Author: Kady Cross
Series: (Steampunk Chronicles, #2)
Expected publication: May 22nd 2012 by Harlequin
 

I received an eARC from Harlequin Teen via Netgalley. Thank you.

Um…where’s Jack Dandy?

*coughs* Anyhoo, Ms. Cross did it again. I loved and enjoyed The Girl in the Clockwork Collar as much as the first book. I tried putting it on hold so I can savor the moments (I mean, let’s face it; I need to wait another year for the third book. And that’s a torture. Plus I didn’t get my Jack Dandy fix). But I can’t help myself, I dig this book. I just need to read it. Like, right now! So with that, huge thanks to netgalley.com. I got the chance to read the book this early.

Once again this book didn’t fail to impress me. The lush steampunk goodness that I fell in love in the first book is still here. And should I say, more? Yes, there’s more of that. And more of Finley, Griffin, Emily and Sam. Oh yeah, and Jasper too. I’m still sad that’s Mr. Dandy is not here (he better be in the next book).

When I first saw the cover, I was surprised because that’s not Finley. She’s Asian. And Finley is not Asian. But in this book, I got the chance to meet Mei. She plays an important role (and it’s pretty obvious that she is the girl in the clockwork collar). So hence the front cover. BUT gosh she’s awful. She is not good. Not good at all. I won’t go into details because I don’t want ruin it for you dear peeps. That said, I still felt sorry for her after what happened to her. But my empathy inclines more on Jasper. The poor guy. 🙁

As for the story, the gang went to New York to save Jasper. Who wasn’t taken by the police but actually held against his will by his former friend and now enemy, Dalton. He uses Mei as a hostage; and if he does something wrong, the collar on her neck will strangle her. So he has no choice but to comply with his demands. On the other hand, Finely thought of a plan to save him. She decided to enter Dalton’s group by working for him and while there, she found out Dalton’s true plan.

There’s a lot of exciting things in here. And I love every moment of it. Finley is no doubt one major kick-ass heroine. I love how she stood up for herself (even to Griffin—actually especially to him). That she doesn’t depend on her partner. That she can fend for herself. And not just her, she loves her friends and will do anything to save them. If there’s an embodiment of true blue heroine, Finley will make it to my top list. She is great character.

I also liked how the romance was played out. There’s a huge development between Griffin and Finley. And as I said before I like Griffin (I mean, he’s a duke) and I sense chemistry between them. The book explored their dynamics. They got the chance to see good and bad side of each other. For Griffin, he’s well aware of Finley’s unusual attraction to bad stuff. While Finley is insecure because of their social gap. But I think (and the way I read it) they finally came to an understanding. Can’t wait for new developments for these two.

Fans of the first book will not be disappointed, unless you’re a Jack Dandy fan like me. Sorry, but I’m taking a half star because of it. I know, super shallow reason. But…it’s Jack…Dandy. 😛

Still, it’s a great follow up! Steampunk Chronicle series fans should not miss it.