
Comics, Graphic Novels, and Trade Paperbacks
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
my-issues-not-yours
April 2, 2016I am not going to rate this because I genuinely thought that the issues I had were my own.
I am not a visual reader. I mean, I know other people can imagine characters in the books, like they have mental image on which actors/actresses to play the characters for example. Well, I can't. I read descriptions of characters and I can't really imagine how they look.
Same thing with settings, really. If I don't have good frame of reference in my brain, then I can't visualize them. Which might explain why I usually avoid high fantasy and stick to contemporary or urban fantasy because hey, I know what a city or car or phone or TV looks like :p
And that's the problem I had when I read this. I couldn't imagine the setting, the clockwork tower, what Alistair and Marco were doing, and such. So the whole time I was reading this, I felt lost. I liked their conversations enough to keep me going. But that was it.
I am not a visual reader. I mean, I know other people can imagine characters in the books, like they have mental image on which actors/actresses to play the characters for example. Well, I can't. I read descriptions of characters and I can't really imagine how they look.
Same thing with settings, really. If I don't have good frame of reference in my brain, then I can't visualize them. Which might explain why I usually avoid high fantasy and stick to contemporary or urban fantasy because hey, I know what a city or car or phone or TV looks like :p
And that's the problem I had when I read this. I couldn't imagine the setting, the clockwork tower, what Alistair and Marco were doing, and such. So the whole time I was reading this, I felt lost. I liked their conversations enough to keep me going. But that was it.
May 31, 2019
3.5 stars. This was cool, but kind of underdeveloped. I quite enjoyed it, though. Two queer guys get trapped in a wonderfully macabre magic clockwork puzzle tower of death and try to find their way out and not die and they also fall in love. There's a lot of blood and lot of clockwork here, so the title is right on. It's short and there's a lot going on and I wanted more. Nice to see ace rep and POC rep. All in all, this was an enjoyable, imaginative fantasy romance short.
March 12, 2016
This was a delightful tale of fantasy blended with steampunk that had a mild darker tone and a gentle romance. I was pleased to discover it amongst the Solitary Travelers collection.
The story opens with brilliant and intrepid Alistair Click determined to enter the abandoned and desolate once thriving capital city and the Mad Prince's Tower to discover it's secrets and restore the city and tower to its former glory. Only thing is, no one has ever returned after entering the tower. But Alistair is determined.
Alistair is amazed by the clockwork technology he discovers soon after gaining entrance to the tower and finds the first hidden room. Upon activating the mechanism inside, he accidentally pulls a man from another place and time.
Marcus is nothing like anyone Alistair has ever encountered. At first, Marcus thinks he's imagining things and then thinks he's inside a sort of game, but finally he understands the truth. He has been pulled into another dimension or world.
The two men set out to explore the tower and hopefully discover its secrets, but also a way out since it sealed Alistair in after he arrived. They do slowly discover the tower's secrets and they are deadly, but in the meantime, discover secrets about themselves and each other. Alistair is now sad at the thought of losing Marcus back to his own world. Would Marcus consider staying? With Alistair?
So, this is a shorter story, but it is written so that there is nothing lacking. I enjoyed getting to know Alistair (the sole narrator) and Marcus. Marcus comes from modern New Jersey to Alistair's world that may be two hundred years in the past and utilizing steampunk technology. It was interesting as Marcus determined what Alistair thought about him being an artist, about diversity and racism (Marcus is African American and gay) and Alistair was intrigued and pleased to discover that Marcus didn't have a problem with Alistair being white and asexual and a student of gadgetry and technology. They connected first as friends and then deeper as companions.
The story felt like a journey or quest as the two men carefully explored the Mad Prince's Tower and determined what had happened in the past to leave things as they were. It's a macabre place and fascinating. I was glad they had each other as they explored.
In summary, this was intriguing and engaging. I enjoyed the blend of steampunk and fantasy with the dark, intense setting for the pair of engaging characters. Definitely a recommend for those who enjoy sweet m/m or asexual fantasy romance.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
The story opens with brilliant and intrepid Alistair Click determined to enter the abandoned and desolate once thriving capital city and the Mad Prince's Tower to discover it's secrets and restore the city and tower to its former glory. Only thing is, no one has ever returned after entering the tower. But Alistair is determined.
Alistair is amazed by the clockwork technology he discovers soon after gaining entrance to the tower and finds the first hidden room. Upon activating the mechanism inside, he accidentally pulls a man from another place and time.
Marcus is nothing like anyone Alistair has ever encountered. At first, Marcus thinks he's imagining things and then thinks he's inside a sort of game, but finally he understands the truth. He has been pulled into another dimension or world.
The two men set out to explore the tower and hopefully discover its secrets, but also a way out since it sealed Alistair in after he arrived. They do slowly discover the tower's secrets and they are deadly, but in the meantime, discover secrets about themselves and each other. Alistair is now sad at the thought of losing Marcus back to his own world. Would Marcus consider staying? With Alistair?
So, this is a shorter story, but it is written so that there is nothing lacking. I enjoyed getting to know Alistair (the sole narrator) and Marcus. Marcus comes from modern New Jersey to Alistair's world that may be two hundred years in the past and utilizing steampunk technology. It was interesting as Marcus determined what Alistair thought about him being an artist, about diversity and racism (Marcus is African American and gay) and Alistair was intrigued and pleased to discover that Marcus didn't have a problem with Alistair being white and asexual and a student of gadgetry and technology. They connected first as friends and then deeper as companions.
The story felt like a journey or quest as the two men carefully explored the Mad Prince's Tower and determined what had happened in the past to leave things as they were. It's a macabre place and fascinating. I was glad they had each other as they explored.
In summary, this was intriguing and engaging. I enjoyed the blend of steampunk and fantasy with the dark, intense setting for the pair of engaging characters. Definitely a recommend for those who enjoy sweet m/m or asexual fantasy romance.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
March 31, 2016
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Blood and Clockwork is an incredibly intriguing concept, with highly relatable characters and an interesting relationship dynamic. But while I think the story had a lot of things going for it, I ultimately really struggled to be absorbed in the plot and to fully understand and visualize the events happening on the page.
Read the full review on Just Love Romance .
Blood and Clockwork is an incredibly intriguing concept, with highly relatable characters and an interesting relationship dynamic. But while I think the story had a lot of things going for it, I ultimately really struggled to be absorbed in the plot and to fully understand and visualize the events happening on the page.
Read the full review on Just Love Romance .
Read
February 9, 2016The next book by The Other Me! This one is a novella full of clockwork riddles, awkward flirting, and a nerdy ace horologist protag.
June 28, 2016
Pretty cute, though it kind of feels underdeveloped. But I guess that's to be expected with what is essentially a novella. So I'll go for 3.5 stars, rounded up for a change.
January 11, 2023
A Unique Adventure
This story is strange, a bit fascinating, and kept me turning the pages. I couldn't help but root for the two main characters and their slow burning romance. The only downside was I was a bit lost throughout the story. But, that is me, and this isn't my usual type of story.
This story is strange, a bit fascinating, and kept me turning the pages. I couldn't help but root for the two main characters and their slow burning romance. The only downside was I was a bit lost throughout the story. But, that is me, and this isn't my usual type of story.
June 23, 2017
I loved Marco and Alistair's dynamic. They are a freakin' adorable couple <3 I also loved that Marco is like dude I can't pass up another dimension brb <3
listed
June 30, 2019(Alloromantic) asexual MC (Alistair)
June 28, 2021
Once I picked (kindle) up, I had a hard time putting it down.
July 13, 2021
I enjoyed reading this brilliant work by Katey Hawthorne.
April 21, 2016
"It was as if I’d found my way through a clockwork forest, where each strange plant, and all its fruits were made of copper and bronze and the workings of time.”
REVIEW:
Okay, so the gorgeous cover drew me in, and this quote from the story is a great example of the lyrical quality of the first person voice of Alistair. I’ve never read this author before, but I very much liked her style. I enjoyed that she added an Ace character who found an open and accepting friend in a contemporary young gamer who wants to be more, and I liked the bit of time travel plugged in, too.
The narrator voice of Alistair was lyrical, and beautiful to read. It was almost historical in nature and a bit poetic, but easy to understand. And the descriptions of the clockwork, as well as the MC’s love for the craft were well portrayed.
Marco, a modern-day gamer, just ‘drops in’ in the middle of this fantastical clockwork castle of sorts, and it was rather fun how the author melded the contemporary and a steampunk-style dystopian world, where magic, blood, and the mechanics of the working clockwork rooms are full of puzzles to be solved by our protagonists. This author was descriptive, and there were moments of shocking and bloody horror evened out with moments of comfort.
Without giving anything away, there is a mystery these two are working through. And at the same time, it is refreshing to see how they have a personal give and take with accepting each other and their differences, and it took creativity and an open-mindedness on both their parts to find common ground in their attraction for each other without it overpowering the lyrical nature of the story.
There are some surprises as they make their way through the puzzles and mazes the Mad Prince has created. The way it was created is rather grotesque, but works very well in this format.
After finishing this story, I’m very interested in either more adventures in this world, or purchasing other stories written by this author. I can even imagine this particular one would make a good audiobook, as I can hear the tick, t-tick tock of the Mad Prince’s Tower.
It was a notable deviation from the many books currently published in this genre, and I’m very much thinking that more Ace stories should be written and the audience might be enlightened by a point of view with them in mind.
Very highly recommended, and this will be an author I will be watching for more. Loved it!
9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 Stars.
REVIEW:
Okay, so the gorgeous cover drew me in, and this quote from the story is a great example of the lyrical quality of the first person voice of Alistair. I’ve never read this author before, but I very much liked her style. I enjoyed that she added an Ace character who found an open and accepting friend in a contemporary young gamer who wants to be more, and I liked the bit of time travel plugged in, too.
The narrator voice of Alistair was lyrical, and beautiful to read. It was almost historical in nature and a bit poetic, but easy to understand. And the descriptions of the clockwork, as well as the MC’s love for the craft were well portrayed.
Marco, a modern-day gamer, just ‘drops in’ in the middle of this fantastical clockwork castle of sorts, and it was rather fun how the author melded the contemporary and a steampunk-style dystopian world, where magic, blood, and the mechanics of the working clockwork rooms are full of puzzles to be solved by our protagonists. This author was descriptive, and there were moments of shocking and bloody horror evened out with moments of comfort.
Without giving anything away, there is a mystery these two are working through. And at the same time, it is refreshing to see how they have a personal give and take with accepting each other and their differences, and it took creativity and an open-mindedness on both their parts to find common ground in their attraction for each other without it overpowering the lyrical nature of the story.
There are some surprises as they make their way through the puzzles and mazes the Mad Prince has created. The way it was created is rather grotesque, but works very well in this format.
After finishing this story, I’m very interested in either more adventures in this world, or purchasing other stories written by this author. I can even imagine this particular one would make a good audiobook, as I can hear the tick, t-tick tock of the Mad Prince’s Tower.
It was a notable deviation from the many books currently published in this genre, and I’m very much thinking that more Ace stories should be written and the audience might be enlightened by a point of view with them in mind.
Very highly recommended, and this will be an author I will be watching for more. Loved it!
9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 Stars.
April 1, 2017
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
The capital city of Avalonia has been abandoned for over a century, stories of ghosts and a curse keeping people away. The economy took a hard hit when this epicenter of trade and commerce was lost and though people have tried over the years to reclaim it, none have ever returned. Alistair Click is determined that he will be the one to succeed where the others have failed and if that means braving the Mad Prince’s clock tower alone, then so be it. What he finds inside is both more amazing and terrifying than he originally imagined but the greatest surprise will be the unexpected arrival of someone from another world. Together can they crack the secret of the tower and bring this dead city back to life or will they succumb to the Mad Prince’s lingering legacy?
*hums happily* This was such a good read, especially for being so short. I loved the overall steampunk vibe I got while reading (even though it isn’t steam punk at all) and I had a great deal of fun imagining how the tower looked based on the descriptions given. I thought the puzzles were creative and certainly more inventive than what I originally imagined; I was actually extremely disappointed that there weren’t more of them. Alistair was different than I was expecting but I enjoyed him none the less; for that matter, the same can be said about Marco. I’m still a little on the fence on how I felt about Marco in that I’m not entirely certain if the ‘man from another world being dropped in your lap’ concept worked for me; even after finishing the story I keep coming back to that point of contention but I still liked his interactions with Alistair and what he brought to the overall story.
I loved the story and the setting but there just wasn’t enough for me. I don’t normally mind short stories because they can be highly entertaining and make for a quick read when you don’t have a lot of time. My problem here was that I liked this so much that I’m kind of miffed I just didn’t get more time to explore the concept and world. I’m greedy like that, I can’t help it. This story had so much going for it and there really wasn’t much I didn’t care for so I know I’ll read it again for certain. If you like steampunk or are looking for a quicker read that’s a bit different from your norm, I’d recommend this one. I really enjoyed the world building and the unexpected secret of the tower was a nice bonus bit of creepy that made my day.
The capital city of Avalonia has been abandoned for over a century, stories of ghosts and a curse keeping people away. The economy took a hard hit when this epicenter of trade and commerce was lost and though people have tried over the years to reclaim it, none have ever returned. Alistair Click is determined that he will be the one to succeed where the others have failed and if that means braving the Mad Prince’s clock tower alone, then so be it. What he finds inside is both more amazing and terrifying than he originally imagined but the greatest surprise will be the unexpected arrival of someone from another world. Together can they crack the secret of the tower and bring this dead city back to life or will they succumb to the Mad Prince’s lingering legacy?
*hums happily* This was such a good read, especially for being so short. I loved the overall steampunk vibe I got while reading (even though it isn’t steam punk at all) and I had a great deal of fun imagining how the tower looked based on the descriptions given. I thought the puzzles were creative and certainly more inventive than what I originally imagined; I was actually extremely disappointed that there weren’t more of them. Alistair was different than I was expecting but I enjoyed him none the less; for that matter, the same can be said about Marco. I’m still a little on the fence on how I felt about Marco in that I’m not entirely certain if the ‘man from another world being dropped in your lap’ concept worked for me; even after finishing the story I keep coming back to that point of contention but I still liked his interactions with Alistair and what he brought to the overall story.
I loved the story and the setting but there just wasn’t enough for me. I don’t normally mind short stories because they can be highly entertaining and make for a quick read when you don’t have a lot of time. My problem here was that I liked this so much that I’m kind of miffed I just didn’t get more time to explore the concept and world. I’m greedy like that, I can’t help it. This story had so much going for it and there really wasn’t much I didn’t care for so I know I’ll read it again for certain. If you like steampunk or are looking for a quicker read that’s a bit different from your norm, I’d recommend this one. I really enjoyed the world building and the unexpected secret of the tower was a nice bonus bit of creepy that made my day.
March 31, 2016
Book – Blood and Clockwork
Author – Katey Hawthorne
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 68
Cover – Gorgeous
POV – 1st person, past tense
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Aro/Ace, Steampunk, Adventure
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Ever since I saw the cover for this book, I've been dying to read it. I haven't read enough Steampunk stories, by far, and when I saw that it was Katey Hawthorne, I just had to have it. Then, when I read the blurb, I got all giddy and excited. This was a MUST read for me.
Now that I've read it, I can say that I have no regrets or disappointments. Everything this book is and this authors name suggests held up their end of the bargain. This was a beautiful love story, of a different kind. Love for clockwork, adventure and friendship, companionship, art and affection. It was the story of an aro/ace character that felt an intellectual and emotional attachment to a gay man, who just so happened to be the first person to accept the limitation of his affections. There was no push and pull about it. Just solid acceptance and understanding, in a way that was heartwarming and sweet.
I'm not usually a fan of 1st person stories, but this one completely sucked me into Alistair's head, until I never wanted to leave. He was such a fun, interesting science-geek of a character, which I loved. Marco, with his modern day 'cool dude' attitude, was a perfect balance of cynicism to Alistair's blind faith in clockwork.
The detail and world building were genius. Combining traditional Steampunk with a modern world character was unique and brilliant. I loved the gentle exchange of information and cultures. The way that Marco indulged Alistair at first, then settled into the truth, allowing for some fantastic chemistry and bonding between them.
I'm really sad that it had to end and, like the other books that I've read from this “LT3's Solitary Travelers collection” I wish there were more of the world to read, more of the characters. Just more of everything.
Author – Katey Hawthorne
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 68
Cover – Gorgeous
POV – 1st person, past tense
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Aro/Ace, Steampunk, Adventure
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Ever since I saw the cover for this book, I've been dying to read it. I haven't read enough Steampunk stories, by far, and when I saw that it was Katey Hawthorne, I just had to have it. Then, when I read the blurb, I got all giddy and excited. This was a MUST read for me.
Now that I've read it, I can say that I have no regrets or disappointments. Everything this book is and this authors name suggests held up their end of the bargain. This was a beautiful love story, of a different kind. Love for clockwork, adventure and friendship, companionship, art and affection. It was the story of an aro/ace character that felt an intellectual and emotional attachment to a gay man, who just so happened to be the first person to accept the limitation of his affections. There was no push and pull about it. Just solid acceptance and understanding, in a way that was heartwarming and sweet.
I'm not usually a fan of 1st person stories, but this one completely sucked me into Alistair's head, until I never wanted to leave. He was such a fun, interesting science-geek of a character, which I loved. Marco, with his modern day 'cool dude' attitude, was a perfect balance of cynicism to Alistair's blind faith in clockwork.
The detail and world building were genius. Combining traditional Steampunk with a modern world character was unique and brilliant. I loved the gentle exchange of information and cultures. The way that Marco indulged Alistair at first, then settled into the truth, allowing for some fantastic chemistry and bonding between them.
I'm really sad that it had to end and, like the other books that I've read from this “LT3's Solitary Travelers collection” I wish there were more of the world to read, more of the characters. Just more of everything.
August 3, 2016
I received my copy of this from NetGalley in return for a review.
Protagonist: 4/5
Love Interest: 5/5
World Building: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Overall score 16/20 which is a pretty high 4 stars.
Okay so this was a pretty cute novella that seriously made me smile and to be honest I might have to say this *gigglesnort*. Yes, that is the sort of reaction it brought out in me! It didn't take me too long to read and the only reason it looks like it took me two days as I read the first chapter one night and then the rest easily today.
Alistair was a great main character, I'm so excited to see a panromantic asexual character in something I've read. I loved it! Marco was my favourite though as he had some great lines that Alistair just didn't get. It was a little insta-romancy but at least they weren't saying they were in love after two days, just that they might want to try something.
The world building was interesting but because it was so short it did feel like it could be longer and then get a little more backstory or even just story between the main story and the epilogue. I liked it though, especially the steam punk elements of clockwork even without the steam...for now anyway. I guess we'll see what Marco and Alistair will do in the future ha ha.
Basically I would have just liked a bit more back story and world building that would have made it longer but it makes perfect sense and it is just the sort of thing people should be reading. I'm hoping this will sell well!
Protagonist: 4/5
Love Interest: 5/5
World Building: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Overall score 16/20 which is a pretty high 4 stars.
Okay so this was a pretty cute novella that seriously made me smile and to be honest I might have to say this *gigglesnort*. Yes, that is the sort of reaction it brought out in me! It didn't take me too long to read and the only reason it looks like it took me two days as I read the first chapter one night and then the rest easily today.
Alistair was a great main character, I'm so excited to see a panromantic asexual character in something I've read. I loved it! Marco was my favourite though as he had some great lines that Alistair just didn't get. It was a little insta-romancy but at least they weren't saying they were in love after two days, just that they might want to try something.
The world building was interesting but because it was so short it did feel like it could be longer and then get a little more backstory or even just story between the main story and the epilogue. I liked it though, especially the steam punk elements of clockwork even without the steam...for now anyway. I guess we'll see what Marco and Alistair will do in the future ha ha.
Basically I would have just liked a bit more back story and world building that would have made it longer but it makes perfect sense and it is just the sort of thing people should be reading. I'm hoping this will sell well!
July 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. The writing is fantastic, style-wise, and I was fascinated by the clock magic. I loved when Marco showed up and thought he was LARPing (live action role play). The two of them had great chemistry, and their banter was fun.
The story was a bit slower paced than I expected, and there were times when it felt a bit confusing. I realize a short story doesn't have much space for world-building, but some of the stuff about the clocks left me puzzled. Even so, the mix of mechanism and magic was intriguing, and I loved the mystery angle.
While I was glad to have a story featuring an asexual character, one thing which stood out to me was that it was basically unnecessary. The whole story could have been exactly the same with any two people of any orientation, in fact. And the romance could have been eliminated entirely. Not that I think asexuality (or any orientation) needs to be at the forefront, but I kind of feel like if it's not necessary to advancing the plot, and the only reason to mention it is because there's not going to be any sex (which wasn't needed in this story anyway), then it comes across kind of as "Hey, look! An asexual [or whatever orientation] character!" That's okay, but it's not really my cup of tea.
I liked this a lot, but the fantasy was way more interesting than the love story part. So it gets 5 stars for the plot (really cool and unique) and 3 stars for the romance (cute and sweet but unnecessary), averaging out to 4.
The story was a bit slower paced than I expected, and there were times when it felt a bit confusing. I realize a short story doesn't have much space for world-building, but some of the stuff about the clocks left me puzzled. Even so, the mix of mechanism and magic was intriguing, and I loved the mystery angle.
While I was glad to have a story featuring an asexual character, one thing which stood out to me was that it was basically unnecessary. The whole story could have been exactly the same with any two people of any orientation, in fact. And the romance could have been eliminated entirely. Not that I think asexuality (or any orientation) needs to be at the forefront, but I kind of feel like if it's not necessary to advancing the plot, and the only reason to mention it is because there's not going to be any sex (which wasn't needed in this story anyway), then it comes across kind of as "Hey, look! An asexual [or whatever orientation] character!" That's okay, but it's not really my cup of tea.
I liked this a lot, but the fantasy was way more interesting than the love story part. So it gets 5 stars for the plot (really cool and unique) and 3 stars for the romance (cute and sweet but unnecessary), averaging out to 4.
March 14, 2016
*Copy received from NetGalley. Review originally posted on A Bibliophile's Reverie*
A great novella that combines fantasy, action, romance, and suspense! Alistair Click has a surprise guest from another world, and he has to figure out how to get them back! But meanwhile, things are going haywire in his home and he needs to figure out why.
Alistair Click is an awesome character and reminds me a lot of Julius Monrey, the Clockmaker, in the manga Alice in the Country of Hears. They both are shy, don’t seem like they want to deal with people on the outside, but really do care deep down. I really enjoyed this character and could relate very much.
The relationship in this story was very cute, but I feel like it could have been flushed out more. It seemed to easy to me and I wished there was a little more lead up. There was also a lot of action and suspense in this story and I couldn’t put it down! I honestly read it all in one sitting and wished there was more.
I give this story a 4/5, as the relationship could have been flushed out more, but the story was really spectacular. If you like fantasy, a little steampunk, or gay romance, this is definitely for you! I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone!
A great novella that combines fantasy, action, romance, and suspense! Alistair Click has a surprise guest from another world, and he has to figure out how to get them back! But meanwhile, things are going haywire in his home and he needs to figure out why.
Alistair Click is an awesome character and reminds me a lot of Julius Monrey, the Clockmaker, in the manga Alice in the Country of Hears. They both are shy, don’t seem like they want to deal with people on the outside, but really do care deep down. I really enjoyed this character and could relate very much.
The relationship in this story was very cute, but I feel like it could have been flushed out more. It seemed to easy to me and I wished there was a little more lead up. There was also a lot of action and suspense in this story and I couldn’t put it down! I honestly read it all in one sitting and wished there was more.
I give this story a 4/5, as the relationship could have been flushed out more, but the story was really spectacular. If you like fantasy, a little steampunk, or gay romance, this is definitely for you! I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone!
June 17, 2016
This book confused me too much to enjoy. I have to be honest, after reading the blurb again I’m not sure why I picked it? I probably thought it was a turn of century or older fantasy. But it’s more of a Hodgepodge of modern with a steam punk feel?
Alistair lives in a world filled with clocks, and he has set on a quest to the Mad’s Princes Tower.
Marco, happy in his own home is pulled into Alistair’s by a wrong move that turns out to be the right one.
As they both try and find a way out of the tower, we find out about both men. One gay, one asexual.
I seem to be running into a lot of books on asexual people lately. And I find it fascinating the different way these authors have those characters talking about themselves, what there bounders are, what they are willing to do sexually, and how the sexually active character reacted to that.
With this one, Marco and Alistair have more than the sexual hurdle to get over and watching them navigate over it while trying to escape the tower was entertaining if not confusing.
Happy for the out come.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
Alistair lives in a world filled with clocks, and he has set on a quest to the Mad’s Princes Tower.
Marco, happy in his own home is pulled into Alistair’s by a wrong move that turns out to be the right one.
As they both try and find a way out of the tower, we find out about both men. One gay, one asexual.
I seem to be running into a lot of books on asexual people lately. And I find it fascinating the different way these authors have those characters talking about themselves, what there bounders are, what they are willing to do sexually, and how the sexually active character reacted to that.
With this one, Marco and Alistair have more than the sexual hurdle to get over and watching them navigate over it while trying to escape the tower was entertaining if not confusing.
Happy for the out come.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
May 3, 2016
This was a very descriptive novella set in a tower where most everything in each of the vast rooms is made up of clockwork. I enjoyed the visuals, but after a while I began to get bored when nothing interesting happened.
Marco was a great character. I loved his humor and his use of the modern-day Earth phrases that confused Alistair. He pretty much saved the book for me.
One thing I loved was that Alistair was an asexual character. That is very uncommon in books, especially in romance. I thought that was pretty brave of the author. After all...sex sells, right?
I would have rated this book higher if there was some sort of action or purpose to it all. It was mostly a story about two characters exploring a strange tower and getting to know each other. Not quite enough "meat" for my taste.
I received a free Kindle copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Marco was a great character. I loved his humor and his use of the modern-day Earth phrases that confused Alistair. He pretty much saved the book for me.
One thing I loved was that Alistair was an asexual character. That is very uncommon in books, especially in romance. I thought that was pretty brave of the author. After all...sex sells, right?
I would have rated this book higher if there was some sort of action or purpose to it all. It was mostly a story about two characters exploring a strange tower and getting to know each other. Not quite enough "meat" for my taste.
I received a free Kindle copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2016
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.com Review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-75a
From that review: "When I finished Katey Hawthorne's Blood and Clockwork, several things popped immediately to mind. First? What a spectacular world and engrossing plot! That Mad Prince's clockwork tower? Spellbinding...literally. Step by step, I was peering over the shoulders of those wonderful characters, Alistair and Marco as they carefully maneuvered their way thru the mechanisms the Mad Prince has laid out before them. Be prepared to hold your breath.
And right on the heels of that thought? More, there needs to be more..."
For all our reviews, author interviews, guest posts, giveaways and more, visit http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-75a
From that review: "When I finished Katey Hawthorne's Blood and Clockwork, several things popped immediately to mind. First? What a spectacular world and engrossing plot! That Mad Prince's clockwork tower? Spellbinding...literally. Step by step, I was peering over the shoulders of those wonderful characters, Alistair and Marco as they carefully maneuvered their way thru the mechanisms the Mad Prince has laid out before them. Be prepared to hold your breath.
And right on the heels of that thought? More, there needs to be more..."
For all our reviews, author interviews, guest posts, giveaways and more, visit http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords...
March 26, 2016
Review to come
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