*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Garth Treasure has claimed Clark as his bastard son in order to protect him, but Clark knows who his real father is. Ever since he stole a vial of what he thought was absinthe from an Army officer and drank it, he’s been able to see the dead. Not just see though, he can bring the recently deceased back. Clark hates this ability, but even worse, the Army is after him for the abilities he stole. His true father has appeared to him and beseeched Clark to seek out his inventions that Senator Horan has been using for his own ill-gotten gain and destroy them. Clark and Amethyst are doing just that, but the Senator’s reach is long and now the whole family is in danger because of him. Is there a way out from under a corrupt politician? Or are they all doomed?
Fast-paced and nail biting I couldn’t read this steampunk suspense quickly enough to satisfy and soothe my nerves. And I’m a pretty fast reader! I don’t now how many times I said, “Omg, someone just kill that guy (the Senator, his brother and/or Greenwood at various points in the book) already!” I hated them. They are wonderful villainous asshats. On the other hand, there’s Clark, the other Treasures and Amethyst. I loved Clark in book 1 and I still love him even though he’s sometimes really quick to use his gun to solve his problems. Wowzers. But it’s war. Not actual war, but a personal war of the Army and a corrupt asshole against Clark and the Treasures. The two people who I didn’t really like in book 1, Jeremiah and Amethyst, really grow in this book. They still have a few “we’re rich and therefore entitled” moments, but they’ve pulled their heads almost completely out of their asses and for the most part they are people I’d love to have as friends. This story has a satisfactory conclusion, but I wouldn’t say no to more books in this world.