Clockwork Angels

The Novel

By: Neil Peart - contributor, Kevin J. Anderson

Narrated by: Neil Peart

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Package Design, 2014

I can’t stop thinking big....

International best-selling author Kevin J. Anderson teams up with Rush lyricist and drummer Neil Peart to expand the story set out in Clockwork Angels, the 20th studio album by the legendary rock band.

All the journeys of this great adventure -

It didn’t always feel that way

For more than two centuries, the land of Albion has been ruled by the supposedly benevolent Watchmaker, who imposes precision on every aspect of life. Young Owen Hardy from the village of Barrel Arbor dreams of seeing the big city and the breathtaking Clockwork Angels that dispense wisdom to the people, maybe even catching a glimpse of the Watchmaker himself.

I was brought up to believe....

He watches the steamliners drift by, powered by alchemical energy, as they head toward Crown City - never dreaming that he is already caught between the grandiose forces of order and chaos, between the Watchmaker and his nemesis, the Anarchist. Owen’s journeys begin at a fabulous carnival with clockwork wonders beyond his imagination, and take him aboard airships, far into the Redrock Desert to seek lost cities, through storms at sea to encounters with pirates...and give him a chance at love.

Clockwork Angels: The Novel is a remarkable, innovative story unlike any other.

The basis for this novel, Clockwork Angels: The Album by Rush, is available now at rush.com.

©2012 Kevin J. Anderson (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Started out great but fell short of expectations

If you could sum up Clockwork Angels in three words, what would they be?

Good, not great

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would have had more interactions with the Anarchist. I feel like his character wasn't explored enough. He acted as a catalyst for the story but yet he disappeared and we didn't hear from him for much of the story.

Which character – as performed by Neil Peart – was your favorite?

The Anarchist. Neil Peart surprised me with his performance. I never would have guessed that he would do voice work. I was beyond impressed with his ability.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

We are brought up to believe.

Any additional comments?

Though Neil's performance surprised me, I had to look at it objectively...that's why I only gave him four stars. The novel starts out great and very interesting but I feel like it lost its intrigue along the way. As stated above, I would have loved more with The Anarchist and getting into his character. The story kind of faded out while I was expecting it to "go out with a bang". Still a good book. I would recommend this to any RUSH fan. I would also recommend it to any high school students. I had to do a paper on a dystopian novel and this would have been great for that!

Amazing.!

If you could sum up Clockwork Angels in three words, what would they be?

Amazing, Fantastic and Diferent.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Owen Hardy, he have an adventure spirit.

What does Neil Peart bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A lot of things, in this case, first off all, the "RUSH" conections,! This is my second book reading by Neal Peart and I like his emotion, his way to tell a story.!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Reveal the World Around You"

Ok story but lackluster narration.

Story is not bad but I just can't keep going with that narrator. It just has no energy. Will probably read the rest of the series.

Loved It!

I REALLY loved this book. It's not the usual type of story that interests me, but as a HUGE Rush fan, I felt it was something I needed in my life. After the passing of Neil Peart earlier this year, knowing that he was the narrator was the main reason I bought it and listened right away. The story is really good! It's full of life lessons, and there are lots and lots of easter eggs for Rush fans :) I've read reviews about Neil Peart not being the best narrator, but that was not an issue for me. I loved having him read me a story. It actually made me happy! I've always loved the album of the same name, but now I have even more of an appreciation for it since I know the story. I plan on listening to this book over and over again!

A wonderful story

It's amazing to think this book was created from the lyrics to a record, even one as good as Clockwork Angels. The characters are fleshed out beautifully in every respect. And having the late Neil Peart as the narrator is an added bonus as he breathes life into the story. I did notice the inclusion of certain Rush lyrics and Album titles in the story too. Really enjoyable read

Amazing!!

If you could sum up Clockwork Angels in three words, what would they be?

Imaginative Fun Thought-provoking(?)

What other book might you compare Clockwork Angels to and why?

Candide, you'll see.

What does Neil Peart bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Had no idea his speaking voice was so rich. He emoted enough to enhance without being indulgent. He may have a future in this profession if he can't get his music career rolling.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, experience it for yourself.

Any additional comments?

I strongly recommend this book. It has many levels to enjoy and ponder.I have always wondered what talking with Neil Peart would be like. Now I have a quasi-idea. I have been a RUSH fan for decades, the lyrical Easter eggs in the text are so fun to discover."All is for the best"

Great story and ties the songs in their album

What made the experience of listening to Clockwork Angels the most enjoyable?

Great story with an ending that I can relate to. I also liked the author's reference to lyrics in older Rush songs.

Any additional comments?

Very satisfying read and also enjoyed the reading by Neil Peart.

Fans of Rush will like this book...

The story was actually pretty good, my husband enjoyed it and I enjoyed it as well. It just wasn't the type of story that I normally prefer...

Clock Works Angles

Would you try another book from Kevin J. Anderson and/or Neil Peart?

Yes. I have read books from both authors and wouldn't hesitate to do so again.

Would you be willing to try another one of Neil Peart’s performances?

Yes

Was Clockwork Angels worth the listening time?

Yes

Any additional comments?

First, I would like to give credit to the authors and ECW Publishing for offering a complimentary e book to all readers who purchased the hardcover. Not only was it effortless to download but the customer service was excellent.

The whole idea of supporting an album (Rush: Clockwork Angels) with a novel is not only unique but extremely creative. The partnership of Anderson/Peart/Syme makes the entire package a great experience for the reader and fan.

The storyline was reminiscent of Ayn Rand's "Anthem" and Rush's "2112" with the individual facing deciding between individualism and collectivism. The surprise though was that our main protaganist, Owen Hardy, was able to persevere and accept his fate and manage through it without having to change the world or set the world on fire.

I did find that the continuous use of Rush lines/lyrics a tad disruptive and somewhat cheesie for this reader as it distracted from the overall flow of the story. Instead of reading on, the reader stopped to pause and reflect on the many great songs Rush has recorded over the years. With that said, the use of the CA lyrics at the start of each chapter was extremely helpful in setting up each stage(s).

The books' ending was very well thought out and introspective ts to why Owen Hardy did what he did. And, to that end, the authors tended to their readers very well.

The CA package is extremely well done; with a good story line (Peart/Anderson), beautiful drawings (Hugh Syme), lyrics for each track of the album (Peart) and a great afterword from Peart to provide the backdrop for this working concept.

It is a story that young and old will enjoy.

well done

Well done, well polished and well read. Look for the Rush lyrics spattered like Salt Bea on a t bone.