Clockwork Planet

At a unspecified point in the future, the Earth dies. Then, a genius engineer only known as “Y” manages to revive the Earth using only gears and clockwork. Thus the world is renamed “Clockwork Planet”, with cities being build inside the planet’s gears. A thousand years later Naoto Miura, a student and lover of machines living in the Kyoto gear, finds a crate has crashed through the roof of his apartment. Inside the crate is a coffin containing the broken body of an automaton. Using his superior sense of hearing, Naoto fixes the automaton, who is named RyuZU Yours*ave, who reveals she has been broken for over 200 years. RyuZU promises complete loyalty to Naoto and the two become close. Later they meet two people trying to find RyuZU: Dr. Marie Bell Breguet, the youngest person to become a “meister”, a group of master engineers; and her bodyguard Vainney Halter. A month after their encounter, all four appear in Akihabara, Tokyo, having now become the world’s most infamous terrorists

Original Publisher

kodansha

English Publisher

j-novel club

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on Clockwork Planet "Clockwork Planet" definitely piqued my interest with its unique premise. A world rebuilt with gears and clockwork mechanisms? Sign me up! After diving in, I can see why it has garnered a solid fanbase, although it's not without its quirks. ### First Impressions The initial concept is undeniably captivating. The idea of a planet entirely powered by clockwork is something I hadn't encountered before, and the author does a commendable job of explaining the mechanics and intricacies of this world. I appreciated the logical approach, even when dealing with fantastical elements. It's clear a lot of thought went into the world-building. ### What Works Well The characters, for the most part, are enjoyable. While some might find them a bit archetypal, their interactions and development kept me engaged. The dynamic between Naoto, our clockwork-obsessed protagonist, and RyuZU, the automaton he revives, is definitely a highlight. The blend of sci-fi and fantasy creates a unique atmosphere. It’s not overly gritty or dark, leaning more towards a lighthearted adventure with moments of genuine tension. The action sequences, while not constant, are well-executed and exciting. ### Areas of Concern While the world-building is generally good, I did find myself wanting a bit more depth in certain areas. Some aspects of the society and its history felt a little underdeveloped. Also, while I enjoyed the characters, I can see how some might find them generic or even off-putting. Naoto's obsession with automatons might not be everyone's cup of tea, and the story does lean into harem-like elements at times, which might deter some readers. ### Final Verdict Overall, I'd say "Clockwork Planet" is a fun and engaging read, especially if you're looking for something a little different. The unique setting, combined with interesting characters and a lighthearted tone, makes it a worthwhile experience. However, be aware that it's not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and the characters might not appeal to everyone. If you're willing to overlook these issues, you'll likely find yourself enjoying this clockwork adventure.