The Wickwire Watch by Jacquelyn Hagen – SPFBO #9 Finals Review

Title: The Wickwire Watch

Author: Jacquelyn Hagen

Publisher: Self-Published

Genre: Steampunk / Fantasy

Release Date: September 9, 2022

Star Rating: 8/10

*Disclaimer*

Everyone is different and likes and dislikes different things. Reading is no exception. One person’s all-time favorite might seem too bland or too high stakes for another. That being said, the opinions of our judges in this contest are just that, opinions. Just because we let a book go, doesn’t mean it isn’t good. It could be your next favorite, who knows?

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you can learn more about the contest here.

Today we are reviewing The Wickwire Watch, which was Weatherwax Report’s pick for this year’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off. You can read their review here. And you can see the finalist spreadsheet here.

Summary

Trust no one.

It’s the first and greatest rule Inkwell Featherfield ever learned. It’s also the only way he knows how to survive—besides picking pockets, dodging the law, and using every ounce of his plucky charm. But none of this will be enough to save him now.

If only he’d never snooped around a dead man’s house. If only he’d never found that pocket watch full of strange magic. If only he’d known the old man had snuffed it at the hands of the ghostly Spektors, or that such dark spirits even existed, because now they’re after him.

When Ink is approached by an enigmatic group offering to keep him safe, he accepts—only to discover his rescuers are a band of infamous fugitives. Who knew they had a flair for winemaking? Or a penchant for sing-a-longs?

Thrust into a world of arcane horrors, powerful politicians, and dangers on every side, the boy has no choice but to finally break his rule and decide who to trust. But with all the secrets, magic, and mystery thickening around him—and the stakes so much higher than he ever imagined—it might just be downright impossible.

Our Thoughts

Julia

I really enjoyed The Wickwire Watch. The style reminded me a bit of Rotherweird, with a mix of cozy, dark, mystery, fantasy, airships, and its very own charm.

The book starts out with a mysterious death, and then adds in some intentionally blurry world building, which we only learn more about in small bits, right along with the main character. I quite enjoyed said MC quite a bit as well. He’s a boy all on its own, getting by with thievery and a bit of trickery. He’s feisty and reserved, and I really enjoyed seeing him grow, but still stay true to this character.

The next part of the book feels very different, more like cozy fantasy. It’s all about small village life, though this village is quite a bit different, which made it interesting to explore both the grounds, as well as the other inhabitants. There are some darker moments running underneath, again pointing at some mysterious past, but overall, it’s more of a comforting part.

I like how this book does twist and turn, and the style and tone adjust to fit what we learn, as we learn it. However, it missed a little something I can’t put my finger on to really be a full favourite.

Lana

I enjoyed The Wickwire Watch. It felt like part dark fantasy, part cozy mystery, part…something.

With a mysterious death, I was hooked by the first chapter and was intrigued about the world and characters as we were purposefully drip-fed information about both. Even the main character’s past was a mystery.

I felt like for most of the book I had a thousand questions and by the end only a couple of them were answered. And I think that was the reason something was missing for me. Though there were reveals closer to the end, I found it was a bit of a slog to get to that point.

I know a few friends that have read this and absolutely loved it. And I wonder if I missed something? 

The magic was interesting, and my favourite parts were the parts when the main character was not a part of the scene… There is a lot of history in the world, and I would’ve liked to spend more time. There was so many elements of this book that should’ve made it a favourite but there was something…missing. And it was overall, just enjoyable.

Kerry

The Wickwire Watch was such a conflicting book for me; months after finishing it, I can’t categorically say I enjoyed it even though there were sections I really liked.

I really enjoyed the worldbuilding. It certainly was atmospheric and I’ve always been fond of floating abodes since reading Lord Valentine’s Castle back in the 1980s. The opening line: “Had Mr. Bash known this was the night he was going to die, he would have stayed at home.” was certainly a hook for me. And the first third, with the introduction of some intriguing and beguiling characters, along with monsters that have “a massive pair of gaping jaws… revealing two hideous rows of silver teeth.” had me reading without a break until I got to the middle third of the book.

The pacing and excitement that made up the first part dropped off, and suddenly I was thrown into something that is apparently called “cottagecore”, and like the protagonist Ink, I was bored. I found myself skipping paragraphs or rereading them and ended up putting the book down for many weeks before picking it up again. Whilst the pacing did pick up again it didn’t convey the same energy as the first part of the book, and I was left with a sense of dissatisfaction. 

Yaniv

The Wickwire Watch is an emotionally charged story, and admittedly slowed paced. The novel follows the journey of Ink, a character whose unique personality is as intricate as the gears of the watch following the plot. Her story isn’t a standard one but is instead an immersive experience that will make you feel the character’s allure and grit.

Ink’s sharp intellect and unrelenting determination help them navigate the complex plot, filled to the brin with twists and turns. Ink’s interactions with other characters are skillfully woven into the story, creating an intricate tapestry that highlights the character’s significance in the unfolding mystery.

The brilliance of the story lies in how Ink’s character is portrayed—as a beacon of strength, intelligence, and humanity. Throughout the novel, Ink’s growth and transformation are palpable, making every victory more satisfying and every setback a moment of reflection for both the character and the reader.

While I find the book to be slower paced than I usually enjoy, this thoughtful tempo allows for a deeper immersion into the intricately crafted world the author has created. It gives the narrative space to develop, and the characters, particularly Ink, room to fully reveal themselves.

For those readers willing to embark on this literary journey, the rewards are immeasurable, culminating in a rather satisfying reading experience that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

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And again, you can see the list of all the finalists and their scores here. Our judges are Adawia Asad, Julia Kitvaria Sarene, Kerry Smith, Lana Taylor, Robert Max Freeman, Yaniv Rosenfeld Cohen, and Jennie Ivins (me). If you’d like to learn more about us, including our likes and dislikes, you can read about them here.

Any queries should be directed at me, Jennie Ivins, via DM on Facebook and Twitter.

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