A Machine Divine, by Derek Paul, is a steampunk-themed, young adult novel that follows biology prodigy Asher Auden and animal trapper Callie Saint, residents of small town Vana who have been accepted into prestigious Langford University in the bustling capital of Riali City. The story initially unfolds as a coming-of-age story and quickly shifts into a thrilling tale of danger, conspiracies, and secret societies.

This novel draws its readers in slowly, introducing the characters, and their situation, until the plot quickens into an exciting world of dystopian developments. The writing style kept me intrigued, turning one page after another to learn about the next conflict. The more I read, the better the development, with exciting technologies, visual descriptions, and details about the characters that kept me engaged. I especially enjoy the steampunk imagery and how well it fits into the story.

A Machine Divine, by Derek Paul, weaves the complexities of genetics, science, and steampunk fantasy into a well-written young adult novel. It’s the first book in a series and makes a solid debut. I strongly recommend this book to fans of the young adult and fantasy genre and anyone who appreciates steampunk in literature.

ASIN B0BSJLLQYD | Pages: 380