Her Own Devices: A Steampunk Adventure Novel

Ok, in my review of Lady of Devices, I was less than enthused by several aspects of the story, including the suspension of my belief in order to accept certain implausibilities. But, in all fairness, I gave book two here a try. Much better. Still too short, but the storyline held up a bit more. Some elements were obvious, Willie’s situation, for instance, and Selwyn’s reality. Characters developed more as the story was able to focus, Tigg, Lizzie and Maggie are a bit more three dimensional. And the anti-sexist message was loud and clear, which given the circumstances and time period, is understandable. Victorian England was a bit too macho, even for my standards. So, on to book three and let’s see how things developing Canada. Deus Ex Machina reigns in this series, so let’s run with it.

I devoured this series in barely more days than there are books (this is number two of four), so I have to give four stars simply for the compulsion they instilled in me to keep reading about the Lady. Claire proves herself to be capable, clever, and yet still a seventeen-year-old girl as she backs herself into the corner of a love triangle.I'd not call this series a romance, however, any more than I'd say that about "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Sure, there is some romance, but there is also a prison break, an experimental breakthrough, a lightening gun, and an imperious hen named Rosie. Not every member of Claire's group is fully fleshed out, but you get a sense of the motley crew. Everyone needs a Tigg, in my opinion, and it would be awful and delightful to have my own pair of Mopsies. And Claire's suitors, James and Andrew, are nicely juxtaposed, with neither being an absolute villain nor paragon.Be prepared to read through the night this stellar example of the steampunk coming-of-age genre (which is surely a thing). Very fun and highly recommended for a good, quick read.

This series is a wonderful example of the Steampunk alternative history genre. There is a continuity of character throughout the seven books and as the younger ones grow, the emphasis has moved away from the original focal character (who is still very much involved) and picked up the lives of the younger group as they make their own decisions as to their future endeavors. Book seven pick up with a character who didn't come into the series until later, but it's linked to another.This author has managed to make meaningful social statements while providing a gripping, entertaining series which all serious SF / Steampunk fans should enjoy. The addition of historical figures from England,. America, and Germany only adds to the desire to learn more about them.I've read the first seven books and has pre-ordered the eight, which is the first that explicitly take one of the male characters as the focal point.

Lady Claire has begun working with Andrew and Tiggs on the train engine. much to their dismay, the chamber does not change the property of coal. they desperately need to find a different method in order to secure backers. the one most interested in gaining the finances is her erstwhile fiance, also the one determined to keep any mention of her name from the invention. but the Lady will have things her way. even at a very stiff price.Claire's circle of friends has widened. her tenacity in the face of some difficult choices is firm and while it is not always right, she resolves it to her satisfaction. the characters around her are fleshing out fantastically, which includes the landscape, costumes and inventions. on with the next!

The second steam-punk novel I've read - the first was Shelley Adina's #1 in this series. Before I say anything else, my advice is: DO NOT start reading this until you have also purchased #3 in the series! (I'm reading it now.) This book ends in a cliff-hanger. that absolutely impels you to go forward.This book takes place in England during Victorian times with a re-imagined past where petroleum-based power is out and mechanical power is in (also kinetic). Claire is 17 and on her own, overseeing a bunch of homeless kids and one hen, which makes them a flock. Geography is a bit skewed as well, since the place for the disenfranchised or adventuresome go is the diamond mines in the Canadas. (The book doesn't go there.) The read is totally absorbing and absolutely delightful, despite the dangers involved. In spite of the Victorian attitudes and laws toward women, Claire aspires to attend college to further her mechanical abilities, but Lord James has other plans.

I read the first two books back to back and can't believe the third one is not even on the "pre-order" list. The author needs to write much more quickly if she is to keep her fans satisfied. The books are so outstanding and so much fun. Seriously...when will the next book be available? Sigh. This book picks up just where the first one leaves off and there is no break in the storyline at all. The characters are true to form and the reader cannot help but care for each and everyone of them...yes, yes, the chickens too, of course. Seriously excellent series...just not enough books. Lady Claire is fabulous, as are her charges. Love the steampunk aspects as well as the strong willed women scientists. I am so hooked on these books and the people and chickens who live in the pages. More please...quickly. Thank you. Highly recommended.

Loved this book. I really loved the characters and the science. This is a wonderful Victorian steampunk. I highly recommend this

I enjoyed this book. Quick read to get you into the story. It ended rather abruptly, feeling like the story had barely gotten going. It almost demands you read the second book because the ending of the first is so unsatisfying - it doesn't wrap up it's own story like some series do. It assumes you will read the second.So....it worked on me. I am now reading the third book :)But don't read it if you don't want to buy all the following books to see how the story ends!

Regular readers of my reviews will know that I picked up the first in this series ( Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices) ) without any real reasoning. I gave it only 4 stars because I didn't like the start, but by the end I couldn't wait to get this one.Having now read this one, I can honestly say I loved it. There is less in this instalment regarding the adventures of The Lady of Devices, focusing more on the engineering project between Lady Claire and Andrew Malvern. The book is however so well written that I found I didn't miss it that much. The section with Doctor Craig was great, and I would have liked more surrounding that part.The only bad thing I can say about this (and the previous) book, is the length. These books are short. Brilliant, but short. Penned as a trilogy, I would gladly see this as an ongoing series. Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)

Now I understand the selling ability of getting a book for free!!?? I got the first book in this series by Shelley Adina 'Lady of Devices' for free and I was hooked, once finnished I went and 'Bought' her next two books!!!I had never heard of Steampunk before and after a short period of reading was able to follow this fantasy genre. I loved it! and as I was on holiday and had time to read, I was able to get the next book instantly for my Kindle which this book was. Oh my the stories run on so well. After this one and still on holiday I was able to get the third book!! instantly for my Kindle. 'Magnificent Devices' again a brilliant book. I am now at an impass having to wait for her next book! I won't say anything about the story or characters as I always find that spoils a read so have a go and I hope you enjoy reading these books.

I purchased this for some light reading on holiday, and I was not disappointed. Given that I enjoyed the first book in the series, this follows on wonderfully well and stays true to the steampunk genre. The characters remain likeable and the plot is strong, despite some instances and happenings being somewhat predictable.I would strongly recommend this to friends and family members as a book that is easy to get lost in.

I LOVED this book, great characters and leading lady. A great read which kept me glued to the pages. I'm going to get the next one NOW as I need to know what happens next. Read this series you won't be disappointed.

Great book great fun to read. Very appealing to the adventurous female I should think. Evokes a fun Victorian scene. Very well written. Bit odd to have American usage describing an English scene.