Octavia Leander loves using her blessed medical powers to
help those hurt so much that it's nearly impossible for
her
not to answer the song of someone's injured body. After
years of training under Miss Percival, Octavia is sent to
a
new town via airship. What was once expected to be a
relatively short and most painless trip turns into a
chaotic
adventure full of hidden secrets, intrigue, romance, and
uncovered corruption that Octavia never saw coming.
Though I have only read a few steampunk novels, they
rarely
fail to intrigue me. From the Victorian-esque fashion to
the
jaw dropping mechanical systems, something always
fascinates
me. Beth Cato's steampunk world in THE CLOCKWORK DAGGER
proves to be no exception to my growing interest.
Octavia's
world of medicinal herbs powered by a religious sort of
deity, Lady, to the somehow adorable gremlins, Cato wows
the
reader with a beautiful, even haunting setting.
As much as I love the setting, the novel's voice truly
captures hearts. Octavia's narration is gentle, but
strong,
and undoubtedly powerful. Octavia begins as a character so
sure of her place in life and her duty to the world, but
what she discovers as she continues her journey is enough
to
make the most sensible person's head spin. The added
wonderful wit throughout the dialogue adds a few enjoyable
chuckles and several delightful smirks to the story.
You certainly don't have to be a lover or hater of
steampunk
to enjoy Beth Cato's novel, though I would say may who do
enjoy it will be drawn to the story. THE CLOCKWORK
DAGGER's
unique voice and strong characters will entertain many,
and
it is not a novel to look over. I can't wait to see the
excitement that Cato creates in her next book!
Full of magic, mystery, and romance, an enchanting
steampunk
fantasy debut in the bestselling vein of Trudi Canavan and
Gail Carriger.
Orphaned as a child, Octavia Leander was doomed to grow up
on the streets until Miss Percival saved her and taught
her
to become a medician. Gifted with incredible powers, the
young healer is about to embark on her first mission,
visiting suffering cities in the far reaches of the
war-scarred realm. But the airship on which she is
traveling
is plagued by a series of strange and disturbing
occurrences, including murder, and Octavia herself is
threatened.
Suddenly, she is caught up in a flurry of intrigue: the
dashingly attractive steward may be one of the infamous
Clockwork Daggers—the Queen’s spies and assassins—and her
cabin-mate harbors disturbing secrets. But the danger is
only beginning, for Octavia discovers that the deadly
conspiracy aboard the airship may reach the crown itself.