Friday Fiction Fix: "Curio"

4/5 Stars

This is one of a handful of steampunk books I've read. The genre focuses on futuristic technology set in past eras, if that makes sense. Thus, technological advances that we don't have (personal flying machines, hovercraft, etc.) are run off of old technology, such as steam engines. It's a unique genre that tends to focus on heavy worldbuilding. 

Curio centers on Grey Haward, a young woman who seeks to live a normal life in a very strange world, where people are at the mercy of a ruling class who controls the potions they need to survive. When an act of sacrifice puts her in danger, she is whisked away into a miniature world that holds even more secrets than her own western town. Can she get back home? And more importantly, can she save her friends and family?

As I expected going into this novel, the world building was unique and multilayered. However, even though it was my second time through the book, I still didn't feel I understood enough of the backstory to fully appreciate the book. It would be like jumping into The Lord of the Rings without any of Gandalf's or Elrond's explanations of things. Unfortunately, the lack of explanation was superbly frustrating and detracted from the novel quite a bit for me. 

The rest of the story (characters and plot) suffers somewhat from the lack of backstory guiding their motivations. However, I really liked Grey as a character. She's kind and capable, but also not superhuman or above emotions. It's a refreshing take on a female protagonist. 

There is a significant amount of romance in this book, including some kissing that is still within the realm of clean. Though some Christian themes are hinted at, none are explored as of yet. Some of the romantic themes and non-graphic violence would make this book better suited for a mature teen or young adult audience rather than middle-grade/early teen readers.

Recommended for: Readers teen and up who enjoy an imaginative dive into speculative fiction and aren't daunted by a significant amount of world building and back story.