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Time passes, sins forgotten.
The bodies of the victims long since rotten.

Trapped within the essence of the Headless Horseman by the guilt of slaughtering her best friend, Ireland Crane follows the father of science fiction, HG Wells, in search of freedom from the curse that binds her. Instead, she discovers even he has a hidden agenda. A dark, relentless passion to be reunited with the woman he loves has driven him to manipulate time and a murderous Horseman.

Yet heed my warning, as the Raven flies,
The Hessian will come … and you will die.

All that prevents Ireland from abandoning Wells’ twisted pursuit, or introducing him to her sword, are the undead witches haunting her. Begging for freedom from a vile succubus, the ghoulish coven leads Ireland and her crew on a journey through Salem’s sordid past. There, they learn there is more to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s history than a scarlet letter, and the secret they’ve uncovered seeks to destroy them all.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2015

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492 people want to read

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Stacey Rourke

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Courtney Toohey.
56 reviews36 followers
September 19, 2015
Just as with each story in the Legend’s Saga Series, we are quickly introduced into a world in which we were once given only a single perspective view, and the view is twisted in the most delightful way within minutes. Steam ushers us into the world of Preen, and in that story hides the origins of both the Salem Witch Trials and The Scarlet Letter. Within this realm, we are left to follow Preen and her coven through a series of events that could only have been fate, and wonder how it could possibly be tied back to Sleepy Hollow, Edgar Allen Poe, and Ireland and her gang of misfit boys.
We also follow Ireland, Rip, Noah, Ridley, H.G. Wells along with the new additions of Payton and Malachi along their most crooked journey yet. In this book, while many ends are tied up which were left undone in the previous books, we are consistently berated with one mystery after another, left only with the hope that we will have some closure at this work’s end.
To say that I enjoy this serious is a vast understatement. I have loved this series from the very moment I began Crane and now carry that love far beyond the final page. I usually give a more detailed account of my opinions of the plot, but as almost every single detail is a potential spoiler, I am only left with the ability to say that this is truly a work of art. This series and this installment in particular is a story that is woven with such complexity that it is simple to lose yourself in the action and emotions of the Legend’s Saga Reality. The way Stacey Rourke has not only retold, but dare I say it, improved upon some of the literary world’s most hallowed tales is nothing short of astounding. Steam takes two of my favorite works, and raises the bar even higher. To be able to not only honor, but rival the talent of such esteemed authors is quite a feat, and a talent well worth recognizing.
I give this book 5 out of 5 starts. If this ranking system would let me give it all the stars, I would, but five will have to suffice for now. Never have I fallen in love with such an odd group of characters, and never have I loved a collection so dearly. As cliché as it is, I laughed and I cried, sometimes within minutes of each other. So to everyone I know, look out, you are not going to stop hearing about this book and series for a VERY long time.
Profile Image for Sweets Books.
687 reviews63 followers
April 13, 2025
5 Cupcakes

In the 3rd legends saga book we find ourselves following Ireland on a solo outing as the headless horseman. But that doesn’t last long. H. G. Wells finally catches up to her and tells her he might be able to help her get rid of the headless horseman curse if she helped him. But she learns even he has a hidden agenda, to be reunited with the woman he loves. All that prevents Ireland from leaving Wells, are the undead witches haunting her. Begging for freedom from a vile succubus, the ghoulish coven leads Ireland and her crew on a journey through Salem’s past where they learn there is more to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s history than a scarlet letter, and the secret they’ve uncovered seeks to destroy them all.

I love this series! Ireland has gone through so much in the last couple books and it continues in to amaze me how balls to the walls she is. I love Malachi! He gives me the creepy priest vibes. All in all I will continue this series and hope Ireland finds the truth or a cure.

Til next time - Sweets Books
(Written by Beth - SBAH)
Profile Image for Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm.
1,257 reviews109 followers
September 20, 2015
The Legends Saga continues to dominate my mood as it brings back Ireland and her encounter with the wicked Salem Witches. Yep, those are the kind of witches that really get me going in my reading obssession. The kind of witches that won’t stop at nothing. Oh, and HG Wells is here! You know, THE HG Wells, the Father of Science Fiction!

Here’s a little bit of info about The Legends sage. The first book was titled Crane, and it was a story about Ireland who descended from Ichabod Crane of the Sleepy Hollow and now had the spirit of the Headless Horseman. In book 2, Raven, we met Ridley with his magic touch, as passed down to him by THE Edgar Allan Poe and The Raven. Now in the third book, we’d be dealing with the infamous Salem Witches and The Scarlet Letter.

Steam is a very well written series ender. The plot was unique and amazing! Some of the parts I loved involved Preen Hester and her difficulty writing down a spell or rhyming an incantation. When her services were needed by the charming John Hawthorne, she didn’t expect the magnanimity of the situation that his wife was under. With her two eyes, she saw a succubus slowly eating away the flesh of the almost dead and it was such a horrible scene. …. and then snap! Boom! Everything returned and nothing was amiss! It was all her imagination, really.. wasn’t it?

One thing for sure, I couldn’t trust my mind to imagine such a thing!

Then there’s Sister Peyton, the nun who almost had the moment of death by Ireland’s sword. She’d been visited in her dreams by the phanton witches, haunted her and told her to go find Ireland for the answers she seek.

Steam may just be the scariest story in the Legends saga and I’ve got goosebumps to prove it. I still mourn the death of Rip Van Winkle (from the last book) and thought could not move on with Ireland Crane’s guilt. But things happened for a reason and Ireland, though defiant and merciless, still kept atuned to her heart at all times.

I didn’t think I’d finish this series so fast, but I’m so glad I did! And it was perfectly executed! Damn it, Stacey Rourke, only you could bring out the beast mode in me. Cheers to another stunning novel by Stacey Rourke!
Profile Image for Lexie.
2,066 reviews356 followers
January 1, 2016
People die when the Hessian rides...BECAUSE YOUR HEART IS TORN ASUNDER AND YOU WANT TO GRAB HG WELLS AND RATTLE HIS HEAD TIL HE MAKES IT BETTER.

Er.

I'm sorry I'm having a serious feels moment. brought on by heroics and death and lack of sleep.
Profile Image for Lynn Worton.
869 reviews31 followers
September 13, 2015
Review 6*

This is the third book (and concluding story?) of the Legends Saga. I absolutely LOVED it!

Ireland Crane is twenty four years old and a relation of Ichabod Crane of Sleepy Hollow fame. I liked this stubborn, witty woman very much. She is still struggling with having the spirit of the Horseman inhabiting her body and coming to terms with the loss of her friend and mentor, Rip Van Winkle. Now on a mission with the father of time travel, H.G. Wells, Ireland will have to face her deepest fear, letting the Hessian take control in order to break the curse.

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this story. As soon as it was downloaded onto my Kindle, I dived right in and didn't put it down until I had finished it.

I have fallen in love with all the characters. The story is told through various view points, but mostly though Ireland's, Preen's and Noah's eyes. We are introduced to several new characters, of which Peyton, a nun and descendant of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Malachi, who has secrets of his own and Preen, a young and powerful Wiccan living during the time of Salem Witch Trials are but a few.

The story has action and adventure, death and murder, but there is also romance and tragedy. The characters' are very lifelike and the heroine is full of wit and sarcasm, which I like. There are several twists and turns that surprised me in places, and one huge scene near the end that completely had me in tears. I ended up cursing the author's name and crying 'I hate you!' at the emotions she managed to pull out of me. It has amazed me at how quickly these characters have burrowed under my skin. This motley crew of characters have become my friends. Therefore, I highly recommend you keep a tissue handy! I did have an unanswered question with regards to Preen, but I will not say what it is for fear of giving unintentional spoilers.
I reached the end of the book with great sadness as I wanted the tale to keep going. However, all good things must come to an end and I can honestly say that Ireland's journey has touched me deeply. She is most definitely a legend in my eyes and I will never forget her.

Stacey Rourke has written a fantastic dark fantasy, which is slightly darker than her YA Gryphon series. I absolutely love her writing style, which is fast paced and witty, and the story flows wonderfully. I was worried that the scenes between past and present would make it seem jumpy and disconnected, but I'm glad to say that it didn't. This author has the amazing ability to draw you into a story, make you love the characters and then rip your heart out and leave a bleeding mess where it once resided but leave you begging for more; I hate this about her, but I also love her for it too! I am a huge fan of this author and will read anything she writes in the future.

Although this is not really a YA story, I highly recommend this book to teens aged 15+ and adults who love dark fantasy. - Lynn Worton
Profile Image for Heather.
465 reviews30 followers
September 15, 2015
Can we just take a moment to talk about the covers to this series? Seriously, some of the most beautiful and intriguing covers that I have seen. The cover of Crane was what drew me to this series in the first place and I eagerly anticipate each new cover as much as I do the actual books. Steam did not disappoint at all. Another gorgeous cover to add to this series. They take my breath away the first time I see each of them.

On to the book. How to go about telling you my thoughts on Steam without giving to much away? This one is tough because there are some serious twists, turns, and moments where I wanted to cry to Stacey Rourke, why??? Why??? Why????

First, Steam is full of the humor that I have come to absolutely love about Rourke’s writing. It’s full of quick wit and hilarious sarcastic comebacks even in the most stressful of situations.

Each of the Legends Series’ books fills in the blanks for us of certain legends that we have grown up hearing about. This time, in Steam, we were going through the Salem witch trials. We go back and forth between past and present, tying facts together along the way. We find out just what has driven HG Wells this whole time and we meet 2 new characters that are integral to the story line. Our much loved favorite characters are back (mostly) to take us on this journey, which when we start has the hessian in more control of Ireland than I think we have seen yet.

The ending threw me. I was not expecting that at all and it made me cry. The only thing that left me with hope is that I caught Stacey’s post on Facebook where she said “What if I told you Steam would NOT be the last Legends Saga book?”. My response was, I would love you forever.

I need more Legends.

5 stars for this amazingly talented writer who has a way of drawing us into this world where things are not what we grew up believing they were. Another amazing book from Stacey Rourke!
Profile Image for Jaime Kamentz.
18 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2015
I can't even, this book. Ripped out my heart, pulled a Preen it did. This series is in my top books to read. The twist and turns as it pulls legends to life.

We are back with Ireland, who as you all know by now is the Hessian. She's a complete BAD A. Her gang are now off to help THE HG Wells. The poor man has some issues to work through. I felt so sorry for him and just wanted to give him a big hug.

This is the end of the series I do believe, I wondered if Ireland would be able to break her curse and be able to live happily ever after with her Noah. <3

Lives are lost, lives are found. This is a literary art form. You must read it, all of them. Every single one.
Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book287 followers
February 7, 2018
I wouldn't go so far as to say this is bad, but I do feel like the series has run farther and farther off the tracks with each book. At the end of each subsequent book, I've been left with more questions than at the end of the previous one. As always, I thought Rourke's writing was easy to read (or listen to in my case, since I had the audio) and all the sarcasm and pop culture references are funny. But I never felt connected to this story. Why, the crew went along with Well's plan, for example, was a nagging question. Why introduce characters that were never more than props, was another. And I also thought that pulling the legends of the Horseman and Poe away from the mystical and giving them human(ish) origins diminished them. Basically, while finely written, I just didn't like it very much. Karen Krause did a fine job with the narration.
Profile Image for Melissa Hayden.
995 reviews120 followers
January 23, 2018
This book ties all we've learned of Ireland and her Hessian, Ridley and his Poe curse, and a new woman - Peyton and her ability, together. They are histories that are touched by an individual in time. They don't realize it, but they are tied by the same evil just in different ways.

****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
5,704 reviews39 followers
June 25, 2017
love love loved... this series is wonderful.. the writing is superb.. i loved everything about this.. it is so much fun to watch the horseman come alive in this.. and sleepy hollow.. its all wonderful
Profile Image for Alicia LaFontaine.
Author 9 books21 followers
June 2, 2019
Courageous

Heartbreaking but ultimately courageous at its end. Found out just how much Ireland's character meant to me by the end.
Profile Image for Michelle .
466 reviews128 followers
September 16, 2015

You can also find Steam on Amazon UK | Smashwords

My Review:
This is one of my favorite series and Oh My God! This book was Oh My God! I can’t even find words to express how much I love this series and how it ended…. This is the last book in the series. When I started this series I never expected the story to be told this way and the entire series just totally blew me away.

This book leaves off pretty much exactly were the last one ended and it took me a little time to remember what was going on and where everyone from the last book was. Ireland is a badass character and hilarious even with the essence of the horseman swirling about inside of her, she was still able to be totally kicks and very strong willed. I loved her control. Noah Van Tassel is a complete dream boat and the relationship between Ireland and him is just so sweet. I just love the two of them. Ridley totally cracks me up and Rip…Oh my Rip. I adore him.

I really am finding it hard to come up with words that do this book justice and it wraps up the series but wow did it pull at my heart and make me all misty eyed. I loved the twist on Hawthorns novel the Scarlett Letter and H.G. Wells is a little bit of an irritating guy. This entire series weaves the classic into an amazing original story. This series is a must read and extremely well done. Lets of action, some scary moments, heartbreak and humor this book has it all. I can’t recommend this book enough to you, this is by far one of my favorite series, I am so sad to see it over.


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Name2014 This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
Profile Image for Valerie.
393 reviews203 followers
February 20, 2016
It's not a huge surprised that I signed up for the Legends Saga blog tour, seeing as I have read her first book, and fell in love with it, so obviously I'm going to finish up the series.

In the first two books, we were introduced to a number of characters. The first focused on Ireland Crane, who has the Hessian, or the Headless Horseman, inside of her. She views it as a curse, since she can't exactly control the crazy, bloodthirsty Hessian that's inside her just waiting to take over her body. In the second book, we're also introduced to Ridley, who is connected to Edgar Allen Poe. When he isn't around Ireland, he ends up seeing these weird visions.

There's also Rip and Noah and then H. G. Wells appears, promising Ireland answers to all her questions. But really? There's definitely more to what he appears to be. And plus, a couple new characters, Peyton and Malachi, join the group.

I'm going to be honest and say I kind of got lost at the beginning, and I do wish that there was some summary or flashback to what happened in the previous book (seeing as I read it a year ago). But the more I read, the more I was drawn into the story. Especially since it went into the Salem Witch Trials, and with this character, Preen, who actually did end up being a part of a Wiccan group. And then I really wasn't expecting what happened to her in the end.

One of the only gripes I had with the novel, and maybe the entire series itself, was that I was often times confused at what was going on with the Sleepy Hollow group POV. Like in Steam, the story jumps from being in a club, to a train, and this quick transitions weren't clearly written out. Also, I didn't understand the use of Peyton.

Overall, I still really liked the series, and I'm glad I stuck out with it as it was published. Though I'm assuming that this is the last installment in this trilogy, and I actually don't know if this is true? (What does the term "Saga" actually mean?) Either way, that ending pretty much killed me, and I was left wondering what could happened after the epilogue. And what that epilogue means in general. But yes, I'm so glad I was given this opportunity to read this series!
Profile Image for Sandra.
145 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2015
Original review posted @ http://sandrathebookworm.blogspot.com...

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I don't even know where to start; this book has left me speechless! Stacey did it again she combines amazing legends we all have grown to love and makes them her own. We're back with Ireland and the whole gang trying to help HG Wells in his pursuit to find his long lost wife which leads everyone to Salem.

This book was absolute perfection and a great ending to the saga. Stacey had me at the edge of my seat with so many twists and turns, I was not expecting! It was so good; I had to read it in one sitting because I could not put it down. Like I've said in my previous reviews, Stacy's writing is just superb she makes the stories and characters come to life and I absolutely love it! I really enjoyed the character development all the characters go through. I also love the way Stacey weaves in new characters into the story; it’s done so well it feels like they have been part of the story all along. I really enjoyed reading about Preen and HG Wells they both have a special place in my heart along with all the other characters. This book took me through and emotional roller-coaster; it scared the hell out of me at points, made me laugh and had me in tears. The ending, oh, the ending I don't want to spoil it so I'm just going to say and some may disagree with me, but I think it was perfect.

This book was a bitter sweet ending to an amazing saga I have grown to love! It was very hard to say goodbye to all the amazing characters, but Stacey made sure to give them an amazing ending we will never forget. I'm currently in a book hangover that was caused by Miss. Stacey's magnificent writing, but I'm not mad; it’s going to take me a while to recover from it. Now with that said. if you have not picked this saga up, what are you waiting for?! It's amazing and the perfect October read! I myself need to get the physical copies! I just want to have them in my hands and just hold them close to me and then reread them! Yes, I'm weird.

-SandraTheBookWorm
Profile Image for A Belle & A Book.
681 reviews28 followers
December 2, 2016
Steam just may be the best of the three in the Legends Saga. It combines 2 of my favorite things, Sleepy Hollow and the Salem Witch Trials. Rourke does a fantastic job weaving two very different tales simultaneously into one. Steam is a poetic nightmare. It weaves a dark, twisted, and vile tale that underneath lies a beautiful love story. HG Wells will do anything to get back the wife he lost to the city of Roanoke. Noah is battling the Hessian within Ireland to claim back the woman he loves. All while the story of Preen Hester and the Salem witch trials is being woven in. The entire story plays out before the reader in heart pounding fashion. My pulse quicken, my breath caught, my knuckles whiten with the intensity of the each page. I could not look away.

Fans of the Legends Saga will not be disappointed in Steam. The charming, yet frightening Ireland Crane does not disappoint. She is my favorite returning character in the series because despite being host to the diabolical Hessian, Ireland is witty, spunky, and you have to root for her. Preen’s story is tragic. There is no good way to spin it. She was played liked a fiddle and her fate was sealed from the beginning. Her story adds the perfect twist to the story.

The Legends Saga is the stuff of nightmares and Steam is the scariest of all. How does such an adorable little pixie like Stacey Rourke come up with such things? After completing Raven (Book 2), Rourke was quoted as saying “writing about Poe took me to some pretty dark places, I had to write Adapted For Film to lighten things up.” So I ask you Mrs. Rourke, after writing this nightmarish tale, how do you bounce back? Should we expect unicorns and rainbows in your next story? I think most of your fans will agree we need a little something light hearted after living through Steam.

Profile Image for Maria Lynn.
337 reviews144 followers
December 31, 2015
Oh. My. Goodness. What an amazing end to this incredibly unique and impressively creative series! I felt compelled to reach out to the author after finishing this (1) to beg for more books in the series and (2) to yell at her for ripping my heart out. She did say that she has "plans for more torture of the Legends Saga cast"... that may or may not be a good thing. I guess we'll just have to wait and find out.

The "last" installment brings us a guilt ridden horseman, working along side HG Wells in the hopes of being freed of her curse. But of course HG Wells isn't in it just to help Ireland. Nope, he's got secrets of his own, and an ulterior motive. The fun continues, this time in Salem, Massachusetts where it's chock full of witches, and ... an evil succubus?? Yep. Oh and Nathaniel Hawthorne!! There's just so much going, and so many intertwined story lines you won't be able to put this one down.

Steam is by far the most action packed and emotional book in the series. I thought Raven was an intense page turner, but it may have just been blown out of the water by it's successor. I couldn't even attempt a guess at where the story line was going to go, or how everything could possibly be worked out. But leave it to Stacey to pull it altogether in the most mind bending, and captivating way possible.

I feel like I need to quote myself in every review, so here I go... "This series is just so rich in classic fictional history it's a dream come true! " It truly is. Read these books ASAP!
Profile Image for Cheree Castellanos Edits.
287 reviews28 followers
August 9, 2017
I thought the last 2 books were mind blowing….This series seems to get so much more beautiful and creepy and twisted! I love how all the different stories are tying together.
Steam starts out with a bang! Starting with Preen, a sad scene to walk into of her saying goodbye to her mother. Witches in Salem a couple hundred years ago, then back to Ireland in the present time. Ireland is not in a good place after the end of Raven and killing Rip, she is not taking it well at all. Ireland and Wells are on a mission to find Peyton, but nobody but Wells really understand why. And let the crazy begin!!! As this story starts to unspin its web for you, your mind is literally blown! The crazy darkness and twists and turns of the characters and their actions! Seriously, where the heck does Mrs. Rourke come up with this stuff! I found myself completely horrified, but laughing and loving it! Laughing my ass while horrified by the tragedy of the story line...what a strange yet wonderful combination.....I found myself holding my breath waiting to see what was going to happen next! The ending tho….ohmygosh, heart wrenching and beautiful! I can’t wait to read this one again!!
Profile Image for Christy.
192 reviews7 followers
September 14, 2015
Steam
5 stars

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
As a long time fan of Stacey's I knew the ending of the series would be beautiful and sad, as matter fact I had a box of tissues on standby. Once again the book started off with an a new twist and plenty of snarky banner from Ireland, though way more twisted this time around. Once again Stacey offers up a YA novel not only worth reading but worth reading more than once. The suspense will keep you engaged until the bitter end and you only think you know the truth, trust me it's so much darker than you think! As sadden as I am to see this beloved characters go, I take heart in the fact that I can revisit them again!

I would recommend this book for older teens 15+ due to violence and some sexual suggestions.

WICKED READS REVIEW TEAM



Wicked Reads Review Team g
Profile Image for Jennifer Treviño.
555 reviews5 followers
September 15, 2015
Amazingly delicious, gut wrenching, & addictive!

I already knew I loved this series, but Oh My Wow did Steam leave me speechless!!!?!!!
It has taken me several days to even attempt to form intelligible words. And ... still I am just ... WHEW! What a ride!
Rourke's writing never ceases to amaze me! Steam is a tidal wave of any emotion a story could pull from you. Amazingly delicious, gut wrenching, & addictive! The dark side coming out to play...perfectly balancing comedy, despair, history, folklore, dama, romance, & paranormal.
Leave it to Rourke to pull the floor right out from under you!!!
These characters I have become so attached to along this ride as well as the knew acquaintances that quickly stole a piece of my heart upon arrival shall forever be remembered.

http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Tiffany.
272 reviews53 followers
March 22, 2016
Whoa!! Did not see that ending coming. Like what the heck man. I don't know whether to cry or punch something. *sobs*
Profile Image for SB Senpai  Manga.
1,242 reviews
May 23, 2016
We say goodbye to the Legends series and while this is a good book, I still like the first two best. However this is a nice conclusion to a terrifying trilogy.
Profile Image for Ethan Gregory.
223 reviews8 followers
October 14, 2015
Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogsp...


*****
My Thoughts:

2015 has been a rough bookish year for me. It will forever be remembered as 'the year I saw the finale to all my favorite series'. Seriously. This year I've said goodbye to no less than ten of my favorite series. How is a reader supposed to cope? Saying goodbye is always hard, but I absolutely love a great finale! As anyone who read my reviews of the first two novels in this series will remember, I have been obsessed with this series since the very first page. While I've openly admitted I'm often times not one for the classics, Stacey Rourke has renewed my faith in literature by bringing them back to life in a whole new light!

Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe? Who else could Rourke throw into the mix to end this fantastic series? How about the Father of Science Fiction and one of the most acclaimed American authors of all time? HG Wells and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Never thought you'd see those two together, did you? Each author that Rourke weaves into her saga brings something vastly different to the table. They each represent not only entirely different genres, but different points throughout modern history. Perfectly weaving the literary masterpieces of the past with the high-octane thrill of the present, Rourke truly has created a classic all her own!

When it comes to the plot of Steam, I really don't even know where to start. It's a little all over the place. In a great way though. What starts out as a laugh out loud introduction to our newest characters quickly escalated into an emotionally gripping tale of love lost and redemption. Like the previous two stories, Rourke also divides this one between the past and present. This time our past timeline follows the story of Preen and the council of Salem witches in the mid-seventeenth century. Preen plays a huge role in our story when she falls for Salem-local, John Hawthorne. Preen... Hawthorne? Made any connections yet? When Preen gives birth to a son, she has no idea that young Nathaniel will change the face of history forever. With the council of witches hunted in Salem, can Preen put together a plan to save both her coven and her family, or will her emotions cloud her judgement? Reflected against the present where present day nun, Payton has come into her own powers. Can a witch of the cloth and her companion Malachi prove to be helpful to Ireland, Noah, Ridley, and the gang as the seek to finally bring an end to the Horseman's rage?

It's truly a lot to take in, but a literary endeavor that will certainly prove worth to any reader willing to take the chance.

I'll come right out and say that this read wasn't as long as I was hoping for. So much is happening that we really don't get to see a whole lot of massive character development. That being said, our cast grows exponentially in this final installment so it's a whole lot more to fit onto the pages. Ridley plays a much smaller, but important role in this novel and we do see a reappearance from Rip. These two guys remained my favorite part of the series until the final pages, I'm so glad to say that Rourke definitely did them justice. When it comes to newcomers Malachi, Payton, and HG Wells, I have to saw I was really impressed. Malachi's character comes with a shocking emotional twist that I really did not see coming, while Payton had me in stitches on more than one occasion. I could have taken or left Wells for the most part, but he plays such a pivotal role in the story that I'm glad Rourke include so much of him. In a bold move of randomness, Rourke also added yet another non-human character that really added more emotional depth to this final installment. As noted in my review for Raven, Rourke's inclusion of these characters really sets the tone and pace for the story as a whole as well as providing a point of reflection for our characters.

This final installment really reads differently than its' two predecessors. Much like the writings of the first two novels, Rourke emulates the writing styles of her reflected authors in each of the time lines. That being said, we switch from a more Nathaniel Hawthorne style of writing in the past to a science fiction/horror style of writing in the present. It's a little difficult to see through, but once you get on board, it truly is a work of art to see Rourke weave this intricate story together so delicately.

It's really hard to speak on the setting of Steam as it changes constantly throughout the novel. I can say that I found Rourke's interpretation of historic Salem to be both of extreme interest and historically accurate, farther proving the dedication Rourke placed in ensuring this series' authenticity. It's an admirable trait in any author, but Rourke really took it to the next level with this saga.

By the time I turned the final pages, I was struck with such a plethora of emotion: rage, distraught, peace. I was so upset to see this story come to a close, but Rourke truly ended the series in the most perfect of ways. In some sense, I really wish we'd seen a different ending, but with the inspiration and writings she has retold, I believe the ending was more than fitting. I believe that any reader will agree with that. It may not have been the complete 'happy ever after' I envisioned, but I was thoroughly impressed nonetheless. I honestly don't think I would have changed a single thing about this series. It's completed to near-perfection, a clear labor of love from Stacey Rourke. I hope that this truly isn't the end of The Legends Saga, as I would love to see a novella, short story, or even additions made to the series in any way possible (extended editions?). It's series like this that have renewed my faith in reading and authors like Rourke that make my bookish life complete. Huge kudos to you, Rourke, The Legends Saga is a timeless masterpiece all its' own.

All of this being said, it will come as absolutely no surprise to anyone that I am granting Steam a near-perfect 5-star review. As sad as I am to have seen this series come to a close, I am so fortunate to have gotten the chance to devour this incredible tale. I highly recommend this series to lovers of retellings, historic fiction, the new adult genre (due to language and violence), and a little horror on the side. Bone-chilling thrills, side-splitting laughter, and heart-wrenching emotions await you at every turn, what are you waiting for? Add this incredible series to your TBR today!

*****
880 reviews10 followers
July 27, 2017
Did not realize when I started reading that this was Book 3. I was still able to get into the book and immediately was captivated by the characters. You felt their pain, joy and anguish. Loved the snarky banter between Ireland and her hessian (which there was a little more of it). Each of the characters played nicely off of each other.

As I have not read the other books in this series there was some confusion pertaining to parts of the storyline...I sort of filed in the blanks with some of the characters to be able to follow the story. The pace is very quick, not too much unnecessary scene descriptions. You felt the love and affection the characters have for each other. While they would be a bit surly with each other, you knew when things got tough they would be guarding that persons back. You were rooting for them all to succeed, even thou you knew heart break was around the corner for some of them you still cheered them on hoping the next sword stroke wouldn't be the end.

The incorporation of past events with a different spin or insight if you will as the impetus for the characters urgency in fulfilling their mission keeps you on the edge. The characters all have a special place in my memory and heart. This book was a nice change of pace and will read the other books in the series to see what I previously missed.
Profile Image for Samantha.
1,910 reviews39 followers
August 20, 2017
I was very eager to read this third installment in the Legends Saga. The beginning of Steam was very intriguing and seemed to introduce another frightening power into the mix.
The two simultaneous plots taking place in this story were engaging and had me constantly wanting to know more, as well as wondering how they would come to connect. I had such a need to know when and how the two plots would collide, and what that would mean for Ireland.
Steam was yet another masterful blend of past and present, fictional characters and literary geniuses. It had such an intriguing cast of characters and the flow of the story had me constantly wanting to know more.
As the two plots came crashing together, I could barely read fast enough to satisfy my need to know how things would end. It had been a long road for Ireland in this series and I was dying to know how things would turn out for her.
When I did finally reach the ending, it gave me a sense of peace. I thought it was a lovely ending to a fantastic series.
Profile Image for Amy K.
Author 20 books406 followers
September 2, 2020
**Audiobook review** I listened to the saga on audiobook. What a great ending to the saga! I think this one was my favorite of the three, although it's difficult to choose because all of them are so well written, so well narrated, I can't come up with too much to complain about. The ending shocked me, but that's what makes a great book, right? Fantastic series! I am going to look for more audiobooks from this author.
Profile Image for Shanna Tidwell.
739 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2022
While the third book was my favorite I actually loved them all. I don’t want to give anything away with the many characters that made my nerd heart go thump thump!
Karen Krause did an amazing job narrating all 3 books.
There is the Headless horseman, Poe, H G Wells, Witches in Salem, Ranoake, ghouls, ghosts, time travel and so much more. I would love more from this author.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Elaine.
140 reviews7 followers
July 29, 2017
This is the third book in a series by this author. this series is a new take on some old stories written by hg wells, edgar allen poe and nathaniel hawthorn just to name a few. stacey rourke brought it all together into a great read with romance, mystery, witches and ghost. i enjoyed all 3 books that i bought at penn con 2016. i look forward to reading more of her work.
959 reviews
January 20, 2025
What an amazing wrap up to this story! So many twists and surprises! I love the addition of HG Wells and his past. I did not expect where this story went. Then we learn of the history of Nathanial Hawthorne. This has been quite a creative story. Having HG Wells show up as a time traveler who may have solved the mystery of Roanoke was not on my bingo card! Such a great ending.
Profile Image for Heather Rizkallah.
570 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2018
Loved

This book brought a Hessian to a end. Ireland has always been something different. But now she must save a whole town in exchange for her life. Will she become the legend she teams to be or will she remain a nightmare
Profile Image for Cecilia Rodriguez.
4,417 reviews56 followers
September 24, 2018
Ireland Crane and H.G. Wells join forces to break the curse of the Headless Horseman.
Rourke's plot includes the well known legend of Roanoke colony; mixing in the Salem witch trials and elements of: The Scarlet Letter.
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