Melissa B. (dragoneyes) - , reviewed on 11/16/2010 + 802 more book reviews

This book was wonderful. The first thing that made me pick up this book was the beautiful cover. I opened the cover only to find more awesome artwork on the inside of the cover. Then I flipped through it to find even more throughout the whole book. Well, I decided I just had to read this book. I was afraid that maybe the story wouldn't live up to the art but it did!
It is a story kind of based on WWI but done in steampunk style. Not familiar with steampunk? Don't worry, it won't take away from the story. I'm a newbie to steampunk myself. In this story we have Darwinist vs. Clankers. The Darwinist are known for their ability to "create" and "modify" creatures and they use them for different things like air balloons, ships, etc. The Clankers are machine builders. They are brilliant at building their machines. They don't understand one another and each others' creations. Then war breaks out. It's creature against machine. Thrown into all of this is a boy clanker named Alex and a girl darwinist named Deryn. These two don't know each other but their fate lies in each other's hand. Read more to find out! I also have to add that I love how at the end of the book the author describes what in his book was true history and what was made up. I think this really helps the young reader who hasn't learned this yet or for adults, like me, who didn't pay attention very well in history and now regret it.
If you love steampunk, or good artwork, or just a good all around YA novel then I highly recommend reading this one. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

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