The Girl in the Clockwork Collar is an exciting continuation of the Steampunk Chronicles, delivering fast-paced action sequences and compelling intrigue! While romance is certainly an aspect to be found in the novel, I also really loved the emphasis on friendship and loyalty. If any of the characters were in a precarious position, you just knew help would soon be on its way. After Jasper was suddenly accused of murder and taken away by bounty hunters at the end of The Girl in the Steel Corset, the story continues right where events left off. Desperate to save their friend, Griffin, Finley, Sam and Emily head to New York City, only to learn the situation is more dire than they could have ever imagined. Jasper has been captured by a dangerous man named Dalton, leader of a gang he used to be part of, who wants a device back which he claims Jasper stole. And until Jasper gives the device back, the clockwork collar around the neck of a girl from his past whom he stills loves, Mei, will only tighten. Griffin is as sweet and charming as ever, extremely protective of his friends and especially warm towards Finley. His feelings for her may be considered unbecoming for someone of his stature among the English aristocracy, yet he can't help falling for the beautiful Finley the more time he spends around her. Just like in The Girl in the Steel Corset, Finley is brave, courageous and unafraid to punch someone in the face to get the job done, but she can also be reckless and impulsive in this novel too. Finley's been on her own for so long that she forgets she has friends who deeply care and worry about her safety now. Kady Cross held nothing back in the The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. The novel was a thrilling, adventurous tale which leaped off the pages and left me holding my breath in utter suspense. I had my suspicions about the motives of certain characters, and I couldn't wait to see if I would be proved right. I'm really excited to see what will happen next in The Girl with the Iron Touch! You can also read this review at: http://midnightbloomreads.blogspot.ca/2012/11/the-girl-in-clockwork-collar-by-kady.html

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. When I read the first book in the Steampunk Chronicles series by Kady Cross, The Girl in the Steel Corset, I admit that I wasn’t completely blown away. In fact, one of my most favourite things about that book was the absolutely gorgeous cover. So, when I saw the cover for the sequel — same gorgeous girl in a gorgeous dress — I was a little skeptical. Luckily, though, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar did not disappoint! All of the little things I didn’t like in the first book weren’t even present in the second book. One huge thing that bothered me in the first book was Sam. I thought he was annoying in his hatred for Finley and I just couldn’t stand it. I was happy to see that that hatred is toned down a lot in this book. The action was spot on for the entire book — even though I had a hard time believing that the characters were still under the age of twenty — and I loved every single fighting scene that took place. I’m still getting used to the whole steampunk angle, but it’s definitely growing on me. I love how the elements are similar in all of the steampunk books I’ve read, but Kady Cross makes her elements just a bit different. I love the mixture of the machines, the wardrobe (corsets! lace!), and the scenery of the Victorian era. One thing that really grabbed my interest was the love triangle — which isn’t usually something that has my jumping for joy. In this book, the love triangle was not so much focused on Finley. In fact, her love triangle was quite pale in comparison to the other love triangle that took place (mainly because this story takes place in New York, rather than in England — therefore, no Jack Dandy). Some might not see the love triangle as a love triangle, but I totally got it. I don’t want to ruin anything by mentioning names, but I’m sure when you’ll read it, you’ll get it. Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed reading The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. Kady Cross kept me guessing the entire time and I flew through the book in an afternoon. And the cover is just as gorgeous as the cover on the first book — if you’re wondering why the same girl wasn’t used for this cover, just read the book and you’ll figure it out. I really look forward to reading more of Kady Cross’s steampunk world!

I absolutely adored The Girl in the Steel Corset, it was fun, it was fiesty, it's a brilliant introduction into the steampunk genre. It should then come as no surprise, that I loved The Girl in the Clockwork Collar for all those reasons - and more! The main reason I love this series is Finley Jane. She's smart, capable, brave and oh so flawed. I love a complex main character, espeically a female main character. There's nothing cut and dry about her and she can't be reduced to a simple archetype. I like that she is indecisive and struggling with two sides of her personality. It makes her seem more real. I may not have an actual dark and light side trying to coexist inside me, but I'm sure many readers can relate to the difficult choice between what is easy and what is right. But it's not just Finley that keeps me hooked on this series. It's the whole cast of characters. Griffin, Emily, Sam, Jasper. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite. They're all so unique, life like and extremely likable. Kady Cross even writes excellent bad guys! How the characters are written more often than not will make or break a novel for me, and The Girl in the Clockwork Collar suceeds in making every character fun to read about. I found the action of this novel, a little more subdued than the original. There was a lot more planning and deceit than actual fighting. However, I can't really complain about this change. It allowed the story to go in some interesting directions that I don't think it could have otherwise. And there was still just enough action thrown in to keep me satisfied. I am happy to report that The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, is just as amazing as The Girl in the Steel Corset. If you haven't pick up this series yet, what are you waiting for? Move it to the top of your TBR ASAP! Final recommendation: A fabulous second book that fans of the first are sure to love and a great series for new and old steampunk lovers. This and other reviews at Hooked on Books (http://christashookedonbooks.blogspot.com)

Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross is the second book in the Steampunk Chronicles, and was originally published in May 2012 by HarlequinTeen. Last week I read and reviewed the Strange Case of Finley Jayne and The Girl in the Steel Corset both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you have not yet read those books, why not? You might want to stop reading this now because my review may spoil the others for you. I was extremely thrilled to get my hands on this book. The cover is so beautiful. I love the purple dress, and the whole design. I bought the book in hardcover because I couldn’t wait till it comes out in paperback. It’s actually a weird size for a hardcover book. I’ve noticed that of HarlequinTeen novels. I digress back to the story and the continuation of the series. This story takes place right after the conclusion of the first book. Jasper Renn is being hauled away to America for murder, and Griffin and his group of misfits are venturing over to New York to rescue him. Jasper is being held by Dalton Reno who has captured Jasper’s lover Mei Xing and is holding her prisoner in form of the clockwork collar. The collar is around her neck and if anyone tries to take it off it will tighten until she dies. Jasper is made to find all the pieces to a machine he himself hid from Reno otherwise she will die. Finley decides she will attempt to infiltrate Reno’s gang to get closer to Jasper and break him out. I really liked this book maybe even more than the first story. I like the descriptions Kady Cross gives of the city and the characters. I like that we saw more of Emily and Jasper in this story. The book is action packed and it reads like a movie. This story would do really well as a movie I think as there are lots of fights and brawls and it’s just plain fun to read. There are fewer machines/robots and more strange inventions with a cameo from Nicholas Tesla himself. I love that Griffin and Finley got to spend more time together (when will they finally tell each other how they feel *same goes with Sam and Emily) What I did miss in this story was Jack Dandy. I really want to know more about him I look forward to the next in the series to see what is happening with him back in London. These new characters were something else. I pretty much despised Mei from the beginning and Reno is just plain evil. I have a weird sixth sense about these things (people often get mad at me because I can predict what’s going to happen in books, movies and TV. I guess I just think like an author). The new character that I did like is Wildcat. I hope that she will pop up in future stories in some way or another. Another female character who kicks butt? Yes please. I’m already anxious to see where the story goes in the next installment. As far as my limited research I couldn’t find any information about a release date or even a title for the next book. I’m really starting to enjoy this steampunk genre. Does anyone have any suggestions of books that I could read next?? Add me to Goodreads to see what i'm reading now. http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3565173-allison-allain

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar starts up almost exactly where Steel Corset leaves off. I really like that it does that because then you're not playing catch up and haven't really missed any of the story. I once again really loved the world and characters that Kady Cross has created. I also really like the cover of this book because it actually is related to the story and was basically how I imagined Mei to look. It took me a lot longer to read than the last book but it had nothing to do with the writing or story, I was just really sick and didn't even have the energy to read. Clockwork Collar begins with Finley, Griffin, Emily and Sam travelling by airship to New York to get Jasper back and out of trouble. They don't believe he's a murderer and want to help him however they can. Once they get to New York, Griffin and Sam head to the jail to talk to Jasper, but he's not there. He was not brought back by the authorities, so something is up and they plan to find out. There is a lot that happens in Clockwork Collar, including Finley inflitrating a criminal's gang. Regardless, I didn't find that there were really any dull parts and am anxious to find out what's been happening with Griffin in the Aether. Some parts of the plot were a bit predictable, but it didn't affect my opinion any. Since it really seemed the only way to bring it all together. Once again, Finley Jayne is pretty kick ass. She infiltrates a criminals gang, pretending that she is meant for a life of crime. Which maybe in some ways she is. I think she is incredibly brave and selfless because she is always putting others welfare before herself. Also, she may be strong and a quick healer, but she's not invincible, so there is a risk to her life in what she does. I can't even begin to describe how much more I love Emily in this book. She is just such an awesome character AND is a redhead! She is also incredibly brave, she is probably the most fragile of the group, but she doesn't let that get her down or stop her. She can definitely hold her own. As for the guys of the group, both have done a lot of growing as characters. Griffin is finally realizing how much he cares for Finley and learning to trust her more. He does need to get over feeling guilty every time someone gets hurt, because it's not his fault. Sam is starting to grow on me, now that he's less of a jerk. He really has feelings for Emily and I hope for the best for them! Jasper is a lot more prominent than he was in the last book. He's actually a pretty great character and I feel for him so much. Everything that seems to happen to him breaks my heart, he's really grown as a character and I hope we see more of him in the next book. So overall, I really liked Clockwork Collar. It's a really great Steampunk series and is making me really enjoy the genre. Everything just seems to flow so nicely in Kady Cross' writing style and she makes you really love her characters. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. If you're wondering if I would recommend this book, the answer is yes! These are great for someone who enjoys paranormal as well as historical fiction since they are based in the Victorian Era. Mix in a bit of science fiction and a great author, then you have a really great read.