A Knack for Metal and Bone

The Knack, Book 1

By: Kim McDougall

Narrated by: Allyson Voller, Xander Marceaux, Cody Sloan

A royal tinker and a rogue soldier must unite to stop the monsters threatening their city—and unravel the secrets lurking within it.

Rowan doesn't just work with machines—she hears them. The hum of engines, the whisper of gears and wires—they speak to her through the magic that flows from her mech hand. Whether she's fine-tuning the colossal automaton that protects New Torwood City or toiling in her workshop, being a mechanic is the only life she truly enjoys. But the Regent's Council wants more. They demand a princess who will embrace the pomp and ceremony of royal duty, not a tinker with oil-stained hands.

When she's unexpectedly recruited into Ranger Squad 54 for a mission deep into the wild Meadows, Rowan leaps at the chance. Finally, a way to serve her city and put her unique talents to use—far from the glittering halls of royalty.

Conall, an ex-commander, knows the dangers of the Meadows firsthand. Discharged from the Rangers when his inner wolf broke free during battle, he now makes a living running rare artifacts between New Torwood and the southern cities. But the Rangers have a new mission for him—one that could clear his tarnished record. A group of international scientists has vanished, and recovering them is critical for the future of New Torwood. Failure could push the city into a war it cannot afford.

Thrown together on a high-risk mission, Rowan, Conall, and the Rangers of Squad 54 will face unimaginable dangers in the wilderness and uncover dark secrets that could shake the foundations of the city they've sworn to protect. But the real menace might be at the heart of New Torwood itself.

Embark on a thrilling adventure with A Knack for Metal and Bone, the first book in an epic new fantasy-steampunk series from the author of The Valkyrie Bestiary.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2024 Kim McDougall (P)2025 Podium Audio

Steampunk and more!

What a great new Fantasy series!
I'm so impressed with the authors world building and character creation. This is such a cool cross of steampunk, shifter (but done so well), kind of dystopian and some political intrigue.
When Conall is sent on what appears to be an easy mission rather than be kicked out of the command, he builds a team of companions to come along. He's also tasked to take a mechanic, who also happens to be a princess, Rowan. Something doesn't seem right from the beginning, but they would find out just how wrong things go.
Nothing is at it seems. There are monsters encountered and battled.
The group has losses, both human and mechanical, and discover just what brought them on the mission. Betrayal and corruption!
The magic is super cool, mechanical but also the "mech" also gives cool power.
I loved the characters so much! We even get a very slow burn romance.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series!

An Awesome Fantasy

I was absorbed from the opening paragraphs until the end of the story. I was so captivated that I had to drag myself away to fulfill required duties, but as soon as I was free, I was back to listening to the audiobook. I admired the worldbuilding, and I was drawn into the story by the descriptive phrases. I liked the characters, and I felt like I became a member of the team as the story unfolded. I appreciated the moments of humor, the magic, and the almost non-stop action. I was sad when the story ended, and I can't wait for the next installment. I thought the combined narrative skills of Allyson Voller, Xander Marceaux, and Cody Sloan enhanced my enjoyment of the story. I was given an advanced listener's copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

enjoyed

A must read and/or listen to a new story where the author weaves a story that will draw you in. Can't wait for the next book.