Author: Sarah Jean Horwitz
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Publication date: April 25, 2017
Pages: 352
Source/format: ARC from Emma of Missprint as part of the ARC adoption feature
Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Synopsis (from goodreads.com):
A stunning debut about a magician’s apprentice and a one-winged princess who must vanquish the mechanical monsters that stalk the streets and threaten the faerie kingdom.
Aspiring inventor and magician’s apprentice Felix Carmer III would rather be tinkering with his latest experiments than sawing girls in half on stage, but with Antoine the Amazifier’s show a tomato’s throw away from going under, Carmer is determined to win the cash prize in the biggest magic competition in Skemantis. When fate throws Carmer across the path of fiery, flightless faerie princess Grit (do not call her Grettifrida), they strike a deal. If Carmer will help Grit investigate a string of faerie disappearances, she’ll use her very real magic to give his mechanical illusions a much-needed boost against the competition. But Carmer and Grit soon discover they’re not the only duo trying to pair magic with machine – and the combination can be deadly.
In this story perfect for readers of the Lockwood & Co and Wildwood series, Sarah Jean Horwitz takes readers on a thrilling journey through a magical wooded fairyland and steampunk streets where terrifying automata cats lurk in the shadows and a mad scientist’s newest mechanical invention might be more menace than miracle.
M Y T H O U G H T S
Thirteen-year-old Felix Cassius Tiberius Carmer III is the apprentice to magician Antoine the Amazifier. Carmer is also an inventor and he enters an Seminal Symposium of Magickal Arts, an engineering exhibition, in Skemantis after seeing a flyer advertising the exhibition. Carmer has always been fascinated about tinkering and creating ever since he was a young boy.
At five inches tall, Princess Grettifrida Lonewing but prefers to be called Grit, is a fire faerie with one wing living in the Oldtown Arboretum. However, she doesn't let her one wing stop her from doing what she wants. All though others laugh or pity Grit, it only makes her stronger. Grit just wants to fit in with everyone. Trying to fit in and finding a sense of belonging is difficult for many children and teens, especially if one has a disability or are seen as an outcast. The Wingsnatchers will reassure children and teens that even though they don't fit it, they are unique and they can make a difference.
Free Folk, faeries who do not belong to a court or kingdom, have gone missing for a few months and someone or something has been harming faeries while snatching their wings. Grit meets Carmer when she mistaken him as a Friend of the Fae. With a fate on their side, Grit and Carmer make a deal, one where Grit will help Carmer win the exhibition if Carmer helps Grit find out who is attacking the faeries. Two contrasting entities are able to work together to each other utilizing their strengths. This is good for children and teens to read about. Sometimes you befriend people in ways you don't expect and sometimes you have to work together in order to reach a goal.
The Wingsnatchers is a whimsical book and introduces a fresh take on magic. Sarah Jean Horwitz infuses steampunk in this lively adventurous fantasy. I am not usually found of stories about faeries but Horwitz has captured my attention with Grit. Despite missing a wing, Grit is a strong female who knows what she wants and she doesn't give up.
The Wingsnatchers is a dark fantasy novel with a touch of steampunk and magic that is engaging for all ages. This middle grade novel is definitely one to check out if you're looking for a unique fantasy read.
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