Author: Jacqueline E. Garlick
Series: The Illumination Paradox #1
Publication: December 12th 2013 by Amazemo Books
Genre: Young Adult ~ Fantasy ~ Steampunk
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: 2/5
This review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion or content of the review.
One determined girl. One resourceful boy. One miracle machine that could destroy everything.
After an unexplained flash shatters her world, seventeen-year-old Eyelet Elsworth sets out to find the Illuminator, her father’s prized invention. With it, she hopes to cure herself of her debilitating seizures before Professor Smrt—her father’s arch nemesis—discovers her secret and locks her away in an asylum.
Pursued by Smrt, Eyelet locates the Illuminator only to see it whisked away. She follows the thief into the world of the unknown, compelled not only by her quest but by the allure of the stranger—Urlick Babbit—who harbors secrets of his own.
Together, they endure deadly Vapours and criminal-infested woods in pursuit of the same prize, only to discover the miracle machine they hoped would solve their problems may in fact be their biggest problem of all.
I guess I had expected more of this book. The story wasn't even that bad. I actually really liked the prologue but then it all went a bit downhill.
The characters were kind of a disaster. I really disliked Eyelet (although I really liked her name!). She was just so hysterical about everything and also very childis, especially at the beginning with Urlick.
Urlick on the other hand wasn't a bad character. I actually quite liked him. And as much as Eyelet annoyed me, I loved the banter between her and Urlick.
Another character that irritated me so much was Smrt. I mean, come on, what kind of name is that anyway? And as the villain of the story I expected a little more character developement with him.
I did like the steampunk aspect of the story. It was probably my favorite thing in the entire book.
Overall, I had a "meh" kinda feeling with Lumière. I expected and wanted more of of this book. But I think I will read the second one because I want to know what's going to happen next.
About the Author:
Jacqueline was nicknamed “Little Erin” (as in Erin Brockovich) after she took on her school board over being placed in black toxic mould and, well...lost. BUT if she hadn't lost, she's still be teaching with no time for writing, which would be the real tragedy because more than anything else in the world Jacqueline loves to write.
These days, she is affectionately referred to as the Quentin Tarantino of YA, known for her edgy, rule-breaking, Tim Burton-esque style of writing. Jacqueline likes gritty stories with beating hearts, dislikes wimpy heroines and whiny sidekicks, and loves a good tale about an irresistible underdog.
Lumière—a steampunk-fantasy, romance adventure—is Book One in her young adult Illumination Paradox Series.
It's such a pretty cover! It's sad when the prologue is the strongest point. I prefer my books to be more character focused as well so I completely understand the turn off.
ReplyDeleteSmrt....it's just smart...without the vowel. I wonder how you're supposed to pronounce it!
everything about the characters and world building on this book annoyed me, it was terrible in that aspect, the story had potential, but there were too many flaws that i couldn't just overlook, the terrible characters being one of them.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry this one didn't work out for you! I actually will be reviewing this one in November because I am signed up for the tour. I really like steampunk and the cover did it in for me so I was eager to try it. But already I dislike the name Smrt. It can't even exist because it doesn't have a vowel!!!
ReplyDelete