The Ticking

Epitome of Science Trilogy #2

by Ali Ives

In a city fallen to chaos, imagination turns deadly.

In this exciting sequel to The Winding, everyman-turned-hero Mikalai Gloucester finds himself swimming far out of his depths.

Two weeks have passed since Denken, a vicious demigod with the power to manipulate human thought, disappeared in the wake of a shocking confrontation. Unleashed upon the city of Frettchen, his magic sows fear and paranoia into the minds of all.

Worse, a horde of nightmarish creatures once locked safely away in Denken’s pocket dimension now roam free. Though Mikalai Gloucester has no magic of his own, he is determined to fight the beasts alongside his new friends, a motley band of magicians, scientists, and unusual beings.

Distrust threatens to tear them apart, but the group must work together to save one of their own and discover Denken’s plan for the city. It’s a race against the ticking clock to stop him before he destroys Frettchen for good.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Ali Ives is a writer, artist and daydreamer. She grew up with a love for reading, art and creativity that hasn't waned with adulthood. Working in a small indie bookshop near where she lives in rural Ontario has only made her love and appreciate the world of books all the more. When she isn't writing or surrounded by books, you're likely to find her drawing, wandering around her property with her dog, or covered in dirt and grass-stains from her other part-time work as a lily gardener. The story that would eventually develop into her first novel started taking form all the way back in her teen years, with the characters filling up many a sketchbook and doodled on the edges of her schoolwork.

Reviews

[Can Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a pleasure to return to Frettchen and the characters and world I grew so fond of in The Winding! As always, Ali Ives’ greatest strength is her character work, and that really shines here. I adore these characters and love how much thought has been put into their dynamics, banter, and descriptions! (“Zane made a noise like a scoff’s louder, more histrionic sibling” is still very funny to me)

The plot itself, at least to me, moves a bit slower in this instalment of the trilogy than in its predecessor, but this gives us so much time with the characters and their psyche (with particular care taken towards Gloucester’s claustrophobia and fear of confinement), and helps develop some mew character arrivals! The payoff in the conclusion is brilliant as well, setting up for some adventures I’m really looking forward to reading about! Fascinated to learn more about Gear, our man of mystery Cassus Finch, and engage with more locations in this world outside of Frettchen!

I’ve had such a fondness for indie steampunk work since my teens, so reading the Epitome of Science trilogy is always such a fun and nostalgic experience with a lovely modern queer twist. 💛

The author has provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the thrilling adventure that we were taken on in the first book, The Winding, this second in the series doesn’t disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat every step of the way. The flow was excellent, allowing me to ride along the beats of the story with eager anticipation. Even during the quieter moments I was absolutely captured by the character work that helped propel the story forward.

I can’t recommend this series enough. It is fun and full of life. The villain is compelling and enjoyable to read, and the characters have distinct and intriguing personalities and motivations. I can’t name a single character as my favourite because there are things to love about each and every one of them.

Highly recommend if you enjoy queer fantasy and a love for action adventure akin to stories like The Mummy or Good Omens.

[Jennica Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful sequel to The Winding. All our favorite characters are back, better than ever. Plus there are new friends to meet along the way!

This series is full of hope, humor, and the bravery of common folk. Ives's world is simultaneously cozy and yet full of unique magical creatures and exciting, fun adventures.

Furthermore, these books are notable for their incredible heart and philosophical nuance. Nothing is cast in simple black and white. Instead, Ives presents a world where complicated forces can put good people at odds with one another, or even with themselves. But similarly, circumstance can bring together unlikely and unusual allies--which may be exactly what is needed to save the day.

<3

[Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, just as I loved the first. Truly my favourite at the moment, I can’t wait for the third and final instalment. How can I even put this into words. I have to give credit to the writing for how much I love everything about this of course. Ali has such a way with words, it really draws you in and keeps you enthralled. The little beginning and ending bits are so poetic and help set the scene perfectly. However, the best part of this series is the characters. I adore every character. Even our “villain”, he’s one of my absolute favourites actually. They are all so well written, given character traits and flaws. They’re all fleshed out so nicely and bounce off each other spectacularly. Their great interactions are what make them feel so real. Aside from the characters though the world is so great as well. It’s described so well, you really get a feel for how things look, and function. I especially need to mention how the magic is described. Phenomenal. Makes it really come alive, and when needed, does give me some chills. The descriptions of Denkens abilities in particular always get me. The threat feels so real. Really I cannot put into words how much I adore these books. I will be reading and rereading them for a long time to come, I know that. I cannot recommend them enough, and have been preaching this to every friends I have.

[Heidi ☂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the powerful hook we’ve been left with at the end of The Winding, what a joy it is to keep following Gloucester and the gang as they stumble in the dark through the fantastic world of the Epitome of Science.

In the oversaturated market of fantasy literature, full of Chosen Ones and Special Characters, it is so refreshing and engaging to watch this story unfold from the point of view of a run-of-the-mill ordinary guy, who feels so overwhelmed and poorly equipped to deal with the problems presented to him, that all feel way too big and complex for such a normie like himself. I think most of us can relate!

With all of the same things that made The Winding an amazing read, The Ticking takes us deeper into its universe, where the stakes are now higher; the villains, scarier; the allies, more dubious, and the risks, completely unavoidable.

Ali Ives paints the most visually striking images with her words. The book plays like a movie, leaving us at the edge of our seats at every turn of page.

The clock was wound and now it’s ticking. I can’t help but wonder… What's next?