An interesting concept set in a steampunk world.

If "Americans" lost the Revolutionary War, what would happen to those who were left?

The characters were likeable, although not as "real" to me as I would have liked. I would also have liked it a little more if the basic set-up of the world was presented a little earlier in the storyline.

Overall, a fun read for those looking for a little different twist to their steampunk. ( )

This book infuriated me, not least because I powered through it in search of closure and it barely had a climax before dribbling to a pause. The plot was hard to put a finger on, partly because the book spent most of its time on character banter, and even then the big relationship points felt hammered and rushed rather than cumulative and elegant. And the world was pretty but thin, and occasionally baffling, not least in its blithe assertion, a hundred pages from the end, that the Christian Empire didn't mind big honking temples to Athena and Hephaestus. (Never mind that first commandment, it's more like a guideline...) I liked Charlotte, but not enough to read any more of what I only realised at the end was a series. ( )

I'm not a huge fan of steampunk, but this was pretty good. I liked the inventions, like exploding mice and floating cities. I appreciated that Charlotte is tough and fights and explores and doesn't let her bossy boy counterparts get her down. I'm all for strong females! Grave was a cool character too, trying to find out about his hidden past was a nice mystery. I will be reading the sequel. ( )

Very interesting concept for the setting and theme of the first book in this series. I loved the alternate historical aspect that gives the reader an idea of what COULD have happened; although I doubt it would have included the fanciful aspects of the book.

It is very well written and will be finding its way onto my high school library shelves soon. Not sure how I missed this one. ( )

Coherent review be damned, I'm going to ramble about this book. I was looking for something fun to pull me out of my slump, and The Inventor's Secret worked its magic perfectly! It's a fun, steampunk romp by an author that I already admire. Best of all, the audio book has an amazing narrator who brings these characters to life. Would I have adored this as much if I'd read it rather than listened to it? I can't say. I can say that this audio book took me on a wonderful journey. I'm looking forward to more!

Cremer brings to life a world where the British won the Revolutionary War. They control the empire, and everyone deemed unworthy is used for indentured servitude. Living in the catacombs, Charlotte and her misfit group of friends aren't hiding from the outside world. Far from it. These brave kids are doing their part to fight back, to mount a resistance, no matter what it takes. Can I please pause here to make a random point? Andrea Cremer actually explains where Charlotte's family is! Why does this amuse me? Normally we end up with characters are inexplicably on their own. So yes, I was happy to find out that Charlotte and her friends weren't just random orphans. Also, yes, I'm crazy.

Steampunk elements anyone? From floating cities, to clockwork robots, to mechanical carriages, every piece of machinery in this book is a delight. One of the things I love about steampunk is the mix between old and new. Seeing a steamboat right along side a pneumatic tube system made me smile. The setting for this book is vibrant, and rich with the type of descriptive writing that makes you feel like you're in the middle of it all. I couldn't fault Charlotte for feeling so overwhelmed with her new surroundings. I was feeling the very same thing.

The one piece of this book I couldn't quite get on board with was the romance. Yes, yes I know we all love our little romances. Plus Charlotte is 16, which is well of age to be smitten with boys. This little bookworm only wishes she hadn't been put in the middle of a love triangle. I adored Charlotte as a character, and didn't want to see her feisty personality overshadowed by love troubles. Still, if I had to choose a side? Coe all the way. You'll see what I mean when you delve into this.

Which, by the way, you should! Delve into it I mean. I found it a great introduction into a new world, and I'm extremely excited that this is going to be a series! I now eagerly await the next installment. ( )