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Showing posts with label Steampunk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steampunk. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 05, 2017
Steampunk-ish Alternate New York City MG Adventure Fun and Inventive
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
New York City has always been an exciting place full of life, energy, and mystery. In the alternate city presented in York by Laura Ruby, it's even more so. It's all thanks to the Morningstarrs, a set of twins who arrive in 1798 to create a technologically-advanced city full of wondrous marvels the likes of which the world has never seen. The pair realize some of their ambitions, but disappear without a trace in 1855. Their most enduring legacy? The Old New York Cipher, a puzzle with clues based on the glittering city itself, ostensibly leads to untold wealth. Now, nearly 200 years since the Morningstarrs vanished, no one has come anywhere close to solving the cipher. Many doubt its existence, seeing the whole mess as a joke left behind by troublesome pranksters.
Tess Biederman doesn't agree with the skeptics. In fact, the 13-year-old is determined to solve the cipher once and for all. If she fails, her family could lose the home where Bidermanns have been living for one hundred years. She can't let her beloved building, one of the original Morningstarr constructions, fall into the hands of some soulless developer. Especially when he's about as sketchy as they come. Along with her twin brother and their friend Jamie Cruz, Tess will solve the cipher. She won't stop until she's able to save her home—and that will only happen when she has the Morningstarr treasure in her hands. Of course, it won't be easy to solve a 200-year-old mystery, especially when you're not the only one hot on the tail of an answer that leads to wealth untold ...
From its striking cover to its action-filled plot, York—the first installment in a planned series—provides a fun, inventive adventure story that has timeless appeal. It also offers a mystery that's intelligent and compelling. Young readers will appreciate the nod to their acumen. They might, however, be put off by the novel's length and detail, both of which do require some patience. Their fortitude will pay off in the end as York really is an entertaining romp. It definitely gets long, but it's worth it. Mostly. True, I didn't absolutely love the book—I did enjoy it overall, though.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of York from the generous folks at HarperCollins. Thank you!
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
YA Steampunk/Alternate History Story a Clean, Charming Romp
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Verity Newton, a 17-year-old from Connecticut, is no stranger to adventure. She's faced danger and derring-do of every possible kind—between the pages of the pulp novels she loves to read. Her real life has been less exciting, but her luck in that regard appears to be changing. Verity's train hasn't even reached New York City before it's robbed by gentleman bandits! And that's only the first of many intriguing encounters she has in the bustling metropolis.
When Verity accepts a position as governess to a trio of orphaned children living with their uncle, she finds herself the employee of a mysterious British magister. Using magic to ensure its rule, this noble class has always controlled the American colonies. Living lives of wealth and privilege, they refuse to mingle with commoners—or concern themselves over the petty squabbles of the lower classes. Lord Henry Lyndon, however, seems a little too interested in the antics of the Rebel Mechanics, an underground group that uses science and engineering to undermine the magicians' power. Already acquainted with the cheeky rebels, Verity agrees to be their spy. She hopes to uncover her employer's clandestine activities while keeping her own secrets well hidden from prying eyes.
As the fight between the rebels and the magisters heats up, Verity finds herself caught in the middle—not just between two warring factions, but between two magnetic men. With danger all around her, she's finally found the grand adventure for which she's been longing. But will it prove too much for the intrepid Verity?
From the moment I heard about Rebel Mechanics, Shanna Swendson's debut YA novel, I knew I needed to read it. The alternate history/steampunk premise just sounded fun. And, you know what? It really is. Although the book turned out to be a lighter read than I expected, I still found Rebel Mechanics engaging, entertaining, and immensely enjoyable. A clean, campy romp, this is the kind of story in which readers of all ages can delight. Sure, it's predictable. Yes, it's got a sorta-annoying love triangle. No, I didn't care. I just enjoyed this charming, upbeat read.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
When Verity accepts a position as governess to a trio of orphaned children living with their uncle, she finds herself the employee of a mysterious British magister. Using magic to ensure its rule, this noble class has always controlled the American colonies. Living lives of wealth and privilege, they refuse to mingle with commoners—or concern themselves over the petty squabbles of the lower classes. Lord Henry Lyndon, however, seems a little too interested in the antics of the Rebel Mechanics, an underground group that uses science and engineering to undermine the magicians' power. Already acquainted with the cheeky rebels, Verity agrees to be their spy. She hopes to uncover her employer's clandestine activities while keeping her own secrets well hidden from prying eyes.
As the fight between the rebels and the magisters heats up, Verity finds herself caught in the middle—not just between two warring factions, but between two magnetic men. With danger all around her, she's finally found the grand adventure for which she's been longing. But will it prove too much for the intrepid Verity?
From the moment I heard about Rebel Mechanics, Shanna Swendson's debut YA novel, I knew I needed to read it. The alternate history/steampunk premise just sounded fun. And, you know what? It really is. Although the book turned out to be a lighter read than I expected, I still found Rebel Mechanics engaging, entertaining, and immensely enjoyable. A clean, campy romp, this is the kind of story in which readers of all ages can delight. Sure, it's predictable. Yes, it's got a sorta-annoying love triangle. No, I didn't care. I just enjoyed this charming, upbeat read.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), and violence
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Rebel Mechanics from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Friday, December 04, 2015
Imaginative Setting Makes Compelling Background for Magical, Alternative-History Adventure
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
"You have ink in your blood, boy, and no help for it. Books will never be just a business to you" (26).
Imagine if the great library at Alexandria had never been destroyed. If it, in fact, stood supreme, the mother of a host of daughter libraries around the world. Imagine if the Great Library controlled the written word, using alchemy to copy books and distribute them—temporarily and at its own discretion—to citizens' mobile devices. Consider a world in which owning an original, printed book is illegal, punishable by imprisonment, even death. Where books are traded on the black market because, in spite of it all, "books were a precious commodity ... [smugglers] catered to a basic human hunger" (137).
This is the exact situation of those living in 2025 in the alternative world Rachel Caine introduces in her magical YA novel, Ink and Bone. The story focuses on Jess Brightwell, a 16-year-old Londoner, who works as a "runner" for his family's black-market books business. It's a dangerous job, one for which Jess has little love. He hungers for the books, themselves, for the knowledge that's so freely available inside them. Because he's sensitive where he needs to be cunning, Jess is tasked with becoming his father's spy at the Great Library. Only a small number of postulants are accepted for Library service each year and the selection process is ruthless. Although Jess is accepted into the program, his most demanding assignments are yet to come. Under the tutelage of a merciless instructor, Jess isn't sure he will survive long enough to become a Scholar, let alone learn all the secrets the Great Library holds within its hallowed walls.
The longer Jess survives at the Great Library, the more dangerous his position becomes. He's wary of his classmates, all of whom hide their own secrets. The spilling of his own secret—that he's the son of a wanted criminal—could be the end of everything for Jess. Things get even more dicey when he discovers a remarkable invention, one that would undermine the Library's power, allowing average citizens the kind of freedom hated and feared by those who control the Library and thus, the world. With a target on his back, Jess must confront conflicting loyalties to figure out what's worth fighting for in a corrupt time when things have gone oh, so horrifyingly wrong ...
Any book lover will appreciate the conflict central to Ink and Bone's plot. They will understand Jess' motivation, his desire to protect the written word from those who would abuse it. This sets up the reader for a tense, action-packed ride, filled with magic, adventure, and suspense. It's easy to root for smart, sympathetic Jess in his quest to fight oppression, bringing the freedom of knowledge to the masses. While the rules of Caine's fantasy world get confusing at times, overall, it's a complex, well-built setting that makes an intriguing backdrop for this imaginative and compelling tale. If you dig exciting, adrenaline-fueled stories with unique elements, definitely give Ink and Bone a go. You won't be disappointed.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Ink and Bone from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Clean, Compelling YA Steampunk Series Ends With Satisfying Flair
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for A Spark Unseen, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, The Dark Unwinding. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Just when Katherine Tulman thought her eccentric, genius uncle would be safe at Stranwyne Keep, she gets a rude awakening. Literally. French-speaking intruders are in her bedroom, intent on kidnapping Uncle Tully. Although she manages to foil the attempt, Katherine knows she can't stay in her new home—she has to find a safe place to hide her uncle and his brilliant inventions. With the Crimean War in full swing, all kinds of dangerous people could benefit from a mind like his. Katherine won't let anyone use him that way. Not even her own country's government.
Katherine flees to France, after convincing everyone her uncle is dead. At her grandmother's empty summer house in Paris, she hopes to keep Mr. Tully concealed until trouble passes. In the meantime, she has another goal—find Lane Moreau. Everyone believes he's dead, but Katherine does not. Can not. What Katherine never anticipated is all the eyes that are watching her, even in The City of Light. How can she keep her uncle safe and find Lane when no one will let her alone? With danger lurking on every corner, Katherine's desperate to accomplish her goals before it's too late—not just for her, but also for her beloved uncle and everyone else she loves.
A Spark Unseen, the sequel to Sharon Cameron's YA steampunk hit The Dark Unwinding, carries on the intrigue and magic of its predecessor. Although it lacks some of the first book's charm, it's still a compelling book in its own right. With likable characters, an action-packed plot, and an exciting historical setting, A Spark Unseen finishes up Uncle Tully's story with flair. I love this clean, original two-book series. My recommendation? Read it. ASAP.
(Readalikes: The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence and intense situations
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of A Spark Unseen from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!
Friday, October 18, 2013
A Clean, Compelling Steampunk Mystery? It's About Time!
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Katharine Tulman is used to doing her snooty aunt's dirty work—literally and figuratively. Without Aunt Alice's charity, the 17-year-old would be on the streets, so she keeps her head down and does what has to be done, whether it's reprimanding one of the servants, pawning jewelry to keep the widow's estate running or cleaning up after her spoiled younger cousin, Robert. Katharine's newest assignment, though, has to be the most repugnant of all. Aunt Alice is convinced her brother, Frederick, is squandering the family fortune, of which Robert is the sole heir. Katharine's task? To assess the situation—meaning she must find evidence of Frederick's insanity and ensure that he's locked away in a lunatic asylum, thus freeing up funds for Robert and his greedy mother. It won't be a pleasant task—which is why Aunt Alice refuses to do it herself—so Katharine must grit her teeth and be done with it. She can't risk losing her guardian's favor.
One look at Stranwyne Keep, her uncle's crumbling old mansion, and Katharine's ready to bolt. Roaming its strange interior, which is cluttered with ticking clocks and creepy automatons, does nothing to soothe her anxiety. Something is not right at her uncle's residence. Not right at all. It's clear Stranwyne Keep's tiny staff—only a stiff housekeeper, a mute boy, and a mysterious young man about her age—can't wait to be rid of Katharine. She's glad to leave, but not before she sees her uncle, a meeting the staff continues to delay.
When the secret of Stranwyne Keep is finally revealed to Katharine, she doesn't know what to do. Can she rat out the gentle "Mr. Tully," thus endangering every single person at the Keep? Or does she risk her own livelihood by lying to Aunt Alice? The longer she stays with her uncle, the more she wants to shield him and Stranwyne Keep from the outside world. But how does she protect the mysteries of her uncle's estate, especially when she doesn't know them all? With her heart and head both in a whirl, Katharine must make an impossible decision, one that could bring destruction down on a whole group of innocent people. And destroy the only happiness Katharine's ever known.
The Dark Unwinding, the first book in Sharon Cameron's steampunk YA series, is as intricately wound as one of Mr. Tully's clocks. With engaging characters, an intriguing mystery and a plot that keeps you guessing, it's one of those novels that appeals from its first word to its last. I love how the story moves quickly when it matters, but not so fast that it skimps on world and relationship-building. Cameron's slow, steady story-sculpting guaranteed that I cared—about the characters, about their world, and about how Katharine's choices would affect them all. In case you can't tell, I adored this clean, compelling story. I'm pretty sure you will, too.
(Readalikes: A Spark Unseen by Sharon Cameron)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language, violence and intense situations
To the FTC, with love: I received a copy of The Dark Unwinding from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Three Kids + Three Treasures = One Big Adventure
(Image from Indiebound)Three children. Three treasures. One big adventure.
Hannah, Frederick and Giuseppe are strangers living in the same city whose lives are about to converge. Each of the kids harbor a secret desire: Hannah hopes to cure her bedridden father, Frederick longs to make journeyman so he can open his own clockwork shop, and Giuse
ppe just wants to flee his cruel padrone and head back to Italy. They are impossible goals for a hotel maid, an apprentice, and a street musician, but when each of the kids finds a mysterious treasure, their goals actually seem achievable. Rumors of hidden money could mean the best doctors for Hannah's father; a valuable Magnus head could complete Frederick's automaton, a creation sure to earn him fame and fortune; and a magic violin is bringing in enough money to satisfy Giuseppe's employer as well as purchase a boat ticket. Only secrets never stay secret for very long - as desperate as the trio are to hold onto their gems, someone's even more determined to take them.
ppe just wants to flee his cruel padrone and head back to Italy. They are impossible goals for a hotel maid, an apprentice, and a street musician, but when each of the kids finds a mysterious treasure, their goals actually seem achievable. Rumors of hidden money could mean the best doctors for Hannah's father; a valuable Magnus head could complete Frederick's automaton, a creation sure to earn him fame and fortune; and a magic violin is bringing in enough money to satisfy Giuseppe's employer as well as purchase a boat ticket. Only secrets never stay secret for very long - as desperate as the trio are to hold onto their gems, someone's even more determined to take them.When, by chance, the kids meet, a fast friendship forms. As they share their stories, they realize that the only people they can really count on are each other. By working together they just might be able to solve the mysteries of their individual treasures, making all their dreams come true in the process. What seems simple, though, soon turns into a grand adventure, forcing the children into face-offs with everything from street thugs to a cougar to mechanical bodyguards. Getting the things they most desire won't be easy for the determined trio, it may even be impossible, but they have to try - for their families, themselves and each other.
The Clockwork Three, Matthew J. Kirby's exciting debut for middle graders, mixes a whole bunch of genres (historical fiction, fantasy, adventure, steampunk, etc.) to create a thrilling ride sure to capture the imaginations of readers of all ages. Empathetic characters, solid writing and an intriguing plotline make the story both compelling and moving. While the tale touches on dark subjects (poverty, child labor, kidnapping, and other issues common at the turn-of-the-century), it remains a hopeful, magical tale of children gathering the courage to change their own lives. The ending offers enough mystery for several books, which I sincerely hope are forthcoming. And soon.
(Readalikes: Reminded me a teensy bit of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Can you think of any others?)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for subject matter best suited for older children
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Clockwork Three from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
I Just Can't Get Enough ... of Cassandra Clare
All 16-year-old Tessa Gray knows of Victorian England comes from the novels she inhales with unladylike regularity. Expecting the rolling hills and genteel society spoken of in he
r books, Tessa's shocked when she lands in dreary Southampton. Between the dismal weather, the filthy docks, and the rudeness of the crowds, she's surprised to find herself in a scene more Dickens than Austen. No matter. As soon as Nathaniel whisks her away to London, all will be well. There's only one problem: her brother is nowhere to be found. When a strange man bids Tessa follow him, she has little choice in the matter. If he says he's been sent by Nate, surely he has. It's only when Tessa steps out of the Dickensian bleakness into a waiting carriage that she begins to realize England might hold worse terrors than endless rain and lewd dockworkers. Mary Shelley, after all, had some strange tales to tell ...
r books, Tessa's shocked when she lands in dreary Southampton. Between the dismal weather, the filthy docks, and the rudeness of the crowds, she's surprised to find herself in a scene more Dickens than Austen. No matter. As soon as Nathaniel whisks her away to London, all will be well. There's only one problem: her brother is nowhere to be found. When a strange man bids Tessa follow him, she has little choice in the matter. If he says he's been sent by Nate, surely he has. It's only when Tessa steps out of the Dickensian bleakness into a waiting carriage that she begins to realize England might hold worse terrors than endless rain and lewd dockworkers. Mary Shelley, after all, had some strange tales to tell ...Soon, Tessa's embroiled in a waking nightmare. Held captive by two strange sisters, she's being forced to Change into different women, all of whom are dead. The weird magic allows her to assume their bodies, voices and memories. How she's doing this, Tessa has no idea - all she knows is it's a valuable trick, one that is highly desired by the creatures of London's underworld. When an angel-faced rescuer frees Tessa from her awful prison, she's grateful, but wary. Could Nate have sent this unlikely hero? Can she trust a cad like Will Herondale? He says he's a demon slayer, a Shadowhunter with angel blood. After what she's seen, she doesn't doubt him. But that doesn't mean she's willing to put her life into his rune-covered hands.
Will takes Tessa to the London Institute, where he lives with a handful of other Shadowhunters. There's motherly Charlotte; her absent-minded inventor husband, Henry; snooty Jessamine; and Jem, who's open and friendly despite the secret he carefully guards. Her presence in their home causes some obvious tension, especially when Tessa discovers the shocking truth about who she really is. Still, the group seems willing to help Tessa find her brother, who's apparently gotten himself in deep with the wrongest sort of crowd. In turn, she pledges to use her "gift" to help the Shadowhunters fight their enemies.
As Tessa immerses herself in London's strange underworld, she faces enemies she's only ever encountered in storybooks - vampires, warlocks, fairies, goblins, even frightening automatons roam the streets. The most powerful creatures in that dark world are pulling out all the stops to steal her "gift" for their own nefarious purposes. Tessa would gladly give up her awful ability, but not if it means leaving her brother to the mercy of these monsters. Finding Nate, rescuing him, and returning them both to a normal life will be as intense and dangerous as the most rollicking adventure novel. And its ending may not be a happy one.
If you, like me, mourned the conclusion of The Mortal Instruments series, don't despair. Not only is Cassandra Clare expanding the trilogy, but she's also began a series of prequels, the first of which is the newly-released Clockwork Angel. With all the elements that drew you to the first books, plus a little steampunk thrown in, it's hard not to fall for this one as well. With engaging characters, a whole lot of action, and a love triangle almost as hot as the one binding Clary, Jace and Simon, it's sure to please Clare fans. While it didn't mesmerize me quite as much as the MI books, it still kept me royally entertained and left me wanting more, more, more. Keep 'em coming, Cassie Clare, because I, for one, just can't get enough.
(Readalikes: The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare)
Grade: B+
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for mild language, sexual innuendo, and multiple references to brothels/prostitution and opium addiction
To the FTC, with love: I bought Clockwork Angel from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
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