One of the biggest issues I've had with steampunk is finding a human connection in stories often filled with overwhelming descriptions. Curio, in my opinion, strikes that perfect balance between world building, character building, and story building. I was enthralled with the fantasy surrounding Curio, which also contrasted so beautifully with the dank, dangerous, and well, frankly depressing landscape of Mercury City. 
 As far as characters go, Grey is young, curious, and in a manner of speaking very innocent - but not stupidly so. Her reactions are believable, and I love that she is really intuitive - she knows when she is in a sticky situation and makes moves to better herself. She engages in zero self-pity, and despite being dropped (quite literally) into a new situation she really hits the ground running which moves the story along well. Also, kudos to Evangeline Denmark for including a scene that dealt with actual basic issues that would arise - like using the bathroom. My sister and I always joke about how our heroines never seem to have to use the bathroom, or brush their teeth and tend to other hygiene needs! 
 Her character is one that I could not read enough of, in fact I would even go so far as to say that I wish that Curio would have been even longer so I could spend more time with Grey and Blaise, and her father. Which brings me to another key character, Whit. Whit started out as such a star for me, sure he was stubborn but he really seemed noble and honorable and I honestly thought that he was going to be the main love interest. Then (view spoiler)[ Grey was dropped in Curio City and (hide spoiler)] I completely lost interest in him. I mean completely. His narrative was a real drag for me, and that is the single criticism I have of this book. I wish there was less Whit, and significantly more Grey and Blaise. Their relationship could have benefited with more development, while Whit & co. could have been relegated to a much smaller portion of the book (or even the sequel or a novella) and I would have been 1001% fine with it. I get that his story, especially considering the ending, will probably evolve in the second book (and hopefully as the series continues) but right now I'm very "eh" about his part in this tale. And just to make it clear, the writing of Whit and what happens to him is really good, but for me (which probably won't hold true for most other readers) I just didn't fall in love with him. 
 There is a short prequel novella, called Mark of Blood and Alchemy. It's not necessary to have read it before you start Curio, but I appreciate its existence. I am definitely hoping we get more of Blaise and Grey, Blaise and Grey's dad, and even Grey's mom in the next book, as well as delving more into the world of the Chemists. I'm trying really hard to keep this review spoiler free but, let's just say that there is so much potential for juicy conflict within Grey's group especially since we know that there was an existing relationship with Blaise and Grey's father - which has yet to be thoroughly fleshed out. I still have so many questions, and honestly I'm not sure whether I want them all addressed in the next installment or whether I just want to sit down and have a Q&A sesh with Evangeline Denmark, haha! 
 Curio is an adventure worth delving into, whether you're a fan of steampunk or not. Entertainment, romance, shocking revelations, and equally as riveting twists and turns make this a great read! 
 *Spoiler-FULL Moments of Note (please don't read if you haven't read the book & you plan on doing so)* 
 (view spoiler)[ - I was so sad that her grandfather turned to stone! I loved his character, he really came across as such a force to me, and I feel like we didn't have enough time with him at all! I definitely think that he and Grey's father have so much more story left, of course since he's gone I hope we get more scenes with her dad. 
 - Her HAND! OMG! That scene though! I was on the edge of my seat, and I definitely did not expect that to happen. Like, at all. But it worked and I love it! It definitely adds a new dimension to Grey, and I'm kind of excited to see how she and those around her are going to cope with what happened to her. 
 - I'm really, really interested to see what's going to happen now that Grey's blood is super special, I don't think it's likely that the chemists are going to let her sit around secretly experimenting. 
 - Also, what is the heck is going down in Curio City. What happened to Nettie? And Fantine? And the rest of the gang? I feel like Blaise wouldn't just escape and then forget about them, so I'm guessing he's up to something. At least if he isn't, he will be. 
 - Her brother!!!!!! (hide spoiler)]