Title: Machine
Series: Mongrel, 03
Author: K.Z. Snow
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Steampunk/Paranormal
Length: Novel (224 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62798-484-3
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 30th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: Mongrel Trilogy: Book Three
The closing-day flea market at the Marvelous Mechanical Circus always draws a colorful crowd, but salesman Will Marchman doesn’t expect to see a large, elaborate gold wagon on the plaza—especially one called the Spiritorium. The wagon’s exotic looking owner claims he can perform “cleansings and siphonings” via a miracle-working machine housed within. He can supposedly flush the wickedness out of people and places.
The Spiritorium appears in the Mongrel village of Taintwell the next day, setting off a potentially tragic chain of events that begins with a shocking revelation. To make matters worse, Fanule Perfidor, de facto mayor and Will’s lover, has been neglecting to take the tonic that stabilizes his moods. Besieged by his illness, Fan drives Will away. Then Fan’s best friend, vampire Clancy Marrowbone, vanishes, causing a rift between him and his mortal lover. Then Will disappears.
As Fan regains control of his mind, he knows what he must do to save his village and the people most important to him. He must solve the mystery of the Spiritorium and confront a man he’d hoped never to see again.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4950
Review: This is the third book of the Mongrel series. Each book can be read as a standalone but I suggest you read them in order to get the full impact. I hope this isn’t the last, since I would love more and I’d really love Clancy’s and even Elizabeta’s story and more on how the mongrels came to be. (Yes K. Z… this is a hint… Actually, I have nothing against blatantly begging).
Machine is a fitting title as are all of them. I love the titles and covers of these books. The story starts out with the appearance of this strange cart and man. I love the ominous feel of this sort of prologue type page. Then the first chapter fed off the feel and I will say the eerie, ominous feel had my hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.
Fan has taken to actual physically working with his hands again since being the Eminence of Taintwell isn’t enough to keep him busy and he misses the physical labour.
Will is finishing up his season at the mechanical circus and missing Fan.
A strange cart is there with an even stranger man. The man claims to be able to help cleanse or siphon evil.
I loved how Will’s thoughts and feelings revolve around Fan. It is very erotic yet more sensual. I absolutely love the connection between these two, but it’s not so simple. I absolutely love everything about this story from the character’s, the plot, the setting…Everything.
The beginning sucks you in and holds you until the very fabulous end. The story is complete, no leaving you wondering what’s next or hanging. It’s a gripping, mysterious, suspenseful page-turner with sensuous, hot sex spun cleverly within. I loved the old world feel with the steampunk take.
I highly recommend this if you have ever thought of trying some steampunk but wasn’t sure if you’d like it, this is the one to try. (Of course start with book one Mongrel) If you like steampunk, old-world feel, Machines, Vampires, Witches, healers, other paranormal creatures, twists and turns, suspense, mystery, true love, and some moderately hot, sensual mansex this is definitely for you!