The Clockwork Solution

The Clockwork Chronicles #2

by Michelle D. Sonnier

Treated with disdain by her family her entire life for not living up to their expectations-or prophesy-Arabella Leyden forges her own path and attains her greatest to join the Sisterhood of Witches, doing so in a manner no one ever anticipated.   As the first-ever technomancer, the way before her is fraught with peril. Can she survive the machinations of her order, or be ground between the gears of reluctant progress?   More important yet, can she succeed at her first  find the root cause of the famine sweeping through Ireland? A task that has already claimed two witches of the Sortilege line.   Her future hangs in the balance... perhaps even her very life...

250 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2022

About the author

Michelle D. Sonnier is an author of dark urban fantasy and classic horror, with occasional forays into other genres, such as steampunk and science fiction, as the story inspiration takes her. She enjoys writing anything that lets her combine the weird and fantastic in unexpected ways. She is particularly fascinated by the shades of gray in human behavior and took it as a great compliment when a reader said of her characters, “no one is pure.” She also enjoys sly dark humor and complex character relationships that draw you in deep and make you care. She admires Charles de Lint and Margaret Atwood, and is discovering the joys of Nnedi Okorafor and N.K. Jemisin. She enjoys reading a broad variety of books, and uses the annual Book Riot Read Harder Challenge to push her in new reading directions.
Ms. Sonnier has published short stories in a variety of print and online venues, as well as a collection of short stories, Charmed City, and a novel, The Clockwork Witch. She has upcoming projects with eSpec Books and Otter Libris. She lives in Maryland with her husband, son, and a variable number of cats.

Reviews

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fast-paced YA steampunk fantasy set in 1800s England. Arabella, the first witch whose magic works with technology, faces great danger at home because there are many witches who do not believe that magic and technology work together and even willing to kill her. So, she is sent with her sister to see if they can figure out a solution to the famine in Ireland and the ill-treatment witches receive there. But they soon find out that things aren’t any safer in Ireland and in England…

This is a world that is filled with the challenges and excitements brought about by the Industrial Revolution as well as class, race and gender prejudices which strictly define a person’s role in society and what they can do. Throw in magic that only women can do creates a rich world of material to mine for storylines. It can be difficult for a writer to give all of these subjects the attention they deserve.

I felt that there were a lot of questions raised in Ireland that were not answered. Also, the problems in Ireland are deep rooted and wouldn’t be solved just by finding a solution to the potato blight. Most farmers still do not have enough arable land to reliably produce food for their families and the hatred of witches isn’t going to go away anytime soon. It feels that Arabella or some other witches would have to go back to Ireland and spend more time there to really begin to solve the problems (which definitely does not seem to be likely to happen any time soon). I do like that the writer is showing that the answer isn’t just in magic or in technology. Together they can achieve more than just one or the other.

The writer did a good job in showing the volatile passion of a teenager. Arabella acts like she is the only one who has ever seen some of the problems with the witch trials (that took place in the first book). She doesn’t see there are problems with just deciding to change everything out of the blue. There are real reasons why they can’t be (though sometimes that is just an excuse for nothing to ever change). Arabella just wants to charge into situations and change them. She begins to see in this book that the world is more complex. But that doesn’t mean that she can’t do some things immediately.

I also thought the writer did a good job in show how encompassing love (or infatuation, it is too early to tell) is as a teenager. Arabella and her beau are sweet together but not everything is perfect in paradise…

This is the second in a series. I didn’t read the first one and I could understand what was going on. But I definitely felt that I was missing things by not having read the first book before this one. I would be interested in reading others in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Clockwork Chronicles series. Since it leads off directly after the first one, I would suggest reading the first book before this one.

I must say, I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one. The author delves into the concept of the main characters powers more and has the writing is more theirs this time around. More experience went into this book.

We once again follow Arabella, a witch of technomancy, a power no witch has possessed before now. The rest of the witch community is divided. Some see Arabella as hope for the future while others see her as an abomination. Before now, witches and technology did not mix.

In order to protect Arabella from those who wish her harm, her mother sent her and her sister, Rowena, to Ireland to help find a solution to the blight that is affecting crops causing starving families. Witches in the past have tried to no avail. Can Arabella bring a new light to this blight?

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from the first book in the series we pick back up the story of Arabella. When I started reading this book I wasn't sure which direction it would go in, given how unexpected I found the first book to be. I thought this book was a great follow on. I still struggled to connect with the main character, and I did feel like I enjoyed the first book a bit more, but I found myself connecting with the storyline just like with the first. I think part of what intrigues me with this series is that fact that I can't decide what genre it would fall under. There is a little mix of everything thrown in there. This as a good book and I will be reading the next one.

[Heather Bass · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author and she blew me away on her storytelling. This is the second book from the clockwork chronicles. I read this book as a stand alone but now I need to read the first book to get the story better. I was hooked on that story right away and I could not put it down. It only took me a little over a day to devour this addictive story.

Arabella Layden was not loved by her family. They treated her like a burden instead. She is so excited when the time has come when she could go on her own. Arabella leaves her home to chase her dream of becoming a witch. She is shocked when she gets her wish but not in the normal way. Arabella is now assigned to find out why the famine is sweeping through Ireland. She needs to be very careful because this assignment has already claimed two other witches. Will Arabella be able to figure out the problem or will it be too dangerous for her?

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to be a bit brutally honest for a moment here because this is a review and well I have an opinion lol… This book was completely nothing what I thought it would be. In fact it was ten times better and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really loved it and want more. I just happen to be one of those weirdos that tend to judge books by their covers and this book, well, it doesn’t do it for me. And it pigeon holes it into a category that won’t snag the group of readers that this book needs to snag because it is that good. It needs a bright beautiful steampunk, catch your eye cover. The adventures inside don’t match the little house on the prairie on the cover.

With that I feel better and this book was amazing. If steampunk adventure fantasy reads are your thing, this book will blow your mind. I was whisked away to this new world of adventure with Arabella and I am super excited to find out more with future books! This is a new author to me and I really love how she writes with such vigor and passion, it really shows in the story and character development. The side characters are just as fun as the main ones. I will definitely be back for more and look forward to sharing this one with my teenagers.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and having read book one I was keen to be back with the heroine of the story, Arabella. As the first ever technomancer in a long line of gifted witches Arabella is used to being a disappointment to her family, but she has joined the ‘Sisterhood of Witches’. Arabella has a lot to prove and wants to succeed at her first assignment, although the task has already claimed two lives. She must find the root cause of the famine sweeping through Ireland whilst knowing that both her future and even her life are at risk. The wonderful world building really brought the setting to life making me feel immersed in the story. The storyline is exciting and had me gripped from the start, and the plot twists kept me guessing. I loved Arabella even more in this second book in the series, as her character has developed as she’s grown into her powers. An enjoyable and engaging read, which kept me hooked.

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accepted into the sisterhood! Well not without ire and reservations of some. The Clockwork Solution brings us back to Arabella’s story. I feel she holds a lot of cards in her favor as she did previously.
This book pretty much picks up where book 1 ended.
Disowned but accepted definitely leaves our main character struggling with decisions about her future. Aside from the fact her life is still in danger. Arabella’s mother decides to send her to Ireland so she can update on their famine issues. Dangerous in its own way to witches, Arabella's mother feels it’s the safest place for her.
Which direction does Arabella choose?
Is Ireland really the safer bet?
You want answers? Well then you have to dig in!
I do like this book better than the first book, but anyone who is interested in this story really should read book 1 first.

[Margo Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Clockwork Solution” is a great sequel to “The Clockwork Witch.” It answers a lot of nagging questions while raising a lot more. And that made me curious and excited to keep reading and discover what happens in response to those questions. It extends the both realistic and wonderfully fantastic world-building of the prequel. And, in doing so, it creates a fun magic-filled experience that also elicits a true conversation about society’s systemic problems and how hard they can be to solve, about the complexities and challenges of family, and about the excitement of romantic relationships. I have loved getting to know the characters and relate to them on a personal level. This is honestly one of my favorites and I think it will remain so for a long time.

[Cathy Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clockwork Solution is an interesting story with a strong young witch who wants to not only do the right thing but also prove herself. Arabella has a strange magic technomancy that no one has really seen before and she is determined to prove her magic is just as strong as anyone else's. Having been shipped off for her "protection" to investigate an issue that no one else seems to be to able to solve Arabella is thrust into a dangerous mystery that pushes her to her limits both magical and emotional.  A great read and I would highly recommend reading this series.

[Lyndsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arabella has returned and this time she is off on an adventure along with her sister. I was very excited to see a situation we were presented with at the beginning of the first book became the main focus of this book.

The author once again does a great job at create a world where technology and magic must try and work together. However again like the first book I really couldn’t fall in love with it. It’s still a solid story and the characters really help bring it to life but it felt a little slow to me.

[Cindy Rushin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like reading books that about witches, but this book had a bit of a twist which I found interesting. I have not ever read a book about a witch that had control over technology and I found that intriguing. This book had some adventures and suspense, it also had some laughs and love. If you enjoy stories about witches that have a bit of a twist then I highly recommend this book to you.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up where book 1 left off. Arabella really grows this book, and it is interesting to see her relationships with her family change and grow as well. I like how insistent Arabella is on standing up for her convictions. I also absolutely love how the blight problem in Ireland is solved, and the hook at the end about where Arabella is going next definitely has me intrigued!

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arabella Leyden returns and she is finally able to come to terms with her powers of Technomancy, but it still isn’t all smooth sailing for her, since she passed the Trials and became a fully recognised witch, she has constantly faced criticism from others because of her lack of, in their minds, true magical talent. This has not deterred her from following her own patch and finding ways to cope, but some are finally coming round to see it as a possible advantage.

She has only just found a moment to breathe and let her current situation sink in when receives a summons, wherein, she is given her first assignment and it is not an easy one, she has been chosen to travel to Ireland and see if she can find a solution to the famine which is blighting the Isle and lend her help to the witches who reside there. So she soon finds herself having to adapt to a new situation, so she chooses her travel companion and meets the others who will be travelling in their small party, although on the surface it seems quite straightforward, what she learns about past assignments set her ill at ease.

The journey opens Arabella’s eyes about the world around her and how much she doesn’t know, but she is determined to learn as much as she can so that she can be as successful as possible with the assignment, however, with danger lurking around every corner and finding out that previous Sortilege family members have died trying to solve the problem she has also been given, Arabella must stay on her guard while listening to those around her who are also trying to keep her safe from harm.

Will the machinations of those around her lead her to more danger, or will her unique combination of magic and science be the solution to the prayers of many? This is another sci-fi fantasy where secrets abound and discoveries are made, as problems are researched, opinions are heard and options are considered while danger hides in the shadows all around those involved.

[Vanessa Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks right up where the first book, “The Clockwork Witch” ended. If you haven’t read the first book do so before reading this one as everything will make far more sense!

After having successfully passed the witch trials Arabella thinks that she is protected by the sisterhood of witches but quickly finds out that is not the case. Now she must face the dangers that are coming from every corner all while deciding which house she wants to choose to align with. Fraught with uncertainty of the future after declaring technomancer as her chosen skill, Arabella receives her first task as a witch with hopes she’ll be more protected in another country. With her unheard of skills Arabella hopes to help cure the blight that threatens families in Ireland but unfortunately they are unwelcoming of witches. Can Arabella figure out what is causing the blight of the potatoes with her powers or is this simply to keep her occupied and out of harm's way? What of her budding romance can it survive not only meeting family but staying under the same roof? More questions that answers arise as Arabella tries to solve the blight in Ireland but is there a connection between past circumstances and present situations?

This book was a wonderful sequel to the first book. Written with such care to character development and situations that allow the reader to feel a part of the story. I cried and I laughed and now I must mourn because I finished it and await to see if another book in the series will be forthcoming.

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Clockwork Solution is the second book in The Clockwork Chronicles. It is a steampunk fantasy about a young witch whose unique power, Technomancy, puts her at the forefront of a changing world of both magic and technology. This series will delight young adult and older readers who enjoy the intersection between magic and tech, and stories with a historical setting.
In this second book, Arabella is sent to Ireland to see if there is anything her family – both witches and “mundane” relatives – can do to help reduce the impact of the famine. But witches, blamed by many for the famine, are not welcome in Ireland. And there is no guarantee that the forces threatening her in London won’t have followed her across the Irish Sea.
I particularly liked Eliza and Sarah, the Guardians who accompany Arabella and her sister, Rowena, on their journey. Both powerful and experienced, they have strong personalities which at times are in conflict but at others provide a balanced and thorough approach.
This book gets five stars from me, and I can’t wait to see how Arabella’s next adventure turns out. I would recommend readers start with the first book in the series, The Clockwork Witch, to get to know the characters and the wonderful world portrayed in the books.

[Lorrene Huisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really had a lot of enjoyment reading this novel. I had not read the previous one, but I certainly will be now. I rally loved how the story came together with the characters. It was fun, and full of surprises, and it certainly kept me on my toes. It was very delightful to read from start to finish.

For me I loved the character's and their personalities. i loved how different they were and could be. There was no awkward meshing, everything blended together perfectly. They made the story intriguing and full of wonder. I enjoyed all of the character development seen as well.

I enjoyed the adventure of the plot as well. it was different, and seriously I wanted to join the Sisterhood of Witches myself haha. Arabella was a strong character who had her own character development had really added to the events of the plot. I loved how her decisions made such a impact. Great read!

loved this book truly, and this was a first time author for me as well. Defiantly will be reading more of their work I recommend this author book, as well as this series. Not ones to be missed!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier. This is a fun young adult story with sci-fi, steampunk, fantasy and magic with witches. It's a page turning story about a young girl named Arabella who feels like she is constantly letting her family down. Her dream is be a part of the Sisterhood of the Witches and she fulfills that dream. Her first assignment is a big one, to find a cure for the famine in Ireland and she goes about it with gusto. If she can achieve this job her family will treat her totally different. This task is not easy and its full of danger trying to secure her future. They've already lost 2 witches on this same job. Will Arabella be able to make her family proud or will she fail just like her family expects her too or even worse lose her life? Read The Clockwork Solution to find out! This can be read as a standalone but would be better enjoyed as a series.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It is the second book in The Clockwork Chronicles Series. Even though I haven't read the first story I still really enjoyed this book and I was able to follow the story without a problem. I love Arabella's character. She is so determined to make changes that even when things seem against her she is determined to push through.
This is a story about Arabella. She is a witch who's magical gift is technomancy. After being bound as a witch she is sent on an assignment to Ireland to figure out why there is a famine. And this is where the story really gets fun as Arabella has to overcome lots of dangers that are stopping her getting the answers she needs. Knowing that 2 witches before her have lost their life on this quest Arabella knows hers is at risk as well.

This is a story filled with magic, danger and twists and turns that keeps you guessing. This book also ends leaving you wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Susan Ratchford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Clockwork Solution ( The Clockwork Chronicles book 2)
By Michelle D Sonnier
Review by Susan Ratchford
5 stars

After surviving The Trials that almost killed her, Technomancer Arabella Leyden, has finally gotten her greatest desire, to join the sisterhood of witches. The deaths of two witches in the Shortilage line gives her her first assignment, to find the root cause of the famine that's sweeping through Ireland. As the first ever Technomancer her future and her life is on the line. Will she find a way to blend their old views with her new powers?
I love this story! The Technomancer powers that Arabella has are so cool. I also really liked her twist on covens and The Trials that she had to take! Very exciting, great action and suspense! I also really loved the political intrigue of the different councils and of the Investiture itself, it really kept me reading on to find out what happens. Sonnier’s vivid and detailed writing also paints a beautiful picture, that is not in the least bit boring or drawn out. Would definitely read it again!!!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

The Clockwork Solution is the second instalment in The Clockwork Chronicles series by Michelle D. Sonnier. After reading the first instalment in this fun series, I was intrigued by what this story would hold.
It is another young adult story- a sci-fi/steampunk/gaslight fantasy with magic, witches, danger, technomancy, drama, and more.
We re-join Arabella in this story as she sets off on her first assignment- to uncover what’s causing the famine in Ireland. There is a lot riding on the outcome of her investigation, and Arabella feels the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Two witches have already lost their lives in this quest- so now Arabella’s life is also on the line. What happens makes for a fun read.
This ends with a cliffhanger, eeep- so will have to wait for the next book to see what happens next.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Michelle D. Sonnier!

[Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the last book, Arabella finally discovered her magic. As the 7th daughter of a 7th daughter who had never before discovered her magic, she was treated poorly her entire life by everyone she knew - to the point of flat out abuse from her awful mother, the head of the most powerful coven of witches possibly in the world.

In this book, Arabella is joining the Sisterhood of Witches as the first ever technomancer and her first assignment has found her sent to help find a solution to the famine in Ireland. 2 witches from the Sortilege line have already succumbed to the famine, will she be able to use her unique abilities to solve such a huge problem?

While I wish things didn't end so abruptly, I enjoyed the descriptions and ideas shared in this book like I did the first. It still has me interested in more continuation.

[Erica S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good follow-up to the Clockwork Witch, where we get to see Arabella leaning into her powers, and aligning herself with supportive people. Now officially part of the witching world, she learns some of the secrets of the Council, and becomes determined to change some of their more unsavory policies. Her mother makes some halting attempts to reconnect their relationship, and sends her on a mission to Ireland to solve the sticky problem of the famine. Mother doesn't really expect Arabella to solve much, but underestimating her youngest daughter is never a good idea.

I enjoyed seeing Arabella becoming her own woman and witch. She stands up to those who can't support her, especially those with the power to hurt her, with grace and determination. Eliza and Sarah were interesting characters as well, and were a nice contrast to Arabella and the world she grew up in.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series which is just as great as the first one. This is a well written story by an author that has great writing skills and their use of attention to details made the story realistic. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters who made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced scientific fantasy story that was not only hard to put down but also kept me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed what the characters brought to the story and their growth throughout. The growth of the plot also made the story great. This is a great story that I highly recommend picking up today.

[Book.Athlete · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in The Clockwork Chronicles Series Michelle D. Sonnier. This is a paranormal fantasy story about Arabella who has never won the approval of her family. Failing to live up to a prophecy, Arabella decides to find her own way among the Sisterhood of Witches in a novel and unexpected way. As Ireland is tormented with drought, Arabella must face a trial of her own before she wins a spot among the Sisterhood. She is given a two-fold task: first to face the debut of a technological test called the technomancer. The next is to solve the cause of the famine. Both are equally challenging and both equally endanger her life. Sonnier has crafted a story that will keep you turning pages and staying up to see what happens to Arabella.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great second edition the the Clockwork Chronicles series! The author didn't lose any momentum with her second book and I found the continuation of the story to be in perfect harmony with the first book! There is clearly so much thought put into this and the characters are easy to love! Glad I grabbed this one and can't wait to see what else she comes out with!

[SaviLeeLind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steampunk is new to me, and this was my first exploration into the genre. The story itself intertwined Sci-Fi/History/Technomancy which took my imagination outside of the box. I was delighted with all the characters and the world they were built into. This book had drama, mystery, magic, and a unique plot as a whole. The MC Arabella was strong and determined despite the adversity that surrounded her, and she had no doubt in the path she was choosing for herself. This book was an interesting read, and a good introduction to the Steampunk genre.

[Betsy Melano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Clockwork Chronicles. The book continues the story of Arabella who has the new power of Technomancy, she is basically a witch who’s able to control technology. Arabella has suffered from being thought of by her family as not worthy because her witchcraft didn’t come through as expected. The story is interesting and the author shares Arabella’s world in such a way to make you believe it. There is drama especially from the family, danger as she’s going out on her own, and so much more. Overall, I enjoyed the series and I’m glad I read the books in order.

[KYLEAN SPROSTY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there a third book?! Cliff hanger!!! I am so captivated by Arabella’s story, I need to know what happens next! The trip to Ireland is not what I expected to happen, it was so much better. The storyline touches your heart when the witches see the conditions of the field workers’ families, you really feel for them. But now Arabella’s life may be in danger and you become so connected you have to know what will happen! Very good series so far, I hope there is much more to come.

[Alison Risher · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a sequel, this book is much better than its predecessor. Readers are introduced to more of the protagonist’s family members. We glimpse into a marriage between two people who love one another, but cannot dwell together. We meet characters from all walks of life. Readers are exposed to prejudices and discriminations. This book begins to definitively answer the question: Can magic and science work together in harmony for the good of all mankind?

[Jerricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved all the elements this book has to offer. It kept my interest. The way the story flowed was amazing. It was a good change from what I normally read. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series.