radina's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This may be one of the best books about kids going on adventures that I've ever read.
To start, the characters are wonderful. I loved each and every one of the kids in this book. They feel very real, and have interesting backgrounds and sympathetic motivations. I also enjoyed the whimsical worldbuilding.
But absolutely the best thing about this book is the plot, and the sheer consistency of it. Unlike so many other "kids on adventures" books, the stakes are actually high, but the clanksmiths' victories still feel realistic. I never once rolled my eyes at an unbelieveable escape or unlikely victory. The backstory of magic making people complacent and uncreative, and engineering being unexpected and unusual, just works really well. This is then backed up by really good writing! The world feels rich and real, and the way the characters think about their problems feels familiar.
So basically, I can't recommend this book enough. Definitely get it for any kids in your life who want to learn about STEM (and even try out some fun projects using the instructions at the back of the book!). But also get it for yourself, even if you're years out of school, because it's a delightful read for any age.
To start, the characters are wonderful. I loved each and every one of the kids in this book. They feel very real, and have interesting backgrounds and sympathetic motivations. I also enjoyed the whimsical worldbuilding.
But absolutely the best thing about this book is the plot, and the sheer consistency of it. Unlike so many other "kids on adventures" books, the stakes are actually high, but the clanksmiths' victories still feel realistic. I never once rolled my eyes at an unbelieveable escape or unlikely victory. The backstory of magic making people complacent and uncreative, and engineering being unexpected and unusual, just works really well. This is then backed up by really good writing! The world feels rich and real, and the way the characters think about their problems feels familiar.
So basically, I can't recommend this book enough. Definitely get it for any kids in your life who want to learn about STEM (and even try out some fun projects using the instructions at the back of the book!). But also get it for yourself, even if you're years out of school, because it's a delightful read for any age.
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