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Warden’s World #3
Disturbing Clockwork
Not so long ago, on a planet not too far away, a quirky inventor washes up on a desert island and discovers devices that defy belief. They appear to be clockwork automatons, but he has never seen their like, and, brilliant as he is, he cannot imagine how they can do the things they do—which is pretty much anything asked of them. Such amazing technology! Where did they come from? How do they work? Benkin, a lifelong student of natural philosophy, sees them as a key to unlock scientific secrets and the wonders of the universe. Snyde, a dangerous fugitive from the king’s justice, sees them as a means to power. D.L. Morrese’s lighthearted stories are unique—soft science fiction counter-fantasies, which poke good-natured fun at the serious tone and dependence on magic common to many epic fantasy adventure genre novels. With their charming and truly likeable characters, witty, intelligent humor, and prose style blending positive science fiction and epic fantasy elements, these books are a delight, perfect for both science fiction and fantasy readers yearning for something fresh and different.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2013
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Morrese
11 books57 followersD.L. Morrese was an uninspired student in high school, but went on to college because he figured a degree might help him get a job indoors with no heavy lifting. He rather enjoyed college and did fairly well, despite working full time as a short-order cook. He eventually earned degrees in philosophy and government and went on to grad school where he studied behavioral science. Then, somewhat to his surprise, he landed an office job (the kind with decent pay, health insurance, and even a pension). This wasn't his dream job, but he earned a few promotions, which allowed him to save enough money for a frugal early retirement and enough free time to pursue his current hobby as a science fiction writer. He now lives outside Orlando, Florida. You can find out more about him at his website: http://dlmorrese.wordpress.com/
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 17, 2019
Very good read
I have enjoyed all the books in this series. The author has created a world where both the primitive and super advanced are combined. Moe is a character unlike any other I have encountered in literature. He is part of the super advanced, but lives in the primitive. Moe is a character who has been a part of the series since the beginning, and has contributed to the storyline greatly, while also being outside the story.
You really have to read the story to understand Moe's part. I can't explain more in a review.
Excellent storytelling with some engaging subplots.
I have enjoyed all the books in this series. The author has created a world where both the primitive and super advanced are combined. Moe is a character unlike any other I have encountered in literature. He is part of the super advanced, but lives in the primitive. Moe is a character who has been a part of the series since the beginning, and has contributed to the storyline greatly, while also being outside the story.
You really have to read the story to understand Moe's part. I can't explain more in a review.
Excellent storytelling with some engaging subplots.
October 14, 2022
Fun and entertaining!!
I really enjoyed this book!! It's the third I've read of the series and I love the characters!! Great series!!
I really enjoyed this book!! It's the third I've read of the series and I love the characters!! Great series!!
May 10, 2013
There is a whimsy to the way Morrese writes that could be called light fantasy. His work is infused with humor and intelligence and general good fun for the reader. Morrese presents us with characters that we’ve come to know and enjoy each time we meet. The reader evolves with the story and knows secrets of the world to which the natives aren’t privy and all story-lines tie together and yet stand on their own.
Over the course of the novels, the evolution of Prince Donald is startling. Trixie notes his transition from bumbling oaf to capable leaer and he is someone who will one day rule Westgrove. Donald doesn’t use his putative responsibility as an excuse to sit back but is fully part of the action. Action that the author writes very well. Is Morrese the sort of author who would kill a main character? Morrese is an author that I know will one day break my heart. I am connected with his vividly written cast. Did he break my heart in “Disturbing Clockwork?” You will simply have to read to find out. I’m not a reader who keeps a storyboard when I read a series of books but if I did the result would be a consistently evolving character in an ever-expanding story-line.
“Disturbing Clockwork” has what readers want. Action, adventure, humor, a hint of romance and great promise of continued adventures. A reader can spend a wonderful day touring Westgrove with Trixie and her friends. The plot-line in “Disturbing Clockwork” is direct. Any reader who read the fabulous “Amy’s Pendant” (not necessary but recommended) before this story will know have an inside scoop on the driving force of this story-line.
I would read the adventures of Westgrove all day and highly recommend this series for fans of lighter fantasy authors like Douglas Adams and Jasper Fforde.
Over the course of the novels, the evolution of Prince Donald is startling. Trixie notes his transition from bumbling oaf to capable leaer and he is someone who will one day rule Westgrove. Donald doesn’t use his putative responsibility as an excuse to sit back but is fully part of the action. Action that the author writes very well. Is Morrese the sort of author who would kill a main character? Morrese is an author that I know will one day break my heart. I am connected with his vividly written cast. Did he break my heart in “Disturbing Clockwork?” You will simply have to read to find out. I’m not a reader who keeps a storyboard when I read a series of books but if I did the result would be a consistently evolving character in an ever-expanding story-line.
“Disturbing Clockwork” has what readers want. Action, adventure, humor, a hint of romance and great promise of continued adventures. A reader can spend a wonderful day touring Westgrove with Trixie and her friends. The plot-line in “Disturbing Clockwork” is direct. Any reader who read the fabulous “Amy’s Pendant” (not necessary but recommended) before this story will know have an inside scoop on the driving force of this story-line.
I would read the adventures of Westgrove all day and highly recommend this series for fans of lighter fantasy authors like Douglas Adams and Jasper Fforde.
May 11, 2020
Love this series.
Very good stories. All the main characters are in all of them. Hopefully there will be more books in the series.
Very good stories. All the main characters are in all of them. Hopefully there will be more books in the series.
July 27, 2013
David Morese knows how to write a good story. His plots and pacing are always excellent, carrying you smoothly from beginning to end without you ever being quite sure where he's going to take you next. This novel, though very enjoyable, didn't involve me emotionally. It's a light, simple fantasy with charming characters, told from the viewpoint of an omniscient narrator, and it has no sex and little violence, making it suitable for the whole family.
Although the novel stands alone, the world is the same one used in the Warden Threat and the Warden War. Trixie and Kwestor are the main characters this time, with Prince Donald making an appearance near the end. Mo, the android dog also has an important role. Trixie is a gutsy young lady and an endearing character, and Kwestor is ... unique. I really like his dry observations on the nature of humankind.
The antagonist in the story is a sly creepy character who aims to find riches and a place for himself by manipulating the head of one of the Groves - a kind of borough within a Kingdom - and encouraging him in his bid to challenge the King's power. He kidnaps a scientist who found some very unusual and baffling machines that look like mechanical crabs and are capable of great destruction when directed by the wrong sort of person. Trixie, escorted by Kwestor, is carrying a message from Prince Donald to the scientist. She finds him gone and his friends don't know where he is or what has happened. So begins their quest to unravel the mystery. At the same time, mechanical giant bugs are wrecking havoc in the town, and though there seems no logical reason for it, Kwestor wonders if the events are related.
The previous books in this series are sometimes listed as science fiction, but I consider them more fantasy, because the science fiction aspect of the world is hidden from most of the characters, and it rarely impinges on the story. The world we are presented with is definitely a medieval society. Although this book has some similarities with steampunk in so far as it has a spunky girl heroine and some wonderful machines, it isn't truly steampunk, because books of that genre are set in our world in an alternate Victorian era where steam power and clockwork have become highly refined. Like much independently published fiction, this book crosses genre boundaries and, I think, is more interesting because of it.
Well worth a read if you want something light.
I received this free from the author in return for an honest review. I approved this title for inclusion in the Awesome Indies list of quality independent fiction. http://awesomeindies.net
Although the novel stands alone, the world is the same one used in the Warden Threat and the Warden War. Trixie and Kwestor are the main characters this time, with Prince Donald making an appearance near the end. Mo, the android dog also has an important role. Trixie is a gutsy young lady and an endearing character, and Kwestor is ... unique. I really like his dry observations on the nature of humankind.
The antagonist in the story is a sly creepy character who aims to find riches and a place for himself by manipulating the head of one of the Groves - a kind of borough within a Kingdom - and encouraging him in his bid to challenge the King's power. He kidnaps a scientist who found some very unusual and baffling machines that look like mechanical crabs and are capable of great destruction when directed by the wrong sort of person. Trixie, escorted by Kwestor, is carrying a message from Prince Donald to the scientist. She finds him gone and his friends don't know where he is or what has happened. So begins their quest to unravel the mystery. At the same time, mechanical giant bugs are wrecking havoc in the town, and though there seems no logical reason for it, Kwestor wonders if the events are related.
The previous books in this series are sometimes listed as science fiction, but I consider them more fantasy, because the science fiction aspect of the world is hidden from most of the characters, and it rarely impinges on the story. The world we are presented with is definitely a medieval society. Although this book has some similarities with steampunk in so far as it has a spunky girl heroine and some wonderful machines, it isn't truly steampunk, because books of that genre are set in our world in an alternate Victorian era where steam power and clockwork have become highly refined. Like much independently published fiction, this book crosses genre boundaries and, I think, is more interesting because of it.
Well worth a read if you want something light.
I received this free from the author in return for an honest review. I approved this title for inclusion in the Awesome Indies list of quality independent fiction. http://awesomeindies.net
January 3, 2022
AIBA Book of the Day: 3 January, 2022: 108/41466
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include DISTURBING CLOCKWORK by DAVID MORRESE in the library of Awesome Indies' Badge of Approval recipients.
January 24, 2017
This is the fourth book of the Warden series. Trixi is back, along with Kwestor, Muce, and the android dog.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews