City of Secrets

Gr 3-6--A scrappy orphan named Ever Barnes knows the city of Oskars is hiding something important--but what? He spends his days hiding in the Switchboard Operating Facility, a building made up of cogs and interconnected layers. Mr. Morgan, the facility's new owner, is proud of his acquisition. His daughter, Hannah, is eager to explore the building and perhaps befriend this orphan boy she keeps hearing about. Hannah often feels constrained by her mother's expectation to act like a lady and would much prefer to wear pants and get into scrapes. Ever overcomes his initial reluctance to let Hannah into his life when it becomes clear that the men who killed his father are now after him, too. Lisa, a plucky switchboard operator, is a fantastic side character who's hiding a few secrets of her own. Underground societies, family codes, and danger abound. While there's a lot of story to keep track of, it all comes together in the end. The primary mystery is revealed at the last moment and sets up the potential for future volumes. Ying's panels are fluid and inviting. Vibrant action scenes are mostly wordless and showcase the intricate and impressive design. Exploring the steampunk city is an adventure for Hannah and Ever and for readers. VERDICT An appealing steampunk graphic novel for fans of Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker.--Gretchen Hardin, Bee Cave P.L., TX

Four years before this graphic novel's start, Ever Barnes was orphaned, and he inherited the secret his father guarded before him: a safe that holds a dangerous weapon. Living alone in the six-leveled Grand Capital City of Oskars, Ever, now 12, spends most of his days hiding from the switchboard operators and using a complicated system of levers to manipulate the facility's moving features to protect its workers and guard the safe. When Hannah, privileged daughter of the building's owner, catches wind of Ever, her excitement at Ever's "freedom" lures her from the responsibilities of becoming a lady. The two begin a rollicking journey that develops into a close bond as they explore the tantalizing secrets underlying their fantasy steampunk world. Though overlarge speech balloons can detract, Ying's flowing illustrations feature billowy, thin lines and a strong sense of motion that energize the Hugo Cabret-tinged story. Alongside the characters' evolving motivations and found family tropes, moments of peril become increasingly visceral, accentuating emotional beats of loss and realization. Ages 8-12. Agent: Heather Flaherty, the Bent Agency. (July)

Ying’s full-color illustrations are cinematic in scope, spotlighting the nonstop action.... Thrills and fun galore. 

Gr 3-6—A scrappy orphan named Ever Barnes knows the city of Oskars is hiding something important—but what? He spends his days hiding in the Switchboard Operating Facility, a building made up of cogs and interconnected layers. Mr. Morgan, the facility's new owner, is proud of his acquisition. His daughter, Hannah, is eager to explore the building and perhaps befriend this orphan boy she keeps hearing about. Hannah often feels constrained by her mother's expectation to act like a lady and would much prefer to wear pants and get into scrapes. Ever overcomes his initial reluctance to let Hannah into his life when it becomes clear that the men who killed his father are now after him, too. Lisa, a plucky switchboard operator, is a fantastic side character who's hiding a few secrets of her own. Underground societies, family codes, and danger abound. While there's a lot of story to keep track of, it all comes together in the end. The primary mystery is revealed at the last moment and sets up the potential for future volumes. Ying's panels are fluid and inviting. Vibrant action scenes are mostly wordless and showcase the intricate and impressive design. Exploring the steampunk city is an adventure for Hannah and Ever and for readers. VERDICT An appealing steampunk graphic novel for fans of Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker.—Gretchen Hardin, Bee Cave P.L., TX