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Eight Feet of Magic
There is still magic to be found. Even in the bleakest of places.
Hank Goodenough has spent his entire life in the smoggy streets of London trying to keep his head down and not to get noticed. Not an easy feat when you’re the tallest one in the room and have a brass funnel protruding from your head. When he finds himself laid off work once again, his dad wants to drag him away on a crazy quest. Before he can figure out how to get out of it, he finds himself on a steam-driven airship in search of Odin, the old Norse God and sharing a room with Captain Elazar Steel, a man strutting around on one high-heeled boot and one peg leg.
Steel doesn’t care that the winks, smiles, and small touches he and Hank share might get them hanged once they land on the ground again. He is determined to show Hank there is magic in the world and that there is no better place to be than on his balloon ship steering towards the Arctic Circle.
Hank Goodenough has spent his entire life in the smoggy streets of London trying to keep his head down and not to get noticed. Not an easy feat when you’re the tallest one in the room and have a brass funnel protruding from your head. When he finds himself laid off work once again, his dad wants to drag him away on a crazy quest. Before he can figure out how to get out of it, he finds himself on a steam-driven airship in search of Odin, the old Norse God and sharing a room with Captain Elazar Steel, a man strutting around on one high-heeled boot and one peg leg.
Steel doesn’t care that the winks, smiles, and small touches he and Hank share might get them hanged once they land on the ground again. He is determined to show Hank there is magic in the world and that there is no better place to be than on his balloon ship steering towards the Arctic Circle.
65 pages, ebook
First published November 5, 2017
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Ofelia Gränd
83 books152 followersGay fiction and M/M Romance writer
Ofelia Gränd is Swedish, which often shines through in her stories. She likes to write about everyday people ending up in not-so-everyday situations, and hopefully also getting out of them. She writes contemporary, paranormal, romance, horror, Sci-Fi and whatever else catches her fancy.
Her books are written for readers who want to take a break from their everyday life for an hour or two.
When Ofelia manages to tear herself from the screen and sneak away from husband and children, she likes to take walks in the woods. She’s recently discovered the miracle of podcasts and spends her strolls listening to wise people talk.
If you want to know more, subscribe to Ofelia's email list at http://ofeliagrand.us9.list-manage.co...
Ofelia Gränd is Swedish, which often shines through in her stories. She likes to write about everyday people ending up in not-so-everyday situations, and hopefully also getting out of them. She writes contemporary, paranormal, romance, horror, Sci-Fi and whatever else catches her fancy.
Her books are written for readers who want to take a break from their everyday life for an hour or two.
When Ofelia manages to tear herself from the screen and sneak away from husband and children, she likes to take walks in the woods. She’s recently discovered the miracle of podcasts and spends her strolls listening to wise people talk.
If you want to know more, subscribe to Ofelia's email list at http://ofeliagrand.us9.list-manage.co...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 8, 2017
This is my first time. Yes. For ages now, I dithered at the edge, looking in. Wanting to. Aching. Listening for 'remember when' stories. Laying in boudoir at night tossing and turning, craving.But scared. Scared of making the plunge, of pleasure too intense, of pain. What if I tried it once and became obsessed and slobbering, a wreck?
Craving for for for...
Yes!! So this is my first ever steampunk book, if you don't count Alice in Wonderland and The Mill on the Floss. You get a lot of wonderful, almost gothic type imagery, an unputdownable storyline and - I can hardly write this because it's just too exciting - head funnel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If, like me, you are ready and willing for carnal pleasure and a spot of the very fucking marvellous, take my paw and enter the world of the steampunkery!!
Craving for for for...
Yes!! So this is my first ever steampunk book, if you don't count Alice in Wonderland and The Mill on the Floss. You get a lot of wonderful, almost gothic type imagery, an unputdownable storyline and - I can hardly write this because it's just too exciting - head funnel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If, like me, you are ready and willing for carnal pleasure and a spot of the very fucking marvellous, take my paw and enter the world of the steampunkery!!
November 14, 2017
"A long time ago, during the darkest of the midwinter nights when the wind was howling like the ravenous wolves chasing the sun, the Wild Hunt began."
What a perfect start!
I am enthralled by the imagery of the steampunk world. That whole Jules Verne brass and wood and rivets thing, it just works for me on a visual level. So I was excited to read a steampunk Christmas book!
I will also read anything with Odin in it! :D
And anything by this author!
I'm completely over smut (for now anyway) and the almost sweet, romantic aspect of this story is exactly what I needed. The description of the ship and the world is wonderful and I loved the characters (most of them, others are assholes) but I especially loved Hank.
I don't want to give anything away... Just bizarre! LOL
All Christmas stories should have a happy ending! And this had the perfect one.
What a perfect start!
I am enthralled by the imagery of the steampunk world. That whole Jules Verne brass and wood and rivets thing, it just works for me on a visual level. So I was excited to read a steampunk Christmas book!
I will also read anything with Odin in it! :D
And anything by this author!
I'm completely over smut (for now anyway) and the almost sweet, romantic aspect of this story is exactly what I needed. The description of the ship and the world is wonderful and I loved the characters (most of them, others are assholes) but I especially loved Hank.
I don't want to give anything away... Just bizarre! LOL
All Christmas stories should have a happy ending! And this had the perfect one.
November 11, 2017
I probably shouldn't have read this quite so soon! I'm under strict instructions that the Christmas season—read: lights, decorations and Dickens—doesn't begin until the Friday after Thanksgiving.
But I did, and it's too late now!
Ofelia Gränd does a wonderful job of creating a dirty, smog-filled world that is also weird and wonderful, and magical.
Romantic, sentimental and sweet—I know! I'm gobsmacked!—and yet stressful, exciting and a bit shocking. This is my first actual steampunk world read and I really enjoyed it!
A great story that shows us there is still magic to be found in even the darkest places. You just need to know where to look. ♥
But I did, and it's too late now!
Ofelia Gränd does a wonderful job of creating a dirty, smog-filled world that is also weird and wonderful, and magical.
Romantic, sentimental and sweet—I know! I'm gobsmacked!—and yet stressful, exciting and a bit shocking. This is my first actual steampunk world read and I really enjoyed it!
A great story that shows us there is still magic to be found in even the darkest places. You just need to know where to look. ♥
May 31, 2019
This was great. It's vivid and exuberant and lovely. I think I picked this up for free on a whim and I'm so glad I did. Life has been hard for Hank and he's a bit melancholy and needs a little magic in his life. Enter Captain Elezar Steel, who is a fantastic character and so magical and I want to read more about him. I really enjoyed this.
December 15, 2017
OMG I’m on a roll here and it is bliss!!!
This short story is full of funky weirdness and cool imagery. Ships that fly, steel horses, funnels and peg legs. Rolling seas and dark clouds. An even darker London, of course.
It’s steam punk and it is wild! Not my norm and I loved it! Crawling my way out of that box I’ve grown used to and stepping into someone else’s fantasy and wild imagination. Very, very cool.
Amongst all of this spectacular imagery is the story of Hank and Steel and their search for freedom. The freedom to be who they are, the freedom to choose your own path, to love freely.
The gift of perspective, freedom and magic. A place to belong. Simple yet beautiful. What we all strive for really.
Life is an adventure! Don’t forget to take some fine reading material with you on your travels.
Jules Verne would approve.
Punkery at it’s finest. Where’s my corset and fan?
This short story is full of funky weirdness and cool imagery. Ships that fly, steel horses, funnels and peg legs. Rolling seas and dark clouds. An even darker London, of course.
It’s steam punk and it is wild! Not my norm and I loved it! Crawling my way out of that box I’ve grown used to and stepping into someone else’s fantasy and wild imagination. Very, very cool.
Amongst all of this spectacular imagery is the story of Hank and Steel and their search for freedom. The freedom to be who they are, the freedom to choose your own path, to love freely.
The gift of perspective, freedom and magic. A place to belong. Simple yet beautiful. What we all strive for really.
Life is an adventure! Don’t forget to take some fine reading material with you on your travels.
Jules Verne would approve.
Punkery at it’s finest. Where’s my corset and fan?
November 17, 2018
Darum geht's:
Hank versucht, unauffällig durchs Leben zu kommen, aber mit seiner Körpergröße und dem Messingtrichter, der aus seinem Kopf kommt, ist das nicht leicht. Als sein eigenwilliger Vater die Idee entwickelt, Hank auf eine Reise mitzunehmen, kann er sich nicht wehren und ergibt sich seinem Schicksal. Der Job als Heizer auf einem dampfbetriebenen Fesselballon ist kein Problem, aber dass er sein Bett mit Kapitän Elazar Steel teilen soll, irritiert ihn. Denn sobald sie wieder auf dem Erdboden aufsetzen, reicht ein Kuss zwischen Männern schon aus, um sie beide an den Galgen zu bringen.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Hank versucht, unauffällig durchs Leben zu kommen, aber mit seiner Körpergröße und dem Messingtrichter, der aus seinem Kopf kommt, ist das nicht leicht. Als sein eigenwilliger Vater die Idee entwickelt, Hank auf eine Reise mitzunehmen, kann er sich nicht wehren und ergibt sich seinem Schicksal. Der Job als Heizer auf einem dampfbetriebenen Fesselballon ist kein Problem, aber dass er sein Bett mit Kapitän Elazar Steel teilen soll, irritiert ihn. Denn sobald sie wieder auf dem Erdboden aufsetzen, reicht ein Kuss zwischen Männern schon aus, um sie beide an den Galgen zu bringen.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
January 2, 2019
“A long time ago, during the darkest of the mid winter nights when the wind was howling like the ravenous wolves chasing the sun, the wild hunt began.” This book is about Hanks dad Demetrius trying to finally do right by Hanks mom, now that she has passed. This book is full of the magic of Christmas. Demetrius wants to make an offering to father Yule in the name of Mary his deceased wife. “Yule lasted from the winter solstice and three weeks forth; sacrifices were made to honor the gods, the dead, and the rebirth of the new sun. This story is also about Hank and Elezar and the relationship they developed for each other on this trip. Elezar just so happens to be their guide. Great story, enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2024
3.75 stars
.75 stars for the excellent writing. Very odd, but fun.
.75 stars for the excellent writing. Very odd, but fun.
January 4, 2019
So, I'm a bit scared of heights, maybe because I have vertigo. Whatever, an entire story on an airship...I was a bit queasy at times. Apart from that, I loved this. I've only read one other steampunk story, and it was very different from Eight Feet of Magic - both excellent in their own right. The darkness is never far away, I've discovered, stealing the shine from all those bits of brass and copper and cogs and whatnot. It feels dirty - a la Victorian London, not the between-the-sheets variety. I actually don't recall if there was sex in this story, which is actually a good thing, because what I do remember is the relationships, which develop brilliantly given this is a pretty short read.
January 27, 2019
Even in the bleakest place magic can be found. He tries to stay hidden from others but he is the tallest and has a brass horn out of his head. Soon he is caught up in a search for Odin. What will happen now? Can they find the god? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2018
I loved this short story. The world building was vivid, the story engaging, and the characters unique.
November 20, 2018
Magic lies in the eye of the beholder….
Hank Goodenough is not cut for adventures. And there is on such thing as magic. But an impromptu journey to the foreign land of Rovaniemi, in search of an old God, will show him that there is magic to be found everywhere, if you only know where to look at, or who with….
Such a lovely story! Set in a steampunk world, it introduces a series of quirky characters who travel together to Rovaniemi in search of Father Yule. The main character is Hank, a sweet man full of insecurities, due to his father’s abuse. Completely opposed to Hank is Captain Eleazar Steel, young, vibrant and so sure of himself he decides to use a high heel shoe to make his only leg look good. The third character in this crazy journey is Demetrius, Hank’s father, and organizer of the journey. Together they set in search a dream, and though they find the magic they were looking for, the only ones who achieve their HEA are Hank and Eleazar….(honestly, I do not think Demetrius deserves any peace).
I have a weakness for stories including characters who are different, and this is a perfect example of that. There is a seasonal feeling to it, a different but cute love story, and an open but happy ending. I wish there is more on these two so very special characters. I hope we’ll find out where the Aurora will fly to next time...
Really enjoyable.
Hank Goodenough is not cut for adventures. And there is on such thing as magic. But an impromptu journey to the foreign land of Rovaniemi, in search of an old God, will show him that there is magic to be found everywhere, if you only know where to look at, or who with….
Such a lovely story! Set in a steampunk world, it introduces a series of quirky characters who travel together to Rovaniemi in search of Father Yule. The main character is Hank, a sweet man full of insecurities, due to his father’s abuse. Completely opposed to Hank is Captain Eleazar Steel, young, vibrant and so sure of himself he decides to use a high heel shoe to make his only leg look good. The third character in this crazy journey is Demetrius, Hank’s father, and organizer of the journey. Together they set in search a dream, and though they find the magic they were looking for, the only ones who achieve their HEA are Hank and Eleazar….(honestly, I do not think Demetrius deserves any peace).
I have a weakness for stories including characters who are different, and this is a perfect example of that. There is a seasonal feeling to it, a different but cute love story, and an open but happy ending. I wish there is more on these two so very special characters. I hope we’ll find out where the Aurora will fly to next time...
Really enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
December 26, 2018Free on Smashwords.
January 15, 2022
A flight (and I mean flight!) of Yule time fancy!🙃
3.5-4 🌟 stars
The author has a vivid imagination and almost every one of her stories surprises me. I had not read any steam punk until I picked this one up. It's a genre that I would need to get used to, but this work definitely did not put me off. This one features a gentle romance and a closeted hero who gets his chance to fly unfettered once he leaves society and its expectations behind.
Poor Hank, the underdog hero, has to deal with his cantankerous dad Demetrius who forces him into an unexpected adventure trip from London to the lands of the Northern Lights. In the process he finds kindness, courage and a man who values him. Attraction: yes. Heat: very mild. Ending: happy, though the story's brevity left me wanting more time with Hank and Elazar.
3.5-4 🌟 stars
The author has a vivid imagination and almost every one of her stories surprises me. I had not read any steam punk until I picked this one up. It's a genre that I would need to get used to, but this work definitely did not put me off. This one features a gentle romance and a closeted hero who gets his chance to fly unfettered once he leaves society and its expectations behind.
Poor Hank, the underdog hero, has to deal with his cantankerous dad Demetrius who forces him into an unexpected adventure trip from London to the lands of the Northern Lights. In the process he finds kindness, courage and a man who values him. Attraction: yes. Heat: very mild. Ending: happy, though the story's brevity left me wanting more time with Hank and Elazar.
December 21, 2018
This was a beautiful book, I loved the ship so much. These two characters where so special Captain Elazar Steel and Hank where definitely made of something special. Magic is all around us you just have to take the time to look for it. That was such a good reminder to get, because sometimes in our life we forget to find it.
This is one of my favourite authors, I get so excited every time I see the name come up. I feel especially privileged to be a
first reader.
This is a must read book, come and enjoy the magic. Grab it asap because if you don't I feel you would have missed out on an amazing adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is one of my favourite authors, I get so excited every time I see the name come up. I feel especially privileged to be a
first reader.
This is a must read book, come and enjoy the magic. Grab it asap because if you don't I feel you would have missed out on an amazing adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2022
I wavered between two and three stars but because I generally like this author’s writing, I gave it the three. This story was just a bit too strange, and for steam punk, rather dark. If you’re creating a world, why create a society that makes the real Victorian England seem Woodstock by comparison? I didn’t particularly care for the characters, with the possible exception of Steel. Hank was too wishy washy, although he’s probably just a product of his upbringing. Spreaking of which, I couldn’t stand Demetrius. They should have just throw him overboard! And that stupid funnel in Hank’s head? It made no sense and added absolutely nothing to the story.
April 3, 2022
Riveting
Yet another fantastic tale from Ofelia Gränd. I'm not the biggest fan of steam steampunk, but I'll try anything this author writes. Hank's story goes from dreary to crazy to magical and hopeful. It's a wonderful journey that is so easily consumed. This author can worldbuild in short stories like few others that I have read. All the characters are so well developed - including Smokey and the Aurora. Captain Steel was a delight! His insistence on being called Captain and Hank only using the title in private moments that they shared gets all the feels. I LOVED IT!
Yet another fantastic tale from Ofelia Gränd. I'm not the biggest fan of steam steampunk, but I'll try anything this author writes. Hank's story goes from dreary to crazy to magical and hopeful. It's a wonderful journey that is so easily consumed. This author can worldbuild in short stories like few others that I have read. All the characters are so well developed - including Smokey and the Aurora. Captain Steel was a delight! His insistence on being called Captain and Hank only using the title in private moments that they shared gets all the feels. I LOVED IT!
December 9, 2018
I truly enjoy the unique, kind, and often quirky characters this author creates. I loved that Hank found someone to appreciate him, and give him a different perspective on his worth and abilities. Sweet, low angst romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2022
3.5 stars. Hank, 37, remains unmarried. His father Demetrius screws up his life, especially since his wife died. The two men become crew on Captain Elazar Steel 's airship Aurora. In 65 pages, Grand explores the insecurity of being an other, Norse mythology, fantasy and a ship borne by a steam-filled balloon.
April 17, 2022
2.5 stars
January 14, 2025
Rather odd and very quirky this short tale is an interesting but weird read, I liked it! A lot! A mixture of unusual characters on a very unusual journey.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews