A new steampunk fantasy for young adults of all ages.
“Moves along at the pace of a charging train” — School Library Journal
“A jolly good romp” — Booklist
What if British magic kept the American Revolution from ever occurring?
It’s 1888, and British magisters have always ruled the colonies of the new world, but now an underground society of mechanics, scientists, and engineers are developing non-magical sources of power via steam engines and electric dynamos that they hope will help them gain freedom from British rule…
The Rebel Mechanics aren’t the only group plotting revolution against the magical British Empire. There are rebel magisters, as well, and Verity Newton and her magister employer, Lord Henry, know that the only way for the revolution to succeed is if both groups work together. A diplomatic mission seems like the perfect opportunity for them to meet with rebels in other colonies and gather support – right under the governor’s nose.
The governor has disbanded the Colonial Assembly, removing the last shred of representative government from American shores. The Rebel Mechanics and their magister allies can’t let the Empire get away with that. The time has come to act.
But to truly start turning the wheels of revolution, they need popular support from ordinary laborers, housewives, students, and the middle class—people outside the rebel movements. That’s a job for Verity Newton, under the guise of her journalistic alter ego. As the rebel movement builds momentum, Verity must take a more public, open stand for the cause—a stand that could jeopardize her job, her home, and her place in society…