Mainspring
by Jay Lake
Book Summary Information
Author: Jay LakeEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-06-12
ISBN: 0765317087
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Tor Books
Book Reviews of Mainspring
Book Review: Interesting
Summary: 3 Stars
Jay Lake is a master of short stories and has been for many years. This is his first novel.
It's good. Not amazing but good.
It's set in a alternative world in the early 1900's where the British Navy rule the skies in airships. This, essentially is why I bought the book, as the picture of the airship on the front caught my attention.
There's some great ideas about the world turning on a rail, Archangel Gabriel pops in and out and the world is divided into north and south with an immense wall separating the two. Strange creatures both good and bad live south of the divide.
The main character has been given the task of finding the Key Perilous and winding the mainspring of the world which is starting to slow down. He begins his journey not knowing why he has been chosen or where he should go. The reader follows him though his trials and tribulations.
I am a little surprised however that this isn't deemed a Young Adult (YA)novel rather than being marketed as more of a mainstream book. Perhaps the main character having a sexual relationship with a monkey-type of female has something to do with it!!!
The tone of the book says 'YA' to me as do most of the themes. It also reads a little clipped in places as if too much of the original have been cut for some reason. It almost moves too fast at times without enough explanation. Maybe that's just my taste or maybe that Jay's short story background coming through.
Overall, there are some great ideas and scenes. Characters are novel and overall I am glad I bought it. I suspect his next book will be better though.
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