The Engineer of Beasts

“Terrific fantasy . . . Sanders takes readers on a whirlwind tour of a future Earth, where cities are domed for protection against the deadly environment.” —Publishers Weekly

After decades of abuse transforms the world into a toxic wasteland, people flee into the safety of a global network of domed cities. Within these safe, orderly spaces, the only animals allowed are machines in the new world’s mechanized zoos, called disneys. Orlando Spinks prides himself on keeping his father’s disney spotless and orderly, until 13-year-old Mooch explodes into his life and down the throat of a mechanized lion.

Mooch quickly wriggles her way into Orlando’s heart with her creative mechanical genius, fiery spirit, and passion for real animals. As her rebellious spark spreads to Orlando, they restore the wild spirit to the mechanical beasts, but catch the eye and ire of the Overseers.

Beautifully written, The Engineer of Beasts brings together the best of Scott Russell Sanders’s environmental wisdom with skilled world-building and beloved characters.

“A keen eye, a sensuous and exact imagination, and a buoyant spirit.” —Ursula K. Le Guin

“Sanders’ writing has a polished, literary complexity: images sharply seen, language graceful and well-used, plot-threads spun out, and his cast of characters is wild and wonderful. Thoughtful, patient readers with a taste for satire will enjoy this now-funny, now-tender coming-of-age story.” —Kirkus Reviews

“It has a gritty strength and appeal, with humor that tempers the bleakness of the characters’ situations . . . He is a skilled writer well able to challenge and intrigue his readers.” —School Library Journal