I’ve never read anything like Curio, and that’s a compliment in every way possible. Where do I even start with this book?

How ‘bout that cover, though? No kidding, the first time I saw the cover, plastered on a large banner at a writer’s conference, I thought to myself, “Wow. I really want to read that book.” Even though I didn’t know anything about it.

A perfect example of what a cover should do: appeal to a reader on an emotional level and capture their interest enough to pick up the book.

Curio’s cover had that effect on me, and I’m thankful I did, otherwise I might have missed out on a fabulous book.

Book summary:

Grey Haward has always detested the Chemists, the magicians-come-scientists who rule her small western town. But she has always followed the rules, taking the potion the Chemists ration out that helps the town’s people survive. A potion that Grey suspects she—like her grandfather and father—may not actually need.

By working at her grandfather’s repair shop, sorting the small gears and dusting the curio cabinet inside, Grey has tried to stay unnoticed—or as unnoticed as a tall, strong girl can in a town of diminutive, underdeveloped citizens. Then her best friend, Whit, is caught by the Chemists’ enforcers after trying to protect Grey one night, and after seeing the extent of his punishment, suddenly taking risks seems the only decision she can make.

But with the risk comes the reality that the Chemists know her family’s secret, and the Chemists soon decide to use her for their own purposes. Panicked, Grey retreats to the only safe place she knows—her grandfather’s shop. There, however, a larger secret confronts her when her touch unlocks the old curio cabinet in the corner and reveals a world where porcelain and clockwork people are real. There, she could find the key that may save Whit’s life and also end the Chemists’ dark rule forever.

Plot

On the surface, the plot seems standard enough, but upon deeper probing, you’ll find it’s anything but boring and cliché. It kept my attention, and while I found the pace slower than I wanted at times, I always kept coming back for more.

The plot clearly didn’t dictate the story, so in that sense the plot is the weak link in the chain. Even so, the intrigue, peril, adventure, exploration, daring exploits, and rescue missions blended together in a fine choreography of storytelling.

Besides bringing the tale to a satisfying conclusion, the end left the larger story wide open and begging for a sequel.

Setting

I want to put on my lazy cap and throw adjectives at you to describe how utterly fantastic the setting was. Even such a blatant tactic wouldn’t accurately illustrate the mesmerizing uniqueness I discovered as the storyworld burst to life before my eyes.

When I opened the book, the world around me faded and I found myself in a foreign yet familiar place. One with a western flair, steampunk trappings, and dystopian overtones. Where our world, our history, hovers in the background, yet where magic can happen and people need a special potion to keep from shriveling toward death.

Then, along with Grey, I entered the curio cabinet. From that moment on, my imagination bounded around in euphoric joy. The inventiveness, the creativity, the richness of the world where porcelain and clockwork people were alive—it blew me away. It was clear the author had given thorough attention to the world building, and Curio City leapt off the page thanks to thoughtful, artistic details.

I’d keep raving, but I think you get the point.

Characters

I loved the characters…

Wait, you’re expecting more? *grin*

Grey is a worthy heroine, full of spunk, determination, loyalty, and love. She certainly didn’t fall into the typical trap of “I’m a teenage girl so I need to be a kick-butt warrior and angsty mess.” For that, I was eternally grateful.

The ease with which she finds herself attracted to young men seems over-the-top, until you think about the societal background in which she grew up. Read the book to see what I mean. 😉

A strong supporting cast filled out the story nicely, and I had no complaints about bouncing around among a handful of POVs. Each person’s part in the story added extra depth and interest. None of the characters felt repetitious, and a variety of complexities and personalities allowed them to steer far clear of Stereotype Abyss.

The porcies and tocks brought a unique perspective and a fair amount of ignorance, which led to some humorous exchanges between them and the humans. Though not human, their developed personalities and motivations kept them from coming across as stiff or lackluster.

Conclusion

While not being a romance story, Curio has its fair share of romantic situations between the characters—kissing, hugging, cuddling, porcie probing. Stuff that might make some people squeamish. It edges toward a darker, grittier read at times, but was handled with tact and didn’t feel overdone or gratuitous.

I also appreciated the themes woven naturally into the fabric of the tale. Nothing blatant, but clear enough to spot and cause you to think.

One thing to note is that while Curio boasts a steampunk label, it wasn’t straight up steampunk. Strong notes of fantasy added their voice, and while the gadgets and gizmos common to steampunk were present in full force, it stayed away from too much of the hardcore science. Which didn’t bother me a whit.

A fantastic book which needs (please-please-please) a sequel or three.

Curio earns a spot on Shelf Excellent.

Buy Curio

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble

Author website: Evangeline Denmark