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Steel Princess: A World Of Magic, A World Of Steel
TWO WORLDS: ONE OF MAGIC, ONE OF STEEL.
She just wants to belong.
Determined to fit in and connect with her human friends, android Silver has always felt like an outsider within her human travelling community. In Elysia, humans are seen as outsiders, their steel queen claiming every last one of them as rebels. They’ve always been on the run. Like her mother, Silver just wants to help others.
But when cruel Queen Magnolia’s soldiers come looking for their missing princess, who was stolen by rebels when she was only three years old, Silver begins to unravel an endless string of secrets woven into the family she has always cared for. Could her parents have stolen her from the Elysian palace when she was small? Worse, could she be the princess they’re looking for?
After journeying to their Northern Mountain Sanctuary where her parents were born, Silver finds a new purpose:
She must kill the cruel queen and take her throne before she destroys them all.
He only longs to know who he really is.
Tinker Eden has only ever known life in the palace lab. Taken from his home in the Northern Mountain Sanctuary when he was only three years old and brought to the palace, he spends his days working under close supervision of Master Lennox, building, rebuilding and repairing the Elysian royals until his fingers bleed. He knows nothing of his parents or their lives, and remembers barely a thing of his childhood, leaving far too many questions about his own life unanswered.
So when Master Lennox’s assistant reveals he’s been working with a community outside of Elysia and sends him to the Sanctuary where he was born to work on the missing princess, Eden seeks the opportunity to return home and learn more about where he came from.
When Silver and Eden meet, their connection is clear, but things don’t always go to plan. Kidnapped by pirates while searching for his parents at the Elysian harbour, Eden finds himself caught up in an adventure across the seas to Elysia’s magical enemy Kingdom of Panyria, who have plans to infiltrate the steel queendom.
He discovers a world full of magic, new friends, and the family he’s always wished he had.
Both only want to make the world a fairer place for everyone.
She just wants to belong.
Determined to fit in and connect with her human friends, android Silver has always felt like an outsider within her human travelling community. In Elysia, humans are seen as outsiders, their steel queen claiming every last one of them as rebels. They’ve always been on the run. Like her mother, Silver just wants to help others.
But when cruel Queen Magnolia’s soldiers come looking for their missing princess, who was stolen by rebels when she was only three years old, Silver begins to unravel an endless string of secrets woven into the family she has always cared for. Could her parents have stolen her from the Elysian palace when she was small? Worse, could she be the princess they’re looking for?
After journeying to their Northern Mountain Sanctuary where her parents were born, Silver finds a new purpose:
She must kill the cruel queen and take her throne before she destroys them all.
He only longs to know who he really is.
Tinker Eden has only ever known life in the palace lab. Taken from his home in the Northern Mountain Sanctuary when he was only three years old and brought to the palace, he spends his days working under close supervision of Master Lennox, building, rebuilding and repairing the Elysian royals until his fingers bleed. He knows nothing of his parents or their lives, and remembers barely a thing of his childhood, leaving far too many questions about his own life unanswered.
So when Master Lennox’s assistant reveals he’s been working with a community outside of Elysia and sends him to the Sanctuary where he was born to work on the missing princess, Eden seeks the opportunity to return home and learn more about where he came from.
When Silver and Eden meet, their connection is clear, but things don’t always go to plan. Kidnapped by pirates while searching for his parents at the Elysian harbour, Eden finds himself caught up in an adventure across the seas to Elysia’s magical enemy Kingdom of Panyria, who have plans to infiltrate the steel queendom.
He discovers a world full of magic, new friends, and the family he’s always wished he had.
Both only want to make the world a fairer place for everyone.
- GenresFantasy
421 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2022
8 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 21, 2023
Hi! Thank you so much for taking an interest in my debut novel. This book has been around ten or eleven years in the making, and has gone through several drastic changes since I started writing it during my A Levels. At this time, it was based in a futuristic version of the UK, with the MC, Silver, a teenage gynoid, running off to the US to find the man who built her and persuade him to make her more human, more like her friends.
During Covid lockdown times, with some feedback from several agents and even an editor at Penguin, (who basically said the original world building didn't work even though the premise was intriguing), after spending years querying it, I decided to put a fantasy spin on this premise and add some found family elements as well, and then twist it around. So now you have a teenage gynoid running to the Palace she was stolen from as a small child to rescue her adoptive mother from being held captive by the cruel queen's guards, and destroy the queen before she can kill those she loves. So, many of the original elements are still there, but I'm so much happier with the book now. And of course I had to add in some magical creatures to tie in with the futuristic parts of the world, so we now have one kingdom that has no magic at all, and a couple of others who are determined to destroy it, who are the opposite.
In the book are mermaids, sirens, pirates, elves, and a futuristic world that is determined to imitate the magic it used to have with its elaborate tournaments and steel creatures. Think of The Hunger Games with Panem's people, wearing elaborate clothing and celebrating, and imagine that every last one of them is a bot who is determined to destroy humankind simply because they are seen as the lesser race.
If you love books like Jess Rothenburg's The Kingdom or Nina Varela's Crier's War, I really hope you will enjoy reading this one as much as I enjoyed writing it. I felt like I went on a little adventure with those pirate scenes, and I'm already having the best time writing the second book in the series!
More on that soon. Happy reading!
During Covid lockdown times, with some feedback from several agents and even an editor at Penguin, (who basically said the original world building didn't work even though the premise was intriguing), after spending years querying it, I decided to put a fantasy spin on this premise and add some found family elements as well, and then twist it around. So now you have a teenage gynoid running to the Palace she was stolen from as a small child to rescue her adoptive mother from being held captive by the cruel queen's guards, and destroy the queen before she can kill those she loves. So, many of the original elements are still there, but I'm so much happier with the book now. And of course I had to add in some magical creatures to tie in with the futuristic parts of the world, so we now have one kingdom that has no magic at all, and a couple of others who are determined to destroy it, who are the opposite.
In the book are mermaids, sirens, pirates, elves, and a futuristic world that is determined to imitate the magic it used to have with its elaborate tournaments and steel creatures. Think of The Hunger Games with Panem's people, wearing elaborate clothing and celebrating, and imagine that every last one of them is a bot who is determined to destroy humankind simply because they are seen as the lesser race.
If you love books like Jess Rothenburg's The Kingdom or Nina Varela's Crier's War, I really hope you will enjoy reading this one as much as I enjoyed writing it. I felt like I went on a little adventure with those pirate scenes, and I'm already having the best time writing the second book in the series!
More on that soon. Happy reading!
July 24, 2022
Pure fun!!
This book had everything I like: an awesome world, cool and well-developed characters, action galore and some kick-ass mythological creatures. What more could a person want?? This is a story that grabs your attention from page one and holds it straight through to the end.
I touched on the world building a bit already, but I’m gonna mention it again because I LOVED how intricate and unique it was. The society genuinely feels both futuristic/computer driven and like a wonderous, magical fairy tale land. April Grace has seamlessly combined two very different concepts into one really bad-ass story.
I hate leaving long reviews because I'm always afraid I'll drop spoilers, lol. But, seriously, y’all, this story is a rollicking roller coaster to a really fun/intriguing place. And Silver and Eden (your two POV characters) are the perfect people to take the plunge with.
Highly recommend to anybody looking for a new fantasy read. Or even a futuristic sci-fi type read! It honestly fits both bills.
This book had everything I like: an awesome world, cool and well-developed characters, action galore and some kick-ass mythological creatures. What more could a person want?? This is a story that grabs your attention from page one and holds it straight through to the end.
I touched on the world building a bit already, but I’m gonna mention it again because I LOVED how intricate and unique it was. The society genuinely feels both futuristic/computer driven and like a wonderous, magical fairy tale land. April Grace has seamlessly combined two very different concepts into one really bad-ass story.
I hate leaving long reviews because I'm always afraid I'll drop spoilers, lol. But, seriously, y’all, this story is a rollicking roller coaster to a really fun/intriguing place. And Silver and Eden (your two POV characters) are the perfect people to take the plunge with.
Highly recommend to anybody looking for a new fantasy read. Or even a futuristic sci-fi type read! It honestly fits both bills.
July 5, 2022
Great fantasy adventure read! Nice easy read! Full of fun and magic! Love the character development throughout!
If you love other worlds, magic, mythical creatures, maps, adventure and missions! This is the book to read! I was honoured to be able to read this prior to release and all I can say is I can not wait for book 2
If you love other worlds, magic, mythical creatures, maps, adventure and missions! This is the book to read! I was honoured to be able to read this prior to release and all I can say is I can not wait for book 2
May 11, 2025
This book takes dystopian sci-fi and medieval fantasy and blissfully marries them together.
There's a robot queen in power who is systematically erasing humans who can't be enslaved after a rebel group stole her daughter years ago.
The story is told from the stolen princesses' pov and Eden; an enslaved human boy trained to maintain the steel monarchy. Their paths cross and interlink, and two very different stories come about.
I really enjoyed the fun mix of sci-fi, among pirates, minotaurs, sirens, mermaids, fae..
most of that is Eden's adventure of self-discovery. Silver's story, however, is one of responsibility and criticism. The judgement she receives from her companions is harsh, and she takes it for fear of coming across cruel, like other steels.
I want her to give a big "f*ck that" in book 2. While this book is part of a series, I wouldn't consider the ending a cliffhanger, more a very intriguing pause. I'm really looking forward to reading book 2.
There's a robot queen in power who is systematically erasing humans who can't be enslaved after a rebel group stole her daughter years ago.
The story is told from the stolen princesses' pov and Eden; an enslaved human boy trained to maintain the steel monarchy. Their paths cross and interlink, and two very different stories come about.
I really enjoyed the fun mix of sci-fi, among pirates, minotaurs, sirens, mermaids, fae..
most of that is Eden's adventure of self-discovery. Silver's story, however, is one of responsibility and criticism. The judgement she receives from her companions is harsh, and she takes it for fear of coming across cruel, like other steels.
I want her to give a big "f*ck that" in book 2. While this book is part of a series, I wouldn't consider the ending a cliffhanger, more a very intriguing pause. I'm really looking forward to reading book 2.
April 5, 2024
I’m not typically one for mixing sci-fi with high fantasy, but Steel Princess did a great job balancing the two so the sci-fi elements didn’t overpower the plot. There are a few quirks I attribute to being a debut author. The world building did leave me with questions at times. But April managed to keep me reading all the to the end (which is quite the accomplishment). Overall, super fun read!
For you if you like:
-Old school fairytales with a futuristic twist
-Fast pacing of YA
-Expansive world with many locations
-Epic fantasy that feels cozy
-Large cast of fun personalities
-Classic fantasy tropes & creatures
-A quick & easy read for travel or the beach
Not for you if you
-Need high stakes that feel super high
-Don’t like futuristic elements in high fantasy
-Dislike straightforward plots & characters
-Can’t handle random accents (audible)
-Have issues keeping track of large casts
-Are looking for a tight & intricate plot
-Dislike tell-heavy books
For you if you like:
-Old school fairytales with a futuristic twist
-Fast pacing of YA
-Expansive world with many locations
-Epic fantasy that feels cozy
-Large cast of fun personalities
-Classic fantasy tropes & creatures
-A quick & easy read for travel or the beach
Not for you if you
-Need high stakes that feel super high
-Don’t like futuristic elements in high fantasy
-Dislike straightforward plots & characters
-Can’t handle random accents (audible)
-Have issues keeping track of large casts
-Are looking for a tight & intricate plot
-Dislike tell-heavy books
February 27, 2024
This bookk aa I received this as an audiobook from the lovely author herself. This book had me on a chokehold, I couldnt stop listening I needed to know what was gonna happen and I am mad at the fact that I have to waittt for the second book cause I need to know whats gonna happen.
I am obsessed
I am obsessed
December 2, 2024
Book review time: 5/5 ⭐️. 0 🌶️. Like her mother, Silver just wants to help others. But when cruel Queen Magnolia’s soldiers come looking for their missing princess, who was stolen by rebels when she was only three years old, Silver begins to unravel an endless string of secrets woven into the family she has always cared for. I was lucky to get my hands on this book last weekend at @yalc_uk and got to meet the amazing @aprilgrace1 , I went into this book blind because I wanted to really feel the story and what it was about, and it did not disappoint, the world building,characters and character growth chefs kiss 🤌🏻. Once I started I just couldn’t put it down, every minute I could cram some reading time there was the book 😂. In a world where humans are the lesser race and the bots are the monarchy, silver learns to become who she one day is destined to be. Eden, omg I absolutely loved the guy, his inquisitive mind, his search for who he is and in the end his braveness and bite was absolutely incredible. The story’s pace was spot on and it kept you going until the very last page. Cliffhanger, on point, I had to re read that last page twice 😂😂😂 just to believe what I was reading, luckily I won’t have to wait long for book 2 as it comes out next month, (not fast enough for my liking, after how it ended 😂😂) so I will suffer in glee whilst I await the anticipated release. April I applaud you on your hard work and beautiful book and can’t wait to hear more from silver,Eden and the gang with book 2, don’t walk, RUN and get yourselves a copy of the steel princess, I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Now to curl up in a corner and wait for release day 😢😢😢.
August 21, 2022
This story is told through two POVs. The MC is Silver, and the other is Eden. Their missions are similar - to find their mother - but their journeys are different.
Silver is a very loveable character. She is a gynoid that was raised within a human rebel camp. She knows very little about her kind, and embraces her mission and all the challenges it encompasses. Her training involves rooms with virtual scenarios but real life consequences.
Eden is a human with a mechanical heart. He grew up within the cruel gynoid queen’s castle and trained as a tinker. Although he isn’t in a jail or guarded, he isn’t free. When he finds himself outside the castle walls, he takes the opportunity to escape and find his mum. This leads him on an adventure of pirates, sirens, and man eating giants - just to name a few.
If you love fantasy and adventure, and want something a little different, this is well worth checking out! Plus, the cover is stunning and there is character art inside.
Silver is a very loveable character. She is a gynoid that was raised within a human rebel camp. She knows very little about her kind, and embraces her mission and all the challenges it encompasses. Her training involves rooms with virtual scenarios but real life consequences.
Eden is a human with a mechanical heart. He grew up within the cruel gynoid queen’s castle and trained as a tinker. Although he isn’t in a jail or guarded, he isn’t free. When he finds himself outside the castle walls, he takes the opportunity to escape and find his mum. This leads him on an adventure of pirates, sirens, and man eating giants - just to name a few.
If you love fantasy and adventure, and want something a little different, this is well worth checking out! Plus, the cover is stunning and there is character art inside.
July 17, 2022
The concept of this book was super intriguing, even before I read it! I loved the way that futuristic elements were woven into a fantasy world. My only complaint was that I occasionally was a little taken out of the story due to word choice. But that could just be due to personal preference in terms of style! Overall, great read:)
August 28, 2022
Intriguing tale of two stolen children, Silver and Eden. Both are trying to find information on their past. Both must go through lots of adventures to do so. This was well written and a neat read. It DOES have a cliffhanger ending... something I am not fond of. But it was an excellent read.
September 2, 2022
A captivating world, an array of loveable characters and a hooking premise. With such an original plot, I found myself devouring this book, desperate to find out more. Such an enjoyable read -- I cannot wait for more books in this series and from April Grace.
Also...what a stunning cover!!!!!
Also...what a stunning cover!!!!!
May 8, 2025
If you're of a certain age, I urge you not to look up when Hunger Games, Divergent, Matched, etc. came out. It will make you feel some kind of way. However, if you loved any of those, I do encourage you to grab this book as fast as you can. This reminds me of that period of time when all the great YA fantasy books were just on fire, and it was great to be young. Except, I accidentally looked up when they came out, and I was already 21+ when the oldest one came out.
As an avid reader, I only really stopped reading YA a few years back when I had my kid, I think. Like I thought I wasn't allowed to read it anymore. But that's silly, now I'm prescreening, right?
Well, it'll probably be a few years yet before I let my 7-year-old read this one, but I'll be excited to let her pick this series up when it's time. And, I know I will be excited to share it - and to get my hands on the next one!
I adore a good dystopian setting, and this one was epic! It features evil robot overlords, I mean protectors. Bonus points if you can tell me that reference! Our two main characters, Silver and Eden, share parallel stories with alternating POVs. I really enjoy alternating POVs when they are done correctly, and this story does it. Also, it didn't exactly confirm a love triangle, but I was totally getting that vibe, and I was here for it. It's a very popular YA trope - which might be why I loved it forever and then hadn't seen it too much lately. I can't wait to read book 2!
Who's It For?
If you love YA fantasy, especially those with dystopian elements, robots, and political intrigue, I believe you will love this one. If you’re a fan of Hunger Games, Divergent, and similar novels, grab this one up! It's marketed as YA, and it seems appropriate for most YA ages, but those young at heart will also love it!
Content Warnings: This book contains topics that may disturb some readers, including, but not limited to, Kidnapping, Robots, Dystopian/Apocalyptic Future, Graphic Violence, War, Mythical Creatures/Monsters, Parental Abandoment, Parental Death, Sibling Death, Partner Death, Child Death, and Possibly More.
As an avid reader, I only really stopped reading YA a few years back when I had my kid, I think. Like I thought I wasn't allowed to read it anymore. But that's silly, now I'm prescreening, right?
Well, it'll probably be a few years yet before I let my 7-year-old read this one, but I'll be excited to let her pick this series up when it's time. And, I know I will be excited to share it - and to get my hands on the next one!
I adore a good dystopian setting, and this one was epic! It features evil robot overlords, I mean protectors. Bonus points if you can tell me that reference! Our two main characters, Silver and Eden, share parallel stories with alternating POVs. I really enjoy alternating POVs when they are done correctly, and this story does it. Also, it didn't exactly confirm a love triangle, but I was totally getting that vibe, and I was here for it. It's a very popular YA trope - which might be why I loved it forever and then hadn't seen it too much lately. I can't wait to read book 2!
Who's It For?
If you love YA fantasy, especially those with dystopian elements, robots, and political intrigue, I believe you will love this one. If you’re a fan of Hunger Games, Divergent, and similar novels, grab this one up! It's marketed as YA, and it seems appropriate for most YA ages, but those young at heart will also love it!
Content Warnings: This book contains topics that may disturb some readers, including, but not limited to, Kidnapping, Robots, Dystopian/Apocalyptic Future, Graphic Violence, War, Mythical Creatures/Monsters, Parental Abandoment, Parental Death, Sibling Death, Partner Death, Child Death, and Possibly More.
May 22, 2025
Rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4)
Set in a futuristic fantasy world (filled with medieval castles, pirate ships and magic) where a vicious robot queen seeks to eradicate humanity, this multi-POV story follows two characters that were both taken from their parents at a young age into enemy territory. Silver (FMC) lives amongst a human traveller community despite being a gynoid (the most advanced human-looking robot) always trying to avoid the attention her (should be impossible) emotions bring and dreaming of the kingdom where her kin dwell, while Eden (MMC) is a quiet human boy forced to work as a tinker (robot mechanic) in the queen’s palace longing for escape. Neither has any idea of their true heritage and, oh boy, are they in for a surprise.
This adventure has a little of everything in it: mermaids, sirens, cyborgs, elves, giants, rebels, evil queens, deadly trials and magic. There is something for everyone and it puts an unusual spin on the classic teenage saviour trope.
What I loved most about this story is also its greatest challenge – it is both incredibly complex (with a wide range of kingdoms, politics, motives and types of creatures) and fast-paced – often not sticking around to provide the necessary details for you to do more than just hang on and enjoy the ride. It does a great job of keeping you interested, but I’m hoping for a bit more world-building in the next book. I want to know more about the beautiful kingdoms Silver and Eden pass through. I need to know more about the magic system and how it was stolen from the Queen. I am desperate to fully understand their family trees and all those hidden secrets. I have big expectations for book 2!
For transparency, I was delighted to receive an e-ARC copy of this book for review and look forward to supporting more of the author’s work.
Set in a futuristic fantasy world (filled with medieval castles, pirate ships and magic) where a vicious robot queen seeks to eradicate humanity, this multi-POV story follows two characters that were both taken from their parents at a young age into enemy territory. Silver (FMC) lives amongst a human traveller community despite being a gynoid (the most advanced human-looking robot) always trying to avoid the attention her (should be impossible) emotions bring and dreaming of the kingdom where her kin dwell, while Eden (MMC) is a quiet human boy forced to work as a tinker (robot mechanic) in the queen’s palace longing for escape. Neither has any idea of their true heritage and, oh boy, are they in for a surprise.
This adventure has a little of everything in it: mermaids, sirens, cyborgs, elves, giants, rebels, evil queens, deadly trials and magic. There is something for everyone and it puts an unusual spin on the classic teenage saviour trope.
What I loved most about this story is also its greatest challenge – it is both incredibly complex (with a wide range of kingdoms, politics, motives and types of creatures) and fast-paced – often not sticking around to provide the necessary details for you to do more than just hang on and enjoy the ride. It does a great job of keeping you interested, but I’m hoping for a bit more world-building in the next book. I want to know more about the beautiful kingdoms Silver and Eden pass through. I need to know more about the magic system and how it was stolen from the Queen. I am desperate to fully understand their family trees and all those hidden secrets. I have big expectations for book 2!
For transparency, I was delighted to receive an e-ARC copy of this book for review and look forward to supporting more of the author’s work.
June 9, 2025
The cover of this book is so beautiful, it would definitely catch my eye in a shop or library. Plus it has a map. Joy of joys.
I think April had built a really solid world. It took me a few chapters to fully grasp who was who and what was happening, but I find that often happens with fantasy, so is not a negative thing. The story is told as a dual POV by both Silver and Eden who's stories have a lot in common with each other.
I loved the writing, I often get real medieval vibes when reading fantasy (I have no idea why, but i nearly always picture the characters in medieval dress, drinking out of tankards and so on). Steel Princess was no exception, but April has somehow managed to make the book feel both medieval, and futuristic with the robots and cyborgs.
I found the plot to be engaging and exciting and found myself really rooting for Silver and Eden and hoping they both found what they were looking for.
Overall I found this to be a really enjoyable YA fantasy and look forward to reading book 2.
I think April had built a really solid world. It took me a few chapters to fully grasp who was who and what was happening, but I find that often happens with fantasy, so is not a negative thing. The story is told as a dual POV by both Silver and Eden who's stories have a lot in common with each other.
I loved the writing, I often get real medieval vibes when reading fantasy (I have no idea why, but i nearly always picture the characters in medieval dress, drinking out of tankards and so on). Steel Princess was no exception, but April has somehow managed to make the book feel both medieval, and futuristic with the robots and cyborgs.
I found the plot to be engaging and exciting and found myself really rooting for Silver and Eden and hoping they both found what they were looking for.
Overall I found this to be a really enjoyable YA fantasy and look forward to reading book 2.
January 10, 2023
Steel Princess by April Grace: A Review
A stolen gynoid princess.
An enslaved human robot tinker.
A loveless queen bent on the destruction of mankind.
These are the elements that make up Steel Princess, a teen/YA fantasy novel written by April Grace.
Robots are not supposed to feel emotions. Sure, they may simulate them, understand them even, but have them? Nope.
But Silver, who has been living as the daughter of two humans for most of her life, has started to receive error messages from her processing system about the physiological manifestation of responses from emotional stimuli. (AKA, she’s feeling emotions and her motherboard doesn’t quite know what to do with that!) And, if that wasn’t enough, suddenly, she’s confronted with a truth previously hidden: she was not commissioned or built for her parents to substitute a daughter that never was – she was stolen from her gynoid mother, the queen of the land.
Her ‘parents,’ two humans that have no interest in becoming victims of the gynoid queen’s human genocide, took Silver when she was young and have been raising her as if she were human. Now, what should never have been possible is coming true – Silver is emotionally becoming one of them!
But when Silver’s adoptive mother is captured by the biological(?) mother, Silver has to decide which family to pledge her loyalty to. Choosing the family who has filled her life with love and hope, Silver will stop at nothing to get her mother back and end this reign of terror.
I’m always skeptical about the SFF genre. If you read any of my own books, you’ll find them gritty and down to earth (I can’t write magic to save my life!). But Grace has a way of taking her readers along a journey and introducing them to fantastical characters with heart and humor. One thing that did take me aback (only momentarily) was the inclusion of mythical creatures and magic in this novel. I thought it was going strictly sci-fi, so when the centaur showed up, I wasn’t quite ready for that. Like I said though, it was a momentary feeling. In fact, from that point on, the addition of magical creatures alongside cold robotic beings worked well to create an immersive and complex world.
This was a fun book full of adventure and interesting characters. It was well-written and easy to understand. I believe this is Grace’s first book, and, considering her expansive level of creativity, I can’t wait to see where she goes from here!
A stolen gynoid princess.
An enslaved human robot tinker.
A loveless queen bent on the destruction of mankind.
These are the elements that make up Steel Princess, a teen/YA fantasy novel written by April Grace.
Robots are not supposed to feel emotions. Sure, they may simulate them, understand them even, but have them? Nope.
But Silver, who has been living as the daughter of two humans for most of her life, has started to receive error messages from her processing system about the physiological manifestation of responses from emotional stimuli. (AKA, she’s feeling emotions and her motherboard doesn’t quite know what to do with that!) And, if that wasn’t enough, suddenly, she’s confronted with a truth previously hidden: she was not commissioned or built for her parents to substitute a daughter that never was – she was stolen from her gynoid mother, the queen of the land.
Her ‘parents,’ two humans that have no interest in becoming victims of the gynoid queen’s human genocide, took Silver when she was young and have been raising her as if she were human. Now, what should never have been possible is coming true – Silver is emotionally becoming one of them!
But when Silver’s adoptive mother is captured by the biological(?) mother, Silver has to decide which family to pledge her loyalty to. Choosing the family who has filled her life with love and hope, Silver will stop at nothing to get her mother back and end this reign of terror.
I’m always skeptical about the SFF genre. If you read any of my own books, you’ll find them gritty and down to earth (I can’t write magic to save my life!). But Grace has a way of taking her readers along a journey and introducing them to fantastical characters with heart and humor. One thing that did take me aback (only momentarily) was the inclusion of mythical creatures and magic in this novel. I thought it was going strictly sci-fi, so when the centaur showed up, I wasn’t quite ready for that. Like I said though, it was a momentary feeling. In fact, from that point on, the addition of magical creatures alongside cold robotic beings worked well to create an immersive and complex world.
This was a fun book full of adventure and interesting characters. It was well-written and easy to understand. I believe this is Grace’s first book, and, considering her expansive level of creativity, I can’t wait to see where she goes from here!
May 9, 2025
I liked this a lot. It was a really solid start to the series. Before we get into the rest of the review, can I just point out how beautiful the cover is? It's very visually striking. I love the colours and design!
The story was really well written. It flowed nicely and was very descriptive. I thought the world building was really well done!
The characters were great. Silver was sweet yet fierce. I liked her a lot. Eden was kind and I thought he was strong. The rest of the characters were fun and I enjoyed the interactions with the MCs.
The book is written in first person from Silver and Eden's POVs. I thought that worked well. We saw how both their stories developed and linked together.
I recommend this book highly. It was such a good read and again a great start to the series.
The story was really well written. It flowed nicely and was very descriptive. I thought the world building was really well done!
The characters were great. Silver was sweet yet fierce. I liked her a lot. Eden was kind and I thought he was strong. The rest of the characters were fun and I enjoyed the interactions with the MCs.
The book is written in first person from Silver and Eden's POVs. I thought that worked well. We saw how both their stories developed and linked together.
I recommend this book highly. It was such a good read and again a great start to the series.
May 10, 2025
Steel Princess by April Grace.
A World of Magic, A World of Steel Book One.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. That's the reason I signed up for this book tour. I really enjoyed this book. I got into it straight away. I loved the illustrations in the book. I couldn't put this book down. I loved the writing style and the story. This book has everything I love. Magic and mythical creatures and a kingdom. I devoured this book in two sittings. I'm really looking forward to the next book. Definitely recommend.
A World of Magic, A World of Steel Book One.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. That's the reason I signed up for this book tour. I really enjoyed this book. I got into it straight away. I loved the illustrations in the book. I couldn't put this book down. I loved the writing style and the story. This book has everything I love. Magic and mythical creatures and a kingdom. I devoured this book in two sittings. I'm really looking forward to the next book. Definitely recommend.
July 4, 2023
HOLY GOODNESS. 5 stars does no justice .. ALL OF THE STARS. The world building was great and such an original story! Silver is a robot that develops feelings even though it’s not supposed to happen. Then you have Eden who is human with a mechanical heart and feels trapped. I can’t say much without giving it away.. but I fell HARD for this and the magical creatures plus the dual POV. Just AMAZING overall. First book I’ve read by this author but won’t be my last!
May 31, 2025
This is the first book in this new and exciting series - World Of Magic, World Of Steel, and my first read by this author too.
I absolutely love this front cover and just had to give this a read even though it's not my usual genre.
I've been trying to incorporate more fantasy based reads into my tbr recently and am finding that I'm enjoying the former more and more, but this book really surprised me.
We see a fairly standard fantasy format but I loved that this was unlike anything I've read before in this genre as we see a more sci-fi based race rather than heading to the usual magical realms.
The characters were well presented and developed throughout this book, but I can already see the potential for future storylines and expansion of this already weel built world.
I really enjoyed the lost princess storyline and of course the added romance element too.
But this was packed with adventure that will keep you gripped from start to finish and throw a few twists in along the way!
I often struggle with the initial world-building in some fantasy reads, but this was really well plotted to weave within the storyline and had me hooked from the start.
I'm already excited to get hold of the second book and to continue the journey.
I absolutely love this front cover and just had to give this a read even though it's not my usual genre.
I've been trying to incorporate more fantasy based reads into my tbr recently and am finding that I'm enjoying the former more and more, but this book really surprised me.
We see a fairly standard fantasy format but I loved that this was unlike anything I've read before in this genre as we see a more sci-fi based race rather than heading to the usual magical realms.
The characters were well presented and developed throughout this book, but I can already see the potential for future storylines and expansion of this already weel built world.
I really enjoyed the lost princess storyline and of course the added romance element too.
But this was packed with adventure that will keep you gripped from start to finish and throw a few twists in along the way!
I often struggle with the initial world-building in some fantasy reads, but this was really well plotted to weave within the storyline and had me hooked from the start.
I'm already excited to get hold of the second book and to continue the journey.
October 16, 2023
I was privileged to receive this book free for an honest review. So this is just that my honest, uncensored opinion, This book was so good! The world development was so well written, and didn’t drag on and get boring. It was a really fun read. I adored the characters Such a good fantasy,
August 24, 2022
A fantastic book that captured me and pulled me in.
I highly recommend.
Looking forward to more from April Grace.
I highly recommend.
Looking forward to more from April Grace.
May 13, 2025
My rating is actually 3.5 stars but Goodreads does not allow for half stars.
This is book one in the world of Magic, world of steel series and as the name implies this is set in a world where the kingdom of Elysia is the world of steel and is ruled by the cruel android Queen Magnolia, who has declared humans as rebels and are hunted by her guards, some being forced into work in the palace. Then we have the kingdom of Panyria where magic is alive and well, and all sorts of mythical creatures living there.
The story follows Eden who was stolen from his human parents at the age of three and is forced to work in the palace fixing and maintaining androids and cyborgs. Then we have Silver who is an android but was brought up by human parents from a young age. So on one hand we have a kind and fair king who rules the land of magic with an array of magical beings, many of whom fled the persecution of the kingdom of Elysia when the cruel queen outlaw magic and where anyone who is not an android, cyborg or other similar being are classed as rebels to the crown.
I thought this was an interesting premise, pitting, magical and mythical creatures and humans against androids. There is some great world building in this and a fabulous array of mythical and magical creatures to delight any fantasy fan. some of the side characters quickly became firm favourites as the story progressed.
April did a great job in keeping two complex timelines in this dual POV straight so it didn’t get messy or confusing. It’s got good flow and with some good plot twists along the way. And the story includes some great social messaging about people deserving to live in a world where they are valued and cared for and where they are safe from persecution because of their genetic make up!
This is book one in the world of Magic, world of steel series and as the name implies this is set in a world where the kingdom of Elysia is the world of steel and is ruled by the cruel android Queen Magnolia, who has declared humans as rebels and are hunted by her guards, some being forced into work in the palace. Then we have the kingdom of Panyria where magic is alive and well, and all sorts of mythical creatures living there.
The story follows Eden who was stolen from his human parents at the age of three and is forced to work in the palace fixing and maintaining androids and cyborgs. Then we have Silver who is an android but was brought up by human parents from a young age. So on one hand we have a kind and fair king who rules the land of magic with an array of magical beings, many of whom fled the persecution of the kingdom of Elysia when the cruel queen outlaw magic and where anyone who is not an android, cyborg or other similar being are classed as rebels to the crown.
I thought this was an interesting premise, pitting, magical and mythical creatures and humans against androids. There is some great world building in this and a fabulous array of mythical and magical creatures to delight any fantasy fan. some of the side characters quickly became firm favourites as the story progressed.
April did a great job in keeping two complex timelines in this dual POV straight so it didn’t get messy or confusing. It’s got good flow and with some good plot twists along the way. And the story includes some great social messaging about people deserving to live in a world where they are valued and cared for and where they are safe from persecution because of their genetic make up!
May 7, 2025
This was a quick, easy, fun adventure read that I really enjoyed reading.
The book is well written with a compelling story line that is full of adventure and magic. The characters are all really well developed and this was one of my favourite parts of the book - the characters. I loved Eden and Silver, they were both so real to me and really jumped off the page. The more I read, the more I felt like I actually wanted to be along with them for the ride, they instantly took a place in my heart.
I also loved the Mythical creatures, I always love when fantasy books have Mythical creatures in them and I was spoilt for choice with the ones in here. From Mermaids to Elves, Sirens to Pirates, I loved them all and enjoyed every second of this book.
The world building in this book is also incredible it felt so fresh and unique and I became immersed in it so quickly. It was full of rich descriptions and vivid imagery and perfectly enabled me to envision the world our characters were living in.
I can't wait to read more by this author, the fact that this was a debut blew me away and I am so excited to see what book 2 brings.
The book is well written with a compelling story line that is full of adventure and magic. The characters are all really well developed and this was one of my favourite parts of the book - the characters. I loved Eden and Silver, they were both so real to me and really jumped off the page. The more I read, the more I felt like I actually wanted to be along with them for the ride, they instantly took a place in my heart.
I also loved the Mythical creatures, I always love when fantasy books have Mythical creatures in them and I was spoilt for choice with the ones in here. From Mermaids to Elves, Sirens to Pirates, I loved them all and enjoyed every second of this book.
The world building in this book is also incredible it felt so fresh and unique and I became immersed in it so quickly. It was full of rich descriptions and vivid imagery and perfectly enabled me to envision the world our characters were living in.
I can't wait to read more by this author, the fact that this was a debut blew me away and I am so excited to see what book 2 brings.
May 9, 2025
This book has something for everyone- from robots to mermaids to humans and magic- this fantasy will keep you hooked. Silver, a gynoid (robot) and Eden (human with a mechanical heart) both find themselves on a journey of a lifetime to find their parents, after discovering they were both kidnapped and traded places since childhood. Realizing thus far their lives have been controlled by everyone around them, they must now find the courage to set their own future. While their goal is the same, their experiences accomplishing that are vastly different, leading to one interesting story that I needed to see to the end.
January 9, 2026
Steel Princess is book 1 of this incredible YA fantasy series, World of Magic, World of Steel, by April Grace.
This is a futuristic world with bots and cyborgs, blended in a sci-fi/fantasy element. There are pirates, sirens, mermaids and elves. Silver is a bot trying to fit in a world of humans. Eden is a Tinker trying to find his family. Their adventures are grand and intense. I was swept away in this world, following these 2 main characters and their accompanying friends. I am excited to read book 2, Songbird Heir.
This is a futuristic world with bots and cyborgs, blended in a sci-fi/fantasy element. There are pirates, sirens, mermaids and elves. Silver is a bot trying to fit in a world of humans. Eden is a Tinker trying to find his family. Their adventures are grand and intense. I was swept away in this world, following these 2 main characters and their accompanying friends. I am excited to read book 2, Songbird Heir.
April 18, 2023
This is a good book if you like fantasy, adventure, and robots
August 31, 2023
The world-building in this book is impressive, and there were so many unexpected (REALLY UNEXPECTED) twists and turns. Amazing book that kept me on my toes. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2023
The writing was convoluted and confusing at times. Needed a good dev editor. However, I thought the characters were fanicful and entertaining.
March 6, 2024
Wow! Loved the audiobook! Can’t wait for the next one
September 8, 2024
She gets pissed with a guy for saving her parents, who were about to be executed, without her permission. Who does that? And why on Earth would he need her permission to save someone? The characters constantly had random reactions. Not worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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