Synopsis

The Amazing Beatrix works as an acrobat in a 19th Century circus, no home or family to speak of. When a daring escape from her abusive ringleader crosses Beatrix’s path with that of the daring adventurer Colonel James Bacchus, the unlikely pair team up, fly to safety aboard the Colonel’s miraculous four-story hot air balloon, and begin a grand quest to find the most precious gem in the world, The Blue Star Sphinx.

If the heroes can outmaneuver the deadly treasure hunters, escaped convicts, and double-crosses that await them, they may win the treasure they seek, or better yet, a sense of true belonging.

Witty banter, colorful characters, and exotic locations pack the fantastical, globe-trotting adventure that reads like Sherlock Holmes meets Around the World in Eighty Days.

Review

This steampunk adventure story would be great for any (older) YA reader especially if you liked Around The World in 80 days.

The story follows Bee, an escaped acrobat from a local circus who takes off on an adventure in a hot air balloon with the Colonel and various other wayward characters that are picked up along the way. They are in pursuit of a murderer and even some treasure. All of the characters add dimension to the story and while life on a hot air balloon as large as the Ox isn’t feasible, it made for an interesting image in my mind. I think it might have been more like a Zeppelin than a traditional hot air balloon.

There are some topics that might be too mature for some readers such as the womanizer ways of the Colonel. While nothing is discussed in detail it is noted that he will have a woman on board and then set her off with a gift which sometimes isn’t appreciated by the woman.

I enjoyed the banter between the characters and their adventures across Europe.  We give it 4 paws up.

About the Author

I’m Pat!

I grew up in Illinois and now live in Los Angeles with my dog, Hank.

I like volleyball, gin, science, blues harmonica, and bar trivia.

I don’t like junk mail, people who don’t pick up their dog’s poo, astrology, and Capricorns.

My favorite authors include Bill Watterson, Liane Moriarty, and David Foster Wallace.

The genres I write in vary, but I always try to include unique characters, interesting language, and hopefully memorable reading experience.

You’ll have to tell me how I’m doing.

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