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The Laitha Chronicles #1
Mechanical Magic
A Laitha Chronicles Tale When Aster Genisov, a creator of mechanical novelties, is asked to help a wounded elf, his special talents and painful past could be the key to the elf’s survival. Y’rean was born to touch the sky, but when his wings are destroyed by a cruel master, not even the life he begins to build with Aster can assuage his despair. Aster has the means to help him—it’s written in his gypsy blood—but is love enough for Aster to face his past and embrace his talent for mechanical magic?
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 12, 2012
This was a sweet and slightly sad novella. I enjoyed it very much as it told the tale of Aster, a man trying to hide his gypsy heritage, rescuing Y'rean, an elf trying to adjust to a life without wings. It's an intriguing, easy read.
From the start I was pulled into this fascinating steampunk. The world is complex and captivating especially with the prejudice against gypsies and the slavery of elves. I also loved the fact that gypsies and elves are portrayed slightly different in this story. Gypsies being able to wield their magic into creating mechanical limbs from metal and the fact that elves have wings.
I loved how Aster, even though he knew it was dangerous, took in Y'rean when he found Y'rean freshly injured and how he took care of Y'rean during his injury. Y'rean on the other hand was quite interesting to me. With his red hair and his longing to be able to fly again. The two are adorable together which gave me a silly little grin. I also found Aster's occupation, creating mechanical pieces of all kinds, extremely interesting.
The plot of the story revolves around Aster finding Y'rean, taking him in and caring for him during Y'rean's recovery. We get to know a bit about Aster and Y'rean's lives and what they've been through in the past. We learn about the world, gypsies and elves which intrigued me quite a bit. We see Y'rean's longing for the sky and Aster's solution to Y'rean's grief. The tale is slow and more romantic than anything else.
My only problems with the story is how a few gypsy words were used but there was no mention of the meaning to them so I had to deduce what they meant. Also, at times the writing was stunted by too many repetitive words too close together.
All in all, the story is very soft and nice. It's a sweet and easy read I'd recommend anyone looking for a little something different that will give you a few warm and fuzzies and make you smile in the end. I hope there's more to come of this world because I really did enjoy these characters and the setting.
From the start I was pulled into this fascinating steampunk. The world is complex and captivating especially with the prejudice against gypsies and the slavery of elves. I also loved the fact that gypsies and elves are portrayed slightly different in this story. Gypsies being able to wield their magic into creating mechanical limbs from metal and the fact that elves have wings.
I loved how Aster, even though he knew it was dangerous, took in Y'rean when he found Y'rean freshly injured and how he took care of Y'rean during his injury. Y'rean on the other hand was quite interesting to me. With his red hair and his longing to be able to fly again. The two are adorable together which gave me a silly little grin. I also found Aster's occupation, creating mechanical pieces of all kinds, extremely interesting.
The plot of the story revolves around Aster finding Y'rean, taking him in and caring for him during Y'rean's recovery. We get to know a bit about Aster and Y'rean's lives and what they've been through in the past. We learn about the world, gypsies and elves which intrigued me quite a bit. We see Y'rean's longing for the sky and Aster's solution to Y'rean's grief. The tale is slow and more romantic than anything else.
My only problems with the story is how a few gypsy words were used but there was no mention of the meaning to them so I had to deduce what they meant. Also, at times the writing was stunted by too many repetitive words too close together.
All in all, the story is very soft and nice. It's a sweet and easy read I'd recommend anyone looking for a little something different that will give you a few warm and fuzzies and make you smile in the end. I hope there's more to come of this world because I really did enjoy these characters and the setting.
May 25, 2020
I had this sense of impeding doom regarding the Earl all throughout this book, just waiting for the other shoe to drop . . . only for it to turn into the most anticlimactic confrontation ever. I liked the steampunk bits, and the magic bits, and the romance bits, but the stress of waiting for bad things to happen, and then having the bad things never appear, kind of ruined my enjoyment.
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September 29, 2012A steampunk novella, about a creator of mechanical novelties, Aster, who rescues an elf, Y’rean, whose wings were cut out of spite by his former master. When Aster finds Y’rean, the elf is almost dead, and Aster has to ask help to his gypsy relatives to save the young elf. Aster has disowned his heritage to avoid the ostracizing that always follows his people. But both Aster than Y’rean need the ancient knowledge the gypsy people hand down from father to son: when Aster was only a young boy, he was condemned to the cut of his right hand for stealing a fruit. His people built him an artificial hand, infusing it with magic so that now the metal works like blood and flesh. This same magic is what Y’rean needs, but Aster has to acknowledge a past that he wanted to forget to help the man he is falling in love with.
I liked this novella, it was mostly sweet and nice. I did wonder about the past of Y’rean, how he came to be a pet slave for a cruel master, but maybe the author has only tried her hand with this pair, and she is thinking to develop there more in the future. Aster is a kind soul, who loves to create beauty in his mechanical novelties, and who is able to see beauty also in people; Y’rean, with his ethereal beauty, and his fragile structure, is like one of the mechanical novelties Aster’s creates, beautiful but to be handle with care. That is the reason why Aster is the perfect mate for someone like Y’rean, because he knows how to take care of him.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076TXH94/?...
I liked this novella, it was mostly sweet and nice. I did wonder about the past of Y’rean, how he came to be a pet slave for a cruel master, but maybe the author has only tried her hand with this pair, and she is thinking to develop there more in the future. Aster is a kind soul, who loves to create beauty in his mechanical novelties, and who is able to see beauty also in people; Y’rean, with his ethereal beauty, and his fragile structure, is like one of the mechanical novelties Aster’s creates, beautiful but to be handle with care. That is the reason why Aster is the perfect mate for someone like Y’rean, because he knows how to take care of him.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076TXH94/?...
September 30, 2012
I found myself drawn into this story incredibly quickly. The setting was described beautifully and I was fascinated with Aster's creations. His shop felt like it would be a magical place to visit. The relationship between Aster and Y'rean was sweet and poignant from the beginning and it developed into a beautiful loving bond. Although there was a sad undercurrent running through the book I felt that this was a story of hope and new beginnings.
March 13, 2012
130 pages of solid story telling.
The story blurb grabbed me right away and I’m not real sure why. I’m not a big Fantasy/Steampunk reader but I must have been in the mood for gypsies and elves that day. Such a cool find that I may be seeking out other steampunk titles in the future.
The length is just about perfect. Nothing can tank a short story/novella for me quicker than trying to pack too many elements in the pages allotted. Ms. Ulrich chose her elements wisely. The pace flows well and the timeline is fairly simple. There is plenty of time to get to know the main characters ... their relevant past history, as well as who they are now and their motivations.
The Steampunk element of this story is, at once, both understated and necessary. For readers who find themselves put-off, unfamiliar, or just plain confused by Steampunk then I would suggest they give Mechanical Magic a try before completely dumping the genre. While the ending would not have been possible without the mechanics and technology of Steampunk, this story never feels weighed down by science. The imagery is clear and easy to follow and adds a nice bit of color throughout.
The contemporary aspect of the story is just as easy. You’ve read 20 pages in the blink of an eye. I believe it is because the characters are truly developed and the reader cares about their happy ending. Aster is just a shopkeeper who keeps his nose clean and tries to live his life as best he can. Y’rean is a rare elf who has accepted his lot in life with grace and had been punished poorly for it. Tragedy has touched both men before the story ever starts so they are well starved for some kindness. Their road to happiness depends on Y’rean’s recovery, leading Aster to do his own healing. The length both men go to in order to help the other makes this a great romance. I’d be surprised if it didn’t make it on quite a few lists for the best romance of 2012. Very well written. And because sex does not automatically equal romance for me, I am happy to say that most of the intimacy either fades to black or kept subtle. There is enough build-up and tension to satisfy most readers, but the story itself relies on the couple’s everyday moments to convey emotion and affection.
If I had any criticism at all, I would be the choice made at the very end. As-is, the story ends well. Both men are healthy and happy, a previous wrong has been righted, the bad guy is taken care of, and there is the only graphic sex scene in the story. It is interesting and well written. My problem with the sex scene is that I was much more interested in how the bad guy was going to be handled. In my mind, Aster and Y’rean were solid, having accepted the strength of their relationship based on the previous tone of the story. Witnessing their full lovemaking at this point didn’t bring too much more to the story for me. I would have preferred the focus be on the man responsible for harming Y’rean. The included scene was clever, impactful, and could possibly be an open door for a second Aster and Y’rean story down the road so I’m not sure how, if at all, it could/should have been altered. I guess my only real issue with it was its placement, making it a quick wrap up after an expanded sex scene, instead of giving it the importance I felt Y’rean deserved after all he’d been through. I’d be very interested to hear how others feel. Maybe I’m just nit-picking since the rest of the story was so fabulous.
Overall, I would recommend this story to everyone and look forward to new stories by Lorraine Ulrich.
The story blurb grabbed me right away and I’m not real sure why. I’m not a big Fantasy/Steampunk reader but I must have been in the mood for gypsies and elves that day. Such a cool find that I may be seeking out other steampunk titles in the future.
The length is just about perfect. Nothing can tank a short story/novella for me quicker than trying to pack too many elements in the pages allotted. Ms. Ulrich chose her elements wisely. The pace flows well and the timeline is fairly simple. There is plenty of time to get to know the main characters ... their relevant past history, as well as who they are now and their motivations.
The Steampunk element of this story is, at once, both understated and necessary. For readers who find themselves put-off, unfamiliar, or just plain confused by Steampunk then I would suggest they give Mechanical Magic a try before completely dumping the genre. While the ending would not have been possible without the mechanics and technology of Steampunk, this story never feels weighed down by science. The imagery is clear and easy to follow and adds a nice bit of color throughout.
The contemporary aspect of the story is just as easy. You’ve read 20 pages in the blink of an eye. I believe it is because the characters are truly developed and the reader cares about their happy ending. Aster is just a shopkeeper who keeps his nose clean and tries to live his life as best he can. Y’rean is a rare elf who has accepted his lot in life with grace and had been punished poorly for it. Tragedy has touched both men before the story ever starts so they are well starved for some kindness. Their road to happiness depends on Y’rean’s recovery, leading Aster to do his own healing. The length both men go to in order to help the other makes this a great romance. I’d be surprised if it didn’t make it on quite a few lists for the best romance of 2012. Very well written. And because sex does not automatically equal romance for me, I am happy to say that most of the intimacy either fades to black or kept subtle. There is enough build-up and tension to satisfy most readers, but the story itself relies on the couple’s everyday moments to convey emotion and affection.
If I had any criticism at all, I would be the choice made at the very end. As-is, the story ends well. Both men are healthy and happy, a previous wrong has been righted, the bad guy is taken care of, and there is the only graphic sex scene in the story. It is interesting and well written. My problem with the sex scene is that I was much more interested in how the bad guy was going to be handled. In my mind, Aster and Y’rean were solid, having accepted the strength of their relationship based on the previous tone of the story. Witnessing their full lovemaking at this point didn’t bring too much more to the story for me. I would have preferred the focus be on the man responsible for harming Y’rean. The included scene was clever, impactful, and could possibly be an open door for a second Aster and Y’rean story down the road so I’m not sure how, if at all, it could/should have been altered. I guess my only real issue with it was its placement, making it a quick wrap up after an expanded sex scene, instead of giving it the importance I felt Y’rean deserved after all he’d been through. I’d be very interested to hear how others feel. Maybe I’m just nit-picking since the rest of the story was so fabulous.
Overall, I would recommend this story to everyone and look forward to new stories by Lorraine Ulrich.
October 28, 2019
★★★☆☆ ~ 3 Stars
December 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this romance story of a gypsy falling in love with an elf. It's a wonderful steampunk world created, and beautifully written. The plot may have been predictable, but sweet none the less.
"Elves are like birds. They are born to fly. It’s in their blood to be part of the sky. They’re like gypsies in that way. Take away our ability to roam, and you take away one of the fundamentals of our life."
"Elves are like birds. They are born to fly. It’s in their blood to be part of the sky. They’re like gypsies in that way. Take away our ability to roam, and you take away one of the fundamentals of our life."
April 3, 2012
3.5 stars, rounded up
This was the first steampunk fantasy that I've read. The novella has some unique plot elements and an intriguing premise. And of course, there's the absolutely beautiful cover art!
This was the first steampunk fantasy that I've read. The novella has some unique plot elements and an intriguing premise. And of course, there's the absolutely beautiful cover art!
May 15, 2018
I liked the characters and the mechanical machines. This is a sweet tale though not without harsh pasts for both characters. The epilogue was a little unsatisfying and tied up a thread I expected more to come from.
February 27, 2012
Good book, but the characters had potencial for more than just what happened in this story.
I wanted fights, angst and trouble... none happened.
I wanted fights, angst and trouble... none happened.
December 18, 2023
This is a hard book to rate. I think if I had read it five years ago, I would have loved it; I probably rated it five stars. I was very into M/M romances at the time, and I think I would have appreciated the quietness of the story. But tastes change with time, and now the sedateness of the story left me wanting. I wouldn't go so far as to say I was bored. But it definitely wasn't hitting the notes I currently enjoy. However, if you are someone who enjoys a calm, soft romance, this is a good one to pick up.
May 9, 2025
It was good. The magic was cool, and the steampunk elements were a fun touch. The romance was extremely sweet. Everything was just kinda surface level? We got told short snippets of pasts, but there was some handwaving with "I don't remember everything" that would have been better with a big reveal or a big confrontation at some point. One of those sweet novellas that kept my attention for the afternoon though.
April 19, 2019
I enjoyed the story, and the characters were endearing, but the ending was HFN. I instantly queued up the next book in the series but it isn't about these characters. That was a bit of a let down. 😢
April 27, 2022
3.5 star
February 9, 2023
⭐️3.5/4⭐️
My rating system
1 Did not like it
2 It was okay
3 I liked/enjoyed it
4 I Loved it
5 It was amazing!
My rating system
1 Did not like it
2 It was okay
3 I liked/enjoyed it
4 I Loved it
5 It was amazing!
December 26, 2016
I’m not sure why I should be so surprised when I’m more than delighted by a steampunk story, but that’s what ended up happening here! I know it’s tied to the fact that I don’t relish historicals or anything closely related; however, this rang much more loudly as a hurt/comfort story than anything else and that’s the part that grabbed me. A lovely surprise (and not to mention a “Y” character name – yay)!
February 11, 2014
This story is first and foremost a MM Romance/erotica story.
While there are 'flavors' of Steam Punk a.k.a. Clockwork in this book, they are more a side note; a ‘setting’ for the MM Romance/erotica story line.
Since I read this book for a steam punk challenge I was disappointed by the lack of a Steam Punk plot. There are three Clockwork items which were briefly described, I found the story void of the unique blend of Science fiction, Fantasy and adventure that one expects in this genre.
That being said, I will address the MM Romance, which could be best summed up by saying. "There is nothing new, unique or even slightly original in the MM romance/erotica story line." I have read a much better version of this ‘wounded angel’ in Angel 1089 (heavens Corp. #1) by C.C. Bridges.
All things considered, I am giving this book 2.5 stars. Originality and 'sticking to the genre' count, this book lacks both.
While there are 'flavors' of Steam Punk a.k.a. Clockwork in this book, they are more a side note; a ‘setting’ for the MM Romance/erotica story line.
Since I read this book for a steam punk challenge I was disappointed by the lack of a Steam Punk plot. There are three Clockwork items which were briefly described, I found the story void of the unique blend of Science fiction, Fantasy and adventure that one expects in this genre.
That being said, I will address the MM Romance, which could be best summed up by saying. "There is nothing new, unique or even slightly original in the MM romance/erotica story line." I have read a much better version of this ‘wounded angel’ in Angel 1089 (heavens Corp. #1) by C.C. Bridges.
All things considered, I am giving this book 2.5 stars. Originality and 'sticking to the genre' count, this book lacks both.
November 11, 2013
It's more romancey than steampunk-y. You get a nice bit of steampunk wingporn, though (not exactly, but it just sounds amusing to call it that).
The romance was a bit iffy, though. The characters still weren't quite defined enough for much of it to make much sense, which is a damn shame.
The implied thing with the Big Bad came to naught, so it was basically just a useless tangent of a subplot. The ending was rather abrupt. I'd have liked there to be more than the possible implied desire for retribution by the Big Bad.
Whole lotta impotent rage and nothing to vent it on? Or no idea how to vent it properly. Or at all, it seems. It just fizzled out.
Crying shame. I'd have liked to like it.
The romance was a bit iffy, though. The characters still weren't quite defined enough for much of it to make much sense, which is a damn shame.
The implied thing with the Big Bad came to naught, so it was basically just a useless tangent of a subplot. The ending was rather abrupt. I'd have liked there to be more than the possible implied desire for retribution by the Big Bad.
Whole lotta impotent rage and nothing to vent it on? Or no idea how to vent it properly. Or at all, it seems. It just fizzled out.
Crying shame. I'd have liked to like it.
December 31, 2014
This is a sweet little steampunk fantasy that has a lot of the elements I love. It's got some pretty good world building, and the main characters are appealing. The steampunk aspect is fascinating, with the little bit of magic thrown in with the mechanics. My biggest frustration was that it could have been outstanding - the piracy noted at the beginning never went anywhere, and the threat of the owner wasn't really resolved in any believable way. Those two items could have been woven together with the skills of the two main characters into an intriguing resolution; it was a totally squandered plot.
May 31, 2015
Notice: The book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review
Title: Mechanical Magic
Author: Lorraine Ulrich
Cover Artist: Anne Cain
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Sean
Genre: Fantasy
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novella
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨
Rating: ★★★★¾
The rest of the review can be read at World of Diversity Fiction
Title: Mechanical Magic
Author: Lorraine Ulrich
Cover Artist: Anne Cain
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Reviewer: Sean
Genre: Fantasy
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novella
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨
Rating: ★★★★¾
The rest of the review can be read at World of Diversity Fiction
September 7, 2012
I really liked this story of a gypsy and an elf. It's both sad and hopeful. I really felt myself drawn into the lives of the beautiful but sad elf and the sad but loving gypsy. Both of them are really missing love in their lives until they find each other. Beautifully written. Would love to see additional stories in this world.
March 18, 2012
Soooo cute with an undercurrent of sadness.
This story is richly different but at the same time it felt complete. Its not very long but the author does a great job of not overloading us with to much world building. In fact I will admit that I was pretty damn fascinated with the world Ms Ulrich created and I would love to know more.
This story is richly different but at the same time it felt complete. Its not very long but the author does a great job of not overloading us with to much world building. In fact I will admit that I was pretty damn fascinated with the world Ms Ulrich created and I would love to know more.
August 5, 2013
3.5 stars round up.
I enjoyed this very much. Loved both characters and the world in which they lived. There were dark elements that stayed in the background. I thought the news article at the beginning would play into the story but it didn't. The ending did seem a bit abrupt with a loose end or two. Maybe there is a sequel or two. )
I enjoyed this very much. Loved both characters and the world in which they lived. There were dark elements that stayed in the background. I thought the news article at the beginning would play into the story but it didn't. The ending did seem a bit abrupt with a loose end or two. Maybe there is a sequel or two. )
March 1, 2013
3.5 stars
April 8, 2012
This is a cute and sweet story, showing the slow building of a loving relationship.
September 10, 2016
** 3.5 Stars **
August 15, 2014
3.5 stars.
January 30, 2015
4.5 stars
The story is very good, but it feels like a prelude of the main story. Now I'm curious... Where is the next story?
The story is very good, but it feels like a prelude of the main story. Now I'm curious... Where is the next story?
November 21, 2024
Beautifully written story! Very lovely world she's created, and a lovely pair of gentle people!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews