The Flight to Brassbright

The Brassbright Chronicles, Book 1

By: Lori Alden Holuta

Narrated by: Lea Popielinski

Constance is a wild, stubborn young girl growing up poor in a small industrial town. But beneath her threadbare exterior beats the heart of a dreamer and a wordsmith. She feeds her hunger for reading by picking the lock on the local bookstore late at night to enjoy her own private reading room. But at age 12, she's orphaned. With no relatives to take her in, the local authorities scheme to take charge of the bewildered girl's life. Running away to join the circus - like kids do in adventure books - seems like such a brilliant idea...or is it? That was six long years ago. Now, Constance is 18, fed up with the constraints of life under the big-top, and despairing for her future. She's ready to dust off her old dreams, but first she's going to need another cunning escape plan. Can a young, newly-freed woman travel the road to her dreams and a place to call home? Step back in time to 1895 and take a wild, occasionally hilarious ride with Constance and the friends she meets along the way, as she travels the dirt roads and blue skies of a country called Industralia. Her journey winds through towns and cities bursting with creative eccentrics, high-flying airships, dazed automatons, brilliantly cracked inventors and more than a few kindred spirits. With allies like these, what could possibly go wrong?

©2015 Lori Alden Holuta (P)2016 Lori Alden Holuta

Entertaining And Well-told!

a marvelous, fantastic story; fast moving and engaging. The Brassbright Chronicles is a Winner! Performed perfectly by Lea Popielinski, who adds just the right touch with her numerous accents defining the various characters. I read the book twice... I'm sure I will listen to it again and again

Fly high with this great little story!

In the spirit of Kenneth Oppel and Gail Carriger, Brassbright is a high-flying adventure. I found it an endearing treat.
This is a good book for parents to share with their YA folks: a sweet adventure that will make the adult smile fondly and the young person laugh with glee. The story revolves around feisty Constance, a girl with a classically Dickensian backstory, a metric ton of grit and a wide streak of enthusiasm. The lovely reader for the audio-book copy emphasized Constance's pep.
For me, the best part about this story was the fact that it gives readers old and young a heroine who isn't fixed on marriage, love, or Rising In Society. She's a self-sufficient young girl devoted to learning how to be a writer, navigating the world with the perfect mix of guile, wit, respect for others and cheerfulness. Think Pippy Longstocking with more technology. The perfect pulp-novel idea of running away with the circus and the classic story of a star-struck dreamer has a happy ending in this cheerful little tale.
I also loved the quirky and creative technology-oh, and the naming conventions!-that give this book such a strong Steampunk flavor. Speaking of which, the quirky characters are also sweet as candy!
My one suggestion to the writer is to choose a better cover artist. This cover has its charm, but it isn't hugely attractive.
This isn't a book for the cynic or the stoic. But if you need a sweet, happy and creative adventure, pick this up. I'm waiting for the next book!

Constance tells a ripping tale!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I recommend this book to everyone. It is a delightful tale, and hearing Constance tell her story is so wonderful.

What did you like best about this story?

I think what I like best is that Constance takes us on a journey to magical places while overcoming obstacles and exploring a wondrous world - and while she certainly encounters kind and helpful people who assist her along her way she always has agency. No sitting around waiting for rescue for this young lady! Even if it means being shot out of a cannon...

Which character – as performed by Lea Popielinski – was your favorite?

Ah...that is hard. She did a wonderful job. But I have an abiding fondness for Constance.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Oh heavens, so much laughter.

Any additional comments?

Having grown up on stories of boys adventuring and girls being rescued by adventurers, it always delights me to come across a compelling and well written story with a young woman as the protagonist. And this is a story that has all that, and leaves you wanting more. More Brassbright, more Constance, and more tinkerers!!

Support an indie author & check out this fun book

A fun story with a brave, sassy and independent female protagonist.
After Constance's mother dies, she runs away with a traveling circus. Maybe not the best idea as she finds herself running from it too, and following her dream to become a writer. (I wish there really were places like the Inkwell, LOL) Lea Popielinski does a great job with the narration, her accents and cadence is perfect for the storyline. Support an IndieAuthor and check out this fun read!