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The Good: I very much enjoyed the imagery that the author used to paint the landscape of Nineteenth-Century Russia. I found it an interesting pick for a Steampunk novel, and I thought the author did a very good job of making me feel as though I was present in the era with her characters. The narrator's inner dialogue was often at odds with her actions, which provided a few unexpected twists in the story.The Bad: First off, please, PLEASE hire a better proof-reader! I have never read a book with so many grammatical errors and especially word omissions. Perhaps some of this was meant to add flavor to the characters' dialogue, and emphasize the differences in the languages spoken throughout the story. But it was inconsistent enough that I must conclude that it was erroneous. I found the sheer number of errors distracting. I understand that the author hails from Moscow, and is likely not a native English speaker. But please, find a more critical proof-reader for your English-language works!Secondly, though I enjoyed the ride through the novel, there was nothing about the characters that I found particularly compelling. The slow revelation of facts about Jack made him somewhat more interesting. But otherwise, the characters were strictly stock types. I never really found myself caught up in the story to the point that I felt that I should, given the very good historical groundwork and beautiful scenery that the author deployed.Lastly, the book just sort of....ended. I can only assume that the author intends to write another installment with these characters, as the main character conflict, whether or not the heroine, Sasha, will choose one of the two male protagonists for a love interest, was left completely unresolved. I can't say that I as a reader was pleased by that.In general, it should be said that I did read this book cover to cover, which I don't always do - it held my attention well enough for me to want to complete it. If the author wrote a sequel, I would pick it up as well. I would give her work a second try, but I am hoping for a little more the next time around.