Sarah B. (bourgette) reviewed on 11/3/2013 + 27 more book reviews

Set against a Steampunk world very different from our own, Gleasons heroines follow in the footsteps of her famous adult heroine, Victoria Gardella. Holmes and Stoker are interesting characters placed in a very rich and interesting setting. Gleason has continued her world from the Gardella series and added even more Steampunk elements to it.
I thoroughly enjoyed both Mina and Evaline. Mina is a true Holmes. Her powers of deduction are only second to her uncles (who makes a guest appearance), but Mina also has a world of her own. She has been abandoned by her mother and rarely sees her father. She is a woman adrift and is just looking for someplace to fit.
Evaline, is a social butterfly who knows everyone in London, but she has a secret. Evaline was born to fight vampires, but hasnt been able to fulfill her destiny. Overshadowed by her own famous great-aunt and slightly jealous older brother, Bram, Evaline is hoping that working for the Princess of Wales will bring her the fulfillment she lacks from her regular social life. Like Mina, Evaline is a lonely girl who is just looking for somewhere she belongs.
This whole idea of not fitting in is the theme of Gleasons first Stoker and Holmes novel. Written for young adults, The Clockwork Scarab is hoping to hit that emotion felt by so many teenagers. Not only do Mina and Evaline feel like they dont fit in, another is added to their group when they discover Dylan, a young man who is definitely out of his time and element. As the novel progresses, the reader will also discover that the women that have disappeared and died also felt they didnt fit into the boxes their parents placed them into. Those readers who maybe feel like nerds or rejects themselves will find kindred spirits in Mina and Evaline.

Read more of my review at: www.bourgette.com

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