Clockwork Constellation: Crocodile Cult

by Paul Michael Peters

The galaxy's most dangerous crime family has a new leader—and he used to be a hero.

Millicent Gearwright thought saving the universe from temporal chaos was the hardest thing she'd ever face. She was wrong.

Now the brilliant inventor-turned-adventurer finds herself navigating the deadly criminal underworld of Gabelhaven, a breathtaking world of impossible spires and vertigo-inducing heights where crime families wage war among the clouds. The Crocodile Cult—a shadowy mafia more powerful than empires—is expanding across the galaxy under the command of a terrifyingly familiar Captain Barnaby Blackwater, once their trusted ally, now corrupted beyond recognition.

Armed with the ancient Maw of Maatkara, Barnaby controls not just the cult, but its immortal queen—a beautiful and terrible being whose power could reshape civilization itself. As old alliances crumble and new ones form in desperation, Millicent must team up with Gideon Highwire, a daring steeplejack whose knowledge of Gabelhaven's towering architecture might be their only advantage, and Stark Maddox, a rogue pilot harboring dangerous secrets about the psychic warriors known as Mindshredders.

But the deeper they delve into this web of crime and ancient magic, the more impossible their mission becomes. How do you save a friend who's become your greatest enemy? How do you stop someone you once trusted with your life? And when the Brotherhood of Mindshredders declares war on the Crocodile Cult, threatening to tear the galaxy apart, how do you choose sides in a conflict where everyone has blood on their hands?

From heart-stopping battles atop mile-high spires to psychological warfare that can shatter minds, Crocodile Cult delivers non-stop adventure with deeper stakes and darker choices than ever before. Millicent's journey from anxious inventor to confident leader reaches new heights as she discovers that sometimes saving the galaxy means making allies of monsters—and enemies of friends.

Perfect for fans of Martha Wells, Terry Pratchett, and Becky Chambers, this thrilling sequel proves that the most dangerous enemies aren't always the ones with the biggest weapons—sometimes they're the ones who know exactly how to break your heart.

In a galaxy where crime families hold more power than governments, the most dangerous enemy is the one who used to be your friend.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 8, 2026

About the author

Paul Michael Peters is a storyteller with an original voice who thrives at the edge of the human condition, blending humor and darkness with keen insight. His tales navigate the intricate dance between the mundane and the profound, capturing the ephemeral moments that define our lives with passion. His work invites readers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, exploring life's shadowy corners with narratives that resonate with authenticity and imaginative daring.

Dive into the work of Paul Michael Peters and discover stories that echo the complexities of life: Right Hand of the Resistance, Mist and Moonbeams: Stories from the Great Lakes Edge, Broken Objects, Combustible Punch, The Symmetry of Snowflakes, Insensible Loss, and several beloved short stories like Mr. Memory and Other Stories of Wonder.

Reviews

[Ravid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy of Clockwork Constellation: Crocodile Cult in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own and not influenced in any way.

Summary: This sequel takes everything I loved from the first book and expands it in all the right ways. The worldbuilding is imaginative and immersive, filled with strange factions, mysterious lore, and a surprising amount of heart. The characters shine, especially the found family dynamics among the new crew. I was impressed by how naturally the story introduces fresh elements without overwhelming the reader.

Pacing, tone, and emotional depth are spot-on. The author balances humor with genuine tension, even delivering a few moments that sent shivers down my spine. This book feels smart, original, and genuinely fun—while also tackling darker psychological themes as the story progresses.

If you're looking for a character-driven sci-fi/fantasy adventure that blends high-stakes action with quirky humor and a lot of heart, Crocodile Cult is a standout.

Spoiler Warning: This full review contains mild spoilers regarding character arcs and plot developments from both Crocodile Cult and its predecessor.

After loving Chrono Chaos, I was eager to dive into Crocodile Cult—and this sequel absolutely delivers. Paul Michael Peters expands his universe in ways that feel organic and exciting. The worldbuilding is one of the series’ standout strengths, and this book deepens that foundation, introducing eerie new factions like the Mindshredders, the haunting backstory of Queen Maatkara, and (my personal favorite) the crocodilian cults. Yes, there are intelligent crocodiles—and somehow they work! Equal parts creepy and weirdly endearing, they add a surreal layer that fits perfectly within the Clockwork Constellation universe.

The character arcs feel even stronger this time. Millicent’s gradual descent is handled with heartbreaking realism. Watching her unravel mentally and morally, while still catching glimpses of her old self, adds a layer of emotional complexity that I didn’t expect. Without spoiling too much, I loved the narrative symmetry as Barnaby and Millicent effectively switch roles from book one: where she once saved him, now it’s his turn to try to save her. It’s a brilliant, earned twist that redefines their dynamic and sets up the next book beautifully.

This book also retains its strong found family themes. Even with some original characters absent, the new dynamics feel natural. Gideon, Stark, Red, and Quark form a team that feels fresh and compelling. I especially enjoyed the infiltration scenes with Quark and Gideon, whose banter and evolving friendship add warmth amid the high-stakes tension. Stark’s dry humor remains a highlight.

Tonally, Crocodile Cult balances quirky humor with real emotional weight. There are plenty of lighter moments, but the tension never lets up, and certain scenes—like Millicent’s reflection not moving with her—gave me actual chills. It’s that mix of heart, humor, and creeping dread that makes the book stand out.

Overall, Clockwork Constellation: Crocodile Cult is a clever, emotionally layered sequel that expands its universe without losing sight of its characters. If you enjoy found family dynamics, surreal worldbuilding, and science fantasy stories with a psychological edge, this series deserves your attention.

I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

[SydneyLieske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! I enjoyed the first book in this series, but this second book had me hooked from the first chapter! If you haven’t read the first book, Clockwork Constellation: Chrono Chaos, you definitely should. The first book has a lot of world building and character building, and in this second book these amazing characters are thrust into more adventures and challenges.

If you enjoy Sci Fi that is full of adventure, found-family, deception, and love I definitely recommend this series! Trust me, you will be embarking on quite the rollercoaster, and I mean this in the best possible way! But, be prepared to be longing for the next book!