Steam and Spirits

by Caylen McQueen

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 11, 2026

Reviews

[Stardust Booklover]

I really enjoyed the Lamaire siblings because Cassie, Jon, and Elliot all have such different personalities, but their relationship feels like the heart of the story. Cassie especially made me laugh with her inventions and the absolute chaos that seems to follow her whenever she tries to prove herself. I also loved the whole concept of mixing steampunk technology with the supernatural, especially once the spirit box starts actually communicating with the dead.

What surprised me was how emotional the story became. Elliot’s illness hangs over the book from the beginning, so you know where things might eventually be heading, but that didn’t make his story any easier to read. His relationship with his siblings, his connection with Eleanor, and finally getting the chance to fly made me really attached to him. There are plenty of funny and ridiculous moments throughout the book, but underneath all of that is a story about siblings who love each other and are trying to make the most of the time they still have together.

By the end, the story was much more bittersweet than I expected. Elliot’s death genuinely hurt, but I liked that the story didn’t treat death as completely final. Being able to see what happened to him afterward, and knowing Cassie and Jon could still communicate with him, gave the ending a comforting feeling without taking away the sadness of losing him. Overall, I thought it was a charming, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt steampunk fantasy, and I’d definitely want to spend more time with the Lamaire siblings and their wonderfully strange world.

[Kasey Jacobs]

⭐️ ARC Review ⭐️

What a fun, cozy, and slightly spooky novella! Getting to read this at the start of spooky season was absolutely top-notch. 🎃

Even though this is a short book, it manages to evoke so many different emotions. Steam and Spirits is a wonderfully cozy, feel-good novella with just the right touch of spooky charm. Despite the story being short, I found myself becoming genuinely attached to the characters and invested in their lives.

I’m already looking forward to reading more about these characters in future books. If you’re looking for a quick, cozy read with a little bit of spooky magic, this one is definitely worth picking up!

[Sara Jensen]

I received an ARC of Steam and Spirits by Caylen McQueen.
This was such a fun and different read! I really liked the steampunk setting and the mix of inventions, family, and the supernatural. The spirit box was such a cool idea, and I really enjoyed seeing the siblings work together throughout the story.
There were a couple of parts that felt a little slow for me, but overall I had a really good time reading this. It was quick, entertaining, and had a unique concept that kept me interested. I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next!
Thank you to the author for the ARC! 🖤⚙️👻

[Rita Sherman]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters in this book. I find it very cool that Cassie made an invention which allowed her to speak to spirits. If you enjoy a book that involves siblings and not to scared of ghosts you will enjoy this book. It was sad that it ended. I wish it had more. I was selected as an arc reader and this is my honest review.

[Nickie Minehardt]

I am thrilled to have gotten this ARC!! What a great read!! I really enjoyed this book!!! Highly recommend!!

[Judy]

Very thought provoking! Just imagine if this were possible! The characters were engaging and the story was well written.

[Lana]

Oh I just love books with a steampunk vibe, and this book about three siblings who are inventors of gadgets is a wonder to read. Cassie is the inventor, she is a real engineer, but usually does not get credited for her work because she is a woman. Then there is the elder brother Jonathan, who is building his own airship from scratch, in order to take his other brother Eliot flying. Eliot is very ill and about to die, and this is one of his wishes. Cassie invents a spirit box, a gadget which helps connect people to spirits in the afterlife. Eliot uses the box, and is the first one to connect to a spirit called Eleanor, she says she is his spirit guide, and it is the positivity which Ms. McQueen writes into her books when she describes the afterlife which really comes through also in this book and which I love. I love that 'life' goes on in the spirit world, less the pain and the feelings of loss those left behind experience. Meeting up with our pets is amazing and something I look forward to. This is a really positive book to read, I also loved the fact that one of the couples who wanted to make contact with a dear one who passed was gay, the banter in this conversation was really gay. Thank you Ms. McQueen for yet another positive book which is so uplifting. The school of spirits series is another amazing series by the same author which I highly recommend.

[Kelly Mosenden]

This was so good! I loved the writing—very easy to read and follow. For such a short book, it definitely packs a punch right in the feels. The character development in this was fantastic. Cassie is a little excitable but loving, Jon is more serious and driven but no less sweet, and Elliot..oh Elliot. He is such a sweet soul. I loved the relationship between him and Eleanor. Think ‘giddy, kick your feet and blush’ romance. I am definitely a fan of this author and am excited to check out more of her work!

[Angelique Preston]

This was to me more of a prequel than a book, a set up for what I hope will be a very interesting series. Be warned, there is some emotional moments, but it was a good read, nice world building and a very interesting principle to it. Reading a story about spirits right at the beginning of spooky season is a great way to start things.

[Tanya Marron]

What a beautiful, beautiful short story!! It was light-hearted, it was heartwarming and heartbreaking, it was funny and sad. Cassie had the most amazing and funny personality, her inventions were so good (even when they didn't work).

Such a good little story, I enjoyed it and very different to what I normally read.

[Cristi]

The cutest little short story ever! Without giving too much away an inventor named Cassie creates a spirit box and her brother Elliot helps getting it working. They help people connect with their loved ones who have passed. Its short, sweet, sad, and heartfelt!

[Michelle]

Was a good read kept me interested finished in 2 days. If you love books about inventions, being able to talk to Spirits this book is definitely for you.

[Brandi Chisholm]

This was such a fun little spooky book. I really enjoyed it. I loved that Elliot got a girlfriend in the afterlife. I would so recommend this book.