Review: Unleash the kraken
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 27, 2013
Magnus, Baron Findlay, has a very strong connection with his island home. Unfortunately someone has unleashed the kraken on his formerly tranquil retreat and he spends his days fighting the creatures. He is swept out to see during a particularly brutal battle and eventually washes up on Mull where Alice MacDonald takes him in. Unable to heal him herself, Alice contacts Sir Fergus MacKay for help and he sends his daughter Dr Geneva MacKay.Geneva runs a successful practice in Edinburgh and isn't exactly happy about running off to the Inner Hebrides. Although this world is quite advanced with its mechanical inventions and magic, Geneva often has to deal with sexism. Many simply can't believe that a woman could make a successful physician. She's pragmatic, intelligent and fiercely independent which is at odds with the speed at which she yields to Magnus. Magnus has a very strong connection to his island and refuses to leave it for very long. He knows he ought to marry but would prefer an islander so as not to inflict isolation onto his spouse. Geneva is not a sensible choice as she is so wedded to her medical practice but love is rarely logical, is it?This is quite a lot packed into this short book. The world is probably the best rendered part of the book and I enjoyed the blend of steampunk and magic. The as the plot was fairly predictable though and the villains practically had neon signs over their heads identifying themselves. In a longer novel it would be easier to hide them with a variety of red herrings but we don't have that luxury here.This is a very quick and fun read. Although it is the third in the series it can be read as a standalone.