Review, Excerpt & Giveaway (INT): Iron Pendulum (Periodic series #2), by Megan Curd

Hey guys and welcome to the blog tour hosted by InkSlinger PR for Megan Curd's Iron Pendulum, the second book in the Periodic series! I really enjoyed the first book, Steel Lily, and was part of that tour last year (read my review here). I'm very happy for the opportunity to be part of the tour once more!
Below, you can find more info on the book and author, my review, an excerpt, annnnnd a giveaway :)


ABOUT THE BOOK

Release date: August 28, 2014
Format: ebook, 285 pages

Synopsis
A month ago, Avery thought the world ended outside Dome Four. Thought she was one of the few of her kind. Thought the war that brought the human race to the brink of extinction was over.

But a month can change everything.

After fighting to escape a tyranny she didn't even know existed, Avery has had to come to grips with all the secrets she's uncovered. But more secrets continue to come to light, revealing how little of her world she truly knew. When evidence starts to show that Dome Four might be under siege, Avery knows what she must do.

Returning to the dome she longed to escape is a challenge for Avery, but now she knows there’s corruption lurking in the shadows. A massive steam shortage leaves half the dome without power, and people are falling ill. Dying.

And they’re blaming Avery.

A month can change everything. One more month could kill everyone. The clock is ticking. 

Buy it on Amazon 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan Curd is a graduate of Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. While having always enjoyed reading any books she could get her hands on, Megan didn’t begin writing until a friend encouraged her to do so while in college.

When not writing, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Photography, traveling and snowboarding are hobbies she loves, and she doesn’t turn down the opportunity to play xBox with her brother and friends when it presents itself.

Megan currently resides in Ohio with her husband and son, where she is trying to convert them into Buckeye fans.

Website    Facebook    Twitter    Pinterest    Goodreads

The following review is based on an eARC of the novel provided to me by the tour organizer in exchange for my honest opinion.

Also - spoilers for Steel Lily ahead!! Read that one first, okay? I also apologize for the length. I've never been great at keeping the reviews short and I'm out of practice...

REVIEW
The ending of Steel Lily left Avery at the alliance headquarters reunited with her father but grieving the death of her mother. The beginning of Iron Pendulum picks up soon after that, so there is no gap between the two installments of the series. Avery and her friends are scouting out some tunnels between headquarters and Dome four, her former home, when they are attacked by a bunch of Zeros. In case you don’t remember, the Zeros are victims of radiation set off in the war and have also been experimented on my Xander, who fashioned them into his personal army. They are irrational, aggressive, and basically like zombies without the undead part.

There are also not supposed to be any new ones. Problem is, Avery recognized one of the Zeros as a former member of her class in Dome four. What’s more, Xander sent a message – he knows they’re down in the tunnels. Something is clearly afoot in Dome four, so Avery, Jax, and Alice are going back in (bugged, of course) to figure out in how far it is under Xander’s influence and what governor Lindroth is planning.

Avery had been gone for six months, and it quickly becomes obvious that the situation for people in the dome has gone from bad to worse during that time. Every day, people get sick, cough up blood, and die. Without Avery to provide most of the dome’s steam, the air filtration system had to be shut off more and more often, since the other Elementalists (among them her old nemesis Erin) cannot live up to her steam quota. Everyone, commoners and the governor alike, wants to know where she’s been, why she abandoned them to their fate. They are blaming her for their misery. The Polatzi forces violently break up mobs of protesters. And Avery definitely feels the pressure. The pressure to provide, to answer questions, to evade, to survive, to keep the secrets of the alliance safe despite threats to hurt her loved ones – and above all, the pressure to give people hope. That she’s smart-mouthed as ever and prone to cause riots does not always work to her advantage.

I really have to commend Avery for her bravery and her spine of steel, even though she’s a bit impulsive at times and can’t stay out of trouble. She has to deal with so much injustice and loss (I’m thinking of one death in particular, plus the ending – how could you do this to me, Megan Curd??)in this novel and she still gets up again and keeps going. I also enjoyed how despite some tensions that arise because Jax has to get close to evil Erin and Avery is supposed to weasel information out of Vince, the governor’s son, the relationship between Avery and Jax remains solid. They’re a team, they trust each other, they have each other’s back. So much unnecessary jealousy-drama could have been created from this situation, and I’m very glad that wasn’t the case! Also, the awesome snarky banter between Jax and Avery that I loved so much in Steel Lily is still there and sharp as ever!

As for Jax himself, I really liked that we get to see another side to him in this novel. He’s not just all smartassery and mechanic genius. Because they’re staying with a friend of Avery’s who is taking care of a bunch of orphaned little children, he has to learn to be kind and take care of those weaker than him. I will never forget the image of ‘Prince Jax’ having an imaginary tea party with the little girls. And a tiara on his dreadlocks.

As the days wear on and more people get sick despite Avery filling the steam canisters every day, questions arise. Why are the canisters empty every night when the steam should have lasted for a whole month? Where is that energy going? What’s the massive iron clock with its tick-tocking pendulum that now stands in the marketplace for? Is the governor just a power-hungry elitist, or is he in league with Xander? What’s up with all the Zeros in the Polatzi forces? Can Avery really count on the loyalty of all of her friends?

The pace of this book is fast and doesn’t leave space for lulls in action or a moment of boredom. Despite that, character development is not overlooked and there are short moments of ‘normalcy’ for Avery and her friends before the dome goes to hell in a handbasket again. I also really liked the addition of Vince as a character and that we get to see a bit more of Sadie. That girl’s a hacker genius and they’d be screwed without her.

One small complaint that I have is that I would have liked some more conversations and bonding between Avery and her father. They’ve been apart for so long, and I’d have liked to see them reconnect a bit more before Avery runs off to the dome again. Also, I’d have liked some more info about how the world came to be as it is, but I guess that will have to wait until the next book.

Apart from that though, this book is an awesome, action-packed ride! The ending was unexpected, and there are a couple twists I really didn’t see coming, as well as characters not turning out to be who you thought they were. Iron Pendulum continues the blend between post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, and fantasy with a heavy dose of snark that won me over in Steel Lily. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!


EXCERPT

Hint to you guys: every day, a different excerpt is posted - so it makes sense to follow the tour and check out some of the other blogs if you want to get more of a peek ;)

“I love the smell of crusty military men in a sewage tunnel,” Jaxon said as he crouched, ready to take on the first one that arrived. Fire began to form in the palms of his hands—the element he’d been able to control since taking a vial of my blood—and it crackled ominously, sending sparks everywhere. His element was as unpredictable as he was, and he was learning to control it quickly.

But he’d forgotten one little tidbit. We were standing in water, and I was a water Elementalist.

Oh, he was going to be so mad when his minstrels sang songs about me.

I focused all my energy on the rippling water around my ankles and felt a familiar zing of electricity in my limbs. The water bubbled, and there was a rumble behind us.

Jaxon caught on and dropped to his knees to cover his head, the fire disappearing into a turret of smoke. “You cheater!”


So, what do you guys think? Have you read Steel Lily and are eager for the sequel? Is this your first time hearing about the series? Any thoughts on the excerpt, or the premise of the books in general? Let me know in the comments :)

Giveaway

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Follow the Tour

August 26^th

Book Lovin' Mamas – Excerpt

Fabulous and Fun - Excerpt & Review

Once Upon a Twilight - Excerpt & Review

Coffee Books & Art – Excerpt

August 27^th

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club – Excerpt & Playlist

A Book Vacation – Excerpt & Review

Becky on Books – Excerpt

Born To Read – Excerpt & Review

August 28^th

Adventures in Writing – Guest Post & Review

In between The Pages – Excerpt & Review

Let Me Be Fictional – Excerpt & Review

Bibliophilia, Please – Excerpt

August 29^th

Roxy's Reviews – Excerpt & Review

A Dream Within A Dream – Excerpt & Review

Paperback Cowgirl Reviews – Excerpt & Review

SassyCat's Books Review – Excerpt & Character Playlist

August 30^th

Book Sense – Excerpt & Review

Loves All Things Books – Excerpt & Dream Cast

Girl in the Woods Reviews – Excerpt & Review

The Small Nerd – Excerpt & Review

August 31^st

Ashley's Paranormal Book Blog – Excerpt & Review

One Guy's Guide to Good Reads – Excerpt & Review

deal sharing aunt – Excerpt & Interview

Chibi Reader – Excerpt & Review

September 1^st

GenGen's Book Blog – Excerpt & Review

Resch Reads and Reviews – Excerpt & Review

Shelfspace Needed – Excerpt & Review

This Redhead LOVES Books – Excerpt

September 2^nd

The Revolving Bookcase for Young Readers – Excerpt

Dowie's Place – Excerpt & Review

Istyria book blog – Excerpt & Review

The Bearded Scribe – Excerpt & Review

September 3^rd

Addicted Readers – Excerpt

Shayna Varadeaux Books & Reviews – Excerpt & Guest Post

K.R. Grace – Excerpt & Review

Mercurial Musings – Excerpt & Review

September 4^th

Avid Reader Musings – Excerpt & Review

Bookinfatuation – Excerpt & Review

Out of Time – Excerpt & Review

Morgan Wylie~Author – Excerpt

September 5^th

Fabulous and Fun – Excerpt & Interview

A Cup of Coffee and a Book – Excerpt & Review

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

September 6^th

The Rest Is Still Unwritten – Excerpt & Review

Write Away Bliss – Excerpt & Review

Racing To Read – Excerpt & Review

September 7^th

Such a Novel Idea – Excerpt & Guest Post

The La La Land of Books – Excerpt & Review

paranormal book club ( PBC) – Excerpt & Review

The Book Beacon – Excerpt & Review

September 8^th

Much Loved Books – Excerpt & Review

Life Between the Pages – Excerpt & Review

Reading on the Farm – Excerpt & Review

Shelves of Books/ Reading For Fun – Excerpt & Review

September 9^th

Books for a Delicate Eternity – Excerpt & Review

The Bookie Monster – Guest Post & Review

Dizneeee's World of Books – Excerpt & Review

Review, character interview & giveaway: Steel Lily, by Megan Curd

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Steel Lily, Megan Curd's new YA dystopian steampunk novel! Below you can find more info about the book and author as well as my review, an interview I was lucky enough to get out of Jax, the male lead, as well as a giveaway for a t-shirt, autographed books and more!


THE BOOK

Release date: August 12, 2013
Format: ebook
Book #1 in the Periodic Series

Description:
AVERY PIKE is a commodity. No, more than a commodity. Her existence is guarded at all costs.

She’s a water Elementalist, the strongest of her dwindling kind. She creates steam to provide energy to fuel Dome Four: the only thing standing between humanity and an earth ravaged by World War III. No steam, no Dome. No Dome, no life.

Or so she thinks.

That is, until a mysterious man offers her a way out of having to donate steam. A way to escape the corrupt government of Dome Four. While the offer seems too good to be true, Avery is intrigued. But when she arrives to her new home, she realizes the grass isn’t any less dead on this side of the fence. Instead, the lies are just hidden better.

…Which means digging deeper.

When Avery enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth, she learns that while some secrets are better left concealed, humankind was never meant to live in a cage. And when you can control the most sought after resource, you can learn to control anything…including the fate of your world.

Amazon     Barnes&Noble

THE AUTHOR

Megan Curd is a graduate of Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. While having always enjoyed reading any books she could get her hands on, Megan didn’t begin writing until a friend encouraged her to do so while in college. When not writing, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves to snowboard and travel to new places, and doesn’t turn down the opportunity to play xBox with her brother and friends when it presents itself. Megan currently resides in Stanton, Kentucky with her husband, son, and Great Dane named Dozer.

Website     Twitter     Facebook     Amazon Author Page

The following review is based on an eARC that was provided to me by the tour organizer in exchange for my honest opinion.

REVIEW
Steel Lily is set in an America of the not-so-distant future after World War III devastated the environment and the atmosphere. The surviving humans live in large domes where they try to keep things running and somehow, at some point, maybe populate the outside world again. At the moment, the air outside the domes is too toxic to breathe.

Avery Pike, our heroine, is a very gifted elementalist. At 15, she already takes classes with the 19-year-olds and her ability to transform water to steam, which powers the whole dome, is unparalleled. What I like about Avery is that her ability has not made her arrogant. She’s a very down-to-earth, realistic person and the fact that the government has granted her access to certain luxuries has not caused her to forget where she came from and what she lost.

Her parents disappeared a few years ago and apart from her childhood friends Alice and Legs she doesn’t really have anyone left. The loyalty and friendship between Avery and Alice was something I really enjoyed! Quite often in YA, the heroine doesn’t really have a good best girl friend with whom she has an equal relationship; there are often jealousies etc. and I was glad that this wasn’t the case here. The girls are their own family and they stick together when things get tough.

And in the world of Steel Lily, things get tough often. The majority of people are poor (there’s a strict class division), there is no electricity (steampower only), and the corrupt Polatzi forces keep everyone subdued. Speaking up or resisting is not a smart idea. The war may only be talked about in government-sanctioned education classes and over the course of the novel, it becomes clear that not everything Avery’s been taught is actually true. When a mysterious man called Atticus Riggs offers her the option of studying at Chromelius Academy, in another dome, she’s suspicious. But how can she say no when Riggs new her parents? When she could live at a place where she’d be less of an outsider? The decision is made for her when the Polatzi raid Alice’s place and the girls are lucky to escape alive with the help of Jaxon Pierce, who was sent by Riggs to collect them and get them out of the dome.

Jax was another reason why I enjoyed the novel so much. He’s a snarktastic smartass with a wonderful appreciation for sarcasm. He and Avery are at each other’s’ throats all the time but they are also clearly attracted to one another. Jax could have come off as a jerk but it’s clear from the beginning that his apparent confidence masks a lot of issues and vulnerabilities. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s hot in a grungy way and a genius mechanic and alchemist. Despite their mutual attraction, Avery has reason to mistrust him though and I liked that she didn’t just give in to him right away.

Chromelius Academy is in another dome and let’s just say that things are very different there… on the surface. There are dark things brewing and Avery and the friends she makes there (among them a girl hacker! I love hackers!) are right in the middle of it. But who’s trustworthy? Who is really saying the truth? Trapped between forces who have been at war for years, Avery has to choose sides. And either one wants to use her because of what it turns out she can do.

As you’ve probably gathered, the characters are what makes this novel amazing. They are all clearly drawn and have distinctive voices. The dialogue was authentic, snappy, and made me laugh a lot despite the sometimes bleak atmosphere of the world. The world building is very solid; the reader is given enough information to figure things out without being info-dumped. I’d like to know a little more about how the world became what it is, but the ending of the book suggests that we’ll learn more about that in the sequel.

The pacing is also great. After getting to know Avery’s world, the action comes in quite quickly and the balance between character-focused and plot-focused scenes works out very well. There’s always something going on but the pace didn’t leave me breathless either. I was always engaged and wanted to keep reading and making up theories.
My one complaint is related to that though. I suspected the main plot twist quite early on. I don’t know if that was just me picking up on the right vibes though, so it might be different for other people. In any case, there were a couple more twists after that one which totally blindsided me, and the whole novel ended up in a place I would never have guessed at the beginning!

On the whole, Steel Lily is an imaginative adventure set in a dystopian world relying on steam power and elemental abilities. The characters are well rounded, the dialogue is snarky and I was rooting for the romance developing between Avery and Jax. Both of them evolve over the course of the novel. The plot was a bit predictable in some cases and completely surprised me in others. I can’t wait to return to the world of Steel Lily in the next installment of the series!


CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH JAX
Welcome to the blog, Jax! I’m thrilled you could take the time to leave your lab and come over here to answer a couple questions for us curious readers so they can get to know you!

Introductions first - describe yourself in 7 words.
Roguishly handsome devil with impossibly mesmerizing eyes. How’s that? *winks*

Let’s talk about Chromelius Academy. What is your most and your least favorite aspect about it?
I love the French toast. It’s phenomenal. And my least favorite thing is any day that French toast isn’t served. *smiles* Wait…did you want a serious answer? Okay, okay. I love the French toast…no, really. I do. And sneaking out to drive the Porsche I saved. As for dislikes…well, I would assume that’s obvious. The place isn’t what it seems. No one comes or goes on their own accord, even if that’s what they want you to believe.

The first time Avery meets you, you are driving a big steel contraption, one of your many inventions. Why don’t you tell us a little more about your abilities, and about what else you’re currently working on in your lab?
My main strength is alchemy—turning items into silver or gold. I really want to make something for Avery *glances around to see if she’s looking* when we’re not busy. Something that’ll really make her smile. Do you have any suggestions?

Oh, I think the present you gave her near the end of the book was perfect! So, speaking of Avery. What was your first impression of her, and how did it change as you got to know her better?
Well at first I thought she was a loony bin. I mean, really, who gets an entire military force chasing them around if they’re not a little crazy? But then I got to know her, and… she’s different. In a good way. Special. *looks off* I’m glad I have her in my life.

Having gone through all the momentous events and revelations at the end of Steel Lily, what are your hopes for the future?
I want to have a life that means more than just surviving. I want to help people see what potential there is… and I hope we can do that. Plus I want to get to know Avery better. She’s amazing.

Tell us something you’re proud of and something you regret?
Something I’m proud of? Designing the star mural that’s inlaid in the floor at Chromelius Academy. Something I regret? My choices at Chromelius. I want to learn from them and become someone better in the future, if that makes sense.

Thanks again for stopping by Jax! It was awesome to get to know you better!

So now that you've read my review and got to know Jax, what do you think about Steel Lily? I hope I could whet your appetite! You can follow along with the tour and check out more guest posts, excerpts and interviews - the schedule is below. And don't forget to enter the giveaway!

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 12th

Into the Land of Books-Author Interview, Top Ten, Excerpt

Life Between the Pages-Review

Kelly P's Blog-Excerpt

Books For A Delicate Eternity-Review, Character Interview

Great Imaginations - Review

Avid Reader Musings-Review, Excerpt

Little Library Muse-Excerpt

The “I Love Books Club”-Review

Enchanted Endpapers-Review, Interview

The Small Nerd-Review, Author Interview

Girl in the Woods Reviews-Review, Excerpt

August 13th

A Book Vacation-Review, Guest Post/Top Ten, Excerpt

Indy Book Fairy-Review, Guest Post

This Is How It's Supposed To Be- Review

Literary Meanderings-Top Ten List

lilybloombooks-Review

ReadingToTheStarsAndBack-Review, Author Interview

Kaidans Seduction-Review, Excerpt

Shelves of Books-Review

The Book Town-Review

Secrets of Lost Words-Review

Frodo's Blog of Randomness-Review

Istyria book blog-Review

This Redhead LOVES Books-Review, Excerpt

August 14th

SassyCat's Books Review- Guest Post, Author Interview, Character Interview

Oops! I Read A Book Again- Guest Post/Top Ten, Character Interview, Excerpt

Little Hyuts-Review

BookEnd 2 BookEnd-Review, Excerpt

Fabulous and Fun-Review

Momma Says Read-Review, Interview, Top Ten List (moved to 17th)

Live, Love, Laugh-Guest Post, Excerpt

Diamond & Coal Book Reviews-Review

Kate’s Tales of Books & Bands-Book Playlist

Dizneeee's World of Books-Review, Guest Post, Excerpt

Faerie Tale Books-Review, Excerpt

The Social Potato-Review

Loves All Things Books-Excerpt

Book Nerd Dash-Review

August 15th

Upon The Wings of Greater Things- Review, Author Interview

Such A Novel Idea-Review, Interview, Excerpt

Shelfspace Needed-Review, Character Interview, Excerpt

the flirty reader-Review, Interview

Little Bookworm Reviews-Excerpt

Book Groupies-Excerpt, Top Ten

Addicted Readers-Excerpt

Little Bookworm Reviews-Excerpt

A Cup of Coffee and a Book-Review, Excerpt

OurSomethingElse-Review

Chibi Reader-Review, Guest Post

Bibliophilia, Please-Guest Post, Interview, Excerpt

Bodacious Bookaholic-Review

August 16th

TSK TSK What to Read-Review, Character Interview

bees knees reviews-Review

Books Forget Me Knot- Review, Excerpt

paranormal book club- Review, Excerpt

Book 2 Book-Review

Read-A-holicZ-Review

Book Soulmates-Guest Post, Author Interview, Top Ten

Nook of Books-Review

Ramblings of a Writer-Review

Book Nerd Dash-Review

Racing To Read-Review, Top Ten List

Dear, Restless Reader-Review

Reads and Thoughts-Review, Top Ten List

August 17th

The Book Ninja-Review

Adventures in Reading-Excerpt

Life with Lesley-Review, Excerpt

The Reading Pile - Review

Reading Rainblog-Review, Guest Post, Excerpt

Becky’s Barmy Book Blog-Guest Post, Author Interview,Character Interview, Top Ten

Paperback cowgirl reviews-Excerpt, Top Ten List

Tamara's Book Ramblings-Excerpt

August 18th

Black Lilies Are Deadly-Review, Excerpt

Reader Girls- Review, Top Ten List

Write Away Bliss-Review, Character Interview

Paperback Princess-Review, Author Interview, Character Interview, Top Ten List

abookandalattee- Review

Girls With Books- Review, Guest Post

Musings of a Blogder-Review

Manga Maniac Cafe-Author Interview, Character Interview

Blkosiner’s Book Blog-Guest Post, Author Interview, Character Interview, Excerpt, Top Ten

read more sleep less-Review, Interview

Resch Reads and Reviews-Interview

Hope, Faith & Books-Review

August 19th

My Bookopolis-Review & Excerpt

Mercurial Musings-Guest Post, Author Interview, Character Interview, Excerpt, Top Ten List

TeamNerd Reviews-Review, Excerpt

Brooke Blogs-Guest Post

JeanzBookReadNReview-Review, Interview, Excerpt

Jess resides here-Guest Post, Excerpt, Top Ten List

Working for the Mandroid-Review, Guest Post, Top Ten List

deal sharing aunt-Top Ten List

The Bearded Scribe-Review, Interview

To Read or Not to Read?-Review

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club-Review, Interview

Mercy Amare-Review

Rose & Beps Blog-Excerpt

My Midnight Fantasies-Excerpt

Geek Goes Rogue-Review, Guest Post, Interview

Book Infatuation-Review, Excerpt

Project Read and Review-Interview, Excerpt

Two-Tall-Tales-Guest Post

Starlight Book Reviews-Review, Excerpt

Tamara's One Stop Indie Shop-Review, Excerpt

The Book Diaries-Review

girls in the stacks-Review, Interview

Books For YA!-Review