Fires of Invention

By J. Scott Savage,

Book cover of Fires of Invention

Book description

Trenton Colman is a creative thirteen-year-old boy with a knack for all things mechanical. But his talents are viewed with suspicion in Cove, a steam-powered city built inside a mountain. In Cove, creativity is a crime and “invention” is a curse word. Kallista Babbage is a repair technician and daughter…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Fires of Invention as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Dragons are cool. The one on this cover is clearly mechanical, and that got my attention. Cove is a rather dark setting so I would only recommend this for older kids. Readers can tell from the beginning that the oppressive society is rooted in fear. What is behind that fear? The main characters, Trenton and Kallista, aren’t all that concerned with the bigger picture. They’re only trying to solve a puzzle left by Kallista’s father. We get to watch them become good friends in the process.

From Amanda's list on fantasy to read with your kids.

If you love Fires of Invention...

Ad

Book cover of One Giant Leap

One Giant Leap by Ben Gartner,

Editor's Pick, BookLife by Publishers Weekly.

Gold Medal, 2023 Mom's Choice Awards.

Gold Medal, 2023 Readers' Favorite Awards.

First Place, 2023 Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Awards.

I’m pretty sure I’m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.

Blast off with the four winners of…

Want books like Fires of Invention?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Fires of Invention.

Browse books like Fires of Invention

Book cover of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Book cover of Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians
Book cover of Sky Raiders

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,989

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Fires of Invention, you might also like...

Book cover of Wagnificent: The Adventures of Thunder and Sage

Wagnificent by Bethanie Deeney Murguia,

Discover a new early middle-grade graphic novel series full of humor and heart about a lovable dog, her favorite human, and their pawsome pack in this unforgettable friendship story. Though Thunder wants to be good for Sage, she’s having a rough time stopping herself from doing things she knows are…

Book cover of The Eye of Ra

The Eye of Ra by Ben Gartner,

Gold Recipient, Mom's Choice Awards Honoring Excellence.

Silver Medal in Children's Adventure, 2020 International Readers' Favorite Awards.

Award-winning Finalist, Next Generation Book Awards.

1st Place in both Children's Adventure AND Grades 4th-6th, 2020 TopShelf Awards.

Grand Prize Winner, Colorado Author Project.

1st Place, Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Fiction Award.

Exploring…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in robots, technology, and steampunk?

Robots 101 books
Technology 132 books
Steampunk 106 books