Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times

Is it ironic that the best Steampunk novels I have read are all kids books? Probably not, as only through the eyes of a child protagonist does the wonder of a steampunk world really come to life. Here we have a story of a young man who's curiosity leads him through a door to another London, one with airships, clockwork, and steampowered transit. A little bit Alice in Wonderland, and a little bit Neverwhere...and there you go. It's nonstop action, but just when it began to wear on me a bit, a character would reveal a charming personality trait that would almost feel like a story within a story. I adored Beth, the windup girl, and even the big bad Lorcan is humanized by a backstory that is rather heartbreaking. There is so much more story to tell here, too. From where does the Lady originate (my guess is she is Queen Elizabeth the first)? What will happen now?

Very enjoyable read. My only complaint is the illustrations which I felt were too dark and smeary and not detailed enough. They added nada to the story. I found one (pg 192) to be especially disappointing after a rather upsetting scene, the illustration was too abstract and ripped me right out of the story-because I was wondering what the hell it was. Not kid friendly at all.