By Joanna Davidson Politano

I won’t pass up a chance to read a Joanna Davidson Politano book, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an ARC through NetGalley.

Sydney Forrester has a mechanical mind. She loves to create, repair, and restore. But while she’s happy fixing intricate machines, her world is broken. Abandoned by her mother, destitute, and out of options, Sydney is shocked to find she had a wealthy uncle who has named her in his will. Furthermore, her reclusive uncle had been an inventor, and his island castle is filled with hydro-electrics, flying machines, an automaton… and secrets.

With two long-lost cousins contesting the will and blaming her for their uncle’s death, Sydney must join forces with Blakely House’s mysterious butler to find the answers about her uncle’s inventions, his death, and Sydney’s parentage. But the more she learns about her uncle’s genius, the more Sydney is forced to reckon with her own brokenness. But will she be able to give up the pieces and trust someone other than herself to do the fixing?

Pros: As I got closer to the end of the story and the layers began to peel away, I was in awe of the rich depth and meaning the author had woven throughout. It’s really a parable about the Creator and His creation. The whole story-within-the-story was beautifully and tastefully done.

Sydney was a hilarious character to follow along with. It was interesting reading from the POV of a character who most likely would have been diagnosed with ADHD, and possibly on the autism spectrum. She was definitely the unconventional heroine – a heroine who is terrified of adventure!

Overall, just a beautifully written book! 

Cons: The book is set in the early 1900s and is based on a real location and inventor. However, the steampunk vibe, though somewhat realistic for the story, is not something I would gravitate towards. It felt a touch more like a fantasy or Sci-Fi story than historical.

But my biggest con was a violin playing sequence which was impossible. I’m a violinist, so I would know. Had the character in question lost his right arm, theoretically it would work, but not his left arm.

Bottom Line: A fantastical historical adventure and mystery that explores the world of inventions and flawed creators.

I received an advance copy on NetGally in exchange for an honest review.