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The Riverfall Chronicles #1
The Wickwire Watch
TRUST NO ONE.
It's the first and greatest rule Inkwell Featherfield ever learned. It's also the only way he knows how to survive—besides picking pockets, dodging the law, and using every ounce of his plucky charm. But none of this will be enough to save him now.
If only he'd never snooped around a dead man's house. If only he'd never found that pocket watch full of strange magic. If only he'd known the old man had snuffed it at the hands of the ghostly Spektors, or that such dark spirits even existed, because now they're after him.
When Ink is approached by an enigmatic group offering to keep him safe, he accepts—only to discover his rescuers are a band of infamous fugitives. Who knew they had a flair for winemaking? Or a penchant for sing-a-longs?
Thrust into a world of arcane horrors, powerful politicians, and dangers on every side, the boy has no choice but to finally break his rule and decide who to trust. But with all the secrets, magic, and mystery thickening around him—and the stakes so much higher than he ever imagined—it might just be downright impossible.
It's the first and greatest rule Inkwell Featherfield ever learned. It's also the only way he knows how to survive—besides picking pockets, dodging the law, and using every ounce of his plucky charm. But none of this will be enough to save him now.
If only he'd never snooped around a dead man's house. If only he'd never found that pocket watch full of strange magic. If only he'd known the old man had snuffed it at the hands of the ghostly Spektors, or that such dark spirits even existed, because now they're after him.
When Ink is approached by an enigmatic group offering to keep him safe, he accepts—only to discover his rescuers are a band of infamous fugitives. Who knew they had a flair for winemaking? Or a penchant for sing-a-longs?
Thrust into a world of arcane horrors, powerful politicians, and dangers on every side, the boy has no choice but to finally break his rule and decide who to trust. But with all the secrets, magic, and mystery thickening around him—and the stakes so much higher than he ever imagined—it might just be downright impossible.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2022
102 people are currently reading
3645 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Hagen
4 books83 followersJacquelyn Hagen is the author of the epic fantasy series "The Riverfall Chronicles". She currently resides wherever the U.S. Air Force needs her to be. In her free time, she devours stories in every form (usually while hanging out with her two big fluffy dogs), but has also been known to play in folk bands, raise chickens, and try to improve her bread-baking skills.
Visit her website at jacquelynhagen.com.
Visit her website at jacquelynhagen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
May 12, 2023
what you should know about THE WICKWIRE WATCH
https://youtu.be/uOl0NfW1qZI
(Transparency: This review was commissioned by the author, however this does not at all affect my rating)
Alright I’ve decided. This a five star read.
This was, far an away, one of the most creative and unique (while simultaneously feeling a smidge like some other favorites of mine) things I’ve ever read. This is not your run of the mill book. This is something truly special. It is rare that I get the privilege to say that and yes, reading this was a privilege.
Where to start. I don’t even know. Writing reviews is fucking hard. How is this my job when I’m so bad at it. Holy shit. My brain just wants to say: “there was found family! And air ships! Idk! I like book, book do thing!”
This is about a boy who is named Inkwell Featherfield. Ink, in another life, would be Kaz Brekker. But younger. Maybe a hairs length less jaded.
Ink doesn’t give you much info about himself. Or rather, the author didn’t. Until JUST THE RIGHT TIME. And my god what an absolute mastery of the ability to correctly time, when to give information to your reader, to really make the book a success. I was sufficiently confused, but not in a bad way ever. I got the information I was longing to get exactly when I needed it.
OK Rachel, what is the part of this book? OK so there is a thing called a specter that is coming after inkwell and this reporter tries to help Inc. but the poor guy just cannot do anything because his way out of his depth. God love him. Honestly every character here, so good.
Along come these people who are like OK this Spectre is after you kid so, let us help you. And they take him away to where they live which I can’t tell you anything about because it’s a secret and it’s an excellent secret, and I refuse to ruin it for you.
So he’s sort of stuck staying with them because the Spectre is after him but also the Spectre is not the only thing after him but again, I can’t ruin anything for you, so I’m not gonna tell you what other shenanigans this poor kid has gotten involved in. What I can tell you is that he realizes that the people who rescued him, but are also sort of holding him Captive are a group of people that has been demonized by society at large. And then we get this excellent plot, where he is learning more about them, and his learning about not only there moral greyness, but his own. We get mostly his POV but a couple others which just really have so much depth to the story. I can’t tell you anything else about the plot because I don’t wanna spoil it! But oh my god! THE FOUND FAMILY! THE MAGIC! The watch!!! The air ship!!! The fucking specters!!!! The betrayals!!!!!!
I LOVED THIS FUCKING BOOK PLEASE READ IT THE AUDIOBOOK IS ALSO EXCELLENT IM BEGGING YOU ALL TO READ IT
https://youtu.be/uOl0NfW1qZI
(Transparency: This review was commissioned by the author, however this does not at all affect my rating)
Alright I’ve decided. This a five star read.
This was, far an away, one of the most creative and unique (while simultaneously feeling a smidge like some other favorites of mine) things I’ve ever read. This is not your run of the mill book. This is something truly special. It is rare that I get the privilege to say that and yes, reading this was a privilege.
Where to start. I don’t even know. Writing reviews is fucking hard. How is this my job when I’m so bad at it. Holy shit. My brain just wants to say: “there was found family! And air ships! Idk! I like book, book do thing!”
This is about a boy who is named Inkwell Featherfield. Ink, in another life, would be Kaz Brekker. But younger. Maybe a hairs length less jaded.
Ink doesn’t give you much info about himself. Or rather, the author didn’t. Until JUST THE RIGHT TIME. And my god what an absolute mastery of the ability to correctly time, when to give information to your reader, to really make the book a success. I was sufficiently confused, but not in a bad way ever. I got the information I was longing to get exactly when I needed it.
OK Rachel, what is the part of this book? OK so there is a thing called a specter that is coming after inkwell and this reporter tries to help Inc. but the poor guy just cannot do anything because his way out of his depth. God love him. Honestly every character here, so good.
Along come these people who are like OK this Spectre is after you kid so, let us help you. And they take him away to where they live which I can’t tell you anything about because it’s a secret and it’s an excellent secret, and I refuse to ruin it for you.
So he’s sort of stuck staying with them because the Spectre is after him but also the Spectre is not the only thing after him but again, I can’t ruin anything for you, so I’m not gonna tell you what other shenanigans this poor kid has gotten involved in. What I can tell you is that he realizes that the people who rescued him, but are also sort of holding him Captive are a group of people that has been demonized by society at large. And then we get this excellent plot, where he is learning more about them, and his learning about not only there moral greyness, but his own. We get mostly his POV but a couple others which just really have so much depth to the story. I can’t tell you anything else about the plot because I don’t wanna spoil it! But oh my god! THE FOUND FAMILY! THE MAGIC! The watch!!! The air ship!!! The fucking specters!!!! The betrayals!!!!!!
I LOVED THIS FUCKING BOOK PLEASE READ IT THE AUDIOBOOK IS ALSO EXCELLENT IM BEGGING YOU ALL TO READ IT
June 20, 2023
4.5 stars
I loved this book! What begins as a Dickensian murder mystery gives way to cozy fantasy which in turn gives way to quasi-horror which then gives way into the beginnings of a psychological spy thriller. I can honestly say I've never read a book like this, and that alone is why you should check it out. I read this at a blazing pace and the only reason I don't bump it to the full five is the aforementioned cozy fantasy section that stretches on just a little too long for me personally, though I understand why it exists and we learn a lot about the characters and grow attached to them during this period. I think many many people who are not me will enjoy this section much more immensely. I think if it had just been broken up a little, that would have kept the pace for me, especially since I was enraptured by what was happening beforehand.
What Hagen does so well here--and what propels the narrative forward--is her choice of protagonist. Ink is immediately likeable (especially for those who have seen the musical Oliver!) and Hagen manages to imbue him with a realistic yet endearing prickly personality that doesn't veer into the 'edgy, rebellious kid' trope. When Ink rebels, we rebel with him. One of the best things about this novel is how each character continually has more revealed about their story and personal lives and that continues to change our perception of them until I didn't know who to like and who to hate by the end.
The story takes some turns I legitimately didn't expect and I can't wait to read the sequel and see where it goes. I will be so sad if this is not in the SPFBO finals!
I loved this book! What begins as a Dickensian murder mystery gives way to cozy fantasy which in turn gives way to quasi-horror which then gives way into the beginnings of a psychological spy thriller. I can honestly say I've never read a book like this, and that alone is why you should check it out. I read this at a blazing pace and the only reason I don't bump it to the full five is the aforementioned cozy fantasy section that stretches on just a little too long for me personally, though I understand why it exists and we learn a lot about the characters and grow attached to them during this period. I think many many people who are not me will enjoy this section much more immensely. I think if it had just been broken up a little, that would have kept the pace for me, especially since I was enraptured by what was happening beforehand.
What Hagen does so well here--and what propels the narrative forward--is her choice of protagonist. Ink is immediately likeable (especially for those who have seen the musical Oliver!) and Hagen manages to imbue him with a realistic yet endearing prickly personality that doesn't veer into the 'edgy, rebellious kid' trope. When Ink rebels, we rebel with him. One of the best things about this novel is how each character continually has more revealed about their story and personal lives and that continues to change our perception of them until I didn't know who to like and who to hate by the end.
The story takes some turns I legitimately didn't expect and I can't wait to read the sequel and see where it goes. I will be so sad if this is not in the SPFBO finals!
April 15, 2024
My SPFBO9 finalist review of The Wickwire Watch is published at Before We Go Blog.
“Had Mr. Bash known this was the night he was going to die, he would have stayed at home.”
The Victorian charm of Charles Dickens meets the steampunk-inflected magic of Final Fantasy in The Wickwire Watch, the SPFBO9 finalist by Jacquelyn Hagen and the first entry in her Riverfall Chronicles series.
The lead protagonist is Inkwell Featherfield, or simply Ink for short, a plucky boy of uncertain age and parentage who maintains a livelihood through thievery and his clever wit. Dressed in his oversized clothes and top hat, Ink recalls the Artful Dodger from Charles Dickens’s 1838 novel, Oliver Twist. Jacquelyn Hagen incorporates gray morality in The Wickwire Watch through a cast of side characters with questionable motivations.
The darkest part of the worldbuilding involves ghostly beings known as Spektors, who play an increasingly prominent role as the novel progresses:
“Spektors were once mortal. They are the spirits of those who died so full of hate and bitterness they couldn’t bear to leave this world behind without making others feel their pain and suffering.”
I also enjoyed the steampunk elements of The Wickwire Watch, including a magical pocket watch and plenty of airship action, which is always a treat for Final Fantasy fans like myself.
The Wickwire Watch changes style throughout the novel, opening as a Victorian murder mystery following the death of poor Mr. Bash. By the middle of the novel, The Wickwire Watch transitions into a cozy-ish found family-type story. The latter part of the book shifts tone again, becoming a dark fantasy with mild elements of horror:
“Ink opened his mouth to scream his bloody lungs out. But before the sound could form, the man reached forward, took him by the throat, and threw him onto the back of the horse.”
Although Jacquelyn Hagen’s writing is excellent throughout the novel, the inconsistent pacing and stylistic shifts in The Wickwire Watch threw me out of the story rather than engaging me as I had hoped.
Overall, The Wickwire Watch contains a lot of elements that I love, but these pieces didn’t come together as effectively as I would have liked. Still, readers looking for a Dickensian-inspired fantasy will find a lot to love here. The Riverfall Chronicles continues with The Spider Key, the second book of the series.
“Had Mr. Bash known this was the night he was going to die, he would have stayed at home.”
The Victorian charm of Charles Dickens meets the steampunk-inflected magic of Final Fantasy in The Wickwire Watch, the SPFBO9 finalist by Jacquelyn Hagen and the first entry in her Riverfall Chronicles series.
The lead protagonist is Inkwell Featherfield, or simply Ink for short, a plucky boy of uncertain age and parentage who maintains a livelihood through thievery and his clever wit. Dressed in his oversized clothes and top hat, Ink recalls the Artful Dodger from Charles Dickens’s 1838 novel, Oliver Twist. Jacquelyn Hagen incorporates gray morality in The Wickwire Watch through a cast of side characters with questionable motivations.
The darkest part of the worldbuilding involves ghostly beings known as Spektors, who play an increasingly prominent role as the novel progresses:
“Spektors were once mortal. They are the spirits of those who died so full of hate and bitterness they couldn’t bear to leave this world behind without making others feel their pain and suffering.”
I also enjoyed the steampunk elements of The Wickwire Watch, including a magical pocket watch and plenty of airship action, which is always a treat for Final Fantasy fans like myself.
The Wickwire Watch changes style throughout the novel, opening as a Victorian murder mystery following the death of poor Mr. Bash. By the middle of the novel, The Wickwire Watch transitions into a cozy-ish found family-type story. The latter part of the book shifts tone again, becoming a dark fantasy with mild elements of horror:
“Ink opened his mouth to scream his bloody lungs out. But before the sound could form, the man reached forward, took him by the throat, and threw him onto the back of the horse.”
Although Jacquelyn Hagen’s writing is excellent throughout the novel, the inconsistent pacing and stylistic shifts in The Wickwire Watch threw me out of the story rather than engaging me as I had hoped.
Overall, The Wickwire Watch contains a lot of elements that I love, but these pieces didn’t come together as effectively as I would have liked. Still, readers looking for a Dickensian-inspired fantasy will find a lot to love here. The Riverfall Chronicles continues with The Spider Key, the second book of the series.
December 15, 2023
First read July 2023: 4.5 stars (rounded up)
Second read December 2023: 9/10 score for SPFBO9 with Team Fantasy Book Critic. This is just my opinion, group verdict may differ widely.
That feeling when you love a book so much it instantly becomes a comfort read and you end up reading it twice in a year.. PURE BLISS! Adore this book with all my heart. Even better on reread, and I didn't think that was possible.
*****************************************
The Wickwire Watch is truly unlike anything I have ever read, yet it also gave me all the warm fuzzy nostalgic feels for some of my childhood faves. What starts out as a murder mystery in a Victorian-esque high fantasy world quickly morphs into a character-driven cosy fantasy with steampunk aesthetics and delightful found family vibes, only to take a shocking dip into the horror and psychological thriller sphere. And believe me, the author pulls it all off magnificently.
May I introduce you to Inkwell Featherfield, a plucky and sharp-witted young thief who trusts absolutely no one. His pickpocketing skills tend to help him survive on the streets, but the mysterious watch he snatched out of a dead man’s house has brought more trouble than he could ever have imagined. He quickly finds himself entangled in a web of dark secrets and deadly conspiracies, but luckily for him a group of eccentric and enigmatic fugitives sweep in to whisk him off to safety. With his worldviews shattered, Ink has to decide if he will finally let his walls down and maybe even trust his mystifying benefactors, or else he might not make it out of this mess alive.
First up, don’t let yourself be put off by the idea of a young main character. Ink is a child protagonist done absolutely right and I adored exploring this wondrous world through his eyes. He is convinced the world is out to get him, which explains why he acts all tough and allows no one to come close to him. Though, it doesn’t take long to realise that he is really just a very lonely and scared young kiddo who secretly wants nothing more than to find a safe haven.
And a safe haven he is granted, just not in a way he could ever have predicted.
Now, I have always said that I am a fan of the found family trope, but this book just single-handedly raised the bar for every other found family dynamic yet to come.
This entire cast is made up of rich, vibrant and slightly oddball characters who all absolutely steal the show. There is a very warm and cheery vibe to them and the Victorian-esque sensibilities resulted in some hysterical character interactions, so it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with them all. And yet, there’s also a quiet sense of tragedy that haunts all of these characters and it’s hard not to let Ink’s wariness rub off on you, which added a lot of depth and intrigue to the story.
The middle of this book turns into a bit of a slice-of-life cosy fantasy section in a magical isolated setting where we really get to dive deep into what makes these characters tick, which was just pure magic for me as a character-driven reader. The troubled personal journeys, traumatic backstories, and complex character dynamics that we get to explore had me glued to the page, and I loved slowly peeling back the layers of all these characters.
Speaking of peeling back layers, the world building here is just excellently done. The author does a brilliant job of establishing a world that feels real and lived-in, while also leaving enough open for your own imagination to run wild.
Ink is not the only perspective we follow and I thought it was so much fun to explore this world from some very different points of view. The author skillfully plays around with themes of prejudice and misinformation, which resulted in some very surprising revelations and unexpected character dynamics/arcs.
The sense of atmosphere is also simply unmatched and the prose is utterly entrancing, so I felt like I wasn’t merely observing these events, but actually living them myself. There’s just this Gaiman-esque air of eccentricity permeating every single aspect of this story, which made this one of the most whimsical, unpredictable and magical reading experiences I have had in a long while.
Overall, I am honestly blown away by the insane quality of this debut novel and I already have a feeling that this is going to become a new all-time favourite series. These characters have wormed their way into my heart and I desperately need to know how their stories continue, especially after all the crazy revelations and implications at the end.
Also, if you get the chance to listen to the audiobook, I highly recommend you do so because the narration is simply phenomenal.
The Wickwire Watch is bold, brilliant, and slightly bizarre, and I truly can’t recommend it highly enough!
Second read December 2023: 9/10 score for SPFBO9 with Team Fantasy Book Critic. This is just my opinion, group verdict may differ widely.
That feeling when you love a book so much it instantly becomes a comfort read and you end up reading it twice in a year.. PURE BLISS! Adore this book with all my heart. Even better on reread, and I didn't think that was possible.
*****************************************
The Wickwire Watch is truly unlike anything I have ever read, yet it also gave me all the warm fuzzy nostalgic feels for some of my childhood faves. What starts out as a murder mystery in a Victorian-esque high fantasy world quickly morphs into a character-driven cosy fantasy with steampunk aesthetics and delightful found family vibes, only to take a shocking dip into the horror and psychological thriller sphere. And believe me, the author pulls it all off magnificently.
May I introduce you to Inkwell Featherfield, a plucky and sharp-witted young thief who trusts absolutely no one. His pickpocketing skills tend to help him survive on the streets, but the mysterious watch he snatched out of a dead man’s house has brought more trouble than he could ever have imagined. He quickly finds himself entangled in a web of dark secrets and deadly conspiracies, but luckily for him a group of eccentric and enigmatic fugitives sweep in to whisk him off to safety. With his worldviews shattered, Ink has to decide if he will finally let his walls down and maybe even trust his mystifying benefactors, or else he might not make it out of this mess alive.
First up, don’t let yourself be put off by the idea of a young main character. Ink is a child protagonist done absolutely right and I adored exploring this wondrous world through his eyes. He is convinced the world is out to get him, which explains why he acts all tough and allows no one to come close to him. Though, it doesn’t take long to realise that he is really just a very lonely and scared young kiddo who secretly wants nothing more than to find a safe haven.
And a safe haven he is granted, just not in a way he could ever have predicted.
Now, I have always said that I am a fan of the found family trope, but this book just single-handedly raised the bar for every other found family dynamic yet to come.
This entire cast is made up of rich, vibrant and slightly oddball characters who all absolutely steal the show. There is a very warm and cheery vibe to them and the Victorian-esque sensibilities resulted in some hysterical character interactions, so it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with them all. And yet, there’s also a quiet sense of tragedy that haunts all of these characters and it’s hard not to let Ink’s wariness rub off on you, which added a lot of depth and intrigue to the story.
The middle of this book turns into a bit of a slice-of-life cosy fantasy section in a magical isolated setting where we really get to dive deep into what makes these characters tick, which was just pure magic for me as a character-driven reader. The troubled personal journeys, traumatic backstories, and complex character dynamics that we get to explore had me glued to the page, and I loved slowly peeling back the layers of all these characters.
Speaking of peeling back layers, the world building here is just excellently done. The author does a brilliant job of establishing a world that feels real and lived-in, while also leaving enough open for your own imagination to run wild.
Ink is not the only perspective we follow and I thought it was so much fun to explore this world from some very different points of view. The author skillfully plays around with themes of prejudice and misinformation, which resulted in some very surprising revelations and unexpected character dynamics/arcs.
The sense of atmosphere is also simply unmatched and the prose is utterly entrancing, so I felt like I wasn’t merely observing these events, but actually living them myself. There’s just this Gaiman-esque air of eccentricity permeating every single aspect of this story, which made this one of the most whimsical, unpredictable and magical reading experiences I have had in a long while.
Overall, I am honestly blown away by the insane quality of this debut novel and I already have a feeling that this is going to become a new all-time favourite series. These characters have wormed their way into my heart and I desperately need to know how their stories continue, especially after all the crazy revelations and implications at the end.
Also, if you get the chance to listen to the audiobook, I highly recommend you do so because the narration is simply phenomenal.
The Wickwire Watch is bold, brilliant, and slightly bizarre, and I truly can’t recommend it highly enough!
December 13, 2024
Oliver Twist meets Howl's Moving Castle in a wonderful extravaganza of magic, dimensions, murder, and found family, and sauntering at the head of the procession is our Dickensian inspired protagonist: Inkwell Featherfield.
The Wickwire Watch blends steampunk with a magic system designed with an emotional/spiritual base, wielded by an assortment of intriguing characters on either side of a witch hunt style feud. A hunted band of fugitives creates a central motley crew, while our daring protagonist struggles to decide whether to trust or fear the strange people who shelter him as he tries to escape the grasp of dark magic spirits chasing him.
Equal parts intrigue and slice of life, I enjoyed the peaks and valleys of this story, getting a chance to see the moments of normalcy and immerse with the characters in between the harrowing escapes, heists, and attacks.
Inkwell walks in some big footsteps as the roguish renaissance man whose years of life don't match the larger than life character. He brings to mind characters like Artful Dodger, Locke Lamora, and Huckleberry Finn. The cast of side characters each add their own special flavor to the story, from a brooding gatekeeper to a jolly drunk to a pair of opera singing sisters to a mysterious and powerful woman determined to see justice served.
Definitely a fantastic debut novel that goes to show the fresh and talented take on fantasy that indie writers can bring.
The Wickwire Watch blends steampunk with a magic system designed with an emotional/spiritual base, wielded by an assortment of intriguing characters on either side of a witch hunt style feud. A hunted band of fugitives creates a central motley crew, while our daring protagonist struggles to decide whether to trust or fear the strange people who shelter him as he tries to escape the grasp of dark magic spirits chasing him.
Equal parts intrigue and slice of life, I enjoyed the peaks and valleys of this story, getting a chance to see the moments of normalcy and immerse with the characters in between the harrowing escapes, heists, and attacks.
Inkwell walks in some big footsteps as the roguish renaissance man whose years of life don't match the larger than life character. He brings to mind characters like Artful Dodger, Locke Lamora, and Huckleberry Finn. The cast of side characters each add their own special flavor to the story, from a brooding gatekeeper to a jolly drunk to a pair of opera singing sisters to a mysterious and powerful woman determined to see justice served.
Definitely a fantastic debut novel that goes to show the fresh and talented take on fantasy that indie writers can bring.
November 3, 2024
I loved this book
Read
September 21, 2023I've not read this yet, but it's the second finalist for SPFBO 9, one of 10 finalists to be chosen from the 300 entries this year.
That's got to mean it's good - so give it a go.
Check out this year's contest here:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
See this year's finalist table here:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
Read up on the SPFBO in general here:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
.
That's got to mean it's good - so give it a go.
Check out this year's contest here:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
See this year's finalist table here:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
Read up on the SPFBO in general here:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
.
July 24, 2024
“Had Mr. Bash known this was the night he was going to die, he would have stayed at home.”
“Wickwire Watch” is the first book in the Riverfall Chronicles. I have no idea how to describe this book. It’s a cozy mystery set in a steampunk/gas-lamp fantasy world that slowly descends into horror. And I loved every single page of it.
“Entrians had once covered the length and breadth of the land, ruling Eriaris by virtue of their supernatural powers. Some said it was little better than trickery or pagan ritual, but others thought it more akin to holy miracles. All life had flourished under their care, every person prosperous and fulfilled. But something had happened. Some shift which had led to the downfall of their sovereignty. Everyone had their own theory as to the cause, but Ink himself had never bothered to speculate. All he knew for certain was that they now lived apart from the rest of the world, keeping to their lands in the West Country. ”
Nine years ago at the Battle Damiras, the Entrians, a race of people entrusted with gifts, were brutally slaughtered by a group that called themselves Colonists and every year since, a special group of people have dedicated themselves to hunting down and killing every single Colonist, no matter their age or if they were present at that tragic day. Rumours and superstitions have the Colonists believed to be cannibalistic monsters that kill and rampage. So when recently deceased Mr. Bash is discovered to be a colonist, fear spreads throughout the town. Cassrians, normal everyday people, are cautioned to keep their doors locked and their eyes open. But that’s not exactly what our main character does.
Inkwell Featherfield knows not to trust anyone but when a local journalist offers him money to go through Mr. Bash’s house, how could he refuse? What starts as a simple reconnaissance, leads to demon-like creatures hunting him down and chasing him straight into the arms of the much-feared Colonists.
“Of all the people in this grand tragedy, that Entress is the one who ought to be made to answer to treachery. She’s been willfully ignoring that lie detection ability all these years, looking so many of us in the face and declaring us guilty. It’s downright evil. Our blood has been spilled for it. Our heads have rolled for it. There is no justice practiced in any court they bring us into, no matter how fair they claim to be.”
I loved every single one of the characters (even though Ink had me pulling my hair in frustration) except the Colonist-hunters. I wish every single one of them nothing but misery, especially the Entrian ones. Their classism, prejudice and the fact that they’re committing mass murder without a hint of guilt, makes me wish that whoever actually committed the massacre comes back and kills them but not before making them stew in their guilt for killing innocent people.
I absolutely adored this and will definitely be picking up the sequel. Also Caradoc? That’s my man 🥰😮💨
“Heed not the love of Mortals
In truth, Betrayers all
Cast down the bonds of Brotherhood
Forsake the Woman’s call
Deceit is dealt to goodly hands
And Harm with bloody fall
Sentenced hence to death in Life
A cold and lightless hall”
January 11, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
Video review to come! I really enjoyed this one.
Video review to come! I really enjoyed this one.
August 7, 2023
5/5 debut RTC!
June 28, 2024
I accepted a physical copy of this book from the author in consideration of a review. I listened to the audiobook, which was purchased with my own funds, in conjunction with the physical copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
As someone who enjoys reading a variety of genres, THE WICKWIRE WATCH was an absolute delight to read. A mystery that develops into a cozy fantasy/slice of life that evolves into horror and even an element or two of science fiction.
And it worked.
The first thing I fell in love with in THE WICKWIRE WATCH was Jacquelyn Hagen's writing style. There was a distinct "classic" feel to it, timeless and beautiful.
Next, I found myself charmed by our main character, Mr. Inkwell Featherfield, a young scamp who makes a living divesting others of their valuables. When Ink finds himself in mortal danger because of one such valuable, a group of folks THAT LIVING ON A FLOATING ISLAND take him in and vow to keep him safe. As you might suspect, this lends into the found family trope and it was magnificent. I will admit that this particular section is laid out in a slice of life fashion and our plot here is much slower moving as each of these characters are introduced and developed.
That floating city - village rather - that I mentioned above? You'd think that might not be the easiest setting for world building, but Hagen pulled it off splendidly! She was meticulous with details explaining how the floating island operated and how the inhabitants maintained a self-sufficient lifestyle up there. Hagen also uses her skill at world building to infuse the story with horror - namely spirits know as Spektors - once mortal, these beings are spirits of those who died so full of hate and bitterness that they could not move on to what comes next, instead they've lingered behind to make otherS feel their pain and suffering.
I did purchase the audiobook as well, in fact I bought the audio for this book and the other two that are currently published in The Riverfall Chronicles, and I would highly recommend this format. Wayne Farrell is the narrator and he did an impeccable job narrating this delightful group of characters' antics and adventures.
Now I finally see why this book has had so many positive reviews and earned a spot in the finals for SPFBO9. As I mentioned above, I already own the next two books in the series on audio and look forward to seeing what happens next!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
As someone who enjoys reading a variety of genres, THE WICKWIRE WATCH was an absolute delight to read. A mystery that develops into a cozy fantasy/slice of life that evolves into horror and even an element or two of science fiction.
And it worked.
The first thing I fell in love with in THE WICKWIRE WATCH was Jacquelyn Hagen's writing style. There was a distinct "classic" feel to it, timeless and beautiful.
Next, I found myself charmed by our main character, Mr. Inkwell Featherfield, a young scamp who makes a living divesting others of their valuables. When Ink finds himself in mortal danger because of one such valuable, a group of folks THAT LIVING ON A FLOATING ISLAND take him in and vow to keep him safe. As you might suspect, this lends into the found family trope and it was magnificent. I will admit that this particular section is laid out in a slice of life fashion and our plot here is much slower moving as each of these characters are introduced and developed.
That floating city - village rather - that I mentioned above? You'd think that might not be the easiest setting for world building, but Hagen pulled it off splendidly! She was meticulous with details explaining how the floating island operated and how the inhabitants maintained a self-sufficient lifestyle up there. Hagen also uses her skill at world building to infuse the story with horror - namely spirits know as Spektors - once mortal, these beings are spirits of those who died so full of hate and bitterness that they could not move on to what comes next, instead they've lingered behind to make otherS feel their pain and suffering.
I did purchase the audiobook as well, in fact I bought the audio for this book and the other two that are currently published in The Riverfall Chronicles, and I would highly recommend this format. Wayne Farrell is the narrator and he did an impeccable job narrating this delightful group of characters' antics and adventures.
Now I finally see why this book has had so many positive reviews and earned a spot in the finals for SPFBO9. As I mentioned above, I already own the next two books in the series on audio and look forward to seeing what happens next!
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
October 8, 2023
Read for SPFBO, this is only my personal opinion, group verdict might differ widely! 💥
I really enjoyed the Wickwire Watch by Jacquelyn Hagen. The style reminded me a bit of Rotherweird, with a mix of cosy, dark, mystery, fantasy, airships and its very own charm.
The book starts out with a mysterious death, and then adds in some intentionally blurry world building, which we only learn more about in small bits, right along with yeh main character.
I quite enjoyed said MC quite a bit as well. He's a boy all on its own, getting by with thievery and a bit of trickery. He's feisty and reserved, and I really enjoyed seeing him grow, but still stay true to this character.
The next part of the book feels very different, more like cosy fantasy. It's all about small village life, though this village is quite a bit different, which made it interesting to explore both the grounds, as well as the other inhabitants. There are some darker moments running underneath, again pointing at some mysterious past, but overall it's more of a comforting part.
I like how this book does twist and turn, and the style and tone adjust to fit what we learn, as we learn it. However it missed a little something I can't put my finger on to really be a full favourite. So I'll go with 4 stars.
I really enjoyed the Wickwire Watch by Jacquelyn Hagen. The style reminded me a bit of Rotherweird, with a mix of cosy, dark, mystery, fantasy, airships and its very own charm.
The book starts out with a mysterious death, and then adds in some intentionally blurry world building, which we only learn more about in small bits, right along with yeh main character.
I quite enjoyed said MC quite a bit as well. He's a boy all on its own, getting by with thievery and a bit of trickery. He's feisty and reserved, and I really enjoyed seeing him grow, but still stay true to this character.
The next part of the book feels very different, more like cosy fantasy. It's all about small village life, though this village is quite a bit different, which made it interesting to explore both the grounds, as well as the other inhabitants. There are some darker moments running underneath, again pointing at some mysterious past, but overall it's more of a comforting part.
I like how this book does twist and turn, and the style and tone adjust to fit what we learn, as we learn it. However it missed a little something I can't put my finger on to really be a full favourite. So I'll go with 4 stars.
September 1, 2023
Review originally on JamReads
The Wickwire Watch is the first book in the fantasy series The Riverfall Chronicles, the debut novel of Jacquelyn Hagen, one of the SPFBO9 entries. And honestly, it is quite a unique novel, which starts as a murder mystery in a Gaslamp/Victorian esque world (with one of the catchiest opening lines in a novel) that becomes a character-driven cozy fantasy which suddenly incorporates horror and psychological thriller elements. A blend that is made without friction, showing the Hagen's writing ability.
Our protagonist is Inkwell Featherfield, a young and sharp-minded thief who has learnt the most important rule of Riverfall: trust no one. His pickpocket ability has allowed him to survive in the always tough streets, but a mysterious watch he snatched from the pocket of a dead man has only brought him problems, putting his life at risk until a group of enigmatic fugitives save him, breaking his preconceived ideas about unknown people.
In this context, the second part of the book starts, becoming closer to a slice-of-life proposal, a cozier section where we will get to know better the characters, their lives and their traumatic experiences, all through the eyes of the small Ink; despite his short age, he's much more mature that we would expect.
Finally, Hagen decides to wrap-up the novel with a thrilling last section, full of twists and intrigue, adding some elements that will give the reader a chill on the spine. All the previous built is rewarded.
Outside of the story related elements, we need to talk about how well crafted the setting and the atmosphere are. At any point of the novel, we can recognize steampunk and Victorian elements, and the use of several POVs different from Ink's one helps to build the city of Riverfall. A city that feels alive, which advances independently of what happens to our main character.
In summary, if you are looking for a unique novel with a Victorian/Gaslamp setting, that is not afraid of experimenting, The Wickwire Watch is perfect for you. There is so much talent for Hagen's writing, and I'm so hyped to read the rest of books in the series!
The Wickwire Watch is the first book in the fantasy series The Riverfall Chronicles, the debut novel of Jacquelyn Hagen, one of the SPFBO9 entries. And honestly, it is quite a unique novel, which starts as a murder mystery in a Gaslamp/Victorian esque world (with one of the catchiest opening lines in a novel) that becomes a character-driven cozy fantasy which suddenly incorporates horror and psychological thriller elements. A blend that is made without friction, showing the Hagen's writing ability.
Our protagonist is Inkwell Featherfield, a young and sharp-minded thief who has learnt the most important rule of Riverfall: trust no one. His pickpocket ability has allowed him to survive in the always tough streets, but a mysterious watch he snatched from the pocket of a dead man has only brought him problems, putting his life at risk until a group of enigmatic fugitives save him, breaking his preconceived ideas about unknown people.
In this context, the second part of the book starts, becoming closer to a slice-of-life proposal, a cozier section where we will get to know better the characters, their lives and their traumatic experiences, all through the eyes of the small Ink; despite his short age, he's much more mature that we would expect.
Finally, Hagen decides to wrap-up the novel with a thrilling last section, full of twists and intrigue, adding some elements that will give the reader a chill on the spine. All the previous built is rewarded.
Outside of the story related elements, we need to talk about how well crafted the setting and the atmosphere are. At any point of the novel, we can recognize steampunk and Victorian elements, and the use of several POVs different from Ink's one helps to build the city of Riverfall. A city that feels alive, which advances independently of what happens to our main character.
In summary, if you are looking for a unique novel with a Victorian/Gaslamp setting, that is not afraid of experimenting, The Wickwire Watch is perfect for you. There is so much talent for Hagen's writing, and I'm so hyped to read the rest of books in the series!
July 27, 2023
5/5 Stars
I received a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Wickwire Watch is a masterfully crafted story with charm and intrigue that quickly captured my heart. The story is steeped in magic, shrouded in mystery, and told with elegance.
Throughout the book we follow Inkwell Featherfield, a young boy who finds himself being chased by ghostly Spektors. While running for his life, a group of mysterious strangers offer him safety. Only everyone has their secrets and Inkwell trusts no one.
The story is told in a way that is wholesome, adventurous, thrilling, and charming. Before starting the book, I was falling into a reading slump. After listening to a few audiobooks, The Wickwire Watch immediately captured my attention. Before I knew it, I was four chapters in and couldn’t put it down.
I think a big reason for this is the main character, Ink. Though he’s a young boy he’s mature for his age, plucky, witty and charming. Relying on himself, he makes his own way in life as a cunning pickpocket. While he questions everything and everyone, he has his own mysterious air about him.
The supporting cast are thoughtfully done as well. The attention to detail in the characters’ arcs throughout the story progression felt natural and retained the characters integrity. While there is some development, it’s done subtly and skillfully. There were plenty of moments that felt like a game of wits between characters and the psychological battles of this was expertly done. I can’t forget to mention the incredible found family that develops in this.
I will say this is a meticulously plotted story that will have readers wanting more. No matter how I thought the story would go, the rug continued to be pulled out from under me and left me questioning everything. It goes without saying that the mystery surrounding the story was intoxicating, making this unputdownable.
In terms of the world-building and its history, it’s built seamlessly with the characters we meet and the circumstances they go through. Set in a Victorian fantasy world, there were plenty of magical elements mixed in with the everyday life of the characters. Giving a familiarity to the world while keeping me entranced by the magic.
The pacing is also spot on, weaving suspenseful moments alongside wholesome scenes. This helped give the story that binge-able feel as just when you were left reeling, you’re given a breath to process everything that’s happened. It was the perfect combination as I never felt overwhelmed, and I only wanted more.
I was also impressed by how many different genres styles were mixed into this. There was murder mystery, cozy fantasy, Gaslamp fantasy, supernatural elements, some horror and even thriller. Despite this mix, it never felt out of place. The Wickwire Watch is unlike anything I’ve read and I can’t recommend it enough.
In fact, I often struggle to continue series in a reliable timeframe. For the first time in a long time, I feel compelled to continue the series back-to-back. This might be the worst book hangover I’ve had since the Threadlight trilogy and I’m thrilled about it.
The audiobook performance by Wayne Farrell was also impressive. I ended up immersion reading this with a physical copy of the book alongside the audiobook. The performance solidified Wayne Farrell as a new favourite narrator for me, due to the small touches in his voice acting that made this story come to life.
To top it all off, this is a debut and that astounds me. If this is what Jacquelyn Hagen can do in her debut, I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in The Spider Key and The Blue Flames.
I highly recommend The Wickwire Watch for anyone looking for their next binge read.
I received a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Wickwire Watch is a masterfully crafted story with charm and intrigue that quickly captured my heart. The story is steeped in magic, shrouded in mystery, and told with elegance.
Throughout the book we follow Inkwell Featherfield, a young boy who finds himself being chased by ghostly Spektors. While running for his life, a group of mysterious strangers offer him safety. Only everyone has their secrets and Inkwell trusts no one.
The story is told in a way that is wholesome, adventurous, thrilling, and charming. Before starting the book, I was falling into a reading slump. After listening to a few audiobooks, The Wickwire Watch immediately captured my attention. Before I knew it, I was four chapters in and couldn’t put it down.
I think a big reason for this is the main character, Ink. Though he’s a young boy he’s mature for his age, plucky, witty and charming. Relying on himself, he makes his own way in life as a cunning pickpocket. While he questions everything and everyone, he has his own mysterious air about him.
The supporting cast are thoughtfully done as well. The attention to detail in the characters’ arcs throughout the story progression felt natural and retained the characters integrity. While there is some development, it’s done subtly and skillfully. There were plenty of moments that felt like a game of wits between characters and the psychological battles of this was expertly done. I can’t forget to mention the incredible found family that develops in this.
I will say this is a meticulously plotted story that will have readers wanting more. No matter how I thought the story would go, the rug continued to be pulled out from under me and left me questioning everything. It goes without saying that the mystery surrounding the story was intoxicating, making this unputdownable.
In terms of the world-building and its history, it’s built seamlessly with the characters we meet and the circumstances they go through. Set in a Victorian fantasy world, there were plenty of magical elements mixed in with the everyday life of the characters. Giving a familiarity to the world while keeping me entranced by the magic.
The pacing is also spot on, weaving suspenseful moments alongside wholesome scenes. This helped give the story that binge-able feel as just when you were left reeling, you’re given a breath to process everything that’s happened. It was the perfect combination as I never felt overwhelmed, and I only wanted more.
I was also impressed by how many different genres styles were mixed into this. There was murder mystery, cozy fantasy, Gaslamp fantasy, supernatural elements, some horror and even thriller. Despite this mix, it never felt out of place. The Wickwire Watch is unlike anything I’ve read and I can’t recommend it enough.
In fact, I often struggle to continue series in a reliable timeframe. For the first time in a long time, I feel compelled to continue the series back-to-back. This might be the worst book hangover I’ve had since the Threadlight trilogy and I’m thrilled about it.
The audiobook performance by Wayne Farrell was also impressive. I ended up immersion reading this with a physical copy of the book alongside the audiobook. The performance solidified Wayne Farrell as a new favourite narrator for me, due to the small touches in his voice acting that made this story come to life.
To top it all off, this is a debut and that astounds me. If this is what Jacquelyn Hagen can do in her debut, I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in The Spider Key and The Blue Flames.
I highly recommend The Wickwire Watch for anyone looking for their next binge read.
November 14, 2023
3.5/5
I love how varied the SPFBO 9 finalists are this year. "The Wickwire Watch" worthily represents the gaslamp fantasy subgenre. It’s adventurous and surprising. It’s about Inkwell Featherfield, a boy who finds himself targeted by dark spirits. His safety depends on a group of wanted fugitives on the run. Which makes everything fun.
Inkwell is bold, curious, and distrusting. He’s also a skilled pickpocket. I enjoyed how he was introduced - with a touch of humor and great timing. His unique mannerisms make him memorable and interesting. His backstory, or rather, flashes of his backstory are revealed slowly and build interest in Inkwell’s past.
Isaac Caradoc, the leading member of the fugitive group, possesses a mark on his left hand that grants him power over the spirits. He’s mysterious and no one (neither Inkwell nor readers) really understands his motives.
There’s also Lady Seherene who is leading the hunt for the fugitives. She’s clever and tired of political games but must play them to progress.
I liked the plotting, the characters, and Hagen’s atmospheric writing. It’s fun to see characters doing stuff in a rainy, pre-dawn town with gas lanterns casting pale light on cobblestones. Hagen pays attention to sensory details (“damp, metallic smell”) and it adds depth to the setting.
Effective plot twists kept me eager to know more about the unfolding events. I won’t reveal any of them, of course :)
On the flip side, the book suffers from information overload - some chapters introduce a lot of information, all important to the intrigue, sure, but there are lots of them to assimilate. Also, the first half of the book is slow, perhaps too slow to capture some readers' attention.
At times I felt transitions between scenes could be smoother which would improve the flow of the story. Also, despite the twists being clever, the recurring theme of hidden identities and subsequent revelations is somewhat predictable, especially if you’re well-versed in the genre.
That said, the characters are well-rounded and memorable, and the intrigue kept me immersed in the story. It’s a good, engaging book.
I love how varied the SPFBO 9 finalists are this year. "The Wickwire Watch" worthily represents the gaslamp fantasy subgenre. It’s adventurous and surprising. It’s about Inkwell Featherfield, a boy who finds himself targeted by dark spirits. His safety depends on a group of wanted fugitives on the run. Which makes everything fun.
Inkwell is bold, curious, and distrusting. He’s also a skilled pickpocket. I enjoyed how he was introduced - with a touch of humor and great timing. His unique mannerisms make him memorable and interesting. His backstory, or rather, flashes of his backstory are revealed slowly and build interest in Inkwell’s past.
Isaac Caradoc, the leading member of the fugitive group, possesses a mark on his left hand that grants him power over the spirits. He’s mysterious and no one (neither Inkwell nor readers) really understands his motives.
There’s also Lady Seherene who is leading the hunt for the fugitives. She’s clever and tired of political games but must play them to progress.
I liked the plotting, the characters, and Hagen’s atmospheric writing. It’s fun to see characters doing stuff in a rainy, pre-dawn town with gas lanterns casting pale light on cobblestones. Hagen pays attention to sensory details (“damp, metallic smell”) and it adds depth to the setting.
Effective plot twists kept me eager to know more about the unfolding events. I won’t reveal any of them, of course :)
On the flip side, the book suffers from information overload - some chapters introduce a lot of information, all important to the intrigue, sure, but there are lots of them to assimilate. Also, the first half of the book is slow, perhaps too slow to capture some readers' attention.
At times I felt transitions between scenes could be smoother which would improve the flow of the story. Also, despite the twists being clever, the recurring theme of hidden identities and subsequent revelations is somewhat predictable, especially if you’re well-versed in the genre.
That said, the characters are well-rounded and memorable, and the intrigue kept me immersed in the story. It’s a good, engaging book.
August 13, 2023
If I could choose 6 stars 🌟 I would! This is amazingly beautiful, exciting, fun, adventurous, unbelievably well written. I am in such a positive shock! ✨️ Directly to favourites! I will write something better since this book deserves it in a few days. For now, simply perfection!
May 5, 2024
"The Wickwire Watch" is a surprising Fantasy debut by Jacquelyn Hagen.
It is a deserving finalist in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog - Off 9.
I loved the genres blended in this work. There is Mystery, Adventure and even a sprinkle of Horror.
The main themes are coming of age, found family and the fact that each story has more than one side of truth, depending from where you are witnessing it.
While the protagonist is a teenager, this book is more focused towards an adult audience. I found the characters well written for such a large cast.
I wish the author good luck in the SPFBO9 competition and I will continue this series.
You can now support my passion for books with a small donation here https://ko-fi.com/mariareadssff
It is a deserving finalist in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog - Off 9.
I loved the genres blended in this work. There is Mystery, Adventure and even a sprinkle of Horror.
The main themes are coming of age, found family and the fact that each story has more than one side of truth, depending from where you are witnessing it.
While the protagonist is a teenager, this book is more focused towards an adult audience. I found the characters well written for such a large cast.
I wish the author good luck in the SPFBO9 competition and I will continue this series.
You can now support my passion for books with a small donation here https://ko-fi.com/mariareadssff
October 10, 2023
4.5 stars, imaginative story with well-crafted characters and dialogue. Fast-moving and compelling genre mix.
April 9, 2024
3.5 stars!
Full review and ranking to come at the end of the month for the completion of SPFBO! This had a really interesting concept, and the characters were really interesting, but the plot really slogged in the middle and the book was too long.
Full review and ranking to come at the end of the month for the completion of SPFBO! This had a really interesting concept, and the characters were really interesting, but the plot really slogged in the middle and the book was too long.
September 27, 2023
This book is worth a read. I wanted to get this out of the way because I'll mainly talk about some things that personally irritated me and prevented me from rating it higher.
This is a gaslamp fantasy with a young protagonist but a big cast of older side-characters. In the beginning there is a murder and so some mystery takes center place, accompanied by some dark creatures/spirits that are introduced and I thought that made for an excellent first part. The second part though (which is the longest) becomes more like a slice of life type of read as our MC gets to know the other characters. This was also done ok and even though I thought this part could be shorter, it was still enjoyable. Unfortunately the third and final part didn't click with me as much and I wasn't a fan of some choices made by the author..This was mainly due to two reasons.
Firstly in the final part we get some answers about our protagonists past, but the timing of the revelations felt off to me. As a result our MC's choices at the end didn't add up to his previous behaviour.
Secondly there is a trope used here that I very much dislike. Early on our MC gets ahold of a magic item that seems crucial to the plot but he forgets! it for long periods of time and only when it serves the plot he finally chooses to make use of it.
If the two problems mentioned above don't seem like a big deal to you, you're gonna have an excellent time reading this. But even with these issues I still enjoyed it and I think that most fantasy readers would do too.
6,9/10
This is a gaslamp fantasy with a young protagonist but a big cast of older side-characters. In the beginning there is a murder and so some mystery takes center place, accompanied by some dark creatures/spirits that are introduced and I thought that made for an excellent first part. The second part though (which is the longest) becomes more like a slice of life type of read as our MC gets to know the other characters. This was also done ok and even though I thought this part could be shorter, it was still enjoyable. Unfortunately the third and final part didn't click with me as much and I wasn't a fan of some choices made by the author..This was mainly due to two reasons.
Firstly in the final part we get some answers about our protagonists past, but the timing of the revelations felt off to me. As a result our MC's choices at the end didn't add up to his previous behaviour.
Secondly there is a trope used here that I very much dislike. Early on our MC gets ahold of a magic item that seems crucial to the plot but he forgets! it for long periods of time and only when it serves the plot he finally chooses to make use of it.
If the two problems mentioned above don't seem like a big deal to you, you're gonna have an excellent time reading this. But even with these issues I still enjoyed it and I think that most fantasy readers would do too.
6,9/10
January 30, 2024
This book was fine but I'm pretty confused why I have only heard praise about it. I didn't feel really anything about it the entire time except for the first 70-80 pages being very compelling. After that, there is a giant section of the book that is very different and people stop acting like people, and then the last chunk is okay. Won't be continuing this series, but nothing about it was actively not good.
October 20, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5.
I really liked this!! Like, a lot. Excellent writing, perfect dialogue, really good narration, memorable and believable characters, super unique feel, and a very intriguing plot with mystery and interesting magic + world. I am 100% in for the whole series.
I really liked this!! Like, a lot. Excellent writing, perfect dialogue, really good narration, memorable and believable characters, super unique feel, and a very intriguing plot with mystery and interesting magic + world. I am 100% in for the whole series.
January 14, 2024
This is a peach of book. Hagen's writing is warm and inviting, and she has a deft touch at drawing characters. There were times when I felt like the plot and the prose were becoming a little too predictable, but Hagen was working like a master beneath the surface, incorporating subtle yet dynamic tempo/plot shifts that paid off in a big way by novel's end. I've added The Spider's Key to my TBR list; I feel certain that I will be seeing this series to its end.
December 9, 2023
Indie published books are a gamble, but every now and then a truly original hidden gem comes by that makes all the duds worth it. This was one of those!
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
March 30, 2023
This is probably a 3.75 star read, but really who's counting? Was I pleased to find a book I actually enjoyed, and a fiction/fantasy no less? Heck yes! Fantasy has been letting me down lately. Was I even more pleased when it was Indie? 1000%. This book proves that Indie/self published books can be well thought out, well paced, and have great characters!
Also, this was a Victorian-esque fantasy, which just so happens to be what I will be publishing soon, so it was great to see what other people were doing with this idea.
So what did I like?
The characters for sure! This author knew that if you want the reader to believe that your found family like one another, you actually have to have them interact. Have to have them in some scenes that are mostly or entirely just about bonding. There were soft scenes aplenty with the characters getting to hang out and make us totally buy all their relationships. Love to see it!
I also felt like this book was a personal apology for the previous 2 fantasy books I read. I finally got my hidden, floating island, an interesting Victorian world to explore, and lots of intrigue, but, y'know.... done well.
But why not 5 stars then?
Well, firstly I didn't like the MC all that much. He was a child, and a well written child, but as such he was lowkey one of the least interesting of the many characters we met. I felt like we were only following him because he had the bad luck to stumble upon a watch and suddenly he was the lynchpin everyone was looking for. And I was just "meh" about it. Because he was a kid we had the MC lacking agency and just being dragged along by the plot.
Also, if you are a reader to hates when a character has his hands on the Magical Item (TM) but has no idea while we, the reader, know, then this book will drive you insane. The entire book will be spent shouting at Ink that he should probably check out that damn watch. (Later he gets his hands on ANOTHER magical item, and I'm waiting to find out that magic items are just drawn to him for some reason)
Another thing I didn't love was the world building and culture building. Everything just felt a little thin to me. Like I was just on the outside of understanding and exploring all the cool stuff. There was religion was a fairly important part of the story, but I have no idea what it is, or who they even worship. There were magical people which were supposedly rare and intimidating, but half the time when magic happened in front of the non-magical people, they were very ho-hum about it. I was left feeling like I didn't have a very strong idea of the world, which was too bad.
My final issue was, while this book was entertaining, it was doing that thing where I can tell it's mostly just setting up for the next book. I get it, it's the first in a series, but I personally hate when first books are mostly there to build stuff for book 2. I'd like a strong story for my book 1 please! I'm begging. I'm pleading. I'm writing it myself.
So overall a great read, but lacking in a couple places for me. Will I read book 2? Very probably, if I remember, but I do wish book 1 left a bigger overall impression to make sure I am dedicated to reading book 2.
Also, this was a Victorian-esque fantasy, which just so happens to be what I will be publishing soon, so it was great to see what other people were doing with this idea.
So what did I like?
The characters for sure! This author knew that if you want the reader to believe that your found family like one another, you actually have to have them interact. Have to have them in some scenes that are mostly or entirely just about bonding. There were soft scenes aplenty with the characters getting to hang out and make us totally buy all their relationships. Love to see it!
I also felt like this book was a personal apology for the previous 2 fantasy books I read. I finally got my hidden, floating island, an interesting Victorian world to explore, and lots of intrigue, but, y'know.... done well.
But why not 5 stars then?
Well, firstly I didn't like the MC all that much. He was a child, and a well written child, but as such he was lowkey one of the least interesting of the many characters we met. I felt like we were only following him because he had the bad luck to stumble upon a watch and suddenly he was the lynchpin everyone was looking for. And I was just "meh" about it. Because he was a kid we had the MC lacking agency and just being dragged along by the plot.
Also, if you are a reader to hates when a character has his hands on the Magical Item (TM) but has no idea while we, the reader, know, then this book will drive you insane. The entire book will be spent shouting at Ink that he should probably check out that damn watch. (Later he gets his hands on ANOTHER magical item, and I'm waiting to find out that magic items are just drawn to him for some reason)
Another thing I didn't love was the world building and culture building. Everything just felt a little thin to me. Like I was just on the outside of understanding and exploring all the cool stuff. There was religion was a fairly important part of the story, but I have no idea what it is, or who they even worship. There were magical people which were supposedly rare and intimidating, but half the time when magic happened in front of the non-magical people, they were very ho-hum about it. I was left feeling like I didn't have a very strong idea of the world, which was too bad.
My final issue was, while this book was entertaining, it was doing that thing where I can tell it's mostly just setting up for the next book. I get it, it's the first in a series, but I personally hate when first books are mostly there to build stuff for book 2. I'd like a strong story for my book 1 please! I'm begging. I'm pleading. I'm writing it myself.
So overall a great read, but lacking in a couple places for me. Will I read book 2? Very probably, if I remember, but I do wish book 1 left a bigger overall impression to make sure I am dedicated to reading book 2.
Read
March 27, 2024Inkwell Featherfield's motto, as the summary says, is: TRUST NO ONE.
I didn't rate this book because I don't really know what to do with it yet. I don't trust it.
I enjoyed listening to this. The story is fast-paced with plenty of familiar touchstones without the terrible tropes. I especially appreciated the lack of love triangles, miscommunication, intentional misunderstandings, and characters who can't figure anything out.
Ink is quick-witted so the reader doesn't have to wait for pages upon pages for him to know what's happening so we can move forward.
The story feels Dickensian at first, with a clever street rat of a kid meeting up with a newspaper owner who is seeking truth and justice. Through them, the reader finds there's a sort of war going on between The Colonists and a couple of groups of people who want to get rid of The Colonists. A pretty pocketwatch is found. Also, there are spooky Spektors involved and someone might be controlling them.
We quickly leave the newspaper man behind to follow Ink's adventures, taking us from Dickensian to domestic, almost pastoral, as Ink does chores and helps out in a community that used to be a school campus.
But in between Ink's chapters are chapters that follow the goings-on of other characters, such as the newspaper man or the fancy elite group of people or the Colonist hunter. But we always return to Ink.
Then it's onto action! Things happening! Truths and more doubts revealed!
The writing is good and the audiobook narrator breathed life into the characters, making this even more compelling.
HOWEVER.
As we shifted from Dickensian to Domestic, something started to puzzle me, to make me feel wary. Not the story, itself, but some of the subtexts and their possible implications.
This seems to be considered adult but, to me, it reads YA and I think knowing the intended audience could possibly help me figure out what these niggling concerns in the back of my mind may be.
But maybe not.
After thinking on it for a bit, I think I wondered about the term "Colonists" in relation to that particular group of people being misunderstood and intentionally maligned by their enemies. Through Ink's eyes, in this first book, the Colonists are the rebels, the resistance, the minority just trying to survive and thrive after everything they've lost.
Later, we find that each group or individual that's presented as The Baddies may not actually be evil, you just have to understand where they're coming from.
So The Colonists are misunderstood as is everyone else who is painted as a villain. While that bolster's Ink's belief to trust no one, it’s also a reminder not to judge others based on what you've been told but it also sounds a little like good people on both sides so…where does this land? And where are we going?
If this is supposed to be YA, I'd lean more toward the don't judge others based on what you've been told lesson, since that's a common theme in YA literature.
But if it's aimed at adults, I'm leaning more toward political subtext and that's where I'm stumbling because I don't know what this is saying.
I understand that all reading is political because we bring to each story our backgrounds and biases which politicizes stories, whether we mean to or not, whether we know we're doing it or not.
Because I expected a steampunk adventure fantasy bildungsromans, I didn't expect those particular pings to go off in my head and that's what has given me pause. Why was I thinking of our global political climate while reading what I had hoped would be escapist story about a boy growing up and finding out the world is bigger and more complicated than he had originally been led to believe?
So here's what I plan to do: In a month or two, I'm going to read the next book to find out if my weird feelings continue. Maybe it's just where my head is right now and by the time I read that book, I'll be thinking of other things and will be able to stay immersed in the adventures of Ink and his frenemies. For now, I am leaving this unrated and without recommendation and will re-evaluate after book two, possibly three.
I didn't rate this book because I don't really know what to do with it yet. I don't trust it.
I enjoyed listening to this. The story is fast-paced with plenty of familiar touchstones without the terrible tropes. I especially appreciated the lack of love triangles, miscommunication, intentional misunderstandings, and characters who can't figure anything out.
Ink is quick-witted so the reader doesn't have to wait for pages upon pages for him to know what's happening so we can move forward.
The story feels Dickensian at first, with a clever street rat of a kid meeting up with a newspaper owner who is seeking truth and justice. Through them, the reader finds there's a sort of war going on between The Colonists and a couple of groups of people who want to get rid of The Colonists. A pretty pocketwatch is found. Also, there are spooky Spektors involved and someone might be controlling them.
We quickly leave the newspaper man behind to follow Ink's adventures, taking us from Dickensian to domestic, almost pastoral, as Ink does chores and helps out in a community that used to be a school campus.
But in between Ink's chapters are chapters that follow the goings-on of other characters, such as the newspaper man or the fancy elite group of people or the Colonist hunter. But we always return to Ink.
Then it's onto action! Things happening! Truths and more doubts revealed!
The writing is good and the audiobook narrator breathed life into the characters, making this even more compelling.
HOWEVER.
As we shifted from Dickensian to Domestic, something started to puzzle me, to make me feel wary. Not the story, itself, but some of the subtexts and their possible implications.
This seems to be considered adult but, to me, it reads YA and I think knowing the intended audience could possibly help me figure out what these niggling concerns in the back of my mind may be.
But maybe not.
After thinking on it for a bit, I think I wondered about the term "Colonists" in relation to that particular group of people being misunderstood and intentionally maligned by their enemies. Through Ink's eyes, in this first book, the Colonists are the rebels, the resistance, the minority just trying to survive and thrive after everything they've lost.
Later, we find that each group or individual that's presented as The Baddies may not actually be evil, you just have to understand where they're coming from.
So The Colonists are misunderstood as is everyone else who is painted as a villain. While that bolster's Ink's belief to trust no one, it’s also a reminder not to judge others based on what you've been told but it also sounds a little like good people on both sides so…where does this land? And where are we going?
If this is supposed to be YA, I'd lean more toward the don't judge others based on what you've been told lesson, since that's a common theme in YA literature.
But if it's aimed at adults, I'm leaning more toward political subtext and that's where I'm stumbling because I don't know what this is saying.
I understand that all reading is political because we bring to each story our backgrounds and biases which politicizes stories, whether we mean to or not, whether we know we're doing it or not.
Because I expected a steampunk adventure fantasy bildungsromans, I didn't expect those particular pings to go off in my head and that's what has given me pause. Why was I thinking of our global political climate while reading what I had hoped would be escapist story about a boy growing up and finding out the world is bigger and more complicated than he had originally been led to believe?
So here's what I plan to do: In a month or two, I'm going to read the next book to find out if my weird feelings continue. Maybe it's just where my head is right now and by the time I read that book, I'll be thinking of other things and will be able to stay immersed in the adventures of Ink and his frenemies. For now, I am leaving this unrated and without recommendation and will re-evaluate after book two, possibly three.
July 13, 2023
I do give out five stars out easily because I kind of didn't understand the system before I got reading. Many books you read and thoroughly enjoy but on reflection maybe don't have the impact you first thought they had. My excuse is that before lockdown I wasn't a very experimental reader.
This book I loved its self published but don't let that deter you but you will fall in love with the character inkwell featherfield he starts off as a kind of homage to the artful dodger and indeed the opening sequence feels dickension in spirit but your gripped in the opening chapter by a murder and from that very first chapter you will find it difficult not to turn the page and will hate being interrupted by mundane trivial things like work or family.
Go order this book and thank me later (or ask me for a refund) I'm here for the journey me thinks. Along with the lies of Loch lamora and a few others this has been one of my favourite reads so far this year.
This book I loved its self published but don't let that deter you but you will fall in love with the character inkwell featherfield he starts off as a kind of homage to the artful dodger and indeed the opening sequence feels dickension in spirit but your gripped in the opening chapter by a murder and from that very first chapter you will find it difficult not to turn the page and will hate being interrupted by mundane trivial things like work or family.
Go order this book and thank me later (or ask me for a refund) I'm here for the journey me thinks. Along with the lies of Loch lamora and a few others this has been one of my favourite reads so far this year.
Read
November 10, 2023Why I read this:
Wanting to read more self-published fiction, especially from #SPFBO9 where The Wickwire Watch is a finalist (Nov 2023). I'd seen a few positive tweets about this one and was curious. It was available on audio, which sealed the deal.
My Impression:
This is a fantastic book.
I have seen The Wickwire Watch described as Harry Potter meets Oliver Twist. This is certainly a fitting description, with the main character being an Oliver Twist type, and the world building and enchantments reminiscent of Harry Potter's 'cursed jewellery' and 'Dementor' era. Like Harry Potter, Inkwell falls into the category of literary orphans, but The Wickwire Watch's protagonist is far more wily and less dependent on schoolyard friendships. He also has a mysterious past that may be revealed in subsequent books.
Consummately written, entertaining, and mysterious, The Wickwire Watch feels like an instant classic and I can imagine it having wide appeal.
Despite dealing with some heavy themes, it had an almost cosy feel. I would say that it might interest younger readers if not for the possession/exorcism themes. I suppose if Dementors are not scary anymore then that would be the age to read this one. That said, the story is no less entertaining for adults.
Craft-Related Notes:
-In addition to the influences mentioned above, The Wickwire Watch reminded me of Rothfuss' The Name of The Wind and Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.
-At the 3/4 mark I started to feel that there were too many characters falling into the category of nice+misunderstood+sad. By the end, I forgot about this as a few characters gained a new dimension of complexity.
-Hagen really captures the tone of classic British fantasy in the creation of a gaslamp inspired world of dark and hidden enchantments. And yet, the story is not predictable. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger and I have no idea what will happen next! After comparing The Wickwire Watch to Harry Potter, I must emphasise that this story does not follow the same narrative pattern (over the course of the school term, the 'Big Bad' emerges and is vanquished by HP & his friends). Instead, Inkwell has found himself on the good side of multiple opposed groups and it is not clear who we should be rooting for. Even Inkwell has a dark side...
Wanting to read more self-published fiction, especially from #SPFBO9 where The Wickwire Watch is a finalist (Nov 2023). I'd seen a few positive tweets about this one and was curious. It was available on audio, which sealed the deal.
My Impression:
This is a fantastic book.
I have seen The Wickwire Watch described as Harry Potter meets Oliver Twist. This is certainly a fitting description, with the main character being an Oliver Twist type, and the world building and enchantments reminiscent of Harry Potter's 'cursed jewellery' and 'Dementor' era. Like Harry Potter, Inkwell falls into the category of literary orphans, but The Wickwire Watch's protagonist is far more wily and less dependent on schoolyard friendships. He also has a mysterious past that may be revealed in subsequent books.
Consummately written, entertaining, and mysterious, The Wickwire Watch feels like an instant classic and I can imagine it having wide appeal.
Despite dealing with some heavy themes, it had an almost cosy feel. I would say that it might interest younger readers if not for the possession/exorcism themes. I suppose if Dementors are not scary anymore then that would be the age to read this one. That said, the story is no less entertaining for adults.
Craft-Related Notes:
-In addition to the influences mentioned above, The Wickwire Watch reminded me of Rothfuss' The Name of The Wind and Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell.
-At the 3/4 mark I started to feel that there were too many characters falling into the category of nice+misunderstood+sad. By the end, I forgot about this as a few characters gained a new dimension of complexity.
-Hagen really captures the tone of classic British fantasy in the creation of a gaslamp inspired world of dark and hidden enchantments. And yet, the story is not predictable. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger and I have no idea what will happen next! After comparing The Wickwire Watch to Harry Potter, I must emphasise that this story does not follow the same narrative pattern (over the course of the school term, the 'Big Bad' emerges and is vanquished by HP & his friends). Instead, Inkwell has found himself on the good side of multiple opposed groups and it is not clear who we should be rooting for. Even Inkwell has a dark side...
February 2, 2024
I’m starting this review with a thank you to SPFBO for shining a light on so many fantastic indie fantasy books.
The competition has guided many of my reading choices in the past year or so and time and time again it has delivered books of the highest quality.
The latest success for me is SPFBO 9 finalist The Wickwire Watch by Jacquelyn Hagen.
It’s a superb genre mash-up which takes you on a mind-stretching journey of discovery through an imaginative world setting with captivating characters and exquisite prose.
It reads like what might have resulted from a collaboration by Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters if they were transported through a portal into the 21st Century and co-wrote a fantasy with modern language and sensibilities.
There are Gothic fiction vibes with a blend of realism and supernatural fantasy and a mix of dark, mysterious atmosphere and cosy slice of life. And there is a strong Dickensian feel with the excellent characterisation and atmosphere of the Victorian-like gaslamp setting of Hagen’s world.
It all combines to provide a wonderful melting pot of a literary feast. We start with a murder mystery to whet our appetites, leading into a main course which serves up a creative thriller with a dash of horror.
A huge nod to Dickens is the lead character Inkwell Featherfield, a veritable Artful Dodger. He’s a sharp-witted and even more sharp-tongued young chancer who relies on his pickpocketing talent and ‘trust no-one attitude’ to get by in the world.
I love this character, from his adult attire, language and mannerisms to the vulnerabilities and backstory which are gradually revealed.
Although there are other engaging POVs, it is mainly through Ink’s eyes, thoughts and experiences that we progress through the story and it was a joy to accompany such a memorable main character.
The accompanying cast provides an interesting range of quirkiness and homeliness and we get to know them fairly intimately as the pace drops at times to focus on characters and relationships. What is sacrificed in action during those passages is more than made up for in the depth of character and emotion they convey, which means that when things hot up you’re likely to care deeply for these people.
Throughout the book, the prose is delightful, with a certain lightness and drollness. There is drama, tension, menace and political intrigue, but it’s softened by the overall whimsical tone of the narrative.
Even in the darkest moments, I remained (metaphorically speaking) snugly wrapped up in the safety of my comforting whimsy blanket. No matter how mysterious, threatening or dangerous the situation, I always felt I was witnessing proceedings through the lens of a quaint fireside tale.
Hagen’s humour is displayed regularly, through great lines of dialogue and the portrayal of internal thoughts and descriptions of certain situations. I particularly loved the comedy of the password scene at Margaret's house (no spoilers).
I also enjoyed the elements of mystery which are threaded throughout, puzzling over the different characters’ and factions’ motives, especially Ink's predicament of who to believe.
That uncertainty and unpredictability escalates towards the book’s climax and left me with lots of questions I need answering, in the best possible way.
The plot itself is clever and inventive, involving Ink finding himself in a whole heap of trouble when he swags a magical device which puts a dent in his swagger. It leads to him being hunted by some malevolent spirits and finding refuge with a found family band of fugitives, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
There is sorrow, trauma and tragedy, and hope, fun and familial love.
The Wickwire Watch is an enchanting read which ticks so many boxes for me, and I doth Ink’s over-sized top hat to its creator for a brilliant and absorbing debut.
The competition has guided many of my reading choices in the past year or so and time and time again it has delivered books of the highest quality.
The latest success for me is SPFBO 9 finalist The Wickwire Watch by Jacquelyn Hagen.
It’s a superb genre mash-up which takes you on a mind-stretching journey of discovery through an imaginative world setting with captivating characters and exquisite prose.
It reads like what might have resulted from a collaboration by Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters if they were transported through a portal into the 21st Century and co-wrote a fantasy with modern language and sensibilities.
There are Gothic fiction vibes with a blend of realism and supernatural fantasy and a mix of dark, mysterious atmosphere and cosy slice of life. And there is a strong Dickensian feel with the excellent characterisation and atmosphere of the Victorian-like gaslamp setting of Hagen’s world.
It all combines to provide a wonderful melting pot of a literary feast. We start with a murder mystery to whet our appetites, leading into a main course which serves up a creative thriller with a dash of horror.
A huge nod to Dickens is the lead character Inkwell Featherfield, a veritable Artful Dodger. He’s a sharp-witted and even more sharp-tongued young chancer who relies on his pickpocketing talent and ‘trust no-one attitude’ to get by in the world.
I love this character, from his adult attire, language and mannerisms to the vulnerabilities and backstory which are gradually revealed.
Although there are other engaging POVs, it is mainly through Ink’s eyes, thoughts and experiences that we progress through the story and it was a joy to accompany such a memorable main character.
The accompanying cast provides an interesting range of quirkiness and homeliness and we get to know them fairly intimately as the pace drops at times to focus on characters and relationships. What is sacrificed in action during those passages is more than made up for in the depth of character and emotion they convey, which means that when things hot up you’re likely to care deeply for these people.
Throughout the book, the prose is delightful, with a certain lightness and drollness. There is drama, tension, menace and political intrigue, but it’s softened by the overall whimsical tone of the narrative.
Even in the darkest moments, I remained (metaphorically speaking) snugly wrapped up in the safety of my comforting whimsy blanket. No matter how mysterious, threatening or dangerous the situation, I always felt I was witnessing proceedings through the lens of a quaint fireside tale.
Hagen’s humour is displayed regularly, through great lines of dialogue and the portrayal of internal thoughts and descriptions of certain situations. I particularly loved the comedy of the password scene at Margaret's house (no spoilers).
I also enjoyed the elements of mystery which are threaded throughout, puzzling over the different characters’ and factions’ motives, especially Ink's predicament of who to believe.
That uncertainty and unpredictability escalates towards the book’s climax and left me with lots of questions I need answering, in the best possible way.
The plot itself is clever and inventive, involving Ink finding himself in a whole heap of trouble when he swags a magical device which puts a dent in his swagger. It leads to him being hunted by some malevolent spirits and finding refuge with a found family band of fugitives, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
There is sorrow, trauma and tragedy, and hope, fun and familial love.
The Wickwire Watch is an enchanting read which ticks so many boxes for me, and I doth Ink’s over-sized top hat to its creator for a brilliant and absorbing debut.
December 16, 2023
This is incredibly compelling. I never wanted to stop listening to the audio book. The characters are a lot of fun but still deep, the plot is complex but still easy to follow, the world building is super interesting and the way and pace in which information is conveyed just felt perfect. There is a hint of cozy fantasy – I fell in love with so many characters - , but the stakes are still there and there are serious and creepy elements. It also scratches that itch I have for Victorian literature, especially Dickens, while still being set in its own unique world. I just really love it and cant wait to continue the series.
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