Book Review and Giveaway: Brilliant Devices: A steampunk adventure novel by Shelley Adina

A satisfying conclusion –for now– to a fun series.

Brilliant Devices: A steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
Shelley Adina

• File Size: 462 KB
• Print Length: 254 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 193908704X
• Publisher: Moonshell Books (February 25, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Genre: Steampunk
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 25, 2013
Book 4 of the Magnificent Devices series!
A lady of resources has the power to change the world—if she can stay alive long enough to do it.
Lady Claire Trevelyan had been looking forward to glittering balls, congenial society, and relief from pursuit during her stay with Lord and Lady Dunsmuir in the Canadas. Well, perhaps not entirely. Being pursued by a handsome airship captain is rather diverting, especially when it appears her erstwhile employer, Andrew Malvern, is becoming much too distracted by a certain blond mechanic.

But a shot fired in the night puts an end to such diversions, and instead plunges her and her orphaned band of children into a fight for their very survival. Between secret conversations at the highest levels of society and skullduggery in the diamond mines, Claire must discover who is behind a series of alarming attempts on her friends’ lives—before her mother is compelled to make funeral arrangements yet again.
“Great fun, extremely feel-good reads that make you share all of the protagonists’ journeys and victories … an excellent steampunk series.” —Fangs for the Fantasy: The latest in urban fantasy from a social justice perspective.

Review:
Lady Claire and her orphan crew and friends, Lady and Lord Dunsmuir, have finally made it to Canada. Alice has come along with her airship as she hopes to track down her father in the diamond mines.  Everyone is excited to meet the famous Count Von  Zeppelin. The action is full with labor unrest, assassination attempts, kidnapping, conspiracy, intrigue and betrayal. Claire, Alice and Tigg visit a native tribe in the wilderness and face a caribou rampage.

The romance for Claire is full of confusion and conflict as the handsome, nobleman, Captain Holly, shows her interest. Meanwhile Alice is still crushing on Andrew who is impressed by Alice’s automatons and other inventions. Claire is still intent on studying engineering and receives a surprising offer at the conclusion.

This is book four of the series that I read in a matter of two weeks. This one has lots of action and less of the children but I found it a satisfactory conclusion. I completely enjoyed the steampunk elements, the intrigue and adventure, the fun added by the orphans (and Rosie the  chicken), and the gentle, light romance through the four series.  My only disappointment is that the series is over so I have to find more books like these to enjoy.

I purchased the fourth book to complete the series and I am pleased to sponsor a giveaway of the set.

For those who aren't US you can purchase the first book, Lady of Devices, on Kindle for $.99 

US entrants ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the four book set:

 ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
EXTRA 2 Entry BONUS IF YOU comment on one of the other reviews for this series.

* This contest is open US ONLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 24, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on May 25, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 19, 2013

Today is Pentecost Sunday. It is a day 50 days after Easter, 10 days after the ascension of Jesus, which celebrates the Holy Spirit falling on the Apostles and believers. Acts 2:1-13. It marks the beginning of the Christian church. Pentecost fulfills Jesus' promise to send the "Advocate", "Helper", "Counselor", "Spirit of Truth" that was given in John 16-5-15. Pentecost launches the large-scale spreading of the Gospel, the message of salvation.

Just as the mighty rushing wind and flames of fire came upon the Apostles, we need a fresh fire each day to remind us of the importance of the Holy Spirit alive in us and working to spread the message of salvation and to help others through us.

This is a song I found that is fitting for today.

Send the Fire!

Verses for Today
John 16:7-11 (New American Standard Bible) {Jesus speaking to the Apostles:}
But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

I am thankful for the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. Lord help me to be more mindful and to yield to your Spirit --your Will, instead of my own-- on a daily basis.

Sharing Beyond Books #100 Comment Giveaway May 18, 2013

Hi Friends. Happy Saturday night and Welcome to SBB, Sharing Beyond Books.

 I've  had another busy week but good. Hope things are well with each of you.
(I apologize if some of you missed last week's link as I forgot to link it until late in the week.You can get there from the tab on the right side bar if I ever forget to link again.)
Thank you to all who shared last week.

We have a wide interest in vacation spots and some even like staycations (Linda and miki). Some named specific destinations like New Orleans (calicolady) and Las Vegas (LindaK). Others named countries or areas like beach or mountains.

It looks like I made some of you go hunting for author in your birth year/decade. :-) There certainly are some good books for us to read!

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #99 comments is: #7 Ricki who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #100 Questions

Q1. Margaret asks:  Are you a closet romance reader or are not afraid to bare those brazen covers out in public??

A: Funny, good question. The nice thing about an eReader is no one sees those brazen covers! I will say I am a closet romance reader. If I am going to be in public reading then I take my Kindle instead of the paperback. :-) 

I thought this was funny from my search for an appropriate image.
Image found at Gorgeous Ladies of Comedy (GLOC).

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you play computer games? Maybe you are a closet game player?? 

A: I just recently started to play some games and boy can you get sucked in on time! I really like Hidden Memory: Rooms of Memory and I will play a bit of Candy Crush and a few others although most of the others have lost their appeal.

Image found at Dr. Shock.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We can always use fresh questions. I do have a group of questions from the same submitters so if you have a question don't be afraid to ask!

Your turn to share:

Q1.  Margaret asks: Are you a closet romance reader or are not afraid to bare those brazen covers out in public??

Q2. My non-bookish Question this week: Do you play computer games? Maybe you are a closet game player?

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the new Valentine and "Love" books or the new Christmas Giveaway Books. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, May 24, 2013 at 10 PM central.

Saturday Snapshot (May 18, 2013) Wood, Fruits and Hummer

Here are a few 'new' items around our house.

Remember the wood that was being cut a few weeks back? Here is the final wood pile.

We have several small (but valiant) blueberry bushes.

You can see a small cluster of greenish berries there from two weeks ago.

DH says I should check them tomorrow morning. :-)

This is our first strawberry that my DH gave me to enjoy this morning.

And here is the first shot of a hummingbird this season.

We put the feeder up the beginning of the week and had to refill it this morning.

They aren't used to us yet this year so I was lucky to get this one to fly in for a sip while I was sitting, not so patiently, with my camera.

Thanks to all who stop by and visit. I hope to get by Saturday morning to return the visits.

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 17, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday!!  I hope this has been a good week for all. I have had some court proceedings that kept me busy.  Sorry that I forgot to link last weeks Friday Pick and SSB#99 on the sidebar last week. I'm glad most of you found the posts to enter.  -- I hope to put up a new group of books next Friday. :-)

[***I'm sorry I have bad news for the international entrants -- I have to ask you to stick with GCs as the new postage rates have almost doubled. What might have been a $6.25 mail out is now close to $12.00.]

Thank you to all who entered the May 10 Pick. There were TWO Automatic wins this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were FIVE titles blocked this week!
Anita gets Please Remember This
and
Ingeborg gets Lord Liar

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 10 Pick:

Gwen gets The Boy's Tale

Linda gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

It's a beautiful May - hope you have butterflies and books for joy!

Image of "Hope", a book sculpture by Su Blackwell

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear) (not the covers as on the links)
A Murderous Yarn by Monica Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground (Love Inspired Suspense) by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Carly Phillips
     The Heartbreaker and Simply Sinful
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
Lord Liar by Laurie Grant
Lady in Red by Karen Hawkins
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Marry Me, Maddie by Rita Herron
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl
Dark Roots & Cowboy Boots by LuAnn McLane
Only My Dreams by Anna Blundy



New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Tom Clancy
     Power Play: Cold War (paperback) and Power Play: Ruthless.com (audio cassette tapes)
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Always a Lady by Sharon Sala
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart


New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 

Pairs
Mary Baxter
    His Touch and One Summer Evening
Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston


New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)


New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)

I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 509 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)