Chronicles of Steele: Raven: Episode Two

Chronicles of Steele: Raven #2

by Pauline Creeden

Episode 2 of a 4 part Steampunk Fantasy set in an alternate universe. For Captain Jack Grant, the hunt has just begun. Can he capture the elusive Raven Steele, or will she slip through his grasp? As both sides take on new alliances, they will find that one will be an honest partner, one will fall, and one will betray them all.

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Science Fiction

78 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Pauline 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.

Reviews

[Sheila G · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) Raven: Episode 1: ★★★★

See this FULL review on my blog along with others at: shesgoingbookcrazy.com

The hairs on Raven's arms stood upright as understanding fell upon her. The Wood Witch. They'd reached her early.

This installment in the series is even more intense and fast-paced than the first book Chronicles of Steele: Raven 1: Episode 1! There is no pause for breath as the story jumps right in from where it left off. Raven is on the run with the young Baron, trying to reach the Wood Witch while being pursued by a group of men with ill-intent. However, what was a long journey turns up short when they come across a woman who offers to help them but also has her own agenda to abide by.

We get to know the character's backstories a lot more, as the story is told through present and past-tenses. Backflashes into Raven's earlier years help to paint a picture of how she became a reaper, and how the relationship with her father was.

I'm still waiting for more description of the characters themselves (although, there were more here than in Episode 1.) I'd just like a better visual to the characters themselves. Again, this episode was very enjoyable, fast-paced, and clean all-around.

My Rating: ★★★★

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This story just got more intense. From the start of the this book until the ending, we have nonstop action. This steampunk fantasy will take you for a ride that will keep you glued to the book until you are finished. Being a reaper makes it hard for Raven to blend in since she is now on the run with the small child Darius that she is protecting from being killed. Everywhere they turn they seem they can't trust anyone. The guard is still hot on their trail and they barely slip away at every turn they make. I love that we learn more about the past of these characters of this story. When Captain Jack Grant finally catches up with these two to take them back, they all fall right into another situation that you don't see coming. What a cliffhanger at the end of this amazing story? This author has taken steampunk fantasy to another level of awesomeness. Love this story and can't wait for more!!

[Becky Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Episode 2 of the Chronicles of Steele: Raven series, I’ve decided it is one of my favorite serials.

We continue to follow Raven Steele on her journey to protect young Darius. I love all of Pauline’s characters. Darius’s personality is beginning to emerge as he learns to trust Raven, and I feel just as protective of him as Raven does. During Captain Jack Grant’s initial encounter with Raven, I detected a thread of admiration for Raven, and it will be interesting to see if he will follow that thread and help protect her and Darius or remain loyal to the guard.

I admire Pauline’s ability to blend steampunk and fantasy so flawlessly. The world she created feels real. It speaks to her abilities and creativeness, and I will no doubt be a lifelong fan of Pauline Creeden.

I’m already looking forward to Episode 3.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Antionette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read lime part one. Raven is trying to get Darius to the wood witch to take away the evil inside him. That evil causes mechanical things to break and explode, malfunction. The adventure to get here with the guard after them. They believe she kidnapped Darius. They don't know his father will have him killed for being different. Good story. Just ends as soon as u really get into it.

[Atheinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star rating: 3.5 stars

NOTE: this will be a quick review as the complete version will be clumped in the book containing all the episodes.

I had mixed feelings with this episode of Raven

Raven Steele and Captain Jack Grant are in a cat-and-mouse chase, while at the same time, both sides meet new acquaintances along the way that would either lend them a helping a hand or would betray them. Packed with action and a hint of excitement, this episode will make you feel giddy with its close captures and narrow escapes.

So far, this is my favourite episode.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very short read. It moves very well. This is a book you can read during
your lunch hour or so..

[Kathryn Svendsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this episode, we find Raven on the run with the Baron’s young brother Darius from Captain Jack Grant heading for the Wood Witch in hopes that the witch can cure Darius of his affliction.

We are beginning to see the development of the characters of Darius and Captain Jack Grant. Jack is not as brutal as the rest of the Baron’s men. There is a sense of mercy about him as well as a glint of admiration for Raven who could have killed them all but chose not to do so. As for Darius, though he is just 10, he is made of strong stuff and able to handle more than you would think a 10-year-old child could handle. He tells Raven to stop treating him like a child, to stop asking him if he understands, because of course, he does. But how can you not want to wrap your arms around this child when he is crying and comfort him as Raven want to do?

If you like action, there’s plenty of that in this episode. It’s pretty much nonstop action. This episode is easy to read in one sitting because you won’t want to put it down anyway. I can’t wait for the third episode to come out because I need to know what happens next.

Pauline Creeden has made me a fan of steampunk. I rate Raven: Episode 2 5 stars out of 5. If you haven’t started yet, I recommend starting with Episode 1 since you won’t want to miss anything!

Thank you to the author who provided a copy of this episode in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

This review is published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...

[Camilla Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my... How Pauline Creeden does it, I do not know. She takes what is already an amazing adventure and weaves in words, characters and situations to make you feel like you are slipping and sliding on ice, wondering if control will be gained once more, without falling flat and hard. I didn't anticipate the events in this episode, but I am itching for the next part of the story. I couldn't put this one down! While the wait for the next episode is driving me a little batty, I am MOST ANXIOUS to exercise patience because it IS that good. There are some really neat details which make imagining scenes so easy. Steampunk elements are scattered liberally throughout in such a natural way, and some are ones I would have never considered. The characters are well thought out and written, and ,certainly, their quality enhances the intrigue, the challenge, the quest. I don't know where the rest of the story will go, but I am in for the long haul. TWO episodes more. I wonder how the others will be with some anxiety. How can it get better? It feels as if the climax has been reached, and yet... something tells me, it'll better than I imagined. I give this episode a 4 Star, just because of the fact that is is not the full story. I have no qualms with the story itself. I am enjoying it!

(I was given an ARC version of this episode in exchange for an honest review.)

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronicles of Steele is quickly becoming my favorite story by Pauline. While all four parts of the serial would fit nicely into a novel, they work perfectly well as separate parts of the whole too. Each episode adds to the building suspense, and to the complicated steampunk world that she has created.

Raven Steele is continuing on her journey to see the Wood Witch with Darius. I love Raven's code of ethics and loyalty, and she obviously cares for Darius. It's the young boy that I feel I am just beginning to see. We're given some interesting peeks into his character, but it isn't enough! I'm dying to learn more! Captain Jack Grant is also a character who is beginning to grow on me. I'm curious to see what side of the struggle he will fall on; will his morals win out over his duty?

And now comes the wait for episode three...

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raven continues on her journey to find the Wood Witch so Darius can receive healing for his ailments. Captain Jack Grant is belligerent in his pursuit of the reaper and engages another reaper, Jasper Hollow, to assist his crew in finding Raven.

Creeden is doing a marvellous job developing the characters of the key players: Raven Jack Grant and Darius, the boy prince who is unsure of what the future holds. I must mention Nikki, the very well behaved Great Dane and Darius's pet. I regularly smile when I contemplate these three mismatched sojourners: Raven the assassin dressed in black, the short prince and the giant Nikki who appears to be tremendously well mannered.

The ending is powerful and somewhat surprising leaving us hankering for the next episode. I'm sure looking forward to it.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Episode 2 is exciting and fast-paced. Raven and Darius along with his Great Dane, Nikki, are on the run from the Captain of the Guard and trying to find the Woods Witch. There is a lot more suspense in this episode, since Raven is just always one step ahead of the Guard. I liked learning more about Raven's back story and her skills. More Reapers are also introduced in this episode along with more mystery that these Reapers bring about Raven's past. Raven's and Darius' escape to the Wood's Witch include a ride in a dirigible and a train along with the use of an oculus and some night vision goggles to give it a good steam-punk vibe. At 71 pages, this episode is also another complete story arc, but one that leaves Raven and Darius at a turning point in their journey.

[Yvonne Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Really Love this book and cannot wait for more. I want to know how her father died. What is going to happen with the captain and what is the deal with the Witch. This is a fun read with lots to it and I so Love a Kick- Ass Heroine that the men know they cannot beat. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a good read.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

review coming soon

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

See the full review on the complete book.

[Zelma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series. Mechanical Horses, Witches, Human like robots and more.