Review: The Girl in the Steel Corset

Author: Kady Cross
Pages: 473
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: Library
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Synopsis: In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the "thing" inside her. 


When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch... 


 Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret. 


 Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in. 


 But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her.

The Girl in the Steel Corset is probably one of my favourite books of the year. The story, characters and plot appeal to me in every way.

The story was written in alternating perspectives which I'm now realizing how much I love. It's great to know what's going on from the mind of numerous characters. It also means the plot is more elaborate and more is happening, which I adore. By the end of the book which I practically flew through, I had a good understanding of all the characters and I at least liked most of them. The cast of colorful characters in The Girl in the Steel Corset was a huge part of the reason why I loved this book so much.

Now as to the characters... Meet Finley, a sweet but rather untrusting girl that has a dark counterpart who's starting to break free. I was so fascinated by her and I don't think I'll forget her. Totally rooting for her. Then there's Griffin, righteous, clever, confident Griffin. He's a very unique character, unlike any other YA boy I've read of. He has this way of getting exactly what he wants while being charming at the same time. Can't help but love him. Next there's Jack the criminal who's sweet to Finley... But there's definite darkness and danger there. He's exactly the kind of character I like to read of and I definitely had a crush on him. There's brilliant Emily, sweet, kind, and the girl you just want to be friends with. Surly and protective Sam who I'm not too fond of yet but I suspect he'll grow on me. Jasper, an intriguing and mysterious character. That's just some of the characters. One or two them alone would make a book great. All of them together is explosive.

Steampunk is a very cool genre. Especially when it's done like this. You get your Victorian era traditions and pretty dresses but with technology and a more dangerous society. Especially with all the automatons wandering around. In The Girl in the Steel Corset, the technology seems to blend with magic-like abilities. The abilities aren't normal for us so if they were o take place in modern society it would be magic but back then it can be traced to science (of the fictional kind). Which is pretty cool.

Then there's the plot. I said the book flew by because even though there are many pages and the story never felt rushed, the book was addictive. There was alway something happening that kept me interested. The idea was original, the plot was suspenseful and full of twists. You'll be enthralled with the mystery. I did guess a plot twist but I still enjoyed getting to the point where it was unveiled so it's all good.

Why should you read The Girl in the Steel Corset? It's a fast paced adventure and mystery happening in a gorgeous setting with enough romance and action to appeal to almost all readers. Honestly, the book was similar to Clockwork Angel (as in the pacing and the kind of story it is, nothing specific) so if you enjoyed Clockwork Angel you will probably enjoy Kady Cross's book. And even if you didn't you should try it out. 5 stars,

*****