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wasauthor's review
3.0
I received an advance review copy of The Girl in the Clockwork Tower for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Billed as a steampunk adaptation of Rapunzel, I must confess to being left disappointed by the lack of steampunk elements, and what a loose adaptation it is, despite some clever nods to the original fairy tale.
Written (and appropriate for) younger readers, this is a G-rated tale that merges fantasy and science fiction. It's light-hearted with a healthy dose of whimsy, but does not offer anything that will challenge the reader, by way of its plot or themes.
The point of view characters are engaging and bring the story along, however lead character Persi's genesis from damsel in distress to heroine in her own right feels quite sudden.
I struggled to suspend my disbelief while reading this book. Set in a fictional world, it references French accents. It features unicorns, who by all appearances are humans with coloured hair, and no explanation about this.
This book wasn't for me, but it is well-written and edited, so if it is your type of thing, you might enjoy it.
For more detailed thoughts about The Girl in the Clockwork Tower, feel free to check out my full review.
Billed as a steampunk adaptation of Rapunzel, I must confess to being left disappointed by the lack of steampunk elements, and what a loose adaptation it is, despite some clever nods to the original fairy tale.
Written (and appropriate for) younger readers, this is a G-rated tale that merges fantasy and science fiction. It's light-hearted with a healthy dose of whimsy, but does not offer anything that will challenge the reader, by way of its plot or themes.
The point of view characters are engaging and bring the story along, however lead character Persi's genesis from damsel in distress to heroine in her own right feels quite sudden.
I struggled to suspend my disbelief while reading this book. Set in a fictional world, it references French accents. It features unicorns, who by all appearances are humans with coloured hair, and no explanation about this.
This book wasn't for me, but it is well-written and edited, so if it is your type of thing, you might enjoy it.
For more detailed thoughts about The Girl in the Clockwork Tower, feel free to check out my full review.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
Did someone say fairytale retelling? I'm not entirely sure if my shelf with fairytale retellings is complete. It's very possible that I've read more than I shelved properly and yet I never grow tired of them. I think that it's the mix of having something known mixed with something new and exciting. I think it's because fairytales always promise magic in some way. And I think it's because they always give me a warm feeling. When BookSirens offered me this arc, there was no way I was gonna say no.
Let me start with saying that this book might not be for you if you need a lot of actual action in your book. Although the stakes are high and although our characters end up in quite a lot of dangerous situations, most of those issues are solved cleverly and not violently. I personally loved that. Those characters weren't hotheads rushing into something and winning because of plot-armor. These characters had to scheme and plan and think and learn and grown.
And while our main characters were doing all that, we got to know the world they were living in. Even though the book isn't action packed, it's not filled with long info dumps either. On the contrary. Since our characters have lived in this world their entire lives, we're not getting explanations at all. We're being shown the world. And that's so much better! Everything we need to know, we learn because it happens, because we're witnessing it or because our characters are dealing with the consequences.
However, it were the characters I loved most about this book. Especially our little seer is an amazing character. She's not the fighter type, but so often we're shown how brave she is, how kind she is and how she's willing to fight for herself AND this world. Luckily she has a great captain fighting for her too and helping her wherever he can. It was easy to fall in love with them and to root for them! Even though we all know that the tale of Rapunzel isn't always happy and the author does keep all the core elements.
Let me start with saying that this book might not be for you if you need a lot of actual action in your book. Although the stakes are high and although our characters end up in quite a lot of dangerous situations, most of those issues are solved cleverly and not violently. I personally loved that. Those characters weren't hotheads rushing into something and winning because of plot-armor. These characters had to scheme and plan and think and learn and grown.
And while our main characters were doing all that, we got to know the world they were living in. Even though the book isn't action packed, it's not filled with long info dumps either. On the contrary. Since our characters have lived in this world their entire lives, we're not getting explanations at all. We're being shown the world. And that's so much better! Everything we need to know, we learn because it happens, because we're witnessing it or because our characters are dealing with the consequences.
However, it were the characters I loved most about this book. Especially our little seer is an amazing character. She's not the fighter type, but so often we're shown how brave she is, how kind she is and how she's willing to fight for herself AND this world. Luckily she has a great captain fighting for her too and helping her wherever he can. It was easy to fall in love with them and to root for them! Even though we all know that the tale of Rapunzel isn't always happy and the author does keep all the core elements.
dlsmall's review
3.0
I’m a few months away from teaching, and reading much YA, but this is fine for the genre. The world building and magic system here is pretty solid. I do have a few quibbles…the Rapunzel analogy isn’t that strong in my opinion…I mean beyond a tower/dormitory, and a girl with some curls. Persinette’s agreement to work for the Uprising and the inevitable romance with the young captain happens way too quickly. Lotsa giggling. Manu is a bit of a fop and all, but he seems like a good guy…a good guy who cares for his (not that huge of a) crew would know their names…especially those he plays cards with. Finally, sometimes, it seems that sometimes the inspiration to get into steampunk is to write genre fiction, but stir in way more corsets and camisoles.
Thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read this ARC.
memento_morri's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
andreastopit's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
It was hard to rate this book because on the one hand it had many flaws, but on the other, it was easy to read and I had no desire to dnf.
happily_undignified's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Girl in the Clockwork Tower by Lou Wilham is a quirky steampunk aesthetic retelling of Rapunzel that mixes humor with magic in an Oceans Eleven type caper. The story is a dual narrative following Persi, a magical seer who is under the thumb of an evil corporation MOTHER, and Captain Manu, a goofy and lovable member of the Uprising who wants MOTHER gone. The story is full of scheming and subterfuge that culminates in an epic battle. Persi and Manu share information via magic mirror and their plans are full of checkpoints involving magical creatures like goblins, unicorns, and pixies. I especially loved the scenes in the library of the TOWER where Persi lives. The world building is well done and the story kept my interest from start to finish. This is a fun, interesting Fairytale retelling that you're sure to love!
ufakbideneme's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Love the writing style of Lou and the worlds created by her so much! And I enjoyed this book just like the other ones I've read so far by Lou Wilham.
There is a sharp distinction between humans and a wide variety of magical creatures like goblins, unicorns, seers, etc. And humans capture the magical ones and treat them very poorly. Our main character is a Seer called Persinette who is forced to work for them since she was a child and the other main character is a pirate captain named of the rebels named Manu Kelii. I did not like Persi much yet I absolutely adored Manu Kelii and his family/crew.
The first 3/4 of the book was too slow for me. I sincerely even thought that might be a 0.5th book instead of the first book in the series yet the last quarter was better at pace and gave me mostly what I wanted. That and the fact that there are several parts I found utterly unlogical. And also there is another character named Agnes and I feel the lack of his POV deeply. So these are the reasons why I decided not to give it a five star.
Will definitely continue the series both because of THAT ENDING and I wanna, nope slash that, I NEED to know what will happen next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a sharp distinction between humans and a wide variety of magical creatures like goblins, unicorns, seers, etc. And humans capture the magical ones and treat them very poorly. Our main character is a Seer called Persinette who is forced to work for them since she was a child and the other main character is a pirate captain named of the rebels named Manu Kelii. I did not like Persi much yet I absolutely adored Manu Kelii and his family/crew.
The first 3/4 of the book was too slow for me. I sincerely even thought that might be a 0.5th book instead of the first book in the series yet the last quarter was better at pace and gave me mostly what I wanted. That and the fact that there are several parts I found utterly unlogical. And also there is another character named Agnes and I feel the lack of his POV deeply. So these are the reasons why I decided not to give it a five star.
Will definitely continue the series both because of THAT ENDING and I wanna, nope slash that, I NEED to know what will happen next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
proudtobeabookaholic's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Persinette is a 24-year-old seer who lives in the kingdom of Daiwynn. She's an Enchanted and an asset for MOTHER, helping them Collecting other Enchanted with her visions. But Persi feels bad having to send people of her own kind to MOTHER's labor camps, and she dreams of freedom. When her handler, Gothel, tells her she will go out on the field on their next Collection, Persi first gets scared. Then she decides it's time to stand up and do whatever she can for the Enchanted. Without tippning MOTHER off...
Manu Kelii is the 26-year-old captain on the airship The Defiant Duchess. He does missions for the Uprising, with the goal of overthrowing MOTHER. But when he's assigned to work with Persi to obstruct the Collecting, Manu's in for a tough challenge...
This is a steampunk retelling of Rapunzel! I love the premise and the world building, and that there's a lot of different creatures, such as pixies, werewolves, unicorns, fairies, trolls and kelpies. But... I'm not that fond of the main characters. Persi and Manu mix chapters, and to begin with I enjoy the humorous tone.
"A shrill, angry noise broke the silence of the early morning, startling Persi and setting her heart racing once more. With narrowed eyes, she glared at the offending alarm clock on her bedside table."
Pretty soon I think that both Persi and Manu is behaving rather childish, considering their age. Persi is also very naive. After spending 16 years as a prisoner at MOTHER I would think she's learned a thing or two, but no. I also find it unrealistic that she never gets better when she's assigned physical training in preparation for field duty. After several weeks she still hasn't made ANY progress?! Agnes can't be a very good trainer, even though he's portraited as such. I also wish that someone told the author to delete a big chunk of Persi's "giggles"... Manu is acting kind of dandy-like and I'm having trouble seeing how he was chosen as captain. But I adore his closest man, Benard!
* I received a free copy of the book from BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
elpisgalaxy's review
3.0
I found it hard to get into this book and at times elements of the world and plot just didn't make the most sense to me. With the way the book starts out, it doesn't feel like the first book with the way it throws you into the world and that ended up being very disorienting. Even now, I'm still not too sure what the purpose of the organization Persi works for is and why some of the people they collect become assets vs. sent directly to labor camps. I also had a hard time understanding the uprising and how they were using Persi in it since she didn't actually seem to be doing much for them and feeding them information the way other insiders were.
Despite these issues, I did enjoy Persi's character development throughout the book as she is forced to come up with plans on the fly and improve herself. I also liked the development of her relationship with Manu Kelii although him taking her out of the tower randomly throughout the story seemed out of place even if it was interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Despite these issues, I did enjoy Persi's character development throughout the book as she is forced to come up with plans on the fly and improve herself. I also liked the development of her relationship with Manu Kelii although him taking her out of the tower randomly throughout the story seemed out of place even if it was interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
nancyotoole's review
5.0
In this unique retelling of the classic fairy tale, Persi has been trapped in a tower for most of her life. But unlike with Rapunzel, there’s a deeper purpose to her capture. The evil organization, known as MOTHER, uses her magical gifts as a seer to locate and track down other Enchanted. And while Persi tries to undermine MOTHER’s orders, there is only so much she can do on her own. That is until a rare field mission brings her face to face with Captain Manu Kelii, a flamboyant and charming rebel who believes that together they have hope of bringing MOTHER down.
Filled with excitement, romance, and a dollop of whimsy, The Girl in the Clockwork tower is an appealing steampunk/fantasy hybrid. What initially pulled me in is the character of Persi. While not as bold as some fantasy heroines, the fact that she finds a way to push past her own fears and rebel against MOTHER makes her incredibly brave in her own, quiet way. Another thing I really enjoyed about the book was the romance. Our two heroes share wonderful chemistry, and I found the scenes the just featured them talking were some of my favorites in the book.
Fairy tale books tend to come in two groups. Either relatively straightforward retellings or more creative works which heavily pull from classic tales to tell more wholly original stories. It’s obvious from the summary above that The Girl in the Clockwork tower falls solidly in the second category and I believe the book is stronger for it, delivering a fantasy series starter that is reminiscent of Rapunzel but still very much its own thing. I’m very glad that I picked it up and am looking forward to book two, The Unicorn in the Clockwork Quest.
Filled with excitement, romance, and a dollop of whimsy, The Girl in the Clockwork tower is an appealing steampunk/fantasy hybrid. What initially pulled me in is the character of Persi. While not as bold as some fantasy heroines, the fact that she finds a way to push past her own fears and rebel against MOTHER makes her incredibly brave in her own, quiet way. Another thing I really enjoyed about the book was the romance. Our two heroes share wonderful chemistry, and I found the scenes the just featured them talking were some of my favorites in the book.
Fairy tale books tend to come in two groups. Either relatively straightforward retellings or more creative works which heavily pull from classic tales to tell more wholly original stories. It’s obvious from the summary above that The Girl in the Clockwork tower falls solidly in the second category and I believe the book is stronger for it, delivering a fantasy series starter that is reminiscent of Rapunzel but still very much its own thing. I’m very glad that I picked it up and am looking forward to book two, The Unicorn in the Clockwork Quest.