This was a very interesting concept, and I can appreciate the book for that alone. A science that's all about writing new worlds into existence? YES PLEASE. However, it wasn't quite as action-packed as I liked my books to be. Things moved along nicely, the story humming along merrily, but there wasn't very much...going on. There was lots of inner monologue and figuring out what to do with the situations presented to the characters. It was slow going. But the characters are what kept me reading. At first, I really didn't like Elsa (and despite my attempts, I couldn't help but think of Frozen every time I read her name XD), but she started to grow on me toward the end, and I eventually ended up rooting for her. Leo was a FUN character, I loved his sass and cocky attitude.

AND I WAS VERY UPSET AT HIM AT THE END. *huffs angrily*

I also really loved Porzia and Faraz, they were wonderful side characters. I was kind of wishing Faraz had had a larger role in the story, but he was a great supporting character. 
I didn't really care for the romance, I thought it was rushed and a bit of a cliche. Elsa and Leo are a very cute couple, but I wished there had been more time for it to play out instead of just rushing right into the thick of it. 

I liked the setting, but at times, it felt a bit out of place to me. Sometimes I would forget that it was actually set in the 1800s, it felt so modernly written. I loved all of the neat gadgets and gizmos and SKANDAR IS PRECIOUS. I want one. <3

There were quite a few twists, and I didn't see most of them coming. A couple I predicted from the get-go, but there were some that caught me by surprise.

LIKE THAT ENDING WHICH WAS TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR AND OUT OF FORM. I'M STILL ANGRY. GAH.

 

All in all, it was a nice read. Nothing spectacular, but I found myself coming back to it, curious to see where the story went and enjoying the character interactions. It was a nice escape from the real world. If you'd like a fun steampunk read, I'd definitely consider picking this one up.