by Sherry D. Ficklin
Series: The Lost Imperials #2
Genres: Science Fiction, Steampunk
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
In a battle for control of the time stream, the past and the future will collide, either saving mankind—or destroying it.Stein has been with the Hollows for as long as she can remember, taken as a child she has no memories of her past—and that’s always been fine by her. Until the day she stumbles across a hidden journal containing the devastating truth about her paternity. Now everything she thought she knew—and everyone she thought she could trust—has changed. The truth about who she is and where she came from is a secret so deep, it will rock the Hollows and the Tesla Institute alike. During a test to verify her bloodlines, Stein makes a terrible discovery. She is carrying a rare genetic mutation that is slowly killing her. Unsure who to turn to and running out of time, she has no choice but to turn to Tesla--her most hated enemy--for help. But can she trust the man who she's been fighting against her whole life, or will she end up another piece in his deadly game of cat and mouse with the people who betrayed her so long ago?
Today I am sharing my review of Prodigal the second book in the Lost Imperials series. Back in 2013, I stumbled upon a book with a super cool cover and synopsis, it ended up making my top ten list and introduced me to two authors whose works I now crave and enjoy. That book was Extracted, the first in the Lost Imperials series by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler Jolley. Published by Clean Teen this steampunk science fiction series has this time traveling geek grinning and eager for more. Prodigal took me back to this fascinating world and I became lost in its spell.
Prodigal picks up a little after the climatic ending of Extracted. Stein discovered a journal that has her questioning who she is. A simple blood test to determine her linage leads to a devastating discovering. A rare genetic mutation is killing her.
Prodigal while continuing to flesh out the world of Rifters and the Hollows really focuses on Stein from her relationships to her unique history. I love how Ficklin and Jolley use her storyline to further our knowledge of the world all while taking us deep into Tesla’s hideaway. Stein is a strong character, which we have witnessed from the beginning, and it was difficult seeing her struggle with the discovery of her lineage.
Steampunk, gadgets, strange characters and more are present in Prodigal. While some of the gadgets are over the top, the geeky side of me just squealed with delight. Rifting through time, facing danger, and secrets all added to this well-spun story. The plot is well paced drawing the reader immediately into the tale, with dangers, twists, alliances and more. Most of the tale is spent with Stein and Ember but we see enough of the other characters to satisfy while making us eager to learn more. I want to know what happened to Ethan, and hope Riven gives us answers.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the unique, fleshed out characters. From the scientists- Tesla and Stein to the teens who make up their teams. Stein, Lex, Ember, Ethan and more. Each character is unique from their personalities to their style of dress. While the Rifters and those in the Hollows both time travel, they use different methods and consider the other their enemy. I am quite anxious to learn more as this battle heats up and discoveries are made. For those who like a little romance, we share in not one but two developing romances which are sweet and deliver that swoon-factor while not overpowering the action.
Fans of time travel, science fiction, Doctor Who and wickedly good steampunk will enjoy Prodigal and the entire Lost Imperial series. Because of the time line and character progression, I recommend reading these in order for the full experience. Stop by tomorrow for my review of Riven book three and a chance to win a copy of Extracted.
Lost Imperials Series
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
Tressa
Obviously I just need to read this series with you loving the first book and really liking this one and loving the third book as well. Definitely on my list. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, yes you needs to read them 🙂
Olivia
Oh my goodness this book looks so cool! I love a good steampunk novel and that stood out to me right away as well as this awesome cover. I love the sound of the plot and knowing it is a favourite of yours must make it a good book. Definitely going on my TBR!
kimbacaffeinate
The covers are all awesome Olivia. This series just rocks
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I’m loving this cover! The world here sounds exciting Kimba, I haven’t read much steampunk but this sounds really great. The characters all sound interesting.
A wonderful review! Sharon – Obsession with Books
kimbacaffeinate
I love the covers too Sharon 🙂
Sharon
I’ve never read any steampunk before but wow the covers are enticing.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo we need to fix that Sharon 🙂
Bookworm Brandee
I’ve not read any steampunk – I don’t know what’s holding me back. But maybe I’ll try this series – especially since Ficklin is a Colorado author. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
There you go..support your local author..plus this series is delightful.
Candace
I’ve had the first book since release and STILL haven’t read it! I need to find some way to fit it in pronto! Thanks for the giveaway as well. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Eeep..yes you need to dig it out my friend and begin!
Paij Slater
Well, I guess I am definitely going to have to read this series! You and Ali both have rated them well, so I know I will like them 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..you most certainly are! LOL
Cyn
Sounds like an interesting series! It’s been a while since I’ve read a steampunk. I love that there’s time travel in this!? Thanks for highlighting this!
kimbacaffeinate
I have been enjoying this series Cyn. It is well balanced and exciting.
Sophia Rose
I remember when you reviewed the first book and I put in on my wish list. It’s still there.
It’s so neat that this book gives a little of everything to enjoy from the backdrop to the action to the characters.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL…it happens to me too, then someone else will review a book in the series and remind me again..eventually I end up kicking myself for not starting sooner 🙂
Angela Adams
“One of my favorite aspects of this series is the unique, fleshed out characters” — the essentials of a good book series. Plus, that’s a cool-lookin’ book cover. Thanks for the post!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks and I adore the cool covers for this series
Sherry Ficklin
Thanks so much for being part of the tour! I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
you are welcome:)
Melissa (Books and Things)
I love these covers too! So glad the story seems to match it. It does look like a good character book. I do love steampunk that is heavy on characterization.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah the covers are cool and I love the tale 🙂
Keionda
Ohhhh time travelers? Interesting characters? those are the perfect ingredients of a GOOD TIME.
*Bounces around happily all the way to Goodreads.*
Lily
Brilliant review Kim! You’ve heard me mention a dozen times that i’ve never read steampunk before but every book you review in the genre gets me that much closer to finally picking one up. I’m so happy you had fun with this one!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo have I finally tempted you Lily?
Heidi
I just read Ali’s reviews for books two and three and I told her I remembered how much you also enjoyed this series. I have it on my list. I can’t wait for steampunk and time travel.
kimbacaffeinate
I love this series I really do..I hope you grab them!
Ramona
Well, I haven’t read Extracted, but I will. This sounds really amazing and I love steampunk. Isn’t it wonderful when we stumble upon unknown authors and sometimes hit the mother lode? LOL. Beautiful review, Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do..the story just draws the reader in
Faye
AHHHHH. You’re pretty much the second reviewer I’ve seen today shower this book praises 😀 The first one was from Kindlemom and I am so excited to get my hands on this series. I love time travel! I’ve read books with it but they have been subpar so I’ve been waiting on that one time travel series that would rock my socks. Crossing my fingers this is the one!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, Ali and both love this series..I hope these rock your socks off!
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
This is the second positive review I’ve read just today, which tells me all I need to know. I remember wanting to read the first book when it came out, but arcs got in my way as usual. I adore steampunk, though, so I’ll have to make more of an effort.
kimbacaffeinate
It happens to all of us Maja..but you have time know to catch up before book four
Braine
Yep, already added this to my to read list. I’m always up for a good steam punk adventure
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet..I hope you enjoy them.
Ann Noser
I just learned what Steampunk was this year. Yeah, I live under a rock. This series looks very interesting. I’m so curious how two authors can work together on one book. I’d love to bend their ears with questions…
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo Steampunk is cool from the gadgets to the settings 🙂
Debbie Haupt
I raise my hand at loving all the following Kimba, Sci-Fi, Steampunk, Time Travel. I never got into Dr. Who (yet)
Thanks for the giveaway too!
kimbacaffeinate
What? We must have you explore a little Dr. Who
Amir
This is the second review of Prodigal I read in one hour so I think I really should give this series a shot! I don’t read a lot of steampunk books but I do enjoy the genre and the fact that two of my fave bloggers enjoyed this, I’m definitely checking this out 😀 Awesome review!
kimbacaffeinate
It is always fun to try new things…I hope you decide to give this series a chance
Lanie
The cover is really neat! Great review, this one sounds like quite the adventure. Kinda weird though she just happens to find that particular journal.
kimbacaffeinate
Maybe a little, but they time travel quite a it and she has found others in his labs
Lanie
That makes much more sense then if shes found others:D!
Nick
This is the second praising review I’ve seen for these books and I’ve added them to my TBR. I haven’t read a steampunk book in a while, but this sounds fantastic. The world building especially appeals to me.
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you decide to read them Nick..I think you would dig the world
kindlemom1
*high fives you* We are review twins today! This really is such a fun and different series. I have loved every book so far!
kimbacaffeinate
Review Twins *powers activate* Waits for magic…um I got nothing but I have loved each book as well Ali 🙂
Lori
Oh I do love some steampunk!! I hadn’t heard of this series before reading your review but it’s definitely going on my TBR, thanks for sharing Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
Nice, I am glad I could introduce you to this series Lori
Tyler H Jolley
Kim, thank you so much for your review, I appreciate it so much. I’m so glad you like Prodigal, I can’t wait to see what you think about Riven!
kimbacaffeinate
It was painless, I love this series 🙂
Jenny
Oooo not one, but two romances Kim? YES PLEASE! As much as I love romances though, in books like this where there’s a lot of other things happening, I like the romance to be present but not overwhelming, and it sounds like that is exactly the case here. Must check out Extracted!
kimbacaffeinate
The romances make sense and feel natural, while not distracting from the action
blodeuedd
That cover looks cool 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
Oh this one seems pretty darn fantastic in terms of the world the author built. I love a good time travel novel so I’ll keep this one on the radar. It’s great that this sequel didn’t disappoint!
Lovely review, Kimba <33
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you end up picking these up Melaine
Jeann
The world here sounds super fascinating Kimba, steampunk and time travel sounds really great. The characters and the battle sounds like they were well fleshed out as well!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jeann, I am really enjoying this series
Tanja
I have just read Ali’s review for this one and it seems I’ve been missing out. This series is new to me, but it seems really interesting. This seems really unique which is what I love. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you decide to pick them up Tanja 🙂
Red Iza
That cover is gorgeous and your review is enticing, got to read this !!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I am glad I tempted you!