This review originally published at More Than Just Magic 
 A Clockwork Heart is a darker and creepier tale than its predecessor - A Conspiracy of Alchemists. A strange woman - The White Lady - is capturing people, removing their hearts and exchanging them with clockwork devices. An army of zombie like people who can't feel pain and will keep on fighting until destroyed? Disturbing stuff. 
 I really love Elle. I love how spunky she is and how brave. Even if her stubborness does get her into trouble. She's not afraid to put her life on the line for people she cares about (particularly Marsh) and that's admirable no matter what her other qualities are. I'm also a big fan of the secondary characters in this book, particularly Loisa Beladodia, the Nightwalker from A Conspiracy of Alchemists. I find her sense of humour spot on and I love how..vicious she is while still being a lady. 
 The first book had a lot more romance and A Clockwork Heart scaled it back a little, which was nice. Don't get me wrong, I love Hugh and Elle and I adored watching the "will they-won't they" in book 1. But it's nice to have something different to focus on as well. Especially since I was really frustrated by Hugh and Elle's relationship in this book overall. He knew who she was and promised her he wouldn't expect a traditional marriage. But in A Clockwork Heart turns around and demands just that! It felt like both of them were going against all the promises they had made not one book ago! 
 I also should clarify that saying the romance is scaled back doesn't mean Hugh and Elle aren't at the centre of the story. What fun would that be otherwise? There are some crazy antics and Schwarz puts these poor characters through the ringer. But we don't get as much Elle and Marsh together time. I don't think this is a bad thing personally, as it allows for Elle to achieve a bit of self-discovery. Even if she does make some foolish decisions in the process (Like not calling back the oracles? WHY?) 
 Recommendation: Overall A Clockwork Heart is a strong sequel. I don't think it's quite as good as the first, but still enjoyable and will leave you begging for book three, Sky Pirates.