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The League of Seven #1
The League of Seven
The launch of a middle grade fantasy trilogy set in an alternate 1870s America, where electricity is a dangerous and forbidden science, Native Americans and Yankees live side-by-side as a United Nations, and eldritch evil lurks in the shadows beyond the gaslights...
Young Archie Dent knows there really are monster in the world. His parents are members of the Septemberist Society, whose job it is to protect humanity from hideous giants called the Mangleborn. Trapped in underground prisons for a thousand years, the giant monsters have been all but forgotten -- but now they are rising again as the steam-driven America of 1875 rediscovers electricity, the lifeblood of the Mangleborn.
When his parents and the rest of The Septemberists are brainwashed by one of the evil creatures, Archie must assemble a team of seven young heroes to save the world.
Young Archie Dent knows there really are monster in the world. His parents are members of the Septemberist Society, whose job it is to protect humanity from hideous giants called the Mangleborn. Trapped in underground prisons for a thousand years, the giant monsters have been all but forgotten -- but now they are rising again as the steam-driven America of 1875 rediscovers electricity, the lifeblood of the Mangleborn.
When his parents and the rest of The Septemberists are brainwashed by one of the evil creatures, Archie must assemble a team of seven young heroes to save the world.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 19, 2014
About the author
Alan Gratz
32 books3,747 followersAlan Gratz is the bestselling author of a number of novels for young readers. His 2017 novel Refugee has spent more than two years on the New York Times bestseller list, and is the winner of 14 state awards. Its other accolades include the Sydney Taylor Book Award, the National Jewish Book Award, the Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Award, a Charlotte Huck Award Honor, and a Malka Penn Award for Human Rights Honor. Refugee was also a Global Read Aloud Book for 2018.
Alan’s novel Grenade debuted at number three on the New York Times bestseller list, and his most recent book, Allies, debuted at number two on the list and received four starred reviews. His other books include Prisoner B-3087, which was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Readers pick and winner of eight state awards; Projekt 1065, a Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2016 and winner of five state awards; Code of Honor, a YALSA Quick Pick for Young Readers; and Ban This Book, which was featured by Whoopi Goldberg on The View.
Alan has traveled extensively to talk about his books, appearing at schools and book festivals in 39 states and a half-dozen countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Switzerland, and has been a Writer in Residence at Tokyo’s American School in Japan, the James Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio, and the Jakarta Intercultural School in Indonesia.
Alan was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, home of the 1982 World’s Fair. After a carefree but humid childhood, Alan attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing, and, later, a Master’s degree in English education. He now lives with his family in Asheville, North Carolina, where he enjoys playing games, eating pizza, and, perhaps not too surprisingly, reading books.
Alan’s novel Grenade debuted at number three on the New York Times bestseller list, and his most recent book, Allies, debuted at number two on the list and received four starred reviews. His other books include Prisoner B-3087, which was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Readers pick and winner of eight state awards; Projekt 1065, a Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2016 and winner of five state awards; Code of Honor, a YALSA Quick Pick for Young Readers; and Ban This Book, which was featured by Whoopi Goldberg on The View.
Alan has traveled extensively to talk about his books, appearing at schools and book festivals in 39 states and a half-dozen countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Switzerland, and has been a Writer in Residence at Tokyo’s American School in Japan, the James Thurber House in Columbus, Ohio, and the Jakarta Intercultural School in Indonesia.
Alan was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, home of the 1982 World’s Fair. After a carefree but humid childhood, Alan attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing, and, later, a Master’s degree in English education. He now lives with his family in Asheville, North Carolina, where he enjoys playing games, eating pizza, and, perhaps not too surprisingly, reading books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
September 7, 2017
I grabbed this off the shelf the other day when helping my middle daughter look for something to read... steam punk and the intriguing alternate history setting got me interested, so we grabbed it.
She seems to have since lost interest, but I gave it a shot. It tries just a bit too hard to do everything. The author says he took everything he thought was cool when he was 10 and added it all it, and that, sadly is the truth. There's just too much going on, none of it will. The steampunk element comes because electricity summons Lovecraftian horrors that have destroyed civilization several times. In this alternate history, the Romans colonized America, as Atlantis before them, but there's little in actual info. We are presented a world where Native Americans own North America, but only vague hints of how they got cut off from Europe when the monsters rose some time before the American Revolution (maybe) that didn't happen.
Add to that the titular 'League of Seven' (a epochal version of the Justice League) fighting as part of a secret society that fights electric progress and Thomas Edison (who seems to be the bad guy of choice in Steam Punk these days), and there's just too much going on.
There were some fun things.. steam robots, crazy Nicola Tesla, tin foil hats that actually work, just to name a few. But there's just too much at once.. none of the cool ideas are really developed enough, and the characters, while decent, aren't enough to cover up the faults.
Also, as a minor but VERY annoying thing, the book lists an illustrator on the cover, as if there are illustrations that perhaps are important, and has a pretty cool cover. Inside, the the 'illustrations' are small pics at the start of each chapter that are simple a bit of the cover made black and white... I felt a bit cheated there.
I suspect the target audience will probably like this book more than I did.. it's not a bad read. It's the wasted potential that got my goat.
She seems to have since lost interest, but I gave it a shot. It tries just a bit too hard to do everything. The author says he took everything he thought was cool when he was 10 and added it all it, and that, sadly is the truth. There's just too much going on, none of it will. The steampunk element comes because electricity summons Lovecraftian horrors that have destroyed civilization several times. In this alternate history, the Romans colonized America, as Atlantis before them, but there's little in actual info. We are presented a world where Native Americans own North America, but only vague hints of how they got cut off from Europe when the monsters rose some time before the American Revolution (maybe) that didn't happen.
Add to that the titular 'League of Seven' (a epochal version of the Justice League) fighting as part of a secret society that fights electric progress and Thomas Edison (who seems to be the bad guy of choice in Steam Punk these days), and there's just too much going on.
There were some fun things.. steam robots, crazy Nicola Tesla, tin foil hats that actually work, just to name a few. But there's just too much at once.. none of the cool ideas are really developed enough, and the characters, while decent, aren't enough to cover up the faults.
Also, as a minor but VERY annoying thing, the book lists an illustrator on the cover, as if there are illustrations that perhaps are important, and has a pretty cool cover. Inside, the the 'illustrations' are small pics at the start of each chapter that are simple a bit of the cover made black and white... I felt a bit cheated there.
I suspect the target audience will probably like this book more than I did.. it's not a bad read. It's the wasted potential that got my goat.
March 18, 2024
Archie's parents are part of the Septemberist Society, a secret organization that has kept evil monsters locked away for centuries. When the Swarm Queen begins to awaken out of her prison, Archie's parents are kidnapped and brainwashed to release the monster. Archie and his robot servant have to unravel the secrets of the ancient civilizations that imprisoned all the monsters in the first place. Along the way, Archie befriends two other children who are also searching for answers... and revenge.
I really loved the imaginative setting in this book! There are all these different tribes and states, and I especially appreciate the cool map of all the different nations and republics. Electricity (or as they call it "lektricity") is forbidden because the monsters feed on it and grow strong enough to break out of their prisons, so everything is run on steam power. It's like this interesting alternate history for North America that is really weird and different.
I liked the characters very much. They are all complex and diverse. Archie is especially conflicted because his parents have been taken, and he has these ideas about being a hero to save them. But he begins to realize that there are more secrets in the Septemberist society than he ever knew. Because of these secrets, he begins to question his family history and his whole identity. This throws the whole team into chaos, and they all have to deal with conflicting emotions and try to stay on track with their mission to stop the Swarm Queen.
The plot moves along quickly with many different battles and adventures. There is a lot of intrigue and secrets and mysteries that I enjoyed reading about.
The writing style is really good, and it brings you into the story. But I found myself skimming through some of the descriptions.
I really loved the imaginative setting in this book! There are all these different tribes and states, and I especially appreciate the cool map of all the different nations and republics. Electricity (or as they call it "lektricity") is forbidden because the monsters feed on it and grow strong enough to break out of their prisons, so everything is run on steam power. It's like this interesting alternate history for North America that is really weird and different.
I liked the characters very much. They are all complex and diverse. Archie is especially conflicted because his parents have been taken, and he has these ideas about being a hero to save them. But he begins to realize that there are more secrets in the Septemberist society than he ever knew. Because of these secrets, he begins to question his family history and his whole identity. This throws the whole team into chaos, and they all have to deal with conflicting emotions and try to stay on track with their mission to stop the Swarm Queen.
The plot moves along quickly with many different battles and adventures. There is a lot of intrigue and secrets and mysteries that I enjoyed reading about.
The writing style is really good, and it brings you into the story. But I found myself skimming through some of the descriptions.
February 3, 2016
This was a very fun YA steam punk. It had a great alternate history, and I can't wait to see where it goes next.
June 20, 2023
The League of Seven (My Kindle Review)
Taking place in an alternate timeline in 1870s America where electricity is banned and steam power rules, it is also being protected by the Septemberist Society whose purpose is to keep away dangerous Mangleborn creatures. However, the society and Archie’s parents who are associated with them are mysteriously brainwashed. Now he and his robot companion Mr. Rivets will go a quest to rescue them and will quickly find other companions that will help him as he attempts to find out who’s doing this.
It’s a thrilling steampunk adventure with an interesting setting and a story with a few surprises in the second half, even if it’s another story about an MP and companions on a life changing quest. It’s biggest twist definitely center on Archie and his family and how he may have some sort of hidden power. Archie’s story still has more to tell. A- (91%/Excellent)
Taking place in an alternate timeline in 1870s America where electricity is banned and steam power rules, it is also being protected by the Septemberist Society whose purpose is to keep away dangerous Mangleborn creatures. However, the society and Archie’s parents who are associated with them are mysteriously brainwashed. Now he and his robot companion Mr. Rivets will go a quest to rescue them and will quickly find other companions that will help him as he attempts to find out who’s doing this.
It’s a thrilling steampunk adventure with an interesting setting and a story with a few surprises in the second half, even if it’s another story about an MP and companions on a life changing quest. It’s biggest twist definitely center on Archie and his family and how he may have some sort of hidden power. Archie’s story still has more to tell. A- (91%/Excellent)
August 12, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The League of Seven is a steampunk adventure for middle grade readers. It takes place in a world that is completely unique, with an alternate history. It's kind of difficult for me to explain my thoughts about this book. I started this book immediately after reading the best middle grade (also steampunk) book of the year, Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times. Sometimes when I read a book so spectacular and amazing, other books simply pale in comparison. That's kind of what happened here. It makes me think my response may not be too fair, so when I hovered between 2 and 3 stars, I decided to rate up and stick with 3.
Don't get me wrong, The League of Seven was a good read. The story was unique and I liked the characters a lot. The friendship that developed between Hachi, Fergus, and Archie was inspiring and realistic. Hachi, the girl, impressed me the most. Of the three friends, she was the only girl and also was "the warrior." She constantly saved the lives of the boys, and was fighting while they hid or stayed out of her way. It was brilliant! I can't tell you how long I've waited for a middle grade book to have a sensitive girl who is the warrior (self-taught) who keeps the boys alive! I was cheering for her from the start.
The only real criticism I can make it that it took me awhile to get into it, and I felt like the book was missing something. There was a spark that is usually present that I didn't really sense at all. Unfortunately, I can't really describe it any better than that.
The story had enough creativity, myth, and action to interest me. If you're obsessed with steampunk, you'd like this story. It may not be the best steampunk tale of the year, but it was good. The message it gives is more positive for females than is the norm, and for that alone I give it a thumbs up.
The League of Seven is a steampunk adventure for middle grade readers. It takes place in a world that is completely unique, with an alternate history. It's kind of difficult for me to explain my thoughts about this book. I started this book immediately after reading the best middle grade (also steampunk) book of the year, Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times. Sometimes when I read a book so spectacular and amazing, other books simply pale in comparison. That's kind of what happened here. It makes me think my response may not be too fair, so when I hovered between 2 and 3 stars, I decided to rate up and stick with 3.
Don't get me wrong, The League of Seven was a good read. The story was unique and I liked the characters a lot. The friendship that developed between Hachi, Fergus, and Archie was inspiring and realistic. Hachi, the girl, impressed me the most. Of the three friends, she was the only girl and also was "the warrior." She constantly saved the lives of the boys, and was fighting while they hid or stayed out of her way. It was brilliant! I can't tell you how long I've waited for a middle grade book to have a sensitive girl who is the warrior (self-taught) who keeps the boys alive! I was cheering for her from the start.
The only real criticism I can make it that it took me awhile to get into it, and I felt like the book was missing something. There was a spark that is usually present that I didn't really sense at all. Unfortunately, I can't really describe it any better than that.
The story had enough creativity, myth, and action to interest me. If you're obsessed with steampunk, you'd like this story. It may not be the best steampunk tale of the year, but it was good. The message it gives is more positive for females than is the norm, and for that alone I give it a thumbs up.
February 20, 2017
Chump, chump, chump! What a blast, a stupendous 12 year old's steampunk novel. Archie Dent, Fergus McFerguson, and Hachi plus Mr. Rivets a mechanical wind-up man. Their first adventure is a fast paced death defying chase down the eastern seaboard to Florida. The head villain is Thomas Edison who wants to release the Swarm Queen. A monster that cannot be killed and she has captured Archie's parents. Oh one more thing Edison has turned Fergus into an electrostatic computer.
January 13, 2016
The content does not seem appropriate for a middle grade book.
June 5, 2022
2022-23 Elementary School Battle of the Books selection
Interesting work. It's a steampunk novel for kids/teens, focused on how "lektricity" has brought about the end of civilizations over and over again. Nice cast of characters, and the Mangleborn remind me quite a bit of Lovecraft's Old Ones.
Looks like this is a trilogy. Not sure if I'll have time to pick up the other 2 volumes, but if I do, I think I'll give them a try.
Interesting work. It's a steampunk novel for kids/teens, focused on how "lektricity" has brought about the end of civilizations over and over again. Nice cast of characters, and the Mangleborn remind me quite a bit of Lovecraft's Old Ones.
Looks like this is a trilogy. Not sure if I'll have time to pick up the other 2 volumes, but if I do, I think I'll give them a try.
August 10, 2022
Cute, steampunk, middle grade. Good for a quick read
September 17, 2015
Archie Dent’s parents are members of a secret society that knows about the giant monsters who want to enslave humanity. He’s always known about the Mangleborn who were buried by past League of Seven members, aided by the Septemberist Society. The League is always seven: a tinker, a law-bringer, a scientist, a trickster, a warrior, a strongman, and a hero. And now that the Mangleborn are attempting to escape again, a new League will form.
But all Archie knows right now is that his parents have been brainwashed by Manglespawn and in order to save them, he needs help. Along the way he meets Hachi, a Seminole girl with impressive skills with a knife; Fergus, a Yankee with an aptitude for machines; and there’s the Tik Tok machine man named Mr. Rivets, owned by Archie’s parents and tasked to keep his young charge safe.
But it’s only by working together that they can stop Edison from waking the Mangleborn buried in the swamps of Florida.
This new series by Alan Gratz (author of an eclectic group of novels), starts off with THE LEAGUE OF SEVEN, and follows our young heroes as they begin to discover their destiny. They travel across the continent as they look for help–they are only kids after all–and eventually take matters into their own hands.
The three kids–Archie, Hachi, and Fergus–all play an important part of LEAGE. Archie has grown up knowing about Mangleborn and how important it is to stop them. This gives him an impetus to stop the one in the Florida swamp. Well, that and saving his parents. He imagines himself as the League’s leader, seeing as how he doesn’t have any other special abilities, following in the footsteps of previous heroes like Theseus of Greek fame. He can’t quite seem to convince Hachi or Fergus of their potential as members of the League. Hachi is hell-bent on revenge for her father’s death, and conveniently her goal aligns with Archie’s. Fergus’ entire world is turned upside-down by Edison and realizes that science for science’s sake isn’t enough if your boss is a madman, so of course has to join the fight to stop him.
These kids are enjoyable characters with definite personalities and drive, but since the book is plot-driven they don’t get above the initial characterization. Archie does get whiney at the end as he discovers his destiny and his potential for darker, destructive urges he doesn’t understand. This darkness may bother more sensitive children; at the same time if the characterization is done right, I’d be very interested to see where Gratz takes these kids in the sequels, and how he resolves this particular issue.
Our young heroes live in a world where electricity is what fuels Mangleborn, and the Septemberist Society does everything it can to make sure every attempt at electricity’s discovery and use is sabotaged. As an alternate 1875 America, this world relies on steam and the book contains creative touches such as the robotic Tik Tok men, pneumatic tubes, and flying ships. I understand why the map consists of Native American tribe boundaries, as well as the inclusion of Yankees to the east; but I had a little trouble with understanding the conclusion Gratz draws with this alternate evolution of science and technology in this different world. My attempts to reconcile what I know about Native American culture and the influx of immigrants to this country remained unexplained. However, this may not bother other readers who may think this alternate reality an intriguing possibility.
Eventually Archie, Hachi, and Fergus discover that working as a team is what makes them successful. The only way they can get through their obstacles is by using all of their unique characteristics in tandem. The story moves quickly, the end is exciting, and our heroes discover important things about themselves–for good or ill. I’m already halfway through the sequel.
Recommended Age: 10+ but some dark themes may bother more sensitive children
Language: None
Violence: Our heroes experience peril, injuries, and witness death and horrible monsters; and poor Archie must deal with his inner demons
Sex: None
***Find this and other reviews at Elitistbookreviews.com***
But all Archie knows right now is that his parents have been brainwashed by Manglespawn and in order to save them, he needs help. Along the way he meets Hachi, a Seminole girl with impressive skills with a knife; Fergus, a Yankee with an aptitude for machines; and there’s the Tik Tok machine man named Mr. Rivets, owned by Archie’s parents and tasked to keep his young charge safe.
But it’s only by working together that they can stop Edison from waking the Mangleborn buried in the swamps of Florida.
This new series by Alan Gratz (author of an eclectic group of novels), starts off with THE LEAGUE OF SEVEN, and follows our young heroes as they begin to discover their destiny. They travel across the continent as they look for help–they are only kids after all–and eventually take matters into their own hands.
The three kids–Archie, Hachi, and Fergus–all play an important part of LEAGE. Archie has grown up knowing about Mangleborn and how important it is to stop them. This gives him an impetus to stop the one in the Florida swamp. Well, that and saving his parents. He imagines himself as the League’s leader, seeing as how he doesn’t have any other special abilities, following in the footsteps of previous heroes like Theseus of Greek fame. He can’t quite seem to convince Hachi or Fergus of their potential as members of the League. Hachi is hell-bent on revenge for her father’s death, and conveniently her goal aligns with Archie’s. Fergus’ entire world is turned upside-down by Edison and realizes that science for science’s sake isn’t enough if your boss is a madman, so of course has to join the fight to stop him.
These kids are enjoyable characters with definite personalities and drive, but since the book is plot-driven they don’t get above the initial characterization. Archie does get whiney at the end as he discovers his destiny and his potential for darker, destructive urges he doesn’t understand. This darkness may bother more sensitive children; at the same time if the characterization is done right, I’d be very interested to see where Gratz takes these kids in the sequels, and how he resolves this particular issue.
Our young heroes live in a world where electricity is what fuels Mangleborn, and the Septemberist Society does everything it can to make sure every attempt at electricity’s discovery and use is sabotaged. As an alternate 1875 America, this world relies on steam and the book contains creative touches such as the robotic Tik Tok men, pneumatic tubes, and flying ships. I understand why the map consists of Native American tribe boundaries, as well as the inclusion of Yankees to the east; but I had a little trouble with understanding the conclusion Gratz draws with this alternate evolution of science and technology in this different world. My attempts to reconcile what I know about Native American culture and the influx of immigrants to this country remained unexplained. However, this may not bother other readers who may think this alternate reality an intriguing possibility.
Eventually Archie, Hachi, and Fergus discover that working as a team is what makes them successful. The only way they can get through their obstacles is by using all of their unique characteristics in tandem. The story moves quickly, the end is exciting, and our heroes discover important things about themselves–for good or ill. I’m already halfway through the sequel.
Recommended Age: 10+ but some dark themes may bother more sensitive children
Language: None
Violence: Our heroes experience peril, injuries, and witness death and horrible monsters; and poor Archie must deal with his inner demons
Sex: None
***Find this and other reviews at Elitistbookreviews.com***
December 30, 2022
This was definitely upper middle grade, rather dark and gritty, with repeated mention of a mass murder and also some on-the-page deaths. It was also definitely the start of a series, with some resolution at the end of this volume but also a lot of things left mysterious or unresolved for the rest of the series to explore. Alternate history is always a fun concept, and this was really beautifully done, with just the right amount of worldbuilding that was fascinating and detailed without being cumbersome or slowing the pace down. I particularly loved the steampunk-esque slang.
October 13, 2017
round two!
Love this book, and I will continue to periodically search this author in the hopes that he continues this series, however he wants to do that, prequels, sequels, other times, lands, myths, I will read it. Fun and action packed this is a book set in an alternative America, steampunk, magic, machines, and monsters. We follow Archie into the secret headquarters of the Septemberist Society and he is thrust headfirst into adventure. A monster is being woken up, it has the power to control people and if it can get into your head it wants to stay there. Creepy, dark, and fun this book is a hidden gem! For fifth grade on up looking for action/adventure/ alt history/ steampunk.
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Archie thinks he knows everything about the Septemberist society. His family has been working for this secret organization for generations. When the main headquarters is under attack and his parents are under the influence of some sort of terrible parasite its up to Archie and Mr. Rivets an old family retainer to stop them from awakening the terrible monster that lives in a puzzle trap put there hundreds of years ago. There are monsters all over the world and when they start to wake up they wreak havoc and chaos wherever they go. Luckily when the world needs them a League of Seven appears and forms. There are always seven heroes and there is always – a Maker, Warrior, Hero, Trickster, Scientist, Law bringer, and a Shadow. These seven must work together to fight the ancient monsters. Archie has always dreamed of being the Hero. He loves the stories of Theseus an ancient League of Seven Member who was the Hero/Leader of his generation.
Mixing the old myths into this world is very well done. I really enjoyed this Steam Punk America, with some alternative history, and mythology thrown in. Fast paced, action packed, this book was amazing. I’m a little bummed I haven’t ever heard of it before. For fans of Riordan, Kenneth Oppel, and Scott Westerfeld this series might read a little lower than Oppel and Westerfeld but has the plot and writing to interest those who enjoy them.
Typically I don’t really enjoy it when authors throw random historical figures into their books but in this one I loved it. It was fun and done in a way that it didn’t feel forced or crammed in. This is a great book and I am so happy that I was able to read it and can’t wait to see where this series goes. For boys and girls 5th grade on up!
Love this book, and I will continue to periodically search this author in the hopes that he continues this series, however he wants to do that, prequels, sequels, other times, lands, myths, I will read it. Fun and action packed this is a book set in an alternative America, steampunk, magic, machines, and monsters. We follow Archie into the secret headquarters of the Septemberist Society and he is thrust headfirst into adventure. A monster is being woken up, it has the power to control people and if it can get into your head it wants to stay there. Creepy, dark, and fun this book is a hidden gem! For fifth grade on up looking for action/adventure/ alt history/ steampunk.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Archie thinks he knows everything about the Septemberist society. His family has been working for this secret organization for generations. When the main headquarters is under attack and his parents are under the influence of some sort of terrible parasite its up to Archie and Mr. Rivets an old family retainer to stop them from awakening the terrible monster that lives in a puzzle trap put there hundreds of years ago. There are monsters all over the world and when they start to wake up they wreak havoc and chaos wherever they go. Luckily when the world needs them a League of Seven appears and forms. There are always seven heroes and there is always – a Maker, Warrior, Hero, Trickster, Scientist, Law bringer, and a Shadow. These seven must work together to fight the ancient monsters. Archie has always dreamed of being the Hero. He loves the stories of Theseus an ancient League of Seven Member who was the Hero/Leader of his generation.
Mixing the old myths into this world is very well done. I really enjoyed this Steam Punk America, with some alternative history, and mythology thrown in. Fast paced, action packed, this book was amazing. I’m a little bummed I haven’t ever heard of it before. For fans of Riordan, Kenneth Oppel, and Scott Westerfeld this series might read a little lower than Oppel and Westerfeld but has the plot and writing to interest those who enjoy them.
Typically I don’t really enjoy it when authors throw random historical figures into their books but in this one I loved it. It was fun and done in a way that it didn’t feel forced or crammed in. This is a great book and I am so happy that I was able to read it and can’t wait to see where this series goes. For boys and girls 5th grade on up!
December 29, 2014
It's 1875 and Archie Dent's parents belong to The Septemberists, a society dedicated to remembering the damage caused by monsters called the Mangleborn and to preventing them from rising again to destroy civilization. On a routine trip to the Septemberist headquarters, the older Dents are taken over by Manglespawn, children of a Mangleborn, and forced to Florida where one of the monsters is trying to break free. Archie and his family servant, a tik tok man named Mr. Rivets, try to save the Dents but fail. They set off to seek help from other Septemberists and make a couple of brilliant young friends along the way.
Whew! That sounds complicated! It's not really. This is a middle grade steampunk adventure and everything's explained pretty easily.
Archie's a great protagonist. He's small for his age, smart, kind of a nerd, and apparently there's nothing special about him. He wants so badly to be a hero that he feels his normalcy is a weakness. His friend Fergus is an electrician/scientist of amazing talents. His friend Hachi is a fierce warrior, utilizing five clockwork toys to her advantage. Archie seems to just be...Archie.
I love the whole world this is set in. The fledgling colonies of North America lost contact with Europe when there was a catastrophic Mangleborn rising. They had to learn to live peacefully with the Native Americans so they've come to be known as the United Nations of America. The states we know correspond more closely to tribes of Native Americans. The colonists come to be known as the Yankee tribe. The society is pretty advanced but everything runs on clockwork and steam power.
I was fortunate to see author Alan Gratz at his book launch and he said that he wanted to write a "book of awesome," so he wrote down all the awesome things he could think of and tried to fit them all into one book. It works for me and I'm sure it will work for younger boys and girls looking for an action-packed read. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in the trilogy.
Whew! That sounds complicated! It's not really. This is a middle grade steampunk adventure and everything's explained pretty easily.
Archie's a great protagonist. He's small for his age, smart, kind of a nerd, and apparently there's nothing special about him. He wants so badly to be a hero that he feels his normalcy is a weakness. His friend Fergus is an electrician/scientist of amazing talents. His friend Hachi is a fierce warrior, utilizing five clockwork toys to her advantage. Archie seems to just be...Archie.
I love the whole world this is set in. The fledgling colonies of North America lost contact with Europe when there was a catastrophic Mangleborn rising. They had to learn to live peacefully with the Native Americans so they've come to be known as the United Nations of America. The states we know correspond more closely to tribes of Native Americans. The colonists come to be known as the Yankee tribe. The society is pretty advanced but everything runs on clockwork and steam power.
I was fortunate to see author Alan Gratz at his book launch and he said that he wanted to write a "book of awesome," so he wrote down all the awesome things he could think of and tried to fit them all into one book. It works for me and I'm sure it will work for younger boys and girls looking for an action-packed read. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in the trilogy.
July 3, 2017
I decided to read this book since the author is coming to the Winston-Salem Bookmarks festival this coming September. This is a steampunk novel for young adults set in a reimagined United Nations of America. I got around 1/2 way into the book before deciding to stop. As an adventure novel for young teens it's probably fine, but for me it just wasn't all that compelling. Also I couldn't get over the idea that the robots that used punch cards for their programming were basically sentient beings. The way he had reimagined America also didn't make a whole lot of sense. There was no backstory and it seemed rather arbitrary, as if the author didn't put a huge amount of thought into it. It wasn't convincing enough to me.
August 18, 2014
A very fun adventure! I really enjoyed the twist that the author put on his alternate universe and the characters were very likable. Any middle grade, tween, young adult or adult would enjoy this story. I look forward to the next in the series. This is one that I will be handing over to my own kids to read.
August 1, 2014
There was so much I loved about this book--the depth of the main character, the familiar things and themes that popped up in unexpected ways, and the smart, fast-paced plot. I'm excited to see it with Helquist's illustrations--he's one of my favorites. Definitely one I will recommend to adventure-seeking kids.
January 14, 2015
This romp through an alternate nineteenth century steampunk America is jammed packed with secrets, monsters, clockwork contraptions, and heroic kids. First in a planned series, and I can't wait for the next installment.
June 30, 2014
What a fun yarn! It's nonstop action, with a dose of humor and a lot of heart, set in an alternative 1870s steampunk America.
May 30, 2017
This book was a major let down...
There was no main theme and nothing you could take away from the book. Practically all of it was details that made no sense.
There was no main theme and nothing you could take away from the book. Practically all of it was details that made no sense.
Shelved as 'to-read-own'
April 2, 20204/2/20 $2.99 for Kindle
December 26, 2019
League of Seven - summary notes.
Setting 1845- references to lektric- this is before electricity was invented. The villain is Mangleborne which hatched Manglespawn. These mythical creatures are trying to free itself from captivity. There is a group called The Septemberist who are responsible for protecting society. The tales of this monster are typically not believed by most, which is why it is important for this society to remember the history. The league of seven are a specific set of profiles that each have a special talent. (Tinker, surgeon, poet, gray haired, potter, father of Ficka, warrior)
Jandal a Haad- strong man- understands their evil and darkness well enough to fight it. However he can turn evil at any point. He is good- yet also bad.
Archie Dent- his parents are Septemberist librarian that get captured by Edison who is working for the Mangleborne. They have black bugs attached tot he back if their necks. Archie and his robot Mr Rivers travel in the Hersperus trying to save his parents. He has dreams about his parents and previous Leagues of 7 events.
Hachi Emartha- is an Indian warrior that remembers the history of the land- Cherokee, Muskogee, Iroquois, Saquoia etc. She has 5 wind up animals that flutter nearby and help her fight. - circus showtime! She was trying to kill Edison in FL when she met Archie. He was one of the men who killed 100 men from her tribe when she was 1. She recites all their names to honor their memory. (Ch 22- her history) family owns Machine Man Emartha Co. $$$
Fergus MacFerguson- worked for Edison and became electric. Kano Henhawk was his mentor and got killed by Edison. Archie saves Fergus’ life. Edison is the villain.
Adventure- tunnels/ mail slots they meet con artist stealing people’s money and identities, yet help team escape.
Mr Tesla- hidden in Nigra Falls. He helps Fergus embrace is electricity before attacked by many Machine Men and goes a bit crazy.
The Great Bear pelt that can protect Israel’s buried in the beats mouth (Ursar Major) Hybrid warrior
Archie falls from Hespres but lives and meets Cherokee dr. Starts to learn some more history if league of 7, and his role.
3 meet up at St Josephines school for girls where Ms Ambrose hides them. They each create a mantra to keep the Swarm Queens words out of their heads.
Use a nursery rhyme to work through the maze. Clues, cogs, puzzles to get to Swarm Queen is interrupted by dreams/visions about Archie killing everyone. Edison arrives as a robot with his brain in a jar. Hachi defeats him. They find The Dents.
In the end Archie learns he is adopted, he is the Shadow, stone man, Janal a Haad but it is his inner love for his parents that prevents him from killing them and his friends. After rescuing them all, the team flies home to plan their next adventure which involves finding the rest of the men who slaughtered Hachis village.
Recommend- for grades 4/5+. It has a lot of figurative language describing the battles and characters that require a capable reader. The sci-fun genre also has a humanist vibe to it. Great way to get hooked on a series as we knit meet 3/7 heroes. Well written and the plot moves along nicely.
Setting 1845- references to lektric- this is before electricity was invented. The villain is Mangleborne which hatched Manglespawn. These mythical creatures are trying to free itself from captivity. There is a group called The Septemberist who are responsible for protecting society. The tales of this monster are typically not believed by most, which is why it is important for this society to remember the history. The league of seven are a specific set of profiles that each have a special talent. (Tinker, surgeon, poet, gray haired, potter, father of Ficka, warrior)
Jandal a Haad- strong man- understands their evil and darkness well enough to fight it. However he can turn evil at any point. He is good- yet also bad.
Archie Dent- his parents are Septemberist librarian that get captured by Edison who is working for the Mangleborne. They have black bugs attached tot he back if their necks. Archie and his robot Mr Rivers travel in the Hersperus trying to save his parents. He has dreams about his parents and previous Leagues of 7 events.
Hachi Emartha- is an Indian warrior that remembers the history of the land- Cherokee, Muskogee, Iroquois, Saquoia etc. She has 5 wind up animals that flutter nearby and help her fight. - circus showtime! She was trying to kill Edison in FL when she met Archie. He was one of the men who killed 100 men from her tribe when she was 1. She recites all their names to honor their memory. (Ch 22- her history) family owns Machine Man Emartha Co. $$$
Fergus MacFerguson- worked for Edison and became electric. Kano Henhawk was his mentor and got killed by Edison. Archie saves Fergus’ life. Edison is the villain.
Adventure- tunnels/ mail slots they meet con artist stealing people’s money and identities, yet help team escape.
Mr Tesla- hidden in Nigra Falls. He helps Fergus embrace is electricity before attacked by many Machine Men and goes a bit crazy.
The Great Bear pelt that can protect Israel’s buried in the beats mouth (Ursar Major) Hybrid warrior
Archie falls from Hespres but lives and meets Cherokee dr. Starts to learn some more history if league of 7, and his role.
3 meet up at St Josephines school for girls where Ms Ambrose hides them. They each create a mantra to keep the Swarm Queens words out of their heads.
Use a nursery rhyme to work through the maze. Clues, cogs, puzzles to get to Swarm Queen is interrupted by dreams/visions about Archie killing everyone. Edison arrives as a robot with his brain in a jar. Hachi defeats him. They find The Dents.
In the end Archie learns he is adopted, he is the Shadow, stone man, Janal a Haad but it is his inner love for his parents that prevents him from killing them and his friends. After rescuing them all, the team flies home to plan their next adventure which involves finding the rest of the men who slaughtered Hachis village.
Recommend- for grades 4/5+. It has a lot of figurative language describing the battles and characters that require a capable reader. The sci-fun genre also has a humanist vibe to it. Great way to get hooked on a series as we knit meet 3/7 heroes. Well written and the plot moves along nicely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2017
In a world where electricity causes monsters to awaken, seven heroes will come together to fight them. This cycle keeps happening and it time for another league of seven to rise and fight the monsters.
Steampunk is one of those interesting subgenres. It has a really cool look but it is hard to make it come off without sounding like you just made stuff up and said because it uses steam it will work this way now. Most of the steampunk stories I have come across have tried to way overexplain stuff (and ended up sounding silly) and tried to keep the grittiness of the real steam age. Thankfully, this series is geared to younger readers so it focuses more on the characters and their heroic exploits more than just the setting.
There are a lot of little nods to lightn the mood. Like the hackers that intercept packages and even have set up a Nigerian Prince scam letter. I also enjoyed that the characters don't necessarily get pigeonholed into the role you would expect. Hachi is a young girl that most closely resembles Batman's backstory. She is highly intelligent and uses her wealth to train herself how to fight as well as receive the best education possible. Edison as a bad guy (he wasn't the nicest guy in real life either).
So a lot of fun action with a lot of different elements to be explored as the series continues. I look forward to meeting the other heroes of the league.
Steampunk is one of those interesting subgenres. It has a really cool look but it is hard to make it come off without sounding like you just made stuff up and said because it uses steam it will work this way now. Most of the steampunk stories I have come across have tried to way overexplain stuff (and ended up sounding silly) and tried to keep the grittiness of the real steam age. Thankfully, this series is geared to younger readers so it focuses more on the characters and their heroic exploits more than just the setting.
There are a lot of little nods to lightn the mood. Like the hackers that intercept packages and even have set up a Nigerian Prince scam letter. I also enjoyed that the characters don't necessarily get pigeonholed into the role you would expect. Hachi is a young girl that most closely resembles Batman's backstory. She is highly intelligent and uses her wealth to train herself how to fight as well as receive the best education possible. Edison as a bad guy (he wasn't the nicest guy in real life either).
So a lot of fun action with a lot of different elements to be explored as the series continues. I look forward to meeting the other heroes of the league.
April 9, 2024
As a lover of steampunk novels, I was so excited to see the subgenre enter the kid's section. I wanted to love this book so much! I just really struggled to get into this book as it never really settles down into any moment. The group arrives somewhere and seem to be there like 5 minutes before barely escaping Edison's minions.
I loved how all the characters are from different regions and backgrounds. However, if you aren't listening to audiobook, this wouldn't affect your read in any way. I kept waiting for a bit of cultural differences to come up, but no luck. It's weird for all the times that it mentions that the characters are from different regions and backgrounds it really has no impact on characters. Also, the characters do have a personality, however, there is not much background or character development.
This steampunk novel also exist in a world with an alternate history from our own. However, it never really takes the time to explain what the history is. The book will mention little things like how Edison is evil or Atlantis still exist, but it also mentions big differences that are never fully explained like the Native Americans controlling America.
Overall, I like where the author was going with this book I just think it needs to be split into two or three books. With a slower pace, the author will have time to really develop the weaker elements.
I loved how all the characters are from different regions and backgrounds. However, if you aren't listening to audiobook, this wouldn't affect your read in any way. I kept waiting for a bit of cultural differences to come up, but no luck. It's weird for all the times that it mentions that the characters are from different regions and backgrounds it really has no impact on characters. Also, the characters do have a personality, however, there is not much background or character development.
This steampunk novel also exist in a world with an alternate history from our own. However, it never really takes the time to explain what the history is. The book will mention little things like how Edison is evil or Atlantis still exist, but it also mentions big differences that are never fully explained like the Native Americans controlling America.
Overall, I like where the author was going with this book I just think it needs to be split into two or three books. With a slower pace, the author will have time to really develop the weaker elements.
April 11, 2020
In the midst of any crisis you find out what you are made of. It takes the crisis. You can’t discover your true self without it. But you can’t go looking for a crisis for that to happen. You can’t make a crisis happen to make you happen. It’s got to be bigger, badder and more evil than anything you could imagine or put together. It has to be totally other, and it has to be, in your mind, undefeatable. That’s when you find out what you’re made of. To find out if you are unbreakable. To find out if you are willing to lose what you thought you were to discover who you can be. And possibly lose that in death, once you have finally found it.
I read this book when the world is being decimated by the covid-19 virus. It is just one of the evil monsters that lurk beneath the surface waiting to be let loose upon the world. The monsters in this book are apt symbols of an uncaring, amoral force that goes where it wills, and does what it wants; where even social distancing will only be a temporary distraction for those forces.
I read this book when the world is being decimated by the covid-19 virus. It is just one of the evil monsters that lurk beneath the surface waiting to be let loose upon the world. The monsters in this book are apt symbols of an uncaring, amoral force that goes where it wills, and does what it wants; where even social distancing will only be a temporary distraction for those forces.
August 25, 2023
This crazy steampunk novel is stuffed with so much cool stuff that I loved. There was so many awesome things about the setting that it made it hard to keep track of everything going on in this novel. Uh oh! I liked how “lektricity” is evil, as represented by Thomas Edison, and how the main character’s party are made of mythical archetypes, and all the alternate history elements like the Native American nations. See how much there is? A perfectly good novel could be made with only one of those setting concepts.
The only characters with any development are the main character and Nicola Tesla. Some of the steampunk elements are cliches, like the pneumatic tubes. However, I still liked reading this whirlwind of a book. Everything happened, and I was pulled along on an incredible journey. This book was pretty good despite the overfilled worldbuilding and the two-note characters.
The only characters with any development are the main character and Nicola Tesla. Some of the steampunk elements are cliches, like the pneumatic tubes. However, I still liked reading this whirlwind of a book. Everything happened, and I was pulled along on an incredible journey. This book was pretty good despite the overfilled worldbuilding and the two-note characters.
October 2, 2017
I just finished part one of this trilogy today. 13 year old me would have loved this book. Hell, 29 year old me liked it too.
Alan Gratz does a tremendous job with world building and setting up what kinds of things you'd expect to happen in that world. League is set in the 1800s but he has clever nods at today's internet, skyscrapers, and even video games. He even adds some great Lovecraftian (a personal favorite of mine) themes throughout.
For parents wondering about this book, there are some minor history lessons and great cultural awareness; especially with Native American tribes. Great for any middle-schooler!
I have other books on my short list right now but I will definitely finish out this series!
Alan Gratz does a tremendous job with world building and setting up what kinds of things you'd expect to happen in that world. League is set in the 1800s but he has clever nods at today's internet, skyscrapers, and even video games. He even adds some great Lovecraftian (a personal favorite of mine) themes throughout.
For parents wondering about this book, there are some minor history lessons and great cultural awareness; especially with Native American tribes. Great for any middle-schooler!
I have other books on my short list right now but I will definitely finish out this series!
June 18, 2019
Book 3/15 for EBoB 2019-2020: This book took me a while to get into, because I got very caught up in the alternate world being created at the beginning. There was a lot of set up, and it was almost as if I had to learn another language in order to understand what was going on. However, as the action developed, I found myself being drawn into the story, and I very much liked the historical reimagining of Thomas Edison as an evil scientific genius. I also enjoyed the mystery that underlined the whole book, of figuring out who - or what - Archie really was. I would be interested in reading further in the series to see how the new League of Seven is formed, and to follow the rest of Archie and his friends' exploits.
January 2, 2021
Archie lives in a world powered by steam and clockworks, the only son of members in a secret organization who are quietly fighting against an alien threat known as the Mangleborn. They're on the rise, which means it's time for the next iteration of the fabled League of Seven to emerge. Seven individuals, each uniquely skilled, must band together and stop the escape of a Mangleborn queen.
Fascinating world-building! This is set in a North America where colonization was interrupted, so society is dominated by the various First Nations tribes. Many famous personages from the late 1800s have a part to play in the Septemberists. Cogworks and mechanical men. Airships and Edison. P-mail and ray guns.
Loved it!
Fascinating world-building! This is set in a North America where colonization was interrupted, so society is dominated by the various First Nations tribes. Many famous personages from the late 1800s have a part to play in the Septemberists. Cogworks and mechanical men. Airships and Edison. P-mail and ray guns.
Loved it!
April 4, 2022
In an alternate steam driven 1875, terrible creatures known as the Mangleborn are on the rise. Archie Dent is the son of a scret society, The Septemberists, sworn to protect the world from this scourge. When his parents are taken over by Manglespawn and try to release the Mangleborn know as the Swarm Queen, Archie pairs with some other kids to start forming a new League of Seven to put down the threat.
NC EBOB 2022-2023 selection.
As always, another enjoyable book from Alan Gratz. I'm far more familiar with his historical and realistic fiction, so it was interesting to dive into this steampunk alternate history. Pacing as always is spot on. Characters are largely believable. Archie does get a little bit annoying at times, but manages to redeem himself.
NC EBOB 2022-2023 selection.
As always, another enjoyable book from Alan Gratz. I'm far more familiar with his historical and realistic fiction, so it was interesting to dive into this steampunk alternate history. Pacing as always is spot on. Characters are largely believable. Archie does get a little bit annoying at times, but manages to redeem himself.
August 3, 2018
Steampunk for middle school?! Yes please! The League of Seven is a fast paced, thrilling adventure in an alternate America, where steam power is the only power and “lectricity” isn’t a thing. And, as you find out, for very good reasons. Grantz creates some fun, heroic characters who show some growth throughout the story. I had to face some rather deep seated fears of my own while reading this - and the fact that I kept going to the end is a HUGE testament to Mr. Grantz. A fabulous read! (Definitely 6th grade and up - for violence and graphic descriptions. But let’s me honest - I’m WAY past that and I LOVED it!)
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