A more in-depth review to come, but for now I will say that this book blew my mind. It made my emotions go all over the place. The end had me on the edge of my seat as I went back-and-forth between nearly having a panic attack to relief to nearly having another panic attack, rinse and repeat. It also broke my heart in some places. While it took me far longer to read than I would've liked due to my RL health issues, this book was wonderful and I'd re-read it again when I had the time.

The best book of the series. Well, so far. This book didn't pull any punches on its twisting, turning journey. I was left with my jaw dropping or my eyes popping out of my head while still rolling from the laughs. The books signature humor isn't lost even as the stakes are raised, and the side characters add to the pleasure to be found in the ever-developing bond between Rook and Heat. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to pick up the next in the series.

I absolutely loved this story. The way it was written was captivating from the first sentence. The inspiration from H.G Wells' The War of the Worlds is obvious, but it touches upon it in such a way that here exists something that can stand on its own branching off from that concept that has held such a great impact on science fiction. It's such a fun read too, and Zena Gardner as a protagonist is someone that isn't difficult to relate to really as there's some aspect of her character everyone has experienced

whether it was the loss of a parent or the need to save a loved one even if the odds seemed impossible and insurmountable

. There was also the element there of figuring out her own place in the midst of everything from surviving the war to finding her place the world after it. The detail in this story was amazing as well. When something felt not quite right to the characters, it felt not quite right to me as the reader and that's important. The description writing was truly beautiful. And last, though not least, the method of narration was a fantastic choice. I love a good epistolary format especially when done well as it was here.

I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves sci-fi and/or alternative historical fiction.

This was most certainly an interesting read; one that I'll have to digest more before reviewing a little in-depth. I will say though that I'll probably re-read it, and this story will definitely stick with me. Glad it's the one that finishes off my reading challenge.

I love a good book by Eloisa James, and this didn't disappoint. At one point I did struggle a little with deciding whether or not I liked it enough to give more than 3 stars as I was struggling with some qualities in regards to the characters of Eleanor and Villiers. However, as I hit the middle part of the book that question went away, and shifts in the characters made me see those traits in a different light — it definitely deserves the 4 stars. It was written beautifully, and these characters(main cast and otherwise) had interesting complexities and secrets that were fascinating. This book is a steamy and sweet read with a whole cast of interesting characters even if I hold the same opinion of Mr. Young-Poet as Villiers himself and the same opinion of Lisette as Eleanor herself. And the cast includes puppies and children that are equally adorable. I probably would've finished sooner if not for having other things distracting me in life.