Characters: 10/10
The characters are memorable and distinct, with clear personalities that are easy to describe. Slate, Caliban, Brenner, and Learned Edmund each bring something unique to the table, and their dynamic adds incredible depth to the story. Secondary characters, while fewer, are distinguishable and additive to the plot. The interactions felt natural, and their backstories and motives were explored enough that I genuinely cared about their fates. They were neither flat nor one-dimensional, making them an undeniable highlight of the book.

Atmosphere/Setting: 9/10
The world-building was rich and immersive, with vivid descriptions of the mechanical enemies, desolate landscapes, and the city of Anuket City. While the energy of the scenes was generally strong, there were brief moments where the setting felt slightly less vivid compared to the captivating character interactions. The tone struck a perfect balance between grim and darkly humorous, keeping me deeply engaged.

Writing Style: 10/10
T. Kingfisher's writing style is sharp, witty, and highly readable. I found the prose effortlessly enjoyable and appreciated how it balanced humor and poignancy. Dialogue was engaging and fit the tone of each character, while the narration flowed seamlessly. Kingfisher's unique voice made the story unforgettable, and I’m eager to explore her other works. The grounded charm in how she conveys grim situations with humor and heart was particularly striking.

Plot: 9/10
The pacing was excellent overall, with only a minor lull in the middle due to some travel-related repetition. However, the plot maintained my interest and delivered satisfying twists and revelations. The story felt fresh and subverted common fantasy tropes with its unconventional protagonists and objectives. It wasn’t overly complex or bland, and the mix of humor and peril kept me thoroughly engaged. The ending left room for more without feeling incomplete.

Intrigue: 10/10
The book was utterly captivating, and I often found myself wanting to prioritize reading it. The interplay between the characters and the mystery of the Clockwork Boys themselves kept me hooked. The stakes felt real without being overwhelming, and there was a strong sense of anticipation throughout. Even during slower moments, the humor and character dynamics fully held my attention.

Logic/Relationships: 9/10
The relationships between characters were a major strength, growing naturally and believably as the story progressed. Motives were clear, and actions aligned with character backgrounds and world rules. The magic system and world-building were explained clearly without becoming overwhelming. While some aspects of the world remained mysterious, I felt this was intentional and added to the intrigue. The story stayed consistent with its own logic and fit together seamlessly.

Enjoyment: 10/10
Clockwork Boys was an absolute delight to read. The mix of grim stakes, dark humor, and memorable characters made it one of the most enjoyable books I’ve picked up recently. I couldn’t put it down and am excited to dive into the next installment.