"He was a boy of air and dust and sunlight. Everything that had gone into the making of the world." 
 I knew the moment I heard about this book I had to read it. I mean, doesn't the concept just sound so deliciously intriguing? Alternate Victorian London. Steampunk vibes. Time magic and clock spirits. Fractured time and clock mechanics. Mystery. Danger. Mythology. 
 Soft, sweet, adorable boys who fall in love and save the world. 
 DOESN'T IT JUST SOUND SO BEAUTIFULLY MAGICAL AND AMAZING. Yes, the answer is yes, in case you didn't catch my excitement. And it was adorable and compelling and gorgeously written. Filled with brilliant, diverse characters and sweet, heart-warming relationships that just broke my heart and pieced it back together again all in the space of a single story. I just want to read all the stories that have delightfully queer characters who love and live and get to be happy, alright? 
 Tara Sim has this amazing ability to make even the simple beautiful and even the little moments shine. There are so many stunningly gorgeous passages in this book that took my breath away and so many touching interactions that really bring the world and these characters to life. I adore her writing style, her attention to detail and the vivid, unique world-building. Her work is just so captivating and engaging, beautifully written and rich in emotion. I kind of adored it, okay, and desperately want to get my hands on the sequel and head back into this amazing world and this epic story. 
 However, it is without doubt the fantastic and diverse characters that steal the show in this book. I adored the beautiful, supportive friendships as well as the absolutely precious M/M romance between the gay MC and his pansexual clock spirit love interest. Honestly, their relationship is just so sweet and adorable and even though it might be kind of forbidden and more than a little bit doomed it is just so well written and beautifully developed that you can't help but love them both and want to protect them from the world. It's also so refreshing to read a story about soft, sweet boys, as well as one that depicts characters with anxiety/PTSD so sensitively and authentically. There are also some really interesting secondary characters who I really hope we get to see more of in the sequel because they just seemed so damn badass and awesome that I desperately wanted more! 
 Magical and unique and utterly fascinating with the perfect blend of tension, intrigue and romance. I LOVED it. Highly recommend. 
 TW: homophobia, explosions/bombs.