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Clockpunk Wizard #1
Forever Boy
Life is dirty, difficult, and all too short for the dogs digging up the deadly mandrake roots that wizards animate with minor demons. A pup named Go Fer has an odd magical talent. He does not die from the fatal screams of newly-unearthed mandrakes. Go Fer’s master, a prideful minor magician, sees Go Fer’s talent as a fluke saving him the cost of replacing dogs killed by the mandrakes’ cries.
One morning, a young Wizard Kadmeion and his half-elf assistant Bright watch Go Fer at work. This mandrake extraction goes horribly wrong, and Go Fer runs away during the hubbub. After seeking out the wizard, the dog’s life is not the same. In fact, Kadmeion discovers Go Fer is no longer a dog.
An exciting life as the wizard’s familiar awaits Go Fer. Bright built clever clockwork men who pilot Kadmeion’s wonderful airship. Go Fer would have a new name, a new boy appearance, and he would fly with his new master between islands that float above the sea.
But Magic Guild law makes the mandrake harvester Go Fer’s master, and Kadmeion will not go against the guild. Go Fer must return to the dog-murderer, lose his wondrous boy form, and dig mandrake roots until he dies. Which will be the very next time, unless the clever clockwork man and the kindly wizard can get him out of this fatal mess.
One morning, a young Wizard Kadmeion and his half-elf assistant Bright watch Go Fer at work. This mandrake extraction goes horribly wrong, and Go Fer runs away during the hubbub. After seeking out the wizard, the dog’s life is not the same. In fact, Kadmeion discovers Go Fer is no longer a dog.
An exciting life as the wizard’s familiar awaits Go Fer. Bright built clever clockwork men who pilot Kadmeion’s wonderful airship. Go Fer would have a new name, a new boy appearance, and he would fly with his new master between islands that float above the sea.
But Magic Guild law makes the mandrake harvester Go Fer’s master, and Kadmeion will not go against the guild. Go Fer must return to the dog-murderer, lose his wondrous boy form, and dig mandrake roots until he dies. Which will be the very next time, unless the clever clockwork man and the kindly wizard can get him out of this fatal mess.
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2012
2 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Lita Burke
7 books138 followersLITA BURKE is an indie fantasy author. She is an avid reader and enjoys downloading titles by new authors onto her Kindle. Lita works a day job and writes her stories early in the morning before the day clutters up her brain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 3, 2016
Clockpunk Story
What is Clockpunk? According to the Urban Dictionary:
"Clockpunk is a sub-genre of the speculative historical fiction genre called Steampunk. Clockpunk is characterized by modern technologies accomplished using clockwork mechanisms and generally excluding steam power, electricity, and the internal combustion engine. The chronological setting for Clockpunk fiction is pre-Industrial Revolution, whereas steampunk is late 19th or early 20th century. A Clockpunk novel might include a world, Earth or another planet, which has been so dramatically revolutionized by DaVinci's mechanical inventions that its technology rivals our computers, phones, etc., while most other factors (some combination of social structure, politics, customs, clothing, etc.) would remain relatively true to the 15th century."
In Forever Boy, dogs are routinely sacrificed to harvest the mandrake. When the mandrake, a perfect homunculus, is pulled from the ground, the dog dies in the process. The Magic Guild has decreed the harvesting work is more important than dogs' lives.
Wizard Kadmeion and his assistant Bright are nearby when a mandrake removal doesn't follow the routine. The mandrake kills a man and the dog lives. Once the demon is in place within the mandrake, the wizard asks her why she didn't kill the dog. She replies, "The man was easier."
When the dog finds Kadmeion and Bright, their adventures take an unexpected turn.
Versatile author Lita Burke's first Clockpunk story is an entertaining read. The deeper levels of the story hold meanings for readers of all ages.
What is Clockpunk? According to the Urban Dictionary:
"Clockpunk is a sub-genre of the speculative historical fiction genre called Steampunk. Clockpunk is characterized by modern technologies accomplished using clockwork mechanisms and generally excluding steam power, electricity, and the internal combustion engine. The chronological setting for Clockpunk fiction is pre-Industrial Revolution, whereas steampunk is late 19th or early 20th century. A Clockpunk novel might include a world, Earth or another planet, which has been so dramatically revolutionized by DaVinci's mechanical inventions that its technology rivals our computers, phones, etc., while most other factors (some combination of social structure, politics, customs, clothing, etc.) would remain relatively true to the 15th century."
In Forever Boy, dogs are routinely sacrificed to harvest the mandrake. When the mandrake, a perfect homunculus, is pulled from the ground, the dog dies in the process. The Magic Guild has decreed the harvesting work is more important than dogs' lives.
Wizard Kadmeion and his assistant Bright are nearby when a mandrake removal doesn't follow the routine. The mandrake kills a man and the dog lives. Once the demon is in place within the mandrake, the wizard asks her why she didn't kill the dog. She replies, "The man was easier."
When the dog finds Kadmeion and Bright, their adventures take an unexpected turn.
Versatile author Lita Burke's first Clockpunk story is an entertaining read. The deeper levels of the story hold meanings for readers of all ages.
February 22, 2015
Move over Philip Pullman!
I loved this little book. Lita Burke has an imagination equal to, if not better than, the likes of Philip Pullman and Terry Pratchett. I loved the little dog shifter, Go Fer, I loved his intellectual reasoning and understanding, I loved the wizard, Kadmeion, and his assistant, Bright, and I loved the clockwork clockpunk characters who run their ship.
I just wish this had been a longer book. There seems so much more in this story. But that’s the only negative.
Take a chance on this book. Did I mention I loved it?
I loved this little book. Lita Burke has an imagination equal to, if not better than, the likes of Philip Pullman and Terry Pratchett. I loved the little dog shifter, Go Fer, I loved his intellectual reasoning and understanding, I loved the wizard, Kadmeion, and his assistant, Bright, and I loved the clockwork clockpunk characters who run their ship.
I just wish this had been a longer book. There seems so much more in this story. But that’s the only negative.
Take a chance on this book. Did I mention I loved it?
August 20, 2015
Forever Boy is the second indie fantasy short story I read.
I think this is starting to become a thing. And I am absolutely enjoying it.
The title really got my attention - a 'forever' boy; and a 'clockpunk' wizard. I wasn't sure if it was possible to combine a clockpunk and a magical world together. This was a first for me. And it was possible. And it was really interesting.
Because of its brevity, at first, I was in the dark about several elements - Go Fer Dogs; Meat-Men; Metal-Men, etc. And why does a wizard have an airship?
As you read, Lita Burke thoroughly explains these elements. She doesn't overwhelm you with facts. There's enough activity and action to keep things interesting. And she didn't destroy the plot by rushing into things. She took her time to tell her audience about this world.
I think this book was made to lure her audience in. And I might say, she did a good job at it.
I really feel the need to continue reading this series. I'm very impressed. I'm looking forward to reading more of her work. And hopefully, I can continue this series.
May 23, 2014
I received a free copy of Forever Boy in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review and boy, was I pleased that I did.
I’ll admit that I had never heard of Clockpunk, or Steampunk, before reading this story but now that I have, it has opened up a whole new genre of reading for me to look forward to.
The story in itself was well written and constructed with likeable characters and a fast flowing plot, but for me it finished just as it really should have gotten going. I am hoping that this is the first book in an ongoing series as I could see this one as the ‘pilot’ episode introducing you to the characters where episodes two onwards gets to the meat of adventures.
Overall an enjoyable read and I will be keeping my eye out for a hopefully second release in the series.
I’ll admit that I had never heard of Clockpunk, or Steampunk, before reading this story but now that I have, it has opened up a whole new genre of reading for me to look forward to.
The story in itself was well written and constructed with likeable characters and a fast flowing plot, but for me it finished just as it really should have gotten going. I am hoping that this is the first book in an ongoing series as I could see this one as the ‘pilot’ episode introducing you to the characters where episodes two onwards gets to the meat of adventures.
Overall an enjoyable read and I will be keeping my eye out for a hopefully second release in the series.
June 28, 2015
Loved it!
Though I'm a big fan of fantasy, Forever Boy by Lita Burke is the first clockpunk story I've ever read. Set in an alternative 17th century, Forever Boy is a wonderful short story about a dog name Go Fer whose life is far from ideal. His master uses him as a sacrifice to create demon possessed objects. Luckily he is rescued by a kindly wizard and his apprentice, but soon learns his troubles are far from over.
Forever Boy is a very engaging read. It throws you right into the action with very little backstory so at first it's a little confusing but Burke writes so well that you're soon sucked in completely by the unique world and interesting characters. The magic is sound and the world building is excellent. The only disappointing part is the length as Burke does an excellent job of leaving you hungry for more.
Though I'm a big fan of fantasy, Forever Boy by Lita Burke is the first clockpunk story I've ever read. Set in an alternative 17th century, Forever Boy is a wonderful short story about a dog name Go Fer whose life is far from ideal. His master uses him as a sacrifice to create demon possessed objects. Luckily he is rescued by a kindly wizard and his apprentice, but soon learns his troubles are far from over.
Forever Boy is a very engaging read. It throws you right into the action with very little backstory so at first it's a little confusing but Burke writes so well that you're soon sucked in completely by the unique world and interesting characters. The magic is sound and the world building is excellent. The only disappointing part is the length as Burke does an excellent job of leaving you hungry for more.
August 3, 2016
I found this a fascinating short story, perhaps because clockpunk was for me a completely new genre. Forever Boy's world is bizarre, vaguely threatening, and charming, all at the same time. Magic, clockwork and demons are woven seamlessly into a very human narrative, and characterization is very good. Go Fer Dog is wonderfully well done, and it is hard to believe that Bright is a metal creature. By that I mean that his personality is very alive even though one is always aware that he is a construction of metal. Kadmeion's mysterious ambivalence demands that one get to know him, presumably by reading a full book at some point. I look forward to it!
I made it four stars rather than five just because it is a short story: I'd rather have the book!
I made it four stars rather than five just because it is a short story: I'd rather have the book!
May 6, 2015
I read Lita Burke’s novel Tredan’s Bane a while back (and gave it 4 Stars), so I decided to read the first book of her Clockpunk Wizard Series, Forever Boy. Here are my thoughts!
Synopsis (from the author): Life is dirty, difficult, and all too short for the dogs digging up the deadly mandrake roots that wizards animate with minor demons. A pup named Go Fer has an odd magical talent. He does not die from the fatal screams of newly-unearthed mandrakes. Go Fer’s master, a prideful minor magician, sees Go Fer’s talent as a fluke saving him the cost of replacing dogs killed by the mandrakes’ cries.
One morning, a young Wizard Kadmeion and his half-elf assistant Bright watch Go Fer at work. This mandrake extraction goes horribly wrong, and Go Fer runs away during the hubbub. After seeking out the wizard, the dog’s life is not the same. In fact, Kadmeion discovers Go Fer is no longer a dog.
An exciting life as the wizard’s familiar awaits Go Fer. Bright built clever clockwork men who pilot Kadmeion’s wonderful airship. Go Fer would have a new name, a new boy appearance, and he would fly with his new master between islands that float above the sea.
But Magic Guild law makes the mandrake harvester Go Fer’s master, and Kadmeion will not go against the guild. Go Fer must return to the dog-murderer, lose his wondrous boy form, and dig mandrake roots until he dies. Which will be the very next time, unless the clever clockwork man and the kindly wizard can get him out of this fatal mess.
What I liked: I really like the concept of clockpunk! The idea of gadgets powered by clockworks was very cool! I also enjoyed the characters, and Go Fer (the dog turned Forever Boy) was an immediate favorite. The gadgetry was interesting and the airship pilot was great.
What I didn’t like: As much as I enjoyed the concept and the characters, I had a hard time connecting with the story. I think, perhaps, it was the length of the book that didn’t allow me to fully engage with it.
Overall impression: A well-written book, great concept, and good characters make this a good read. I know I will be reading the second book of the series (Ephraim’s Curious Device).
My rating: 4 Stars
Synopsis (from the author): Life is dirty, difficult, and all too short for the dogs digging up the deadly mandrake roots that wizards animate with minor demons. A pup named Go Fer has an odd magical talent. He does not die from the fatal screams of newly-unearthed mandrakes. Go Fer’s master, a prideful minor magician, sees Go Fer’s talent as a fluke saving him the cost of replacing dogs killed by the mandrakes’ cries.
One morning, a young Wizard Kadmeion and his half-elf assistant Bright watch Go Fer at work. This mandrake extraction goes horribly wrong, and Go Fer runs away during the hubbub. After seeking out the wizard, the dog’s life is not the same. In fact, Kadmeion discovers Go Fer is no longer a dog.
An exciting life as the wizard’s familiar awaits Go Fer. Bright built clever clockwork men who pilot Kadmeion’s wonderful airship. Go Fer would have a new name, a new boy appearance, and he would fly with his new master between islands that float above the sea.
But Magic Guild law makes the mandrake harvester Go Fer’s master, and Kadmeion will not go against the guild. Go Fer must return to the dog-murderer, lose his wondrous boy form, and dig mandrake roots until he dies. Which will be the very next time, unless the clever clockwork man and the kindly wizard can get him out of this fatal mess.
What I liked: I really like the concept of clockpunk! The idea of gadgets powered by clockworks was very cool! I also enjoyed the characters, and Go Fer (the dog turned Forever Boy) was an immediate favorite. The gadgetry was interesting and the airship pilot was great.
What I didn’t like: As much as I enjoyed the concept and the characters, I had a hard time connecting with the story. I think, perhaps, it was the length of the book that didn’t allow me to fully engage with it.
Overall impression: A well-written book, great concept, and good characters make this a good read. I know I will be reading the second book of the series (Ephraim’s Curious Device).
My rating: 4 Stars
January 31, 2015
Reviewed for Readers Favorite at www.ReadersFavorite.com.
When the magician, Kadmeion, and his Metal-man assistant, Bright, witness an event at a mandrake plant, they discover a Go Fer dog capable of producing magic, in Forever Boy, by Lita Burke. Rescuing the animal and bringing it to their ship, then bathing it, and cleaning its wounds, Kadmeion and Bright are dismayed when the Go Fer dog escapes. But after the dog, who it turns out can speak (and is something more than just a dog), discusses the matter with the ship’s Machine—the dog returns to the magician and his assistant. There, he learns his true identity and is named, Furgo. Upon discovering that he must return to, and be released by, his former master before he may join up with Kadmeion and Bright for good (and as a wizard’s familiar), the three come up with a plan for dealing with the evil pellar who would have allowed Furgo to die at the mandrake plant.
Forever Boy is a very short read. While it resolves the immediate issue of Furgo’s identity and sets the stage for future stories, it is not a work that will engage a reader for long hours. Even so, for those looking for a quick getaway, Forever Boy, fits the bill. Lita Burke has created a “clockwork punk” world (like a science fiction tale in an earlier period with fantasy elements) that is both unique and inhabited by unusual characters. If you are in for a different sort of tale that includes some traditional fantasy principles, take a look at Forever Boy.
When the magician, Kadmeion, and his Metal-man assistant, Bright, witness an event at a mandrake plant, they discover a Go Fer dog capable of producing magic, in Forever Boy, by Lita Burke. Rescuing the animal and bringing it to their ship, then bathing it, and cleaning its wounds, Kadmeion and Bright are dismayed when the Go Fer dog escapes. But after the dog, who it turns out can speak (and is something more than just a dog), discusses the matter with the ship’s Machine—the dog returns to the magician and his assistant. There, he learns his true identity and is named, Furgo. Upon discovering that he must return to, and be released by, his former master before he may join up with Kadmeion and Bright for good (and as a wizard’s familiar), the three come up with a plan for dealing with the evil pellar who would have allowed Furgo to die at the mandrake plant.
Forever Boy is a very short read. While it resolves the immediate issue of Furgo’s identity and sets the stage for future stories, it is not a work that will engage a reader for long hours. Even so, for those looking for a quick getaway, Forever Boy, fits the bill. Lita Burke has created a “clockwork punk” world (like a science fiction tale in an earlier period with fantasy elements) that is both unique and inhabited by unusual characters. If you are in for a different sort of tale that includes some traditional fantasy principles, take a look at Forever Boy.
October 11, 2014
Until “Forever Boy” by Lita Burke, I had no idea what the science fiction subgenre Clockpunk was. It wouldn’t have mattered, however because I recognized a superbly written story and the genre or subgenre was completely irrelevant. Forever Boy is a short story / prelude / first episode to the “Clockpunk Wizard Book” series. In this story, Ms Burke has established a fantasy world, with ingeniously original characters and an overriding premise for the series that promises to be an unforgettable reading experience.
Three of the main characters in the series were introduced in “Forever Boy.” The young wizard, Kadmeion is just beginning his magic for hire business. His able assistant Bright is a clockwork specialist and Go Fer is a dog who becomes someone and something else. All three of these characters are perfectly described via dialogue and action that make extraneous narrative detail unnecessary.
The same talented writing is applied to building an image of the world in which these characters thrive. Their journey begins with “Ephraim’s Curious Device” and continues with “Old Bony Blue Eyes.” Both of these novellas are complete and immediately available. I’ve no doubt that the trails travelled by this trio and yet to be introduced protagonists and antagonists will lead to an exciting series of trials, tribulations and triumphs. I, for one, will waste no time getting on board this story train.
Three of the main characters in the series were introduced in “Forever Boy.” The young wizard, Kadmeion is just beginning his magic for hire business. His able assistant Bright is a clockwork specialist and Go Fer is a dog who becomes someone and something else. All three of these characters are perfectly described via dialogue and action that make extraneous narrative detail unnecessary.
The same talented writing is applied to building an image of the world in which these characters thrive. Their journey begins with “Ephraim’s Curious Device” and continues with “Old Bony Blue Eyes.” Both of these novellas are complete and immediately available. I’ve no doubt that the trails travelled by this trio and yet to be introduced protagonists and antagonists will lead to an exciting series of trials, tribulations and triumphs. I, for one, will waste no time getting on board this story train.
August 6, 2014
It is only in recent years that I have discovered the joy of fantasy books, and Forever Boy is no exception.
For want of a better description, this is a pleasantly dark twisting of the Pinocchio story. Go Fer is a magician’s dog, and suffers the dangerous life of digging up deadly mandrake roots.
A chance discovery reveals him to have some kind of immunity to the Mandrake shrieks, and this catapults him into a powerful struggle between The Clockwork Man and The Magic Guild.
What elevates this tale above so many within this genre, is the social commentary. My personal interpretation is that The Clockwork Man represents the industrial war machine – however, unlike typical representations of mindless killing, the military are shown to be latter day pioneers, delivering much needed goods and exploring the world.
The Magic Guild represents the dogmatic old ways of the past, and its adherents are those who would cling to such archaic ideals, even if it results in death.
Ultimately, this is a tale about progressive modernization versus those who cling to the past. Richly told, and wonderfully engaging, the tale of dog who would become a boy keeps you gripped to the very last page.
For want of a better description, this is a pleasantly dark twisting of the Pinocchio story. Go Fer is a magician’s dog, and suffers the dangerous life of digging up deadly mandrake roots.
A chance discovery reveals him to have some kind of immunity to the Mandrake shrieks, and this catapults him into a powerful struggle between The Clockwork Man and The Magic Guild.
What elevates this tale above so many within this genre, is the social commentary. My personal interpretation is that The Clockwork Man represents the industrial war machine – however, unlike typical representations of mindless killing, the military are shown to be latter day pioneers, delivering much needed goods and exploring the world.
The Magic Guild represents the dogmatic old ways of the past, and its adherents are those who would cling to such archaic ideals, even if it results in death.
Ultimately, this is a tale about progressive modernization versus those who cling to the past. Richly told, and wonderfully engaging, the tale of dog who would become a boy keeps you gripped to the very last page.
November 20, 2012
I didn’t know what to expect going in but Lita Burke did not disappoint. Her love of fantasy literature is obvious from the onset as she paints a very unique and intricate picture of this new setting.
The story was extremely original, I’ve never read anything like it before. You may be a little lost going in to it at first, I know I was. I had never heard of this genre clockpunk before, but similar to the steampunk genre it is a world both familiar to ours, yet vastly different. Being thrown into the story the way you are at the beginning only makes you want to run and explore this immense new world, like a dog who has finally been let out into the yard.
The characters are very stoic and seem to have an almost mechanical nature at first (which is very fitting for a setting like this) but before the story is half over you find yourself warming up to them and genuinely wanting to spend more time with them. Especially Furgo, Bright and Copernicus.
Lita Burke weaves a very imaginative and exciting story with Forever Boy, and lays the groundwork for a very intricate and expansive fantasy series. I can’t wait to board the airship again.
The story was extremely original, I’ve never read anything like it before. You may be a little lost going in to it at first, I know I was. I had never heard of this genre clockpunk before, but similar to the steampunk genre it is a world both familiar to ours, yet vastly different. Being thrown into the story the way you are at the beginning only makes you want to run and explore this immense new world, like a dog who has finally been let out into the yard.
The characters are very stoic and seem to have an almost mechanical nature at first (which is very fitting for a setting like this) but before the story is half over you find yourself warming up to them and genuinely wanting to spend more time with them. Especially Furgo, Bright and Copernicus.
Lita Burke weaves a very imaginative and exciting story with Forever Boy, and lays the groundwork for a very intricate and expansive fantasy series. I can’t wait to board the airship again.
September 24, 2014
Lita Burke takes us to a very strange - but likable - place in her novel "Forever Boy:" A world that is a little bit Harry Potter and a little bit Steampunk with a dash or two of some other genres thrown in for spice. The result is a very readable short novel with an unusual twist because this is the story, literally, of a dog that becomes a boy.
A shape shifter who can alternate between one form or the other in a magical land that also includes clockwork automata (in the old days we probably would have called them robots) and wizards (both good and bad) as well as "regular" folks, Furgo (his human name) didn't want to become human, had - in fact - never even thought about it. Truth is, he didn't much like humans because he was a dog with a low-grade wizard for a master that put him into dangerous situations on a regular basis. What his master did not realize, however, was that doing so would give the animal a soul and, thus, change him into a shape shifter.
I won't spoil the story by telling you what happens but I will say this: I think you'll be surprised at how it turns out.
A shape shifter who can alternate between one form or the other in a magical land that also includes clockwork automata (in the old days we probably would have called them robots) and wizards (both good and bad) as well as "regular" folks, Furgo (his human name) didn't want to become human, had - in fact - never even thought about it. Truth is, he didn't much like humans because he was a dog with a low-grade wizard for a master that put him into dangerous situations on a regular basis. What his master did not realize, however, was that doing so would give the animal a soul and, thus, change him into a shape shifter.
I won't spoil the story by telling you what happens but I will say this: I think you'll be surprised at how it turns out.
November 9, 2014
To start things off, I have never read a "clockwork punk" story. It was pretty easy to see what the premise would be, but it became more than what I expected. The weaving together of elements from steampunk's cousin with fantasy undertones really makes this story a success.
One thing I noticed, and it did take me a minute to figure out is the changing of the narrator's voice. The first few times this happened it caught me off guard, but midway through the story everything melded together and made sense. This is the only drawback, for me, from this story being a 5-star.
Another, slightly, confusing aspect is the magical devices. Being that this is a short story, I would have liked the author to have strayed from this a bit. Most of the items and ideas are pretty easy to guess what they would be, but it really needed just a bit of explanation to sell a few of them.
This really is a good story, and I highly recommend it. For a $0.99 price tag you can't beat the introduction into a world that can be taken in any way Burke would like to take it.
One thing I noticed, and it did take me a minute to figure out is the changing of the narrator's voice. The first few times this happened it caught me off guard, but midway through the story everything melded together and made sense. This is the only drawback, for me, from this story being a 5-star.
Another, slightly, confusing aspect is the magical devices. Being that this is a short story, I would have liked the author to have strayed from this a bit. Most of the items and ideas are pretty easy to guess what they would be, but it really needed just a bit of explanation to sell a few of them.
This really is a good story, and I highly recommend it. For a $0.99 price tag you can't beat the introduction into a world that can be taken in any way Burke would like to take it.
November 26, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative, November 25, 2014
By KAREN INGALLS
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Forever Boy (Clockpunk Wizard Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
A well written book with an imaginative plot and interesting characters. I struggled at first trying to figure out who/what were the characters and places. Since this is not a genre that I usually care for I probably had more difficulty than most people. For example, it took me a long time to get through the first book of Harry Potter...and never read another one!
However, I will say that I did begin to enjoy this story and the creative characters. So, I give thanks to Lita who has inspired me to read more of her books.
October 29, 2014
I just finished reading the short but very entertaining clockpunk novella by Lita Burke. I fell in love with Furgo with his big puppy dog brown eyes as well as the wizard Kadmeion and his assistant Bright as soon as the spell took effect. If you're a fan of sci-fi of the Jules Vernes variety, you will love all the gadgets and devices in this story. Burke's written a fantasy tale about a world in which dogs are sacrificed during the removal of mandrakes. There are all sorts of rules about who can do what with whom. Figuring out all of these boundaries is half the fun. The other is getting to know the Wizard and his powers. The characters are engaging, witty and well developed. This book starts Burke's series off and it's followed by Ephraim's Curious Device. Don't miss either one!
December 9, 2014
Forever Boy (Clockpunk Wizard, #1) by Lita Burke is an extraordinary novella that introduced this reader to a whole new sub-genre - Clockpunk.
Basically it is Steampunk without steam and set in a time before industrialisation where characters depend on clockwork machines. The author has done a brilliant job in making me an instant fan. I must read more of this wondrous fantasy with dogs sniffing out mandrake for wizards, mighty airships and Forever Boy, oh and who could ever forget Bright - what a character.
I am leaving all details out or this novella should be read without any clue whatsoever as to the storyline. It is so good, I can't recommend I enough. I love this book!
FIVE STARS for this clockpunk fantasy and very highly recommended.
Basically it is Steampunk without steam and set in a time before industrialisation where characters depend on clockwork machines. The author has done a brilliant job in making me an instant fan. I must read more of this wondrous fantasy with dogs sniffing out mandrake for wizards, mighty airships and Forever Boy, oh and who could ever forget Bright - what a character.
I am leaving all details out or this novella should be read without any clue whatsoever as to the storyline. It is so good, I can't recommend I enough. I love this book!
FIVE STARS for this clockpunk fantasy and very highly recommended.
December 22, 2014
I’d never heard of Clockpunk genre so I had no idea what I’d find when opening this book…In, Forever Boy, Lita Burke has twined several genres together, creating an intriguing world where time, or better yet, machines do matter. This magical land somehow reminded me of Oz and yet, it was so unique and unpredictable that I found myself glued to the pages, sucked into the lives of wizards, ‘robots’, dogs (yes, you read correctly) and normal people, wanting more and more until I reached the last page!
An original, fun read that I highly recommend to pre-teens, teens and to anyone who enjoys a good story. But a word of warning before you enter Burke’s world…it’s so addictive you might get hooked for good!
An original, fun read that I highly recommend to pre-teens, teens and to anyone who enjoys a good story. But a word of warning before you enter Burke’s world…it’s so addictive you might get hooked for good!
May 12, 2015
When I learned why the story is named "Forever Boy" my reaction was that it was a unique concept. Unique concepts are rare. I thought the story as a whole was too short to be called a novel, but it did have a beginning, middle, and end so it was a complete story. There was a bit too much back-story, which should have been written in real time so that the story wasn't so much about telling the story. The part about the bad wizard could have been more the beginning of a longer novel by showing the action as it happened. I feel like I dropped into the story in the middle of an "episode". I did like it and am curious about future stories by this author.
August 13, 2014
When I learned why the story is named "Forever Boy" my reaction was that it was a unique concept. Unique concepts are rare. I thought the story as a whole was too short to be called a novel, but it did have a beginning, middle, and end so it was a complete story. There was a bit too much back-story, which should have been written in real time so that the story wasn't so much about telling the story. The part about the bad wizard could have been more the beginning of a longer novel by showing the action as it happened. I feel like I dropped into the story in the middle of an "episode". I did like it and am curious about future stories by this author.
November 10, 2013
Ticking away like precision clockwork...or clockpunk
This was my first clockpunk story and I was very excited to receive a free copy from the author for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
The whole story ticks like clockwork - from the writing style to the plot to the technology. Well crafted from start to finish, it was like the first episode in a series, ending at just the right point so I know I'll be happy to tune into it next week.
My biggest issue with it was that, like time itself when you're enjoying yourself, it was too short.
This was my first clockpunk story and I was very excited to receive a free copy from the author for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
The whole story ticks like clockwork - from the writing style to the plot to the technology. Well crafted from start to finish, it was like the first episode in a series, ending at just the right point so I know I'll be happy to tune into it next week.
My biggest issue with it was that, like time itself when you're enjoying yourself, it was too short.
August 13, 2016
I loved this story and the characters introduced in it... a bit of a fairy tale, a bit of a fantasy with the underlying edge of darkness but also a real human heart and soul (even if it is trapped in a dog's body)...
I liked the way the story hit the ground running and moved on from there - smoothly blending an engaging story with world building that was by no means complete but did offer us a vista of a place like no other... a place definitely worth exploring together with the wizard, his assistant and the forever boy.
Definitely looking forward to the continuation.
I liked the way the story hit the ground running and moved on from there - smoothly blending an engaging story with world building that was by no means complete but did offer us a vista of a place like no other... a place definitely worth exploring together with the wizard, his assistant and the forever boy.
Definitely looking forward to the continuation.
September 2, 2016
This little story has all the elements that make a story great. The characters are likable and memorable, the tale is new and unique, and without a lot of common drama or extremes in occurrences it works very well. It's a professional manuscript that is easy to read and the storyline works out all the issues well. A very endearing story, it has engendered a desire to read more of this storyline in the next book. I highly recommend it. And its length is perfect and could only be made longer if it was Part I of a longer work.
November 29, 2014
It's a time when magic, wizards and wannabes are abundant. A dog with enough souls to make him a human, but only a young one, and the mystic associated with the seventh son of the seventh son make this a fun read. Burke introduces us to a new world with different rules allowing the reader to escape and become immersed in it. Their magical abilities have been side-swiped and Bright and Go Fer end up working for an old, but wise wizard in this clockpunk adventure. But their adventures don't end here, as the reader is set up for more in this short, quick read. Highly recommend.
October 13, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. And I have to admit, it was a pleasant surprise. I'm normally not a fantasy reader, but this book definitely held my attention. It's a quick, fun read.
You meet some very important characters in the story. I'm now curious what's next in the series.
The author has a wonderful writing style. She creates the fantasy world which grabs the readers' attention. I finished this book in one day. Looking forward to reading more!
You meet some very important characters in the story. I'm now curious what's next in the series.
The author has a wonderful writing style. She creates the fantasy world which grabs the readers' attention. I finished this book in one day. Looking forward to reading more!
March 12, 2015
Having read this wonderful little novella I just have to explore the world of Clockpunk in more detail. A really imaginative a well told story quickly evolves with lots of magical characters and workings that transport you to an altogether different place. Will definitely be reading more by Lita Burke!
August 9, 2016
A cute little story, only 35 pages, that has airships, demons, wizards and clockwork automata.
My only complaint was that it was too short.
My only complaint was that it was too short.
February 21, 2018
A Great Imagination Coupled With Great Writing Skills Makes for a Wonderful Teen and YA Series
I really enjoyed "Forever Boy" and his other stage as Go Fer Dog. Lita Burke brought the Wizards' world to life as well as the Meat-Men, Metal-Men, demons, and Copernicus the machine. Using elements of known myths, such as "a seventh-son of a seventh-son", together with her brilliant imagination and beautiful, descriptive writing style has created an adorable little book where good triumphs over evil with good lessons told in a unique, magical fashion makes this series a winner for the young and forever-young alike. Do enjoy this jewel of a fantasy!
I really enjoyed "Forever Boy" and his other stage as Go Fer Dog. Lita Burke brought the Wizards' world to life as well as the Meat-Men, Metal-Men, demons, and Copernicus the machine. Using elements of known myths, such as "a seventh-son of a seventh-son", together with her brilliant imagination and beautiful, descriptive writing style has created an adorable little book where good triumphs over evil with good lessons told in a unique, magical fashion makes this series a winner for the young and forever-young alike. Do enjoy this jewel of a fantasy!
April 7, 2018
Delightful, magical clockpunk story.
‘Forever Boy’ is a delightful clockpunk story of the difference made in one young life when kindness and generosity cause bad magic to be replaced with good.
Kadmeion and Bright are nicely developed magical characters who drive the narrative. Instantly likeable, they engage and involve the reader through their rescue and rehabilitation of a small dog who, like many things in the magical world, turns out to be so much more than what he initially seemed.
This is a great read to enjoy in less than an hour, making it ideal for bookworms with busy lives, or to fill in a lunch break.
‘Forever Boy’ is a delightful clockpunk story of the difference made in one young life when kindness and generosity cause bad magic to be replaced with good.
Kadmeion and Bright are nicely developed magical characters who drive the narrative. Instantly likeable, they engage and involve the reader through their rescue and rehabilitation of a small dog who, like many things in the magical world, turns out to be so much more than what he initially seemed.
This is a great read to enjoy in less than an hour, making it ideal for bookworms with busy lives, or to fill in a lunch break.
August 30, 2025
This was an interesting short story. I have a slower time reading some fantasy books because their concepts are new and I always have to analyze everything. Even so, it was well done from start to finish. Now I will have to see where the next book in the series take me. If you want a quick and fun adventure, you will enjoy this one.
February 8, 2018
Really fun - interesting world!
I had so much fun reading this book - It is a nice little escape with an interesting world. I was annoyed at first that it ended so abruptly, but then I realized, "that's a good thing!" Looking forward to the rest of the series!
I had so much fun reading this book - It is a nice little escape with an interesting world. I was annoyed at first that it ended so abruptly, but then I realized, "that's a good thing!" Looking forward to the rest of the series!
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