“☆ As clever as the heroine’s invented boot polishers and sewing machines, as appealing as the dresses designed by her coal-powered automaton horse.”
Venturess
An action-packed companion to the New York Times bestseller Mechanica that’s perfect for fans of The Lunar Chronicles andThe Red Queen series.
Nicolette’s Cinderella story is over, and she’s finally living her own fairy tale happy ending. She’s a successful inventor now, free of her horrible stepfamily, and content in her loving friendship with Caro, a palace servant, and Fin, the prince of Esting.
Then she receives a message from her long-lost housekeeper, now a revolutionary, begging her to bring the prince to Faerie for a diplomatic meeting. Nicolette fears a trap, but decides that the chance to end the bloody war waged by their kingdom is worth the risk.
Together with Fin and Caro, she ventures across the monster-filled ocean to the lush continent she’s always dreamed of visiting. There, mechanical armies and dark magic await as they uncover devastating secrets about the past and fight for a real, lasting happily-ever-after for two troubled countries – and for themselves.
Smart and unconventional, this novel will appeal to readers of romance and adventure alike.
Praise for Venturess:
“☆ As clever as the heroine’s invented boot polishers and sewing machines, as appealing as the dresses designed by her coal-powered automaton horse.”
“This book overturns and plays with typical steampunk tropes and features female engineers with a DIY attitude. It also presents a world where dark-skinned people reign over those with fairer skin. A central theme is freedom—religious freedom, freedom from imperial domination, freedom to live unencumbered by gender norms, and freedom to love others unbound by restrictions of family, gender, or race. This thought-provoking blend of genres deserves a spot in most middle and high school collections.”
“Cornwell writes with a deft hand; her descriptions of Faerie and the mechanical automata are gorgeous. This unexpected sequel hits a sweet spot for fairy tale and steampunk lovers alike.”
“Fans of the first book will enjoy the more deeply developed characters in this book, and new readers can begin here easily as there is sufficient backstory provided. Steampunk fans will find much to love here, particularly the regal metal flying horse named Jules that gives the book its most heartbreakingly reflective moment.”
“Definitely a must read for fairy tale lovers . . . one that stays with you always.”
“Venturess is a simply charming sequel . . . Readers will absolutely fall in love with the characters and setting of this story.”
“Every good fairy tale has something to teach us. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys fairy tale reworkings, mixtures of magic and mechanics, and young adults who are brave enough to reach for their dreams.”