Several friends had recommended this book to me but to be honest, I didn't think I would like it very much. It's set in Victorian times - Historical fiction is not something that appeals to me at all. The main character is soulless - I didn't think that I'd warm up to her at all for that reason. I was pleasantly surprised. 
 It did take me a while to warm up to the story but by a third of the way in I was really enjoying myself. I liked how Alexia wasn't quite right when it came to social situations. The supporting characters amused me greatly and whilst I wasn't a huge fan of Lord Maccon, I did think he was a great match for Miss Tarabotti. 
 This book has won me over to the side of steampunk fiction. I loved the integration of the Victorian age with werewolves and vampires. I would be interested in continuing the series - if only to find out more about the octopuses.