Cobalt

by Kristin Baker

Katerina Lebel is the sole surviving heir of her father's Cobalt and iron mining businesses, until her overbearing aunt moves in. Kate has a unique quirk that sets her apart from others, who consider her cursed--ever since a childhood accident involving the mysterious and deadly substance Cobalt, she has woken up each morning with a new face. Now almost fourteen and fed up with her aunt's abuse, Kate sneaks onto an airship bound for the distant seaport. Anthia, a hardened and boyish teenage guard, discovers Kate and takes pity on the young stowaway. Disaster soon strikes, and the girls must fight for their lives in a forest teeming with giant, mutated wildlife and murderous trees hungry for human prey. On their journey, they join with some unlikely companions to discover Cobalt's effects on whatever it doesn't kill. And Kate finds secrets deep within the trees that may shape her destiny--if she can make it out of the forest alive.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2019

About the author

As a single mom of six kids and an ever-rotating assortment of pets, it's a miracle Kristin Baker remembers to put her pants on, let alone finds the time to write books. But her obsession with steampunk, pirates, and fantasy keeps her sane--or maybe just the right amount of insane. She currently lives in Boise, Idaho, but dreams of the Oregon Coast. Kristin sporadically blogs about her life and projects at fairiesandpirates.wordpress.com.

Reviews

[Meg loves to read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flying pirate ships. Magical creatures. And a cursed forest. "Harry Potter" meets "Pirates of the Caribbean" in this action packed steampunk YA fantasy.

Cobalt-touched, Katerina (Kate) Lebel has always felt like an outsider, but when her father disappears after a factory accident she is now orphaned too. Young Kate is left in the care of her cruel aunt, but after years of abuse Kate runs away and finds herself on an airship bound for a distant seaport. There she makes an unlikely friend, Anthia. Both girls soon find themselves in trouble in the cursed forest where the trees literally come alive (and not in the friendly LOTR way) and the monsters run wild. But it's in the deep dark forest, between the roots, that Kate discovers who she truly is and what she trying can become.

This is a coming of age story jammed pack with magic and adventure. Kristin Baker writes an incredible story. I was first intrigued by the story plot, but soon hooked by Kristin Baker's fantastic storytelling and memorable characters. I found myself laughing out loud and crying tears. Baker's characters held depth and I found myself cheering for Kate every step of the way. I love LOVE strong female leads, who have incredible problem solving skills. This book had it all.

I cannot wait to see what Kate discovers next in future books. I hope there are future books! And I expect more great things from talented and witty author, Krstin Baker.

If you are a fan of "The Girl who Drank the Moon" or "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" then this book is for you. Or if you are just a fan of remarkable storytelling with multilayered characters then this book is also for you.