Written by Australian author Felicity Banks ‘Heart of Brass’ is an historically based novel adequate for the average twelve year old child. It is the first novel in the steampunk series ‘The Antipodean Queen’. It is a great book, with great description and knowledge of the subject. You also grow to hate or love each character, with a fantastic fantasy element of history.
Emmeline Muchamore has a heart made of brass. When one of the valves malfunctions Emmeline is forced to either steal some spare parts or die, due to a loss of money. She steals a necklace to build a new valve and is sent to Australia as a convict, during the gold rush.
She’ll meet friends and foe during her journey for gold. One problem: If anyone were to discover her explosive secret, her family name will be disgraced forever.
How will she survive? Find out in ‘Heart of Brass’.
Foot Note: If you like it as much as I do, I would also recommend the second book in this series, ‘Silver and Stone’.