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The Hunchback Assignments (The Hunchback Assignments #1)

by Arthur Slade (Goodreads Author), Jayne Entwistle (Narrator)

3.6 of 5 stars 3.60 · rating details · 1,477 ratings · 247 reviews

A gripping new series combines Steampunk, spying, and a fantastic Victorian London.

The mysterious Mr. Socrates rescues Modo, a child in a traveling freak show. Modo is a hunchback with an amazing ability to transform his appearance, and Mr. Socrates raises him in isolation as an agent for the Permanent Association, a spy agency behind Brittania’s efforts to rule the empire...more

Audio CD, 0 pages

Published September 22nd 2009 by Listening Library (Audio) (first published September 22nd 2007)

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Sep 23, 2009 Beatrice rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2009, free-from-comic-con, young-adult, steampunk

Every summer I attend San Diego Comic Con, where I often frequent the the Random House booth, and try to get as many Advanced Reader's Copies as I possibly can; and usually, I read these books withing the month, but in this case it took me a while to get to the book. Well, I finally picked this one off my shelf and decided to read it; I could not put it down! I finished it in two days (September 22-23). The back of the book does not quite do this book justice, but gives one the main idea of the...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Bobbie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action-adventure, fantasy, steampunk, ya

I read this book in a day and really enjoyed it. If you like steampunk combined with fantasy elements you'll probably like The Hunchback Assignments.

The main character Modo is a deformed hunchback with a heartbreaking story. He hates himself for the way he looks and just wants to be normal. Despite his outward appearance he has a heart of gold and I found him to be a really likable character throughout the entire book.

Octavia. What a character. One minute that girl was charming a cab driver to...more

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Jan 14, 2011 Alan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steam-punk

Reading level: Middle Grades Plus (MG+ 6 and up)
Hardcover: 288 pages
Word Count: 63217
Main Focus Group: Boys
I haven't read much at this point in the genre of steam punk (think of H.G. Wells on steroids) but I really liked this book. Much like Alex Rider or one of the CHERUB Agents, this story revolves around a teenage boy, Modo and teenage girl, Octavia, saving the world (well in this case just London).
In this, the opening book of the series we are introduced to the main players. First is Mr. Soc...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Qt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action-adventure, fantasy, mystery-intrigue, science-fiction

3 1/2 stars; I love the "steampunk" setting, and thought it was a really neat concept.

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Feb 26, 2012 Lelia Taylor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: full-reviews

The Hunchback Assignments
Arthur Slade
Narrated by Jayne Entwistle
Listening Library, 2009
ISBN 0739380206
Unabridged Audio Book

Modo is an abandoned child in Victorian London, a child with such a fearsome appearance that no one could possibly care for him. Mr. Socrates, though, a mysterious gentleman of means, takes Modo in and raises him in a somewhat aloof fashion but with a purpose in mind. A governess and a man with martial skills are his only companions and teachers but the approval of Mr. Socra...more The Hunchback Assignments
Arthur Slade
Narrated by Jayne Entwistle
Listening Library, 2009
ISBN 0739380206
Unabridged Audio Book

Modo is an abandoned child in Victorian London, a child with such a fearsome appearance that no one could possibly care for him. Mr. Socrates, though, a mysterious gentleman of means, takes Modo in and raises him in a somewhat aloof fashion but with a purpose in mind. A governess and a man with martial skills are his only companions and teachers but the approval of Mr. Socrates is of utmost importance to Modo.

Besides the education and training he has received, Modo has learned to develop and control, to a certain extent, his unusual physical powers. Unwilling to let the world see his face, he wears a mask, but he also has the ability to transform his appearance for brief periods. This ability is of special importance when he is suddenly forced to fend for himself as a test of his readiness to take his place as a spy at the age of 14 for the Permanent Association, secretive defenders of Queen Victoria and Great Britain. Fend for himself he does, finding that he can support himself as a detective, and thus he meets a client, Miss Octavia Milkweed, and embarks on a most unusual case.

The Hunchback Assignments UK Cover

Technically, this is young adult fiction, but many elements make it very appealing to an older reader who will recognize many of the literary shout-outs. A combination of steampunk, fantasy, mystery, espionage and action adventure lead to great fun and the villainous Clockworld Guild, with the mad scientist Dr. Hyde and his dastardly invention, may prove to be an ongoing adversary for Modo, Octavia and the Permanent Association.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and will look forward to future installments; I wish Mr. Slade would write faster. I do have to say he has a terrific website (see the link above) and this is one time I think the UK and US covers are equally cool. Also, Jayne Entwistle, already one of my favorite narrators, has done a great job again.

Very highly recommended for young adults and adults.

Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, March 2010.(less)

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Mar 24, 2013 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book! What did I love about it? It takes place in England, one of my favorite places. It takes place in the 1870s and touches on royalty, another love of mine. It's just the kind of adventure book that appeals to me. I love the character of Modo while feeling sorry for the poor boy, and I'm intrigued by Octavia, a very independent young lady for the 19th century, and also by Mr. Socrates and his secret organization.

In this first book of a series (4 books out I just learned!), Modo...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a fun, fast, clever and easy read. Great characters, interesting story, what more could you ask for? Recommended.

Modo is an unfortunate baby - he is seriously deformed, and is being displayed as part of a travelling freak show, when the mysterious "Mr. Socrates" adopts him. Modo is sequestered for 13 years in a remote English manor while he is trained in a variety of special skills that will ultimately turn him into a master spy. But perhaps as a compensation for a face and body that ma...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Molly Pace rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: teen-fiction

Mr. Socrates found Modo when he was four years old, hunchbacked and deformed, locked in a cage by gypsies who charged pennies to come and stare at the “Demon child.” He paid for Modo’s education and for the upstairs room where he lived hidden from the world. His only companions were Mrs. Finchley, a retired actress who served as his governess, and Tharpa, Mr. Socrates’ man who taught him hand-to-hand combat and physical fitness. It was not the most ordinary of childhoods, but then, Modo was not...more Mr. Socrates found Modo when he was four years old, hunchbacked and deformed, locked in a cage by gypsies who charged pennies to come and stare at the “Demon child.” He paid for Modo’s education and for the upstairs room where he lived hidden from the world. His only companions were Mrs. Finchley, a retired actress who served as his governess, and Tharpa, Mr. Socrates’ man who taught him hand-to-hand combat and physical fitness. It was not the most ordinary of childhoods, but then, Modo was not an ordinary child. Beyond his unsightly appearance, he had one unique trait: he didn’t have to be that way. You see, the talent that first interested Mr. Socrates in little Modo, was that he could change form. His facial features, his hump, the bones in his arms and legs, they were all moveable if he concentrated hard enough. Of course, after several hours his muscles would grow tired and he would revert to his normal self. But for a few hours at a time, Modo could be anyone he wanted…or Mr. Socrates wanted.
One night, ten years after he had first been freed from the gypsies, Mr. Socrates took him out for his first mission… and threw him out of the carriage. Modo’s first mission was survival—on his own on the streets of London. His only way of supporting himself was to advertize in the papers as a private investigator, using his talent for disguise to find information no one else could. It was working out nicely, until she showed up. Modo had never seen anything so lovely as the girl who slid her little note under his door. He could hardly wait to put her mind at ease about her brother. He was still picturing which face he would put on if he ever met her as he went off in search of Mr. Horatio Featherstone.
Deep below the city, a Mr. Hyde has been working on a great machine—his masterpiece, the culmination of his entire career. Mechanized prosthetic limbs, living dogs with metal skeletons—those would be child’s play compared to the great machine he was going to create. Mr. Hyde had no real interest in the plans of the Clockwork Guild; he was a scientist, not a politician. But the Guild could get him the materials he would need for his creation, so, in exchange, he provided them with enough of his special tonic for the eight young men they had selected. The victims thought they were coming to a scientific lecture. One of them, Horatio Featherstone, was so excited he didn’t even realize he was being followed.
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Jan 15, 2012 Sara Olson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I picked up “The Hunchback Assignments” by Arthur Slade randomly last week at the library. I was bored and feeling risky.

The book is loosely, and I mean loosely based on “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” by Victor Hugo. Okay, so I haven’t exactly read Hugo’s classic, but I did read the Wikipedia synopsis, and I have seen the Disney movie, so I’m basically an expert now.

The book is set in late 1800s England, and follows Modo – a shape-shifting hunchback who is raised in seclusion until he’s 14. At th...more

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Oct 22, 2011 Tarl rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steampunk

Make that a 3.5 star rating.
First off, if I remember correctly, this is a YA book, so I have to keep that mind in reviewing it. The writing is well done, and the characters are very well done. Modo's life, and him growing as a character was interesting to watch, as was Octavia's softening towards him and losing her bitchy/selfish attitude.

The world for this book is actually fairly interesting, with Slade's take on steampunk to be fairly unique in some regards, especially with Hyde's formula an...more

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Sep 04, 2011 Rapunzel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I handpicked this book from Random Buzzers after I was able to get around 10,000 buzz bucks. I have been sitting on this book for a while and just recently got around to reading it.

It is a really good read. It reminds me a lot of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The Disney movie not the book but the book is on my "to read" list so maybe they might be similar too. If it was England, Quasimodo had the ability to change shape, and it was steam punk then they would be very similar. The main character is...more I handpicked this book from Random Buzzers after I was able to get around 10,000 buzz bucks. I have been sitting on this book for a while and just recently got around to reading it.

It is a really good read. It reminds me a lot of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The Disney movie not the book but the book is on my "to read" list so maybe they might be similar too. If it was England, Quasimodo had the ability to change shape, and it was steam punk then they would be very similar. The main character is named Modo. That sort of sounds like his name I guess.

I really like the book because while it is directed toward a younger audience it somehow gives off the impression of being for adults.

Modo is a hunchback that can shape shift and he was sold to some gypsies who used him as a sideshow act. This part reminded me a bit of The Phantom of the Opera because Erik had been in the same position. The only difference is that Erik was broken out and Modo was sold to a man named Mr. Socrates.

I did not like Mr. Socrates and I don't know if that was Mister Slade's intention or not. He reminded me a lot of Frollo and that is not a good thing. I could understand why Modo thought that he owed Socrates but at the same time I liked him a whole lot better when he decided to think for himself more towards the end. The reason that he does start to think for himself more is because of Octavia.

I liked Octavia and I thought that Modo's crush on her was beyond cute. I hope that they get closer as friends in the next few books that I plan to read ASAP.

The whole book was an adventure which kept me interested when it was there. I will admit that before Modo was made to live on his own the book was not as active and things don't really happen in the beginning. However it quickly picks up after you are past the introduction and it was very worth it. While the book is not all bunnies and rainbows the darker content is mostly only alluded to. Yet if you have an imagination as good as mine that is all you will need. I liked this book and I think that even if you don't normally read steam punk that you should try it anyway.
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Mar 29, 2010 Arya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I really liked this book! Have you ever finished a story and felt sort of smug on the author's behalf?

"Yep that was brilliant all right - ooh he is good!"

That is the feeling that this book evokes. It has got everything you could wish for - a splash of romance, a dash of mystery, a thimbleful of intrigue and a whole bowl full of danger!

Modo is an ugly child, saved from life as a traveling "freak show" attraction by the enigmatic Mr. Socrates. Mr. Socrates is a man high up in the hierarchy of a...more

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Dec 02, 2009 Tony rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: novels

I have to admit that I didn't realize this was a children's book when I picked it up, but as a fan of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen series (which is definitely not for kids), the book's steampunkish Victorian setting appealed to me. In the early pages, we meet the protagonist, a horribly disfigured young boy who is kept by gypsies as a freak show entertainment. A brisk gentleman named Mr. Socrates purchases him, installs him in a country manor, and keeps him there for 13 years, training...more I have to admit that I didn't realize this was a children's book when I picked it up, but as a fan of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen series (which is definitely not for kids), the book's steampunkish Victorian setting appealed to me. In the early pages, we meet the protagonist, a horribly disfigured young boy who is kept by gypsies as a freak show entertainment. A brisk gentleman named Mr. Socrates purchases him, installs him in a country manor, and keeps him there for 13 years, training him in the arts of espionage and in the control of his special ability. For it seems that the young boy (named Modo) has the ability to shift his physical attributes so that he can impersonate others, and thus Mr. Socrates intends to turn him into a secret agent.

The Victorian British Empire of this book has all manner of nefarious enemies that Mr. Socrates and his top-secret "Permanent Association" work to stymie. In this first adventure in what looks to be a series, the villain is a mad scientist intent on creating hybrid mechanical-organic creatures. After being recruited by the mysterious Clockwork Guild (which is dedicated to destroying the British Empire) he sets about using kidnapped orphans to build a massive mechanized robot creature. Meanwhile, the Guild is also trying to use some combination of drug and hypnosis to turn several unwitting prominent men into assassins. Mr. Socrates sends Modo out to try and thwart some of this, along with another young agent named Octavia. They team up and Modo develops a crush on the intelligent, pretty girl.

Once the initial background is established, the story races along pell-mell, with plenty of action, menace, captures and escapes. At times this can make the book feel rather rushed and unfinished, as if there's a layer of descriptive writing missing -- sort of shallow. There is a lot borrowing and referencing of classic genre work here, and at times it can feel like the book is written in shorthand. However, by the end, it seems evident that the Clockwork Guild will be back to fight another day, and that subsequent books will inevitably reveal more about Modo and how he came to have his powers. I suspect most 10-14 year-old readers with a taste for adventure will want to seek out Modo and Octavia's further adventures, but older readers such as myself may find it all a bit too thin.(less)

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Nov 04, 2009 Nicola rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, own

Reason for Reading: Arthur Slade had a new book out and I was thrilled to find out it was the start of a series. I had been wanting him to venture out into a series.

Summary: Modo is an orphan taken in by Mr. Socrates and kept house-bound for the first thirteen years of his life where he is trained in body and mind. Modo is a hunchback with a terribly disfigured face which is so repugnant to look upon that Mr. Socrates does not allow mirrors in the house until he decides Modo is old enough to se...more

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Oct 30, 2009 Mel Z rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Arthur Slade has really done it again with this first book in his new steampunk series. Without a doubt, The Hunchback Assignments was one of my favourite books of the year - an exciting read from start to finish. Set in an alternative Victorian era, Slade takes his readers through the streets, alleys, rooftops and sewers of London. Modo, the main character, is a deformed hunchbacked boy with the ability to shapeshift - one of my favourite characters of all times. He is an amazing hero that is s...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Meaghan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: canadian, ya, steampunk, victorian

This is the story of Modo, a deformed child with the ability to change his appearance. Modo is adopted by Mr. Socrates, who keeps him completely isolated from the world for several years, gives him an education and training in combat, and then drops him in the middle of London all by himself as a "test." It's fair to say Mr. Socrates isn't exactly father of the year. But Modo passes his test, in the process meeting a young woman named Octavia Milkweed (another of Mr. Socrates' agents) and stumbl...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-beehive-nominee, audio, ya-12-19, 2011-book-challenge, series, science-fiction, fantasy, historical

I feel really bad for this book. I'm pretty sure it is much better than my overall impression, but I was highly distracted while trying to listen to the audio. And then, while the narrator was pretty good, I hated her voice for Modo. He did not sound 14. And the book came off as much younger than the cool, steampunk-ness it was meant to be. So, I blame myself for not having a more focused, listening mind as well as some irksome things in the narration. Otherwise, I probably would have really enj...more

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Feb 28, 2011 Cascata Nerina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: See my review

Shelves: classics, male-protagonist, steampunk, young-adult

If you want a more in depth preview: It definitely combined the classics of the Hunchback of Notre Dame (most notably in the main character) and that of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. (In one of the other characters and some of the plot). However, as a whole the novel was definitely original and new. A steam punk coming of age set in a world of classics.

The plot itself was twisted and convoluted, and yet also straight forward. I would say that if you're paranoid it makes it a much more difficult read...more If you want a more in depth preview: It definitely combined the classics of the Hunchback of Notre Dame (most notably in the main character) and that of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. (In one of the other characters and some of the plot). However, as a whole the novel was definitely original and new. A steam punk coming of age set in a world of classics.

The plot itself was twisted and convoluted, and yet also straight forward. I would say that if you're paranoid it makes it a much more difficult read, and if you're trusting it becomes an even easier read.

One of the things that they mention is the Greek myth of King Lycaon, but I lost the reference so I couldn't compare that they said to what was in the book. Here's the myth of Lycaon, so if anyone's read this I'd love to know if the reference is accurate.

Other than the two characters that obviously come from the classics there is also a cast of characters which are sometimes over the top, but in their world it fits in. Men with steam powered limbs or metal hands. Secret organizations bent on the destruction of the British Empire, and others bent on being its salvation rub elbows with the rest of the London underworld.

It's not a dark and gritty novel, but it's not light and happy either. This is mostly because there can be no happy ending for Modo who is forever deformed. On the other hand, although it is aimed at teens it's not all emo and whining about what he wants, although he does experience perfectly normal bouts of self-pity (as anyone does).

Over all, I think it was a good book. And though it didn't drag me under with every word it was a fast read and kept me entertained. It's not a deep thinking book, but neither is it a bit of fluff; especially if you are the kind that lives it with your characters and wants to try to figure out what's coming next. If a sequel ever appeared (and I hope one does) I would definitely be willing to add it to my 'To Be Read' pile, but I didn't enjoy it enough to drop everything and read it when it comes out.

If you like X try Y:
My first recommendation is to check out the classics previously mentioned. Both the Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have their influence on this book. Another influence, which plays in a much more minor way seems to be Frankenstein.

If you liked the semi-dark tone and the male narrator main character you should try Darren Shan's Cirque du Freak (which is the first in the Cirque du Freak series, also called the Darren Shan saga).

Clockwork Angel has a similar tone, but a female lead and more beauty to it. Or if you want to stick with a male narrator and the steampunk, but kick out the dark tone try Airborn (which has a much more adventurous tone).

Finally, if you enjoy the secret societies operating beneath the notices of the normal townies. You might try the Secret History of the Pink Carnation. It's a light romance, especially in the beginning, but the secret societies get deeper the deeper you get into the series. It's also adults only, not for teens. (less)

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Apr 30, 2013 Christophe Ang rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm only halfway through the book, but from what I understand it's a science/fantasy novel taking place in Great Britain during the 1800s. It follows the telling tale of a deformed hunchback from France (much like the Hunchback of Notre Dame) that has the ability to shapeshift. He is adopted by a man named Socrates who takes care of him for many years and developing him into a secret agent. When Modo, the hunchback, becomes 15, he is then appointed his first assignment and put to use from Socrat...more

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Jan 24, 2011 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult-reads, childrens-reads

Modo was born disfigured with a hunchback and a disfigured face, but he was also born with a very special gift. The ability to twist and change his appearance to take on the looks and characteristics of anyone. This made him a very valuable person for Mr. Socrates to add to him secretive team of agents. Mr. Socrates snatched Modo from a freak show and raised him as his own. He moved him to the country side and give him a good education, and a lot of training in investigating and spying. Then he...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Keith Bryan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I will start by saying that this book would have been given four stars save for its inability to describe everything I wanted described in what I assume was an attempt to protect the child market that it was so obviously aimed at. Mr. Slade did a great job bringing London into focus in this novel, and the futuristic "steam-punk" feel was a real bonus that made the book worth the read. I really loved Modo's (the main character's) ability to morph his looks, and his add-on sidekick was an extra bo...more

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Feb 24, 2010 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: audiobook, juv, historical-fiction, steampunk

I love picking up a book and immediately thinking of several kids to give it to. There's a historical setting, which is there more for atmosphere than anything else, an orphaned hunchback with a knack for rearranging his features, a benevolent (or is he?) father figure, plenty of steampunk-ish machines, a few strolls through London's sewers, plenty of action, mysterious associations and secret plots...what more do you need? Plus, the audio version is perfectly narrated, with accents and enough d...more

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May 18, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, england, europe, male-author, male-main-character, magic, steampunk, victorian-era, youth-fiction

What if Quasimodo, the Hunchback of Notre Dame worked as a secret agent for a mysterious man protecting the interests of Victorian England? This rollicking Steampunk adventure answers that question, while sweeping through a fast paced series of excitement and adventure.

Modo is an ugly hunchbacked child, rescued by Mr. Socrates from a freak show, due to his amazing ability to shape shift. Brought up in a remote country house, teenage Modo is without warning flung out into the dangerous world of L...more

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Apr 23, 2012 Dale rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book started off as a fantastically woven tale of mystery,steam punk, and fantasy. The middle of the book jumped ahead to fast for me. His first mentioned assignment turning out to be for Mr. Socrates just started pushing all of the wrong buttons. In the end the giant robot powered by children's anger was just beyond the genre of fantasy and rapidly entered the realm of stupidity.

For the sake of young adults I give it a 3 star review because for the most part I do believe that it was well w...more

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Apr 29, 2011 Nanci rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am guessing this steampunk fantasy is based on the character of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. The main character is named Modo and he is a hunchback, trained to be very strong and swing from the rooftops. He is taken in as a toddler by a rich man and trained and molded and told to never show his face to the world. He is then let loose and given assignments as the agent of The Permanent Association, although he is not told that to begin with. He has to figure it out as he goes. He is paired with...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Phoebe rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Deformed, hideous Modo is discovered at age 1 by a mysterious and powerful man, who determines that Modo shall be raised and trained to enter his service as an agent. Modo is in his teens before he is allowed to leave the rooms in which he has spent his whole life, and Mr. Socrates unceremoniously dumps him into the middle of London and leaves him to fend for himself. Ever resourceful, bright, and determined, Modo manages to survive, even succeed. When he is unexpectedly called back into service...more

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Mar 08, 2010 Viccy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adults

Mr. Socrates finds Modo in a traveling freak show. Modo can manipulate his bones and facial structure to create any visage he can imagine; in reality, he is a grotesque hunch-back (think Charles Laughton as Quasimodo). Modo lives in isolation for years with occasional visits from Mr. Socrates, raised by Mrs. Finchley who dotes on him. He learns martial arts and educates himself, reading the classics. When he is 13, Mr. Socrates returns, takes him to London and casts him out to see if he can surv...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Lesley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steampunk

I think this will go over well with middle grade readers who like thrills and adventure, some gross stuff, some romantic-but-not-too-romantic stuff. But it was also a book I kept wanting to rewrite and then wondering if the parts that didn't work for me work just fine for younger readers and my brain is just too old. Some parts were very tell-y ("Modo wished Mrs. Finchley was there to take care of him...") while others seemed to rush by without filling in details (what's the bad guys' motivation...more

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Oct 09, 2010 Phoebe rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steampunk, young-adult, ya-steampunk

In spite of a lot of action and the kind of suspense that makes you hold onto the page just so you can turn it faster, the main action, yes, main...doesn't start till waaaay later in the book. And then suddenly it's just one astounding, mind-blowing epiphany topped off with a climax that is rather short-lived. I loooove all the descriptions of the technology and chemical chimeras. Wish there were more. Tavia's friendliness is somewhat of a cliche. Skip. I understand that the cold fascade of Mr....more

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Jul 22, 2012 Mallory Anne-Marie Forbes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: armchair-canada, july-12-genre-challenge, july-2012-reads, lpsummerreadchallenge, steampunk, summer-reading-challenge-jun1-aug31

An enticing and exciting YA novel of Steampunk in Victorian England, “The Hunchback Assignments” merges factual history with the alternate universe of steam, clockwork mechanisms, mad scientists, and global conspiracy. On one hand is an upscale, rather elitist organization calling itself the “Permanent Association,” determined not only to preserve Great Britain from anarchists, but intent as well on keeping Britannia the ruler of a great and far-flung empire of Manifest Destiny. Opposed to this...more

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About Arthur Slade

Arthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan and began writing at an early age. He received an English Honours degree from the University of Saskatchewan, spent several years writing advertising and now writes fiction full time. He is the author of the "Canadian Chills" series of books, "Dust" (which won the Governor General's award), "Tribes," and "Jolted." He currently...more

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Books by Arthur Slade

The Dark Deeps (The Hunchback Assignments, #2)

Jolted: Newton Starker's rules for survival

Empire of Ruins (The Hunchback Assignments, #3)

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The Hunchback Assignments (The Hunchback Assignments #1)

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