The Inventor's Secret

Oh wow! Just wow! This book took me by complete surprise. I'll admit the paperback cover grabbed my attention. Then when I realized it was a historical fantasy\ Steampunk, I knew I had to have it. This is my first book by Andrea Cremer and now I'll be checking them all out.The story takes place in 1816 in an alternate historical setting. I love this time period and even though it's an alternate setting its still intriguing. Charlotte and a group of rebels live underground hiding from The Empire. OMG! This is just going to be one of those gushing reviews that probably make no sense. That's how I usually write a review when I love it to pieces. And I loved this book hardcore!I absolutely adored the main character, Charlotte. She was a strong character. but she had her weaknesses. Which makes her so relatable. I loved her brother Ash and her love interest, Jack. JACK! JACK! JACK! How I absolutely swooned over him. Gah! I can't even! The banter between Jack and Charlotte was to die for. He loved to pick on her and get under her skin."Suspended in the cool night air, they began to spin as if they were dancing without moving their feet. She didn't want to leave this moment. She wanted to float in the sky in Jack's arms as long as she could. The swell of feeling threw Charlotte off balance. This was Jack. Jack, who could rarely be anything other than annoying. Jack, whom she'd sworn not to speak to for at least a month last year, but who had then made her so angry she'd had to yell at him. Who teased her at every opportunity. But with utter clarity, Charlotte became aware in that moment how much she adored him for all those things about him."Sigh! So dang good! The romance is this book is amazing, but the action and adventure is great too! I loved the world Andrea Cremer created mixed in with the history. The characters are all fantastic. The only character I wasn't a fan of was Coe. Ugh! Not saying why, but he drove me crazy! Such a wonderful start to a series and now I'm angry at myself for not buying book two because I need it! I'll be buying it immediately."Storm clouds build on the horizon. Before long, they'll be upon us."

The Inventor’s Secret by Andrea Cremer builds on a rebellion in a timeline where the U.S. loses the war of independence and the colonies are still ruled by The British Empire. The main characters, Charlotte, Ashley, and Jack are leaders of a ragtag group of children hiding from the Empire until they are old enough to join the resistance themselves and be reunited with their parents on the front.Cremer wrote this in third person limited POV choosing Charlotte as her voice. This could not have been a better choice for Cremer. Not only does it allow a strong female character to show her ability to take to the action, but when she goes undercover in the New York, it shows she can be feminine as well.Something I found most interesting was the emphasis on the ancient Greek pantheon. This seems to seep into every crevice of life within the resistance and the Empire whether they realize it or not. It is based on an ancient Greek book of the dead that the inventor, Hacket Bromley was able to bring dead flesh back to life. Knowledge is guarded by the priestesses of Athene. It follows the characters everywhere, even in the way they dress.It hits the ground running on page one and doesn’t stop.There’s more adventure ahead for these rebels, and I can’t wait to see what’s next

The story is very predictable. This is not a stand alone book and volume 2, coming up later this year, will hopefully settle the story.The premise of the book relies on a virtual reality where the USA was not born and America remains a colony from Britain. The author could have explored further on issues that a colony suffer or lacks: freedom, democracy...government.

I love this whole series. It's got a snappy plot and characters who steal your soul, a recipe that tends to end up creating a magnificent story.

Excellent intrigue, romance, dystopian saga with some great questions about war. The characters are compelling and quirky.

I bought this as a gift for a student who is still reading it...so l can't really talk about it.

Book did not make any sense even using my imagination. Did not enjoy very much. Took forever to read. Don't buy.

I am an addictive young adult book reader. I still haven't finished this one, bored.

Brilliant.