A review by happily_undignified
The Girl in the Clockwork Tower by Lou Wilham

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!