Step into the clockwork wonderland of The Cogheart Adventures, where airships soar over a steampunk Victorian London and a plucky heroine named Lily unravels mysteries with her mechanical fox, Malkin, by her side! Penned by Peter Bunzl, this thrilling middle-grade series blends heart-pounding adventure with heartfelt themes of identity, friendship, and what it means to be human in a world of cogs and gears. Perfect for readers who crave a dash of daring and a sprinkle of magic, The Cogheart Adventures has captured hearts worldwide with its imaginative storytelling.
From its gripping debut to its action-packed finale, the series follows Lily, a half-human, half-automaton girl, and her friend Robert as they navigate a retro-futuristic England filled with mechanical marvels and sinister villains. With its unique blend of historical charm and sci-fi flair, The Cogheart Adventures invites readers to lose themselves in a world where courage and curiosity reign supreme.
How The Cogheart Adventures Began
Peter Bunzl, a BAFTA-winning animator turned author, crafted The Cogheart Adventures from a spark of inspiration found in Gaby Wood’s non-fiction book Living Dolls, which explores the history of automatons. Growing up in a rambling Victorian house in South London, Bunzl was steeped in the era’s aesthetic, which he infused with a steampunk twist. His love for cinematic storytelling and quirky characters shaped the series, which debuted with Cogheart in 2016, published by Usborne in the UK and later by Jolly Fish Press in the US. Bunzl’s goal? To create a swashbuckling tale that felt both epic and intimate, perfect for young readers.
The Heart of The Cogheart Adventures
The series spans four books, each a whirlwind of mystery and mechanical magic. Cogheart introduces Lily, whose inventor father vanishes after a zeppelin crash, sparking a quest to uncover his secrets alongside Robert and Malkin. Moonlocket (2017) dives into Robert’s past, chasing an escaped criminal and a mysterious locket in 1897 London. Skycircus (2018) takes the trio to a treacherous traveling circus, exploring themes of belonging as Lily grapples with her hybrid identity. Finally, Shadowsea (2020) whisks them to New York, where underwater mysteries and a vengeful villain await.
Bunzl’s Victorian world brims with airships, clockwork robots, and retro-futuristic gadgets, blending historical grit with sci-fi wonder. Themes of identity—especially Lily’s struggle as a hybrid—resonate deeply, as do messages of loyalty, courage, and embracing one’s uniqueness. The series’ fast-paced plots, vivid imagery, and witty dialogue (especially from the opinionated Malkin) make it a standout in middle-grade steampunk, appealing to fans of adventure and fantasy alike.
Why The Cogheart Adventures Resonates
The Cogheart Adventures has left a lasting mark on the steampunk genre, selling nearly half a million copies worldwide and earning accolades like the Awesome Book Award (2018) and nominations for the Carnegie Medal and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Its blend of historical and futuristic elements makes it a perfect introduction to steampunk for young readers, while its emotional depth speaks to all ages. Fans praise its cinematic quality, with many hoping for a film adaptation to bring Lily’s world to life. Bunzl’s ability to weave heart and humor into high-stakes adventures ensures the series remains a beloved escape.
- Publication Years: 2016–2020
- Number of Books: 4 (Cogheart, Moonlocket, Skycircus, Shadowsea)
- Awards: Winner of Awesome Book Award 2018, Sefton Super Reads 2017; shortlisted for Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, Branford Boase Award
- Target Audience: Ages 9+
Grab Cogheart and dive into The Cogheart Adventures’ steampunk splendor! Whether you’re a fan of airship chases or heartfelt friendships, Lily, Robert, and Malkin are ready to whisk you away on an unforgettable journey.