The Iron Duke

By: Meljean Brook

Narrated by: Faye Adele

First in an all-new series where seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas.

After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power-and fear-of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans-and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen, as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.

Great story

Love the characters and the story. The characters are so well drawn, I feel like I know them. Meljean at her best.

10/10 world building, 5/10 main characters

Like if someone suited to writing Lord of the Rings level fantasy decided to do alternative history streampunk instead but they have no idea how to write romance and defaulted to a shojo antihero stock character archetype who obsessively wants the main character on first sight and the relationship progression doesn’t make much sense.

Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone who likes steampunk more than they hate poorly written romance.

An incredibly well written story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Iron Duke to be better than the print version?

I did not read the book.

What other book might you compare The Iron Duke to and why?

There is really no comparison. The world building is incredible. The alternative history story line is so detailed and convincing. I was originally dismayed at the "romance" category. I like romance and lots of steam but usually it involves a naive girl who wants to be saved. There was plenty are grit and fight in the heroine and I loved it.

Great story, imaginative

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Heroine, def kick butt.

Have you listened to any of Faye Adele’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First Adele's book

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The storyline took me by surprise.

Any additional comments?

Good book, stick with it till the end.

a fascinating and dangerous world

I really enjoy the world that Brook sensei built. The characters of this book live in a fascinating and dangerous world. I mean there are nano bugs, zombies, air ships, lord and ladies, king, pirates and balls! What is NOT to like.

I also loved Mina, the tortured but strong and stubborn heroine. If I am not mistaken, she has Asian blood and thus ostracized by society. Heroine with Asian blood in that period is rare and I liked that. Rhys is also a memorable character but I was sort of put off by his serious lack of social understanding. From his past I can understand the reason why, but for a smart character I thought he had a real blind spot. My favorite character of all is the always drunk Scarsedale! He was a wonderful addition as well as members of the police, Yasmeen and Mina's wonderful family. The story itself revolving around the murder and mystery and eventually the conspiracy was also great.

Only complaint I have is that for me there were a bit too much sex scene with TMI. I admit they were hot and steamy but not for reading(listening) on the train... LOL