Gears of Revolution by Scott Savage

A dystopian/fantasy series continues with our heroes’ search for the legendary Leo Babbage

Gears of Revolution (Mysteries of Cove #2) by Scott Savage.  Shadow Mountain, 2016, 340 pages.

Reading Level: middle grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for: ages 10-15, especially boys

The previous volume concluded with Trenton and Kallista escaping their cloistered settlement on their mechanical dragon, only to tangle with a real dragon.  Forced to the ground after a boiler explosion, they discover a set of metal chimes leading to a compass leading to a message that indicates Kallista’s father is in a place called “Seattle.”  Or what’s left of it.  The city is a blasted shell of its former self, thanks to continued dragon attacks  One faction, the staid, red-robed Order of the Beast, has placated the creatures by offering food.  But the Whipjacks, who keep the city going by propping up its surviving infrastructure, are building a secret weapon to wipe out the dragons when the time comes.  Kallista and Trenton arrive as the Whipjacks are finalizing their plans, with the help of none other than Leo Babbage.  But—wouldn’t you know—Kallista’s father is missing again, and the kids soon have reason to distrust both factions.

Fans of the first book will devour this one also.  As in volume #1, coincidences stretch credulity and as the two main character become absorbed in the cause the personality traits that made them interesting fade into the background.  But the story raises interesting questions about appeasement vs. aggression and involvement vs. isolation.  As Trenton’s mother reminds him, “Caring doesn’t stop with the people you see every day.  Selflessness crosses all borders.”

Overall Rating: 4 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 4.25
• Artistic value: 3.5