The poor living in the gutter is as valuable as the rich living in a manor.
The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint.
Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.
Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore. Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in.
The Chronicles of Steele: Raven is a steampunk-inspired fantasy set in an alternate universe.
Title: Chronicles of Steele: Raven Episode 1
Author: Pauline Creeden
Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk
Publisher: AltWit Press
Publication Date: August 27, 2014
This fun steampunk fantasy series is set in an alternate universe that I want to visit.
In Episode 1, we are introduced to Raven, who was trained as a reaper. In Raven’s fantastic world of steam-powered horses and other gadgets, reapers were part of the duke’s elite guard, working in the capacity of a bodyguard and assassins. But, to keep reapers humble, they were required to save a life for every one they take as an assassin.
The adventure begins when an out-of-control metal horse carrying a young boy, careens off of a bridge. In the right place at the right time, Raven doesn’t hesitate to save the boy’s life, whom she later learns is a baron. With a curse upon him, Raven takes on the challenge to protect him and find a way to lift the curse.
I always find it amazing when an author crafts three-dimensional characters in a compact story, and Pauline did an impeccable job with this one. I feel as if I’ve known Raven her entire life, and watching her speed and dexterity when taking on the guard makes me feel like a proud mama.
This novella is exceptionally well written (and edited), and filled with adventure and action at just the right pace. I need to mention the cover art as well. It's gorgeous, and perfectly complements this well written steampunk fantasy. I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.
If you’re a fan of steampunk, fantasy, and a tough, butt-kicking heroine, then you’ve got to read the Chronicles of Steele series.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy.
Armored Hearts, her joint effort with author Melissa Turner Lee, has been a #1 Bestseller in Christian Fantasy and been awarded the Crowned Heart for Excellence by InDtale Magazine.
Her debut novel, Sanctuary, won 1st Place Christian YA Title 2013 Dante Rosetti Award and is now available as an audiobook. #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Christian Sci/Fi and Fantasy (October 2013)
One of Pauline's short stories has won the CCW Short Story contest. Other short stories have been published in Fear & Trembling Magazine, Obsidian River and Avenir Eclectia. An urban fantasy short will appear in The Book of Sylvari: An Anthology of Elves from Port Yonder Press, and a vampire short will appear in Monsters! from Diminished Media Group.
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