The Watchmaker of Filigree Street A Bewitching Tale of Historical Fantasy, Magic, Love and a Clockwork Octopus

"The Watchmaker of Filigree Street" is a novel packed with immersive world building, loveable characters, clever humour and friendly banter that had me cackling out loud multiple times. Pulley's way with words immediately pulled me in - especially the description of the "supernatural aspects" (to avoid any spoilers) was so easily digestible - like: "Oh yes, of Course that's how that works!" But not only her style of writing captivated me - you can tell how much research went into this novel, it manages to really transport you into 19th century London. All in all a brilliant novel, especially considering it's her debut. I could hardly put it down and immediately went and bought the follow-up "The Lost Future of Pepperharrow". Highly recommend!

Leading the mundane life of a Home Office telegraph clerk in London around 1880, Thaniel Steepleton is slightly amused when he notices that one night a stranger has broken into his home, done the washing up (!) and left a mysterious watch behind. However, as the watch saves his life a few months later, his normal daily life is not only turned upside down but takes a marvelous spin for the adventurous. Through her characters, Natasha Pulley brilliantly evokes the time and atmosphere of Victorian England and Samurai Japan in the late 19th century. Her narrative combines a perfectly balanced mix of mysterious steampunk, gentle adventure and a highly accurate historical touch. The story's in-depth development and tone make up for a most entertaining and exciting read without any need for over-dramatic bloodshed or pseudo-cruel psychothriller elements. There are not many others with this kind of narrative talent.

Absolut bezaubernd und ungewöhnlich! Hätte mich Natasha Pulley nicht schon gleich zu Beginn mit dem leuchtend gelben Dis der Treppenstufe erwischt, dann wäre es spätestens mit dem mechanischen Oktopus um mich geschehen. Sehr gelungenes Debüt.