
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: Borrowed
Pages: 96
Release Date: May 1st, 2011
Series: Steampunk Chronicles #0.5
Genres: Paranormal, Steampunk, Young Adult





Finley Jayne knows she’s not ‘normal’. Normal girls don’t lose time, or have something inside them that makes them capable of remarkably violent things. Her behavior has already cost her one job, so when she’s offered the lofty position of companion to Phoebe, a débutante recently engaged to Lord Vincent, she accepts, despite having no experience. Lord Vincent is a man of science with his automatons and inventions, but Finley is suspicious of his motives where Phoebe is concerned. She will do anything to protect her new friend, but what she discovers is even more monstrous than anything she could have imagined…
I’ve been hoarding the Steampunk Chronicles books for almost four months and have finally decided to get around to reading them before I get fined for late books at the library.
When I added the first book on Goodreads I noticed there was a prequel and didn’t know if I should read it or not so I turned to Twitter and the lovely Jackie from No Bent Spines told me I could skip it. So I planned to, because I didn’t want to get it. Until I opened my copy of THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET and found the novella included anyway.

Long story short, I read the novella anyway. If this short story is a hint of what is to come in the other books, I am going to love this series. I figured I might as well review it since you guys know I almost never read novellas so this was obviously comes with a high recommendation.
This book introduces us to a girl named Finley Jane, who has just been fired from her job for getting a bit too violent by not knowing her own strength. Not only is this a fantastic introduction to the series, I felt that it told a whole entire story just within those 90 pages, unlike novellas usually just make me a bit annoyed at the length and the mini-story.
I love Finley, she has a bit of dry humor like myself and doesn’t cower in fear when in danger. She can stick up for herself and even protect others. My only qualms with her would be that I wish she could have been more afraid or curious about her being extra strong and fast.
Basically, THE STRANGE CASE OF FINLEY JANE is not a necessary addition to the series but I highly suggest you read it-because it’s awesome-so why not?

Rating Report | |
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Overall: | 4.4 |
Eve
I’m really interested in steampunk books, but I’m not sure I’ll like them… When it comes to steampunk, I’ve only read Cassandra Clare’s Infernal Devices. But I’ve seen the Steampunk Chronicles so much on Goodreads and other blogs… I think I may give them a try in the future!
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Alise
If you liked the Steampunk elements in TID then I think you will also enjoy this series because the machines are quite similar. I hope you do!
Goldie
I love the Steampunk series by Kady Cross. Finley is awesome. The series just keeps getting better and better. And I feel like it’s so short, I want more!
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Alise
Ooh, that’s great to hear! I’m really excited for the other books.
Bookworm1858
I adored the novella too and am so glad I checked it out. I just thought it provided such a fun, action-heavy introduction to the series and I think it’s great that you were able to read it too.
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Alise
It really did, I was surprised at how much actual content was in this novella!
Tanja
I have seen some reviews about Finley Jayne and this series in general and more or less you all agree that this is a must read. I haven’t read a good steampunk story since The Infernal Devices so I might give it a try and Finley sounds like a great character. Great review :)
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Alise
Thanks! Yeah, I was iffy going in after all the positive reviews but still ended up loving it!
Andreea
Oh, I read this one too when I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it very much.
Andreea
Alise
Glad you liked it, too!
Jenea @ Books Live Forever
I have read the first book and I did like it. I actually have the 2nd and 3rd ones too, I need to pick up this one. ;) Great review.
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Alise
We are in the same boat then! Except for the novella, which I hope you get to pick up soon :)
P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex
I hope you also enjoy the series. I think Finley is a pretty awesome character, and the setting is pretty cool too.
P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex recently posted…Review: Boy Nobody
Alise
I love the setting, I hope to see more of it!
brandileigh2003
I like the sound of Finley and this series in general
Alise
It’s really great!
Andrea @ Beauty but a Funny Girl
I love your logic. It’s awesome, so you should read. End of story.
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Alise
It’s the nicest way I could put it since resorting to violence would be.. improper. :)
Maida
I have heard of this series, but didn’t really pay much attention to it, and I hate myself for that because I love the premise for this series! Finley sounds like an amazing character, and I can’t wait to meet her! I’m glad you enjoyed this, Alise! Great review! :D
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
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Alise
I did the same thing-I never gave it much thought until my co-blogger recommended it me! Thanks :D