This is the first book from Ef that I have read. I will say it took me a day to really get into it. It’s full of mystery and intrigue as well as some action and powerful characters (in my opinion). I feel like Angelique and Jacquelyn are going find out things about their past that they maybe they didn’t need to know. It really is an interesting book, using railways as a way to transport the sisters at times. The supernatural essence is really popping in this story. I love it!!! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
This is the first book from Ef that I have read. I will say it took me a day to really get into it. It’s full of mystery and intrigue as well as some action and powerful characters (in my opinion). I feel like Angelique and Jacquelyn are going find out things about their past that they maybe they didn’t need to know. It really is an interesting book, using railways as a way to transport the sisters at times. The supernatural essence is really popping in this story. I love it!!! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kirsten Berkebilehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKirsten Berkebile2023-04-30 15:00:242023-05-03 13:21:49Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Kirsten Berkebile
Set in 19th century France, prepare to be enthralled in this book! It is so well written that I couldn’t stop reading! The twists and turns are a fun ride throughout the book. Very good!
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https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin Vostershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin Vosters2023-04-29 09:32:032023-05-03 13:07:16Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Erin Vosters
This is a fun quick read, a paranormal steampunk that clearly draws on Dracula with strong female characters. The world-building is quite something in terms of its depth of research and lush descriptions. Although it has its unrealistic moments, it’s undoubtedly a page-turner that makes me want to forgive the author anyway. And I do love anything set in Paris, and in the Underground and with a period setting? Sign me up (hello, Les Mis). The characters too are compelling and completely inhabit the world. This novel was full of surprises that kept me going. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Netania Limhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNetania Lim2023-04-29 06:52:022023-05-03 13:06:14Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Netania Lim
A steampunk/paranormal combined novel. This story is well written and as far as I can tell it is historically accurate. Not only is this my first read by this author but it is also my first time reading steampunk and I found it to be very interesting. This story is also filled with mystery and adventure. you won’t want to put it down!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kelli Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKelli Harper2023-04-28 22:17:192023-05-03 13:05:03Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Kelli Harper
I’m new to the genre of speculative fiction steampunk but I will definitely be looking for more stories like this. I loved this story and genere more than I thought I would. It gives you a little bit of everything that makes a story good and it definitely keeps the reader engaged. The characters are so interesting and lovable that you can’t help but hope for them to succeed. I can’t wait to dig in some more into this authors work and also read more of this genere.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Aranza Cardozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAranza Cardoza2023-04-28 21:35:402023-05-03 13:03:11Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Aranza
First off, the author EF Deal is amazing. This is my first book in this genre and the first book I have read by this author. Esprit de Corpse is the epitome of the mystery driving you to test your reading speed just so you can discover everything faster. Jacqueline and her twin sister Angelique incapsulate both sides of the spectrum of personalities. Jacqueline is very intelligent with four doctoral degrees by the time she was fifteen, her life revolves around science and her forge. Angelique thrives in the arts and socializing. The book starts off in the mist of Jacky having to save her sister for the fourth time so far that year from her own indiscretions. Ange is also a she-wolf, something that her sister mentions early in the book, but the mystery is that she is that way not of her own doing so why? The first chapter introduces so many mysterious things that continue to flesh out through the rest of the book with twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages. A mechanical man running next to the locomotive they are traveling home on from Paris before he throws himself in front of it. Jacqueline, determined as ever with her intrigue, discovers a soul trapped in the furnace and frees it only the sound and the feeling leaves her with more questions than answers. Taking the intricate machine home with her she begins her investigation into who made it and how it works. Where did the mysterious machine come from and why did it try to destroy itself? Will Jacqueline be able to protect her sister from her the prince she stole from? Can Jacqueline learn to see the signs of things outside of science to have a more fulfilling life? The world is breathtaking not only the historical aspect but the characters that fill it. They are not just the cliché roles they are meant to follow but they march to their own drums. Jacky is a role model for breaking the norm, following her dreams, and not apologizing for her intelligence or skills. I so hope to read more of this world soon.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2023-04-28 21:28:172023-05-03 13:02:41Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Ayla Phipps
This is the first book I’ve picked up from this author, and I think it was incredible! I’ve never read anything like Esprit de Corpse before as it was so original. The characters were relatable and in-depth, and the world itself will pull you right in. Jacqueline and Angélique have a wonderfully unique relationship as twins, and I loved seeing everything play out between them. When Jacqueline investigates the supernatural aspect of the metal man, she puts both her and Angélique in grave danger. Will help arrive just in time for the twins, or will they meet their demise together? I can’t wait to see what else this author brings to life because this was absolutely magnificent! I highly recommend picking it up if you enjoy a paranormal steampunk adventure.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-04-28 17:45:112023-05-03 13:01:45Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Shannen Kern
I haven’t read a steampunk novel for quite a while so I was excited to read this one and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a mix of mystery, historical fiction and the supernatural – right up my street.
What struck me first, was the world-building. The descriptions give paint a vivid picture which allow you to feel as though you’ve stepped into 1840’s France. It’s clear that a great deal of research went into the time period to make it feel more authentic. The main characters, two sisters named Jacqueline and Angelique, are also well-written as smart, strong characters powering forward in the face of obstacles to get to the bottom of their discoveries. I enjoyed how the author managed to meld several genres together, it was fun and enjoyable and kept me reading to the end. The romantic interests for the sisters were interesting and didn’t detract from the mysterious elements which was an added bonus.
I enjoyed this book and am glad I chose this one to step back into the steampunk genre with.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-04-28 17:02:572023-05-03 13:01:31Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This historical steampunk novel had a fast paced and action packed storyline, which had me hooked from start to finish. There are secrets beneath the Parisian Streets and someone is willing to murder to keep them secret. Jacqueline Duval and her bohemian twin sister Angélique Laforge become involved in a mystery, when a malfunctioning automaton crashes into their locomotive whilst travelling on the new Paris-Orléans railway. Jacqueline who is a polytech and famed engineering prodigy is fascinated by the metal man, who she believes is powered by steam. However, she is shocked to discover that the automaton is actually powered by the supernatural. The sisters investigation leads them on a mysterious and dangerous adventure, where they learn of a plot to employ the dead to power a mechanical army, aimed at international conquest. The sisters receive help from unexpected sources as they try to avert the upcoming engineered war, but they may be too late. The descriptive narrative, along with the authors wonderful world building and the added historical details all ensured that the characters and setting came vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-04-28 16:01:582023-05-03 13:00:53Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Jacqueline Duval and Angélique De La Forge are twin sisters who are very much opposites, one loves the arts and the other engineering, but they have a bond stronger than any and would do anything for the other, no matter what the predicament is, or whomever may be involved. One day they are travelling back from Paris to Orléans, after an adventure and some of the usual repercussions when their train comes to a sudden stop in a meadow and the reason for this is baffling to those all around them. It seems that an automaton has crashed into the front of the train and nobody is able to shut it off, that is until Jaqueline gets in on the action and albeit in an unconventional way, does just that. When she requests that the machine is loaded onto the train, the others are impatient to leave, however, she insists on it and then remains with the machine for the rest of the journey, while her sister stays in a carriage.
Nothing further hinders their journey and the sisters arrive home to a warm welcome, a hot bath and a meal, only after she is forced to endure these things does Jacqueline go to her workshop, where the automaton is stored and begin working out how it is powered and to whom it belongs, however, before she can get very far, she is stumped by the fact that it isn’t powered by any natural means. The next day, Jacqueline decides to head back to Paris for some help with the mystery, but while she is there, her sister becomes embroiled in yet another caper, but this time it is through little fault of her own, but when Jacqueline receives word of this, she is determined to find her and work together to stop the mysterious person behind the machine.
This is not an easy feat and while the sisters are separated, they discover allies in unconventional manners and soon realise that there is a much larger plan afoot and that there is a link to the Paris underground, literally and secrets are revealed to show that the sisters past is deeply entwined within it, but how do the supernatural and mechanical mix and why is someone creating these automatons? Will the two sisters be able to reunite and uncover the mystery tying them all together before time runs out and disaster strikes? With enemies around very corner, magic, mayhem and engineering combine to create an intriguing and original mystery which will keep you engaged from start to finish.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2023-04-28 15:46:242023-05-03 13:00:39Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
I really enjoyed this historical paranormal story. The author really took me by surprise with this book as I started to think it was just a historical story but there is so much more to it than that. The author has done a great job of researching which brings 1840s France to life in wonderful detail. This was a really unique read and I loved how historical and paranormal mixed together.
This is a story of two young women who come across a metal man after it runs into their locomotive. Jacqueline Duval is a very gifted engineer and when she see this creation she is amazing and wants to discover how it works but there is something else about this metal machine something mystical that also needs to be uncovered. With the help of her twin sister they set out to discover who is creating these mechanical men and for what purpose. What the sisters uncover leads us into a world where secrets are everywhere and things aren’t what they seem. Can the sisters figure out what is happening before its too late and a war breaks out? And what dangers will the sisters get themselves into buy trying to uncover this mystery? I really enjoyed this story and I couldn’t put it down. The writing and the characters were so engaging I had to read on to see what the sisters discovered.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-04-28 13:27:392023-04-28 13:53:42Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Kerry Carr
Jacqueline Duval and her twin sister Angelique Laforge are on a locomotive when it suddenly comes to a dead halt on the tracks. As they get out to investigate what could have possibly caused the locomotive to grind to a halt Jacqueline discovers something she has never seen before. It seems that a metal man has slammed into the locomotive full force. When Jacqueline pries open the helmet on the metal man something supernatural escapes. She decides to take the metal man home to look it over in her workshop. When someone breaks into her workshop and tries to steal the metal man it sets off a chain of events that lead them straight into danger as they try to stop a war.
This was a fun read, and I loved the setting. It was well written and vividly described which pulled me right into the story alongside the characters. Angelique and Jacqueline are interesting characters that I immediately loved. Both women were intelligent, brave, and faced danger head-on. A fantastic steampunk fantasy filled with danger, suspense, supernatural, shapeshifting, mystery, and drama.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-04-27 19:00:372023-04-28 13:45:04Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I found this book to be original and entertaining. This is the first book I have read by this author and I found the writing to be very detailed and descriptive. This story has great characters and is full of mystery, drama, history, paranormal, action and so much more. The world building of this story took me on an original adventure that differed from other stories I have read. The intrigue and mystery kept me turning pages to find out how this story would unfold. Thus was an enjoyable read that I recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Candida Hopperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCandida Hopper2023-04-26 18:05:362023-04-28 13:23:55Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Candida Hopper
Esprit De Corpse is a well written Historical Steampunk that I enjoyed reading. I had a hard putting it down. This is a new author to me and is their debut novel. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this Author in the future. This authors style of writing had my imagination going wild trying to picture everything along the way. Their characters are simply wonderful and relatable plus they had me feeling like I was apart of the story. Get ready to be taken back to mid 1800 in France as Angel and Jacquie take us on a journey as they try to solve the issues of ending an engineered war. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-04-25 04:43:372023-04-28 12:58:16Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal is a rich and wonderful paranormal story. I really enjoyed the twins Jacqueline Duval and Angélique Laforge. The twins are strong and brilliant. I also love the historical setting of Nineteenth-century France. There is something for everyone’s paranormal desires. This story is fun and well thought out. I had a lot of fun with this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2023-04-22 16:03:512023-04-28 12:27:48Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by La Toya Lewis
This was. an interesting read, set in 1800s Paris, but complete with automatons, robots, and other futuristic technologies. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the twin sisters, Jacquie and Angel play off each other well, one being an artist/musician and one loves tinkering with metal in her workshop. It takes both of them, with their unique skill sets, to solve the issue of ending an engineered war.
I appreciated the use of French language peppered through the book, but appreciated the translator built into my Kindle. This added to the atmosphere of feeling like you were in 1800s Paris.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-04-21 10:07:092023-04-28 12:25:21Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Jennifer Crain
This is a paranormal fantasy novel with hints of mystery, intrigue, adventure and of course drama thrown in. This author really knows how to create an elaborate world narrative and bring her characters together. If you are looking for your next suspenseful supernatural escapade look no further. I will definitely be back for more when the next book drops!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2023-04-20 17:51:282023-04-28 12:11:20Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
A very intriguing story !! Carefully thought out, planned and executed. A little pg13 romance, mystery, and magic really served this reader well.
I enjoyed the twists and turns including the ties between the main characters. It all turned into a beautifully thought out plot maintained with a great amount of detail. Linking past to present giving a deeper understanding of each character.
I thoroughly enjoyed the end; experiencing the girls as children in their father’s presence was heartwarming.
In the end I finished the story hoping for a second to see how the love stories all turned out. Maybe it’s the hopeless romantic in me, but that feel. That feeling is how I define a good book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maikalanihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaikalani2023-04-20 01:51:412023-04-28 11:49:16Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by
This novel in the genre of speculative steampunk is set in 19th century France. Deal creates world-building with rich details and descriptions that really brought the whole story to life. The characters are interesting and well-developed. The plot and subplots keep you on your toes as we are taken along the characters journey in an exciting world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2023-04-19 23:34:202023-11-22 08:23:56Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Brandy Vaughn
This story grabbed my attention right away and kept me hooked till the end. This is a speculative steampunk fantasy with mystery, history, historical fiction, secrets, high stakes, the paranormal, supernatural, action, danger, suspense drama, emotion, and so more. I found it to be quite interesting, with wonderful world-building and details and descriptions that really brought the whole story to life. This a very well-developed and extremely put together story, along with the characters that I really felt like I was right there in the story with them. The characters get into an adventure full of mystery as they scramble to try to stop a war. What ends up happening makes for a fun read, and all the adventure kept me turning the pages to see how everything would play out in the end. This book was a must read, and I was glad I was able to pick it up.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2023-04-19 20:00:292023-04-28 11:38:48Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Jennifer Reimer
This story grabbed my attention right away and kept me hooked till the end. This is a speculative steampunk fantasy with mystery, history, historical fiction, secrets, high stakes, the paranormal, supernatural, action, danger, suspense drama, emotion, and so more. I found it to be quite interesting, with wonderful world-building and details and descriptions that really brought the whole story to life. This a very well-developed and extremely put together story, along with the characters that I really felt like I was right there in the story with them. The characters get into an adventure full of mystery as they scramble to try to stop a war. What ends up happening makes for a fun read, and all the adventure kept me turning the pages to see how everything would play out in the end. This book was a must read, and I was glad I was able to pick it up.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2023-04-19 19:58:082023-04-28 11:38:23Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Jennifer Reimer
I admittedly have never read a steampunk genre book so I wasn’t sure what to expect but was blown away by this story as the author must have done immense research. Its the Victorian era, mid 1800s in France and we meet Jacky a studious serious mechanically inclined borderline genius and her sister Angie who is carefree has a zest for life and quite often needs to be bailed out by her sister in many questionable situations. They board a train, but the train ends up having a mechanical failure and Jackie is shocked to find its not run by normal means, and Jacky wants to figure out the mystery behind this train, this also leads them to uncover so many things including a war about to outbreak. Can these sisters stop the war before it starts? This book was a lot of fun. Jacky and Angie did a lot of growing up as I got through the story and worked together like true twins do. I was fascinated by all of the true to history Victorian era items in the book and really enjoyed also the Paranormal that was part of this book and somehow this historical fiction and Paranormal and steampunk came together flawlessly with excellent attention to detail. This has opened my eyes to a new genre I’ll want to explore further.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2023-04-16 19:12:362023-04-17 13:34:24Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Melissa Saxton
Espirit de Corpse is a very unique read. It’s very interesting and keeps you on your toes. There is a lot of action going on at the same time. I love how the author keeps the story going on multiple fronts seamlessly. The characters are very well thought out especially the sisters, Angelique and Jacqueline.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristin Boutellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristin Boutelle2023-04-15 19:09:142023-04-17 13:27:36Esprit de Corpse, Ef Deal, Review by Kristin Boutelle, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Paranormal, Steampunk
Esprit De Corpse By: Ef Deal Review by: Susan Ratchford 5 Stars
This book is everything you could ever want! An engrossing steampunk supernatural fantasy with high stakes, high suspense, and more than enough intrigue to keep you glued to Jacky and Angé’s story! The sisters play off each other beautifully with Jacqueline’s determination and need to discover versus Angelique’s recklessness and zest for life’s joys! In truth the heart of this story is in the amazing detail that Ef Deal includes, from the setting to the machinery a fascinating and warm picture emerges. I could not stop reading this book. It’s as if each page posed a new mystery. With its unique blend and use of old and new like the diving mask used on the Automaton. As well as the inclusion of the supernatural, like wolf shifters and a mechanical army powered by the dead, this is a book you do not want to miss!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Susan Ratchfordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSusan Ratchford2023-04-10 20:25:162023-04-17 12:44:32Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Susan Ratchford
Esprit de Corpse is the first in the Twins of Bellesfeés series by E.F. Deal. It is a highly original story full of imaginative details and intriguing elements. This is the first book that I have read by this author, so I really didn’t know what to expect going in. The blurb enticed me enough to want to find out what the story would hold- so I soon found myself tagging along for the adventure. This is a speculative steampunk fantasy with mystery, alternate history, secrets, high stakes, the paranormal/supernatural, agendas, action, ticking clock, family dynamics, science, danger, drama, emotion, secret agents, spies, and more. I found it to be quite interesting, with wonderful world-building and rich details and descriptions that really brought the whole story to life. Twins, Jacqueline and Angelique find themselves thrust into an adventure full of mystery as they scramble to try to stop a war. What happens makes for a fun read, and all the dramatic developments kept me turning the pages to see how everything would play out in the end. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-04-08 06:15:512023-04-17 11:28:54Esprit de Corpse (Twins of Bellesfeés Series Book #1) by Ef Deal – Review by Angela Hayes
Esprit de Corpse is a paranormal, steampunk story that grabbed my attention in the first few pages. Jacqueline and her sister Angélique encounter a malfunctioning automaton on the Paris-Orléans railway. Jacqueline is intrigued because the automaton is not powered by normal means. Can the sisters solve the mystery behind the automaton? I enjoy historical fiction with a Victorian flair, which hits all the buttons. The characters are interesting and well-developed. Also, the story drew me in from the very beginning. This is the first book I have read by this author but hope to read more by them. I have always been fascinated by stories with automatons, and I was intrigued by the concepts used for this story. I hope to read more about Jacqueline and Angelique soon.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2023-04-07 17:17:372023-04-17 11:35:45Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Sheri Schrader
This is an imaginative and well written historical steam punk novel that was so much more than I was expecting. This book is so detailed and well thought through that I found myself hooked when reading it. It has some many different elements to it and the author weaved them all together so well. this genre wouldn’t necessarily be my go to genre but after reading this book I would hesitate to read another piece of work from this author. This was a brilliant book that I would highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-04-07 15:27:382023-04-17 11:34:41Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Kerry Baker
I jumped into this one and had to finish it in one setting. Somehow, Jacqueline’s twin sister is a she-wolf, and they find an automaton. I saw hints of steampunk and a bit of paranormal with suspense. Oh, this was such a fun treat. I have not had the pleasure of reading anything like this. It will make you chuckle and had has a few surprises. There are adventures, some drama and a bit of romance. A story that flows well, has entertaining characters and a plot that comes together just right sure does make for a must read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-04-07 06:32:222023-04-07 11:52:36Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Shelly Kittell
4.5 stars French author Ef Deal gives us her debut novel, Esprit de Corpse. It is an original and quirky historical paranormal steampunk tale. This intriguing tale is set in 1840’s France and is full of Ef Deal’s imagination of many unusual and unique marvels. Having been to France it’s easy to imagine the world in which Ef Deal has created. What is really in the underground of the Parisian world. Jacky loves tinkering anything mechanical is her thing. But when she comes across a mechanical man everything changes. Suddenly she and her sister Angé find themselves trying to unravel the mystery and stop a war. With wolf shifters, British agents, French spies, not to mention an occult they soon find themselves in danger when things turn dicey. The plot and subplots keep you on your toes as we journey along with the characters and their exciting world. If you like steampunk, something a little different and unusual you will definitely like Esprit de Corpse.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-04-07 06:22:402023-04-07 11:51:44Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Jenni Bishop
What secrets lay beneath Parisian Streets? And who will kill to keep them?
When a malfunctioning automaton runs full force into their locomotive on the new Paris-Orléans railway, Jacqueline Duval and her bohemian twin sister Angélique Laforge become embroiled in a mystery deeply rooted in their tragic past.
A polytech and famed engineering prodigy, Jacqueline is fascinated by the metal man, even more so when she discovers it is powered not by steam, but by the supernatural. Her investigation puts the sisters on a path both dangerous and mysterious as they must foil a plot to employ the dead to power a mechanical army aimed at international conquest.
Aid comes from unexpected sources as the twins rush to avert this engineered war, but will they be in time?
Ef Deal is a new voice in the genre of speculative steampunk with her debut novel, Esprit de Corpse, but she is not new to publishing. Her short fiction has appeared in various magazines and ezines over the years. Her short story “Czesko,” published in the March 2006 F&SF, was given honorable mention in Gardner Dozois’ Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy, which gave both her and Gardner great delight. They laughed and laughed and sipped Scotch (not cognac, alas) over the last line.
Despite her preoccupation with old-school drum and bugle corps ~ playing, composing, arranging, and teaching ~ Ef Deal can usually be found at the keyboard of her computer rather than her piano. She is Assistant Fiction Editor at Abyss & Apex magazine and edits videos for the YouTube channel Strong Women ~ Strange Worlds Quick Reads.
Esprit de Corpse from eSpec Books is the first of a series featuring the brilliant 19th-century sisters, the Twins of Bellesfées Jacqueline and Angélique. Hard science blends with the paranormal as they challenge the supernatural invasion of France in 1843.
When she’s not lost in her imagination, Ef Deal can be found in historic Haddonfield, NJ, in a once-haunted Victorian with her husband and two chows. She is an associate member of SFWA and an affiliate member of HWA.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Esprit-de-Corpse-6-x-9.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-04-07 00:03:592023-04-19 22:16:47Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
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