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rcgeek_13's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kathydavie's review
5.0
I very much enjoyed this. Although, I would further qualify it as organic steam punk. Combines adventure with history with gadgets.
greenidmnstr's review
3.0
As a BIG fan of the Uglies series, I had great expectations for this book. But I was thoroughly disappointed with the characters and the story. This might be great for a much younger audience, but I found it too dull and unimpressive.
harleyrae's review against another edition
3.0
For awhile I was positive this was gonna be the death of me. I just could not for the life of me get into it. I typically enjoy Scott Westerfeld's books but this one was just not for me. It didn't help that it took me forever and a day to read this, but while I was reading it I was bored and could care less about what happens. I wasn't invested in any of the character or really what was happening. The last half was certainly better than the first half, which is why I did give this book 3 stars. I thought the beasties were a little strange, and I wasn't really sure what they point of them are. I still can't wrap my head around why anyone would want a ship that is a hybrid flying whale. So if I had to choose a side between beasties and clankers, I'm all for the clankers.
All in all I can see why people enjoyed this book, but it just wasn't for me. I will not be continuing on in the series.
All in all I can see why people enjoyed this book, but it just wasn't for me. I will not be continuing on in the series.
x_librarian's review
4.0
A wonderful mixture of steampunk, sci-fi, and alternative history. I really enjoyed reading the book and was probably a little too proud of myself for guessing the time period early on in the book (my knowledge of history is pretty abysmal). I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
mavisbird's review
5.0
I'm genuinely suprised i had as much fun with this book as I did. I read it for my cousin who is 14 and loves this series in order for him to have someone to talk about it with. I knew it was for a younger audience, but honnestly it holds up really well for older audiences as well.
I am impressed by how well written these 15 year olds are. And while they are responsible and in a life altering situation, they still do have their moments of childhood impulses. I am very suprised at how well done the female character is, and how they balanced her hiding her gender, and her grit as a person.
I was invested from start to finish and really enjoyed the adventure. I may end up picking up the other two to see where they go.
I am impressed by how well written these 15 year olds are. And while they are responsible and in a life altering situation, they still do have their moments of childhood impulses. I am very suprised at how well done the female character is, and how they balanced her hiding her gender, and her grit as a person.
I was invested from start to finish and really enjoyed the adventure. I may end up picking up the other two to see where they go.