Book Review: The Clockwork Dagger by Beth Cato

The Clockwork Dagger
Author: Beth Cato
Series: Clockwork Dagger Novel (Book 1)
Publication: Harper Voyager (September 16, 2014)

Description: Full of magic, mystery, and romance, an enchanting steampunk fantasy debut in the bestselling vein of Trudi Canavan and Gail Carriger.

Orphaned as a child, Octavia Leander was doomed to grow up on the streets until Miss Percival saved her and taught her to become a medician. Gifted with incredible powers, the young healer is about to embark on her first mission, visiting suffering cities in the far reaches of the war-scarred realm. But the airship on which she is traveling is plagued by a series of strange and disturbing occurrences, including murder, and Octavia herself is threatened.

Suddenly, she is caught up in a flurry of intrigue: the dashingly attractive steward may be one of the infamous Clockwork Daggers—the Queen’s spies and assassins—and her cabin-mate harbors disturbing secrets. But the danger is only beginning, for Octavia discovers that the deadly conspiracy aboard the airship may reach the crown itself.

My Thoughts: This steampunk fantasy combines romance and mystery. Octavia Leander is a medician = combining medicine and magic. She's on her way to a new post aboard an airship where there are a couple of attempts on her life. 

Enter Alonzo Garrett, one of the Queen's Clockwork Daggers - spies and assassins, who is working as a steward and assigned to bring her back to Mercia or, maybe, to kill her. Octavia's roommate is also hiding things from her past which Octavia discovers when she heals her from an attack that was aimed at Octavia. 

I enjoyed all of the steampunk goodies including Garrett's prosthetic leg. I also thought the worldbuilding was excellent. Octavia attributes her healing powers, which are beyond those of any other healer, to her belief in the Lady and the Tree. I liked the political rivalry between the Wastes and Octavia's homeland of Caskentia. 

This was an entertaining beginning to a steampunk series. 

I bought this one May 2, 2024, as a Kindle Daily Deal. You can buy your copy here.