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Idiot Genius #1
Idiot Genius: Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy
"What an absolutely mind-blowing, flame-throwing, steampunking adventure!!" —T. Crum
National Indie Excellence Award ~ Winner for Juvenile Fiction / Independent Publisher Book Award ~ Medalist / International Rubery Book Award ~ Shortlist
Ever wonder why some crazy scientist hasn’t blown up the world? I used to wonder about it all the time. Actually, I was pretty sure my mom would be the one to do it.
But now I know better. It turns out there’s a force working hard to keep the world from going KABLOOEY.
Who are these people? Wait for it:
Idiots. Yep, you heard me right.
How do I know? Well, apparently, I’m an Idiot. At least, according to the Geniuses I am. Confused? I’m not surprised. You’re probably an Idiot too. Offended? You shouldn’t be—I called you an Idiot, not an idiot. There’s a difference, just as there’s a difference between a Genius and a genius. Confused and offended? It gets worse. There’s a third category: Idiot Genius. Those are the ones you really have to look out for. You see, Idiot Geniuses—for some unaccountable reason—are completely obsessed with "improving" the world. Maybe it’s encoded in their DNA. I don’t know. I didn’t get those genes. I have Idiot genes, which means that for an equally unaccountable reason, I’m obsessed with saving the world—usually from them.
I must warn you, my story isn’t a pretty one: abductions, time-traveling dragons, the Order of the Black Fez, highly verbal cats, a secret invisible city, condescending robots (condescending means they talk to you like you’re an Idiot; wait, is it condescending of me to explain what condescending means?), and that’s just for starters. —Willa Snap
Perfect for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society, Percy Jackson, Neil Gaiman, and the Artemis Fowl series, this action-packed adventure will take you to places you've never imagined, but always wanted to visit.
"It's unusual to see such sci-fi depth and detail in a title directed to young adults, but this is precisely what makes Idiot Genius: Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy such an appealing production: the characterization is solid while its fantastic setting will intrigue ages well beyond its intended 9-12-year-old audience. Highly recommended for young adults seeking something compellingly different." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
What fans are saying:
"There are plenty of books out there that I enjoy and find interesting, but rarely do I think while reading, ‘This is so much fun.’"
"Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy is a gorgeously written book."
"Absolutely delightful read!"
"I was hooked from the first paragraph."
"The story engages the imagination from the first page, and the writing is hilarious."
"Entertaining, engaging, fresh!"
"Very cool, need more right now."
"What an absolutely mind blowing, flame throwing, steampunking adventure!!"
"I would have adored it just as much at age twelve as I have enjoyed it now."
"I enjoyed the steady paced action that kept me turning pages until the end."
"We missed bed time plenty of times due to ‘just a few more pages!!’"
"Arcabascio's delightful illustrations are a real treat; there should be more clock punk cats in the world."
"Your passport is ready. Click purchase, and be prepared as the Black Fezzes start to circle."
"It was a great way to introduce my daughter to the world of steampunk that I love so much!"
"Amazing illustrations, even in the Kindle edition.”
National Indie Excellence Award ~ Winner for Juvenile Fiction / Independent Publisher Book Award ~ Medalist / International Rubery Book Award ~ Shortlist
Ever wonder why some crazy scientist hasn’t blown up the world? I used to wonder about it all the time. Actually, I was pretty sure my mom would be the one to do it.
But now I know better. It turns out there’s a force working hard to keep the world from going KABLOOEY.
Who are these people? Wait for it:
Idiots. Yep, you heard me right.
How do I know? Well, apparently, I’m an Idiot. At least, according to the Geniuses I am. Confused? I’m not surprised. You’re probably an Idiot too. Offended? You shouldn’t be—I called you an Idiot, not an idiot. There’s a difference, just as there’s a difference between a Genius and a genius. Confused and offended? It gets worse. There’s a third category: Idiot Genius. Those are the ones you really have to look out for. You see, Idiot Geniuses—for some unaccountable reason—are completely obsessed with "improving" the world. Maybe it’s encoded in their DNA. I don’t know. I didn’t get those genes. I have Idiot genes, which means that for an equally unaccountable reason, I’m obsessed with saving the world—usually from them.
I must warn you, my story isn’t a pretty one: abductions, time-traveling dragons, the Order of the Black Fez, highly verbal cats, a secret invisible city, condescending robots (condescending means they talk to you like you’re an Idiot; wait, is it condescending of me to explain what condescending means?), and that’s just for starters. —Willa Snap
Perfect for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society, Percy Jackson, Neil Gaiman, and the Artemis Fowl series, this action-packed adventure will take you to places you've never imagined, but always wanted to visit.
"It's unusual to see such sci-fi depth and detail in a title directed to young adults, but this is precisely what makes Idiot Genius: Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy such an appealing production: the characterization is solid while its fantastic setting will intrigue ages well beyond its intended 9-12-year-old audience. Highly recommended for young adults seeking something compellingly different." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
What fans are saying:
"There are plenty of books out there that I enjoy and find interesting, but rarely do I think while reading, ‘This is so much fun.’"
"Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy is a gorgeously written book."
"Absolutely delightful read!"
"I was hooked from the first paragraph."
"The story engages the imagination from the first page, and the writing is hilarious."
"Entertaining, engaging, fresh!"
"Very cool, need more right now."
"What an absolutely mind blowing, flame throwing, steampunking adventure!!"
"I would have adored it just as much at age twelve as I have enjoyed it now."
"I enjoyed the steady paced action that kept me turning pages until the end."
"We missed bed time plenty of times due to ‘just a few more pages!!’"
"Arcabascio's delightful illustrations are a real treat; there should be more clock punk cats in the world."
"Your passport is ready. Click purchase, and be prepared as the Black Fezzes start to circle."
"It was a great way to introduce my daughter to the world of steampunk that I love so much!"
"Amazing illustrations, even in the Kindle edition.”
348 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2017
160 people are currently reading
3195 people want to read
About the author
Richard Due
3 books210 followersI edit Willa Snap's highly illegal memoirs: sentient Clockwerks, time-traveling dragons, highly verbal cats—that kind of thing.
And when not shifting unpredictably into third person, Richard lives with his wife, two lovely daughters, some cats, and four ducks, in a magical bookstore that is—quite frankly—the only thing that stands between you and raging hordes of zombies who haven’t read a good book in, like, forever.
He has won an Independent Publisher Award, a National Indie Excellence Award, and a Moonbeam Children's Book Award. He’s also been recognized by Writer’s Digest, the International Rubery Book Award, and the Eric Hoffer Book Award.
WillaSnap.com
And when not shifting unpredictably into third person, Richard lives with his wife, two lovely daughters, some cats, and four ducks, in a magical bookstore that is—quite frankly—the only thing that stands between you and raging hordes of zombies who haven’t read a good book in, like, forever.
He has won an Independent Publisher Award, a National Indie Excellence Award, and a Moonbeam Children's Book Award. He’s also been recognized by Writer’s Digest, the International Rubery Book Award, and the Eric Hoffer Book Award.
WillaSnap.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 12, 2017
I was a Beta-reader for this book. I was supposed to be writing notes and comments in the margins but the book sucked me in so quickly and the pace was so fluid I was suddenly there at the end satisfied - with the edit pen still uncapped. Mr. Due's writing reminds me of a series of paintings where the artist uses the brightest colors and contrast available - just as those paintings please the eye his style and word choice please the reader. What a delight that his writing technique is complemented nicely by a truly unique, quirky, intelligent, and fun plot that left me at the end of the book wanting to learn more. This is definitely a book that will entertain the age group he has targeted and I suspect older readers as well. If you buy this book you'd do yourself a favor by blocking out some time to read it as you won't want to put it down until you are closing the cover with a smile.
March 12, 2022
This book was featured in the Middle Grade Madness Writer’s Showcase!
Quirky, imaginative, and completely unique. This was a steampunk extravaganza with bucketloads of mystery, fantasy, time travel and budding romance and friendships to spare. My, my, this was full to the brim with world-building, so much that it was quite possibly too much for my liking. Still, there was no denying it was a very thorough and detailed exploration of the fantastical city of Grandeur and its many burgs.
The characters were interesting to say the least. Willa was mostly likeable and her newfound friendships were great. The character growth in a lot of the characters was great to see.
The pacing was on the slow side, heavily laid down by the almost excessive world-building. But when the mystery started to unravel and the threads came together–boy, was it worth the wait! The ending was exquisite and the time travel aspects were very well-crafted, impressively so considering how tricky a concept time travel can always be.
All in all, this was an extremely solid launch of a new and exciting steampunk series and I look forward to reading more of Willa’s adventures in the next book!
Quirky, imaginative, and completely unique. This was a steampunk extravaganza with bucketloads of mystery, fantasy, time travel and budding romance and friendships to spare. My, my, this was full to the brim with world-building, so much that it was quite possibly too much for my liking. Still, there was no denying it was a very thorough and detailed exploration of the fantastical city of Grandeur and its many burgs.
The characters were interesting to say the least. Willa was mostly likeable and her newfound friendships were great. The character growth in a lot of the characters was great to see.
The pacing was on the slow side, heavily laid down by the almost excessive world-building. But when the mystery started to unravel and the threads came together–boy, was it worth the wait! The ending was exquisite and the time travel aspects were very well-crafted, impressively so considering how tricky a concept time travel can always be.
All in all, this was an extremely solid launch of a new and exciting steampunk series and I look forward to reading more of Willa’s adventures in the next book!
April 2, 2018
Throughly enjoyed the character Willa and the storyline
April 16, 2018
I received this book for free from goodreads
I laughed out loud at many parts of this inventive clever steampunk book. it is pure antasy, fast paced and wonderful to read. I recommend it
I laughed out loud at many parts of this inventive clever steampunk book. it is pure antasy, fast paced and wonderful to read. I recommend it
January 8, 2018
Willamina Snap is an eleven year old girl who lived in Cambridge Massachusetts. One day, her and her family got taken to Grandeur, a city in a bubble that’s full of crazy things like “brewed” animal human hybrids, and sentient “clockwerks” or robots. In Grandeur, there are three main types of people: Idiots, people with an IQ lower than 160, Genesises, people with an IQ at or above 160, and Idiot Geniuses. These are special because Idiot Geniuses were the reason for creating Grandeur in the first place. They are Geniuses who invent dangerous things, without realizing that they’re dangerous. Willa’s mom happens to be an Idiot Genius, which is why her and her family are taken to Grandeur. While there, she meets new friends and possible enemies at her new school and goes on a crazy adventure to “save her timeline.” I would recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction, or science/inventions in general! This book hooked me from the first page and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series when it comes out!
April 28, 2018
A wonderfully written and delightful story for middle grade readers.
February 15, 2018
Both my 13-year-old son and I were captivated by Willa Snap, her world, and her adventure. I was hooked at the Table of Contents alone: The Order of the Black Fez, The Tantalizing Ticket, and Villa da Vinci are all book titles in their own right! Willa must adapt quickly to a new life, which brings an urgent energy to a beautifully and whimsically detailed story. In addition to the intelligently-written narrative, Arcabascio's delightful illustrations are a real treat; there should be more clock punk cats in the world. The decisions that the characters have to make when faced with dilemmas feel very real, despite being out of this world. With its strong female protagonist, steampunk influence, myriad gadgets, descriptions of real life inventors and inventions, and quality writing, I can't recommend this book enough. Did I mention clock punk cats? I'm not sure that I would want to visit Grandeur, since it seems a bit challenging to go home again, but we sure are looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 4, 2018
Won from a Goodreads giveaway
There are plenty of books out there that I enjoy and find interesting, but rarely do I think while reading, "This is so much fun."
Well, Idiot Genius: Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy, is fun. Seriously. I had a blast reading this, and I don't even fit into the younger audience it's aimed at.
While the story starts in the world we know, Richard Due wastes little time before introducing us to a whole new secret place in that very same world. I won't go into detail, because I don't want to spoil anything, but I loved the world building done here. With the excellent descriptions, and even occasional images, it made me wish I could go explore the city of Grandeur myself.
Sadly, my Idiot self seems to be stuck in the normal world...at least until the next book.
There are plenty of books out there that I enjoy and find interesting, but rarely do I think while reading, "This is so much fun."
Well, Idiot Genius: Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy, is fun. Seriously. I had a blast reading this, and I don't even fit into the younger audience it's aimed at.
While the story starts in the world we know, Richard Due wastes little time before introducing us to a whole new secret place in that very same world. I won't go into detail, because I don't want to spoil anything, but I loved the world building done here. With the excellent descriptions, and even occasional images, it made me wish I could go explore the city of Grandeur myself.
Sadly, my Idiot self seems to be stuck in the normal world...at least until the next book.
July 27, 2018
Rubery Prize Shortlisted 2018
There is plenty to like about this novel. It is full of fun, and clearly the product of a quirky, inventive mind, ideal for children's writing. Willa is a smart, likeable child with no prejudices. She, her genius mother and practical father (no problem with gender stereotypes here) are kidnapped and taken to a world where they experience bizarre encounters with a variety of unlikely entities. The narrative is often very witty and the absurdity of the story is what carries it along. The pace is fast and the plot farcical in places which is what children will like about it. This would appeal to the 10-12 age range, although a certain amount of intelligence is assumed, otherwise too many of the jokes would be missed.
There is plenty to like about this novel. It is full of fun, and clearly the product of a quirky, inventive mind, ideal for children's writing. Willa is a smart, likeable child with no prejudices. She, her genius mother and practical father (no problem with gender stereotypes here) are kidnapped and taken to a world where they experience bizarre encounters with a variety of unlikely entities. The narrative is often very witty and the absurdity of the story is what carries it along. The pace is fast and the plot farcical in places which is what children will like about it. This would appeal to the 10-12 age range, although a certain amount of intelligence is assumed, otherwise too many of the jokes would be missed.
April 15, 2018
Idiot Genius
Gather your imagination and sift yourself in for a jaunt in the life of a eleven year old girl who is relocated to a world full of idiots. Nothing like the types we might imagine, but lands where types are living in their own neighborhood of steamworks, windworks and other districts. You attend an Idiot school and are encouraged to become someone other than your goal. Mysterious things such as smoothies, mettle men, Black Fez groups patrol thoughts and behaviors considered dangerous to the community. Enter a clockwerk boy, dragons unicorns and more to send you into hour's of concentrated reading and you're here.
Gather your imagination and sift yourself in for a jaunt in the life of a eleven year old girl who is relocated to a world full of idiots. Nothing like the types we might imagine, but lands where types are living in their own neighborhood of steamworks, windworks and other districts. You attend an Idiot school and are encouraged to become someone other than your goal. Mysterious things such as smoothies, mettle men, Black Fez groups patrol thoughts and behaviors considered dangerous to the community. Enter a clockwerk boy, dragons unicorns and more to send you into hour's of concentrated reading and you're here.
July 17, 2018
Spectacularly entertaining!
This streamline middle-grade to young adult fantasy was a highly entertaining read. A perfect choice to help expand your vocabulary and increase your curiosity. I especially enjoyed the Flying Wallendas reference, having caught a performance of theirs with Circus Impossible last summer.
I can't wait to share this book with my daughter. I know she's going to love it just as much as I did.
*I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
This streamline middle-grade to young adult fantasy was a highly entertaining read. A perfect choice to help expand your vocabulary and increase your curiosity. I especially enjoyed the Flying Wallendas reference, having caught a performance of theirs with Circus Impossible last summer.
I can't wait to share this book with my daughter. I know she's going to love it just as much as I did.
*I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The review is my own, honest and unsolicited.
March 28, 2018
I won this book as a FirstReads giveaway.
To be honest and blunt, I struggled with it.
I attempted to shift my mindset to that of a youngen and suspend my belief of reality but had a hard time believing an 11 year old would act so mature. I did enjoy how Willa was outspoken, brave, observant, passionate and reckless. I tried not to let the over descriptive world building get to me - once again I struggled to get into the mindset. (Over description is a pet peeve of mine with YA and adult books as well and I complain of it often.) I was pleased by the writing style, character development, flow and pace of action. It ended with a cliffhanger but still wrapped up the story well. The illustrations were lovely and I would have liked to see more of them. I have to be honest and rate it a 3 because it didn't really "grab" me like a 4 should.
To be honest and blunt, I struggled with it.
I attempted to shift my mindset to that of a youngen and suspend my belief of reality but had a hard time believing an 11 year old would act so mature. I did enjoy how Willa was outspoken, brave, observant, passionate and reckless. I tried not to let the over descriptive world building get to me - once again I struggled to get into the mindset. (Over description is a pet peeve of mine with YA and adult books as well and I complain of it often.) I was pleased by the writing style, character development, flow and pace of action. It ended with a cliffhanger but still wrapped up the story well. The illustrations were lovely and I would have liked to see more of them. I have to be honest and rate it a 3 because it didn't really "grab" me like a 4 should.
January 15, 2020
Excellent story, I look forward to the second one
October 23, 2019
Fun story, a little rushed, but looking forward to book 2!
I received a free copy of this book in a giveaway on Goodreads, but I decided to review the book after reading it just to share my thoughts. This is the start of a series that I sincerely hope continues because I'm so curious to know what happens next and there's so much left unexplained that I want to know about in this new world. Very unique and interesting steampunk story, probably aimed at middle school age, but I still enjoyed it as an adult. I will say that I felt rushed into the secret world and rushed through the entire story. Action packed adventures for an eleven year old and her new friends. I could have used a bit more down time to get to know the characters and their world. I'm sure it was intentional since we were learning about everything along with the main character, but I would have appreciated a little more background. A little strange that the main character just accepts and rolls with all the new experiences without much concern or caution, and doesn't question things as much as it feels like she should as a child in a new place with so much advanced technology and geniuses everywhere. I don't think she's an Idiot like she thinks she is... Ready for book 2!
I received a free copy of this book in a giveaway on Goodreads, but I decided to review the book after reading it just to share my thoughts. This is the start of a series that I sincerely hope continues because I'm so curious to know what happens next and there's so much left unexplained that I want to know about in this new world. Very unique and interesting steampunk story, probably aimed at middle school age, but I still enjoyed it as an adult. I will say that I felt rushed into the secret world and rushed through the entire story. Action packed adventures for an eleven year old and her new friends. I could have used a bit more down time to get to know the characters and their world. I'm sure it was intentional since we were learning about everything along with the main character, but I would have appreciated a little more background. A little strange that the main character just accepts and rolls with all the new experiences without much concern or caution, and doesn't question things as much as it feels like she should as a child in a new place with so much advanced technology and geniuses everywhere. I don't think she's an Idiot like she thinks she is... Ready for book 2!
July 13, 2021
Fantasticaliciousness!
Willa Snap is so cool! When her family is abducted to Grandeur, Willa is pulled by the Clockwork Boy into a steam-punky, talking-cat adventure to save her time line. Dragons? Sure! Elephantkin pirate battles? Hellzya! Ghosts and tarantula cabs? Definitely.
I love this story Richard, and I'm really looking forward to Willa's next adventure!
Willa Snap is so cool! When her family is abducted to Grandeur, Willa is pulled by the Clockwork Boy into a steam-punky, talking-cat adventure to save her time line. Dragons? Sure! Elephantkin pirate battles? Hellzya! Ghosts and tarantula cabs? Definitely.
I love this story Richard, and I'm really looking forward to Willa's next adventure!
July 30, 2019
Meet Willa Snap. She is an eleven-year-old who, one day, is abducted with her parents and her unusual cat to a fantastical world. There dragons are rumoured to exist, and strange animals and people with unique powers challenge the Snap family. Willa has a purpose beyond anything she could have imagined.
This is an enjoyable story of adventure, mystery, fantasy. Richard Due has an amazing imagination.
This is an enjoyable story of adventure, mystery, fantasy. Richard Due has an amazing imagination.
January 10, 2019
It was really good. I was always laughing at different parts
August 28, 2019
Very fun read
A very fun read! I read it before I gave it to my daughter and I was highly entertained. Before I finished I was getting a little sad that it was ending. I can't wait for the next book so me and my daughter can read it together.
A very fun read! I read it before I gave it to my daughter and I was highly entertained. Before I finished I was getting a little sad that it was ending. I can't wait for the next book so me and my daughter can read it together.
November 20, 2018
Wow that was a crazy ride
I love an original book and this one is full of wild ideas that well written enough to still seem plausible. This may be a child book but a good story can work for any age
I love an original book and this one is full of wild ideas that well written enough to still seem plausible. This may be a child book but a good story can work for any age
October 8, 2018
Willa Snap is the kind of book that fandoms are born from! If you like to immerse yourself in unique fantastical worlds or coming up with theories about the stories you visit Idiot Genius is for you!
There are so many interesting things about the world and characters of Idiot Genius; you can have a very different experience from one read to the next!
On my second read through I picked up on different details that sparked theories and a dire need for book two! If you're a fan of thought provoking stories that light up your sense of fantastic adventures Idiot Genius is a book for you!
There are so many interesting things about the world and characters of Idiot Genius; you can have a very different experience from one read to the next!
On my second read through I picked up on different details that sparked theories and a dire need for book two! If you're a fan of thought provoking stories that light up your sense of fantastic adventures Idiot Genius is a book for you!
April 5, 2018
Potential Review Biases:
* I won a free copy of this eBook in a GoodReads giveaway.
This book has a lot of things going for it: wacky hijinks, snarky characters, interesting world-building, good-pacing; and yet it just never clicked for me. Probably due to the impossibly cool & collected nature of the main character who repeatedly points out is only eleven years old.
* I won a free copy of this eBook in a GoodReads giveaway.
This book has a lot of things going for it: wacky hijinks, snarky characters, interesting world-building, good-pacing; and yet it just never clicked for me. Probably due to the impossibly cool & collected nature of the main character who repeatedly points out is only eleven years old.
July 20, 2021
I put off reading this book thinking it would be boring. I was so WRONG!! I absolutely loved it as devoured it in less than 24hrs. Willa is a fantastic main character who is fun to follow and the plot line is unique. I loved the use of complex words for middle grade readers that were made accessible by the author without sounding condescending. Very well written!
September 30, 2021
I buy a lot of books on Amazon. This one is the best purchase I've made! I am a slow reader. It can take me 2-3 weeks to finish a book (mainly because I get distracted reading other things). Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy is 348 pages long but I couldn't put it down. It has everything: endearing characters, mysteries that lead to more mysteries, a wonderful and imaginative world to explore … or rather to settle, not entirely comfortably, into.
It would be easy to say that Willa is a steampunk Harry Potter or Enola Holmes, but that's not true. Where Rowling works with traditional magic and Springer with Victorian literature, Mr Due has created his own world that is not steampunk, or magic, or superscience, though it has elements of all of those. Plus dragons and talking cats.
I was carrying the book with me and was at the hospital when I got to the hideous surprise at the beginning of Chapter Eighteen, and was so stunned that I had to tell half the people there about it.
Due (through Willa) doesn't tell a story ~ he takes you to Grandeur and its different burgs, winds you through his world of clockwerks, Idiots, Idiot Geniuses, elefantkin, BrainBoxes, WatchitMapCallits, minidirigies, BrainRents and bippies When the time machine starts up, all its whirling, spinning, careening parts got so confusing that I forgot I was reading about it and just experienced it. I felt full after dining at The Jolly Rajah's Man-o'-War o' Pancakes.
And then the final chapter, where we learn that all this has been a setup for the real story. I'm saving up my dolleurs for book 2. Can't wait to return to Grandeur!
It would be easy to say that Willa is a steampunk Harry Potter or Enola Holmes, but that's not true. Where Rowling works with traditional magic and Springer with Victorian literature, Mr Due has created his own world that is not steampunk, or magic, or superscience, though it has elements of all of those. Plus dragons and talking cats.
I was carrying the book with me and was at the hospital when I got to the hideous surprise at the beginning of Chapter Eighteen, and was so stunned that I had to tell half the people there about it.
Due (through Willa) doesn't tell a story ~ he takes you to Grandeur and its different burgs, winds you through his world of clockwerks, Idiots, Idiot Geniuses, elefantkin, BrainBoxes, WatchitMapCallits, minidirigies, BrainRents and bippies When the time machine starts up, all its whirling, spinning, careening parts got so confusing that I forgot I was reading about it and just experienced it. I felt full after dining at The Jolly Rajah's Man-o'-War o' Pancakes.
And then the final chapter, where we learn that all this has been a setup for the real story. I'm saving up my dolleurs for book 2. Can't wait to return to Grandeur!
February 28, 2019
Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy is a charming epic of how a normal girl is whisked into an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. Willa Snap's mother has created an invention that a person could put Washington D.C. inside of it, and once something is inside, everything within it is frozen in time.
As a result, the Black Fez arrive and take the family to Grandeur, a city to help contain people like Mrs. Snap. Upon arrival in Grandeur, she is greeted by a robot, or clockwerk, that warns her that her timeline is in danger (before running out of power). Soon after, she is introduced to her classmates at a school. They are full of secrets and mysteries too. Willa Snap is overwhelmed. Will she thrive in this new world or will it consume her? Is her timeline redeemable? If so, how? Find out in this first IDIOT GENIUS novel.
Opinion:
Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy is a gorgeously written book. I enjoyed the steady paced action that kept me turning pages until the end. The characters were engaging and were never out of place. Their secrets kept me on my toes, and the mystery of their background made me want to learn more. I am excited to read the next book in the series and continue on this journey with Willa Snap. I am also looking forward to finding out even more about the trained ninja memory assassins and clockwerks.
Reviewed by a Litpick student book reviewer, age 13
As a result, the Black Fez arrive and take the family to Grandeur, a city to help contain people like Mrs. Snap. Upon arrival in Grandeur, she is greeted by a robot, or clockwerk, that warns her that her timeline is in danger (before running out of power). Soon after, she is introduced to her classmates at a school. They are full of secrets and mysteries too. Willa Snap is overwhelmed. Will she thrive in this new world or will it consume her? Is her timeline redeemable? If so, how? Find out in this first IDIOT GENIUS novel.
Opinion:
Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy is a gorgeously written book. I enjoyed the steady paced action that kept me turning pages until the end. The characters were engaging and were never out of place. Their secrets kept me on my toes, and the mystery of their background made me want to learn more. I am excited to read the next book in the series and continue on this journey with Willa Snap. I am also looking forward to finding out even more about the trained ninja memory assassins and clockwerks.
Reviewed by a Litpick student book reviewer, age 13
December 18, 2020
I adore Steampunk! However, I’ve read many a steampunk adventure over burdened with affected language that stiffens the story like a Victorian corset. Not so in “Idiot Genius”. And yes, the story is as fun and silly as the title suggests.
The writing is brilliantly witty, as are the creatures and gadgets that populate Willa’s world. Much like “Nevermoor”, you want to see more and more of this world.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the plot can be a bit unfocused and isn’t so much a roller coaster ride as it is a lazy river ride. But who doesn’t enjoy the lazy river ride? So while I would have liked to have felt the rising conflicts and crescendos of an action packed steampunk adventure, I still had a blast reading this book. One of the most imaginative of the year.
The writing is brilliantly witty, as are the creatures and gadgets that populate Willa’s world. Much like “Nevermoor”, you want to see more and more of this world.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the plot can be a bit unfocused and isn’t so much a roller coaster ride as it is a lazy river ride. But who doesn’t enjoy the lazy river ride? So while I would have liked to have felt the rising conflicts and crescendos of an action packed steampunk adventure, I still had a blast reading this book. One of the most imaginative of the year.
April 1, 2020
Just - nothing I can say can do it justice... Read it.
It’s like Looney Tunes at its best, a blast for kids and a nod and wink at the “inside” jokes for adults, all with a story that will have the dreamers and Idiot-wannabes searching the streets for a glimpse of a black fez. It was SO MUCH FUN! I want more. now. And it’s 2:30 AM. And I’m old - 44. so, you know, old enough to know better. But I’m but I’m buying and starting the next one now. Responsibility be damned. If that didn’t convince you to try it, well, it’s probably not for you anyway and I’m sorry for that. Go practice imagining a world of things that can’t possibly be... but just might... then come back. Cake with ice cream for the curious, adventure-minded, fantasy AND sci fi lovers. Great. Now I want frosting.
It’s like Looney Tunes at its best, a blast for kids and a nod and wink at the “inside” jokes for adults, all with a story that will have the dreamers and Idiot-wannabes searching the streets for a glimpse of a black fez. It was SO MUCH FUN! I want more. now. And it’s 2:30 AM. And I’m old - 44. so, you know, old enough to know better. But I’m but I’m buying and starting the next one now. Responsibility be damned. If that didn’t convince you to try it, well, it’s probably not for you anyway and I’m sorry for that. Go practice imagining a world of things that can’t possibly be... but just might... then come back. Cake with ice cream for the curious, adventure-minded, fantasy AND sci fi lovers. Great. Now I want frosting.
January 6, 2019
Fun read.
Fun read. Kept me coming back to it when I had a moment. Little confused at times with passage of time every now and then seems like days are passing in one but I suppose that might be the point. Hoping the next one comes out soon.
Fun read. Kept me coming back to it when I had a moment. Little confused at times with passage of time every now and then seems like days are passing in one but I suppose that might be the point. Hoping the next one comes out soon.
September 22, 2021
Unique, strange, yet captivating
At first I wasn't sure what to make of this book, but I found that as I read on how clever the story was written, I never thought I would consider myself an Idiot, but now I'm proud to claim it. The unique characters and beautiful descriptions of a unusual world. This story will captivate and have you craving for new discoveries, I now want to research a lot of the historical facts that were brought up throughout this story. I can't wait to read about Willa's next adventures in Grandeur.
At first I wasn't sure what to make of this book, but I found that as I read on how clever the story was written, I never thought I would consider myself an Idiot, but now I'm proud to claim it. The unique characters and beautiful descriptions of a unusual world. This story will captivate and have you craving for new discoveries, I now want to research a lot of the historical facts that were brought up throughout this story. I can't wait to read about Willa's next adventures in Grandeur.
October 6, 2020
Story was good
I liked the set up, the steam punk world and Willa. What I didn't care for were truisms that were stuck in like you'd be an egotistical idiot if you didn't believe in aliens. Some of those were also stuck in the Grandeur family lineages. I get that authors have beliefs and opinions, but sometimes those jarred me out of the story because they didn't seem like 11-year-old thoughts.
Still curious enough about the plot and future Willa to likely read the next one though.
I liked the set up, the steam punk world and Willa. What I didn't care for were truisms that were stuck in like you'd be an egotistical idiot if you didn't believe in aliens. Some of those were also stuck in the Grandeur family lineages. I get that authors have beliefs and opinions, but sometimes those jarred me out of the story because they didn't seem like 11-year-old thoughts.
Still curious enough about the plot and future Willa to likely read the next one though.
June 23, 2023
A Smart, Fun, Rollicking Adventure
I first bought this book to read to my 10 year old son. We loved it so much that I chose it for our summer kids reading club, with six children, boys and girls, and everyone enjoyed it immensely. The characters and their adventures are colorful and exciting, and the deceptively outlandish storyline ticks along with the remarkable precision of a fine timepiece. There are undercurrents and discoveries to be made on every page, and we all finished the book wanting to find out what happens next to these endearing characters and their fantastic world. We can hardly wait for Mr. Due's next installment in the adventures of Willa and her friends.
I first bought this book to read to my 10 year old son. We loved it so much that I chose it for our summer kids reading club, with six children, boys and girls, and everyone enjoyed it immensely. The characters and their adventures are colorful and exciting, and the deceptively outlandish storyline ticks along with the remarkable precision of a fine timepiece. There are undercurrents and discoveries to be made on every page, and we all finished the book wanting to find out what happens next to these endearing characters and their fantastic world. We can hardly wait for Mr. Due's next installment in the adventures of Willa and her friends.
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