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    The Girl in the Clockwork Collar
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    The Girl in the Clockwork Collar
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    The Girl in the Clockwork Collar
    Ebook324 pages5 hours

    The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

    By Kady Cross

    4/5

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    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook



    In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrillingor dangerous

    Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper from the clutches of a devious criminal demanding a tradethe dangerous device Jasper stole from him for the life of the girl Jasper loves. One false move from Jasper, and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens and tightens.

    From the rough streets of lower Manhattan to elegant Fifth Avenue, the motley crew of teens follows Jasper's elusive trail. And they're about to discover how far they'll go for friendship.

    More than ever, Finley must rely on powerful English duke Griffin King to balance her dark magic with her good side. Yet Griffin is at war with himself over his secret attraction to Finley and will risk his life and reputation to save her. Now, to help those she's come to care for so deeply, Finley must infiltrate the criminal gang. Only problem is, she might like the dark side a little too much .

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarlequin
    Release dateMay 1, 2013
    ISBN9781460312049
    Unavailable
    The Girl in the Clockwork Collar
    Author

    Kady Cross

    Kady Cross, publishing under various names, is a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Harlequin TEEN's Steampunk Chronicles. She is lucky enough to have a husband who shares her love for the slightly twisted and all things geek, and a houseful of cats with whom she shares her darkest secrets. Her love of books and makeup borders on addiction—of which she never, ever wants to be cured. Visit her on the web at www.alterkate.com or on Twitter: @AlterKates.

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    Reviews for The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

    4/5

    51 ratings28 reviews

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    • 5/5
      J
    • 4/5
      Worthy second book in the Steampunk Chronicles series. Findley Jayne is pretty kick-butt awesome.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      In the second book of Kady Cross'"Steampunk Chronicles" The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, Griffin King, Duke of Greythorne, and his “band of misfits” (including Finley Jayne) have traveled from London to New York City to rescue their friend Jasper from bounty hunters, only to find he has been taken by criminal boss Reno Dalton. Dalton is threatening the life of the young woman Jasper left behind, Mei Xiang, with a clockwork collar that will tighten and strangle her to death if Jasper refuses to return a mechanical device he stole for Dalton and then hid. To save Mei, Jasper must retrieve all the pieces of the device and reassemble it before Dalton’s patience runs out. Finley will have to infiltrate Dalton’s gang – with the help of her brilliant inventor friend Emily – to assist Jasper in his endeavors. But will the lure of Dalton’s criminal activities appeal to Finley’s dark side so much that she will leave Griffin, Emily and Sam behind?

      The wonderful chemistry of Griffin’s group remains, with Sam a little less hostile and the attraction between Finley and Griffin a little more apparent. Emily’s brilliant mind blends nicely with Finley’s brawn as their friendship continues to deepen. There is a very balanced feel to the tale, with viewpoints switching between Jasper, Finley and Griffin. I must admit that I’ve fallen just as hard for Griffin as Finley has; his loyalty to his friends and concern for their safety remains front and center, while his love for Finley is getting stronger.

      It seems like in each story, we get a little less of one character as the focus shifts to another; in The Girl in the Steel Corset Jasper was a little more in the background while in this installment it is Sam. This change in focal point is not detrimental at all, however, since each character is used efficiently and any more of Jasper’s presence in the last book, or Sam’s in this one, may have slowed each story a bit or felt too much like padding. As it is the pacing is brisk and engrossing, and we even have some foreshadowing for the next book in the series (I assume) with the introduction of a malevolent force that attacks Griffin a couple of times when he crosses into the Aether (spirit world). It looks like our next villain will be supernatural in nature, instead of human.

      A few small problems I had with the story kept it from being 5 stars. First a twist that comes late in the story with Jasper and Mei was not surprising enough; it kind of felt inevitable in a way, possibly due to too many clues from Cross. There is also a bit of repetition in Griffin and Finley’s thoughts throughout the story – his worry about her dark side, and her worry about her social stature compared to Griffin. These are both cause for concern; I just felt they were each brought up one too many times. I did appreciate that Finley seems to be more in control of her dark side and that by the end of the story she has a solid grasp of where she wants to be in the world, so hopefully Griffin’s worry at least can be laid to rest next time around.

      The inclusion of historical characters (inventor Nikola Tesla and the Astor family) as well as historical places (the Waldorf-Astoria, Empire State building, and Five Points in the Bowery) ground The Girl in the Clockwork Collar in the time period while the continued use of the Organites and Ganite ore that were introduced in The Girl in the Steel Corset gives the story wings to fly in any direction necessary. Kady Cross’s “Steampunk Chronicles” has been my introduction to the steampunk genre and I enjoy it immensely. Her use of the Victorian era’s history and its obsession with the spirit realm mixes beautifully with fantastic technology – automaton horses, steam carriages, Sam’s mechanical body parts, dirigibles, etc. Anyone who enjoys the steampunk genre should get to know Finley, Griffin, Emily, Sam and Jasper as they experience adventure and romance in The Girl in the Clockwork Collar.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      This second book in the series follows immediately after the first, plot-wise. The major plot point dropped right at the end of The Girl in the Steel Corset – Jasper Renn being dragged off to America to stand trial for murder – is the central point behind this book. The main quartet from the first book (Finley, Griffin, Emily, and Sam) all travel to New York to locate Jasper and figure out if he is, in fact, guilty of the murder he’s been arrested for.Over the course of their investigations, the four get into more trouble. Naturally. Most of that trouble is focused either on Finley or Griffin, which also makes sense as they seem to be the lead couple in the series.Speaking of them as a couple – there is a little more progress on that front in this novel, too. At the very least, they both seem to have come to some decisions as to what they want out of it. Though, when you come down to it, there is no real competition for Finley’s attention in this book the way there was in the first one. It will be interesting to see the relationship develop once Jack Dandy is back in the picture.In some respects I like this book more than the first in the series. The main four characters are all working together (mostly) in this one, rather than being at odds the way they were in the first. The relationships between them are developing, and I don’t mean just the romantic relationships. Parts of the plot are a bit more far-fetched, though, and the first book did have the charm of being the first in this particular world. In any case, I’m really looking forward to getting the third book when it comes out so I can see what comes next.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
       The characters are great and the plot is interesting and exciting. I also like the slowly building romantic attachment between the main characters. As the second novel in the Steam Punk Chronicles there are many loose ends at the end of this book. I am looking forward to the next book.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      Finley, Griffin, Sam, and Emily have travelled to New York City to unravel the mystery surrounding Jasper and his potential status as a murderer. The group are quickly embroiled in a complex ring that involves the gangs in the slums of New York, the mysterious Reno Dalton, and Mei whose clockwork collar threatens her very life. Finding the answers to their questions may hurt the small group of friends far more than they could ever imagine.The second book in the Steampunk Chronicles is just as good as the first. The characters remain strong, their relationships continue to develop, and the plot churns a long at a decent pace. While the novel held no major twists or surprises for me, it was still an enjoyable read in the lovely steampunk world that Kady Cross has created.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      This is the second in the Steampunk Chronicle series by Kady Cross. This series is some of the best steampunk that I have ever read. It's got the clever machinery, some magic, great heroes, very evil villains - and a little romance!Finley, the heroine, is more secure in herself than she was in the first novel, The Girl in the Steel Corset. She seems less afraid to get out there and kick some evil-doer's butt, yet she is still learning how to work her "talent." She is a character that is very easy to like and root for throughout the story. And of course, the book would be nothing without her gang, who are right there to help out... or make fun of her, whichever is more appropriate at the time.The Girl in the Clockwork Collar is a fun romp through New York City at the turn of the 19th century. If you like steampunk, you'll definitely want to read this, but start with the first book. If you've never read any steampunk, start out with this series!Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      Ever since I began reading Kady Cross's work I know very well I will be entertained. The plot pulses with action, mystery, romance, and above all, there is fluidity. I am pleased to see this awesome adventure continues in the US. Griffin, Finley, Emily and Sam take of to the Americas in search of their friend Jasper. Being the loyal bunch that they are, they trust in Jasper's innocence and work to save and clear his name. In the America's Jasper reunites with an old flame and friend, Mei, who is held hostage by Dalton. Dalton is a criminal at best and a creep every other day. The entire Griffin gang scouts the dangerous streets looking for any information that will lead them to Jasper. Finley and Sam joins an underground fighting ring just so that they could have an inside man. As twists occur in the plot, true motives and feelings become known. For instance, Griffin and Finley still have the chemistry in which draws me and has me screaming..... "Kiss already!" Emily and Sam are an interesting read as well. But what is surprising is the re-visit of what Jasper and Mei had in the past. More so, what's most interesting is the betrayal that is soon discovered between the two. I am thoroughly pleased with Kady Cross's Steampunk Chronicles. So far, the prequel, book one and this book has been well worth a read. Those who enjoy romance, mystery, action with a tough of humor are in for a treat with this series. Highly recommend this YA series!

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      My Thoughts:I truly enjoy Steampunk. I am fairly new to the genre, but then I believe that the genre itself too is fairly new. I started reading Steampunk when a friend recommended Soulless, I have been hooked since. I read The Girl in the Steel Corset and fell in love with the characters, so I was thrilled to see another book. I am hoping this is one of many more to come in this series.Kady Cross has an imaginative mind and the creativity and talent to bring that imagination to life. She has created wonderful characters and set them in a world that is both strange and thrilling. Her characters vary in personality and combine to bring the reader a fascinating story. The story reads fast - adventure on every page. Griffin is the glue that holds his hap-hazard family together, they may not all always like each other, but they all always love him. Because of that, they find themselves on an adventure to save Jasper. The underlying question? What would you do for love?Can Jasper save Mei? Can Finley help save Jasper without losing herself? Can they all work together to save them all? Entertaining, clever, fast-paced, wonderfully written.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 3/5
      Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick and Dirty: Finley Jayne and company head to America to save their friend Jasper from a infamous criminal. Witty remarks, many action scenes (or threat of), and a WHOLE lot of steampunk! Opening Sentence: “What are you doing?”The Review: Picking up right where Steel Corset left off, Finley and the gang are on their way to America in Griffin’s fancy private flying machine. The gang still has their doubts about Jasper — if he really is a murderer and all that jazz. So when they set up shop at a fancy hotel and scour the city for signs of Jasper, none of them (except maybe Sam) is surprised when they find him in the clutches of Dalton, a wanted criminal. He’s being forced to collect parts of a mysterious machine that he hid before he left for England — one that Dalton will do anything to get his hands on. Told from Jasper, Finley, and Griffin’s point of view, this twisting, heart-breaking, steampunk-filled story is craftily written. Several questions and untold secrets are uncovered in the first chapter and not answered until the end. Although I missed Jack Dandy, I have hope he’ll be in the next installment of the Steampunk Chronicles. His importance has switched with Jasper’s from Steel Corset to Clockwork Collar. This book centers around Jasper, the American “cowboy” that helped out Finley and the gang back in England. In Steel Corset, Jasper was the comic relief, but in Clockwork Collar, he’s the main conflict. Now he’s angst-y and blind by love — and it doesn’t suit him. I missed the funny, light-hearted Jasper. In fact, this book needed some comic relief — nothing major, just a few lines here and there that kept the book entertaining. This book was mainly drama-driven, so light-hearted banter every now and then would be much obliged. Jasper is being held captive because Dalton has Jasper’s old love, Mei Xing (get it — aMA-Zing?). Every time Mei tries to escape, the clockwork collar around her neck tightens and only Dalton can stop it. I admit, I really liked Mei — until her and Finley met. She might seem sweet and “damsel-in-distress-y,” but BEWARE. She packs a mean punch. If you just read the beginning, you would not be able to tell the major twist that comes, but if you keep reading, Cross craftily drops several hints along the way. Although by the time it came, I was expecting it, but it still didn’t ruin how absorbed I was with the characters. Now if any of you have read Steel Corset, you’ve got to be wondering about Finley and Griffin’s relationship. It’s still the main love story throughout the book, so don’t fret. There are plenty of Finley-Griffin moments that had me yelling “Kiss her already!” Most of the conflict between them are Victorian Era related. Since Finley is still lower class, she can’t be seen around Griffin unless he wants to be shunned from society (in London anyway. In America they can pretend that social status doesn’t matter). Finley constantly is on the lookout for ways to try to prove to Griffin (and Emily to Sam) that girls can get the job done as well — if not better — than guys. And I totally approve. With life-or-death situations, Finley’s “other half” becoming more dominant, and a Miss Astor-Prynn trying to catch herself a duke, Finley and the gang have a lot to deal with in a seemingly short amount of time. Although the ending doesn’t leave a lot of conflict for the next book, there’s still enough of a cliffhanger (don’t worry it can hardly be called a cliffhanger) to prompt you to read the next book. Great romance + a thrilling conflict = great book! Notable Scene: “I don’t think you want to talk at all,” she remarked drily as his gaze traveled over the length of her. Dalton chuckled, and for a moment, his features were transformed into something truly beautiful. It was almost painful to look at him. Angels had to weep at the sight of his face. “No,” he agreed quietly. “I don’t want to talk.” She was prepared for the kiss, braced for it even. It was lovely, as far as kisses went. Her heart gave a little jolt at the contact, but that was it. There was no feeling of being struck by lightning. No desperate urge to grab hold of him and never let go. And there were absolutely no butterflies in her stomach. Griffin only had to look at her in a certain way, and her stomach quivered. It was a terrible time to realize you were falling in love with someone–when you were kissing another bloke.FTC Advisory: Harlequin Teen provided me with a copy of The Girl in the Steel Corset. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
    • 5/5
      When I read The Girl in the Steel Corset I loved it so much I was a bit nervous about reading The Girl in the Clockwork Collar because the second book in a series is rarely as good as the first book. I am very, very happy to say that I was wrong to be nervous!! I absolutely LOVED this book! I was also a bit nervous about changing the setting from England to the US as I was afraid this move might change the group's dynamics, but again ... totally wrong! It worked wonderfully!Finley is finally combining both sides of her personality and is learning how to control her more aggressive side, which was really nice to see and very well done. All of the characters stayed true to themselves, even though they were in a very strange location for them. In England Griffin was a big deal because of his title and could do pretty much anything he wanted and get away with it, but in the US, especially during that time period, things were completely different, so the group has to be extra sneaky to get away with anything, which was a lot of fun for me as the reader! We got to know Jasper Renn better, which was a definite plus, and all of the characters had their own moments to shine, just as they did in The Girl in the Steel Corset. In summary, I completely and totally loved this installment in the Steampunk Chronicles, which is fast becoming one of my favorite series, and I will be waiting anxiously for the next book to come out! Hurry Kady! I'm on the edge of my seat here! I wholeheartedly recommend this book for all fans of steampunk:D
    • 5/5
      I adored The Girl in the Steel Corset and was eager to read the sequel. Thankfully, Cross' second book lived up to the first. We follow Finley and her friends (including possibly love interest Griffin) across the America in search of their friend Jasper, last seen being taken away at the end of the first book. One of the things I simply love about Cross is that all her women are strong, from Finley to Emily, to the two other women we meet throughout the book. The main story, which focuses on the search for Jasper, is interesting enough and full of action. I also quite enjoyed the relationship between Sam and Emily, this is a fun side story that's entertaining to watch develop. But, really, I think I'm somewhat invested in the development love between Griffin and Finley. In a way, it reminds me of the possible relationship in Maureen McQuerry's The Peculiars. I'm rather fond of characters from different backgrounds somehow being together (see also, Westerfeld's Leviathan series). I can't wait for the next book.
    • 4/5
      Last time we saw them Finley & Co. had defeated The Machinist and during their celebration some guys arrived to take Jasper back to US so he could face justice and pay for his crimes. Apparently, he had killed a man.And after they took him Griffin, duke of Greythorne, decided that his friend, whom he trusted, couldn't have killed anybody... at least not without a good reason. So the collective decision was to follow him to the US and help clear his name.The only problem was that, when they arrived they realized that Jasper's captors weren't working for the police and that actually he was missing.With the help of their powers, money and firm resolution they would look for him until the end... or perish trying.But none of them understood that sometimes, in the name of love, any man is capable of everything.Personal opinion:The Girl in the Clockwork Collar was the perfect sequel for The Girl in the Steel Corset. Kady Cross doesn't disappoint at all with the plot, the old and new characters, the twists and the feelings that she creates with this book.If I need to say out loud two things I didn't like too much was the fact that I missed Jack a lot... somehow I got to like this bad boy for the things he didn't say rather that the ones he did say.And my second complain would be the fact there was a scene that made me cringe with uneasiness thanks to the details... but I have to blame my vivid imagination for that.Things I liked: the interactions between characters never failed to entertain, they were funny, clever, fierce and real. So far I think my favorite character, besides Jack of course, is Emily because I always feel like hugging her.And as always Kady's way of describing the clothes and the surroundings made my imagination fly with every page.
    • 2/5
      I had issues with the first book--lack of depth in characters and predictable plot--and likely would not have read on except that the publisher provided me a gratis copy through NetGalley. I love steampunk and historical fiction, so I hoped--hoped--that the second book would compensate for the weaknesses of the first.It didn't.Instead, the deficiencies were even more profound. Maybe the style here just isn't my type. It reads like an action movie--boom, boom, boom--but there's no real depth to any of the characters. They still feel like thin recreations of generic super-teens. The fact that they are so super diminishes most of the suspense. They worry about being killed, but time after time when one of them has a close scrape with death, they are better within hours. A day at most.The romantic angle of the book is based largely on angst. I suppose it could be argued that it's to be expected in YA, but I still hoped for more. Much of the drama in the first part of the book consists of Griffin being chauvinistic and overly-protective of Finley, and Finley then behaving like an idiot to prove her independence. I was a bit baffled by Griffin's sudden protectiveness, as the last book ended with them essentially taking on a robot army. Then they arrive in America, and he's fussing about her wandering New York City by herself.As I noted, the book involves constant action. Some of the action was nonsensical, such as a point where an assassin is in a locked room with a character. Finley--who is super strong like the Hulk--rushes to the rescue, finds the door is locked, then goes to the room next door so she can climb on the ledge to access the locked room. After she subdues the killer, the other super-strong male of the team busts the door down to come inside. There were a few other instances like that where I was left scratching my head.Since there's no major character development, the climax of the book fell largely flat. Actually, at 90% of the way through, the female characters took a break for several pages to go shopping. (I'm not joking.) The truth behind the clockwork collar was clear far too early, as many of the hints were as delicate as anvils.I love the whimsical, fantastical side of steampunk, but I still want it to make sense. I want the action to serve the plot, not just exist so that Finley has a chance to beat up on someone. I don't want almost-invincible characters. I want flaws and plot twists. This book just didn't come through, which dismays me because it could have been so much more.
    • 5/5
      Can I just say I LOVE this series!!!! I am so in love with Finley and Griffin that I can't believe I went through a whole year waiting for this sequel! There will be mild spoilers for the first book Girl in the Steel Corset so you've been warned.Our quartet of friends, Finley, Griffin, Sam and Emily are after Jasper, determined to find the truth about Jasper. Did he kill a man in cold blood? Is their friend capable of murder? They are determined to find out. So without a plan, they fly off in Griffin's own personal dirigible to New York City. They stay at the Waldorf Astoria where Finley has flowers waiting for her from, guess who? And of course Griffin is jealous. I thought , God if this book goes back and forth like the last one about their feelings for each other, I may not be able to stand it. But, Finley makes and interesting comparison about her being Cinderella and Griffin the prince but then they aren't really like that at all. She just doesn't know where she stands. Circumstances in this one make them each take a stand in this one.Sam and Emily are their usual selves though they took a back seat a little more in this book. Finley is her usual bad a** self and plays a big role in this one. But she also sees the error of her ways when it comes to her darker side and evil. Set against the backdrop of an alternate New York City in the late 19th century, this novel delivers everything it promises and more. The ending was everything I wanted! I think this novel was even better than the first and I absolutely loved the first one! I hope Kady Cross continues to write this series for several more novels.
    • 4/5
      Saturday, May 26, 2012Review:The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross 4 STARSI believe this is the second book in this series but the first one I have read. I enjoyed reading it and had a hard time puting it down till I finshed it. I hope some day to go and read The girl in the Steel Corset.Thier was some things the book hinted at that I would like to know more about. But I feel the book stands alone alright.I had to look up what was Steampunk. I found it takes in the era of steam engines and blends in somemodern stuff and combines it.Griffen King is the Duke of Greythorne and is rich but also an orphan. He has gathered a bunch of friends that have extra powers together to make a difference. Right now they have come from London to New York riding in his private airship. His friend Jasper was brought back over to face charge of murder. With him is Finley Jayne she is very strong, can fight and heals fast. Finley now works for him.She likes him a lot. Griffen likes her too but they are afraid to really show each other how much they like the other.Sam is strong and part machine. I gather he was hurt badly but Emily fixed him with machine parts in the first book.Emily can control machines and talk to them. She is really smart.Jasper is a cowboy who met the others in England. He is accused of murder in San Francisco.Jasper is really fast and excellent shot with his pistels.They are a bunch of talented teens working together. When they get to the jail to help Jasper theyfind out that it was not police who came over to England after him but crooks.Dalton is in charge of the gang and wants the machine Jasper had stolen from him. He has capturedJasper's old girl friend Mei and as a collar around her neck and if she leaves or does somthing he does not like he can make the collar tighten and can kill her. Jasper does not know what the machine does but he took it apart and hid it around New York.Finley goes undercover and gets Dalton to hire her to work for him to see whats going on with Jasper.Science was fun and different. Lots of action and drama. I would love to read more about these teensand see whats happens to them next.I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.05/29/2012 PUB Harlequin HarlequinTEEN
    • 4/5
      Finley, Griffen, Emily, and Sam are on their way to NYC to help save their friend Jasper. More inventions, a new country, and a new villian keeps the group on their toes. This book was just as exciting as the first! A must read that was hard to put down! I stayed up til 4 am reading even though I had to be at work the next morning! I read both book back to back, and where the last one ends, this one began. I love how Cross used the inventions from the time era plus added a lil something else to the mix!
    • 5/5
      The Girl in the Clockwork Collar is an action-packed thrill ride that you don't want to miss. This novel picks up right where Steel Corset left off. Griffin, Finley, and the gang are on their way to find Jasper and get him out of jail. Once they arrive in New York, however, they realize that Jasper is not being held at the Tombs (jail in New York), but instead, he's being held by a former friend who makes Jack Dandy look like an angel. Finley is forced to infiltrate this gang of evil-doers in order to save Jasper, but will committing real criminal acts be enough to make the dark side of her personality take over for good?I really enjoyed Clockwork Collar. The book was excellent. This novel uses free indirect discourse, a narration POV that Jane Austen employed in almost all of her novels, and that gives the book a more Victorian feel. Therefore, the narrator slides in and out of various characters' minds, and when the narrator is in one person's mind, then he/she speaks the way that person speaks. When the narrator switches to another person, the narrator's voice switches as well. The narration slips between Finley, Griffin, and Jasper.The dialogue is a bit more relaxed and Americanized than an English Victorian novel would be, but I kind of like that because it's not as stiff. Since Griffin and co. are rebelling against the British class system and ways of life to an extent, it'd make sense that their dialogue would be a bit more relaxed. Cross does throw in quite a few British phrases to make the novel feel more authentic, though. I also liked her comparisons between Victorian Era America versus Victorian Era England. That helped give me a sense of place.Finley and Griffin both grew a lot as characters over the course of Clockwork Collar, and all of their changes were for the better. I'm interested to see how these changes continue once they return to London. One of the things I like about this series is that Cross shows over and over again that these characters are, in fact, teenagers. However, these teenagers are more rational than most and realize that even though they love someone it may not be some everlasting thing. They reject the idea of marriage at an early age, at least for the man. That is also ideal for the time.The action in this book is nonstop, and I was kept on the edge of my seat for the entire novel. The pacing is super fast, and Clockwork Collar flew by, but nothing felt rushed. The ending tied up most of the questions raised in this book, but it left room for a sequel. Thankfully, there was no cliffhanger. Also, there were no new love interests introduced for Finley in this novel. It's nice that some authors don't use the cliffhanger/increased number of love interests plot device in the second book.Things that people may not like about this book:- There is no Jack Dandy. I kept waiting for him to appear, but he didn't. Jack Dandy fans will be a bit disappointed in this, I'm sure. However, he wasn't forgotten. He makes his presence known, and I'm sure he'll be back in the story as soon as they return to London.- One of the mysteries isn't exactly mysterious. There's one character who's pretty transparent.Okay, those two things are the only things I can think of that may put someone off a bit about this novel. I actually enjoyed Clockwork Collar more than I enjoyed Steel Corset, though I love them both. I feel that Cross grew as an author quite a bit between the two books. I can't wait to see what happens next. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good steam punk story. Fans of Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series will love these books!
    • 4/5
      Even though I loved The Girl in the Steel Corset so much, I was extremely hesitant to start this one. Maybe I was afraid of disappointment, since I was a little dubious whether Cross would be able to pull me in like that a second time. I needn't have worried.The book starts off strong, with a scene of Finley and Griffin flying above New York. If you have read my review of the first installment in this series, you know that while I like Griffin (because let's be honest: Who wouldn't like him?) I preferred Jack Dandy quite a lot. Sadly, he is only mentioned briefly once and doesn't make an appearance. I feel that Cross sought to replace him with someone equally alluring, because it's obvious that with the crew in New York there was no legit way to get Dandy there as well. Still, I missed Dandy a lot since he was a possible second route for Finley. With him out of the picture at such an important time ... well, the decision was obvious.The plot was strong and I detected no holes as far as casual reading goes. Most characters were likeable/despisable (?) enough. However, I feel that Steampunk is connected with Victorian England and it would be quite a feat to completely remove it from that setting without losing Steampunk. It wasn't completely lost in this case, because as much as they deny it American and English culture was not that different back then. Personally I am of the opinion though that this book would have worked better, had it been set in London as well. There were also quite a few words that weren't in existence then and while this book doesn't need to be written in 19th century English, some words should be avoided in my opinion.In the first book, I didn't particularly care about Jasper Renn. He was kind of just there. This book did a lot to change my opinion. When I first read that The Girl in the Clockwork Collar would me more or less centered around Renn's problems, I was unsure whether I should read it. It worked out well and was much more interesting than I could have thought! So, if you didn't get on with Jasper in the first book, this still might be for you. Cross has an ability to make you like characters, even if you don't really want to.
    • 3/5
      This sequel was OK but not as thrilling to me as the first book. I do like how Finley is growing and coming into her own. We get to know Jasper more and he is now one of my favorite characters with his talents and good heart. Finley and Griffin get to know each other more without Jack Dandy in the mix. Emily and Sam are still cute although Sam doesn't really stick out in my mind now that I've finished the book. I'm more interested in getting everyone back to London to see what kind of mischief they can all find. I do hope Jasper decides to join them. He will makes a nice addition. Maybe with the return of Dandy, the element of elegant danger will return. I'm not saying Griffin should be left out in the cold but something was just missing for me in this book. Dalton just didn't play out as the proper villain for me. Maybe it's the dry wit I miss. All in all it was a good book if you are a fan of Finley and the beasties.
    • 5/5
      4.5/5 stars!Just as the first book was a wonderful jaunt in an alternate-history steampunk London, now we journey with Griffin, Finley, and the rest of the crew to America to find their comrade Jasper. This book was so much fun - Cross continues her story with just as much mad-scientist playfulness as she did in the first, and loses nothing in the process. No middle book syndrome here, folks. If you liked the first book, you simply must read "The Girl in the Clockwork Collar"!Though there is a bit of a residual amount of semi-love triangle left over from the first book's storyline with Jack Dandy, I'm happy to say that it doesn't really continue past the first two or three chapters when more pressing matters come into play. Because of the urgency of having to find Jasper before he gets thrown into jail (or worse), it really polarizes all of the characters' actions (and their relationships with each other), and where in the first book there might have been too much pause in one scene or another, there's none of that here. This book is really fast paced, but excellently wrought where even I was getting anxious concerning Jasper, Mei, and her clockwork collar and with Finley and Griffin in terms of finding him.But what really is at the heart of this story is Finley's continued struggle with her Jekyll and Hyde light and dark sides. They may have been united into one solid personality with help from Griffin at the end of book one, but the struggle to behave continues and really eats away at Finley the entire time. The way Cross handles this is great, gives Finley an out that isn't too easy, but at the same time, isn't too hard on her, either. It even extends to Griffin - can he rely on Finley not to give into her dark side? Can he trust her to pick him and the good fight over a glamorous life of crime? The reader worries along with him, yet at the same time has a blast kicking ass alongside Finley as she works with Jasper to get him away from the past that's caught up with him.The characters feel even fuller this time around, with more complexities added to them, and the more minor characters that make up Griffin's band of misfits (Sam, Emily, and Jasper) get more face time with the audience. We know more about their pasts, and they all got a good rounding out in general. The world expanded to America, and we got to see more of what this moment in time in this alternate history might look like (Nicola Tesla still running his tests, but Five Points still existing in New York - thanks to Cross' notes at the end of the book). The ending, though, is something I really didn't see coming (though it had crossed my mind very faintly). I love what Cross did - it's something straight out of a western, and yet with the sci-fi/fantasy angle, it totally worked. By the time I reached the last page, all I could think about was book three, and wondering when it would be out. That's how much I love this world's she created, and the characters she's let loose upon the literary scene. I definitely want more misadventures with everyone in this series (okay, maybe not Mei, but you get the idea) and soon."The Girl in the Clockwork Collar" is out May 22, 2012 in North America from HarlequinTeen. It's made my best of 2012 so far list, so definitely check it out when it hits bookstores then. It's full of adventure, mischief, and magic - what more could you want? You definitely cannot miss this sequel if you're a fan of the first book!(posted to goodreads, shelfari, librarything, and birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com)
    • 4/5
      This story begins with Griffin, Finley, Emily and Sam on their way to America to try to rescue their friend Jasper Renn who was grabbed by bounty hunters and accused of murder. They are traveling on an airship the Griffin owns. When they arrive in New York, they discover that Jasper is not in the Tombs and have to begin a search to find out where he is.The viewpoint switches to Jasper and we learn that the bounty hunters were hired by Reno Dalton who wanted Jasper because he stole a valuable machine from him when he left. Dalton is using a former friend of Jasper's - Ma Xing - to guarantee Jasper's good behavior. Dalton has attached a device to Mei that is the clockwork collar of the title. If she gets too far away from Dalton, the collar tightens and strangles her is Dalton doesn't turn it off in time. The story is filled with adventures as the gang tries to locate and rescue Jasper and as Jasper tried to recover the device and free Mei. Emily creates all kinds of marvelous machines including a cat that can turn into a personal flying machine and a motorcycle. Finley fights her way into Dalton's gang and has to wonder if she is letting her dark side control her. Griffin has to learn more about the aether as he battles some sort of creature in it. Both Emily and Griffin consult with Nikola Tesla who has invented a number of machines including the one that Dalton is trying to recover and use for his nefarious purposes. Griffin also has to deal with social climbing debutantes as he becomes a very desirable guest since he is a Duke. Griffin and Finley also have to work more on their relationship. Griffin and Finley aren't in the same social class. He is an aristocrat, in fact, a duke; she is a member of the middle class and has acted as a lady's maid and companion. Despite that, they are attracted to each other.This story was entertaining and exciting. I recommend it to those who enjoyed the first book in the Steampunk Chronicles - The Girl in the Steel Corset.
    • 5/5
      I was hesitant to read Kady Cross' latest book in her Steampunk Chronicles series, The Girl In the Clockwork Collar. Her first one, The Girl In the Steel Corset, was so well written and engaging that I did not think she could do it again. I was wrong. This one is even better. From the first paragraph, the reader is swept into the world of the “strange band of Mysfits” as they take over a New York that did not actually exist in 1897, but should have.Those who have read the first book are already familiar with Finley Jayne and her compatriots, a crew of people with talents most people don't suspect even exist. Those who are new to the series are in for a treat as they meet the group for the first time. In either case, set some time aside and stock up on snacks, because you're not going to put this book down until the oh-my-goodness-how-did-that-happen ending. The surface plot revolves around proving the innocence of one of their team, Jasper Renn. To do so, first they must rescue him from the men who abducted him while he was visiting them in England. Along the way, Finley falls in love, or does she, with a rogue named Dalton, leading Griffin King, the leader of the group, to outlandish feats of bravery, or perhaps he would have done them anyway, to show his love for Finley, a love he cannot confess anymore than she can confess that she loves him. Then there's the tumultuous relationship between Emily, who can communicate with machines, and Sam, who she turned into a part-machine. And, just for spice, add a touch of lying female assassin and help from Tesla himself. This is all melded seamlessly into a tale that will leaving you regretfully turning the last page, hoping for more.And yes, this book *can* stand on its own, you don't need to have already read The Girl In the Steel Corset. But, if you have not read the first book yet, you are very lucky. You will have something to occupy your time while the rest of us are whining and begging for the next book in the series. Though, now I think on it, mayhaps a re-reading of both books would be an admirable idea while waiting for Kady Cross' next masterpiece in the Steampunk Chronicles series.
    • 5/5
      This is the second book in the series and very explosive!!!And they travel to the continental US to solve another murder and come into the brink of a deadly project. I really loved the plot. Fulfilling and exciting, each chapter leads to new people, new missions, and new betrayals. I loved that the plot is always moving. The reader learns more about the characters of Griffin, Finley and the others past. The friendship also blooms beautifully before the readers eyes.The love interest is particular exciting in this book! I am happy to report that Griffin and Finley finally see each other. Even while they were fighting against each other all the time, you can tell deep down they are meant to be. They cringed with the other got hurt, got angry when the other did something stupid. It is funny to read and to see the adoration in their eyes.The betrayals in the book are so HOT! Half-way through the book I thought I knew where it head but oh no, the author pulled a fast one on me. The turn at the end, with the literal picture of a heart-breaking ahhhhhhhh! Priceless. I did not see that coming and boy was it a breath stealer.The Girl In The Clockwork Collar slams right into the readers mind with the perfect combination of action, desire, and lies. The plot flows beautifully with surprises at every corner. With deeper and richer plot, The Girl In The Clockwork Collar takes your breathe away!
    • 3/5
      This is the second book in the Steampunk Chronicles series. As with the first book, this book reads more like a romance than a straight steampunk novel. This novel takes place in America and I missed the London setting. Still there were plenty of twists and turns here to keep the reader engaged.Jasper’s been taken back to America by a bounty hunter and Finley Jayne and crew hop aboard Griffin’s airship to journey to America to rescue him. Jasper is in the hands of an evil man who wants Jasper to recover a powerful device. An old flame of Jasper’s named Mei is being held as well to keep Jasper in check; she wears a creepy clockwork collar that tightens when she misbehaves. Finley will have to journey into the underbelly of the city if she has any hope of rescuing Jasper. I really didn’t like this book as much as the last one. First let me say what I liked about the book. I liked that Finley found some balance, she’s developed into a kick-butt strong female character. It was also to see Emily share some of the fun action scenes. The plot has some excellent twists and turns as well.There is a lot about this book that wasn’t as well done as the first book. There really isn’t any more of that Jekyl and Hyde vibe with Finley; there is some talk about her being drawn more to her darker nature with her undercover work in the gang that has Jasper. But Finley very much has one personality in this book; that of someone who is spunky and full of trouble. It was nice to see her find harmony between her two halves...but at the same time it made the story a lot less interesting.As for Finley and Griffin as a couple...I just wasn’t feeling it. They don’t respect each other enough and the scenes between them are awkward. The other characters were all okay, but I didn’t feel as much energy from them and they weren’t as engaging as in the first book. Maybe part of it was that the charm of the London setting was gone and they all seemed a bit displaced.There were an absolute ton of POVs in this book; the story bounced all around between Griffin and Finley and Jasper and others. It was distracting and made it hard to get really engaged in the story. There are some books that do multiple POVs well (think epic fantasy like The Wheel of Time series), but in fluffy books like this one it really doesn’t do much for the story outside of fracture it.This book reads more like a romance than a steampunk novel. In fact there isn’t much steampunk in here at all. There is mention of the clockwork collar and the steam carriages. Griffin does his thing with the aether...that’s pretty much it. The plot is much more driven by who loves who and who is trying to save who, not awesome steampunk things.Lastly the book was wordy. There is a lot of unnecessary words in here that don’t do much except make parts of the book kind of boring. The book ends well enough with room for another future story.Overall I was super excited to read this book because I thought the first book was a fun light read, but I ended up being disappointed. The characters fell flat for me, the numerous POVs made the story feel fractured, there isn’t much steampunk at all, the plot is mostly romance driven, and the book gets wordy and boring at points. I just was not feeling this book like I did the first one. If you want to read steampunk check out The Leviathan series by Scott Westerfeld, The Iron Codex by Caitlin Kittredge, or Cinder by Marissa Mayer...all of those are much better steampunk books than this one.
    • 3/5
      I've recently found that I like steampunk. Okay, that's really an understatement. I've recently discovered that I really, really enjoy steampunk novels, and the recent surge in teen steampunk novels has been a fascinating trend to observe. In my opinion, one of the frontrunners of that trend was the first novel in Kady Cross' Steampunk Chronicles series, The Girl in the Steel Corset. Between the quirky characters, steampunk backdrop and kick-butt heroine, nothing could go wrong.That same fun and adventure continues in the second book in the Steampunk Chronicles, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. Young Finley Jayne, now with her own band of strangely gifted outsiders, is off to America to rescue her friend Jasper. Not only is Jasper's time running short, but the life of the girl he loves, Mei is in danger. Not to mention Finley's struggle with her dark side, which never seems to get any easier until she meets the mysterious Duke Griffin King, who might just have all the answers.Author Kady Cross doesn't miss a beat here. All of the fun, action and mystery from the first book is here. And now that Finley has been properly introduced, we can skip all of the exposition and dive into the real mysteries behind her dark powers, what they mean, and how she can handle them. More awesome heroine action, and more steampunk greatness here, which will keep readers flipping pages. Are you looking for good steampunk? Look no further.
    • 4/5
      Simply AWESOME!!! I had great trepidation starting this book as I was totally dismayed by the first. However, the prequel, The Strange Case of Finely Jayne was fantastic. This sequel was action packed, fast paced and on the mark. It actually could be a stand alone as I've said previously. These are my initial thoughts but a full review of this book and all my recent reads will follow at weeks end.
    • 2/5
      After I finished The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross, I had mixed feelings going into the sequel. On the one hand, I really feel like the world, the story and the characters have so much potential. On the other, I was disappointed in TGitSC. It felt like it was just trying to cram too much in, plus it repeatedly beat me over the head reminding me that the genre was steampunk.I don’t know about you, but even in the most fantastic of genres, I don’t need to be constantly reminded of what it is: “Remember, this is the FUTURE! Remember, this world has MAGIC! Remember, this is a DYSTOPIAN!” So it irked me a bit that I felt The Steampunk Chronicles continually making sure I remembered that they were set in a steampunk world. I get it. I knew it going into the book, and I wasn’t likely to forget.However, despite my reservations, I decided to go ahead and read the second book, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. I had high hopes that maybe it would improve on the promising elements of the first book, and not be quite so heavy-handed in its execution.[Warning: Spoilers from TGitSC ahead]The GoodThere are fewer plot elements going on here than in TGitSC. It doesn’t try to accomplish nearly so much, which is good. Also, the clockwork collar is actually a significant plot element, and Mei a significant character, making the title and the cover not nearly as superfluous as the last book (while Finley does sport a steel corset for part of TGitSC, it’s pretty irrelevant to the plot. And don’t even get me started on the cover). It also doesn’t engage in quite so much bludgeoning with the steampunk concept. We’re not reminded every other paragraph about Sam’s metal hand or the automaton in the corner or about Finley’s seemingly never-ending supply of lacy corsets. So that was nice.And again, I love the idea for the story. I love the concept of steampunk, the imagery, the possibilities. I feel like Kady Cross was really on to something when she came up with the idea for this story and these characters. Steampunk + superpowers + mystery = good.The BadWhile not as bad as the first book in terms of cramming in too many unnecessary elements, this book still had its share of stuff that would have been better left on the cutting room floor. For example, the character of Nikola Tesla was thrown in, and he was completely unnecessary. Yes, he and Edison were the two geniuses inventing crazy gadgets around the turn of the century, and so it would have made sense to mention him, as Edison was mentioned. But he didn’t really need to be a character. He didn’t add anything (nothing he did was significantly outside Emily’s realm of expertise) to the development of the character or story.And as for the characters who are necessary, the only one who really developed from the last book was Jasper. The other four main characters stay basically the same. Finley is still torn between her “dark” and “light” sides (which got old a while ago…like midway through the first book). Griffin is still rich and struggling to control his connection with the Aether (which the book says is a constant thing, but it actually only seems like he struggles with it when he feels like it…but more on that later). Sam is still dark and brooding and smitten with Emily and angry about the machine parts inside of him. Emily is still a mechanical genius and a little Irish spitfire who is inexplicably in love with Sam. That’s where they start, and that’s where they end. There was no noticeable development arc with any of them, and for me, I don’t care how action-packed a book is. If the characters don’t develop, I don’t see the point.Also, I still felt the entire Aether subplot pretty clunky and unnecessary. I feel like it was an idea that could have worked if it was developed right, but it wasn’t. It comes across as a weird supernatural element, just for the sake of having a weird supernatural element. All the major plot points could have been hit using just technology and the pervasive Organites. It seemed like the only reason it was in there was so that Griffin could have some kind of superpower, but really, Griffin doesn’t need a superpower. I kind of think he’d be more interesting without one, to be honest.The UglyHere’s where I may rant just a tad. So before I do, let me just say, I have nothing but respect for any author who has an idea and develops it and works hard and gives up months/years of their life in an effort to bring their story to people. Good ideas aren’t easy to come by, people. Have you ever tried coming up with an idea for an original book? It’s hard. And Kady Cross really had a good idea with this book, and its predecessor. I completely respect her and the effort that went into writing and publishing it.And just because I’m about to rant about some things that bothered me, doesn’t mean that you won’t adore this book. Plenty have. I just wasn’t one of them, and for those of you out there whose taste does tend to mirror my own, I’m going to tell you why.I think it all boils down to one main concept, and that is “Show, don’t Tell.”If you haven’t heard of this before, basically all it means is that when it comes to reading, I want to experience things for myself. I want to be shown the world, immersed in it, and feel like I know the characters and understand their feelings. I want to be allowed to come to my own conclusions. I want to experience the book. That’s “Showing.”“Telling” is when the reader is told how to feel, what to think, where to focus. It takes the reader out of the story (if the reader was ever in the story to begin with) and often creates a feeling of disconnect between the words on the page and what is actually happening in the story.For example, saying “He found her very attractive” really doesn’t draw the reader into the story. On the other hand, saying how his heart beat faster and his breath quickened when their fingers accidentally brushed together – that’s showing (and please don’t tear my example to shreds; I’m spitballing here). You never have to be told he finds her attractive — you can see it and feel it in his reaction to her. And that was one of the problems with this book.However, the main problem with Telling instead of Showing in this book was that oftentimes characters wouldn’t act in line with what we are told about them. Instead, we’ll be told they feel a certain way, then they act in a completely contrary way.Some examples (and there may be some minor spoilers down below):What we are told: Dalton is nothing like Jack Dandy, the seedy criminal that Finley befriends in TGitSCWhat we are shown: Dalton is exactly like Jack Dandy, except we actually see him kill people (Jack just hires people to kill people).What we are told: Finley, Sam, and Griffin should fear for their lives when they get terribly woundedWhat we are shown: Finley, Sam, and Griffin never have anything to worry about because they’re all freakin’ Wolverine.What we are told: Jasper loves Mei because of her tragic past, her sweet personality, and the trials they’ve experienced together.What we are shown: Jasper likes Mei because she is pretty.What we are told: Tesla and Emily understand the Aether well enough to harness it and build inventions that utilize it productively.What we are shown: Tesla and Emily haven’t the first clue what the Aether is or how it works.What we are told: Griffin and Finley are concerned about propriety and their different stations in life, and aren’t sure of their feelings toward each other.What we are shown: Griffin and Finley don’t care a lick about propriety and are obviously totally into each other.What we are told: Finley wears corsets all the time, and is able to fight, kick, jump, and otherwise bounce around like an acrobat while wearing them.What we are shown: Whatever Finley’s wearing can’t possibly be a corset, because I’ve worn a corset, and they are not flexible.What we are told: Griffin is powerful and muscular, and Finley is small and strong.What we are shown: Either Griffin is a scrawny beanpole of a man, or Finley is far more voluptuous than she’s described, since she can barely fit into his clothes.I could keep going, but that would be excessive. I think you get my point.And my very last two issues with the book, which are completely random:1. Emily is constantly (CONSTANTLY) described as having “ropey” hair. And I don’t know what that means. Does she have dreadlocks? Somehow, I doubt it. But that’s the only descriptor we’re ever given: “ropey.” What does that mean? WHAT DOES IT MEAN???2. Mei Xing? Really? This is her name? Also, it would not be pronounced like “amazing,” as Finley so often jokes. The Chinese pronunciation of “Xing” (which is what they’d be using, since Mei is Chinese. Duh.) is “Shing.” So beside the fact that a random race joke was attempted with this terrible name, the joke isn’t even accurate.*sigh*Overall, while I thought some elements improved from the first book, I found myself irritated and fighting to get through this one. I won’t be reading the third one, if/when it is released. Which is sad, because as I said before, I love the idea of steampunk. And the covers are so very, very pretty.