Wonderful Reads for the Quirky & Discerning Book Lover
Availability:
Amazon
Format:
ebook, paperback, audiobook
Clean Fiction Edition:
Spring 2022
Reviewer:
ALM
Reviewer Website:
Blurb:
The Electrical Menagerie, one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt. Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively -- but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially -- but none of the scruples. To save their show, Carthage & Huxley risk everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. In this stardust-and-spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, The Electrical Menagerie’s bid at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians -- but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there’s more at stake in this contest than the prize. Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide... and it’s the lies Carthage & Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything. This book was recommended to me by a friend as a “must-read”. Knowing that she reads as much, if not more, than I do, I dove into Reeder’s world with glee and anticipation. There are several comparisons to “The Greatest Showman”, but though the flavor of show business might be the same, this story gives the reader something more.
Review:
ACTION: There are frequent bursts of action sprinkled throughout the steampunk world that Reeder has created. Though no grand sword fights or paced off pistol duels are to be found, there is an element of mystery that keeps the reader on their toes. The mystery deals with murder, so if you are squeamish, be warned.
ADVENTURE: I was a ways into the story before I realized how wonderful the floating islands were. Truth is, I didn’t realize that they were floating and that the train tracks traversed the sky (I suppose I missed that bit in the book blurb). This was most likely due to the comfortable “this is our everyday” reaction that the characters had to their surroundings. There are no outside characters to give the reader an insight into the difference, but once I realized what was going on, I loved it!
The showmanship of Sylvester Carthage also lends to the adventure of this book in a more “beauty of the creative mind” sort of way. Learning about his past was sobering and gave the book a subplot that added more weight to the experience than “The Greatest Showman” was able to provide.
ROMANCE: There is a romantic subplot to this book, but due to the proper nature of a pseudo-Victorian society, everything is mild and above board. Focusing more on themes of friendship and camaraderie, I greatly enjoyed the relationship between Arbrook Huxley and Sylvester Carthage. The growth of their friendship was the star of this book.
RELIGION: There is an undercurrent of Christian ideals in this book, but nothing overt. The author is a Christian, and a reader with similar beliefs should be very comfortable reading this book.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Loneliness vs. Friendship. Ability vs. Disability. Mundanity vs. Wonder. This story pulls on your heartstrings in so many different ways. A friendship between two gentlemen that could rival the depth of Holmes and Watson, a disabled main character who would encourage others who struggle to soar, and the beauty of a mind so enriched by creativity that it could not help but bring wonder to the world around him. This book is the complete package, and I look forward to the future of this series.
G - This does not mean for general audiences. This includes action/adventure/intrigue/suspense. May contain more violence/mild language/mature themes.
