Very entertaining alt-history, steampunk nouveau american revolution. What I loved: fast paced and fun, doesn't take itself too seriously, totally all about steampunk and magic and the main character is a delightfully intelligent young woman, who keeps her cards close to her chest. She's awesome. Bit of a love triangle (yes, I felt the feelings of doom that presents in a YA novel, and was delighted when it resolved in a different manner than I expected). While I found it not at all realistic in a social mores reading of history, I loved the deconstruction of how one comes to find oneself spying for a revolution, the airships and steam constructs, the mechanics and magic, and frankly a heroine I could not just like but respect. Pretty cool. ( )

Alternative history mixed with magic? Yes, please.
I received this in my August Uppercase Box. I had no idea what to expect but it's safe to say I was not disappointed. Rebel Mechanics is a fun read. Lord Henry was hands down my favorite character. Verity of course was a close second. The only thing I didn't really care for was the hint of a love triangle. I prefer Verity with Henry over Alec (didn't care too much for him).
Looking forward to the sequel! Hoping we get to learn more about the Magisters and of course see more magic happening. ( )

This is a pretty wonderful book. My 13-year-old son read it first because it was on this year's Truman Award Nominee list and he recommended I read it, too. I'm so glad he did! It's charming and imaginative, but also thought provoking and incredibly relevant to issues of today. The main character Verity is faced with some tough questions as she learns ugly truths about the society in which she lives. Almost unwittingly she becomes involved in a rebellious movement, where she serves as a spy and writes for an alternative news source as the reporter Liberty Jones. Soon she finds herself facing the ethical dilemma of determining just how much can/should truth be manipulated in pursuit of a cause. Both my son and I look forward to reading more of the series. ( )

great fun and steampunk ( )