Carmer and Grit, Book One: The Wingsnatchers
By (Author) Sarah Jean Horwitz
Workman Publishing
Algonquin Young Readers
13th March 2018
United States
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Science fiction
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Action and adventure stories
FIC
Paperback
368
Width 138mm, Height 208mm, Spine 28mm
380g
Aspiring inventor and magicians apprentice Felix Carmer III would rather be tinkering with his latest experiments than sawing girls in half on stage. But Antoine the Amazifiers show is a tomatos throw away from going under, so Carmer is determined to win the cash prize in the biggest magic competition in the city of Skemantis. When fate throws Carmer across the path of fiery, flightless faerie princess Grit (do not call her Grettifrida), they strike a deal. If Carmer will help Grit investigate a string of faerie disappearances, Grit will use her very real magic to give his mechanical illusions a much-needed boost against the competition. But Carmer and Grit soon discover theyre not the only duo trying to pair magic with machine and thecombination can turn deadly.
In this story perfect for fans of the Lockwood & Co. and Wildwood series, Sarah Jean Horwitz takes readers on a thrilling journey through a magical wooded fairyland to streets where terrifying automata cats lurk in the shadows and a mad scientists newest mechanical invention might be more menace than miracle.
A Spring 2017 Kids Indie Next Pick
Enchanting.
GirlsLife.com
From the outstanding cover to the ending ripe for a sequel, Horwitz has much to be proud of with this title, and younger teens in particular will rip through its pages.
Locus
Well-developed characters and a steampunk setting set the stage for this series starter, which is driven by mystery, action, and fairy dust. Incorporating science and danger, this magic-infused adventure carries broad appeal.
Booklist
Magical stagecraft, steampunk mechanisms, and glittering faerie dust intermesh in a debut middle-grade fantasy. This adventure overflows with imaginative conceits. Carmer makes for a charming heroclever, compassionate, and exceedingly humble . . . the insidious creepy horror and galloping pace are effective, right up to the unexpectedly gruesome fate of the nefarious evildoers . . . undeniable potential.
Kirkus Reviews
The main characters have distinct personalities and the plot is original . . . the way technology and magic must both be used to solve the problem will result in thoughtful reader reflection.
School Library Journal
Sarah Jean Horwitz was raised in suburban New Jersey where her love of storytelling grew from listening to her mothers original fractured fairy tales. Carmer and Grit: The Wingsnatchers is her first novel. You can visit her online at sarahjeanhorwitz.com and on Twitter: @sunshineJHwitz.