The Brimstone Key by Derek Benz and Jon S. Lewis

The Brimstone Key
Grey Griffins: The Clockwork Chronicles #1:
by Derek Benz and Jon S. Lewis

Published: June 2010
Genre: Steampunk, YA
Hardback: 384 pages
Rating: 4

Description from the amazon:

A brand new adventure starring The Grey Griffins!
Max---the leader
Natalia---the brains
Ernie---the changeling
Harley---the muscle

A year ago, the Grey Griffins were just regular kids from Avalon, Minnesota. That was before they learned about the existence of evil fairies, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night. Now they are monster-hunters, celebrated heroes, and allies to the legendary Templar knights---but even heroes have to go to school.

When the Griffins enroll at Iron Bridge Academy, a school to train young recruits in the fight against the forces of evil, they find themselves at the center of a whole new adventure. The Clockwork King, a Templar foe from days past, has returned to finish the plan he set in motion decades ago. A plot to steal the souls of changelings---humans infused with fairy blood and supernatural abilities---in order to power his army of clockwork war machines.

In The Brimstone Key, authors Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis deftly blend the mystical wonder of steampunk with magic and adventure to create an action-packed thrill ride.

Fashion statement:
"It's all the rage," Brooke explained. "It's sort of a mix of Goth, punk, and nineteenth-century England all rolled into one. You'll see girls with pink hair and combat boots wearing crinoline and corsets. You get used to it."

"What's the point?"

Brooke shrugged. "Templar kids have their own sense of fashion. It's a different culture than we're used to. They borrow their style form different eras and mix them together to make it their own. It's edgy, and I kind of like it."

"What about the goggles?"

"You definitely ned to get some," she advised. "They're critical. Besides, they come in handy if you ever ride in an airship with open windows."
-page 67

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): supersonic

I enjoyed this adventure into a steampunk world that includes robots and the fae.

Being the first book in the series the introduction and basics are laid out well to follow along.

What is really appealing to me is the teamwork and friendship involved with the main four characters of this story.

Zombie sighting:
The Knights of Templar is an ancient society that has sworn to protect mankind against unseen dangers like monster invasions and zombie uprisings.
-introduction page

-+0+o+ Book Giveaway courtesy of authors +o+0+-
The prize pack will include a signed book with an original sketch from Jon, and four beautiful 11x17 posters illustrated by guest artists from the animation, video game and comic book industries.

Here's your second chance to win.

For 2 winners.

Open to all.

Offer ends: December 26, 2010

TO DO:
Visit J.S. Lewis site and tell me which Superhero illustration you liked along with your email in comments.

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Contest has ended - winners are here

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* part of my weekly post on things steampunk (Victorian sci-fi/fantasy)