Set in 1818 Geneva, Switzerland, this masterful reimagining of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein occurs in a world populated by myriad clockwork peoplepart human and part mechanicalscattered among human beings, many of whom despise clockworks. Living in hiding, clockworks are tended by illegal human mechanics called "Shadow Boys," such as Alasdair "Ally" Finch and his dad, a physician, whose clockwork activities are hidden behind their toymaker's storefront. Two years prior, Ally's older brother, Oliver, died, supposedly at the hands of renowned scientist Geislerthe man under whom Ally had longed to study at university. In truth, Oliver's accidental death was short-lived, as Ally and his first love, the brothers' dear friend Mary, disinterred Oliver's corpse, whereupon Ally, while poring over Geisler's writings, secretly reanimated his brother. When Mary departed abruptly, Ally was left to tend to Oliver alone. This first successful resurrection resulted in a more-clockwork-than-human being; now a wildly famous book has been published by a Mary Godwin about a man just such as this.This fast-moving, suspenseful, superbly crafted novel will engender curiosity about Shelley's original novel. Edge-of-the-seat suspense will enthrall readers; those who grew up reading R. L. Stine's Goosebumps series may even be enticed into exploring classics. It is an excellent choice for literature professors already teaching Frankenstein or those discussing issues of class, societal advantage, and prejudice. Librarians, stock multiple copies of the first edition to keep your readership sated.Cynthia Winfield.

In an alternate, steampunk Geneva of 1818, clockwork men who have defied nature are reviled and hated by most. Becoming part metal is something done in secret, behind closed doors, by a group called the Shadow Boys. Alasdair's father, a toy maker by trade, is part of this underground culture, making custom arms and body parts on the sly. Little does he know that his son has used these same techniques to resurrect his brother, Oliver, who died two years earlier. Oliver is hidden away in a castle, lamenting his new life as a "monster" and the loss of Alasdair's ambitions. What makes it all the worse is that Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has just been published, and every day, people are becoming deeply suspicious of the unnatural. The parallels between the two stories elley's tale and Oliver's life ke for a very literary read, and those familiar with the original novel will likely be delighted by the parallels. In her debut, Lee has crafted an intriguing premise that will easily satisfy gothic horror and steampunk fans.

Gr 8 Up-In 1816, a clandestine group of mechanics called "Shadow Boys" try to repair the damage that Europe has endured after years of being ravaged by war. Led by the unconventional Dr. Geisler, this group uses clockwork pieces to replace body parts and make men whole again. Because of the implications of this type of scientific advancement, Oliver and Alasdair Finch, along with their father, work covertly with Dr. Geisler especially on his dream of using clockwork technology to reanimate the dead. As fear of clockwork men and Shadow Boys intensifies, Dr. Geisler is attacked and flees Geneva. On that same night, an attempt to preserve his research ends tragically as Oliver is killed. Determined to defy the laws of nature, Alasdair perfects Dr. Geisler's knowledge and does the unimaginablehe brings Oliver back from the dead. In her debut novel, Lee skillfully infuses her adaptation of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with fantastical details and a steampunk twist. The adeptly paced and well-written story reveals the troubled relationship between two brothers and how their choices can either destroy or make them stronger. This novel with a complex cast of characters allows themes such as loyalty, family, revenge, betrayal, and humanity to be tactfully explored. Full of action, mystery, and suspense, this reimagined classic will not disappoint readers of gothic, steampunk, and historical fiction. VERDICT A satisfying tribute to Shelley's monster tale. Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY