It took me over a year to finally get to this book, and I really enjoyed it. Steampunk and a little dystopia for middle grades rather than young adult. But it's got all the adventure and and suspense you could ask for. Add in a few super strong girl characters (my favorite was the ten-year-old mechanical/engineering genius little sister) and it's the kind of book I can recommend to almost anyone. It's a little heavy on acronyms for the governmental agencies which got confusing even for me. Even though there's no magic, I will recommend it to kids who are pining for something after Harry Potter, and I don't think they'll be disappointed. I also want a prequel to this book to read about the dad's life and expeditions (it's unclear whether he's really dead or not). Good adventure book for the middle school set, though not so easy a read that they'll get bored. Sets up the characters and the world well. The kids are in plenty of real danger throughout but it never gets too scary. Good twists and turns - the kids don't get everything right and their mistakes do have consequences for them and the people around them, which is refreshing. I liked it and would be willing to read another.
Super fun read - devoured it all in one day. Great adventure story.
—Janice
If you liked Goonies, you'll dig this adventure.
—solomon
This is a great book. It's so full of mystery.
—Mopsyrsb
Great adventure with some unexpected twists!
—jackjax8
steam punk kid power that comes in waves
—Books52365
