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liketheday's review
3.0
This story serves as a sort of prequel to a full-length novel coming out... soon?... from the same authors, so it ends up a bit packed full of tidbits that don't make a lot of sense because I presume they'll be explained later, but the atmosphere of the book is so fantastic that I will probably check out that novel whenever it arrives.
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kiki6k's review
It was a really good book, I loved it and followed it through out it's process of being made. It was far more than I could have ever imagined and I still have dreams where I see the lovely scenery from th story!
sarahed's review
4.0
A great introduction to this interesting and unique world. Meet Leisl as she goes through life-changing events, by running away with the carnival and learning the life of a show performer, before becoming embroiled in the seedier side of things.
My only criticism would be that it went by too quickly. It felt like Leisl did her first performance, then disaster struck and the next change in her life was upon her before the reader had adjusted. I would have preferred more of a build-up to the discovery she makes at the carnival.
It's a great teaser as an introductory book in the series and I'm already eager for the next one.
My only criticism would be that it went by too quickly. It felt like Leisl did her first performance, then disaster struck and the next change in her life was upon her before the reader had adjusted. I would have preferred more of a build-up to the discovery she makes at the carnival.
It's a great teaser as an introductory book in the series and I'm already eager for the next one.
dani_reviews's review
3.0
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review originally appeared on my blog DaniReviewsThings.com.
This is the first steampunk world I’ve entered, so I’m not sure if I was able to truly appreciate everything. The world is maybe ours in the 19th century, mixed with steampunk and fantasy elements. The steampunk adds an almost eerie, dreamy atmosphere to everything, while the fantasy brings in magic, powered by amber. People can use different kinds of amber to fuel different kinds of magic, the main character being one of these people.
Leisl is a 17-year-old who has spent her life in a cathedral, working away and never being allowed out. A travelling carnival comes to town, and Leisl decides–that night–to join the carnival. However, I thought her decision too sudden and unexplained. I don’t really feel like the reasons behind her split-second decision to drop everything and leave the only place she knew were explored enough. After the rushed start, the rest of the novella slowed down considerably, and while it had an interesting atmosphere, I didn’t really sense any particular direction. Yeah, things were hinted at, but not much really happened. It was only at the end that things took off, setting the stage for subsequent books. Really, this book was an extended prologue and didn’t have much of a story of its own.
The characters were interesting once I got my head around who was who. Each has an unusual name, and I initially struggled to keep straight who was who and who did what acts. I think the creepiest character of all was the monkey. I picture it as a baboon, and baboons are vicious things (having seen them invade homes in South Africa before). My favourite character was perhaps Ursula, the very homely and sage bearded lady. There were a handful of other characters, but I can only remember one or two of their names now! I didn’t connect with any of them, which was a shame.
Funnily enough, there was a taster of the next book at the end of this novella, and I got really into that! It hasn’t quite been shown how the next book links to this, as it centres around an entirely different girl named Raquel. However, I found her easier to relate to than the impulsive Leisl. As such, while this book was interesting, if I hadn’t read the teaser for the next, I don’t think I’d be interested in reading any of the future books. As it is, I want to know what happens next to Raquel!
This is the first steampunk world I’ve entered, so I’m not sure if I was able to truly appreciate everything. The world is maybe ours in the 19th century, mixed with steampunk and fantasy elements. The steampunk adds an almost eerie, dreamy atmosphere to everything, while the fantasy brings in magic, powered by amber. People can use different kinds of amber to fuel different kinds of magic, the main character being one of these people.
Leisl is a 17-year-old who has spent her life in a cathedral, working away and never being allowed out. A travelling carnival comes to town, and Leisl decides–that night–to join the carnival. However, I thought her decision too sudden and unexplained. I don’t really feel like the reasons behind her split-second decision to drop everything and leave the only place she knew were explored enough. After the rushed start, the rest of the novella slowed down considerably, and while it had an interesting atmosphere, I didn’t really sense any particular direction. Yeah, things were hinted at, but not much really happened. It was only at the end that things took off, setting the stage for subsequent books. Really, this book was an extended prologue and didn’t have much of a story of its own.
The characters were interesting once I got my head around who was who. Each has an unusual name, and I initially struggled to keep straight who was who and who did what acts. I think the creepiest character of all was the monkey. I picture it as a baboon, and baboons are vicious things (having seen them invade homes in South Africa before). My favourite character was perhaps Ursula, the very homely and sage bearded lady. There were a handful of other characters, but I can only remember one or two of their names now! I didn’t connect with any of them, which was a shame.
Funnily enough, there was a taster of the next book at the end of this novella, and I got really into that! It hasn’t quite been shown how the next book links to this, as it centres around an entirely different girl named Raquel. However, I found her easier to relate to than the impulsive Leisl. As such, while this book was interesting, if I hadn’t read the teaser for the next, I don’t think I’d be interested in reading any of the future books. As it is, I want to know what happens next to Raquel!
hlburke's review
4.0
My Review
I really enjoyed the characters and the aesthetic of this world. It was a lot of fun with constant surprises. I wasn't crazy about how abruptly it ended, but since it flat out says it is a "prequel" in the description, it is obviously meant to make me want to buy the rest of the series ... and it did, but the series isn't out yet. Tsk.
The piece is wonderfully atmospheric with a great mix of realistic grit and dreamlike haze. There were a few moments where I chuckled out loud and a few more where I felt actively anxious ... I still want to know what happened next, but at least it wasn't a huge cliffhanger (no one is about to die or hanging off of a literal cliff). It probably would've been less of a let down, but my Kindle Ap said I was only at 72% when it ended (due to backmatter) so I had hoped for at least two or three more chapters. Definitely leaves you wanting more.
Parental concerns: mostly YA safe. Like one or two cuss words and some innuendo. Definitely nothing past PG 13.
I really enjoyed the characters and the aesthetic of this world. It was a lot of fun with constant surprises. I wasn't crazy about how abruptly it ended, but since it flat out says it is a "prequel" in the description, it is obviously meant to make me want to buy the rest of the series ... and it did, but the series isn't out yet. Tsk.
The piece is wonderfully atmospheric with a great mix of realistic grit and dreamlike haze. There were a few moments where I chuckled out loud and a few more where I felt actively anxious ... I still want to know what happened next, but at least it wasn't a huge cliffhanger (no one is about to die or hanging off of a literal cliff). It probably would've been less of a let down, but my Kindle Ap said I was only at 72% when it ended (due to backmatter) so I had hoped for at least two or three more chapters. Definitely leaves you wanting more.
Parental concerns: mostly YA safe. Like one or two cuss words and some innuendo. Definitely nothing past PG 13.
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