🎧 Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster @BecMcMaster @AlisonLarkinTEA @TantorAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited @4saintjude

Posted August 18, 2023 by KC in Book Review / 5 Comments

Review copy was received from Library. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


🎧 Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster @BecMcMaster @AlisonLarkinTEA @TantorAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited @4saintjudeKiss of Steel by Bec McMaster
Narrator: Alison Larkin
Series: London Steampunk #1
Published by Tantor Audio on May 13, 2013
Genres: Steampunk
Length: 11 hours, 35 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon,  Audible,  Libro.fm
three-flames
One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single-handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood-craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

I adore the steampunk genre, and several years ago I discovered Bec McMasters’ London Steampunk series.  Recently, I was surprised to find there was a connected series that I had not read.  Unfortunately, it only took me two chapters into the new book to realize I remembered very little about the original series, except for the big mechanical giants.  This was a perfect time for a reread, and since I’d read Kiss of Steel the first time on my Kindle, I decided to give the audiobook a try.   I’ve really enjoyed rediscovering the characters and the exciting action in this clever blend of steampunk and paranormal romance.

A series of unfortunate events and some villainy at the highest levels of society have left Honoria Todd in a precarious position; where she is just barely holding things together for herself, her sister, and her younger brother.  She’s desperate to stay hidden from the blue blooded society from which she hales.  Her family’s survival depends upon it.  London’s rookeries are a safe-haven until she is noticed by its leader, Blade.  She strikes a deal with the proverbial devil to ensure her family’s continued safety, but ends up with much more than she bargained for.

Honoria is a strong, intelligent character and remains so throughout the story.  Her compromises for love don’t compromise her morals.  Asking for and receiving help from others doesn’t weaken her as a character, but allows her strength to shine in different ways.  While Blade is very much the bad boy with a heart of gold, his struggle to keep his vampire side under control and his fear of losing himself to his inner demon allow him to show vulnerability and depth of emotion.  The characters have great chemistry, which leads to some pretty steamy scenes.

The mythology in Kiss of Steel is an original variant on traditional vampire lore.  I really enjoyed how Ms. McMasters explains vampirism, without a significant info-dump; and I like that the characters’ knowledge is growing at the same time as the reader’s.  Science and discovery play a crucial role in this book and I feel it is an essential element of the steampunk genre.  Honoria’s father, who she obviously worships, does not come across as an altogether altruistic person.  Instead, it is clear he’s made some ethical concessions in the name of scientific advancement.  I liked that there are flawed and ruthless characters with emotions and motivations in line with real life; even when the setting is so obviously fantastical.

There is a dark, rotten undertone to the ruling class, the Echelon, and it is from here that most of the conflict arises.  The social injustice and the blatantly misogynistic mindset of the men in power immediately set my hair on end with outrage.  While Kiss of Steel nicely wraps up the major plot points, there are a couple of series-long story arch that remain unresolved and shrouded in mystery.

Kiss of Steel is a well-written, action-packed novel that puts an interesting paranormal twist on the steampunk world.  It was an engaging and gripping read that leads to a satisfying HEA.  It is a great start to what I know is an excellent series.

Narration:

I am glad I gave the audiobook a try this time around.  I think Alison Larkin does a great job narrating the voice of Honoria, it seems as if her intonation and timbre are exactly how Honoria would speak.  I was less excited by how she performed Blade and other male characters, they seemed a bit distorted.  Overall, the performance was enjoyable and I could easily follow along at my standard speed of 1.2x.

Listen to the clip: HERE

Rating Breakdown
Plot
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Writing
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Characters
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Dialogue
One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration (Audio)
One StarOne StarOne Star
Overall: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
KC
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Posted August 18, 2023 by KC in Book Review / 5 Comments


5 responses to “🎧 Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster