His Broken Angel review

His Broken Angel by Beth Ciotta is a novella in the Glorious Victorious Darcy's steampunk series. The first book was Her Sky Cowboy which I reviewed earlier this year. I definitely recommend reading Her Sky Cowboy before His Broken Angel as there are spoilers for the first book.

I am completely in love with the world that Ciotta has created with this series - it's fun, just a little fantastical, and totally different from anything else I've read. The same can be said for the characters. It was great getting to learn more about Doc Blue and getting to finally meet Lily and Jasper, who were spoken of often in Her Sky Cowboy, as well as introducing Jasper's crew members PJ and Snoop. Despite it's length, and perhaps because it is part of a series, His Broken Angel was a full story and didn't feel lacking in detail or background the way the novellas often can. The emotion between the couple is pure and beautiful while the action surrounding them is vivid, making for a great balance.

The only thing that I wanted that wasn't included was the reunion between Tuck and Lily but I'm hoping that happens in one of the upcoming books. Also, I'd love to see PJ and Jasper's story (hint, hint Beth - maybe a second novella :P ) because that seems like it would be an explosive relationship.

Reading His Broken Angel has made me even more anxious for the second full length novel in the series, His Clockwork Canary, which will be out in June. I can't recommend this entire series highly enough - pick it up because I promise you will not be disappointed.

Synopsis

Doc Blue has never had it easy. Born a Freak, the offspring of a Vic—a native Victorian—and a Mod—a time traveler from the future—he’s lived on the fringes of society, hiding his true identity and preternatural healing abilities from even his closest friends. His brief support of the Freak rebellion has only left him with even more problems, losing him both his job and one of his greatest allies, the Sky Cowboy, Tucker Gentry. So when Tuck’s kid sister, Lily, ends up blinded in an air skirmish on her way from America to England, Doc jumps at the opportunity to be the one to rescue her and use his powers to mend her wounds.

Curing Lily proves harder than anticipated, and Doc realizes that to restore her sight he will have to spill his biggest secret and embrace his Freak nature like never before. But, with Lily’s help, Doc may be able to reach the full potential of his abilities, heal Lily’s broken heart, and learn, finally, how to open his.