What do you think?
Rate this book
Mongrel #3
Machine
Mongrel Book Three
The closing-day flea market at the Marvelous Mechanical Circus always draws a colorful crowd, but salesman Will Marchman doesn’t expect to see a large, elaborate gold wagon on the plaza—especially one called the Spiritorium. The wagon’s exotic looking owner claims he can perform “cleansings and siphonings” via a miracle-working machine housed within. He can supposedly flush the wickedness out of people and places.
The Spiritorium appears in the Mongrel village of Taintwell the next day, setting off a potentially tragic chain of events that begins with a shocking revelation. To make matters worse, Fanule Perfidor, de facto mayor and Will’s lover, has been neglecting to take the tonic that stabilizes his moods. Besieged by his illness, Fan drives Will away. Then Fan’s best friend, vampire Clancy Marrowbone, vanishes, causing a rift between him and his mortal lover. Then Will disappears.
As Fan regains control of his mind, he knows what he must do to save his village and the people most important to him. He must solve the mystery of the Spiritorium and confront a man he’d hoped never to see again.
The closing-day flea market at the Marvelous Mechanical Circus always draws a colorful crowd, but salesman Will Marchman doesn’t expect to see a large, elaborate gold wagon on the plaza—especially one called the Spiritorium. The wagon’s exotic looking owner claims he can perform “cleansings and siphonings” via a miracle-working machine housed within. He can supposedly flush the wickedness out of people and places.
The Spiritorium appears in the Mongrel village of Taintwell the next day, setting off a potentially tragic chain of events that begins with a shocking revelation. To make matters worse, Fanule Perfidor, de facto mayor and Will’s lover, has been neglecting to take the tonic that stabilizes his moods. Besieged by his illness, Fan drives Will away. Then Fan’s best friend, vampire Clancy Marrowbone, vanishes, causing a rift between him and his mortal lover. Then Will disappears.
As Fan regains control of his mind, he knows what he must do to save his village and the people most important to him. He must solve the mystery of the Spiritorium and confront a man he’d hoped never to see again.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2014
1 person is currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
K.Z. Snow
57 books273 followersThis says it all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH7rt4...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 22, 2016
A great ending to one of my all time fave series. This review encompasses the whole feel of the series as well as a bit from each installment. Basically, you can't stop at one, so you might as well go ahead and buy the bundle.
The whole series is amazingly descriptive and I didn’t even feel like I was reading anymore because I was so wrapped up in the world the author built. I was just so happy to be along for the ride. While this is definitely in the steampunk genre, its balance with fantasy and romance is keeps it from being trope-y, the author didn’t just throw a gear at it and call it steampunk. It’s easy for steampunk/fantasy/sci-fi books can overdo it with the world building so you get taken out of the story as you try and keep up with all the terminology, geography and characters. Or they are made so campy that it can’t be taken seriously. It absolutely should be fun and lyrical, but not at the expense of the story. And the Mongrel trilogy is a perfect balance.
The characters are so strong, unique and best of all, every hero was flawed. I love a flawed hero more than any other. All of them were complex enough to feel realistic even if half of them weren’t human. So, there are humans and there are Mongrels. Humans mostly live in Purinton while the Mongrels, the branded Mongrels, mostly live in Taintwell. As the bloodlines of the non-humans have been diluted over the generations, they were ordered to be tattooed with their blood ratios by the AIA, Alien Identification Agency. The Mongrels have been seen as lesser beings, but Taintwell is their safe place.
Fanule Perfidor is their leader, and oh man, I love him. The first story, Mongrel, focuses on him and Will, the human he meets at Hunziger’s Mechanical Circus. The backstory was fascinating and the two of them ended up complimenting each other perfectly, bringing out the best traits in one another. While the story focused on Fan and Will, it also set up the meaningful friendships and potential relationships amongst some very lonely characters.
Which brings me to Simon and Merman. Like I said, I love Fan, but Simon, I have such a soft spot for that man. He’s a lot crass, a little lost and completely charming as hell. Simon works with his hands and has no bothers about getting dirty. I love me a hands on man who’s rough around the edges but has a hidden soft heart and an accidental sense of humor. He and Clancy Marrowbone, Fan’s very dear friend, and resident vampire who has come to visit have taken a bit of a shine to one another. But Merman also has a lot of great mystery to it and of course a Merman. So yeah, WIN.
The third in the trilogy, Machine, brings all the characters we’ve met in the first two back together and explains some history about Fan that was enlightening and heartbreaking. All the people that Fan cares most about in the world are in danger. Will and Clancy have been abducted and then returned as just husks of their former selves and Simon is completely devastated about Clancy. Fan blames himself, especially after failing to take his tonic that keeps him level and then saying some awful things to Will and even more so when he sees who has done the damage to his loved ones with his machine, the Spiritorium.
I found the writing in Machine especially fascinating, particularly towards the end. When Fan is having the conversation with the man behind the Machine I got sucked into their exchange and reread many paragraphs. The man’s motives seem to be in the name of ancient religions, but what comes to light is the narcissism of a truly psychotic individual. And while this story takes place in an alternate universe, the theme is relevant to all of humanity and how man can be capable of bastardizing organized religion in such a way that he satisfies his own selfish desires. Truly well done dialog.
A special shout out to Betty, the best non-corporeal friend that Fan could ever ask for. She may not be all in one piece anymore, but she’s a solid friend and supporter to Fan in particular and all of Taintwell in general. I loved her character.
Finally, the language in the whole trilogy is just a character in itself. I swooned over the beauty of it many times. It’s not flowery in a romantic sense (although there were plenty of romantic conversations that benefitted with how the language flowed) the names of the people and places were perfectly fitting for the genre without being over the top. The descriptions of specific event as well as daily life painted a vivid picture of the story and I could total ‘see’ every scene that was described.
I’ll always keep this series in my back pocket to reread. I had put off reading the final, Machine, just because I didn’t want it to be over. It’s a perfect mix of so many things I love and the author nailed every bit of detail in the best way. I really can’t recommend it enough.
The whole series is amazingly descriptive and I didn’t even feel like I was reading anymore because I was so wrapped up in the world the author built. I was just so happy to be along for the ride. While this is definitely in the steampunk genre, its balance with fantasy and romance is keeps it from being trope-y, the author didn’t just throw a gear at it and call it steampunk. It’s easy for steampunk/fantasy/sci-fi books can overdo it with the world building so you get taken out of the story as you try and keep up with all the terminology, geography and characters. Or they are made so campy that it can’t be taken seriously. It absolutely should be fun and lyrical, but not at the expense of the story. And the Mongrel trilogy is a perfect balance.
The characters are so strong, unique and best of all, every hero was flawed. I love a flawed hero more than any other. All of them were complex enough to feel realistic even if half of them weren’t human. So, there are humans and there are Mongrels. Humans mostly live in Purinton while the Mongrels, the branded Mongrels, mostly live in Taintwell. As the bloodlines of the non-humans have been diluted over the generations, they were ordered to be tattooed with their blood ratios by the AIA, Alien Identification Agency. The Mongrels have been seen as lesser beings, but Taintwell is their safe place.
Fanule Perfidor is their leader, and oh man, I love him. The first story, Mongrel, focuses on him and Will, the human he meets at Hunziger’s Mechanical Circus. The backstory was fascinating and the two of them ended up complimenting each other perfectly, bringing out the best traits in one another. While the story focused on Fan and Will, it also set up the meaningful friendships and potential relationships amongst some very lonely characters.
Which brings me to Simon and Merman. Like I said, I love Fan, but Simon, I have such a soft spot for that man. He’s a lot crass, a little lost and completely charming as hell. Simon works with his hands and has no bothers about getting dirty. I love me a hands on man who’s rough around the edges but has a hidden soft heart and an accidental sense of humor. He and Clancy Marrowbone, Fan’s very dear friend, and resident vampire who has come to visit have taken a bit of a shine to one another. But Merman also has a lot of great mystery to it and of course a Merman. So yeah, WIN.
The third in the trilogy, Machine, brings all the characters we’ve met in the first two back together and explains some history about Fan that was enlightening and heartbreaking. All the people that Fan cares most about in the world are in danger. Will and Clancy have been abducted and then returned as just husks of their former selves and Simon is completely devastated about Clancy. Fan blames himself, especially after failing to take his tonic that keeps him level and then saying some awful things to Will and even more so when he sees who has done the damage to his loved ones with his machine, the Spiritorium.
I found the writing in Machine especially fascinating, particularly towards the end. When Fan is having the conversation with the man behind the Machine I got sucked into their exchange and reread many paragraphs. The man’s motives seem to be in the name of ancient religions, but what comes to light is the narcissism of a truly psychotic individual. And while this story takes place in an alternate universe, the theme is relevant to all of humanity and how man can be capable of bastardizing organized religion in such a way that he satisfies his own selfish desires. Truly well done dialog.
A special shout out to Betty, the best non-corporeal friend that Fan could ever ask for. She may not be all in one piece anymore, but she’s a solid friend and supporter to Fan in particular and all of Taintwell in general. I loved her character.
Finally, the language in the whole trilogy is just a character in itself. I swooned over the beauty of it many times. It’s not flowery in a romantic sense (although there were plenty of romantic conversations that benefitted with how the language flowed) the names of the people and places were perfectly fitting for the genre without being over the top. The descriptions of specific event as well as daily life painted a vivid picture of the story and I could total ‘see’ every scene that was described.
I’ll always keep this series in my back pocket to reread. I had put off reading the final, Machine, just because I didn’t want it to be over. It’s a perfect mix of so many things I love and the author nailed every bit of detail in the best way. I really can’t recommend it enough.
June 29, 2019
This might be my favorite book of the series. Though I'm not particularly sure why as everyone was going every which way. But ultimately this is Fan's story as he has to figure out how to address his past and accept who he is so he can save William and the rest of his friends. I kinda wish this story had been a bit longer. The elements were all there but the story was truncated so you didn't really get to go through everything as deeply as you could have. The rift between William and Fan, as well as the trouble going on between Simon and Clancy could have been explored more as it took them longer to figure out what exactly was going on and who was responsible. Still I really enjoyed this story a lot.
April 30, 2014
3.5 stars
First of all, I think it will help readers if you read the previous two books first. At least to familiarize yourself with the Mongrel village of Taintwell and the returning characters.
I didn’t feel this book to be as strong as the first two books. I wondered if the ‘mystery’ was significant and necessary. Personally, I thought that Will and Fanule were solid, I never felt any reason to think otherwise. Clancy and Simon might need to work out their own happy ending, since Clancy was a vampire and Simon was a mortal, but I also believe in them.
So when the mystery came in form of a mysterious man and his machine, who seemed to make way to bring trouble to the relationship – Fanule got all nervous wreck and pushed William away – I felt a little annoyed by it. I guess I didn’t really want to read anything that caused a rift between the couple. However, the mysterious man also brought more background story about Fanule, and I appreciated that. It was good to learn more about him.
There other personal reasons on why I could only give this 3.5 stars. First , I thought the resolution to the threat as weak – I felt cheated that I didn’t see any smack-down action between Fanule and the mystery man. Second , I thought K.Z. Snow’s language was beautiful and how she described the Mongrel world was incredible. However, the way she described the sex scene between Fanule and William was a bit cringe-worthy. I felt kind of awkward reading it – the prose went a bit purplish there. And third , after Fanule realized that he needed to win William back, it teased on the borderline of being too sappy for my taste.
All in all, as a conclusion of Mongrel Trilogy, I thought it didn’t really bring anything new – except the understanding about Fanule’s bloodline. Having said that, it still felt good to return to the world of historical/paranormal/steampunk world of Mongrel and got update about the life of these characters. Plus I was still a sucker for Clancy and Simon’s relationship and I couldn’t get enough of these two, even if the story was not from their perspective.
Overall verdict, if you like your paranormal/steampunk, you should give this trilogy a try.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
First of all, I think it will help readers if you read the previous two books first. At least to familiarize yourself with the Mongrel village of Taintwell and the returning characters.
I didn’t feel this book to be as strong as the first two books. I wondered if the ‘mystery’ was significant and necessary. Personally, I thought that Will and Fanule were solid, I never felt any reason to think otherwise. Clancy and Simon might need to work out their own happy ending, since Clancy was a vampire and Simon was a mortal, but I also believe in them.
So when the mystery came in form of a mysterious man and his machine, who seemed to make way to bring trouble to the relationship – Fanule got all nervous wreck and pushed William away – I felt a little annoyed by it. I guess I didn’t really want to read anything that caused a rift between the couple. However, the mysterious man also brought more background story about Fanule, and I appreciated that. It was good to learn more about him.
There other personal reasons on why I could only give this 3.5 stars. First , I thought the resolution to the threat as weak – I felt cheated that I didn’t see any smack-down action between Fanule and the mystery man. Second , I thought K.Z. Snow’s language was beautiful and how she described the Mongrel world was incredible. However, the way she described the sex scene between Fanule and William was a bit cringe-worthy. I felt kind of awkward reading it – the prose went a bit purplish there. And third , after Fanule realized that he needed to win William back, it teased on the borderline of being too sappy for my taste.
All in all, as a conclusion of Mongrel Trilogy, I thought it didn’t really bring anything new – except the understanding about Fanule’s bloodline. Having said that, it still felt good to return to the world of historical/paranormal/steampunk world of Mongrel and got update about the life of these characters. Plus I was still a sucker for Clancy and Simon’s relationship and I couldn’t get enough of these two, even if the story was not from their perspective.
Overall verdict, if you like your paranormal/steampunk, you should give this trilogy a try.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
May 1, 2014
3.75 stars
This was the most enjoyable trilogy, yet Mongrel remains the most complex, nuanced novel in it.
Machine was more satisfying to me than the previous novel, where I wanted more page time for the protagonists. Here, I had different complaint. The villain was bad enough and he represented real threat to Taintwell and its inhabitants. His connection with Fanule made him even more interesting. I expected the big showdown between Fanule and Zofen, but instead Zofen was taken down by someone else. While we see that Clancy and William are all right, we don't see what happened with other Taintwellians who were robbed of their Spark. These two things with rather abrupt ending made me mildly dissatisfied.
The protagonists - Fanule, Will, Clancy and Simon - were lovely and sexy as always. I was especially pleased with the fact that Clancy regained some of the sass I felt was dimmed in the previous novel. Simon is just too perfect for him. I knew how much Will cared for Fan and, if anyone doubted that at all, this story will make it clear for them. Fan will forever remain my favorite K.Z. Snow's character.
All in all, this was not the bang I expected from the end of the trilogy, but I liked it and I am happy with where we leave these characters. Should K.Z. Snow decide to revisit them - in the form of a short story or even another novel - I would be happy with that too. I feel that these characters could go on, maybe in a wider world than Taintwell.
This was the most enjoyable trilogy, yet Mongrel remains the most complex, nuanced novel in it.
Machine was more satisfying to me than the previous novel, where I wanted more page time for the protagonists. Here, I had different complaint. The villain was bad enough and he represented real threat to Taintwell and its inhabitants. His connection with Fanule made him even more interesting. I expected the big showdown between Fanule and Zofen, but instead Zofen was taken down by someone else. While we see that Clancy and William are all right, we don't see what happened with other Taintwellians who were robbed of their Spark. These two things with rather abrupt ending made me mildly dissatisfied.
The protagonists - Fanule, Will, Clancy and Simon - were lovely and sexy as always. I was especially pleased with the fact that Clancy regained some of the sass I felt was dimmed in the previous novel. Simon is just too perfect for him. I knew how much Will cared for Fan and, if anyone doubted that at all, this story will make it clear for them. Fan will forever remain my favorite K.Z. Snow's character.
All in all, this was not the bang I expected from the end of the trilogy, but I liked it and I am happy with where we leave these characters. Should K.Z. Snow decide to revisit them - in the form of a short story or even another novel - I would be happy with that too. I feel that these characters could go on, maybe in a wider world than Taintwell.
November 15, 2021
Probably the least interesting of this trilogy - which is a pity as this was to be the concluding volume. All four MCs - Fan, William, Clancy and Simon do make reappearances but the latter two don't actually contribute much to the plot progression. The start of the book has a thrilling anticipatory feel to it ... something wicked this way comes. Alas the bad-guy and his nefarious machine barely rises above the level of evil that might be found in a children's novel; way below what Harry P fans expect really. Thankfully, more interest could be found in the further explorations into Fan's past/childhood/ancestry. 3 stars (just).
May 10, 2016
Great ending to the trilogy, answered question of what are Mongrels ?
Fan was amazing (as always)
This is a fantastic series of books, and should be more widely read I think
Fan was amazing (as always)
This is a fantastic series of books, and should be more widely read I think
August 2, 2020
4.0 of 5 - Best Yet to Conclude Enjoyable Gay Gaslamp Series.
I enjoyed this series' mix of gaslamp and steampunk, with each book being a standalone, but carrying characters forward. I was pulled into the imaginative, gritty, gothic world that K.Z. Snow created. It was an unspecified time following "the Great War" set as described by the author in a mix of American (eastern seaboard) Industrial Age with some British Victorian. It had a nice blend of mostly paranormal along with some mechanical, overlaid with intriguing characters and engaging plots.
This finale was the best in the trilogy. It continued the rich descriptions with nice details and a hint of purple, what with metaphors and all. But purple is my favorite color and that wisp of melodrama fit the genre and helped me picture the scenes. It was still the same general locale, and Snow re-introduced me to the dark times, diverse races and cleverly named towns - the pure human Purinton, the mongrel Taintwell, even returning to the Marvelous Mechanical Circus. And again a poignant story to read at this time - saddening to see the parallels between the bigotry and persecution against mongrels and the racism of our times, and to a lesser extent the homophobia.
I had my same entertaining foursome (with creative names to match), and this time the romantic pairs were sorely taxed - between a branded mongrel (Fan, aka Dog King) and a pure-human circus pitchman (Will), and also a vampire with heart (Marrowbone) and a gay crusty mechanic (Bentcross). This made the relationships feel realistic, and gave depth to the characters. I liked them all the more for it.
The mystery in this was not as much a mystery to me, but to the characters. Snow purposely gave me a good idea of what the mysterious stranger with his magical mechanical spiritorium was about. It was nice to see those revelations confirm my suspicions. But adding more to the tension was not knowing when and how the foursome, who had different pieces of the puzzle, would finally put all the pieces together, and if the victims could ultimately be saved. Along the way, there was some nice paranormal and steampunk elements to spice it up.
All in all, a very enjoyable, satisfying conclusion, of both the mystery and the romances.
I enjoyed this series' mix of gaslamp and steampunk, with each book being a standalone, but carrying characters forward. I was pulled into the imaginative, gritty, gothic world that K.Z. Snow created. It was an unspecified time following "the Great War" set as described by the author in a mix of American (eastern seaboard) Industrial Age with some British Victorian. It had a nice blend of mostly paranormal along with some mechanical, overlaid with intriguing characters and engaging plots.
This finale was the best in the trilogy. It continued the rich descriptions with nice details and a hint of purple, what with metaphors and all. But purple is my favorite color and that wisp of melodrama fit the genre and helped me picture the scenes. It was still the same general locale, and Snow re-introduced me to the dark times, diverse races and cleverly named towns - the pure human Purinton, the mongrel Taintwell, even returning to the Marvelous Mechanical Circus. And again a poignant story to read at this time - saddening to see the parallels between the bigotry and persecution against mongrels and the racism of our times, and to a lesser extent the homophobia.
I had my same entertaining foursome (with creative names to match), and this time the romantic pairs were sorely taxed - between a branded mongrel (Fan, aka Dog King) and a pure-human circus pitchman (Will), and also a vampire with heart (Marrowbone) and a gay crusty mechanic (Bentcross). This made the relationships feel realistic, and gave depth to the characters. I liked them all the more for it.
The mystery in this was not as much a mystery to me, but to the characters. Snow purposely gave me a good idea of what the mysterious stranger with his magical mechanical spiritorium was about. It was nice to see those revelations confirm my suspicions. But adding more to the tension was not knowing when and how the foursome, who had different pieces of the puzzle, would finally put all the pieces together, and if the victims could ultimately be saved. Along the way, there was some nice paranormal and steampunk elements to spice it up.
All in all, a very enjoyable, satisfying conclusion, of both the mystery and the romances.
October 1, 2017
What an ending. Love prevails. :)
May 31, 2016
This story was back to Fan and Will and they are going through a difficult time due to some evil forces that come in to their village. Their relationship is put to the test as is their friend's Clancy and Simon's relationship. Through the course of the story the guys all end up working together to rid their town of the bad guy.
Overall I really enjoyed this trilogy. I had some minor issues with the relationships being insta-love and the dialogue not being as good as I would have liked in places but the good things out weigh the bad in my opinion. There is great world building in the series and really interesting plots and characters. I would read other books in this series if the author ever wrote any more and they would make a great movie or television show. These are a recommend for those who enjoy the steampunk genre and I also think these would be a good starter place for those who haven't read steampunk before but would like to try it.
Overall I really enjoyed this trilogy. I had some minor issues with the relationships being insta-love and the dialogue not being as good as I would have liked in places but the good things out weigh the bad in my opinion. There is great world building in the series and really interesting plots and characters. I would read other books in this series if the author ever wrote any more and they would make a great movie or television show. These are a recommend for those who enjoy the steampunk genre and I also think these would be a good starter place for those who haven't read steampunk before but would like to try it.
Read
April 8, 2014Now available for preorder: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
June 15, 2014
Best book of the trilogy!
January 11, 2020
Reread January 2020
I had read this in a trilogy bundle. This time I read the individual book. I skimmed over the first two books again, but remembered the highlights (and horrors) of this strange world pretty well.
Fanule has been very busy with various goings-on in the province and in the town of "Mongrels" that he takes care of. In this world, "Mongrels" are a mix of human and various other ancient intelligent species. He's been so busy that he's forgotten to take the medicine for bipolar disorder that a ghostly healer makes for him. In an angry state of mind, he kicks his lover Will out of the house.
Once Fanule starts taking his medicine again and his mood evens out somewhat, he deeply regrets kicking Will out. Some residents of Taintwell, the town of "Mongrels," have suddenly lost their vitality and much of their awareness of what's going on around them. Fanule's friend Clancy Marrowbone, a famous vampire, has disappeared. Fanule can't find Will, either.
Fanule's mysterious father has returned to town, and Fanule strongly suspects his father is up to no good. Fanule doesn't really have ways to prove it at the time. But Fanule has friends and allies, and those who still have their wits about them help him.
I had read this in a trilogy bundle. This time I read the individual book. I skimmed over the first two books again, but remembered the highlights (and horrors) of this strange world pretty well.
Fanule has been very busy with various goings-on in the province and in the town of "Mongrels" that he takes care of. In this world, "Mongrels" are a mix of human and various other ancient intelligent species. He's been so busy that he's forgotten to take the medicine for bipolar disorder that a ghostly healer makes for him. In an angry state of mind, he kicks his lover Will out of the house.
Once Fanule starts taking his medicine again and his mood evens out somewhat, he deeply regrets kicking Will out. Some residents of Taintwell, the town of "Mongrels," have suddenly lost their vitality and much of their awareness of what's going on around them. Fanule's friend Clancy Marrowbone, a famous vampire, has disappeared. Fanule can't find Will, either.
Fanule's mysterious father has returned to town, and Fanule strongly suspects his father is up to no good. Fanule doesn't really have ways to prove it at the time. But Fanule has friends and allies, and those who still have their wits about them help him.
January 29, 2021
4 stars
Another great installment in the series, and a fitting conclusion for the trilogy. I’m just sad it’s over.
This book is slightly more melancholy, but just as gripping and exciting as the first two. It was interesting to get more of Fan’s back story. The crux of the mystery was fascinating, both beautiful & grotesque.
And this concluding book solidifies everyone’s happy endings in a realistic way.
Another great installment in the series, and a fitting conclusion for the trilogy. I’m just sad it’s over.
This book is slightly more melancholy, but just as gripping and exciting as the first two. It was interesting to get more of Fan’s back story. The crux of the mystery was fascinating, both beautiful & grotesque.
And this concluding book solidifies everyone’s happy endings in a realistic way.
July 30, 2018
Would a foursome really have been too much to ask for?
November 3, 2014
This is the third and final story in the trilogy starting with Mongrel. While the first story remains my favorite, this story is a strong and fitting finale.
The two couples, Fanule and William from Mongrel, Clancy and Simon from Merman, both feature in this story, although it is Fanule/William that has the most action.
Fanule and William's lives are busy, although the love between them remains strong. Yet when a new character arrives in their lives, things start to fall apart. Fanule becomes both angry and depressed, and when William tries to help, Fanule kicks William out of his house.
Despite his misery and regret at pushing William away, Fanule is drawn into an investigation of several people who appeared to have lost their inner spark, with the common link being the new character - a man claiming to be a spiritualist. A man who turns out to be someone Fanule knows.
While their are plenty of sex scenes, and we have the two couples involved, I wouldn't really call this story a romance per se. Instead, it's a steampunk version of a "who dunnit".
It is probably better, if not quite essential, to have read the two preceding novels before tackling this one.
The two couples, Fanule and William from Mongrel, Clancy and Simon from Merman, both feature in this story, although it is Fanule/William that has the most action.
Fanule and William's lives are busy, although the love between them remains strong. Yet when a new character arrives in their lives, things start to fall apart. Fanule becomes both angry and depressed, and when William tries to help, Fanule kicks William out of his house.
Despite his misery and regret at pushing William away, Fanule is drawn into an investigation of several people who appeared to have lost their inner spark, with the common link being the new character - a man claiming to be a spiritualist. A man who turns out to be someone Fanule knows.
While their are plenty of sex scenes, and we have the two couples involved, I wouldn't really call this story a romance per se. Instead, it's a steampunk version of a "who dunnit".
It is probably better, if not quite essential, to have read the two preceding novels before tackling this one.
December 30, 2014
I loved this book, in fact I think it's my favorite of the Mongrel books. I was a little worried that the revelation of the origin of the mongrels and more of their world would be disappointing somehow, but I should not have worried. it's a good explanation, and it just makes me want to see more of this world. This is a very satisfying conclusion for the trilogy, especially as far as the two main couples are concerned, but I would still love to read more about them and I'll happily read anything else K.Z. Snow happens to write that's set in this world. I was especially glad to see a lot more of Lizabeta.
February 1, 2017
Well, it would appear that there is NEVER a dull moment in Taintwell! *grin*
This, the final installment to a very interesting series, was as entertaining as for two before it and keep us guessing about all the going ons about town! Fan, Will, Clancy, Simon and Lizabetta were fighting an unseen foe with dire results!
Even though the first book is still my favorite, this whole series was original in storyline and writing style, giving us a very enjoyable experience! I look forward to reading many more books by this author!
This, the final installment to a very interesting series, was as entertaining as for two before it and keep us guessing about all the going ons about town! Fan, Will, Clancy, Simon and Lizabetta were fighting an unseen foe with dire results!
Even though the first book is still my favorite, this whole series was original in storyline and writing style, giving us a very enjoyable experience! I look forward to reading many more books by this author!
July 26, 2014
I was in two minds about reading this book. I wanted to know what was in store for Will and Fan and Simon and Clancy but having seen them all work hard for their HEAs I didn't want to see anything jeopardise that. I also seem to always have a hard time finishing a series as I never want to say goodbye to couples I have fallen in love with. Throughout this story, I always had faith that Fan could fix things if he just managed to get his act together. The bond between him and Will is too strong for anything to break it and although he had his moments he did come good in the end.
July 23, 2015
This is the 3rd book in the Mongrel series.
This book does not introduce a new romance, but follows the characters from the previous 2 books (Mongrel and Merman) through a new adventure. In this book, Fan's father (!) reappears, and he doesn't just suck light, he sucks souls! Fan is left to save Taintwell yet again!
Fanule's father is not a nice person (well, not a person at all, actually). I feared some sort of mushy parent/child reconciliation at the end, which is a particular pet peeve of mine. Rest assured, one does not occur.
This book does not introduce a new romance, but follows the characters from the previous 2 books (Mongrel and Merman) through a new adventure. In this book, Fan's father (!) reappears, and he doesn't just suck light, he sucks souls! Fan is left to save Taintwell yet again!
Fanule's father is not a nice person (well, not a person at all, actually). I feared some sort of mushy parent/child reconciliation at the end, which is a particular pet peeve of mine. Rest assured, one does not occur.
August 16, 2014
Great Wrap up!!! LOVED IT.
This story goes back to Fan and William as the MC's. It ties together all sorts of pieces that have been lightly touched on in the other books.
I will now go back and re-read them all together, now that I have the world better cemented in my mind.
Must read for anyone who enjoyed Mongrel
This story goes back to Fan and William as the MC's. It ties together all sorts of pieces that have been lightly touched on in the other books.
I will now go back and re-read them all together, now that I have the world better cemented in my mind.
Must read for anyone who enjoyed Mongrel
May 31, 2016
I throughly enjoyed this series and should KZ ever decided to write more of them, I will be gobbling it up! :D If you are into steampunk with a bit of paranormal fantasy you definitely want to check these books out!
June 29, 2014
4.5 stars
February 10, 2015
** 3.5 Stars **
July 4, 2014
Solid ending to the trilogy. Wish all three novellas were available in one print book. Would buy in a heartbeat.
July 13, 2015
I know it's a trilogy, but I still hope for more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews