God, I wished I could reread these books for the first time again the moment I put them down!
Clever prose, engaging plot, flawed characters that grab God, I wished I could reread these books for the first time again the moment I put them down!
Clever prose, engaging plot, flawed characters that grab you by the heart even when they're being difficult (often especially then), interesting fantasy worldbuilding, a deft hand, a witty mind and a boatload of heart. I couldn't ask for anything more perfectly tailored to my interests and sensibilities.
The pace is slightly less engaging than in book one and some aspects of the finale feel tropey but I still enjoyed this reading adventure more than most in recent years (barring other Kingfisher books, who has quickly become my new favorite author). Worth noting, though, that The Wonder Engine is tonally darker than Clockwork Boys. Some might find this amount of fatalism too depressing.
Also, the gnole culture/society might be presented in a... questionable way, but I'm not gonna lie - they way it plays with language and gender tickled me immensely. I love Grimehug and the other gnoles with my whole heart.
I wish I could express my feelings about the Clocktaur War in a more coherent way than just by pointing at it enthusiastically and nodding my approval in a neck-breaking way. But that's what you get :D...more
This book has my whole heart. To be honest, the steampunk cover had me worried for a bit (not a huge fan of the genre) but I trusted Kingfisher and I'This book has my whole heart. To be honest, the steampunk cover had me worried for a bit (not a huge fan of the genre) but I trusted Kingfisher and I'm incredibly glad I did.
This is the best blend of fantasy and adventure, bringing to mind old school D&D and the wonder you felt watching Jim Henson movies, but from a witty, dry perspective of someone who's no longer that naive, but still believes in kindness and knowing what's right. I love everything about this and everyone in it (but especially Grimehug). Kingfisher knows how to write flawed characters that change in satisfying ways, breeding a load of emotions in the reader along the way. And the worldbuilding... the relationships the characters have... the approach to religion and science... Kingfisher, you're a gem!
Does this feel like an into to book 2 rather than being satisfying on its own? Kinda. However, it's a REALLY GOOD into. And if you marathon the books like I did, it doesn't really matter. And honestly, I see no world in which you wouldn't want to immediately read "The Wonder Engine" after finishing "Clockwork Boys".
I wish I could express my feelings about the Clocktaur War in a more coherent way than just by pointing at it enthusiastically and nodding my approval in a neck-breaking way....more
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