Gr 7-10 It is 1888, and the Magisters, the magical British upper-class, rule the American colonies after their devastating victory in the American Revolution. The rebels now look elsewhereto science and engineeringfor the power to help them overthrow British rule. Seventeen-year-old Verity Newton comes to New York City looking for work and is quickly swept up in the revolutionary fervor of the young mechanics, engineers, and scientists who befriend her. Even the handsome, young magister who has hired her as a nanny for his nieces and nephew seems suspiciously sympathetic to the cause. So when Verity's rebel friends and developing love-interest ask her to become a spy among the magisters, she takes up the task. But in so doing, she puts her own secrets at risk of exposure. Verity, although only a professor's daughter, has magical abilities. Steam-powered and magic vehicles, electric dynamos, and other interesting inventions pepper the exciting steampunk setting of this rollicking, campy adventure that moves along at the pace of a charging train. New secrets unfold every chapter, speeding toward the action-packed ending that easily sets the scene (and the love triangle) for a follow-up novel. Recommend to fans of Gail Carriger's "The Finishing School" series (Little, Brown). VERDICT Overall, a predictable story that's a whole lot of fun.— Mariah Manley, Salt Lake City Public Library

Magic meets steampunk in Swendson's young adult debut. Verity Newton's first day in New York City begins with a ride in an omnibus pulled by a steam engine. Although a steam engine is a perfectly normal part of a steampunk novel, here it has a special place. In Verity's world, British magic practitioners, called magisters, make up the ruling class. America is still a colony because unrest is easily put down with magic. But the people responsible for keeping the omnibuses running are rebel mechanics, young men and women devoted to capturing the power of steam and liberating people from their forced dependence on the British upper class. Verity secures a position as a governess in the household of magister Lord Harry, and before she knows it, she is a spy for the rebel mechanics. Verity makes for an appealing heroine. Insecure and naive, yes, but she displays strong spirit when challenged. Fantasy fans may find the story is steampunk lite, but it's undeniably a jolly good romp.