The Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilson is a captivating blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and steampunk, weaving a tale that spans centuries and continents. Known for his ability to infuse cutting-edge science with thrilling narratives, Wilson delivers a novel that is both imaginative and thought-provoking, filled with richly drawn characters and a plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The story alternates between two timelines. In the present day, June Stefanov, a young anthropologist specializing in ancient machinery, stumbles upon a hidden world of sentient automatons—living machines with human-like intelligence and emotions. Her discovery sets off a chain of events that thrusts her into a centuries-old conflict between these ancient beings. In parallel, the novel takes readers back to 18th-century Russia, where two of these automatons, Peter and his sister Elena, struggle to understand their purpose in a world that is both hostile and mysterious.

The automaton siblings, Peter and Elena, are central to the novel’s emotional core. Wilson excels at making these mechanical beings feel deeply human, with their own desires, fears, and moral dilemmas. Peter, the warrior automaton, is driven by a sense of duty and honor, while Elena, more enigmatic, grapples with her own sense of purpose. Their journey through history, witnessing and influencing pivotal moments, is both fascinating and poignant, revealing the novel’s underlying themes of identity, purpose, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems indifferent.

June’s story in the present day is equally compelling. As she becomes entangled with the ancient conflict between automatons, she must confront her own beliefs about what it means to be alive. June’s perspective adds a layer of modern-day relevance to the novel, exploring the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the idea that the past is always intertwined with the present.

Wilson’s world-building is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. He creates a vivid and immersive world where history and technology blend seamlessly. The steampunk elements—clockwork machines, hidden gears, and ancient automatons—are richly detailed, adding a layer of wonder and intrigue to the story. Wilson’s attention to historical detail, combined with his speculative imagination, makes the world of The Clockwork Dynasty feel both authentic and otherworldly.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with action-packed sequences interspersed with moments of introspection and character development. Wilson’s writing is crisp and cinematic, making it easy for readers to visualize the grand, sweeping scenes he describes. The dual timelines are expertly interwoven, with each chapter revealing new connections between past and present, deepening the mystery and tension as the story unfolds.

The Clockwork Dynasty is not just a story of adventure and intrigue; it’s also a meditation on what it means to be human. The automatons, though mechanical, grapple with questions of morality, loyalty, and love, challenging the reader to consider the nature of consciousness and the soul. Wilson raises thought-provoking questions about the intersection of humanity and technology, making the novel as intellectually engaging as it is entertaining.

The novel’s climax is both satisfying and bittersweet, providing a sense of closure while leaving the door open for further exploration of the world Wilson has created. The emotional weight of the story lingers long after the final page, making The Clockwork Dynasty a novel that resonates on multiple levels.

In The Clockwork Dynasty, Daniel H. Wilson has crafted a story that transcends genres, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience. It’s a novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, science fiction, and steampunk alike, with its unique blend of action, emotion, and philosophical depth. Wilson’s ability to blend intricate world-building with deeply human characters makes this novel a standout in his body of work and a must-read for anyone interested in the future of storytelling.

Unfortunately this book was archived before I was even able to download it. I'm looking forward to picking it up from the library, though. It sounds really interesting!

This book had the look of a steampunk novel and I wasn't disappointed. While I enjoyed this installment, I'm not sure whether I'll be rushing out to read the rest of the series.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

I really wanted to like this a lot more than I did, but I just couldn't. There was just something missing. I think there are a lot of pretty neat things about this story, but the coming together of all these neat ideas just didn't work for me.

Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A terrific read from the author of Robopocalypse. Although a departure from his previous books, this novel goes at breakneck speed traversing back and forth between the present and past time periods. The relationship between two of the main characters is definitely borrowed from Anne Rice's Lestat and Claudia in her Vampire Chronicles. This is a mix of steampunk with mechanical beings, avtomats, who live for thousands of years and a historical epic of one "man's" search for meaning. Not usually my type of science fiction, but I trusted Wilson to write a story with depth and interesting concept. While the ending is satisfying, there seams to be room for a sequel. Let's hope he writes one! And the cover is one of the best I've seen this year.

Artificial intelligence like you've never pondered. What if intelligent machines aren't a new development; what if they've been living among us since the Han Dynasty? Makes you look at that stranger twice, doesn't it? A gripping read for sci-if fans everywhere.

This book was featured as a #BOTM selection and was getting a lot of hype, so I decided to request an ARC for it. I ended up not getting to the kindle version in any reasonable amount of time and decided to listen to the audiobook recently. All I can say is that I really don’t feel as if I am the target reader for this story. I found parts of the story interesting, but all-in-all I felt rather bored and like I did not really care one way or another for the characters. .

The book switches between modern day when someone specializing in ancient tech finds a doll with a big secret. We flash back to Russia in 1725 when Peter and Elena are “born” and their story during that time. As we learn more about the past in flashbacks, we also learn more in present. This is a steampunk science fiction story.

It was an ok book. I enjoyed certain aspects of the plot but overall it didn't strike me as standing out from other general fiction that I've recently read. Overall it could have benefited from a little more editorial touch.

This one took me quite a while. I'd pick it up, then put it down, then pick it up, then something else would catch my interest. I was finally able to finish the audio version. It's not bad, not at all. I just had a hard time staying focused with it.

Automat were built by humans in our image, and when June uncovers one over three hundred years old, she falls into a world full of aging creations who have begun cannibalizing one another to survive, and their war may be older than anyone knows.

I really enjoyed Robopocalypse, so I thought I'd like this one, too. Don't let my wishy washiness with finishing it dissuade you. If you like steampunk and action and don't mind a story that jumps back and forth in time pretty steadily, check this one out.

This is one of those books that reads like am action movie screenplay. There are some very interesting ideas in it, but when it comes right down to it it's all about the fight scenes.

The interesting ideas: the main (human) character is a historian who specializes in automatons of the ancient world. She has a personal connection to the topic through her grandfather. Little does she know that her academic obsession is about to turn into an Indiana Jones style run-for-your-life adventure!

I guess these automatons are a real piece of history, which I find fascinating. Look up "writing automaton" to see what one of these creations looked like- it's creepy and cool.

There's a secret history behind these things. About half of the story is told in flashback, as we see the awakening of an automaton- these creatures have consciousness, and maybe even souls. Each automaton has a guiding principle which is their prime motivation; for example; Honor or Knowledge.

The book is a quick read. Once the action starts, it's sort of a cross between The Terminator, The Mummy (Rachel Weicz edition) and Interview with a Vampire. I love the idea of secret supernatural histories, so I was an easy sell for this one. The characters are interesting and colorful, our heroine is kick-ass but in a way I could buy, and the setting is all over the globe from medieval Russia to Merrye Olde England to west coast USA to a mysterious mountain range somewhere on the Asian steppe.

It reads like there should be a sequel. The big fight at the end felt a bit too rushed for me, and since the concepts kind of fell to the wayside in service of action, I'd probably rate it closer to 3 1/2 stars. But it's a fun way to spend a few hours!

The Clockwork Dynasty’s cover caught my eye when I first viewed in on NetGalley. It’s dark, haunting and promises a bit of steam punk flare–all things that I’ve been gravitating towards recently. Steampunk often allows me to explore new worlds with at least one foot planted firmly in my known world where I’m most comfortable. The Clockwork Dynasty certainly delivers on both these points.

What surprised me most about The Clockwork Dynasty was the flashbacks. Oh yeah, this tale uses one of my favorite storytelling devices…flashbacks. And it took me completely by surprise. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a sci-fi/steampunk novel that has employed this device and if I have, apparently, it was done in forgettable way.

The way the story is told is my favorite thing about The Clockwork Dynasty. The story jumping between the past and present drives the story forward in an expected fashion. Every jump moves the story forward with just enough mystery to keep you reading and wondering what lost memories will be recovered.

The characters, both the good guys and bad guys, are compelling as well. Drawn to each other for reasons other than romance they work together to discover who they are and what their true purpose might be. The theme of family and belonging is a strong message. It’s not necessarily blood that binds us together.

While moving forward in a seemingly dystopian world where the secrets of the automatons is unknown, our June and Pyotr, are driven back to their own pasts to discover their own secrets and those of the creation of the automatons. The Clockwork Dynasty is a deftly woven tale of mystery and intrigue that ends with a bang and hope for a continuance of this amazing story about a lost history.

This is not my normal type of book. I was looking for a steampunk book to complete a challenge and thought this would fit the bill. Not quite sure if this was really steampunk. I did enjoy the book but not sure I’ll finish the series. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

When I picked up this book, I have to admit, I was surprised, because sci fy steam punk fantasy stories is not the type of book I usually read, yet it ended up being so much more than I had imagined. The Clockwork Dynasty is not just a book about a race of human-like mechanical creatures or avtomats that secretly live among us and are fighting a war that has raged for centuries, but it’s a story about life and the constant search for meaning and purpose.

This book waffles back and forth between present day Orgon, Washington and other places, and the 1700’s beginning in Russia and taking the reader on a journey through history and time. And while this may bother some people, the non-linear storytelling I think, adds so much more to the book and allows the author to unfold the story in a deeper more meaningful way.

In present time it follows the story of June someone who has made a career in ancient technology, ever since an encounter she had a child with her grandpa changed her perception of the world and started her fascination with this avtomat technology. A couple years after her grandfather’s death she receives a avtomat artifact that will cause her to team up with an avtomat named Peter, launch her into a great adventure in the secret avtomat world, and ultimately determine this race’s extinction or survival. In the 1700’s it follows the story of brother (Peter) and sister (Elena) two human-like avtomats that were resurrected by a Russian clock maker using something called an anime which serves as the avtomat’s heart and soul. As they live through the years they spend it hiding their secret, trying to blend into society, and fighting a war that has been raging among their own race for centuries.

This story explores the character’s constant search for meaning in a way that is both at times sad and extremely insightful. In the book each avtomat’s anime is marked with a Pravda or a special word that is their bond and command. As long as they satisfy their Pravda, they are at peace, otherwise they suffer. In Peter’s case this word is justice. As the book progresses we see his idea of justice shift and change as he lives through the years. Through a fascinating inner dialogue, Peter perception shifts from gaining justice simply by serving rulers in war to something far deeper and more moving, as this quote, when he encounters a dying soldier on the enemy’s side in the battlefield, suggests:

“Once Pravda was clear to me. By obeying my emperor all was well. But what was simple is becoming complex. I can see no evil inside this grievously wounded man, only honor. And though no clockwork flutters beneath his throat, I can see the inevitable forces that led him here, through no fault of his own, fating him to die in the shadow of this crumbling wall.”

As the book progresses a new perspective of right and wrong emerges leaving him questioning not only who he is but why he was made.

Another major theme this story also explores is the theme of war. As Peter recounts from his past, countless experiences on various battlefields throughout his life, and in the present, his own thoughts on his own race’s war; the reality of war is pressed heavy on the reader making this book at times very depressing, sad, and dark.

This reality is made even more real by the moving prose and incredible worldbuilding that takes place throughout the book. Another reason I love this book is the incredible character development between Peter and Elena. How she is treated by him as a little sister at the beginning of the book, and how he sees her changes through the book from a little girl needing his protection to a sophisticated, wise learned, woman who’s one desire is to make her own way in the world is absolutely incredible.

Daniel H Wilson does an amazing job of weaving together past and present into an engaging literary story that has something for everyone.

Thank you to DoubleDay books and Netgalley for a e-ARC in exchange for a honest review!

The Clockwork Dynasty is creative and intriguing. It is full of historical nods and futuristic technology. For those looking for something a little bit quirky and different, this one is for you.

The Clockwork Dynasty was initially a cover add for me. The synopsis further intrigued me, so when I saw it offered on NetGalley I knew I had to request it. Unfortunately, it took me a while before I was able to find the time to read it.

I’m honestly a little glad that I did not rush in to this one. It wasn’t a bad read, but just didn’t live up to the hype I created in my mind for it. The world building was nice. There was a superb amount of imagery and description used to create the setting for the story. The plot kind of struck me right down the middle, though.

I did enjoy the plot, for the most part. I felt like it was unique and had great potential to be astounding. It had aspects that reminded me of watching Interview With the Vampire and Terminator, and reading Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. And, it kept my interest enough to keep reading, but there were several moments where I just felt confused, and felt awkwardness.

The characters weren’t as developed as I would have liked them to be either. I didn’t feel like any one character was fleshed out enough for me to become invested in. The idea behind the automaton characters was incredibly intriguing, and they had some unique qualities that made them feel both human, and inhuman, at the same time. But, the main character, June, just didn’t strike me the way I would have liked, and Peter and Elena were still too unknown for me.

The writing style itself was descriptive and entertaining. The idea behind the plot was quite fascinating, and had the potential to be a superb steampunk story. I just felt like I didn’t relate to this as much as I wanted to. It was worth the read for the thought provoking story line, and I would definitely read this author again. I just wish the story had a little more “oomphf.” I would rate this one 2.5 to 3 stars (closer to 2.5 stars, though we know faeries would not survive being cut in half like automatons would).

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

Very entertaining with interesting possibly real information about automata - considered abominations by most - including Catherine the Great responding after Tzar Peter the Great who invented the automaton (or avtoman) with services of Fabio, his faithful creator o automata including anima who animate the drives of these machines - named Peter and Elena - they recognise each otheras similar kinds of beings. When June, fascinated and knowledgeable about workings of these ancient machines.. she realises she has been used by an organisation seeking the very relic she wears to re-animate their race or otherwise machine form life. Guided by eternal drives, he will always pursue 'theword'-just as Elena pursue 'logic' and their researcher of truth June must find way to get around this. Great evocations fights but also the ramifications of their not being. Human and yet struggling to 'pass' for human attributes. The novel is thoroughly readable and even playful, with ideas that have survived centuries with reluctant shivers and much enjoyment to a terrific denouement- it almost reads like a woman Indiana Jones after artefacts - in this case dangerous, programmed automata with some semblance of brain power.

More like 3.5. This was a book like nothing I’ve read before. My favorite genre is the mysteries/thrillers/suspense so this was my first time reading a “futuristic” one. The plot was really good and overall I enjoyed it. I loved the characters and the way the author pictures the Russia of that time. I found it very intriguing. Although this book didn’t cut it for me. Every book speaks different to every person so I might be in the minority, who know!

When first learning about this story I was intrigued and I cannot say that I was disappointed completely. This book weaved together science fiction and steampunk into a unique story that definitely is one that stood out in both categories. I don't read much of either genre, it does reflect on my personal opinion, but I do believe if you like both of these genres you should give this one a try!

This is an engaging fantasy with strong history and clockwork elements.

June learned to love old trinkets from her grandfather. He had a special relic that she inherited upon his death. Now June is an anthropologist specializing in ancient technology and making old clockwork pieces work. Her services have been funded by a special company but each time she reaches a new destination it appears that someone has been one step ahead, taking the relics and sometimes destroying the evidence.

The most recent stop at an ancient monastery reveals a beautiful clockwork doll. It is missing its innards but June is able to jerry rig power to get it operating long enough to write a secret message before the building begins to collapse around them. Suddenly her guide announces that her funding has been withdrawn and her job is over. Soon the guide and June are facing attack by a dark man with super human strength. June tries to escape but it doesn’t look good. Then another super human man steps in between. June isn’t sure if he is trying to save her or also trying to take her family relic.

The current day events alternate with events from history beginning in 1709 and moving forward. These chapters introduce and follow a clockwork man, Peter, and his child-like beautiful ‘sister, Elena.’ Peter and Elena were created for a specific purpose and centered with an internal “word” that shapes their actions. Peter seeks Justice in all things while Elena pursues logic. Although they have a close relationship it is strained by their different goals.

I really enjoyed the automated characters, particularly Peter who shares the story lead with June. The history detail that is shared is fascinating. Parts of the story were a tad slow but these are offset by good action and intrigue. There is a dark tone and images that brought thoughts of the Terminator.

The plotline runs with a metaphysical twist as it moves to a tense and explosive climax. I thought the writing was crisp and the story creative. I recommend this to readers who enjoy clockwork or cyborg stories with great historic detailing.

I received this from NetGalley.

The Clockwork Dynasty is one of those books I thoroughly enjoyed while reading it. Yet, as I sit down and think about the story, I struggle to find the words of why I enjoyed it so much. While there is a lot of action, there are not very many surprises. Plus, the idea that June can solve a mystery that robots have not been able to solve is, frankly, ludicrous. However, it does make for a good story, and Daniel H. Wilson always entertains.

Where I struggle with the story is the idea that humans (or aliens - we really have no idea) were so advanced, they created these robots that run off of this special force trapped in a futuristic metal but that wear down like batteries over millennia. However, the outer trappings are all wood, leather, porcelain, and later plastic and polymers. Plus, these advanced humans (or aliens) created this race of superior robots and left. Then these superior robots were to serve the one trait/word they each harbor in their "heart." This word gives them purpose, and if they do not live by this word it causes them physical pain. To top it off, all of this first occurred while humans were not much more evolved than Neanderthals. See? Weird.

But that's not all! Then, there is this great schism of robot power, and they split into sides that are battling each other off and on over the centuries. When June first happens across the plot, the robots' "batteries" are running out of juice, and they cannot figure out how to stop it. June is the only person or thing who may hold the answer to this mystery - because hundreds of thousands of years is not long enough for the robots to solve the mystery. Of course she partners with a good robot - as opposed to the bad robots who are trying to kill them - and rushes across the world to save the day.

Despite the absolutely bonkers plot, I loved this novel. I loved the inventiveness of it. The story begins slowly, but as it picks up speed it does so almost exponentially. Suddenly, there are fights and tactics and plane rides and rushing to stay one step ahead of the bad robots. It is the most ridiculous and yet engaging story I have read in a long, long time. The best part is that it is a series, so there will be more crazy robot history with the lone human female as the robots' savior. I am way too excited about the possibilities!

A beautiful complex story that shifts from flashbacks of Peter the Great's Russia through the British wars in India and World War II to a future where sentient mechanical beings live among the population masquerading as humans. June , a young woman who has an expertise and passion for mechanical beings is on a quest to find and restore these automated creations from the past. She stumbles upon the trail of these special creations who have "lived' through many centuries as humans and their quest to restore the energy that gives them life.Humans are not trusted or wanted in their quest.
The book is a dangerous adventure as these creatures are fighting among themselves to achieve the goal of restoring their energies to continue "living".
This is an intriguing, lyrical book that catches and hold the attention as it unfolds.