Review: Satisfying End to a Good Sci-Fi Steampunk Romance Trilogy
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 20, 2013
This series just got better and better with each installment saving the best for last.  Kim Knox has a strong grasp at writing a strong story arc and pacing the tension in her story development.  This is what a final book in a series should look like.I'll stop here to quickly point out that these books are very connected and have to be read in order.  The creative world building begins and continues through each book as does the action portion of the plot, the character development and the relationships.Mason and Frost recently delivered a severe blow to the alien's seeking to take over their planet, but that in no wise makes them confident.  People are still disappearing and likely being used in a new Martian scheme, Agamemnon's brother is still under the control of the alien commander, and they have no idea what the Crown of Towers the aliens spoke of is let alone where to find this last piece the aliens are putting in place for victory.And on a personal note, Mason is in near agony watching Frost now back together with his betrothed, Theodora, knowing that Frost has chosen her over Mason.  Even if it weren't for Theodora, Mason is well aware of the difference in their rank and the fact that Agamemnon Frost is brilliant and Mason is just a soldier.  Mason isn't allowed to dwell on this for long because the Martians make their move and the duo of Frost and Mason are caught up in the crosshairs.  Survival of this last battle is impossible and winning not probable.This one definitely satisfied and came through on the promises of the first two installments.  It brought the final battle into play with the stakes as high and impossible as ever.  All that time waiting for something to break in that tension-wrought relationship of covert steamy glances and touches, stolen kisses and agonizing distance at times between Mason and Frost was worth it.  I was near tears when Mason made the tough decision to play the hero to save the world if not himself and they only had just that little bit of time left to finally say and do what they wanted instead of shying away because of duty.I only had one niggle and it was a wee bitty one.  I would have liked a bit more fleshing out of the alien stuff in the end because I was still just a bit confused even after the explanation.  I got the general idea of what went down, but my curiosity wasn't completely satisfied.Yep!  Definitely one of the best Sci-Fi Romance series I've read.  I loved the blend of genres that included the mystery, the steampunk and the sci-fi plus the tip to Sherlock Holmes and Watson.  Those who also enjoy the blending of genres and a slow build romance should try these.My thanks to Net Galley for providing the book for review purposes.