The Rise of the Remarkables: Brasswitch and Bot

Drawn into a world of prejudice, deceit and danger, Wrench must master her powers, knowing they offer her only hope for survival . . . if they don’t destroy the world first.


Screams surge along York’s narrow Victorian streets as a run-away crackle-tram races toward disaster. Fearing an accident like the one that killed her parents, Brasswitch Wrench is forced to reveal her powers – a decision that will change her life forever. Recruited to the sinister department of Regulators who hunt down others like her, Wrench teams up with their maverick mechanical leader, Bot as they are tasked with halting the rise of the aberration threat. Until today, being called Brasswitch would have got you killed. Now, it might save your life.

“This action packed story is well paced, humorous, detailed in a Victorian era setting and ideal for middle grade readers”

I really enjoyed the world that was built in this book ... you can feel yourself immersed in there with the gorgeous writing of Ward. Blue Fairy Tales
This action packed story is well paced, humorous, detailed in a Victorian era setting and ideal for middle grade readers ReadPlus
Brasswitch and Bot is an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable coming of age story … Jam-packed with adventure, mystery, action and magic, it’s a highly original work that’s sure to enthral and delight. Reading Time
I loved this book because of the mystery and twists that immediately capture the audience’s interest … His writing style is hypnotizing, I couldn’t put the book down Kids' Book Review - Junior Review

Gareth Ward, (aka. The Great Wardini) is a magician, hypnotist, storyteller and bookseller. He has worked as a Royal Marine Commando, Police Officer, Evil Magician and Zombie. He basically likes jobs where you get to wear really cool hats. Born near Oxford in the UK, he went to University in York and currently lives in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand where he runs two independent bookshops with his wife Louise. His first novel, The Traitor and the Thief, a rip-roaring young adult Steampunk adventure, won the 2016 Storylines Tessa Duder Award, the 2018 Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Youth Novel, a 2018 Storylines Notable Book Award and was a finalist in two categories at The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. His sequel, The Clockill and the Thief is also jolly good.

You can learn more about the fantabulous world of Gareth Ward at

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