Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
This is a very charming book with some lovely steampunk world building and cinematic set pieces.
On reflection, given the buzz around this book, I was expecting more. On the other hand, it was the publisher that sought to raise my expectation not the author. Congratulations to him on this his first novel. Steampunk too. Yum.
The plot was packed with action and galloped along. Pretty exciting stuff. On the downside, I found the dialogue a little flat in places and often it didn't seem to reflect the character's age, gender or status within the story. However, having just finished the first three books of the Edge Chronicles, and observed the same thing there, it might be something that is more noticeable to me as an adult reader than to lower MG readers - the target audience of this book.
If you like the steampunk setting, if you like your protagonists young and feisty and if you like your antagonists evil. This could be your book.
The plot was packed with action and galloped along. Pretty exciting stuff. On the downside, I found the dialogue a little flat in places and often it didn't seem to reflect the character's age, gender or status within the story. However, having just finished the first three books of the Edge Chronicles, and observed the same thing there, it might be something that is more noticeable to me as an adult reader than to lower MG readers - the target audience of this book.
If you like the steampunk setting, if you like your protagonists young and feisty and if you like your antagonists evil. This could be your book.
A really sweet and adventurous story! However, the plot and characters moved in such an overly familiar pattern that I could predict almost every event. But it's a strong 3 stars!
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I enjoyed the first half, but it soon became predictable and what was up with chapter 23? An almost torture scene and mention of a bone saw? I am unsure if I will continue the series now.
Lovely book, fun adventure, perilous peril. Read it to Tiny after we'd already read the second book so we knew it would all turn out okay. Apart from THAT BIT, obvs.
A super easy read and one which has a lot of Victorian steam punk elements which include a tiny mechanical fox called Malkin, a young girl with a rebellious streak and a boy who is the clockmaker's apprentice. Lots for kids to enjoy and well worth a read. 4*s
Oh my goodness how did this wonder only just get to the top of my tbr pile?! Loved it, fantastic MG story, and I now want to trade in our moggie for a mechanical fox.
A middle grade steampunk inspired tale that kept me invested, but not enthralled.
Lily’s life is in danger. Her father is missing and men with silver eyes are stalking her in the shadows. Along with her friends, Lily must confront the very thing that terrifies her if there’s any chance of saving those close to her.
Despite being a middle grade novel, Cogheart isn’t a fluffy feel good adventure. There’s murder, darkness and sacrifice involved in Lily’s quest for the truth surrounding her father’s disappearance, and that keeps you guessing until the end.
Whilst I like some of the supporting characters, I found the mechanicals - and the way they spoke - quite irritating and babyish, but otherwise I enjoyed reading this one, and would be interested to see where the rest of the series goes.
Lily’s life is in danger. Her father is missing and men with silver eyes are stalking her in the shadows. Along with her friends, Lily must confront the very thing that terrifies her if there’s any chance of saving those close to her.
Despite being a middle grade novel, Cogheart isn’t a fluffy feel good adventure. There’s murder, darkness and sacrifice involved in Lily’s quest for the truth surrounding her father’s disappearance, and that keeps you guessing until the end.
Whilst I like some of the supporting characters, I found the mechanicals - and the way they spoke - quite irritating and babyish, but otherwise I enjoyed reading this one, and would be interested to see where the rest of the series goes.