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The Girl and the Clockwork Cat

Book 1 in the series:Clockwork Enterprises

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In "The Girl and the Clockwork Cat" by Nikki McCormack, readers are transported to a steampunk Victorian London where we follow Maeko, a teenage street thief, as she stumbles upon a mysterious clockwork cat with a valuable leg. As Maeko gets entangled in a murder investigation, she must navigate a dangerous world filled with betrayal, romance, and the constant threat of the authorities. Alongside charismatic characters like Ash and Chaff, Maeko learns the art of growing up, discovering who to trust, how to care for others without endangering herself, and managing conflicting romantic interests. McCormack's clear and captivating writing style brings to life a likable and empathetic protagonist, offering a thrilling blend of murder mystery and steampunk adventure through the eyes of a scrappy girl facing more challenges than the average teenager.

Maeko's journey from a skilled pickpocket living on the streets to a key player in a murder mystery involving a missing inventor and dangerous criminals is a riveting tale of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. As Maeko navigates the treacherous streets of London, evading the authorities and uncovering secrets, readers are drawn into a world filled with action, intrigue, and unexpected twists. With a compelling plot that seamlessly weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and mystery, "The Girl and the Clockwork Cat" offers an engaging narrative that explores themes of survival, friendship, and the complexities of growing up in a society rife with danger and deception.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, including a strong female lead as well as charismatic supporting figures.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is clear and engaging, effectively developing characters and maintaining a fast pace.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a blend of murder mystery and adventure, centered around a teenage thief navigating a dystopic London.

Setting:

The setting is a dystopic and steampunk version of London, filled with social challenges and vivid descriptions.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast with thrilling action, although it may feel uneven in the latter parts.

Notes:

The main character, Maeko, is a 17-year-old thief living in a dystopian alternate version of Victorian London.
Maeko has lived on the streets since she was seven years old, after being separated from her mother.
The story is set in a world where a paramilitary force called the Literati particularly targets homeless youth.
Maeko's mentor is named Chaff, who teaches her skills for survival, like pickpocketing and lock picking.
The clockwork cat has a mechanical leg and plays a role in drawing Maeko into a murder mystery.
The plot involves a balance between adventure, romance, and social struggles experienced by the protagonist.
Maeko faces dangers from the authorities, street criminals, and she has to navigate trust issues with others.
The book blends elements of steampunk, romance, and mystery into its narrative.
Although the clockwork cat is in the title, its actual role in the story is limited, serving more as a plot device.
Readers have noted that character development, especially Maeko's growth, is a strong point of the book.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are medium-level content warnings for themes related to crime, violence, and harsh societal conditions that must be navigated by the characters.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present in the story, highlighted through Maeko's interactions with her two love interests.

From The Publisher:

Feisty teenage thief Maeko and her fellow pickpocket Chaff scrape out a meager existence in Victorian London's gritty streets. When a near-disastrous heist leads her to a mysterious clockwork cat and two dead bodies, she's thrust into a murder mystery that may cost her everything she holds dear.

Her only allies are Chaff, the cat, and Ash, the son of the accused murderer. What starts as a simple investigation reveals a conspiracy stretching across the entire city. With danger closing in around them, the only way any of them will get out of this alive is if they all work together.

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Want To Read (2)
 
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