‘CURIO,’ BY EVANGELINE DENMARK
Today, I reviewed a unique novel by a (sort of) debut author. That author is Evangeline Denmark. Published through the new-to-the-scene publishing house, Blink (an imprint under HarperCollins), Curio is a pretty darn amazing novel. I mean this did intrigue when first reading about it, but the story itself proves to be equally epic.
My review for this hot-off-the-press YA novel (January 5th) appeared on Silver Petticoat earlier today. Find all of the important book details below along with the review. And then, comment away with your thoughts on this steampunk infused YA debut.
The Story
In Curio, Grey Haward lives in a world where Chemists oversee her every choice. Dependent upon a daily potion, which the leaders allow residents once a day, Grey’s family is special. Her grandfather and father possess the ability to survive without the potion, which leads her to question her own dependency. Even still, Grey tries to remain overlooked as the family protects their secret. Every night, a strict curfew is adhered to until one night when Grey’s best friend, Whit, takes the blame for Grey breaking curfew. He returns battered and in great pain, which prompts Grey to give up her potion to repay him and assist his survival. All of this is followed by a series of events that lead to Grey becoming of interest, and hunted by the Chemists…
To save her life, her grandfather’s shop assistant sends Grey through a wardrobe door, unlocked by a key Grey seems to have magical sway over. Inside this world, Grey must find “him,” only she doesn’t know who to look for. Inside the dangerous world, Grey sticks out as one of a kind and catches the eye of a volatile man who will stop at nothing to have what he wants…
Curio, by Evangeline Denmark | Book Review
‘CURIO,’ BY EVANGELINE DENMARK #bookarchives #YALit Share on XSteampunk isn’t something I actively read. That’s not to say I wouldn’t wish to or that I don’t enjoy the world it infuses in the imagination, it’s simply an era/genre I haven’t traversed. Debut YA author (she’s co-authored two children’s books), Evangeline Denmark is ready to take this genre by storm with her wacky (best term scenario) and colorfully imaginative, Curio. This novel is one of the most unique I’ve read in a long time. The world building is phenomenal and the sense of adventure is in high form. Think along the lines of what something like Pirates of the Caribbean did for remaking swashbucklers, this novel is capable of for steampunk. Yes, it’s THAT entertaining.
Aside from its sense of adventure, there’s a moral sense of figuring out what’s right vs. wrong; and a power struggle between the evil in Grey’s world and the people who fight to right the sense of balance. Told in alternating worlds – Curio City and a small “western town,” the novel works well as a three-character narrative. Between Grey, Whit and Blaise (one of the characters Grey meets in Curio), the novel has multiple points of view and personality interests that serve it well. Because of this, there is more than one perspective, which allows the reader to see the world through the eyes of the many characters; characters that are well developed to say the least.
Last but not least, there is the romance. The sizzling chemistry and sparks are crazy good. This follows suit with most YA novels and doesn’t solely focus on said romance (everyone is too busy trying to stay alive!), but what’s there is always teetering on the edge of fantastic potential. As we all know, this is just how any good romance begins. If you enjoy adventurous novels or any fantasy-esque young adult story, Curio is worth a look. It’s a hot-off-the-press release (January 5th) and even has a novella prequel, Mark of Blood and Alchemy, currently free on e-book platforms. I’ve not read it but suspect it’d give the interested reader an excellent notion of what to expect from the talented pen of Denmark, and Curio, the first in this new series.
About the Book:
Author: Evangeline Denmark
Publisher: Blink
Source: Publisher
Publication Date: 2015
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads ǀ Silver Petticoat
Add the Book: Goodreads
Series: Curio, book 1
Genre: Fiction; Young Adult, Steampunk/Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5
This review first appeared on Silver Petticoat Review. Sincere thanks to the publisher, Blink, for an ARC copy of this novel for the purpose of reviewing it.
Oh, Rissi! You have perfect timing! I was just looking at this one! (Literally less than an hour ago!) And you've totally sold me, so I'll have to go back and get it. I'm allll about steampunk and adventure, so it's right up my alley. :D Wonderful review!!
*gulp* I hope you like this one, Rachel… I thought it was an amazing read. :) The steampunk elements were fantastical. Let me know what you think if you read it. Thank you for reading!
I just saw this yesterday and was like, "hmmm… sounds interesting. Should I try it?" Now I know what the book is and have someone's opinion on it. =) Thanks for the review!
My pleasure, Kara. Thank YOU for reading. As with everything, this won't be ideal for every reader, but I hope if you do take a chance on it, you enjoy – check out the (currently) free novella as I suspect that'd give you a grand idea of what to expect. :)
I'm currently awaiting this book to arrive in the mail. :D
Yay! Hope if/when you have a chance to read this one, you enjoy, Hayden. :)
I just requested this one from Booklook Bloggers! I am looking forward to reading it.
It's crazy unique and colorful, Dawn. And I loved every second. Happy reading! :)
YA has been catching my eye lately. I think I'll request it.
YA has some really fun stories to its name, Miranda – and many are even expertly written. I hope if you read this one, you do find it entertaining. :)
I just skimmed this one because I was supposed to read it before Christmas and didn't get to it and I'm hoping to read it soon. It sounded so amazing and now I know I can't miss it since you gave it five stars. Glad you enjoyed it!
Tressa @ Wishful Endings
Thanks, Tressa. I sure hope you enjoy it too – I'll be eager to read your eventual review, friend. :) Happy reading!
Steampunk, adventure, and a bit of romance? Sounds like an awesome YA!
So it's old west steampunk instead of victorian steampunk? Wasn't expecting three narrators, but I'll go with it. =)
Combines all three with elegance! :)
I don't know how to categorize its time frame. I feel like it's sort of whatever you imagine it to be. Sometimes these types of novels are hard to pin down! :)
Um, no way!!! I was just looking at this recently, Rissi! Though interested, I couldn't figure out what steampunk was (lol) so I didn't grab it, but after reading your review I *have* to give it a shot. You had me at "something like Pirates of the Caribbean." ;) Thanks for the fantastic review! On a side note, that cover is stunning. Love it!
How fun! I'm pretty naïve to the era or genres of steampunk as well, Bekah. I mean, it's fun and all, but I don't know much about its origins. However, this novel reminded me of what Pirates did for the swashbuckler genre. I feel like this can do that for the steampunk genre because it's so fun. Either way, I do hope you enjoy this one! *bites nails* And will anticipate your eventual thoughts if you have a chance to share them. :)
I think it has been far too long since I've read a steampunk novel… This one sounds fantastically interesting!
This is fantastically interesting, Joni. I hope you find it to be so if/when you have a chance to read it. :)