World Shaker by Richard Harland

Published by Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest N.S.W., 2009. ISBN 9781741757095

Sixteen year old Col has just been chosen by his grandfather to become the next Supreme Commander of the Worldshaker juggernaut, a mobile city that travels the world constantly. But his whole future changes when he meets Riff, a fourteen year old girl Filthy, who has escaped from below and who is set to lead a revolution against the tyrrany of the establishment of the upper decks. Set in an alternative history, World Shaker is an exciting and thought provoking story described by the author, Richard Harland as 'steampunk' at its 'steampunkiest'. While it is a great adventure story, it also explores the theme of social injustice and has a darker side too, particularly in how the Upper Deck inhabitants treat their servants. I will be recommending this book to students who love fantasy, steampunk, and who enjoyed Philip Pullman's 'His dark materials' trilogy.