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Chronicles of Steele: Raven #1
Chronicles of Steele: Raven: Episode One
Human life has value.
The poor living in the gutter is as valuable as the rich living in a manor.
The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint.
Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.
Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore… Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in.
The Chronicles of Steele: Raven is a steampunk-inspired fantasy set in an alternate universe.
The poor living in the gutter is as valuable as the rich living in a manor.
The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint.
Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.
Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore… Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in.
The Chronicles of Steele: Raven is a steampunk-inspired fantasy set in an alternate universe.
ebook
First published November 23, 2014
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406 people want to read
About the author
Pauline Creeden
76 books578 followersPauline Creeden is an award-winning author, horse trainer, and overall book ninja. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.
Armored Hearts, her joint effort with author Melissa Turner Lee, has been a #1 Bestseller in Christian Fantasy and been awarded the Crowned Heart for Excellence by InDtale Magazine. Her debut novel, Sanctuary, won 1st Place Christian YA Title 2013 Dante Rosetti Award and 2014 Gold Award for First Place YA Horror Novel.
Armored Hearts, her joint effort with author Melissa Turner Lee, has been a #1 Bestseller in Christian Fantasy and been awarded the Crowned Heart for Excellence by InDtale Magazine. Her debut novel, Sanctuary, won 1st Place Christian YA Title 2013 Dante Rosetti Award and 2014 Gold Award for First Place YA Horror Novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 11, 2018
See this FULL review on my blog along with others at: shesgoingbookcrazy.com
The first episode of the Chronicles of Steele gives a delightful introduction to this four-part series. The full version can also be read here: Raven
Raven is a reaper, a trained assassin. For most of her life, she has known death all too well. However, she hasn't become immune to it. For every death, a life must be saved, serving as a sort of "penance" to those who had died before. The deaths by her hands will forever stain her mind. Now that her record is "even," she desires for a life of peace and quiet. But that time will not come because of a request made by a Baron to watch over his sick younger brother. In her attempts to escape the life she knew before, she finds herself being sucked back in.
This story hits the ground running, giving no time for the reader to ease into the story (which is good!) The pace continues to move quickly, flowing from one scene to the next. Steampunk elements sprinkle the plot, adding unique a modern twists to the tale. Need I mention the metal horses?
A few minor set-backs for me liking this story more were the lack of description and physical details of the characters and is a bit predictable.
Overall, it's verbally clean, action-packed, and has some meaning and purpose! It's a fun and quick read. There is some violence, but nothing too graphic.
My rating: 4 stars.
Human life has value. The poor living in the gutter are as valuable as the rich living in a manor. The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint. Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.
The first episode of the Chronicles of Steele gives a delightful introduction to this four-part series. The full version can also be read here: Raven
Raven is a reaper, a trained assassin. For most of her life, she has known death all too well. However, she hasn't become immune to it. For every death, a life must be saved, serving as a sort of "penance" to those who had died before. The deaths by her hands will forever stain her mind. Now that her record is "even," she desires for a life of peace and quiet. But that time will not come because of a request made by a Baron to watch over his sick younger brother. In her attempts to escape the life she knew before, she finds herself being sucked back in.
This story hits the ground running, giving no time for the reader to ease into the story (which is good!) The pace continues to move quickly, flowing from one scene to the next. Steampunk elements sprinkle the plot, adding unique a modern twists to the tale. Need I mention the metal horses?
A few minor set-backs for me liking this story more were the lack of description and physical details of the characters and is a bit predictable.
Overall, it's verbally clean, action-packed, and has some meaning and purpose! It's a fun and quick read. There is some violence, but nothing too graphic.
My rating: 4 stars.
November 7, 2014
Raven is a reaper, not the dead kind but one who assassinates people, and lives by the reaper code. If you take a life you have to save a life. Raven is trying to redeem herself and is very close to giving up her life as a Reaper. She is on her way to ask the man she loves to marry her when she is nearly knocked down by a steam powered horse. She jumps out of the way but she can see that theyoung boy in the carriage will not survive if she doesn't help him. She leaps to action and manages to save the boy, Darius.
In thanks for saving the boy, the Baron of New Haven pleads with her to take Darius to somewhere safe before he is killed. People think Darius is possessed because every so often he has fits, and during the fit things explode around him. He was taken to the Bishop to be exorcised but it didn't work and now he will be killed. Raven has no choice but to agree because if she saves this boys life again then she will be even. But just when Raven thinks her life is settling down, she is thrown back into the world she wants to leave.
Wow, for a fifty something page novella this sure packs a punch! I haven't read many steampunk books but what I have I have enjoyed and this is no different.
Raven was kick ass!! Her father didn't want her to become a reaper but after her mother was killed he agreed to train her. She is at the stage in her life now where she just wants to settle down and maybe have a family with her first love but is drawn back into life on the run. I loved her character and cant wait to learn more about her.
All the characters are extremely well written. Darius is a little cutie, Raven is kick ass and I loved Jack Green and hope we see more of him. Since this is so short we still have so much more to learn about all the characters and I cant wait!
Pauline Creeden has managed to create a very intriguing world that I definitely want to know more about. For such a small book its an action packed ride and one I devoured. This is the perfect blend of everything rolled into a tiny bundle and I guarantee that once you've tried this edition, you'll be eager for more because I know I am.
In thanks for saving the boy, the Baron of New Haven pleads with her to take Darius to somewhere safe before he is killed. People think Darius is possessed because every so often he has fits, and during the fit things explode around him. He was taken to the Bishop to be exorcised but it didn't work and now he will be killed. Raven has no choice but to agree because if she saves this boys life again then she will be even. But just when Raven thinks her life is settling down, she is thrown back into the world she wants to leave.
Wow, for a fifty something page novella this sure packs a punch! I haven't read many steampunk books but what I have I have enjoyed and this is no different.
Raven was kick ass!! Her father didn't want her to become a reaper but after her mother was killed he agreed to train her. She is at the stage in her life now where she just wants to settle down and maybe have a family with her first love but is drawn back into life on the run. I loved her character and cant wait to learn more about her.
All the characters are extremely well written. Darius is a little cutie, Raven is kick ass and I loved Jack Green and hope we see more of him. Since this is so short we still have so much more to learn about all the characters and I cant wait!
Pauline Creeden has managed to create a very intriguing world that I definitely want to know more about. For such a small book its an action packed ride and one I devoured. This is the perfect blend of everything rolled into a tiny bundle and I guarantee that once you've tried this edition, you'll be eager for more because I know I am.
September 2, 2016
Wait for it... Wait for it...
A FREEBIE WITH NO SPELLING, GRAMMATICAL OR SYNTACTICAL ERRORS!!!!
Will wonders never cease?! A steampunk novella, with an assassin for a heroine. And not just any assassin, but one who lives by the tenet that for every life they take, they must also save a life, to preserve their humility and humanity. I love this as an idea. Some rather interesting characters herein, including a (epileptic?) boy whose fits send the steampunk technology haywire and whose noble father seeks to kill him; the childhood sweetheart who gave up waiting... sort of; the Captain of the Guard caught between orders and his moral compass; and so on. I have but two minor concerns: one, there's what feels like a set-up for a love triangle and two, the heroine is, thus far, somewhat Special Snowflake-y. I have high hopes, though, that her character will be developed further and that the romance will not become overbearing. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the rest of the story.
A FREEBIE WITH NO SPELLING, GRAMMATICAL OR SYNTACTICAL ERRORS!!!!
Will wonders never cease?! A steampunk novella, with an assassin for a heroine. And not just any assassin, but one who lives by the tenet that for every life they take, they must also save a life, to preserve their humility and humanity. I love this as an idea. Some rather interesting characters herein, including a (epileptic?) boy whose fits send the steampunk technology haywire and whose noble father seeks to kill him; the childhood sweetheart who gave up waiting... sort of; the Captain of the Guard caught between orders and his moral compass; and so on. I have but two minor concerns: one, there's what feels like a set-up for a love triangle and two, the heroine is, thus far, somewhat Special Snowflake-y. I have high hopes, though, that her character will be developed further and that the romance will not become overbearing. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the rest of the story.
May 16, 2015
Raven Steele is a reaper. For every life she takes, she must save another. If she does not she risks losing herself to oblivion.
On her way home Raven crosses paths with a young Barron and her life changes suddenly. Now with a new mission, being pursued by royal guards, Raven must flee, hoping that she can save herself in the process.
This was a very well written novella. Raven was an interesting character with a complicated past and uncertain future. Her wishes were constantly at war with her duties and it was heartbreaking to see them fall apart. Her interactions and fighting with the guards were really well done. I also really like the mix of fantasy and steampunk elements. A very enjoyable read.
On her way home Raven crosses paths with a young Barron and her life changes suddenly. Now with a new mission, being pursued by royal guards, Raven must flee, hoping that she can save herself in the process.
This was a very well written novella. Raven was an interesting character with a complicated past and uncertain future. Her wishes were constantly at war with her duties and it was heartbreaking to see them fall apart. Her interactions and fighting with the guards were really well done. I also really like the mix of fantasy and steampunk elements. A very enjoyable read.
January 22, 2016
Mary's NetGalley Catch-up: 7 of 80
I'm going to make this very quick because this was a very quick book to read and literally only had one flaw. Unfortunately, it was an incredibly fatal flaw.
Pacing.
I know nothing about the characters. I know nothing about the world. I know nothing about the setting, time period, the politics, absolutely nothing because this book moves entirely too fast. I honestly don't think I've seen a book move at such a breakneck pace to the absolute detriment of the book.
There's no characters. No world building. No reason I should care about what's happening and why. I know this is a novella, but the entire plot of a book is contained in here and it should have been fleshed out more.
Nikki is a reaper. She wears a black corset that has magnets to attach a crossbow to it. Her mother was killed. She wants to marry Gregory. That is the extent that I know this character. There's nothing more here and if you're expecting anything more, you'll be disappointed.
Those are descriptors, though. Certainly not traits. Is Nikki tenacious or stubborn or wily or scarred by her past? Who knows.
If all you're looking for it plot, this book has it in spades. It just doesn't have anything else going for it.
I'm going to make this very quick because this was a very quick book to read and literally only had one flaw. Unfortunately, it was an incredibly fatal flaw.
Pacing.
I know nothing about the characters. I know nothing about the world. I know nothing about the setting, time period, the politics, absolutely nothing because this book moves entirely too fast. I honestly don't think I've seen a book move at such a breakneck pace to the absolute detriment of the book.
There's no characters. No world building. No reason I should care about what's happening and why. I know this is a novella, but the entire plot of a book is contained in here and it should have been fleshed out more.
Nikki is a reaper. She wears a black corset that has magnets to attach a crossbow to it. Her mother was killed. She wants to marry Gregory. That is the extent that I know this character. There's nothing more here and if you're expecting anything more, you'll be disappointed.
Those are descriptors, though. Certainly not traits. Is Nikki tenacious or stubborn or wily or scarred by her past? Who knows.
If all you're looking for it plot, this book has it in spades. It just doesn't have anything else going for it.
December 24, 2017
NOTE: this will be a quick review as the complete version will be clumped in the book containing all the episodes.
This is not your typical Jack-the-reaper story. In this book, the word "reaper" is defined in a different manner:
"Some people loathe the act of killing a person at first, but as they continue to do it, it can feel like a game. They can begin to feel superior, like the winner of the game. But, if the reaper has to save a life for every life they take, it keeps them humble. It's a matter of subservience so the reaper doesn't begin to think of himself stronger than he is."
This episode introduces Raven, a trained reaper, who wishes to be free of her obligation as an assassin. When a chance to pull away from her profession, she receives a mission from the son of a Duke, and pulls her right back in.
I don't about anyone else, but I felt a Snow White fairy tale vibe while reading the book. I find the book likable, as the book is about a female character who slays. Raven is portrayed as an independent woman and she sure knows how to juggle sharp objects in her hands without hurting anyone.
My only problem was that I find it difficult to catch up with the characters' looks. Although there were details about their physical attributes, I feel that there is a lack in painting characters as a whole.
This is not your typical Jack-the-reaper story. In this book, the word "reaper" is defined in a different manner:
"Some people loathe the act of killing a person at first, but as they continue to do it, it can feel like a game. They can begin to feel superior, like the winner of the game. But, if the reaper has to save a life for every life they take, it keeps them humble. It's a matter of subservience so the reaper doesn't begin to think of himself stronger than he is."
This episode introduces Raven, a trained reaper, who wishes to be free of her obligation as an assassin. When a chance to pull away from her profession, she receives a mission from the son of a Duke, and pulls her right back in.
I don't about anyone else, but I felt a Snow White fairy tale vibe while reading the book. I find the book likable, as the book is about a female character who slays. Raven is portrayed as an independent woman and she sure knows how to juggle sharp objects in her hands without hurting anyone.
My only problem was that I find it difficult to catch up with the characters' looks. Although there were details about their physical attributes, I feel that there is a lack in painting characters as a whole.
April 3, 2019
Interesting concepts and an at-least-adequate delivery on them so far, but marred for me by a romance plot - complete with a setup for a potential love triangle- that felt like it was likely to become the primary focus if I continued to Episode Two. That might be what some readers are looking for, but I came into this for a gray-hat lady assassin having angst over being dragged back into the murderous life right when she thought she could walk away from it, not a gray-hat lady assassin having angst because the childhood crush she never confessed her feelings to seems to have found someone else while she was taking and saving lives. Marring things further is the audiobook narration which was just.... not very good.
I might return to this one later, but I'm not really in the mood for it right now.
(Note: Technically my review ought to be for Chronicles of Steele: Raven, but since the point where I stopped is in the system as a book in its own right, I'm reviewing here so I can count it as a finished read and not a DNF.)
I might return to this one later, but I'm not really in the mood for it right now.
(Note: Technically my review ought to be for Chronicles of Steele: Raven, but since the point where I stopped is in the system as a book in its own right, I'm reviewing here so I can count it as a finished read and not a DNF.)
October 29, 2017
Interesting characters and good start to the series
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story. I am glad that I already have the additional episodes or the cliffhanger, even though fairly expected, would be somewhat frustrating. I am looking forward to seeing how Raven completes the task she has started and where the various relationships end up by the end of the series.
Sex - none
Language - none
Violence - a few battles with minor injuries but descriptions are minimal
Religion - one reference to the Christian God and a couple references to worship of a Wood Witch, also speculation that a boy is possessed by a demon
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story. I am glad that I already have the additional episodes or the cliffhanger, even though fairly expected, would be somewhat frustrating. I am looking forward to seeing how Raven completes the task she has started and where the various relationships end up by the end of the series.
Sex - none
Language - none
Violence - a few battles with minor injuries but descriptions are minimal
Religion - one reference to the Christian God and a couple references to worship of a Wood Witch, also speculation that a boy is possessed by a demon
October 2, 2017
Very Neat Steampunk Novella
Creeden has created a medieval steam punk world, peopled with mechanical augmentation for the population, mechanical horses, and even mechanical servants. Despite all this mechanical assistance, people seem to be as wicked and evil as those in today's headlines. This short novella introduces us to the heroine (anti-herione?), Raven, trained as an assassin. She runs afoul of the local law enforcement while doing a favor for a frienemy. Anarchy ensues...
Very good writing, although this is fairly short.
Creeden has created a medieval steam punk world, peopled with mechanical augmentation for the population, mechanical horses, and even mechanical servants. Despite all this mechanical assistance, people seem to be as wicked and evil as those in today's headlines. This short novella introduces us to the heroine (anti-herione?), Raven, trained as an assassin. She runs afoul of the local law enforcement while doing a favor for a frienemy. Anarchy ensues...
Very good writing, although this is fairly short.
October 6, 2018
Imaginative, Entertaining Steampunk Adventure!!!
This is a captivating, action-packed adventure in a steampunk world that includes magic as well!!!
It's very imaginative with it's female assassin having to save a life for everyone she's taken. There is plenty of fighting and character development. The magic is mysterious and hinted at. I can't wait to see what the next episode will bring.
If you like a non-tradition fantasy or love steampunk, you must read this book!!!
This is a captivating, action-packed adventure in a steampunk world that includes magic as well!!!
It's very imaginative with it's female assassin having to save a life for everyone she's taken. There is plenty of fighting and character development. The magic is mysterious and hinted at. I can't wait to see what the next episode will bring.
If you like a non-tradition fantasy or love steampunk, you must read this book!!!
August 16, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I did read the entire serial. It grabbed and kept my attention throughout. The only thing I can mention about downsides is that I could have used one last chapter to flesh out the ending a bit more. Even so, the ending was satisfactory and the storyline was good. Enjoyable read!
December 22, 2018
Must read
A quick action packed story. Raven is a reaper for every life she takes she must save one in return. Her current task is to protect the life of a young baron from his father and his father's men.
A quick action packed story. Raven is a reaper for every life she takes she must save one in return. Her current task is to protect the life of a young baron from his father and his father's men.
August 31, 2018
I'm hooked
I have never read this genre before,but wow this story had me hooked i can't wait to read more about Raven and how she fared on her mission with the young Baron.
I have never read this genre before,but wow this story had me hooked i can't wait to read more about Raven and how she fared on her mission with the young Baron.
November 24, 2018
Totally enjoyed this episode. Quick smooth reading. #Pauline couldn't find your email to send to you..
June 25, 2018
I donwloaded for free from Instafreebie, I think. It's a really interesting story, with a strange and fascinating main character. The world is indeed fantasy, a little dark and horror too, but I didn't find the steampunk element in it. It's a shame because I love Steampunk books/settings.
August 28, 2014
This is my first foray into steampunk literature and I find I quite like it. It’s the era of steam-driven machinery on steroids. There are all kinds of steam-driven machinery in these novels that didn’t exist in our steam-driven machinery era such as steam-driven horses and clockwork mechanical men. I’m sure I’ll find many more wonders too but this episode was just a short work.
As Raven Steele is on her way back to her love she saves the Duke’s youngest son from an almost certain death when his carriage and mechanical horses run awry. Then at the request of the heir apparent she takes the young boy and heads to the Wood Witch to see if he can be healed of his particular ailment. The Duke sends his men after her and his son and now it becomes her duty to protect him from his father who is bent on killing him.
Pauline Creeden has a magical way about setting up her stories that draw you in and make you see the world that she is creating. It was easy to visualize the setting as she described the town she was in – my imagination kicked in and I almost forgot I was reading a book because I could see the images in my head.
I can’t wait to find out what is going to happen now that the Duke’s men were not treated by Raven the way they thought they would be and with the final few developments that occurred in this first episode. I can’t say more than that or it would spoil the episode for you. I will say this though - you’re going to love it. This novel is full of intrigue, love, heartbreak, mercy and plenty of action – all the things that make a good book. Plus, it’s a clean read – no smut and no profanity.
The characters in The Chronicles of Steele: Raven (Episode 1) are being revealed to us through their interactions with one another so they are not yet fully developed, but already we know a fair amount about Raven and except for the fact that she used to kill people I think she is someone who would make a good friend.
The story so far has flowed very smoothly at a good pace and I was able to read it all in one sitting within a very short time. It was an absorbing read.
I rated this book 5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend this steam-punk episode to all steam-punk enthusiasts and to those who have never tried this genre before. I say try it. I think you’ll like it!
Thank you to the author who provided a copy of her work in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
As Raven Steele is on her way back to her love she saves the Duke’s youngest son from an almost certain death when his carriage and mechanical horses run awry. Then at the request of the heir apparent she takes the young boy and heads to the Wood Witch to see if he can be healed of his particular ailment. The Duke sends his men after her and his son and now it becomes her duty to protect him from his father who is bent on killing him.
Pauline Creeden has a magical way about setting up her stories that draw you in and make you see the world that she is creating. It was easy to visualize the setting as she described the town she was in – my imagination kicked in and I almost forgot I was reading a book because I could see the images in my head.
I can’t wait to find out what is going to happen now that the Duke’s men were not treated by Raven the way they thought they would be and with the final few developments that occurred in this first episode. I can’t say more than that or it would spoil the episode for you. I will say this though - you’re going to love it. This novel is full of intrigue, love, heartbreak, mercy and plenty of action – all the things that make a good book. Plus, it’s a clean read – no smut and no profanity.
The characters in The Chronicles of Steele: Raven (Episode 1) are being revealed to us through their interactions with one another so they are not yet fully developed, but already we know a fair amount about Raven and except for the fact that she used to kill people I think she is someone who would make a good friend.
The story so far has flowed very smoothly at a good pace and I was able to read it all in one sitting within a very short time. It was an absorbing read.
I rated this book 5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend this steam-punk episode to all steam-punk enthusiasts and to those who have never tried this genre before. I say try it. I think you’ll like it!
Thank you to the author who provided a copy of her work in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
August 27, 2014
4.5 stars
FREE TODAY ONLY! 08/27
I have been a fan of Pauline’s for a while now. She doesn’t stay within the boundaries of one single genre, ranging from inspirational, to sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and my favorite, steampunk. No matter the genre, I know that her writing will always be solid and exciting, and her characters pop! The first episode in The Chronicles of Steele is no exception.
Steampunk is a really complex genre. It brings in aspects of historical fiction, but still requires a huge amount of world building. The technology needs to have very specific rules to how it will work, in order for it to be believable. Pauline has an amazingly complex set of rules, but she also introduces a character with a unique way of interacting with technology as well. Raven Steele is absolutely intriguing, and I’m frustrated that I have to wait for the next installment to have more!
In case you haven’t figured it out, this is a serial. There are some serious perks to reading a book in serial format. First off, they’re quick reads, so you can’t use the excuse that you don’t have time to read! You can fit them in between dropping kids off at school and your second coffee break. It also makes it easier for the author to get each episode to you quickly. The episodes will be released soon after each other, so I won’t have to wait another year for the next part of the story. Yessss! Now, the downside? I have only had the briefest of tastes to this great story, and I will spend the next month dreaming of Raven Steele. One episode is the equivalent of licking the icing off the top of a cupcake. Such a tease!
FREE TODAY ONLY! 08/27
I have been a fan of Pauline’s for a while now. She doesn’t stay within the boundaries of one single genre, ranging from inspirational, to sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and my favorite, steampunk. No matter the genre, I know that her writing will always be solid and exciting, and her characters pop! The first episode in The Chronicles of Steele is no exception.
Steampunk is a really complex genre. It brings in aspects of historical fiction, but still requires a huge amount of world building. The technology needs to have very specific rules to how it will work, in order for it to be believable. Pauline has an amazingly complex set of rules, but she also introduces a character with a unique way of interacting with technology as well. Raven Steele is absolutely intriguing, and I’m frustrated that I have to wait for the next installment to have more!
In case you haven’t figured it out, this is a serial. There are some serious perks to reading a book in serial format. First off, they’re quick reads, so you can’t use the excuse that you don’t have time to read! You can fit them in between dropping kids off at school and your second coffee break. It also makes it easier for the author to get each episode to you quickly. The episodes will be released soon after each other, so I won’t have to wait another year for the next part of the story. Yessss! Now, the downside? I have only had the briefest of tastes to this great story, and I will spend the next month dreaming of Raven Steele. One episode is the equivalent of licking the icing off the top of a cupcake. Such a tease!
August 27, 2014
This fun steampunk-fantasy series is set in an alternate universe that I want to visit.
In Episode 1, we are introduced to Raven, who was trained as a reaper. In Raven’s fantastic world of steam-powered horses and other gadgets, reapers were part of the duke’s elite guard, working in the capacity of a bodyguard and assassins. But, to keep reapers humble, they were required to save a life for every one they take as an assassin.
The adventure begins when an out-of-control metal horse carrying a young boy, careens off of a bridge. In the right place at the right time, Raven doesn’t hesitate to save the boy’s life, whom she later learns is a baron. With a curse upon him, Raven takes on the challenge to protect him and find a way to lift the curse.
I always find it amazing when an author crafts three-dimensional characters in a compact story, and Pauline did an impeccable job with this one. I feel as if I’ve known Raven her entire life, and watching her speed and dexterity when taking on the guard makes me feel like a proud mama.
This novella is exceptionally well written (and edited), and filled with adventure and action at just the right pace. I need to mention the cover art as well. It's gorgeous, and perfectly complements this well written steampunk fantasy. I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.
If you’re a fan of steampunk, fantasy, and a tough, butt-kicking heroine, then you’ve got to read the Chronicles of Steele series.
In Episode 1, we are introduced to Raven, who was trained as a reaper. In Raven’s fantastic world of steam-powered horses and other gadgets, reapers were part of the duke’s elite guard, working in the capacity of a bodyguard and assassins. But, to keep reapers humble, they were required to save a life for every one they take as an assassin.
The adventure begins when an out-of-control metal horse carrying a young boy, careens off of a bridge. In the right place at the right time, Raven doesn’t hesitate to save the boy’s life, whom she later learns is a baron. With a curse upon him, Raven takes on the challenge to protect him and find a way to lift the curse.
I always find it amazing when an author crafts three-dimensional characters in a compact story, and Pauline did an impeccable job with this one. I feel as if I’ve known Raven her entire life, and watching her speed and dexterity when taking on the guard makes me feel like a proud mama.
This novella is exceptionally well written (and edited), and filled with adventure and action at just the right pace. I need to mention the cover art as well. It's gorgeous, and perfectly complements this well written steampunk fantasy. I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.
If you’re a fan of steampunk, fantasy, and a tough, butt-kicking heroine, then you’ve got to read the Chronicles of Steele series.
August 18, 2014
This is first book in this series and it is a steampunk-inspired fantasy story. Raven is a reaper and you better not bother her because she knows how to fight. The steampunk gadgets she used in this story is what hooked me from the beginning . You have to love a heroine in a story that can save lives and then, she can out fight several guys bigger than her, I loved that the setting which this book is in, which is of the past. We get to see steam horses and many other wonderful fantasy items. This author has brought forth a fantasy world that will suck you in from page one and until you are finished. I read this story in one sitting because I had to know what will happen next to Raven. This action packed story will have you on the edge of your seat. We learn much about Raven in this story and see the heart break that she goes through but she doesn't let this stop her for doing her task that she has committed to, because she is one tough woman. I applause the writing and the storyline of this incredible book. I really need to read more in this series now. Love it every minute reading this and can't for more!!!
August 20, 2014
This is an episodic steampunk-fantasy novella series that the author is planning to release bi-weekly.
Episode 1 is an introduction to Raven and her world. Raven is trained as a reaper; one who assassinates people, but must save a life for every one taken. She lives in a world with steam-powered horses and other devices. Raven is on her way into town to fulfill her debt and ask the man she loves to marry her. When out-of-control steam horses fly by her carrying a young boy, Raven springs to action saving his life. The young boy ends up being a baron, Darius, but one that is cursed. Now Raven will have to protect the Darius or find a way to lift the curse.
For a 59 page novella, there is a lot of action and plot packed in here. I also felt that there was a complete story arc. Raven's character is awesome, her training as a reaper makes her fierce and independent. In this episode, a lot of her skill is showcased as she is running from the guard. I am also intrigued by Darius' condition. It will be interesting to see what exactly is it and how it will be fixed. Looking forward to the next one!
Episode 1 is an introduction to Raven and her world. Raven is trained as a reaper; one who assassinates people, but must save a life for every one taken. She lives in a world with steam-powered horses and other devices. Raven is on her way into town to fulfill her debt and ask the man she loves to marry her. When out-of-control steam horses fly by her carrying a young boy, Raven springs to action saving his life. The young boy ends up being a baron, Darius, but one that is cursed. Now Raven will have to protect the Darius or find a way to lift the curse.
For a 59 page novella, there is a lot of action and plot packed in here. I also felt that there was a complete story arc. Raven's character is awesome, her training as a reaper makes her fierce and independent. In this episode, a lot of her skill is showcased as she is running from the guard. I am also intrigued by Darius' condition. It will be interesting to see what exactly is it and how it will be fixed. Looking forward to the next one!
September 13, 2014
Chronicles of Steele: Raven is a fantasy steampunk story which is being released as a serial series. Raven Steele is a reaper- an assassin who values humility and honor. Following the traditional code of the reaper proves difficult as the new, lawless reapers get hired out as mercenaries. Not only is it dangerous for her, but her new mission thrusts her into the role of protector for a boy and his faithful dog. Can she accomplish her mission and find a way to keep the boy safe, to help him?
What a wonderful and fresh steampunk adventure!! The main characters are likeable and interesting. While it is only the first installation in the series, my curiosity has been piqued. I look forward to reading the rest of the issues.
My kids would love this story. I don't usually like cliffhangars, but this is worth it. I gave this book a 4 star rating as I have high hopes for the rest of this series to be as pleasantly entertaining as this one was.
(I received an ARC version of this episode in exchange for my honest review.)
What a wonderful and fresh steampunk adventure!! The main characters are likeable and interesting. While it is only the first installation in the series, my curiosity has been piqued. I look forward to reading the rest of the issues.
My kids would love this story. I don't usually like cliffhangars, but this is worth it. I gave this book a 4 star rating as I have high hopes for the rest of this series to be as pleasantly entertaining as this one was.
(I received an ARC version of this episode in exchange for my honest review.)
September 14, 2014
This is my first experience of a Steampunk inspired fantasy novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Creeden presents us with a wonderful lead character: Raven Steele, a top notch assassin (oops reaper) who has a heart. I look forward to seeing how her character develops over the course of the complete series.
The fantasy world that we enter has a realism about it which I enjoyed. Yes, there were elements of the fantastic but they fitted well so didn't jar or seem unbelievable. There is a good pace to the story that keeps the reader moving and sufficient unexpected thrills that leave you on the edge of your seat.
Creeden is very clever in delivering this novel in a series of episodes as increasingly readers are enjoying this style of consuming a book. She leaves plenty at the end of this first episode to encourage us to eagerly await the second instalment.
Creeden presents us with a wonderful lead character: Raven Steele, a top notch assassin (oops reaper) who has a heart. I look forward to seeing how her character develops over the course of the complete series.
The fantasy world that we enter has a realism about it which I enjoyed. Yes, there were elements of the fantastic but they fitted well so didn't jar or seem unbelievable. There is a good pace to the story that keeps the reader moving and sufficient unexpected thrills that leave you on the edge of your seat.
Creeden is very clever in delivering this novel in a series of episodes as increasingly readers are enjoying this style of consuming a book. She leaves plenty at the end of this first episode to encourage us to eagerly await the second instalment.
January 1, 2015
To start with, I don't usually LOVE a "part" of a story so much that I "MUST" search out more from the author. This story had me hook, line and sinker from nearly the first page, OK, probably after about the third page. By the half-way point I was thinking "I want more". By the end of Episode 1, I was hoping that Episode 2 was available. To my joy the 4 episodes have been combined into a single book - YEAAAA! I am now happily reading the continuation of this book.
Steampunk, steam horses, reapers (hired assassins with a twist), adventure, doing what is right, deciding what is right or wrong and standing by the decision, desiring change and finding difficulty achieving change and so much more. A boy who has an effect on mechanical contraptions like some people have with watches... he figuratively kills them.
Steampunk, steam horses, reapers (hired assassins with a twist), adventure, doing what is right, deciding what is right or wrong and standing by the decision, desiring change and finding difficulty achieving change and so much more. A boy who has an effect on mechanical contraptions like some people have with watches... he figuratively kills them.
March 6, 2015
I got this book as part of the Riot Girls bundle.
It's an OK steampunk tale, certainly exciting and action-packed, and the main character has plenty of strong emotional hooks in her backstory. Unfortunately, it's full of mostly minor editing glitches: missing words, misused words, a captain who briefly becomes a sergeant, missing past perfect tense, sentences that change grammatical direction partway through, a couple of apostrophe issues, a comma splice, a run-on sentence, men who've been seriously wounded in the legs but run into the woods, addressing a nobleman by title + first name, and a lot of usages which, while not exactly wrong, sounded slightly off.
Few of these problems by themselves were major, but they came roughly every thousand words, by my count, which is too frequent. Accordingly, my rating drops to three stars.
It's an OK steampunk tale, certainly exciting and action-packed, and the main character has plenty of strong emotional hooks in her backstory. Unfortunately, it's full of mostly minor editing glitches: missing words, misused words, a captain who briefly becomes a sergeant, missing past perfect tense, sentences that change grammatical direction partway through, a couple of apostrophe issues, a comma splice, a run-on sentence, men who've been seriously wounded in the legs but run into the woods, addressing a nobleman by title + first name, and a lot of usages which, while not exactly wrong, sounded slightly off.
Few of these problems by themselves were major, but they came roughly every thousand words, by my count, which is too frequent. Accordingly, my rating drops to three stars.
September 2, 2014
This is my first steam punk book. I found it very good. Raven has set out to take a young boy to have the demons removed from him. I found the story to be way too short. Just when I was finding the characters so interesting.... It ended. I can't wait to read what happens next for them. Will she make it to the witch in the woods to help the boy or will she figure out what ails him?
March 24, 2015
good book
I'm not a steam punk lover. I have read a few and didn't find them that good. But, this actually was a very good book. The characters were great and the story very interesting. I look forward to seeing if the author is able to carry the story to the next book as well as she did with this one.
I'm not a steam punk lover. I have read a few and didn't find them that good. But, this actually was a very good book. The characters were great and the story very interesting. I look forward to seeing if the author is able to carry the story to the next book as well as she did with this one.
September 12, 2014
My stars, what a book! I was completely hooked for the entirety of the adventure, and very fortunate to already have downloaded the second "episode" because I can't get enough of Raven Steele! Pauline Creeden is such a fantastic author!
April 29, 2016
The book ends abruptly - but leads you on a merry chase until the last page. Raven Steele is a reaper in a world of steampunk horses and automatons. After saving a young boys life Raven's adventure begins and the story unfolds as we learn about the past and pieces of the future.
August 20, 2014
review coming soon
Read
October 19, 2014Good read. Bit rushed near the end. Author created real character development while still making it a sword and sorcery thriller. Truly fresh approach to magic,science and feudal life!
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