by Morgan L. Busse
publisher’s synopsis
Not everyone wants to see the world saved . . .
Time is running out. Cities are being engulfed in the Mist and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Theo believes he has found a way to stop mankind from Turning, but he doesn’t know how to alter Cass’s unique blood into a cure. Or if it can even be done.
Meanwhile, Cass struggles with the idea that she is possibly the savior of the world—a world she is not sure is worth saving.
From the Winchester manse to the steel city of Decadenn, there is something more chasing Cass than the House of Lords or the masked man who can walk in the Mist. Soon she must decide if she will use her blood to save mankind or let those who only care about themselves perish.
(review for book one, Secrets in the Mist)
Characters
I liked how Cass struggled with whether or not she wanted to actually help the world. It provided some unique opportunities for her character arc. And the relationship between her and Theo was sweet.
Plot
The plot maybe could have benefited from a little bit more going on. There’s a sense in which one of the plot questions is solved pretty early on, which maybe lessened the stakes of the novel. But it was still a good read.
Setting
Once again, the steampunk setting is fun and refreshing. We don’t really get to explore any new aspects of the world in Blood Secrets though, which I missed a little.
Overall
I can’t put my finger on why, but there’s something that keeps this duology at three stars for me. I liked it, but not enough to bump it to four stars. However, it’s a unique take on the zombie trope and a fun steampunk adventure.
Cautions: light-moderate romance; two kisses; brief violence; brief descriptions of zombie-like people
(I received an e-copy from Enclave Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Hailey Huntington 
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