If you like history, mystery, and steampunk-type adventure novels, then this is the middle grade series for you. It was a childhood favorite of mine. Coming from Christian author James R. Hannibal, it’s clean, funny, and uplifting. There are elements of Chinese mysticism and legend in the third book, but they are treated as fantasy and the more spiritual side of things is not present.
James R. Hannibal presents a thrilling adventure through history, complete with mysteries, secret items, codes, and a touch of magic in this stunning middle grade debut.
Thirteen-year-old Jack Buckles is great at finding things. Not just a missing glove or the other sock, but things normal people have long given up on ever seeing again. If only he could find his father, who has disappeared in London without a trace.
But Jack’s father was not who he claimed to be. It turns out that he was a member of a secret society of detectives that has served the crown for centuries—and membership into the Lost Property Office is Jack’s inheritance.
Now the only way Jack will ever see his father again is if he finds what the nefarious Clockmaker is after: the Ember, which holds a secret that has been kept since the Great Fire of London. Will Jack be able to find the Ember and save his father, or will his talent for finding things fall short?
There are a few fight scenes, limited to training against machines, fighting against machines, and a few hand-to-hand struggles. Characters do end up dying, but never in gory ways. There is a crush, but it’s between middle grade kids and obviously doesn’t go anyplace where it shouldn’t.
It’s also quite fascinating that Hannibal has led a rather adventerous life of his own, and he brings some of his own experiences into the series. If you’re looking for a clean, enjoyable read with a humorous voice, check out the Section 13 series.
Any other steampunk novels I should check out? Any other fans of Section 13? Let me know!
Have a blessed week. Cheers!
Leave a Reply