The Demonic Inventions of Aurelie Blake

Two teens work to dismantle a government conspiracy in this preternatural duology opener set in a world where the act of creating conjures demons. Magic is banned in the kingdom of Wisteria, an edict that’s upheld by the Iron Guard militia, which is tasked with hunting monsters and innovators alike. Covertly, inventor Aurelie tinkers in her secret laboratory, killing the demons that her machinations invite, while dodging her uncle’s attempts to marry her off. As Aurelie works on a mysterious commission for a potentially world-changing device, her uncle employs Iron Guard member Des to protect her when he leaves for business. Despite Des’s frustration at becoming a glorified chaperone, he’s intrigued by the inexplicable appearances of demons everywhere Aurelie goes. Even more fascinating is how she emerges from these encounters unscathed, defying everything he’s been taught about the creatures. When Aurelie realizes that her commission may cost her more than she bargained for, she recruits Des’s aid in uncovering the truth behind its origins. Despite the white-cued protagonists’ somewhat unbalanced alternating narration—Des’s uncomplicated character arc feels somewhat flat against deft renderings of Aurelie’s sharp intelligence and single-mindedness—they nevertheless combine to present an exciting gaslamp fantasy by Rutherford (A Curious Kind of Magic). Ages 13–up. Agent: Uwe Stender, Triada US. (Apr.)