Jessica (HDB)

Coherent review be damned, I'm going to ramble about this book. I was looking for something fun to pull me out of my slump, and The Inventor's Secret worked its magic perfectly! It's a fun, steampunk romp by an author that I already admire. Best of all, the audio book has an amazing narrator who brings these characters to life. Would I have adored this as much if I'd read it rather than listened to it? I can't say. I can say that this audio book took me on a wonderful journey. I'm looking forward to more!

Cremer brings to life a world where the British won the Revolutionary War. They control the empire, and everyone deemed unworthy is used for indentured servitude. Living in the catacombs, Charlotte and her misfit group of friends aren't hiding from the outside world. Far from it. These brave kids are doing their part to fight back, to mount a resistance, no matter what it takes. Can I please pause here to make a random point? Andrea Cremer actually explains where Charlotte's family is! Why does this amuse me? Normally we end up with characters are inexplicably on their own. So yes, I was happy to find out that Charlotte and her friends weren't just random orphans. Also, yes, I'm crazy.

Steampunk elements anyone? From floating cities, to clockwork robots, to mechanical carriages, every piece of machinery in this book is a delight. One of the things I love about steampunk is the mix between old and new. Seeing a steamboat right along side a pneumatic tube system made me smile. The setting for this book is vibrant, and rich with the type of descriptive writing that makes you feel like you're in the middle of it all. I couldn't fault Charlotte for feeling so overwhelmed with her new surroundings. I was feeling the very same thing.

The one piece of this book I couldn't quite get on board with was the romance. Yes, yes I know we all love our little romances. Plus Charlotte is 16, which is well of age to be smitten with boys. This little bookworm only wishes she hadn't been put in the middle of a love triangle. I adored Charlotte as a character, and didn't want to see her feisty personality overshadowed by love troubles. Still, if I had to choose a side? Coe all the way. You'll see what I mean when you delve into this.

Which, by the way, you should! Delve into it I mean. I found it a great introduction into a new world, and I'm extremely excited that this is going to be a series! I now eagerly await the next installment.