Of Silk and Steam

London Steampunk Series #5

By: Bec McMaster

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

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.

©2015 Bec McMaster (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The steampunk technology is fun and the characters nice and spicy...." ( Kirkus)

Deliciousness

I really enjoyed the struggle of each character and how they have all evolved. A wonderful turning point that has rocked their worlds.

loved the whole series

I was totally enthralled with this cast of diverse characters wide ranging personalities & riveting stories

Best one yet!

Possibly my favorite couple of a series that has something for everyone. Suspense, intrigue, steamy romance! Great narration.

Interesting Steampunk Vampire Romance

I am usually not a fan of Victorian-Steampunk novels, but this one held my interest pretty well. The narrator did a pretty good job of using different voices for the different characters, though there are a few lines I think were for a different character that she read for another. This isn't your typical romance, as the romance itself runs alongside another plot line (very nicely intertwined, by the way). This is my preference, as I have a hard time stomaching romance being the only plot line. The love scenes were a bit weird, but when you think of them in terms of vampires, it makes a bit more sense. The main characters are strong and compliment each other. I am particularly fond of the strong female lead character, especially her physical prowess that is believable. She isn't superhero strong/able, but she has practical, believable skills. The author also plays a good balance of male protectiveness and allowing the female space for the male protagonist. Overall, I would recommend this book, especially if this is your first foray into the steampunk universe. Note, though, that this is an alternate universe. Though "set" in Victorian England, it is not historical Victorian England.

Excellent

Another good audio book. I've both read and listened to this whole series and enjoyed it immensely. This book was heart wrenching and exciting. A good ending to the series. There were a few parts where the plot dragged a little and a few too many Sex scenes for me. Of course if you enjoy them you'll probably love this book. The narration was excellent and brought the book to life in a whole new way.

Unforgettable

Love the characters & the glorious imaginative plot - Romance & Steampunk Steamy World of Fantastic Fantasy- The entire Series oozes Captivating Charm - A must to add to my permanent Audio Collection- Hoping for more Audios from this author& narrator -

Series end finally brings the steampunk

“Time to make metal bleed!”
The books in this series that worked best for me featured ladies as fierce as their gents. As it happens, those same installments are the ones that contribute most to this finale, with the characters from all the books coming together for an action filled second half but with the biggest supporting characters being Blade and Honoria of book 1 (Kiss of Steel) and and Lynch and Roza of book 3 (My Lady Quicksilver).
So, if you are inclined to skip any, I’d say skip books 2 and 4.

I don’t think this book works at all as a standalone because half of it is dedicated to the rebellion brewing since book 1. Also, because the narrator’s leading men and women tend to sound alike, hearing some of the other books really helps with following along. The equal attention to romance and the conspiracy against The Echelon was a huge plus for me as factions and machinations come together while using radio scramblers and battle mech. Finally, the steampunk comes out to cry havoc and let loose!

But, the best thing about this book was the substance given to all of the supporting characters.
In previous books, the story was hyper focused on the romantic couple. Here, there is a sexy romance between two dangerous Bluebloods… and at the same time there are emotional plots involving Leo’s father, the human Queen, and Honoria’s brother Charlie. Life and death, honor and love … this finale cut deep in all right places. Way to end on a high note.

The adventures continue three years after the events here in Mission Improper,
book 1 in the Blue Blood Conspiracy spin-off and featuring a narrator I like better
for sexier male voices and better variety.

I hate to series end! I hope there will be another

All the major loose ends were tied up nicely, but I would love to see another book set in this version of late 19th century London with all the characters I've grown so fond of. I heard that there is a spin off series and I look forward to checking it out. This book can be read/listened to as a stand a lone but you will enjoy it more if you start from beginning with Kiss of Steel. Love the steam punk, love the paranormal, but best of all are the characters. 2 thumbs way up!

This is my second favorite book in this series!

The story is fun and I love the weaving of the characters from previous books in the series into this one. The narration is great!

Exciting conclusion.

I enjoyed this series very much. It had lots of action, romance, and a great steampunk world. This seemed like this was final book in this series. The final battle for the crown is set into motion and the true conspirator behind the humanist is revealed. We also get to have the newest member of Blade and Honoria's horde arrive, although not without some problems. My Lady Quicksilver was my favorite in this series but all the books are really good. I hope audible gets the other book that Bec McMaster has written, because I would definitely buy them. Maybe she will come up with a spin off involving all the werewolves from Russia. I recommending reading Meljean Brooks Iron Seas series if you like steampunk they are my favorite. Narrator was pretty good.