Format Read: Paperback ARC
Number of pages: 480 pages
Publishing: October 7th, 2025
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Opening Lines: "Imagine you're on your back, looking up at the stars."
Peter had just won the Empire Day essay contest for "What My Hometown Means to Me" when he unexpectedly crosses paths with two Astromancers, Audrey and Francis. They were hopelessly lost, so Peter leads them to his family's inn and helps them carry all of their suitcases inside. Intrigued by their strange inventions, Peter couldn't resist peeking through their belongings. Among them, he discovers an old clock. When he touches its hands, time skips backward.
Peter is generally conscience and follows the rules. He fears making a mistake and being labeled as an Outbounder. He tries hard to be a good role model for his younger siblings. But the temptation to fix his mistakes proves to be irresistible. Each time he nudges the clock, the harder it becomes to stop.
The first two chapters unfold through exhibit entries and excerpts from surveillance footage transcripts gathered from across Stargazers Valley. The valley is known for its clambering and skiens that release their starstuff, a precious substance vital to the Astromancers inventions and is strictly regulated by decree from the Empress Belvedere. To prevent illegal harvesting a task force patrols the valley monitoring for any Free Citizens and Outbounders.
The Tinkerers blends elements of a crime novel, mystery, mythology and personal diary. The story jumps between the threads of uncovering the identities and hidden motives of the Free Citizens staying at Peter's family's inn and the official recollections from Director Laura Boyd of the events leading up to and the four months following Empire Day. The inn, Peter's home and school are the core locations of the story amid the beauty and simplicity of the Stargazers Valley. It is a mountainous region bathed in aurora borealis lights.
Through a collage of surveillance transcripts, Peter's essays and the escalating consequences of him rewinding time, the story builds in suspense and mystery. The Tinkerers explores themes of identity, moral choices, and discerning between truth and perception. It asks, what kind of person do you want to be? Which version of the truth will you tell? and if you could go back in time to fix a mistake, should you?
**A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the ARC-paperback in exchange for an honest review**
I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE
I was already won over by the title. Who would suspect that there was so much more to this book. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love those colors on the cover. The story sounds really engaging. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really unique book! I like it includes alternate formats, one of my favorite things to encounter in MG. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat cover and your critique of the plot has me anxious to read this one. Thanks for being a part of MMGM this week.
ReplyDeleteWhat a complicated book to write. SOunds like a great MG read. Carol Baldwin
ReplyDeleteSounds like there is a lot going on in this book, but it also sounds really good. Thanks for telling me about it.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds an imaginative and fun story. I love the setting and the questions raised. Anything to do with changing time and having unexpected consequences appeals to me! Thanks for the recommendation!
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