Clockwork Destiny

Clockwork Destiny by Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart

The final book in the Clockwork Angels series was clearly influenced by the music of Rush and the lyrics of Neil Peart. By Tor the Snow Dog plays a key role. There is the Dreamline campus, freewill and many parts related to Rush songs that move along the plot. Anderson and Peart had been working through ideas for the book before Peart passed away. Anderson then finished it after Peart's death.

In this book, a group is going on a quest to find the magic substance that would restore vitality to the Watchmaker and order to the universe. They find it, but instead of giving it to the Watchmaker they give it to Grandfather. The watchmaker does not seem disappointed.

In the quest, they meet many people in the clockwork world. It is a steampunk world with carnivals and power. The watchmaker has organized everything and made detailed plans. They run into people that had known they would be coming for years - however, they did not know complete details. For example, when the party talks to an outfitter for their quest to the cold realms, the outfitter knew they would be coming and stayed open for that, even without much other business. The quest involves finding more about the anarchists and getting the potion that can help restore order. The anarchists are trying to spread disorder in the world. University students are especially drawn to anarchy without knowing truly what it is. Some of the anarchy was first spread by the Watchmaker himself, but later revivals have spread out of hand. There are also stories that can be told by a prick of blood. However, some of the stories end up being super simple. Many people are interested in continuing their bureaucratic life, even when the underpinning structure is under risk.

This book was well written, though I wish I could find a premade playlist of all the Rush songs mentioned.