tabithar's review against another edition
2.0
Part of the concept is intriguing but the story was rambling and not well executed. The plot is also rather vague. I don't recommend it.
wagmore's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting idea to conjure a fantasy world based on old American legends and tall tales. The plot and characterization is generally good. Hard to put my finger on it, but sometimes the author seemed to just skate over his work in places.
shanny1366's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not sure whether or not this qualifies as steampunk, but I'm really starting to enjoy this kind of book. It reminded me of a more mature version of The League of Seven. The characters are all multi-dimensional and very interesting, which is a nice change from a lot of children's books. I love that this author doesn't underestimate his audience just because they are young. A lot of the "surprises" I did see coming, but I still really enjoyed the journey that this book takes readers through. The ending was exciting, although since it's the first in a trilogy I did not expect things to wrap up the way that they did. I will be interested to see where the author takes the next two books.
pmg227's review against another edition
4.0
I heard this author speak at a writers' meeting. Appreciate the way he is looking at some American myths and writing stories for young people. This is the kind of story my own kids would have greatly enjoyed a few years ago; and probably still would.
smorancie's review against another edition
This was a fun story. Conker was definitely my favorite character, with Buck a close second.
The group seemed very diverse, but. But, there were quite a few racial stereotypes, including names, so not quite sure about that.
The group seemed very diverse, but. But, there were quite a few racial stereotypes, including names, so not quite sure about that.
theartolater's review against another edition
4.0
Steampunk clockwork historical fiction ahoy! I love the setting and concept behind this continuation of modern folktales enough to gloss over a lot of the flaws the book has - most notably a little lengthy and overdone at times. Still, it's a fun, different way to deal with the stories, and is mostly a really good time when it's all said and done.
papi's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad for a book targeted to young teens. While it was clearly oriented to that age level, I think when I was a teen, I would have really enjoyed this book. The Nine Pound Hammer is the first in a trilogy that weaves old American legends (John Henry, Johnny Appleseed, etc.) into a modern retelling and reimagining of those legendary figures. For example, the machine conquered by John Henry in the legend is, in this retelling, the embodiment of evil (Magog), given life and directed by a man bound to take over the world to his own evil purposes (Gog). The only ones standing in his way are the children of the legendary American heroes, endowed with budding powers by their parents.
I think any teen would enjoy these books, and it might inspire them to look back to the original American mythology. I hope so…sadly, those stories that used to be told around American hearths on cold winter evenings are rapidly being forgotten.
I think any teen would enjoy these books, and it might inspire them to look back to the original American mythology. I hope so…sadly, those stories that used to be told around American hearths on cold winter evenings are rapidly being forgotten.
bittercactus's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the idea of an epic fantasy based in Americana! Writing was okay, especially shaky in the beginning. But I was definitely swept up in the story and characters. Though the big-bad reminded me of that Will Smith western flick... what was it called? So a familiar trope.
arthuriana's review against another edition
3.0
Meeeeeeehhhhh. That's all this book was for me. It was distinctly average, though I'd have no doubts that a child would have fun reading it. The mythology was great, though, and while I wouldn't be actively seeking out the sequel, I'd pick it up if I were to discover it one day, just to see more of how the author would continue this world-building.
zipperbee's review against another edition
3.0
It took me over a week and a half to read this and I know it wasn't completely the book's fault (I started a new job, etc.) however it never really did anything for me. This is a competently written book and I have no qualms about continuing with the rest of the trilogy... but I don't really have any desire to do so. We'll see.