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Book Review of The Shadow Revolution (Crown & Key, Bk 1)

The Shadow Revolution (Crown & Key, Bk 1)
ophelia99 avatar reviewed on + 2527 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


I got this book to review through NetGalley. This is the first book in the Crown and Key trilogy. This whole trilogy is being released very rapidly over the course of June/July of 2015. I really loved the Vampire Empire series by the Griffiths, so I was excited to see that they had a new series releasing.

This was a very fun Victorian steampunk paranormal read. It is described as a blend of the Iron Druid Chronicles, Sherlock Holmes, and Penny Dreadful (the TV series)...this is a very apt description of this book.

Werewolves have infiltrated the nobility of London and only those who have special powers and know of their existence are equipped to fight them. Enter Simon Archer, self proclaimed playboy who hides his abilities as a spell casting scribe and his sidekick of sorts Nick Baker (who can bash heads just as well as he can wield fire). During their hunt for werewolves they cross paths with Kate Anstruther, who is an alchemist who is as dangerous as she is beautiful. When Kates sister disappears Simon vows to help find her and solve the mystery behind the increase in werewolf activity once and for all.

This was a highly entertaining steampunk/paranormal romp. There were a lot of werewolves, mystery solving, druidic-type magic, and alchemy in this story. It was an incredibly fun and entertaining to read.

I enjoyed the balance of strong female and male characters and really loved the alternate history feel to the story as well. Simon Archer reminded a lot of Sherlock Holmes with his rakish and reckless behavior. I loved the character of Kate as well; she is tough but still feminine and has some wonderful alchemy tricks up her sleeve.

The world created here was well done and I enjoyed the magic and alchemy. The story is action-packed and fast-paced and I really loved it.

Overall I thought this book was incredibly entertaining and lots of fun to read. Its a wonderful blend of paranormal, steampunk, and alternate history at a fast-paced urban fantasy type style. I would recommend to urban fantasy fans and steampunk fans! I cant wait to see what volume 2, The Undying Legion, has in store for us.