Octavia Leander loves using her blessed medical powers to help those hurt so much that it's nearly impossible for her not to answer the song of someone's injured body. After years of training under Miss Percival, Octavia is sent to a new town via airship. What was once expected to be a relatively short and most painless trip turns into a chaotic adventure full of hidden secrets, intrigue, romance, and uncovered corruption that Octavia never saw coming.

Though I have only read a few steampunk novels, they rarely fail to intrigue me. From the Victorian-esque fashion to the jaw dropping mechanical systems, something always fascinates me. Beth Cato's steampunk world in THE CLOCKWORK DAGGER proves to be no exception to my growing interest. Octavia's world of medicinal herbs powered by a religious sort of deity, Lady, to the somehow adorable gremlins, Cato wows the reader with a beautiful, even haunting setting.

As much as I love the setting, the novel's voice truly captures hearts. Octavia's narration is gentle, but strong, and undoubtedly powerful. Octavia begins as a character so sure of her place in life and her duty to the world, but what she discovers as she continues her journey is enough to make the most sensible person's head spin. The added wonderful wit throughout the dialogue adds a few enjoyable chuckles and several delightful smirks to the story.

You certainly don't have to be a lover or hater of steampunk to enjoy Beth Cato's novel, though I would say may who do enjoy it will be drawn to the story. THE CLOCKWORK DAGGER's unique voice and strong characters will entertain many, and it is not a novel to look over. I can't wait to see the excitement that Cato creates in her next book!

Book Summary

Full of magic, mystery, and romance, an enchanting steampunk fantasy debut in the bestselling vein of Trudi Canavan and Gail Carriger.

Orphaned as a child, Octavia Leander was doomed to grow up on the streets until Miss Percival saved her and taught her to become a medician. Gifted with incredible powers, the young healer is about to embark on her first mission, visiting suffering cities in the far reaches of the war-scarred realm. But the airship on which she is traveling is plagued by a series of strange and disturbing occurrences, including murder, and Octavia herself is threatened.

Suddenly, she is caught up in a flurry of intrigue: the dashingly attractive steward may be one of the infamous Clockwork Daggers—the Queen’s spies and assassins—and her cabin-mate harbors disturbing secrets. But the danger is only beginning, for Octavia discovers that the deadly conspiracy aboard the airship may reach the crown itself.