A unsurprisingly disappointing end to a mediocre two-book series. I was intrigued after hearing many good things about these books, especially comparisons between Lord Francis Skelbrook, Edgerton's hero, and another Francis, my most favorite hero of all time. After finishing the first book, Goblin Moon, I was skeptical. But already investing time to half way of the story, I decided to see it to the end. After first three chapters of The Gnome's Engine, I was gritting my teeth, wanting so much to throw it away. If I find books I don't feel connected to in some ways, I usually don't waste time to finish them. This is probably my first. It's not that bad, mind you. But, it's not good also. It's just all over the place. The plot lacks focus/urgency and characters lack chemistry. It reads like kid's story or cartoon but with adult content. Did I miss out anything else? Oh, yes, the comparisons between these books' hero and another Francis. Well, unfortunately, they couldn't further apart. If the first Francis happened to stumble into the latter's story, he'd be dead in two pages. That's what an incompetent hero he is. I hope presevering through these books wouldn't put me in another slump because now I lose all energy to pick up another book.
2/5
Read it yourself.
