Title: The Alloy Heart
Author: Bo and Quinn Loftis
Date Published: June 20, 2017
In Victorian London, a mysterious organization known as the Mechanic’s Guild has discovered the secret to create extraordinary engines of war, granting the British Empire unprecedented power. The Guild’s enigmatic founder, Archimedes Tesla, uses this power to become one of the greatest men in the city, creating a kingdom filled with leather, lace, copper, and steel. Meanwhile, two young women are found murdered, each with mechanical hearts implanted in their chests where their natural organs should be. Inspector Thomas Hill, a member of London’s aristocracy, is tasked with finding the killer. Thomas enlists the aid of his childhood friend and now the youngest surgeon in London, Dr. Jackson Elliot, to help him unravel the mystery. Jackson is tragically tormented by his love for Thomas’ sister, Sophia, whose own heart is failing, beyond all medical help. Jackson will do anything in his power to save his precious Sophia. Could finding the killer hold the key to saving the woman he loves?
My Thoughts:
After first reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure if I would be on board. I love historical fiction and have always found the steampunk genre to be fascinating, but I tend to shy away from mysteries. I just don't seek them out, normally. At the same time, I have enjoyed all of the other books that I have read by Quinn Loftis. Would I be just as captivated with The Alloy Heart?
The answer is YES.
I should not have had any doubts as I was hooked from page one! The story opens with a crime scene that Thomas and his assistant, John, are attending to. Right away we get two strong characters with great chemistry. They worked well together and balanced each other out. There was just enough humor, especially considering the gravity of their case. John Foster was rather charming, if I do say so myself!
The romance between Sophia and Jackson truly touched my heart. I was really rooting for Sophia, and I must admit that I fell hard for Jackson. I couldn't help it. Olivia was another character that I liked. She was cheeky, yet compassionate. I also admired that she was willing to step back, and reconsider how she viewed things.
The Alloy Heart had an excellent balance of everything- mystery, romance, and humor. One of my favorite things, and what I found especially interesting, was how history was 're-written'. Although the setting takes place in London in the late 1800's, it's a different London from what we learned about. A big part of it is due to certain discoveries and the influence of the Mechanic's Guild. That's where the steampunk element comes in.
The Alloy Heart leaves off with a big cliffhanger, and I am so eager and anxious to find out what will happen to these characters that I have grown so fond of. The next book can't come fast enough for me!
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