The Quick Cut: In a steampunk world, a girl goes on an adventure after her father goes missing.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Jolly Fish Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There's something about steampunk that is so whimsical and smile inducing. Between the amazing outfits, steam machines, and out of this world combinations, it's an alternate universe many fantasy tripping people prefer to live in. However, when written into a book - you need more than just a phenomenal landscape to work with to make an outstanding novel.

Lily is hating life at her boarding school filled with proper etiquette and the appropriate walking pace. However, life is shaken completely When the housekeeper arrives to let her know that her father is disappeared and assumed dead. With her mother dead for some time, she now has a new guardian and finds that she can't let go of her dad's disappearance... especially since there is a silver haired main who meets them on the way home. This is the setting for when Lily takes off with her friend Robert and the mechanimal fox Malkin to determine once and for all: where is Lily's dad?

This book for me was a quick afternoon read that flowed very well. The pacing was on mark and the an environment that the sory takes place in transports you. These are easily the biggest strengths of this book. Unfortunately, the weaknesses this one has are so hard to ignore.

As much as whimsy and a fantastical setting can add strength to a story, it also cannot carry it. The book has no depth to it and considering how enjoyable the setting is, this is very sad. Lily and Robert are very likeable characters, but you never hear about their lives... what they're thinking, feeling, struggling with. Even for fantasy adventure, this is essential. The Abhorsen series by Garth Nix or Lord of the Rings for those more classically oriented know this to be true. With the adventure, you need the emotion and the passion.

Without depth to the tale, this story falls flat as nothing more than a pretty setting.

My rating: 2 out of 5

This was a great Victorian era steampunk story for younger readers which I would highly recommend.

This book was never boring, and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. Full of action and adventure to keep you on the edge of your seat, it will leave you wanting more. With good guys and bad guys (very bad guys) and some plot twists and turns, this is one book that I found hard to put down.

I would have liked to have seen a bit more character and relationship building as it sometimes felt "tacked on". I also thought it might be a bit violent for some younger readers so would recommend this book to the older end of the "middle grade" scale.

Overall a great book and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Cogheart was an adventurous story. It was an exciting read. I enjoyed it, and I believe it’s a great read for middle schoolers.

ARC Copy...decent and adventurous middle grade steampunk adventure consisting of soaring airships and curious mechanical animals plus adventure.

This was a true "ripping yarn." It reminded me quite a bit of some of Joan Aiken: a lot about the tone, the suspense, the plucky orphans, and the alternate historical England was reminiscent of The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. I enjoyed it thoroughly and found it quite un-put-downable, especially towards the end. Although my guess is this is middle-grade, sensitive children might need a warning of some quite graphic, if cartoonish, violence, with the protagonists experiencing real peril.

Fun Steampunk novel involving clocks and clockwork!

Cogheart was easy to read and understand (read it to my little nephews and they loved it too). The story flowed well enough and I've already got a few favourite characters. Can't wait until Feb 2019!

Great story and character development. I'm already attached and eagerly awaiting a sequel.

This is the First Steam Punk Middle Grader Book that I read and I absolutely I adore it. The cover was eye catching which grabbed my attention instantly

I loved the how the story went and how the characters and world building was developed. It was a fun and thrilling read.

I love this adventure trilogy! It is great for kids to think outside the box! The story brings a boy and a girl, both heroes, and that makes the book great for girls and boys as well! Children can relate to one of the two main characters! Peter Bunzle opens a world for all the dreams out there ! Can’t wait for the third book !

Oh, be still my heart! This is one of the most creative steam punk novel for teens! Lily and Jack are really just adorable and brave as they navigate their way through dangers along with mechfox. I just wanted to hang out them and be a kid again! I was able to get lost in that world completely. The author manage to paint the steam punk world very vividly along with words such as cogs, by the ticks, and so forth. There are many factors in the book we deal with in real life. Overall, this book gave me overall warm fuzzy feelings! I believe many kids along with adults would totally enjoy this book. I cannot wait for the next book to come out! You guys have got to read this adorable novel!
I received this cute ARC of this book from Net Galleyes and North Star Editions for an exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

A fun middle grade adventure set in late 1890 London where mechanicals (robots) are a thing. Lily and Robert are clever main characters. A unique story that will appeal to most middle grade age kids.

This is a great book and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's kid lit but this adult found it to be a delightful read. I'm always interested in steampunk books and am happy to have discovered this series. The cover is gorgeous!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy!