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Engn #1
Engn
Finn's childhood in the valley is idyllic, but across the plains lies a threat. Engn is an ever-growing steam-powered fortress, that needs a never-ending supply of workers. Generation after generation have been taken away, escorted into its depths by the mysterious and terrifying Ironclads, never to return.
The Masters of Engn first take Finn's sister, then his best friend, Connor. He thinks he, at least, is safe - until the day the ironclads come to haul him away too.
Yet all is not lost, Finn has a plan. In the peace of the valley he and Connor made a pact. A promise to join the mythical Wreckers and end Engn's tyranny.
But now on his own, lost and thwarted in the vastness of Engn, Finn begins to have doubts. Is Connor really working to destroy Engn?
Or has he become part of the machine?
The Masters of Engn first take Finn's sister, then his best friend, Connor. He thinks he, at least, is safe - until the day the ironclads come to haul him away too.
Yet all is not lost, Finn has a plan. In the peace of the valley he and Connor made a pact. A promise to join the mythical Wreckers and end Engn's tyranny.
But now on his own, lost and thwarted in the vastness of Engn, Finn begins to have doubts. Is Connor really working to destroy Engn?
Or has he become part of the machine?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2013
56 people want to read
About the author
Simon Kewin
113 books84 followersSimon Kewin is a fantasy and sci/fi writer, author of the
Cloven Land
fantasy trilogy, cyberpunk thriller
The Genehunter
, steampunk Gormenghast saga
Engn
, the
Triple Stars
sci/fi trilogy and the Office of the Witchfinder General books, published by Elsewhen Press.
He's the author of several short story collections, with his shorter fiction appearing in Analog, Nature and over a hundred other magazines.
He is currently doing an MA in creative writing while writing at least three novels simultaneously.
He's the author of several short story collections, with his shorter fiction appearing in Analog, Nature and over a hundred other magazines.
He is currently doing an MA in creative writing while writing at least three novels simultaneously.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 7, 2013
I'd have liked Engn a lot more if it wasn't so clearly a product of recent trends -- steampunk, dystopian fiction, YA with the boy-boy-girl triad at the centre... (Not saying that's deliberate at all: that's just something that happens.) But it was still pretty fun, if a bit predictable in many ways (e.g. who escapes, when certain people meet, people's identities -- partially because it's very convenient). And I think it'd be less predictable to a less experienced reader.
Overall, the setting is quite interesting, but my favourite thing was the accuracy of descriptions from the point of view of characters -- e.g. Finn, who has never been to Engn before, comparing what he sees to things he does know, the boles of trees, and jumps he used to make between branches...
Not highly original, but fun. I wasn't going to give it a fair chance, I don't think: if it weren't a promotional copy I was sent to review honestly, I wouldn't have finished it. I don't know that I'd have missed out that much, but it did convince me to keep going.
Overall, the setting is quite interesting, but my favourite thing was the accuracy of descriptions from the point of view of characters -- e.g. Finn, who has never been to Engn before, comparing what he sees to things he does know, the boles of trees, and jumps he used to make between branches...
Not highly original, but fun. I wasn't going to give it a fair chance, I don't think: if it weren't a promotional copy I was sent to review honestly, I wouldn't have finished it. I don't know that I'd have missed out that much, but it did convince me to keep going.
June 18, 2013
Engn is a mashup between two of the hottest trends in young adult fiction right now: dystopian worlds and steampunk. The titular Engn is both a city and a machine. The machine needs feeding and a la the reaping of The Hunger Games Ironclads go out to outlying districts and capture local teens to support the machine. One such is Finn, mistakenly assured he was exempt as his sister had previously been taken. Finn and his two best friends, Connor and Diane, all are taken to Engn after having made a vow to destroy the city if ever taken. The story details Finn's time of capture and his years in Engn, always scheming to keep that promise. The question becomes, will Diane and Connor live up to their vows as well?
June 11, 2018
From the blurb I really expected to enjoy this steampunk adventure, but while the book had some good points, it also had flaws. Engn is the story of Finn, a young boy captured and kidnapped to work in the mysterious city of Engn , a sprawling ever growing industrial metropolis, constantly needing to replenish its workforce. Rumours abound that all is not what It seems, and with a little help from friends, Finn is determined to destroy it from within. First the positives, the basic idea of the plot is good, and the character of Finn is reasonably well developed. There are a couple of nice plot twists too. Now for the problems. The first and most obvious is the pacing, this book felt quite dragged out, almost bloated, especially in the middle, and then the ending just seemed to come from nowhere, the whole concept of the Directory seemed to come from nowhere , just in time to conveniently wrap up the book. I also felt like some of the characters felt a little flat and one dimensional.
I read a review copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I read a review copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
July 5, 2013
This MG/YA steampunk/dystopian novel by Simon Kewin is a descriptive tale of the shattering of childhood innocence in the quest to find one's place in a society that seeks to conform individuals into a manageable mold. A common theme among current popular books of this genre and subgenre.
Where Kewin distinguishes himself is the steampunk setting and the quest narrative that provides uncertainty for the main character, Finn, as he tries to find his friends who've been taken by and incorporated into the machine (the engine, or ENGN, itself). Finn is also on a quest to destroy the machine and reunite with his family back in their idyllic valley.
The novel is a bit long, imo, for MG readers, and can take awhile to get into (the 'action' starts about 1/3 of the way in), but the story is solid enough and the characters have you hoping for the best. Like the set up in Maze Runner by James Dashner, ENGN is run by a mysterious ruling class whose motivation and origin isn't quite explained. But if you enjoy this kind of YA societal conspiracy premise, Kewin's novel is a nice addition.
3.5 Stars - Liked It (but a bit slow for my taste). (BTW, I received a free advanced review copy of this ebook and know Mr. Kewin online from some of his other SF writings like The Genehunter, which I highly recommend.)
Where Kewin distinguishes himself is the steampunk setting and the quest narrative that provides uncertainty for the main character, Finn, as he tries to find his friends who've been taken by and incorporated into the machine (the engine, or ENGN, itself). Finn is also on a quest to destroy the machine and reunite with his family back in their idyllic valley.
The novel is a bit long, imo, for MG readers, and can take awhile to get into (the 'action' starts about 1/3 of the way in), but the story is solid enough and the characters have you hoping for the best. Like the set up in Maze Runner by James Dashner, ENGN is run by a mysterious ruling class whose motivation and origin isn't quite explained. But if you enjoy this kind of YA societal conspiracy premise, Kewin's novel is a nice addition.
3.5 Stars - Liked It (but a bit slow for my taste). (BTW, I received a free advanced review copy of this ebook and know Mr. Kewin online from some of his other SF writings like The Genehunter, which I highly recommend.)
June 26, 2013
I received this ebook through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers programme.
A steampunk/dystopia novel, which seems to be a winning combination for me. The protagonist suffered from a few moments of plot-necessary stupidity but otherwise this was a very enjoyable and well-paced story.
A steampunk/dystopia novel, which seems to be a winning combination for me. The protagonist suffered from a few moments of plot-necessary stupidity but otherwise this was a very enjoyable and well-paced story.
July 27, 2013
The machine city was so fascinating. It kept me coming back everyday to see how the story unfolded. I'm going to try Simon Kewin's other books.
August 3, 2018
Echoing the social schisms of the Industrial Revolution without sacrificing pace or visceral threat, Kewin forges a steampunk thriller that connect with both the mind and the heart.
For as long as anyone in the village can remember, the machine-city of Engn has taken children, no more than one per family, to feed its constant need for workers. Finn was too young to really understand when the Ironclads took his sister for the city, but he understands all too well when they take his best friend Connor. Putting aside his pain, he focuses on finding his place in the village. Until Engn, need for workers growing with its walls, breaks the one-child agreement and takes Finn too. Years before, the boys had sworn that if they were taken, they’d work to destroy Engn from within, a pact that brings Finn hope during his journey. But, with the city a sprawling mass of machines and tunnels and many of the residents happy with their lot, how can he find Connor, and if he does, will his friend still keep a childhood promise?
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking steampunk that focuses on technology and society.
Kewin builds his plot around a classic trope: pastoral craftspersonship vs faceless industrialism. The villagers each perform the entirety of a task and understand how they fit into the lives and tasks of others; whereas Engn is filled with people performing a single step in the making of parts they don’t understand. However, rather than simply retelling the Industrial Revolution, Kewin dials the conflict up: youths are taken by the city rather than moving due to economic pressure; the entire city is a warren of inexplicable machinery and arcane processes rather than a mix of factories and more universal areas such as taverns. This contrast between bucolic childhood and mechanical semi-slavery creates a strong thread of paranoia.
However—despite seeming an ordinary farming community on the surface—the village has electricity and the equivalent of a telephone network, preventing the novel from sliding into a simplistic anti-technology parable.
The villagers also make no real effort to stop their children being taken and sometimes mention a “Clockwork War” in the distant past, creating a sense that perhaps Engn serves a useful purpose, or at least did in the past.
This uncertainty builds and spreads once Finn reaches Engn: parts seem actually impractical rather than just incomprehensible; workers in different areas believe different things; and higher-ranking citizens are supposedly appointed based on competence but are rumoured to be appointed based on lineage, and reveal no provably better understanding of the machine as a whole. And those workers who don’t accept Engn is right gossip about Wreckers and the damage they have done to the city, but have only rumours rather than access to an actual network of revolutionaries. With the intention, and even the existence, of a guiding hand for either side of the struggle in doubt, the reader is left to decide for themselves who is on the side of right.
Finn is a well-crafted protagonist. Bright but not bookish, he isn’t prepared to simply accept his place in the machine but isn’t able to easily judge whether something is purposeless or has a purpose he doesn’t understand; this provides a clear drive to act rather than react, but also causes him to act when waiting might be better.
The supporting cast are similarly suited to the air of the book: dullards live out their lives in contentment; bullies take out their issues on the weak rather than pushing against the city; and those with a sliver of power or understanding cling to privilege more often than strive for the common good.
Overall, I enjoyed this book greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking steampunk that focuses on plausible technology and society in addition to character.
I received a free copy from the publisher with a request for a fair review.
For as long as anyone in the village can remember, the machine-city of Engn has taken children, no more than one per family, to feed its constant need for workers. Finn was too young to really understand when the Ironclads took his sister for the city, but he understands all too well when they take his best friend Connor. Putting aside his pain, he focuses on finding his place in the village. Until Engn, need for workers growing with its walls, breaks the one-child agreement and takes Finn too. Years before, the boys had sworn that if they were taken, they’d work to destroy Engn from within, a pact that brings Finn hope during his journey. But, with the city a sprawling mass of machines and tunnels and many of the residents happy with their lot, how can he find Connor, and if he does, will his friend still keep a childhood promise?
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking steampunk that focuses on technology and society.
Kewin builds his plot around a classic trope: pastoral craftspersonship vs faceless industrialism. The villagers each perform the entirety of a task and understand how they fit into the lives and tasks of others; whereas Engn is filled with people performing a single step in the making of parts they don’t understand. However, rather than simply retelling the Industrial Revolution, Kewin dials the conflict up: youths are taken by the city rather than moving due to economic pressure; the entire city is a warren of inexplicable machinery and arcane processes rather than a mix of factories and more universal areas such as taverns. This contrast between bucolic childhood and mechanical semi-slavery creates a strong thread of paranoia.
However—despite seeming an ordinary farming community on the surface—the village has electricity and the equivalent of a telephone network, preventing the novel from sliding into a simplistic anti-technology parable.
The villagers also make no real effort to stop their children being taken and sometimes mention a “Clockwork War” in the distant past, creating a sense that perhaps Engn serves a useful purpose, or at least did in the past.
This uncertainty builds and spreads once Finn reaches Engn: parts seem actually impractical rather than just incomprehensible; workers in different areas believe different things; and higher-ranking citizens are supposedly appointed based on competence but are rumoured to be appointed based on lineage, and reveal no provably better understanding of the machine as a whole. And those workers who don’t accept Engn is right gossip about Wreckers and the damage they have done to the city, but have only rumours rather than access to an actual network of revolutionaries. With the intention, and even the existence, of a guiding hand for either side of the struggle in doubt, the reader is left to decide for themselves who is on the side of right.
Finn is a well-crafted protagonist. Bright but not bookish, he isn’t prepared to simply accept his place in the machine but isn’t able to easily judge whether something is purposeless or has a purpose he doesn’t understand; this provides a clear drive to act rather than react, but also causes him to act when waiting might be better.
The supporting cast are similarly suited to the air of the book: dullards live out their lives in contentment; bullies take out their issues on the weak rather than pushing against the city; and those with a sliver of power or understanding cling to privilege more often than strive for the common good.
Overall, I enjoyed this book greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking steampunk that focuses on plausible technology and society in addition to character.
I received a free copy from the publisher with a request for a fair review.
May 27, 2018
Ok, let me start off by saying, it took me 5 days to read this book. I’m not even sure why I finished it. Simon Kewin could be a great writer but from this book I didn’t see it. The writing style was very predictable and not interesting. Present, past, present, past then a different POV. Then back to the present. It was a little all over the place and it just didn’t work for me. I think it could have been better with less information about the past.
The plot was there. The story line really had potential and I think it was talked through well but the characters didn’t line up with the story line. At the beginning Finn is portrayed as a scared little boy who always runs home to mommy when things go wrong. He’s even scared of his “best friend” Connor. There was never a specific point where he “outgrew” that faze and out of nowhere he is supposed become part of the Wreckers and destroy Engn? His character was the downfall of the book for me. And he’s the main character so it never got better. I think if the story would have followed Connor’s or Diane’s POV it would have had a better chance of working. Because Connor’s storyline made sense do to his family ties. And Diane had been running from Engn for a while so it would have made sense to talk about her side of the story.
I couldn’t tell if there was a romance aspect to this book. I think Kewin hinted at it but it never really connected.
The reading level was easy. However there was a lot of past information I felt I needed to remember only for it to not play any roll in the rest of the book.
The ending was very predictable. Going in I could see the ending going several different ways but as the book progressed it was easy to see which direction Kewin wanted to go. I think it had great potential for plot twists and a shocking ending but it didn’t get there. There was a part that was left open ending and it might be in the second book (if there is one) but if not, it could have easily been left out to not confuse the reader.
The plot was there. The story line really had potential and I think it was talked through well but the characters didn’t line up with the story line. At the beginning Finn is portrayed as a scared little boy who always runs home to mommy when things go wrong. He’s even scared of his “best friend” Connor. There was never a specific point where he “outgrew” that faze and out of nowhere he is supposed become part of the Wreckers and destroy Engn? His character was the downfall of the book for me. And he’s the main character so it never got better. I think if the story would have followed Connor’s or Diane’s POV it would have had a better chance of working. Because Connor’s storyline made sense do to his family ties. And Diane had been running from Engn for a while so it would have made sense to talk about her side of the story.
I couldn’t tell if there was a romance aspect to this book. I think Kewin hinted at it but it never really connected.
The reading level was easy. However there was a lot of past information I felt I needed to remember only for it to not play any roll in the rest of the book.
The ending was very predictable. Going in I could see the ending going several different ways but as the book progressed it was easy to see which direction Kewin wanted to go. I think it had great potential for plot twists and a shocking ending but it didn’t get there. There was a part that was left open ending and it might be in the second book (if there is one) but if not, it could have easily been left out to not confuse the reader.
January 4, 2020
Engn is a steampunk novel describing a Dystopic world where people were dominated by a machine, Engn had become bigger and stronger than they were and they succumbed in silence, never questioning whenever the Ironclads came with their iron horses and their master to claim another child to take to Engn, never to be seen again. All the adults were afraid to speak up, thinking that if they kept silent the ironclads would pass them by however these usually picked a child from every household. However when Shireen was taken Finn became so afraid yet so angry at Engn that he and his best friend, the baron's son Connor and a run-away girl they helped hide in the loft from the ironclads made a pact, that they would defeat Engn. Then the ironclads came and took Connor and four years later they came and took Finn and when he finally entered Engn he saw how massive and powerful this city was and started to doubt he would be able to break Engn and stop it from taking any more children as fodder for the monster who dominated all their lives. Was Connor still true to their pact or had he too succumbed to Engn? Why did no one ever rebel? or did they? Diane had spoken of a group who hated Engn and wanted to break it, the wreckers so Finn set out to find them within the machine. I found this story to be very intriguing and I think I can honestly say that it was one of my favourite novels to read this past year. I am a real sucker for rebels and was really rooting for Finn and his friends and I hate tyranny of any sort so this really struck a chord with me, I found myself really engrossed in the story I just could not put it down. Now I am dying to read book 2.
December 25, 2020
When all decisions and your future is taken from you, would you finally make a stand?
The beginning was a little slow with all the flashbacks of Finn's childhood. When Diane joined the gang the story really started to take off. When Finn got taken to ENGN the memories helped him stay alive and believe in his oath to destroy ENGN. Lots of colorful characters to meet and some vilians along the way as well. I know this is a YA book, but with this story line this could easily become a series. There was much that could have been fleshed out and situations explained in more detail.
What was the purpose of ENGN and why did they have to force people to work there? The purpose was none, just to keep building the machine and to test peoples abilities. Would you voluntarily work to keep a meaningless machine alive?
The beginning was a little slow with all the flashbacks of Finn's childhood. When Diane joined the gang the story really started to take off. When Finn got taken to ENGN the memories helped him stay alive and believe in his oath to destroy ENGN. Lots of colorful characters to meet and some vilians along the way as well. I know this is a YA book, but with this story line this could easily become a series. There was much that could have been fleshed out and situations explained in more detail.
What was the purpose of ENGN and why did they have to force people to work there? The purpose was none, just to keep building the machine and to test peoples abilities. Would you voluntarily work to keep a meaningless machine alive?
May 25, 2021
Very unique steampunk world and it was refreshing that it easily stood on its own.
August 10, 2013
Engn by Simon Kewin is a little fantasy, steampunk and adventure all rolled into one.
First Paragraph:
"The Ironclads lifted Finn and heaved him into the moving engine. He kicked and bucked, skinning the knuckles of his left hand on the hatch as he tried to stop himself, but it was no good."
PLOT
Finn lives in a small village in the mountains. Like other children, he grew up hearing stories of the brutal Ironclads and their home base- Engn. Few have seen it and returned. Engn is said to be one great machine. Every day it grows more and more, so more hands are needed to man it. The masters of Engn take the labour they require. They send their Ironclads out into every village, every home, picking up children to be brought to their city. It is not a request you can refuse.
Finn's sister was taken when he was little. Though painful, his parents assured him this meant he was safe. They can't take more than one per family, and he lives his life in relief. Until they show up at his door, and the long journey to the contained city begins. No one gets in unless they're taken. No one gets out, apart from those tasked with bringing in more hands.
But Finn has a plan. A promise he made with two friends years ago. One was taken, the other vanished. Their promise- to destroy Engn. But that is easier said than done. It's only when he arrives in Engn that he realises what a task that is. An iron dictatorship runs the city. The people are slaves. Broken and beaten, their bodies used to fuel the furnaces when they're deemed useless. Eyes are everywhere. What can one boy do against the might of Engn?
REVIEW
The first quarter of the book is told alternating between past and present. Most of the time spent in the former- we see Finn's life so far, and how he came to be where he is now. By the first third, he has reached Engn and the story really begins.
This is a slow-paced novel. There are action sequences, but they're so short and few that most of the story drags. What should be a tension-filled book, lacks it because most of it is spent seemingly doing nothing. Reading this book was like walking from A to B. You can enjoy the walk, the scenery can be varied and pleasant, but in the end you're still just trying to get to point B. There's nothing engaging enough about the scenery to make you stop and enjoy it. This isn't a hugely long book, but it felt very drawn out, and I found myself just wanting to reach point B.
The story isn't bad, the characters aren't bad, the plot isn't bad. In fact there's nothing bad about this book, but there's something lacking that means the story doesn't work as it should. I can like or dislike a slow-paced book depending, but for a slow story to still be gripping and enthralling, it has to be done extremely well, and unfortunately this isn't.
The ending is predictable. In fact, there aren't really any surprise plot-twists at all. I could guess the main plot points, which isn't a bad thing in itself, as long as they keep you interested. It's been a long time since I've read a book I had to force myself through, and regrettably this is one of those.
The basic premise sounds interesting enough, but the writing and pace let it down. Steampunk world in a dystopian setting sounds like something that could be great. The Pavlovian argument that people can be conditioned- that if you 'train' them enough, they'll respond subconsciously to your orders is one we've seen before. Done right, it can create a chilling atmosphere, but done wrong and it serves no real purpose. I'm afraid to say it's the latter in this story.
I've been pretty negative about the story, so I want to reiterate- this is not a bad book. The main hurdle to overcome with this book is its pace. If you can get past the fact that nothing ever seems to be happening, even during crucial 'saving-the-world' scenes, you might enjoy this book. The characters aren't bad, but I didn't really feel attached to any of them as I usually would. The story just comes off a little flat, lacking depth and character.
It's amazing that the book could tell us so much, without really telling us anything. Nothing is ever explained. I don't even think that any of the characters knew anything. They were just doing it because it's the way of things. This may sound ironic considering my above comments, but a little more description would've been nice. For instance, I have no idea where or when this book is set. It's clearly not our world, and I'm pretty sure it's on another planet, but like I said, it's not explained. Not that is needs to be. It wouldn't really add anything to the story, but it would solidify the setting a little more.
I don't regret reading it, but I don't think I'd do so again. In this end, this was just getting from point A to B.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author through a giveaway. This is not a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% my own.
First Paragraph:
"The Ironclads lifted Finn and heaved him into the moving engine. He kicked and bucked, skinning the knuckles of his left hand on the hatch as he tried to stop himself, but it was no good."
PLOT
Finn lives in a small village in the mountains. Like other children, he grew up hearing stories of the brutal Ironclads and their home base- Engn. Few have seen it and returned. Engn is said to be one great machine. Every day it grows more and more, so more hands are needed to man it. The masters of Engn take the labour they require. They send their Ironclads out into every village, every home, picking up children to be brought to their city. It is not a request you can refuse.
Finn's sister was taken when he was little. Though painful, his parents assured him this meant he was safe. They can't take more than one per family, and he lives his life in relief. Until they show up at his door, and the long journey to the contained city begins. No one gets in unless they're taken. No one gets out, apart from those tasked with bringing in more hands.
But Finn has a plan. A promise he made with two friends years ago. One was taken, the other vanished. Their promise- to destroy Engn. But that is easier said than done. It's only when he arrives in Engn that he realises what a task that is. An iron dictatorship runs the city. The people are slaves. Broken and beaten, their bodies used to fuel the furnaces when they're deemed useless. Eyes are everywhere. What can one boy do against the might of Engn?
REVIEW
The first quarter of the book is told alternating between past and present. Most of the time spent in the former- we see Finn's life so far, and how he came to be where he is now. By the first third, he has reached Engn and the story really begins.
This is a slow-paced novel. There are action sequences, but they're so short and few that most of the story drags. What should be a tension-filled book, lacks it because most of it is spent seemingly doing nothing. Reading this book was like walking from A to B. You can enjoy the walk, the scenery can be varied and pleasant, but in the end you're still just trying to get to point B. There's nothing engaging enough about the scenery to make you stop and enjoy it. This isn't a hugely long book, but it felt very drawn out, and I found myself just wanting to reach point B.
The story isn't bad, the characters aren't bad, the plot isn't bad. In fact there's nothing bad about this book, but there's something lacking that means the story doesn't work as it should. I can like or dislike a slow-paced book depending, but for a slow story to still be gripping and enthralling, it has to be done extremely well, and unfortunately this isn't.
The ending is predictable. In fact, there aren't really any surprise plot-twists at all. I could guess the main plot points, which isn't a bad thing in itself, as long as they keep you interested. It's been a long time since I've read a book I had to force myself through, and regrettably this is one of those.
The basic premise sounds interesting enough, but the writing and pace let it down. Steampunk world in a dystopian setting sounds like something that could be great. The Pavlovian argument that people can be conditioned- that if you 'train' them enough, they'll respond subconsciously to your orders is one we've seen before. Done right, it can create a chilling atmosphere, but done wrong and it serves no real purpose. I'm afraid to say it's the latter in this story.
I've been pretty negative about the story, so I want to reiterate- this is not a bad book. The main hurdle to overcome with this book is its pace. If you can get past the fact that nothing ever seems to be happening, even during crucial 'saving-the-world' scenes, you might enjoy this book. The characters aren't bad, but I didn't really feel attached to any of them as I usually would. The story just comes off a little flat, lacking depth and character.
It's amazing that the book could tell us so much, without really telling us anything. Nothing is ever explained. I don't even think that any of the characters knew anything. They were just doing it because it's the way of things. This may sound ironic considering my above comments, but a little more description would've been nice. For instance, I have no idea where or when this book is set. It's clearly not our world, and I'm pretty sure it's on another planet, but like I said, it's not explained. Not that is needs to be. It wouldn't really add anything to the story, but it would solidify the setting a little more.
I don't regret reading it, but I don't think I'd do so again. In this end, this was just getting from point A to B.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author through a giveaway. This is not a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% my own.
July 10, 2013
Originally posted at: A Girl that Likes Books
Why I read this book?
I received this book as part of the LybraryThing Early Review and here is my review.
What's the book about?
The book tells us the story of Finn, a boy who grew up in a peasant society with the fear of being taken to Engn, a frightening place, full of machines, dark spirited men and uncertain perspectives of ever coming out again. As a I child, Finn sworn to destroy the very heart of it if ever he was to be taken in.
What was the thing I liked the most?
I enjoyed the relationships built in the book, Finn and his family, with the woman in charge of communications and with his best friends, Diane and Connor.
What about the main character?
Finn is a boy that has settled his mind in doing what he promised, always. While this is a very nice quality, he is also stubborn in his ways. It pays off, sure, but I felt like there was no growth of the character, he was always right, he did no wrong. He is also very loyal to the people he loves, and also very bright. He is a good character, but as I mentioned he is a bit one dimensional and that makes him predictable.
Final thoughts
A lot of people said this is a steam punk/dystopian book, but I'm not sure about the steam punk part; yes there are some machines mentioned, I mean the name of the book references engines, but the whole steam part was not that big (not to my eyes) I would call it more industrial than steam punk, and even so. I'm also not sure it is settled on Earth, because at a certain point they talk about 18 hours shifts and called it half a day. Not that the book was suposed to be on Earth, but it was just never fully explained...but that's just tiny details.
As for the story itself, I thought the premise was interesting, but the whole machine world was not exploited (in my opinion) it served more like a background; I kept thinking that a similar situation for the characters could've taken place without the machine idea.
The end was ok, not very exciting and unfortunately presented a lot of questions that were never answered, questions that would've given the whole machine perspective a better "aftertaste" for me.
Why I read this book?
I received this book as part of the LybraryThing Early Review and here is my review.
What's the book about?
The book tells us the story of Finn, a boy who grew up in a peasant society with the fear of being taken to Engn, a frightening place, full of machines, dark spirited men and uncertain perspectives of ever coming out again. As a I child, Finn sworn to destroy the very heart of it if ever he was to be taken in.
What was the thing I liked the most?
I enjoyed the relationships built in the book, Finn and his family, with the woman in charge of communications and with his best friends, Diane and Connor.
What about the main character?
Finn is a boy that has settled his mind in doing what he promised, always. While this is a very nice quality, he is also stubborn in his ways. It pays off, sure, but I felt like there was no growth of the character, he was always right, he did no wrong. He is also very loyal to the people he loves, and also very bright. He is a good character, but as I mentioned he is a bit one dimensional and that makes him predictable.
Final thoughts
A lot of people said this is a steam punk/dystopian book, but I'm not sure about the steam punk part; yes there are some machines mentioned, I mean the name of the book references engines, but the whole steam part was not that big (not to my eyes) I would call it more industrial than steam punk, and even so. I'm also not sure it is settled on Earth, because at a certain point they talk about 18 hours shifts and called it half a day. Not that the book was suposed to be on Earth, but it was just never fully explained...but that's just tiny details.
As for the story itself, I thought the premise was interesting, but the whole machine world was not exploited (in my opinion) it served more like a background; I kept thinking that a similar situation for the characters could've taken place without the machine idea.
The end was ok, not very exciting and unfortunately presented a lot of questions that were never answered, questions that would've given the whole machine perspective a better "aftertaste" for me.
November 18, 2013
When I received this novel for review, I was expecting it to be more of a YA level read, but it seemed a little more of a middle grade (MG) book. It had YA elements but it just seemed to be written for a younger audience. That made this book a little hard for me to review based on that.
My expectation was that it would be written for an older audience, so when I started reading the flow was not quite there for me in the way I had hoped. I don’t really review a lot of MG books, basically because as an adult reader sometimes I struggle with the content and I read too much into what’s happening.
For example, in this book I wanted to know more about Engn and why it was created, what it’s purpose was etc. I never really had those questions answered to my satisfaction.
So for me as an adult reader I felt like it was a flimsy conclusion that left too much open and unanswered, but for a MG reader it might be sufficient. It’s hard for me to differentiate if it’s my age or the content of the book if that makes sense.
I was really intrigued by Engn. I thought there was a lot of potential there for the story to develop and perhaps have it turn into a series. The idea was unique, complex, and exciting. The city Engn has a lot of aspects to keep readers of all ages engaged and wanting to know more. So with that, the author did well--the idea that is, the execution was a little wanting.
I loved the steampunk/industrial components as well as the sci-fi and dystopian feel of the book. Clearly Kewin loves the genre and does a fantastic job bringing those devices to life!
Overall, I thought this book had a lot of potential but at the end of the day, it fell short for me. I felt like the pace was just too wanting and not enough of my questions were answered by the end of the book. Perhaps for the right reader this book will be better but for me, it was just ok.
See my full review here
My expectation was that it would be written for an older audience, so when I started reading the flow was not quite there for me in the way I had hoped. I don’t really review a lot of MG books, basically because as an adult reader sometimes I struggle with the content and I read too much into what’s happening.
For example, in this book I wanted to know more about Engn and why it was created, what it’s purpose was etc. I never really had those questions answered to my satisfaction.
So for me as an adult reader I felt like it was a flimsy conclusion that left too much open and unanswered, but for a MG reader it might be sufficient. It’s hard for me to differentiate if it’s my age or the content of the book if that makes sense.
I was really intrigued by Engn. I thought there was a lot of potential there for the story to develop and perhaps have it turn into a series. The idea was unique, complex, and exciting. The city Engn has a lot of aspects to keep readers of all ages engaged and wanting to know more. So with that, the author did well--the idea that is, the execution was a little wanting.
I loved the steampunk/industrial components as well as the sci-fi and dystopian feel of the book. Clearly Kewin loves the genre and does a fantastic job bringing those devices to life!
Overall, I thought this book had a lot of potential but at the end of the day, it fell short for me. I felt like the pace was just too wanting and not enough of my questions were answered by the end of the book. Perhaps for the right reader this book will be better but for me, it was just ok.
See my full review here
July 12, 2013
I was really intrigued by this book because of the synopsis and the beautiful cover. I had high hopes but I soon realized this book would not be one for me. The writing itself was well done (there were only a few errors that I think are caused by kindle formating errors) and descriptive enough to easily picture the world Kewin had created. The characters were realistic and believable and there were times when I was rooting for one or scowling at another.
I was really intrigued about the city of Engn. What was it’s purpose? Why were these people taken from their homes, never to be seen again? Would Finn and Connor be able to destroy Engn? I kept reading the book to see if the answers to those questions were answered. But the story felt dragged on and really boring at times. I liked that it started with an action scene and then went back to tell Finn’s story of how he got from point A to B while he is being transported to Engn, but then when he arrived there were many parts that just feel dull. On a few occasions I felt myself falling asleep while reading it. But still I kept on because I really wanted to know why is Engn there and why did it all start? Sadly I would never learn the answer to my burning question. Especially near the end I had a sinking feeling I would never get my answer. The story started to just feel dragged on and on. Not getting to know the reason that Engn was around (which I felt was the entire point of the book because they want to destroy it because people are being taken there AND YOU NEVER LEARN WHY) was the nail in the coffin for me not liking the book (and the reason it will not be getting a full 3 star review).
It ended up not being my cup of tea, but by all means try it out if it sounds like something you’d enjoy.
My Rating: ★★.5
I was really intrigued about the city of Engn. What was it’s purpose? Why were these people taken from their homes, never to be seen again? Would Finn and Connor be able to destroy Engn? I kept reading the book to see if the answers to those questions were answered. But the story felt dragged on and really boring at times. I liked that it started with an action scene and then went back to tell Finn’s story of how he got from point A to B while he is being transported to Engn, but then when he arrived there were many parts that just feel dull. On a few occasions I felt myself falling asleep while reading it. But still I kept on because I really wanted to know why is Engn there and why did it all start? Sadly I would never learn the answer to my burning question. Especially near the end I had a sinking feeling I would never get my answer. The story started to just feel dragged on and on. Not getting to know the reason that Engn was around (which I felt was the entire point of the book because they want to destroy it because people are being taken there AND YOU NEVER LEARN WHY) was the nail in the coffin for me not liking the book (and the reason it will not be getting a full 3 star review).
It ended up not being my cup of tea, but by all means try it out if it sounds like something you’d enjoy.
My Rating: ★★.5
July 5, 2013
Received this as an Early Reviewers book for LibraryThing and was pleasantly surprised.
Engn is a fantasy novel set in a world that has 36 hour days. It felt like a steampunk novel, but I think to qualify it would have to be set on Earth, so let's just call it fantasy/sci fi to make it simple. Written for a YA audience, this is a story of Finn and Connor, who live a mostly idyllic life playing and fighting in the woods near their homes. We learn that Finn's sister, Shireen, was taken to the leviathan-like Engn by the Ironclads (this novel's version of Dementors)and has never returned. Periodically teenage villagers are spirited away by the forces of Engn without explantaion.
We learn about Connor and Finn's friendship, and their relationship with the fugitive Diane, through a series of flashbacks as Finn is himself transported to Engn by the Ironclads. Before they were taken the three vowed to destroy Engn from within or die trying.
The big mystery of the book of course is "what is Engn's purpose?" Finn works his way through various parts of Engn trying to find the answer and the books biggest flaw is that we don't really find out.
However, the story flies along at a good pace and the characters are likeable. Finn struck me as a little bit of a dolt at times, but I put that down to the fact that he had lived such a charmed life until the day he was taken by the Ironclads. The world Simon Kewin creates is vividly realised, but I got pretty sick of reading the word "fizz" or "fizzed" as descriptors. No less than 11 times through the text - I am sure there were other words that could have been used.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this novel and I will look at Kewin's other work as a result.
Engn is a fantasy novel set in a world that has 36 hour days. It felt like a steampunk novel, but I think to qualify it would have to be set on Earth, so let's just call it fantasy/sci fi to make it simple. Written for a YA audience, this is a story of Finn and Connor, who live a mostly idyllic life playing and fighting in the woods near their homes. We learn that Finn's sister, Shireen, was taken to the leviathan-like Engn by the Ironclads (this novel's version of Dementors)and has never returned. Periodically teenage villagers are spirited away by the forces of Engn without explantaion.
We learn about Connor and Finn's friendship, and their relationship with the fugitive Diane, through a series of flashbacks as Finn is himself transported to Engn by the Ironclads. Before they were taken the three vowed to destroy Engn from within or die trying.
The big mystery of the book of course is "what is Engn's purpose?" Finn works his way through various parts of Engn trying to find the answer and the books biggest flaw is that we don't really find out.
However, the story flies along at a good pace and the characters are likeable. Finn struck me as a little bit of a dolt at times, but I put that down to the fact that he had lived such a charmed life until the day he was taken by the Ironclads. The world Simon Kewin creates is vividly realised, but I got pretty sick of reading the word "fizz" or "fizzed" as descriptors. No less than 11 times through the text - I am sure there were other words that could have been used.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this novel and I will look at Kewin's other work as a result.
July 20, 2013
A thoroughly enjoyable YA steampunk epic. Finn grew up in a small farming community, far away from the towering city-machine of Engn. But his idylic pastoral life is haunted by this place, as Ironclads come into the valley to take first his sister, and then his best friend away to Engn. No one knows what happens inside those walls, only that no one ever returns. When they come for Finn, he fights all the way, his spirit relentless. It's this spirit which keeps him fighting and keeps his hope alive through all the trials that await him inside the machine. But is hope, faith and a childhood pact enough to bring the machinery toppling down?
Kewin does an adept job drawing the reader into the world of Engn. He weaves Finn's past in with the journey from his home to the city, as if the crossing from country to city encompassed Finn's journey from child to near-man. From there, the reader follows Finn as he tries to navigate the world of Engn, where you never know what's a test, and making it to the next day is a constant struggle. Kewin does a good job of creating a detailed and believable world. Occasionally, there's an excess of detail—does it really matter that their days are 36 hours instead of 24? But the overall effect is an immersion in the often alien environments Finn finds himself navigating. The plot moves along briskly, and, while not wholly unpredictable, is engrossing enough to make this an engaging read.
Kewin does an adept job drawing the reader into the world of Engn. He weaves Finn's past in with the journey from his home to the city, as if the crossing from country to city encompassed Finn's journey from child to near-man. From there, the reader follows Finn as he tries to navigate the world of Engn, where you never know what's a test, and making it to the next day is a constant struggle. Kewin does a good job of creating a detailed and believable world. Occasionally, there's an excess of detail—does it really matter that their days are 36 hours instead of 24? But the overall effect is an immersion in the often alien environments Finn finds himself navigating. The plot moves along briskly, and, while not wholly unpredictable, is engrossing enough to make this an engaging read.
July 6, 2013
Put simply: Interesting idea, poorly executed.
What story there was felt spread thin and dragged on. Sentences felt very simple, dry, and repetitive, with not much variation or description. I have no idea what color hair or eyes Finn has. It may seem like a little thing but it helps a reader better visualize and connect with the main characters. Also, the whole underlying plot of the story, the years Finn spent journeying or suffering trying to discovered for what purpose Engn was made, was rendered pointless. It was merely alluded to towards the end and in very vague, "it's-not-really-important" terms, if at all. A tad disappointing, and made me wonder 'what was the point of it all?'
With a bit more work an revising, it could be more enjoyable. Still, I'm happy for any author who is able to get their work published. Maybe this just wasn't the book for me & someone else may enjoy it more.
2.5 stars
Note: I received a free copy for an honest review.
What story there was felt spread thin and dragged on. Sentences felt very simple, dry, and repetitive, with not much variation or description. I have no idea what color hair or eyes Finn has. It may seem like a little thing but it helps a reader better visualize and connect with the main characters. Also, the whole underlying plot of the story, the years Finn spent journeying or suffering trying to discovered for what purpose Engn was made, was rendered pointless. It was merely alluded to towards the end and in very vague, "it's-not-really-important" terms, if at all. A tad disappointing, and made me wonder 'what was the point of it all?'
With a bit more work an revising, it could be more enjoyable. Still, I'm happy for any author who is able to get their work published. Maybe this just wasn't the book for me & someone else may enjoy it more.
2.5 stars
Note: I received a free copy for an honest review.
August 1, 2013
Ok, I thought I was going to finish the book, but it's just not that interesting to me. In the last week, I've only read 63 pages. If it had really grabbed me, I would've read that in one day. The plot was interesting to me, but reading it felt like stop & go traffic. I got interested, read some pages, then it got boring again. Felt like I was just plodding along. Ugh...
June 1, 2018
****I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ****
This should have been a no brainer/ Insta win for me BUT it was a laborious read and an even more torturous test of my endurance. I LOVE Steampunk!! I said it... I know many are sick of it or never really warmed up to the (now abundant) trend but I really do love it...I especially love it when it is written well...and here it was...MEH! This was a tropic coming of age tale whereby the youth try to find their place in a world ruled by a corrupt system that seeks to conform everyone to their specific, moldable, ideology. The twists were not so hard to suss out and the plot moved at a snails pace. For me it did not resonate BUT if your into conspiracy theories revolving around some evil societal overlords and their machinations then this might be your type of read.
This should have been a no brainer/ Insta win for me BUT it was a laborious read and an even more torturous test of my endurance. I LOVE Steampunk!! I said it... I know many are sick of it or never really warmed up to the (now abundant) trend but I really do love it...I especially love it when it is written well...and here it was...MEH! This was a tropic coming of age tale whereby the youth try to find their place in a world ruled by a corrupt system that seeks to conform everyone to their specific, moldable, ideology. The twists were not so hard to suss out and the plot moved at a snails pace. For me it did not resonate BUT if your into conspiracy theories revolving around some evil societal overlords and their machinations then this might be your type of read.
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