Chasing Christmas Past

The Airship Racing Chronicles #0.5

by Melanie Karsak

***6,000 word short story prequel to The Airship Racing Chronicles***


Christmas Eve 1820.

At Rose’s Hopper, a popular London tavern frequented by airship jockeys, all is merry and bright—except Lily Stargazer. Lily and her crew are set to run the Christmas Day Yuletide Race from London to Calais, but not before spending the night swimming in mulled wine and longing for absent lovers.

Even the prospect of a Yuletide win can't convince Lily that this Christmas will be better than any that came before. But Lily’s about to find out there really is a Father Christmas.

Genres: Steampunk, Christmas, Fantasy, Romance, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Amazon

30 pages, ebook

First published December 20, 2014

About the author

New York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.

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Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little tale that makes me want more.

This steampunk romance short story is a prequel to the steampunk romantic adventure series, The Airship Racing Chronicles and it managed to make me want to dive straight into the series.



Lily Stargazer and her crew are set to run the Christmas Day Yuletide Airship Race from London to Calais, but not before spending the night swimming in mulled wine and longing for absent lovers at a popular London tavern.

I already grew to like Lily and Angus and their banter made me crack up from the very first page. The irresistible charm of Angus in particular that is. Especially when a kilt is involved on a freezing winter night with a sporran replaced with mistletoe. Nope. I ain't breathing a word more about that. Read this to find out. :D But I bet you won't be able to keep a straight face either at the scene.

Lily's brokenness and sadness made me want to get to know her better. A woman who had not once ever felt the magic glow of love associated with Christmas. One for who not feeling at all was the best gift on a Christmas Eve!
And her conviction that she's always botching up stuff! Yep. I definitely want to know her better.

Fast-paced and fun-filled and yet with just enough insight and depth to make you want more, this little prequel is a page-turner I highly recommend to anyone in search of a little great Christmas read.

Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a jarring use of the word commando, yet it once you move past that, it was a nice little tale.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short steampunky tale deals with airship races for prizemoney. The tale focuses on France and England and follows a young woman called Lily. The adventure seems to be an excuse to describe lavish eating and drinking, with a heavily stupid indulgence on the night before a major race. There isn't anything driving the characters other than money, which they waste in indulgence rather than mechanical advances or helping the needy. (Thinks: A bas les aristos!) I found it okay but I would want more substance in a longer form.

I availed of a free download. This is an unbiased review.

[Kara-karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, melancholy story, a very quick read. Lily is in a depressive mood, remembering her childhood, then she wins the race and gets a very nice surprise with the help of her crew and my favorite dark and brooding poet. *wink-wink* It's atmospheric and unexpectedly festive, I enjoyed it.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily Stargazer and her shipmates enjoy Christmas night at a tavern, and after a night of drunken partying are late for their early morning airship race to Calais, meaning they must make up time if they want to catch up to the other racers, let alone win.

I loved Lily’s relationship with Lord Byron, her long-time lover, who she wishes was there with her at the tavern and wonders what he was doing right then. I’d actually be happy to toss the rest of the story by the wayside, just for more of Lord Byron. I know it’s steampunk, but the race bored me, since not much actually happened during it just going from point A to point B. Her crew didn’t really stand out to me, except for the kilt. And I’m not much of a fan of drunken taverns. But let’s talk more about Lord Byron (he was actually the reason I picked up the first book since he appeared in the sample). I love the name dropping and bringing to life a historical figure within the context of a steampunk world. I love that Lord Byron has always been larger than life with his legendary reputation. And I love how he’s brought to life in this series, from his smirk to his curly black hair, and of course smoldering dark looks. And I love that Lily loves the pleasure of love just as much as him and matches him nicely and I would love to see that explored even more.

It should be mentioned that this short story came to a close at the 50% mark. And the rest of the book was an excerpt for the Chasing the Star Garden (Book 1 in this series). And this is not for a young audience with drug use and sexual situations.

[Rachel-RN · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
Lily is participating in the Yuletide Airship Race. Winner gets money. Lily and her team have tried and come oh-so-close in previous years. Will this year be different?
This was a nice introduction to an alternative steampunk London in 1820. Lily is an addict (opium) and didn't have a good childhood. She's both lonely and sad at times. As an adult, she does have close friends (Angus and Jessup). Lord Byron is her lover. I am interested enough to pick up book 1.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

eBook
Fiction / Steampunk / Fantasy / Christmas
⭐⭐⭐ / 5


This series sounds like it could be fun. A steampunk world, a little grit, a little romance, I might need to read this one.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute

A very cute prequel to the series. I would not read this before the first book oh may get confused.

[E.G. Manetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up this short as a freebie. I don't read much steampunk but I loved the idea of a female steamship captain and Lord Byron as the love interest. The story is fast and fun and while the affair between Lily and Byron is intense, the sexy bits are off-page/fade to black. So an adult read but without 'adult content.'

A teaser for the larger series that I'm hooked enough to move to the next one. *Only available in e-book in the 'Dark Humanity' anthology.

[Becky Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie does it again! This is a satisfying story of Lily Stargazer and her companions set in a cozy wintery Christmas setting.

It only makes me more itchy to read Chasing the Fog, the third book in the Airship Racing Chronicles series, so I hope you're writing, Melanie.

[Elyse S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Review to come*

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I got caught up in the tale, was shocked by Christmas morn. The race itself was almost anticlimactic with its trick of navigational expertise and the surprise at the finish line unique

[J. Dorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book by a fellow Pennsylvanian. I don't read much steampunk, so I'm not the best judge of the genre. However, I enjoyed this story. It was uplifting and fun to read.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/ch...

Title: Chasing Christmas Past
Series: Airship Racing Chronicles Prequel
By: Melanie Karsak
ASIN: B00RA6ZA1Q
Author’s Website: http://www.melaniekarsak.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Summary:

***6,000 word short story prequel to The Airship Racing Chronicles***

Christmas Eve 1820.

At Rose’s Hopper, a popular London tavern frequented by airship jockeys, all is merry and bright—except Lily Stargazer. Lily and her crew are set to run the Christmas Day Yuletide Race from London to Calais, but not before spending the night swimming in mulled wine and longing for absent lovers.

Even the prospect of a Yuletide win can’t convince Lily that this Christmas will be better than any that came before. But Lily’s about to find out there really is a Father Christmas.

Review:

A truly delightful read and what I hope is a great introduction to the series. I certainly empathized with the character Lily Stargazer and her attempt to win the Christmas Day Yuletide Race this year. Seems that fate in the past has seen fit to put obstacles in her way. Lily really wants to win the race. However, a bit of ale (okay…..a lot of ale) at the local tavern, Rose’s Hopper, the night before the race puts Lily at a disadvantage…getting to the starting line the next morning a bit behind schedule.

The reader gets a glimpse into the other characters as well. All real characters, whom I would love to read more about. Surprisingly, I was able to get the flavour of the characters, genre and time period to wet my appetite for more steampunk.

I shall not spoil the ending….but I loved ALL the surprises. Great way to set one up to read more by this author.

Thank you Melanie Karsak for penning such an enjoyable read. I will be going out shortly to pick the other titles in the series.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character is a young woman named Lily. She is the captain of the airship "Stargazer." Lily has entered the Yuletide Airship Race ever since she was young, and last year she had almost won. This year - 1820 - Lily was determined to win.

Lily would never admit it to anyone, but she is lonely and Christmas being the next day amplified her loneliness.

Will Lily finally be able to beat out all the other airship captains? And what will she do about her loneliness?

Melanie Karsak's world-building is superb. The Steampunk version of London where the story takes place is highlighted by vivid imagery.

What a gift! Melanie Karsak has the ability to describe a scene so well that you can visualize it easily in your mind. For example:

"The rooftops were covered with a powdering of crystalline snow. The gaslamp light made everything sparkle. The waves on the Thames twinkled with golden light."

I rate this short story as 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I highly recommend this wonderful Steampunk Christmas tale.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of this story.

Check out more of my reviews at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

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[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Christmas Eve and snowing out while Lily Stargazer and her crew are celebrating Christmas and drinking. They are anticipating the big race the next day, the Christmas Day Yuletide Airship Race.

Lily is reminiscing about Christmas past, races in the past and missing a certain young man, Lord Bryon. Lily is hoping and wishing that she will see Lord Bryon soon and that she will win the race.

Chasing Christmas Past is great inside look at the world of The Airship Racing Chronicles and introduces us to a great set of characters and a great world. The airships and the race were awesome to say the least. I know it is not Christmas but I just had to read all about the airships and that big race while drinking my coffee in a Christmas cup.

Chasing Christmas Past may be a short story but it packs a whole lot of punch with twist and turns that will have you racing to the end to see how it all turns out. Oh and speaking of twist there was a great one there at the end which I truly enjoyed.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is an Airship Racing Chronicles Prequel novelette, and I read it not having read any of the Chronicles. However, this wasn't an impediment to enjoying the book, which is excellently written and full of great characters, action, adventure, Christmas and adult themes. I really do recommend it for all steampunk adventure lovers, and am looking forward to reading more of the Chronicles soon.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The breaking point of Lily Stargazer's racing life, her fame and reputation, and what preceded the exhilarating feel of victory. Not everyone enjoys Christmas the way we imagine, surrounded by loved ones and in tight family circles, sharing the warmth and kindness. Lily is no exception - spending the Christmas Eve in a tavern, drinking, is not my idea of perfect Christmas. Her choices might even ruin her chances for victory - but being the tough, fearless woman she is, and knowing the air currents like no one else, Lily is determined not to give up. And eventually meet Byron again.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was fun! I haven't read The Airship Racing Chronicles yet, but now I definitely need to! This was a fun look at the characters that I was introduced to in the Steampunk Red Riding Hood series.

I definitely need to keep reading on so I can get to know these characters more! I loved the Christmas-y feel of this, and also Lily's feeling about Christmas. I know in a lot of books we get MCs who don't love Christmas, but this felt a bit different and maybe a bit relatable to me.

Also she and Byron intrigue me.

I gotta read on for characters and also the feel of the story.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully gritty, dirty, vice filled world. Karsak is a extremely descriptive writer. Her characters may not be people you're sure you like but you can see them as clearly as if they were standing in front of you.
As a prequel, I would have expected a little more backstory. While this was a fun read, it comes of more as a slice of life in this dark, steam link world. I am interested in finding out out more about it.

[Sherry McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like steam punk stories, the past is blended in with things from the future. The Airship Racing Chronicles will be interesting to read and I am looking forward to it. I found this story engaging and I like Lily even though she is her own worst enemy. I am glad she has good friends to help her along the way.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everybody is full of winter cheer
Lonely hearts abound in this short introductory tale of chasing the dream. Will Lily sober up in time to realize that hers is not at the bottom of her bottles?
‘Tonight, I would drink. Tomorrow, I would race.’


Definitely want to continue this series with ‘Chasing the Star Garden’ (as well as other series by this author).

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

An fun, quick moving prequel to what promises to be a pleasantly fancifull steampunk series. Quirky characters, including a noted poet of the Romantic persuasion; airship technology; dusky bars. What more do you need for summer reading!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the airships and Lily Stargazer, the brave, smart pilot. The story doesn't give too much depth to the characters but it had some interesting setting and tradition details. I might be interested in reading more... except for some bad language.

[Jenika Ioffreda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was a nice read, well written and with a cool world building. I didn't read the actual series yet (this was a prequel) but I don't think I will do it: even if the short story wasn't bad it didn't really arouse much interest in me to make go and buy straightaway the following books.

[James Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story. There was enough to be interesting and intriguing, but I would have liked to see things more fully developed. It felt like this was a couple of chapters from a much larger book.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Christmas Past by Melanie Karsak

This is a very cute, fun little short story. I own the first two in The Airship Racing Chronicles and didn't want to miss anything from the prequel. It is happy and fast, without much substance. I am excited to get started.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable enough, though a little hard to connect to as I didn't know any of the characters. This is a 'prequel' but I do wonder if it's not meant to be read after the series so you know everyone. All the same, I liked the steampunk elements and the peak at what seems like a fun crew.

[Sykas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

Fast paced but interesting story with happy ending. Such a great and lovely Christmas story. Steampunk elements were nice as well.

[Debbie Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

STEAMPUNK CHRISTMAS STORY

A very good YULE, TIDE story, with a taste of sadness. Thank you for an engaging story, Danny Scott. MERRY CHRISTMAS.