Steampunk meets fantasy in this story. Ember is a half fae, half human who doesn't fit in with either world. But her father was the Fairy King but aftSteampunk meets fantasy in this story. Ember is a half fae, half human who doesn't fit in with either world. But her father was the Fairy King but after his passing she is exiled by the wicked Step-mother to the human realm without her magic. A bit cliche sounding but it actually works for this. When I first started reading this I thought a YA story. That was dismissed after a scene that had me wondering if this is parting a erotic novel. It does go there once and hints toward it many more times after but only the one scene is heavy. But not YA after that. Nope! I am not sure about her interest in guys, nor why so much focus there. She does have a healthy sexual appetite but I felt it deterred from the better parts of the story. It didn't need to be such a focus and it is why I say it borders being a erotica. And it just wasn't needed frankly.
I liked most of the characters more that I expected. Reilley starts off annoying but really improves over time. Ember is a hardworking lady who does what is needed to survive. Sasha was a surprise like as he is just so open and still respectful in many ways. I wish we got a better feel for Pika. His character seemed way underdeveloped.
The would love to learn more about these worlds the author has created. Both fairy and alternate earth. I can see others stories being set here. Overall I enjoyed this enough to read more by the author but I feel it is more a what I can borrow to read vs worth much money. Almost 3.5 stars....more
While I liked certain concepts of this book, overall I was just way too confused. There is no real world-building. It just tosses us into this strangeWhile I liked certain concepts of this book, overall I was just way too confused. There is no real world-building. It just tosses us into this strange world, quite different I must admit, and expects us to keep up! I had no idea what a lot of things refeered to or why the world was the way it was or what was really going on very well. This left me a bit vexed and almost constantly questioning what was going on. This might have made sense if it was a second o third book of a series and the author had jumped in, expecting the reader to have read the first book. But no, this IS the first book.
What I did like: Grey's character. Very independent, and caring. Bit reckless though. The writing is engaging and if I understood what was happening and had some backstory I think I would have been hooked.
Overall, disappointing but author has some potential. I would give her another chance still.
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair, honest review*...more
This book is great for the kids. Adventure from a dogs perspective! Through in some science and steampunk and a dachshund's best friend and we get Th This book is great for the kids. Adventure from a dogs perspective! Through in some science and steampunk and a dachshund's best friend and we get The Mesmer Menace!
When I first started this I was pleasantly surprised to be getting the story through Noodles' eyes. Very unique and fun and lighthearted. The President presents himself to the Kennewickett family for assistance. Yet while the adults are away Noodle's and his human, Wally have their own villian they must stop!
Each character is very unique. Noodle is hilarious! I love getting the story from his perspective. This book is very inventive, both in it's creation and what steampunk devices it contains. The pictures are nicely done and fit in quite nicely to the story.
For me, the biggest drawback is it seems VERY geared to the younger ages. While geared toward middle grade readers, the style is more akin to a chapter book for late elementary. The pictures, while I enjoyed them only add to this. Not a challenging read by any means. Yet still very enjoyable.
This book could be a great intro book for new readers looking for something different. A great intro into the steampunk genre for out youth!
This book was given to me for review by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group via Netgalley. Special thanks to them for this opportunity. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own....more
This was a slow, sweet historical novel with a bit of romance and a slight dash of steampunk. While not at all what I expected, it was very enjoyable This was a slow, sweet historical novel with a bit of romance and a slight dash of steampunk. While not at all what I expected, it was very enjoyable nonetheless.
Our protagonist in this story is a young woman who has lost her father to a rare plague, and suffers some severe side effects herself from this same plague, is removed from the only home she has ever known and is left wandering the streets of the city when her ailment causes her to lose consciousness. She wakes up in the care of Schuyler who calls in his friend, the mysterious Dr. Quinn Godspeed. Days (weeks?) later she awakens to find herself attached to a machine that is keeping her heart pumping.
Due to her condition and the device keeping her alive she is stick living with these two men. She soon meets other patients of the doctor. Penn who has hearing loss, and 3 other teens of various conditions. This group of youth call themselves 'The Freaks.' and soon she finds herself and part of a family to the teens and the two older men of the house.
Our main character (who refuses to share her name) is obsessed with the doctor. She falls in love with him but the books gives us so little about her that I felt it was more obsession than love, especially as she felt so strongly the moment she laid eyes on him. Due to her love for the doctor she strives to learn all she can about him. Why must she never venture outside, why does no one speak his name and why are there rumors about him killing himself? Her investigations give her great insight into the lives of each character in the book and some things she learns are darker than she may like.
This story is beautifully written. The story is smooth and has an almost wistful feel to it. The descriptions and emotions felt are rich and invoking. A few plot holes and consistency errors but the story was still sound (ages of the other teens being one). We never learn why she refuses to tell the others her name or her past (although the summary spoils her name for us). I kept hoping there was some connection or reason but no there were none. Also, I wanted more steampunk! The device she uses and the mention if airships are the only indicator we have. Otherwise is was a sweet story, with a twist at the end. Slow at first but the last quarter of the book is impossible to but down!...more
3.5 stars is closer but on the lower side. Some stories I really liked, others I didn't care for at all and felt I wasted time on a couple even.
These 3.5 stars is closer but on the lower side. Some stories I really liked, others I didn't care for at all and felt I wasted time on a couple even.
These were the ones I actually enjoyed (above 2.5 stars worth):
Some Fortunate Future Day by Cassandra Clare - Rose is a bit scary in her obsessions. But I also feel bad for her, all alone. I want to know her age!
Last Ride of the Glory Girls by Libba Bray - Alt reality western. Some parts were strange but others good. I wanted to get know what she would do in the end. A lot very too vague but would love to see fleshed out into a full story.
Clockwork Fagin by Cory Doctorow - Great orphanage story! Love what these kids do (less what specifically they do to get an automaton..eww..) to improve their lives, despite their situation.
Hand in Glove by Ysabeau S Wilce - I didn't care much for the writing style, felt too much like parts taken from other stories, including Frankenstein and a certain spooky family movie/series that has seen many remakes). Yet still decent and curious.
The Ghost of Cwmlech Manor by Delia Sherman - This was really good. Another favorite here. A gothic tale, old manors, and automatons. I kept expecting a hint of romance though...
Gethsemane by Elizabeth Knox - Started off interesting but felt too scattered. Who people really were and why they did what they did. The ending does cover it but it felt broken in execution.
The Summer People by Kelly Link - What rich possibilities!! I wanted more! Were there fae?! Who are the summer people exactly?! I want a full novel of this. Ending was a bit confusing though.
Steam Girl by Dylan Horrocks - Sci-fi meets steampunk in this tale within a tale. And what is the truth in the story? Very creative.
Everything Amiable and Obliging - Sentient automatrons?? A hint of romance...gone wrong. I really enjoyed this one as well.
The Oracle Engines - Strange historical story sent in Roman times. A story of Caesar, Crassusm Pompei and Marcus as never told. Interesting at times, but slow and overdrawn....more
This was an interesting mix of a real historical setting and situation in an alternative reality with strong elements of steampunk and creature use (aThis was an interesting mix of a real historical setting and situation in an alternative reality with strong elements of steampunk and creature use (aka English Darwinists). I really like both the main characters. Alek has some maturing to do but his heart is in the right place. A lot less self-serving that his crew might like but that is what makes him a good character. Deryn is strong, smart and curious. Her attempts to hide her identity with shaving excuses is almost groan worthy though. I love seeing how their realities meld together. How he learns of the 'beasties' and she of 'Clanker' equipment. I found how the Leviathan works and how they live it it both fascinating and slightly repulsive. Very different that is for sure. I am excited to continue this series.
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