An excellent novel. Kady Cross develops the steampunk setting brilliantly, with all the mechanical wizardry so dear to any fan of the genre. As always, aether is at the heart of the story (no Michelson–Morley in this alternate universe), and unlike Yahong_Chi I found the undeniably magical nature of the substance quite fitting to the rest of the novel; Cross is careful to portray both its usefulness and its danger, and if the stuff comes accross as more fantasy then steampunk, then I say the mix of genres is well worth it. But what really makes this novel shine is its cast of characters, whose struggles and triumphs cause the reader both cheers and groans (not exactly in that order) in a way which is satisfyingly realistic. I, for one, have not hesitated to place the sequel, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, on my For Later List, and I doubt you will, either.

look for book 2

I really enjoyed this book. Even though it is geared towards teenagers and young adults, this 47 yrd old loved it. Can't wait for the next book.

If you're interested in steampunk writing this is definitely one to check out. The world Cross creates is full of what defines steampunk: wacky Victorian inventions, dress and nobility and supernatural powers. I'm looking forward to reading book two of the series. If you liked this novel I also recommend checking out Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series for similar shenanigans.

Great teen steampunk novel! Author herself said it best - The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets X-Men.

The Girl in the Steel Corset opens at Lord Felix's advances and the tipping point of Finley's personality, and following her darker side's impressive defeat of Lord Felix, we can't help but admire her. Finley's sweet attitude when trying to make up for her other violent side makes her endearing, and the natural change in her character as her two personalities merge is developed fluidly. The short forays into the other characters' heads are less effective, but help to display the whole picture. Well-woven details of Victorian life contrast Finley's previous life, Griffin's wealthiness and the underground web of Jack Dandy. All the special abilities the group of friends have seem reasonably possible, especially with the excellent explanation founded in Griffin's backstory. However, the "Aether" into which Griffin can see stretches the imagination. It's only in the second half of the novel when the automatons actually make an entrance, where they proceed to make the genre steampunk proud. (Read: scary, realistic and very, very mechanical.)