Honest review of Kaven and the Golden Gears

In Edgar Coonkin's Kaven and the Golden Gears, the first installment of The Coonkin Chronicles, we meet Kaven and Kayla, twin Coonkin born without the magical "Spark" that defines their kind. Living as Sparkless outcasts in Hawthorn, they survive through cunning and theft. When mercenaries kidnap Kayla, Kaven's world shatters. Driven by fierce loyalty, he embarks on a perilous quest to rescue his sister, facing the brutal Noblemen of Brindlewood who hunt Sparkless for sport or profit. His journey is unexpectedly intertwined with a powerful artifact discovered amidst the wreckage of an airship and the enigmatic purple-robed witch, Twitch, and her arachnid companion, Fidget. This thrilling adventure blends fantasy, action, and a desperate fight for survival.

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5 / 4 ratings

Review Kaven and the Golden Gears

Oh my gosh, you guys, Kaven and the Golden Gears completely blew me away! I was already a huge fan of Twitch the Witch, and this second installment in the Coonkin Chronicles just cemented my love for this world and its inhabitants. Honestly, I devoured it. I couldn't put it down! The excitement I felt reading Twitch was amplified tenfold here.

What truly captivated me was Kaven's journey. His unwavering determination to rescue his sister, his raw vulnerability amidst such a harsh and unforgiving world – it all resonated so deeply. He's such a compelling protagonist, far more so than I even anticipated. I found myself completely invested in his plight, feeling his fear, his anger, and ultimately, his hope. It’s a testament to Edgar Coonkin’s writing that he managed to make me care so much about a character in a world populated by already fascinating creatures!

The world-building is just phenomenal. Hawthorn, with its gritty streets and the stark contrast between the downtrodden Sparkless and the opulent Noblemen, feels incredibly real and lived-in. The descriptions are vivid and immersive; I could almost smell the soot and feel the chill wind whipping through the city. And the Coonkin themselves? They're so wonderfully unique and endearing, even the ones I initially found less appealing in the first book. Kaven’s perspective allowed for a deeper understanding of their struggles and their resilience, which significantly altered my perception of some supporting characters from Twitch.

The plot is fast-paced and full of thrilling twists and turns. There’s never a dull moment, constantly keeping you guessing and on the edge of your seat. The addition of the Golden Gears and the mystery surrounding them adds another captivating layer to the narrative. And let's not forget Twitch and Fidget! Their reappearance was a delightful surprise, and their dynamic with Kaven adds a welcome touch of humor and heart to the story's grittier elements. The relationship between these characters is one of the many highlights of the book, perfectly balanced between camaraderie and conflict.

While some might initially categorize this as a children's book based on the charming artwork, the themes explored within Kaven and the Golden Gears are surprisingly complex and mature. It certainly tackles heavier themes than what one might expect from such an engaging and delightful story, dealing with social injustice, survival, and the lengths people will go to for those they love. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to readers of all ages (perhaps 13 and up, as the author suggested), as long as they appreciate a well-crafted fantasy adventure with heart and depth.

I’m already counting down the days until book three! Seriously, Edgar Coonkin, you've created something truly special. This is not just a book; it’s an experience. A captivating, enthralling, unforgettable adventure. Five stars, absolutely.

Information

• Dimensions: 5 x 0.48 x 8 inches
• Language: English
• Print length: 189
• Publication date: 2024

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