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Grim Doyle Adventures #1
Scourge: A Grim Doyle Adventure
Two dads, five siblings, and goggles! Grim Doyle has always known his life was not exactly "normal", and things get even more curious when he discovers a set of stones that sweep him and his family to the fantasy, steampunk world of Verne - a place they had escaped from years ago. Now that they've returned, Grim and his siblings hide from the evil Lord Victor and his minions. And while learning about Jinns, Mystics, and the power of absinth they try to discover who is trying to kill them with the deadly Scourge.
234 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2010
6 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
David H. Burton
16 books172 followersAuthor, adoptive father of 3 boys, manager of chaos, science and technology geek, person of the queer persuasion, and purveyor of sacrilege.
See my web site for more info.
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July 5, 2011I wrote it. :)
December 16, 2010
Some books, you just have to read a few lines and you know you’re going to be hooked. David H Burton's Scourge is one of those books. Grimwald has two dads, multiple siblings only one of whom he’s related to, and the most amazing house, but that’s only the start. Grimwald has character and skill and wisdom too, as the story reveals.
The author has skill too and describes world and characters with satisfyingly child-centered images—a girl whose hair Grim’s aunt would almost certainly pounce on with a brush, someone fidgeting like they need to go to the bathroom. The reader is plunged immediately not just into a strange world but also into the world-view of a young boy. “You’re not from around here, are you?” says his new friend. Neither is the reader, but we’re quickly entranced.
Swift fight scenes are filled with just the right amount of confusion. Strange creatures, half-mechanical, half-invisible, interact with servants and lords, and the list of characters grows long but never overly so. Mysteries deepen. Fights and flights race by with fascinating twists and turns through a cleverly imagined parallel world. Steam-punk designed for middle school, this book is definitely recommended.
Disclosure: I received an ecopy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
The author has skill too and describes world and characters with satisfyingly child-centered images—a girl whose hair Grim’s aunt would almost certainly pounce on with a brush, someone fidgeting like they need to go to the bathroom. The reader is plunged immediately not just into a strange world but also into the world-view of a young boy. “You’re not from around here, are you?” says his new friend. Neither is the reader, but we’re quickly entranced.
Swift fight scenes are filled with just the right amount of confusion. Strange creatures, half-mechanical, half-invisible, interact with servants and lords, and the list of characters grows long but never overly so. Mysteries deepen. Fights and flights race by with fascinating twists and turns through a cleverly imagined parallel world. Steam-punk designed for middle school, this book is definitely recommended.
Disclosure: I received an ecopy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 24, 2010
Two dads, five siblings, and goggles! Grim Doyle has always known his life was not exactly "normal", and things get even more curious when he discovers a set of stones that sweep him and his family to the fantasy, steampunk world of Verne - a place they had escaped from years ago. Now that they've returned, Grim and his siblings hide from the evil Lord Victor and his minions. And while learning about Jinns, Mystics, and the power of absinth they try to discover who is trying to kill them with the deadly Scourge.
SCOURGE is a clever book. I found it by chance when searching for Steampunk books to read on my Kindle. The cover jumped right out at me. I'd never heard of David H. Burton before, but I can tell you that I look forward to the next Grim Doyle adventure. SCOURGE is fast-paced, clever, and uniquely interesting. Burton has done a good job with a very large number of characters. There were a few times I got confused with so many creatures flittering about, but the story kept it interesting enough that I didn't dwell on it.
I will admit one thing; the first 20 or so pages of SCOURGE were so filled with gadgets, contraptions, and sometimes a bit excessive description of things that I wondered if the author wasn't trying a tad too hard to convince us this was, in fact, a Steampunk novel. It simmered down as we got into the book, but it almost made me put it down and not read on. Burton managed to get just about every kind of magical mystical creature into this story. The interesting story kept it from being too overwhelming.
That said; I'm glad I read on. SCOURGE is a fun read that just about anyone with an imagination would relish. Kindle readers will be pleased at the smooth formatting, and fear not parents and librarians, there is a print version as well.
SCOURGE is a clever book. I found it by chance when searching for Steampunk books to read on my Kindle. The cover jumped right out at me. I'd never heard of David H. Burton before, but I can tell you that I look forward to the next Grim Doyle adventure. SCOURGE is fast-paced, clever, and uniquely interesting. Burton has done a good job with a very large number of characters. There were a few times I got confused with so many creatures flittering about, but the story kept it interesting enough that I didn't dwell on it.
I will admit one thing; the first 20 or so pages of SCOURGE were so filled with gadgets, contraptions, and sometimes a bit excessive description of things that I wondered if the author wasn't trying a tad too hard to convince us this was, in fact, a Steampunk novel. It simmered down as we got into the book, but it almost made me put it down and not read on. Burton managed to get just about every kind of magical mystical creature into this story. The interesting story kept it from being too overwhelming.
That said; I'm glad I read on. SCOURGE is a fun read that just about anyone with an imagination would relish. Kindle readers will be pleased at the smooth formatting, and fear not parents and librarians, there is a print version as well.
November 20, 2010
I’ve been reading a good number of middle-grade and earlier books and chapter books and came across some pretty cool material in some of these books. Nonetheless, “Scourge” immediately stood out for me.
Not only did the book immediately catch my attention with its vivid writing and immediate promise of a marvelous world, but more importantly, it became obvious from the start that author David H. Burton takes his young audience very seriously. There is none of that scholarly tone anywhere in the book found in many other writings for that age group where the stories often feel as if they were designed solely for the purpose to teach or to get across the writer’s personal message. Instead Burton creates a tale that is so powerfully gripping and filled with magical imagery that it immediately turns into a fascinating adventure thrill ride where young readers are more willing to interpret some of the new vocabulary through the text’s context. That is an important step in reading development of that particular age group that “Scourge” is making very easy and a palpable concept for those younger readers.
Perfectly balanced and riveting as it moves forward, the story of Grim Doyle and his siblings is imaginative in its setting of an alternate Steampunk world where traditional magic and mechanics collide as the forces of good and evil wage their war for dominance. It’s a bit of Star Wars mixed in with some Harry Potter, that is wonderfully coated with some Jules Verne-esque visions, but ultimately it is all original David H. Burton.
I love “Scourge” and can’t wait for the sequel and my 10-year old son feels exactly the same way.
Not only did the book immediately catch my attention with its vivid writing and immediate promise of a marvelous world, but more importantly, it became obvious from the start that author David H. Burton takes his young audience very seriously. There is none of that scholarly tone anywhere in the book found in many other writings for that age group where the stories often feel as if they were designed solely for the purpose to teach or to get across the writer’s personal message. Instead Burton creates a tale that is so powerfully gripping and filled with magical imagery that it immediately turns into a fascinating adventure thrill ride where young readers are more willing to interpret some of the new vocabulary through the text’s context. That is an important step in reading development of that particular age group that “Scourge” is making very easy and a palpable concept for those younger readers.
Perfectly balanced and riveting as it moves forward, the story of Grim Doyle and his siblings is imaginative in its setting of an alternate Steampunk world where traditional magic and mechanics collide as the forces of good and evil wage their war for dominance. It’s a bit of Star Wars mixed in with some Harry Potter, that is wonderfully coated with some Jules Verne-esque visions, but ultimately it is all original David H. Burton.
I love “Scourge” and can’t wait for the sequel and my 10-year old son feels exactly the same way.
January 26, 2011
Scourge is the first Middle Grade book that I've read in quite a long time and it was my very first steampunk ever, and I gotta say, I was impressed. The story grabs you pretty quickly and the children find themselves in a whole new world. A world with dirigibles and mushrooms that attack! I loved the way Burton built up this world and described things to you while engaging you with the characters at the same time. I really enjoyed how the story was moving on and you didn't feel as if you were reading through page after page of description. There are enough fight scenes and cool/creepy characters to keep even the most fidgety boys entranced. The characters are so much fun and range from pixies to robotic spiders. This is one of those books that you could read out loud to your children and not feel as if you are reading a "children's" book, while still feel good reading it with your child. I will definitely be looking forward to diving into another adventure with Grim and his brothers and sisters. Well done Mr. Burton!
August 12, 2011
Here's a great middle grade offering, and a steampunk adventure tale to boot! This is a story with something to offer everyone- intrigue, technology, drama, family issues and squabbles, comedy, the list goes on and on.
Grim's life isn't normal, by his measurement- he has two dads, a somewhat tyrannical aunt (that's ahhhhhnt, not ant like the bug, and don't you forget it), many adopted siblings, and lives, in his estimation, in the middle of a three-ring circus. Things become even more wild when Grim finds out that all the family members are actually refugees from Verne, a parallel world to Earth, and that they are on the run from the evil Lord Victor, who usurped their estate.
There's plenty of adventure and mayhem to satisfy readers who enjoy a good adventure story, with interesting observations from a child's point of view scattered throughout the story. There are events and concepts that everyone has to grasp and work through sooner or later, as well. Sibling rivalry, especially between Grim and his older adopted sister, Rudy, is addressed throughout the book in some detail.
The pace keeps going when all of the children find themselves guests of a mysterious orphanage, and, as part of their keep, they get to do chores and study under the orphanage's mysterious staff. Since this is a parallel world, there are creatures here that Grim had only read about prior, and the whole thing becomes an adventure very quickly, as it should. Not always a fun adventure, certainly, but an adventure nonetheless. Add in the Scourge and the surrounding mysteries and you've got plenty to sink your teeth into as a reader.
Issues of gender and gender roles are brought up here as well, as well as issues of social class, privilege and entitlement and all kinds of other knotty issues that become things we have to deal with and determine our stance on as we grow up; reliving that transitional period was interesting to say the least.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was that new vocabulary relating to the fantasy elements was liberally used, but in a way that young readers would be able to figure out the word meanings and usages without it bogging down the text. The flow of the story is great and there are plenty of explanations of the gadgets, magic concepts, and history of the world of Verne so that younger readers won't get frustrated while reading they way they might with other books of this ilk.
We leave Grim and his family at the end of the book with plenty to contemplate and enemies regrouping all around. I'm definitely interested in reading what happens to them next.
Grim's life isn't normal, by his measurement- he has two dads, a somewhat tyrannical aunt (that's ahhhhhnt, not ant like the bug, and don't you forget it), many adopted siblings, and lives, in his estimation, in the middle of a three-ring circus. Things become even more wild when Grim finds out that all the family members are actually refugees from Verne, a parallel world to Earth, and that they are on the run from the evil Lord Victor, who usurped their estate.
There's plenty of adventure and mayhem to satisfy readers who enjoy a good adventure story, with interesting observations from a child's point of view scattered throughout the story. There are events and concepts that everyone has to grasp and work through sooner or later, as well. Sibling rivalry, especially between Grim and his older adopted sister, Rudy, is addressed throughout the book in some detail.
The pace keeps going when all of the children find themselves guests of a mysterious orphanage, and, as part of their keep, they get to do chores and study under the orphanage's mysterious staff. Since this is a parallel world, there are creatures here that Grim had only read about prior, and the whole thing becomes an adventure very quickly, as it should. Not always a fun adventure, certainly, but an adventure nonetheless. Add in the Scourge and the surrounding mysteries and you've got plenty to sink your teeth into as a reader.
Issues of gender and gender roles are brought up here as well, as well as issues of social class, privilege and entitlement and all kinds of other knotty issues that become things we have to deal with and determine our stance on as we grow up; reliving that transitional period was interesting to say the least.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this book was that new vocabulary relating to the fantasy elements was liberally used, but in a way that young readers would be able to figure out the word meanings and usages without it bogging down the text. The flow of the story is great and there are plenty of explanations of the gadgets, magic concepts, and history of the world of Verne so that younger readers won't get frustrated while reading they way they might with other books of this ilk.
We leave Grim and his family at the end of the book with plenty to contemplate and enemies regrouping all around. I'm definitely interested in reading what happens to them next.
January 3, 2011
I love the cover to this book. It was designed by the author, David H. Burton. So not only did he write a great book but he also designed a fabulous cover. He is a man of many talents. This story focuses around Grim Doyle. Grim's grown up in a house with five other kids. Each one with their own distinct personality. Things are relatively normal until a mysterious stranger appears, cloaked beings attack and a family secret is revealed. Suddenly Grim and his family are thrown into a world that they didn't know existed. This was a really fun book to read. I really liked the adventure, mystery and excitement in this book. Grim, the main character is very likable. He's intelligent, funny and resourceful. There are quite a few characters in this book but it's not confusing. I love the character development in this book. I loved seeing the characters evolve throughout the story. There are all sorts of fantasy creatures such as gargoyles, mystics, sylphs, pixies and more. My favorite character in the book is Aunt Patrice. She is stern and full of surprises. There was only one thing that bothered me about this story and it was Scarlet, a mechanical spider. I really don't like spiders even mechanical ones. They give me the heebie-jeebies. However as far as spiders go, Scarlet is okay.
This is the first book in the Grim Doyle Adventures. I will definitely read the next one
This is the first book in the Grim Doyle Adventures. I will definitely read the next one
January 5, 2011
I'm not a steampunk-person, I don't dislike it, but I haven't read many steampunk books (just Clockwork Angel and now Scourge). That being said, I really enjoyed Scourge. I think of it more as fantasy along the lines of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and Lord of the Rings. It's a great middle grade children's fantasy that will fascinate older audiences as well.
I quickly liked the character of Grim, he's inquisitive, wants to get away from his siblings but has a wonderful side to him as well. I also enjoyed meeting his other siblings and the friends and foes he meets in the other world they get taken to. The characters are believable, fun and I hope to get to know them more in future books as well. I think Mr. Burton did a good job developing the characters in this book but leaving enough to be discovered in future books.
Full of adventure and intrigue, this book is a great ride for the young and old alike. It's hard to put down and enjoyable throughout. I look forward to the next installment in the Grim Doyle Adventures to see how things continue to go for the six siblings in this new world they have been sucked into.
I quickly liked the character of Grim, he's inquisitive, wants to get away from his siblings but has a wonderful side to him as well. I also enjoyed meeting his other siblings and the friends and foes he meets in the other world they get taken to. The characters are believable, fun and I hope to get to know them more in future books as well. I think Mr. Burton did a good job developing the characters in this book but leaving enough to be discovered in future books.
Full of adventure and intrigue, this book is a great ride for the young and old alike. It's hard to put down and enjoyable throughout. I look forward to the next installment in the Grim Doyle Adventures to see how things continue to go for the six siblings in this new world they have been sucked into.
March 18, 2011
David Burton's book, Scourge: A Grim Doyle Adventure (Volume 1), is the first in a series of steampunk fantasy books for young children. The book begins with Grim Doyle, his five adopted siblings (one of whom is his birth sister), their two fathers, and a cranky old nanny. The story is slow at first but quickly begins to accelerate when the family finds itself back from the world they orginally fled from and which the children have no memory.
Thrust into a world they know nothing about and hiding in an orphanage while their fathers go off to lead the resistance, the siblings must discover their places in this new world, full of new races and gadgets which come to life. The book is only the beginning of the story and promises to answer more questions in future books.
I found Scourge to be a refreshing change to other chapter books for young children. It's a nice compromise for children with well devloped vocabularies and reading comprehension who are working on their reading skills.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of the book was provided by the author.
Thrust into a world they know nothing about and hiding in an orphanage while their fathers go off to lead the resistance, the siblings must discover their places in this new world, full of new races and gadgets which come to life. The book is only the beginning of the story and promises to answer more questions in future books.
I found Scourge to be a refreshing change to other chapter books for young children. It's a nice compromise for children with well devloped vocabularies and reading comprehension who are working on their reading skills.
Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of the book was provided by the author.
May 24, 2011
I was first drawn to this book by its creative and eye-catching cover. But it was the flowing writing style and interesting characters that kept me reading. David does a very good job of getting into the minds of children and seeing the world through their eyes, especially when they jump to conclusions due to their naivete. I admit that I found that frustrating until I remembered that it's a book for kids :). My children were as taken in by the misleading clues as the protagonists. Each child in the story is so distinct of personality that, despite there being several brothers and sister, each stands out from the other and has a unique role to play in the story.
Some of the devices are too much to believe, but David doesn't try to explain them, so the reader can simply gloss over them as being part of the magic of Verne.
David leaves many unopened doors by the end of the book that left me looking forward to the sequel.
Some of the devices are too much to believe, but David doesn't try to explain them, so the reader can simply gloss over them as being part of the magic of Verne.
David leaves many unopened doors by the end of the book that left me looking forward to the sequel.
January 22, 2011
A fun romp through a steampunk world, this book felt a little like "steampunk Harry Potter" to me...and that was a good thing. Grim, as our chief protagonist, often makes the decision to take matters into his own hands rather than letting things happen to him. He loves his brothers and sisters, no matter how difficult they make his life. Both of these qualities make him a character you delight in rooting for. I love the different personalities and strengths the siblings have and how they learn to work together.
January 20, 2011
This story is a fast paced, exciting journey into a mechanical world. My children, aged 7 and 10, absolutely loved reading this. My 10 year old loved it so much he bought the paperback copy and read it twice; faster than his 7 y/o sister could keep up. I highly recommend this book. It offers a different family view, which I think is great. It's a wonderful 'family' read!
January 7, 2011
This was a great little story. The plot was full of adventure, twists and turns, portentious character revelations, mysterious powers and absinth.
I could quite easily see this developed into a family movie a la Golden Compass.
The story leaves things open for a sequel and I'm sure I'll be in the line to purchase it if it arrives.
I could quite easily see this developed into a family movie a la Golden Compass.
The story leaves things open for a sequel and I'm sure I'll be in the line to purchase it if it arrives.
March 12, 2011
original post here
Grim Doyle is a story of adventure, fantasy, and family - steampunk style.
A new steampunk novel for kids. This is a kind of book I recommend that adults read to their their kids. Aside from the fight scenes, there are aspects too that kids might get vague. Steampunk is not really a popular idea to children now. And it's always nice to have a book that is good for sharing between children and parents.
For my second attempt at steampunk, this one went well. The descriptions are vivid , especially the gadgets, and the interaction of the characters with one another were note-worthy as well. It's really a creative piece of work with a promising story to boot.
Grim and his siblings must come into terms with their abilities and find out their destinies. Because they did not escaped Verne for nothing.
Grim Doyle is a story of adventure, fantasy, and family - steampunk style.
A new steampunk novel for kids. This is a kind of book I recommend that adults read to their their kids. Aside from the fight scenes, there are aspects too that kids might get vague. Steampunk is not really a popular idea to children now. And it's always nice to have a book that is good for sharing between children and parents.
For my second attempt at steampunk, this one went well. The descriptions are vivid , especially the gadgets, and the interaction of the characters with one another were note-worthy as well. It's really a creative piece of work with a promising story to boot.
Grim and his siblings must come into terms with their abilities and find out their destinies. Because they did not escaped Verne for nothing.
October 7, 2015
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to more in the series. My only problems came from a couple spots that seemed to jump abruptly. I felt like I was missing something. It was definitely a case of showing without telling, which broke the story up awkwardly. My other complaint is when anyone spoke about the orphans and inevitably said something like "We don't want our servan...erm.. orphans, to find out." It happened too often, and lost it's humour after the first time.
The characters were great, although I feel like I didn't get to know all the kids well enough. I often forgot who the rest of the family were, as Rudy and Grim were the central focus for this book.
The characters were great, although I feel like I didn't get to know all the kids well enough. I often forgot who the rest of the family were, as Rudy and Grim were the central focus for this book.
November 29, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be both entertaining and a delight to read. There were times I was nearly rolling in the floor with laughter, that is when I wasn't biting my nails wondering what was going to happen next!
This was the first book I've read of Burton's, but I'm certainly looking forward to more!
This was the first book I've read of Burton's, but I'm certainly looking forward to more!
November 22, 2010
Nice, well wrote and enjoyable middle grade read. Full review to come.
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November 8, 2015
Nothing particularly bad about it, I just didn't like the way it was written. Probably just too young for me to really get in to.
October 3, 2019
My name is Grim, and my fathers were forced to flee from Earth with my sister, me, and the other four children. We've returned to a world where our lives are in danger, so our dads have hidden us in an orphanage. The chores stink, especially cleaning the crappers, and the way we're treated by the privileged residents makes me angry. I'm not sure what to think of my new roommate, but I think there's more to Quinn than he wants to let on. I'd love to leave this place and have my family reunited, but I know it's not safe. However, dangers have found a way inside these walls. My brother has been stricken by a mysterious plague that no one has seen before, and it's spreading its way through the orphanage.
First off, the plot took awhile to get into the conflict. The family was attacked and fled from Earth, but things slowed down when the kids entered the orphanage. There was clearly danger for the kids, but it was put on the back burner. The second half of the book was better, as the bigger conflict came back to the forefront. The kids were heirs to royalty, and their parents' rivals wanted them dead. The identity of the attacker within the orphanage was unknown which created the mystery and suspense. The dynamics of Grim's family were uncommon and were confusing at times. The two dads were very minor characters, and Grim's attitude toward his siblings seemed to change. His blood-sister had a bit of darkness, as she liked to take the heads off dolls and complain there was no blood. This detail was dropped once the kids left Earth, so why even include something like that? Grim would sometimes point out the other kids were not his siblings and then turn around and become protective of them. He had a competitive relationship with Rudy, but they became close allies as the story moved along. Overall, the book was good, so I read a related book, Simian's Lair. It was one chapter in length, and I'm not sure of its purpose.
First off, the plot took awhile to get into the conflict. The family was attacked and fled from Earth, but things slowed down when the kids entered the orphanage. There was clearly danger for the kids, but it was put on the back burner. The second half of the book was better, as the bigger conflict came back to the forefront. The kids were heirs to royalty, and their parents' rivals wanted them dead. The identity of the attacker within the orphanage was unknown which created the mystery and suspense. The dynamics of Grim's family were uncommon and were confusing at times. The two dads were very minor characters, and Grim's attitude toward his siblings seemed to change. His blood-sister had a bit of darkness, as she liked to take the heads off dolls and complain there was no blood. This detail was dropped once the kids left Earth, so why even include something like that? Grim would sometimes point out the other kids were not his siblings and then turn around and become protective of them. He had a competitive relationship with Rudy, but they became close allies as the story moved along. Overall, the book was good, so I read a related book, Simian's Lair. It was one chapter in length, and I'm not sure of its purpose.
September 13, 2013
"Scourge" is an enjoyable read. I really pleases me to say that. It's a rollicking adventure, with twists that I did't see coming. The land of Verne is an exciting place, with a wide variety of story-telling possibilities, and I think Burton has only scratched the surface here. Later in the review I'm going to use the word rollercoaster to describe it, and I want to make it clear that I use the term in a complimentary way. I would recommend "Scourge" to anyone looking for a quick bite of steam-punk adventure.
I find myself being a bit hypocritical when I think about this book. The land of Verne is a chaotic mix of science and magic, and myth and Victorian themes, and I mean that. There are bits and pieces thrown into a mosaic, which turns out to be an amazingly abstract piece of beautiful art. But that chaos is the same thing I find really frustrating about one of Burton's other works ("The Second Coming").
I think the chaos works in "Scourge" because of the genre I assigned it in my head. It's steam-punk adventure, and like the Victorian adventures that inspire the genre, it's a rollercoaster, AS IT SHOULD BE. When I read something that is (potentially?) aspiring to the depth of philosophy and world-building of "Coming", the rollercoaster affect is distracting, and masks whatever commentary the author is going for.
"Scourge" is a book that will make me search out other's by this author, and that's the biggest check mark I can give a book.
I find myself being a bit hypocritical when I think about this book. The land of Verne is a chaotic mix of science and magic, and myth and Victorian themes, and I mean that. There are bits and pieces thrown into a mosaic, which turns out to be an amazingly abstract piece of beautiful art. But that chaos is the same thing I find really frustrating about one of Burton's other works ("The Second Coming").
I think the chaos works in "Scourge" because of the genre I assigned it in my head. It's steam-punk adventure, and like the Victorian adventures that inspire the genre, it's a rollercoaster, AS IT SHOULD BE. When I read something that is (potentially?) aspiring to the depth of philosophy and world-building of "Coming", the rollercoaster affect is distracting, and masks whatever commentary the author is going for.
"Scourge" is a book that will make me search out other's by this author, and that's the biggest check mark I can give a book.
February 1, 2011
Scourge is the first book in an enjoyable Steampunk/Fantasy series. The story starts out slow as the main character, Grimwald Doyle, introduces his siblings, his two Dads and what a day is like in the Doyle house. Life is unpredictable and even more so, when one afternoon The Unseen arrive and force Grim and his family to flee to another land where things aren't always as they seem.
Although, this book is geared towards 9-12 year olds, I feel the younger ones may find it difficult to understand at times. There is some violence and a few characters are killed, only one of the characters deaths is touched upon, the others are mentioned in passing. The story is filled with suspense and mystery as Grim, his 5 siblings and Treena, the daughter of the Resistance group, take on an orphanage, a duke, gargoyles, banshees and more to put back in place what once was stolen.
Follow them as each of the children come to realize that they have certain abilities not heard of since the DJinn and The Mystics went into hiding. With their "magical" goggles, gidgets and gadgets, the 7 children work together to unravel the mysteries around them and come one step closer to their own destinies.
Although, this book is geared towards 9-12 year olds, I feel the younger ones may find it difficult to understand at times. There is some violence and a few characters are killed, only one of the characters deaths is touched upon, the others are mentioned in passing. The story is filled with suspense and mystery as Grim, his 5 siblings and Treena, the daughter of the Resistance group, take on an orphanage, a duke, gargoyles, banshees and more to put back in place what once was stolen.
Follow them as each of the children come to realize that they have certain abilities not heard of since the DJinn and The Mystics went into hiding. With their "magical" goggles, gidgets and gadgets, the 7 children work together to unravel the mysteries around them and come one step closer to their own destinies.
June 10, 2012
A fairly quick read. The author let the story drag a little in the middle after a fairly fast start. He also made sure that you understood that the children had two gay fathers. If this turns you off, skip this story. I did not see this adding anything to the story in any way--and I can see it seriously detracting from the story for many with more conservative views. It was not a main focal point of the story, and we only briefly met the two fathers. (Their homosexuality is mostly hinted at and not openly discussed.)
On the plus side, the multiple gadgets in the story presented a new treasure as each came to light. A few were a bit out-there, but all in all most were believable.
There was an underlying emotional interest between the main male character and one of the minor introduced female characters that never seemed to go anywhere. Perhaps it is to be developed in later books in the series?
Overall the story was OK/average. Not good enough that I *have* to run out and get any more in the series, not so bad that I deleted it without finishing it. Recommended as a good starter Steampunk story for someone who does not have conservative world views.
Hats off for an excellent cover design.
On the plus side, the multiple gadgets in the story presented a new treasure as each came to light. A few were a bit out-there, but all in all most were believable.
There was an underlying emotional interest between the main male character and one of the minor introduced female characters that never seemed to go anywhere. Perhaps it is to be developed in later books in the series?
Overall the story was OK/average. Not good enough that I *have* to run out and get any more in the series, not so bad that I deleted it without finishing it. Recommended as a good starter Steampunk story for someone who does not have conservative world views.
Hats off for an excellent cover design.
August 25, 2012
I came across this book when Kobo sent me a coupon. It was on the limited list of books that could be bought using the coupon. I thought it sounded interesting, having taken a recent interest in the steampunk genre, so I paid for it. Before I even started reading it, I ran across the book for free at wattpad.com. I was a little sad that I had just paid for it when it was free on another site, so I messaged David (the author) about it and he sent me 5 other books for free to my email. What a swell guy! I thought to myself. So I read Scourge: A Grim Doyle Adventure, and I must admit that I loved it. The main character is adopted by two dads (hooray for gay rights in literature!) and travels to another world where he finds out that he has special abilities. Even though it's a book for young adults - I loved it and I can't wait to read the next instalment. If you're into fantasy, specifically steampunk, read it - you won't regret it. I also want to support this author because like the dads in his novel, he lives with his partner and their adopted sons and he's getting the word out there that it's okay to have any kind of family unit possible, as long as you are loved. :)
May 18, 2014
The fantasy setting of this world mixes steampunk-like technology with supernatural powers and a parade of creatures of various fantasy races. Between the hectic chain of events at the beginning, followed by a slowdown and an introduction of more characters then I could remember, I kept craving more depth throughout the whole book. Depth to the characters and more depth to the workings of the world itself. I know it's a kids book, but I'd like to think they could handle it.
I mean, I could not even remember all the siblings and their gender through half of the book. And with introduction to twice as much residents of the orphanage it got only worse and there was not much space left for their character development.
And I wouldn't say it's much of a steampunk. Not because it's not steam based, but because some of the technological contraptions have rather magical powers. I did not read any steampunk novel before, but I still feel like the author knew the same about it as I do. That is: I've seen pictures of people dressing up, I've seen Steamboy, Wild Wild West and some silly CSI episode.
That all said, I didn't feel like I disliked the book and didn't want to put it down unfinished. The more important is if the kids like it and if it gets them reading in this day and age.
I mean, I could not even remember all the siblings and their gender through half of the book. And with introduction to twice as much residents of the orphanage it got only worse and there was not much space left for their character development.
And I wouldn't say it's much of a steampunk. Not because it's not steam based, but because some of the technological contraptions have rather magical powers. I did not read any steampunk novel before, but I still feel like the author knew the same about it as I do. That is: I've seen pictures of people dressing up, I've seen Steamboy, Wild Wild West and some silly CSI episode.
That all said, I didn't feel like I disliked the book and didn't want to put it down unfinished. The more important is if the kids like it and if it gets them reading in this day and age.
July 21, 2014
A wonderful steampunk adventure book! When Grim(wald) Doyle goes into the attic in order to get some peace and quiet, he finds much more than he bargained for! He is transported to a mysterious land, but must return immediately due to some rather strange goings on! After he returns, his family (his two dads, his Aunt Patrice and his 5 siblings) is attacked by a mysterious group of enemies and are then transported to the strange new world, where in order to protect themselves, they must pretend to be orphans. Adventures ensue.
July 12, 2011
A Child's Book Of Steampunk. The cliche steampunk visuals are slathered on thick, some without explanation, and some with explanation that seems mostly contrived to excuse the thick-slathering of the cliche steampunk visuals. Scrape off enough of the clockwork and there is a plot to be found, not bad, not all that original either.
December 27, 2012
3.5 stars
This was a bit young for me, but I enjoyed the steampunk aspect and the quick adventure. The writing was obvious and left little to the imagination, however the characters were fun and ripe for further development. All in all, a fast and easy break!
This was a bit young for me, but I enjoyed the steampunk aspect and the quick adventure. The writing was obvious and left little to the imagination, however the characters were fun and ripe for further development. All in all, a fast and easy break!
November 21, 2012
Good book! I enjoyed the fact that it is an original storyline. It's very easy to get sucked into the story and before you know it, you're at the end. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 28, 2010
I give this one 3.5 but there are no half stars lol. It was hard to get into at the beginning as the world they lived in was so bizarre but once I got into it, it was pretty good.
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