Title: The Wonder Engine
Author: T. Kingfisher
First published February 27, 2018
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.24
Overview
Take a disgraced paladin, a convicted forger, and a heartless assassin, give them weapons, carnivorous tattoos, and each other. Now, set them loose in Anuket City, the birthplace of the mysterious Clockwork Boys.
In this thrilling sequel to CLOCKWORK BOYS, Slate, Brenner, Caliban, and Learned Edmund are faced with deadly challenges at every turn. Their secrets threaten to consume them as they navigate the treacherous streets of the city.
Will they unravel the mysteries of the Clockwork Boys, or will their own demons be their undoing? Find out in The Wonder Engine.
About the Author
Ursula Vernon goes by the pen name T. Kingfisher for her grown-up writing.
She’s also an accomplished author of children’s books and comics, earning recognition from prestigious awards like the Hugo, Sequoyah, and Ursa Major, to name a few. Her work has also been selected by the Junior Library Guild multiple times.
When she’s not busy writing, Ursula can be found in her garden, trying to make connections with butterflies.
Editoral Review
In “The Wonder Engine,” T. Kingfisher takes readers on a thrilling adventure filled with magic, danger, and unlikely heroes.
As an accomplished author of several genres, including horror and fantasy, Kingfisher delivers another incredible work that is sure to captivate readers. The novel is a sequel to “Clockwork Boys” and picks up right where the first book left off.
The story follows the exploits of a mismatched group of adventurers as they embark on a mission to stop a wicked inventor from creating a doomsday device. Along the way, they must overcome various obstacles, including treacherous terrain, deadly creatures, and their own personal demons.
One of the strengths of the book is its superb character development. Kingfisher creates a cast of unique and compelling characters who each have their own distinct personalities, motivations, and backstories.
The interplay between the characters is delightful and makes for some of the most entertaining and memorable moments in the story. Another strength of the book is its world-building.
Kingfisher has created a rich and detailed fantasy world filled with fascinating creatures, cultures, and customs. The world feels fully realized and immersive, and readers will find themselves easily swept away by the story.
The pacing of the book is also excellent. Kingfisher strikes a perfect balance between action and character development, making for a story that is both thrilling and emotionally engaging.
Readers will find themselves quickly turning pages to find out what happens next. One of the few weaknesses of the book is its reliance on tropes and cliches.
While the story and characters are fresh and original, some of the plot elements feel familiar and predictable. However, this is a minor quibble and does not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Overall, “The Wonder Engine” is a fantastic read that is sure to delight fans of the fantasy genre. With its captivating characters, immersive world-building, and thrilling action, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a great adventure story.
I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun and exciting escape into a magical world. 4.5/5 stars.
