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The Knack #1
A Knack for Metal and Bone
A royal tinker and a rogue soldier must unite to stop the monsters threatening their city—and unravel the secrets lurking within it.
Rowan doesn’t just work with machines—she hears them. The hum of engines, the whisper of gears and wires—they speak to her through the magic that flows from her mech hand. Whether she’s fine-tuning the colossal automaton that protects New Torwood City or toiling in her workshop, being a mechanic is the only life she truly enjoys. But the Regent’s Council wants more. They demand a princess who will embrace the pomp and ceremony of royal duty, not a tinker with oil-stained hands.
When she’s unexpectedly recruited into Ranger Squad 54 for a mission deep into the wild Meadows, Rowan leaps at the chance. Finally, a way to serve her city and put her unique talents to use—far from the glittering halls of royalty.
Conall, an ex-commander, knows the dangers of the Meadows firsthand. Discharged from the Rangers when his inner wolf broke free during battle, he now makes a living running rare artifacts between New Torwood and the southern cities. But the Rangers have a new mission for him—one that could clear his tarnished record. A group of international scientists has vanished, and recovering them is critical for the future of New Torwood. Failure could push the city into a war it cannot afford.
Thrown together on a high-risk mission, Rowan, Conall, and the Rangers of Squad 54 will face unimaginable dangers in the wilderness and uncover dark secrets that could shake the foundations of the city they’ve sworn to protect. But the real menace might be at the heart of New Torwood itself.
Embark on a thrilling adventure with A Knack for Metal and Bone, the first book in an epic new fantasy-steampunk series from the author of The Valkyrie Bestiary.
Rowan doesn’t just work with machines—she hears them. The hum of engines, the whisper of gears and wires—they speak to her through the magic that flows from her mech hand. Whether she’s fine-tuning the colossal automaton that protects New Torwood City or toiling in her workshop, being a mechanic is the only life she truly enjoys. But the Regent’s Council wants more. They demand a princess who will embrace the pomp and ceremony of royal duty, not a tinker with oil-stained hands.
When she’s unexpectedly recruited into Ranger Squad 54 for a mission deep into the wild Meadows, Rowan leaps at the chance. Finally, a way to serve her city and put her unique talents to use—far from the glittering halls of royalty.
Conall, an ex-commander, knows the dangers of the Meadows firsthand. Discharged from the Rangers when his inner wolf broke free during battle, he now makes a living running rare artifacts between New Torwood and the southern cities. But the Rangers have a new mission for him—one that could clear his tarnished record. A group of international scientists has vanished, and recovering them is critical for the future of New Torwood. Failure could push the city into a war it cannot afford.
Thrown together on a high-risk mission, Rowan, Conall, and the Rangers of Squad 54 will face unimaginable dangers in the wilderness and uncover dark secrets that could shake the foundations of the city they’ve sworn to protect. But the real menace might be at the heart of New Torwood itself.
Embark on a thrilling adventure with A Knack for Metal and Bone, the first book in an epic new fantasy-steampunk series from the author of The Valkyrie Bestiary.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
272 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Kim McDougall
45 books358 followersIf Kim McDougall could have one magical superpower, it would be to talk to animals. Or maybe to shift into animal form. Definitely, fantastical critters and magic often feature in her stories. So until she can change into a Griffin and fly away, she writes dark paranormal action and romance tales. Kim is also passionate about fiber art, photography, children’s literacy, rescue animals, nature, and genre-bending fiction. She also writes for children under pen name Kim Chatel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
December 4, 2025
I don't see nearly as much steampunk fiction these days as I used to a decade ago; the tide seems to have ebbed on it. I enjoy it when it's done well, though - which it rarely is, though this one, I'm glad to say, is largely an exception.
We're on a future post-apocalyptic Earth, it turns out through bits and pieces of backstory doled out in relevant moments rather than in infodumps (good). The eruption of magic six centuries ago filled the world with dangerous monsters. This apparently happened in the 21st century, based on how long ago Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is said to have been written. Much technology was lost, but some of it is now being reconstructed in a new way, using magical power sources. I love a good alternative tech tree based on magic, and this was a big plus for me. I'll note that I wouldn't have picked the book up if I'd known it was post-apocalyptic, since I don't usually enjoy that genre. However, it was far enough post-apocalyptic that it was effectively a secondary world in most respects.
The characters are a bunch of military misfits on a suspicious mission to investigate why a science station out in the Meadows (where the monsters are) has suddenly stopped communicating. There's a princess, which almost put me off - I can't stand princesses as a rule - but she's not at all princessy; she's a mechanic with a magical-technology arm and a mech familiar that turns from a bird into a mouse, all of which is cool. She's not a kid, either. She's 28. And there's a werewolf, also not one of my favourite tropes, but he also has an interesting backstory: he killed his incompetent general to keep his whole unit from being killed. Shifters are discriminated against, so he's in more trouble for being one than for killing the general.
Even though there's a large group of characters in the troop and most of them are introduced at once, I quickly got to be able to distinguish them, which is well done by the author. Most of the minor characters don't have much more than a couple of quirks and a role, but that's fine. The two main characters, who have a relatively slow-burn romantic attraction, have some depth to them, some of which is given in backstory references and flashbacks.
It's relatively well edited for a steampunk book, which are usually awful and full of vocabulary issues. There are a few notable glitches, though. The most common is the good old "let's eat Grandma" error (missing commas around terms of address), but there are a couple of misplaced apostrophes for plural nouns, missing question marks, and a few instances of sloppy typing around the end of a sentence (double period, no period, missing closing quotation mark). Numbers that are not between twenty-one and ninety-nine get hyphens they shouldn't have. There are a couple of vocab errors, but they're not frequent. I marked about 70 issues, which is two or three times the average for most books, but for a steampunk book is not terrible.
The most obvious worldbuilding mistake, which doesn't actually affect anything, is that the author seems unclear on how midnight works. Even in the far north (this appears to be former Canada, based on the wildlife, but a globally warmed version), even in the middle of summer, no matter how short the day is, the sun will never set after midnight. Midnight is the midpoint of the night - you know, the dark bit. It comes after sunset and before sunrise, roughly halfway between the two.
I did also wonder, though, how the city fed itself, given that the river and the plains were both full of monsters, and so not conducive to farming or fishing. Also, how an artificial limb fitted the princess both when she was a child and when she was an adult. And why, now they had a magical power source which would be capable of driving it, nobody had brought back flight technology. And why so many contemporary references (like "didn't get the memo" or "harlequin" or the way people were named) had survived six hundred years of disruption and change; mixed in with the parts of the culture that had been carefully thought through because they impacted on the story were a few like this that felt like they hadn't been thought about at all, just ported unchanged from our 21st-century world.
It's hovering on the border of the Bronze (lowest) and Silver (solid) tier of my annual recommendation list, but I think on balance it falls into high Bronze. Definite issues, both with the editing and the worldbuilding, but some good bones, strong character work and a compelling story. Content warning: it's sweary in parts, if that bothers you.
We're on a future post-apocalyptic Earth, it turns out through bits and pieces of backstory doled out in relevant moments rather than in infodumps (good). The eruption of magic six centuries ago filled the world with dangerous monsters. This apparently happened in the 21st century, based on how long ago Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is said to have been written. Much technology was lost, but some of it is now being reconstructed in a new way, using magical power sources. I love a good alternative tech tree based on magic, and this was a big plus for me. I'll note that I wouldn't have picked the book up if I'd known it was post-apocalyptic, since I don't usually enjoy that genre. However, it was far enough post-apocalyptic that it was effectively a secondary world in most respects.
The characters are a bunch of military misfits on a suspicious mission to investigate why a science station out in the Meadows (where the monsters are) has suddenly stopped communicating. There's a princess, which almost put me off - I can't stand princesses as a rule - but she's not at all princessy; she's a mechanic with a magical-technology arm and a mech familiar that turns from a bird into a mouse, all of which is cool. She's not a kid, either. She's 28. And there's a werewolf, also not one of my favourite tropes, but he also has an interesting backstory: he killed his incompetent general to keep his whole unit from being killed. Shifters are discriminated against, so he's in more trouble for being one than for killing the general.
Even though there's a large group of characters in the troop and most of them are introduced at once, I quickly got to be able to distinguish them, which is well done by the author. Most of the minor characters don't have much more than a couple of quirks and a role, but that's fine. The two main characters, who have a relatively slow-burn romantic attraction, have some depth to them, some of which is given in backstory references and flashbacks.
It's relatively well edited for a steampunk book, which are usually awful and full of vocabulary issues. There are a few notable glitches, though. The most common is the good old "let's eat Grandma" error (missing commas around terms of address), but there are a couple of misplaced apostrophes for plural nouns, missing question marks, and a few instances of sloppy typing around the end of a sentence (double period, no period, missing closing quotation mark). Numbers that are not between twenty-one and ninety-nine get hyphens they shouldn't have. There are a couple of vocab errors, but they're not frequent. I marked about 70 issues, which is two or three times the average for most books, but for a steampunk book is not terrible.
The most obvious worldbuilding mistake, which doesn't actually affect anything, is that the author seems unclear on how midnight works. Even in the far north (this appears to be former Canada, based on the wildlife, but a globally warmed version), even in the middle of summer, no matter how short the day is, the sun will never set after midnight. Midnight is the midpoint of the night - you know, the dark bit. It comes after sunset and before sunrise, roughly halfway between the two.
I did also wonder, though, how the city fed itself, given that the river and the plains were both full of monsters, and so not conducive to farming or fishing. Also, how an artificial limb fitted the princess both when she was a child and when she was an adult. And why, now they had a magical power source which would be capable of driving it, nobody had brought back flight technology. And why so many contemporary references (like "didn't get the memo" or "harlequin" or the way people were named) had survived six hundred years of disruption and change; mixed in with the parts of the culture that had been carefully thought through because they impacted on the story were a few like this that felt like they hadn't been thought about at all, just ported unchanged from our 21st-century world.
It's hovering on the border of the Bronze (lowest) and Silver (solid) tier of my annual recommendation list, but I think on balance it falls into high Bronze. Definite issues, both with the editing and the worldbuilding, but some good bones, strong character work and a compelling story. Content warning: it's sweary in parts, if that bothers you.
November 24, 2024
I just finished reading an ARC of this amazing story and, let me tell you, it just might be my favorite book that I've read in a long long time. ...and I've read well over 100 books this year alone. What an incredible start to a new series! I was hooked from the first page to the last. And the characters! I loved these characters!
Where to start. I feel like anything I write will be a spoiler. Our main characters, Rowan and Conall, together with a group consisting mostly of green solders, are sent on a dangerous mission to check on a group of scientists who have not reported in in a while. Along the way the squad is tested again and again. They must learn to work together and trust each other in order to accomplish their goal and stay alive in the process. Secrets are uncovered. Loyalties are tested. New strengths are discovered and new alliances are developed.
A Knack for Metal and Bone has such a unique storyline with just the right touch of the familiar to keep the story going. It has everything from adventure to intrigue and more. (I won't say what "more" - you know, spoilers.) This story pulled on all of my heart strings. I laughed and cried and cheered on Squad 54. When I turned the last page I almost cried again simply because I wanted - no, I needed more. I'm so glad this is a series and hopefully we won't have to wait too long before the next book is available.
One thing is completely obvious when you read this story. Kim McDougall has a Knack for telling stories! Very, very well done, indeed!
Where to start. I feel like anything I write will be a spoiler. Our main characters, Rowan and Conall, together with a group consisting mostly of green solders, are sent on a dangerous mission to check on a group of scientists who have not reported in in a while. Along the way the squad is tested again and again. They must learn to work together and trust each other in order to accomplish their goal and stay alive in the process. Secrets are uncovered. Loyalties are tested. New strengths are discovered and new alliances are developed.
A Knack for Metal and Bone has such a unique storyline with just the right touch of the familiar to keep the story going. It has everything from adventure to intrigue and more. (I won't say what "more" - you know, spoilers.) This story pulled on all of my heart strings. I laughed and cried and cheered on Squad 54. When I turned the last page I almost cried again simply because I wanted - no, I needed more. I'm so glad this is a series and hopefully we won't have to wait too long before the next book is available.
One thing is completely obvious when you read this story. Kim McDougall has a Knack for telling stories! Very, very well done, indeed!
November 30, 2024
EPIC MISADVENTURE in an amazing new world.
In this 1st book in a new series we meet Conall a ex-military wolf shifter and Rowan the princess with a mech arm. Together with Squad 54 they are sent on a mission to investigate the mystery of a group of scientists who have lost contact.
As Squad 54 embarks on their journey, they evolve from teammates into family,forming bonds that transcend blood relations.
If you are hesitant trust me as someone who has never read books in a dystopian mech world prior to this, give this series a chance, you will not regret it.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
In this 1st book in a new series we meet Conall a ex-military wolf shifter and Rowan the princess with a mech arm. Together with Squad 54 they are sent on a mission to investigate the mystery of a group of scientists who have lost contact.
As Squad 54 embarks on their journey, they evolve from teammates into family,forming bonds that transcend blood relations.
If you are hesitant trust me as someone who has never read books in a dystopian mech world prior to this, give this series a chance, you will not regret it.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
December 5, 2024
Stop right here. Put down this review and anything else you might be reading, and go pick up this book instead.
Kim McDougall created a futuristic, steampunk-esque society with magic and monsters. There’s Rowan, the princess tech tinker. Conall, the alpha werewolf who will protect who and what he considers “pack” but never crosses the line into alpha-hole territory. (Thank you, Kim. I hate the alpha-hole trope.) There are Titans, monstrously sized beasts that live outside of New Torwood, elves, and gaunts, the strange humanoid monsters.
These characters are so well-developed and well-fleshed-out. They’re easy to love, to pity, and to hate. (And if you don’t hate Orson, there is something wrong wrong WRONG with you.) I literally messaged Kim telling her I hate her (but I really don’t), because she pulled on my heartstrings in such an effective way. I won’t say more about that because I’m trying to avoid spoilers.
All I can say is that I wish I didn’t start reading this book right before a holiday where I was spending time with family, because I wanted to keep reading but had to go be a good, dutiful daughter and host instead. So plan to read this book straight through, as it deserves to be read.
Kim McDougall created a futuristic, steampunk-esque society with magic and monsters. There’s Rowan, the princess tech tinker. Conall, the alpha werewolf who will protect who and what he considers “pack” but never crosses the line into alpha-hole territory. (Thank you, Kim. I hate the alpha-hole trope.) There are Titans, monstrously sized beasts that live outside of New Torwood, elves, and gaunts, the strange humanoid monsters.
These characters are so well-developed and well-fleshed-out. They’re easy to love, to pity, and to hate. (And if you don’t hate Orson, there is something wrong wrong WRONG with you.) I literally messaged Kim telling her I hate her (but I really don’t), because she pulled on my heartstrings in such an effective way. I won’t say more about that because I’m trying to avoid spoilers.
All I can say is that I wish I didn’t start reading this book right before a holiday where I was spending time with family, because I wanted to keep reading but had to go be a good, dutiful daughter and host instead. So plan to read this book straight through, as it deserves to be read.
Read
December 4, 2024This is a steampunk, epic, post magic apocalypse, story done right by the very talented Kim McDougall. A Knack for Metal and Bone is the first book in a new series introducing us to a world that has survived a surge of magic that has left behind an ever changed world. We join squad 54 sent on a mission to discover what happened to a group of scientists that went silent. Along the mission we learn about the changes to the world, the characters' knack/talent, and the sinister plots facing them all.
With a brilliantly vivid world building, well developed characters that go through tremendous growth, and outstanding storytelling, this book is un-putdown-able. A must read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With a brilliantly vivid world building, well developed characters that go through tremendous growth, and outstanding storytelling, this book is un-putdown-able. A must read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2024
I received this book as part of a no strings attached promotion from the Author’s Facebook group, and OMG. I have loved the Valkyrie Series and her Hidden Coven Series, and I am in love with this book. The world full of Knacks and The Wild is absolutely fascinating, and her characters are full of depth and delightful growth. Although there’s moments of heartbreak, there’s plenty of hope, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book.
November 28, 2024
Amazing first look into The Knack series! Definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters instantly make you love them and all their quirks. The world building is fantastic! I can’t wait for the next instalment!
February 18, 2025
What an unexpected pleasure this book was…
I can’t wait to read more!!! 😻
Honestly, it was downright difficult to put it down
I can’t wait to read more!!! 😻
Honestly, it was downright difficult to put it down
December 2, 2024
This was an unusual and unexpected awesome read, so so different, so so riveting, so so unique! Loved it! Plunged straight into action, I had a major problem.....a problem putting it down! I just had to keep reading! This is a world I've not encountered before, a world of mechanical tech so lifelike, enhanced with magic, in a superb way that almost makes me forget this IS fantasy! And this innovative story doesn't stop there, we even get shifters, who are looked at with suspicion, elves, supernatural all sorts thrown in the mix, in a story so engaging, pure bliss!
Conall is a shifter, once a soldier, now in hiding and he was first out the box, powerfully, intensely and dramatic. Next up we meet a Princess who'd like nothing more than NOT to be one. These two face an arduous task, forced upon Connal by the Council and they journey, together, to locate some missing scientists. Not an ideal partnership, he's seen as a hero by some and a deserter by others. She, on the other hand, is seen as pampered and entitled. I really enjoyed seeing their interaction, their eureka moment when they discover there's more behind the façade. The very slow burn romance was sweet and cute and definitely comical at times, especially with Connal's wolf, Garou putting in his 5c worth! I loved Rowan's character, she's feisty, no nonsense, tell it as it is snarky person who suffered a horrific injury as a child, losing her hand and most of her lower arm, which was replaced by a mechanical one, which far exceeded the capability of any human hand. Plus, she has the best of, ummmm, friend's in her mech birdie, Phalian. And she's a Princess although she'd rather not be, she'd rather be free, to explore, and now she has an opportunity to prove herself. Years prior, an impetuous prince, her brother, looking for fun, set off a chain reaction but the entire event reeks of betrayal and treachery, and now, on this mission, nefarious motives and corruption on a major scale are revealed.
A post apocalyptic world, humans trying to survive any way they can, huddled behind strong high walls to prevent the monsters from attacking them. As Denny explained so succinctly, "with the Resurgence, a tsunami of magic drowned the world" The result, magic has resurfaced, termed knack, which is used with a mysterious substance, thera, to aid in the magic to power these " mech things" that have a life of their own. Ms McDougall paints a world so vividly stark, rough and desolate, ravaged by unimaginable beasts, entwining a quest that turns out a heck of a lot more complicated, this book is so unique! I love it! I love the way Kim McDougall crafted tech and magic and these characters! So awesome! I liked Conall and Rowan immediately! Also Bretta, with attitude and snide comments and what a breath of freshness her sister Clem is! And Orson, what a sanctimonious p**ck! A weirder bunch of misfits one couldn't find but they felt like real people, real fears, real emotions, real secrets shroud them all. Despite the dangers they faced, and golly some were hair raising, despite their floundering like fish out of water, they stuck together, slowly forging a cohesive team. The hidden "secrets" slowly, timeously dribbled by the author, had me gasping out loud! I was hanging on every word, every deed....the heart in mouth action in the last few chapters, well geez! But my biggest delight was Rowan bringing her "princessness" out in full force, spectacular! Magnificent storytelling! Book 2 couldn't come fast enough! Salivating here in anticipation....
Conall is a shifter, once a soldier, now in hiding and he was first out the box, powerfully, intensely and dramatic. Next up we meet a Princess who'd like nothing more than NOT to be one. These two face an arduous task, forced upon Connal by the Council and they journey, together, to locate some missing scientists. Not an ideal partnership, he's seen as a hero by some and a deserter by others. She, on the other hand, is seen as pampered and entitled. I really enjoyed seeing their interaction, their eureka moment when they discover there's more behind the façade. The very slow burn romance was sweet and cute and definitely comical at times, especially with Connal's wolf, Garou putting in his 5c worth! I loved Rowan's character, she's feisty, no nonsense, tell it as it is snarky person who suffered a horrific injury as a child, losing her hand and most of her lower arm, which was replaced by a mechanical one, which far exceeded the capability of any human hand. Plus, she has the best of, ummmm, friend's in her mech birdie, Phalian. And she's a Princess although she'd rather not be, she'd rather be free, to explore, and now she has an opportunity to prove herself. Years prior, an impetuous prince, her brother, looking for fun, set off a chain reaction but the entire event reeks of betrayal and treachery, and now, on this mission, nefarious motives and corruption on a major scale are revealed.
A post apocalyptic world, humans trying to survive any way they can, huddled behind strong high walls to prevent the monsters from attacking them. As Denny explained so succinctly, "with the Resurgence, a tsunami of magic drowned the world" The result, magic has resurfaced, termed knack, which is used with a mysterious substance, thera, to aid in the magic to power these " mech things" that have a life of their own. Ms McDougall paints a world so vividly stark, rough and desolate, ravaged by unimaginable beasts, entwining a quest that turns out a heck of a lot more complicated, this book is so unique! I love it! I love the way Kim McDougall crafted tech and magic and these characters! So awesome! I liked Conall and Rowan immediately! Also Bretta, with attitude and snide comments and what a breath of freshness her sister Clem is! And Orson, what a sanctimonious p**ck! A weirder bunch of misfits one couldn't find but they felt like real people, real fears, real emotions, real secrets shroud them all. Despite the dangers they faced, and golly some were hair raising, despite their floundering like fish out of water, they stuck together, slowly forging a cohesive team. The hidden "secrets" slowly, timeously dribbled by the author, had me gasping out loud! I was hanging on every word, every deed....the heart in mouth action in the last few chapters, well geez! But my biggest delight was Rowan bringing her "princessness" out in full force, spectacular! Magnificent storytelling! Book 2 couldn't come fast enough! Salivating here in anticipation....
February 13, 2025
First of a series
In this book we meet Rowan. Rowan is a princess. She has no magic herself, but there was a tragedy when she was a child that left her with a mech arm. Some generations ago, her world had a change and magic entered it. Most of the magic is powered by a shell like substance called Thera. Her arm and Theros, the mechanical guardian of the city are different. What they have is more like true magic. Her several times great grandfather with his mechanically skilled friend built this city and her family has governed it ever since. In the tragedy that took her arm, her brother was injured and continues to lie in a coma. Her father died shortly thereafter. She remains devoted to him. Her only other family member is an outrageously out- spoken aunt. Her best friend was her brother’s best friend who experienced the tragedy with them. She has had little interest in ruling a kingdom, finding working on her mech a much better fit for her. Her city is run by a regent and a council and she follows their guidance, while their rules sometimes chaff. She believes if she could only get out of the city, her skills would have much better uses for her people.
Conall is a shifter. Shifters are seen as unreliable and allowed little responsibility. To defend their people from the savage gaunts, one of the many magical creatures to threaten humanity after the change, and join the military, he had to keep his wolf suppressed. When one of his commanders becomes unhinged and orders his troops to their deaths, Conall kills him. Unfortunately, he also loses control of his wolf, outing his status. There is now a bounty on him as he lives on the fringes. Our book starts with Conall being recalled to duty to form squad 54. This squad is to go out into the dangerous meadows surrounding the city and check on a scientific team who hasn’t checked in. There is no information why this is so important, why him? But a removal of the bounty on his head is the reward. He will do it.
To Rowan’s delight, she is attached to this unit, along with a few experienced people and a lot of green people. She also is confused as to why, with no explanations forthcoming. Conall evaluates his team. Bringing them back alive may not be possible. They will have to rely on each other for life and death out there with the underlying goals of why they are being sent on the mission not clear, nor are the goals of all their team members. The mysteries are terrifying. The squad all grows and bonds tightly as a unit. Not all of them return and none of them return unchanged. Some old secrets are revealed and by the time they return, everything is changed for them and they are committed to a new pathway threatening the current order. Although the team splits at the end, the author promises we will have more stories following these people we have come to care for.
An excellent start to a series. Gave me some of the same vibe as Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, but it doesn’t hang on such a cliffhanger as that did.
In this book we meet Rowan. Rowan is a princess. She has no magic herself, but there was a tragedy when she was a child that left her with a mech arm. Some generations ago, her world had a change and magic entered it. Most of the magic is powered by a shell like substance called Thera. Her arm and Theros, the mechanical guardian of the city are different. What they have is more like true magic. Her several times great grandfather with his mechanically skilled friend built this city and her family has governed it ever since. In the tragedy that took her arm, her brother was injured and continues to lie in a coma. Her father died shortly thereafter. She remains devoted to him. Her only other family member is an outrageously out- spoken aunt. Her best friend was her brother’s best friend who experienced the tragedy with them. She has had little interest in ruling a kingdom, finding working on her mech a much better fit for her. Her city is run by a regent and a council and she follows their guidance, while their rules sometimes chaff. She believes if she could only get out of the city, her skills would have much better uses for her people.
Conall is a shifter. Shifters are seen as unreliable and allowed little responsibility. To defend their people from the savage gaunts, one of the many magical creatures to threaten humanity after the change, and join the military, he had to keep his wolf suppressed. When one of his commanders becomes unhinged and orders his troops to their deaths, Conall kills him. Unfortunately, he also loses control of his wolf, outing his status. There is now a bounty on him as he lives on the fringes. Our book starts with Conall being recalled to duty to form squad 54. This squad is to go out into the dangerous meadows surrounding the city and check on a scientific team who hasn’t checked in. There is no information why this is so important, why him? But a removal of the bounty on his head is the reward. He will do it.
To Rowan’s delight, she is attached to this unit, along with a few experienced people and a lot of green people. She also is confused as to why, with no explanations forthcoming. Conall evaluates his team. Bringing them back alive may not be possible. They will have to rely on each other for life and death out there with the underlying goals of why they are being sent on the mission not clear, nor are the goals of all their team members. The mysteries are terrifying. The squad all grows and bonds tightly as a unit. Not all of them return and none of them return unchanged. Some old secrets are revealed and by the time they return, everything is changed for them and they are committed to a new pathway threatening the current order. Although the team splits at the end, the author promises we will have more stories following these people we have come to care for.
An excellent start to a series. Gave me some of the same vibe as Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, but it doesn’t hang on such a cliffhanger as that did.
January 6, 2026
a fantastic story, full of outstanding characters and epic storytelling
Rating: 4.75⭐️
“A royal tinker and a rogue soldier must unite to stop the monsters threatening their city—and unravel the secrets lurking within it.”
I’ve been incredibly lucky lately as the books I’ve grabbed up by “new to me” authors have turned out to be fabulous novels and, in some cases, great series. This is one of those.
I wasn’t familiar with Kim McDougall before but she’s firmly in my TBR list now. A Knack for Metal and Bone, the first in her series, The Knack, is a fantastic steampunk fantasy novel. Inventive, full of magnificent characters and epic storytelling, once I started I couldn’t put it down.
The characters are richly detailed and beautifully crafted in their variety of backgrounds and forms. From mech to shifters to elves to extraordinary creatures that emerge from the Meadow, the world is full of characters the engage both mind and heart with their journey and their own unique abilities.
Rowan is one I count as my favorite character and a uniquely crafted hero in this genre. She’s a royal princess who prefers her mechanics and workshop, avoiding her role in society and court. She’s a mech engineer, with a unique talent and touch, one that comes with an own story. She lost her arm as a child in an attack, one that sent her older brother, the heir into a 20 year coma, and cost the Kingdom their father who died.
Now she works in her tower workshop, with her mech arm and mech bird as companion, visiting her comatose brother daily and beloved Aunt. Until a mission changes her life.
Rowan is a masterful character. Multilayered, believable, grounded by her intelligence and ability with machines. Brace without stupidity, thoughtful and just an impressive personality. And her equal is the wolf shifter, Conall. An ex-commander in the Kingdom’s Rangers, he’s been hiding due to his actions in a past war. But this mission brings them together with others of equally strong or strange abilities.
The mission, their journey through wildly unpredictable situations and weird environments is exciting, dangerous and compelling. It’s breathtaking reading. And watching the growth of the individuals coming together, well most of them, into a cohesive unit is everything. The relationships between them are believable, grounded and real.
Which often makes the events suspenseful and nerve wracking. Because the danger is high at each stage of the journey.
The ending sets up the next story. It’s a steady progression as they set out to continue forward on the knowledge they’ve gained.
They’ve finished one stage but the next one, the very dangerous one is just starting.
This is such a fantastic story, full of outstanding characters and epic storytelling that I’m excited to share it.
Grab it up. The second book too.
Published by Wrongtree Press.
Cover art and design by Christian Bentulan
The Knack (2 book series to date)
A Knack for Metal and Bone #1
Mech and Magic #2
Rating: 4.75⭐️
“A royal tinker and a rogue soldier must unite to stop the monsters threatening their city—and unravel the secrets lurking within it.”
I’ve been incredibly lucky lately as the books I’ve grabbed up by “new to me” authors have turned out to be fabulous novels and, in some cases, great series. This is one of those.
I wasn’t familiar with Kim McDougall before but she’s firmly in my TBR list now. A Knack for Metal and Bone, the first in her series, The Knack, is a fantastic steampunk fantasy novel. Inventive, full of magnificent characters and epic storytelling, once I started I couldn’t put it down.
The characters are richly detailed and beautifully crafted in their variety of backgrounds and forms. From mech to shifters to elves to extraordinary creatures that emerge from the Meadow, the world is full of characters the engage both mind and heart with their journey and their own unique abilities.
Rowan is one I count as my favorite character and a uniquely crafted hero in this genre. She’s a royal princess who prefers her mechanics and workshop, avoiding her role in society and court. She’s a mech engineer, with a unique talent and touch, one that comes with an own story. She lost her arm as a child in an attack, one that sent her older brother, the heir into a 20 year coma, and cost the Kingdom their father who died.
Now she works in her tower workshop, with her mech arm and mech bird as companion, visiting her comatose brother daily and beloved Aunt. Until a mission changes her life.
Rowan is a masterful character. Multilayered, believable, grounded by her intelligence and ability with machines. Brace without stupidity, thoughtful and just an impressive personality. And her equal is the wolf shifter, Conall. An ex-commander in the Kingdom’s Rangers, he’s been hiding due to his actions in a past war. But this mission brings them together with others of equally strong or strange abilities.
The mission, their journey through wildly unpredictable situations and weird environments is exciting, dangerous and compelling. It’s breathtaking reading. And watching the growth of the individuals coming together, well most of them, into a cohesive unit is everything. The relationships between them are believable, grounded and real.
Which often makes the events suspenseful and nerve wracking. Because the danger is high at each stage of the journey.
The ending sets up the next story. It’s a steady progression as they set out to continue forward on the knowledge they’ve gained.
They’ve finished one stage but the next one, the very dangerous one is just starting.
This is such a fantastic story, full of outstanding characters and epic storytelling that I’m excited to share it.
Grab it up. The second book too.
Published by Wrongtree Press.
Cover art and design by Christian Bentulan
The Knack (2 book series to date)
A Knack for Metal and Bone #1
Mech and Magic #2
January 9, 2026
Rating: 4.75⭐️
“A royal tinker and a rogue soldier must unite to stop the monsters threatening their city—and unravel the secrets lurking within it.”
I’ve been incredibly lucky lately as the books I’ve grabbed up by “new to me” authors have turned out to be fabulous novels and, in some cases, great series. This is one of those.
I wasn’t familiar with Kim McDougall before but she’s firmly in my TBR list now. A Knack for Metal and Bone, the first in her series, The Knack, is a fantastic steampunk fantasy novel. Inventive, full of magnificent characters and epic storytelling, once I started I couldn’t put it down.
The characters are richly detailed and beautifully crafted in their variety of backgrounds and forms. From mech to shifters to elves to extraordinary creatures that emerge from the Meadow, the world is full of characters the engage both mind and heart with their journey and their own unique abilities.
Rowan is one I count as my favorite character and a uniquely crafted hero in this genre. She’s a royal princess who prefers her mechanics and workshop, avoiding her role in society and court. She’s a mech engineer, with a unique talent and touch, one that comes with an own story. She lost her arm as a child in an attack, one that sent her older brother, the heir into a 20 year coma, and cost the Kingdom their father who died.
Now she works in her tower workshop, with her mech arm and mech bird as companion, visiting her comatose brother daily and beloved Aunt. Until a mission changes her life.
Rowan is a masterful character. Multilayered, believable, grounded by her intelligence and ability with machines. Brace without stupidity, thoughtful and just an impressive personality. And her equal is the wolf shifter, Conall. An ex-commander in the Kingdom’s Rangers, he’s been hiding due to his actions in a past war. But this mission brings them together with others of equally strong or strange abilities.
The mission, their journey through wildly unpredictable situations and weird environments is exciting, dangerous and compelling. It’s breathtaking reading. And watching the growth of the individuals coming together, well most of them, into a cohesive unit is everything. The relationships between them are believable, grounded and real.
Which often makes the events suspenseful and nerve wracking. Because the danger is high at each stage of the journey.
The ending sets up the next story. It’s a steady progression as they set out to continue forward on the knowledge they’ve gained.
They’ve finished one stage but the next one, the very dangerous one is just starting.
This is such a fantastic story, full of outstanding characters and epic storytelling that I’m excited to share it.
Grab it up. The second book too.
Published by Wrongtree Press.
Cover art and design by Christian Bentulan
The Knack (2 book series to date)
A Knack for Metal and Bone #1
Mech and Magic #2
“A royal tinker and a rogue soldier must unite to stop the monsters threatening their city—and unravel the secrets lurking within it.”
I’ve been incredibly lucky lately as the books I’ve grabbed up by “new to me” authors have turned out to be fabulous novels and, in some cases, great series. This is one of those.
I wasn’t familiar with Kim McDougall before but she’s firmly in my TBR list now. A Knack for Metal and Bone, the first in her series, The Knack, is a fantastic steampunk fantasy novel. Inventive, full of magnificent characters and epic storytelling, once I started I couldn’t put it down.
The characters are richly detailed and beautifully crafted in their variety of backgrounds and forms. From mech to shifters to elves to extraordinary creatures that emerge from the Meadow, the world is full of characters the engage both mind and heart with their journey and their own unique abilities.
Rowan is one I count as my favorite character and a uniquely crafted hero in this genre. She’s a royal princess who prefers her mechanics and workshop, avoiding her role in society and court. She’s a mech engineer, with a unique talent and touch, one that comes with an own story. She lost her arm as a child in an attack, one that sent her older brother, the heir into a 20 year coma, and cost the Kingdom their father who died.
Now she works in her tower workshop, with her mech arm and mech bird as companion, visiting her comatose brother daily and beloved Aunt. Until a mission changes her life.
Rowan is a masterful character. Multilayered, believable, grounded by her intelligence and ability with machines. Brace without stupidity, thoughtful and just an impressive personality. And her equal is the wolf shifter, Conall. An ex-commander in the Kingdom’s Rangers, he’s been hiding due to his actions in a past war. But this mission brings them together with others of equally strong or strange abilities.
The mission, their journey through wildly unpredictable situations and weird environments is exciting, dangerous and compelling. It’s breathtaking reading. And watching the growth of the individuals coming together, well most of them, into a cohesive unit is everything. The relationships between them are believable, grounded and real.
Which often makes the events suspenseful and nerve wracking. Because the danger is high at each stage of the journey.
The ending sets up the next story. It’s a steady progression as they set out to continue forward on the knowledge they’ve gained.
They’ve finished one stage but the next one, the very dangerous one is just starting.
This is such a fantastic story, full of outstanding characters and epic storytelling that I’m excited to share it.
Grab it up. The second book too.
Published by Wrongtree Press.
Cover art and design by Christian Bentulan
The Knack (2 book series to date)
A Knack for Metal and Bone #1
Mech and Magic #2
March 10, 2025
The book has some interesting world-building, but ultimately falls short in the plot department. It’s a first book in a series, but should still contain its own narrative arc. Instead it raises all the questions and answers none of them. Mild spoilers below.
**
I don’t want to be too hard on it—I really wanted to like it based on the premise. I enjoyed a mechanically-inclined FMC. So I was annoyed when several times throughout the book, the male lead/love interest seems to know more about mech than she does (and even informs her where her own arm was made by looking at the label, which she hasn’t done for some reason??) We’re supposed to believe that someone who fixes mech as a lifestyle hasn’t questioned the random compartments in her arm? She’s supposed to feel all the quirks of a machine by magic but can’t feel the inner workings of her own arm?
The entire journey seems to take a couple of weeks at most, which is somehow enough time for the sheltered princess to become a rugged soldier with combat skills. Most of the characters seem to be absolutely useless dead weight to the plot (Lena, Murdoch, even Clem doesn’t really do anything). What was the point of the early tangle with the titan? They never come back up in the book and affect the plot ever again.
Unfortunately, like many romantasy books, once the romance plot line kicks in, all other relationships or plot developments take a back seat. Rowan and Clem have one cute female friendship moment at the beginning, and then I swear they don’t speak to each other or grow that friendship at all the rest of the book. There’s a whole plague storyline that NOTHING happens with, even though it’s set up to be a huge plot point that might threaten the energy resources that this world seems to run on.
The magical rules are confusing: some new, some borrowed from Celtic mythology but not explained.
The romance is fine, but not interesting enough to carry the book. There’s not really a compelling reason for them to get together or not get together. Everyone else on the squad seems to be weirdly supportive. There’s an age gap, but the characters never talk through any issues there.
Bottom line is, it’s okay to set up some mysteries that won’t be answered until later. But SOMEthing needs to be resolved or happen within this book.
**
I don’t want to be too hard on it—I really wanted to like it based on the premise. I enjoyed a mechanically-inclined FMC. So I was annoyed when several times throughout the book, the male lead/love interest seems to know more about mech than she does (and even informs her where her own arm was made by looking at the label, which she hasn’t done for some reason??) We’re supposed to believe that someone who fixes mech as a lifestyle hasn’t questioned the random compartments in her arm? She’s supposed to feel all the quirks of a machine by magic but can’t feel the inner workings of her own arm?
The entire journey seems to take a couple of weeks at most, which is somehow enough time for the sheltered princess to become a rugged soldier with combat skills. Most of the characters seem to be absolutely useless dead weight to the plot (Lena, Murdoch, even Clem doesn’t really do anything). What was the point of the early tangle with the titan? They never come back up in the book and affect the plot ever again.
Unfortunately, like many romantasy books, once the romance plot line kicks in, all other relationships or plot developments take a back seat. Rowan and Clem have one cute female friendship moment at the beginning, and then I swear they don’t speak to each other or grow that friendship at all the rest of the book. There’s a whole plague storyline that NOTHING happens with, even though it’s set up to be a huge plot point that might threaten the energy resources that this world seems to run on.
The magical rules are confusing: some new, some borrowed from Celtic mythology but not explained.
The romance is fine, but not interesting enough to carry the book. There’s not really a compelling reason for them to get together or not get together. Everyone else on the squad seems to be weirdly supportive. There’s an age gap, but the characters never talk through any issues there.
Bottom line is, it’s okay to set up some mysteries that won’t be answered until later. But SOMEthing needs to be resolved or happen within this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
A royal tinker and a rogue soldier must unite to stop the monsters threatening their city—and unravel the secrets lurking within it.
Rowan doesn’t just work with machines—she hears them. The hum of engines, the whisper of gears and wires—they speak to her through the magic that flows from her mech hand. Whether she’s fine-tuning the colossal automaton that protects New Torwood City or toiling in her workshop, being a mechanic is the only life she truly enjoys. But the Regent’s Council wants more. They demand a princess who will embrace the pomp and ceremony of royal duty, not a tinker with oil-stained hands.
When she’s unexpectedly recruited into Ranger Squad 54 for a mission deep into the wild Meadows, Rowan leaps at the chance. Finally, a way to serve her city and put her unique talents to use—far from the glittering halls of royalty.
Conall, an ex-commander, knows the dangers of the Meadows firsthand. Discharged from the Rangers when his inner wolf broke free during battle, he now makes a living running rare artifacts between New Torwood and the southern cities. But the Rangers have a new mission for him—one that could clear his tarnished record. A group of international scientists has vanished, and recovering them is critical for the future of New Torwood. Failure could push the city into a war it cannot afford.
Thrown together on a high-risk mission, Rowan, Conall, and the Rangers of Squad 54 will face unimaginable dangers in the wilderness and uncover dark secrets that could shake the foundations of the city they’ve sworn to protect. But the real menace might be at the heart of New Torwood itself.
Heather's Notes
I really really liked this book, but boy did the ending piss me off. This is not listed as book 1 in a series, but it obviously is. It did not have an ending!! Nothing was resolved!! I am very mad. The second book isn't out, there isn't even a date for it. I took off an entire star for that nonending. Because while I would not call it a cliffhanger... I will call it a nonending. I hate books without endings. Still if I even remember when the next book comes out I will read it... No actually I won't. I will mark it and read it when the author is done with the series. If I am still interested at that time.
Rowan doesn’t just work with machines—she hears them. The hum of engines, the whisper of gears and wires—they speak to her through the magic that flows from her mech hand. Whether she’s fine-tuning the colossal automaton that protects New Torwood City or toiling in her workshop, being a mechanic is the only life she truly enjoys. But the Regent’s Council wants more. They demand a princess who will embrace the pomp and ceremony of royal duty, not a tinker with oil-stained hands.
When she’s unexpectedly recruited into Ranger Squad 54 for a mission deep into the wild Meadows, Rowan leaps at the chance. Finally, a way to serve her city and put her unique talents to use—far from the glittering halls of royalty.
Conall, an ex-commander, knows the dangers of the Meadows firsthand. Discharged from the Rangers when his inner wolf broke free during battle, he now makes a living running rare artifacts between New Torwood and the southern cities. But the Rangers have a new mission for him—one that could clear his tarnished record. A group of international scientists has vanished, and recovering them is critical for the future of New Torwood. Failure could push the city into a war it cannot afford.
Thrown together on a high-risk mission, Rowan, Conall, and the Rangers of Squad 54 will face unimaginable dangers in the wilderness and uncover dark secrets that could shake the foundations of the city they’ve sworn to protect. But the real menace might be at the heart of New Torwood itself.
Heather's Notes
I really really liked this book, but boy did the ending piss me off. This is not listed as book 1 in a series, but it obviously is. It did not have an ending!! Nothing was resolved!! I am very mad. The second book isn't out, there isn't even a date for it. I took off an entire star for that nonending. Because while I would not call it a cliffhanger... I will call it a nonending. I hate books without endings. Still if I even remember when the next book comes out I will read it... No actually I won't. I will mark it and read it when the author is done with the series. If I am still interested at that time.
January 18, 2025
Overall I quite enjoyed this story. My rating is an average of the things that really worked for me, and the few things I found more jarring. Possible light spoilers ahead.
The good:
- The setting and world building are right up my alley. A steampunk story but in the sense of society regressing and getting their bearings centuries after an apocalyptic event? Sign. me. up.
- The descriptions of the action scenes painted clear pictures in my mind of how things played out, and there was no shying away from the bloody nature of combat.
- The magic system. Though I still have questions about the nature of people's inborn knacks and how the shifters came to be, I feel this might get explained or explored more in future installments of the series. I was more than satisfied enough with what we were given, and the look into the two different sources of magic.
The not-so-good:
- Parts of the development of the romance seemed rushed. I understood the attraction between the two MCs, I knew they would get together and it would likely be expedited by the trauma they experienced together in Squad 54, but as Commander and Striker they were pretty flirty off the hop, and did not hold back from PDA in front of the rest of the squad. The "I love you" came just a fortnight after they met.
- A few inconsistencies. Our FMC talked about her and her mech Phalian not looking closed/tight spaces when they take refuge in caves while on the road. However, early in the story they both revel in their time inside Talos when doing his maintenance.
- The comments about size/weight, either in internal monologue or outwardly between characters. It wasn't so bad that I would call it fatphobia per se, but every time it came up it caught me off guard and took me out of the story. A few examples: in reference to a bigger character "good to know there was one thing that kept the kid quiet - food", a different character who's considered pudgy "his bulk seemed to melt over the edges of the small chair."
Despite my qualms I will definitely pick up book 2 when it comes out. The writing and the things I enjoy overshadow my knit picks, and perhaps these are things that will improve in the sequel.
The good:
- The setting and world building are right up my alley. A steampunk story but in the sense of society regressing and getting their bearings centuries after an apocalyptic event? Sign. me. up.
- The descriptions of the action scenes painted clear pictures in my mind of how things played out, and there was no shying away from the bloody nature of combat.
- The magic system. Though I still have questions about the nature of people's inborn knacks and how the shifters came to be, I feel this might get explained or explored more in future installments of the series. I was more than satisfied enough with what we were given, and the look into the two different sources of magic.
The not-so-good:
- Parts of the development of the romance seemed rushed. I understood the attraction between the two MCs, I knew they would get together and it would likely be expedited by the trauma they experienced together in Squad 54, but as Commander and Striker they were pretty flirty off the hop, and did not hold back from PDA in front of the rest of the squad. The "I love you" came just a fortnight after they met.
- A few inconsistencies. Our FMC talked about her and her mech Phalian not looking closed/tight spaces when they take refuge in caves while on the road. However, early in the story they both revel in their time inside Talos when doing his maintenance.
- The comments about size/weight, either in internal monologue or outwardly between characters. It wasn't so bad that I would call it fatphobia per se, but every time it came up it caught me off guard and took me out of the story. A few examples: in reference to a bigger character "good to know there was one thing that kept the kid quiet - food", a different character who's considered pudgy "his bulk seemed to melt over the edges of the small chair."
Despite my qualms I will definitely pick up book 2 when it comes out. The writing and the things I enjoy overshadow my knit picks, and perhaps these are things that will improve in the sequel.
December 12, 2024
A Knack for Metal and Bone is the first book in an exciting new series by Kim McDougall, the author of the Valkyrie Bestiary.
This new book has a steam punk flavour and is set in an alternate future world approximately 600 years after humanities technology based society completely collapsed when there is a dramatic influx of magic into the world. This transition is akin to the Valkyrie Bestiary but this is a completely different future world.
This new future society has humanity living in isolated city states and using machines called Mech which run on energy born out of magic. Some of the living species on earth have mutated, and other new species arrived with the influx of magic to this reality.
I was engaged in the first few chapters with the story and the strong characters.
The two leads are Rowan Andula a princess with the city states of New Torwood. Rowan had her right hand and forearm replaced my a mech prosthetic after they were amputated as a result of a traumatic childhood injury. This prosthetic gives here the ability to hear and sense how mechanisms function and she is happy working to maintain the cities mech. She leaves the rule of the city to a regent appointed during her childhood.
The second lead is Conall West an ex-ranger and wolf shifter who has been discharged from the rangers after his wolf broke free during a past battle.
The story kicks into action when Rowan and Conall are assigned by the New Torwood regent to lead Ranger squad 54 on a mission across a dangerous territory to find out why the city has lost contact with an international group of scientists at a research station.
I was deeply engaged by all the members of Squad 54 as their relationships evolve during all the challenges they face. The dangers, species, cultures are all fascinating and the story moves at a good pace. The mystery at the heart of the story goes an unexpected direction.
If you like well written stories with fascinating characters by this book. You will be pleased you did.
This new book has a steam punk flavour and is set in an alternate future world approximately 600 years after humanities technology based society completely collapsed when there is a dramatic influx of magic into the world. This transition is akin to the Valkyrie Bestiary but this is a completely different future world.
This new future society has humanity living in isolated city states and using machines called Mech which run on energy born out of magic. Some of the living species on earth have mutated, and other new species arrived with the influx of magic to this reality.
I was engaged in the first few chapters with the story and the strong characters.
The two leads are Rowan Andula a princess with the city states of New Torwood. Rowan had her right hand and forearm replaced my a mech prosthetic after they were amputated as a result of a traumatic childhood injury. This prosthetic gives here the ability to hear and sense how mechanisms function and she is happy working to maintain the cities mech. She leaves the rule of the city to a regent appointed during her childhood.
The second lead is Conall West an ex-ranger and wolf shifter who has been discharged from the rangers after his wolf broke free during a past battle.
The story kicks into action when Rowan and Conall are assigned by the New Torwood regent to lead Ranger squad 54 on a mission across a dangerous territory to find out why the city has lost contact with an international group of scientists at a research station.
I was deeply engaged by all the members of Squad 54 as their relationships evolve during all the challenges they face. The dangers, species, cultures are all fascinating and the story moves at a good pace. The mystery at the heart of the story goes an unexpected direction.
If you like well written stories with fascinating characters by this book. You will be pleased you did.
December 13, 2024
Good
As a princess of the realm, Rowan has never been allowed to work with the rangers in their dangerous missions outside of the walled city where she lives. So it’s a big surprise, therefore, when she finds herself assigned to squad 54, a ranger team that was disbanded years ago. It’s lead by a shapeshifter commander, Conall, which is a rarity itself, as they’re not exactly trusted, and Conall’s history with them is problematic at the best of times.
It’s not long into their trip outside the walls, that Rowan and Conall realise that not everything is as it should be, and that perhaps there is a lot more to this mission that they were lead to believe.
Rowan is a fascinating character, a Princess (mostly in name only), with a mechanical arm and a sidekick that comes with it! She’s a talented mechanic, who specializes in repairing the mechs, which are part mechanical, part magical. I enjoyed her special connection with the mechs too.
Conall is a shifter, whose wolf Garou is delightfully vocal with his opinions. He has a bad history with the military, even though he’s very good at what he does.
This is the first book in a new series by Kim McDougall, a delightful blend of Steampunk and fantasy, and set in a slightly dystopian future. It’s primarily a book which sets up the world, and the ongoing story.
It is a well written, and engrossing story, with a truly fascinating world and some intriguing characters. It is complete in the sense that there is no cliffhanger, and everyone is back at home, but there’s a lot of unfinished business, some of which I’m quite looking forward to learning more about.
For instance, I’m dying to hear more about the pneuma Mechs; what’s with Dale? What do the Ebon know that they want Conall to know? What’s Talos’s story? What is the truth behind Rowan and her brother’s incident?
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Anyway, if you’re a fan of steampunk fantasy, or dystopian fantasy, or maybe you’ve enjoyed the author’s other books, then this is read you’ll find yourself enthralled by.
As a princess of the realm, Rowan has never been allowed to work with the rangers in their dangerous missions outside of the walled city where she lives. So it’s a big surprise, therefore, when she finds herself assigned to squad 54, a ranger team that was disbanded years ago. It’s lead by a shapeshifter commander, Conall, which is a rarity itself, as they’re not exactly trusted, and Conall’s history with them is problematic at the best of times.
It’s not long into their trip outside the walls, that Rowan and Conall realise that not everything is as it should be, and that perhaps there is a lot more to this mission that they were lead to believe.
Rowan is a fascinating character, a Princess (mostly in name only), with a mechanical arm and a sidekick that comes with it! She’s a talented mechanic, who specializes in repairing the mechs, which are part mechanical, part magical. I enjoyed her special connection with the mechs too.
Conall is a shifter, whose wolf Garou is delightfully vocal with his opinions. He has a bad history with the military, even though he’s very good at what he does.
This is the first book in a new series by Kim McDougall, a delightful blend of Steampunk and fantasy, and set in a slightly dystopian future. It’s primarily a book which sets up the world, and the ongoing story.
It is a well written, and engrossing story, with a truly fascinating world and some intriguing characters. It is complete in the sense that there is no cliffhanger, and everyone is back at home, but there’s a lot of unfinished business, some of which I’m quite looking forward to learning more about.
For instance, I’m dying to hear more about the pneuma Mechs; what’s with Dale? What do the Ebon know that they want Conall to know? What’s Talos’s story? What is the truth behind Rowan and her brother’s incident?
I could go on, but you get the idea.
Anyway, if you’re a fan of steampunk fantasy, or dystopian fantasy, or maybe you’ve enjoyed the author’s other books, then this is read you’ll find yourself enthralled by.
February 15, 2025
Forged in Grit: A Review of A Knack for Metal and Bone
Kim McDougall’s A Knack for Metal and Bone is a gripping start to a new steampunk fantasy series, blending mechanical ingenuity, political intrigue, and a world teetering on the edge of destruction. Rowan, a princess who would rather hide away and fix machines than embrace her royal role, is sent on a mission with a group of misfits—including Conal, a former commander who was once a wolf. As she uncovers buried truths about her past, she also begins to see the cracks in the world around her.
For generations, society has believed that the monstrous Emergence came from other worlds, a catastrophe beyond their control. But Rowan and her companions uncover the devastating truth: the creatures are not invaders but mutations, the direct result of the energy source that powers their world—Thera. This revelation changes everything, exposing the brutal reality that their society is built on a power that is actively mutating and destroying their world. Even worse, those in control of this resource—political leaders and the wealthy elite—are willing to exploit it further to maintain their power, no matter the cost.
True to McDougall’s style, the novel is gritty and unflinching, with high stakes and real consequences. War is brutal, and people suffer, but the story avoids excessive darkness or gratuitous themes. Rowan and Conal’s relationship develops naturally, free from overused romance tropes. Their bond is shaped by mutual respect, duty, and the challenges of the world they live in, rather than forced angst.
This first installment primarily sets up the world, leaving many questions unanswered, but it lays a strong foundation for the series. Rowan has only just begun to claim her place at the table, and the road ahead will be long and costly. A thought-provoking and compelling start—looking forward to book two!
Kim McDougall’s A Knack for Metal and Bone is a gripping start to a new steampunk fantasy series, blending mechanical ingenuity, political intrigue, and a world teetering on the edge of destruction. Rowan, a princess who would rather hide away and fix machines than embrace her royal role, is sent on a mission with a group of misfits—including Conal, a former commander who was once a wolf. As she uncovers buried truths about her past, she also begins to see the cracks in the world around her.
For generations, society has believed that the monstrous Emergence came from other worlds, a catastrophe beyond their control. But Rowan and her companions uncover the devastating truth: the creatures are not invaders but mutations, the direct result of the energy source that powers their world—Thera. This revelation changes everything, exposing the brutal reality that their society is built on a power that is actively mutating and destroying their world. Even worse, those in control of this resource—political leaders and the wealthy elite—are willing to exploit it further to maintain their power, no matter the cost.
True to McDougall’s style, the novel is gritty and unflinching, with high stakes and real consequences. War is brutal, and people suffer, but the story avoids excessive darkness or gratuitous themes. Rowan and Conal’s relationship develops naturally, free from overused romance tropes. Their bond is shaped by mutual respect, duty, and the challenges of the world they live in, rather than forced angst.
This first installment primarily sets up the world, leaving many questions unanswered, but it lays a strong foundation for the series. Rowan has only just begun to claim her place at the table, and the road ahead will be long and costly. A thought-provoking and compelling start—looking forward to book two!
July 13, 2025
There were some cool things about this book. Like the mechanical arm and the mechs and the steampunk vibe, but it was pretty rough overall.
The worldbuilding felt a bit disjointed. Like a melting pot of things that the author thought was cool--mechs, shifters, elves, dark elves, cyborgs--but no unifiied vision for it all. There's not a whole lot of thought in why certain elements are included in the worldbuilding and what it means in terms of its cascading effects for the society at large.
At 28 years old, the main character Rowan is a way old to be playing some naive princess who's never stepped up and used her influence. An 18 year old just figuring things out is understandable. But at 28 it's kind of pathetic.
The "mate" stuff. Every time the wolf whispered that shit to Conall was just Eugh. Maybe this book just wasn't meant for me. The romance happened too fast, which sucked away any of the tension between the characters. The flirting between them, especially the nose boop, was overall cringey for me.
So many flat charaters. Like Clem who only exists to give girl cred to Rowan. Despite playing a prominent part in the book, I still have no idea what Noah looked like. Also, his power was unintentionally hilarious when he would go hulk smash after healing. Bretta was the only secondary character that had any meat to them.
Orson. Just why. He was so obnoxious for absolutely no reason that it felt forced. There really was no villain in this book worthy of respect, and therefore nothing felt like a real threat.
Dale's nonbinary pronouns for no discernible reason was jarring and annoying to read. It screamed modern western sensibilities being thrust into a fantasy setting. Which can sometimes work if the worldbuilding supports it, but it felt completely out of place here. Are we living in a semi-gritty fantasy? A place with corrupt inequalities in its society for shifters and other downtrodden? Or is this a society that's so coddled that it respects personal pronouns?
As for modern western sensibilities, Rowan having multiple sexual partners like no big deal seems very out of place for a princess in a society where bloodline and heirs are going to be important for whoever is ruling. And even if she isn't the heir, the spares are often married into other influential families or neighboring kingdoms for political influence. It seems like the whole title of "princess" is cosmetic for her, with very little worldbuilding behind it to justify her behaviors.
The ending was rushed. REALLY rushed. Multiple problems solved in summary/flashback format.
Despite its flaws, the book was easy to read, the plot kept moving along, and there were some interesting ideas sprinkled throughout. I liked the gaunts' backstories, and the little bird that docked into Rowan's arm. I imagine that someone who's much more into cozy romantasy would like this book.
The worldbuilding felt a bit disjointed. Like a melting pot of things that the author thought was cool--mechs, shifters, elves, dark elves, cyborgs--but no unifiied vision for it all. There's not a whole lot of thought in why certain elements are included in the worldbuilding and what it means in terms of its cascading effects for the society at large.
At 28 years old, the main character Rowan is a way old to be playing some naive princess who's never stepped up and used her influence. An 18 year old just figuring things out is understandable. But at 28 it's kind of pathetic.
The "mate" stuff. Every time the wolf whispered that shit to Conall was just Eugh. Maybe this book just wasn't meant for me. The romance happened too fast, which sucked away any of the tension between the characters. The flirting between them, especially the nose boop, was overall cringey for me.
So many flat charaters. Like Clem who only exists to give girl cred to Rowan. Despite playing a prominent part in the book, I still have no idea what Noah looked like. Also, his power was unintentionally hilarious when he would go hulk smash after healing. Bretta was the only secondary character that had any meat to them.
Orson. Just why. He was so obnoxious for absolutely no reason that it felt forced. There really was no villain in this book worthy of respect, and therefore nothing felt like a real threat.
Dale's nonbinary pronouns for no discernible reason was jarring and annoying to read. It screamed modern western sensibilities being thrust into a fantasy setting. Which can sometimes work if the worldbuilding supports it, but it felt completely out of place here. Are we living in a semi-gritty fantasy? A place with corrupt inequalities in its society for shifters and other downtrodden? Or is this a society that's so coddled that it respects personal pronouns?
As for modern western sensibilities, Rowan having multiple sexual partners like no big deal seems very out of place for a princess in a society where bloodline and heirs are going to be important for whoever is ruling. And even if she isn't the heir, the spares are often married into other influential families or neighboring kingdoms for political influence. It seems like the whole title of "princess" is cosmetic for her, with very little worldbuilding behind it to justify her behaviors.
The ending was rushed. REALLY rushed. Multiple problems solved in summary/flashback format.
Despite its flaws, the book was easy to read, the plot kept moving along, and there were some interesting ideas sprinkled throughout. I liked the gaunts' backstories, and the little bird that docked into Rowan's arm. I imagine that someone who's much more into cozy romantasy would like this book.
February 15, 2025
-5 stars. first in a new series from the author that wrote the valkyrie bestiary series that i loved so much. i enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next book, which doesn't have a release date so i'm not sure its even been written yet. *sigh*. patience is hard.
it is set in a fantasy world with a type of magic called thera, though you have to read for a while before thera gets explained. and there is a lot of mechanical stuff that runs on thera, so this book is classified as steampunk. i like all the characters (except the bad guys), and cant wait to read more about them and this new world. the book wraps up the main story/mission, but sets up for a lot more to come. there is a lot of world building, and more than once i was left wondering what X was or what Y was. and like thera, it does eventually get explained, but some things even the characters themselves hadn't known, so the explanation comes later as the story/mission unfolds. there is a little bit of romance, but its more a fantasy novel.
"do leave the child be or i'll sneak into your rooms one night, slice off your balls and leave them in a cup with your teeth."
Clem rolled her eyes. she stood up and tripped over Orson's hands.
"ow! clumsy oaf."
"i'm so sorry. i have big feet and they're always tripping over stupid things." Clem was petite. all eyes went to her tiny feet.
"bitch."
"puckered duck ass."
"lets face it, you all screwed up. and i couldn't be prouder."
"what for?"
"you're alive. you kept each other alive. that's better than ninety-nine percent of rangers on their first gaunt fight. we survived. that's all that matters. we're a team. no one is solely responsible for this mission, not even me. you were tested today. you won't ever forget it. next time will be easier."
it is set in a fantasy world with a type of magic called thera, though you have to read for a while before thera gets explained. and there is a lot of mechanical stuff that runs on thera, so this book is classified as steampunk. i like all the characters (except the bad guys), and cant wait to read more about them and this new world. the book wraps up the main story/mission, but sets up for a lot more to come. there is a lot of world building, and more than once i was left wondering what X was or what Y was. and like thera, it does eventually get explained, but some things even the characters themselves hadn't known, so the explanation comes later as the story/mission unfolds. there is a little bit of romance, but its more a fantasy novel.
"do leave the child be or i'll sneak into your rooms one night, slice off your balls and leave them in a cup with your teeth."
Clem rolled her eyes. she stood up and tripped over Orson's hands.
"ow! clumsy oaf."
"i'm so sorry. i have big feet and they're always tripping over stupid things." Clem was petite. all eyes went to her tiny feet.
"bitch."
"puckered duck ass."
"lets face it, you all screwed up. and i couldn't be prouder."
"what for?"
"you're alive. you kept each other alive. that's better than ninety-nine percent of rangers on their first gaunt fight. we survived. that's all that matters. we're a team. no one is solely responsible for this mission, not even me. you were tested today. you won't ever forget it. next time will be easier."
December 10, 2024
A phenomenal beginning to a series!
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed most everything written by Kim McDougall and I have to say, this author always finds ways to amaze and entertain the reader.
The characters in this one are so detailed and provocative that I was left salivating for the next chapter or book and hated to say farewell even if it is only until the next installment is released.
The diversity of characters while all vastly different and from every walk of life in this book setting had such a profound influence on the way the story shaped the flow which was written with an element of mystical elegance that kept me reading nonstop.
The background was the backstory and the and surrounding world which was described in such a way that made this reader at least yearn to join the characters on their journey through the Meadows.
The bonus for me was that the author blended all my loves in one gorgeous story, shifters, tech, magic (of a sort) and a steam punkish vibe that to me was the glue to the whole story.
I can’t wait to see how this all shakes out with Rowan finally coming into her own, changing political views and hopefully making a difference that she is leaning towards. Conall is another example of a great leader and character that I hope to see more of along with all the cast of this book.
Since I don’t believe in spoilers I have to quit gushing here or I will give too much away. So, for those of you that read my reviews let me say this is absolutely a family friendly, any shelf of your library, collection worthy book. If I could give a 10 star rating I would.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed most everything written by Kim McDougall and I have to say, this author always finds ways to amaze and entertain the reader.
The characters in this one are so detailed and provocative that I was left salivating for the next chapter or book and hated to say farewell even if it is only until the next installment is released.
The diversity of characters while all vastly different and from every walk of life in this book setting had such a profound influence on the way the story shaped the flow which was written with an element of mystical elegance that kept me reading nonstop.
The background was the backstory and the and surrounding world which was described in such a way that made this reader at least yearn to join the characters on their journey through the Meadows.
The bonus for me was that the author blended all my loves in one gorgeous story, shifters, tech, magic (of a sort) and a steam punkish vibe that to me was the glue to the whole story.
I can’t wait to see how this all shakes out with Rowan finally coming into her own, changing political views and hopefully making a difference that she is leaning towards. Conall is another example of a great leader and character that I hope to see more of along with all the cast of this book.
Since I don’t believe in spoilers I have to quit gushing here or I will give too much away. So, for those of you that read my reviews let me say this is absolutely a family friendly, any shelf of your library, collection worthy book. If I could give a 10 star rating I would.
September 19, 2025
Without the spoilers:
An interesting world and characters with interesting powers. However, the "plot twist" seemed a bit simple, and in retrospect, not that hard to guess. Side characters are slightly two-dimensional. The character that nobody likes is too much on the nose. You can write someone mean and untrustworthy without making them instantly unlikable. The story starts strong and then gets watered down and sloppy. The romance is...weird? They go from strangers to touchy-feely (without actually clearly communicating their interest in each other) in a matter of days.
WITH THE SPOILERS
An interesting world and characters with interesting powers. However, the "plot twist" seemed a bit simple, and in retrospect, not that hard to guess. Side characters are slightly two-dimensional. The character that nobody likes is too much on the nose. You can write someone mean and untrustworthy without making them instantly unlikable. The story starts strong and then gets watered down and sloppy. The romance is...weird? They go from strangers to touchy-feely (without actually clearly communicating their interest in each other) in a matter of days.
WITH THE SPOILERS
November 30, 2024
This was a steampunk-flavored military-lite fantasy, and the first book in Kim McDougall’s Knack series, and it had plenty of heart, humor, and action. The Knack universe is one of magic AND technology – people can have ‘knacks,’ or magical talents, that can help or hinder (or sometimes both!) but the world is also populated by ‘mechs’ and creepy half-creature/half-horrors called gaunts.
Our Hero Conall West, a wolf-shifter, is tasked with leading a small band of rangers to investigate some missing scientists, but of course, nothing is as it seems and the trip is fraught with peril (see the above-mentioned gaunts). His team is a mixed group, including a Princess/mechanic named Rowan (who Conall is instantly attracted to).
The romance felt a little sudden to me, though I could see other readers really liking it. The highlight of the book for me was the personal interactions and the growth of trust between the rangers. I LIKED this team. Especially Augie (brave, sweet, possibly autistic?)
It was a little fantasy, a little A-Team, with more than a little dash of horror and a sprinkling of politics. Oh, and Elves! With so many plot threads, I would have enjoyed a longer book, especially as that would have meant spending more time with these characters. But I look forward to seeing where the author takes things from here.
My thanks to the author for an advanced copy to read!
Our Hero Conall West, a wolf-shifter, is tasked with leading a small band of rangers to investigate some missing scientists, but of course, nothing is as it seems and the trip is fraught with peril (see the above-mentioned gaunts). His team is a mixed group, including a Princess/mechanic named Rowan (who Conall is instantly attracted to).
The romance felt a little sudden to me, though I could see other readers really liking it. The highlight of the book for me was the personal interactions and the growth of trust between the rangers. I LIKED this team. Especially Augie (brave, sweet, possibly autistic?)
It was a little fantasy, a little A-Team, with more than a little dash of horror and a sprinkling of politics. Oh, and Elves! With so many plot threads, I would have enjoyed a longer book, especially as that would have meant spending more time with these characters. But I look forward to seeing where the author takes things from here.
My thanks to the author for an advanced copy to read!
December 8, 2024
A Knack for Metal and Bone is an exciting new series by one of my favorite authors. Rowan is the princess and heir to the crown, but she’d rather spend her time tinkering and fixing mechs. She’s lived her life behind the protected walls of her town, but now is suddenly called upon to join a squad led by Conall, a disgraced ex-commander with a bounty on his head. The mission is a welfare check of scientists out in the Meadows, a wild area where man-eating monsters roam. The mission goes sideways rather quickly and the squad are soon fighting for their lives and they soon realize that there’s more going on that Rowan or Conall ever imagined.
I like Rowan, at first, she seems like a flighty princess, uninterested in anything beyond the mechs, but as the story progresses, we get a good sense of her character and see her really step up. Conall has a bounty on his head due to his actions in a past war, but he’s far from morally grey and I really like him for Rowan. The other members of the squad are all very well written and most are likeable; it was great to see the squad progress from individuals to a cohesive unit as the story progressed. The world building is incredible and the mechs are all very interesting—I can’t wait to learn more about the world, the mechs and the characters I’ve already come to care about. This is an awesome start to a new series and I cannot wait for the next book!
I like Rowan, at first, she seems like a flighty princess, uninterested in anything beyond the mechs, but as the story progresses, we get a good sense of her character and see her really step up. Conall has a bounty on his head due to his actions in a past war, but he’s far from morally grey and I really like him for Rowan. The other members of the squad are all very well written and most are likeable; it was great to see the squad progress from individuals to a cohesive unit as the story progressed. The world building is incredible and the mechs are all very interesting—I can’t wait to learn more about the world, the mechs and the characters I’ve already come to care about. This is an awesome start to a new series and I cannot wait for the next book!
December 5, 2024
I don't think I can fully express how much I enjoyed this book! The author did such an amazing job of creating a new world and magic system while integrating mech and old world thinking. It was absolutely wonderful to read from beginning to end.
We start the story with Rowan, thinking she's our usual spoiled princess, but she is anything besides a princess and really would rather be anything other than. She is a gifted mechanic and has a desire to see the other side of the walls she's always lived behind. So when orders come to go beyond then with Squad 54, she is ecstatic. Conall, on the other hand, is a disgraced military elder given this command to clear the bounty on his head.
What happened beyond the wall in the Meadow with Squad 54 was beyond anything I could have imagined. Right down to the end of the book, the author had me cheering for each person she has crafted and created in this world. I genuinely can't wait to see what happens next for all of them, but especially Rowan and Conall.
“Chin up, Princess. We’re still on the right side of the grass. This is a turning point for all of us."
We start the story with Rowan, thinking she's our usual spoiled princess, but she is anything besides a princess and really would rather be anything other than. She is a gifted mechanic and has a desire to see the other side of the walls she's always lived behind. So when orders come to go beyond then with Squad 54, she is ecstatic. Conall, on the other hand, is a disgraced military elder given this command to clear the bounty on his head.
What happened beyond the wall in the Meadow with Squad 54 was beyond anything I could have imagined. Right down to the end of the book, the author had me cheering for each person she has crafted and created in this world. I genuinely can't wait to see what happens next for all of them, but especially Rowan and Conall.
“Chin up, Princess. We’re still on the right side of the grass. This is a turning point for all of us."
January 2, 2025
This is a tough one to review. On the one hand, i knew from the very first chapter that i would love Connal. On the other, the further i got into the book the more i didn’t like Rowan. The world building is great, the side characters fleshed out so beautifully that i was disappointed we didn’t get more of them. That whole bit with Connal and Clem (it was Clem, right?) was just perfect and if the whole book had been an adventure made up of moments like that this would have been a five star read, if a little on the slow side.
But there was a romance crammed in and with my growing ambivalence with Rowan that just ruined the mood for me. Maybe it was that there was little time given to the romance, that i couldn’t really get a feel for what Connal might actually see in Rowan, but either way the adventure/fantasy/steampunk side of things was marvellous. The side characters (and Connal) were great. Rowan might grow on me.
I do know that I’ll be reading the next book. There’s no question about that.
But there was a romance crammed in and with my growing ambivalence with Rowan that just ruined the mood for me. Maybe it was that there was little time given to the romance, that i couldn’t really get a feel for what Connal might actually see in Rowan, but either way the adventure/fantasy/steampunk side of things was marvellous. The side characters (and Connal) were great. Rowan might grow on me.
I do know that I’ll be reading the next book. There’s no question about that.
October 6, 2025
What a great new Fantasy series!
I'm so impressed with the authors world building and character creation. This is such a cool cross of steampunk, shifter (but done so well), kind of dystopian and some political intrigue.
When Conall is sent on what appears to be an easy mission rather than be kicked out of the command, he builds a team of companions to come along. He's also tasked to take a mechanic, who also happens to be a princess, Rowan. Something doesn't seem right from the beginning, but they would find out just how wrong things go.
Nothing is at it seems. There are monsters encountered and battled.
The group has losses, both human and mechanical, and discover just what brought them on the mission. Betrayal and corruption!
The magic is super cool, mechanical but also the "mech" also gives cool power.
I loved the characters so much! We even get a very slow burn romance.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series!
A big shout out to the 3 wonderful narrators of this audiobook. What a great job!!
I'm so impressed with the authors world building and character creation. This is such a cool cross of steampunk, shifter (but done so well), kind of dystopian and some political intrigue.
When Conall is sent on what appears to be an easy mission rather than be kicked out of the command, he builds a team of companions to come along. He's also tasked to take a mechanic, who also happens to be a princess, Rowan. Something doesn't seem right from the beginning, but they would find out just how wrong things go.
Nothing is at it seems. There are monsters encountered and battled.
The group has losses, both human and mechanical, and discover just what brought them on the mission. Betrayal and corruption!
The magic is super cool, mechanical but also the "mech" also gives cool power.
I loved the characters so much! We even get a very slow burn romance.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series!
A big shout out to the 3 wonderful narrators of this audiobook. What a great job!!
January 6, 2026
In “A Knack for Metal & Bone” Steampunk meets the 'Dirty Dozen' as a ragtag team is sent to determine what happened to scientists at a remote outpost.
It's been 600 years since the sudden outpouring of raw magic destroyed civilisation.
Scattered fortified towns survive, surrounded by vast wastelands where terrors abound.
Leading the expedition is veteran and feared warrior, Conall. Unfortunately for him ripping the throat out of a general during a battle saw his military career come to an end. And, as a Wolf Shifter, he's persona non grata in the towns.
Princess Rowan, 28, who has avoided all court involvement and prefers tinkering with machines (magically powered, of course), thinks her ship has finally come in when she gets recruited. Boy, has she got a surprise coming!
It's a solid enough story though the ending leaves a lot to be desired - still, I suppose a series has to start somewhere!
What did annoy the hell outta me was the character Dale who is referred to in 'they' 'them' terms without any explanation ever being offered.
3 Stars.
It's been 600 years since the sudden outpouring of raw magic destroyed civilisation.
Scattered fortified towns survive, surrounded by vast wastelands where terrors abound.
Leading the expedition is veteran and feared warrior, Conall. Unfortunately for him ripping the throat out of a general during a battle saw his military career come to an end. And, as a Wolf Shifter, he's persona non grata in the towns.
Princess Rowan, 28, who has avoided all court involvement and prefers tinkering with machines (magically powered, of course), thinks her ship has finally come in when she gets recruited. Boy, has she got a surprise coming!
It's a solid enough story though the ending leaves a lot to be desired - still, I suppose a series has to start somewhere!
What did annoy the hell outta me was the character Dale who is referred to in 'they' 'them' terms without any explanation ever being offered.
3 Stars.
January 17, 2026
I enjoyed this one and it reminded me a bit of a Vanessa Nelson series for some reason. I appreciated the world building and descriptive scenes without overwhelming the storyline. While I liked the characters, the fmc (Rowan) seemed more than a bit naive for a 28 year old. The steampunk format was a nice resurgence from a decade or so and I thought overall the little bit used was pretty cool. The romance was way rushed. The chemistry was there but the hook up and sudden PDA was a bit jarring - especially for a "Princess". I think she had been so "unique" and ignored for so long nobody really blinked to have her walking around the palace with him - and friends. At least that's how I had to handle it. The ending was a bit abrupt and felt rushed. Nice to see the backbone straighten up as Rowan stepped up though. I will admit the use of a binary pronoun for Dale was just a bit much - and way over used. Not certain of the rationale behind that whole thing. I do plan to read book 2.
January 11, 2025
Steampunk, found family fantasy with a heroine that is over 25? Of course it found its way on my list. Rowan is Princess in a world that had a resurgence if magic hundreds of years ago. Steampunk mech is powered by magic. And now due to various stuffs she's off with a cobbled together ranger team to investigate shenanigans.
I've read a couple of Ms McDougall's books so I know she has chops but this was just a lovely read for me. I love a steampunk setting with a feisty heroine who actually has female friends (!). The world building is really very good and quite expansive. A good amount of action coupled with travelling to get the story to keep moving. And majority of the characters were well drawn out of not well rounded - but I'm hoping we have a couple more books for that as well. And ending where it is has me literally begging for the next in the series but alas and alack with this one only released early Dec, I've got a little bit to wait.
I've read a couple of Ms McDougall's books so I know she has chops but this was just a lovely read for me. I love a steampunk setting with a feisty heroine who actually has female friends (!). The world building is really very good and quite expansive. A good amount of action coupled with travelling to get the story to keep moving. And majority of the characters were well drawn out of not well rounded - but I'm hoping we have a couple more books for that as well. And ending where it is has me literally begging for the next in the series but alas and alack with this one only released early Dec, I've got a little bit to wait.
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