Review: The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy [The Steampunk Chronicles, book 2.5]

Title:    The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy (The Steampunk Chronicles, book 2.5)
Author:  Kady Cross
Rating:  ★★★★ 1/2

Jack Dandy is one of the most interesting characters in the Steampunk Chronicles trilogy, because up to the very end of the series his origins are a secret, yet throughout the three books (five, if you count the two novellas), he is so dynamic. Even as a secondary character, readers were able to witness his growth from being just Whitechapel's top cold-hearted villain to someone who finally, and truly, cared for someone - Finley.

With The Discovery of Jack Dandy, we finally get a glimpse of his parentage, and inner workings of his emotions and mind. He rose from being an obscure, interesting character in my mind to someone I wish could have his own sequel. Okay, okay. I wish the Steampunk Chronicles would have more books. Period.

The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy should have been read prior to the last book, The Girl with the Iron Touch, but I read this last so I already know what the plot is. If you're like me, an eager beaver for the last book, maybe you're wondering if you should still read the book? Oh yeah, definitely. Because it gives insight to Jack Dandy, and you'll finally know what he really thinks and feels for Finley. It made me go weak in the knees just a wee bit. Also, it helped me understand his actions in The Girl with the Iron Touch more, and why he went to Griffin King for help.

I give this four and 1/2 stars because while it was definitely too short for my taste (it's a novella after all), it did give me a glimpse of Jack, and almost all my questions (and I bet Griffin's as well) about his parentage were finally answered. But it lacked just that little bit more to get me truly ecstatic about the book, and I didn't finish the book with crazy eyes and raving about how marvelous it is. You get the idea, I trust. Still, The Discovery of Jack Dandy is definitely a good one for me.

Ciao,