The Girl with the Windup Heart (The Steampunk Chronicles, #7)

by Kady Cross

In 1897, part-automaton Mila seeks an independent life in London's West End while Finley Jane plunges headlong into the Aether, hoping to outmaneuver the Machinist who has taken Griffin King captive.

• ISBN10: 0373211198
• ISBN13: 9780373211197
• Publish Date: 27 May 2014 (first published 1 January 2014)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Publish Country: CA
• Imprint: Harlequin Teen
• Edition: Original ed.
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[Chelsea]

Quick Thoughts
1. I don't think I've ever been this disappointed with a series ending. It was nothing like the previous books.
2. Everything was rushed and went way too fast. It didn't feel like a story but more like a bunch of random pieces thrown together. It didn't help that there were 2 story lines and we kept getting random flashbacks.
3. I didn't feel like any of the characters were the same people in this book. They were are extremely boring and had no personality! I don't know what happened!
4. I think that this whole book just felt like a mess to me. Everything about it was rushed from the plot to the character development and I found myself not really enjoying any of it. I'm disappointed because I loved the first three books and this last one felt nothing like the others.

[kimbacaffeinate]

3.5 The Girl with the Windup Heart was a successful yet predictable finish to the Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross. With two storylines, all of our favorite characters are present as Cross weaved danger, humor and romantic moments into a steampunk-filled finale.

It was nice to be back with Finley and the gang in London. Griffin is still struggling with seeing and hearing the Machinist. Jack is busy tending to Mila and trying to ignore his growing feelings for her. When men are being turned to ash, the gang sets off to stop this person and Griffin ends up being pulled into the Aether and becomes trapped. It was quite suspenseful. Finley of course goes into the Aether to retrieve him. This thread was fascinating and lose ends are tied up. Both Finley and Griffin show growth as their relationship strengthens.

The second story regarded the automation Mila who is turning human and living with Jack. She falls for Jack, and he hurts her. Who can blame her? Jack Dandy is well dandy. *waggles eyebrows* She sets out on her own and ends up in the West End at the circus. Lord Blackthorn is back and more despicable than ever. He is a thorn in Jack’s side and this thread captivated me.

Cross brought us plenty of gadgets, and trips to Aether to have fans of steampunk tingling. Finley is headstrong, and at times, her stubbornness made my eyes roll, but I adore her and Griffin together. Mila was such a joy! Her innocence, emotions and determination had me cheering. We see growth in Jack and even see him grovel. We already knew he was a softy, but getting more of his back-story was delightful.

I love the motley crew of characters, their abilities and the way they have become this misfit family. The Girl with the Windup Heart was a fitting end to the series, and I closed the book with a smile. Fans of the series will be satisfied despite the predictably.I shall miss them all.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer