A Dickensian-steampunk-middle-grades-Fantasy?? Yes, please!
As the Wonderling begins we are introduced to Number 13, a foxlike human/animal hybrid, and the cruel and unforgiving world in which he lives. The aesthetic of this book and the world created by the author are lovely despite the cruelty we find. The Dickensian inspirations are evident, so much so that I wouldn't have had a second thought had a character uttered the phrase, "Please, Sir, I want some more." The groundlings we meet have been abandoned to the care of Miss Carbunkle and her home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures. They are a rag-tag group of creatures and all the requisite roles are filled. We have the group of bullies with their vicious ringleader who deals with his own troubles by torturing others, the band of allies who pull together when they are needed led by a singular but true and loyal friend and the ultra-good adult who subverts the cruelty of the villianous Miss Carbunkle. Of course, adventure is had and questions are answered, though, not all of them.
Overall this was a really enjoyable read, but I do wish Arthur (number 13) had done some things. He is simply pulled along by the plot, he doesn't make any decisions for himself or have any say in his fate at all. He reacts, he doesn't act. The aesthetic and atmosphere of the book bump it up a star for me, the narrative was fine but not groundbreaking.
I would recommend this to middle-grades fantasy-adventure fans and animal-adventure fans.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.