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The Inventor's Secret #1
The Inventor's Secret
There is an alternate cover edition for this edition here.
Sixteen-year-old Charlotte and her fellow refugees have scraped out an existence on the edge of Britain’s industrial empire. Though they live by the skin of their teeth they have their health (at least when they can find enough food and avoid the Imperial Labor Gatherers) and each other. When a new exile with no memory of his escape from the coastal cities or even his own name seeks shelter in their camp he brings new dangers with him and secrets about the terrible future that awaits all those who have struggled has to live free of the bonds of the empire’s Machineworks.
The Inventor’s Secret is the first book of a YA steampunk series set in an alternate nineteenth-century North America where the Revolutionary War never took place and the British Empire has expanded into a global juggernaut propelled by marvelous and horrible machinery.
Sixteen-year-old Charlotte and her fellow refugees have scraped out an existence on the edge of Britain’s industrial empire. Though they live by the skin of their teeth they have their health (at least when they can find enough food and avoid the Imperial Labor Gatherers) and each other. When a new exile with no memory of his escape from the coastal cities or even his own name seeks shelter in their camp he brings new dangers with him and secrets about the terrible future that awaits all those who have struggled has to live free of the bonds of the empire’s Machineworks.
The Inventor’s Secret is the first book of a YA steampunk series set in an alternate nineteenth-century North America where the Revolutionary War never took place and the British Empire has expanded into a global juggernaut propelled by marvelous and horrible machinery.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2014
163 people are currently reading
9614 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Cremer
42 books6,660 followersAndrea Cremer also known as Andrea Robertson, is the author of the internationally bestselling Nightshade series. She spent her childhood daydreaming and roaming the forests and lakeshores of Northern Wisconsin.
Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. Before she wrote her first novel, Andrea was a history professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. In her books, she strives to bring together her two passions: history and fantasy. Andrea now lives in New York and writes full time.
To contact Andrea, please visit, andreacremer.com
Andrea has always loved writing and has never stopped writing, but she only recently plunged into the deep end of the pool that is professional writing. Before she wrote her first novel, Andrea was a history professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. In her books, she strives to bring together her two passions: history and fantasy. Andrea now lives in New York and writes full time.
To contact Andrea, please visit, andreacremer.com
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February 28, 2014
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I wasn't a fan of Andrea Cremer's Nightshade series, but I decided to read The Inventor's Secret because I absolutely loved its premise. An alternate history, steampunk novel that explores what if the British won the Revolutionary War? Count me in! The major problem with The Inventor's Secret is that Cremer focuses on an illogical romance and plot and never really lets the steampunk elements fully take off. So much of The Inventor's Secret just felt so ridiculous and silly that it was difficult for me to get invested in the plot and characters.
The Inventor's Secret is an alternate history novel that deals with the question "What would've happened if the British won the Revoltuionary War?" The American Patriots were defeated by the British and they continued to revolt all across the empire. The children of the Patriots are refugees and live in an underground compound by themselves and one day, Charlotte saves a clueless boy from one of Britain's deadly robots. Charlotte brings the amnesiac boy to their compound and the kids try to figure out who this boy really is.
I really don't understand the world-building in The Inventor's Secret and it felt extremely illogical. Cremer unsuccessfully tries to blend history and mythology when creating the world-building and it was largely unsuccessful. I truly don't understand why a British colony would have a Greek pantheon of gods in addition to their Christian god. The fact that the characters continuously referred to Greek Gods and said ridiculous things like "Holy Hephaestus" or "Hephaestus' Hammer!" didn't make any sense to me and was never actually explained. Reading "Hephaestus's hammer" gets old quickly and it was beyond irritating. Readers are never given an opportunity to understand what it means to be apart of Britannia's empire and why it's such a terrible thing. Cremer never even explains why the Patriots are rebelling, are they rebelling over the same things that the Patriots revolted over in American history in 1776? What other colonies are apart of Britannia's empire? Are the other colonies oppressed as well? I had so many questions about the world-building and none of them were ever given a clear answer.
I truly don't understand the main character, Charlotte at all, nor do I want to understand what went on in her mind. When Jack, one of the boys from the compound, irritates and harasses her Charlotte was "unwilling to lose this dare, Charlotte pulled the corset away from her body and dropped it". Jack was kidding with her and asked if he could help her untie the knots on her clothing. Charlotte decides she wants to "out-do" Jack and so, she proceeds to undress. I don't know who I should be annoyed with more Jack for being an idiot or Charlotte for being ridiculous enough to follow through with his dare. I find it hard to believe that someone would lack enough common sense to do this, if Charlotte is a teenager (probably 16ish) shouldn't she know better than to listen to perverted teenage boys? Kicking Jack out of the room and reporting him to their leader, Ash would have been a much better idea. Instead Charlotte foolishly listens to his dare and proceeds to fall in love with this chump throughout the book. How can I empathize with a main character who lacks any sense at all and acts like an elementary schooler?
The romance in The Inventor's Secret is poorly executed and I can't ever imagine rooting for the couples that Cremer created. I don't like Charlotte at all and I especially don't like her beau, Jack who is possibly one of the least appealing male leads I've read about in a while. I can't ship a couple when I loathe both characters in the relationship and besides, the romance isn't written well. To make matters even worse, it looks as if Cremer has set up the infrastructure for a love triangle in subsequent novels in this series.
With a lackluster plot, an atrocious romance, and ridiculous world-building, The Inventor's Secret failed to impress me. There is no doubt in my mind that I will not be continuing this series and I have no interest in reading more about Britannia. The Inventor's Secret is a poor series opener that never really interested me and this is a perfect case of wasted potential. The Inventors' Secret had a killer premise, but the majority of the book wasn't thought-out well and was executed poorly.
I wasn't a fan of Andrea Cremer's Nightshade series, but I decided to read The Inventor's Secret because I absolutely loved its premise. An alternate history, steampunk novel that explores what if the British won the Revolutionary War? Count me in! The major problem with The Inventor's Secret is that Cremer focuses on an illogical romance and plot and never really lets the steampunk elements fully take off. So much of The Inventor's Secret just felt so ridiculous and silly that it was difficult for me to get invested in the plot and characters.
The Inventor's Secret is an alternate history novel that deals with the question "What would've happened if the British won the Revoltuionary War?" The American Patriots were defeated by the British and they continued to revolt all across the empire. The children of the Patriots are refugees and live in an underground compound by themselves and one day, Charlotte saves a clueless boy from one of Britain's deadly robots. Charlotte brings the amnesiac boy to their compound and the kids try to figure out who this boy really is.
I really don't understand the world-building in The Inventor's Secret and it felt extremely illogical. Cremer unsuccessfully tries to blend history and mythology when creating the world-building and it was largely unsuccessful. I truly don't understand why a British colony would have a Greek pantheon of gods in addition to their Christian god. The fact that the characters continuously referred to Greek Gods and said ridiculous things like "Holy Hephaestus" or "Hephaestus' Hammer!" didn't make any sense to me and was never actually explained. Reading "Hephaestus's hammer" gets old quickly and it was beyond irritating. Readers are never given an opportunity to understand what it means to be apart of Britannia's empire and why it's such a terrible thing. Cremer never even explains why the Patriots are rebelling, are they rebelling over the same things that the Patriots revolted over in American history in 1776? What other colonies are apart of Britannia's empire? Are the other colonies oppressed as well? I had so many questions about the world-building and none of them were ever given a clear answer.
I truly don't understand the main character, Charlotte at all, nor do I want to understand what went on in her mind. When Jack, one of the boys from the compound, irritates and harasses her Charlotte was "unwilling to lose this dare, Charlotte pulled the corset away from her body and dropped it". Jack was kidding with her and asked if he could help her untie the knots on her clothing. Charlotte decides she wants to "out-do" Jack and so, she proceeds to undress. I don't know who I should be annoyed with more Jack for being an idiot or Charlotte for being ridiculous enough to follow through with his dare. I find it hard to believe that someone would lack enough common sense to do this, if Charlotte is a teenager (probably 16ish) shouldn't she know better than to listen to perverted teenage boys? Kicking Jack out of the room and reporting him to their leader, Ash would have been a much better idea. Instead Charlotte foolishly listens to his dare and proceeds to fall in love with this chump throughout the book. How can I empathize with a main character who lacks any sense at all and acts like an elementary schooler?
The romance in The Inventor's Secret is poorly executed and I can't ever imagine rooting for the couples that Cremer created. I don't like Charlotte at all and I especially don't like her beau, Jack who is possibly one of the least appealing male leads I've read about in a while. I can't ship a couple when I loathe both characters in the relationship and besides, the romance isn't written well. To make matters even worse, it looks as if Cremer has set up the infrastructure for a love triangle in subsequent novels in this series.
With a lackluster plot, an atrocious romance, and ridiculous world-building, The Inventor's Secret failed to impress me. There is no doubt in my mind that I will not be continuing this series and I have no interest in reading more about Britannia. The Inventor's Secret is a poor series opener that never really interested me and this is a perfect case of wasted potential. The Inventors' Secret had a killer premise, but the majority of the book wasn't thought-out well and was executed poorly.
October 20, 2014
-potential light spoilers-
I was at the library when this little fellow caught my eye. "Hey!" it called from the "New Books" section. "Pick me! Pick me!" But I was determined to ignore it's pleas to be read.
But it was steampunk.
And it was third person (I'm sick of first person!)
"Oh, I'll just check it out. If it's bad, I can always laugh about it."
And I'm glad I did! It's far from perfect, but it's one of the better "New YA Fiction" I've read this year. Let me break it down for ya.
Characters:
Charlotte was a very relate-able character. She didn't drive me bonkers by making overly stupid decisions. She didn't make me want to throw the book across the room for being a weak female who let everyone walk all over her (most of the time).
But what was with that weird undressing scene? What's up with that, Charlotte?
Charlotte's brother, Ash, did drive me up the wall a bit. He was protective of her, but it never really made much sense to me. She is only a year or two younger, and can take care of herself (as she proves time and time again). Yet he's determined to keep everything from her to... protect her? I would have understood his feelings had she been much, much younger than him. But besides that, I really did like Ash.
Jack, Charlotte's eventual love interest, was very... interesting. I found him to be charming and a bit like Han Solo in the beginning, but half-way through the book, it's almost like his personality took a complete turn. He went from charming and mysterious, to mooning over Charlotte day and night.
Liek whut lol.
He kind of turned into a creeper.
Coe, Jack's brother, was another creeper forced into the story purely to create drama-ah. What story is complete without a love triangle? (sarcasm) More on that later.
Linnet, Jack's sister, was fascinating and different and down-right awesome. I hope to goodness she's a main character in the next book.
Grave was dry as dust. Poor fellow. He can't help it.
The secondary characters were SO GOOD. Pip, Birch, Scoff, and Lord and Lady Ott were each so unique. They brought a certain spark to the story. I'm so sad to say they weren't that involved (except for Lord and Lady Ott).
The only secondary character I didn't like was Meg. We were supposed to find her sweet and kind, but she just came across as mean (based on her treatment of Grave). I'll save further judgement until after I read more about her in the sequel.
Plot:
The plot was a little hard to believe at times. I just couldn't get past the fact that the rebels thought it was a good idea to leave their children all alone with older children in charge. I don't know about you, but if I was hanging with other teens, no adults, it'd be one big party par-teh!
This story is setting up the plot for the series. As it stands alone, it falls. It does nothing but set things up. No questions are answered. But I'm personally okay with that. I'll pick up the next book; no big deal.
The romance left me scratching my head. It was handled a lot better than most, but the biggest problem I had with it was the luuurve triangle. CAN WE ALL JUST GET TOGETHER AND SAY NO. NO LOVE TRIANGLES.
But even this love triangle (once I got over the fact that there was a love triangle) was handled a little better than the run of the mill LT.
Don't get me wrong, sometimes I like love triangles. But every. story. has. one. And they're rarely handled well.
Final Opinion:
This is one book I'll be buying for my bookshelf. The story is different; the steampunk well incorporated. It won't be everyone's cup of tea. Not perfect, but fun.
I'll be reading the next one, for sure.
~RATING~
I give this book 4 stars.
I was at the library when this little fellow caught my eye. "Hey!" it called from the "New Books" section. "Pick me! Pick me!" But I was determined to ignore it's pleas to be read.
But it was steampunk.
And it was third person (I'm sick of first person!)
"Oh, I'll just check it out. If it's bad, I can always laugh about it."
And I'm glad I did! It's far from perfect, but it's one of the better "New YA Fiction" I've read this year. Let me break it down for ya.
Characters:
Charlotte was a very relate-able character. She didn't drive me bonkers by making overly stupid decisions. She didn't make me want to throw the book across the room for being a weak female who let everyone walk all over her (most of the time).
But what was with that weird undressing scene? What's up with that, Charlotte?
Charlotte's brother, Ash, did drive me up the wall a bit. He was protective of her, but it never really made much sense to me. She is only a year or two younger, and can take care of herself (as she proves time and time again). Yet he's determined to keep everything from her to... protect her? I would have understood his feelings had she been much, much younger than him. But besides that, I really did like Ash.
Jack, Charlotte's eventual love interest, was very... interesting. I found him to be charming and a bit like Han Solo in the beginning, but half-way through the book, it's almost like his personality took a complete turn. He went from charming and mysterious, to mooning over Charlotte day and night.
Liek whut lol.
He kind of turned into a creeper.
Coe, Jack's brother, was another creeper forced into the story purely to create drama-ah. What story is complete without a love triangle? (sarcasm) More on that later.
Linnet, Jack's sister, was fascinating and different and down-right awesome. I hope to goodness she's a main character in the next book.
Grave was dry as dust. Poor fellow. He can't help it.
The secondary characters were SO GOOD. Pip, Birch, Scoff, and Lord and Lady Ott were each so unique. They brought a certain spark to the story. I'm so sad to say they weren't that involved (except for Lord and Lady Ott).
The only secondary character I didn't like was Meg. We were supposed to find her sweet and kind, but she just came across as mean (based on her treatment of Grave). I'll save further judgement until after I read more about her in the sequel.
Plot:
The plot was a little hard to believe at times. I just couldn't get past the fact that the rebels thought it was a good idea to leave their children all alone with older children in charge. I don't know about you, but if I was hanging with other teens, no adults, it'd be one big party par-teh!
This story is setting up the plot for the series. As it stands alone, it falls. It does nothing but set things up. No questions are answered. But I'm personally okay with that. I'll pick up the next book; no big deal.
The romance left me scratching my head. It was handled a lot better than most, but the biggest problem I had with it was the luuurve triangle. CAN WE ALL JUST GET TOGETHER AND SAY NO. NO LOVE TRIANGLES.
But even this love triangle (once I got over the fact that there was a love triangle) was handled a little better than the run of the mill LT.
Don't get me wrong, sometimes I like love triangles. But every. story. has. one. And they're rarely handled well.
Final Opinion:
This is one book I'll be buying for my bookshelf. The story is different; the steampunk well incorporated. It won't be everyone's cup of tea. Not perfect, but fun.
I'll be reading the next one, for sure.
~RATING~
I give this book 4 stars.
February 8, 2016
Me ha faltado un poco de profundidad en los personajes, en sus relaciones. Me parece que la idea de esta historia alternativa está muy bien asentada, pero que no desarrolla todo el potencial porque se pierde en una trama romántica más bien floja. Pero qué puedo decir, ha terminado por engancharme: la mística, el steampunk y los caballeros del s.XIX es lo que tienen...
July 7, 2020
4.5. I loved rereading this and can't wait to read the sequel!
April 26, 2014
*3.5*
This is an enjoyable and entertaining read, but, to me, it lacks depth.
This book is an alternate history story. It explores the idea of what America would be like if the British won the Revolutionary war. The British control the country from the Empire, which is located in NYC.
Our main character, Charlotte, is part of the resistance, living in underground catacombs. Teens live in these catacombs until they are old enough to join the adults in fighting the British control.
Along with this awesome premise, there are steampunk elements. The British have invented all kinds of mechanical devices and creations to put down the rebellions and to keep the rich safe.
I love fantasy, historical fiction, and steampunk, so this one sounded perfect for me. However, it fell a little flat. At the beginning, I was really into the story and the characters, but as I moved further along in the book, I felt like it was missing a lot. The world is complex, but not in a good way. Along with the steampunk elements, the author mixes in mythology, which I found strange. I do not think it flowed well together at all. The mythology seemed frivolous and unnecessary. The world is, in a way, pretty with all of the mechanized aspects, but it did not go much further than that.
While the plot is fun, it is also predictable, along with the characters. I did not dislike the characters, but I felt like I was 2 steps ahead of them at all times. I was just waiting for them to figure things out that I thought were obvious. Sure, there are some little twists and surprises, but I was not shocked by anything. The romance was weird as well. I enjoyed it to an extent, but did not feel invested.
I liked the main character, she is a strong, funny female who speaks her mind, but I also thought she was immature. She is only 16, but it just got annoying at points. Actually, this whole book felt immature and underdeveloped to me. I would almost say it would be good for the middle-grade age range. However, there are some pretty violent fight scenes and a good bit of sexual innuendos.
With all of that said, I found this book to be a fun adventure and it is entertaining. The flaws I mentioned did not ruin the book for me, but I could see many people strongly disliking this book haha. It does lack development, but the steampunk elements and the plot were interesting to read about :)
Thank you to Penguin Publishing for sending my a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is an enjoyable and entertaining read, but, to me, it lacks depth.
This book is an alternate history story. It explores the idea of what America would be like if the British won the Revolutionary war. The British control the country from the Empire, which is located in NYC.
Our main character, Charlotte, is part of the resistance, living in underground catacombs. Teens live in these catacombs until they are old enough to join the adults in fighting the British control.
Along with this awesome premise, there are steampunk elements. The British have invented all kinds of mechanical devices and creations to put down the rebellions and to keep the rich safe.
I love fantasy, historical fiction, and steampunk, so this one sounded perfect for me. However, it fell a little flat. At the beginning, I was really into the story and the characters, but as I moved further along in the book, I felt like it was missing a lot. The world is complex, but not in a good way. Along with the steampunk elements, the author mixes in mythology, which I found strange. I do not think it flowed well together at all. The mythology seemed frivolous and unnecessary. The world is, in a way, pretty with all of the mechanized aspects, but it did not go much further than that.
While the plot is fun, it is also predictable, along with the characters. I did not dislike the characters, but I felt like I was 2 steps ahead of them at all times. I was just waiting for them to figure things out that I thought were obvious. Sure, there are some little twists and surprises, but I was not shocked by anything. The romance was weird as well. I enjoyed it to an extent, but did not feel invested.
I liked the main character, she is a strong, funny female who speaks her mind, but I also thought she was immature. She is only 16, but it just got annoying at points. Actually, this whole book felt immature and underdeveloped to me. I would almost say it would be good for the middle-grade age range. However, there are some pretty violent fight scenes and a good bit of sexual innuendos.
With all of that said, I found this book to be a fun adventure and it is entertaining. The flaws I mentioned did not ruin the book for me, but I could see many people strongly disliking this book haha. It does lack development, but the steampunk elements and the plot were interesting to read about :)
Thank you to Penguin Publishing for sending my a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Read
May 23, 2016I think I just love everything Andrea Cremer writes. Not only do I bookmark like every page but I swoon over her heroes. Jack Winter was no exception. Love him and the world building in this book is amazing! If you're a steampunk fan pick this one up!
April 13, 2014
I received this as an ARC in a GoodReads giveaway. I was looking forward to reading this book, as I have enjoyed just about every other steampunk novel/short story anthology I have read in the past.
Unfortunately, this one was just not for me. I would classify this as chicklit steampunk, for the following reasons:
1. There is little action in the first 100 pages (I got to 106 before I abandoned it, which shows I tried, I really tried). The beginning seemed promising, but then it quickly morphed into mediocre dialogue and scenes devoid of any tension, despite the premise that this is a dystopian America as a result of the British defeating the American rebels in the 1770s.
2. It took to page 85 to get to the backstory, and then it's revealed in a long drawn out exposition, like someone giving a report in history class. The best writers will allow details to emerge in chunks so that the reader learns the story as part of the story.
3. Flat, characterless characters. I could not get a sense of these people. Charlotte seemed like she wanted to be tough, but there were times when she appeared more like today's typical 15 year old, not an 19th century teen, who would under normal circumstances be more mature than current teens.
4. The mystery of Grave, while that is really a cool name, was not compelling enough for me to continue. The world wasn't built well enough by page 100 for me to get a clear image of what it was like. And thus I was not invested in these people.
5. More emphasis on Charlotte's relationship/romantic interests, even in the beginning, than on the Resistance of which she is a part.
6. Really boring conversations. Example:
"Any other harmless consequences of this tonic?"....
"The smell."....
"I don't smell anything."....
"Oh that's lovely....It smells of lilac." And on and on.
7. The corset scene was just plain dumb and so chicklit it made me cringe.
I think I'll stick with Scott Westerfeld and Cherie Priest.
The things I liked:
1. The mice magnets
2. Pocky - cool gun
3. Tinker Birch - but he wasn't enough to carry the story for me. Even the description of his workshop wasn't cool enough or detailed enough for me.
4. The 19th century names like Charlotte and Ashley. Although shortening Ashley to Ash had me thinking of Pokemon way too much.
5. The cool looking copper heart on the cover of the ARC. I see that the final copy changed the cover design.
I sincerely appreciate Penguin's generosity for the ARC, and I appreciate being allowed the opportunity to view it. I just wish I had liked it better, because I really really like steampunk.
Unfortunately, this one was just not for me. I would classify this as chicklit steampunk, for the following reasons:
1. There is little action in the first 100 pages (I got to 106 before I abandoned it, which shows I tried, I really tried). The beginning seemed promising, but then it quickly morphed into mediocre dialogue and scenes devoid of any tension, despite the premise that this is a dystopian America as a result of the British defeating the American rebels in the 1770s.
2. It took to page 85 to get to the backstory, and then it's revealed in a long drawn out exposition, like someone giving a report in history class. The best writers will allow details to emerge in chunks so that the reader learns the story as part of the story.
3. Flat, characterless characters. I could not get a sense of these people. Charlotte seemed like she wanted to be tough, but there were times when she appeared more like today's typical 15 year old, not an 19th century teen, who would under normal circumstances be more mature than current teens.
4. The mystery of Grave, while that is really a cool name, was not compelling enough for me to continue. The world wasn't built well enough by page 100 for me to get a clear image of what it was like. And thus I was not invested in these people.
5. More emphasis on Charlotte's relationship/romantic interests, even in the beginning, than on the Resistance of which she is a part.
6. Really boring conversations. Example:
"Any other harmless consequences of this tonic?"....
"The smell."....
"I don't smell anything."....
"Oh that's lovely....It smells of lilac." And on and on.
7. The corset scene was just plain dumb and so chicklit it made me cringe.
I think I'll stick with Scott Westerfeld and Cherie Priest.
The things I liked:
1. The mice magnets
2. Pocky - cool gun
3. Tinker Birch - but he wasn't enough to carry the story for me. Even the description of his workshop wasn't cool enough or detailed enough for me.
4. The 19th century names like Charlotte and Ashley. Although shortening Ashley to Ash had me thinking of Pokemon way too much.
5. The cool looking copper heart on the cover of the ARC. I see that the final copy changed the cover design.
I sincerely appreciate Penguin's generosity for the ARC, and I appreciate being allowed the opportunity to view it. I just wish I had liked it better, because I really really like steampunk.
April 29, 2014
The American Revolutionary War was a failure. British justice was swift and merciless. Sixteen-year-old Charlotte is the daughter of resistance fighters, hiding out with other children in a network of caves, safe until they are old enough to join the fight. When a new exile with no memory escapes from the floating city of New York, he brings with him a lot of questions and plenty of danger.
This alternative history steampunk novel had some really great world building. Boston is a penal colony where the infamous hanging tree is welcomed in the end. New York is a series of floating platforms. The British made pacts with Spain and France and the colonies were split up and the writers of the Declaration of Independence were hung as traitors. There are the obligatory steampunk mechanoids and flying ships. Cremer did try to blend the Greek gods into the story, which was largely unsuccessful until magic was introduced and then it was just completely illogical. I get that steampunk is a form of fantasy, but the magic bit just felt completely out of sync with this mechanical world she created.
There were some good characters, from the overly cautious Ash, to the secretive Jack, to green-haired Pip. Charlotte herself was a strong heroine who speaks her mind, knows how to handle a gun, and often sticks her nose places where it doesn't belong. Which is why it was so sad that such a great character in such a great setting was completely wasted on an illogical romance with a plot that couldn't decide which bunny trail to follow. Charlotte spends a good deal of the book mooning after two boys. Although she has proved herself in battle, she is never let in on any secrets, rarely knows what is going on, and spends most of her time in New York complaining about the role she has to play and judging every single person that she meets. While her brother and his allies are off at secret meetings, Charlotte sits in her newest silk gown trying to sort out her feelings between Jack and Coe. In truth, both her suitors were completely bad matches for her. Not only were there far too many secrets kept from her, but both acted childish and irresponsible. God, I loathe love triangles. The worst character by far though was her brother Ash, whose need to protect his sister actually creates more danger for her and allows others to easily manipulate her. He leaves her out of the loop so much that they are all lucky Charlotte manages to survive to the end.
There was so much promise to this stories' premise, but with a meandering plot and a main protagonist who never knows what is going on, it just turned into another trope love triangle romance book in a semi-interesting setting.
Review originally posted here
This alternative history steampunk novel had some really great world building. Boston is a penal colony where the infamous hanging tree is welcomed in the end. New York is a series of floating platforms. The British made pacts with Spain and France and the colonies were split up and the writers of the Declaration of Independence were hung as traitors. There are the obligatory steampunk mechanoids and flying ships. Cremer did try to blend the Greek gods into the story, which was largely unsuccessful until magic was introduced and then it was just completely illogical. I get that steampunk is a form of fantasy, but the magic bit just felt completely out of sync with this mechanical world she created.
There were some good characters, from the overly cautious Ash, to the secretive Jack, to green-haired Pip. Charlotte herself was a strong heroine who speaks her mind, knows how to handle a gun, and often sticks her nose places where it doesn't belong. Which is why it was so sad that such a great character in such a great setting was completely wasted on an illogical romance with a plot that couldn't decide which bunny trail to follow. Charlotte spends a good deal of the book mooning after two boys. Although she has proved herself in battle, she is never let in on any secrets, rarely knows what is going on, and spends most of her time in New York complaining about the role she has to play and judging every single person that she meets. While her brother and his allies are off at secret meetings, Charlotte sits in her newest silk gown trying to sort out her feelings between Jack and Coe. In truth, both her suitors were completely bad matches for her. Not only were there far too many secrets kept from her, but both acted childish and irresponsible. God, I loathe love triangles. The worst character by far though was her brother Ash, whose need to protect his sister actually creates more danger for her and allows others to easily manipulate her. He leaves her out of the loop so much that they are all lucky Charlotte manages to survive to the end.
There was so much promise to this stories' premise, but with a meandering plot and a main protagonist who never knows what is going on, it just turned into another trope love triangle romance book in a semi-interesting setting.
Review originally posted here
March 11, 2015
Je suis contente d'avoir persévérer parce que j'ai plutôt bien aimé, au final.
En ce moment, c'est un passage à vide niveaux lectures, je suis un peu laborieuse. J'ai eu du mal à rentrer dans l'histoire, à m'investir dans l'intrigue et les personnages. Il y a quelques détails qui me gênent (encore un triangle amoureux à l'horizon ?). Mais j'ai vraiment bien apprécié les 200 dernières pages qui m'ont plutôt captivée au fur et à mesure et la fin me donne envie de lire la suite... évidemment : je n'arrive pas à rentrer dedans, et une fois que j'y suis et que j'ai envie de connaître la suite, faut que j'attende !
En ce moment, c'est un passage à vide niveaux lectures, je suis un peu laborieuse. J'ai eu du mal à rentrer dans l'histoire, à m'investir dans l'intrigue et les personnages. Il y a quelques détails qui me gênent (encore un triangle amoureux à l'horizon ?). Mais j'ai vraiment bien apprécié les 200 dernières pages qui m'ont plutôt captivée au fur et à mesure et la fin me donne envie de lire la suite... évidemment : je n'arrive pas à rentrer dedans, et une fois que j'y suis et que j'ai envie de connaître la suite, faut que j'attende !
January 18, 2021
Oh look I'm disappointed. And I'm saying that as I pick up the next book in the series.
I had two main problems with this book: the plot and the romance.
The plot was way too predictable to the point where I guessed every major plot point, and even some minor ones. The fault with this probably lays with the fact that the plot was just a bunch of YA tropes sewn together. Now a plot can be completely obvious and I'll still enjoy the book if one of two things happen: 1) it has a good message 2) if the romance is good.
The romance made me want to rip out my eyeballs and then stab both love interests, brothers Jack and Coe. There was absolutely no substance when it came to the romance between Coe and Charlotte; the only reason she liked him is he looks like Jack. At least with Jack, she's known him for years and they have a history. It would've been much better if Coe was just a good friend to Charlotte who told her about Jack's past out of the goodness of friendship, and then I wouldn't have needed to read that ball scene.
The only thing that somewhat redeemed this book enough to make me read the other twocause clearly I hate myself was Linnet. Linnet is the half-sister of Jack and Coe and she is downright hilarious and honestly right about Charlotte's future love life. Though what really sold me on Linnet was her naming her knife Brutus cause he's good at stabbing people in the back. The rest of the series better have some more Linnet content to make me forget this sometimes gross love triangle.
All jokes aside, I definitely think this book had the potential for greatness, if only it was written for a new adult audience instead of YA. On top of being able to see more in the romance department, it could've gone much deeper into the darkness of war aspect that was actually interesting.
I had two main problems with this book: the plot and the romance.
The plot was way too predictable to the point where I guessed every major plot point, and even some minor ones. The fault with this probably lays with the fact that the plot was just a bunch of YA tropes sewn together. Now a plot can be completely obvious and I'll still enjoy the book if one of two things happen: 1) it has a good message 2) if the romance is good.
The romance made me want to rip out my eyeballs and then stab both love interests, brothers Jack and Coe. There was absolutely no substance when it came to the romance between Coe and Charlotte; the only reason she liked him is he looks like Jack. At least with Jack, she's known him for years and they have a history. It would've been much better if Coe was just a good friend to Charlotte who told her about Jack's past out of the goodness of friendship, and then I wouldn't have needed to read that ball scene.
The only thing that somewhat redeemed this book enough to make me read the other two
All jokes aside, I definitely think this book had the potential for greatness, if only it was written for a new adult audience instead of YA. On top of being able to see more in the romance department, it could've gone much deeper into the darkness of war aspect that was actually interesting.
Read
November 8, 2022DNF
This book really had me hooked , unfortunately the author had to include things such as necromancy , tarot cards , awful love triangles , insta love , pagan dietys , and did I mention the love traingle ?? I don't always hate , love triangles ,but this one didn't make any sense whatsoever . It was a great example of how to not write enemies to lovers . I can tell also that despite what happened Lottie is going to choose the creepy loser .
This is especially disappointing due to the fact that I own book one and two . 😭
This book really had me hooked , unfortunately the author had to include things such as necromancy , tarot cards , awful love triangles , insta love , pagan dietys , and did I mention the love traingle ?? I don't always hate , love triangles ,but this one didn't make any sense whatsoever . It was a great example of how to not write enemies to lovers . I can tell also that despite what happened Lottie is going to choose the creepy loser .
This is especially disappointing due to the fact that I own book one and two . 😭
July 28, 2018
Despite the lightness of the plot, this book kept my attention and entertained from the start. I enjoyed learning more about the characters and the world (such a cool alternative history twist!). It was a little lighter on the steampunk than I would have liked and I feel like certain plot twists were super obvious but it was enjoyable nonetheless!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-2eN
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
August 12, 2017
Well. This was nothing but a gigantic letdown. I picked up The Inventor's Secret because I enjoyed Andrea Cremer's short story addition to A Tyranny of Petticoats and the premise of her novel sounded right up my alley: Alternate history, set in a steampunk America after Britain won the Revolutionary War. Ever since the British crushed the revolution, they've been ruling over the colonies with an iron fist. While the people of the Empire live pompous lives surrounded by wealth, everyone who was once part of the revolution and their children are condemned to slave away in labor camps.
The main protagonists of this book are the children of a resistance group, in hiding until they are old enough to join their parents in the fight against the Empire. They are joined by a mysterious boy, Grave, who has no memory, is unbelievably strong and oddly pale. Together, they set off to the Empire's capital: the floating city of New York to solve the mystery of the refugee boy and secretly meet with the leaders of the resistance.
Even though the main plot is really interesting, I found it hard to become invested in the story, since I could not stand about 90% of the characters. Also, the author loses sight of the resistance and revolution part of the plot fairly quickly and instead focuses on developing a damn love triangle:
I wish, Cremer had focused her story less on the romantic ramblings of a 16 year old girl and instead more on the resistance, the workings and social castes of the Empire and the mystery of Grave, which was actually really interesting. I also wasn't the biggest fan of Cremer's attempt to mix a steampunk setting with Greek mythology. Not only was I confused why a Christian society would chose to worship two Greek gods, but everyone in this book is constantly shouting out things like "Holy Hephaestus" and "Athene's Shield!", which gets annoying really fast.
Overall, as a fan of steampunk alternate history, I was hugely disappointed by The Inventor's Secret. If you're looking for an absolutely fantastic book toying with the idea of life in America after Britain won the Revolutionary War, which incorporates revolution, uprisings, steampunk and magic (and no love triangle!), check out the Rebel Mechanics series by Shanna Swendson instead.
The main protagonists of this book are the children of a resistance group, in hiding until they are old enough to join their parents in the fight against the Empire. They are joined by a mysterious boy, Grave, who has no memory, is unbelievably strong and oddly pale. Together, they set off to the Empire's capital: the floating city of New York to solve the mystery of the refugee boy and secretly meet with the leaders of the resistance.
Even though the main plot is really interesting, I found it hard to become invested in the story, since I could not stand about 90% of the characters. Also, the author loses sight of the resistance and revolution part of the plot fairly quickly and instead focuses on developing a damn love triangle:
I wish, Cremer had focused her story less on the romantic ramblings of a 16 year old girl and instead more on the resistance, the workings and social castes of the Empire and the mystery of Grave, which was actually really interesting. I also wasn't the biggest fan of Cremer's attempt to mix a steampunk setting with Greek mythology. Not only was I confused why a Christian society would chose to worship two Greek gods, but everyone in this book is constantly shouting out things like "Holy Hephaestus" and "Athene's Shield!", which gets annoying really fast.
Overall, as a fan of steampunk alternate history, I was hugely disappointed by The Inventor's Secret. If you're looking for an absolutely fantastic book toying with the idea of life in America after Britain won the Revolutionary War, which incorporates revolution, uprisings, steampunk and magic (and no love triangle!), check out the Rebel Mechanics series by Shanna Swendson instead.
February 24, 2023
Charlotte = girl boss
One of my faves <3
One of my faves <3
March 20, 2017
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
MY THOUGHTS
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did! I haven't exactly been seeing raving reviews on this book and after reading Bloodrose, I had mixed feelings on Andrea Cremer's books. This book actually exceeded my expectations and I ended up enjoying it!
This book takes place in the early nineteenth century, in an alternate timeline where the British won the Revolutionary War. The Empire has been punishing the descendants of any of the rebels during the war in the form of twenty years of servitude. Charlotte and many other children hide in the Catacombs waiting for a time when they can be a part of the fight against the Empire. Charlotte ends of rescuing a boy from Gatherers (Empire machine that grab runners) and takes him back to the Catacombs against her better judgement. Turns out, the boy has no memory of his life including his name. The others at the Catacombs are suspicious of him and the strangeness of the boy calls for some questions to be answered. Charlotte, Ashley (her brother), Meg, and Jack all have to go undercover in the Floating City to not only find more out about the mysterious boy, but info against the Empire.
At first, I wasn't real wild about this book. I was jumped in right away with absolutely no clue what was going. Words were thrown around with no explanation. Then, there was an info-dump that just flew right over my head. Eventually, I was able to understand what was going on and was able to fully enjoy this book. The world in this book is so interesting and very creative. It's a dystopian world in the past. And it's steampunk. I'm always fascinated by alternate versions of history and I thought this was a very interesting one. And the creativity involved in created this steampunk world is amazing! Though, I do wish I got more information on the current rebellion.
I did have a few problems with Charlotte, especially in the beginning. She's a bit whiny. I can understand a bit why she is, but she does act kind of immature. Ashley sees her as a little girl, Jack doesn't trust her as much as she deserves, this are the feelings she has, and they are true. My issue is that she doesn't just think these, she stomps her feet, gives the silent treatment, whatever way to show she's upset. Charlotte is not a bad character, in fact, she does have some great qualities about her. I appreciate how much she likes to stand up to what she believes in, she was just immature at points.
A big reason why I probably liked this book so much, was probably the romance. Which is odd considering how frustrating it is. Once Jack was introduced, I was shipping it. And when there's a ship, I stick with it. From the start Jack and Charlotte were bickering and Charlotte kept complaining, in her head, about him. SHIP. SHIP. SHIP. I love hate-to-love romances. I ship hate-to-love romances and this one qualified. I can't exactly elaborate, but I didn't trust Jack. When Jack did confide in Charlotte and she was pissed off, I still shipped it. I have mixed emotions though. Another guy comes in the book and I kind of wanted Charlotte to get with him? Mostly as a rebound thing to show Jack who's boss. Anyway, the romance was a bit screwed up, but I loved it.
I hope there's not a love triangle in the next book.
IN CONCLUSION
This book was much better than I expected! I was shipping this book the whole way through and the ideas behind this book was amazing. Charlotte was a bit annoying at points and I wish I got more info on the rebellion (maybe the next book?). Anyway, this was a great start for a new series and I can't wait for the next book.
MY THOUGHTS
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did! I haven't exactly been seeing raving reviews on this book and after reading Bloodrose, I had mixed feelings on Andrea Cremer's books. This book actually exceeded my expectations and I ended up enjoying it!
This book takes place in the early nineteenth century, in an alternate timeline where the British won the Revolutionary War. The Empire has been punishing the descendants of any of the rebels during the war in the form of twenty years of servitude. Charlotte and many other children hide in the Catacombs waiting for a time when they can be a part of the fight against the Empire. Charlotte ends of rescuing a boy from Gatherers (Empire machine that grab runners) and takes him back to the Catacombs against her better judgement. Turns out, the boy has no memory of his life including his name. The others at the Catacombs are suspicious of him and the strangeness of the boy calls for some questions to be answered. Charlotte, Ashley (her brother), Meg, and Jack all have to go undercover in the Floating City to not only find more out about the mysterious boy, but info against the Empire.
At first, I wasn't real wild about this book. I was jumped in right away with absolutely no clue what was going. Words were thrown around with no explanation. Then, there was an info-dump that just flew right over my head. Eventually, I was able to understand what was going on and was able to fully enjoy this book. The world in this book is so interesting and very creative. It's a dystopian world in the past. And it's steampunk. I'm always fascinated by alternate versions of history and I thought this was a very interesting one. And the creativity involved in created this steampunk world is amazing! Though, I do wish I got more information on the current rebellion.
I did have a few problems with Charlotte, especially in the beginning. She's a bit whiny. I can understand a bit why she is, but she does act kind of immature. Ashley sees her as a little girl, Jack doesn't trust her as much as she deserves, this are the feelings she has, and they are true. My issue is that she doesn't just think these, she stomps her feet, gives the silent treatment, whatever way to show she's upset. Charlotte is not a bad character, in fact, she does have some great qualities about her. I appreciate how much she likes to stand up to what she believes in, she was just immature at points.
A big reason why I probably liked this book so much, was probably the romance. Which is odd considering how frustrating it is. Once Jack was introduced, I was shipping it. And when there's a ship, I stick with it. From the start Jack and Charlotte were bickering and Charlotte kept complaining, in her head, about him. SHIP. SHIP. SHIP. I love hate-to-love romances. I ship hate-to-love romances and this one qualified. I can't exactly elaborate, but I didn't trust Jack. When Jack did confide in Charlotte and she was pissed off, I still shipped it. I have mixed emotions though. Another guy comes in the book and I kind of wanted Charlotte to get with him? Mostly as a rebound thing to show Jack who's boss. Anyway, the romance was a bit screwed up, but I loved it.
I hope there's not a love triangle in the next book.
IN CONCLUSION
This book was much better than I expected! I was shipping this book the whole way through and the ideas behind this book was amazing. Charlotte was a bit annoying at points and I wish I got more info on the rebellion (maybe the next book?). Anyway, this was a great start for a new series and I can't wait for the next book.
February 12, 2017
" If a storm comes, may the wind be with us" I have always loved books/movies about growing rebellions and I sincerely heart this one.
In a steam punk alternate 19th century where the Revolution was lost & America is still a British colony, Charlotte finds a boy with amnesia. In danger, she takes him to the Catacombs, a refuge for teens of the Resistance.
Exciting from the very beginning, Cremer has created an amazing world which she details with such colorful care. She has a way of making you jump right in with both feet & immerse yourself right away & gladly.
It is interesting to slowly discover what happened to the revolution, how the group came to be, the mystery of Grave. The alternate history is very well thought out.
Charlotte, our protagonist is impatient, brave,dynamic, adventurous & immediately likeable. I knew I would love Birch from the very first moment we meet him & his very unusual & entertaining pet. Actually all the inventors were fun, Scoff, Pip. Also adored the Otts & Linnet of course.
Revolution is always hard & behind their fun you can feel the group has been through a lot & their longing for family & home.
I love steampunk because of the cool machines & inventions & believe me Cremer's imagination runs steampunk wild! The Floating City, an industrial/architectural paradise is like a gigantic theme park.
As a Greek, I was pleasantly surprised by the use of British flavored Greek mythology in many aspects, especially the expressions like " Holy Hephaestus "!
The book is also quite funny with cane thwacking, different hair colors, teasing & the outlandish plan they concocted to blend into society.
Quite exciting, the end made me want to scream. Luckily I have sequel in my grasp & starting it now
In a steam punk alternate 19th century where the Revolution was lost & America is still a British colony, Charlotte finds a boy with amnesia. In danger, she takes him to the Catacombs, a refuge for teens of the Resistance.
Exciting from the very beginning, Cremer has created an amazing world which she details with such colorful care. She has a way of making you jump right in with both feet & immerse yourself right away & gladly.
It is interesting to slowly discover what happened to the revolution, how the group came to be, the mystery of Grave. The alternate history is very well thought out.
Charlotte, our protagonist is impatient, brave,dynamic, adventurous & immediately likeable. I knew I would love Birch from the very first moment we meet him & his very unusual & entertaining pet. Actually all the inventors were fun, Scoff, Pip. Also adored the Otts & Linnet of course.
Revolution is always hard & behind their fun you can feel the group has been through a lot & their longing for family & home.
I love steampunk because of the cool machines & inventions & believe me Cremer's imagination runs steampunk wild! The Floating City, an industrial/architectural paradise is like a gigantic theme park.
As a Greek, I was pleasantly surprised by the use of British flavored Greek mythology in many aspects, especially the expressions like " Holy Hephaestus "!
The book is also quite funny with cane thwacking, different hair colors, teasing & the outlandish plan they concocted to blend into society.
Quite exciting, the end made me want to scream. Luckily I have sequel in my grasp & starting it now
December 19, 2015
Fans of Steampunk will expect a great deal from this novel. As will fans of alternate history and fantasy.
Unfortunately, what this book promises and what it is able to deliver is in no way the same kettle of fish.
Try as she might.
It is quite clear that authoress, Andrea Cremer, is clearly out of her depth with this book.
Just the scope of the world building alone requires a level of attention to detail that just isn't there.
The love interest is confusing!
And...
The use of the Greek pantheon as a basis for religion.
Just plan weird.
The one very large bright spot in all of this comes in the form of Grave.
There will not be an explanation of what makes him so great because that would spoil 87% of the plot. He is a major reason to power through this tangled web of a book.
Please understand, this is not a bad story. What is working so hard against it however, is the 'throw everything in but the kitchen sink' method of storytelling employed here.
There is so much that readers have to sort through to make sense of things, that by the time a bit of story comes along...the book is over.
Luckily, there is a book two in the series. There is also a good chance that mistakes made in book 1, have been overcome in the second volume.
Unfortunately, what this book promises and what it is able to deliver is in no way the same kettle of fish.
Try as she might.
It is quite clear that authoress, Andrea Cremer, is clearly out of her depth with this book.
Just the scope of the world building alone requires a level of attention to detail that just isn't there.
The love interest is confusing!
And...
The use of the Greek pantheon as a basis for religion.
Just plan weird.
The one very large bright spot in all of this comes in the form of Grave.
There will not be an explanation of what makes him so great because that would spoil 87% of the plot. He is a major reason to power through this tangled web of a book.
Please understand, this is not a bad story. What is working so hard against it however, is the 'throw everything in but the kitchen sink' method of storytelling employed here.
There is so much that readers have to sort through to make sense of things, that by the time a bit of story comes along...the book is over.
Luckily, there is a book two in the series. There is also a good chance that mistakes made in book 1, have been overcome in the second volume.
August 23, 2017
I saw this series on a Penguin list for best slow burning romances. Anyone that ranks with Falling Kingdoms and Bloodlines has to be given a chance. The beginning was somewhat shaky. I don't mind being brought in mid-story, but the recapping and telling of past events was a distraction. Also, the author seemed to constantly tell the reader about events, instead of using dialogue or letting you just experience them.
Once the storyline truly gets underway, I was hooked. Charolette is a strong and sassy heroine; loved her. The banter between her and Jack is outstanding. I was immersed in the plot and characters, then..... Despite my disdain for the unknown trope, I could not put the book down. It's a unique world; historical, alternate universe, and steampunk all rolled into one. I'm too invested to stop now and cannot wait to the star the next installment.
Once the storyline truly gets underway, I was hooked. Charolette is a strong and sassy heroine; loved her. The banter between her and Jack is outstanding. I was immersed in the plot and characters, then..... Despite my disdain for the unknown trope, I could not put the book down. It's a unique world; historical, alternate universe, and steampunk all rolled into one. I'm too invested to stop now and cannot wait to the star the next installment.
April 19, 2017
[http://laura-passage.com/le-secret-de...]
Rébellion, le premier tome de la saga Le secret de l'inventeur m'a surprise par son univers steampunk riche et détaillé et Andrea Cremer captive son lecteur du début à la fin, mêlant révolte, romance et personnages affirmés.
Rébellion, le premier tome de la saga Le secret de l'inventeur m'a surprise par son univers steampunk riche et détaillé et Andrea Cremer captive son lecteur du début à la fin, mêlant révolte, romance et personnages affirmés.
November 14, 2015
Oh wow! Just wow! This book took me by complete surprise. I'll admit the paperback cover grabbed my attention. Then when I realized it was a historical fantasy\ Steampunk, I knew I had to have it. This is my first book by Andrea Cremer and now I'll be checking them all out.
The story takes place in 1816 in an alternate historical setting. I love this time period and even though it's an alternate setting its still intriguing. Charlotte and a group of rebels live underground hiding from The Empire. OMG! This is just going to be one of those gushing reviews that probably make no sense. That's how I usually write a review when I love it to pieces. And I loved this book hardcore!
I absolutely adored the main character, Charlotte. She was a strong character. but she had her weaknesses. Which makes her so relatable. I loved her brother Ash and her love interest, Jack. JACK! JACK! JACK! How I absolutely swooned over him. Gah! I can't even! The banter between Jack and Charlotte was to die for. He loved to pick on her and get under her skin.
"Suspended in the cool night air, they began to spin as if they were dancing without moving their feet. She didn't want to leave this moment. She wanted to float in the sky in Jack's arms as long as she could. The swell of feeling threw Charlotte off balance. This was Jack. Jack, who could rarely be anything other than annoying. Jack, whom she'd sworn not to speak to for at least a month last year, but who had then made her so angry she'd had to yell at him. Who teased her at every opportunity. But with utter clarity, Charlotte became aware in that moment how much she adored him for all those things about him."
Sigh! So dang good! The romance is this book is amazing, but the action and adventure is great too! I loved the world Andrea Cremer created mixed in with the history. The characters are all fantastic. The only character I wasn't a fan of was Coe. Ugh! Not saying why, but he drove me crazy! Such a wonderful start to a series and now I'm angry at myself for not buying book two because I need it! I'll be buying it immediately.
"Storm clouds build on the horizon. Before long, they'll be upon us."
The story takes place in 1816 in an alternate historical setting. I love this time period and even though it's an alternate setting its still intriguing. Charlotte and a group of rebels live underground hiding from The Empire. OMG! This is just going to be one of those gushing reviews that probably make no sense. That's how I usually write a review when I love it to pieces. And I loved this book hardcore!
I absolutely adored the main character, Charlotte. She was a strong character. but she had her weaknesses. Which makes her so relatable. I loved her brother Ash and her love interest, Jack. JACK! JACK! JACK! How I absolutely swooned over him. Gah! I can't even! The banter between Jack and Charlotte was to die for. He loved to pick on her and get under her skin.
"Suspended in the cool night air, they began to spin as if they were dancing without moving their feet. She didn't want to leave this moment. She wanted to float in the sky in Jack's arms as long as she could. The swell of feeling threw Charlotte off balance. This was Jack. Jack, who could rarely be anything other than annoying. Jack, whom she'd sworn not to speak to for at least a month last year, but who had then made her so angry she'd had to yell at him. Who teased her at every opportunity. But with utter clarity, Charlotte became aware in that moment how much she adored him for all those things about him."
Sigh! So dang good! The romance is this book is amazing, but the action and adventure is great too! I loved the world Andrea Cremer created mixed in with the history. The characters are all fantastic. The only character I wasn't a fan of was Coe. Ugh! Not saying why, but he drove me crazy! Such a wonderful start to a series and now I'm angry at myself for not buying book two because I need it! I'll be buying it immediately.
"Storm clouds build on the horizon. Before long, they'll be upon us."
March 31, 2014
Received a free advanced copy through Goodreads Thank You!
This book falls into some of my favourite genres of fiction -romance, sci-fi, alternate reality, YA. I'm guessing you'd have to be a fan of all these categories to really like this book. I did, but felt let down that it not only requires more books in the series to conclude all major plotpoints, it ends with a cliff- hangar. VERY Annoying.
I had to work a little harder to understand the steampunk setting, and didn't even bother trying to understand the greek gods and christianity connection. The former wasn't explained well, and the later was explained too late to be of interest.
The book initially had a good balance between romance and the society issues, but the romance took over midway through the book and overwhelmed the story. Then it became apparent that the hunt to discover Graves' origin seemed to edge it's way in as the only plot which would be resolved by the end of the book. Unfortunately any semi observant reader had probably already figured out that plot line halfway through the book. So, I was generally dissatisfied with the last 3rd of the book, rushing through it only to get it over with.
I enjoyed Lottie's relationship with Jack, but became annoyed with the unnecessary addition of his brother. Having a triangle which makes me question the depth of the heroine undermines the bond between the reader and the story. Lottie's relationship with her brother is a missed opportunity to add depth to both their characters.
All that being said, I want to know what will happen next in this world. I want to know more about the children of the resistance and their parents. I'm annoyed to have to wait for the rightful conclusion of this book. No doubt it will take so long, I'll have forgotten this book or stopped caring. 3.5 stars if .5's were allowed.
This book falls into some of my favourite genres of fiction -romance, sci-fi, alternate reality, YA. I'm guessing you'd have to be a fan of all these categories to really like this book. I did, but felt let down that it not only requires more books in the series to conclude all major plotpoints, it ends with a cliff- hangar. VERY Annoying.
I had to work a little harder to understand the steampunk setting, and didn't even bother trying to understand the greek gods and christianity connection. The former wasn't explained well, and the later was explained too late to be of interest.
The book initially had a good balance between romance and the society issues, but the romance took over midway through the book and overwhelmed the story. Then it became apparent that the hunt to discover Graves' origin seemed to edge it's way in as the only plot which would be resolved by the end of the book. Unfortunately any semi observant reader had probably already figured out that plot line halfway through the book. So, I was generally dissatisfied with the last 3rd of the book, rushing through it only to get it over with.
I enjoyed Lottie's relationship with Jack, but became annoyed with the unnecessary addition of his brother. Having a triangle which makes me question the depth of the heroine undermines the bond between the reader and the story. Lottie's relationship with her brother is a missed opportunity to add depth to both their characters.
All that being said, I want to know what will happen next in this world. I want to know more about the children of the resistance and their parents. I'm annoyed to have to wait for the rightful conclusion of this book. No doubt it will take so long, I'll have forgotten this book or stopped caring. 3.5 stars if .5's were allowed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2016
Hmmm. I was reluctant to start this because of a bad experience reading other books by this author. LOVED LOVED her debut, NIGHTSHADE, but the series went downhill and the last book was awful in my opinion. Read another book in the next series and hated it. This was a book club pick and different from the other books, so I finally gave it a go.
The beginning was actually really amazing. I was thinking that I've got to get the next books on hold so I can continue the story and see what happens. But then in the middle and through the end the story ends up really being about teenage hormones. Love? Really? I don't know. I didn't buy it. Maybe it was supposed to be in a regency-type time period where you profess love after someone looks at you for more than 10 seconds, but then the love/romance aspect of the story was too modern for me to buy into that rationale. And the girl swung from naive and uninterested in boys romantically to the complete opposite in a *very* short period of time and for no reason other than it fit what the author wanted to happen. And at this point the story is really about romance between these two characters that is supposed real and true and deep and passionate and everything else introduced at the beginning of the book is like a footnote. So no, I'm not interested in the rest of the books of the series.
It was a very interesting re-imagining of what if history had played out differently (aside from the traditional steampunk changes to history). I wish it had stayed true to that storyline with the love story being an added dimension to the lives of the characters.
The beginning was actually really amazing. I was thinking that I've got to get the next books on hold so I can continue the story and see what happens. But then in the middle and through the end the story ends up really being about teenage hormones. Love? Really? I don't know. I didn't buy it. Maybe it was supposed to be in a regency-type time period where you profess love after someone looks at you for more than 10 seconds, but then the love/romance aspect of the story was too modern for me to buy into that rationale. And the girl swung from naive and uninterested in boys romantically to the complete opposite in a *very* short period of time and for no reason other than it fit what the author wanted to happen. And at this point the story is really about romance between these two characters that is supposed real and true and deep and passionate and everything else introduced at the beginning of the book is like a footnote. So no, I'm not interested in the rest of the books of the series.
It was a very interesting re-imagining of what if history had played out differently (aside from the traditional steampunk changes to history). I wish it had stayed true to that storyline with the love story being an added dimension to the lives of the characters.
April 18, 2014
OMG, Andrea has done it again! I liked NIGHTSHADE, I loved RIFT and RISE, and I LOVED LOVED LOVED The Inventor's Secret! I started it on the airplane and I read, and read, and read, until I finished it. It was one of those books that I kept telling myself to SLOW DOWN because I wanted it to last longer but I couldn't stop turning the pages. The world-building was flawless, the steampunk aspects were fascinating, the romance was angsty and delicious (MILITARY PILOTS!), and the characters were well-developed and FUN.
It really was a fun, fun read and I can't wait to see where book two takes us. I especially think fans of Leigh Bardugo's SHADOW AND BONE series will love THE INVENTOR'S SECRET, which is perfect timing now that Leigh's series is coming to an end.
Minneapolis/St. Paul readers: Red Balloon Bookshop is hosting Andrea's launch party on Tuesday, April 22! Details here: http://www.redballoonbookshop.com/#cr... STEAMPUNK COSPLAY!!
It really was a fun, fun read and I can't wait to see where book two takes us. I especially think fans of Leigh Bardugo's SHADOW AND BONE series will love THE INVENTOR'S SECRET, which is perfect timing now that Leigh's series is coming to an end.
Minneapolis/St. Paul readers: Red Balloon Bookshop is hosting Andrea's launch party on Tuesday, April 22! Details here: http://www.redballoonbookshop.com/#cr... STEAMPUNK COSPLAY!!
March 22, 2015
A good YA book, with lots of imagination and a good romantic tension. I'm looking forward to read the sequel!
February 16, 2015
First Look: I love the premise of this. British Empire where the American Revolution never took place? It's an interesting concept, and even more so when you throw steampunk into the mix. This was actually one of the very first books I ever marked as "to-read" on Goodreads, even before it had a cover image, but I never got around to reading it until recently.
Setting: The idea was there, but the execution didn't follow through. We're told that there's a revolution brewing, but we only see this through descriptions of the main characters talking about it. Apparently it's a revolution stemming from the original American revolutionaries (in this alternate history, the American Revolution was defeated and the British have taken over everything). The author drops a few hints about the governmental situation being less-than-ideal, but we're never shown this.
Characters: There isn't much to like about Charlotte. There isn't much to get to know, either--she's a flat character. She reacts rather than acts. She's defined in relation to her brother and two love interests rather than any aspect of her own personality. Her attraction to Jack, a childhood friend, seems completely arbitrary. Does every girl in YA have to fall in love with the old friend who is actually a jerk?
I never liked Jack. He's charming, but he's also annoyingly secretive and borderline creepy. Charlotte's brother Ash is a bit better. He, at least, has more personality and believable motives. This book is full of extra side characters beyond these, but none are memorable, especially not after I've put off this review for over a month.
Plot: The first half of the book is mainly sibling bickering. It starts out interesting, with a bunch of unsupervised teenagers discovering a mysterious boy with no memory of his past or how he got there. This dissolves into the main characters arguing among themselves over what to do with this boy. I could get sibling bickering in real life--in my own house, if I wanted (here's the thing: I don't want it). I thought things would pick up when the characters left the caverns to do some actual work for the revolution. Unfortunately, the book took a turn for the worse. The plot became less revolution, more love triangle between Charlotte, Jack, and Jack's brother Coe. Romance plots have their place, but when the author has teased exciting things like revolutions and steampunk, I want those things, not Charlotte trying to decide which brother she loves more.
Uniqueness: The concepts are unique: steampunk world where American Revolution was unsuccessful, teenage descendants of the original patriots still trying to run this revolution, etc. However, these aspects get pushed aside to make room for the romance, so the novel as a whole didn't have that unique feeling.
Writing: The writing is decent. I remember several moments when it disoriented me, usually due to lack of "grounding" description--description to give me a concrete idea of where things are happening, who is there, and what is going on at the beginning of a scene. Then again, I read this book over a month ago, and the writing is usually the first thing to fade from my mind, so I feel like I can't rightfully say much about this category.
Likes: N/A.
Not-so-great: N/A.
Overall: The Inventor's Secret has an interesting premise, but left me feeling 'meh' about it. We're told there is a revolution brewing, but we're shown nothing to prove this. Charlotte, the main character, has little personality of her own and spends half the book trying to decide between two boys in a love triangle. If you're looking for a book that's heavy on the romance, light on the steampunk, this is for you. If you're like me and want some actual depth and grit in your steampunk, you're better off reading something else.
Similar Books: It's a steampunk novel that's light on actual steampunk elements like The Iron Thorn or Clockwork Angel. It features a crew of teenage misfits in a setting similar to that of The Girl in the Steel Corset.
Read more of my reviews at http://anniesepicblog.blogspot.com.
Setting: The idea was there, but the execution didn't follow through. We're told that there's a revolution brewing, but we only see this through descriptions of the main characters talking about it. Apparently it's a revolution stemming from the original American revolutionaries (in this alternate history, the American Revolution was defeated and the British have taken over everything). The author drops a few hints about the governmental situation being less-than-ideal, but we're never shown this.
Characters: There isn't much to like about Charlotte. There isn't much to get to know, either--she's a flat character. She reacts rather than acts. She's defined in relation to her brother and two love interests rather than any aspect of her own personality. Her attraction to Jack, a childhood friend, seems completely arbitrary. Does every girl in YA have to fall in love with the old friend who is actually a jerk?
I never liked Jack. He's charming, but he's also annoyingly secretive and borderline creepy. Charlotte's brother Ash is a bit better. He, at least, has more personality and believable motives. This book is full of extra side characters beyond these, but none are memorable, especially not after I've put off this review for over a month.
Plot: The first half of the book is mainly sibling bickering. It starts out interesting, with a bunch of unsupervised teenagers discovering a mysterious boy with no memory of his past or how he got there. This dissolves into the main characters arguing among themselves over what to do with this boy. I could get sibling bickering in real life--in my own house, if I wanted (here's the thing: I don't want it). I thought things would pick up when the characters left the caverns to do some actual work for the revolution. Unfortunately, the book took a turn for the worse. The plot became less revolution, more love triangle between Charlotte, Jack, and Jack's brother Coe. Romance plots have their place, but when the author has teased exciting things like revolutions and steampunk, I want those things, not Charlotte trying to decide which brother she loves more.
Uniqueness: The concepts are unique: steampunk world where American Revolution was unsuccessful, teenage descendants of the original patriots still trying to run this revolution, etc. However, these aspects get pushed aside to make room for the romance, so the novel as a whole didn't have that unique feeling.
Writing: The writing is decent. I remember several moments when it disoriented me, usually due to lack of "grounding" description--description to give me a concrete idea of where things are happening, who is there, and what is going on at the beginning of a scene. Then again, I read this book over a month ago, and the writing is usually the first thing to fade from my mind, so I feel like I can't rightfully say much about this category.
Likes: N/A.
Not-so-great: N/A.
Overall: The Inventor's Secret has an interesting premise, but left me feeling 'meh' about it. We're told there is a revolution brewing, but we're shown nothing to prove this. Charlotte, the main character, has little personality of her own and spends half the book trying to decide between two boys in a love triangle. If you're looking for a book that's heavy on the romance, light on the steampunk, this is for you. If you're like me and want some actual depth and grit in your steampunk, you're better off reading something else.
Similar Books: It's a steampunk novel that's light on actual steampunk elements like The Iron Thorn or Clockwork Angel. It features a crew of teenage misfits in a setting similar to that of The Girl in the Steel Corset.
Read more of my reviews at http://anniesepicblog.blogspot.com.
January 19, 2025
This is a different steampunk view in history. It's in America, beginning of the nineteen century, but we did not win our independence from Britain. It's about the remaining rebels and their families still in hiding trying to gain independence, within a world of steampunk gadgets and machines. The New York City within this new British colony that the author describes is fascinating. You start to love, hate, then connect with the main character Charlotte. The other characters are so vividly described that you know their dialogue without being prompted with a name. I am definitely getting the next two in the series. I found this book in a thrift store, thanks to whomever donated it!
dnf
August 26, 2017DNF @ 72%
November 2, 2025
alternative reality where the American revolution didn't succeed with steam punk flair. written well enough. you follow the exploits of a 16 y/o and gang as they do their small part to support the rebellion. I realized I'm not the target audiance but stuck it out to explore the imagination and world building. wasn't bad. wasn't brilliant, either. if you like stories loaded with heart palpitations, blushes, and maybe this sensation might be love, then you've found your next read. first in the series. I wish them luck as they plot against the evil British empire.
November 21, 2021
Good writing, an interesting world if a little predictable. Will definitely be continuing the series!
April 1, 2015
> CHRONIQUE COMPLÈTE <
Le Secret de l'Inventeur est typiquement de ce genre de coup de cœur que l'on voit arriver dès les premiers chapitres. L'univers tout juste effleuré, les personnages principaux rencontrés, le style d'Andrea Cremer découvert, suffisent à révéler le potentiel fantastique de ce récit en quelques pages à peine.
Dans Le Secret de l'Inventeur on découvre une version alternative de l'histoire où l'empire britannique a étouffé la tentative d'indépendance américaine. Dans ce monde steampunk les descendants des révolutionnaires américains continuent à œuvrer dans l'ombre contre Brittania et laissent leurs enfants livrés à eux-même dans les "catacombes". C'est donc dans ce lieu que l’héroïne Charlotte évolue depuis sa plus tendre enfance... jusqu'à ce qu'elle tombe sur un adolescent amnésique lors d'une mission extérieure. Cette rencontre s'imbriquera dans une succession d’événements qui obligera Charlotte a quitter les catacombes pour infiltrer la faute société New-Yorkaise et y découvrir les enjeux qui s'y jouent.
L'univers proposé par Andrea Cremer est donc excessivement captivant. On se passionne rapidement pour la façon fort inventive avec laquelle l'auteure a choisi de développer sa société sous fond de steampunk. D'autant plus qu'elle a fait le choix judicieux de ne pas rendre son univers particulièrement lourd à appréhender, on ne se sent jamais oppressé par la quantité d'informations et cela permet réellement de s’immerger dans l'histoire et de se passionner pour les péripéties de nos héros.
Il faut également dire que l'ensemble des personnages présentés dans Le Secret de l'Inventeur sont d'emblée très attachants. J'ai tout de suite accroché à 200% avec Charlotte en particulier. C'est une héroïne qui est loin d'être cruche mais n'est pas pour autant une surhumaine qui pourrait presque sembler irréelle. Au contraire, on s'identifie facilement à elle car si elle est forte et déterminée, elle a aussi ses défauts et ses peurs. Comme tout le monde. De plus, au delà de son caractère, j'ai également beaucoup apprécié ses relations avec les autres protagonistes du récit, que ce soit avec son frère Ash, son amie Meg, ou Jack avec qui elle a une relation bien plus ambiguë. Mais ce qui est particulièrement intéressant avec les protagonistes de ce roman, c'est qu'ils nous intriguent tous plutôt pas mal peu importe le temps qu'on passe à leurs côtés. Qu'il s'agisse de ceux qui resteront aux catacombes durant le voyage des héros, ou même de ceux qu'ils rencontreront lors de leur périple à New-York, l'auteure arrive à nous faire nous sentir proche d'eux et à nous donner envie de les revoir. Ainsi on ressent un potentiel jusqu'aux protagonistes secondaires et c'est réellement cela qui m'a charmée dans Le Secret de l'Inventeur.
Parce que si ce potentiel est excessivement bien exploité par Andrea Cremer dans ce premier tome, force est de constater qu'il en reste énormément à découvrir par la suite. Protagonistes, univers steampunk, intrigue principale, l'auteure a réellement su se donner toutes les cartes pour nous offrir un vrai petit bijou de la littérature jeunesse steampunk. Je pense d'ailleurs que Le Secret de l'Inventeur est le livre parfait pour les novices qui aimeraient découvrir ce genre littéraire. L'aspect steampunk est suffisamment présent et bien exploité pour qu'on en voit toute l'originalité, mais il ne devient jamais trop gargantuesque et insurmontable. C'est vraiment le livre parfait pour des premiers pas steampunk réussis !
Ainsi Le Secret de l'Inventeur fut pour moi un vrai coup de cœur. J'ai adoré l'univers que l'auteure a choisi de développer en douceur et nuances, j'ai adoré l'ensemble des personnages et me suis bien vite passionnée pour leurs péripéties, et ce fut un tel plaisir à lire que je n'ai vraiment pas vu les 400 pages défiler. En conclusion : si vous aimez le steampunk vous aller adorer, et si vous ne connaissez pas encore le steampunk vous allez aussi adorer !
Le Secret de l'Inventeur est typiquement de ce genre de coup de cœur que l'on voit arriver dès les premiers chapitres. L'univers tout juste effleuré, les personnages principaux rencontrés, le style d'Andrea Cremer découvert, suffisent à révéler le potentiel fantastique de ce récit en quelques pages à peine.
Dans Le Secret de l'Inventeur on découvre une version alternative de l'histoire où l'empire britannique a étouffé la tentative d'indépendance américaine. Dans ce monde steampunk les descendants des révolutionnaires américains continuent à œuvrer dans l'ombre contre Brittania et laissent leurs enfants livrés à eux-même dans les "catacombes". C'est donc dans ce lieu que l’héroïne Charlotte évolue depuis sa plus tendre enfance... jusqu'à ce qu'elle tombe sur un adolescent amnésique lors d'une mission extérieure. Cette rencontre s'imbriquera dans une succession d’événements qui obligera Charlotte a quitter les catacombes pour infiltrer la faute société New-Yorkaise et y découvrir les enjeux qui s'y jouent.
L'univers proposé par Andrea Cremer est donc excessivement captivant. On se passionne rapidement pour la façon fort inventive avec laquelle l'auteure a choisi de développer sa société sous fond de steampunk. D'autant plus qu'elle a fait le choix judicieux de ne pas rendre son univers particulièrement lourd à appréhender, on ne se sent jamais oppressé par la quantité d'informations et cela permet réellement de s’immerger dans l'histoire et de se passionner pour les péripéties de nos héros.
Il faut également dire que l'ensemble des personnages présentés dans Le Secret de l'Inventeur sont d'emblée très attachants. J'ai tout de suite accroché à 200% avec Charlotte en particulier. C'est une héroïne qui est loin d'être cruche mais n'est pas pour autant une surhumaine qui pourrait presque sembler irréelle. Au contraire, on s'identifie facilement à elle car si elle est forte et déterminée, elle a aussi ses défauts et ses peurs. Comme tout le monde. De plus, au delà de son caractère, j'ai également beaucoup apprécié ses relations avec les autres protagonistes du récit, que ce soit avec son frère Ash, son amie Meg, ou Jack avec qui elle a une relation bien plus ambiguë. Mais ce qui est particulièrement intéressant avec les protagonistes de ce roman, c'est qu'ils nous intriguent tous plutôt pas mal peu importe le temps qu'on passe à leurs côtés. Qu'il s'agisse de ceux qui resteront aux catacombes durant le voyage des héros, ou même de ceux qu'ils rencontreront lors de leur périple à New-York, l'auteure arrive à nous faire nous sentir proche d'eux et à nous donner envie de les revoir. Ainsi on ressent un potentiel jusqu'aux protagonistes secondaires et c'est réellement cela qui m'a charmée dans Le Secret de l'Inventeur.
Parce que si ce potentiel est excessivement bien exploité par Andrea Cremer dans ce premier tome, force est de constater qu'il en reste énormément à découvrir par la suite. Protagonistes, univers steampunk, intrigue principale, l'auteure a réellement su se donner toutes les cartes pour nous offrir un vrai petit bijou de la littérature jeunesse steampunk. Je pense d'ailleurs que Le Secret de l'Inventeur est le livre parfait pour les novices qui aimeraient découvrir ce genre littéraire. L'aspect steampunk est suffisamment présent et bien exploité pour qu'on en voit toute l'originalité, mais il ne devient jamais trop gargantuesque et insurmontable. C'est vraiment le livre parfait pour des premiers pas steampunk réussis !
Ainsi Le Secret de l'Inventeur fut pour moi un vrai coup de cœur. J'ai adoré l'univers que l'auteure a choisi de développer en douceur et nuances, j'ai adoré l'ensemble des personnages et me suis bien vite passionnée pour leurs péripéties, et ce fut un tel plaisir à lire que je n'ai vraiment pas vu les 400 pages défiler. En conclusion : si vous aimez le steampunk vous aller adorer, et si vous ne connaissez pas encore le steampunk vous allez aussi adorer !
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