I really wanted to like this book, but it was very confusing. Part of it seems new, modern and futuristic. At the same time you have a group of engineers working on clockworks. I got about halfway through this book and ended up with a DNF. I wanted to like it, but found myself not caring because I was having a hard time following the story. ( )

Fast and furious, this is an exciting read, which holds the amazingness of shonen manga but intricates a Western style and adds a more diverse world.

Cast is at her wit's end. She is beyond determined to enter the upcoming contest to become a striker, the long-honored engineer-warriors, who have saved the world. But her teacher refuses, reminding her that their town is trash and not interested in math or science. Of course, this isn't enough to make her give up, especially since her mother's health and brother's well-being depend on her success. Although she's already convinced she's proven her tinkering and tech skills to her teacher, she takes things one step further and fixes up as well as adapts an old AI hand. Not only will this enable her to do lab work but proves him wrong that a girl with a disability can't handle it. Well, plus she's a girl, and Strikers are never girls.

This is a read to sit down with, get lost in, and reach the end without realizing it. Every moment packs something to drive this one forward, whether intriguing backstory or action pure. It begins with a grabbing seen before introducing Cast and her Striker, and first then, does it head back to tell Cast's tale, before launching forward again. And it works well.

Cast is an interesting character and not because of her diverse aspects. These simply enhance her already strong and focused personality. She's a heroine to root for with a big heart. But then, Ms. Clock, her Striker, is a enigma and fits perfectly to Cast as they battle all sorts of evil, too.

The illustrations are well done, letting the action fly while never growing confusing. Especially the scenes with Ms. Clock offer excitement...and the tech is simply a treat.

It will be fun to see where this series goes from here. I received a DRC through Netgalley and enjoyed the well-done action and plot. ( )