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The Dark Unwinding (The Dark Unwinding #1)

by Sharon Cameron (Goodreads Author)

3.77 of 5 stars 3.77 · rating details · 1,104 ratings · 310 reviews

A thrilling tale of spies, intrigue, and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his remote English estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of childlike rule...more

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published September 1st 2012 by Scholastic Press

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September 2012

23rd out of 184 books — 261 voters

September 2012 YA Fiction

7th out of 111 books — 84 voters

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Oct 28, 2012 Emily May rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-na, historical-fiction, 2012

What an exciting debut! However, I feel the need to point out immediately that fans of steampunk may be disappointed by The Dark Unwinding which to me belongs firmly in the historical fiction genre. I would define steampunk as a kind of Victorian science fiction and wouldn't count merely having an inventor who creates a few wacky machines - you're likely to believe this novel is steampunk if you believe Frankenstein is steampunk. But whatever, this was an incredibly enjoyable story that gets bet...more What an exciting debut! However, I feel the need to point out immediately that fans of steampunk may be disappointed by The Dark Unwinding which to me belongs firmly in the historical fiction genre. I would define steampunk as a kind of Victorian science fiction and wouldn't count merely having an inventor who creates a few wacky machines - you're likely to believe this novel is steampunk if you believe Frankenstein is steampunk. But whatever, this was an incredibly enjoyable story that gets better and better as the book progresses so I would suggest you persist a little longer than usual if you are not gripped straight away. Upon finishing it, I was absolutely delighted to discover that there will be a sequel.

Frankenstein, by the way, is a terribly inappropriate comparison. I would say this book reminds me in many ways of The Wicked and the Just: historical setting, somewhat bratty protagonist (but not as much), large portion of the novel held up by the extremely charismatic set of characters, main plot line kicks off in the latter half of the book, etc. The story starts off fairly simplistic and the stakes seem relatively low to the reader. Katherine Tulson is sent by her inheritance-greedy aunt to have her uncle committed to a lunatic asylum and, by doing so, release the family fortune to her aunt. What she finds at her uncle's estate is not a lunatic, but a genius inventor who I believe - though it is never stated - to be autistic. Not only that, but her uncle also employs more than nine hundred people from workhouses who would have nowhere else to go otherwise. So, Katherine becomes torn between protecting her inheritance and protecting this strange community.

When the plot starts to really get going in the second half, it packs a punch. There is a mystery complete with twists and tension, perhaps more astute readers will fail to be fooled by this book but I was surprised numerous times. There is also a little romance going on but it comes second to the bigger issues and doesn't swamp the story - my favourite kind. The novel is not without faults; for example, some events were a little rough around the edges and perhaps could have been explained better, but the good most definitely outweighed the bad. For me, anyway.

But you might be thinking "if the plot doesn't really start to happen until the second half, then what keeps you reading during the first half?" And the answer is quite simply: the characters. I will use The Wicked and the Just as an example again because that book had me wildly entertained even when very little was happening. The Dark Unwinding is the same. You can't help but be charmed by all the different, weird, not always nice characters floating around in here and the way they interact with one another.

The best character has to be Uncle Tully, I'm straining my mind to think of a character in something else to compare him to but he's pretty unique. I imagine him as a kind of autistic Santa Claus, one of those sweet, harmless and brilliantly intelligent old men that you can't stand anything bad happening to. So, naturally, you hate Katherine's aunt for even daring to threaten this man's peaceful existence. Mary, Katherine's maid, is another delightful character and I like the way the friendship develops between her and Katherine with the latter being a "lady" of a higher social class but Mary frequently has to scold her for being tipsy and roller-skating with guys. Hehe.

And, of course, the friendly and cheerful Ben Aldridge. And the dark, brooding Lane Moreau. Smell a love triangle? I did too, but you have nothing to worry about.

I was really pleased with this book that I nearly almost didn't read! If you like young adult historical fiction then don't make that mistake, there's much to love here and Cameron seems like an author we need to watch out for. I only hope the sequel is as entertaining.

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Sep 22, 2012 Kara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: animals-die, arc, debut-authors-2012, favorites, for-review, england, own, the-tough-stuff, signed, young-adult

The Dark Unwinding was definitely one of my favorite books of 2012 so far. I wanted more than anything to give it 5 stars, but in the end, I couldn't. The writing wasn't perfect and I did find it dry in a couple of places. I found it a little too simple as well. I thought there were a couple of places in the book where things could have been explained better, and I was left confused trying to interpret events for myself. I had to go back and re-read and I hate that more than anything. To me, tha...more The Dark Unwinding was definitely one of my favorite books of 2012 so far. I wanted more than anything to give it 5 stars, but in the end, I couldn't. The writing wasn't perfect and I did find it dry in a couple of places. I found it a little too simple as well. I thought there were a couple of places in the book where things could have been explained better, and I was left confused trying to interpret events for myself. I had to go back and re-read and I hate that more than anything. To me, that's an automatic one star deduction. And it makes me mad that I had to do that. But as far as the negative goes, those are really the only complaints I have.

Now I get to talk about the fun stuff. And the one thing that blew me away in this book more than anything were the characters. WOW. WOW. I cannot express in words how much they won me over. Especially Uncle Tully. I mean...I have no words. He is possibly one of the sweetest, most intelligent, and wonderful characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. He jumps off the page. He is so well-developed, and he is REAL. What's that? He's not real? *punches you in the face for saying that* I was so emotionally involved in this book that I was worried I was going to be devastated. The other characters were great too but Uncle Tully was the best. My favorite thing was how he called Katharine "Simon's baby." It just warmed my heart. I do believe Uncle Tully was Autistic. It was never specifically stated (unless I missed it) but implied. And I absolutely LOVED the portrayal of the disorder. I think the author did a FANTASTIC job painting it in a respectful way. Uncle Tully is a character you will absolutely fall for. You WILL NOT feel sorry for him because he is a unique character with wonderful traits. The other characters respect him and treat him as an equal which is as it should be.

The story was incredibly entertaining. There is a mystery to solve, but also, Katherine has a decision to make. You will know right away which decision it is going to be, but it is an enormous amount of fun getting there. You will fall in love with the setting which is a character in itself, and you will want to walk this estate and be a part of this story. The Dark Unwinding is the type of book you escape into and do not want to put down. For me, the rest of the world fell away, and it was just me and this great, GREAT book. Like I said earlier, in places the writing was a little too simple for me and I wish a couple of things had been explained better, but it's a memorable book that you will want to add to your personal library immediately. I don't re-read many books but I can easily see myself re-reading this one.

I know some are classifying this one as steampunk, but I don't really agree with that. There are a few steampunk elements, but for me it needs more than that to fit the genre. It's more of a historical novel for me, and it certainly isn't fantasy which is another genre classification I am seeing.

As for the romance in the book, it was sweet and I loved it. I usually don't care for the romance in YA books, but this one never overpowered the story. It was always about the story first, then the romance, which is just how it should be. Lane as a character is a love interest you can get behind. He is respectful, romantic, and he genuinely cares about the estate and Uncle Tully. He wants what is best for every character in this book, and yet he is still brooding and sexy. He had personality, and whenever her showed up in the book, he lit up the scene. He is one of many reasons you should read this book.

I loved almost everything about The Dark Unwinding. I would recommend it to anyone who loves heartfelt characters, an intricate story, an atmospheric setting, and strong world-building. (less)

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May 01, 2013 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Check out my interview with Sharon Cameron, My Friends Are Fiction

I love this book--very well done. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out--oh how I love Mr. Tully! There were certain aspects I didn't like but don't want to include spoilers. Overall I loved reading this one--once I started I had trouble not reading it. Beautiful cover, thank goodness I picked this one up based on how lovely it was.

Full review from my blog, My Friends Are Fiction

The Story:
I first read The Dark Unwinding lo...more

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Nov 21, 2012 Missy Frye rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk, ya, 2012-reads

Steampunk is starting to grow on me, but I’m not yet willing to count it among my favorite genres. The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron schooled me not only in the genre, but in books and writing as well.

Synopsis taken from Goodreads:
A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committe

...more Steampunk is starting to grow on me, but I’m not yet willing to count it among my favorite genres. The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron schooled me not only in the genre, but in books and writing as well.

Synopsis taken from Goodreads:
A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

First, let me say that I loved, Loved, LOVED the characters in this novel. Uncle Tully is a great example of the brilliance that often accompanies autism (though that condition was never mentioned in the book). He’s quirky, lovable and achingly real. Davy won my heart quite early and never let it go. Children tend to do that. Though the other characters leaned toward cliché they possessed just enough originality to be redeemed.

The story is lovely. Katherine is dispatched to the estate that holds her livelihood in its hands, only to discover wonders and kindness. Of course this makes her mission more difficult. The plot was predictable. From the beginning I guessed what Katherine would do. I knew who to trust and distrust.

There were a few minor surprises and heartaches along the way. Mentioning them would spoil the book for those of you wanting to read it. It is a good book, and I do recommend it, however you shouldn’t expect to be wowed.

If I rated this book on the characters of Uncle Tully and Davy, it would get five stars. After taking the other elements into consideration, it receives only three. The lesson I learned: an unbalanced book may not be bad, but it doesn’t reach greatness. Had Cameron instilled the magic of Davy and Uncle Tully into the other characters, the story and plot the result would have been something to behold. (less)

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Feb 18, 2013 BAYA Librarian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Katherine Tulman is an orphan under the care of her petulant and greedy aunt Alice. When Aunt Alice insists Katherine pay a visit to her eccentric uncle to investigate as to whether or not he is squandering the family fortune she is in no place to decline. What she finds when she arrives at the unwelcoming Stranwyne Keep boggles the mind. The keep is full of clocks of all kinds; there are secret passages and hidden rooms everywhere. Then there is the enigma that is her uncle; a childlike yet bri...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

The second half of "The Dark Unwinding" was two, maybe three times better overall than the first half. The plot holes, inconsistent action, and odd (or perhaps just poorly explained) motivations disappeared. The story came together and the climax exploded beautifully.

Overall I enjoyed this story and I fully intend to read whatever sequels may arrive. I liked the characters (the primary and secondary characters were well fleshed out), though I don't think the narrator had a very even character a...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Abby rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Dark Unwinding was good. Very good actually. But! Let me explain my reasons for 4 stars. The first half of it was hard to get into it. It was dull and really didn't suck me in right away but luckily I did not give up on it. Another reason is for the ending. It wasn't bad it was more of a cliff hanger. I feel like there could be a sequel to it but then again I may feel like that solely because I WANT there to be. So badly. I want it to be continued so I can see what happens with Lane and to s...more

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Dec 21, 2012 Arlena rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars, ebooks, excellent-book, gothic, my-reviews, romance, young-adult

Author: Sharon Cameron
Published By: Scholastic Press
Age Recommended: YA
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Dark Unwinding" by Sharon Cameron was a wonderful YA read. It was full of the 'supernatural psychology'...adding some weird evil aunts, children, a whole clockwork of magical figures and you only come out with some kind of thrilling adventure that can really be enjoyed by the teens. This novel will definitely linger with you long after the read. You will also find "Th...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Molly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sharon Cameron's recent novel The Dark Unwinding is a wonderful example of what can be done when traditional historical novels are allowed the freedom to play with the modern world. When the historical era in question happens to be the Victorian age, and when the modern world takes form in gidgets and gadgets, that's generally referred to as steampunk. If you don't read steampunk, however, there's nothing in The Dark Unwinding that will turn you off.

Granted, there are clocks and gears aplenty (a...more Sharon Cameron's recent novel The Dark Unwinding is a wonderful example of what can be done when traditional historical novels are allowed the freedom to play with the modern world. When the historical era in question happens to be the Victorian age, and when the modern world takes form in gidgets and gadgets, that's generally referred to as steampunk. If you don't read steampunk, however, there's nothing in The Dark Unwinding that will turn you off.

Granted, there are clocks and gears aplenty (at the risk of sounding too much like a Disney song), tunnels and explosives and mysteriously moving parts. But this is not a book that would sit on a science fiction shelf. It bears more resemblance to a Victoria Holt novel than to H.G. Wells, and since I've long been a fan of Holt and her ilk, the novel was a welcome diversion.

Yes, I'm talking like a fake Victorian woman. That happens when one has read books such as this.

I'm excited that people are reading this book, because I hope it will inspire a new generation to explore other novels like it. I expect Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series was a starting point for many (though I confess I couldn't get past the first few chapters of Bray's writing), and if so, this is a welcome improvement.

In brief: Katherine Tullman finds herself with the unpleasant task of ascertaining whether or not her distant uncle is, in fact, insane. Knowing that this will result in his being sent to an asylum, she doesn't relish the task. But when she learns that hundreds of people's livelihoods have been built on his supposed insanity, whether she will confirm his mental state to her aunt and the solicitor becomes less certain. Over the course of a month, she grows more and more devoted to her uncle and the people on the estate, all while suffering her own steady decline into a world of madness sure to rival even her uncle's instabilities. Intrigue and romance ensue!

It's been quite a while since I've added a review here, and I'm glad I jumped back in with this one. I read the book in the space of a day, and it gripped me on every page - if not with anticipation (though there was also that), then certainly with enjoyment. The book doesn't need a sequel by any means, but I'd be happy to revisit Simon's Child, Lane, and dear Uncle Tully for another adventure.(less)

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Nov 22, 2012 Hannibal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-ya, unusual

I really enjoyed this book. Frankly, when I started it, I expected it to be a lot different. More steampunk, less historical fiction. But the way it was done worked really well.

The first half was a little boring, not much action, mainly just setting up the story. But what I really enjoyed was the characters. The author made wonderful, fleshed-out characters, especially Katharine, Lane, Davy, and Mr. Tully. Ben seemed less real to me, but later in the book when more is revealed about him, it cli...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Kara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: When I started reading The Dark Unwinding, I had no intention of writing a review. I wanted to read a book without having to stop every few pages to make notes; to read without having to worry about what I was going to write for its corresponding review. In a sense, I wanted to enjoy the book with no strings attached. As you've probably guessed by now, that plan never came to fruition. The Dark Unwinding, Sharon Cameron's début novel for teens, is a book that deserves a review -...more Full Disclosure: When I started reading The Dark Unwinding, I had no intention of writing a review. I wanted to read a book without having to stop every few pages to make notes; to read without having to worry about what I was going to write for its corresponding review. In a sense, I wanted to enjoy the book with no strings attached. As you've probably guessed by now, that plan never came to fruition. The Dark Unwinding, Sharon Cameron's début novel for teens, is a book that deserves a review - and a glowing one at that. This novel sucked me in from the very first page. Cameron's writing is so beautiful and lyrical that the story could have been about zombie dolphins on the attack and it wouldn't have mattered. Luckily for the reader, Cameron's spellbinding writing is matched by an equally fascinating and compelling story, one that is mercifully zombie dolphin free.

The Story: Katharine Tulman has lived under her aunt's care since her father passed away years ago. The word "care" is to be taken lightly here, since the year is 1852 and a financially-dependent Katharine must do her Aunt Alice's bidding, else live in poverty. Aunt Alice is a nasty sort, and she sends Katharine to her uncle's estate with strict instructions to declare her Uncle Tully insane and send him straight to the madhouse, all so Aunt Alice can have control over his money. When Katharine arrives at the estate, however, things aren't what they seem, and the events that transpire cause Katharine to question not her uncle's sanity, but her own.

Bonus Factors: I'm a total sucker for stories rooted in history, and this one has its roots firmly planted in the historical happenings of earlier centuries. The estate in The Dark Unwinding, Stranwyne Keep, is modelled after Welbeck Abbey in Nottinghamshire, England, complete with its underground tunnels and ballroom, gasworks, affinity for the colour pink, and it being home to over 1000 people who, without the estate, would most likely have lived in poverty. Also, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries were automatons, self-operating machines made of clockwork parts that performed specified tasks, and Uncle Tully, though incapable of taking care of himself, is a genius when it comes to designing and building these figures.

Ex-Bonus Factors: Not really an ex-bonus factor, per say, but rather a small, I-need-to-complain-about-something complaint. The romance in The Dark Unwinding is subtle, and, though I'm often the first to scoff at those angsty lust-fuelled does-not-make-any-sense love scenes that we see so much of in YA lit, I have to admit I missed that feeling of urgency and wanting that usually go hand in hand with such displays. The blossoming love in Unwinding is beautiful and unfolds naturally and is fitting for the time period, but I certainly don't think it's wrong to want a little more sugar with my tea. Especially if said tea is a swoon-worthy character with thunderstorms for eyes.

Final Thoughts: Sharon Cameron is an author to watch. Fans of historical fiction who appreciate a tinge of steampunk and Gothic will enjoy this one. I loved The Dark Unwinding and can't wait to read the sequel.(less)

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Oct 26, 2012 Heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars: A book full of twists and turns that keeps you on your toes!

Katharine hates living under her Aunt Alice's thumb, but as a seventeen year old orphan, she is forced to accept the charity of her aunt and do her bidding rather than risk living in poverty. As a young woman in 1852 options are limited. Katharine currently keeps the books for her aunt and it is her job to protect the inheritance of her cousin, Fat Robert. When her aunt informs her that she is to visit her uncle...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Janeen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, from-the-library

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 14, 2012 Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, drama, family, fiction, friendship, history, mystery, orphan, romance, scary

The Dark Unwinding
by Sharon Cameron

When Aunt Alice has a dirty task that needs doing she forces the task onto Katharine. When Aunt Alice demands Katharine go to the family estate at Stranwyne and ordered to have her Uncle Tullman declared insane Katharine has little choice but to go. Living in 1852 London and orphaned Katharine's future depends on her aunt's whims.

But Stranwyne is unlike anything Katharine has ever experienced in her seventeen years. The main house is in a state of disuse and em...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Tamora Pierce rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk, ya-yr

Katherine has been sent by her grasping aunt to put her uncle in an asylum, clearing the way for her cousin to inherit his property. On her very odd arrival at her uncle's peculiar house, Katherine discovers that her uncle has hired more than a hundred people and their families out of London's workhouses, that her uncle is definitely insane to the common eye, and that everyone knows she is there to throw them into the street.

And yet.

Her uncle invents things, useful things and deadly ones. Two of...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Jessica Harrison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, reviewed

Full review a Cracking the Cover
“The Dark Unwinding” is steampunk with a gothic feel. It’s not as action-packed as other steampunk fiction, but that doesn’t matter. In fact, the pacing provides a sense of purpose and allows readers to fully absorb the discoveries Katharine makes. There’s a lot going on in this novel, and if you read too fast, you might miss it.

One of “The Dark Unwinding’s” greatest strengths is the descriptive prose of author Sharon Cameron. The rolling estate, quirky characters...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Amy Jacobs rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

This book was suppose to be a sort of steampunk, gothic, fantasy, young adult mash-up. While I agree with it being young adult and dark, I don't think it had too many elements to make it a true steampunk book. Yes it is set in the Victorian era and there are some things that have the machine like feel to it, but beyond that there isn't much more to classify it as that. I may not have a full understanding of what steampunk is truly about, but if this was it then I am not missing much.

Putting that...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Adrienne rated it 2 of 5 stars

Katherine is sent by her aunt, on whom she is dependent for her livelihood, to spy on her Uncle Tully, who holds the family fortune, in order to have him committed to an insane asylum so that her aunt, and her son who is next in line to inherit, will have access to his wealth. However, when Katherine arrives at her uncle's estate she finds that, while he is certainly eccentric and could probably be committed, he also has 900 people rescued from England's poorhouses working on his estate, and him...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Rhiannon Ryder rated it 5 of 5 stars

There was much to love in The Dark Unwinding, historical lavishness, steampunk curiosities, mysteries around every corner and an enchanting cast of characters. I was hard pressed to believe this rich world, and beautifully written plot were the creation of a debut writer.

Sold originally as Clockwise Turning, The Dark Unwinding and it's untitled sequel were sold pre-emtivly to scholastic back in 2010. And after looking at some of the extras on Sharon Cameron's site about the estate which inspired...more There was much to love in The Dark Unwinding, historical lavishness, steampunk curiosities, mysteries around every corner and an enchanting cast of characters. I was hard pressed to believe this rich world, and beautifully written plot were the creation of a debut writer.

Sold originally as Clockwise Turning, The Dark Unwinding and it's untitled sequel were sold pre-emtivly to scholastic back in 2010. And after looking at some of the extras on Sharon Cameron's site about the estate which inspired Stranwyne Keep, automatons, and her list of beloved books (Yay! Rebbecca!), it seemed considerably less surprising Cameron wrote such a strong debut.

Besides a captivating writing style, which sucked me in from the first few paragraphs, Cameron anchors her gothic/fantasy world with a social commentary that ended up being the heart of the matter for me. She talks extensively about poverty and disability from a historical point in time which had little respect for either. Katharine's relationship with her uncle and Davy was so winsome I can't imagine a reader not loving her for it. How she handles both of them is easily a lesson to all of us in how patience and kindness can make such a difference in everyones relationships.

Quiet, intense Lane was a perfect counterpoint to Katherine, and I liked how Cameron didn't muddie the waters with a love triangle when these two were so perfectly matched to one another. I especially appreciated that it was Katherine's abilities with Davy and her uncle which first seems to attract Lane to her, and not some silly pretty dress moment. So much of Lane and Katherine's relationship is about their personalities, and Cameron stays away from the usual electric tension/lust fueled scenes so prevalent in YA romance.

Cameron's characters all have such strength and tenacity. They're brave, tough and willing to fight for a good cause, with nary a fainter in the bunch. Katherine is her own knight in shining armour, and the only characters needing protection are Davy and Tulman, who everyone bands together to look after- while still respecting them as people.

An enchanting debut, I guarantee will sweep you off your feet. It will undoubtedly be and excellent start to your fall reading.
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Sep 04, 2012 Liviania rated it 4 of 5 stars

THE DARK UNWINDING won the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's Sue Alexander Award for Most Promising New Work in 2009. Now, in 2012, everyone can read Sharon Cameron's debut and judge it for themselves.

Katherine Tulman is a young orphan living with her penny-pinching Aunt Alice and cousin Robert. Then news comes that her uncle might be insane and squandering Robert's inheritance. Katherine is dispatched through the moors to Stranwyne, the family estate, in order to bear witnes...more THE DARK UNWINDING won the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's Sue Alexander Award for Most Promising New Work in 2009. Now, in 2012, everyone can read Sharon Cameron's debut and judge it for themselves.

Katherine Tulman is a young orphan living with her penny-pinching Aunt Alice and cousin Robert. Then news comes that her uncle might be insane and squandering Robert's inheritance. Katherine is dispatched through the moors to Stranwyne, the family estate, in order to bear witness against her uncle and have him institutionalized. But there she finds a village of hundreds supported by Mr. Tully's inventions, all of them hostile to her since she's there to eliminate their jobs. But if Katherine doesn't ensure biddable young Robert's inheritance, there will be nothing and no one to support her after her aunt's death. She can only protect the inhabitants of Stranwyne if she sacrifices her own future.

THE DARK UNWINDING is a terrific Gothic novel. There are mysterious noises and strange happenings. Katherine might be insane herself. She's surrounded by people with secrets and agendas who seek to heighten her confusion. There are two boys, one studious, one unsuitable. There's a mute little boy with a rabbit who may be trying to warn Katherine of danger. There's a cook who can't be trusted. And there's nutty Uncle Tully, with his wondrous and futuristic inventions, including clockwork replicas of the dead.

My main complaint about THE DARK UNWINDING is that the middle sags a little. Katherine's inner conflict over whether and what to report to her aunt goes on and on. She can't see a solution, but she's just too caring to ever convince the reader that she'd throw Stranwyne under the bus to save herself. Yes, nine hundred people's lives hang in the balance, but there's very little tipping back and forth of the scales. (Mary Brown, who becomes Katherine's maid, sensibly ignores Katherine when she talks about putting Mr. Tully away. Mary knows what's what.) It's not till the last third of the book that something happens to raise the stakes.

THE DARK UNWINDING is for fans of Gothic novels, with their blending of creepy atmosphere, suspense, and romance. THE DARK UNWINDING is being presented as steampunk, but I wouldn't give it that label. Uncle Tully's gasworks are certainly more advanced than what actually existed during the Napoleonic wars, but that doesn't the setting a past powered by steam. It's more a quirky, almost magical-realist detail. The romance angle is being pushed hard too, but this really is Katherine's story. She must decide who she is and who she wants to be and forge the future of Stanwyne accordingly. She's a heroine to admire. (less)

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Sep 04, 2012 Raven rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I wanted to like this book, really I did but I found myself getting angier and angier while I read it. Every last character in this book was selfish.

We start of with Katherine being told by her Aunt to go and investigate her uncle and see if he is insane so he can be committed and the rest of the family fortune can be saved for her candy gobbling son. Katherine comes up with a plan to fix the books, which she takes care of, so she can be taken care of in the future and sticks with this plan even...more I wanted to like this book, really I did but I found myself getting angier and angier while I read it. Every last character in this book was selfish.

We start of with Katherine being told by her Aunt to go and investigate her uncle and see if he is insane so he can be committed and the rest of the family fortune can be saved for her candy gobbling son. Katherine comes up with a plan to fix the books, which she takes care of, so she can be taken care of in the future and sticks with this plan even after meeting the 900 people the estate employes. The people meet her and are rude, which makes some sense because they know she can make it so that they are homeless. But I found their attitudes, as well as Katherine's high and mighty attitude, extremely irritating. The selfishness continues in this book when the doctor agrees to sign false papers about Katherine claiming she is insane just to save himself and the woman he loves.

The romance in this book is equally irritating because Katherine is so unlikeable and I am still trying to figure out what Lane saw in her because I saw nothing redeemable. I mean she was willing to play act in order to lull everyone into a false sense of security before she threw them to the curb, then was willing to marry someone else because her aunt would find him more suitable to marry so that she could once again save herself and her future, and on more than one occasion reminded him he was noting but a servant. Of course the guy she's thinking about marrying turns out to be the bad guy, big surprise there. The only characters I liked in this story were Uncle Tully whose childlike nature was endearing and Davey who was "mute".

The blurb for this book said that Katherine started to question her sanity. Uh, I started to question my sanity while reading this book. There were so many quick changes I was left flipping back and forth to see if I had missed something or if there were pages missing from the book which only added to my aggravation. One mintue we are skating in an underground ballroom and the next mintue I have no clue where we are or what is happening. It would be like if I started throwing out random thoughts during the middle of this review. I can partially understand that the author wanted to convey the fact that Katherine was being posioned and was hallucinating but then why is the end of the book when all the action happening just as bloody confusing? One minute Katherine's trapped, then she's runnning around shooting a gun at a boat which I guess caused the start of the flood, she was supposed to find Uncle Tully but went to look for Davey and they ended up in the ballroom underground? I think I got that right, but I don't know because I really don't know what happened. Except for the fact that the book ended with a pretty pink bow with everyone's future being spared which tecnically could have happend much earlier in the book assumptions wouldn't have been made about Katherine's knowledge of her father's inheritance.

Ugh!! I have never been this frustrated with a book. Possibly the worst book I have read all year.(less)

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Sep 02, 2012 Turtles rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: stories-historical

This was an interesting read, it was more period than I had imagined from the synopsis and cover. But not all proper and stuffy. If YA and Gothic had a love child, this would be it. It included the things from both which I enjoyed: a semi-creepy mystery with a dash of danger, along with a sweet romance. Katharine was a strong girl who lived under the thumb of her tyrannical Aunt, when she was sent to an Uncle's estate to establish his state of mind (crazy) so that her nephew could reap the benef...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-kayla

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick and Dirty: A girl learns that her trip to visit her uncle has more strings attached than committing him to an asylum.

Opening Sentence: Warm sun and robin’s-egg skies were inappropriate conditions for sending one’s uncle to a lunatic asylum.

The Review:

Katharine Tulman always does what her aunt orders. She’s the one who decides if Katharine gets an inheritance after all. But when she’s ordered to find evidence of her uncle’s insanity (apparently her aunt’...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Ravenous Biblioworm rated it 4 of 5 stars

Rating: 4/5

I had issues with this book. Don’t misunderstand! This book is great (as you can tell by the rating!). I had the issues. Like there was something wrong with me. I kept thinking it to be something different, but I knew it wasn’t due to what was given form the book as I read. Such as, I kept expecting something supernatural, but there was none. The book was written in such a way that there could be or couldn’t. Though throughout the book, the clues laid obviously before me and I was jus...more Rating: 4/5

I had issues with this book. Don’t misunderstand! This book is great (as you can tell by the rating!). I had the issues. Like there was something wrong with me. I kept thinking it to be something different, but I knew it wasn’t due to what was given form the book as I read. Such as, I kept expecting something supernatural, but there was none. The book was written in such a way that there could be or couldn’t. Though throughout the book, the clues laid obviously before me and I was just too ignorant to pick them up because I kept expecting (wanting maybe?) supernatural. So read this book (because I would recommend this)… but keep me posted, did you think the same as me? It’s probably just me.

The plot. The moment I closed the book I knew Cameron had spent some time thinking about this book. Seemingly, unconnected details given at the beginning connected with the end. The pacing of the story did slow at times, like the multiple scenes of Katharine having play time with her Uncle and Lane. There were one too many scenes repeating the same information, though some of these scenes were needed to build the chemistry between the characters, but rather than have several I thought having a couple really strong play time moment would have been more endearing. The overall arc and plot of the story was nice. It was believable and motivated – not by love thankfully! What then? By Katharine’s experience of the estate, of meeting people, Ms. and Mrs. Brown, Davy, and Ben. There was romance in this book, but it wasn’t the focal point, thus making the situation of the story and plot more real.

The language is simple and flows quickly, making this book an easy and fast read. Though not written to meet my standards of “great” writing, the writing, prose, in this book is written well. Better than most. There were moments I wished were more intimate, as in more visual, more sensory to the senses, but there was enough to get a decent feel in the moment of the scene. The language though simple, also gives off enough of an old-time feel to make the time period seem right. Did it reflect the time period’s speech perfectly? No. But then, if it did, I think it would have created a barrier between the readers. The language and mannerisms in the novel were done well enough to draw forward the notion of the Victorian era. So in my book, it was done well.

The characters were mostly well depicted. Katharine’s was done very well. Why? because we see the world from her eyes and for me, I didn’t expect the moment of “surprise” (twist – a small one, not plot altering or shattering…as I said before there were clues laid about I just wasn’t looking at them) near the end when they confront Katharine. It worked because if Katharine didn’t see it coming, readers shouldn’t. We experience what she experience. We questions what she questions. So, point: the perspective was written well enough for me to be invested in Katharine’s story. Though some of the characters were a bit shallow, Ben some of the town characters, those around Katharine were done well enough to be able to feel and see a difference between the characters.

This book is toted as steam punk. I’m torn in this assessment. While no steamed cars and trains with hover crafts were present in this novel, this book did very well in depicting the inventive world of her Uncle. We spend many times and multiple times in that world. It was an integral and often visited detail making the estate a ”real” place. The plot goes back and revisits these inventions and gears multiple times, though not in your face about it, enough so that readers are aware and actually take note of the mechanics I mean aware of the presence of machinery in the story and it’s role for the story. Things aren’t mentioned once or twice or in passing like a very previous book. Readers are brought back to this invention stuff again and again. It’s part of the plot. All those things makes The Dark Unwinding work. The thing is… is not very steam punkish… no steamed airships or car crafts. No steamed robots…. just advanced science in an older time era (think Sherlock Holmes movies). Nor does the story outline from book say anything about steam tech. So back to the rant started in the very recent book, marketing ploy (something the author has no control over). Just a warning for someone out to get something very steam punk.

Overall, I thought the plot was very good and well executed. The clues and details of the motivations and pull of tension of the plot were well done. Easy and simple language. Honestly, this book isn’t my type of book. It was well written, just not my taste of coffee, but guess what, it was interesting enough and maintained that interest that I kept reading it, reading a book that I typically would have not picked up. Why did I pick it up to begin with? It was an ARC given to me by someone I know…. thus if someone (I know) gives me an ARC, I feel I must read it and give it a review out of courtesy. I’m glad I did.

Verdict: Not my type of book to own. But I recommend for a reading. Others will most likely enjoy the book and enjoy having it on their shelves.

Visit my book review blog at http://ravenousbiblioworm.wordpress.com (less)

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Jun 24, 2012 Rachael rated it 4 of 5 stars

Katherine Tulman has always been a girl to follow rules, so when her aunt orders her to investigate how her eccentric uncle is using the family fortune, Katherine complies. She’s perfectly prepared to do as she’s told—declare her uncle insane in order to protect her cousin Robert’s inheritance, of course—until she arrives at her uncle’s estate, that is. Uncle Tully may adhere to his own peculiar set of rules, but his quirks only lend themselves to his genius, and he might employ hundreds of peop...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Bayla rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alternate-history, historical-fiction

*3.5 stars*
Suspense follows Katharine as she is sent by her Aunt and guardian to determine if her uncle is mad (and should therefore be institutionalized so her cousin can inherit), and she does not find things as she expected. Fans of Gothic novels will probably like this, with its mysteries and unexplained happenings (at least until the end).I couldn't decide whether this was steampunk or historical fiction - we have a quirky/somewhat mad/genius inventor with gasworks and machines, but aside f...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Hermione rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, judged-on-the-cover-or-title, steampunk, delicious-boys, wtf-did-i-just-read

4.5 stars. While The Dark Unwinding has a pretty steampunky cover, settled into the Victoriest of all Victorian England - the countryside - with teeming little clockwork insect and weird, creepy horror houses, I was not expecting much from The Dark Unwinding.

Not at all.

So I was pleasantly surprised.

For me, this book was hard to put down. Thumbing through the pages one by one with a pretty brattish turned awesome heroine and finally, finally a romance in which no one proclaims their love in the...more

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Jan 22, 2013 K. Bird rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Dark Unwinding is a PERFECT example of why sometimes it pays to ignore the jacket copy/descriptions of a book.

The description of The Dark Unwinding on Amazon reads "A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!". This is definitely in the YA section, but it isn't quite what the description might lead you to believe.

Don't start this book looking for a plucky young heroine in an alternate history where steam-powered gadgets have replaced electricity. That's...more The Dark Unwinding is a PERFECT example of why sometimes it pays to ignore the jacket copy/descriptions of a book.

The description of The Dark Unwinding on Amazon reads "A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!". This is definitely in the YA section, but it isn't quite what the description might lead you to believe.

Don't start this book looking for a plucky young heroine in an alternate history where steam-powered gadgets have replaced electricity. That's not what you'll find here. Check out MK Hobson or Cherie Priest for that. And if you're looking for blatantly speculative fiction with a gothic or historical twist I'd recommend Ironskin by Tina Connolly or Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal.

This book is one of those heavily researched and tightly written rare beasts where you spend the whole book trying to decide what is real and what is not-- and boy is it fun! Katharine Tulman is sent to her estranged Uncle's estate by her Aunt (not married to the uncle) to find cause to declare him insane. But what Katharine discovers at the estate is a place where mysterious voices and gadgets intrigue her, and a caring atmosphere she longs to call home.

Katharine will have to choose whose trust she will break; the Aunt who can destroy her future, or the Uncle and servant she has come to love.

I daren't say much more about the plot. Part of the fun is discovering along with Katharine what's going on with who and exactly what kind of place her Uncle has created. There is intrigue, mystery, gothic architecture, a sweet/YA romance (only kissing) and characters you can fall in love with. The author does a tremendous job with the characters. We learn about Katharine and the others as she constantly has to reevaluate motives. The author also does a bang-up job with Uncle Tully. He is, by modern standards, most likely on the Autism spectrum, and the way the author handles his characterization (counting things, the need to be swaddled, his dependence on routine) as well as the way the other characters react to him is extremely well done. (It brings to mind Ian McKenzie in Jennifer Ashley's The Madness of Ian McKenzie)

Besides the characters themselves, I loved the mysterious, dark feel of Uncle Tully's estate seen through Katharine's eyes.

Extremely well done. I hope there's more like this coming from Sharon Cameron.

This Book's Snack Rating: Garlic Parmesan Kettle Chips for a sturdy, researched Victorian estate flavored by unique characters awash in delicious gothicness
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Dec 14, 2012 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: abusive-relationships, animals, bullies, community, families, friendship, fantasy, ncbla2013, romance, travel, gifted

Although it took me a little while to warm up to this book set in 1852 and its main character seventeen-year-old Katharine Tulman, once I did I roared through this novel to figure out what was going on. A poor relation with no inheritance of her own, Katharine is sent to check out a rumor that her uncle has frittered away the family fortune and needs to be committee to an insane asylum. Athough Katharine relishes the freedom of being away from her controlling aunt, she also must worry about her...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Wendy rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: disappointing

I hate having to give a book a bad review, but I really struggled to finish this book. I started reading it, and then stopped after a couple of pages because I just couldn't take reading it anymore. Then, I picked it up again the next day thinking, maybe I just needed to clear my head. Nope. It was just as frustrating as it was the day before. I forced myself to finish it because I'm one of those people that hates stopping books midway, but I wish I would have just stopped. I would have saved my...more

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About Sharon Cameron

Sharon Cameron was awarded the 2009 Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for her debut novel, The Dark Unwinding. When not writing Sharon can be found thumbing dusty tomes, shooting her longbow, or indulging in her lifelong search for secret passages.

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“Warm sun and robin's-egg skies were inappropriate conditions for sending one's uncle to a lunatic asylum.” — 7 people liked it

“I said, 'tart'!" she snapped.
Lane's brows went up, but I merely continued to smile, choosing to assume that her answer was a reference to where the berries should go, and not to my person.” — 2 people liked it

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