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Mechanical Dragons #1
Fire & Water
A student at the Pifianka Academy of Polytechniques, Khaly accidentally reveals her magical gifts when she brings her school project, a mechanical dragon, to life.
Forced into hiding from the Guild, a powerful government faction with the sole purpose of destroying all magic, Khaly discovers that the Guild has bigger plans than simply snuffing out all magic; they want complete control of non-magic users as well.
Can Khaly find the Guild's mechanical army and destroy it before they wipe out magic once and for all?
Forced into hiding from the Guild, a powerful government faction with the sole purpose of destroying all magic, Khaly discovers that the Guild has bigger plans than simply snuffing out all magic; they want complete control of non-magic users as well.
Can Khaly find the Guild's mechanical army and destroy it before they wipe out magic once and for all?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
79 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Bobbi Kerr
22 books79 followersYou may be wondering why the author is listed as Bobbi Kerr and the books are published with Bobbi Schemerhorn. I am currently undergoing a rebranding, name change. I will be starting to publish under Bobbi Kerr and soon my books will reflect this as well. Sorry for any confusion on the matter.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 14, 2018
Loved loved loved this book can't wait to start the next one
February 19, 2022
clean and exciting young adult book.
This book is the first of maybe five books in this series. The writing ✍️ is full of great imagination while developing a new type of world with Elementals with different gifts 🎁.
This book takes them out of one danger and the next book is a continuing story of the adventures of two or three teenagers and their adventures to find a safe place to live.
Some of them lost a parent or even both parents. The heroine did not know she was an elemental but needed to learn fast how to use her gift or gifts to help this unlikely threesome to find their safe destination.
So to me this is not a true cliffhanger but this first book set the stage for their continued adventures.
A clean young adult book with a little hint of a possible romance in future books of this series.
I do recommend this book to young adults to whoever enjoys Steam Punk stories.
This book is the first of maybe five books in this series. The writing ✍️ is full of great imagination while developing a new type of world with Elementals with different gifts 🎁.
This book takes them out of one danger and the next book is a continuing story of the adventures of two or three teenagers and their adventures to find a safe place to live.
Some of them lost a parent or even both parents. The heroine did not know she was an elemental but needed to learn fast how to use her gift or gifts to help this unlikely threesome to find their safe destination.
So to me this is not a true cliffhanger but this first book set the stage for their continued adventures.
A clean young adult book with a little hint of a possible romance in future books of this series.
I do recommend this book to young adults to whoever enjoys Steam Punk stories.
February 1, 2015
I loved this story. It kept me interested the whole time and left me wanting more which to me means everything I really didn't want it to end. She made me see the dragons as I was reading about them.
February 16, 2018
This gave me the feels of anime and I am not a huge fan up until now, I really liked it for this book. I loved the quest, what could be more important than saving magic. A incredible start to a new series, and I am super excited to begin the next one.
September 7, 2021
I read the Mechanical Dragons series by Bobbi Schemerhorn. This series was a delightful mix of modern suburbia and horse-and-sword fantasy.
I’ve debated how to write this review because on the one hand, I really loved it. But on the other, there are some things about it that really, really, really bugged me. So, I’m going to alternate positive and negative until I run out of items.
1. I really loved the mix of urban fantasy and horse-and-sword fantasy. And there was no crossing over into another world through some portal to accomplish that. It all happened in the same place, often with in miles of each other, but as a very obvious result of a previous war. At the beginning, I didn’t realize we would be spending so much time traveling by foot to go fight bad guys by hand. But it never felt off or contrived. The flow between the two very different styles of urban fantasy and horse-and-sword felt natural and was easily explained.
2. There was so much yelling! Like, really. The verbs yelled, screamed, and shouted were used more than any other dialogue tag. Including the good old invisible “said.” And frequently, that shouting and screaming occurred when they were trying to be sneaky! Be quiet or the monster will know we’re hiding behind the corner…why are you two yelling at each other? Now, occasionally it made sense since the next thing was that the guard DID notice them because of their screaming, and the skirmish commenced. But frequently, they weren’t noticed. And while I get that some personalities are more abrasive and sarcastic, some of these characters were just flat out mean and rude. While yelling at each other. This did get slightly better toward the end when we got to know them a bit better and they had years of experience in the war…but not much. Too many people had anger control issues. For real.
3. I LOVED the Mechanical Dragons. I love the story of their creation. I love their purpose within this world of magic. I loved their relationships with each other and their creator. I even loved their personalities. I want more stories of just them. Truly.
4. There are many series that are filled with mini-series of duets, trilogies, or quartets that have their own story arc, and then the next mini-series has all of the same characters, but a new story arc. (Personally, I think Nathan Lowell s the master at this.) But usually, I know to expect that. I was no expecting that with this series. Book four wraps up with the end of the war that we’ve been fighting this whole time. And the main group of characters all breaks up into happy couples to continue the good work on different continents. Great. I was happy where it ended. And then I started book five. This is the first book in the next war, with a new set of bad guys. Except books six-whatever aren’t written yet. And I am really, really, seriously unhappy with where book five ends. I highly suggest waiting until a few more books are written before you read book five. Go ahead and buy it…just don’t read it yet.
5. Oddly enough, I really liked that we started out the series with the main characters parents being alive. We got to see her having a great relationship with the two of them. And their love for each other. Of course, that made it harder when they were killed because main characters in fantasy must be orphans. ((smirk)) But I liked that we got so much of them before they had to leave.
Have you read this series? What did you think about it?
I’ve debated how to write this review because on the one hand, I really loved it. But on the other, there are some things about it that really, really, really bugged me. So, I’m going to alternate positive and negative until I run out of items.
1. I really loved the mix of urban fantasy and horse-and-sword fantasy. And there was no crossing over into another world through some portal to accomplish that. It all happened in the same place, often with in miles of each other, but as a very obvious result of a previous war. At the beginning, I didn’t realize we would be spending so much time traveling by foot to go fight bad guys by hand. But it never felt off or contrived. The flow between the two very different styles of urban fantasy and horse-and-sword felt natural and was easily explained.
2. There was so much yelling! Like, really. The verbs yelled, screamed, and shouted were used more than any other dialogue tag. Including the good old invisible “said.” And frequently, that shouting and screaming occurred when they were trying to be sneaky! Be quiet or the monster will know we’re hiding behind the corner…why are you two yelling at each other? Now, occasionally it made sense since the next thing was that the guard DID notice them because of their screaming, and the skirmish commenced. But frequently, they weren’t noticed. And while I get that some personalities are more abrasive and sarcastic, some of these characters were just flat out mean and rude. While yelling at each other. This did get slightly better toward the end when we got to know them a bit better and they had years of experience in the war…but not much. Too many people had anger control issues. For real.
3. I LOVED the Mechanical Dragons. I love the story of their creation. I love their purpose within this world of magic. I loved their relationships with each other and their creator. I even loved their personalities. I want more stories of just them. Truly.
4. There are many series that are filled with mini-series of duets, trilogies, or quartets that have their own story arc, and then the next mini-series has all of the same characters, but a new story arc. (Personally, I think Nathan Lowell s the master at this.) But usually, I know to expect that. I was no expecting that with this series. Book four wraps up with the end of the war that we’ve been fighting this whole time. And the main group of characters all breaks up into happy couples to continue the good work on different continents. Great. I was happy where it ended. And then I started book five. This is the first book in the next war, with a new set of bad guys. Except books six-whatever aren’t written yet. And I am really, really, seriously unhappy with where book five ends. I highly suggest waiting until a few more books are written before you read book five. Go ahead and buy it…just don’t read it yet.
5. Oddly enough, I really liked that we started out the series with the main characters parents being alive. We got to see her having a great relationship with the two of them. And their love for each other. Of course, that made it harder when they were killed because main characters in fantasy must be orphans. ((smirk)) But I liked that we got so much of them before they had to leave.
Have you read this series? What did you think about it?
August 23, 2019
CW/TW: Extreme and sudden death – violent.
It was a quick and easy read. There were mini dragons involved and a smart female main character – I was interested. But that’s all I was – just merely interested. I don’t remember much of this other than a cave? And the school project? There was enough to keep me reading, sure, but there wasn’t enough to keep me involved in the story, and not enough for me to want to read further.
I liked the writing, and the characters, Khaly was probably my favourite character and I do like how spunky she was. And like, yes, tell the superiors off, definitely, because they don’t want to listen to reason – just because they think they’re the better person or more educated – you can always learn from another person. I like the cover – it’s a good drawing and partly why I took it (as I think it was a download now arc).
Do I recommend this: From what I can remember of this was a cute and quick read. Something you could read in a day and maybe carry on with the series. And it has dragons.
It was a quick and easy read. There were mini dragons involved and a smart female main character – I was interested. But that’s all I was – just merely interested. I don’t remember much of this other than a cave? And the school project? There was enough to keep me reading, sure, but there wasn’t enough to keep me involved in the story, and not enough for me to want to read further.
I liked the writing, and the characters, Khaly was probably my favourite character and I do like how spunky she was. And like, yes, tell the superiors off, definitely, because they don’t want to listen to reason – just because they think they’re the better person or more educated – you can always learn from another person. I like the cover – it’s a good drawing and partly why I took it (as I think it was a download now arc).
Do I recommend this: From what I can remember of this was a cute and quick read. Something you could read in a day and maybe carry on with the series. And it has dragons.
October 31, 2022
I am delighted when a book for light and silly reading turns out to be light and silly. A new perspective on a fantasy plot involving mechanics, dragons, magic based in nature and the response of those who are not magical - fear, anger and the urge to destroy.
now it is the first book in a series, and like many authors, the creator of this book is unable or unwilling to actually bring a story to an ending, so you will be faced with a plot that does not resolve - the idea, obviously being to move you into buying the next book in the 5 book series. I enjoyed the book and the characters; I object to the tactic, and so I will - regretfully but obstinately - not continue into the next 4 increasingly expensive levels.
So for what it is - a fun read. Interesting approach to magic. Read it and decide for yourself if you want to go forward.
now it is the first book in a series, and like many authors, the creator of this book is unable or unwilling to actually bring a story to an ending, so you will be faced with a plot that does not resolve - the idea, obviously being to move you into buying the next book in the 5 book series. I enjoyed the book and the characters; I object to the tactic, and so I will - regretfully but obstinately - not continue into the next 4 increasingly expensive levels.
So for what it is - a fun read. Interesting approach to magic. Read it and decide for yourself if you want to go forward.
September 15, 2017
A tale of a quest to save magic! That's a great premise if I've ever heard one. Paired with reminiscent tones of beloved anime such as Fullmetal Alchemist, a touch of DragonAge, and mechanical dragons, this was a quick and enjoyable read. Khaly is a likable and intelligent protagonist and Bobbi did a great job bringing her (and the dragons!) to life. The story started off in way that had me immediately understanding the world and engaging with the characters before winding into a plot with a dark edge that took me all the way to the end, leaving me ready for book two!
I highly recommend "Mechanical Dragons: Fire & Water" for anyone looking for a magical adventure!
I highly recommend "Mechanical Dragons: Fire & Water" for anyone looking for a magical adventure!
June 12, 2018
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 because I loved the mini dragons.
Mechanical Dragons: Fire & Water has a lot of potential, but I felt like it suffered from thin world building and a lack of character development. I liked what was there, but felt like there just wasn't enough detail. It needed *more* to really round out the world and flesh out the characters. I wanted to know more about the society, the history (of the Elementals especially), and the characters themselves. For me the dragons were the best part of the book- I wish there would have been more scenes where they were spotlighted and I hope they have a larger part in the next book in the series.
Mechanical Dragons: Fire & Water has a lot of potential, but I felt like it suffered from thin world building and a lack of character development. I liked what was there, but felt like there just wasn't enough detail. It needed *more* to really round out the world and flesh out the characters. I wanted to know more about the society, the history (of the Elementals especially), and the characters themselves. For me the dragons were the best part of the book- I wish there would have been more scenes where they were spotlighted and I hope they have a larger part in the next book in the series.
April 4, 2023
This is a fantasy story based on the premise of antipathy between people with powers and people without. The venues are quite realistic and the premise stays true throughout the story. There is plenty of action with the author skipping those time periods of learning and training to those with action and conflict. I thoroughly enjoyed the ideas and storyline but those time skips left me feeling a little disjointed on occasion. I do not feel reiterating a storyline is fair to those reading a book as it steals from the enjoyment. I do re immensely this book for those who enjoy the steam punk genre.
July 24, 2021
Fire and water dragons...
What an adventure! Amazing characters in a completely different world. I don't usually really like reading about teenage kids. I'm not sure what I was expecting but this kept me reading into the wee hours of the night. I would definitely like to read the remaining books in this series. If you enjoy dystopian and fantasy then you may want to give this a try. I did enjoy reading this and want more.
What an adventure! Amazing characters in a completely different world. I don't usually really like reading about teenage kids. I'm not sure what I was expecting but this kept me reading into the wee hours of the night. I would definitely like to read the remaining books in this series. If you enjoy dystopian and fantasy then you may want to give this a try. I did enjoy reading this and want more.
November 8, 2022
Excellent - a masterly start to a series involving mechanical dragons accidentally brought to life by an untrained student unaware of her heritage... or the Elemental powers at her command. Rudely awakened when the Guild arrives to seek out and destroy any such gifted , she and two school friends join with the Underground...
Well written and the main characters come to life and develop (as do the dragons, in fact). To be continued!
Well written and the main characters come to life and develop (as do the dragons, in fact). To be continued!
May 27, 2022
A feel for dragons
It's been a while since I've read a fantasy type of book. They are more in line of what my husband reads. But this one looked so interesting I couldn't resist and am glad I didn't. I enjoyed it very much all the way through. I've even told my husband he needs to read it next as he would enjoy it as well.
It's been a while since I've read a fantasy type of book. They are more in line of what my husband reads. But this one looked so interesting I couldn't resist and am glad I didn't. I enjoyed it very much all the way through. I've even told my husband he needs to read it next as he would enjoy it as well.
June 2, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. It brought me in from the first page and didn’t let me go until I was finished! I was sad to see it come to an end, but so excited to discover it’s a series! I can’t wait to open the next one! I think I have found another author to add to my favorites!
May 28, 2019
Reminds me of the Dragon riders of pern.
The elemental magic will be more powerful as the series progresses. The writer will be a little smoother about endings and transitions. Not a bad beginning.
The elemental magic will be more powerful as the series progresses. The writer will be a little smoother about endings and transitions. Not a bad beginning.
July 24, 2021
I like little dragons!
This started out kind of boring but hang in there, it does get good. A few twists I didn't expect but some that should have happened didn't.
Well worth the hour or so it took to read it
This started out kind of boring but hang in there, it does get good. A few twists I didn't expect but some that should have happened didn't.
Well worth the hour or so it took to read it
January 28, 2022
I downloaded Fire and Water, book 1 of the Mechanical Dragons Fantasy series, as a free ebook from Amazon. This book was an imaginative and unexpected delight. I loved the world-building, characters, and story line. Plenty of surprises to keep the reader entertained. Well done.
March 10, 2022
sci-fi
An interesting sci-fi with mechanical dragons coming to life. One star off because story unfinished for next installment. Really left dangling, probably won’t read more because of it.
An interesting sci-fi with mechanical dragons coming to life. One star off because story unfinished for next installment. Really left dangling, probably won’t read more because of it.
December 7, 2023
This book had a good premise but had weird pacing throughout. Big events happened so suddenly without any warning and then a chapter would end on a cliffhanger and then the next chapter would start a month later. A decent read overall though.
January 30, 2024
Could still use a bit of work but quite entertaining! I enjoyed the danger and excitement of the storyline. Some of the time jumps were a but abrupt. Took one star off for unnecessary language. And the relationship with Cheith felt extremely rushed.
July 3, 2018
Good story, weak writing. I want to see this writer evolve and mature. Enjoyed the story though
November 2, 2018
it was interesting and I found it fun to read and was enjoyable
January 11, 2022
Fabulous story
I absolutely loved this book! And I just bought the whole series. I’m looking forward to seeing what the author does with this premise.
I absolutely loved this book! And I just bought the whole series. I’m looking forward to seeing what the author does with this premise.
February 21, 2022
Mechanical Dragons
Really enjoyed reading this very interesting and intriguing book. Highly recommend reading and looking forward to reading more of this type.
Really enjoyed reading this very interesting and intriguing book. Highly recommend reading and looking forward to reading more of this type.
December 5, 2023
Loved it.
February 16, 2025
I liked it.
August 15, 2021
These are great characters. I read it in one sitting.
December 18, 2023
Firstly I would describe this as Fantasy rather than Steam Punk. It's nothing like any Steam Punk book I've read before.
Having said that it's worth a read even if most of the characters are amazingly immature - even for teenagers.
Having said that it's worth a read even if most of the characters are amazingly immature - even for teenagers.
July 31, 2018
She left me wanting more!! I was immediately immersed in this new world and characters lives I felt like they were a part of my family and I needed to know more. I love that the dragons have their own distinct personalities...I couldn’t stop with just one!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews