This was my first steampunk - I actually picked it up thinking up thinking it was YA, and OH NO, it definitely wasn't! However, I really, truly liked it - I wasn't prepared for how amazingly detailed the story was. It was fascinating, and I loved the story, which reminded me a bit of The Matrix here and there - I found Mina's story harrowing and gripping - what a backstory! I also liked how Brook put her in a position of authority, but made her shunned by society at large. It added a great, touching element to the story. About the only thing that kind of irked me was the just how alpha male the Duke was - it was a little over the top for me at some points, but I did enjoy the romance between the two. A great book, and I recommend it.