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Cog: and the Steel Tower
Thirteen-year-old Cog loved getting her hands greasy in her Uncle's workshop and building the occasional mud-cannon before the return of her mother knocked her life completely off its rails. Before long she's stowing away on a royal airship and tricking her way into a dream apprenticeship with the Queen's master engineer by pretending to be a boy. But her situation takes a dangerous turn when she discovers a plot to assassinate the Queen and throw the kingdom into war. If she can keep her identity a secret despite her best friend developing a crush on her alter ego, unravel the deadly conspiracy, and keep the demanding master engineer happy, then maybe she can have the future she's always wanted. Keeping hidden identities and saving kingdoms may not be the same as fixing a steam wagon or an auto-mechanical potion mixer, but Cog has a set of precision screwdrivers and she isn't afraid to use them. Follow Cog's rollicking adventure as she uses her wits and ingenuity to find friendship, trust, and justice in a colorful but sometimes unforgiving steampunk world full of mechanical mayhem.
270 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2016
4 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
W.E. Larson
1 book7 followersW.E. Larson was born in Manhattan -- the Kansas one -- and raised mostly in Topeka Kansas. He went to college in San Antonio at Trinity University where he earned a degree in Physics. After the cancellation of the Superconducting Super Collider, he decided to seek his fortune with software engineering instead. He has worked as a software engineer at a variety of companies, carefully avoiding ones that have a big IPO that makes all the employees rich.
An interest in programming started back in middle school where he wasted time in computer lab writing video games on one of the school's Apple IIe, learning a lot more than the class was teaching. He still has the Atari 400 he parents got him back then. With that kind of nerd potential he naturally gravitated to reading lots of science fiction and fantasy.
Eventually, he gained an interest in writing his own fantastical tales and has written three fantasy novels. Cog and the Steel Tower is the first one ready for public consumption.
Currently, he lives in the Kansas City metro with his wife, two kids, and three dogs. He normally goes by the name Erik Larson, but decided on W.E. Larson for a pen name since there is already a well-known author with his name.
An interest in programming started back in middle school where he wasted time in computer lab writing video games on one of the school's Apple IIe, learning a lot more than the class was teaching. He still has the Atari 400 he parents got him back then. With that kind of nerd potential he naturally gravitated to reading lots of science fiction and fantasy.
Eventually, he gained an interest in writing his own fantastical tales and has written three fantasy novels. Cog and the Steel Tower is the first one ready for public consumption.
Currently, he lives in the Kansas City metro with his wife, two kids, and three dogs. He normally goes by the name Erik Larson, but decided on W.E. Larson for a pen name since there is already a well-known author with his name.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 26, 2016
This book was one of the best book I have read in a long while. The characters and setting was really well done. The plot was good and the action was engaging. However, That is not what made it stand apart from the crowd. Other books have the same qualities yet don't leave a lasting impression upon you. This one does. I believe it is the way the kid inside us all is pulled to the surface and given new life. It was filled with ... light and wonder. It reminded me that reading used to lift me up rather than pull me down. In our dark and worrisome lives, it is good to let in the light and let it shine.
October 3, 2016
With grease, gears and a girl named Cog, this steampunk adventure shoots off with full speed action and refuses to slow down until the very last page.
Thirteen-year-old Cog is as delightful as her name. She's not a frilly type of girl, not that she has anything against lacy dresses, but nothing fits better to the world of mechanics than a sturdy pair of britches and short hair. And this girl has talent too. When her real mother appears and wants to 'improve' Cog's life, the true adventure begins.
This is simply a fun story. The first scene already captures the imagination as Cog and her best friend prepare to launch a muddy slime ball with Cog's latest invention and insure that a snotty girl in their class won't be bothering them anymore. It's impossible not to smile as that slime goes splat. But no matter how evil this might sounds, Cog is anything but mean. She's got heart, spunk and keeps her chin up no matter how rotten things get. This constant spark with a bit of rascal thrown in, wins sympathy and the wish that she could be your best friend.
In this story, Cog not only has to master her own problems but finds herself in layers of mystery and intrigue. The truth is well hidden, making it impossible to guess what the true outcome will be. There are so many interesting characters, each with their own histories and quirks, which make it impossible to guess who the real 'bad guys' are. But then, Cog has enough problems of her own as she struggles to keep even more secrets. It's a fun, multi-layered excitement the entire way through with lots of fun gadgets and machines thrown in.
Of course, there are several lessons thrown in as well. Cog learns the difficulty of making friends and how important trust can be. Other topics such as self-confidence, getting to know others before judging them and battling prejudices are also addressed. Readers will have no trouble placing themselves in the same situations and relating to Cog as she battles to make her way through.
Summed up, this is a great adventure for friends of gears and fantasy, especially ages 9 to 12 (although older readers are sure to enjoy it too). I hope that this isn't the last we'll see of Cog since she's definitely the type of girl who won't be happy if things get dull and even greater adventures are sure to be on their way.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thirteen-year-old Cog is as delightful as her name. She's not a frilly type of girl, not that she has anything against lacy dresses, but nothing fits better to the world of mechanics than a sturdy pair of britches and short hair. And this girl has talent too. When her real mother appears and wants to 'improve' Cog's life, the true adventure begins.
This is simply a fun story. The first scene already captures the imagination as Cog and her best friend prepare to launch a muddy slime ball with Cog's latest invention and insure that a snotty girl in their class won't be bothering them anymore. It's impossible not to smile as that slime goes splat. But no matter how evil this might sounds, Cog is anything but mean. She's got heart, spunk and keeps her chin up no matter how rotten things get. This constant spark with a bit of rascal thrown in, wins sympathy and the wish that she could be your best friend.
In this story, Cog not only has to master her own problems but finds herself in layers of mystery and intrigue. The truth is well hidden, making it impossible to guess what the true outcome will be. There are so many interesting characters, each with their own histories and quirks, which make it impossible to guess who the real 'bad guys' are. But then, Cog has enough problems of her own as she struggles to keep even more secrets. It's a fun, multi-layered excitement the entire way through with lots of fun gadgets and machines thrown in.
Of course, there are several lessons thrown in as well. Cog learns the difficulty of making friends and how important trust can be. Other topics such as self-confidence, getting to know others before judging them and battling prejudices are also addressed. Readers will have no trouble placing themselves in the same situations and relating to Cog as she battles to make her way through.
Summed up, this is a great adventure for friends of gears and fantasy, especially ages 9 to 12 (although older readers are sure to enjoy it too). I hope that this isn't the last we'll see of Cog since she's definitely the type of girl who won't be happy if things get dull and even greater adventures are sure to be on their way.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2016
A Steampunk (or Gearpunk?) Story of Girl Power and Non-stop Action with a Shakespearean Gender-bending Twist.
Corinna, a thirteen-year-old girl nicknamed Cog, has grown up with her uncle and grandmother in a backwater town. The uncle is an expert repairman and has taught Cog how to repair almost any device she might encounter. Her mother shows up, taking Cog away for ulterior motives. When Cog learns of this, she runs away, pretending to be a boy, and ends up in an apprenticeship to the Royal Engineer.
She befriends a couple of apprentices in other professions, uncovers a plot and . . . well you know.
Once the plot is uncovered, it’s a nonstop action ride where Cog suffers setback after setback: in her relationships with her friends, in her apprenticeship, and in her attempts to foil the plot.
I think this novel is appropriate for ages 9 through adult. Cog values her friendships, but romance is not part of her life yet. Though she dresses as a boy and likes to tinker with machines, she also has a bit of a girly side. Most readers will grow to like Cog and hope she succeeds.
Corinna, a thirteen-year-old girl nicknamed Cog, has grown up with her uncle and grandmother in a backwater town. The uncle is an expert repairman and has taught Cog how to repair almost any device she might encounter. Her mother shows up, taking Cog away for ulterior motives. When Cog learns of this, she runs away, pretending to be a boy, and ends up in an apprenticeship to the Royal Engineer.
She befriends a couple of apprentices in other professions, uncovers a plot and . . . well you know.
Once the plot is uncovered, it’s a nonstop action ride where Cog suffers setback after setback: in her relationships with her friends, in her apprenticeship, and in her attempts to foil the plot.
I think this novel is appropriate for ages 9 through adult. Cog values her friendships, but romance is not part of her life yet. Though she dresses as a boy and likes to tinker with machines, she also has a bit of a girly side. Most readers will grow to like Cog and hope she succeeds.
July 7, 2016
Cog and the Steel Tower is an endearingly eccentric novel with a quirky protagonist, an enjoyable setting, and heart-warming friendships. Cog is relateable, her struggles and concerns are both realistic and suited to the setting. The steampunk-like settings with its airships and other gadgets, is brought to life through great descriptions and humorous dialogue. The colorful characters are distinct, varied, and their interactions with Cog are delightful to read.
I particularly enjoyed scenes involving the strict-seeming miss Renholtz, who stands in as a mother-figure, the grumpy engineer, Mack, and the Twelfth Night -like gender disguises with attached romantic sub-plot. For anyone that enjoys creative, capable, young main characters, tinkering with devices, and a fast-paced story, this is an excellent read, even for younger readers.
I'm very glad I brought my copy along for a multi-hour train journey as it made for a pleasant trip spent absorbed in a good book.
I particularly enjoyed scenes involving the strict-seeming miss Renholtz, who stands in as a mother-figure, the grumpy engineer, Mack, and the Twelfth Night -like gender disguises with attached romantic sub-plot. For anyone that enjoys creative, capable, young main characters, tinkering with devices, and a fast-paced story, this is an excellent read, even for younger readers.
I'm very glad I brought my copy along for a multi-hour train journey as it made for a pleasant trip spent absorbed in a good book.
September 10, 2016
won on goodreads
great characters, nicely written story
great characters, nicely written story
June 6, 2016
From the first chapter I was hooked. As in it took people saying my name three times to get my attention. Cog is a 13 year old girl with an unusual upbringing. She loves engines and machines
But Cog is a girl in a world with strong boundaries between girl and boy.
The first chapter is excellent . It sums up a lot of a 13 year old girls life
Characters are well drawn.
Mischief,mayhem,and machines
Read the first chapter - you'll be hooked
But Cog is a girl in a world with strong boundaries between girl and boy.
The first chapter is excellent . It sums up a lot of a 13 year old girls life
Characters are well drawn.
Mischief,mayhem,and machines
Read the first chapter - you'll be hooked
September 10, 2020
A cute story about a girl wanting to be an engineer. I never read anything that is completely steampunk, I have came across book that have some streampunk-ist elements to it. I can't say for sure.
I hard there might be a sequel to Cog and the steel tower. Anyways this is a great start to a wonderful series. Hopefully get to learn more about the world this book take place in. If there a sequel.
I hard there might be a sequel to Cog and the steel tower. Anyways this is a great start to a wonderful series. Hopefully get to learn more about the world this book take place in. If there a sequel.
May 23, 2016
Fun read
Entertaining read for YA, 4-7grade. Strong female lead with emphasise on STEM skills to solve problems. Cog is a great character.
Entertaining read for YA, 4-7grade. Strong female lead with emphasise on STEM skills to solve problems. Cog is a great character.
June 26, 2016
I loved this book. I really look forward to reading another book from this author. I loved the characters. Thank you for this book.
December 14, 2016
A completely delightful read, especially for middle school-aged kids. Cog is a plucky heroine off on an epic adventure in a steampunk-inspired world.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews