Synopsis: 
 Nicolette's mother was a gifted inventor but when an illness claimed her life, Nick's father ordered that her notes and workshop be burned. Nick believed her mother's work was gone forever. Then her father is killed and the Steps turn her into a servant in her own home. On her 16th birthday, a mysteriously delivered letter from her mother leads her to a hidden workshop and the hope of a better future. As her step-sisters focus on the ball and the chance to catch the Prince's eye, Nicolette dreams of the accompanying Exposition Gala and the chance it offers her to be free of the Steps forever. She just has to create the perfect invention. 
 Thoughts: 
 I'm sure a lot of people are worrying that this book is going to be a Cinder knock off, but have no fear! Betsy Cornwell has her own unique spin on this familiar fairy-tale with her steampunk retelling. It has mechanical creatures, an inventor heroine, and nearly everything a feminist reader could crave. I also squeed in glee when gender pronouns were mentioned (but was disappointed when there was no character introduced to put a face to the concept). Part one had me a little hesitant, it follows the very standard path one would expect from a Cinderella story. It's reflective and a bit like an oversized prologue, but it has such great social commentary as it introduces us to the world and politics of Esting (from Nicolette's perspective at least). The other parts of the book were a very welcome change from the traditional Cinderella story and an answer to those readers seeking books that don't become all about the love interest. Nicolette is driven to save herself from her situation and she is resourceful. 
 This is a slow burn book. It doesn't have any extreme events. The politics of the world are set up, but Nicolette doesn't change the world or stop a war or become a leader. This story isn't about that. It's a story about a girl who has set a goal and is working towards doing it, with a little help from friends, but mostly through her own perseverance. I am in love with this quiet, but powerful story, and the ending was the perfect touch. 
 Thanks to HMH Books for Young Readers for the ARC. 
 Publication Date: August 4, 2015.