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Aetheric Artifacts #1
The Chronos Clock
In 1892 Victorian London, Demetra Ashdown is a half-daemon with the ability to locate and draw Aetheric artifacts to her. When her former fiancé’s valet is held hostage and will only be released in exchange for a device with the power to control time, she must act quickly to save a man’s life. Armed with only her razor-edged fan and equally sharp wit, she feels it is her duty to ensure that the potentially-devastating device does not fall into the wrong hands.
In addition to this dilemma, she must determine if she both trusts and loves the man to whom she was once betrothed. Lord Francis Winterton not only broke her heart, but also appears to have betrayed her to the ruthless people in search of this powerful artifact. With close friend and inventor Simon Warom at her side, Demetra begins her adventure: the hunt for the clock that will save the life of the valet, and thus prevent Francis from transgressing the limits of fashionable good taste.
In addition to this dilemma, she must determine if she both trusts and loves the man to whom she was once betrothed. Lord Francis Winterton not only broke her heart, but also appears to have betrayed her to the ruthless people in search of this powerful artifact. With close friend and inventor Simon Warom at her side, Demetra begins her adventure: the hunt for the clock that will save the life of the valet, and thus prevent Francis from transgressing the limits of fashionable good taste.
- GenresSteampunk
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2013
2 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Wendy L. Callahan
16 books31 followersWendy is an urban and steampunk fantasy author, as well as a genealogical Nancy Drew in disguise.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 17, 2015
I found this book to be underwhelming. I think the mystery surrounding the Chronos Clock could've been very interesting indeed, but it was just not executed very well.
It was hard to connect to our heroine. She was "pragmatic" (haughty), "well-mannered" (condescending), and an "Infernal" (robot). Now I understand pragmatic/practical people. I know several. She went beyond it to the point that I really couldn't empathize with her on anything.
The love interest is a ninny. She came off so much stronger than he was, and I really found it hard to believe that he was her protector. Also, the fact that she kept putting off dealing with the love part of "love interest" was incredibly annoying. It is thrown in our face over and over and over. "You hurt me, I do not want to be more than friends." Then, "I'm protecting my heart because you hurt me, I do not want to be more than friends." And then, "Why would I choose to love you when you broke my heart and I don't want to be more than friends." And on... and on... and.... ON. I smacked my head a few times because it was so over the top.
There were redeeming qualities in this book however. It is a very easy read. I enjoyed the Celestial (Angelic) vs the Infernal (Demonic) beings. Though I wish the author would've delved more into that world. I also really enjoyed Simon's character, but there were things about him that put me off as well. (If I'm being truthful, which I am.)
All and all, a decent read, but there are better "Steampunk" books out there. I feel bad saying that because I know the author must've put a lot of time and effort into this book.
It was hard to connect to our heroine. She was "pragmatic" (haughty), "well-mannered" (condescending), and an "Infernal" (robot). Now I understand pragmatic/practical people. I know several. She went beyond it to the point that I really couldn't empathize with her on anything.
The love interest is a ninny. She came off so much stronger than he was, and I really found it hard to believe that he was her protector. Also, the fact that she kept putting off dealing with the love part of "love interest" was incredibly annoying. It is thrown in our face over and over and over. "You hurt me, I do not want to be more than friends." Then, "I'm protecting my heart because you hurt me, I do not want to be more than friends." And then, "Why would I choose to love you when you broke my heart and I don't want to be more than friends." And on... and on... and.... ON. I smacked my head a few times because it was so over the top.
There were redeeming qualities in this book however. It is a very easy read. I enjoyed the Celestial (Angelic) vs the Infernal (Demonic) beings. Though I wish the author would've delved more into that world. I also really enjoyed Simon's character, but there were things about him that put me off as well. (If I'm being truthful, which I am.)
All and all, a decent read, but there are better "Steampunk" books out there. I feel bad saying that because I know the author must've put a lot of time and effort into this book.
May 16, 2019
The Chronos Clock by Wendy L. Callahan
Being still quite new to the steam-punk genre I find myself constantly moving that pointer around for the definition and this installment has been of little help. It would seem that possibly having gear driven mechanical devices such as clocks is somewhat of a help. It also must be in a Victorian setting with Victorian dress and society. It doesn't hurt to have dirigibles but they might not be necessary. It's preferable that steam power mechanicals are highlighted but again maybe not so necessary, although this exclusion would be the most puzzling. That much aside The Chronos Clock is quite entertaining and I'll allow the nod to Steam-punk with just the thought that a bit more steam might help me with the definition.
In this series we have two magic groups one called the Celestial and one called the Aetheral; the latter being also know as Infernal and Daemonic. Demetra the main character is an Aetheral, part human part Aetheral, and she has a somewhat handy talent to attract energy imbued devices; devices empowered with some Aetheric or Celestial energy. This is what she is doing at the beginning with an Aetheric device, Celestial devices are a bit more difficult for her to handle. She not only can detect them but she can usually cause them to come to her unless they are somehow bound where they are.
The story opens with her locating one of her treasures and being confronted by a Celestial who would like to take the item. He attempts a deadly attack and she quickly dispatches him with her razor sharp fan, made for her by her life long friend Simon Warom. The nasty Celestial turns to ash or some such flakiness that leaves little if any trace.
We then become acquainted with Demetra's Stepmother, Rowena, her stepsister, Verity and her father Nigel Ashdown and lastly her ex-fiance Francis Winterton. Francis brings trouble in the form of blackmailers who have made it clear he must persuade his ex to use her ability to find the Chronos Clock. Thus begins the adventure of the mysterious kidnapper searching for a legend and bringing the ex's together to reluctantly work with each other. And this begins the plot of the brokenhearted Demetra who finds herself unable to open her heart to anyone for fear of having it broken again and the question of whether this quest will bring closure or make things worse. The quest of the Chronos Clock acts as a device to introduce the reader to this struggle.
The story is well written with well defined characters; and a world of magic with neat rules that need to be paid attention to. Rules that often define how Demetra must act and interact with specific people throughout the novel. And I suspect, throughout the series.
I can recommend this to Steam-punk fans who don't insist on a lot of steam in their punk but are more enamored to the dress, the goggles, the leather and the gear driven side of the mechanical equation. Also great SFF for fantasy fans who like a little magic in the mix.
J.L. Dobias
Being still quite new to the steam-punk genre I find myself constantly moving that pointer around for the definition and this installment has been of little help. It would seem that possibly having gear driven mechanical devices such as clocks is somewhat of a help. It also must be in a Victorian setting with Victorian dress and society. It doesn't hurt to have dirigibles but they might not be necessary. It's preferable that steam power mechanicals are highlighted but again maybe not so necessary, although this exclusion would be the most puzzling. That much aside The Chronos Clock is quite entertaining and I'll allow the nod to Steam-punk with just the thought that a bit more steam might help me with the definition.
In this series we have two magic groups one called the Celestial and one called the Aetheral; the latter being also know as Infernal and Daemonic. Demetra the main character is an Aetheral, part human part Aetheral, and she has a somewhat handy talent to attract energy imbued devices; devices empowered with some Aetheric or Celestial energy. This is what she is doing at the beginning with an Aetheric device, Celestial devices are a bit more difficult for her to handle. She not only can detect them but she can usually cause them to come to her unless they are somehow bound where they are.
The story opens with her locating one of her treasures and being confronted by a Celestial who would like to take the item. He attempts a deadly attack and she quickly dispatches him with her razor sharp fan, made for her by her life long friend Simon Warom. The nasty Celestial turns to ash or some such flakiness that leaves little if any trace.
We then become acquainted with Demetra's Stepmother, Rowena, her stepsister, Verity and her father Nigel Ashdown and lastly her ex-fiance Francis Winterton. Francis brings trouble in the form of blackmailers who have made it clear he must persuade his ex to use her ability to find the Chronos Clock. Thus begins the adventure of the mysterious kidnapper searching for a legend and bringing the ex's together to reluctantly work with each other. And this begins the plot of the brokenhearted Demetra who finds herself unable to open her heart to anyone for fear of having it broken again and the question of whether this quest will bring closure or make things worse. The quest of the Chronos Clock acts as a device to introduce the reader to this struggle.
The story is well written with well defined characters; and a world of magic with neat rules that need to be paid attention to. Rules that often define how Demetra must act and interact with specific people throughout the novel. And I suspect, throughout the series.
I can recommend this to Steam-punk fans who don't insist on a lot of steam in their punk but are more enamored to the dress, the goggles, the leather and the gear driven side of the mechanical equation. Also great SFF for fantasy fans who like a little magic in the mix.
J.L. Dobias
February 19, 2014
This was my first exposure to steampunk and, since reading it, I have sought out other authors in this genre. Why? Because this is such a thoroughly fun introduction to steampunk!
We meet Demetra, such a fun character because she's not a swooning heroine who needs a man to save her. In fact, she's most often with her best friend, Simon, a scientist or "artificer". Simon has feelings for her, but they are articulated very subtly and very seldom. So when Demetra's determined former fiance, Francis, shows up, there isn't a dramatic love triangle.
In fact, it seems more like Simon is testing Francis. After all, Francis left Demetra three years ago because he couldn't handle her power!
What is Demetra's power? Demetra is what is known as an "Aetheral", and she has the ability to draw aetheric artifacts to her (hence, the name of the series - The Aetheric Artifacts).
If you've ever seen the American television show "Charmed", her power makes me think a bit of Paige, who could call whatever object she wanted to her hand. Demetra can do that, but she doesn't need to see the object. If she senses aetheric power, she can call the object to her. Another parallel drawn in the book is that of dowsing or witching, as people did with water in the old days.
As I said, Demetra's former fiance shows up to ask her a favour. Very audacious of him, if you ask me! But his valet has been kidnapped and the ransom note asks for something called the Chronos Clock. Let me tell you, losing a valet would have been a bad thing in the 1800s! But Demetra's concern is that someone must be trying to use her powers in a roundabout way.
Well, I won't tell you what happens and who the bad guy is. But I will tell you this: Demetra is a logical lady who doesn't care much for Francis trying to woo her again. Yet she knows she is stronger when she has her friends around her.
Demetra knows her abilities only go so far. She relies on Francis to be the "brawn" of the adventure and Simon to be the "brains", while Demetra walks a middle road. For she is very intelligent and well-connected, and she has some skills in fighting. However her main power, besides her supernatural ability, is in forming theories and drawing conclusions based on the information she gathers.
I like that she knows her own limits, while not being afraid to work with her strengths, and those of others.
I also like how Demetra slowly opens up to Francis throughout the story. She doesn't end it falling into his arms, begging for his kisses. No, no! But she ultimately lets herself admit she still loves him, even though he broke her heart years ago.
And I LOVE the puns and humour in the story. This is a fun blend of sci-fi/fantasy/alternate history. The heroine is feisty yet practical, the hero impetuous yet devoted.
I've picked up the second book, The Daemon Device, and cannot wait to see what happens next!
We meet Demetra, such a fun character because she's not a swooning heroine who needs a man to save her. In fact, she's most often with her best friend, Simon, a scientist or "artificer". Simon has feelings for her, but they are articulated very subtly and very seldom. So when Demetra's determined former fiance, Francis, shows up, there isn't a dramatic love triangle.
In fact, it seems more like Simon is testing Francis. After all, Francis left Demetra three years ago because he couldn't handle her power!
What is Demetra's power? Demetra is what is known as an "Aetheral", and she has the ability to draw aetheric artifacts to her (hence, the name of the series - The Aetheric Artifacts).
If you've ever seen the American television show "Charmed", her power makes me think a bit of Paige, who could call whatever object she wanted to her hand. Demetra can do that, but she doesn't need to see the object. If she senses aetheric power, she can call the object to her. Another parallel drawn in the book is that of dowsing or witching, as people did with water in the old days.
As I said, Demetra's former fiance shows up to ask her a favour. Very audacious of him, if you ask me! But his valet has been kidnapped and the ransom note asks for something called the Chronos Clock. Let me tell you, losing a valet would have been a bad thing in the 1800s! But Demetra's concern is that someone must be trying to use her powers in a roundabout way.
Well, I won't tell you what happens and who the bad guy is. But I will tell you this: Demetra is a logical lady who doesn't care much for Francis trying to woo her again. Yet she knows she is stronger when she has her friends around her.
Demetra knows her abilities only go so far. She relies on Francis to be the "brawn" of the adventure and Simon to be the "brains", while Demetra walks a middle road. For she is very intelligent and well-connected, and she has some skills in fighting. However her main power, besides her supernatural ability, is in forming theories and drawing conclusions based on the information she gathers.
I like that she knows her own limits, while not being afraid to work with her strengths, and those of others.
I also like how Demetra slowly opens up to Francis throughout the story. She doesn't end it falling into his arms, begging for his kisses. No, no! But she ultimately lets herself admit she still loves him, even though he broke her heart years ago.
And I LOVE the puns and humour in the story. This is a fun blend of sci-fi/fantasy/alternate history. The heroine is feisty yet practical, the hero impetuous yet devoted.
I've picked up the second book, The Daemon Device, and cannot wait to see what happens next!
January 23, 2014
What's your poison? Quirky and snarky humor? Strong female characters? Men with ulterior motives but good hearts? A bit of magic? Mystery? Intrigue? Action? Perhaps a dash of steaminess?
Well this series has it all, and Wendy Callahan started it with action, and doesn't stop, even when the sun goes down. With a style of writing that flows and moves, keeping things light and fun even while sinister forces do their shadowy deeds... Callahan delivers entertainment all the way through, delivered by a cast of characters you will either love, or love to hate. Each person introduced has qualities we all have seen, but mixed into their own blend of personal experience, giving each character a depth and realism that helps you connect to their story.
This is a series worth reading, and an author worth following. Go check our her work and then report back here with your thoughts!
Well this series has it all, and Wendy Callahan started it with action, and doesn't stop, even when the sun goes down. With a style of writing that flows and moves, keeping things light and fun even while sinister forces do their shadowy deeds... Callahan delivers entertainment all the way through, delivered by a cast of characters you will either love, or love to hate. Each person introduced has qualities we all have seen, but mixed into their own blend of personal experience, giving each character a depth and realism that helps you connect to their story.
This is a series worth reading, and an author worth following. Go check our her work and then report back here with your thoughts!
May 4, 2015
I wanted to like this more than I did. I like steampunk and the Chronos Clock could have been really fascinating, but it just falls flat. The writing felt stilted, leaving the characters difficult to connect with or have any depth and the pacing was just...not right.
February 14, 2014
I enjoyed it. It was an easy read and well thought out.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews