Rebel Mechanics is my first experience with a Steamppunk novel. Steampunk- according to google- is “a genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.” In this book the Rebel Mechanics are a group of individuals who are seeking to overthrow the British, who are still ruling the American colonies. The British are able to control the colonies because they have magisters, individuals who can use magic. The Rebel Mechanics try to develop non-magical sources of power, via steam engines, to free themselves from British control and rule. Verity, a 16-year-old governess, gets a job in a high ranking magisters’ home. She comes in to contact with the Rebel Mechanics and becomes a spy for the Rebel Mechanics as she reports back to the Mechanics the things she hears at the magisters.
My favorite part of the novel is the romance that Verity finds herself in. She has a love-at-first-sight moment with one of the Rebel Mechanics, Alec, which is the beginning of her work as a spy. Alec quickly wins her over and her relationship with him is what leads her to continue to give information to the Rebel Mechanics so she can keep him safe. At the same time, Verity develops an affection for her employer, the scatter brained scientist, Lord Henry Lyndon. She knows that there is no chance of a governess and magister being together but finds herself drawn to him and him to her. There is also plenty of action in the book as the revolution begins between the Rebel Mechanics and the British soldiers. The books ending is such that readers will eagerly await the second book in the series.
My favorite part of the novel is the romance that Verity finds herself in. She has a love-at-first-sight moment with one of the Rebel Mechanics, Alec, which is the beginning of her work as a spy. Alec quickly wins her over and her relationship with him is what leads her to continue to give information to the Rebel Mechanics so she can keep him safe. At the same time, Verity develops an affection for her employer, the scatter brained scientist, Lord Henry Lyndon. She knows that there is no chance of a governess and magister being together but finds herself drawn to him and him to her. There is also plenty of action in the book as the revolution begins between the Rebel Mechanics and the British soldiers. The books ending is such that readers will eagerly await the second book in the series.