“MYSTERIES OF COVE: Fires of Invention,” by J. Scott Savage, Shadow Mountain, $17.99, 316 pages (f) (ages 8-12)
Imagine a world that calls creativity a crime. Consider the consequences of a city that brands inventing as illegal.
Trenton Coleman, the hero of J. Scott Savage’s newest book, “Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention,” which is scheduled to be released Sept. 29, lives in just such a place.
Born and reared in Cove, a steam-powered city secreted in a mountain, Trenton has always felt out of place. His inventive and mechanical mind constantly yearns to transform outdated or worthless machines into functional instruments that could better serve the people.
Unfortunately, the city of Cove has severe punishments in place for those who push beyond the authorized limits — even if the offender is only a child.
When 13-year-old Trenton oversteps those tight bounds, he is sentenced to complete an essential and dangerous task in the city’s underground mines.
But delving into the mines only leads him deeper into trouble when he unwittingly uncovers a mystery. Teamed with Kallista, the brilliant daughter of a notorious inventor, Trenton embarks on a hunt to unravel the truth behind the secrets of Cove and maybe save people of the city from a powerful enemy bent on destroying them.
The first book in a planned series, Savage’s latest work is engaging from the onset. The book is well-crafted and absorbing with characters a reader can quickly define as allies. The story is fast-paced and nimble, rapidly moving through plot points and drawing the audience deeper into the fantasy world of dangerous, stagnant thoughts.
Although the story contains dystopian elements, the tone is not heavy or despair-driven. The heroes are optimistic and encouraging. Even through crippling struggles, the characters keep focused on the paths they have chosen and strive to reach their ambitions.
A bit of family angst and a hint of romance from supporting characters lend greater depth and intensity to the story. Geared toward middle grade readers, "Fires of Invention" is devoid of any foul language or sexual content. There is some fantasy violence and it's generally described in an age appropriate way. The book is sure to be enjoyed by fans of the youth fantasy genre.
Savage, a Utah resident, is the author of several fantasy books, including the Case File 13 and Farworld series, and will be appearing at Salt Lake Comic Con Sept. 24–26.
If you go ...
What: “Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention” book launch party with author J. Scott Savage, including a steampunk-themed stage show, games and face painting; with authors James Dashner, Brandon Mull, Jennifer A. Nielsen, Peggy Eddleman, Frank L. Cole, Jennifer Jenkins, Chad Morris, Shelly Brown, Sara B. Larson, Annette Lyon, Heather Moore, Sarah Eden and Michele Paige Holmes
When: Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Mountain View High School, 665 W. Center St., Orem
Web: jscottsavage.com
Melissa DeMoux is a stay-at-home mother of six young children who lives in West Valley City, Utah. Her email is mddemoux@gmail.com, and she blogs about her adventures in motherhood at demouxfamily.blogspot.com.