***2019 Watty Award Winner - Science Fiction*** Charlie has always been the one left behind. It isn't because there's something special about him; in fact, there is nothing special about him at all. As one of the few unlucky members of Terran society to be born without powers, Charlie's luck has never looked worse. After a visit to his brother's school ends in an international disaster, Charlie finds himself stranded on an alien planet with no idea where he is, how he got there, or why he is even awake. Why did his captors let him go? How will Charlie get home? And more importantly, what in the world is Trial 017? [Book One of the Scion series]

In a world of steam-powered machines and mechanical wonders, orphan Dorothea Dovetail possesses an extraordinary inheritance: a mysterious parchment that can transform lifeless matter into living constructs. When Dorothea is abducted by the Commission, a corrupt organisation seeking to dominate the world, she learns that the parchment is also the key to the legendary Golem City - a lost civilisation said to contain the secret of creating immensely powerful golems. After escaping her captors, Dorothea finds friendship and refuge with Turner Hullin, a courageous miner's son. But the Commission is never far behind. Hunted by the ruthless General Balsa, Dorothea and Turner join forces with Silverio Herrera, the leader of a secret band of government spies, in a desperate race to reach the hidden city first. As ancient powers awaken and the Commission closes in, Dorothea must uncover the truth about her family's past and decide how far she is willing to go to keep the city's secrets from those who would use them to enslave the world.