What do you think?
Rate this book
Aboard the Great Iron Horse #1
The Clockwork God
“Aboard the Great Iron Horse" is a fast-paced serial adventure that picks up where Sedgwick's bestselling fantasy/steampunk series "The Tinkerer's Daughter” left off. A reading of the earlier books is not necessary to enjoy this new series but may provide added insight into certain characters and Barreling through their post-apocalyptic world in a massive steam locomotive, River and her companions -the steam-powered ape named Socrates and his crew of warriors, miscreants, and genetic anomalies- travel from one unpredictable adventure to another. On their first outing, the crew encounters a bizarre cult of isolationists and their strange “Clockwork God.”Meanwhile, several crew members have gone missing, and tensions are rising as mutineers conspire to overthrow Socrates and destroy the train. As the conflict comes to a boil, a power more ancient and sinister than anything they ever imagined threatens to destroy them all.What reviewers "I read this book in one sitting, as I was physically unable to put it down... I highly recommend The Clockwork God, and cannot wait to see what else Jamie Sedgwick has in store for us."-Goodreads ReviewFour "An action packed, thrilling read; Very much a must for sci-fi and steampunk fans!"-Goodreads ReviewFive "Can't get enough of the stories by Jamie Sedgwick. This has been the best yet."-Amazon Review
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2013
216 people are currently reading
1546 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Sedgwick
27 books104 followersJeramy Gates is the author of numerous Amazon lists bestsellers in the categories of Mystery, Thriller, Science Fiction and Fantasy (as Jamie Sedgwick). Jeramy spent his childhood on a ranch in the Montana Rockies, but now lives among the grapevines and redwood groves of northern California with his wife and three children. When traveling, you may encounter Jeramy with his family and their three dingoes, camping in their fifth wheel trailer.
For more info, visit www.jeramygates.com
For more info, visit www.jeramygates.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 31, 2019
Hands of Time
I found the story well written and really liked the elements in it. The author conveyed themes and emotion through his characters while telling a tale that captivated. I don't read steampunk often, but I will read more based on this selection.
I found the story well written and really liked the elements in it. The author conveyed themes and emotion through his characters while telling a tale that captivated. I don't read steampunk often, but I will read more based on this selection.
April 8, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read, but it has not affected my opinion of it. Just thought I would disclose that fact.
The Clockwork God is a highly unique combination of sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure. Jamie Sedgewick has included all of the races generally seen in fantasy novels- Elves (though they are given a different name), humans, un-dead etc. However, Jamie has done something that I have never seen in any other fantasy novel: he explains how the different races came to be!
River, the strong female lead character, is forced to go save her long time companion, Kale, after he and their fellow traveler, the halfling-like Micah fail to return from a hunting trip during their quest to find Starfall- a magical element with energizing properties needed to save their civilization. River comes across some very disturbing tracks that seem to have followed their companions into the woods. When River finds the terrified halfling-and the creatures who had persued them- she sets out (quickly) to rescue Kale from the castle in which Micah had said he and Kale were kept prisoner before Micahs escape. When she finds that she herself needs rescuing, their leader, Socrates comes to their aid.
I loved Socrates, an automaton with the outward appearance of a rather large blue ape with the intelligence, patience, logic, and leadership ability to rival that of Dumbledore. Being one of the main characters, we get to know him- and his tragic yet heroic past- well.
At heart this is a story about differing cultures, and the major problems which can come from the simplest of misunderstandings between them. It is very well written, and will have you on the edge of your seat after around page 20, and will keep you there until the end.
I read this book in one sitting, as I was physically unable to put it down. Rarely are books able to hold my attention THAT well. I highly recommend The Clockwork God, and cannot wait to see what else Jamie Sedgewick has in store for us.
The Clockwork God is a highly unique combination of sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure. Jamie Sedgewick has included all of the races generally seen in fantasy novels- Elves (though they are given a different name), humans, un-dead etc. However, Jamie has done something that I have never seen in any other fantasy novel: he explains how the different races came to be!
River, the strong female lead character, is forced to go save her long time companion, Kale, after he and their fellow traveler, the halfling-like Micah fail to return from a hunting trip during their quest to find Starfall- a magical element with energizing properties needed to save their civilization. River comes across some very disturbing tracks that seem to have followed their companions into the woods. When River finds the terrified halfling-and the creatures who had persued them- she sets out (quickly) to rescue Kale from the castle in which Micah had said he and Kale were kept prisoner before Micahs escape. When she finds that she herself needs rescuing, their leader, Socrates comes to their aid.
I loved Socrates, an automaton with the outward appearance of a rather large blue ape with the intelligence, patience, logic, and leadership ability to rival that of Dumbledore. Being one of the main characters, we get to know him- and his tragic yet heroic past- well.
At heart this is a story about differing cultures, and the major problems which can come from the simplest of misunderstandings between them. It is very well written, and will have you on the edge of your seat after around page 20, and will keep you there until the end.
I read this book in one sitting, as I was physically unable to put it down. Rarely are books able to hold my attention THAT well. I highly recommend The Clockwork God, and cannot wait to see what else Jamie Sedgewick has in store for us.
July 13, 2019
Steampunk is a great fun genre and in this exciting journey we see not just a steam train but an automaton or two, powered by a new element which we are told is almost used up in a city. The adventurers go forth to seek new sources, but in the snowy wastes they squabble, eat up the food supplies and stumble into danger.
The zombies are my least favourite part of any book, but here we get a creative explanation of how they are animated. Zombie-infested forests are keeping a miserable town of people within walls; the folk are getting hungrier and poorer, reliant upon pronouncements from a clockwork idol. The characters we meet are not very deep but in steampunk they seldom are, and they are chiefly written to provide a contrast to the clockwork ape leading the venture.
Read and enjoy. I did spot errors in the text but not so many as to spoil my enjoyment. This is an unbiased review.
The zombies are my least favourite part of any book, but here we get a creative explanation of how they are animated. Zombie-infested forests are keeping a miserable town of people within walls; the folk are getting hungrier and poorer, reliant upon pronouncements from a clockwork idol. The characters we meet are not very deep but in steampunk they seldom are, and they are chiefly written to provide a contrast to the clockwork ape leading the venture.
Read and enjoy. I did spot errors in the text but not so many as to spoil my enjoyment. This is an unbiased review.
February 13, 2017
A very improbable expedition, September 29, 2016
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Clockwork God (Aboard the Great Iron Horse Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
In the first 16 pages, I found, without looking for them, seven improbables which are so silly they ruin the story for me. These include a pile of rocks on the tracks about which the main characters never wonder why they are there, who put them there or the possibility of an ambush. Nor do they post sentries or consider security then or later. They need a crane to move the rocks so they go to a railcar which has not been opened in centuries. How do they know the crane is really in the car and still operational? Shouldn't they have checked all of the cars before heading out into a wilderness which has apparently not been explored in centuries? How are the rail tracks and bridges still functional after all that time? These are just a few of the questions which weaken the story. If you are trying to create believability in an inherently unbelievable tale, one if the things you absolutely have to do is make the mundane details believable and accurate.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Clockwork God (Aboard the Great Iron Horse Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
In the first 16 pages, I found, without looking for them, seven improbables which are so silly they ruin the story for me. These include a pile of rocks on the tracks about which the main characters never wonder why they are there, who put them there or the possibility of an ambush. Nor do they post sentries or consider security then or later. They need a crane to move the rocks so they go to a railcar which has not been opened in centuries. How do they know the crane is really in the car and still operational? Shouldn't they have checked all of the cars before heading out into a wilderness which has apparently not been explored in centuries? How are the rail tracks and bridges still functional after all that time? These are just a few of the questions which weaken the story. If you are trying to create believability in an inherently unbelievable tale, one if the things you absolutely have to do is make the mundane details believable and accurate.
April 6, 2014
The Clockwork God was a very interesting read. It was outside my usual genre so at first I did not know what to make of it. It does a good job of pointing out that there are some societies of people that need something to believe in so bad that they are willing follow a false leader. When some of the workers are thrown into a jail in this unusual city, it is up their leader, a machine, to rescue them. Their only question is, can a machine have feelings or does he act by logic alone.
I finished this story in one setting. It held my attention to the point that I did not want to stop until I had read all of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is a story that while, fiction, can serve to teach us all a lesson. Be careful who you put your faith in.
I finished this story in one setting. It held my attention to the point that I did not want to stop until I had read all of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is a story that while, fiction, can serve to teach us all a lesson. Be careful who you put your faith in.
October 27, 2017
I DNF as I was expecting something a bit different based on the cover, which had a sultry, adult woman in a steampunk outfit. The characters and storyline are more for middle grade or maybe young adult rather than someone looking for characters that have a fully-realized, complex adult life. It doesn't matter to me if there are romantic elements in a story or not, but when the flirtation in the book is limited to cheesy come-ons and pre-teen denial of attraction despite the ages of the characters being stated as older, I feel like I'm not experiencing fully-embodied characters. I do all right with some young adult stories (JK Rowlings works in particular stand out) but this story, although entertaining (hence the three stars despite a DNF) didn't go into the depth that I prefer, and the setting was whimsical rather than realized as if it was a real place. The danger, when present, is generally presented in a carefree manner which again, makes me think the story was aimed for a younger crowd and was written in order not to really scare anyone. I think it compares fairly to works like Gulliver's Travels or Alice in Wonderland, but with a modern, lighter voice than those stories. It might be great for someone else, but it was not for me.
September 1, 2014
This is the second book in the Iron Horse Series. The Iron Horse is a giant steel contraption that roams the frozen wilderness, that is until it becomes stuck. The members aboard the Iron Horse are getting a horrible case of cabin fever.
The crew members all vary in personality but they make it work by being a functioning team. At times I would say the sometime interact as family members, getting along great, while bickering and arguing on a loving and caring manner.
If you haven't read the first book in the series, you'll find yourself thrown into the plot of the story, and you'll end up a bit lost. I highly recommend reading this book series in order. This is not a good stand alone book to be read prior to the first book.
The book invokes a lot of questions about the plot, and it seems to lead up to an ending with the answers to all the hints thrown at you along the way, but I found that I ended up finishing this book with many unanswered questions. Maybe this is a clue that their will be more books to the series to come.
The editing was properly done, as I didn't find any errors in spelling or grammar. I would categorize this book as a steampunk novel that was fast paced with much excitement. I found it to be very unique and unlike any other book I've read which made it all that more entertaining. The cover immediately grabbed my attention and made me anxious to start reading this book. I give this book 5/5.
The crew members all vary in personality but they make it work by being a functioning team. At times I would say the sometime interact as family members, getting along great, while bickering and arguing on a loving and caring manner.
If you haven't read the first book in the series, you'll find yourself thrown into the plot of the story, and you'll end up a bit lost. I highly recommend reading this book series in order. This is not a good stand alone book to be read prior to the first book.
The book invokes a lot of questions about the plot, and it seems to lead up to an ending with the answers to all the hints thrown at you along the way, but I found that I ended up finishing this book with many unanswered questions. Maybe this is a clue that their will be more books to the series to come.
The editing was properly done, as I didn't find any errors in spelling or grammar. I would categorize this book as a steampunk novel that was fast paced with much excitement. I found it to be very unique and unlike any other book I've read which made it all that more entertaining. The cover immediately grabbed my attention and made me anxious to start reading this book. I give this book 5/5.
February 9, 2015
Mr. Sedgwick has again made me realize why I'm totally fantasized by the Steampunk genre. On their first adventure since leaving Sanctuary River, Kale and Socrates, a 1000 year old steam powered automaton in the shape of an ape, who is also the engineer of the 'Iron Horse' a train that is 1/2 mile long with rail cars the size of houses. As they're traveling across the frozen wasteland they come across a pile of boulders blocking the track. While Socrates and other crew members are clearing the track Micah, a once human who has been changed by the 'Starfall' (see the Tinker's Daughter series) and Kale make a trek in search of food and Micah wants to work on his drawings. They get more than they bargained for however when they run across hundreds of undead creatures. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not but a portion of this book reminds me of 'The Wizard of Oz'. I won't say which part or where it takes place but I thought it was very interesting. As with his other books, I'm really looking forward to the next in the 'Iron Horse' series. I'd recommend this book to anyone even if you've never read a book in the Steampunk genre I think you'll really like it.
June 25, 2014
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
Overall, not too impressive considering what could have potentially happened. The story has an interesting premise, a group of adventurers on a giant locomotive in search of...something. And the main character is motivated by ... something. But the technology is really cool. All of the clockwork is steam powered with the help of starfall, which does ... something.
The major problem I had is that there is a lot of that "... something". Lots of opportunities for things to be explained that aren't. It's a very short story, and could benefit from a few extra pages. None of the characters really pop out as being interesting, and I never really felt a connection with them.
The problems the characters are too easily resolved. There was never really a sense of danger or long term conflict which definitely affected my enjoyment of the book.
Three stars for an interesting concept and effective writing. Multiple character perspectives were helpful but lacked full development.
Overall, not too impressive considering what could have potentially happened. The story has an interesting premise, a group of adventurers on a giant locomotive in search of...something. And the main character is motivated by ... something. But the technology is really cool. All of the clockwork is steam powered with the help of starfall, which does ... something.
The major problem I had is that there is a lot of that "... something". Lots of opportunities for things to be explained that aren't. It's a very short story, and could benefit from a few extra pages. None of the characters really pop out as being interesting, and I never really felt a connection with them.
The problems the characters are too easily resolved. There was never really a sense of danger or long term conflict which definitely affected my enjoyment of the book.
Three stars for an interesting concept and effective writing. Multiple character perspectives were helpful but lacked full development.
December 2, 2015
I bought this book from Amazon while it's free or was free. Don't know if it still is or not. I read this book because I was in a book funk, where I couldn't read for shit and I figured I'd go all hardcore and go head first into my favorite genre, Steampunk. Also, this story was written by a man. I didn't realize that until I clicked on the author's Goodreads profile. I was just pleasantly surprised is all. This story seemed like maybe it branched off from another series...I think. However, it wasn't even an issue because I was glued to my phone, Kindle app. It held a steady pace, and there's zombies!! Ever feel like an author wrote a story just for YOU? Lol I'm crazy. Just about really well written fantasies that take me away from reality, even for just a moment, then when I come back to reality, I want to go back to where I just was!!
May 24, 2015
The Clockwork God is a steampunk ape. Socrates a 1/2 human 1/2 mechanical ape who leads a group of warriors, miscreants and genetic anomalies who travel on the Iron Horse a massive steam-powered locomotive full of technological wonders on a mission in search of Starfall, a mysterious element. In this adventure they encounter a bizarre cult of people who worship the "Clockwork God" and protect the Ancients. The Ancients are a group of walking dead who kill all the living. The cult protects these Ancients as they slowly die of malnutrition. The crew must save themselves and the cult from themselves and the Ancients. I found this book enjoyable and look foreword to reading more about Socrates and his crew.
January 3, 2014
This was my first Steampunk novel so I read a little on wikipedia and it intrigued me as I like adventure and fantasy books.
The biggest compliment I can give it is that after reading this I will endeavour to search out more of Jamie Sedgwick's books and more from this genre.
The characters were all described well and the book read very easily from start to finish I was hooked within the first dozen pages and remained so till the end.
This book was sent via giveaways page and is an excellent addiition to my collection thanks.
The biggest compliment I can give it is that after reading this I will endeavour to search out more of Jamie Sedgwick's books and more from this genre.
The characters were all described well and the book read very easily from start to finish I was hooked within the first dozen pages and remained so till the end.
This book was sent via giveaways page and is an excellent addiition to my collection thanks.
May 13, 2016
I think there were some other books I should have read before this one because I felt a bit lost as to who was who and what was going on with Starfall. The undead aspect of the story also caught me off guard as I was expecting something more fully steampunk.
I still enjoyed it though. I love the idea of the Iron Horse being a huge train traveling across the land and River was an enjoyable character. I think I may have liked it more if I had read the other books.
I still enjoyed it though. I love the idea of the Iron Horse being a huge train traveling across the land and River was an enjoyable character. I think I may have liked it more if I had read the other books.
August 6, 2014
This was a wonderful addition in the steam-punk genre with a little horror and action thrown in. Was a little confusing to start since this was a continuation of a previous story-line but the background was filled in as the story progressed. All in all this was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next installment in the series.
July 29, 2016
Description of story by author sets tone for adventure. Found myself finishing in short time anticipating next installment. Author knows what Steampunk is about and how to convey in a story. Personally enjoy characters who think.
August 11, 2016
An action packed, thrilling read; Very much a must for sci-fi and steampunk fans! The characters in particular are incredibly interesting and engaging, particularly Socrates.
December 3, 2015
Sedgwick is one of my favorite Steampunk writers and he does not disappoint with latest adventure. Creative characters quick moving story make for highly satisfactory read.
July 24, 2015
Amazing
I am a big fan of Jamie Sedgwicks books. This one wouldn't let me put it down. I loved it! Just sad I have to wait for the next one.
I am a big fan of Jamie Sedgwicks books. This one wouldn't let me put it down. I loved it! Just sad I have to wait for the next one.
June 4, 2019
Variant cover (same elements, arranged differently; some additional words)
Sequel to a previous series (The Tinkerer's Daughter) this is a steampunk/clockwork systems book, set mostly onboard a massive locomotive captained by the ?clockwork ape? Socrates. The mission - to secure supplies of Starfall, the mineral that Socrates needs to keep working. Exploring the snowy wastes the party finds a strange, walled settlement which seems in awe of the Ancients - their still animated dead...
An intruiguing plot with hints of the greater world dropped here and there. (Need to go back to the first three books!)
Sequel to a previous series (The Tinkerer's Daughter) this is a steampunk/clockwork systems book, set mostly onboard a massive locomotive captained by the ?clockwork ape? Socrates. The mission - to secure supplies of Starfall, the mineral that Socrates needs to keep working. Exploring the snowy wastes the party finds a strange, walled settlement which seems in awe of the Ancients - their still animated dead...
An intruiguing plot with hints of the greater world dropped here and there. (Need to go back to the first three books!)
March 23, 2022
Good, but not quite as smooth as Tinkerer’s Daughter
The story itself is great, but I think maybe the short length of this book interfered with the story, or perhaps parts of the story were chopped, or...something. In places the characters make weird decisions for some inexplicable reason; at least a couple of times I actually yelled ‘NO!!!’ bc their actions were so dumb. If I was reading this as a paperback book and not on my iPad, I would’ve thrown it across the room - if some plot twist is bad enough, I do that sometimes, even though I adore books and am not a destructive gal. I’m not gonna give up on River and Socrates, though. Gonna see this tale through!
The story itself is great, but I think maybe the short length of this book interfered with the story, or perhaps parts of the story were chopped, or...something. In places the characters make weird decisions for some inexplicable reason; at least a couple of times I actually yelled ‘NO!!!’ bc their actions were so dumb. If I was reading this as a paperback book and not on my iPad, I would’ve thrown it across the room - if some plot twist is bad enough, I do that sometimes, even though I adore books and am not a destructive gal. I’m not gonna give up on River and Socrates, though. Gonna see this tale through!
January 28, 2018
Can't Get Enough
This series just keeps getting better and better. I don't want to put it down. I can hardly wait to see what is going to happen next. I am never disappointed. Be sure to catch the first part of the series,"The Tinker's Daughter". It will be well worth it. Enjoy!
This series just keeps getting better and better. I don't want to put it down. I can hardly wait to see what is going to happen next. I am never disappointed. Be sure to catch the first part of the series,"The Tinker's Daughter". It will be well worth it. Enjoy!
July 27, 2019
Great Fun to Read
I didn't expect this story! Once into it, it was a lot of fun. The concepts are not all new but they are assembled in a unique and exciting way. I think that the train and it's tracks is a great metaphor for this story: Endless possibilities and enough strength in it's characters to go anywhere. I wonder where we'll go next?
I didn't expect this story! Once into it, it was a lot of fun. The concepts are not all new but they are assembled in a unique and exciting way. I think that the train and it's tracks is a great metaphor for this story: Endless possibilities and enough strength in it's characters to go anywhere. I wonder where we'll go next?
April 17, 2020
One of the better stories I've read in the Steampunk genre. The characters were complex and realistically flawed. Whether you loved them, hated them, or just wanted to smack some sense into them, they definitely grab your attention. Bonus that the storyline was also original and not the same old rehashed steampunk. Well done!
August 29, 2017
Although this was quick and easy to read, it was a fast paced adventure. The characters were simple to understand and I am sure they will develop through the other books. This was a good steampunk novel, although not too much detail given about the mechanicals. Some areas seemed too quick and needed more detail explaining character or background. But I liked it as a bit of summer reading.
June 20, 2018
Great story and action
I really like this story and author. I am not a si- fi reader. But this book caught me right away and I could not put it down. I forgot it was si/fi. I like the characters and I like some of the surprises. I am off to the next book.
I really like this story and author. I am not a si- fi reader. But this book caught me right away and I could not put it down. I forgot it was si/fi. I like the characters and I like some of the surprises. I am off to the next book.
December 11, 2018
River, Socrates and their friends traveling with the Iron Horse in search for a rare metal. The journey is dangerous, even zombie-like creatures come into play.
Well-developed characters carrying the good written story. Even the plot appears in parts a little bit implausible, or better too lucky.
Well-developed characters carrying the good written story. Even the plot appears in parts a little bit implausible, or better too lucky.
November 30, 2020
The clockwork God #1"Aboard the Great Iron Horse"
This was A pretty good Tale. The Author has developed some great characters and a very fun storyline. A great combination of people and stea m-powered machinery . This became a very exciting story!! A Good Read. Santa Mike.
This was A pretty good Tale. The Author has developed some great characters and a very fun storyline. A great combination of people and stea m-powered machinery . This became a very exciting story!! A Good Read. Santa Mike.
July 12, 2017
My review is on Amazon
March 18, 2018
Meh. The author is good at building tension but it was somewhat predictable.
April 27, 2018
This was the first time I have read a steampunk book. I enjoyed the story. It has done its job of helping me forget my humdrum life for a while and go on an adventure. I will read more from Jamie
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews