Blind Maneuvers

If you love adventures to new worlds with realistic, relatable characters, you want to read this book. Although I’m not a steampunk or science fiction fan (and this story is something of a combination of both), I adored the cast of characters in this book. The world is well-drawn but NOT over-described. And this cast? They are eclectic and unique. Black draws each one with individuality. Although the cover depicts a non-narrator (and this bothered me at first), by the end of the story I realized it fit. The captain is central to the character arc for our two lead characters. What I liked best of all was the subtle way issues wove through the character development and compelled organic tension in the rising action. This story would appeal to young adult readers of fantasy, sci-if and adventure genres, but its depth spoke to my love of deeper themes. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and chose to review it.

So, I just finished "The Phantom Nightingale" around midnight last night and I am DYING to get my hands on the next in the series!!! I really loved the story line of the book, the setting, the fast pace adventure and twists in the plot at every turn. But most of all, I LOVED the characters! So well developed that they became real to me. The author brought to life the setting, the mechanics of the flying apparatus, all the details of the horrors of Yugend Academy, etc... Shauna really has outdone herself in this. It has a little bit of flavor from many of my favorite Young adult books and yet is it's own unique story. 5 STARS!!!

I absolutely loved this book. It’s a great steampunk setting with amazing characters that are so real and complex. I want more!!