Title: Lumière
Author: Jacqueline Garlick
Series: Illumination Paradox #1
Genre: Steampunk/Historical Fiction/YA Adventure
Publisher: Amazemo Books
Publication Date: December 12th, 2013
Pages: Kindle Edition, 335 pages
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:
One determined girl. One resourceful boy. One miracle machine that could destroy everything.
After an unexplained flash shatters her world, seventeen-year-old Eyelet Elsworth sets out to find the Illuminator, her father’s prized invention. With it, she hopes to cure herself of her debilitating seizures before Professor Smrt—her father’s arch nemesis—discovers her secret and locks her away in an asylum.
Pursued by Smrt, Eyelet locates the Illuminator only to see it whisked away. She follows the thief into the world of the unknown, compelled not only by her quest but by the allure of the stranger—Urlick Babbit—who harbors secrets of his own.
Together, they endure deadly Vapours and criminal-infested woods in pursuit of the same prize, only to discover the miracle machine they hoped would solve their problems may, in fact, be their biggest problem of all.
I am undecided on how good this book actually is. It was a really intriguing and engaging story and world. The characters were equally intriguing and interesting. But there was just something that I felt was kind of left unexplained for the first book in a series. Or at the very least not explained well, unless Jacqueline is waiting to explain those things in the sequel.
I loved these characters personalities. They were great, the banter between Urlick and Eyelet was really entertaining, and their blossoming romance was actually pretty believable. Smrt was creepy and a great villain. I loved the side characters as well. All the characters were well written and unique.
I liked so many things about this book, but it was pretty weird. The world building was a little weak at times. Like it's never really explained how their government works. Eyelet lives in Brethern, and it has a "Ruler". But is it a Monarchy, or a Dictatorship? Is it a Communist government, a Federation? These are questions I would have liked answered in some way so I could get a better understanding of things.
Another thing that's not really an actual problem but whenever it was mentioned I pictured something else, not because it was poorly described but because I'm weird. What I am talking about is 'The Vapours". I know it's a toxic fog/mist... but whenever it was mentioned all I saw was this:
And I couldn't stop myself from giggling.
This book was really engaging and I would recommend it to anyone that likes YA mystery/fantasy. The characters were great and while I feel the world building wasn't as good as I would have liked, this book was one of the most entertaining I've read this year. I'd love to continue the series and find out what happens with Urlick, that cliffhanger. I must know.
I am DYING! That is EXACTLY what I would think of with "The Vapours" too hahahha. The gif is perfect too! I am glad that the book was entertaining, though I do have a hard time if the worldbuilding was lacking. But, it does sound interesting enough that I'd give it a try! Fabulous review, thanks for putting this on my radar!
ReplyDeleteShannon @ It Starts At Midnight
Thank you. It is kind of a silly thing to call the fog. The book was really entertaining, if you give it a read, I hope you enjoy it.
DeleteHappy reading.