Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
Ok, I'll admit it: I bought this book because the cover was really nice and because there was a mechanical fox in the story!! But now that I've read it, I can say that the story is also really sweet (though sometimes maybe a little too dark and sad for young readers). There's adventure and mystery, and that's enough for me to give it loads of stars.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was into the book until 2/3 in and my brain died. There's a lot of build up that could have been cut for time. Still would recommend to young readers and will be seeking the second book when it arrives on American soil later this year.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Eventually ended up reading the Romanian edition. I had huge expectations from this children's' book since everyone and their dog were talking about it. I thought it was predictable. The dialogues felt as if the characters were reciting lines from a play. The characters also felt flat, like they were carton cut-outs and you could immediately tell who were the villains. The only character I actually enjoyed was the mechanical fox.
Terrific. Fans of steampunk and 9+ readers will really enjoy this well structured, pacy adventure. Looking forward to reading the next instalment. Bunzl ties up one story effectively, but there are mysteries remaining to be solved.
Lily Hartman's father has gone missing. Her housekeeper, named guardian in her father's will, has turned into a tyrant, selling her father's mechanical servants and searching the house for some mysterious item. When Malkin, her mechanimal fox, comes bearing a cryptic message from her father, Lily flees her house with a little rosewood box. Does it contain the perpetual motion machine that everyone seems to want?
Aided by Robert, the son of a local mechanic, Lily must escape ruffians with silver-plated eyes, survive an airship scrimmage, and make her way to the heart of steampunk London. Along the way, we will discover just what secrets her father has been keeping as both Robert and Lily use their wits and their hearts to save each other from the heartless villain that pursues them.
This middle grade adventure is a fantastic introduction to the steampunk genre. Lily and Robert both demonstrate loyalty and bravery in the face of terrifying odds. The mechanical creatures and airships that fill the pages are winsomely described as is the pseudo-Victorian setting. The book's best feature is probably its pacing, which propels the reader like a streamlined dirigible from beginning to end at breathtaking speed.
Aided by Robert, the son of a local mechanic, Lily must escape ruffians with silver-plated eyes, survive an airship scrimmage, and make her way to the heart of steampunk London. Along the way, we will discover just what secrets her father has been keeping as both Robert and Lily use their wits and their hearts to save each other from the heartless villain that pursues them.
This middle grade adventure is a fantastic introduction to the steampunk genre. Lily and Robert both demonstrate loyalty and bravery in the face of terrifying odds. The mechanical creatures and airships that fill the pages are winsomely described as is the pseudo-Victorian setting. The book's best feature is probably its pacing, which propels the reader like a streamlined dirigible from beginning to end at breathtaking speed.
Adventure, friendship, danger, steampunk and a whole load of heart. I loved this book!
It’s a good book for young readers. The story is well thought and the characters interesting. The author took a lot of his inspiration from Philip Pullman’s « His dark materials ». The same cheeky and smart young girl as a main character, an absent and mysterious dad, a pet that talks, a boy that helps, the same steampunk airships…