Адские конструкции

The mix of technological innovation and magical-like devices created a unique world. I'm curious what inspired this combination and how it shaped the story.

The story had such high stakes at the start and end, but the middle felt a bit slow. Was that intentional to develop characters or build the world?

The bleak environment really heightened the tension, but I'm wondering if the author envisioned this world from the beginning or if it evolved during writing.