Title: A Spark Unseen
Author: Sharon Cameron
Series: The Dark Unwinding (#2)
Published: September 24th 2013 by Scholastic Press
Genres: Steampunk, Historical Fiction, YA
Source: Netgalley
The thrilling sequel to Sharon Cameron's blockbuster gothic steampunk romance, THE DARK UNWINDING, will captivate readers anew with mystery and intrigue aplenty.
When Katharine Tulman wakes in the middle of the night and accidentally foils a kidnapping attempt on her uncle, she realizes Stranwyne Keep is no longer safe for Uncle Tully and his genius inventions. She flees to Paris, where she hopes to remain undetected and also find the mysterious and handsome Lane, who is suspected to be dead.
But the search for Lane is not easy, and Katharine soon finds herself embroiled in a labyrinth of political intrigue. And with unexpected enemies and allies at every turn, Katharine will have to figure out whom she can trust--if anyone--to protect her uncle from danger once and for all.
These books are definitely more about the Adventure and Mystery then they are romance. Which is not to say there isn’t swoonworthy romance because there is it just doesn't take precedence.
I loved Katharine, she is this unbelievable kick butt character but in a way her hands are tied to the extent that she can be kick butt. Just do the society standards. I also love her loyalty to Uncle Tully and how she has inherited some of his intricacies as well. She counts everywhere she goes, doing constant numbers in her I head. I kind of wonder if she were to help Uncle Tully with his inventions if she would not find that she has a knack for it herself. Katharine has inherited a great responsibility of having to take care of her uncle on her own, with Lane gone to Paris. She does her best but with evil doers trying to take advantage of his talents, she soon finds the best course of action is to flee for now.
The book picks up close to where we left off. Lane has been gone for months and presumed dead, even though Katharine does not believe that to be true. She is taking care of the vast estate on her own with assistance from Mr. Babcock. As with the first book the action and mystery picks up right from the start and we are sent on whirlwind adventure. I love so many aspects of these books. The historical infused with steampunk. The way things play out and how Katharine as much as she doesn’t want to, still has to try to play her role in society.
There are new characters introduce and even though there is not a strong threat of Aunt Alice, the gossip mill does not stop. Especially when Mrs. Hardcastle is only a door or wall away in her new home. There is also the introduction of Henri Marchand. There is no question of a love triangle, it’s obvious that Katharine only has her heart set to Lane, alive or dead but Henri brings a certain amount of intrigue. He seems to be very watchful and protective of Katharine but as a skeptic learned from extensive reading of mysteries, I wonder if he has sinister motives.
This book has a fantastic ending. I love how the plot plays out and especially how the characters play out. All is revealed and things you thought might not always be true. We see who are enemies are and those who turn out to be simple frenemies. Let me tell you there is a part with Katharine at the end that I wish I could share as in excerpt. I can see me rereading it in my future.
So if you enjoy your historical fiction with some steampunk this book is perfect for you. It’s definitely one of my favorites