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    Of Silk and Steam
    Of Silk and Steam
    Of Silk and Steam
    Audiobook13 hours

    Of Silk and Steam

    Written by Bec McMaster

    Narrated by Alison Larkin

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    When her beloved father was assassinated, Lady Aramina swore revenge. The man responsible is well beyond her grasp, but his dangerously seductive heir, Leo Barrons, is fair game. When Mina obtains evidence proving that Leo is illegitimate, she has the means to destroy both the killer and his son, a man who troubles her heart and tempts her body.

    A woman of mystery, Mina has long driven Leo crazy with glimpses of a fiery passion that lurks beneath her icy veneer. He knows that she's hiding something, and he's determined to unravel her layer by silken layer. He just doesn't expect the beautiful liar to be the key to overthrowing the corrupt prince consort or to saving his own carefully walled-off heart.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateFeb 9, 2016
    ISBN9781515970699
    Of Silk and Steam

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    Reviews for Of Silk and Steam

    4/5

    62 ratings8 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This is the culmination of the London Steampunk series. Not only is it steampunk, it is very steamy steampunk! The lead female character is one of the rare women blue bloods who are not only nobility but vampires. Her counterpart is a traditional blue blood, albeit with some radical beliefs. Put them together, and sparks fly!The story is a great end to the series. But I'm not willing to abandon this alternative history quite yet, so I'll be starting the series London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy beginning with Mission: Improper. While I loved the book, it is only because I had read the others in the series. The cast of the other books appears in this one with not much background recap. Still, I loved it enough to pick up the entire next series. So start at the beginning of the series (Kiss of Steel) and finish with this excellent book.
    • 4/5
      This was a nice ending to the series. Characters from the previous books showed up to address an overarching theme in the series, and many of their skills and connections ended up playing a vital role, which made the conclusion feel more all-encompassing and satisfying. The characters lives have been nicely interwoven in the series. This couple were definitely the stars of the book though, and seemed genuinely well suited to each other. There's an enemies to lovers angle, but it didn't go overboard where they spend half the book being awful to each other or anything, which I appreciate. They're both kind of standoffish people, but prickly people need love too =), and I feel pleased with their HEA.

      Animal content warning: pet cat is murdered. =(
    • 3/5
      Lost a half star because Tin Man broke my heart but another good installment! It will be interesting to see what would happen from here. I'm assuming a new arc, maybe with a grown-up Charlie and Lark?
    • 5/5
      Of Silk and Steam
      4.5 Stars

      Series Note: This is the fifth and final book in the London Steampunk series and it cannot be read as a standalone. It is essential that all the books be read in order for the ongoing character and plot development.

      Leo and Mina's story has all of the elements that were missing from Perry and Garrett's book - a gripping plot, an appealing kick-ass heroine and her charming yet tortured male counterpart, and an intensely intimate and emotional romance.

      The arc concerning the overthrow of the tyrannical Prince Consort comes to a very satisfying conclusions with several heart-pounding moments and exciting action sequences. The inclusion in the revolution of the couples from the previous books is an additional highlight.

      Mina is a wonderful heroine determined to help her dearest friend escape the clutches of a monstrous spouse even if it means her own life, and Leo is an engaging mix of charm and tortured angst. Their love/hate chemistry is off the charts and leads to some excellent banter and even better sex scenes.

      In sum, the series has come full circle with this last installment and I am eager to continue with the spin-off.
    • 4/5
      This is the fifth book in the London Steampunk series and ties up the main story arc of this series. In an interview McMaster stated that this book ties up this story arc but she would like to do more books either as a spin off or in addition to this series featuring side characters from this series. This was a very good read, it’s very engaging and has more story and less romance than previous books in the series. That being said there is still quite a bit of romance in here.Lady Aramina (Mina) swore two things; to revenge the death of her father and to overthrown the Prince. Well the man who murdered her father is beyond her reach, but his son Leo Barrons is not. Mina sets out to ruin Leo, while working with the Queen to destroy the Prince who has been making trouble and slowly destroying the realm. Leo has been drawn to Mina and longs to see the true woman beneath the icy exterior, but can he trust her?The London Steampunk books have all been romance heavy, but they also have lots of action, intrigue, a well done world, and a great plot. This book follows that trend. There is a lot of excellent action in here and lots of intrigue as well. Mina is a woman of politics, but as the only female Blue Blood she can also hold her own in a fight.This series has done a wonderful job featuring strong women and the men who respect and admire them. This book is no exception to that. Mina is tough in her own way and very intelligent. Her and Leo have great chemistry together and their relationship is one that’s been years in the making. McMaster does an excellent job with the steamy scenes between the two, they are creative and very explosive.A lot of characters from the previous books are present in this book as well. This is the book where everyone’s pasts and stories come together and we finally see how this huge goal everyone has been working towards (overthrowing the Prince and fixing the injustices in the Empire) is accomplished. It was a very well done read and I enjoyed it.Overall this was a fantastic close to this romance heavy steampunk series. I enjoyed Mina and Leo as characters and also enjoyed seeing all of my old favorites again. This is the book where everything comes together and it was an excellent read. I would recommend this whole series to steampunk fans who don’t mind a heavy dose of paranormal and romance elements in their books. If you enjoy this series I would also recommend the Darkest London series by Kristen Callihan; it also has some steampunk elements and is heavy on the romance factor.
    • 5/5
      5 "Allies in Love and War" Stars! Steampunk Romance: who knew? What started out as a mistaken click, may very well have opened a whole new romance world for me! I absolutely loved Of Silk and Steam. Something of a hybrid between a historical, paranormal and a science-fiction romance, Steampunk Romance combines the best of many of the romance sub-genres that I enjoy, with the added benefit of bestowing it all in one convenient package. Intrigue, suspense, romance, creativity, unpredictable twists and turns and, lots of "steamy" passion! Of course the London Steampunk world also contains steam-powered machinery, in this case somewhat akin to fighting robots, and is set in an alternate version of the 19th Century British Victorian era, which are the signature traits of Steampunk Romance. The combination of all these fantastic factors turned Of Silk and Steam into a magical, mesmerizing read for me. I just couldn't get enough of this book which I devoured in just a couple of sittings. First off, I think it is worth noting that this series is meant to be read in order, as the underlying world continues to evolve over each sequential read. That said, as Ms. McMaster does a fantastic job of retelling the prior history, I had no trouble following the plot or understanding the players and the underlying political conflict, notwithstanding that I have not read any of the prior books. Moreover, the romance is completely contained within this book, as each book primarily focuses on a different couple. However, reading the series out of order, means that there are spoilers from the prior books that have already been revealed should you later choose to go back and read the prior books. That notwithstanding, my interest has now been piqued and I plan to go back, starting with Book 1, Kiss of Steal, to experience Blade's and Honoria's story. Lady Aramina, is the only female "Blue Blood". Blue Bloods have superhuman strength and healing abilities and are very difficult to kill. Only sons of royal Blue Bloods are typically approved by the Council of Dukes to be infected with the "craving virus" which turns a human into a Blue Blood. However, having taken matters into his own hands at his deathbed, Lady Aramina's father ensured that Lady Aramina had a fighting chance of becoming his heir by infecting her with the virus. The downside of the virus is that, at its extreme, it can turn a Blue Blood into a vampire, who loses all rationality and only knows an insane craving for blood. Blue Bloods who reach this level are usually exterminated, so maintaining an optimal level of the craving virus without letting it overtake you, is of paramount importance in this world. Notwithstanding that Lady Aramina does ultimately win a duel to assume her father's position on the coveted Council of Dukes, which rule London, and that she is the only woman to do so, Lady Aramina is still not even close to achieving her life goals. Instead, she is determined to avenge her father's murder. Unfortunately for her, the man who she suspects killed her father is another Duke who holds a seat on the Council of Dukes, and therefore is practically untouchable. His son, Leo Barrons, however, who happens to be his current proxy on the Council due to the Duke's mysterious illness, is not, particularly given the secret that the Duchess has just discovered which could completely ruin Leo. To her great surprise, however, the closer Mina gets to Leo, the more she seems to genuinely like him, and the more closely aligned their political aspirations seem to be, a feeling which they mutually share. Soon passions roar, and nearly at the same time, the political situation on the Council likewise reaches a pinnacle. It's time to pick sides in love and war. Could Leo possibly be the ally that will help Mina achieve her political goals, even if she has to give up her dreams to avenge her father's murder in the process? Moreover, being in the unique position, given the time period, of not needing a man to provide for, or protect, her, will Mina ever willingly trust any man enough to commit to any sort of contract (whether thrall--more akin to a mistress-- or consort--like a marriage) that would be necessary for any form of a long-term relationship? The intricate nature of the plot absolutely blew me away! So well crafted, you could easily envision such a situation, full of the class struggles between the poor and rich and their political sympathizers easily actually having taken place. I equally adored the romance aspects of this novel. I love it when a feisty, smart and headstrong heroine finds her match, who when working together, are capable of limitless possibilities. Delivering on all fronts, Of Silk and Steam, is a new top favorite. I can't wait to read more of the amazing London Steampunk series! Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      Vivid and mesmerizing!Steaming steampunk romance along with a healthy dose of intrigue, the call of justice and dangerous politics! Politically, events are converging and coming to head. The Prince Consort is as dangerous as ever, alliance lines are being drawn between Whitechaple, the humanists and those blue bloods who are seeking change. Lady Aramina, Mina, has been cool and detached, playing a deep game, her devotion and friendship to the Queen, her involvement in sedition a deep and closely guarded secret.Now, she is faced with the problem of Leo Barrons, the heir to her enemy, the man who assassinated her father. Revenge is seductive, but then so is Barrons. A darkly devastating steampunk romance that grasp you from the first page. This is a world where the cost of love is high, where danger thrums at every turn and there's a kingdom to win or lose. Love is dangerously alluring, thrilling. Mina is afraid of losing her self and her freedom. Trust? Now trust is entirely a different, fearfully frightening matter!The storyline is tightly woven, gripping and immediately immerses you in the time and place. All is alive and real.A ripping great yarn that held me enthralled and then sent me scurrying to read previous titles in the series. Which I've now done.! Wow! I don't think any of the drama was lost by entering the series at this late date. What I gained was a wonderful backlist of books to read that I launched into immediately. It was fascinating to see the referred nuances of the characters that come together in Of Silk and Steam as individuals in their own story. I am now contemplating rereading them all I enjoyed them so much. I have a favourite new author with a whole slew of wonderful new characters to fixate on. Excellent!A NetGalley ARC
    • 5/5
      Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.Bec McMaster’s LONDON STEAMPUNK series was my first experience with this particular Science Fiction subgenre, and I vividly remember being completely taken with this author’s romantic writing style and alternate British Victorian era universe. After the first two installments, I found that the plot sputtered slightly, and then began its decline with FORGED BY STEEL. I briefly considered skipping OF SILK AND STEAM until I read the blurb, and realized that this was going to be Lady Aramina’s story, the only female councilor among the Echelon. This novel triumphantly rekindled my love of this world, and its characters in one fell swoop.The leading plot arc reaches its zenith in book 5, and what a beautiful thing it was! I enjoyed the way that the Blue Blood’s political conspiracies developed side-by-side Mina & Leo’s relationship, and that both threads held a comparable amount of intrigue. It’s difficult to analyze these two aspects much further without giving anything away, and I don’t want to mar McMaster’s coup de grâce, but I will go so far as to confirm that the rookeries, humanist mouvement, Council of Dukes, Ivory Tower, and Nighthawks powerhouses all clash.Readers have been getting small peeks at the Duke of Caine’s heir throughout this series, and the Duchess of Casavian as well, although to a lesser degree because of her Ice Queen persona. I delighted in getting to know both of their characters on a deeper level; Mina’s position within the Echelon was hard won, so her unwillingness to trust was logical, especially given her mysterious alliances. Barrons was more of an open book; I liked how he matched his lady’s gumption tit for tat, and stayed true to his course regardless of the obstacles of which there were many.What initially began as a straightforward feud between families speedily mutated into a complex Rubik cube of un-unravelable secrets, and unbeknownst deception. The main couple’s relationship was definitely one of the more problematic out of the five visited so far, however you know what they say… the bigger the challenge the greater the reward! Mina and Leo set my eReader on FIRE with their insatiable hungers. I also utterly enjoyed touching base with all of this series’ previous pairings, and how McMaster effortlessly worked them into this tale.OF SILK AND STEAM made it into my top 3, possibly top 2 favourite LONDON STEAMPUNK installments.