It’s 1879 and seventeen-year-old Theodocia Hews is out of control. Her inventor father Orin Hews tried to raise her to be a proper lady, but Theo says and does whatever she wants. Since girls aren't supposed to be inventors, she’s secretly building her own airship up on the roof of their house. When her father is attacked and his valuable invention is stolen, she sets out in her untested airship to get her father’s contraption back. She'd better hurry. Her father's contract with his buyer expires in three days and without it they’re ruined.The airship lifts off but things get complicated when Theo finds an unintended passenger aboard. Henry Caracticus Thorne—the thief she'd spotted that very morning making off with things in the market—is an altogether unsuitable companion. But he's unlike anyone she's ever met before, he's willing to help, and he's drop-dead gorgeous. As they soar through the sky in the close quarters of Theo's airship, it’s not just the steam engine heating up.Theo has a hunch who took her father's invention. Will she manage to catch the culprit before it’s too late? What did that strange lightning storm do to Theo and Henry? And will Theo give in to her heart and act on her growing feelings for Henry?The Adventures of Theodocia Hews is a humorous YA steampunk adventure/romance series set in 1879 Cincinnati in an alternate universe where the evil institution of slavery was abolished shortly after the United States was founded, the Civil War never happened, crazy inventions are commonplace, and steam power rules!
Nooce Miller began her writing career working as a technical and medical writer, but in spite of (or perhaps because of) that experience she has an enduring love for fantasy fiction. She enjoys traveling internationally with her husband and taking walks through her local woods and fields to experience the four glorious Midwestern seasons. She was born and raised in southwestern Ohio and currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.
I have never read a steambook before. It was pretty cool. The mannerisms and style of dress were reminiscient of Victorian to me. So that was fun. And all the gadgets were steam or coal powered. Really, it was like reading about a different kind of fantasy. I liked it a lot. The flow of the book was steady with some great actions scenes. The dialogue wasn't the best but the action made up for it. Also, the end was pretty hilarious to me. Anyway, moving on to the characters.
Theo is a hard headed girl. I say girl because its easy to see she is not as mature as I would expect a person her age to be. But I guess that is the era that they live in. She is incredibly stubborn, strong willed and I feel like she has an idealistic view of the world. Maybe a little sheltered. She seems to get offended easily. Like with the teasing. Although I think that has to do with the gender roles in this genre.
Henry is a sweet laid back street urchin who is down on his luck. I liked him immediately. More that Theo actually. He does what he needs to do to survive and take care of his grandmother. This I can relate too. The road to hell is paved with good intentions and all that jazz. Plus, he is helpful and charming. Those traits are enough to endear me to him.
Favorite quote:
Among my family and friends, I must confess, I am not known for my outward quietness in the best of situations. I coolly contemplated the three of them for a moment, but could not hold my tongue. "Hell is empty and all the devils are here."
2.5 stars for a great setting, a good idea, but a bad realization. The protagonist Theo was pleasant with her impulsiveness and she learned through the whole plot, I liked that very much. However, the whole story was told in a really boring way although there were some situations that could have been really exciting. Moreover, the typical humor of steam punk stories was missing.
The cover of this book was the first thing that caught my eye. And after reading the description, I knew that I wanted to read it, so while I was at UtopYA Con, I picked up a copy of the book and got it signed by the author (and had a lovely conversation with her). I started reading it on my trip home.
What I found inside the book was exactly as I had expected: a fiesty, impulsive young woman who prides herself on her inventions, especially her new aetherigible. She finds herself needing to use her untested invention to recover one of her father's inventions and her adventure begins. Through a series of upsets and obstacles, Theo continues moving forward, determined to get to the end of her quest. And quest this is. Although I would not call this book formulaic, it does follow quite nicely along a hero's quest path. I knew something would happen to Theo to keep her from her task, but the author did a great job of surprising at each twist and turn of the plot, including a rather intense scene aboard a train.
Theo's character is somewhat stereotypical in that she's a strong-willed young woman who acts rather impulsively. But she never feels like a flat stereotype. The author brings Theo off the page fully fleshed out and with some fantastic lines of dialogue. I felt an instant connection with this character and want to find out more about her (very glad this is a series and I can indeed do so in future books!). And Theo's companion, Henry, is a rather enigmatic young man. As a reader, I found myself feeling about him much as Theo did, wanting to put faith and trust in him but never quite knowing if it was appropriate to do so. What was a lie and what was the truth. All in all, a great main character and "sidekick."
The storyline and action moved forward nicely and it never felt like it was just plodding along (which some books with lengthy travel sequences can feel like). Each bit of the story moved either the plot or the characters along and it was hard to put the book down. I was rather sad when I got to the end of the book (especially as there were a fair number of pages left at the end so I wasn't expecting the story to end as soon as it did). I will definitely be getting the sequel as soon as it is available.
The extra pages at the end include a short section from the next book (which I always skip because I can't stand reading a section from a book and not being able to continue with it!) as well as some historical notes about the geography and history used in the book. It was quite interesting to read about the historical connections to details in the story.
My only complaint is that the book could use a proofreading (just a proofreading, not copy editing) as there were some typos (words left out, a misspelling, comma errors) that should have been caught. But they were not enough to take me out of my overall enjoyment of the book.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Love steampunk! This story is set back in the 1800's and in a setting where women are to know there place and always be prim and proper. Theo is a 17 year old girl who is an inventor but is not your average girl. She understands her place but she is also very strong willed with a sharp tongue. She finds herself in a predicament when her father's invention gets stolen. She leaves on a whim in her prototype flying machine, but she has a surprise stow away. Following Theo and Henry on their fantastical adventure is a fun ride. Just when they think things are going to go their way, another obstacle gets in their way. Theo needs to get her father's invention back so they don't lose their home. With the help of Henry it is a non stop adventure that will leave you wanting more. This is the first book I have read by this author but I look forward for more. A must read!
I don't have much experience reading Historical Steampunk but I may read more because of how much I enjoyed reading this book. I love the phrases, the wardrobe, and the modes of transportation from days gone by. The Rooftop Inventor had me laughing out loud and routing for Theo. It was quite the adventure and I loved every minute.
When an invention is stole from her father, inventor Theo sets off to retrieve it herself. In her own "aetheridgible", she crosses the country by air in the company of a thief and straight into danger.
Theo was great fun. She was determined and stubborn and clever. She does have a tendency to fly off the handle but it proves she isn't perfect. Her decisions made sense for her character.
The plot was fun, if a little predictable.
For YA readers who enjoy steampunk adventures, you won't go wrong with this one.
I almost put this down as soon as I saw it was written first person. But it was written by someone who was in a writing group I was once a part of, so I decided to give it a chance. The world is seen through the eyes of a 15 yo girl. She is smart as a whip, an inventor, stubborn, and a tad impulsive. The story was clever. Overall a fun read.
Steampunk YA with a girl inventor who has her own airship? What's not to love about that combination?
Miller really hit it out of the park with her heroine, Throdocia Hews. Theo has great motivation, a massive personality, and very clear knowledge of who she is. Her place in society is clear, her being a young woman in the bottom part of high society, but it holds no real draw for her. The fact that she wants to break some conventions-- being a lady inventor, for example-- doesn't mean she falls into that sterotype of the girl who wishes she were a boy. She had no delusions that there's anything stopping her from being a girl. And in some ways, she's extremely feminine. She is who she is. Does she wish she had a pair of trousers a few times during the book? Sure! But not for cross-dressing or identity-hiding purposes. Just to get her skirts out of the way. But she doesn't hate her skirts. It's a delicious balance of being who she is and being someone she wants society to accept. While a struggle, it isn't really the point of the novel. It's part of her life, not the focus, and I love that about this book.
This is, in reality, an adventure. Theo and her companion Henry fly across two states to try and get back one of her father's inventions that was stolen. The trials and obstacles they go through are numerous and varied, making it a journey of highs and lows. And the ending goes in a couple directions I never expected, giving me some great twists to sink my teeth into. I will need to look into the next one in the series. Theo is a character I want to come back and watch grow up.
The Rooftop Inventor by Nooce Miller is the first novel in the Adventures of Theodocia Hews Series. This was the first novel I have read by this author and I have to say I don’t think it will be my last.
Theodocia “Theo” Hews is a seventeen year old young lady with a dream. She knows she has to be a proper lady, but secretly she wants to be an inventor, just like her father. So she’s building her own airship on the roof of her house in secret. She has been alone with her father for a long time and loves him to the moon and back. So when her father is attacked in their own home and his latest invention is stolen, she knows what to do. She takes her airship in the air and gives chase to get her father’s invention back.
Henry Thorne has lost his family at an early age and was raised by his grandmother. To keep food on the table in the winter, he steals from time to time. So when he is on the run for the police, he sees the only escape will be to hide in the airship on top of Theo’s roof. Sometime later he finds himself in the air with the lovely lady Theo. After hearing her story he wants to help her get the item back and help Theo to save their home. But Henry isn’t totally honest with Theo, when they are getting closer and closer, he has a secret he needs to tell her.
I have to say I really love this story, it’s an easy read and very enjoyable. I love the characters; Theo is smart, strong and very talented. Henry turns out to be exactly the young man I hoped he would be.
I’m looking forward to read the next book in this Adventure series.
Rooftop Inventor is a good story. I found it to be fun and interesting. Just the thought of building an airship and setting off on an adventure sounds so exhilarating. I love the personalities that Nooce Miller gave the main characters. Theo is a little spitfire who too often speaks her mind. She is rejected as an inventor, but she still pushes forward. Her travel companion Henry is a known thief, but you can tell through Nooce’s writing that there is so much more to him. Little bits of information about him are revealed throughout the story, which goes to show we should never judge a book by its cover. Together these two characters make a great team, but since they are both strong minded they butt heads often.
The journey comes loaded with little surprises that would have me wondering, what in the world could happen next. It did start off a little slow, but once the story picked up it kept my interest till the end. This YA Steampunk novel is definitely worth the read.
Rooftop Inventor is about a young female inventor ahead of her time. After Theodocia’s father was attacked and robbed she sets off on an adventure in the airship she had secretly built on her roof, to get the stolen item back before it is too late. To her surprise she finds a stowaway aboard as she lifts off. Now Theo and Henry race against time to catch up with the thieves and find themselves in a lot of trouble along the way. It seems like everything is working against them. Will Theo succeed?
Theo was a delightful strong willed talented young female inventor who was not taken seriously. She was completely loyal to her adoring father and when he is attacked and his invention is stolen Theo goes on a sky soaring adventure in the airship she built. As she starts her adventures the thief Henry was trying to use her airship as an escape from the police.
Henry turns out to be sort of a gentleman who just might know what he is talking about if Theo can overlook the fact he is a thief and pretty much a stowaway. But when Theo starts seeing Henry in a new light things start to happen and she ends up brokenhearted ( not that she would like to admit it).
Backstabbing, lying, humor, be grudging romance, wonderful characters, great adventure story with action, airships, steam vehicles and other great inventions.
I found this story to be extremely enjoyable and an easy read that I started and finished in a few hours during the night. I think anyone who likes smart characters and a fun action filled steampunk adventure with light romance would enjoy this book.
I am looking forward to the next adventure with Theodocia Hews.
17-year-old Theodocia Hews is the daughter of inventor Orin Hews...and an inventor herself! Set in the late 1800s in Ohio, USA, this novel is different from other steampunk novels set in London, etc. Theodocia (or Theo) invents and builds her own airship on her father's roof. When her father finds himself at the edge of debt and is beaten during a theft of his latest invention (that could have saved the family from losing their home), Theo hops aboard her airship and heads off to get the invention back...but she has a stowaway who may or may not be the thief he seems to be. Full of wardrobe malfunctions which were probably quite prevalent in those days and bouts of ingenuity, The Rooftop Inventor was a step outside the ordinary. I wouldn't call it romance. It wasn't ridiculously steampunk, either, though I'll admit I haven't read much of that genre. Nice story flow without being boring. Miller resolved the plot but left it open for a possible series. At the end, there was a preview of a #2 in the series, but I haven't seen it offered anywhere...I'd read it. Certainly kept my attention for a few hours.
probably the strangest book I've ever read, but the bizarre quality is what made it stand out as original and just very different from anything else in this genre. The main character is the daughter of an inventor, and naturally she has picked up on her father's skills as well- but the problem is that a "female inventor" is not highly regarded during the time period the book takes place in (the date is never very clear). There are a couple twists in the story, but the main plot revolves around Theo racing to stop two thieves who have stolen her father's invention. Along for the ride is Henry, who ends up on her adventure by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The plot does not focus much on their kindling romance, though it is clear they begin to have feelings for each other as the book goes on. I really did like Theo, even if she was a tad stubborn for her own good. This isn't one of those 'stay up all night till you finish' books, but nonetheless it is something you want to keep reading till you finish.
Thoroughly enjoyed this fun read. The characters are well developed and likable, which for me is a must. I like female protagonists with moxy, especially when they are fighting to be taken seriously. Theo has her flaws but that makes her more interesting. I'm glad there will be a book 2!
Merged review:
Characters shine in fun steampunk romp
I recommend this book to those who like plucky heroines who fight against the roles forced upon them by society. Theo is impetuous but oh so fun! The setting is a good twist, as most steam punk books happen in England. Cincinnati and the country between it and Chicago was an interesting choice that added to my enjoyment. Hard to put down, I finished it in three sittings. Great book! Highly recommend.
I loved this book. Not only do I love dressing Steampunk once in awhile (goggles, tiny hat, slightly Victorian dress...), but I enjoy playing any videos games that are considered in the genre and reading stories too. I haven't read too many full-length Steampunk novels, but I definitely want to check out more after reading "The Rooftop Inventor." Theodocia Hews is a strong, independent, young woman who wants nothing more to become an inventor like her father. She does it in secret, but soon needs to use of of her untested inventions to chase some thieves.
I enjoyed the touches of Steampunk mixed with Victorian class and culture. A fun read for sure! There is some Romance, but not an overwhelming element to the story. Check it out!
It started out a cute story about a 17 yr old girl, Theo who's trying to be "a lady" (as dictated by the patriarchy of the Victorian era) and not do inventions or experiments. However, about 10% there was 3 pages of Theo going off on two women who tried to "use their feminine wiles" to get her father to buy their product. Really, the jealousy the author obviously had for attractive women was so off putting I wasn't interested in the actual story anymore. A passing mention would have made the point, but 3 pages of complaining about other women's cleavage just makes it obvious you're using a book as a soap box for your envy of other women's bodies. It's a shame, b/c it was probably a cute story, too.
Loved the determined Theo's adventures steaming across the 1800's midwest! She's the kind of girl you want to be, creative and unafraid of anything new, including her stowaway Henry! What a pair. :)
The Rooftop Inventor was my first read in the streamline genre, and it was a lot of fun! Theo is a likeable heroine whose adventure turns the pages at a fast pace. I look forward to more novels from Nooce Miller.