Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell

Reviewed by Samvita

      The book Mechanica, by Betsy Cornwell, is a classic spin on the story of Cinderella - with an inventor as the main character. A girl named Nicolette, or “Nick,” as most everybody calls her, lives in a world where magic resides. There are magic people called the Fey living in a place called Faerie, who are now banished, along with all the magic in this city, Esting. At first, Nick’s mother dies - leaving only the books and information about inventing behind. When Nick’s father remarries, Nick thinks that her stepsisters and stepmother will be wonderful. Little does she know that all that will be left when her father dies and she turns into a servant, is her mother’s secret workshop, inventions, new companions, magic, and of course, the name that fits her ever so well, Mechanica.

       I fell in love with this book as soon as I picked it up. The way Betsy Cornwell added her own twist to this story, making “Cinderella” a mechanic and a removing the “Happily Ever After” was very surprising and satisfying for me. I loved comparing the Disney plot of “Cinderella,” a story that I know well, to this different, catchy, tale. But what made this especially exciting was the dissing of the “Happily Ever After theme,” allowing new, creative ideas to flow into more chapters of the novel.

       I also enjoyed this novel because it showed that girls can be strong. In times of hardship, having nobody to go to usually isn’t the case with this story. But in this fantastic novel, the main character is so strong, that when “destiny” comes calling her away to luxury, she refuses.

       Mechanica really proves that a change can be for the better. This is a series, the next book coming out in 2018, and I would definitely recommend it to all readers, especially if you love a good cliffhanger. I would rate this book a 10 out of 10!

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 307 pgs.