In this thrilling debut, worlds collide as Elsa unveils a deep
political conspiracy seeking to unlock the most dangerous weapon ever
created--and only she can stop it.
*Can she write a world gone wrong?
*
A certain pen, a certain book, and a certain person can craft entirely
new worlds through a branch of science called scriptology. Elsa comes
from one such world that was written into creation by her mother--a
noted scriptologist.
But when her home is attacked and her mother kidnapped, Elsa is forced
to cross into the real world and use her own scriptology gifts to find
her. In an alternative Victorian Italy, Elsa finds a secret society of
pazzerellone--young people with a gift for mechanics, alchemy, or
scriptology--and meets Leo, a gorgeous mechanist with a smart mouth and
tragic past. She recruits the help of these fellow geniuses just as an
assassin arrives on their doorstep.
**An Imprint Book
**
This debut novel is fully realized steampunk-fantasy, offering an
alternate history that deftly and creatively adopts the politics of
19th-century Italy to create a compellingly unique world. . . . Exciting
and original. --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In the meantime, Clare spins an entertaining adventure tale that also
addresses colonialism, inclusion, and musings on the nature of being. .
. . This novel is a source of serious fun; a must-have. --School
Library Journal, **starred review
**
"Clare's debut is built upon an intriguing premise... A solid series
starter featuring a competent, flawed heroine that's built for sf
fans." --Booklist
"There's much more to uncover in the political machinations of each
world, and a gasp-worthy ending ensures a sequel." --BCCB
