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The Inventor's Secret #3
Le Pari du Traître
What if America had lost the Revolutionary War? And now lived in constant fear and oppression? From the bestselling author of Nightshade, this is the action-packed final chapter of The Inventor's Secret trilogy.
Charlotte has spent her whole life fighting the British Empire, following in the footsteps of her parents and their group of rebels. But when her reunion with her mother laid bare horrible truths about the rebellion, Charlotte knew she had to escape. Now she is on the run, with no idea who the enemy is--or which of her compatriots is truly on her side.
In this action-packed conclusion to the Inventor's Secret trilogy, full of swashbuckling pirates and young ladies who can hold their own against them, Charlotte will need to fight for her life and for her beliefs -- whatever they might be.
Charlotte has spent her whole life fighting the British Empire, following in the footsteps of her parents and their group of rebels. But when her reunion with her mother laid bare horrible truths about the rebellion, Charlotte knew she had to escape. Now she is on the run, with no idea who the enemy is--or which of her compatriots is truly on her side.
In this action-packed conclusion to the Inventor's Secret trilogy, full of swashbuckling pirates and young ladies who can hold their own against them, Charlotte will need to fight for her life and for her beliefs -- whatever they might be.
378 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2016
22 people are currently reading
1579 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Cremer
42 books6,658 followersAndrea Cremer also known as Andrea Robertson, is the author of the internationally bestselling Nightshade series. She spent her childhood daydreaming and roaming the forests and lakeshores of Northern Wisconsin.
Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. Before she wrote her first novel, Andrea was a history professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. In her books, she strives to bring together her two passions: history and fantasy. Andrea now lives in New York and writes full time.
To contact Andrea, please visit, andreacremer.com
Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. Before she wrote her first novel, Andrea was a history professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. In her books, she strives to bring together her two passions: history and fantasy. Andrea now lives in New York and writes full time.
To contact Andrea, please visit, andreacremer.com
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May 1, 2017Loved the end of this book. Also I want one of these pirate ships. My favorite scene was the prison. I know that seems strange but the prison was just so cool and frightening. I can imagine staring up at that thing in horror. I really liked how the whole story came together. If you're a steampunk fan and like swoonworthy heroes, this series is a definite read.
November 16, 2016
This is a review for book three in a series. There may be minor spoilers for the other two books. Consider yourself warned.
Guys! Guys! Ahh! It is finally here! Book 3! Yes!
Pirates, steampunk, alchemy, spies... I mean, what does this book NOT have?! It feels like it has everything! And it is all wrapped up so nicely and entertainingly!
The Turncoat's Gambit, as I have pointed out, is book 3 in The Inventor's Secret series. This makes it the final book for these characters and this world and it makes me sad that we have to say goodbye, but it had to happen sometime. Normally I prolong my farewells and take forever to finish a series, but I couldn't do it with this one. I had to know. I had to finish it. I couldn't put off a book containing pirates and steampunk. I just couldn't.
This third book in the series has us picking up where we left off in book two. On a pirate ship! Jack, Charlotte, Meg, Linette, and Grave are all on the run from both the Empire and the Resistance. Both sides are wanting Grave for their own purposes and Charlotte cannot give him up. She believes Grave deserves a better fate that to be their puppet and science project. So they have employed the pirate, LaChance, to help them escape and get to safety.
Unfortunately for them, there is a turncoat in their midst. But who is it?
And this leads us to all the crazy adventures and happenings our beloved cast of characters must go through in this final book!
Okay, so to be honest with you all, it took me a little bit to get back into this story. However, I think the problem was me, not the book. I just couldn't fully remember who everyone was for a little bit and I have read well over 100 books since reading books 1 and 2 a year ago. Once I finally started remembering though, I found myself fully engrossed and loving the story once again. The pages just started to fly by and I never wanted to put it down.
The characters are just as great as ever. They have definitely grown over the course of the series. I think my favorites have to be Grave, Lachance, and Coe. Though really it is hard to pick. All of them were pretty well written.
And really, I just loved the whole premise behind the trilogy. As you may recall, it is an alternate history story. America lost the Revolutionary War and the British Empire is in charge. This is something that most of us have probably never really thought about, but this book really makes you wonder what it would have been like if we did lose. Would we fight back like our friends in this story have been? Or would we have accepted our fate? I doubt we would have had alchemy and the technology they have, but it still makes you wonder.
I am sad to see this series end, but I am glad I got to know this fabulous cast of characters!
This review is based on an ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.
Find more of my reviews here:
http://readingwithcupcakes.blogspot.com/
July 7, 2016
A damned good finish to a damned good trilogy! Gah I almost wish it wasn't over! I will admit to being mad about one thing but I'll get over it...eventually lol
September 5, 2017
A fitting finale; and I loved the ending! The first book is still my favorite but this one is much better than the second. Charolette and Linnet are everything I adore in YA heroines. If you are new to Steam Punk, this is a good series to attempt.
October 1, 2017
Très sympa, on a une conclusion qui répond enfin à nos questions et le rythme est plus soutenu que le second tome.
August 7, 2020
A little rushed, but it's a wrap. One hundered pages from the end of the book, I really did not know what to expect. Good imagination and likeable characters to the very end.
February 12, 2018
[http://laura-passage.com/le-secret-de...]
Le pari du traître offre une très belle conclusion à la trilogie Le secret de l’inventeur. Toutes les interrogations trouvent enfin leurs réponses et Andrea Cremer sait s’appuyer sur ses personnages complexes et touchants auxquels le lecteur n’a pu que s’attacher.
Le pari du traître offre une très belle conclusion à la trilogie Le secret de l’inventeur. Toutes les interrogations trouvent enfin leurs réponses et Andrea Cremer sait s’appuyer sur ses personnages complexes et touchants auxquels le lecteur n’a pu que s’attacher.
August 28, 2024
⚙️
‘Without risk, no great deed would ever be done.’
⚙️
The Turncoat’s Gambit was an amazing conclusion to the Inventor’s Secret series. This trilogy had all the elements I love in a book: clean romance. political steampunk. espionage. traitors. close friendships and strong bonds. a blend of the past and the soon future.
Simply amazing.
This series was my first steampunk read. It had a fantastic blend of alternative history and mechanical marvels. I loved the unique settings, the ingenuity, and character development. I was never bored with this one.
Each character’s story was weaved seamlessly throughout this book, offering incredible insights as to how it all fit together like a puzzle. I just loved the vintage locales, and how everything was so advanced. From New York, the Floating City, to the Daedalus Tower, to flying pirate ships and dragonfly fighter crafts… Cremer continues to shock me with her brilliant mind.
↪️ Christian POV / CWs:
🚂 mentions of gods/goddesses. Multiple times, characters swear by their names or pray to them.
🚂 temples of said gods/goddesses. Characters visit one to find answers, and Sisters and Priestesses help them.
🚂 comments about: The Book of the Dead, spirits, Hades, trading one soul (used as an analogy)
💭 All in all, this series is one I’d HIGHLY recommend. It’s a great introduction to steampunk for readers new to this genre as I was, and reading it is an adventure itself.
⚙️ Breezes full of salt and sea never failed to enliven her senses, prompting dreams of adventure, of all that was possible. Endless blue in ever-changing shades. Infinite mystery. Boundless joy. ⚙️
The Turncoat’s Gambit was an amazing conclusion to the Inventor’s Secret series. This trilogy had all the elements I love in a book: clean romance. political steampunk. espionage. traitors. close friendships and strong bonds. a blend of the past and the soon future.
Simply amazing.
This series was my first steampunk read. It had a fantastic blend of alternative history and mechanical marvels. I loved the unique settings, the ingenuity, and character development. I was never bored with this one.
Each character’s story was weaved seamlessly throughout this book, offering incredible insights as to how it all fit together like a puzzle. I just loved the vintage locales, and how everything was so advanced. From New York, the Floating City, to the Daedalus Tower, to flying pirate ships and dragonfly fighter crafts… Cremer continues to shock me with her brilliant mind.
↪️ Christian POV / CWs:
🚂 mentions of gods/goddesses. Multiple times, characters swear by their names or pray to them.
🚂 temples of said gods/goddesses. Characters visit one to find answers, and Sisters and Priestesses help them.
🚂 comments about: The Book of the Dead, spirits, Hades, trading one soul (used as an analogy)
💭 All in all, this series is one I’d HIGHLY recommend. It’s a great introduction to steampunk for readers new to this genre as I was, and reading it is an adventure itself.
⚙️ Breezes full of salt and sea never failed to enliven her senses, prompting dreams of adventure, of all that was possible. Endless blue in ever-changing shades. Infinite mystery. Boundless joy. ⚙️
April 10, 2024
Great storyline, non exasperating characters, cool story idea. It has just made me realize steampunk is not my genre of choice. Felt quite bogged down by the ‘how the heck’ and ‘floating city, really?’ Other then that quite good
November 16, 2016
Review coming soon!
April 11, 2018
PRAISE JESUS, I have reached the end of the series! Okay. The whole series wasn't as bad as it could have been. I mean, I wouldn't have been able to finish it if it was as horrible as Twilight or some trash like that.
I went into this book because the previous one ended with a cliffhanger. And we ended up right in the mind of Cow. I mean Cow. I mean Cow. I really mean Coe. That pile of trash. He's still a liar. And I feel nothing for him.
There are points where we flip into other people's minds, but only because certain events of the novel require us to move around while dead Charlotte is in one location. Dead, I mean dear. Goodness. Don't worry. Charlotte lives. I'm actually a little disappointed by the amount of living in the series. THERE IS A WAR GOING ON HERE. And how little action there really is. For a war that has been in the process for like forty years, it's surprisingly the most boring war I've read since Breaking Dawn. You certainly must remember the war in Breaking Dawn if you read it. Everyone lines up and Bella realizes what her precious talent is. *snore* There is a little more action during this war, but SPOILER ALERT, it's over almost as soon as it begins.
You should probably avoid that paragraph if you want to read this book. Haha.
I'm annoyed by the ships and lack of explanations that go with them. Oh, and of course the one girl that we briefly met in the first book and a certain lad discarded as quickly as he could is never mentioned again. Oh. I'm talking about relationships, not actual ship ships. Puh-lease. All of the ships sucked. I don't even know if I can see the plausibility of any of them besides............... THE ONE WE ALL KNOW WE ARE HEADED TOWARD. THE JACK AND CHARLOTTE. It's inevitable. We can see it coming from a billion miles away. That's the boy that we are supposed to ship her with.
Some of the events were stupid. *narrows eyes* Okay. Enough of the events were stupid that I don't blame anyone for being frustrated.
I still don't trust the Greek mythology shoved into the book. Really. I understand that you wanted this to have the steampunk feel to it, and it did, but there's still no reason for the British Empire for embracing such pagan beliefs. Let's recall what we learned in all ofthe other books set in this stage of history. *wrinkles nose* Well. I'm sure what I recall will come back to me at some point. But, people were still at least minorly religious at this point in time, right? God's teeth. I never want to read Hephaestus or Daedalus outside the context of Greek and Greek mythology related things ever again. Or at least not for a very long time. I'm so sick of stumbling over the words. I READ BOOKS SO THAT I CAN MAKE UP PRONUNCIATIONS AS I GO, NOT SO THAT I CAN STUMBLE OVER THE WORST NAMES IN THE BOOK. *snorts* Okay. The worst name in the book is Coe. Ma'am. I understand you chose to make your own things up, but what kind of name is Coe? Actually, one character voiced my own question of "What kind of name is Scoff" and I was like "FINALLY. SOMEONE ELSE SEES THIS WEIRDNESS."
Meg didn't get enough explanation for the things she was getting into. Linnet kind of was explained, but not thoroughly. I don't feel satisfied with their ends of the story. Especially since all signs pointed towards shipwreck cove. *rolls eyes*
The middle of the book was boring. I was at least grateful for blowing things up, except it still wasn't that great of stuff. Also, who the hell lets their captive not have a guard outside the door? Isn't that like the first thing you would do even if you anticipated their cooperation?
Well, anyway. I'm done with the series and now I would like to start my own steampunk series and visit New Orleans (don't get me started on New Orleans. I just want to wipe it from my mind and then go get gumbo and learn French and voodoo.) and do the steampunk genre a good deed.
Oh God. New Orleans. THE TRAVESTY. WHO MAKES EVERYONE WEAR MASKS?????? ESPECIALLY IF THE MASKS ARE EXPENSIVE AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE A BUNCH TO WANDER AROUND STEALTHILY? I hate the mask idea. Not because it stinks, but because it was like the most thought out explanation for just about anything in the novel. I mean, we didn't even get the whole Ash and Meg affair spelled out, but we get the mask affair spelled out? Boring. Now. Back to dreams of gumbo and Cajun food and culture.
Recommended for anyone who has suffered through the previous books and says to themselves "Well, in for a penny, in for a pound." or whatever. Though, the fact that the middle book has the highest rating, I believe, you might just want to toss the series aside and read something else.
I went into this book because the previous one ended with a cliffhanger. And we ended up right in the mind of Cow. I mean Cow. I mean Cow. I really mean Coe. That pile of trash. He's still a liar. And I feel nothing for him.
There are points where we flip into other people's minds, but only because certain events of the novel require us to move around while dead Charlotte is in one location. Dead, I mean dear. Goodness. Don't worry. Charlotte lives. I'm actually a little disappointed by the amount of living in the series. THERE IS A WAR GOING ON HERE. And how little action there really is. For a war that has been in the process for like forty years, it's surprisingly the most boring war I've read since Breaking Dawn. You certainly must remember the war in Breaking Dawn if you read it. Everyone lines up and Bella realizes what her precious talent is. *snore* There is a little more action during this war, but SPOILER ALERT, it's over almost as soon as it begins.
You should probably avoid that paragraph if you want to read this book. Haha.
I'm annoyed by the ships and lack of explanations that go with them. Oh, and of course the one girl that we briefly met in the first book and a certain lad discarded as quickly as he could is never mentioned again. Oh. I'm talking about relationships, not actual ship ships. Puh-lease. All of the ships sucked. I don't even know if I can see the plausibility of any of them besides............... THE ONE WE ALL KNOW WE ARE HEADED TOWARD. THE JACK AND CHARLOTTE. It's inevitable. We can see it coming from a billion miles away. That's the boy that we are supposed to ship her with.
Some of the events were stupid. *narrows eyes* Okay. Enough of the events were stupid that I don't blame anyone for being frustrated.
I still don't trust the Greek mythology shoved into the book. Really. I understand that you wanted this to have the steampunk feel to it, and it did, but there's still no reason for the British Empire for embracing such pagan beliefs. Let's recall what we learned in all ofthe other books set in this stage of history. *wrinkles nose* Well. I'm sure what I recall will come back to me at some point. But, people were still at least minorly religious at this point in time, right? God's teeth. I never want to read Hephaestus or Daedalus outside the context of Greek and Greek mythology related things ever again. Or at least not for a very long time. I'm so sick of stumbling over the words. I READ BOOKS SO THAT I CAN MAKE UP PRONUNCIATIONS AS I GO, NOT SO THAT I CAN STUMBLE OVER THE WORST NAMES IN THE BOOK. *snorts* Okay. The worst name in the book is Coe. Ma'am. I understand you chose to make your own things up, but what kind of name is Coe? Actually, one character voiced my own question of "What kind of name is Scoff" and I was like "FINALLY. SOMEONE ELSE SEES THIS WEIRDNESS."
Meg didn't get enough explanation for the things she was getting into. Linnet kind of was explained, but not thoroughly. I don't feel satisfied with their ends of the story. Especially since all signs pointed towards shipwreck cove. *rolls eyes*
The middle of the book was boring. I was at least grateful for blowing things up, except it still wasn't that great of stuff. Also, who the hell lets their captive not have a guard outside the door? Isn't that like the first thing you would do even if you anticipated their cooperation?
Well, anyway. I'm done with the series and now I would like to start my own steampunk series and visit New Orleans (don't get me started on New Orleans. I just want to wipe it from my mind and then go get gumbo and learn French and voodoo.) and do the steampunk genre a good deed.
Oh God. New Orleans. THE TRAVESTY. WHO MAKES EVERYONE WEAR MASKS?????? ESPECIALLY IF THE MASKS ARE EXPENSIVE AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE A BUNCH TO WANDER AROUND STEALTHILY? I hate the mask idea. Not because it stinks, but because it was like the most thought out explanation for just about anything in the novel. I mean, we didn't even get the whole Ash and Meg affair spelled out, but we get the mask affair spelled out? Boring. Now. Back to dreams of gumbo and Cajun food and culture.
Recommended for anyone who has suffered through the previous books and says to themselves "Well, in for a penny, in for a pound." or whatever. Though, the fact that the middle book has the highest rating, I believe, you might just want to toss the series aside and read something else.
December 7, 2017
This conclusion to the Inventor's Secret trilogy was filled with action as Charlotte takes Grave and flees from New Orleans. She is still a revolutionary but she doesn't want Grave to be used by either the revolutionary forces or the Empire. They flee with pirates but are captured by bounty hunters who deliver them to Empire forces. They are split up with Charlotte taken to the Empire's high tech prison and Grave to tinkers who try to find out why he works.
Meanwhile, Charlotte's friends are attempting to find and rescue them. This story has great steampunk detail in an alternate world where the revolutionaries lost the American revolution and are still under control of the British Empire. I liked that the women were as brave and intrepid as the men. I liked the floating city and the ships that could take to the air to get away from pursuit. I thought the battles with the steampunk weaponry were well done.
I liked that Charlotte wasn't going to automatically follow the revolution just because she had been raised to be a revolutionary but was tweaking her participation to fit with her goals and her conscience.
Fans of alternate history, steampunk, and adventure will enjoy this series.
Meanwhile, Charlotte's friends are attempting to find and rescue them. This story has great steampunk detail in an alternate world where the revolutionaries lost the American revolution and are still under control of the British Empire. I liked that the women were as brave and intrepid as the men. I liked the floating city and the ships that could take to the air to get away from pursuit. I thought the battles with the steampunk weaponry were well done.
I liked that Charlotte wasn't going to automatically follow the revolution just because she had been raised to be a revolutionary but was tweaking her participation to fit with her goals and her conscience.
Fans of alternate history, steampunk, and adventure will enjoy this series.
September 20, 2018
Last book in the series. Read for the sake of the cliffhanger ending of the previous book and for closure. I read this far, I might as well finish it.
Good ending, albeit somewhat sappy. Everyone is happy at the end, except for those that died, even if their deaths were completely predictable. Can't say too much about it without spoilers and if you haven't read the first two, what's the point? It ties up its lose ends and doesn't leave another book readily open for the future, thankfully.
Not a terrible series, but I think I would've enjoyed it more 4 years ago when I was still just being exposed to the Steampunk genre and was much less scrutinizing over the details of alternative histories. Also 4 years ago, I was also much less adverse to the YA genre as a whole.
So, needless to say, time did not endear me to these books.
Good ending, albeit somewhat sappy. Everyone is happy at the end, except for those that died, even if their deaths were completely predictable. Can't say too much about it without spoilers and if you haven't read the first two, what's the point? It ties up its lose ends and doesn't leave another book readily open for the future, thankfully.
Not a terrible series, but I think I would've enjoyed it more 4 years ago when I was still just being exposed to the Steampunk genre and was much less scrutinizing over the details of alternative histories. Also 4 years ago, I was also much less adverse to the YA genre as a whole.
So, needless to say, time did not endear me to these books.
March 13, 2018
First let me just say I read all three books in this series before I decided to post a review.
I really enjoyed the first book. I love seeing a badass female character such as Charlotte. Nothing excites me more then reading about a woman that doesn’t need a man to take care of her.
All three books seemed to drag out though in the beginning and then rush through the best parts in the end. With that being said they all had good endings I just wish they would of been a little more detailed.
Final thoughts: if you love the steampunk style of writing with badass females and a little bit of pirates you may enjoy these.
I really enjoyed the first book. I love seeing a badass female character such as Charlotte. Nothing excites me more then reading about a woman that doesn’t need a man to take care of her.
All three books seemed to drag out though in the beginning and then rush through the best parts in the end. With that being said they all had good endings I just wish they would of been a little more detailed.
Final thoughts: if you love the steampunk style of writing with badass females and a little bit of pirates you may enjoy these.
June 4, 2023
Une fin à cette trilogie qui n’a pas été totalement à la hauteur de mes attentes.
Au final, il y a peu d’actions alors que les évènements y sont largement propices.
De même, de nombreuses questions soulevées au cours du deuxième tome n’y trouvent pas toutes les réponses malheureusement.
Mais j’ai apprécié de passer un dernier moment avec ces personnages auxquels on s’attache beaucoup. Mon coup de coeur pour Jack n’a fait que se confirmer dans ce tome.
En conclusion, une bonne fin pour la trilogie même si elle n’est pas complètement satisfaisante.
Au final, il y a peu d’actions alors que les évènements y sont largement propices.
De même, de nombreuses questions soulevées au cours du deuxième tome n’y trouvent pas toutes les réponses malheureusement.
Mais j’ai apprécié de passer un dernier moment avec ces personnages auxquels on s’attache beaucoup. Mon coup de coeur pour Jack n’a fait que se confirmer dans ce tome.
En conclusion, une bonne fin pour la trilogie même si elle n’est pas complètement satisfaisante.
August 24, 2017
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
17/20 - Un final avec toutes les réponses que j'en espérais même si parfois ça va un peu trop vite et des personnages toujours aussi agréables !!
17/20 - Un final avec toutes les réponses que j'en espérais même si parfois ça va un peu trop vite et des personnages toujours aussi agréables !!
January 29, 2019
The final chapter in one of the best series I have ever read, I wish it didn't have to end!
February 3, 2017
I hate how the love triangle was resolved, stupid.
October 31, 2017
Link: https://holedupinabook.blogspot.com/2...
A steampunk, sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction novel. Wow, that’s a mouthful and that’s essentially what these books were all about. It definitely took me a while to figure out the entire setting which was basically what America could have looked like if the Revolution didn’t happen and Britain still lorded over us. I don’t think this is a spoiler because I feel like this little tidbit could have been 10000% helpful before going into this series mainly because I was honestly confused until like…the second half of the first book. That was how long it took before I was like OH THAT MAKES SENSE. And that was also when everything slowly clicked into place and when the books started to get interesting.
The overall plot was okay but I thought that the pace was so incredibly slow. I mean, first of all, it took me forever to figure out the exact setting. There were a lot of action but the action were all very short so it didn’t really curb my action satisfaction at all. Plus there at the same time, I was constantly confused because a lot things going on but none of them seemed to be adequately described in a way that was easily understood. Honestly, I’m just proud that I even finished the series and understood the gist of it.
Because of me being consistently confused with these books, I never really got to connect with any of the characters. I wasn’t a huge fan of Charlotte – I thought she was capable and on top of things at times but then there were certain times when she would do something that would completely throw me off. I also wasn’t entirely sure about the relationship she had with Jack because in the first book, they were together or as much together as possible then something happens and she’s angry with him. Throughout the rest of the books, she was still mad with him and suddenly in the last half of the third book, she suddenly changed her mind again and was oh-la-la over him again. I was really unsure what that was all about.
Out of all the characters, I probably like Linnet the best mainly because I liked her badass self. She was probably the only consistent character (other than Grave but that’s to be expected…you’ll find out why if you read these books) so I can admire her for that. She knew what she wanted and she did what she had to do to get it. And she didn’t pretend to like you – she was not a faker. And that’s a quality that I really like.
All in all, the series was just decent – I didn’t particularly love the books but by no means did I hate it. I thought it was just okay and thought it gave an interesting insight to what American could have been if the Revolution had failed hundreds of years ago and if our tech was better (i.e. steampunk tech).
A steampunk, sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction novel. Wow, that’s a mouthful and that’s essentially what these books were all about. It definitely took me a while to figure out the entire setting which was basically what America could have looked like if the Revolution didn’t happen and Britain still lorded over us. I don’t think this is a spoiler because I feel like this little tidbit could have been 10000% helpful before going into this series mainly because I was honestly confused until like…the second half of the first book. That was how long it took before I was like OH THAT MAKES SENSE. And that was also when everything slowly clicked into place and when the books started to get interesting.
The overall plot was okay but I thought that the pace was so incredibly slow. I mean, first of all, it took me forever to figure out the exact setting. There were a lot of action but the action were all very short so it didn’t really curb my action satisfaction at all. Plus there at the same time, I was constantly confused because a lot things going on but none of them seemed to be adequately described in a way that was easily understood. Honestly, I’m just proud that I even finished the series and understood the gist of it.
Because of me being consistently confused with these books, I never really got to connect with any of the characters. I wasn’t a huge fan of Charlotte – I thought she was capable and on top of things at times but then there were certain times when she would do something that would completely throw me off. I also wasn’t entirely sure about the relationship she had with Jack because in the first book, they were together or as much together as possible then something happens and she’s angry with him. Throughout the rest of the books, she was still mad with him and suddenly in the last half of the third book, she suddenly changed her mind again and was oh-la-la over him again. I was really unsure what that was all about.
Out of all the characters, I probably like Linnet the best mainly because I liked her badass self. She was probably the only consistent character (other than Grave but that’s to be expected…you’ll find out why if you read these books) so I can admire her for that. She knew what she wanted and she did what she had to do to get it. And she didn’t pretend to like you – she was not a faker. And that’s a quality that I really like.
All in all, the series was just decent – I didn’t particularly love the books but by no means did I hate it. I thought it was just okay and thought it gave an interesting insight to what American could have been if the Revolution had failed hundreds of years ago and if our tech was better (i.e. steampunk tech).
February 16, 2017
As much as I was pleased with this series (and I loved it on many levels- the setting, the imagery, and it even avoided some tropes I hate and kept bracing to have come up!) I can't say that this is a 5-star ending. Sure the story was wrapped up, but it felt rather rushed and too neat and clean. That said, I did love the characters (namely Coe and Grave) and enjoyed this alternative steampunk history. But it was almost as if the real emotional actions happened around the characters instead of to them (save, of course for the one major event in the final act, though even that was too smoothly accomplished in my opinion) and then suddenly everything was tied up with a bow. I just wish that it packed more of an emotional gut punch in the final installment instead of ambling along too perfectly.
I must say though, not for the first time, that I do hope they reissue these books with better covers. Had I not received the first one as an ARC with a much more pleasing cover (the clockwork heart) I never would have picked up this series. I suppose I am likely just outside of the target demographic, but the writing inside the books is far better than you are led to believe based on the cover images and whether or not it is right, judging a book by its cover is bound to happen.
I must say though, not for the first time, that I do hope they reissue these books with better covers. Had I not received the first one as an ARC with a much more pleasing cover (the clockwork heart) I never would have picked up this series. I suppose I am likely just outside of the target demographic, but the writing inside the books is far better than you are led to believe based on the cover images and whether or not it is right, judging a book by its cover is bound to happen.
September 4, 2019
And that's that. When I start a series, I finish it. When a series has its hooks in me, I can't put them down. Once complete, I feel like it's saying goodbye. This time, I felt nothing when it was done.
Unlike the first two, this one included POV of the other characters. I suppose the story couldn't be told strictly from Charlotte's view without a lot of Deus ex Machina throughout and not getting the motivations of other characters unless it was in a "well let me catch you up on what I've been doing..." flashbacks.
Parallel timelines were odd in this one. Modes of transport are steam boats, trains, and some flying machines (that aren't ever really explained how they work, unfortunately). Sometimes travel across long distances took no time at all (hours), while others appeared to take days. There wasn't a consistency here. Taking a ship from New Orleans through the Gulf, around FL, up to NC seemed to take no time. Same with NC to Boston. It's a 13 hr drive by modern means, but open air sea craft take only a few hours.
For all the talk about the Crucible, execution was interesting, but I feel like I've encountered something similar before. And so little time was spent there.
The end was too much happy ending. There's no real consequences for the traitor, and even Charlotte's last act of defiance would keep her on the run for the rest of her life. "Well my mom is a Resistance leader...". So what, the war, for the most part, is over. She doesn't really have that much power. Once the new Gov't is formed, the new politicians and bureaucrats would be looking to weaken the political power of the resistance leaders. Sure, it looks like Ash is trying to move up the ranks, but his sister's actions would have had impacts on his rise. The only real wrinkle is the relationship between Charlotte's parents. Granted, I thought was a nice touch, but the rest is just everyone got what they wanted.
I've already moved on to the next series, and this one will quickly be forgotten.
Unlike the first two, this one included POV of the other characters. I suppose the story couldn't be told strictly from Charlotte's view without a lot of Deus ex Machina throughout and not getting the motivations of other characters unless it was in a "well let me catch you up on what I've been doing..." flashbacks.
Parallel timelines were odd in this one. Modes of transport are steam boats, trains, and some flying machines (that aren't ever really explained how they work, unfortunately). Sometimes travel across long distances took no time at all (hours), while others appeared to take days. There wasn't a consistency here. Taking a ship from New Orleans through the Gulf, around FL, up to NC seemed to take no time. Same with NC to Boston. It's a 13 hr drive by modern means, but open air sea craft take only a few hours.
For all the talk about the Crucible, execution was interesting, but I feel like I've encountered something similar before. And so little time was spent there.
The end was too much happy ending. There's no real consequences for the traitor, and even Charlotte's last act of defiance would keep her on the run for the rest of her life. "Well my mom is a Resistance leader...". So what, the war, for the most part, is over. She doesn't really have that much power. Once the new Gov't is formed, the new politicians and bureaucrats would be looking to weaken the political power of the resistance leaders. Sure, it looks like Ash is trying to move up the ranks, but his sister's actions would have had impacts on his rise. The only real wrinkle is the relationship between Charlotte's parents. Granted, I thought was a nice touch, but the rest is just everyone got what they wanted.
I've already moved on to the next series, and this one will quickly be forgotten.
January 20, 2020
I made it 1/3 of the way through. This is surprising bc it started out well, better than the the first book which was weak and the second had a ridiculous ending. But it quickly turned into more Nonsense and easy to guess twists. I caught myself being very bored and skipping paragraphs looking for more interesting happenings that just didn't come. Or if they happened were not fulfilling enough. Wish I could say nicer things bc years ago I read nightshade series and enjoyed that very much.
Want to read
March 31, 2016Omg! I need it! I need it!
April 15, 2021
This book felt like it was tacked on. The middle felt like filler and it was only about the last 45 minutes that I felt like we were getting back to the heart of the story.
October 11, 2017
Je suis toujours un peu triste quand je termine une saga. Dire au revoir à des personnages que j’ai suivis durant des années, tourner une dernière fois la page d’un univers que j’apprécie… Eh bien c’est un peu ce que j’ai ressenti ici. Le secret de l’inventeur est une série que j’affectionne beaucoup, car elle est la première à m’avoir introduit au steampunk.
Dans ce troisième opus, nous retrouvons Charlotte dans de nouvelles et dangereuses aventures. La jeune fille traverse des temps houleux, puisque les pratiques des rebelles ne lui conviennent pas. Alors qu’elle lutte toujours activement contre l’emprise de l’Empire, elle est contrainte de fuir afin de protéger ses amis. Pourtant, quelque chose se trame en interne, et Charlotte est persuadée qu’un traitre se cache parmi ses alliés.
Sans surprise, il m’a fallu un petit moment avant de retrouver mes marques dans l’histoire. Lorsqu’un laps de temps d’un an s’est écoulé entre deux tomes, j’ai un mal fou à me resituer dans les premières pages. Une fois la période de réadaptation passée, j’ai de nouveau été charmée par la plume savoureuse d’Andrea Cremer.
Le gros point fort de ce troisième opus réside dans la manière dont sont traités les personnages. Ils ont tous fait beaucoup de chemin depuis le début et forment une véritable famille à laquelle on a l’impression de faire un peu partie, nous aussi. Charlotte en est l’exemple flagrant. Elle m’a impressionnée dans Le pari du traitre, car elle fait preuve d’un courage et d’un sang-froid exemplaires. C’est clairement une héroïne avec de belles aspirations et prête aux plus grands sacrifices pour les atteindre. J’ai vibré et tremblé à ses côtés.
Car oui, les émotions sont bien au rendez-vous. Le rythme de l’histoire ne nous permet pas de souffler à un seul moment. Tout s’enchaîne avec naturel et les rebondissements font loi. Trahisons, manigances et mensonges sont les maîtres mots de ce troisième opus. Pourtant, je suis restée un peu sur ma faim en ce qui concerne l’identité du traitre. Je m’attendais à un bouleversement supplémentaire qui n’est pas venu. Je pense que cela tient du fait que l’auteur a choisi de faire beaucoup de révélations au début, laissant ainsi peu de place aux recherches personnelles du lecteur. Ce manque de suspens a constitué un problème en ce qui me concerne, car j’en désirais davantage de ce côté-là.
En revanche, j’ai beaucoup aimé le soin apporté par Andrea Cremer en ce qui concerne les résolutions des intrigues. Rien n’est laissé au hasard et tous les mystères finissent par trouver leurs dénouements. Toutefois, j’ignore si c’est parce que je n’étais pas prête à quitter Charlotte, Jack, Grave et les autres, mais la fin m’a semblé trop rapide et trop précipitée, malgré un très bel épilogue. Encore une fois, je n’aurais pas dit non à quelques chapitres supplémentaires, car Andrea Cremer a réellement su construire un univers saisissant et haut en couleur.
En résumé, ce troisième tome est pour moi un peu en dessous des deux premiers, malgré de belles qualités et une intrigue qui m’a tenue en haleine jusqu’à la fin. Andrea Cremer m’a complètement fait voyager au cœur d’une uchronie unique en son genre, où les personnages sont bougrement attachants. Je suis un peu déçue du manque de suspens général et par la fin trop rapidement expédiée, mais j’ai tout de même passé un bon moment. Je relirai cette série à l’occasion et je suis certaine d’en tirer le même plaisir !
Ma chronique : http://april-the-seven.weebly.com/sci...
Dans ce troisième opus, nous retrouvons Charlotte dans de nouvelles et dangereuses aventures. La jeune fille traverse des temps houleux, puisque les pratiques des rebelles ne lui conviennent pas. Alors qu’elle lutte toujours activement contre l’emprise de l’Empire, elle est contrainte de fuir afin de protéger ses amis. Pourtant, quelque chose se trame en interne, et Charlotte est persuadée qu’un traitre se cache parmi ses alliés.
Sans surprise, il m’a fallu un petit moment avant de retrouver mes marques dans l’histoire. Lorsqu’un laps de temps d’un an s’est écoulé entre deux tomes, j’ai un mal fou à me resituer dans les premières pages. Une fois la période de réadaptation passée, j’ai de nouveau été charmée par la plume savoureuse d’Andrea Cremer.
Le gros point fort de ce troisième opus réside dans la manière dont sont traités les personnages. Ils ont tous fait beaucoup de chemin depuis le début et forment une véritable famille à laquelle on a l’impression de faire un peu partie, nous aussi. Charlotte en est l’exemple flagrant. Elle m’a impressionnée dans Le pari du traitre, car elle fait preuve d’un courage et d’un sang-froid exemplaires. C’est clairement une héroïne avec de belles aspirations et prête aux plus grands sacrifices pour les atteindre. J’ai vibré et tremblé à ses côtés.
Car oui, les émotions sont bien au rendez-vous. Le rythme de l’histoire ne nous permet pas de souffler à un seul moment. Tout s’enchaîne avec naturel et les rebondissements font loi. Trahisons, manigances et mensonges sont les maîtres mots de ce troisième opus. Pourtant, je suis restée un peu sur ma faim en ce qui concerne l’identité du traitre. Je m’attendais à un bouleversement supplémentaire qui n’est pas venu. Je pense que cela tient du fait que l’auteur a choisi de faire beaucoup de révélations au début, laissant ainsi peu de place aux recherches personnelles du lecteur. Ce manque de suspens a constitué un problème en ce qui me concerne, car j’en désirais davantage de ce côté-là.
En revanche, j’ai beaucoup aimé le soin apporté par Andrea Cremer en ce qui concerne les résolutions des intrigues. Rien n’est laissé au hasard et tous les mystères finissent par trouver leurs dénouements. Toutefois, j’ignore si c’est parce que je n’étais pas prête à quitter Charlotte, Jack, Grave et les autres, mais la fin m’a semblé trop rapide et trop précipitée, malgré un très bel épilogue. Encore une fois, je n’aurais pas dit non à quelques chapitres supplémentaires, car Andrea Cremer a réellement su construire un univers saisissant et haut en couleur.
En résumé, ce troisième tome est pour moi un peu en dessous des deux premiers, malgré de belles qualités et une intrigue qui m’a tenue en haleine jusqu’à la fin. Andrea Cremer m’a complètement fait voyager au cœur d’une uchronie unique en son genre, où les personnages sont bougrement attachants. Je suis un peu déçue du manque de suspens général et par la fin trop rapidement expédiée, mais j’ai tout de même passé un bon moment. Je relirai cette série à l’occasion et je suis certaine d’en tirer le même plaisir !
Ma chronique : http://april-the-seven.weebly.com/sci...
February 16, 2018
J’avais beaucoup aimé les deux précédents tomes. Je me suis lancée dans ce dernier tome avec joie et appréhension.
Charlotte, qui veut protéger Grave, prend la fuite de la Nouvelle Orléans. D’autant plus que la résistance comporte un traitre qu’elle veut découvrir.
J’aime toujours autant cet univers steampunk mélangeant époque victorienne et machines futuristes. L’autrice me fait rêver notamment avec la cité flottante. La description qui en est faite me fait dire qu’une telle structure ne pourra pas être créée avant longtemps voire jamais.
L’autrice nous plonge dans l’action dès le départ avec la fuite de Charlotte. Sa traque du traitre et son désir de voir s’écrouler Britania permettent à ce roman de ne pas perdre de rythme. J’ai eu peur pour elle mais en même temps j’avais tellement envie qu’elle réussisse.
L’autrice m’a fait pénétrer dans la partie la plus sombre de l’Empire. La pire invention de l’Empire est sans nul doute le Creuset. On ne peut imaginer pire machine de torture pour faire souffrir les prisonniers et entrainer une agonie très lente.
Charlotte a toujours ce lien particulier avec Grave, qui est de l’amour mais pas comme envers son amoureux mais envers un frère. C’est cette relation qui permet à toute l’histoire d’avoir lieu depuis le premier tome. Charlotte est aussi une jeune fille qui n’a peur de rien et qui veut atteindre ses idéaux. Les personnages secondaires sont toujours aussi présent et bien développer.
Le seul petit bémol pour ce roman, c’est la fin qui est allé beaucoup trop vite. Je m’attendais à une fin telle que celle-ci mais j’aurais aimé que l’autrice prenne davantage de pages pour nous la raconter. J’aurai également aimé un épilogue un peu plus long, mais là c’est mon attachement à l’univers qui parle.
En bref, c’est un très bon roman qui permet à cette saga de se conclure en beauté même si j’aurais aimé que ce dernier tome n’aille pas aussi vite.
Charlotte, qui veut protéger Grave, prend la fuite de la Nouvelle Orléans. D’autant plus que la résistance comporte un traitre qu’elle veut découvrir.
J’aime toujours autant cet univers steampunk mélangeant époque victorienne et machines futuristes. L’autrice me fait rêver notamment avec la cité flottante. La description qui en est faite me fait dire qu’une telle structure ne pourra pas être créée avant longtemps voire jamais.
L’autrice nous plonge dans l’action dès le départ avec la fuite de Charlotte. Sa traque du traitre et son désir de voir s’écrouler Britania permettent à ce roman de ne pas perdre de rythme. J’ai eu peur pour elle mais en même temps j’avais tellement envie qu’elle réussisse.
L’autrice m’a fait pénétrer dans la partie la plus sombre de l’Empire. La pire invention de l’Empire est sans nul doute le Creuset. On ne peut imaginer pire machine de torture pour faire souffrir les prisonniers et entrainer une agonie très lente.
Charlotte a toujours ce lien particulier avec Grave, qui est de l’amour mais pas comme envers son amoureux mais envers un frère. C’est cette relation qui permet à toute l’histoire d’avoir lieu depuis le premier tome. Charlotte est aussi une jeune fille qui n’a peur de rien et qui veut atteindre ses idéaux. Les personnages secondaires sont toujours aussi présent et bien développer.
Le seul petit bémol pour ce roman, c’est la fin qui est allé beaucoup trop vite. Je m’attendais à une fin telle que celle-ci mais j’aurais aimé que l’autrice prenne davantage de pages pour nous la raconter. J’aurai également aimé un épilogue un peu plus long, mais là c’est mon attachement à l’univers qui parle.
En bref, c’est un très bon roman qui permet à cette saga de se conclure en beauté même si j’aurais aimé que ce dernier tome n’aille pas aussi vite.
April 4, 2018
In this finale of Creme's The Inventor's Secret series, Charlotte and her friends are put to the test.
This book has everything that I love from the other two books - adventure, an amazing world, lovable characters, and a continuous plot that never felt too fast or too slow.
Overall, I loved this series. I devoured it. I love steampunk, romantic interest, and adventure. It makes me want to write another steampunk novel, or take one of my waiting stories and revise with steampunk in mind.
The world that Cremer created felt rich and real. The altered history felt like it could have happened - if America had lost the American Revolution. The world continued to grow through all three books, seamlessly bleeding into one another, while at the same time each felt like it's own adventure - as a series should.
I found myself putting off the end of The Turncoat's Gambit because I didn't want the series to be over. I wanted there to be more adventure, more romance, and more, more, more. Yet, the series felt complete as it was told. I have mixed emotions.
Cremer's style was refreshing. She told it like it was, no stupid metaphors, no audacious narrative paragraphs, no lengthy descriptions about the weather or the color of things, no excessive verbiage. She writes with solid words, easy to understand images, and overall great writing.
My peeves are little things, like how there seemed to be an abundance of characters with C names, and the little typo here and there.
Overall, I give The Turncoat's Gambit a 5 out of 5 because it did everything right. I give the entire series a 5 out of 5 - because I wanted to keep reading. The characters, the world, the plot, the romance - everything was well done.
This book has everything that I love from the other two books - adventure, an amazing world, lovable characters, and a continuous plot that never felt too fast or too slow.
Overall, I loved this series. I devoured it. I love steampunk, romantic interest, and adventure. It makes me want to write another steampunk novel, or take one of my waiting stories and revise with steampunk in mind.
The world that Cremer created felt rich and real. The altered history felt like it could have happened - if America had lost the American Revolution. The world continued to grow through all three books, seamlessly bleeding into one another, while at the same time each felt like it's own adventure - as a series should.
I found myself putting off the end of The Turncoat's Gambit because I didn't want the series to be over. I wanted there to be more adventure, more romance, and more, more, more. Yet, the series felt complete as it was told. I have mixed emotions.
Cremer's style was refreshing. She told it like it was, no stupid metaphors, no audacious narrative paragraphs, no lengthy descriptions about the weather or the color of things, no excessive verbiage. She writes with solid words, easy to understand images, and overall great writing.
My peeves are little things, like how there seemed to be an abundance of characters with C names, and the little typo here and there.
Overall, I give The Turncoat's Gambit a 5 out of 5 because it did everything right. I give the entire series a 5 out of 5 - because I wanted to keep reading. The characters, the world, the plot, the romance - everything was well done.
March 19, 2020
I knew who the turncoat was before it was revealed but I really liked this series. It was different and fun and the characters were like able.
I am glad to see Pip, Scoff and Birch had a bigger part in this one. For a while they just seemed like the younger ones that just needed protection. Pip came off younger to me than what she was. I kept imagining her more as 12-13, not 16.
The one problem I have with this one is that the ending could’ve been different. It seemed like it was just that, over. I wanted a little more detail about Ash going to find Meg and Jack to find his mother. It wasn’t surprising that all ended well but the suspense of the events that transpired in their journeys would’ve been a great addition.
Jack and Charlotte ending up together was a happy ending. Things were looking iffy when Charlotte was all over Coe but she was drugged and we can’t blame that all on her. I know she was having doubts about Jack too but still, Coe just seemed iffy from the beginning.
I am glad I was able to finally read this series. I looked at it a long time ago and couldn’t borrow it from my library until recently.
I am glad to see Pip, Scoff and Birch had a bigger part in this one. For a while they just seemed like the younger ones that just needed protection. Pip came off younger to me than what she was. I kept imagining her more as 12-13, not 16.
The one problem I have with this one is that the ending could’ve been different. It seemed like it was just that, over. I wanted a little more detail about Ash going to find Meg and Jack to find his mother. It wasn’t surprising that all ended well but the suspense of the events that transpired in their journeys would’ve been a great addition.
Jack and Charlotte ending up together was a happy ending. Things were looking iffy when Charlotte was all over Coe but she was drugged and we can’t blame that all on her. I know she was having doubts about Jack too but still, Coe just seemed iffy from the beginning.
I am glad I was able to finally read this series. I looked at it a long time ago and couldn’t borrow it from my library until recently.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2020
Charlotte, Grace, Linnette, and Jack are safe from the rebellion on a pirate ship. But now they have to find a place to hide both from the rebellion and the government.
As with the first two novels this conclusion is just hohum. Nothing spectacular. It is a solid conclusion to an alright series. Unfortunately the only character that is of much interest to me, Grave, was hardly present in this final book.
The characters are interesting and unique I am just really not invested in them. The plot is ok. It moves kind of quickly; it just doesn’t have that thing that keeps you devouring it and having to have more.
The final battle happened way too quickly. With very little happening other than what was happening to our main characters. It was kind of a let down.
The wrap-up was good. I like it that Charlotte is trying to create a life of her own. She isn’t depending on her parents or the boy in her life. It was a good ending.
PG-13 - A machine is experimented on. A girl his put in prison. A very scary death device is explained. Torture. Prison. Accident. Death.
As with the first two novels this conclusion is just hohum. Nothing spectacular. It is a solid conclusion to an alright series. Unfortunately the only character that is of much interest to me, Grave, was hardly present in this final book.
The characters are interesting and unique I am just really not invested in them. The plot is ok. It moves kind of quickly; it just doesn’t have that thing that keeps you devouring it and having to have more.
The final battle happened way too quickly. With very little happening other than what was happening to our main characters. It was kind of a let down.
The wrap-up was good. I like it that Charlotte is trying to create a life of her own. She isn’t depending on her parents or the boy in her life. It was a good ending.
PG-13 - A machine is experimented on. A girl his put in prison. A very scary death device is explained. Torture. Prison. Accident. Death.
February 5, 2017
A good sequel to The Conjurer's Riddle. After fleeing capture from New Orleans, Charlotte has to find refuge and escape the terrible Empire that is searching for her and her friend, Grave, who has a magical skill that may be the key to designing the ultimate soldiers. At all risks Charlotte protects him and is aided by a pirate, Jean-Baptiste Lachance, who is not always so giving. Along with Linnet, Meg, Grave and Jack, her very close friend who she likes but tries not to show it, they have to try and reach the Resistance group for protection before they're caught and taken and possibly tortured in the infamous containment cells known as the Crucible. They will come into much danger and betrayal as they try to flee the Empire and try and help save the Resistance. It was an enjoyable read but at times a bit too lengthy. A must read if you read the first two books.
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