The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

 

The Netgalley rejection that started it all.  I had recently finished The Strange Case of Miss Finley Jayne when I found Netgalley 7 years ago. (I cannot believe it has been 7 years!) Being fresh to the site with zero publishing industry influence, I was declined the very first ARC I ever requested.

While my feelings were hurt then, I am older and wiser now. With my new role as Librarian, I decided to revive some of these old rejections. This series is one that I have been happiest to have rediscovered.

Book one is the story of Finley Jayne and the amalgamation of her two halves, and a super cliche love duel.  Book two is the story of Jasper and how much he once loved a girl (and her betrayal).  But it really all culminates for me with the brilliancy of the story of Emily. Learning about the girl with the ability to speak with machines was an incredible story that had my emotions all over the place. 

The characters start to get some emotional development as the Mayfair crew bands together to rescue Emily from the clutches of The Machinist. Sam really starts to come to life as his emotional existence is tested. 

But the best part is 312, the A.I. There is tons of steampunk technology rolling around the place, but the combination of machine with the Organites that have been evolving humanity makes for a fresh approach to A.I. that's all Cross. The bond that Emily develops with 312, and the moral enigmas this presents the story with were exceptional to read. They were a great divergence from the usual romantic tensions.

Because, honestly, I could have lived without the romance bits. Still not a fan of romance stories. But the deep passion that each couple feels for each other is sweet.