T. Kingfisher excels at creating memorable, multi-dimensional characters. The protagonist, as well as the secondary characters, are vivid and distinguishable, each with distinct voices and personalities. The relationships between characters feel genuine and additive to the story, and even minor players have moments that make them stand out. I deeply cared about the fates of the characters, which added emotional depth. It’s easy to describe them to someone else because their quirks and traits are so well-defined.

The world-building is immersive and rich with detail. The setting feels alive, from its eerie magical elements to the day-to-day mundanities of the characters' lives. While the atmosphere is well-crafted, I thought a few scenes could have been more vividly described to amplify their impact. That said, the tension and energy in key moments were palpable, and I felt fully immersed in the world for the majority of the story.

The prose is delightful—witty, accessible, and engaging. T. Kingfisher’s style felt effortless and unique, blending humor with moments of emotional resonance. The dialogue is snappy and natural, complementing the narrative voice perfectly. The balance between narration and dialogue felt just right, creating a flow that was easy to read but still rich in detail. I was eager to pick up another work by the author as soon as I finished this one, regardless of genre.

The plot is well-paced, with only a couple of moments where the story slows down. The reveals were satisfying and well-earned, and the narrative arc was both engaging and unique, with twists that kept me intrigued. While the plot wasn’t completely groundbreaking, it felt fresh and offered enough surprises to stand out. Even when the pacing slowed, I felt those moments added to the depth of the characters or the world-building. The ending left me feeling satisfied and wanting to explore more.

The story gripped me and held my attention throughout. It’s the kind of book I couldn’t stop thinking about when I wasn’t reading, and I was eager to return to it whenever I had the chance. The stakes and mysteries compelled me to keep turning pages, and the characters’ fates kept me emotionally invested. The intrigue was consistent and unwavering, making this a truly engrossing read.

The characters’ actions aligned well with their motives, and the internal logic of the world was consistent and well-explained. The magic system and world-building felt clear and not overly convoluted, though I would have loved even more exploration of certain elements. Relationships between characters felt organic and believable, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Everything felt cohesive and well-integrated, with no plot points or details standing out as unnecessary or forced.

Overall, The Wonder Engine was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The humor, character dynamics, and plot made for a compelling story that I found nearly impossible to put down. It left me smiling, entertained, and eager for more from T. Kingfisher.