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The Chronicle of the Crows #1
Chasing Shadows
As captain of the airship Arcos, Edison Crow and his childhood partner in crime, Selah, lead their crew in search of a big payday. When it comes to the pursuit of wealth, nothing is out of the question for this band of charming rogues. Smuggling. Theft. Embezzlement. It’s all part of a daring game.
But all is not smooth sailing when you’re a high profile thief with a target on your back. A job gone wrong will thrust Edison, Selah and those aboard the Arcos upon a journey straight to the heart of the shady United Republic of the High Commission in pursuit of the truth.
Troubled by his own personal demons, Edison must navigate dark skies if he hopes to gain answers. Will it be enough to help the infamous Captain Crow clear his and his crew’s names? Or will he end up Chasing Shadows?
But all is not smooth sailing when you’re a high profile thief with a target on your back. A job gone wrong will thrust Edison, Selah and those aboard the Arcos upon a journey straight to the heart of the shady United Republic of the High Commission in pursuit of the truth.
Troubled by his own personal demons, Edison must navigate dark skies if he hopes to gain answers. Will it be enough to help the infamous Captain Crow clear his and his crew’s names? Or will he end up Chasing Shadows?
Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Steven Smith
5 books29 followersI've been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. In school, I loved writing stories. In 2015, I set up a blog to review my then-reading obsession - the Discworld series. Over time the reviews branched out and I added new book-based features. It's called Books and Beyond Reviews
In late 2019, an idea for a story struck, so I took part in NaNoWriMo to keep me honest. Throughout 2020 that idea eventually became my first novel, Chasing Shadows. In late 2020 I had finally finished revising it, ready for editing. It released on Kindle and paperback on the 1st of April 2021.
I've also been hard at work on my second novel, the follow up to Chasing Shadows and trying my hand at a whole host of short stories to boot. One of my short stories, Coming Home, published in the collection Connections, published by Fuzzy Flamingo on the 23rd of April 2021.
In late 2019, an idea for a story struck, so I took part in NaNoWriMo to keep me honest. Throughout 2020 that idea eventually became my first novel, Chasing Shadows. In late 2020 I had finally finished revising it, ready for editing. It released on Kindle and paperback on the 1st of April 2021.
I've also been hard at work on my second novel, the follow up to Chasing Shadows and trying my hand at a whole host of short stories to boot. One of my short stories, Coming Home, published in the collection Connections, published by Fuzzy Flamingo on the 23rd of April 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 29, 2021
Review of an advance copy.
This is a very good story. There are power blocs and dastardly villains. Some of what we have today is used, there are things we recognise, yet the world is a different place.
And then there is Edison Crow.
Edison is a complex character, he commands an airship with the help of his friend Selah and they have history. Character development is excellent, we can see why Crow became who he is and how everything in his world fits together and makes sense.
There is a tremendous amount of world-building and backstory, it’s done in such a way that it never feels laboured and sets up the story nicely.
Logically constructed machinery and technology, realistic descriptions of their uses abound. There’s the feeling of a world that has wonders but also a taste of the lives of those who live without them.
Without giving too much away, there’s trouble in the United Republic of the High Commission. Crow and his airship, with a crew more used to a life of crime, set out to solve a mystery.
That’s the cue for some spectacular action and adventure.
Hopefully, there will be more adventures for Edison Crow, these characters deserve a series.
This is a very good story. There are power blocs and dastardly villains. Some of what we have today is used, there are things we recognise, yet the world is a different place.
And then there is Edison Crow.
Edison is a complex character, he commands an airship with the help of his friend Selah and they have history. Character development is excellent, we can see why Crow became who he is and how everything in his world fits together and makes sense.
There is a tremendous amount of world-building and backstory, it’s done in such a way that it never feels laboured and sets up the story nicely.
Logically constructed machinery and technology, realistic descriptions of their uses abound. There’s the feeling of a world that has wonders but also a taste of the lives of those who live without them.
Without giving too much away, there’s trouble in the United Republic of the High Commission. Crow and his airship, with a crew more used to a life of crime, set out to solve a mystery.
That’s the cue for some spectacular action and adventure.
Hopefully, there will be more adventures for Edison Crow, these characters deserve a series.
December 18, 2021
What a splendidly engaging story this is! I'm a big fan of fantasy, adventure and sci-fi, but this the first steampunk novel I've read. This novel has elements of all three. Then there's wonderful world-building, a story populated by original and engaging characters, and a plot that's exciting and well-paced. The descriptions of the technology - elements of any book that I sometimes skip over - are elegantly written and don't get in the way of the action at all.
So why only 4 stars? Well, the story hasn't finished yet. The mystery hasn't been solved and I'm left wondering what will become of these charming rogues and their almost impossibly large airship. I just want the next episode. And soon.
So why only 4 stars? Well, the story hasn't finished yet. The mystery hasn't been solved and I'm left wondering what will become of these charming rogues and their almost impossibly large airship. I just want the next episode. And soon.
March 28, 2021
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reader copy for a fair an honest review.
Chasing Shadows is the debut of long time book blogger turned author Steven Smith.
Set in an industrialised Steampunk universe, the story does well in thrusting the reader into this unique genre. The main character is street rat turned airship Captain, Edison Crow, aided by his right hand woman, Selah. Together with their rag-tag crew, they set out on an exciting adventure to score big through a series of daring heists. As their profile grows, they come under scrutiny and persistent threat from the Commission, a Machiavellian power with corruption in its heart that belies their seeming good intent. Inject an underlying mystery with supernatural overtones into the mix, and you have all the makings of a fine entry for Steampunk and fantasy adventure enthusiasts alike to sink their teeth into.
Smith vividly builds his world around his characters, but does not allow it to overshadow them. The strength of the story lies in this character development. Each one is fully realised and human, possessing great strengths, as well as flaws. This extends to the villains of the piece, who are sharply drawn and more than one note moustache twirlers.
A great deal of care has gone into the plotting, and this is evident in how vivid and complex the story is without becoming murky. Instead of taking the easy path, the author has chosen to layer the different elements in a way that entices and informs the reader of the world, its factions and personalities, while maintaining a brisk pace.
Prior to this entry, I had not read much Steampunk, but was familiar enough with it to see that Smith tries to steer clear of existing cliches, while still paying homage to the genre. I enjoyed reading this immensely and had a brilliant time doing so.
Highly recommended for those who wish to sample a new and exciting voice on the scene.
Chasing Shadows is the debut of long time book blogger turned author Steven Smith.
Set in an industrialised Steampunk universe, the story does well in thrusting the reader into this unique genre. The main character is street rat turned airship Captain, Edison Crow, aided by his right hand woman, Selah. Together with their rag-tag crew, they set out on an exciting adventure to score big through a series of daring heists. As their profile grows, they come under scrutiny and persistent threat from the Commission, a Machiavellian power with corruption in its heart that belies their seeming good intent. Inject an underlying mystery with supernatural overtones into the mix, and you have all the makings of a fine entry for Steampunk and fantasy adventure enthusiasts alike to sink their teeth into.
Smith vividly builds his world around his characters, but does not allow it to overshadow them. The strength of the story lies in this character development. Each one is fully realised and human, possessing great strengths, as well as flaws. This extends to the villains of the piece, who are sharply drawn and more than one note moustache twirlers.
A great deal of care has gone into the plotting, and this is evident in how vivid and complex the story is without becoming murky. Instead of taking the easy path, the author has chosen to layer the different elements in a way that entices and informs the reader of the world, its factions and personalities, while maintaining a brisk pace.
Prior to this entry, I had not read much Steampunk, but was familiar enough with it to see that Smith tries to steer clear of existing cliches, while still paying homage to the genre. I enjoyed reading this immensely and had a brilliant time doing so.
Highly recommended for those who wish to sample a new and exciting voice on the scene.
July 25, 2023
I don’t read steam punk books very often but when I do I enjoy!
This is my introduction to Steven Smith’s writing and the promise of an adventure onboard an airship with loveable rogues and shadow wraiths drew and kept my attention.
The mystery of the shadow wraiths were woven throughout various parts of the story and later were explained in a way I would not have guessed! I better not say anymore as this is definitely a spoiler.
I enjoyed the characterisation, especially of Crow, and his female partner Selah, both of whom were so well crafted and described.
The ending seemed a little sudden to me. Though, I am pleased to say there is a next story in this series which will no doubt fill in the gaps.
The fascinating aspects, and at times beautiful writing makes me curious what may happen in book two. I liked the intrigue about the poor children and the kindness shown by Maisie.
Recommended for readers who enjoy steam punk, adventurous and mysterious stories with some exciting and imaginative scenes, a burgeoning romance, an underlying political aspect, (the tyrannical United Republic of the High Commission,) and fantastic characters.
An enjoyable and engaging read – would recommend.
My rating 4 stars
This is my introduction to Steven Smith’s writing and the promise of an adventure onboard an airship with loveable rogues and shadow wraiths drew and kept my attention.
The mystery of the shadow wraiths were woven throughout various parts of the story and later were explained in a way I would not have guessed! I better not say anymore as this is definitely a spoiler.
I enjoyed the characterisation, especially of Crow, and his female partner Selah, both of whom were so well crafted and described.
The ending seemed a little sudden to me. Though, I am pleased to say there is a next story in this series which will no doubt fill in the gaps.
The fascinating aspects, and at times beautiful writing makes me curious what may happen in book two. I liked the intrigue about the poor children and the kindness shown by Maisie.
Recommended for readers who enjoy steam punk, adventurous and mysterious stories with some exciting and imaginative scenes, a burgeoning romance, an underlying political aspect, (the tyrannical United Republic of the High Commission,) and fantastic characters.
An enjoyable and engaging read – would recommend.
My rating 4 stars
October 30, 2024
This is my first foray into steampunk sci-fi, and I really enjoyed the mix of technology and pirate adventures. Young Captain Edison Crow, his partner Selah, and their crew are robbers, using their airship to take from the rich. When their fatality-free crimes start being reported as murders, they realize someone on the High Commission is trying to set them up.
An upcoming celebration allows them to confront a leader of the High Commission and they discover not only a big secret but a dangerous new enemy rooted in supernatural superstition.
The world-building of this book is top-notch, as is the writing, the details, and the characters. Crow and Selah have such great banter, and chapters that dip into their backstory shed some light on their ever-evolving relationship. This being book 1, there is a mystery and new questions raised after the overall adventure is done, and I can’t wait to read what’s next for this Victorian-era, ragtag crew.
An upcoming celebration allows them to confront a leader of the High Commission and they discover not only a big secret but a dangerous new enemy rooted in supernatural superstition.
The world-building of this book is top-notch, as is the writing, the details, and the characters. Crow and Selah have such great banter, and chapters that dip into their backstory shed some light on their ever-evolving relationship. This being book 1, there is a mystery and new questions raised after the overall adventure is done, and I can’t wait to read what’s next for this Victorian-era, ragtag crew.
June 20, 2021
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝘀
𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to @lovebookstours and @stevensmithauthor for my gifted copy of this book for my hones review.
*Synopsis*
As captain of the airship Arcos, Edison Crow and his childhood partner in crime, Selah, lead their crew in search of a big payday. When it comes to the pursuit of wealth, nothing is out of the question for this band of charming rogues. Smuggling. Theft. Embezzlement. It’s all part of a daring game. But all is not smooth sailing when you’re a high profile thief with a target on your back. A job gone wrong will thrust Edison, Selah and those aboard the Arcos upon a journey straight to the heart of the shady United Republic of the High Commission in pursuit of the truth. Troubled by his own personal demons, Edison must navigate dark skies if he hopes to gain answers. Will it be enough to help the infamous Captain Crow clear his and his crew’s names? Or will he end up Chasing Shadows?
This is my second book that I've read that focuses on Steampunk (Monstress Vol 1 was the first) and it's officially something I absolutely love! It's so fascinating and just the world building describing all the steampunk elements did enough for me. Yet this book has a gift of keeping us entertained. We have heists (which has become a favourite in fantasy and fiction books-blame Six of Crows!) We have airships, which omg absolutely loved everything about Arcos and I vividly felt I was on it. I also loved the Shadow Wraiths which gives me all the fantasy feels, but not heavy fantasy (which wouldn't bother me anyway.)
There is so much action and adventure in this book that keeps you reading page after page. Chasing Shadows is so easy to read with it's fast paced pages, even with it also packing a lot of world building and descriptions.
6⁰
I loved our two main protagonists Crow the Captain of Arcos, and his partner in crime and childhood bff Selah (yes to have women in a crew!) Both characters are very yin and yang where you'd think they'd not get on at all, but in fact they balance each other out. Crow is very sophisticated, smart, very clever and has a lot of respect for his crew. He can go a bit off grid at times and too cocky which is where Selah comes in. She grounds Arcos and keeps him from doing anything to crazy and daft. I also like that this crew doesn't use violence or harm people to get what they want, which I think is fab considering what they all get up too.
For over 200 pages this is a fabulous, engaging, debut novel, with an action-packed adventure. Fun characters and awesome steampunk plot that is becoming a favourite thing in books. I hope that Smith writes more books like this as I'll be very happy in reading more.
𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to @lovebookstours and @stevensmithauthor for my gifted copy of this book for my hones review.
*Synopsis*
As captain of the airship Arcos, Edison Crow and his childhood partner in crime, Selah, lead their crew in search of a big payday. When it comes to the pursuit of wealth, nothing is out of the question for this band of charming rogues. Smuggling. Theft. Embezzlement. It’s all part of a daring game. But all is not smooth sailing when you’re a high profile thief with a target on your back. A job gone wrong will thrust Edison, Selah and those aboard the Arcos upon a journey straight to the heart of the shady United Republic of the High Commission in pursuit of the truth. Troubled by his own personal demons, Edison must navigate dark skies if he hopes to gain answers. Will it be enough to help the infamous Captain Crow clear his and his crew’s names? Or will he end up Chasing Shadows?
This is my second book that I've read that focuses on Steampunk (Monstress Vol 1 was the first) and it's officially something I absolutely love! It's so fascinating and just the world building describing all the steampunk elements did enough for me. Yet this book has a gift of keeping us entertained. We have heists (which has become a favourite in fantasy and fiction books-blame Six of Crows!) We have airships, which omg absolutely loved everything about Arcos and I vividly felt I was on it. I also loved the Shadow Wraiths which gives me all the fantasy feels, but not heavy fantasy (which wouldn't bother me anyway.)
There is so much action and adventure in this book that keeps you reading page after page. Chasing Shadows is so easy to read with it's fast paced pages, even with it also packing a lot of world building and descriptions.
6⁰
I loved our two main protagonists Crow the Captain of Arcos, and his partner in crime and childhood bff Selah (yes to have women in a crew!) Both characters are very yin and yang where you'd think they'd not get on at all, but in fact they balance each other out. Crow is very sophisticated, smart, very clever and has a lot of respect for his crew. He can go a bit off grid at times and too cocky which is where Selah comes in. She grounds Arcos and keeps him from doing anything to crazy and daft. I also like that this crew doesn't use violence or harm people to get what they want, which I think is fab considering what they all get up too.
For over 200 pages this is a fabulous, engaging, debut novel, with an action-packed adventure. Fun characters and awesome steampunk plot that is becoming a favourite thing in books. I hope that Smith writes more books like this as I'll be very happy in reading more.
November 12, 2021
Firstly, I didn’t know what to expect from the front cover. But I knew it pulled me towards it wanting to know more. As you know I never read a blurb.
I absolutely adored how the author introduces you to the characters background. Additionally, the relationship starting as a friendship between Crow and Selah grips you. You hope for a little bit of romance between them. But will it happen? That’s a piece of information I’m not going to share with you.
I’ve never heard of steampunk before this read. It didn’t disappoint at all and had got me excited to read the next one. It’s jam packed full of heists along the way that you struggle to pause at any point. I loved reading the detail around the airship. The description throughout is absolutely brilliant. I love books that make you feel like your there. Being part of the airship crew would be absolutely amazing.
The book is exciting, mesmerising, I found it extremely unique as I’ve not ever read anything like this before. Even though it has an air of fantasy around it, it’s not like your generic style of fantasy.
“This is for all the dreamers and adventurers in search of their own little piece of magic in the world” - quote is brilliant, it’s 100% for the readers that love adventures.
I absolutely adored how the author introduces you to the characters background. Additionally, the relationship starting as a friendship between Crow and Selah grips you. You hope for a little bit of romance between them. But will it happen? That’s a piece of information I’m not going to share with you.
I’ve never heard of steampunk before this read. It didn’t disappoint at all and had got me excited to read the next one. It’s jam packed full of heists along the way that you struggle to pause at any point. I loved reading the detail around the airship. The description throughout is absolutely brilliant. I love books that make you feel like your there. Being part of the airship crew would be absolutely amazing.
The book is exciting, mesmerising, I found it extremely unique as I’ve not ever read anything like this before. Even though it has an air of fantasy around it, it’s not like your generic style of fantasy.
“This is for all the dreamers and adventurers in search of their own little piece of magic in the world” - quote is brilliant, it’s 100% for the readers that love adventures.
June 23, 2021
Buckle your seatbelt and have your weapons at the ready! This briskly paced steampunk adventure is on the move from the very first sentence. Author Steven Smith does a fantastic job bringing Murkvale, the Arcos, political intrigue, and Crow's crew to life- a world of wheeling and dealing and always running after the next big score-but after encountering strange creatures during a heist, will Crow finally stop running and face his checkered past? It looks like we'll have to wait for the next installment in this fun swashbuckling series to find out!
April 5, 2021
This book was my first journey into Steampunk and wow what an adventure! loved the way you are drawn into the characters and also the background chapters of their story. Brilliant description of the atmosphere created by the steam industry and plenty of rip roaring adventure in the airship to keep you speeding through the chapters, hoping there will be a follow up to this.
April 21, 2021
This is my first experience of steampunk and the vivid world Steven Smith created just drew me right in. The characters were intriguing and well written. The action was fast paced. The whole book had a depth of description that was exceptional. I would definitely read a sequel.
June 2, 2021
A steampunk heist thriller!
Exciting from the first page to the last! I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I love the partnership between Crow and Selah, which doesn’t turn romantic until the end. Male-female friendships are important too.
Exciting from the first page to the last! I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I love the partnership between Crow and Selah, which doesn’t turn romantic until the end. Male-female friendships are important too.
July 15, 2021
This book in 3 words: Heisty. Fresh. Truehearted. 🖤🖤
Today is my stop for the Chasing Shadows book tour, hosted by @lovebookstours. I was gifted an early copy for an honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The plot and characters are unique enough that the story doesn't blend with previous stories. With a classic Robin-Hood-Like-Trope, the details are significant and the story doesn't feel cliched. If you've read Six of Crows, it's hard not to get Kaz Brekker vibes from Edison Crow (crow... crow club... heist... you get it). 🪶
With just enough world building, I found myself craving a map (which is a good thing). I wanted to be able to "be in this" enough to reference a map.
At times, I did feel the pacing was a bit off. It's like the book ended in a weird spot (I'm 99% sure a sequel is coming) where I was reading the start of the next story, but unintentionally. There's also some pacing issues as far as actual happenings... some moments were a bit too short and lacked depth.
Overall, I recommend this book as either a change of pace from your typical genres or for anyone into steampunk or other worlds.
Today is my stop for the Chasing Shadows book tour, hosted by @lovebookstours. I was gifted an early copy for an honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The plot and characters are unique enough that the story doesn't blend with previous stories. With a classic Robin-Hood-Like-Trope, the details are significant and the story doesn't feel cliched. If you've read Six of Crows, it's hard not to get Kaz Brekker vibes from Edison Crow (crow... crow club... heist... you get it). 🪶
With just enough world building, I found myself craving a map (which is a good thing). I wanted to be able to "be in this" enough to reference a map.
At times, I did feel the pacing was a bit off. It's like the book ended in a weird spot (I'm 99% sure a sequel is coming) where I was reading the start of the next story, but unintentionally. There's also some pacing issues as far as actual happenings... some moments were a bit too short and lacked depth.
Overall, I recommend this book as either a change of pace from your typical genres or for anyone into steampunk or other worlds.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews