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A review by timeywriter
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley
4.0
Every so often history and magic intertwine and I find that this produces the most intriguing of stories. This novel provides such a story. And though I wished I had been able to read it all through in a single sitting, the whole of it was nonetheless entrancing.
Thaniel is a clerk at the Home Office who finds a watch in his apartment one day. Six months later the watch sounds a small alarm and saves him from being trapped in a bomb that goes off in Scotland Yard. Attempting to figure out how the watch was able to warn him of the bomb, Thaniel seeks out the creator of the watch, Keita Mori. Originally from Japan, Mori speaks English with a northern accent and quickly integrates himself into Thaniel's life. Alongside a clockwork octopus that is a hundred years ahead of its time. The more Thaniel attempts to unravel and the more of Mori's history before leaving Japan, the more magic comes from his clockwork and predicting abilities. By calculating the future, Mori stealthily helps those around him as another bomb becomes apparent and the chemist Grace involves herself in Thaniel's life. I loved the history of Victorian London and the civil war in Japan intertwined with mystical futures. I found each character to be unique and engaging. I had less understanding toward Grace and her role in everything, she seemed a little rushed at times, though I liked her conclusion. I liked the growth between Thaniel and Mori of course, the unlikely friends to inseparable is a troupe that works for me. I also liked the intrigue and that even when predicted, not everything worked out the way one might think or want. It was just a good story that kept me wanting to read.
I will need to read this again, perhaps in a single sitting like I would have wanted. I want to fall for these characters again and really look at the mystery of it all. Above anything I want a clockwork octopus who steals socks, Katsu was adorable.
Thaniel is a clerk at the Home Office who finds a watch in his apartment one day. Six months later the watch sounds a small alarm and saves him from being trapped in a bomb that goes off in Scotland Yard. Attempting to figure out how the watch was able to warn him of the bomb, Thaniel seeks out the creator of the watch, Keita Mori. Originally from Japan, Mori speaks English with a northern accent and quickly integrates himself into Thaniel's life. Alongside a clockwork octopus that is a hundred years ahead of its time. The more Thaniel attempts to unravel and the more of Mori's history before leaving Japan, the more magic comes from his clockwork and predicting abilities. By calculating the future, Mori stealthily helps those around him as another bomb becomes apparent and the chemist Grace involves herself in Thaniel's life. I loved the history of Victorian London and the civil war in Japan intertwined with mystical futures. I found each character to be unique and engaging. I had less understanding toward Grace and her role in everything, she seemed a little rushed at times, though I liked her conclusion. I liked the growth between Thaniel and Mori of course, the unlikely friends to inseparable is a troupe that works for me. I also liked the intrigue and that even when predicted, not everything worked out the way one might think or want. It was just a good story that kept me wanting to read.
I will need to read this again, perhaps in a single sitting like I would have wanted. I want to fall for these characters again and really look at the mystery of it all. Above anything I want a clockwork octopus who steals socks, Katsu was adorable.