Review: The Girl with the Windup Heart [Steampunk Chronicles, book 4]

Title:       The Girl with the Windup Heart [Steampunk Chronicles, book 4]
Author:   Kady Cross
Rating:   ★★★★

The Girl with the Windup Heart is the latest (last?) book in the Steampunk Chronicles series by Kady Cross. This series is actually the book that introduced me to the Steampunk genre, and paved the way for me to think about exploring other authors/books in the said genre.

In 1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin.

London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus.

Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe-especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends.

Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields.

The Girl with the Windup Heart had the elements that I expected. And while others might find it boring to be predictable, there was a feeling of safety in knowing that I can expect the story to be good. And it was. Kady Cross delivered the fourth book in the same exciting and interesting manner that I have enjoyed from the series.

In this series, while Finley risks death again - for love - it still feels like she took a step back, and that the major role went to Griffin. The budding romance between Mila and Jack Dandy also played a huge part, if not half, in the story, and also served to detract focus on Finley. The latter couple actually felt like their story could have been a separate supporting ebook or story, instead of being part of this story. I feel like the entry of a certain important character in the story could have been discussed and highlighted more instead.

At the same time, I'm happy that the importance of the different characters in their group were portrayed. One of the things I love about series is that I feel like I've grown with the characters (provided there is character growth, of course!), and I felt no less with The Girl with the Windup Heart. It even felt like I was one of the gang, except I don't get to participate in their scary yet admittedly intriguing escapades.

I feel like Griffin King has come full circle in coming to terms with who he is, and his Aetheric capability. Having a next book in the series will feel like a bonus, and another thrilling glimpse into the exciting life of this little band of 'misfits'.

If you love steampunk, and you haven't read the Steampunk Chronicles yet, I really don't know what you're waiting for :p

Hey, reader! Do you read Steampunk? What other books can you recommend? :)