Highfell Grimoires

Starred review from March 31, 2014
The financial recklessness and sudden deaths of Cornelius “Neil” Franklin’s parents leaves him and his sister in dire straits. Unable to complete his studies, Neil accepts a teaching position from his uncle Gerard at Highfell Hall, one of the many special schools floating high above the city of Herrow and powered by the mysterious aether. But Highfell Hall proves grim and strange, and, as Neil gets to know his students and their gruff caretaker, Leofa, he is drawn into a thick web of secrets, desires, romance, and betrayals. This is a gripping, beautifully written, and thoroughly enjoyable example of steampunk: rife with class injustice, intrigue, and mislaid identities; blending the best parts of the modern thriller and the Victorian sensation novel; and full of endearing, believable characters.