I have to admit, I was a little disappointed by this. The blurb and the first chapter made it sound like it was going to be all about Meg trying to find her grandfather. But no. Instead, we got only passing mentions of her grandfather and an overwhelming amount of Pointless Love Triangle. Sigh. Look, I really liked the idea of there being an Amusementist training centre, and the idea of Will finding his own way in the world. But Meg being effectively the only female character for the vast majority of the book (other female characters merely drop in to offer bitchiness or advice as appropriate) grated. And why, for the love of all things holy, did we have to have a love triangle??? And a completely superfluous love triangle at that?! David's a massive jerkface through most of the book and we're suddenly supposed to believe that Meg's just going to swoon in his arms because he can WALTZ?? Uh, no. I honestly can't decide at this point if I'll keep reading when the next book comes out. Because it's a fun world and I love all the Amusements that they create. But there was so much Meg-goes-to-school-and-is-bullied-for-being-a-girl-then-gets-attacked-then-goes-to-school-then-gets-bullied-then-gets-attacked on an endless loop in this book that I'm not sure I can handle any more... Plus, LOVE TRIANGLE. Ugh. What a great sequel!Another book full of adventure, action and mystery! A super interesting steampunk story with really all the steampunk elements.The story catch our attention since the first page. I like how Meg is determined and smart! She isn't like those silly main characters of so many books!At first I thought it was a little bit annoying that Meg was going to attend a school for Amusementists. But turns out to be very interesting. Here, we have new and cool characters, but Will is always the most charming of all!The author worked well the story without get it lost. And, for sure, with more interesting things to happen in the next book!
What do You think about Rise Of The Arcane Fire (2014)?
I liked that Meg still ended up with Will, and that Oliver finally got married to his true love.
—pham
Actually enjoyed this one more than the first. Ms. Bailey is improving as a writer.
—Gizz49
Plot-heavy, pseudo-feminist steampunk, this time set in steampunk Hogwarts!
—chabliem6
