Mainspring (novel)

Last updated
Mainspring
Mainspringnovel.jpg
Cover of 2007 First Edition
Author Jay Lake
Cover artistStephane Martiniere
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Genre Science fiction
Publisher Tor Books
Publication date
June 2007
Media typePrint (Hardbound)
Pages320 pp
ISBN 0-7653-1708-7
OCLC 85243813
813/.6 22
LC Class PS3612.A519 M35 2007
Followed by Escapement  

Mainspring is the third novel from writer Jay Lake. It is a clockpunk science fiction novel.

This novel is followed by the 2008 sequel Escapement and the 2010 sequel Pinion.

Plot summary

Mainspring is the story of a young clockmaker's apprentice, who is visited by the Archangel Gabriel. He is told that he must take the Key Perilous and rewind the mainspring of the Earth. It is running down, and disaster to the planet will ensue if it's not rewound. From innocence and ignorance to power and self-knowledge, the young man will make the long and perilous journey to the South Polar Axis, to fulfill the commandment of his God.


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