GALAXY BOOKSELLER PICK ----- In an impressive debut, McMaster introduces readers to a new steampunk world that, while peppered with vampires and werewolves, has more in common with Meljean Brook's Iron Seas than Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate.
In the six months since her father's murder, Honoria Todd has been in hiding from the Echelon of aristocrats infected with vampirism, maintaining a genteel appearance to keep her job and feed her sister and infected brother while living in the rookeries of Whitechapel. Having been privy to some of the Echelon's dirty secrets, she knows all vampires are evil, so she avoids the illegal rogue vampire who unofficially owns and protects Whitechapel. Blade has known who Honoria was the whole time she's been hiding in his territory and forces her to make a deal with him for protection from their common enemy, the Duke of Vickers. Although aware of her attitude toward vampires and following his own agenda, Blade is attracted to Honoria and sets out to win her over.
The intrigue and suspense tautens as an out of control vampire slaughters Honoria's neighbours while her brother's illness advances and Vickers closes in. Honoria has to reassess her stern pride and decide whether she can trust Blade. McMaster does a great job of slowly revealing her characters' pasts in symphony with establishing an alternate Victorian history in which society is controlled by vampires. The steampunk element is more subtle than most, making it more accessible to new readers looking for something a bit different. I've read my share of paranormal and Regency romances and loved the combination of the two with its steampunk fantasy twist.
After surviving the Echelon's attempts to exterminate a rogue, Blade thumbs his nose at them merely by continuing to exist, but his struggle to slow the advancement of his vampiric condition and descent into bloody, mad violence is evident. His gruff exterior is balanced by his protectiveness towards his family and the sensuality he shows Honoria.
Honoria is a strong-willed heroine, determined to do whatever it takes to protect her small family and hides her secrets behind a thick layer of pride. She is very slow to trust, but once she makes up her mind, she follows through wholeheartedly. I enjoyed watching her reluctant attraction to Blade grow, challenging her preconceptions about him and vampires generally.
With so many complex secondary characters I want to know more about, I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment in this promising new series. ~ Allison
Compulsively readable... The mythology surrounding the vampires and the not-quite-vampiric blue bloods felt fresh and original, and it really added a lot to the overall atmosphere of the book. - Mindful Musings
