by Kady Cross
Series: Steampunk Chronicles #4
Genres: Steampunk
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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 was a successful yet predictable finish to the Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross. With two storylines, all of our favorite characters are present as Cross weaved danger, humor and romantic moments into a steampunk-filled finale.
It was nice to be back with Finley and the gang in London. Griffin is still struggling with seeing and hearing the Machinist. Jack is busy tending to Mila and trying to ignore his growing feelings for her. When men are being turned to ash, the gang sets off to stop this person and Griffin ends up being pulled into the Aether and becomes trapped. It was quite suspenseful. Finley of course goes into the Aether to retrieve him. This thread was fascinating and lose ends are tied up. Both Finley and Griffin show growth as their relationship strengthens.
The second story regarded the automation Mila who is turning human and living with Jack. She falls for Jack, and he hurts her. Who can blame her? Jack Dandy is well dandy. *waggles eyebrows* She sets out on her own and ends up in the West End at the circus. Lord Blackthorn is back and more despicable than ever. He is a thorn in Jack’s side and this thread captivated me.
Cross brought us plenty of gadgets, and trips to Aether to have fans of steampunk tingling. Finley is headstrong, and at times, her stubbornness made my eyes roll, but I adore her and Griffin together. Mila was such a joy! Her innocence, emotions and determination had me cheering. We see growth in Jack and even see him grovel. We already knew he was a softy, but getting more of his back-story was delightful.
I love the motley crew of characters, their abilities and the way they have become this misfit family. The Girl with the Windup Heart was a fitting end to the series, and I closed the book with a smile. Fans of the series will be satisfied despite the predictably.I shall miss them all.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
aurian
Lovely review Kimba, thank you! I really want to read this series someday.
Melissa Robles
I can’t believe I haven’t read this series yet. I tried to read it a couple of months ago at the librarg, but then I had to move out and I couldn’t continue the story. It sounds like it finishes off well and I’m glad. I want to get to know Finley because I feel like I’m missing out from a great character. Must fix that soon. 🙂
April
I didn’t realize this was going to be the last book. I haven’t even read the third book.. for some reason the second one didn’t really resonate with me as much as I wished it did.. or maybe it did at first but I wasn’t pulled enough into it to be itching for the third one. Your review made me pine for some of the characters – especially Dandy, I’ve missed him! So, I might have to read the rest of the series 😀
Christa
I’m really happy to hear this is a fitting end – I just scanned the review because I’m still on Book 3 but I love this series and the characters in it. Can’t wait to catch up!
Ginny
Yet another series that I wasn’t aware of but I’m sure that I would enjoy. My favorite books are the ones that leave me smiling at the end and what a terrific way to leave your readers for a series conclusion. I’m glad this one left you smiling. 🙂
Katherine
I’ve seen this book but didn’t realize it was part of a series. I kind of like when a series ends predictably because that generally means everything I wanted to happen happens! I’ll have to give this series a try.
Livia
Loved it, predictable as it was – but satisfying and without showing sings of the author having gotten bored of her characters (which I’ve come to appreciate a whole hella more after reading the end of the Sookie Stackhopuse series…).
Glad you’ve enjoyed the read too, and by the end of it I felt exactly as you did, loved the characters, thought I’ll miss them, and had a huge smile on my face. Yey!!
ShootingStarsMag
I haven’t read this series, but it’s nice to hear that it wrapped up well enough. That’s always good, even if the last book isn’t your most favorite.
Bea
I need to try this series.
kara-karina
Excellent review, K.! I think I’ve missed out on this series because Cross writes under so many different names I can’t quite read it all 🙂
Candace
I have this on the way for review. I’m anxious for things to get tied up but I’ll miss them. I am most anxious to see Jack again. He’s the most fascinating character.
Jenea
I have all the books, so I guess I will have to read them back to back. 🙂 Kinda sad it was on the predictable side, but at least it was a good ending to the series. Great review. Maybe I will be able to get to this series soon.
kindlemom1
I am so behind on this series and I am not sure why, I loved the first book and the novella I read ages ago and have been buying them ever since. I just need to make time for it I guess (and about 100 others!).
Great review, glad you are still enjoying this series Kim.
Melliane
As you say despite the predictability it sounds so good! I need to try her books!
Lily
I’m happy you enjoyed this one! It may have been a bit predictiable but at least it was a good conclusion to the series, right? Great review 🙂
Lily
Jessica
Oh, I didn’t realize this was the last book. I read the first book a couple of years ago, and I loved it–one of the first steampunk novels I actually liked. I’ll have to catch up now 😉
blodeuedd
I like the sound of this last one .;=)