Dominion

Gr 4–8—Molly Stout lives with her father and brothers on their airship, the Legerdemain. She works as the ship's engineer, helping catch the spirits that fuel her world's technology. When Molly's first independent catch, a powerful spirit, speaks to her and claims to have known her legendary ancestor Haviland Stout, Molly begins to realize that much of what she knows about the world around her is false. Molly's drive to understand the true nature and history of the spirits leads her to risk her life as she investigates Haviland Industries, the company that controls the city. Molly is an independent and thoughtful character, and her skill as an engineer enhances her appeal. Molly's alcoholic father and older siblings are clearly drawn and have important roles to play as well, and the relationship and dialogue among them are realistic. Arbuthnott creates an intriguing steampunk world with a smooth combination of technology and magic, and he uses fast-paced adventure to bring readers along on Molly's journey. Parallels to our own world and themes dealing with industrialism and change add substance to the tale.