Mech and Magic: An Epic Fantasy Steampunk Adventure

by Kim McDougall

Magic runs the machines. Secrets run the city. And Squad 54 stands between order and chaos.

Conall thought he’d buried the past with his brother. But when a cryptic summons surfaces—tied to a long-vanished village and a wolf who should be dead—he’s forced to retrace the path of the disbanded Squad 54. What he finds in the shadows could unravel not only their fate, but the fragile balance between elf and human kind.

Back in New Torwood City, Princess Rowan Andula is done playing the figurehead. With a seat on the ruling council, she's ready to fight for her family’s legacy—until the city’s giant mech guardian begins to fail. Talos isn't just a machine. He’s the heart of the city. His collapse could bring down everything her ancestors fought to preserve.

As enemies close in and new treacheries are revealed, Conall and Rowan must face the same How far will you go to protect what you love?

Mech and Magic is the second thrilling installment of The Knack Series—where ancient tech, dangerous politics, and fierce loyalties collide.

Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk

494 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

If Kim McDougall could have one magical superpower, it would be to talk to animals. Or maybe to shift into animal form. Definitely, fantastical critters and magic often feature in her stories. So until she can change into a Griffin and fly away, she writes dark paranormal action and romance tales. Kim is also passionate about fiber art, photography, children’s literacy, rescue animals, nature, and genre-bending fiction. She also writes for children under pen name Kim Chatel.

Reviews

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal read!! The second installment of this series absolutely crushed all my expectations. I devoured this book in a day and will be rereading it before long. Rowan and Conall share chapters in this book as she fights to learn the truth in her kingdom and he seeks answers about his brother. Rowan quickly learns that secrets and betrayal comes in many forms and the only ones she can trust are the Ebos and Squad 54. Conall must face his past to see where his future lies.

Goodness did I love this book. The passion of Rowan for her people and her desire to care for them is one I think everyone could relate to. Her need for answers and seeing things for what they are is refreshing and one I fully understand. The author does a fantastic job showing us the past and motivations of others without making it monotonous. Her descriptions of the mech and it's functions are easy to follow but full of visual craft. The new and old friends were a joy as always and added depth. Rowan and Conall's romance is just the icing on this already marvelous book. I am fascinated with how everything will play out in the future and look forward to where the author takes the story next.

"The ones who play the game best don’t let it become personal. You can either get revenge. Or you can win. You can’t do both.” “Seems to me, revenge should be the reward for winning.”

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent work, fantastic characters and storytelling

Rating: 4.5⭐️

“Magic runs the machines. Secrets run the city. And Squad 54 stands between order and chaos.”

Another excellent story in The Knack series, albeit really different from the previous book. In A Knack for Metal and Bone we saw the characters come together for an impossible mission. Squad 54 survived, but not without losses, learning some devastating truths about their own lives and setting them up for a new journey upon their return to New Torwood City. And Princess Rowan Andula, who was the mission’s tech has to stay in the City, looking for answers about the traumatic event that left her an amputee, her brother the heir in a coma, and her father the King dead. That means that her love,
Conall, werewolf Commander has to leave her and the City on his own mission to find out what happened to his brother, and the rest of the mages they were fighting.

This story divides into two journeys and sustainably different tales of high suspense and action. One is Conall’s as he’s dangerously crosses the Meadows and wastelands in search of knowledge about his family and brother. His journey continuously ties into the ongoing struggles back in the City and Princess Rowan’s story against hidden and not so hidden enemies of the court and her past. She’s surrounded by those who would see her not just fail but perish. And her part of the story is emotional and fraught with anger.

They are ties together by multiple sources, elements and somethings I won’t give away.

Each relationship, each person is beautifully rendered by their own words, cultures, clothing and even religion. Defined by their details and their deep of connections, to the land and each other.

I will warn the reader, much like the first story, a character dies here. One we’ve come to know and care about. Such is the nature of this world. I expect this to happen again as the series continues.

There’s a strong cliffhanger type of ending as there is no resolution to part of one major conflict and storyline. But the author has no information as to any further series book release.

It’s a wait and see status. This is a long book but it flew by fast for me. It’s that excellent.

I’ll be happy to wait for the next however long it takes.

This series is a must read. Highly recommended.

Published by Wrongtree Press.
Cover art and design by Christian Bentulan

The Knack (2 book series to date)
A Knack for Metal and Bone #1
Mech and Magic #2

[melissa thompson, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowen is settled back into the palace and picking up all of her duties as a princess and counsel member as well as investing thera and her brothers mysterious coma. Connall is back in the meadows to learn what happened to his brother and find the hidden city of Benni, home of the Ebos elves. Meanwhile back at the palace Rowen is trying to win counsel members to her side and rooting out the treasonous members. Things are going well until Talos fell throwing the entire city into a panic because Talos makes the water pumps work. Connall out in the meadows is finding evidence of the current Regents treachery and stop the minister of science from continuing his hideous experiments.
Rowen must win the Regency vote, fix Talos and keep her friends safe.
Lose yourself in the wonderful story that blends mech and magic to create an unique story of palace intrigue.

[Yael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great read. I loved the melding of political intrigue and epic fantasy, steeped in magic and steampunk– Rowan taking steps to regain Andula’s rule, and Conall searching for answers regarding his brother–and even more, how both storylines came together at the end of the book. McDougall’s writing is superb, the world building is so vivid you can experience everything together with the characters, and well written characters–both main and side characters– make them come to life. This installment in The Knack Series is full of surprises, emotional moments, and action that make it hard to put the book down. I highly recommend reading this series to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy and steampunk adventures.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of the most unusually unique reads I've encountered. This author has combined magic with technology, with people, shifters and robotics, taken all of this, added some mechanics, spun it in a cauldron, and what emerged, is a spectacular, visual and immersive experience! Giving it a newness, a freshness, that's both delightful in it's detail, as it is spellbinding. The prose seductively inviting, the world building stark, vivid, exposing all the flaws and imperfections discernibly. The twists fabulous, my goodness, the Harry Hightower one was super cool, and, no, I'm not going to say why....but flip me over like a stone, by the time I got to Benni, my jaw dropped! Like what now??? OMG brilliant brilliant twist! And it didn't stop there....discoveries I hadn't anticipated, steming from Ethan, Nathan, Denny, even Conall, curses and so many more!

This author's characters are equally unique, Conall, a wolf shifter, Rowan a Princess, Elves, supernaturals of every kind. Her knack 😜 for incredible, riveting prose draws me in from the onset and doesn't let go until the end. So where and how on earth do I begin to convey just how fabulous a read this was? The conspiracy, the underhandedness, the deception runs deep, deeper than Conall or Rowan could have imagined and they want to open it wide, expose all those involved. Not so simple...These 2 took hold of my emotions and ran rampant with them. Both suffered from immense hurts and trauma but both fought tooth and nail for truth, for love, for justice. Watching them both grow into determined, resolute individuals was honestly thrilling. The metamorphoses of Rowan especially, touched me. She never gave in, she never gave up, even when the whole world conspired against her, discounted her, her savvy, her smarts, her skill eclipsed it all. The beauty of Conall and Rowan's love speaks louder than words and Ms McDougal got every single nuance right, from their doubts to their convictions to their all encompassing love.

Conall leaves Rowan, alone, to try fend off the wolves nipping on her heels, while he, an actual wolf shifter, goes north to discover what truly happened to his brother. Meeting up with Lydan soon after his departure, Conall has an awesome sounding board for all his traumatic thoughts and painful memories. Lydan, his nearly to be brother in law, is a lion shifter, who's a good friend, and a really cool guy, who's wisdom resonates with Conall. These words, spoken by Lydan, has Conall questioning himself, “It’s not about revenge or retaliation, little brother. It’s about moving forward the right way.” His wolf, Garou, sure has a mind of his own, he's snarky, sassy and the funnest wolf I've come across in a while. His utterances tug my lips upwards, I just can't help smiling and giggling at his "wisdom".... like, "Wolves have no use for a grudge. It is like the sh*t of your enemy. You can’t eat it, and keeping it around only mucks up your senses." But aunt Bella? Well heck, aunt Bella wins the prize for the most scathing and uncontrollable tongue and I love her to bits!

How can anyone avoid adoring Minna? She's fierce, she's tough, she's a no nonsense type of gal and she swore to protect Rowan with her life. She might be abrupt in nature but a huge plus is that she can detect magic. New characters and characters I've met before enhance this story, filling it in like a fine painting. The plot, which was intricately woven, a world like non other that was built step by step, the pacing that was just perfect and the intrigue of politics, made it impossible to put this book down. I was fully immersed, completely riveted from start to finish.

My heart was beating faster and faster, in sheer elation in the final few chapters, I was even doing a fist pump! But then.... you know what happened? The author snatched my elation away, she tore my heart right out of my chest! This was very much the shock of "she didn't!!!!!" But she so did! With skilful artistry, Ms McDougal draws a kaleidescope of vivid imagery, an intricate mosaic, weaving it with magic, with truths that resonate, “What enemy is that?” “Progress. A deceptive word, progress. It shines a positive light, but in practice it is the shadow that conceals greed and suffering.” She highlights just how far "progress" can be taken, she points out scientists don't always take humanity into account, rather, they follow their own agenda, like Wrede, whose experiments are just vile! Scary if one puts a parallel with the world today and where it's heading. Or could be heading.

This read has it all, mystery, sabotage, greed, power hungry, corruption, politics action, and perfect equilibrium. Friendship, family, loyalty and a dash of love add flavour to this stupendous read. Though some battles have been won, the war is very much ongoing, the foe are many, the challenges immense, and I for one, am up for both the war and challenges, alongside Rowan and Conall. I'll be anxiously awaiting to see what, who and how they tackle these challenges, but one thing is clear, in the words of Ivra, “Real change doesn’t come easy, Evani. Often old habits and beliefs must be destroyed in order to make way for new growth.”

[Angela Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mech and Magic, the second book in The Knack series by Kim McDougall, was a wonderful read!! It took me a few chapters to warm up to the storyline in the first book, A Knack for Metal and Bone, but once I was settled into the world and the premise, this series kept me up all night.

Set in a post-apocalyptic feudal steampunk style world, the story follows Princess Rowan Andula, a tomboy who loves to tinker with robots and machinery, and Commander Conall West, a wolf shifter with a checkered past. In the first book they unearthed a plot that culminated in the murder of a group of scientists at a research station. Now they must unravel the mystery of who killed them and what they were trying to keep hidden. The quest will separate the lovers and take Conall on a path to confront the darkness in his past, while Rowan dodges political foes and assassins in the capital city. Can they stay alive long enough to take down their enemies and save their people?

Rowan really grew on me. I could totally relate to her love of machinery and her desire to escape the stifling court politics and gossip. She has finally found her voice and her backbone in the second book, and I was cheering for her all the way through as she deftly navigated the murky waters of political treachery. Conall is just hunky as the brooding anti-hero with the troubled past. His story arc takes him across the country and deep into the elven world to a hidden place of magic and machinery.

I was fascinated by how deftly the author interwove the remnants of our current society into a world 500 years in the future where magic exists and gods meddle in human affairs. The world building is first class and I felt like I was living in their world. There are so many secondary characters that are so well drawn I felt like they were old friends. I really hope to see more of them in the coming books. Even the robots were quirky and loveable!

I really can’t praise this book highly enough. I heartily recommend it to all lovers of fantasy and science fiction, as well as paranormal romance. The love scenes fade to black so this series is suitable for young adults. Give this series a try - the first book starts a little slow as you figure out what this new world is about, but once it takes off, hold onto your hats!

I was gifted an advance copy of this book by the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squad 54 has returned from their mission and must go back to their previous lives. Rowan is no longer happy just tinkering and being seen as a princess who doesn’t care. She starts putting plans into action to reveal what she has learned and take back what is rightfully hers and Ethan’s. Conall has been told he can find out about his brother is he travels to the Ebos city of Benni, which is a city of legend and no one knows if it’s real. They will both face their enemies along the way, separate and together. Can they bring these secrets to light before their enemies find a way to get rid of Rowan?
I love how much Rowan has grown since the beginning of the first book. Previously content to be nothing more than a figure head, she is now faced with the consequences of not being involved. She is a quick learner though and when it comes to her people and family, she is learning to be ruthless and cunning in this game of political intrigue. Conall is struggling with having to leave Rowan and all the memories his journey has brought up. He has memories of his father and all the terrible things his father put them through. (There are scenes discussing DV if you are sensitive to this). All the side characters are still here and just as lovable as they were before. Roger is still his absolute adorable self and he goes through a transformation of his own.
The world building is once again absolutely amazing. From the meadows to the mech to the gaunts, you feel like you are actually right there with the characters. There is definitely some high stakes moments, but with this book being on the longer side there is also so much more. There is political intrigue/manuevering with all the members of the council, there are secrets revealed about some of those council members that will have your jaw dropping and of course Kim has all the emotional moments she is so good at writing. She will have you laughing one moment and crying another. You will be so invested in these characters, you will feel like they are real. Some of the problems they have been facing were dealt with, but there is still so much left to do and I can’t wait to see what Rowan and Conall come up with to end the reign of these corrupt councilors.

[Eileen McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review: Mech and Magic is a book that is rich in story, filled with lovable, relatable characters and a plot that keeps the reader invested from the beginning. As a brief recap, Squad 54 returned to New Torwood City after having learned some incredible truths while on their mission into the meadow. Rowan has accepted that she must secure her place on the city's governing council and with the help of trusted allies puts her plans in motion. Meanwhile, Conall sets off across the meadows to find the Ebos city of Benni in order to uncover the truth about his brother's death.

There is so much to love about this story. There are hints of the movie "Terminator" and T.S. Elliot's "The Hollow Men" and yet the story remains completely original. I was quickly reminded why I loved Rowan and Conall and the other members of squad 54. I enjoyed the parts that Minna and Ferlan, other Ebos, and even Auntie Bella played in the story. There were uncertainties surrounding Dale. And then there are the mysterious characters, like the old man in the scrap yard and the inn keeper. Old mechs returned and a new mech was introduced. I liked this new mech but I'm wondering if I should be more worried about it. More secrets were revealed and the possibilities of more are hinted at.

This part of the story wrapped up nicely with the only cliff hangers being the mysteries yet to unfold. I hope the wait for the next installment won't take too long. I highly recommend this book and this series to everyone. It is so very well done, indeed!

[Spinneretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

This is the second book in Kim McDougall’s Knack series, and picks up shortly after the end of book one. This time, the dual PoV follows Conall on his trip to find his brother, and Rowan as she starts to make changes in her city of New Torwood; and a *lot* of things are starting to change.

This was a slow read for me, partly because of the season, but also because the slower pace of the story seemed to warrant it. There's a lot going on in Rowan’s world, and sometimes the events needed to be considered. We learn a lot about the world in which the story is set, and the characters discover some interesting truths too.

Rowan, with Dale's help, is able to find out much about Atherton, and looks into the corruption in the city, while Conall makes huge strides in his own search for answers, both about his brother, and about Wrede.

There are some very gratifying scenes towards the end of the book, as all these things come to a head.

It's an enjoyable, slightly steampunk style story, with a very unique setting. The story is fairly heavy on the political shenanigans, but there is still a lot of action too. While the ending is satisfying and places our characters in some interesting places, it is also set up for more to come, and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book (probably coming at the end of next year).

If you enjoy steampunk fantasy, dystopian/post apocalyptic fantasy, or a blend of science fiction and fantasy, then this series is well worth reading.

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mech and Magic is the second book in the Knack Series, and I just loved it! After their mission with Squad 54 in the previous book, Rowan and Conall have (temporarily) parted ways. Rowan has returned home and is trying to step into a new role as protector of her kingdom. Conall is traveling to Benni to try to discover what happened to his brother. Both are longing for the other (I love the way they were able to communicate with each other) but are trying to stay focused on their respective missions.

I already liked Rowan from the prior book, and I loved how she grew as the story progressed. While she’d rather tinker with the mechs and be the unseen princess, she knows that she has to step up to help her people. I like Conall too and was glad that he was able to learn more about what happened to his brother. I like that each are on their own respective quests in the vast world, and this is really where the author’s skills shine. She has created an immense, vibrant world full of rich characters that I really cared about—even the mechs are endearing! I also love the Ebos culture, their wisdom in the bone, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them in the next book. There were some great revelations in this book, but there’s still a lot more of the story to be told and I can’t wait to read more!

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think of “steampunk,” it’s usually Victorian-era with mechs. This series takes the feel of steampunk, adds some post-apocalyptic world building, magic and magical races, and combines them into an absolutely compelling read.

The insight into progress-for-progress’-sake is juxtaposed with downright humorous moments. I found myself highlighting some very dichotomous passages:
“Progress without conscience becomes extermination.”
“That’s Princess Evil Wench to you, Commander.”

This book has two primary perspectives: Rowan and Conall, with some short interspersed chapters from other characters. Rowan really grows into her role as a royal, and the intrigue in the palace is enough to make heads spin. Once they reunite is really when the storyline tumbles rapidly into action as all the moving parts are brought together. Kim has a habit of making me cry with her writing and this book is no different.

[Diesel Reads Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this is my first ever steampunk series. I went into it with very little infomation so the shifters etc were a bit of a surprise.
I enjoyed it over all, had some really enjoyable characters. I will say I thought the love story between the main characters felt like it came out of no where and was very rushed so I had a hard time accepting that.
One of my main issues however is the use of a word to describe Rowan which is used several times through out both books. That word, at least in my culture, is considered a slur so to see it used so often with total nonchalance was a bit jarring. Perhaps outside of my country it isn't considered an insult so I have to take that into account but it was a bit shocking

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to read more about Rowan and Conall. They are the powercouple that complement each other. Too bad they got separated at the end of book one.
In this book I eagerly waited fot them to be together again and wreck havoc on all. That they did . Loved the side characters and their knacks . Some still have their secrets . While some parts of the story come together, other parts still are unkown. Have to do a reread when the next book is out so no details are lost .
The worldbuilding and magic uses are so good, what an imagination has Kim McDougall.

[Docwert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 was good book 2 is better!

After reading book one I found I needed to see what was next for the tinker princess. Really, a princess, a werewolf, a little mech and a sleeping prince. So many parallel to to the world we live in and fantasy old and new. Power and greed move the government to move in sad and evil ways. One step too far when they send a child princess out on mission to die only to have her come back as a woman with a backbone and a mission .

[Janice Mahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steampunk meets magic

This is the 2nd book in the series and it is just as good as the first. We get more into the political intrigue and Connal goes on a mission to find the legendary Ebos city. We also learn more about his backstory. This series is engaging and well written. Kim McDougall is a fabulous author.

[Rosalie Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment to the Knack series is just as good as the first! Following the story of Conall and Rowan, I was excited to pick back up with the characters we met and loved before. With higher stakes, more danger, and everyone trying to do what needs to be done, you'll love this book just as much. Great read!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues but doesn't end with book 2

Just as enchanting & well written as book 1, with the same feel, wonderfully woven. Be warned the story doesn't end with book 2. As someone who likes to read the whole story, I'm torn between wishing I waited but really enjoyed the read. Hopefully the next installment will be out shortly.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is plenty in this one to keep your interest. From historical treaties thru reliving personal nightmares, to reunited lovers. Oh, throw in some medical/scientific research (very twisted research) and a bit of "alien/off-world" visitors. Also, plenty of political intrigue where things go right and oh, so, wrong. I look forward to book 3.

[Peter Chivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

A book has to be excellent to get a review from me. The first book in this series was great and I can recomend starting with it. This book has built on those solid foundations, and it has proved to be a struggle to put it down once I started reading it. Excellent. Highly recomended.

[Rose Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating !!!!!!!! This continuation of the series is great. There is more character growth here. The story plot goes even deeper in this 1. I really enjoyed this 1 & highly recommend it & the series to others :)

[Jemima · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first book in the series was ok: this one I gave up on a couple of chapters in. It wasn't properly edited: missing letters, inconsistent pronouns, incorrect punctuation. If even someone paid to read and edit it didn't bother, why should I?

[Ranjini Mohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book one better

I liked the first book as it was one of the few celebrating mechanics in the fantasy world and the characters are good. The second book felt slow and a bit tedious. Very real world politics, which is not my cup of tea when I want escape.

[Marley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Received an ARC of this book in this review is it is entirely my own. I absolutely love the book the world building and mysteries within and of course, Rowan and Cannel. The author drops you in and you were caught up in the scenes you can place yourself watching Talos or meeting Harry. You can place yourself in one of the pubs, watching out the windows having a brew.

The relationship with Roman and Canell is electric and hot. There are so many relationships and friendships in this book that shows the true bounds of friendship.

I have one complaint. It ended way too soon for me. I think I have a book hang over and that doesn't happen to me often.

[Angie Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Kim McDougall draws us into a world full of wonders. Full of magic, mystery, and mechanical wizardry, this new addition to the series will leave you breathless with anticipation. It has it

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and good sequel to the first book.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

EPIC.
This was an absolute EPIC 2nd installation of The Knack series.

[Earle Hartshorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting

Another awesome tale from the mind of Kim McDougal. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!

[Laura D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic Intrigue, mystery, Epic characters!!!
The first book was vivid and totally enthralling characters.
How could it be topped?
And yet, it is... this will grab your heart with claws!!!!
Surprises lurk, and good vs evil war is waged!!
Love, love, loved it!!!

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I'm really into this mashup setting of post-apocalyptic steam punk sf and fantasy. The world building is incredible, and the characters are wonderful. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing world Kim created in this series. This maybe my favorite book of hers so far! I want to know more!!