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izilen's review
3.0
I didn’t like the premise at the heart of the adventure plot, but everything else was great fun. From the point of view of the culmination of a romance, it was very satisfying. As in previous instalments, sometimes the writing descends into clichés and the phrasing gets awkward, but the heart is there.
saffire_sky's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Sexism, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use, Gun violence, Misogyny, Kidnapping, Alcohol, and War
Minor: Colonisation
kate_liz2287's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hamalee's review against another edition
2.75
It was good to finish the series, but difficult to swallow the increasing silliness. The mysteries were never satisfactorily solved, but things were tied up neatly enough for a happy ending.
kaity_b's review against another edition
5.0
Audio: 5 million stars, Gary Furlong is one of the greats!
Book: 4.5 stars but rounding up, if it was dual POV I would have made it a full 5!
I loved Rafe and Ned, and all the adventures they went on. Like I said above if this was a Dual POV it would have took it to the next level, especially in this book where Ned left for another archaeological dig in Egypt and something happened (typical Ned) haha!
I am going to miss these characters, mainly because of the audio, this series will be a go to reread. I think I will enjoy it more the second or third time. There are a lot of moving parts in these books that I probably over looked on this first read.
I do wish we had an epilogue, or something farther in the future, but the way this ended was sweet and didn’t feel rushed. After reading this I hope Anna Butler does more audios for her books, this was a such a fun ride!
Overall if:
-Forbidden Romance (due to it being a historical romance, and men weren’t supposed to engage in such dalliances),
-Politics (or as Rafe would want no politics),
-Archaeological Digs (gives some National Treasure vibes with their digs),
-Steampunk Vibes (all their weapons and power systems),
-Loyal Friendships (Hugh and Sam, and the rest of the guards…yes even you Tatlock),
-Action and Adventure (Trouble is Ned’s middle name)
-And so much more….
If that all appeals to you, definitely pick this trilogy up!
Book: 4.5 stars but rounding up, if it was dual POV I would have made it a full 5!
I loved Rafe and Ned, and all the adventures they went on. Like I said above if this was a Dual POV it would have took it to the next level, especially in this book where Ned left for another archaeological dig in Egypt and something happened (typical Ned) haha!
I am going to miss these characters, mainly because of the audio, this series will be a go to reread. I think I will enjoy it more the second or third time. There are a lot of moving parts in these books that I probably over looked on this first read.
I do wish we had an epilogue, or something farther in the future, but the way this ended was sweet and didn’t feel rushed. After reading this I hope Anna Butler does more audios for her books, this was a such a fun ride!
Overall if:
-Forbidden Romance (due to it being a historical romance, and men weren’t supposed to engage in such dalliances),
-Politics (or as Rafe would want no politics),
-Archaeological Digs (gives some National Treasure vibes with their digs),
-Steampunk Vibes (all their weapons and power systems),
-Loyal Friendships (Hugh and Sam, and the rest of the guards…yes even you Tatlock),
-Action and Adventure (Trouble is Ned’s middle name)
-And so much more….
If that all appeals to you, definitely pick this trilogy up!
fiiii's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
4.0
4 Unsurprising Hearts!
All I have to say is that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this historical steampunk trilogy!
Rafe is a quasi-antihero, really only wanting to live his life in peace, unencumbered by responsibility except for his own person and his lover Ned. However, life often never complies, and he finds himself the heir apparent to an important political house that supports the Royal family and helps govern Britain. Having never catered to house politics, he finds himself smack dab in the middle of it all, neck deep sooner than he expected as his father falls ill, and Rafe must take on more duties and start navigating the delicate balance between allies and enemies.
Such obligation is a burden, because it also means Rafe can’t join his lover Ned, on his yearly trek to Aegypt. When Ned comes up missing, Rafe has no choice but to go and find him, whether it’s a prudent thing to do or not. Ned takes top priority, and damn anyone who stands in his way.
As with the first 2 books, this has plenty of political intrigue, not only at home but internationally as well. Apparently, Ned is after a valuable artifact that could be turned into a deadly weapon, one that the crafty Germans want for themselves, and it’s a race against time to see who gets there first.
So ensue action of course, twists and turns, familial feels, and quite the setup regarding ancient Aegypt mythology bringing an impressive theorization to life. There's a cold practicality running throughout this book, but Rafe and Ned never let their vaulted status compromise their integrity. They’re a great romantic pair especially when they conspire and work together, and I loved watching Rafe come into his own to be a formidable leader who will always put his family and friends first no matter the consequences.
Maybe Butler will get a second whim to write more about this duo when they rule Britain together. If only! For sure, I’d gladly be ready to reimmerse myself again in this world and their further adventures should she decide to do so!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review!
All I have to say is that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this historical steampunk trilogy!
Rafe is a quasi-antihero, really only wanting to live his life in peace, unencumbered by responsibility except for his own person and his lover Ned. However, life often never complies, and he finds himself the heir apparent to an important political house that supports the Royal family and helps govern Britain. Having never catered to house politics, he finds himself smack dab in the middle of it all, neck deep sooner than he expected as his father falls ill, and Rafe must take on more duties and start navigating the delicate balance between allies and enemies.
Such obligation is a burden, because it also means Rafe can’t join his lover Ned, on his yearly trek to Aegypt. When Ned comes up missing, Rafe has no choice but to go and find him, whether it’s a prudent thing to do or not. Ned takes top priority, and damn anyone who stands in his way.
As with the first 2 books, this has plenty of political intrigue, not only at home but internationally as well. Apparently, Ned is after a valuable artifact that could be turned into a deadly weapon, one that the crafty Germans want for themselves, and it’s a race against time to see who gets there first.
So ensue action of course, twists and turns, familial feels, and quite the setup regarding ancient Aegypt mythology bringing an impressive theorization to life. There's a cold practicality running throughout this book, but Rafe and Ned never let their vaulted status compromise their integrity. They’re a great romantic pair especially when they conspire and work together, and I loved watching Rafe come into his own to be a formidable leader who will always put his family and friends first no matter the consequences.
Maybe Butler will get a second whim to write more about this duo when they rule Britain together. If only! For sure, I’d gladly be ready to reimmerse myself again in this world and their further adventures should she decide to do so!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review!