Viridis - A Steampunk Romance

Excellent

After reading the previous reviews, I was nervous about very explicit sex and mediocre writing. I was wrong, as are the negative reviews.

The sex is descriptive yet loving, except for one scene. Though that one scene is technically sodemy, it is written with a skill that allows the reader to know what is happening, feel the pain of our main character, yet also allows us to remain distant-if understanding. I believe this actually enables us to more fully understand what our heroin is going through.

I love the romance in the novel, and do not understand where people say that Phoebe goes from independent to needy in a page. She remains independent, but allows herself to recognize the human need for companionship. This exemplifies her self-knowing as well as the author's excellent character development process.

I eagerly look forward to the next book and all that Phoebe, Seth, and Gavin have to bring us.

***Please note that I never give 5 stars. Skakespeare is 5 stars. So is Shelly (both), Austen, Wolf, etc. When this novel reaches150 years of success in the steampunk genre, then I will change to a 5 star ratin.

10 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

It's more than erotic fiction...but still steamy!

Calista Taylor has tapped into what makes a story good. You care about the characters. She uses the Steampunk genre in order to spin her uncomplicated yarn. Good after dark diversion, this. Undoubtedly, she will write more.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

Steampunk

Some people on here complain about the clashing of the classic victorian era with modern thinking and technology. All i can say is welcome to the steampunk genre. Granted it is not for everyone. But to be fair, you cannot criticise the author for the supposed clash. This is a genre that began in the eighties and is making a comeback. It is not solely this authors invention.

If you are a fan of steampunk i recommend this book. For a freebie it is a fun read.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Great start to a series

I fell in love with the characters in this book! Had many ups and downs and very fast paced. Great love story and you really start caring about all of the characters. Pheobe being the main one!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Interesting characters and premise don't make up for the unsophisticated writing style

Writing lacks finesse in story telling. The characters and plot were intriguing enough to keep me at it for a while, but the excessive and blantant explanation of concepts was just too much. Felt like the author was trying to hit you over the head with the steampunk elements rather than let the world unfold itself to the reader.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Highly unexpected!

I was shocked by this book. I expcted this book to be bland and slightly boring. I deeply underestimated this book. It was an awesome story. It was a romantic murder mystery with surprises at every turn. I'm interested in the book in this series.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Very good

While I was disturbed by a few parts of the book, due to my own sensitivities, I found the book to be very enjoyable. The mystery was not easily solved, the writing was entertaining, and there weren't an abundance of spelling and grammar issues, like there so often are in self-published books. I look forward to continuing the story in the next book.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Hooked from page one

I hope this author has more books in store for us. She has a fresh voice and the ability to make you feel like you're there. Great love triangle!

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Ladybug. :)

WOW!!! Excellent Read, Hard to put down!!!

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

I was pleasantly surprises that for a free book it was very good

I was pleasantly surprises that for a free book it was very good. Full of intrigue and romance, tragedy and adventure. I highly recommend this book and I plan on purchasing the sequel.

Review

Tried to like it, but it was so boring. Waste of time.

This book started off a little slow but I am so glad I kept read

This book started off a little slow but I am so glad I kept reading. I couldn't put it down. It had mystery, romance, and adventure. Best of all the heroin is a strong intelligent business woman who goes against all society norms.

Prettty Good story, nn Pretty good read

Story wasn't long enough

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I felt the story was strong enough to stand on it's own, without

I felt the story was strong enough to stand on it's own, without all the explicit sex that went on. I'm more use to victorian stories that convey but do not go into detail. I confess I skimmed over all this to get on with the mystery that was being solved. I don't know if I'd purchase the second one. Overall the author did a good job.

Excellent

I wasn't sure what to expect with my first novel of this genre, but I really liked it. It gives characters with realistic emotions and actions. People seem to either really like the book or not. Being free, it is at least worth giving a try.

I loved this book! Just couldnt put it down! It keeps interested

I loved this book! Just couldnt put it down! It keeps interested making you want more! A must read!

Boring

First, I was intrigued but after a couple of chapter the whole story became predictable and boring.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

not sure if this was good or not

I am ambivalent about this book. Parts of it were really good, parts of it were so-so. parts of it were funny and parts of it were grueling to read. I got it free..so it was worth that. Not sure if I would pay much to read this or another of the same ilk.

Exciting, can't put down.

Steampunk at it's best. Not just another novel...can't wait to read second book in series.

Even free, it's not worth the price

This needs a massive revision, on every level and every element, including basic grammar. There is no sense of place; the heroine is whiny and makes stupid, unmotivated decisions; and there is no attention to the steampunk genre. It would be torture to read the entire 600+ pages; I gave up after twenty.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.