I rarely read books with only a couple reviews, even if they’re free (like this Kindle book was at the time I picked it up). Most of the time they end up being poorly-written and poorly-edited, oftentimes with glowing “reviews” from the author’s friends that are completely misleading. I generally prefer to spend my time elsewhere. On a whim, however, I picked up The Mechanist, a sophomore novel by Erik Robert Nelson.
And I was blown away. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a very long while. Wonderful characters, completely believable and lovable with their quirks and imperfections. Intriguing plot, never quite predictable, and with an entirely unexpected and satisfying conclusion.
The book could be classified as steampunk, but goes far beyond the quality of a typical book in that genre. It’s a smart mystery, with an undefinable air to it that reminds me of some of my favorite fantasies (despite the lack of any traditional fantasy elements). I would happily have paid full price for this Kindle book – who knows, I might even pick up the paperback! It looks like the author has another book available, and I’m putting it next on my reading list!
Ruhama Reviews 