Clockwork Angels: The Novel

Clockwork Angels: The Novel by Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart

In a steam punk work, everything is in order due to the work of the clockmaster. One boy has a nice life at home and a potential future marriage with a girl he likes. He rebels a bit and decides to go meet her outside at midnight. She doesn't show up. Since he is out, he decides to check out the nightly steemer. Somebody offers to pull him aboard and thus begins his adventures. He hangs out with carnies, and travels all around. He tries to see places that he has seen before, but they are different. He learns there are different versions of worlds. He later learns that he is an integral player in a battle between the Clockmaster and the Anarchast. He chooses not to decide between the two and goes on his own way.

The book feels very much like a Rush album. Various song titles and lyrics are "name dropped" in a way that flows well. Bits from dreamline and Freewill jumped out. I am sure there are many others that I missed. Beyond the use of bits from songs, the book exposes Neil's philosophy, which is in turn influenced by Ayn Rand. Now I need to listen to the album it was based on.