Breath of Iron
Author: Kate Cross
Reviewer: Una
Rating: B+, 3.5 Stars
What I’m Talking About:
Breath of Iron is the third installment in the Novels of the Clockwork Agents series. This steampunk series continues to fascinate me while still raising my blood pressure with sizzling romance. Since meeting Evie in the first novel, Heart of Brass, I have been eager to see her find her happily ever after. Especially after noting the tension between her and Mac in the previous novel, Touch of Steel, I couldn’t wait to read this one. Although there are few things that detracted, I did enjoy reading Breath of Iron.
Evie is a doctor and even for this altered time period, it is still an unusual occupation for a woman. This aspect (women taking on and excelling in unusual roles) is something I adore about the Novels of the Clockwork Agents series. Typically the strong heroine is balanced by an equally strong Alpha type male who allows this strong female to be a woman, yet still respects her and her unusual role. In Breath of Iron it is a little different and it is refreshing. Evie is able to shut down her feelings so she can work as a brilliant surgeon. However, as much as she is very much an emotional being, she is very talented at fooling herself when it comes to her emotions. It is this ability that has put her in the position she finds herself: alone. Evie still deeply loves Mac, but left him before he could get himself killed. Three years later and she still pines for him.
Mac is rogue pilot commanding the Queen V – his own beloved airship. As tough and commanding as this pirate is, he is well aware of his emotional side. There are moments when he chastises himself for feeling what he does. These, “I’m acting like a girl” moments are lightheartedly funny but also quite touching. I enjoy that Mac is aware of his feelings and works through them (or denies them), as he needs to. The contrast with Evie, a woman who turns her emotions off, is startling. In a desperate attempt to save his wife – Mac kidnaps Evie (the best surgeon he knows and one of the few people he can trust). However, three years have passed since Evie left him in a hospital after saving his life. He isn’t sure he can trust her so he attempts to keep her in the dark – especially when it comes to the love he still has for her.
Although there are moments when the non/miscommunication between Evie and Mac is a bit much, their romance and relationship is still compelling. I enjoyed the contrast between their gender roles and personalities. The enduring love they feel for one another is strong. Not to mention I really enjoyed the overall plot arc involving the trader and the “Bears”. The intrigue that is woven into these storylines in the Novels of the Clockwork Agents series keeps me glued to the page. I enjoy the drama of the romance tied with the action and adventure the intrigue, it heightens the suspense.
If you haven’t tried the Novels of the Clockwork Agents series, pick them up. It’s an intriguing suspense and romance rolled into one awesome steampunk world.
3.5 stars: Liked it – recommend (B+)
About the Book:
Sworn to protect England from all enemies, the Wardens of the Realm are ever vigilant. But not all battles are fought on a battlefield…sometimes they are fought in the heart.
As chief surgeon for the Wardens, Evelyn Stone fears her own life is on the line when she is kidnapped by a band of pirates—only to discover that the airship captain is Gavin “Mac” MacRae—her former lover. The man whose life she once saved. The man she abandoned.
Since Evelyn left, Mac made his mark as both a pirate and a pilot. But his true allegiance isn’t known. So when he asks Evie for help with a wounded woman onboard, he tells Evie that the woman is his wife—even if his feelings for Evie have never waned…
As the days pass, however, the unease between Evie and Mac gives way to the old comfort they used to have. Yet, their newly ignited romance is complicated by conflicting loyalties and desires, and a betrayal that may cost them both their love and their lives.
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Series: Novels of the Clockwork Agents #3
ISBN: #978-0451240064
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Breath of Iron (Book 3)
Reviews in the Series:
Heart of Brass (Book 1)
Touch of Steel (Book 2)