I found this hardcover at a local Dollar Store, and thought it looked like fun. It's set in an alternate-reality 1953, where the British Empire still spans the globe - and where coal is still the primary power source, with a variety of side effects on the economy and the environment. The protagonists, Clara Calland and Tim Barnabas, meet on board the coal-fired submarine Cuttlefish, and have to try to evade the forces that are after them seeking scientific knowledge that could change the planet.

The author's appendices include definitions of terms, the inspiration for the story, and some fascinating background on the discovery of a way to artificially synthesize ammonia - the scientific tipping point that this story's based on. I love the "Connections" themes of seemingly-small discoveries (or failure-to-discover) that may have huge effects on society, and that's a key element here.

I left this in the Little Free Library on this overcast afternoon; hope the finder enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2017 September Sapphire release challenge. ***

*** Released for the 2017 You're Such an Animal release challenge. ***