Book Review: The Conjurer's Riddle by Andrea Cremer

The Conjurer's Riddle
Author: Andrea Cremer
Series: Inventor's Secret (Book 2)
Publication: Philomel Books (November 3, 2015)

Description: The Revolution is beginning–and Charlotte may be on the wrong side.

In this sequel to The Inventor's Secret, Charlotte and her companions escape the British Empire, but they haven't left danger behind. In fact, if they go against the revolutionaries, they face even greater peril.

Charlotte leads her group of exiles west, plunging into a wild world of shady merchants and surly rivermen on the way to New Orleans. But as Charlotte learns more about the revolution she has championed, she wonders if she's on the right side after all. Charlotte and her friends get to know the mystical New Orleans bayou and deep into the shadowy tunnels below the city–the den of criminals, assassins and pirates–Charlotte must decide if the revolution's goals justify their means, or if some things, like the lives of her friends, are too sacred to sacrifice.

This alternate-history adventure series asks the questions: What would have happened if America had lost the Revolutionary War? And what would people be willing to do to finally taste freedom?

My Thoughts: This is the second book in a trilogy and sees Charlotte, with her friends, fleeing the destruction of their hideout and heading across the country to New Orleans to join with the Resistance. Along with her other friends is Grave who is an unusual character who was made from the body of a mad inventor's dead son. Grave now has powers and skills that make him very valuable to whatever side in the revolution manages to take control of him. He has also excited various religious orders who seem to feel that he is an abomination to be destroyed.

Charlotte is determined to protect her friend Grave and not let anyone - no matter what side they are on - use him as if he were not human. Charlotte and her group are aided by Linnet and Lord Ott who also have their own agendas. She also reunites with Meg who was her brother's girlfriend and who has been hiding major fighting skills.

New Orleans is a fascinating city where all the inhabitants and visitors are required to wear masks. It is also guarded by a massive and very steampunk sea wall. But, best of all, there are pirates. I can't wait for the third book to read more of Charlotte's adventures as she protects Grave and likely has to deal with her two suitors again.

Favorite Quote:

The fire heating Charlotte's limbs no longer brought pleasure. It seared every inch of her flesh. She screamed in agony. Linnet seized Charlotte, holding her tight as Charlotte cried out and jerked violently in Linnet's arms.

The flames coalesced into a thick, molten tar that covered Charlotte's skin and poured down her throat, drowning her.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.