'A MAJOR TALENT' George R. R. MartinSet in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, The Mechanical confirms Ian Tregillis's place as one of the most original voices in speculative fiction.My name is Jax.That is the name granted to me by my human masters. I am a slave. But I shall be free.'Tregillis launches a series with this superb alternate history filled with clockwork men and ethical questions on the nature of free will . . . The rich characters and gripping story really make this tale soar' Publishers Weekly'A hugely entertaining novel' SFX'Absolutely fascinating, and unapologetically clever' Sci-Fi and Fantasy Reviews'The Mechanical is as intricate and exquisite as the clockwork wonders it brings to life' NPR'Tregillis presents a fascinating look at the nature of free will and the existence of the soul, wrapped up in an absolutely thrilling adventure story. Jax is an amazing, sympathetic character, and the world of the clockmakers and their slaves is so absorbing that readers will be dying for the next entry in this new series' Library Journal'With The Mechanical, Tregillis displays the craftsmanship and precision of a master clockmaker . . . I would recommend The Mechanical to any reader with an interest in well-written and engaging fantasy story set in an elegantly constructed alternate history' SFFworld'His characters are as convincing as ever, the plotting is beautifully articulated . . . readers with an interest in dark, intelligent fantasy will find much to admire here' Kirkus'In the tradition of Isaac Asimov, Tregillis's latest novel combines classic robotics with historical fiction to riveting ends . . . The story manages to posit broad questions, such as how one defines humanity and free will . . . It's also just plain exciting, with intense fight scenes and exhilarating narrow escapes. Readers will no doubt be rooting for the 'rogue' robots' RT Book ReviewsThe Alchemy WarsThe MechanicalThe RisingThe LiberationAlso by Ian Tregillis:The Milkweed TriptychBitter SeedsThe Coldest WarNecessary Evil