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Clockwork Twist #1
Waking
Twist has never left London, until today. Now he's traveling on an airship--with a crew that insists they're not pirates--on his way to find the clockwork princess because he's the only one who can fix her.
In true Neo-Victorian style, Clockwork Twist is set in a lush and vibrant world where things are as you might expect in 1878. That is, of course, if fantastic creatures like djinn, faeries, kitsunes and vampires were commonplace. An increasing number of people are being born with supernatural senses, called Sights. While airship tourism is sweeping the globe, air-piracy is also on the rise.
Twist is among the Sighted, but his Sight is unusual. While others might be able to see and hear over great distances, find anything they can imagine anywhere in the world, or even recognize every type of flower by scent alone, Twist's Sight shows him only damage. Whenever he touches a broken clock or machine, he can instantly understand the damage and can fix it easily. If he touches a person, even for a moment, his mind fills with a terrible vision of whatever trauma or pain once broke them. Naturally, he's chosen a solitary existence and shuns all human contact.
Unfortunately, thanks to his seclusion, Twist is also unfamiliar with everything beyond his own clock shop, hidden away on a quiet and ever-drizzly London street. When a treasure hunter arrives at his door with proof that they have found the fabled clockwork princess--Twist's favorite old fairy tale--it's up to Twist alone to bring her back to life.
The continuing series of Clockwork Twist begins with book one: Waking. Join Twist as he embarks on his first adventure, and find out first hand if he can actually survive it.
In true Neo-Victorian style, Clockwork Twist is set in a lush and vibrant world where things are as you might expect in 1878. That is, of course, if fantastic creatures like djinn, faeries, kitsunes and vampires were commonplace. An increasing number of people are being born with supernatural senses, called Sights. While airship tourism is sweeping the globe, air-piracy is also on the rise.
Twist is among the Sighted, but his Sight is unusual. While others might be able to see and hear over great distances, find anything they can imagine anywhere in the world, or even recognize every type of flower by scent alone, Twist's Sight shows him only damage. Whenever he touches a broken clock or machine, he can instantly understand the damage and can fix it easily. If he touches a person, even for a moment, his mind fills with a terrible vision of whatever trauma or pain once broke them. Naturally, he's chosen a solitary existence and shuns all human contact.
Unfortunately, thanks to his seclusion, Twist is also unfamiliar with everything beyond his own clock shop, hidden away on a quiet and ever-drizzly London street. When a treasure hunter arrives at his door with proof that they have found the fabled clockwork princess--Twist's favorite old fairy tale--it's up to Twist alone to bring her back to life.
The continuing series of Clockwork Twist begins with book one: Waking. Join Twist as he embarks on his first adventure, and find out first hand if he can actually survive it.
295 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2013
209 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
About the author
Emily Thompson
13 books33 followersEmily Thompson is an author and artist, from northern California. Although she adores Steampunk and all things Victoriana, she also writes occasional Sci-fi and fantasy.
After studying film and animation in university, she changed to a Japanese language focus and studied abroad in Tokyo for a year. She received a degree in Japanese and later spent nearly another two years in Japan, teaching English and writing.
She now lives in Silicon Valley and spends most of her time writing in coffee shops, painting, and playing far too many video games.
After studying film and animation in university, she changed to a Japanese language focus and studied abroad in Tokyo for a year. She received a degree in Japanese and later spent nearly another two years in Japan, teaching English and writing.
She now lives in Silicon Valley and spends most of her time writing in coffee shops, painting, and playing far too many video games.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 8, 2013
Twist: Best kind of Escapist Fantasy. Is it wrong to say 'escapist'? Considering that's what book reading is, I think Emily Thompson's Clockwork Twist: Waking completely fulfills that goal. I haven't read fantasy since I was a wee human, but having recently broken my foot, escaping into the world of Twist was an ideal remedy and wonderful return to fantasy adventure.
'Steampunk' in all the right places with airships, steam technology, some old world attitudes, and of course, clockwork technology. But there's magic, mysticism, and what we know as mythological beings appearing in this world too. Settings, outfits, and food are given in technicolour detail, practically like MGM movie settings. We are whisked to several world locales and cultures in rich and meaty detail. Twist himself is an interesting (and dare I say it, 'Gothic'), character, whose sheltered existence and narrowly British attitude does reflect how we view the suddenly bewildering and exotic settings and situations he often literally falls into. Otherwise, he's a character who will grow, especially with the cast of peculiar and unique characters (air pirates, mythological figures, clockwork beings, and gifted humans), who fall in with him, and these developments have us looking forward to his further adventures beyond Waking.
Quibbles? One, because I know those readers who like words used correctly will see them. A bit of copy-editing would help to polish Twist up to 'perfect'. But the story is solid, lovingly given, and is an excellent tale for taking you away into wondrous happenings. Recommended for all ages.
'Steampunk' in all the right places with airships, steam technology, some old world attitudes, and of course, clockwork technology. But there's magic, mysticism, and what we know as mythological beings appearing in this world too. Settings, outfits, and food are given in technicolour detail, practically like MGM movie settings. We are whisked to several world locales and cultures in rich and meaty detail. Twist himself is an interesting (and dare I say it, 'Gothic'), character, whose sheltered existence and narrowly British attitude does reflect how we view the suddenly bewildering and exotic settings and situations he often literally falls into. Otherwise, he's a character who will grow, especially with the cast of peculiar and unique characters (air pirates, mythological figures, clockwork beings, and gifted humans), who fall in with him, and these developments have us looking forward to his further adventures beyond Waking.
Quibbles? One, because I know those readers who like words used correctly will see them. A bit of copy-editing would help to polish Twist up to 'perfect'. But the story is solid, lovingly given, and is an excellent tale for taking you away into wondrous happenings. Recommended for all ages.
June 5, 2013
"Only the broken heart of Clockwork Royalty can mend Twist, a man seemingly able to repair anything except himself"
Read if you:
Love a protagonist as tightly wound and complicated as the pocketwatch he bares
Relish characters that are so colorful intricate they render persian antiques speechless
Enjoy swashbuckling adventures, both above the clouds and below the sea
Wonder sometimes if it would better to see the future or know the truth
Avoid if you:
Prefer dark alleys and malicious intrigue to carnivals in the sky and boilers with anger issues [seriously]
Have an allergic reaction at the thought of djinn, pirates, ninjas and a kitsune running amok in the same book
Believe steampunk demands complete and mindless obedience to victorian language and etiquette
Spontaneously combust to any hint of sexuality other than vanilla hetero
The Screws that bind:
Pastiche of Arabian nights, Japanese folklore and piratical lore
Supernaturals + Automatons
Gentle humour, Soft sorrow
Equal balance between Victorian and Colonial narrative impulses.
Aftertaste: Sunlight, wonder and seabreeze (Also, cinnamon: no idea why)
Lines to Adore:
"There was something beautiful about the way the leaves of the single, huge tree in the center of the garden fluttered in the sunlight. The thin atmosphere made the colors seem brighter, sharper and deeper even with the occasional waft of mist that wandered through the open spaces. For a moment, Twist could perfectly understand why the princess and her family had wanted to build this palace in the first place"
Author: Emily Thompson, female, artist.
Personal Bias: Like Dark Victorian: Risen, Waking was a gust of fresh sea air in what can sometimes be a genre hamstrung by its own conventions. More than anything, true steampunk embodies the spirit of adventure: Exploration, innovation and Byronic idealism fueled by quasi science. It's Kipling and Keats on a crack binge. Clockwork Twist: Waking for me delightfully remained true to that spirit.
Worth Reading
Read if you:
Love a protagonist as tightly wound and complicated as the pocketwatch he bares
Relish characters that are so colorful intricate they render persian antiques speechless
Enjoy swashbuckling adventures, both above the clouds and below the sea
Wonder sometimes if it would better to see the future or know the truth
Avoid if you:
Prefer dark alleys and malicious intrigue to carnivals in the sky and boilers with anger issues [seriously]
Have an allergic reaction at the thought of djinn, pirates, ninjas and a kitsune running amok in the same book
Believe steampunk demands complete and mindless obedience to victorian language and etiquette
Spontaneously combust to any hint of sexuality other than vanilla hetero
The Screws that bind:
Pastiche of Arabian nights, Japanese folklore and piratical lore
Supernaturals + Automatons
Gentle humour, Soft sorrow
Equal balance between Victorian and Colonial narrative impulses.
Aftertaste: Sunlight, wonder and seabreeze (Also, cinnamon: no idea why)
Lines to Adore:
"There was something beautiful about the way the leaves of the single, huge tree in the center of the garden fluttered in the sunlight. The thin atmosphere made the colors seem brighter, sharper and deeper even with the occasional waft of mist that wandered through the open spaces. For a moment, Twist could perfectly understand why the princess and her family had wanted to build this palace in the first place"
Author: Emily Thompson, female, artist.
Personal Bias: Like Dark Victorian: Risen, Waking was a gust of fresh sea air in what can sometimes be a genre hamstrung by its own conventions. More than anything, true steampunk embodies the spirit of adventure: Exploration, innovation and Byronic idealism fueled by quasi science. It's Kipling and Keats on a crack binge. Clockwork Twist: Waking for me delightfully remained true to that spirit.
Worth Reading
July 15, 2013
Clockwork Twist is in my mind what steampunk is all about. It is a fantastical adventure with airships, submarines, pirates, slavery, poverty and wealth, as well as characters I will remember with joy for quite some time. The synopsis / description provides a good overview of the storyline and I cannot improve on it and will not even try. I will say that the writing was excellent and clean with wonderful world building that allowed my imagination to see into Twist's world and feel like I was along for the ride. There are wonderful good guys and baddies and some you never know what line they fall in, but there is never a dull moment. This was one of those stories where at times I would look up and find myself saying, I can't believe this happened to him, then grinning returned to find out what happens next. The ending was very satisfying and left me with a smile on my face. I would definitely recommend this read to steampunk fans and to those who have wondered what the genre is about, as this is a fine example of great steampunk fun. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in Twist's journey. I received this book from the author with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.
December 13, 2019
Waking, first book of the Clockwork Twist Series has been lingering in my to-read pile for a long time and so it was time to pick it up. I was in the mood for some good old Steampunk and I was not disappointed. I loved the imaginative part of the book, the neo-Victorian world, the airships (lots of them!), the diversity in characters and the most intriguing part… the clockwork princess.
I was not so into our main character Twist. I found him a sullen and whiny git (who just wanted to stay in London with his clocks) and that didn’t really change throughout the book. Overall it had a YA feel to it even though I don’t think that was specified (or maybe it was and I missed it). My other observation was that all obstacles were dealt with way too easily. There was always something (or someone) magical conveniently present to whisk the problem away.
So yeah, loved the buttload of Steampunk and the idea of the clockwork princess, but there’s a lot going on and as a result the characters felt flat. I don’t love it enough to want to read the other 6 books in this series.
m/m/puppet… sort of… all very platonic
Themes: all the Steampunk clichés are brought out, airships, clockwork, the Sight, goggles, pirates, a puppet with a human soul, around the world, I guess I don't like reluctant heros.
3.3 Stars
I was not so into our main character Twist. I found him a sullen and whiny git (who just wanted to stay in London with his clocks) and that didn’t really change throughout the book. Overall it had a YA feel to it even though I don’t think that was specified (or maybe it was and I missed it). My other observation was that all obstacles were dealt with way too easily. There was always something (or someone) magical conveniently present to whisk the problem away.
So yeah, loved the buttload of Steampunk and the idea of the clockwork princess, but there’s a lot going on and as a result the characters felt flat. I don’t love it enough to want to read the other 6 books in this series.
m/m/puppet… sort of… all very platonic
Themes: all the Steampunk clichés are brought out, airships, clockwork, the Sight, goggles, pirates, a puppet with a human soul, around the world, I guess I don't like reluctant heros.
3.3 Stars
July 17, 2013
“Clockwork Twist: Waking” is a nice fantasy/steampunk blend with a sprinkle of magic and a dash of mythology to spice up the mix even more. There’s something sure to please everyone whether a fan of steampunk, fantasy or simply a good read.
“Twist” is an absolutely lovable, somewhat neurotic , multi-faceted character who kept my attention every step of the way. I had to know what made him tick.
For your reading pleasure there’s a wide variety of characters: pirates, “Sights” (people who are being born with supernatural senses; Twist is among the ‘Sighted’), treasure hunters, faeries, djinn, kitsunes and even vampires.
With a supporting cast like this, “Clockwork Twist” is anything but boring.
If your choice in reading material is strictly limited to nothing but Steampunk, even then it would be a far stretch to say that “Clockwork Twist” is “ the standard steampunk adventure” as stated in the opinion of another reviewer. I am by no means an expert in steampunk nor do I claim to be, however, in this reviewer’s opinion, “Clockwork Twist” is not standard by any means as far as a good novel goes. Call it escapist literature if you will, for that is exactly what it allowed me – a much needed escape. It transported me out of this mundane, oftentimes painful life, to travel to wondrous places such as London, Venice, China and Nepal. Painting a beautiful world, the details are rich but not smothering, offering the reader a magical portrait of a Neo-Victorian world.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and I’m excitedly looking forward to the next book in this long running , (12 book) series, “Clockwork Twist:Trick” scheduled for release in January of 2014.
You can find out more info here from the author’s website:
http://clockworktwist.com/future/
Emily Thompson has big plans for the Clockwork Twist series, and I plan to be along every glorious, fun-filled step of the way!
***Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for purposes of a fair review. (Thank you Emily Thompson for the opportunity to read this book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Twist” is an absolutely lovable, somewhat neurotic , multi-faceted character who kept my attention every step of the way. I had to know what made him tick.
For your reading pleasure there’s a wide variety of characters: pirates, “Sights” (people who are being born with supernatural senses; Twist is among the ‘Sighted’), treasure hunters, faeries, djinn, kitsunes and even vampires.
With a supporting cast like this, “Clockwork Twist” is anything but boring.
If your choice in reading material is strictly limited to nothing but Steampunk, even then it would be a far stretch to say that “Clockwork Twist” is “ the standard steampunk adventure” as stated in the opinion of another reviewer. I am by no means an expert in steampunk nor do I claim to be, however, in this reviewer’s opinion, “Clockwork Twist” is not standard by any means as far as a good novel goes. Call it escapist literature if you will, for that is exactly what it allowed me – a much needed escape. It transported me out of this mundane, oftentimes painful life, to travel to wondrous places such as London, Venice, China and Nepal. Painting a beautiful world, the details are rich but not smothering, offering the reader a magical portrait of a Neo-Victorian world.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and I’m excitedly looking forward to the next book in this long running , (12 book) series, “Clockwork Twist:Trick” scheduled for release in January of 2014.
You can find out more info here from the author’s website:
http://clockworktwist.com/future/
Emily Thompson has big plans for the Clockwork Twist series, and I plan to be along every glorious, fun-filled step of the way!
***Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for purposes of a fair review. (Thank you Emily Thompson for the opportunity to read this book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 30, 2016
This started out well enough, with an opening call-to-adventure and some cool scenes soon after (the Floating Venice was a nice touch). The author clearly has imagination, even if things were a little Steampunk-By-Numbers at times. Airships, goggles, Victorian London? Check all. And the genre's obsession with "clockwork" reaches its absurd conclusion with an actual clockwork (read: entirely mechanical) girl -- ensouled with a princess -- who needs to be saved by the clockmaker hero, Twist. Who, due to his super special powers, can't touch other humans but can feel the feelings of machinery. So I guess the idea is that a mechanical girl is his ideal match? I'm... feeling a little ooky about that. (Although not having finished the book/series, I supposed it's possible that Twist will grow to feel more for other humans or something. Or at the very least, the princess gets some damn agency or POV of her own.)
Unfortunately, the story quickly gets bogged down by its own ambition. There's just way too much going on, and all of the characters quickly become flat. So much so that before long, I stopped caring and could not read on.
Unfortunately, the story quickly gets bogged down by its own ambition. There's just way too much going on, and all of the characters quickly become flat. So much so that before long, I stopped caring and could not read on.
November 2, 2013
This was the first steampunk novel I ever read. It won’t be my last. I’m definitely up for exploring this genre again, and hopefully with this author.
The story centers around Twist, a small, timid clock shop keeper with a Sight that forces him to see the damage in anything he touches, be it a clock or a human. Works well working on clocks, not so well for getting on with other people. But events are set in motion and another person with her own Sight walks into Twist’s shop offer him a chance to see his own personal grail. Twist is on a collision coarse with the rest of the world, with flying ships, a floating Venice and Asia with an encroaching British empire.
I loved going on a trip with a character that wasn’t your traditional intrepid hero. Twist has his own personal view on the world. I’ll be back for the next book.
The story centers around Twist, a small, timid clock shop keeper with a Sight that forces him to see the damage in anything he touches, be it a clock or a human. Works well working on clocks, not so well for getting on with other people. But events are set in motion and another person with her own Sight walks into Twist’s shop offer him a chance to see his own personal grail. Twist is on a collision coarse with the rest of the world, with flying ships, a floating Venice and Asia with an encroaching British empire.
I loved going on a trip with a character that wasn’t your traditional intrepid hero. Twist has his own personal view on the world. I’ll be back for the next book.
April 28, 2020
Awesome start
This is an awesome start to what I believe well be a fantastic series. The characters, the story, just everything about this book, drew me in and I have a NEED to read the rest of the series.
This is an awesome start to what I believe well be a fantastic series. The characters, the story, just everything about this book, drew me in and I have a NEED to read the rest of the series.
January 15, 2014
Waking was an entertaining introduction to what promises to be an intriguing steampunk world. Were I reviewing only the first half of the book, I would have given it 4.5 stars; the characters were interesting, and the pace was fast. Unfortunately, the second half seemed to bog down; the newly-introduced characters felt two-dimensional, and I frequently wanted to skip ahead to get back to Twist and Myra, the Clockwork Princess.
I was particularly disturbed by Vane's homophobic attitude toward Twist and Jonas's friendship. There were numerous instances of comments like this one to Jonas: "'What's wrong with you? Afraid I'd steal your boyfriend?'" I had not understood the relationship between Twist and Jonas to be homoerotic, given the clear signs that Twist was romantically attached to the Princess. Emily Thompson's author note at the end of the book indicates that the series will be following the adventures of Twist, Jonas, and Myra; if Vane will not be a recurring character, I don't see the purpose for such repeated hostile remarks.
Thompson has a number of writing quirks which I found irritating: the use of the word "tone" as a synonym for the verb "said"; failure to hyphenate compound adjectives (e.g., "snow filled valleys," "over bright sunlight"); and using "shutter" when she means "shudder." I assumed from her Goodreads author profile that Waking is her first novel, so I was prepared to overlook some such issues; however, I will expect future Clockwork Twist novels to be more carefully edited.
Overall, the world Thompson has imagined for Clockwork Twist has the potential to be as fascinating as that of Cherie Priest's Clockwork Century series, which is no small feat. I look forward to reading Trick, scheduled for release later this year.
I received a free copy of Waking from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was particularly disturbed by Vane's homophobic attitude toward Twist and Jonas's friendship. There were numerous instances of comments like this one to Jonas: "'What's wrong with you? Afraid I'd steal your boyfriend?'" I had not understood the relationship between Twist and Jonas to be homoerotic, given the clear signs that Twist was romantically attached to the Princess. Emily Thompson's author note at the end of the book indicates that the series will be following the adventures of Twist, Jonas, and Myra; if Vane will not be a recurring character, I don't see the purpose for such repeated hostile remarks.
Thompson has a number of writing quirks which I found irritating: the use of the word "tone" as a synonym for the verb "said"; failure to hyphenate compound adjectives (e.g., "snow filled valleys," "over bright sunlight"); and using "shutter" when she means "shudder." I assumed from her Goodreads author profile that Waking is her first novel, so I was prepared to overlook some such issues; however, I will expect future Clockwork Twist novels to be more carefully edited.
Overall, the world Thompson has imagined for Clockwork Twist has the potential to be as fascinating as that of Cherie Priest's Clockwork Century series, which is no small feat. I look forward to reading Trick, scheduled for release later this year.
I received a free copy of Waking from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2013
Wow, this book was so much more than I thought it would be. Did I expect a kick ass, swashbuckling adventure? Yeah, I kind of did~ the synopsis is well written, and makes me look forward to an airship ride to remember. Did I expect a wonderfully colorful steampunk fantasy that includes some interesting beings? Yes again. What I didn't anticipate was how well written and unique this book would be.
Twist is an amazing character~ fragile in some ways, sheltered by choice, but with a depth that is revealed slowly. He is incredibly English, which makes almost all of his interactions with the varied cast of characters in this story- humorous. Speaking of the cast~ these characters were ALL entertaining and well fleshed. What really MADE this book for me, was the deliciously subtle love that blossoms between the most unexpected of characters. This love was never written and handed to me on the page, but the author made me sense it, question it, and then finally feel it. I rejoiced as these two withdrawn individuals learned to reach for each other and not be afraid of their connection. If Book One is an indication of the series to come, I AM IN! I will be along for each and every adventure.
This was an incredible story mixing Victorian-time London with magic, adventure, mythical creatures, and colorful humans with amazing abilities. Read this book~ you will not be disappointed!
A sincere thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this surprising and entertaining book, in exchange for my honest review.
Twist is an amazing character~ fragile in some ways, sheltered by choice, but with a depth that is revealed slowly. He is incredibly English, which makes almost all of his interactions with the varied cast of characters in this story- humorous. Speaking of the cast~ these characters were ALL entertaining and well fleshed. What really MADE this book for me, was the deliciously subtle love that blossoms between the most unexpected of characters. This love was never written and handed to me on the page, but the author made me sense it, question it, and then finally feel it. I rejoiced as these two withdrawn individuals learned to reach for each other and not be afraid of their connection. If Book One is an indication of the series to come, I AM IN! I will be along for each and every adventure.
This was an incredible story mixing Victorian-time London with magic, adventure, mythical creatures, and colorful humans with amazing abilities. Read this book~ you will not be disappointed!
A sincere thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this surprising and entertaining book, in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2017
My Review:
Twist is Sighted, which in his case means he can't see with his eyes. He Sees with his sense of touch, Sees damage and how to fix it. He Saw so much damage, that he became damaged by it all and withdrew from the world. Now, he's being drawn out of his seclusion by this temptation of the Clockwork Princess and how he needs to help her.
The crew uses Arabel to Find Twist because that's her Sight. Just as she used her Sight to Find the Princess in the first place. They use Jonas, Arabel's brother to See into Twist in the hopes of controlling him. But Jonas and Twist form a sort of bond and seem to help each other heal to some extent with the similarity of their Sight.
As Twist repairs the damage to the Princess and she comes closer and closer to "coming back to life", he falls deeper and deeper under her spell and promises to be with her always. But the crew is a bunch of money-grubbing scavengers and his dream may not work too well with their plans.
That all sounds pretty good, right? Well, the bat vampires were creepy and the metal people were more than a bit weird. When it came to underwater gas pirates, I just wondered what we were doing with a contemporary issue in a steampunk novel. Like, huh? And then, parts of it just seemed to drag and I found myself skimming rather than reading. That's a very bad sign. Perhaps Twist should have stayed in his clockworks shop after all.
This was a BookBub acquisition. My honest review is given without compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
Twist is Sighted, which in his case means he can't see with his eyes. He Sees with his sense of touch, Sees damage and how to fix it. He Saw so much damage, that he became damaged by it all and withdrew from the world. Now, he's being drawn out of his seclusion by this temptation of the Clockwork Princess and how he needs to help her.
The crew uses Arabel to Find Twist because that's her Sight. Just as she used her Sight to Find the Princess in the first place. They use Jonas, Arabel's brother to See into Twist in the hopes of controlling him. But Jonas and Twist form a sort of bond and seem to help each other heal to some extent with the similarity of their Sight.
As Twist repairs the damage to the Princess and she comes closer and closer to "coming back to life", he falls deeper and deeper under her spell and promises to be with her always. But the crew is a bunch of money-grubbing scavengers and his dream may not work too well with their plans.
That all sounds pretty good, right? Well, the bat vampires were creepy and the metal people were more than a bit weird. When it came to underwater gas pirates, I just wondered what we were doing with a contemporary issue in a steampunk novel. Like, huh? And then, parts of it just seemed to drag and I found myself skimming rather than reading. That's a very bad sign. Perhaps Twist should have stayed in his clockworks shop after all.
This was a BookBub acquisition. My honest review is given without compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
April 25, 2013
Clockwork Twist, the debut novel from American writer Emily Thompson, is the picaresque tale of Twist, a rather fragile watch repairer unceremoniously whisked away from his quiet existence in rainy Victorian London by a gang of miscreants who may or may not be pirates. Travelling on their steam-powered airship, Twist uses his special power to aid in their quest to find and repair the legendary Clockwork Princess.
Refreshingly for a book in the steampunk genre, very little of the action takes place in Victorian London. Twist leaves his home in the first couple of chapters, heading across Europe into Asia, where most of the action takes place. In that way it has much more to do with the fantasy travel aspect of the likes of Gulliver's Travels or Candide, with the action moving from one location to the next, which serves both to give the story a nice momentum and to introduce the wider world in which Clockwork Twist takes place.
Indeed, Twist's world is populated with colourful characters, many of whom have their own powers. Twist's interaction with this disparate gallery of rogues provides a nice complement to the location hopping and consequently the action fairly zips by. I often found myself drawn in to reading the next chapter just to find out what came next.
A very promising debut, then, and it's supposed to be the first of a series so I look forward to reading what comes next.
Refreshingly for a book in the steampunk genre, very little of the action takes place in Victorian London. Twist leaves his home in the first couple of chapters, heading across Europe into Asia, where most of the action takes place. In that way it has much more to do with the fantasy travel aspect of the likes of Gulliver's Travels or Candide, with the action moving from one location to the next, which serves both to give the story a nice momentum and to introduce the wider world in which Clockwork Twist takes place.
Indeed, Twist's world is populated with colourful characters, many of whom have their own powers. Twist's interaction with this disparate gallery of rogues provides a nice complement to the location hopping and consequently the action fairly zips by. I often found myself drawn in to reading the next chapter just to find out what came next.
A very promising debut, then, and it's supposed to be the first of a series so I look forward to reading what comes next.
December 28, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in return for a review.
"My word, you are cute!" pretty much summarises Twist's character -- he's a little reserved, quirky and oh so innocent; you can't help but like him. Other than Mr. Twist himself, some of the shadier characters (Idris, Vane, Quay) were far more interesting than the "good" ones and I hope they reappear in future novels.
I actually wasn't expecting a romance in this book, but I ended up with a double surprise -- it wasn't the straightforward type of romance. And thank the gods it wasn't because what Thomson wrote was refreshing!
This is only the second Steampunk book I've read (the first being Airborn by Kenneth Oppel), so I found the mixture of Victorian etiquette, clockwork technology and magic really engaging. Although the story is complete, there's a lot more to explore in Thomson's world -- I look forward to learning more about the world in future books.
"My word, you are cute!" pretty much summarises Twist's character -- he's a little reserved, quirky and oh so innocent; you can't help but like him. Other than Mr. Twist himself, some of the shadier characters (Idris, Vane, Quay) were far more interesting than the "good" ones and I hope they reappear in future novels.
I actually wasn't expecting a romance in this book, but I ended up with a double surprise -- it wasn't the straightforward type of romance. And thank the gods it wasn't because what Thomson wrote was refreshing!
This is only the second Steampunk book I've read (the first being Airborn by Kenneth Oppel), so I found the mixture of Victorian etiquette, clockwork technology and magic really engaging. Although the story is complete, there's a lot more to explore in Thomson's world -- I look forward to learning more about the world in future books.
April 28, 2013
Emily Thompson's steampunk novel takes the reader - and the book's protagonist - on a fun and fascinating quest. It's 1878 London and Twist is a clockmaker and repairer, living in self-imposed isolation. We soon learn why Twist shuns people in general, and physical contact with people in particular. Like many people in this world, he has a magical gift. Twist's gift allows him to see the mechanical damage of the clocks he repairs - however, it also forces him to see the psychological scars and damage of other people, with unbearable intensity.
When an offer to find a clockwork princess long thought to be mere legend is made, Twist must venture out into the world. It's not a world that's always to his liking, with pirates (friendly and otherwise), slavers, djinns, vampires, seers, and plain old eccentrics. But it's very much to the reader's liking, and sets up a series of books quite nicely. Recommended!
When an offer to find a clockwork princess long thought to be mere legend is made, Twist must venture out into the world. It's not a world that's always to his liking, with pirates (friendly and otherwise), slavers, djinns, vampires, seers, and plain old eccentrics. But it's very much to the reader's liking, and sets up a series of books quite nicely. Recommended!
May 19, 2013
Clockwork Twist is a fun adventure which takes the reader on a luscious, highly visual journey. Twist, the principal character, quite contentedly mends clocks. His workshop is in an upper room in his London home. He has a Sight, which allows him to see what is amiss in a clock and to easily fix it. This is all well and good until a certain visitor knocks upon his door, and lures him away with the prospect of mending a mechanism that he assumed to be a mere fairy tale; Twist's favorite fairy tale. From there on, Twist boards an airship where he encounters pirates, others who also have a Sight, and a vampire.
Clockwork Twist is a wonderful, well imagined Steampunk adventure novel. The characters are compelling, and every scene is lush with imagery. I found myself totally engaged by this book. I highly recommend Clockwork Twist to anyone who would welcome an amazing and captivating journey, with a clockmaker, in search of a fabled clockwork princess.
Clockwork Twist is a wonderful, well imagined Steampunk adventure novel. The characters are compelling, and every scene is lush with imagery. I found myself totally engaged by this book. I highly recommend Clockwork Twist to anyone who would welcome an amazing and captivating journey, with a clockmaker, in search of a fabled clockwork princess.
January 10, 2014
3.5/5 Stars
The titular Twist is a London watchmaker during an alternate Victorian era. He's abducted by pirates, one of whom is a vampire, so that he can repair the Clockwork Princess, who is in Nepal.
That's your plot summary.
Thing is, the story is pretty darned good; there's lot of swashbuckling derring-do, as well as some thought-provoking material. However, the book itself is marred by editorial errors (homophone problems, typos, etc.) that just jerked me right out of the tale. And, while I recognize that it is my peeve and maybe no one else's, I am getting kind of tired of seeing vampires in YA books. There was no need for this character to be a vampire, in my opinion; it just felt like a sop to the "Twilight" fans.
A good editing job will help this book immensely.
The titular Twist is a London watchmaker during an alternate Victorian era. He's abducted by pirates, one of whom is a vampire, so that he can repair the Clockwork Princess, who is in Nepal.
That's your plot summary.
Thing is, the story is pretty darned good; there's lot of swashbuckling derring-do, as well as some thought-provoking material. However, the book itself is marred by editorial errors (homophone problems, typos, etc.) that just jerked me right out of the tale. And, while I recognize that it is my peeve and maybe no one else's, I am getting kind of tired of seeing vampires in YA books. There was no need for this character to be a vampire, in my opinion; it just felt like a sop to the "Twilight" fans.
A good editing job will help this book immensely.
July 16, 2013
I personally bought this book at a convention around Labor Day weekend from the author herself. I also got it signed, which is always a bonus, but haven't read it until now.
The only thing that I'm regretting is that I didn't pick it up sooner as this is a well-written and imaginative book. I'm not quite sure if I can do justice to what is in the synopsis, as it is states what the book is all about. It was the type of steampunk story I was expecting and more that kept me up all night reading it. I do admit, I cannot wait for the 2nd book of this series.
The only thing that I'm regretting is that I didn't pick it up sooner as this is a well-written and imaginative book. I'm not quite sure if I can do justice to what is in the synopsis, as it is states what the book is all about. It was the type of steampunk story I was expecting and more that kept me up all night reading it. I do admit, I cannot wait for the 2nd book of this series.
August 1, 2013
*An ecopy of this book was given in exchange for a honest review*
I just love a book that tantalizes the senses. I also love how this book read in my head. I felt very at home while reading this story. I love Steampunk reads & this book sated my craving. It was very magical & the details were so vivid in my mind that I could very well see this as a movie. It would be nice. I was surprised how the story unfolded. I really had no idea what to expect when I went in. When I finished I had a smile on my face and now I'm wanting to see what adventures lay ahead for the new trio.
I just love a book that tantalizes the senses. I also love how this book read in my head. I felt very at home while reading this story. I love Steampunk reads & this book sated my craving. It was very magical & the details were so vivid in my mind that I could very well see this as a movie. It would be nice. I was surprised how the story unfolded. I really had no idea what to expect when I went in. When I finished I had a smile on my face and now I'm wanting to see what adventures lay ahead for the new trio.
November 9, 2013
Steampunk is a fairly new addition to my reading list, and this one is excellent. I love the character of Twist and look forward to reading absoutely everything he appears in. The world in this book is detailed and elegant, full of machinery and magic, but it's the characters who really shine. With two full airship crews it might be easy to confuse that many characters, but the author makes each one so unique that they are immediately empathetic (even the 'bad guys') and likeable. They are complex characters in an action-packed story. I read it in one long sitting!
March 14, 2014
***Won from giveaway***
Excellent read, funny at times. My first Steampunk novel beside Jules Verne's work. Its League of Extraordinary Gentlemen(Comic version) meets Indian Jones kind of series. Would suggest this novel as a gateway into the genre. Really looking forward to part two. I really like the running joke of the main character finding the world very disturbing due to presence of supernatural/paranormal creatures/person he'll have a run in with. This series need to be optioned into a film!
Excellent read, funny at times. My first Steampunk novel beside Jules Verne's work. Its League of Extraordinary Gentlemen(Comic version) meets Indian Jones kind of series. Would suggest this novel as a gateway into the genre. Really looking forward to part two. I really like the running joke of the main character finding the world very disturbing due to presence of supernatural/paranormal creatures/person he'll have a run in with. This series need to be optioned into a film!
June 14, 2013
I've read a few steampunk style books but it's not usually at the top of my list. However, I will put the following books on the top of my list to read. I really enjoyed this book. I liked that the characters had depth, there was motivations behind people actions, and they felt real. The traveling was nice because it allowed you to 'visit' different lands and meet interesting people.
If you like adventure and mystery with good characters this is a must read.
If you like adventure and mystery with good characters this is a must read.
May 22, 2019
There was a lot that was interesting about this book - a puppet containing a human soul, air pirates, people with abnormal abilities - which made me want to like this book going in. The story telling suffered from strained character development and certain over done diction. I cringed a lot when a character felt effusive.
September 15, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the atmosphere and the immersiveness of this novel. I quickly grew to care about the protagonist, Twist, and the lovely Myra. The intensity, the languor, and images were all very palpable. Excellent escapism. Finally, a true Steampunk adventure!!!
I highly recommend Clockwork Twist, Waking!
I highly recommend Clockwork Twist, Waking!
June 14, 2022
This book has been a real pleasure to read as it is a prime example of a steampunk adventure tale set in a gaslamp magical fantasy version of the Victorian era starting off in dreary London but going on throughout the world. Twist is just a mild mannered and shy clock maker who keeps himself secluded from people because his sight shows him only their damaged parts and is too painful for him to endure. He has magical hands and can fix anything including people, so when Arabel, a bounty seeker with the power of finding whatever she sets out to find, proposes he join her on an airship to help fix the mechanical princess out of fairy tales, Twist though terrified just has to join up. He knew the story of the poor princess and just could not let her suffer abandonment any longer, but she was in Nepal, and he didn't even know where this was. He embarks on the Vimana as part of Captain Davis crew, which was made up of a number of strange characters including a vampire who at first terrified Twist. All he thought he had ever wanted was to sit in his dreary shop, listening to the rain and his ticking clocks enjoying peace and quiet away from everyone but he soon caught the travel bug as they passed over Paris, stopped in Venice during it's amazing carnival, and travelled all the way to Nepal through the awesome Himalayan mountains. However nothing was plain sailing for Twist, he just kept on getting into trouble, getting abducted by pirates in a submarine in the Caspian sea, then being captured by the rival crew, that of Captain Quay, a crew made up of many more weird creatures and including Jonas, Arabel's wayward brother. Jonas and Twist form a bond between them after many mishaps, and this seems to be a long lasting one as Jonas encourages Twist to take to further adventuring which I cannot wait to join them on in book 2. The creatures like the djinn, the kitsune and all the clockwork puppets who have souls encased in crystal are amazing and I am so glad to have read this book which has opened up a whole new world to me seeing everything in a different perspective from the skies above. The descriptions of the scenery, seasons and sunsets, deserts and jungles is so well done, it really brings it all to life for us the readers. Enjoy, I know I did!
March 21, 2023
Time Travel, Fantasy, Magic, Oh My!
I'm a huge fan of fantasy and magic, and will occasionally pick up a time travel series as well. This appears to be a rather lengthy one, so no commitments upfront as to whether I make it all the way through. For now, book 1 held my interest.
In all 3 genres mentioned, it would appear the most important part of a successful series, comes down to character/s and world/s building. Thompson provides the reader with exactly that, with a comprehensive and well-formed framework straight out of the gate.
I was rapidly absorbed by the narrative progression from page 1 all the way to page 294, (which showed 93% completed) of the book. I was sorry to see at this point it was soon to be wrapped up.
I tend to wait until the whole series has been released, or at least a good portion of it. I read way too much to keep all the different characters and world's, as well as plots and sub-plots, straight.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, upon flipping to the next page on my Kindle, I was shocked to see:
"Congratulations! You have just finished the very first book in the Clockwork Twist series..."
NO NO NO! This is not a gratifying ending to me! And I do believe that Amazon actually has an issue with this as well, and has certain standards and procedures in place regarding how much is allowed to be shown as left in Ebooks that agree to publish and share their works through Amazon's programs. The authors are aware of this and know how to work around this policy, or just straight up ignore it maybe.
To bill the rest out as "Bonus Content," is a nasty slight of hand. Especially considering it's NOT bonus material, but rather the beginning 3 chapters of book 2.
I'm so fed up with this happening more and more frequently. I would've originally given this 4 stars, but have decided to dock it an entire star. I consider the ending or wrap-up of the first book to be just as important as the beginning and the progression throughout.
So from here on out, I will continue to mention this as well as changing the way I rate my book reviews.
3 Stars-Final Rating.
Congratulations! You have just finished reading my review! 🤨
I'm a huge fan of fantasy and magic, and will occasionally pick up a time travel series as well. This appears to be a rather lengthy one, so no commitments upfront as to whether I make it all the way through. For now, book 1 held my interest.
In all 3 genres mentioned, it would appear the most important part of a successful series, comes down to character/s and world/s building. Thompson provides the reader with exactly that, with a comprehensive and well-formed framework straight out of the gate.
I was rapidly absorbed by the narrative progression from page 1 all the way to page 294, (which showed 93% completed) of the book. I was sorry to see at this point it was soon to be wrapped up.
I tend to wait until the whole series has been released, or at least a good portion of it. I read way too much to keep all the different characters and world's, as well as plots and sub-plots, straight.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, upon flipping to the next page on my Kindle, I was shocked to see:
"Congratulations! You have just finished the very first book in the Clockwork Twist series..."
NO NO NO! This is not a gratifying ending to me! And I do believe that Amazon actually has an issue with this as well, and has certain standards and procedures in place regarding how much is allowed to be shown as left in Ebooks that agree to publish and share their works through Amazon's programs. The authors are aware of this and know how to work around this policy, or just straight up ignore it maybe.
To bill the rest out as "Bonus Content," is a nasty slight of hand. Especially considering it's NOT bonus material, but rather the beginning 3 chapters of book 2.
I'm so fed up with this happening more and more frequently. I would've originally given this 4 stars, but have decided to dock it an entire star. I consider the ending or wrap-up of the first book to be just as important as the beginning and the progression throughout.
So from here on out, I will continue to mention this as well as changing the way I rate my book reviews.
3 Stars-Final Rating.
Congratulations! You have just finished reading my review! 🤨
December 9, 2017
Twist is a clockmaker living in London, and perfectly happy with his life. When a woman hires him to fix a clockwork princess straight out of fairy tales, he's reluctant to abandon his home, but determined to fix the girl. Because Twist has a Sight: he can see what's wrong with anything he touches. So he's sure he can do it. But pirates and other hazards threaten him . . .
I mostly loved this. Twist is so much fun. He's grumpy about having left home, very vocal about being anti-people, and single-minded about helping the clockwork princess. I was particularly amused at how Arabel's attempts to flirt die against his determination not to engage with her. And he's got the crew pegged, when he rails at them about how they treat Jonas, because he's not afraid to call out the ways they misinterpret or mistreat him.
The other really interesting thing about Twist is how his Sight has basically destroyed his life. He sees how things are broken when he touches them (or they touch him). This includes people. But whereas a machine has obvious ways to get fixed, people aren't nearly so easy. That would be bad enough, but even machines can impart enough personality to basically take Twist over for a short while. It's strong enough that he keeps a pocket watch with his own thoughts locked inside simply to remember what his own self is actually like.
Twist isn't the only one with a Sight, either. The magic system isn't explored a lot in this book, but Sights appear to be a rare but decently understood phenomenon. The Sights aren't the only magical part of this steampunk world, either. Various creatures such as vampires, kitsune, and jinn also exist. (Props for having a male kitsune, too.)
The story never gets bogged down in one place. In some ways it barrels forward almost too fast, because I'd like to see a little more into some of the places, or get a better overview of the world and the magic in it, but on the other hand I appreciated that it never stopped anywhere long enough to get boring. (Also Twist's bitter tirades on pirates, pirates everywhere, had me laughing hard. He has a definite grudge.)
The one thing I wasn't so fond of was the obvious romantic overtones to the relationship between Twist and Jonas. Twist ends up falling in love with the clockwork girl, which made a second romance unnecessary. And it annoyed me because I thought Jonas and Twist would be great friends, but instead the story jumps straight to a more romantic angle, which makes some of their interactions a lot more awkward than they would be otherwise.
Overall, this was a fun little story, and I'm hoping the series drops the extra relationship as an unneeded distraction and goes with a more friendship angle (probably a futile hope, but whatever). I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
I mostly loved this. Twist is so much fun. He's grumpy about having left home, very vocal about being anti-people, and single-minded about helping the clockwork princess. I was particularly amused at how Arabel's attempts to flirt die against his determination not to engage with her. And he's got the crew pegged, when he rails at them about how they treat Jonas, because he's not afraid to call out the ways they misinterpret or mistreat him.
The other really interesting thing about Twist is how his Sight has basically destroyed his life. He sees how things are broken when he touches them (or they touch him). This includes people. But whereas a machine has obvious ways to get fixed, people aren't nearly so easy. That would be bad enough, but even machines can impart enough personality to basically take Twist over for a short while. It's strong enough that he keeps a pocket watch with his own thoughts locked inside simply to remember what his own self is actually like.
Twist isn't the only one with a Sight, either. The magic system isn't explored a lot in this book, but Sights appear to be a rare but decently understood phenomenon. The Sights aren't the only magical part of this steampunk world, either. Various creatures such as vampires, kitsune, and jinn also exist. (Props for having a male kitsune, too.)
The story never gets bogged down in one place. In some ways it barrels forward almost too fast, because I'd like to see a little more into some of the places, or get a better overview of the world and the magic in it, but on the other hand I appreciated that it never stopped anywhere long enough to get boring. (Also Twist's bitter tirades on pirates, pirates everywhere, had me laughing hard. He has a definite grudge.)
The one thing I wasn't so fond of was the obvious romantic overtones to the relationship between Twist and Jonas. Twist ends up falling in love with the clockwork girl, which made a second romance unnecessary. And it annoyed me because I thought Jonas and Twist would be great friends, but instead the story jumps straight to a more romantic angle, which makes some of their interactions a lot more awkward than they would be otherwise.
Overall, this was a fun little story, and I'm hoping the series drops the extra relationship as an unneeded distraction and goes with a more friendship angle (probably a futile hope, but whatever). I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
August 28, 2020
I went back and forth on this one. I did enjoy the story, but there were definitely moments when it dragged on and got bogged down in description.
Overall, this book is a good little read if you want something light and fantastical. I'd never read anything "steampunk" before, so that was an interesting experience. On the whole, the characters were interesting, and I'd like to know more about them and their adventures.
My only complaints, really, would be that there was a bit too much description in places (that really didn't add too much to the story), and Twist spent a little too much time passing out. That's my opinion, of course, and isn't reflective of what everyone would think.
I got this book when it was offered free, and I've picked up several others in the series. I may not begin them immediately, since I think I need a little break from the subject for a while, but I can definitely see myself trying the others to see where the characters go from here (even though I may be skimming some of the longer descriptions that I may encounter).
All in all, I would recommend the book to someone looking for a light, fantastical read.
Overall, this book is a good little read if you want something light and fantastical. I'd never read anything "steampunk" before, so that was an interesting experience. On the whole, the characters were interesting, and I'd like to know more about them and their adventures.
My only complaints, really, would be that there was a bit too much description in places (that really didn't add too much to the story), and Twist spent a little too much time passing out. That's my opinion, of course, and isn't reflective of what everyone would think.
I got this book when it was offered free, and I've picked up several others in the series. I may not begin them immediately, since I think I need a little break from the subject for a while, but I can definitely see myself trying the others to see where the characters go from here (even though I may be skimming some of the longer descriptions that I may encounter).
All in all, I would recommend the book to someone looking for a light, fantastical read.
January 25, 2022
Five stars are not enough for this first in a series ten would be closer to the mark.
Seriously this is beyond brilliant, someone should make a film of it or at least a TV series. A reclusive clockmaker with the sight to see how to repair clockwork faultlessly just by touching it is coerced into leaving his safe existence in grey and smokey London to search for the fabled clockwork dancing Princess of legend. Joining the not quite pirate crew aboard their skyship coming to terms with the strange crew and his abject fear of heights the adventure begins. Crossing various countries heading for the final destination and unknown to them followed by real pirates with even stranger characters the story unfolds. Faced with gun battles kidnapping and impossible situations with vampire bats a city of mechanical beings hidden from view this steampunk narrative is impossible to put down. Well written with amazing characters and plot twists to keep you turning pages, highly recommend a must read, Baz.
Seriously this is beyond brilliant, someone should make a film of it or at least a TV series. A reclusive clockmaker with the sight to see how to repair clockwork faultlessly just by touching it is coerced into leaving his safe existence in grey and smokey London to search for the fabled clockwork dancing Princess of legend. Joining the not quite pirate crew aboard their skyship coming to terms with the strange crew and his abject fear of heights the adventure begins. Crossing various countries heading for the final destination and unknown to them followed by real pirates with even stranger characters the story unfolds. Faced with gun battles kidnapping and impossible situations with vampire bats a city of mechanical beings hidden from view this steampunk narrative is impossible to put down. Well written with amazing characters and plot twists to keep you turning pages, highly recommend a must read, Baz.
November 18, 2021
Steam Punk isn't a genre I’ve read a lot of which is strange because it appeals to me a lot. I’d had this book on my To-Be-Read list for far too long and was looking forward to reading it. There’s many diverse and interesting characters, often with a new spin on the stereotypes we think we know. The story’s great, full of adventure and some action along the way too. It’s very imaginative and I enjoyed reading it and I’m sure I’ll be back for book two but sadly it didn’t grip me like I’d hoped it would. Maybe having it on my list for so long meant it could never meet my expectations despite it being clever, well written and fun but it lacked that final something for me. Maybe the fact that I’m certain to read the next instalment should be recommendation enough.
September 21, 2020
Twist is a small Londoner who has a gift that allows him to repair anything mechanical. He's hopeless around real people. When he's whisked away in an airship, powered by steam and hot air balloons, his focus is on finding a clockwork princess and bringing her back to life. Along the way, he has adventures and meets a strange collection of people. He finds the only one who can touch him without disasterous consequences is Jonah, a young man whose gift is the ability to see the future of anyone he looks at. The two form a connection. This steampunk novel, the first of a long series, was a quick read. The writing is good, the characters and situations interesting. I'll read more about Twist.
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