The Shadow Master by Craig Cormick - Ashley's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Angry Robot on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to read about Craig Cormick's Top Five Star-Crossed Lovers as part of the Pre-Release blog tour for The Shadow Master! It's an interesting post that you definitely don't want to miss! 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Shadow Master
Author: Craig Cormick
Publication Date: June 24, 2014

Synopsis: In a land riven with plague, inside the infamous Walled City, two families vie for control: the Medicis with their genius inventor Leonardo; the Lorraines with Galileo, the most brilliant alchemist of his generation. 

And when two star-crossed lovers, one from either house, threaten the status quo, a third, shadowy power – one that forever seems a step ahead of all of the familial warring – plots and schemes, and bides its time, ready for the moment to attack...

Assassination; ancient, impossible machines; torture and infamy – just another typical day in paradise

Why?: Did you read that synopsis? I mean, this book sounds absolutely fantastic! Alternate histories, a Romeo and Juliet type romance, a shadowy power ahead of everybody else, steampunk, assassins, and more? Yes, count me in! I've only recently discovered that I actually do like steampunk when it's done right, so I'm really excited for this book! 

Expectations: I haven't ever read anything by Craig Cormick, but I have pretty high expectations for this book. With everything in the synopsis, I expect this book to have several layers (like a parfait... or an onion), and I expect there to be a lot of mystery to it. Definitely romance, but I am intrigued as to what it will be like. I'm also expecting lots of really cool steampunk, especially since Galileo and Leonardo are involved.

Judging a book by its cover: I really like this cover. It doesn't scream steampunk, but it does have a pretty heavy fantasy vibe to it. It also kind of reminds me of the Assassin's Creed video games, and that's what caught my attention to begin with. I like that the person in the front is transparent - like a shadow! - and that you can see the city through him. I would probably pick this book up if I saw it in a bookstore or library somewhere!


--Ashley