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The Alloy Heart
In Victorian London, a mysterious organization known as the Mechanic’s Guild has discovered the secret to create extraordinary engines of war, granting the British Empire unprecedented power. The Guild’s enigmatic founder, Archimedes Tesla, uses this power to become one of the greatest men in the city, creating a kingdom filled with leather, lace, copper, and steel. Meanwhile, two young women are found murdered, each with mechanical hearts implanted in their chests where their natural organs should be. Inspector Thomas Hill, a member of London’s aristocracy, is tasked with finding the killer. Thomas enlists the aid of his childhood friend and now the youngest surgeon in London, Dr. Jackson Elliot, to help him unravel the mystery. Jackson is tragically tormented by his love for Thomas’ sister, Sophia, whose own heart is failing, beyond all medical help. Jackson will do anything in his power to save his precious Sophia. Could finding the killer hold the key to saving the woman he loves?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2017
7 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Quinn Loftis
77 books5,971 followersHello, Readers. My name is Quinn Loftis and I am lucky enough to call myself a novelist. In 2011, I self-published my first novel, Prince of Wolves with no expectations, other than my friends and family might purchase the book out of pity. Now, several years later, with 30+ novels and counting under my belt, Prince of Wolves had been downloaded over 1 million times. Though I was hesitant at the time to submit my work to the world for their scrutiny, I'm so glad I did. It made my dream of making a living by telling stories a reality.
I'm blessed to share my household my wonderful husband of more than twenty years (who also co-writes with me on occasion), three beautiful sons, a French Bulldog, and an oversized tabby cat. I love hearing from readers, so if you have any questions about the books or my journey, don't hesitate to hit the 'Contact Quinn' in the menu above. Thank you so much for taking a chance on my books.
I'm blessed to share my household my wonderful husband of more than twenty years (who also co-writes with me on occasion), three beautiful sons, a French Bulldog, and an oversized tabby cat. I love hearing from readers, so if you have any questions about the books or my journey, don't hesitate to hit the 'Contact Quinn' in the menu above. Thank you so much for taking a chance on my books.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 28, 2017
4-4.5 stars
After first reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure if I would be on board. I love historical fiction and have always found the steampunk genre to be fascinating, but I tend to shy away from mysteries. I just don't seek them out, normally. At the same time, I have enjoyed all of the other books that I have read by Quinn Loftis. Would I be just as captivated with The Alloy Heart?
The answer is YES.
I should not have had any doubts as I was hooked from page one! The story opens with a crime scene that Thomas and his assistant, John, are attending to. Right away we get two strong characters with great chemistry. They worked well together and balanced each other out. There was just enough humor, especially considering the gravity of their case. John Foster was rather charming, if I do say so myself!
The romance between Sophia and Jackson truly touched my heart. I was really rooting for Sophia, and I must admit that I fell hard for Jackson. I couldn't help it. Olivia was another character that I liked. She was cheeky, yet compassionate. I also admired that she was willing to step back, and reconsider how she viewed things.
The Alloy Heart had an excellent balance of everything- mystery, romance, and humor. One of my favorite things, and what I found especially interesting, was how history was 're-written'. Although the setting takes place in London in the late 1800's, it's a different London from what we learned about. A big part of it is due to certain discoveries and the influence of the Mechanic's Guild. That's where the steampunk element comes in.
The Alloy Heart leaves off with a big cliffhanger, and I am so eager and anxious to find out what will happen to these characters that I have grown so fond of. The next book can't come fast enough for me!
After first reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure if I would be on board. I love historical fiction and have always found the steampunk genre to be fascinating, but I tend to shy away from mysteries. I just don't seek them out, normally. At the same time, I have enjoyed all of the other books that I have read by Quinn Loftis. Would I be just as captivated with The Alloy Heart?
The answer is YES.
I should not have had any doubts as I was hooked from page one! The story opens with a crime scene that Thomas and his assistant, John, are attending to. Right away we get two strong characters with great chemistry. They worked well together and balanced each other out. There was just enough humor, especially considering the gravity of their case. John Foster was rather charming, if I do say so myself!
The romance between Sophia and Jackson truly touched my heart. I was really rooting for Sophia, and I must admit that I fell hard for Jackson. I couldn't help it. Olivia was another character that I liked. She was cheeky, yet compassionate. I also admired that she was willing to step back, and reconsider how she viewed things.
The Alloy Heart had an excellent balance of everything- mystery, romance, and humor. One of my favorite things, and what I found especially interesting, was how history was 're-written'. Although the setting takes place in London in the late 1800's, it's a different London from what we learned about. A big part of it is due to certain discoveries and the influence of the Mechanic's Guild. That's where the steampunk element comes in.
The Alloy Heart leaves off with a big cliffhanger, and I am so eager and anxious to find out what will happen to these characters that I have grown so fond of. The next book can't come fast enough for me!
June 11, 2017
Wow! There are some books that keep you guessing from the beginning - this is one of those books. It's definitely a page-turner and I could not have been more surprised by the ending. Obviously it is going to be a series - I can't wait for the next one.
June 20, 2017
Amazing!! What a suspenseful mysterious read!! I was so enraptured from start to finish with this twisted story. Quinn and Bo delivered a magnificent tale that keeps you glued to the pages... eager to find out what's going to happen and leaving you with a surprised ending.. a definite must read!!
June 20, 2017
The Alloy Heart has twists and turns throughout the book and I did not see the ending coming. The authors weave a web of love and trecharty in this mystery. I'm not one for period pieces but I truly enjoyed this book. Starts with 2 women discovered murdered with there hearts cut out. the winding tail plays out from there and keeps you guessing.. Good fun read.
June 20, 2017
Easy read with fantastic detail and plot twists. The author does a great job weaving fiction into historical context. Loved it!
May 25, 2017
A good ole mystery through and through and the ending will shock you! Quinn sure knows how to capture love beautifully you can just feel the love from her written words. You feel so helpless with Sophia's condition and wish more then anything that their life long friend and her love could fix her in time for her to enjoy a wonderful, long life. Her sister, helps her live her life while she still can and her friends come together to help her live one of her dreams.
June 20, 2017
I absolutely loved the story and premise behind The Alloy Heart. I've always enjoyed the stories that have come from Quinn Loftis and this story from her and her husband is no different.
The book opens very strong. Thrusting the reader into a murder investigation that is being headed by Inspector Thomas Hill. This is a very strong character. He wishes to prove his talent, instead of being handed anything. Quite an admirable trait that is seldom seen now a a days.
This inspector and his family are the key characters throughout the novel. Sophia and Olivia will quickly grow on you. I can definitely see some "Jen Like" qualities in one of the sisters.
You are thrust into a story of experiments, murder and love. The bond of the family will have you yearning for such if you don't already have it. Hoping beyond hope that something will turn around.
A great book by two amazing authors.
May 25, 2017
Received this book on recommendation and was not disappointed. There are plenty of twists and turns throughout. Its a very interesting mystery that involves Tesla and the Mechanics Guild. This takes place in London in the 1800s with an alternate version of history. Two women are mysteriously found dead with their hearts cut out. It is up detectives to discover who and why this is happening. Intertwined with the mystery is a love story with Sofia and Jackson. Sofia has a condition and is slowing dying and Jackson wants to be with her until the end. I never expected the story to end the way it did. It was one of my top surprises in a story. Quinn entwines the lives and mystery so well that I honestly did not see it coming. I think this would be an interesting read for those who love period books or mystery. I strongly recommend The Alloy Heart to anyone and can't wait to read more by this great author.
June 29, 2017
When I was first told about this book, all I needed to hear was it is a "Quinn book" and I was in! I just love her, the fact that she wrote it along with her husband, Bo, truly intrigued me. They were seamless, I had no idea which one wrote what parts because it worked THAT well together. Plus how romantic is that....to write with your husband! I just love that!
Okay so the book...whoa! This was such and unusual story and so unique (or at least I've never read anything like it before), I love that it was set in Victoria era in England. Again, I wasn't sure what to expect and I got a mystery romance!!! Hubba...hubba! And I loved it! The characters develop nicely yet they are also complex. Since it's summer think of a water ride with twists and turns only to dump out into a pool and get splashed with cool water, yup, that's exactly what this book did to me especially the ending!
You follow a family and their family friend and the brother's co-worker and you can't help but fall in love with all of them and when they struggle, you (the reader) struggle right along with them. And then there are the mechanics, which let me pause and say, I've never really read about mechanics as secondary characters in a book but this book changed that! Quinn and Bo provided a set up of these characters/mechanics that have you guessing and honestly I still may google some of the references made in this book because I'm THAT curious!
I don't want to give too much away because I don't want to ruin it for future readers. But....give yourself a treat and buy this book and schedule some time so you can devour it in one setting, you won't regret it!
Okay so the book...whoa! This was such and unusual story and so unique (or at least I've never read anything like it before), I love that it was set in Victoria era in England. Again, I wasn't sure what to expect and I got a mystery romance!!! Hubba...hubba! And I loved it! The characters develop nicely yet they are also complex. Since it's summer think of a water ride with twists and turns only to dump out into a pool and get splashed with cool water, yup, that's exactly what this book did to me especially the ending!
You follow a family and their family friend and the brother's co-worker and you can't help but fall in love with all of them and when they struggle, you (the reader) struggle right along with them. And then there are the mechanics, which let me pause and say, I've never really read about mechanics as secondary characters in a book but this book changed that! Quinn and Bo provided a set up of these characters/mechanics that have you guessing and honestly I still may google some of the references made in this book because I'm THAT curious!
I don't want to give too much away because I don't want to ruin it for future readers. But....give yourself a treat and buy this book and schedule some time so you can devour it in one setting, you won't regret it!
June 21, 2017
This is not the Quinn Loftis books I am used to reading. I know Bo Loftis is her husband and he kind of throws you a curve ball. It's a romance sci-fi which makes it very intriguing. I like that he throws in some English history even if it's not true. They got their independence from Britain in 1776. It was a phenomenal idea how they planned to keep the Americans under their thumb. The best was the surprise ending. I knew something was fishy but couldn't figure out what it was. I sincerely hope there is a sequel/ series because of the cliffhanger in the end?
June 20, 2017
This book was WAY out of my comfort zone, but I love Quinn and decided to give it a go. I stuck it out and can genuinely say that, while still not my genre of choice, I enjoyed it. I found it a bit predictable, but the concept and story were unique.
The storyline was seamless and I couldn't tell which author wrote which part so well call it a success. I look forward to seeing what Bo & Quinn come up with in the future as they are a great writing duo.
The storyline was seamless and I couldn't tell which author wrote which part so well call it a success. I look forward to seeing what Bo & Quinn come up with in the future as they are a great writing duo.
March 16, 2018
Moving and leaves you wanting more.
This book was very well written with developing the characters so you are emotionally invested in what happens.
I in fact like to read books while standing in lines and unfortunately I happened upon a particularly moving part and started crying. So yeah. Careful where you are reading if you are in a public place. You have been forewarned.
The ending was a nicely done surprise and sets up for more books and I can't wait!
This book was very well written with developing the characters so you are emotionally invested in what happens.
I in fact like to read books while standing in lines and unfortunately I happened upon a particularly moving part and started crying. So yeah. Careful where you are reading if you are in a public place. You have been forewarned.
The ending was a nicely done surprise and sets up for more books and I can't wait!
June 20, 2017
A murder mystery that takes place in London, England during Victorian times?!? So totally different from Quinn’s usual style! Quinn and Bo did an excellent job of developing the characters, providing just enough details, and causing you to fall in love with these characters.
There were a few twists that I did not expect! Loved it!
There were a few twists that I did not expect! Loved it!
June 20, 2017
A murder mystery that takes place in London, England during Victorian times?!? So totally different from Quinn’s usual style! Quinn and Bo did an excellent job of developing the characters, providing just enough details, and causing you to fall in love with these characters.
There were a few twists that I did not expect! Loved it!
There were a few twists that I did not expect! Loved it!
June 20, 2017
This was an awesome mystery and the ending will shock you! I loved the team up of these authors. They sure knew how to express love in a beautiful way. Sophia's condition makes you feel truly hopeless and I wanted her love and friend to be able to fix her. The sister and friends of this book come together to show you how dreams can come true.
February 28, 2018
Great read
Had the plot worked out from the beginning, but have been finding clockwork novels intriguing so I kept reading. The last quarter of the book had me weeping to the end. Couldn't wait to start the next book only to find I will have to wait for a future installment. This will give my eyes time to recover. Fun, quick, fantastical read.
Had the plot worked out from the beginning, but have been finding clockwork novels intriguing so I kept reading. The last quarter of the book had me weeping to the end. Couldn't wait to start the next book only to find I will have to wait for a future installment. This will give my eyes time to recover. Fun, quick, fantastical read.
June 22, 2017
Absolutely brilliant. Kept me guessing and left me speechless... loved it
July 22, 2017
Pretty good for a first time author. Hope there is a 2nd one go follow.
September 30, 2020
Omg lots of twists and turns and lots more f heart string I cried on and off through the whole book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews