Underlings: The Spark Engine
Published on 13. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-0684871-0-1 (ISBN)
Description
Barely surviving in the machine-powered subterranean city of Lode, underling Evin discovers a skeletal hand clutching a cryptic note.
Find Karl. Stop the engine. Unlock the truth. Nala Nermana.
Driven to unlock Lode's secrets, Evin and her mech-dog Jet face danger at every turn: unscrupulous bullies, brutish guards, and the deadly fumes of the dragonsbreath.
But to reveal the truth, Evin must trust new friendships, battle her way upwards, and confront the city's deceptive leader, Cardinal Mavka, before the world she knows comes crashing down.
Find Karl. Stop the engine. Unlock the truth. Nala Nermana.
Driven to unlock Lode's secrets, Evin and her mech-dog Jet face danger at every turn: unscrupulous bullies, brutish guards, and the deadly fumes of the dragonsbreath.
But to reveal the truth, Evin must trust new friendships, battle her way upwards, and confront the city's deceptive leader, Cardinal Mavka, before the world she knows comes crashing down.
Reviews / Votes
A masterclass in adventure...gloriously gripping. * Piers Torday, author of The Last Wild and Midnight Treasure *Secrets, sparks, and non-stop adventure. * Vashti Hardy, author of The Brightstorm Chronicles and Crowfall *
The Spark Engine is a rollicking steampunk ride, filled to the gasket with brilliant worldbuilding and ingenious twists. * Darren Simpson, author of The Memory Thieves and Furthermoor *
The Spark Engine is packed with twists and cogturns, following courageous Evin and her mech-dog Jet through the steampunk labyrinth of Lode. * Becca Rogers, author of The Girl with Gills *
I loved the story and the way it transported you to another world... set in the past but also really modern with unusual inventions like the collection pod. Jet was my favourite character. * Pearl, age 11 *
If you love adventures and a good mystery, this book does not disappoint. * Isaac, age 10 *
I didn't want to put the book down and I would like to see more like it. * Noah, age 11 *
I definitely rate it 5 stars! * Marika, age 11 *
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Target group
Children/juvenile
Illustrations
7 black and white illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 129 mm
Width: 199 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
245 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-0684871-0-1 (9781068487101)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Murray is a writer and film producer living in a picturesque village in Essex, with his wife, daughter, and their unusually large cat. He has been shortlisted and longlisted for various competitions: Write Mentor, Chicken House Books, and The Oxford/Pushkin Children's Fantasy Prize. Underlings: the Spark Engine is his debut children's book.