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Book Review of Lady of Devices (Magnificent Devices, Bk 1)

Lady of Devices (Magnificent Devices, Bk 1)
reviewed on + 1452 more book reviews


This is a fun light-hearted read. A steampunk adventure, it's the first in a series, with a heroine involved in unbelievable escapades in an alternate Victorian world. A world with airships, steam trains, lightning guns and more.

Claire Trevelyan, 17, is bright, spunky and determined to make her own way despite a controlling mother. With ingenuity and determination, she manages to emerge from disasters that befall her. When her father commits suicide after gambling the family's fortune on the future of combustible engines, she finds herself penniless and on the streets. Her home has been burned by angry investors while her vehicle and belongings are stolen.

Everything seems almost too easy for a heroine whose encounter and gutsy reactions with criminals of the street only strengthen her character. Claire experimented in school chemistry class where curiosity resulted in occasional explosions. Using her mind and her experimental experience, she chooses to becomes a Lady of Devices in London's Underground, a name that disguises her societal background as a Viscountâs daughter. That is a story in itself as she earns the trust and respect of âfriendlyâ thieves who she educates as she leads them in their endeavors.
In short, this is a jolly good romp in an alternat world where imaginary machines reign.