Newcross

by Steph West, Andra Paitz (editor), Jaime North (illustrator)

In this action-adventure fantasy novel Newcross, award-winning author Steph West lures readers into the mythological Appalachian town of Newcross, Ohio, the year 1975. Here, Detective Fin Baker must get her bearings quickly after being whisked through time from New York City, the year 2020, by a captivating man claiming to be her father. After growing up in a foster home, Fin must suddenly confront the father who says he is immortal, and the mother who abandoned her—all while using her extraordinary gifts to hunt a serial killer and find Death's dagger called “The Grim." Will she be able to reunite her family and track down a murderer or will the Grim fall into the wrong hands and upend the world as we know it?

This thrilling and emotionally endearing journey challenges the genre boundaries of crime, adventure, and romance as West constructs a multigenerational world from the tenets of Greek Mythology with a science fantasy twist. The narrative speaks loudly to anyone who has ever desperately craved human connection in an increasingly disconnected world.

West is an award-winning author and journalist formerly working for outlets including Gannett/USA Today and Fox Sports Ohio.

This is the first book of the Newcross Trilogy. Book 2 of the Newcross trilogy is Bounty, followed by Book 3, Healed.

597 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2024

About the author

Award-winning author and former Gannett/USA Today and Fox Sports Ohio journalist Steph West creates genre-bending stories from action-adventure and fantasy to sports and romance. The through-line in all her creations is a dedication to featuring three-dimensional characters of all shapes, sizes, and professions. West strives to inspire and empower others through her stories AND the creation process of those stories. She has a long history of award-winning storytelling including two Silver Telly awards and an Emmy (regional) nomination. She began her career in traditional print media before transitioning to digital and video mediums, and landing in film and publishing. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and will graduate from law school in 2027.

Reviews

[Shannan Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newcross by Steph West is a thrilling masterpiece that seamlessly blends action, fantasy, and multigenerational storytelling. From the first page, the intricate world-building and compelling characters pull you into a universe that feels simultaneously vast and intimate. The plot twists keep you on edge, while the deep emotional connections between characters add heart to the high-stakes adventure.

This book stands out not just for its gripping narrative but for the way it weaves elements of crime procedurals with the magic of science fantasy. West's writing style is vivid and cinematic, making it easy to visualize the action and empathize with the characters' struggles. Whether you're a fan of fast-paced action, complex family dynamics, or imaginative fantasy worlds, Newcross offers something special.

I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh and exhilarating read. It’s a journey that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment. Five stars!

[Alisa Hunninghem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling read

The atmospheric setting immersed me in a world where fantasy and reality intermingle, captivating my imagination. The author masterfully weaves an action-adventure fantasy set in the mythological town of Newcross, Ohio, in 1975. West excels at merging the magical elements with the mysteries of the everyday world, creating an engaging narrative that resonates on multiple levels.

At the heart of the story is Fin, a well-crafted protagonist whose journey is both compelling and relatable. She embodies bravery tinged with vulnerability, confident yet often conflicted – a true reflection of someone who grew up in a foster home. Fin's quest to reconnect with her long-lost parents resonated with me deeply – she constantly shows an intense longing for connection, which is so true for our increasingly disconnected society.

The narrative speaks loudly to the universal desire for human bonds. I highly recommend "Newcross" to anyone in search of a fresh and exhilarating tale.

[Demetria Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and different.

I loved this from start to finish. I read a lot of fantasy and this was so different from anything I've read recently. Fictional creatures that aren't so fictional, timelines galore, interesting characters. I look forward to the next book