I don’t typically read (or listen to) steampunk or give out 5 star reviews for books, but this book was masterfully written. The narrator’s voices for the characters took some getting used to, but it didn’t take long.
Carthage and Huxley are two unlikely heroes. Carthage is an illusionist/robot engineer hiding a long term illness and Huxley is his manager with questionable scruples. Together they run a failing robotic roadshow–The Electrical Menagerie. In hopes of reviving their show, they join a competition for the chance to perform before the future Queen on her birthday. But, from the moment the competition begins, mishaps occur making it clear someone is attempting to eliminate the competitors to ensure the victory, thus turning this fantasy steampunk into a mystery.
Events twist and turn in unexpected ways throughout this masterfully written tale. The world and characters are so perfectly depicted I can see them with vivid clarity. And these strange men grew on me and became friends.
If you enjoy stories that sweep you away to another reality with twists and turns that keep you guessing, the Electrical Menagerie is for you.