The Girl In The Steel Corset

Hardcover, 473 pages
Published May 24th 2011 by Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 0373210337 (ISBN13: 9780373210336)
Series: Steampunk Chronicles #1
Setting: England, 1897 (United Kingdom)

She thought there was something wrong with her. She was right.

Finley Jayne has known for quite some time that she isn’t ‘normal,’ but when she beats up the son of her employer and is forced to flee, she stumbles into a world where there are bigger freaks than her. They take her in, treat her like family and demand her trust. How can Finley trust them when she can’t trust herself? And why is she drawn to the powerful Griffin as well as the dangerous Jack? She has to get herself under control before she gets into trouble she can’t get out of.
Griffin King is one of the most powerful men in Britain but he couldn’t save his best friend from almost dying. He is determined to save Finley and help her become the person he knows she can be, but there’s evil afoot in London. Machines have attacked humans under the orders of a nefarious criminal called The Machinist. He has sworn to protect his country against such a threat, but he’s never faced any foe like this. However, when he discovers The Machinist’s connection to his past, Griffin vows to end the villain once and for all — but he’ll need the help of all his friends, including the beautiful Finley Jayne – the girl in the steel corset.

Every time I see the cover of this amazing book I remember what one of my old Borders managers said when we first put it on the shelf. Along the lines of  "Damn, that sounds good." And *long pause* "Hott"  Lol.. He hit the nail on the head with this one!

Lately I have come across many books that after a few pages in I think " Why did I not read this sooner!" The Girl In The Steel Corset is one of those! My only saving grace is that since I took so long to read book #1, less of a wait for book#2!


This story pulled me in so many different directions, It had me loving a character one moment, hating them the next. Falling for the "criminal mastermind" as well as the devastatingly handsome duke. Feeling sorry for Finely one moment, and hoping she doesn't kill someone the next! I could go on. I loved ride I was taken on. 

Jack Dandy - Criminal Mastermind, and yet.. swoonworthy ;) Loved his accent and wiley ways! 

Finley - The Jekyl/Hyde Character ; I loved all her personalities! Shy and sweet one moment, Spunky and kick ass the next. 


Griffen - Oh Griffen. His abilities were intense, but it never seems to overpower the softspot he has for his family and friends.


Emily- A bit of an oddball character, while I know she was still a "younger" character. Her manner of speaking threw me off a bit. But that did not make me like her any less! Smart and sweet I fell for her just like a few other characters in the book ;) 


Sam- My feelings for him are all over! I never quite swooned.. definitely hated at times. A dynamic character that kept me guessing


And that's just a peek into the awesome characters that Kady Cross created!


Not to mention the style in this book! It blew me away. I have always had a "thing" for steampunk - though I never felt I could pull it off - But translating a style into a story.. I never thought it would have worked so perfectly. Mechanics meets art and style.. Gorgeous. 


The time period is another thing that made this story rock. The lifestyle in this time period is one that, basically makes Teenagers Adults. They work, they get married, their dukes and criminals, they drink ect.. If Finely's age was not given, I would have thought she was more in her 20's. This time period and steampunk style makes the story one that can cross the lines between what some readers deem YA and Adult. 


An array of characters that were vibrant and entertaining and A world that was just the same. The Girl In The Steel Corset blew me away. Kady Cross blends sci fy and fantasy together in a wonderful way, with characters that seem to have "magic" or special abilities, and automatons - Robots - that appear to be growing a mind of their own. I never knew what to expect next!


Steampunk literature in all it's glory! The Girl In the Steel Corset has convinced me that steampunk is a Genre on the rise!

Rating: Are you kidding me?! 5/5 !
 Do yourself a favor ( And myself ! I need more people to talk to about this book! ) If this review, or even someone else's review, peaked your interest in this book. Go pick it up now!!



You can Also order it from The Book Depository with FREE international shipping! 

Hardcover : $13.95  HERE
OR Pre-Order the Paperback copy ( 1/2 a month to go! ) for only $7.49 HERE