Supernatural Devices

A Steampunk Scarlett Novel, Book 1

By: Kailin Gow

Narrated by: Candice Moll

Scarlett is a sensible 17-year-old young lady - or so everyone thinks - but there is definitely more to her. The daughter of famous English Egyptologists and archeologists Theodore and Gemma Seely, she is prone to adventure and all the world has to offer. It is the 1890s, and she has just received a letter from one of her parents' dearest friends, a certain detective who lives on Baker Street, who needs her help on a most bizarre case. As she embarks through the supernatural side of London, venturing into the forbidden realms bordering Victorian society, she is occupanied by a dashing but infuriating Lord Darthmoor. And Scarlett's first case, which had seem innocent at first, takes a turn for the unexpected and dangerous.

©2011 Kailin Gow (P)2012 Kailin Gow

GOTHIC AND NOT STEAM PUNK. but a Great story!!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

A Promising beginning to a Gothic series of. a 17 year old English girl at the turn of the 19th century. she has the ability to see the supernatural and is set on a quest to find artifacts relating to an ancient war between the vampires and Fey.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

yes

Any additional comments?

on par with the mummy movies. misleading in the beginning but a potentially good start to a promising series of a teenage female heroin pitted against supernatural forces who have their own plans for her future.

A passable romance

Any additional comments?

I listened to the audio version, and I confess I fell asleep during the last portion only to wake right before the end. So, this is based upon me missing a bit near the end.

I also confess I do not enjoy stories that are mainly romances, most especially those of the current fad of teen hearthrob vampire romance variety.

So, your mileage may vary.

I did not expect this story to be great literature or the next blockbuster. I did have hopes for a fun and entertaining story, with hopefully likeable characters.

It partially delivered. It is disappointing though, because I think it had the potential to be so much better.

All the main characters are described as gorgeous - repeatedly. When a new character is introduced he/she is (surprise, surprise) gorgeous. And the characters talk to each other about how gorgeous the other is, repeatedly. This was, for me, the most annoying and distracting issue with this story. I felt I was being hit over the head, repeatedly, with the CLUE to expect a romance. With characters that were not only all unrealistically and uninterestingly attractive, but that they also lacked skillful and witty banter.

The inclusion of Sherlock Holmes is unfortunately simply a plot device, and after the needed scene he is never heard from again (although I may have missed a reappearance if it occurred in the portion I slept through). As pointed out by other reviewers, this story really is not Steampunk, and does seem to be intentional inclusion of many popular YA themes. Vampires - check. Romantic triangle - check. Steampunk - missed the mark.

The writing also gave me the impression of an inexperienced author, who still lacked a bit of polish, finesse and subtlety. I was surprised when I discovered this is not the author's first novel.

For those who want to read about a plucky and beautiful heroine, with potential romance with several gorgeous male options, with some danger and vampires thrown in, this might be a enjoyable diversion. But for Steampunk, Adventure and even Holmesian take offs I can think of better options.

Try Airborn, Enola Holmes, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Good Morning, Irene. Lloyd Alexander's Vesper Holly series.

Full Steampunk Ahead

If you could sum up Supernatural Devices in three words, what would they be?

Fun paranormal Steampunk!

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite is the classic detective, Sherlock Holmes. Although he only briefly appears in this story, he is responsible for igniting this plot for the young slueth's story.

What does Candice Moll bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She provides dimension and emotion to the characters.

Any additional comments?

This was my first read by Kailin Gow; I was pleasantly surprised by the first of the Steampunk Scarlett series.

Paranormal, Steampunk, Amateur-Mystery, Young Adult series.

What a delectable vampire, gorgeous gypsy man, chivalrous English gentleman and the most noted detective of all-time have in common?

Miss Scarlett Seely, a young woman seventeen and of proper breeding, is one who has been exposed to many peculiarities in her short lifetime. She has traveled to Egypt and is accompanying her parents on an excavation in Egypt. Having been afforded exposure to intriguing and exotic lands due to her parents obsession, passion and careers as antiquarians, she appreciates their passion -- just not their excitement. Scarlett never understood why they would want to seek the past. It is 1890 and her future awaits. She longs for adventure, preferably in London. Serendipity lends a hand. No sooner than her contemplation of what adventures were transpiring without her - she receives a telegram. A long time friend and associate of her parents, Sherlock Holmes, has requested her presence and assistance, in London, on a matter of great urgency. Obtaining a quick blessing of approval from her parents and she was off. The moment Scarlett steps off her train her adventures begin...

This story is full of dashingly handsome young gentlemen tripping over one another. All trying to protect this beauty, Miss Seely, from all the unknown dangers that lurk in the mist and darkness. Scarlett has a unique "gift" or ability that comes in handy for this particular case of Mr. Holmes'. Scarlett strong-willed, hard headed and determined to prove herself an invaluable, capable asset to Mr. Holmes. She will rush head-long into this case, devil be damned, delving into the unknown sides of London. Even she may be surprised at what secrets London is holding.

This story is one I found myself captivated by. Although it may have some predictability, it definitely is a fun read. The love triangle is more of a square, not all is as it seems. How many young women would love to have so many men trying to rescue them?

good book terrible quality

What did you like about this audiobook?

it is a good book that is well written and read but it has sections of the recording missing and the recording quality is so bad that any outside noise over rides it while listening. and it routinely sounds like they are recording it from the other end of a pvc pipe.

Do you have any additional comments?

find another version. this one is possibly the worst recording I have ever heard.