Spotlight on... The Dark Unwinding

Spotlight on... is a very random feature about anything and everything, though it usually pertains to books. It's basically about something I want to give attention to. 

As I was Goodreads searching books, I came by a list of 2012 releases. I haven't been around for much of 2012 yet, but I want to know what books to look out for, so I decided to look at the list. The first titles were books I was really excited for, and they were all familiar. But I wanted to see books I haven't heard about yet, so I went to the last page of the list where I saw a title that piqued my interest: The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron. 

My initial thoughts when I saw the cover was that it looked like my type of read (you know, paranormal/dystopian/action type book). I honestly am not the hugest fan of the cover (I don't like the colour combination, or the fonts) but I think it will look way better in person. 

Anyway, it's the synopsis that intrigues me. Inheritance? Steampunk? Eccentric family members? Why not? 

Here it is: 

A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

Sounds interesting, huh? I've generally liked most steampunk, with one of my favourites being The Girl in the Steel Corset  so I'm totally interested in reading about this book. It has a lot of potential and the plot sounds really original. I also like the idea of a twisty plot, with adventure and a bit of romance. This is definitely a must read. 

Remember, the book releases September 1st from Scholastic. So far, there aren't many reviews on Goodreads but lots of positive star ratings.

Some more cool stuff: 

This website.  Seriously, I love the little animation and the wind! Probably one of the coolest author websites I've seen. 

Some extras about her book including a teaser, some photos about her inspiration for the setting, and some videos of automatons! 

Sharon Cameron won the 2009 Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. I haven't heard of that, but congratulations to her anyway! Since she won it for this novel, it better be good, right? 

What do you think? Sounds good? Any other 2012 recs for me?