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The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley
Zachary Cloudesley is gifted in a remarkable way. But not all gifts are a blessing...
Leadenhall Street, London, 1754.
Raised amongst the cogs and springs of his father's workshop, Zachary Cloudesley has grown up surrounded by strange and enchanting clockwork automata. He is a happy child, beloved by his father Abel and the workmen who help bring his father's creations to life.
He is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets.
But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened.
A beautifully crafted historical mystery of love and hope, and the adventure of finding your place in the world.
Leadenhall Street, London, 1754.
Raised amongst the cogs and springs of his father's workshop, Zachary Cloudesley has grown up surrounded by strange and enchanting clockwork automata. He is a happy child, beloved by his father Abel and the workmen who help bring his father's creations to life.
He is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets.
But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened.
A beautifully crafted historical mystery of love and hope, and the adventure of finding your place in the world.
356 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 525 reviews
April 25, 2022
Having recently read Anna Mazzola's The Clockwork Girl, I once again find myself in the exciting world of clockwork and automata inventions with Sean Lock's 18th century historical novel with its strong Dickensian elements, adventure, magical realism and fantasy. It is 1754, the remarkable Abel Cloudesley runs his popular clockwork automata workshop in Leadenhall, London, he is left feeling lost and out of his depth, overwhelmed with despair and grief, when his wife, Alice, dies in childbirth, leaving him alone to raise their newborn son, Zachary. This leads to the entry into the household of the memorable wet nurse, Mrs Grace Morley and her small daughter, Leonora. Zachary is no ordinary child, he is bright, honest and curious, whilst Abel loves his son, he does not really understand him. A fateful accident when Zachary is 6 years old leaves him almost blinded, and Abel feeling responsible and guiltridden.
Zachary begins to experience visions, a sense of what the future holds, and the uneasy and troubling gift of knowing the darkness residing within others, their regrets, hopes and their machinations. Abel finds himself with little choice but to travel to Constantinople but Zachary can feel the betrayal, fear and danger that awaits his father. As communications from father to son begin to cease and years pass, Zachary sets off to follow his father's journey to Constaninople, determined to find him despite the rumours of his death, as he strives to make sense of his visions. Will he succeed in finding his father? Lusk's world building is terrific, there is a wide and disparate stellar cast of distinct characters that include the eccentric Aunt Frances with her menagerie, and the courageous apprentice Tom with his own secrets.
Lusk evokes a wonderfully colourful and vivid picture of the locations in this thrilling adventure novel with his rich despcriptions. This is a gripping, engaging and atmospheric piece of fantastical historical fiction that touches on the themes of the many sides and forms of love, loss, identity, and father-son relationships. This is likely to appeal to fans of historical fiction, adventure stories and fantasy. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Zachary begins to experience visions, a sense of what the future holds, and the uneasy and troubling gift of knowing the darkness residing within others, their regrets, hopes and their machinations. Abel finds himself with little choice but to travel to Constantinople but Zachary can feel the betrayal, fear and danger that awaits his father. As communications from father to son begin to cease and years pass, Zachary sets off to follow his father's journey to Constaninople, determined to find him despite the rumours of his death, as he strives to make sense of his visions. Will he succeed in finding his father? Lusk's world building is terrific, there is a wide and disparate stellar cast of distinct characters that include the eccentric Aunt Frances with her menagerie, and the courageous apprentice Tom with his own secrets.
Lusk evokes a wonderfully colourful and vivid picture of the locations in this thrilling adventure novel with his rich despcriptions. This is a gripping, engaging and atmospheric piece of fantastical historical fiction that touches on the themes of the many sides and forms of love, loss, identity, and father-son relationships. This is likely to appeal to fans of historical fiction, adventure stories and fantasy. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
July 25, 2022
This beautiful novel with a touch of magic, well-developed characters and set in the 18th century England and Constantinople was a real treat for me. Zachary, a motherless boy receives all love he can have from those who surround him and develops an amazing gift that is not always a blessing.
I particularly enjoyed strong female characters and descriptions of the 18th century England and Constantinople. Highly-recommended!
*A big thank-you to Sean Lusk, Random House, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
I particularly enjoyed strong female characters and descriptions of the 18th century England and Constantinople. Highly-recommended!
*A big thank-you to Sean Lusk, Random House, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
March 29, 2022
3.5★
“Why can these clocks not be made to run backward and take him to the day before, to the life he had supposed he would have? That, he thinks, would be a worthwhile pursuit for a clockmaker, not simply to mark off time as it passes, but to tame the beast, to make it run this way and that; to make time man’s servant, not man its ever more obedient slave.”
Who hasn’t wished they could rewind time, enjoy a favourite holiday again, fall in love again, or cancel a tragedy. It’s this last one that London clockmaker Abel Cloudesley wishes he could do. Alone in his workshop, surrounded by ticking clocks, widowed with a newborn son, Abel is miserable.
The year is 1754. He has had an interesting life already, having spent time in Constantinople, and as the story progresses, he ends up there again. But first, the baby. Zachary. His mother, Alice, dies as she delivers him. Abel doesn’t know what to do.
“Abel takes him and holds him, looking into his fierce dark blue eyes, their gaze fixed and penetrating, as unnerving as some creature wrenched from another universe entire. . . “
At that moment, we know something is unusual. Newborns aren’t known for fixing anything or anybody with a penetrating gaze. Abel is so overcome with grief, that it falls to Alice’s maid, Kate, to locate a wet nurse who has a tiny daughter of her own. Mrs Morley and Leonora become major characters and remain in Zachary’s life for many years.
Zachary is a gifted, brilliant little boy, the kind of child who will read anything he can find and probably remember most of it. The publicity for the story reveals that Zachary later loses the sight in one eye and develops a kind of clairvoyance, although he never seems quite certain what is true or not.
Abel is devoted to Zachary but doesn’t understand him at all. His unusual young apprentice, Tom, tries to explain the boy in a language Abel will understand.
“‘I cannot believe I am telling you of it now, but to convince you that Zachary is remarkable, gifted in ways even the child himself cannot perceive.’
‘Perhaps,’ said Abel, reluctant to believe that Zachary suffered from such an outlandish affliction.
‘He is, I think, Master Abel,’ said Tom with a smile intended in the direction of reassurance, ‘like the best clock we could ever hope to make.’
Puzzled, Abel asked him to say more.
‘He is like a clock that tells of time to come and of time past and missed, yet is driven by blood and a beating heart, not by mainsprings and ratchets and bobs of steel and brass.’”
It’s not a bad description. Alice’s Aunt Frances adored her niece and she lavishes the same attention on Zachary, wanting to whisk him away from his father. She is a colourful character with another storyline about her independence. She conspires to encourage Abel to return to Constantinople, leaving Zachary with her.
All manner of adventures ensue, including spying on the sultan, infiltrating the harem, and forming helpful alliances against terrifying opponents.
As I said, it’s an ambitious story, with so much in it that I think it could have been broken up into a couple of books.
I’m sure this will appeal to a lot of fantasy and science fiction readers.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouseUK for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted.
“Why can these clocks not be made to run backward and take him to the day before, to the life he had supposed he would have? That, he thinks, would be a worthwhile pursuit for a clockmaker, not simply to mark off time as it passes, but to tame the beast, to make it run this way and that; to make time man’s servant, not man its ever more obedient slave.”
Who hasn’t wished they could rewind time, enjoy a favourite holiday again, fall in love again, or cancel a tragedy. It’s this last one that London clockmaker Abel Cloudesley wishes he could do. Alone in his workshop, surrounded by ticking clocks, widowed with a newborn son, Abel is miserable.
The year is 1754. He has had an interesting life already, having spent time in Constantinople, and as the story progresses, he ends up there again. But first, the baby. Zachary. His mother, Alice, dies as she delivers him. Abel doesn’t know what to do.
“Abel takes him and holds him, looking into his fierce dark blue eyes, their gaze fixed and penetrating, as unnerving as some creature wrenched from another universe entire. . . “
At that moment, we know something is unusual. Newborns aren’t known for fixing anything or anybody with a penetrating gaze. Abel is so overcome with grief, that it falls to Alice’s maid, Kate, to locate a wet nurse who has a tiny daughter of her own. Mrs Morley and Leonora become major characters and remain in Zachary’s life for many years.
Zachary is a gifted, brilliant little boy, the kind of child who will read anything he can find and probably remember most of it. The publicity for the story reveals that Zachary later loses the sight in one eye and develops a kind of clairvoyance, although he never seems quite certain what is true or not.
Abel is devoted to Zachary but doesn’t understand him at all. His unusual young apprentice, Tom, tries to explain the boy in a language Abel will understand.
“‘I cannot believe I am telling you of it now, but to convince you that Zachary is remarkable, gifted in ways even the child himself cannot perceive.’
‘Perhaps,’ said Abel, reluctant to believe that Zachary suffered from such an outlandish affliction.
‘He is, I think, Master Abel,’ said Tom with a smile intended in the direction of reassurance, ‘like the best clock we could ever hope to make.’
Puzzled, Abel asked him to say more.
‘He is like a clock that tells of time to come and of time past and missed, yet is driven by blood and a beating heart, not by mainsprings and ratchets and bobs of steel and brass.’”
It’s not a bad description. Alice’s Aunt Frances adored her niece and she lavishes the same attention on Zachary, wanting to whisk him away from his father. She is a colourful character with another storyline about her independence. She conspires to encourage Abel to return to Constantinople, leaving Zachary with her.
All manner of adventures ensue, including spying on the sultan, infiltrating the harem, and forming helpful alliances against terrifying opponents.
As I said, it’s an ambitious story, with so much in it that I think it could have been broken up into a couple of books.
I’m sure this will appeal to a lot of fantasy and science fiction readers.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouseUK for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted.
May 30, 2022
I loved the look of this book and the description had me hooked.
Unfortunately, it was a bit downhill from there.
"[Zachary] is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets." This plays actually less of a role than you'd think given it is mentioned in the short description. The actual time in the book this would have been useful to him its not working and that's sort of briefly hummed over and then not again.
"His father will have to make a journey to Constantinople that he will never return from" which is not entirely true and doesn't happen until just over the halfway point in the book. "And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened." but the readers find out well before Zachary does.
The description reads like the book will follow Zachary with his strange gift to find the mystery of his father. That might be my fault for putting so much stock into the description but what I actually read was a lot of background about his father, Abel, his wetnurse and her daughter and his crazy aunt. Zachary actually seems to feature very little in this book and for all the mention of his 'extraordinary gift' it really plays a very minor role aside from getting him some money and the trust of the Grand Vizier. Then also he has a boyfriend for reasons I didn't totally figure out.
"A beautifully crafted historical mystery that will take the reader from 18th century London, across Europe and, finally, to the bustling city of Constantinople." also isn't entirely accurate because Constantinople again plays a fairly minor role in the grand scheme of the book. It's not finally ends in Constantinople, mystery solved and the story wraps up. That's almost a mid point and after they return to England. I would say the book spends more time discussing Mrs Morley on Lundey than in Constantinople.
I had high hopes for this book but whether it was my expectations or the description that needed/needs adjusting, it is definitely one of them. A lot of others seem to like the story, so maybe it is just me.
Unfortunately, it was a bit downhill from there.
"[Zachary] is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets." This plays actually less of a role than you'd think given it is mentioned in the short description. The actual time in the book this would have been useful to him its not working and that's sort of briefly hummed over and then not again.
"His father will have to make a journey to Constantinople that he will never return from" which is not entirely true and doesn't happen until just over the halfway point in the book. "And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened." but the readers find out well before Zachary does.
The description reads like the book will follow Zachary with his strange gift to find the mystery of his father. That might be my fault for putting so much stock into the description but what I actually read was a lot of background about his father, Abel, his wetnurse and her daughter and his crazy aunt. Zachary actually seems to feature very little in this book and for all the mention of his 'extraordinary gift' it really plays a very minor role aside from getting him some money and the trust of the Grand Vizier. Then also he has a boyfriend for reasons I didn't totally figure out.
"A beautifully crafted historical mystery that will take the reader from 18th century London, across Europe and, finally, to the bustling city of Constantinople." also isn't entirely accurate because Constantinople again plays a fairly minor role in the grand scheme of the book. It's not finally ends in Constantinople, mystery solved and the story wraps up. That's almost a mid point and after they return to England. I would say the book spends more time discussing Mrs Morley on Lundey than in Constantinople.
I had high hopes for this book but whether it was my expectations or the description that needed/needs adjusting, it is definitely one of them. A lot of others seem to like the story, so maybe it is just me.
November 17, 2022
DNF at 76% (I know!)
This book started out great, but it didn't really progress in the way I expected based on the description. Abel in Constantinople was very quickly and shortly dealt with, and this is where the book started to falter. It sounded interesting, but due to the rushed spying portion, which was seemingly set-up to be a major narrative strand, and the amount of time spent with the Grand Vizier and the Chief Black Eunuch, it ended up drifting. I didn't really understand why Turkey was so important (maybe a historical context note about the war at the front of the book would have helped). Zachary's subsequent journey was not as interesting or adventurous as I was led to believe, and Zachary in Constantinople was boring. By this point, it all felt meaningless, and I simply stopped caring.
The prose is very well written, and it is genuinely funny, but the plot wasn't strong enough to hold attention. The father-son relationship is one of the book's strongest features, and I very much felt for Abel's plight.
I enjoyed Abel's portion of the book, and wished we stayed with him more, but found, despite being the titular character, I didn't much like Zachary, and, as other reviewers have mentioned, his "second sight" wasn't capitalised. The other characters were not entirely likeable either, and at 76%, I am still left unsure about Mrs Morely and Lady Peake-Barnes.
I detested the whole thing with "Tom", which was just weird, and the choice to make Zachary gay (Yes, a sensitive young man must be gay, of course!), both of which ended up being quite prominent strands and only furthered my alienation. And I still don't understand why Mrs Morely's chapters were written in the first-person, nor why we were following her story at all.
This book started out great, but it didn't really progress in the way I expected based on the description. Abel in Constantinople was very quickly and shortly dealt with, and this is where the book started to falter. It sounded interesting, but due to the rushed spying portion, which was seemingly set-up to be a major narrative strand, and the amount of time spent with the Grand Vizier and the Chief Black Eunuch, it ended up drifting. I didn't really understand why Turkey was so important (maybe a historical context note about the war at the front of the book would have helped). Zachary's subsequent journey was not as interesting or adventurous as I was led to believe, and Zachary in Constantinople was boring. By this point, it all felt meaningless, and I simply stopped caring.
The prose is very well written, and it is genuinely funny, but the plot wasn't strong enough to hold attention. The father-son relationship is one of the book's strongest features, and I very much felt for Abel's plight.
I enjoyed Abel's portion of the book, and wished we stayed with him more, but found, despite being the titular character, I didn't much like Zachary, and, as other reviewers have mentioned, his "second sight" wasn't capitalised. The other characters were not entirely likeable either, and at 76%, I am still left unsure about Mrs Morely and Lady Peake-Barnes.
I detested the whole thing with "Tom", which was just weird, and the choice to make Zachary gay (Yes, a sensitive young man must be gay, of course!), both of which ended up being quite prominent strands and only furthered my alienation. And I still don't understand why Mrs Morely's chapters were written in the first-person, nor why we were following her story at all.
December 10, 2021
Wow! Talk about emotional rollercoaster! This book drew me in from the start and I fully engaged with the indepth characters throughout. The environment is intense, lively and glorious on all corners of the globe. Very well crafted. Never a dull moment.
December 30, 2023
I think I'm getting stranger the older I get. I know a lot of people loathe books that leave you wondering but I find that since life is full of unknowns I really quite like a book to leave me dangling.
So all that is a preface to saying that if you like a proper ending then you're on safe ground.
The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley tells the peculiar tale of a boy whose mother died at birth and whose father is maker of mechanical oddities. We join the story at this point. From then on we learn how unusual Zachary is given his strange ability to see things others do not.
I think my favourite character is Mrs Morley who is engaged as a wet nurse for Zachary and has very fixed ideas about independence in women. She's rough and ready but always speaks her mind. I like her for her practical ability (of which I have none).
The book takes us across a continental, sweeps us up in the dying days of the Ottoman empire, gives us a flavour of what was fashionable and desired at the time and throws in a wonderfully bizarre story at the same time.
An enjoyable read.
So all that is a preface to saying that if you like a proper ending then you're on safe ground.
The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley tells the peculiar tale of a boy whose mother died at birth and whose father is maker of mechanical oddities. We join the story at this point. From then on we learn how unusual Zachary is given his strange ability to see things others do not.
I think my favourite character is Mrs Morley who is engaged as a wet nurse for Zachary and has very fixed ideas about independence in women. She's rough and ready but always speaks her mind. I like her for her practical ability (of which I have none).
The book takes us across a continental, sweeps us up in the dying days of the Ottoman empire, gives us a flavour of what was fashionable and desired at the time and throws in a wonderfully bizarre story at the same time.
An enjoyable read.
June 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this one!
The writing style takes some getting used to, and it wasn't a book I could read when I was tired! But I loved the writing, as it comes through as extremely authentic from the time.
The blurb sounded fabulous, and whilst there is an enjoyable introduction to him, I did find myself getting a little impatient waiting for the main premise of the story to come through.
As the book moves to Constantinople, I did struggle with some of the historical facts- it felt like the story was bogged down a little with the research, when this was the part of the book I had been looking forward to.
Zachary was a wonderful character, (as was Abel), but I didn't think he shone as much as I was hoping.
On the whole, a very enjoyable book
The writing style takes some getting used to, and it wasn't a book I could read when I was tired! But I loved the writing, as it comes through as extremely authentic from the time.
The blurb sounded fabulous, and whilst there is an enjoyable introduction to him, I did find myself getting a little impatient waiting for the main premise of the story to come through.
As the book moves to Constantinople, I did struggle with some of the historical facts- it felt like the story was bogged down a little with the research, when this was the part of the book I had been looking forward to.
Zachary was a wonderful character, (as was Abel), but I didn't think he shone as much as I was hoping.
On the whole, a very enjoyable book
July 13, 2022
2.5
In the beginning, I really liked this story and read the first half in a few days, but I felt it lost it's way about halfway through and it took me over a month to finish it off.
I did enjoy some of the characters, particularly Frankie and Mrs Morley, but ultimately there were too many of them; too many side plots and it became overly confusing trying to keep it all straight. That was probably my fault for reading it so slowly, but then again, I did so because it had stopped entertaining me. All that said, many others have loved it. I would be willing to try the author again, this is a debut, and I did like it to begin with.
*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
In the beginning, I really liked this story and read the first half in a few days, but I felt it lost it's way about halfway through and it took me over a month to finish it off.
I did enjoy some of the characters, particularly Frankie and Mrs Morley, but ultimately there were too many of them; too many side plots and it became overly confusing trying to keep it all straight. That was probably my fault for reading it so slowly, but then again, I did so because it had stopped entertaining me. All that said, many others have loved it. I would be willing to try the author again, this is a debut, and I did like it to begin with.
*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*
May 20, 2022
Discover the locations in the novel here
oooh this is a feast for the senses. I devoured this. Loved every minute. Think of the ClockworkGirl/The Night Circus and Tim Burton's films...
What a great story and the writing was a joy to read. Lots of descriptions but central to the plot and a world of wonder created on the page. I loved Zachary's story and he was easy to get to know as was his father. What a gift he had - but it was also a curse as you will see.
Tim Burton would have a field day with this on the big screen!
Full review here now - with updates
January 10, 2024
I try to always be kind, but it is so hard with this novel. I won’t even bore you with my usual review format. There is not enough meat here to warrant that much time for you or me. I already wasted hours reading this drivel.
This book tried so hard to be unique and edgy by throwing in all the current trends in edgy literature. I think the author found a checklist called “things that make a book cool” and ticked them all. Clockwork creations - check. Plague doctors - check. Magic eye that sees the future - check. All the trendiest “under-represented” (though present in every book on the best sellers list) minorities - check. And let’s randomly throw in obscure, archaic words to make it sound intellectual even if we don’t use them all correctly. No one will ever know. How will they know?
On to what’s missing - plot, developed characters, basic story structure.
This book tried so hard to be unique and edgy by throwing in all the current trends in edgy literature. I think the author found a checklist called “things that make a book cool” and ticked them all. Clockwork creations - check. Plague doctors - check. Magic eye that sees the future - check. All the trendiest “under-represented” (though present in every book on the best sellers list) minorities - check. And let’s randomly throw in obscure, archaic words to make it sound intellectual even if we don’t use them all correctly. No one will ever know. How will they know?
On to what’s missing - plot, developed characters, basic story structure.
December 20, 2023
“He is like a clock that tells of time to come and of time past and missed, yet is driven by blood and a beating heart, not by mainsprings and ratchets and bobs of steel and brass.”
The Second Sight Of Zachary Cloudesley is the first novel by British author, Sean Lusk. The audio version is narrated by Clare Corbett and Bert Seynour. Zachary Cloudesley’s birth in March 1754 ends his mother Alice’s life, plunging his father, Abel, and Alice’s Aunt Frances into grief. But Abel has his clockmaking business to keep him busy and engages a wet nurse to care for his beloved boy.
It’s quickly apparent that this quiet, observant boy is precociously intelligent and, his great aunt notes, has his mother’s ability to foresee. Twice yearly visits with Franny add an eclectic touch to his education, and he is fascinated with the clockmaker’s workroom, especially those automata skilfully by young Tom Spurrell. It’s Tom who, when six-year-old Zachary accidentally loses an eye in the workroom, crafts him one of gold and enamel and lapis lazuli.
Soon after Zachary goes to live with Franny, his father having decided that he will be safer there, Abel is unwillingly conscripted into a role that makes use of his clockwork skills, his talents with chess, and his knowledge of Turkish from a previous visit to Constantinople. A British government minister schemes to get information about what the Turks are planning by having Abel listen in on private conversations whilst concealed insides a chess-playing automaton. What could go wrong?
Eight years after Abel arrived in Constantinople, when everyone believes he has been executed, Zachary stumbles on a letter that claims his father is still alive, but captive, and makes a snap decision to rescue him. Fifteen-year-old Zachary is smart and resourceful and brave and determined, but achieving this on his own might just be a bit ambitious, even for him.
Lusk gives the reader a marvellous tale: a plot with twists and surprises that will keep the pages turning; appealing characters, some of whose actions, for all their pure intent, will leave the reader gasping; and every chapter demonstrates his meticulous research into a myriad of topics.
There are some similarities to David Mitchell’s “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” and, while most of the story is told by Abel, Frances and Zachary, the narrative strand of Zachary’s wet nurse, Grace Morley, offers a refreshingly down-to-earth perspective on characters and events.
Lusk’s descriptive prose is often gorgeous. On the crafting of automata, Tom says “he has such ideas, and for me to work at them and make them real, why it is like making life from nothing but bits of brass and silver. It is, if you will, a sort of alchemy, but not flimflammery and lies, but clockwork and movement and a different order of magic.” A brilliant debut.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media
The Second Sight Of Zachary Cloudesley is the first novel by British author, Sean Lusk. The audio version is narrated by Clare Corbett and Bert Seynour. Zachary Cloudesley’s birth in March 1754 ends his mother Alice’s life, plunging his father, Abel, and Alice’s Aunt Frances into grief. But Abel has his clockmaking business to keep him busy and engages a wet nurse to care for his beloved boy.
It’s quickly apparent that this quiet, observant boy is precociously intelligent and, his great aunt notes, has his mother’s ability to foresee. Twice yearly visits with Franny add an eclectic touch to his education, and he is fascinated with the clockmaker’s workroom, especially those automata skilfully by young Tom Spurrell. It’s Tom who, when six-year-old Zachary accidentally loses an eye in the workroom, crafts him one of gold and enamel and lapis lazuli.
Soon after Zachary goes to live with Franny, his father having decided that he will be safer there, Abel is unwillingly conscripted into a role that makes use of his clockwork skills, his talents with chess, and his knowledge of Turkish from a previous visit to Constantinople. A British government minister schemes to get information about what the Turks are planning by having Abel listen in on private conversations whilst concealed insides a chess-playing automaton. What could go wrong?
Eight years after Abel arrived in Constantinople, when everyone believes he has been executed, Zachary stumbles on a letter that claims his father is still alive, but captive, and makes a snap decision to rescue him. Fifteen-year-old Zachary is smart and resourceful and brave and determined, but achieving this on his own might just be a bit ambitious, even for him.
Lusk gives the reader a marvellous tale: a plot with twists and surprises that will keep the pages turning; appealing characters, some of whose actions, for all their pure intent, will leave the reader gasping; and every chapter demonstrates his meticulous research into a myriad of topics.
There are some similarities to David Mitchell’s “The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet” and, while most of the story is told by Abel, Frances and Zachary, the narrative strand of Zachary’s wet nurse, Grace Morley, offers a refreshingly down-to-earth perspective on characters and events.
Lusk’s descriptive prose is often gorgeous. On the crafting of automata, Tom says “he has such ideas, and for me to work at them and make them real, why it is like making life from nothing but bits of brass and silver. It is, if you will, a sort of alchemy, but not flimflammery and lies, but clockwork and movement and a different order of magic.” A brilliant debut.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media
January 13, 2024
Format: audiobook ~ Narrator: Bert Seymour; Clare Corbett
Content: 3.5 stars ~ Narration: 5 stars
Complete audiobook review
Abel Cloudesly is a renowned maker of clocks and automata. The year is 1754. After his wife dies in childbirth, Abel raises his son, Zachary, alone. Zachary grows up in the workshop, surrounded by his father’s inventions. He is a bright and curious boy. After an accident in the workshop, he barely survives and loses an eye. Abel now admits he is not the right one to raise a child and leaves Zachary to his old aunt, Frances. Aunt Frances is not a classic maternal image either. She is single, without children, wealthy, and highly educated. She is interested in various scientific fields, as well as philosophical ideas of the time.
Later, Abel has to leave London and go to Constantinople to operate his chess-playing automaton. After a while, he disappears without a trace, and the family does not hear from him for several years.
I like the steampunk genre, but I rarely find something I like. This was something I thought I would enjoy more than I did. I really liked the first half of the story. For me, the continuation in Constantinople was a lot less interesting.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media for the advance copy and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
Content: 3.5 stars ~ Narration: 5 stars
Complete audiobook review
Abel Cloudesly is a renowned maker of clocks and automata. The year is 1754. After his wife dies in childbirth, Abel raises his son, Zachary, alone. Zachary grows up in the workshop, surrounded by his father’s inventions. He is a bright and curious boy. After an accident in the workshop, he barely survives and loses an eye. Abel now admits he is not the right one to raise a child and leaves Zachary to his old aunt, Frances. Aunt Frances is not a classic maternal image either. She is single, without children, wealthy, and highly educated. She is interested in various scientific fields, as well as philosophical ideas of the time.
Later, Abel has to leave London and go to Constantinople to operate his chess-playing automaton. After a while, he disappears without a trace, and the family does not hear from him for several years.
I like the steampunk genre, but I rarely find something I like. This was something I thought I would enjoy more than I did. I really liked the first half of the story. For me, the continuation in Constantinople was a lot less interesting.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media for the advance copy and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
November 23, 2022
A beautifully written fairy tale, I loved every wonderful word in this book and found myself in stunned silence throughout.
Not since I read Tomorrow have tears run silently down my face as I read....
Not since I read Tomorrow have tears run silently down my face as I read....
April 11, 2022
I was attracted by the cover and title of the book. I also found the description inviting enough to want to read the book.
I enjoyed reading it till about half way through and then for some reason I got bored of it. I did read on to the end, but didn't find much enjoyment in it and I cannot tell why. Perhaps the magic of it disappeared after the initial stages of the book, I'm not sure.
The writing style was mostly engaging, especially in the first part o the book.
I don't want to put anyone off reading the book, but by the same token do not feel in a position to recommend it to anyone.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley. I am delighted to provide a fair and honest review. NetGalley does not allow for paid reviews.
I enjoyed reading it till about half way through and then for some reason I got bored of it. I did read on to the end, but didn't find much enjoyment in it and I cannot tell why. Perhaps the magic of it disappeared after the initial stages of the book, I'm not sure.
The writing style was mostly engaging, especially in the first part o the book.
I don't want to put anyone off reading the book, but by the same token do not feel in a position to recommend it to anyone.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley. I am delighted to provide a fair and honest review. NetGalley does not allow for paid reviews.
December 22, 2022
A good debut novel. I enjoyed the different parts of the world visited and the historical detail. However, I felt it lost it's way plot wise and was mainly focused on finding different characters that had disappeared for various reasons. A 1700s road trip I suppose! Reading the author's note he's clearly done a lot of research and perhaps that took over somewhat from the plot.
It's enjoyable though, and I'll be interested in what he writes next, just not the 4* mark for me.
It's enjoyable though, and I'll be interested in what he writes next, just not the 4* mark for me.
December 10, 2023
Listened to an audio book, the narrators were awesome.
The story is not so much about Zachary or his second sight, more about his dad.
Bittersweet with a decent conclusion.
The story is not so much about Zachary or his second sight, more about his dad.
Bittersweet with a decent conclusion.
November 16, 2022
Zachary Cloudesley is the son of a famous clock maker. He's a very intelligent and curious child. Always flitting around his father's workshop. When an accident leaves him scarred for life, his father decides that Zachary would be better off being raised by Aunt Frances in the countryside.
Abel Cloudesley, knowing his son to be well-cared for takes on a dangerous job in Constantinople, which is going to change his life and that of his son.
Zachary, plagued by visions, knows he has to find his father. An adventure begins that will also take him to Constantinople.
"With a Dickensian cast of characters that are brilliantly bonkers one moment and poignant the next, Sean Lusk's debut will take readers on an immersive journey into the wonders of the world of Zachary Cloudesley." [Blurb]
The book is exactly what this last sentence of the blurb describes. It was a delight reading it.
Abel Cloudesley, knowing his son to be well-cared for takes on a dangerous job in Constantinople, which is going to change his life and that of his son.
Zachary, plagued by visions, knows he has to find his father. An adventure begins that will also take him to Constantinople.
"With a Dickensian cast of characters that are brilliantly bonkers one moment and poignant the next, Sean Lusk's debut will take readers on an immersive journey into the wonders of the world of Zachary Cloudesley." [Blurb]
The book is exactly what this last sentence of the blurb describes. It was a delight reading it.
December 10, 2021
What an absolutely delightful, beautifully written novel! Reminiscent of Dickens (but in my opinion less dense and more accessible) Sean Lusk skilfully tells the story of Zachary Cloudesley and his father, Abel. Set in the 18th century in a clockmaker’s shop in Leadenhall, London and then sweeping across to Tring in Hertfordshire, then France, Italy, Turkey and Egypt, this wonderful novel is primarily one of love. It’s possibly the reason why I was so captivated with it. The love of a parent, a child, a sibling, a lover, oneself, a career - it’s all covered here. And whilst I felt some of the sensibilities were very 21st century, I embraced them; it’s refreshing to see such acceptance and love in a historical novel. In short, I loved this book. It’s a modern classic and I can’t wait to read Lusk’s next offering. Thoroughly recommend.
July 15, 2022
Lots of interesting set up and characters. But in the end, it just doesn’t go anywhere.
March 17, 2024
Rep: gay mc, Turkish gay li, trans side character
April 2, 2022
I was drawn to The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley by the setting – 18th century Constantinople – but I wasn’t sure that it would really be my sort of book. From the blurb, I was expecting a strong magical realism element, something I don’t always get on with. However, I was pleased to find that this aspect of the novel was actually much more subtle than I’d expected.
The story begins in London in 1754 with the birth of Zachary Cloudesley. Sadly, his mother dies giving birth to him, leaving little Zachary to be raised by his father Abel, a clockmaker and inventor of automata. Fortunately, Abel doesn’t have to do this alone – help soon arrives in the form of wet nurse Mrs Morley and the eccentric Aunt Frances, two very different women who go on to play important roles in Zachary’s life.
From an early age, it becomes apparent that Zachary possesses the gift of ‘second sight’ which allows him to see into the future and this gift only becomes stronger following a serious accident for which Abel blames himself. In order to keep his son safe, Abel is persuaded to accept a commission which takes him far away from his London workshop, to Constantinople. But when Abel fails to return from his journey, Zachary is determined to follow him and do whatever it takes to rescue his missing father.
The first half of this novel has a very Dickensian feel. I was particularly reminded of Dombey and Son, which also begins with a baby being born, the death of the mother in childbirth and the arrival of a wet nurse. I enjoyed getting to know the characters who make up the Cloudesley household: the forthright, opinionated but warm-hearted Grace Morley and her little daughter Leonora; the larger-than-life Aunt Frances who takes her crow and two parrots everywhere she goes; and Abel’s apprentice Tom, an intelligent, talented young man with a not-so-well hidden secret. All of these people have interesting histories of their own, which are revealed during the early stages of the novel.
When the action moves away from London, to the heart of the Ottoman Empire, we are treated to some colourful descriptions of Constantinople, the sultan’s palace, and the seraglio, presided over by the kizlar agha (the head of the eunuchs). However, this is where I felt the story lost its way a little bit and for a while I struggled to stay interested. I think this could have been partly due to the focus switching to Zachary who, despite being the title character, was not as engaging as Frances or Mrs Morley. I’m also not quite sure what the point was in the ‘second sight’ aspect of the book as it didn’t really seem essential to the plot. Still, this was an entertaining debut novel by Sean Lusk – if you read and enjoy it, I can recommend Cynthia Jefferies’ The Outrageous Fortune of Abel Morgan for another adventure in Constantinople or The Clockwork Girl by Anna Mazzola if you’re interested in the world of 18th century automata.
The story begins in London in 1754 with the birth of Zachary Cloudesley. Sadly, his mother dies giving birth to him, leaving little Zachary to be raised by his father Abel, a clockmaker and inventor of automata. Fortunately, Abel doesn’t have to do this alone – help soon arrives in the form of wet nurse Mrs Morley and the eccentric Aunt Frances, two very different women who go on to play important roles in Zachary’s life.
From an early age, it becomes apparent that Zachary possesses the gift of ‘second sight’ which allows him to see into the future and this gift only becomes stronger following a serious accident for which Abel blames himself. In order to keep his son safe, Abel is persuaded to accept a commission which takes him far away from his London workshop, to Constantinople. But when Abel fails to return from his journey, Zachary is determined to follow him and do whatever it takes to rescue his missing father.
The first half of this novel has a very Dickensian feel. I was particularly reminded of Dombey and Son, which also begins with a baby being born, the death of the mother in childbirth and the arrival of a wet nurse. I enjoyed getting to know the characters who make up the Cloudesley household: the forthright, opinionated but warm-hearted Grace Morley and her little daughter Leonora; the larger-than-life Aunt Frances who takes her crow and two parrots everywhere she goes; and Abel’s apprentice Tom, an intelligent, talented young man with a not-so-well hidden secret. All of these people have interesting histories of their own, which are revealed during the early stages of the novel.
When the action moves away from London, to the heart of the Ottoman Empire, we are treated to some colourful descriptions of Constantinople, the sultan’s palace, and the seraglio, presided over by the kizlar agha (the head of the eunuchs). However, this is where I felt the story lost its way a little bit and for a while I struggled to stay interested. I think this could have been partly due to the focus switching to Zachary who, despite being the title character, was not as engaging as Frances or Mrs Morley. I’m also not quite sure what the point was in the ‘second sight’ aspect of the book as it didn’t really seem essential to the plot. Still, this was an entertaining debut novel by Sean Lusk – if you read and enjoy it, I can recommend Cynthia Jefferies’ The Outrageous Fortune of Abel Morgan for another adventure in Constantinople or The Clockwork Girl by Anna Mazzola if you’re interested in the world of 18th century automata.
April 8, 2022
My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Random House UK for the ARC.
I have to admit that I picked up this book - and put it down again - multiple times: I always endeavour to finish to enable me to give an honest review, but this one, well, I found it really hard to keep going. Part I started as quite interesting - we're introduced to the tragic start that Zachary has in life: mother Alice dies in childlbirth; Abel, his father is in despair; Grace Morley, together with her young daughter Leonora, becomes his wet nurse; Great Aunt Francis insists on playing a greater role in his upbringing. Abel continues to expand his clock-making business into fashioning automata with the help of Tom, until at 6yrs old, Zachary accidentally loses an eye in the workshop, resulting in him being sent to Great Aunt Francis to keep him safe. A year later Abel finds he can't refuse a clandestine job in Constantinople. Eight years later, disregarding rumours that his father had died, Zachary determines to set off across Europe to find him, with Great Aunt Francis in hot pursuit.
I think the characterisation was good as regards Zachary, Aunt Francis, Mrs Morley and Tom, but throughout it all, the idea of Zachary displaying powers of second sight seemed to be lost along the way. Yes, there were really good descriptions of Turkey, the landscape, political structures and warring factions along the way. However, underneath it all seemed to run a story of same sex love and commitment which, honestly, I wonder for its inclusion.
Overall, I found the premise of the story rather confusing. It reads slowly and, sometimes, tiresomely so. But somewhere along the road any "magical" element is lost - that's just my opinion of course.
I have to admit that I picked up this book - and put it down again - multiple times: I always endeavour to finish to enable me to give an honest review, but this one, well, I found it really hard to keep going. Part I started as quite interesting - we're introduced to the tragic start that Zachary has in life: mother Alice dies in childlbirth; Abel, his father is in despair; Grace Morley, together with her young daughter Leonora, becomes his wet nurse; Great Aunt Francis insists on playing a greater role in his upbringing. Abel continues to expand his clock-making business into fashioning automata with the help of Tom, until at 6yrs old, Zachary accidentally loses an eye in the workshop, resulting in him being sent to Great Aunt Francis to keep him safe. A year later Abel finds he can't refuse a clandestine job in Constantinople. Eight years later, disregarding rumours that his father had died, Zachary determines to set off across Europe to find him, with Great Aunt Francis in hot pursuit.
I think the characterisation was good as regards Zachary, Aunt Francis, Mrs Morley and Tom, but throughout it all, the idea of Zachary displaying powers of second sight seemed to be lost along the way. Yes, there were really good descriptions of Turkey, the landscape, political structures and warring factions along the way. However, underneath it all seemed to run a story of same sex love and commitment which, honestly, I wonder for its inclusion.
Overall, I found the premise of the story rather confusing. It reads slowly and, sometimes, tiresomely so. But somewhere along the road any "magical" element is lost - that's just my opinion of course.
June 23, 2022
This was a really enjoyable book for me! I struggled to put it down, and when I did, I was thinking about it until I could pick it up again. It’s clear the author did their research for the 18th century time period and the locations in the book (Constantinople was my favourite one). If you enjoy a good historical fiction book about identity, loss and love then this is definitely one for you!
Thank you to Doubleday for sending me a copy of this wonderful book.
Thank you to Doubleday for sending me a copy of this wonderful book.
December 13, 2021
The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley by Sean Lusk was a delightful tale from start to finish. From the very first page I was caught up in the story and characters, and they held my interest throughout. The fantastical elements wove neatly through the tale, with excellent world building, while the story moved at a good pace that kept me turning the pages. There were moments of sadness, but the ending was satisfying. Based on the strength of this debut work, I would definitely be keen to read more from Sean Lusk in the future.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2022
This is a gorgeous, rich tapestry of a tale weaving together historical fiction, magical realism and a touch of steampunk! I really appreciated the research that went into the crafting of this novel and, combined with the diverse characters and evocative prose, it held great promise. But for me, there were just too many loose threads, characters woven in briefly just to tie up plot, and plotlines that resolved too superficially. Despite the richness this book sadly lacked depth and this let the imaginative story down. With thanks to Netgalley and Transworld for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.
November 30, 2022
Magical! I fell completely in love with this book from the very first page. The settings (particularly 18th century London and Constantinople) were just perfect, and made for a beautifully transporting read. I adored the automata and clock-making, and each of the diverse cast of characters. I also found the author's note at the end extremely interesting. 'The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley' is a stunning debut from Sean Lusk and I can't wait to read whatever he comes up with next!
May 13, 2023
This is a wonderful book. It starts with a beautiful cover, and only gets better. The premise of the story is reasonably straightforward, but with the added layer of second sight it gets really interesting. Lusk's writing style is great, conveying plenty of details without becoming slow and hard to read. The characters are fascinating too as well as all the outputs from the workshop.
I was sad that it had to end!
I was sad that it had to end!
January 8, 2023
I’m surprised this book isn’t more popular! This did the job of getting me back into reading after not getting on with anything since mid December. Beautifully written Dickensian style plot with a touch of fantasy and steampunk adventure. The strengths certainly lie in the characters and their relationships with each other. Great queer representation too.
December 3, 2023
Finished reading: December 3rd 2023
DNF at 32%
"He is like a clock that tells of time to come and of time past and missed, yet is driven by blood and a beating heart, not by mainsprings and ratchets and bobs of steel and brass."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Union Square & Co. in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
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