Heart of Iron

March 4, 2013
McMaster’s second paranormal set in a steampunk alternate London (after Kiss of Steel) expands an intriguing universe. Lena Todd escaped the slums and made her way into the vampire high society called the Echelon. The devious debutante has a secret: she’s a spy for the humanists, a revolutionary group seeking to make humans socially equal to the “blue bloods” who rule the city. When Lena gets in over her head, only one man can save her: verwulf Will Carver, known as the Beast. As Will battles his lust for Lena, she struggles with her own feelings for him while fending off advances from a devious blue-blood duke. Even returning readers will have trouble keeping track of everything that’s going on, but they’ll love the sexy, action-packed narrative. Agent: Jessica Faust, BookEnds.

Starred review from April 15, 2013

Lena Todd is a charming debutante, potential prey of a vile Echelon blueblood nobleman, a secret clockwork toymaker, and a clandestine spy for the humanists. As such, she walks a dangerous line--and verwulfen Will Carver will do just about anything to protect her, whether she wants him to or not. He needs an excuse to be near her, though, in order to keep her safe, and his forthcoming diplomatic mission for the prince consort is just the right opportunity. With his social and political skills lacking polish, Will desperately seeks assistance. Lena is the perfect person for the job. Vengeance, suspicion, and political intrigue keep the action lively as Lena and Will war with their feelings and a dangerous passion Will fears to ignite. VERDICT Edgy, dark, and shot through with a grim, gritty intensity, McMaster's latest title adds to her mesmerizing steampunk series with another gripping, inventive stunner. McMaster (Kiss of Steel) lives in Victoria, Australia.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2013
Obtaining a thrall contract is every debutante's dream. Except for Lena Todd. She doesn't want to become part of the Echelon's world of blood taxes and blood thralls; she wants to bring their world to its knees. So when the chance to join the Humanist cause presents itself to her, Lena doesn't hesitate a second. As a debutante moving through blue-blooded Echelon society, Lena is perfectly situated to spy on London's ruling class, and the secrets she discovers may help Mercury, the mysterious leader of the Humanists, destroy the Echelon once and for all. There are only two people who can keep Lena from successfully completing her mission: Alaric Colchester, the coldly calculating blue-blooded Duke of Lannister, and Will Carver, the tall, dark, and dangerous werewulfen, who has sworn to protect Lena at any cost. McMaster successfully continues the complex world building she began in Kiss of Steel (2012) in the second addition to her deliciously atmospheric, completely enthralling series, a sexy literary merger of Bram Stoker, Jules Verne, and Jane Austen.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)