Review: The Girl with the Windup Heart by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Windup Heart

(Steampunk Chronicles # 4)

By: Kady Cross

Pub. Date: May 27, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Pages: 400

Source: Netgalley

In 1897 London, a final showdown is about to begin.

London's underworld is no place for a young woman, even one who is strong, smart and part-automaton like Mila. But when master criminal Jack Dandy inadvertently breaks her heart, she takes off, determined to find an independent life, one entirely her own. Her search takes her to the spangled shadows of the West End's most dazzling circus.

Meanwhile, taken captive in the Aether, Griffin King is trapped in an inescapable prison, and at the mercy of his archenemy, The Machinist. If he breaks under the hellish torment, The Machinist will claim his powers and control of the Aether itself, and no one in either world will be safe-especially not Finley Jayne and her misfit band of friends.

Finley plunges headlong into the Aether the only way she knows how, by temporarily dying. But she cannot parry The Machinist's maneuvers for long. To defeat him for good, Griffin will have to confront his greatest fear and finally come face-to-face with the destructive power he wields.

 I received this galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you netgalley and Harlequin Teen.

The Girl with the Windup Heart was the perfect ending for a series that I loved. This series was my introduction to steampunk and I loved spending time with Finley, Griffin, Jasper, Emily and Sam. I loved watching these characters, who have been through so much, find peace and happiness. I loved watching Finley and Griffin’s relationship grow into something truly special, and I especially loved watching Finley grow into her powers and become more confident with herself.

This story focused on Jack and Mila’s relationship. Mila’s storyline was truly fascinating and I think she was the perfect girl for Jack! I enjoyed watching her transition from automation to human. Jack is such an interesting guy and I loved finally getting to learn his backstory! I understand this guy so much more now.

What I enjoy so much about Kady Cross’ stories is that the female leads are all strong, independent ladies. For the time period in which the story is set, this is a huge deal. I also loved that the guys loved the ladies for this, and never tried to put them down.

I hated the parts where Griffin was lost in the Aether. My heart just broke for him. He was so lost and lonely. I just wanted him to be ok!

Cross sucked me completely into another book and I am so excited to found out what her next series is going to be about!