The Gnome's Engine

Mask and Dagger #2

by Teresa Edgerton

In the capital cities of Euterpe, elegant men and women lead decadent lives, but across the Atlantick Ocean in the New World, gnomes, dwarves, and Men are industriously exploring the realms of Science, Philosophie, and Magic . . .

In the New World town of Hobb's Church, there are several mysteries that need examination, such as . . . Is it really the fault of the town's hobgoblins that the buildings all lean in such a peculiar way? What is the nature of the strange ancient ruins just outside town? Who are the two young ladies who have so recently come to teach at the Mothgreen Academy on the edge of the marsh? And just what is the purpose of the Gnome's Engine?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Science Fiction, Novels

266 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

I believe I began telling stories as soon as I learned to talk. More than sixty years later I am still inventing them.

On paper, my life looks more glamorous than it was in actual fact (most peoples' lives do). My husband and I met at our local Renaissance Faire. I've made and sold puppets, spent twenty years as a professional fortuneteller, worked in a craft store, and been an active member of the Society for Creative Anachronism. My hobbies are Halloween and Christmas.

Currently, I am working as an editor for Tickety Boo Press, heading a new imprint Venus Ascending, which will be publishing fantasy and science fiction romance novels. For submission guidelines http://www.ticketyboopress.co.uk/tere...

My own published work includes eleven fantasy novels, written under my own name and my pseudonym, Madeline Howard, as well as short fiction, reviews, interviews, and articles on writing.

I live with my husband, two adult children, a son-in-law, two grandsons, assorted pets, and more books than you might think would fit in the remaining space.

Reviews

[Jake McCord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst at a tasting festival in Tippecanoe County, my fellow friends and I stumbled into a small bookshop, not normally opened at this time in the evening, but made an exception on this particular day on account of the festival. I myself, admittedly not much of a reader, would not normally visit said shop, but enjoyed the company of good friends and camaraderie so obliged into entering. The shelves were filled with various novels, much of which caught the interest of the group, but a particular dollar clearance shelf displayed a book that my friend Cam Sam and I chuckled at, titled “The Gnome’s Engine”. “What on Earth could a gnome possibly be doing with an engine?” we discussed amongst ourselves. We exited the store after purchases were made. I left empty handed of course, for my thoughts wandered more onto how many food tickets I had left, and therefore how many beignets I could carry at once, rather than what novel I’d be reading for the next 6 months of my life (7th grade reading level). But as my friends and I made our way back home, I couldn’t help but think about that book. It might have been the 6 beignets, now sitting in my stomach (6 more for the ride home mind you), but my curiosity peaked that maybe this was the book I was destined to read. I hadn’t read a book in 2 years or so. Maybe this could break the mold? No less than a week later, I had the paperback in hand. My excitement peaked, but soon plateaued, because alas, this book was a sequel (preceded by Goblin Moon) and might therefore be tricky to read. This did not deter me however, as I set out to complete “The Gnome’s Engine”. I delved into the world of fantasy, wizardry, and the great inquisition of discovery, putting pieces together from the prior book on characters like Lord Skelbrooke (aka Carstares). It honestly started out pretty slow, with many different storylines to follow. Reading comprehension isn’t my strong suit, so I had to somewhat map out what all the hell was going on. But soon, everything started to come together, and by page 200, I was ripping through the story as ill-advised fireworks ripped through my neighborhood. It was July 4th, and I had just returned from a nice evening with the family at the carp infested Indiana Beach. More strings were tied together in the last 50 pages than a weekend boyscout retreat. You’ve gotta wait for the payoff with “The Gnome’s Engine”. I think ultimately it was worth it in the end, but I hated that Skullgrimm didn’t get more shine. They left his plotline out to dry, but he served his purpose for the sake of the story. Good on Jed and Jonas, and best wishes to the newlyweds. If I’m them, and still have the engine functional and a salty crew ready to set sail, you better believe I’m firing it back up and going back for round 2 to collect the goods. Final thoughts, overall a really interesting read. No clue what to think on the hobbgoblins. Sure they shed light on the great that they are capable of, but at what cost? You can just leave the town in ruins and not think you’re going to be held accountable.
5 Stars

[Laylah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A unsurprisingly disappointing end to a mediocre two-book series. I was intrigued after hearing many good things about these books, especially comparisons between Lord Francis Skelbrook, Edgerton's hero, and another Francis, my most favorite hero of all time. After finishing the first book, Goblin Moon, I was skeptical. But already investing time to half way of the story, I decided to see it to the end. After first three chapters of The Gnome's Engine, I was gritting my teeth, wanting so much to throw it away. If I find books I don't feel connected to in some ways, I usually don't waste time to finish them. This is probably my first. It's not that bad, mind you. But, it's not good also. It's just all over the place. The plot lacks focus/urgency and characters lack chemistry. It reads like kid's story or cartoon but with adult content. Did I miss out anything else? Oh, yes, the comparisons between these books' hero and another Francis. Well, unfortunately, they couldn't further apart. If the first Francis happened to stumble into the latter's story, he'd be dead in two pages. That's what an incompetent hero he is. I hope presevering through these books wouldn't put me in another slump because now I lose all energy to pick up another book. 2 stars

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sequel to Goblin Moon, and unfortunately a bit of a letdown in that regard--the former was much more fun. This resolves several subplots, but drags considerably in the middle. I skimmed. A lot.

Skelbrooke = definitely a Lymond clone. He's even named Francis!

[Oyceter · Rating 2 out of 5]

http://oyceter.livejournal.com/369387...

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. The writing style was almost dreamy, so somewhat hard to connect to the characters. But an interesting story and culture make it worthwhile.

[jen8998 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing sequel to Goblin Moon.