The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (The Steampunk Chronicles - short story prequel)

But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London. When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. India Steele is desperate. Indeed, the other London watchmakers seem frightened of her. Alone, poor, and at the end of her tether, India takes employment with the only person who'll accept her - an enigmatic and mysterious man from America, a man who possesses a strange watch that rejuvenates him when he's ill.

Imogene Hale is a lowly parlor maid with a soul-crushing secret. Seeking solace, she takes work at a local hive, only to fall desperately in love with the amazing lady inventor the vampires are keeping in the potting shed. Genevieve Lefoux is heartsick, lonely, and French. With culture, class, and the lady herself set against the match, can Imogene and her duster overcome all odds and win Genevieve's heart, or will the vampires suck both of them dry?

Her father may have sacrificed his own life to save hers, but heiress Gloria Meriwether-Astor is finding it difficult to forgive him. After all, how many young ladies of her acquaintance will inherit wealth, beauty, and a legacy of arms dealing? Now the Royal Kingdom of Spain and the Californias is about to declare war on the Texican Territory and Gloria simply will not allow it.

In company with Alice Chalmers and the crew of Swan , along with a lost young Evan Douglas seeking to make reparation for his own sins, she takes to the air. At 17, Claire Trevelyan, daughter of Viscount St. Ives, was expected to do nothing more than pour an elegant cup of tea, sew a fine seam, and catch a rich husband.

Unfortunately, Claire's talents lie not in the ballroom, but in the chemistry lab, where things have a regrettable habit of blowing up. When her father gambles the estate on the combustion engine and loses, Claire finds herself down and out on the mean streets of London. But being a young woman of resources and intellect, she turns fortune on its head. It's not long before a new leader rises in the underworld, known only as the Lady of Devices Ceony Twill arrives at the cottage of Magician Emery Thane with a broken heart. Having graduated at the top of her class from the Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined, Ceony is assigned an apprenticeship in paper magic despite her dreams of bespelling metal.

And once she's bonded to paper, that will be her only magic Yet the spells Ceony learns under the strange yet kind Thane turn out to be more marvelous than she could have ever imagined. It has the potential to be as big as dystopian fiction. Steampunk, for those who do NOT know, is most commonly set in the Victorian period of history and follows closely the society, culture, fashion, and social morays of the period. It also combines a sci-fi element of the authors and thinkers of the period: HG Welles, Jules Verne, etc. So, as an example, it might have robots in it, which are a futuristic element, but they would be more artistic in design and would be called automatons.

The joy of steampunk, to me, is the wonder those authors, thinkers, and artists imagined of the future. The delicious cogs, brass decorations, and delightful machines serve as elements to draw us into the strange and wonderful universe that is steampunk. I say this story is lackluster, because even though Cross does include elements of the steampunk genre, she does nothing to highlight the wonder it has to offer.

Instead, the machines and language of the period fall short of all they could convey.

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I say the story is disappointing because even though it was obvious the author did a lot of research on the time period, there were two things she failed at: The dialog is also so modern as to be distracting. I also found it insulting, as a YA fiction reader, to read language that was so simplistic a jr. How can anyone take her seriously when her characters think and talk much younger than they are purported to be? I say the story is uncertain, because in my opinion, it should never have been a short story, it should have been a novel.

If it was a novel, perhaps Cross could have taken more time to flesh out her characters, build a proper world and really draw the reader into the story. Perhaps she does that in her other story featuring Finley Jayne -who has the potential to be a wonderful character, if given the proper attention.

It gives a tantalizing glimpse into the life of sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne before the events of The Steampunk Chronicles series. Finley lives in an alternate-universe Victorian England where familiar, modern-day technology exists, but with a brass-and-steam twist in keeping with the actual technology of the real Vict An action-packed, short-story prequel to the YA steampunk novel, The Girl in the Steel Corset As an appetizer for The Girl in the Steel Corset, this short story works really well.

Finley lives in an alternate-universe Victorian England where familiar, modern-day technology exists, but with a brass-and-steam twist in keeping with the actual technology of the real Victorian times. She has known since puberty that she is not a normal girl. When she gets angry, a strange power inside her kicks in that has super strength. Though it feels great at the time when she can defend herself against attack, the milder side of Finley is afraid of her wild side. What if she loses control and harms an innocent person? Lady Morton is not afraid of Finley's wild side.

On the contrary, she is grateful for it, because Finley will make the perfect secret bodyguard for her daughter Phoebe. Lady Morton gives Finley a beautiful room, lovely clothes, and an excellent salary, and Finley attends balls and other society functions with Phoebe while pretending to be Phoebe's distant relation. Finley's wild side thrusts her into a dangerous investigation to discover what Lord Vincent, an obsessed scientist, is up to.

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Finley agrees with Phoebe's mother it can't be anything good. This short story is very well written and filled with action and adventure. It is a great introduction to Finley, who is an exciting heroine. She is strong, determined, honorable and loyal. Her struggles to keep her wild side under control and her desire to protect Phoebe at any cost make her a very sympathetic character.

This is also an excellent teaser for the steampunk universe of robotic horses, steam-driven carriages, and all manner of entertainingly odd, anachronistic technology. Since reading this I've had the opportunity to read The Girl in the Steel Corset, and though it isn't necessary to read this short story before reading the book, I am grateful I didn't miss out on it.

The book definitely lives up to the promise of this story. Jul 04, Elizabeth rated it it was amazing Shelves: This short story was actually at the beginning of the ebook The Girl in the Steel Corset, and I have to say I like Finley more in this story than in the actual book. I really liked the book, but the girl in the short story is more daring and in control. I was a little sad to finish this and then move to the book where she's less feisty. After being fired from her position as a maid for hitting the governess after she made one of the small children cry Finley is worried that she won't be able to f This short story was actually at the beginning of the ebook The Girl in the Steel Corset, and I have to say I like Finley more in this story than in the actual book.

After being fired from her position as a maid for hitting the governess after she made one of the small children cry Finley is worried that she won't be able to find a new job, and that her darker side is coming out more often. She's much stronger and faster than she should be, she can also hear and see better than a normal person, and all her unusual abilities are more pronounced when her dark side comes out. She's worried that she's possessed by a devil. So she's extremely surprised when Lady Morton shows up at her step-father's business asking to hire her, at a very high salary, as a companion for her daughter Phoebe, a position she is much too lowly to be offered.

She's suspicious but needs the work and doesn't want to be a burden to her parents, so she agrees. When she gets to the job Phoebe seems like a very sweet person and she's treated much better than she ever expected. The evening of her arrival the family is going to a ball, and Finley is told she is being passed off as the country cousin of the family though no explanation for the deception is given. At the ball she's introduced to Lord Vincent, Phoebe's fiance, who is much too old for Phoebe.

When she goes into a room to get some air away from the crowds she sees a picture of Lord Vincent and his first wife, a woman who could be Phoebe's twin. So Finley decides to figure out why this older man is looking to replace a long dead wife with someone who could be her copy, after all her darker side is looking forward to the idea of sneaking around and dodging Lord Vincent's robot servants. Apr 29, Petra Safari Poet added it. It's starts with her being fired for sticking up for a little boy, which right away tells me what kind of person she is.

This is the second time she's been fired in a short time. She thinks something must be wrong with her and that she's evil because of her sometimes dark thoughts, super strength and hearing. She goes home to her mother and stepfather, Silas even though she'd rather not be a burden to them.

Before she even starts to look for a job, Lady Morton shows up and offers her one to be her daughter's companion. Why Lady Morton wants her specifically despite her reputation makes her suspicions, but she can't past up the chance. Finley and Phoebe becomes friends and starts to worry about the true intentions of her fiance, the much older Lord Vincent.

This is my first foray into Steampunk and I had no idea what to expect. I really enjoyed the mixture of a historical world with it's futuristic inventions. It was an interesting contrast. One of the reason I think I've stayed away from the genre is that I thought it wouldn't be easy to understand the world it's set in.

Which wasn't the case. A lot happen in this prequel. It's a great introduction to the series. I really like Finley and can't wait to find out the mystery behind her. This novella was included as part of the ebook The Girl in the Steel Corset. It is a prequel told in first person, where Finley Jayne is employed as a companion for a wealthy young lady engaged to be married to a devious man with a dangerous plan - the lady's mother has heard of Finley's unusual strength and her penchant to fight for what is right, and as the mother hopes, Finley is suspicious of the fiance and takes it upon herself to discover his real plan.

The novella was a such a great introd This novella was included as part of the ebook The Girl in the Steel Corset. I think a big part of that is because in this novella, Finley is plenty comfortable using her strength and basically comes across as a superhero who was raised poor and now finds herself in high society, while in the novel Finley is much more unsure of her power.

Both the novella and Steel Corset reference Frankenstein , this was in a much more literal way. I would highly recommend anyone interested in The Girl in the Steel Corset to read this novella first. May 06, Dee rated it it was amazing Shelves: Miss Finley has lost her job all due to her defending an helpless child, so home to mom it is.

But that is not all, she has another problem and she fears that it will be the fall of her. She has no one to turn to. She needs another job but as odd as it seems that was not hard as the job offer came looking for her! She was offered a position to be a companion to Miss Phoebe but she can not believe her ears, how can this be? She accepts the offer and her whole life is changed! Phoebe is such a rema Miss Finley has lost her job all due to her defending an helpless child, so home to mom it is. Phoebe is such a remarkable young lady what is there not to like. It seems though that mama did not explain all to Finley as to the requirements of the position.

One thing not told to her is Miss Phoebe is engaged to Lord Vincent and he is not all that he seems nor are his intentions all that forthright. Here's where our story gets interesting! Finley learns a lot about herself during this time, she also finds hers and Miss Phoebes lives in danger!

The most important thing that she learned is no matter what your station in life is, family is the most important thing of all. If you are interested in intriguing mystery, thrilling action and danger then this is the book for you. Jan 10, Joanna Marie rated it it was amazing Shelves: I never thought it would be this good! The strange case of Finley Jayne is her supernatural strengths.

She may not be able to control her temper sometimes but she so far uses this in a good way especially when protecting the people she serves or her loved ones. The setting is in London which is a perfect lovely setting for this historical yet robotic era of aut Wow! The setting is in London which is a perfect lovely setting for this historical yet robotic era of automatons, mechanical horses against bright pastel ball gowns and finely cut suits of Ladies and Lords, Counts and Countesses.

I could imagine Cinder along the lines of metal and brass while Tris of Divergent with Finley's curious mind and strength given that she's only sixteen to knock out armed men or even mechanical inventions. Finley, even not a prodigy nor a genius is likable for her smartness and the devil inside her actually does no harm.

But this is just the start. I reckon there's more action as the main event starts! View all 4 comments. Jun 06, Philip rated it it was ok. This was a quick read. It just happened that way and those people did those things, deal with it. At least I hope it's part of a series, or else I m This was a quick read.

At least I hope it's part of a series, or else I might consider it a much worse story. The plot itself was straight-forward and oh-so-convenient to a point of being blunt and nearly unbelievable. The aforementioned lack of depth didn't help with that at all. But, really, this could have been very good, had Kady Cross just squeezed out a bit more imagination into these characters. Though I have to admit, Jack Dandy was a bit oddly out of character.

He's supposed to be the bad guy , yet, he makes her breakfast, packs her stuff for her when shes going to leave, and gives her information even when shes rude to him? Wheres the bad-assery here? They have henchman or butlers to do that, it's that simple. Kady Cross could not pull off the Dangerous-crime-boss-who-also-happens-to-be-a-gentlemen.

It was just unreal, he just had too much emotion to play it off right.

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Jack Dandy was just a very lame attempt to be the sweet understanding gentlemen when he himself had a very different agenda for being nice. It did just not go with his character. It's like mixing water and oil, they don't mix. I honestly liked her writing though, but it got to be just way too boring at times. She had a very loquacious way of describing things, but it go to be too much for me sometimes. No, you do not need to describe the color of Finley's trousers and corsets to me.

That's all she ever wears, I don't need to know more. I liked this book, but not enough to give it more than three stars. Actually, I wanted to like this book, I thought it would be different, but it just proved disappointing. But I liked it enough that I want to read the next book. Honestly, I wouldn't read this unless I was highly bored and had no other book to comfort me.

Which was my case because i was too emotionally unbalanced to read the rest of The Fault in Our Stars , because I knew I would be crying like a middle-schooler who just got dumped. I would probably be pigging out on ice cream and failing to not watch cheesy movies that will just make me cry more.

Nov 21, Suzanne Lazear added it. Hot damn that was good. I really loved all the classic lit references. Lots of action, a little love, twists and turns. I'd read it again. Can't wait for the next. Why do I love this book so much? Can I tell you how much I love this new cover trend with the girls in amazing dresses. I want that dress.

Short Story Review – The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (Steampunk Chronicles 0.5) by Kady Cross

The gadgets and tech are seamlessly woven into the worldbuilding as it should be. The story is fun, fast-paced, and original, yet pulls from classics. Findlay Jane is a badass, and I do love me a strong, unusual heroine. But this is far, far more than a classic retelling. Findlay Jane is only one of the teen characters in this story and most of them have unusual abilities, like X-Men, only set in an alternate version of Victorian London with automatons and my personal favorite, the aethernet.

All and all, this was a great read full of twists and turns. Kady Cross has her Steampunk worldbuilding spot on. Though this is YA, I think adults will enjoy this just as much and it will appeal both to Steampunk fans and those new to the genre. So, when do I get to read the next one? The Girl in the Steel Corset is an imaginative and impressive story. Historical, Victorian, Steampunk, automaton, magic and mystery are all the wonderful elements you'll find locked with in these pages. Those who know me, know I've always had issues when it comes to historical and I don't think I've read very many books to even know how I feel about steampunk, but, I really enjoyed this book!

Kady Cross, sets this story with gorgeous flow. Not once did it feel dull or dry, which sadly is my issue The Girl in the Steel Corset is an imaginative and impressive story. Not once did it feel dull or dry, which sadly is my issue when it comes to historical books, the pace was smooth and solid and it was easy to follow along with the characters and the plot line. I've always been a fan of the Victorian language and thought Cross delivered it very well. I also had a lot of fun learning about the automaton's and the mechanics of it all.

It's a very fascinating element that I didn't even know that I enjoyed till now. But my favorite part of this story was the amazing cast. I liked all the characters and thought they were all very well developed, animated in there own unique way and all extremely intriguing. Our protag, Finley, is a fiery little thing, powerful, strong-willed, but the dance she endures within herself is a force to be reckoned with. Griffin is kind, generous and compassionate. He is equally powerful but he doesn't abuse that power. I admire is strength and control. Emily is a gentle and brilliant and I like how she holds herself.

Sam is probably the only character that I loved and hated at the same time. I can understand his hostility. Hating what he's become and the feeling of betrayal, but despite it all he's still grateful for it. I think that's what I liked about each of them the most. They each have this thing that makes them different, less human, and while some have learned to except it they still loath it, but are just as grateful for it. That's quite the conflict, which makes this even more of an entertaining factor. As much as I liked the storyline and the concept, there was one thing that sort of lacked, and that was I miss my dose of romance.

See, I'm a sap in the biggest way a sap can be, and I need that healthy amount of romance in my reads. But, there were a few scenes that still made me smile so I hope that Cross will explore that in future books. But other then that, I had a good time reading this book. This is a very promising start to a bright series that I very much plan on continuing!

Looking forward to more! Arc provided by Netgalley and Harlequin Teen View all 8 comments. Jun 08, Mlpmom Book Reviewer rated it it was amazing. What can I possible say about this book that will even come close to doing it justice other than it absolutely rocked? Well, how about that I think Kady Cross is pure genius. I mean, I really truly loved reading it.

It was my first full length steampunk novel and I can now say that I am completely in love with the genre thanks to Cross. So much so, that I am completely bummed her next book isn't out yet and I will be anxiously counting down the days until it is. This book was ju What can I possible say about this book that will even come close to doing it justice other than it absolutely rocked?

This book was just brilliant. The characters, the inventions, the storyline, the mystery, the romance, the adventure, the slight paranormal aspect, the world, the time period, the clothes It is rare that I find a book these days that completely blows me away and it not what I was expecting or anticipating and I have to say, I love it when that happens! I will be honest, I read a LOT of books and it is so nice to just pick one up and get completely carried away in it so much so that you wish you were there.

That you were apart of their world and that they were your friends too. So Kady Cross, you have a new fan! I will definitely be reading all of your work in the future, I only regret that I didn't pick this up sooner. Jun 24, Colleen Houck added it Shelves: The red dress on the cover is absolutely gorgeous! Now I know what steampunk is! Kady's created a really cool main character and I love the little beasties that heal. Oh also I want one of those velocycles right word? I look forward to the next book in the series. Apr 04, Laura rated it it was amazing Shelves: I loved this story and look forward to reading more of Kady Cross in the future.

I'm pretty stingy with my 5 star reviews, but this one totally deserves it. All these characters were amazing. May 16, Heidi rated it really liked it. This book is so much fun. Lots of steampunk, great characters and a mystery. Dread washes over Finley Jayne as the son of her employer leers toward in the darkened hall. As a servant girl in the house, she is up late prepping a dress for her mistress. On the way back to her room, She runs into the drunk Lionel.

He has one thing on his mind. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't know that Finley isn't a timid maid. He strikes her cheek, drawing blood. Finley's dark side awakens and s Four Stars: Finley's dark side awakens and strikes. In seconds he is pummeled and knocked unconscious. Terrified, Finley flees the mansion knowing that she is in deep trouble. She dashes out into the street so consumed by her fear that she doesn't see the velocycle rushing towards her. The driver collides with the frightened maid and she blacks out.

Lord Griffin stands over the girl. His instinct tells him that there is something different and important about this servant girl, lying battered and bleeding at his feet. Against his best friend Sam's wishes, he decides to trust his gut and take the girl home. When Finley Jayne wakes, it is quickly apparent that she is not a normal girl. She is a young lady with two sides, one dark and one light. Rage and fear awaken the dark beast inside her and she fights the servants. Once she is calmed, Griffith finds himself drawn to this lovely girl with two halves.

Can Griffin help Finley Jayne control her personality, while he tries to stop the terrifying random machine attacks throughout London? Why I let it languish so long in my reading pile is beyond me. Perhaps I was afraid this was just another disappointing read behind a pretty cover. Luckily, I was wrong. This book was great fun.

It has mystery, steampunk, two awesome smart kickbutt girls and more. I really enjoyed this book. Cross includes some fantastic steampunk elements. My favorites were the steel corset and the robot cat. These are just two of the many unique and clever steampunk contraptions in this book. If you are fan of steampunk, I highly recommend you give this book a read.

I only wish that this novel had pictures of all this great stuff. The steel corset sounds lovely with its intricate flowers and unique design. Who says protective gear can't be fashionable? Cross creates great characters.

See a Problem?

Finley Jayne with her unique affliction is able to fight her way out of danger. She can beat up almost anyone. If you love strong female leads, Finley Jayne won't disappoint. I really adored Emily, she is an intelligent Irish lass who is a skilled mechanic, inventor and even a medic. I loved that both the female characters were smart, strong and very capable and that they possessed qualities that are usually associated with men.

The two gents, Sam and Griffin round out the group and they are fascinating, considering that they both have some interesting abilities and secrets as well. This time the afflicted is a young girl, Finley, and she has no knowledge of the how or why she has a dual personality. I had fun uncovering the secrets of her personality, as well as watching her battle her dark side. I admit, I loved it when her dark side took control. I completely enjoyed this new spin on an old classic.

There is the focus on Finley and her condition, the conflict that Sam is waging with himself, the attacks by the machines, the solving of the murder mystery and the unmasking of the machinist. I always appreciate books with layers of story lines and this book provides plenty of threads to follow. Cross provides a nice resolution while providing some interesting new ideas to follow up on in the sequel.

And The Not So Much: There isn't a complete development of a romantic relationship. Cross teases us with potential sparks and promises. She keeps you guessing as to whether or not Finley will fall for a certain gentleman or not. On a side note, there is a tiny flame between two of the secondary characters, which I liked. Finley's dark side draws her to Jack Dandy, a criminal leader in the underworld. There was something about this bad boy that just made me smile. He is charming and believe it or not a gentleman, but one that must be handled carefully, he is a bad boy after all.

I loved the way he talked, especially his pet name for Finley which is "Treasure". I wanted more of Mr. One was who was the murderer of Finley's assailant? Another sticking point was Jasper Renn. He is an American Cowboy, but he remains a mystery. He seems to have some unique abilities of his own that are never disclosed. However, at the end of the book it was apparent that the sequel is going to focus on Jasper. Hopefully, I will get the answers to my questions. I personally think that this book is beyond the YA label. Not due to inappropriate content, but because it transcends the normal YA classifications.

The characters are mature and act like adults even though they are young and the plot itself is beyond the typical YA lines. This is a book that can be enjoyed by adults as well as young adults. Don't let the YA label deter you if you typically steer clear of YA books, this is a book that will appeal to fans of all ages.

The Girl in the Steel Corset was a fast and thrilling read. If you love steampunk, you will appreciate all the imaginative gadgets and gizmos as well as the references to corsets, gloves, hairpins and all the fashion that steampunk enthusiasts adore. This book is more than a pretty cover and I enjoyed the fantastic multi layered story line. If you have been considering this book, waste no more time, get it! Unfortunately, he couldn't tell if she was in danger, or if she was danger. They also made very effective weapons if the need arose.

I cannot tell my heart what to feel. The Girl in the Steel Corset is everything I have been dying to find in a steampunk novel. The technology flavors the world perfectly and I love that there's so many different verities of fashion. This is a whole new reimagined world! One where 20 years prior an expedition lead by the Duke of Greythorne journeyed to the center of the earth. Strange things called The Organites where discovered. Tiny organisms that can mimic other thi The Girl in the Steel Corset is everything I have been dying to find in a steampunk novel.

Tiny organisms that can mimic other things on a cellular level. While the general public is only aware of some ore that powers the technology from this expedition. Every thing else is kept hush, hush by order of the Queen. So now we're 20 years later after these events. Where despite keeping everything a secret things are definitely happening. People are developing powers because of certain events and there's a villain out there, The Machinist, who wants to use The Organites for evil.

It's all very shady with plots against the Queen and reimagining of Dr. There is a lot of technology here leading to a new and different world. Though I have a hard time believing that facial piercing, and multiple ones at that, would be acceptable for a Lady. That's a different kind of advancement. Even the pants seemed far out. Because there were still many rules a lady should follow that contradict those advancements in sexism. But hey that's me being nit picky.

There is a lot of it here. Finally a steampunk novel chocked full of it! I love the way the machines work and the description of the gears! However, there was some technology that made me pause. Some of it was sooooooooo advanced that it felt like it was out of a futuristic novel, not a steampunk. And if you don't know steampunk novels generally take place in the past. Some in the Victorian age mainly. So that took me out a bit. Hey, they've journeyed to the center of the world! They've discovered the Cradle of Life. GitSC has a wonderful cast of characters here. Griffin is a suave leader of his gang of misfits, as expected as the current Duke of Greythorne.

He's a true hero and I love how it fits along with his humanity. Finley is his social opposite. The best part is she's a fighter and I love how tough she is. Even when she's trying to figure out who she is from circumstances outside of her control. You know there's a romance happening there. The best part is it isn't rushed. Cross is doing what I have missed. Not to mention Jack Dandy a dark character well worth the swooning and a nice counter part to Griffin. So it fits really good here. The other cast of characters are amazing as well.

They all stand out and I adore how dastardly gangsters or stupid muscle men eventually flesh out and become likeable characters. People make mistakes, but they learn. Griffin's band of misfits is like a family. The trust they've all earned is moving and I enjoyed watching Finley become part of it. Overall I love all of the aspects presented. Some readers might find it a bit full. There's changing points of views, lots of steampunk technology, people developing powers, the other worldly Aether, historical references, fantastic character interactions, witty humor and dialogue, strange Organite things, and—basically a marvelously brilliant world!

It's well developed and quite fantastic. Oh, and I've been saving the best for last. A female Hyde and Jekyll. Bet you were wondering when I'd bring it up again. The Girl in the Steel Corset was an unexpected treat!

A Study in Scarlet Women

If you're new to steampunk or a connoisseur of the genre don't miss this one! All rather politely clean. There is sexual humor and some hints of more. Originally reviewed at Book Whispers. Apr 24, Nicole D. Finley Jayne isn't normal and can do things normal people can't. One night after being attacked by her employer and beating him up and knocking him out, she runs scared about what he might do to her when he wakes up. When she is making her escape she runs in front of a vehicle driven by Griffin King, Duke of Greythorne and she is knocked out.

She wakes up at the Duke's house and finds out she is not the only abnormal one. I love her stubbornness, independence, uniqueness, her standing up for the weak, how brave she is and many other things. Griffin is the leader of a group of people with special abilities like Finley's. I have a lot of respect for his character. To be in charge of all these secrets and having his parents killed when he was so young must be a great burden. Plus having his own special ability. Emily who handles all the technology is brilliant and kind. I am very intrigued by her character.

I wonder what happened in her past to make her want to get away from her family. Sam is super strong but very troubled about what happened to him. I felt bad for Sam and what he had to go through. I understand his anger but you can't let it control you. There is a lot of tension with Emily, Griffin, and Sam because of what happened to him. Griffin's aunt was very freaky with her ability to get into people's heads and hope to see more of her in future books.

I really loved Jack Dandy who is a master criminal and look forward to seeing more of him. I have a feeling he is more than what he seems. I loved the scene where Finley learned how she came to have these abilities. It was very emotional and heartbreaking. Finley's struggle to merge both parts of herself is fascinating to watch.