The Electrical Menagerie, one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt.
Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively — but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially — but none of the scruples.
To save their show, Carthage & Huxley risk everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. In this stardust-and-spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, The Electrical Menagerie's bid at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians — but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there’s more at stake in this contest than the prize.
Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide… and it’s the lies Carthage & Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything.
This delightful steampunk novel, which opens the Celestial Isle series, follows impoverished magician Sylvester Carthage and his assistant, Arbrook Huxley, as they compete to perform for the future queen of their fantastical land. Carthage convinces Huxley to enter the contest, but there’s danger lurking behind the scenes. As they unravel a terrorist plot, they untangle personal secrets, and their friendship grows. Reeder has created two dynamic and delightful characters in Carthage, a shy illusionist and inventor, and Huxley, a worldly con artist who is still very naive; they will grab the reader’s heart. The world Reeder builds for them, with floating islands, sky trains, and robots, is just as incredible. Hints of inspirational messages (“Nothing is impossible, Huxley. Not with a little imagination and the Grace of God”) flow perfectly with the story. Fantasy and steampunk fans will be amazed by this magical tale of mystery, illusion, and friendship. (BookLife)
"Dazzles from start to finish. In Carthage & Huxley, Sherlock & Watson fans will find another dynamic duo whose ready wit and sizzling banter (and inevitable personality clashes) never fail to delight. You'll be calling for an encore performance."
