Characters were flat. The plot wasn't gripping. I didn't care about anyone or anything and ended up skimming the last few chapters to get it over with. ( )

Felix Carmer III, aspiring inventor and tinkerer, sees his work as a magician's apprentice as worthwhile but only a means to an end. But with his employer's show not doing so well as of late, he finds himself invested in helping them win the grand prize in a magic competition--which may be more difficult than it seems. When he unexpectedly crosses paths with a faerie--a faerie??--he learns that there is a real magic that goes well beyond the tricks they perform in the show. But he also learns things that make him question some of the scientific advancements that have recently intrigued him as well.

Grit, faerie princess of the Seelie court, has never really felt like she fit in anywhere. Yes, she's a princess, but she was born with only one wing and many would say she doesn't act like a princess. But she isn't going to set aside her sense of adventure or curiosity just because it is what people expect of her. And when faeries from across Skemantis start disappearing, she finds herself on a quest to help find out who is behind it. And that quest brings her to a young magician's apprentice named Carmer. And while he seems an unlikely ally, he may just be the one person who can help her find out what is going on and put an end to it before more faeries are hurt.

I do not give many five-star ratings, but there was no question for me when I finished this book that it deserves it. I found myself quickly lost in the world of Skemantis, invested in the characters, and drawn to turn each page by wonderful pacing, description, and action. I particularly enjoyed the partnership between Carmer and Grit, both the way it developed and the dynamic between the two of them as the story drove on. For the first book in a series, this is a great start, and I look forward to reading future installments.

[Disclaimer: This review is based on an advance reading copy of the book received from the publisher in advance of publication.] ( )

Incredible world building that I haven't really experienced in a while. This was read with my 10/yr old daughter and we were thoroughly enchanted. The character building is top notch as well. Be warned, there are some dark, dark elements to this story, but they fit entirely. The bad guy is, well, both classic and yet seems new. I can't wait to read the next one and see where these two are going. ( )

Characters were flat. The plot wasn't gripping. I didn't care about anyone or anything and ended up skimming the last few chapters to get it over with. ( )