From the Stacks: The Iron Duke

Alternate history featuring cool twists and turns such as zombies and dirigible pirate captains, all complete with both a mystery and a romance. Welcome to the world of the Iron Seas, a wonderful series of books written by Meljean Brook.

Summary: from the book:

"First in an all-new series where seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas.

After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has build a merchant empire on the power-and fear-of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession

But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans-and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen, as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke."

Summary: from The Iron Seas web site:

"After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power — and fear — of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

Mina can’t afford his interest, however. Horde blood runs through her veins, and despite the nanotech enhancing her body, she barely scratches out a living in London society. Becoming Rhys’s lover would destroy both her career and her family, yet the investigation prevents her from avoiding him…and the Iron Duke’s ruthless pursuit makes him difficult to resist.

But when Mina uncovers the victim’s identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans — and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke."

My Thoughts:

I loved this book so so much. It was the main pick in April for the Vaginal Fantasy book club I am a part of, and for me it was the first month I could actually afford to buy the books. The Iron Duke was what started a huge reading craze for me, where I went back and read every book picked for Vaginal Fantasy in January, February, and March. They were all amazing, and at the end of the month I got to watch the live Google+ hangout where Felicia Day, Veronica Belmont, Kiala Kazebee, and Bonnie Burton discuss the book and whatever else randomly comes up. I highly recommend them.

Anyway, back to what I should be discussing...the book. I was quickly drawn into the world. Mina is basically what people would think of as a spinster in that time, and to make it worse she has Horde blood, which makes her sort of an outsider, something I think is made more difficult by the fact that she is also a detective inspector.

Meeting Rhys, the Iron Duke, he displays what amounts to alpha male tendencies. Because Mina doesn't seem interested in him, he is determined to have her. Obviously, certain aspects of the plot can be predicted, such as Mina and Rhys ending up together (sorry, I don't consider that to be a spoiler), but the world was vivid and I enjoyed it immensely. Mina's partner/friend/comrade-in-arms/bodyguard Constable Newberry, was great and quite protective of Mina, but he was adorable nevertheless.

Add in the zombies, the dirigibles, and space pirates, and The Iron Duke is irresistible. I am still trying to figure out why I haven't read Heart of Steel (book 2) or Riveted (book 3). I should probably do that soon. This book is definitely 5/5.

The Iron Duke at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/iron-duke-meljean-brook/1100257277?ean=9780425244265

The Iron Duke at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0425244261/melbroaut-20

Ooh...and I stumbled upon a guide to the world of the Iron Seas series, which includes a rough map, the alternate history that led up where the story takes place, and a brief glossary of important terms. http://meljeanbrook.com/books/the-iron-seas/the-iron-seas-guide/

Other Readings:

Tomorrow I am reviewing another Vaginal Fantasy book pick, Soulless by Gail Carriger. Another awesome steampunk book, with paranormal romance thrown in due to vampires and werewolves. I love these books.