Tag: CJ Archer

The Mapmaker’s Apprentice by C.J. Archer

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Mapmaker's Apprentice (Glass and Steele, #2)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Glass and Steele #2
Publication Date: 10/25/16
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 313

A LOT is going on in each of the books in this series – and these things will run through most, if not all, of the books. There is the issue of the people with magic and those without. There is the issue of the sheriff from America who is out to destroy and/or kill Matthew. There is the issue of finding the magical watchmaker who can repair the watch keeping Matthew alive. Then, of course, there is a story specific to each book – and the ongoing development of the relationship between India and Matthew.

The business of Victorian England is run by Guilds – The Watchmaker’s Guild, The Mapmaker’s Guild, the Toymaker’s Guild, etc. If you want to open a business or sell a product of any kind, you must be licensed by the Guild for that product. Sometimes nasty shenanigans are happening in those guilds – I know that surprises you. 😊 Those Guilds will not admit nor license anyone who is magical to the guild. People with magical abilities are feared and reviled

India, Matthew, and their compatriots are getting more and more frustrated at being unable to find the watchmaker known as Chronos. As Matthew’s watch becomes less and less effective at keeping him alive, it is becoming more and more imperative to find him. Yet, they hit a blank wall everywhere they turn. Where can he be?

Police Commissioner Munro asks them to find a young man who has gone missing – his son – who has magical abilities as a mapmaker. Though we never actually meet the young man, Daniel, what we do learn of him doesn’t make him sound very likable. India and Matthew are afraid he’s been kidnapped by someone in the employ of the Watchmaker’s Guild because of his abilities. Was he kidnapped or did he just take off on his own to make his fortune? Hmmm – you’ll need to read the book to find out.

This could have been, for me anyway, a dark book – except, the matchmaking schemes of Matthew’s Aunt Letitia kept throwing bits of humor into the mix. You’ll love Aunt Letitia – who is class-conscious and a stickler for the proprieties – and is perhaps not always in her right mind.

India struggles with her magical abilities and learning how to use and control them. She’s been told her abilities are strong – very strong – but she has no idea how to cast a spell or use her abilities. However, when the chips are down and it is a matter of life and death, she tries something – and it works. So, it will be fun to watch India learn how to control her abilities.

If you are looking for an interesting read with a missing boy, murder, hidden treasure, and a plethora of bad guys, along with magic, mischief, and mayhem, then this is the book for you. I can’t wait to see how many books it will take before we find Chronos. Will he be able to repair Matthew’s watch? Or – maybe India will become so powerful she can do it herself. I can hardly wait to start the next book – and the next – and the next to find Chronos, to see the nasty Sheriff brought to justice, and to see Matthew and India finally get their HEA.

The Watchmaker’s Daughter by C.J. Archer

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Watchmaker's Daughter (Glass and Steele, #1)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Glass and Steele #1
Publication Date: 6/28/16
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 302

I recently discovered this author and cannot seem to get enough of her books. I first found her Glass Library series (a spinoff of this series) and devoured all of them and I’m now anxiously awaiting the release of the next adventure in that series. To satisfy my craving, I came to this series and, if this book is any indication, I’m going to love it as well. The only drawback to having read the second series first is that I was already familiar with the characters and knew which characters would make alliances and which would still be around in 30 years. Frankly, I saw that as a good thing and it didn’t deter my enjoyment in the least.

This is the first book in the Glass and Steele series, and it introduces us to India Steele, who finds herself destitute after the death of her watchmaker father and betrayal by her fiancé. She has no money and no place to live when she meets the mysterious Matthew Glass – an American who immediately hires her as his assistant.

This is a delightful tale of magic, mystery, and romance – and perhaps a tad of steampunk. The author skillfully creates a world where science and magic coexist – but are at war. India is strong, resilient, talented, intelligent – and has absolutely no idea of her true power. Matthew is also strong, resilient, talented and intelligent – and is in desperate need of help – of the magical variety. The attraction and dynamic between India and Matt creates a tension where the chemistry is strong – probably stronger than they are.

The secondary characters added much to the story – I loved the pistol-toting, hard-wearing Willie Johnson and hated the duplicitous, vile fiancé, Eddie Hardcastle, as well as the entire Watchmakers Guild. The story does an excellent job of setting the stage and characters for the remainder of the books in the series – but it is a great standalone book if you never read another in the series. Though, I would wager you’ll quickly become hooked on the stories.

If you love historical romance, mystery, fantasy, adventure, and intrigue, you can’t go wrong with this book. I can hardly wait to start the next one