Book Review: Clockwork Horizon by Therese Woodson

Reviewed by Nikyta

Title: Clockwork Horizon
Author: Therese Woodson
Heroes: Malachi (Mac) & Ian
Genre: M/M Steampunk
Length: 70 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: April 2, 2014
Available at: Dreamspinner Press
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: As a major airship port, Aerial City welcomes visitors from all over the world. Despite being surrounded by new inventions and colorful people, Malachi Covington partakes of little outside his books and studies. He aches for adventure and excitement but labors under the rules and expectations of his wealthy uncle.

Five airships arrive in port, keeping his uncle busy and, as Malachi’s best friend Millie reminds him, they’re carrying parties full of crew members. Excitement finds him in the form of Ian, a charming airship pilot who invites him to tour his ship, the Mockingbird. With Ian at his side, Malachi discovers a world beyond his books and takes daring steps to become his own man.

Review:

Malachi lives in a world that consists of going to school and living up to his Uncle’s expectations and rules. Unfortunately, this means his only pleasure comes from the adventure novels he reads. When he’s given the opportunity to finally bring some excitement into his dull life, he meets Ian, a dashingly charming airship pilot. The attraction between them is instant and before Mac realizes it, he’s skipping school to spend his days working next to Ian. Sadly, Ian’s bound to be leaving within a few weeks and when that time is up, will Mac return to his boring life or will he finally take a chance and live.

This was such a sweet story. It’s adorable and the characters are very tentative and… well, gooey. Their relationship is built off a sweet romance where Ian is even willing to court Mac, although it’s not long before they’re passed the courting stage. Mac is shy and uncomfortable with the way he doesn’t fit into Ian’s life. At the same time, Ian is brash and confident. They even each other out and Ian brings out something in Mac that makes him want to throw caution to the wind and really explore the world like he’s always dreamed. Honestly, there’s no other way to explain this story beyond sweet, cute and simply adorable. The romance is ‘soft’ in that there really isn’t any conflict or issues between them, it’s basically just Mac getting a taste of a life he never thought he could have.

While I really enjoyed this book, I felt like it wasn’t given enough descriptions to really capture the depth of feelings between Ian and Mac. They’re sweet together and their feelings for one another grow swiftly but I didn’t feel nor saw them develop into the love they have. I also think the world could have used more descriptions because I would have liked to explore more of this steampunk setting.

In the end, this was a very sweet story about Mac finally stepping outside his perfectly safe world and finding love. It’s about living dangerously (or at least as dangerously as Mac can live) and finally making his own decisions. It’s adorable to the point that I couldn’t help smiling throughout the whole story. For anyone looking for a pick-me-up or a light, quick read, definitely give this one a try.

Overall Impression: I really liked it!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*