Review: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar
(Steampunk Chronicles #2)

Author: Kady Cross

Publication Date: May 22nd 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genre: Steampunk / Paranormal

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Synopsis:

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous. Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the 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.

My Thoughts: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar starts up almost exactly where Steel Corset leaves off. I really like that it does that because then you're not playing catch up and haven't really missed any of the story. I once again really loved the world and characters that Kady Cross has created. I also really like the cover of this book because it actually is related to the story and was basically how I imagined Mei to look. It took me a lot longer to read than the last book but it had nothing to do with the writing or story, I was just really sick and didn't even have the energy to read.

Clockwork Collar begins with Finley, Griffin, Emily and Sam travelling by airship to New York to get Jasper back and out of trouble. They don't believe he's a murderer and want to help him however they can. Once they get to New York, Griffin and Sam head to the jail to talk to Jasper, but he's not there. He was not brought back by the authorities, so something is up and they plan to find out. There is a lot that happens in Clockwork Collar, including Finley inflitrating a criminal's gang. Regardless, I didn't find that there were really any dull parts and am anxious to find out what's been happening with Griffin in the Aether. Some parts of the plot were a bit predictable, but it didn't affect my opinion any. Since it really seemed the only way to bring it all together.

Once again, Finley Jayne is pretty kick ass. She infiltrates a criminals gang, pretending that she is meant for a life of crime. Which maybe in some ways she is. I think she is incredibly brave and selfless because she is always putting others welfare before herself. Also, she may be strong and a quick healer, but she's not invincible, so there is a risk to her life in what she does. 

I can't even begin to describe how much more I love Emily in this book. She is just such an awesome character AND is a redhead! She is also incredibly brave, she is probably the most fragile of the group, but she doesn't let that get her down or stop her. She can definitely hold her own. 

As for the guys of the group, both have done a lot of growing as characters. Griffin is finally realizing how much he cares for Finley and learning to trust her more. He does need to get over feeling guilty every time someone gets hurt, because it's not his fault. Sam is starting to grow on me, now that he's less of a jerk. He really has feelings for Emily and I hope for the best for them! Jasper is a lot more prominent than he was in the last book. He's actually a pretty great character and I feel for him so much. Everything that seems to happen to him breaks my heart, he's really grown as a character and I hope we see more of him in the next book. 

So overall, I really liked Clockwork Collar. It's a really great Steampunk series and is making me really enjoy the genre. Everything just seems to flow so nicely in Kady Cross' writing style and she makes you really love her characters. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. If you're wondering if I would recommend this book, the answer is yes! These are great for someone who enjoys paranormal as well as historical fiction since they are based in the Victorian Era. Mix in a bit of science fiction and a great author, then you have a really great read.