There is no good reason why I shouldn't love this book. If I didn't, there would be something wrong with me. Alternate history? Revolution? Steampunk? Yes, yes, and yes. 
 The Worldshaker is a giant ship (sorry, juggernaut) where high society--those in the Upper Deck--rule. It's the only life that Col has known, and he's being bred to be the Worldshaker's next Supreme Commander. He accepts this life, and he absorbs everything he is taught, but there's one little thing haunting the back of his mind--the Filthy that was hiding in his room. 
 The Filthies are the lowest of the low. They live Below Deck, and no one ever sees them. They're cut off from everything, and it's believed they're sub-human, slithering creatures. But this Filthy could talk. They had a conversation. Could everything Col has known be a lie? 
 I'm a sucker for these "finding yourself" tales, and this is one of the greatest. I mean, Col is meant to be the next Supreme Commander. What is he doing, thinking about a Filthy girl? He should know better! But the more he thinks about her, the more he questions the world of the Worldshaker. 
 And, oh, did you say there's a sequel? I am so on it.