What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lady of Automaton Manor
He expected magic, not mechanical bots with an abundance of personality.
And he certainly didn’t expect her.
In an era of discovery and invention, Oliver Fitzdavies is useless. Oh, he’s clever, charming, conveniently rich—really everything a young gentleman should be—but he has no purpose. He wishes he could get away from his family’s disappointment and the nothingness of his life.
But he didn’t mean to go quite so far Away.
When he accidentally crosses over into There, he cannot find his way out again. In this mysterious place where magic mites float between trees and wishes leave tea kettles beneath ferns, Oliver finds a manor run by an astonishing assortment of living automatons. He is welcome to stay as a guest, as long as he does not seek out the Lady of the house.
Who this woman is, and why she is hidden away, are riddles Oliver cannot resist for long. But the manor wants to protect its secrets buried beneath roots and metal and years, and not all the automatons are harmless. Staying There may cost Oliver more than he is willing to lose.
But the Lady of the manor might just be worth it…
A Victorian-esque cozy fantasy, The Lady of Automaton Manor is about the bravery it takes to be known and to know yourself. Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films, Over the Garden Wall, and the fairytales of George MacDonald, the story has soft edges, a deep heart, and a sprinkling of slow-burn romance.
And he certainly didn’t expect her.
In an era of discovery and invention, Oliver Fitzdavies is useless. Oh, he’s clever, charming, conveniently rich—really everything a young gentleman should be—but he has no purpose. He wishes he could get away from his family’s disappointment and the nothingness of his life.
But he didn’t mean to go quite so far Away.
When he accidentally crosses over into There, he cannot find his way out again. In this mysterious place where magic mites float between trees and wishes leave tea kettles beneath ferns, Oliver finds a manor run by an astonishing assortment of living automatons. He is welcome to stay as a guest, as long as he does not seek out the Lady of the house.
Who this woman is, and why she is hidden away, are riddles Oliver cannot resist for long. But the manor wants to protect its secrets buried beneath roots and metal and years, and not all the automatons are harmless. Staying There may cost Oliver more than he is willing to lose.
But the Lady of the manor might just be worth it…
A Victorian-esque cozy fantasy, The Lady of Automaton Manor is about the bravery it takes to be known and to know yourself. Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films, Over the Garden Wall, and the fairytales of George MacDonald, the story has soft edges, a deep heart, and a sprinkling of slow-burn romance.
- GenresFantasy
284 pages
Published May 27, 2025
3 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 26, 2025
“Wishes don’t last. If you want something to last, you have to make it yourself.”
A combination of whimsical steampunk and cozy fantasy, Athena Layne’s debut novel sweeps you away to There in a charming coming of age story. The side characters reminded me of the ensemble from Beauty and the Beast, with their charm and quirks. The prose was the perfect blend of whimsy and structure to build a whole new world inside your mind.
This book is marketed as a steampunk cozy fantasy, and it very much is, but it also illustrates the struggle of leaving childhood for adulthood. I highly recommend reading it! It will both sweep you away and also cause you to think deeply.
A combination of whimsical steampunk and cozy fantasy, Athena Layne’s debut novel sweeps you away to There in a charming coming of age story. The side characters reminded me of the ensemble from Beauty and the Beast, with their charm and quirks. The prose was the perfect blend of whimsy and structure to build a whole new world inside your mind.
This book is marketed as a steampunk cozy fantasy, and it very much is, but it also illustrates the struggle of leaving childhood for adulthood. I highly recommend reading it! It will both sweep you away and also cause you to think deeply.
May 2, 2025
Athena Layne’s debut novel, The Lady of Automaton Manor, stands apart in its genre. The characters are complex, the setting is cozy and eccentric with something new to uncover around every corner, and the rising action will have you on the edge of your seat! Layne’s writing style will have you feeling you are on a journey of discovery as she winds you deeper into the shadows of the Manor. I wasn’t prepared for the heart work and introspection I’d find myself doing about midway through the story. It was both beautiful and brilliant. I really hated for the book to come to an end, but with an ending so satisfying, it was easier to let go. Enjoy!
I received an ARC of the book, but I was not compensated for my review. This is my honest review, and I have already placed my preorder!!
I received an ARC of the book, but I was not compensated for my review. This is my honest review, and I have already placed my preorder!!
May 20, 2025
"Doing what you love--is that not passion? And isn't passion what gives purpose to life?"
Delightful little cozy fantasy. Cozy fantasy has been my vibe lately, so when the author reached out to me and asked if I wanted to read her book and leave a review, of course I said yes! All opinions are my own.
The Lady of Automaton Manor follows Oliver from England into There. He's such a relatable fellow too! Tired of being useless but running from responsibility. Sometimes I too wish to escape into another world so I don't have to deal with being an adult. He's my favorite character, followed shortly by Rucy, the bot who just wants to play hide and seek and Lati, the bot who wants to be left alone to dance.
Also, I know it's described as cozy, and it is, with a nice meandering plot. Up until Moar comes around... Creepy bot. I like slow, meandering stories, so this one was fun for me!
At first, I was a bit thrown off by the Lady's flashbacks at the end of each chapter, but they grew on me and helped provide context to her background and character. I find her to be the most confusing. At times she feels a bit like a damsel in distress, but she's not.
I only wish Oliver had more agency in the climax. It seemed like he propelled most of the plot up until the end. I understand why Layne wrote it the way she did, but I wish Oliver had more of a drive.
In all, I gave the story 4/5 stars for characters, themes, and story. I'd recommend it to readers of fantasy who want a good, short read!
Delightful little cozy fantasy. Cozy fantasy has been my vibe lately, so when the author reached out to me and asked if I wanted to read her book and leave a review, of course I said yes! All opinions are my own.
The Lady of Automaton Manor follows Oliver from England into There. He's such a relatable fellow too! Tired of being useless but running from responsibility. Sometimes I too wish to escape into another world so I don't have to deal with being an adult. He's my favorite character, followed shortly by Rucy, the bot who just wants to play hide and seek and Lati, the bot who wants to be left alone to dance.
Also, I know it's described as cozy, and it is, with a nice meandering plot. Up until Moar comes around... Creepy bot. I like slow, meandering stories, so this one was fun for me!
At first, I was a bit thrown off by the Lady's flashbacks at the end of each chapter, but they grew on me and helped provide context to her background and character. I find her to be the most confusing. At times she feels a bit like a damsel in distress, but she's not.
I only wish Oliver had more agency in the climax. It seemed like he propelled most of the plot up until the end. I understand why Layne wrote it the way she did, but I wish Oliver had more of a drive.
In all, I gave the story 4/5 stars for characters, themes, and story. I'd recommend it to readers of fantasy who want a good, short read!
May 10, 2025
The Lady of Automaton Manor is a beautifully written novel that will move you from beginning to end. With a cozy and intriguing setting, complex characters with moving backstories, and a heartfelt ending, this book will pull you in from the first page. I highly recommend giving this standalone novel a read!
May 19, 2025
I highly recommend this beautiful book by Athena Layne!!
Join Oliver and the Lady of the Manor on a tender journey of growth, imagination, love, and adventure, befriending a few automatons along the way! ⚙️🤭🤍
✔️ Poetic & Witty Prose
✔️ Sweet Slow-burn Romance
✔️ Compelling MC w/ full of humor and antics 😍
✔️ Thoughtful Theme and Character Journey
In an age of character voices that all sound the same and run together, Oliver Fitzdavies not only has a wonderful name, but a distinct character voice and enjoyable character journey.
His character is set-up so well with his flaws, humor, personality, outlook on life, fears, etc in a natural and engaging way from the very beginning. I loved watching Oliver’s arc through the story with a symmetrical opening and end; I love a full circle moment. His growth as a person and his aha moment was genuinely was so sweet to read. It made me think and reflect internally. His is a struggle with worry and insecurity that I wonder if each person wrestles with sometime in their life…of feeling useless in a bustling world of constant change and commotion, wondering what do we have to offer? Feeling we have to contain all the answers before we take the steps.
I can’t accurately express how much I thoroughly enjoyed living Oliver’s reactions and decisions and adventures. It was so much fun! Oliver is truly a fascinating gentleman.
The Lady…
*I won’t spoil her name, but the stairway reveal was so cute and her name is so elegant and charming; fitting her like a glove (though it may be an oil-stained one 😉).
I love her parallel storyline to Oliver’s and her journey to becoming known and opening up herself to be seen and loved. She was so cute and I’m excited to read the bonus epilogue to continue their story!!
The prose was engaging, enveloping you in vivid scenes, emotions, and characters.
I was blown away.
It was enchanting. It was clever. It was reflective.
I absolutely loved the descriptions and the humor was on point! It was so much fun to read Oliver’s adventures. Literally he is the best. And the use of the word “morbs”, 😭😆 I quite literally let out a squeal and a gasp when I spied that word choice. It was incredible.
World building…I love when a story plops you into the action context and life of the MC and Athena Layne did it magnificently.
The concept of There was brilliant. Magical worlds and systems sometimes can be clunky to step into or explain especially if the MC is from the regular world (such as England, home of tea-drinkers and Sherlock) But the transition and description of There was seamlessly employed. It was a neat touch that There is common knowledge place yet “out of sight, out of mind” principle. I loved Mr Fitzdavies at the end knowing exactly what Oliver was talking about, alluding to experiences he might have had There. I loved the respect and acknowledgment There commanded from Mr. Fitzdavies. It just makes you more curious.
I am a sucker for a simple, condensed plot. It can be so easy to bite off more than you can chew plot wise, often leaving plot crumbs everywhere that authors forget to clean up. But the scope was perfectly sized to fit the story of Oliver and the Lady of Automaton Manor, tied up with no loose ends. The characters driven nature ensured the plot explored their adventures internally and externally fully.
Ahhhh and the theme…I loved it. 🥺
The truths subtlety and gently communicated were exquisite.
I love the idea of the Manor and wanting to forget and avoid, feeling of uselessness, struggle to letting ourselves be known. I appreciated the response to those thoughts as well. The characters beautifully grow and change, but it also touched me and prompted me to think. What a beautiful metaphor woven throughout the tale of hearts, girls, and being known. ⚙️
The fanart for this story would be stunning!! ✨
This debut novel, Lady of the Automaton Manor, is enchanting, whimsical, vulnerable, witty, gentle, & introspective, enveloping the reader in a warm embrace.
Join Oliver and the Lady of the Manor on a tender journey of growth, imagination, love, and adventure, befriending a few automatons along the way! ⚙️🤭🤍
✔️ Poetic & Witty Prose
✔️ Sweet Slow-burn Romance
✔️ Compelling MC w/ full of humor and antics 😍
✔️ Thoughtful Theme and Character Journey
In an age of character voices that all sound the same and run together, Oliver Fitzdavies not only has a wonderful name, but a distinct character voice and enjoyable character journey.
His character is set-up so well with his flaws, humor, personality, outlook on life, fears, etc in a natural and engaging way from the very beginning. I loved watching Oliver’s arc through the story with a symmetrical opening and end; I love a full circle moment. His growth as a person and his aha moment was genuinely was so sweet to read. It made me think and reflect internally. His is a struggle with worry and insecurity that I wonder if each person wrestles with sometime in their life…of feeling useless in a bustling world of constant change and commotion, wondering what do we have to offer? Feeling we have to contain all the answers before we take the steps.
I can’t accurately express how much I thoroughly enjoyed living Oliver’s reactions and decisions and adventures. It was so much fun! Oliver is truly a fascinating gentleman.
The Lady…
*I won’t spoil her name, but the stairway reveal was so cute and her name is so elegant and charming; fitting her like a glove (though it may be an oil-stained one 😉).
I love her parallel storyline to Oliver’s and her journey to becoming known and opening up herself to be seen and loved. She was so cute and I’m excited to read the bonus epilogue to continue their story!!
The prose was engaging, enveloping you in vivid scenes, emotions, and characters.
I was blown away.
It was enchanting. It was clever. It was reflective.
I absolutely loved the descriptions and the humor was on point! It was so much fun to read Oliver’s adventures. Literally he is the best. And the use of the word “morbs”, 😭😆 I quite literally let out a squeal and a gasp when I spied that word choice. It was incredible.
World building…I love when a story plops you into the action context and life of the MC and Athena Layne did it magnificently.
The concept of There was brilliant. Magical worlds and systems sometimes can be clunky to step into or explain especially if the MC is from the regular world (such as England, home of tea-drinkers and Sherlock) But the transition and description of There was seamlessly employed. It was a neat touch that There is common knowledge place yet “out of sight, out of mind” principle. I loved Mr Fitzdavies at the end knowing exactly what Oliver was talking about, alluding to experiences he might have had There. I loved the respect and acknowledgment There commanded from Mr. Fitzdavies. It just makes you more curious.
I am a sucker for a simple, condensed plot. It can be so easy to bite off more than you can chew plot wise, often leaving plot crumbs everywhere that authors forget to clean up. But the scope was perfectly sized to fit the story of Oliver and the Lady of Automaton Manor, tied up with no loose ends. The characters driven nature ensured the plot explored their adventures internally and externally fully.
Ahhhh and the theme…I loved it. 🥺
The truths subtlety and gently communicated were exquisite.
I love the idea of the Manor and wanting to forget and avoid, feeling of uselessness, struggle to letting ourselves be known. I appreciated the response to those thoughts as well. The characters beautifully grow and change, but it also touched me and prompted me to think. What a beautiful metaphor woven throughout the tale of hearts, girls, and being known. ⚙️
The fanart for this story would be stunning!! ✨
This debut novel, Lady of the Automaton Manor, is enchanting, whimsical, vulnerable, witty, gentle, & introspective, enveloping the reader in a warm embrace.
June 28, 2025
Intrigued by a title that combines European nobility with robots, I read this book over a short school break. The magnified personalities of the automatons provided a interesting story with just an underlying curiosity of how it would all come together. It comes together artfully setting off a great deal of personal introspection. This easy to read, fun and fantastical story offers an inconspicuous commentary on our own personalities as well as our journey toward meaningful purpose. I recommend it to anyone who seeks the hopeful and meaningful side of life even when some of our chapters are painful and scary. The Lady of Automaton Manor will be in my read again - and again - shelf
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews