A steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices Book 1)

This title has so many positives working for it. The story is set in a time of great expansion and with its steampunk influence, the timing is perfect, even if a bit progressive. The story has so many bits and ingredients combined seamlessly as to give a pretty insightful look at life in London near the end of the 19th century. I particularly like the strong leading lady and her desire to make things better without regard to what most people think, even with her strict "blood" upbringing.

I normally don't write reviews, however this is one of those stories that I will. Fabulous layout. Storyline has a few different twist and turns that you think you see coming, then quickly turns you around until you're in another direction. Very nicely written, makes me laugh out loud. I can't wait to read more of the series.

Her writing is exquisite and spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of her characters particularly the twists in history. The technical descriptions of alternative technology were easy to follow for even someone unfamiliar with the Steampunk culture.

The main character uses her brains and intellect to solve problems and overcome obstacles as only a modern woman or suffragette can understand. This series will hold a special place in my library.

Minus, the lil pests called ladies (calling their names is asking too much, lol)and maybe the mom, this book is pure 'awesomeness'. But hey, probably without them it won't be as good. It's witty, and charming and gives us all the liberation of being brilliant and intelligent women.
I had never heard of steampunk until a few nights ago, but I'm all for them, going to try read all I can find, cause they're some really cool books.
Still surprised that Claire is soo young, but I guess that might mean that there're more years of writing to go through. Can't wait to read the other two!

Enough others have given accurate plot summaries; I won't do it again. But I will say that I liked this story very well. Unlike far too many digital books that I have read, this one has been well edited and proofread. The plot is enjoyable and moves at a brisk pace. Our heroine, Claire, is highly intelligent and likeable. The other characters act in ways normal to human nature, whether good or not so good, but true to themselves as written. This is the first book of a series, so don't expect everything to be resolved by the last page; it isn't. I look forward to Book 2.

What forces change in a person's character and perceptions of life better than a drastic change of that way of life. Either one falls on her feet or simply, falls. Circumstances present adversity but instead of wallowing, our heroine picks up her tattered skirt and grasps the rusted ring and swings forward. A wonderful adventure that kept me reading beyond the hour of sense. Loved it!

A fantastic adventure novel about a young woman who is not content to sit back and accept the limited role she is given as a upper class woman. An excellent read, with engaging characters and a interesting plot. The story had a great flow to it. I initially got this because it was free and I wanted to see what steampunk was like, and I found it a good introduction to the genre. Overall I found it a great read and I would recommend this book to others. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and more in the steampunk genre.

From the moment I started reading this book, I was so immersed in the story and characters that I had a hard time putting it down and decided to finish it in one evening(It was that good)! Ms. Adina's descriptions are vivid and action packed and took me back to Victorian times. I also enjoyed the steampunk/alternative history elements such as the steam powered landeau and the electric powered "lightning gun". I loved Lady Claire and fell in love with the street urchins as well. When I read to the exciting end I was left wanting more. I am definitely purchasing the next book in the series "Her Own Devices". I highly recommend this book!

Lady of Devices is an engaging and lovely addition to the Steampunk genre! The characters are sweet and interesting, each of them unique in their own ways. The progression of the story and the dialogue between characters was well done. As the novel progressed I fell a little in love with a few of her young charges, wanting to see them grow and succeed. You also get to see the main character begin to develop her resourcefulness, strength and confidence as she takes them under her wing. Although this novel was written fore the YA set, I enjoyed it thoroughly - I was left wanting more, and will be buying the next in the series. I am looking forward to see where this wonderful world goes, with the release of the author's next novel.

I am a sucker for SteamPunk and enjoyed the world description in the novel. The lead character is interesting but takes until the 2nd half of the book to get into the other characters. My only complaint is the ending - it seems like a let down. No cliff hanger just stopped without a big reason - starting a new job.

High born Claire, lover of science and engineering, finds herself in desperate straits until she crosses paths with a band of orphans. Together their lives take a turn for the better and Claire finally gets to pursue her research in a time when women of means simply didn't get to make their own way. Plenty of action and adventure ensues, even as Claire struggles to teach her charges how to stay on the straight and narrow.

I was immediately swept up into Claire's world of the titled British classes fallen to ruin. She's one spunky young woman, a lady who makes her own luck, as she says. I found it difficult to put my iPhone down (that way, I always have something to read!), and was very surprised to realize I'd gotten so absorbed in the story, I'd come almost to the end of the book without knowing it. Lady of Devices is filled with interesting characters, a good feel for late 19th century London, and it moves along swiftly. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2!

A strong-minded young woman manages to overcome grief and sudden poverty. She emerges triumphant, or almost so, in a steampunk version of Victorian London. If you've enjoyed Tamora Pierce's frontier adventures, you will love this. Well plotted, with believable and intriguing characters.

Or a shaving strap or a ceramic doorknob! This is the most fun you can have without giving up your kindle. Fascinating and inquisitive, as a science geek and lover of the Victorian Age, I fell right down this rabbit hole! and a woman hero wins every time in my world!

I don't know if this book is specifically marketed as YA fiction, but that was definitely my impression of it. I don't mean that in a negative sense, but it's not hard or gritty; it's bright, entertaining, and populated with likeable and entertaining characters. I particularly love that there's a strong female protagonist, whose thoughts are emotions are given more weight than her looks. I would recommend this book very highly to adolescent female readers, since Claire is smart, strong willed, and gifted in the sciences, and far more concerned with furthering her mind than catching a husband. I look forward to reading more of her story.

The author does a wonderful job developing the main character. Claire Trevelyan, daughter of Viscount St. Ives who has a sharp mind for a 17 year old. Because of her station in society her mother is looking for a well bred husband for her. Unfortunately, Claire's talents lie not in the ballroom, but in the chemistry lab. A death in the family leds to interesting twists and turns and a fun story. The world building is good and the story is a really quick read.

I will be reading the next book too.

This was an enjoyable read. The writer did her research and it felt authentic for the time period. I had no trouble believing the inventions they had in the 'alternative history'. The character of Claire was like many of the steampunk heroine variety: stubborn, bright, well-bred but rebelling against convention. The secondary characters were good - I especially enjoyed the gang of young pickpockets she takes under her wing. Claire got her freedom but at what cost? I am excited to see where book 2 takes the whole bunch.

The good: Awesome cast of characters: I love everyone in the book. Shelley Adina has a way of creating amazing characters, even the small ones. I would love to spend lots of time with Andrew, adopt Willie, Lizzie, and Maggie, and be besties with Peony and her mum.

Artful Dodger: Yup, there are some mischievous and awesome street kids that enter the scene. They aren't even a little annoying.

The maybe not so good: I'll get back to you on this one...

Final thoughts: I've been a tad effusive about this book in my everyday life. I'll be frank, I loved it! I flew through it and just kept on picking up speed toward the end. A vivid world was created where I was happy to hang out. The steampunk world of Victorian London was familiar with plucky characters and use of the World's Fair, yet fresh and unexpected with Adina's use of chemical potions and inventions. Most importantly, neither of these things overshadow the vivacious characters. Well done Shelley Adina. You are my hero!

I enjoyed the plot, the fact that characters had their own personalities and languages. It seemed to start a bit slow for me. Until things began to get tough for Claire. Then it began to get interesting. When an author can make a chicken and a silent five year old boy interesting....you've got my attention. Then, when the stream punk gun of Lightning Like was used, I was hooked. Claire has determination and values. I will be purchasing the set of Devices books and look forward to reading them all

I liked the way the author compared the "bloods"& the common folks of London. She speaks in the language of the English titled and in the English of the commander man. After her father dies she is left with no money and she takes in children from the streets. It was fun to put myself in her place and image how I could have survived. The only thing I did not like about this book was that it was over to soon.

I was just looking for a quick steampunk read but this blew me away!
The story was fantastic, characters awesome and the steampunk elements were just perfect!
I found the old-timey dialogue a little stilted but I'm sure other people will love that aspect of it.... I have now bought the box set of this series because I have to find out what happens next :)

You will be doing yourself a serious disfavor by not getting this one.

Not having a very good idea of what steampunk is, I didn't have a good idea of what to expect. I was happily surprised. The characters were interesting and the values they promoted good. I don't know whether the rich snob will mend his ways, but I will find out when I start the next in the series.

I'd never read steampunk before, but this book sounded like too much fun to pass up, and it was. At times the good characters seemed too good and things seemed to work out a little too easily for them. However, the witty Victorian dialogue, luscious costume descriptions, fun steampunk devices, and strong female heroine made me reach for this book night after night...and stay up past my bedtime reading.

Introducing a plucky, bright, and engaging heroine, I thought this was a really enjoyable read. Following the collapse of her father's fortune, Claire is thrust into the world on her own. As she'd previously felt stifled by the expectations her class and gender placed on her, this is a mixed blessing. The steampunk details accentuate the story without overwhelming it. I think this series shows a lot of potential.

This story carries more than one moral and a good story line. You will fall in love with the heroine - if I may call her that. Well written and completely edited - no inferior quality here. This book is a good read for any age and an encouragement for people to be who they really are while choosing to better themselves, remain honest, and take care of others.

This is my first steampunk adventure. It won't be my last if they are all like this one! The first book may have been a little slower read for me. I'm not sure if it was the building up of the characters or the setting. Just so you know, I've already read the series. I flew through them. I couldn't wait for the last book to come out and am ready to read it now.

I loved the creativity of of the young minds in their struggle to survive. I like how the lead female, Lady Claire is portrayed strong, loyal, not afraid to speak her mind. She knows her strengths, desires and continues to pursue them. She would rather be in a chemistry lab than a kitchen. The author did a great job with the setting, London 1889, so much so that I wanted to go there too! Adina puts just the right amount of history, steampunk, mayhem/mischief, action, machinery and young adult relationships in this series to entice you to read the whole series, whether you are a boy or a girl. The series is a wonderful read for adults and young adults.

Although I am comfortably middle aged, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well written and the steam punk universe it creates is well done, entertaining and clever. Funny scenes and well drawn characters. I will read other books by this author. I enjoyed the resourcefulness of the main character. The book has strong female characters in general and the male characters are well drawn as well.

I was looking for some new steampunk books and came across this one on the free-list, lucky day! This book is a delightful beginning to a new series, set in Victorian London, steampunk style. While the plot of this first book is slightly thin, it does a fine job of setting the stage for future novels. In addition to this, the characters are quirky and fun, and the devices are imaginative. I'm very much looking forward to more from this author and have already bought the next two books in this series!

Adina's writing and research proved superior, I couldn't have asked for a better steampunk read. The summary was a bit misleading for the context of this very book, but I'm certain it's fulfilled in the span on the series. I really enjoyed the main character. Claire was often funny but also a smart and independent woman. I almost got a Mary Poppins vibe from this, which is what I didn't expect, but I still very much enjoyed the characters. Andrew was also a favorite of mine, I'd like to see more of him in the next installments.

A young Lady, daughter to a Viscount, has her life turned upside down when her father bankrupt from a bad business decision kills himself. She finds herself on the run in the company of a gang young thieves. This is an entertaining read with good character development. The story with a few exceptions is light and funny. It is worth your time to read.

Creative world with unexpected turns, that draw the reader deeper into this story. So much more interesting than the cookie cutter historical romances. The author expertly develops each character, keeping to their individual personalities, sometimes even to the surprise of the characters themselves. A must read for those who love history and science-fiction.

Steampunk adventures engage a reader's imagination by putting characters in situations where they must employ their wits as well as their weaponry. I love the way the "lady" in question gathers her unsavory troops around her and works through her dilemma to the benefit of all. I look forward to following feisty Claire as she pursues her interest in science, to the dismay of her family.

Love a strong heroine; especially one who is clever and insightful. That she finds a way to turn life around (unlike her father), is just awesome. Still keeping a true to a (slightly altered) timeline, means that our heroine must still try to function within the parameters of society while trying to survive, even when society turns against her. Great start for Shelley Adina for this series. Humor, spunk, daring, excitement, and cunning all make for a great story!

Brilliant twists by Lady Claire to rise above insurmountable challenges and pull others up with her. A Lady first and last - she Insists upon it - combines an intensely sharp and inquisitive mind with genuine caring and compassion while reviled by the wealthy acquaintances from her past.

Like several books lately, it makes a decent start, but appears to be drifting toward future soap opera-like continuation. Another negative is that the heroine rapidly loses everything, which though not entirely her fault (her Dad's), she contributes to with pride and stupidity.

What a delightful discovery Shelley Adina is!

This is the most satisfying steampunk novel I have read. Lady Claire deals with outrageous turns of fortune with aplomb and efficiency. No shy miss with tender sensibilities, she takes charge and finds common sense coupled with a keen intellect more than sufficient to build a new life and identity in her newly-reduced circumstances

I'm off to gobble up the further adventures in this series.

Magnificent Devices indeed!

I've only recently discovered steampunk, but I'm getting a kick out of it. This story of a Lady who wants to pursue science and engineering is great stuff. Having her turn her family's misfortune into an opportunity for herself is a fun story. It just ended too soon for me, though it picked an ok place to break.

This was a pleasant diversion, and better than I expected. This first book reaches a conclusion, so it's worth a try to find out if it's for you; you won't be left hanging if it's not your cup of tea. I plan to check out my options for continuing the series; it wasn't super fantastic, but I did quite enjoy the time spent.

I downloaded this ebook because I liked the premise and it was free. It was worth the chance. It was a little slow to start, but I did find myself curious enough to see where the story went in the series that I purchased the rest of the books. My review of them can be found here: http://www.the store.com/review/R3FJKK4H7DP4N4/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Like a great series, this punk adventure is well written in mini installments ( think long chapter ) that leave you waiting for the next page in the adventure. Unlike other punk novellas, this is not a fill in the blank, create your own adventure. The only thing missing are great illustrations, but then sometimes it is more delightful when the fantastiks are left to the imagination. Characters are delightful and are developing nicely.

For a free ebook, this was actually good enough to purchase the next in the series. The characters were likable and the story entertaining enough to hold my interest.

Well written and edited. No noticeable writing issues.

A very nice tale! The Lady interacts with snobbish individuals and poor children. Too much of the books involves building up of characters and not enough dealing with steampunk devices. But considering this is the first book of six in a series, I'm sure that will be corrected in the author's continuation of this intriguing story.

I love steampunk, especially when it's the sort of thing that could really have happened if the world had stuck with steam as a means of propulsion instead of petroleum. After her family's loss of money and status when petroleum stocks crashed, Claire has only her wits to live on. Luckily, they are equal to the challenge. I enjoyed this book, and look forward to the rest of the series.

Very amusing and using a period piece to tell the story of the steam engine is masterful. I love the character Clare. She is everything an individual should be and has a heart to go along with the brain. I can't wait to read the next book....

So much fun. Steampunk. A smart female main character. No romance in the plot (yet. I'm sure it's coming). I really don't need much more to be happy, but this book is such a delight that I ended up basing parts of my current Pathfinder character on her.

What a novel idea, a woman with a brain. Enjoyed the latter part of the story, with the lines of wisdom, which the male population chooses to forget. The concept the women are intelligent beings. Even though there is more literature support intelligent women, the world is still in the dark ages. Thanks for a enjoyable read.

The book started out like most of the tired steampunk novels I've been reading lately. I kept wondering where the vampires and zombies were. But then it twisted and turned and gave interesting coincidences and the story fairly jumped out of the book and landed in my lap. This doesn't disappoint steampunk lovers. it is a good good story.

This book seemed to be building the groundwork for a series. It certainly had some great episodes within the story, but this really lays the foundation for a series. I hope the writer continues to develop these characters and certainly, there will be some great stories from this.

I picked this book up without any expectations, and was far more than pleasantly surprised. Claire is a delightful young protagonist from the very beginning, and evolves into a spunky young woman by the end of the book. The author integrates the steampunk elements very well, making everything quite believable. I can't wait to read the next book, and would recommend this one to those in search of a well-written escape from reality.