OUT OF THE SHADOWS

A capable teen living on the streets gets a shot at a new life in Fraedrich’s steampunk YA fantasy novel and series launch.

Lenore has been on her own for over a year after her parents’ mysterious arrests. She survives with her stripe-tailed cat by stealing what she can from the rich citizens of Springhaven, a city-state. Not long after Lenore fails to rob one particular couple, their lives intersect again by chance. Sir Gwenael “Neal” and Philomena “Mina” Allen take her in and give her a new name, Lenore Blackbird, as the policing Enforcers actively hunt the petty criminal. Lenore, who wants to earn her keep, becomes Neal’s apprentice at a local museum where they study machines and tech from the “Old World.” But belonging to a wealthy family has unforeseen complications, starting with her societal “debut” and meetings with prospective suitors. There’s potential romance with one gentleman caller and, perhaps, Rook, a lanky stranger with a complex connection to her father. Meanwhile, her parents may be under threat in prison, and someone attempts to kill Lenore. Fraedrich builds a solid foundation in this opening installment, establishing everything from Springhaven’s districts and continent of Invarnis to remnants of Old World buildings. Lenore finds herself entangled in enthralling subplots, including working on an unearthed machine that she’s sure will fly, being seemingly torn between romantic interests, and enduring sexual discrimination at the museum. Rook likewise stands out as he faces a horrible dilemma and harbors a startling secret. Other narrative elements, however, barely register. Camilla, the Allens’ niece whom they’ve cared for since her mother’s wrongful imprisonment and who debuts as well, is too similar to Lenore. Similarly, an old-fashioned blood-sucking “Vampyre,” despite a violent intro (“Lenore screamed again and clawed at the head next to her own. It didn’t even faze her attacker”), adds very little to the story. But sequels are set to follow, and this first volume establishes plenty of avenues to explore and ushers in a fresh menace before the conclusion.

Impressive worldbuilding and character development drive this often-absorbing fantasy tale.