The Turncoat's Gambit

September 15, 2016
The sequel to The Conjuror's Riddle (2015) and the final novel in the Inventor's Secret trilogy brings to a conclusion the story of the attempts of the Resistance to overcome the evil Empire that controlled the American continent following a war loosely modeled on the U.S. Revolutionary War. Large political issues and forces are hinted at, but as in the other novels in the trilogy, this story focuses tightly on the adventures, emotions, and family dynamics of the rebels: plucky Resistance heroine Charlotte; Coe, the titular turncoat, who turns traitor to serve his father, an admiral in the Imperial Navy; Coe's handsome brother, Jack; stud pirate Lachance; and a small, quirky posse of "tinkers" led by the brilliant inventor Aunt Io, whose technological skills are key to Resistance victory. The robot boy Grave becomes a pawn in the struggle, adding an intriguing supernatural element to the plot. Fascinating, quasi-cinematic scenarios abound, from the Floating City of New York to the sadistic Crucible in which prisoners are confined to individual steel boxes that continually revolve, allowing no rest. Although this is light on technology and the science behind the inventions is hinted at rather than explained, there is a strong emphasis on female bravery and technical ability. The cast is a largely white one. A fast read and a satisfying conclusion to an authentic steampunk trilogy. (Steampunk. 12 & up)

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October 15, 2016
Grades 9-12 In the conclusion to the Inventor's Secret series, which presents a steampunk world in which the British have won the Revolutionary War, some of the young rebels are on the run from the Empire. The Revolution is suspect as well: Charlotte, one of the Revolution's leaders, and her friends, including erstwhile love Jack, have found safety with well-outfitted pirates. The mysterious Grave, ever loyal to Charlotte, is along as well. But events tangle when it becomes clear there is a traitor in their midst. As in the previous two volumes, there is plenty of fighting and chicanery, but one of the best things about this series is that the characters are never sacrificed on the altar of action. Charlotte is a smart, usually sure heroine who finds ways to reconcile her ideals with the realities of war. Other characters, young and old, are well defined. Series readers will especially relish the last several chapters. Yes, there is fighting and death, but restoration and romance win the day. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Comic-Con and social media outreach should ensure that Cremer's series conclusion measures up to previous volumes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2017
In the finale to this trilogy set in an alternate America (The Inventor's Secret; The Conjuror's Riddle), Charlotte and friends enlist the help of pirates (and their flying ship) to protect their bionic companion, Grave, from the ruling British Empire and the Resistance. With plenty of action and complex character dynamics providing twists, Cremer's steampunk band of tinkers and adventurers satisfyingly help alter history for the better.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)