Stealing Time

by C.K. Garner

While testing time travel pods, Skyship Captain Acastus-Hale Atenai and Dr. Nikola Tesla fall under attack from coastal raiders called Phantoms trying to capture the technology. In a desperate move to keep the secret safe, Captain Atenai launches Dr. Tesla mid-battle in a time-pod. A few years later it is up to Captain Atenai’s son, Acastu, to take up where his father left off. The secrets of time travel must not fall into the wrong hands. Can Acastu prove himself worthy of his father’s sacrifice? Only time will tell.

26 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2012

About the author

C.K. Garner collects books and dust, is owned by two cats, and writes to unbury her keyboard from under the fur. She will always mourn the loss of Bette Davis, Ray Bradbury, Blake Snyder, and the removal of Firefly from Fox. She is writing a YA fantasy series, and editing the sequel to her steampunk novella “Stealing Time“ available as an e-book from Musa Publishing and Amazon.

Reviews

[Margaret Lesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The vivid and easy to visualize action drew me into this story. The author did a wonderful job setting the tone for this steampunk story set in a 19th century where time travel has tweaked history. The world building, the imagery -- everything from the cool character names to the colorful seaside town to the air ships moving through the skies, mixing San Francisco with the made-up town of San Antenai -- effectively puts the reader into the mood of the story. And Nicola Tesla plays a central role. [Nerd love here for Tesla, one of science and technology's unsung heroes!]

The prologue begins with a vivid battle scene between the mercenary pirate-like Phantoms whose objective is to steal a time travel pod the captain of an airship is charged with transporting. Later, we follow the action of the airship's son Acastu and his sister on the run from evil Phantom crew members looking to press local waifs into years of service aboard their ships. The pursuit of young Acastu and his little sister propels the children on their adventure.

Stealing Time is an enjoyable, well-written page-turner.

[AndrewP · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short steampunk novella that seemed more like the introduction of a series, or longer work, than a fully fledged stand alone. The ending felt like the beginning of something much bigger. Not a bad story overall but to me it felt like there was just to much going on in the short space of the book. Lot's of good ideas that would be much better if expanded a bit.

Name dropping Tesla as a character didn't feel quite right, but that may have been because I recently read 'The Prestige', which did such a great job with this character/plot device.

This was one of the e-books I picked up during Musa Publishings closing down sale.

[Nishi Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steampunk, it thrives in CK Garner's blood. After reading Stealing Time, I wanted to learn more about the characters and the world she created (a fictional alternate San Francisco, not to mention other places). Stealing Time is an action packed, fast-paced adventure for adults and YA, you won't be dissapointed, and there is more to come. I especially enjoyed her use of unique names and underlying histories of the characters. Keep an eye on CK Garner, the future holds great writing (and reading!).