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Clockwork Magpies: A Northern Steampunk Adventure
By day, Ida is a quiet, standoffish maid in the employ of spoiled Lucinda Belmonte. By night, she is the infamous sneak thief known as the Rat Prince, terrorising the wealthy inhabitants of Loxport; especially Lucinda’s lecherous suitor, Lord Devon Casterbury.
Soon the boundaries between her dual lives begin to blur, as her mask begins to drop around a delightful waitress and a charming jeweller who both insist on befriending Ida. All the while she is thrust into a conflict surrounding new and dangerous materials that could upend the order of the city, land her behind bars or in Lord Casterbury’s employ.
A thrilling romp through the Steampunk city of Loxport, Clockwork Magpies is a story of found family, crimes plotted over tea and scones, and the sinister power of glowing gemstones.
Soon the boundaries between her dual lives begin to blur, as her mask begins to drop around a delightful waitress and a charming jeweller who both insist on befriending Ida. All the while she is thrust into a conflict surrounding new and dangerous materials that could upend the order of the city, land her behind bars or in Lord Casterbury’s employ.
A thrilling romp through the Steampunk city of Loxport, Clockwork Magpies is a story of found family, crimes plotted over tea and scones, and the sinister power of glowing gemstones.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2022
1 person is currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 29, 2022
On the surface, Clockwork Magpies is a fast-paced steampunk caper filled with invention and intrigue. And if that was all it was, that would be just fine, because Emma Whitehall writes with exceptional pace and clarity.
But it's the characters that take Clockwork Magpies to another level: loveable, socially awkward and, despite the historical setting, thoroughly contemporary.
I was suffering with Covid when I read Clockwork Magpies, and it was the only novel that could hold my attention.
A delightful, compelling read.
But it's the characters that take Clockwork Magpies to another level: loveable, socially awkward and, despite the historical setting, thoroughly contemporary.
I was suffering with Covid when I read Clockwork Magpies, and it was the only novel that could hold my attention.
A delightful, compelling read.
May 7, 2022
A good read with an interesting story, but it seemed to me to end in a bit of a rush. I’d have liked to have been able to learn a little more about the “Clockwork Magpies” as a group and their relationship with their benefactor.
May 30, 2025
Steampunk cat burglar adventures.
April 17, 2025
Re reading this, I have also re discovered the pure magic of this book. Ida Finn is an epic character who works for Mistress Lucinda in the day and has a secret alter ego at night: The Rat Prince! It's interesting to see how, when Ida begins to unwilling make friends, her secret life and day job begin to entwine together and her 'secret' becomes not so secret anymore... What an amazing story! I cannot wait for Emma Whitehalls second book (The Gilded Gear) coming out in August. Until then, bye bye Clockwork Magpies, I will see you soon...
February 4, 2022
I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
“Don’t let other people tell you who you are. Or what you are and are not good enough for.”
By day, Ida Finn is a humble maid – quiet, unobtrusive, standoffish – serving the spoiled Lucinda Belmonte. By night, she is the Rat Prince, an infamous thief – daring, courageous, fearless – scaling the rooftops of the steampunk city of Loxport, in the north of England.
Lucinda Belmonte is a widow, now being courted by the lecherous Lord Casterbury – a man with big plans for the future (potentially disastrous for Ida and for the city). Edith is a cheerful, kind-hearted waitress with an unrequited crush. Clem is a charming jeweller with a rare, glowing gemstone. And all of them will cause Ida’s two worlds to collide.
Identity and acceptance are major themes throughout the book. Ida struggles with her own identity and self-acceptance: she is baffled by Edith and Clem wanting to befriend her and keeps up a defence wall to shut people out. She is only too aware of her position in life and that she’s ‘trapped’ where she is: “Not like I can get a fancy house, is it? Not like I can buy my way into being a lady, like Lucinda. Get my own maids, give someone else a pittance to live on. Not with this accent, not with this education, this breeding.”
This is all counterbalanced by her self-assuredness as the Rat Prince, the identity she feels is her true self. This is also reflected in Loxport itself: a confident, pioneering city and a true ‘northern powerhouse’ indeed (with Ida perhaps not so much King in the North as Prince in the North, haha).
Friendship and family are also extremely important themes, particularly the understanding that ‘family’ isn’t just limited to blood relations: “[…] we make ourselves into the people we want to be. Hang the rest, leave it all behind.”
This also ties in to the need to face up to our problems rather than run away or hide away from them, and also that it’s ok to ask for help: “If she ran fast enough, she could leave Lucinda’s pity, Nan’s disgust, Edith’s confusion and Casterbury’s sneers behind her. Maybe then they’d blow out onto the North Sea on some errant night breeze and leave her alone.”
This is a fun YA tale of sneaky heists and budding friendships, with a careful discussion of deeper themes – and a depiction of struggles – personal and societal – that will resonate with many readers. I found some parts slightly jumbled (the setup for a sequel was a little unexpected and enigmatic), and some characters a little over the top (although very well characterised), but liked the book overall. Although I could see where some plot lines were heading, there were others that didn't take the potentially 'obvious outcome', which was refreshing. It was also great to have a book set in the north of England with such clear joy for and pride in the location.
[This is an extended version of a review originally posted on Instagram]
“Don’t let other people tell you who you are. Or what you are and are not good enough for.”
By day, Ida Finn is a humble maid – quiet, unobtrusive, standoffish – serving the spoiled Lucinda Belmonte. By night, she is the Rat Prince, an infamous thief – daring, courageous, fearless – scaling the rooftops of the steampunk city of Loxport, in the north of England.
Lucinda Belmonte is a widow, now being courted by the lecherous Lord Casterbury – a man with big plans for the future (potentially disastrous for Ida and for the city). Edith is a cheerful, kind-hearted waitress with an unrequited crush. Clem is a charming jeweller with a rare, glowing gemstone. And all of them will cause Ida’s two worlds to collide.
Identity and acceptance are major themes throughout the book. Ida struggles with her own identity and self-acceptance: she is baffled by Edith and Clem wanting to befriend her and keeps up a defence wall to shut people out. She is only too aware of her position in life and that she’s ‘trapped’ where she is: “Not like I can get a fancy house, is it? Not like I can buy my way into being a lady, like Lucinda. Get my own maids, give someone else a pittance to live on. Not with this accent, not with this education, this breeding.”
This is all counterbalanced by her self-assuredness as the Rat Prince, the identity she feels is her true self. This is also reflected in Loxport itself: a confident, pioneering city and a true ‘northern powerhouse’ indeed (with Ida perhaps not so much King in the North as Prince in the North, haha).
Friendship and family are also extremely important themes, particularly the understanding that ‘family’ isn’t just limited to blood relations: “[…] we make ourselves into the people we want to be. Hang the rest, leave it all behind.”
This also ties in to the need to face up to our problems rather than run away or hide away from them, and also that it’s ok to ask for help: “If she ran fast enough, she could leave Lucinda’s pity, Nan’s disgust, Edith’s confusion and Casterbury’s sneers behind her. Maybe then they’d blow out onto the North Sea on some errant night breeze and leave her alone.”
This is a fun YA tale of sneaky heists and budding friendships, with a careful discussion of deeper themes – and a depiction of struggles – personal and societal – that will resonate with many readers. I found some parts slightly jumbled (the setup for a sequel was a little unexpected and enigmatic), and some characters a little over the top (although very well characterised), but liked the book overall. Although I could see where some plot lines were heading, there were others that didn't take the potentially 'obvious outcome', which was refreshing. It was also great to have a book set in the north of England with such clear joy for and pride in the location.
[This is an extended version of a review originally posted on Instagram]
February 13, 2022
I received a copy for a free honest and unbiased opinion
Ida has a secret life. By day she is the efficient maidservant to rich and slightly naïve socialite Lucinda and by night she is a notorious thief 'The Rat-Prince'. She can keep her secret life hidden by being a loner, something she is happy to keep doing to keep stealing. But suddenly she finds herself being befriended by two people and realises she was right-friends can bring all sorts of complications. But they can also help her with her most dangerous heist so far.
Ida is a great heroine-feisty, clever, funny and compassionate- I loved her character development from an isolated teenager to a girl with friends behind her all the way.
The world-building is descriptive and Loxaport, North England a character in its own right with hidden pathways, grand houses and well-placed technology.
I loved Lucinda, the slightly dim but lovely rich widow who Ida feels compelled to protect, Edith, determined to be friends with Ida and Clem, a jeweller trying to be successful. These are the people who weasel their way into Ida’s life and heart against her will.
Ida’s is tasked to steal a strange and powerful stone for Lord Devon, who is courting Lucinda, without realising the consequences of doing so and the resulting heist to steal the stone back forms the basis of this fast-paced story.
All the plot threads are resolved by the end of the book, but there is enough left that could potentially set up another book in this world ( A book I would happily read).
Perfect for fans who
Like fantasy without dark themes and lots of humour.
Ida has a secret life. By day she is the efficient maidservant to rich and slightly naïve socialite Lucinda and by night she is a notorious thief 'The Rat-Prince'. She can keep her secret life hidden by being a loner, something she is happy to keep doing to keep stealing. But suddenly she finds herself being befriended by two people and realises she was right-friends can bring all sorts of complications. But they can also help her with her most dangerous heist so far.
Ida is a great heroine-feisty, clever, funny and compassionate- I loved her character development from an isolated teenager to a girl with friends behind her all the way.
The world-building is descriptive and Loxaport, North England a character in its own right with hidden pathways, grand houses and well-placed technology.
I loved Lucinda, the slightly dim but lovely rich widow who Ida feels compelled to protect, Edith, determined to be friends with Ida and Clem, a jeweller trying to be successful. These are the people who weasel their way into Ida’s life and heart against her will.
Ida’s is tasked to steal a strange and powerful stone for Lord Devon, who is courting Lucinda, without realising the consequences of doing so and the resulting heist to steal the stone back forms the basis of this fast-paced story.
All the plot threads are resolved by the end of the book, but there is enough left that could potentially set up another book in this world ( A book I would happily read).
Perfect for fans who
Like fantasy without dark themes and lots of humour.
Read
December 8, 2022tl;dr
Hits all the right notes in the steampunk fantasy heist genre, but feels short comparatively speaking. Hoping for a sequel!
Thoughts
There's a sort of prequel-like vibe to this book. Like other books in the genre, we have a ragtag group of heroes from all walks of life, a fantasy-esque setting, and a thing they've stolen that's probably much more dangerous than they realize. But in this case, the gang isn't already assembled when the first chapter starts, and a lot of the book is dedicated to the origins of them getting together in the first place. It's an interesting tradeoff - the big heist and its fallout will have to be addressed in future books (if there are any, fingers crossed), but in return we get a lot of character development for our heroes, and plenty of time dedicated to forming their bonds. As a fan of character-driven narratives, I love this choice, but it does mean the stakes are pretty low for this installment, plot wise.
In terms of characters, I love the entire cast (excepting the obvious villain of the piece). Ida makes a great lead - smart and capable with a small wash of moral gray. The rest of the cast is equally fun, with plenty of casual queer rep to be seen, and several intriguing side characters who I hope we'll get to know better. Anyone looking for a steampunk fantasy heist will find plenty to love here, and I really REALLY hope there's a sequel on the horizon.
Hits all the right notes in the steampunk fantasy heist genre, but feels short comparatively speaking. Hoping for a sequel!
Thoughts
There's a sort of prequel-like vibe to this book. Like other books in the genre, we have a ragtag group of heroes from all walks of life, a fantasy-esque setting, and a thing they've stolen that's probably much more dangerous than they realize. But in this case, the gang isn't already assembled when the first chapter starts, and a lot of the book is dedicated to the origins of them getting together in the first place. It's an interesting tradeoff - the big heist and its fallout will have to be addressed in future books (if there are any, fingers crossed), but in return we get a lot of character development for our heroes, and plenty of time dedicated to forming their bonds. As a fan of character-driven narratives, I love this choice, but it does mean the stakes are pretty low for this installment, plot wise.
In terms of characters, I love the entire cast (excepting the obvious villain of the piece). Ida makes a great lead - smart and capable with a small wash of moral gray. The rest of the cast is equally fun, with plenty of casual queer rep to be seen, and several intriguing side characters who I hope we'll get to know better. Anyone looking for a steampunk fantasy heist will find plenty to love here, and I really REALLY hope there's a sequel on the horizon.
June 2, 2024
Clockwork Magpies by Emma Whitehall - Good
The next bookray for the authors that will speak at the Durham Bookcrossing Unconvention in September 2024.
I don't usually read YA. Not sure it existed when I was the right age and had transitioned to the Adult Library (under strict supervision of the librarian) when I was about 10 anyway. However, if I had, it would have been just this style of book. I would have loved it. As it is, I really enjoyed this steampunk adventure set in the northern town of Loxport.
By day Ida is a maid of all work to the fabulous Lucinda. By night she is the Rat Prince leaping the roof tops to steal 'treasures' to order. She's always been something of a loner but finds herself catapulted into adventure and befriended by Edith and Clem as they help her pull off a daring robbery to save the city from chaos.
Great adventure story about young people that maybe don't always fit in.
#review
The next bookray for the authors that will speak at the Durham Bookcrossing Unconvention in September 2024.
I don't usually read YA. Not sure it existed when I was the right age and had transitioned to the Adult Library (under strict supervision of the librarian) when I was about 10 anyway. However, if I had, it would have been just this style of book. I would have loved it. As it is, I really enjoyed this steampunk adventure set in the northern town of Loxport.
By day Ida is a maid of all work to the fabulous Lucinda. By night she is the Rat Prince leaping the roof tops to steal 'treasures' to order. She's always been something of a loner but finds herself catapulted into adventure and befriended by Edith and Clem as they help her pull off a daring robbery to save the city from chaos.
Great adventure story about young people that maybe don't always fit in.
#review
February 10, 2022
Absolutely fabulous! I was so lucky to receive a Kindle copy for an honest review.
This delightful Steampunk novel is a breath of fresh air. Almost reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes due to the mystery element and setting, we're whisked along on a thrilling journey to discover the whereabouts of a precious green gem stone.
Emma Whitehall's writing absolutely draws you in and really makes you feel as though you're right there in the book! Definitely a page turner!
Ida makes a perfect protagonist who is a polite if guarded maid by day and renowned villain, The Rat Prince by night. Various acquaintances try to befriend the quiet Ida but She remains distant which makes me wonder if this is to keep them safe should her true identity be revealed.
But what of The Rat Prince and will the green gem be recovered?
You'll just have to get a copy to find out!
This delightful Steampunk novel is a breath of fresh air. Almost reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes due to the mystery element and setting, we're whisked along on a thrilling journey to discover the whereabouts of a precious green gem stone.
Emma Whitehall's writing absolutely draws you in and really makes you feel as though you're right there in the book! Definitely a page turner!
Ida makes a perfect protagonist who is a polite if guarded maid by day and renowned villain, The Rat Prince by night. Various acquaintances try to befriend the quiet Ida but She remains distant which makes me wonder if this is to keep them safe should her true identity be revealed.
But what of The Rat Prince and will the green gem be recovered?
You'll just have to get a copy to find out!
February 11, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. As a steampunk fan that ploughed through series by Mark Hodder, Genevieve Cogman and George Mann, I was extremely excited to read something that took the idea of alternative Victorian adventures and placed them to the backdrop of the industrial North of England.
By day Ida is a frustrated, putupon house maid who dreams of nothing but being left alone. By night, she dons her goggles and becomes infamous cat burglar-for-hire, The Rat Prince.
All is well until two people request her to steal the same object for themselves, a dangerous new mineral with strange and terrible side effects cast upon the holder, and the future of the city of Loxport and its colourful inhabitants is suddenly under threat.
Fiercely character driven, genuinely very funny, and a fast paced engaging adventure, this YA, LGBTQ+ friendly story of found family is well worth investing in for those with an interest in those genres. It was also extremely refreshing to have a book written in a north-east dialect!
5*
By day Ida is a frustrated, putupon house maid who dreams of nothing but being left alone. By night, she dons her goggles and becomes infamous cat burglar-for-hire, The Rat Prince.
All is well until two people request her to steal the same object for themselves, a dangerous new mineral with strange and terrible side effects cast upon the holder, and the future of the city of Loxport and its colourful inhabitants is suddenly under threat.
Fiercely character driven, genuinely very funny, and a fast paced engaging adventure, this YA, LGBTQ+ friendly story of found family is well worth investing in for those with an interest in those genres. It was also extremely refreshing to have a book written in a north-east dialect!
5*
May 31, 2022
This is a real page-turner, a steampunk mystery full of charm and adventure. Whitehall’s writing is engaging, captivating and perfectly transports us to the atmospheric Loxport.
The characters captured my heart - Ida, who’s narrative I loved, is a lone wolf. She’s a maid by day and infamous thief by night. She likes to stay invisible and since her Mum’s death feels alone.
Edith, is friendly, an over-thinker who befriends Ida. Clem - is the charismatic gemologist with a penchant for talking and a heart of gold.
It’s a story about friendship, Ida realises that it’s not a weakness. It’s freeing to let her guard down and let others in to share her secrets, have fun with, and allies on her side. All three are in need of a family and home, and it’s heartwarming to see them find this in each other.
I loved Ida’s character development; the underlining theme is of self-acceptance. Realising you are enough, and not letting others define who you are and what you can do - it’s empowering, and a philosophy to be embraced.
As the different parts of Ida’s life become connected in unexpected ways, a thrilling heist is planned and they work together as a team. A mystifying powerful gem is discovered which causes undesirable effects.
I breezed through this exciting, ultimate feel-good story bursting with action, history and characters who are the beating heart of the story. I’m hoping to hear more on the escapades of the Clockwork Magpies!
The characters captured my heart - Ida, who’s narrative I loved, is a lone wolf. She’s a maid by day and infamous thief by night. She likes to stay invisible and since her Mum’s death feels alone.
Edith, is friendly, an over-thinker who befriends Ida. Clem - is the charismatic gemologist with a penchant for talking and a heart of gold.
It’s a story about friendship, Ida realises that it’s not a weakness. It’s freeing to let her guard down and let others in to share her secrets, have fun with, and allies on her side. All three are in need of a family and home, and it’s heartwarming to see them find this in each other.
I loved Ida’s character development; the underlining theme is of self-acceptance. Realising you are enough, and not letting others define who you are and what you can do - it’s empowering, and a philosophy to be embraced.
As the different parts of Ida’s life become connected in unexpected ways, a thrilling heist is planned and they work together as a team. A mystifying powerful gem is discovered which causes undesirable effects.
I breezed through this exciting, ultimate feel-good story bursting with action, history and characters who are the beating heart of the story. I’m hoping to hear more on the escapades of the Clockwork Magpies!
Read
March 19, 2025Interesting. This isn't the first steam-punk I've read, and I've generally enjoyed them, as was the case here. This being said, I don't seem to have a label for it here on Goodreads. I note that here it's advertised as part of the Ida Flinn Series - that should be Ida Finn, but not sure how to correct it.
This is here as a bookcrossing ray and as I seem(ed) to be at the end of it, I felt no pressure to rush on this.
Now that I've actually read it, I can say I'm glad to have signed up for it.
The book is fun to read, with some very curious characters and some rather endearing ones. The ending is a bit abrupt and it certainly seems there should be a sequel.
This is here as a bookcrossing ray and as I seem(ed) to be at the end of it, I felt no pressure to rush on this.
Now that I've actually read it, I can say I'm glad to have signed up for it.
The book is fun to read, with some very curious characters and some rather endearing ones. The ending is a bit abrupt and it certainly seems there should be a sequel.
Read
March 31, 2022Really this is a 4 1/2 stars for me, by the time I finished it. I felt that it started rather slowly in terms of piquing my interest - it didn’t really “grab” me at first, although a pleasant enough read - but as the book wore on, I liked it more and more. The characters,apart from the pantomime villain Casterbury, are loveable and well-drawn (the latter, although not the former, includes Casterbury), and I found myself caring more and more about them as the book went on. I shall certainly look forward to hearing of the further exploits of the Clockwork Magpies!
February 27, 2022
I absolutely loved this!
It was amazing to read something set in the North East that truly felt like the North East - the setting, the dialect was all spot on. I loved the characters, Ida specifically, although I did have a soft spot for Lucinda too. I loved all the twists and turns, and I'm excited that the ending was clearly leading up to a sequel (I hope) because I would eagerly read more books set in this world.
It was amazing to read something set in the North East that truly felt like the North East - the setting, the dialect was all spot on. I loved the characters, Ida specifically, although I did have a soft spot for Lucinda too. I loved all the twists and turns, and I'm excited that the ending was clearly leading up to a sequel (I hope) because I would eagerly read more books set in this world.
March 22, 2022
If you like a steampunk adventure then this is for you. I’m a big fan of Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series and if you are too then you will enjoy this read. Well written and entertaining throughout and you will either love or hate the characters. Ida, the main character, really grows during the story and by the end I loved her. Looking forward to more northern adventures in Loxport with tea and scones!
December 28, 2023
Iconic and hilarious and great it was so fun SKSKJCSMDKWLFKENEKDWK THIS is why people like YA so much omg all the characters were so loveable and there was just the right balance of tension and humour for an interesting plot with banter. AND it was set in steampunk Newcastle. LOVE!!
Probably a 4.8 just cause the ending felt a little quick but that’s my only qualm PLS read this if you have the time omg
Probably a 4.8 just cause the ending felt a little quick but that’s my only qualm PLS read this if you have the time omg
April 6, 2022
Really enjoyed this. A nice entrance to Ida and The Rat Prince and I'm really looking forward to more in the series.
My only gripe was with the publisher. By choosing to print with justified margins, it meant that there were some very strange gapping issues in lines of text. Bit distracting and something I hope they manage to sort with future novels.
My only gripe was with the publisher. By choosing to print with justified margins, it meant that there were some very strange gapping issues in lines of text. Bit distracting and something I hope they manage to sort with future novels.
October 10, 2022
I read this in a day. There were some typos and there were some points I would have loved to see expanded, but ultimately this book kept me hooked all day. I loved how inclusive it was without making a big fuss. I loved the heists and how I could just escape for the day. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for this author again.
November 7, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable romp through a beautifully crafted steampunk city, I fell for all the characters in their contrasting ways and the casual LGBTQ+ representation (and Northern pride!) is always great to see! I cannot wait to see more of this adorable troupe and dive deeper into the mysteries of Loxport.
March 1, 2023
I loved this so much!
The characters were so well thought out and had brilliant arcs. The story and how it progressed was amazing!
I would love to live in Loxport (despite Devon Casterbury), especially if I could meet the Rat prince.
Clem made me laugh so much and I'm really interested in his backstory.
Everyone should read this.
The characters were so well thought out and had brilliant arcs. The story and how it progressed was amazing!
I would love to live in Loxport (despite Devon Casterbury), especially if I could meet the Rat prince.
Clem made me laugh so much and I'm really interested in his backstory.
Everyone should read this.
March 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, the pacing was good and I was eager to know more about the supporting characters and see the relationships grow between the characters. I would have liked the book to be longer as the epilogue has left me hungry for more and I hope that we will return to loxport in a future book.
September 19, 2023
I throughly enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters. Would recommend this book to anybody who is a fan of steam punk fiction. I fell in love with Ida, Clem, and Edith, and even Lucinda towards the end of the story. An all round good read 😊
March 4, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! Dialect fab and loved the characters, I do hope there will be more books from Emma 😍
April 16, 2022
I couldn't put this book down. Great characters with distinct flaws and quirks. If you like heists, steampunk and characters you can't help but love, this is the book for you!
May 29, 2022
CAWPILE- 6.14
Great to see a local author getting published. A short but fun adventure- I'd love to see more of it.
Great to see a local author getting published. A short but fun adventure- I'd love to see more of it.
May 8, 2023
The dialogue in this book is fantastic. The characters feel like real people and their conversations are both funny and poignant.
July 20, 2023
A really enjoyable read in the steampunk genre but that oversimplifies what is a well written and character driven book that fun and engaging.
November 30, 2023
Clockwork Magpies is an exhilarating ride from start to finish! The blend of steampunk elements, a dual life protagonist, and a gripping conflict kept me hooked till the very last page.
March 19, 2022
A really fun read. The city of Loxport is both gritty and beautiful. Love Ida and her new friends. The first Steampunk book I've read and won't be my last from this author.
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this beauty. Read it in 2 days 😍
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this beauty. Read it in 2 days 😍
June 23, 2022
Clockwork Magpies is a great palate-cleanser read. It’s just over a few hundred pages, so easily long enough to invest into the characters and the storyline. But at the same time, it’s not a huge commitment. And certainly for an avid reader like me, it doesn’t take very long to read at all! I read this within a few days… and the fact that I enjoyed it so much made this even easier to do!
I don’t often read steampunk themed novels, however if done right they blend well into the fantasy genre. Clockwork Magpies does this seamlessly! Industrial Revolution-esque technological advancement is the vibe in Loxport, and coupled with that is an antiquated social class and society that illustrates that there are leagues to go compare to our modern society.
Ida is a maid for a widower of the elite and considered more fortunate than most for that position of servitude. Her background is one much more humble, but her mother’s ambitions and nefarious skills has kept them all alive. These skills have been passed on and perfected by Ida, who is known more infamously for her thievery in the guise of The Rat Prince. She is well placed to choose her next victim, being connected to the upper circle. She has always taken care to keep these two personas separate, but events in the book watch them collide in spectacular fashion.
I enjoyed Ida’s personal character development arc for a number of reasons. At the beginning of the book, she is a focused young lady whose only real drive is to provide for her family still living in relative poverty. She does this out of a serious sense of duty and because it’s the only link she has left to her mother, the woman she loved and revered. But they are toxic to her. They only use her for financial aid and berate the way in which she provides for them.
Over the course of the narrative she becomes less dependent on them and teaches us readers a powerful lesson – that we can still do the right thing by such people, but in a way that removes the suffering from the toxic relationship. I feel like this is something people even today struggle with. It’s nice to have that represented in a book and allows the opportunity to raise awareness of these types of struggles.
Ida’s focus means she does not permit herself friends. They are only connections that could unveil her secret identity. But, somehow Clem and Edith wheedle the way past her defences with steely determination. They teach her that friendship can offer some powerful allies and support when it’s needed the most.
Identity is a common theme throughout the book, and there are a couple of stand-out quotes I’d like to highlight. I personally really liked them and it’s advice that more people should take: -
“Seriously though, don’t let other people tell you who you are. Or what you are and are not good enough for.”
“My point is, we make ourselves into the people we want to be. Hang the rest, leave it all behind.“
The ending implies that there could be a sequel, and hand-on-heart I sincerely hope so! I feel like Clockwork Magpies lays the foundation for what could be a fantastic series! There is a lot of scope for this series to be taken further; I would love to see more of the dynamic between Ida, Clem and Edith.
I don’t often read steampunk themed novels, however if done right they blend well into the fantasy genre. Clockwork Magpies does this seamlessly! Industrial Revolution-esque technological advancement is the vibe in Loxport, and coupled with that is an antiquated social class and society that illustrates that there are leagues to go compare to our modern society.
Ida is a maid for a widower of the elite and considered more fortunate than most for that position of servitude. Her background is one much more humble, but her mother’s ambitions and nefarious skills has kept them all alive. These skills have been passed on and perfected by Ida, who is known more infamously for her thievery in the guise of The Rat Prince. She is well placed to choose her next victim, being connected to the upper circle. She has always taken care to keep these two personas separate, but events in the book watch them collide in spectacular fashion.
I enjoyed Ida’s personal character development arc for a number of reasons. At the beginning of the book, she is a focused young lady whose only real drive is to provide for her family still living in relative poverty. She does this out of a serious sense of duty and because it’s the only link she has left to her mother, the woman she loved and revered. But they are toxic to her. They only use her for financial aid and berate the way in which she provides for them.
Over the course of the narrative she becomes less dependent on them and teaches us readers a powerful lesson – that we can still do the right thing by such people, but in a way that removes the suffering from the toxic relationship. I feel like this is something people even today struggle with. It’s nice to have that represented in a book and allows the opportunity to raise awareness of these types of struggles.
Ida’s focus means she does not permit herself friends. They are only connections that could unveil her secret identity. But, somehow Clem and Edith wheedle the way past her defences with steely determination. They teach her that friendship can offer some powerful allies and support when it’s needed the most.
Identity is a common theme throughout the book, and there are a couple of stand-out quotes I’d like to highlight. I personally really liked them and it’s advice that more people should take: -
“Seriously though, don’t let other people tell you who you are. Or what you are and are not good enough for.”
“My point is, we make ourselves into the people we want to be. Hang the rest, leave it all behind.“
The ending implies that there could be a sequel, and hand-on-heart I sincerely hope so! I feel like Clockwork Magpies lays the foundation for what could be a fantastic series! There is a lot of scope for this series to be taken further; I would love to see more of the dynamic between Ida, Clem and Edith.
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