3.5.
It was a lovely read and I loved how the robots all seemed so human. It’s a really nice and easy read! The ending was so so lovely too! It finished it off nicely!

Follow the ragtag band of mechanicals as they search for Christopher, who has been abducted by someone who wants to discover his deepest secrets.

Throughout this gripping adventure, set in an England of alternative 1930s where mechanicals (robots) are common, there is a huge nod to ‘The Wizard of Oz’, a curmodgeonly wizard, evil witch, someone longing for home, and a ragtag band of friends who are on their own journeys of discovery.

Pádraig has developed a wonderfully believable world where Pinocchio was burnt on a bonfire through fear, but Gepetto (Runcible) kept developing his creations, perfecting them, but there was always fear. Therefore a set of rules were developed to make the mechanicals acceptable.

The pace is perfect and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout, always one step ahead of you keeping you wanting more. This is accompanied by some of the best described locations ever, some of which are very dark indeed.

It feels like the start of a new fictional universe which I would be more than happy to explore further.

I will just leave with one last thing, Round Rob.

Read as a bedtime story for an 11 yo, 10 yo and 47yo. The story started a bit slow; however, it turned into a page turner where we couldn't wait to hear what happened next. I enjoyed the author's knack for simple yet complete descriptions of characters and places, also that he didn't dwell on aspects of the story that would have lengthened the book yet not helped the storyline. A brilliant story for any young reader.

1. I feel bad for the mechanicals.