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Elemental Web Stories #2
Kraken and Canals
An old love. A giant kraken. A dive into the infested canals of Venice.
Time has run out. Rules must be broken and her patron's wrath risked. To save the woman who raised her, Lady Judith must visit the underwater grotto of a giant lagoon kraken. Survival isn't guaranteed, but Arturo will not let his love face the dangers of the canals alone.
Time has run out. Rules must be broken and her patron's wrath risked. To save the woman who raised her, Lady Judith must visit the underwater grotto of a giant lagoon kraken. Survival isn't guaranteed, but Arturo will not let his love face the dangers of the canals alone.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2018
79 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Anne Renwick
21 books731 followersThough USA TODAY bestselling author Anne Renwick holds a Ph.D. in biology and greatly enjoyed tormenting the overburdened undergraduates who were her students, fiction has always been her first love. Today, she writes steampunk and gaslamp-infused historical fantasy romance, blending cutting-edge biotechnology, mad science, and 19th-century intrigue with strong heroines, formidable men, and daring villains.
Anne brings an unusual perspective to fantasy romance. A number of years spent locked inside the bowels of a biological research facility left her permanently altered. In her novels, the Victorian-era fascination with anatomy and technology led to alarming inventions—ones the enemies of Britain would dearly love to possess.
When not writing, she wanders through life with her pathologist husband, seeking the darkly curious and delightfully strange. Over the years, she’s raised two sons, now engineers, giving her firsthand experience with relentless curiosity, creative destruction, and the art of building things that probably shouldn’t exist.
Books: https://www.annerenwick.com/bookshelf/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anne-Re...
Anne brings an unusual perspective to fantasy romance. A number of years spent locked inside the bowels of a biological research facility left her permanently altered. In her novels, the Victorian-era fascination with anatomy and technology led to alarming inventions—ones the enemies of Britain would dearly love to possess.
When not writing, she wanders through life with her pathologist husband, seeking the darkly curious and delightfully strange. Over the years, she’s raised two sons, now engineers, giving her firsthand experience with relentless curiosity, creative destruction, and the art of building things that probably shouldn’t exist.
Books: https://www.annerenwick.com/bookshelf/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anne-Re...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 16, 2022
Former lovers dive in the dangerous Kraken infested waters of Venice to study the medicinal purpose of the Kraken’s ink, to hopefully find a cure for cancer. Naturally, there’s someone earning billions by treating cancer patients. He does not like the idea of there being a cure and will do everything in his power to stop the former lovers.
The villain stands out the most in this story in my opinion. Maybe it’s because the romance aspect of the protagonists isn’t really my cup of tea. But I also know power corrupts, that’s something we can unfortunately see all around us. And that’s something that elevates the villain in this story in my opinion from being a throwaway character to a proper antagonist, despite not having much time to shine.
This is a steampunk romance story. I am not a fan of this genre. The plot’s pretty enjoyable though, as is the setting. Plus, it’s short and I really love stories about the Kraken.
The villain stands out the most in this story in my opinion. Maybe it’s because the romance aspect of the protagonists isn’t really my cup of tea. But I also know power corrupts, that’s something we can unfortunately see all around us. And that’s something that elevates the villain in this story in my opinion from being a throwaway character to a proper antagonist, despite not having much time to shine.
This is a steampunk romance story. I am not a fan of this genre. The plot’s pretty enjoyable though, as is the setting. Plus, it’s short and I really love stories about the Kraken.
February 25, 2019
Judy and Arturo were in love, but she declined his marriage proposal over twenty years ago in favor of her research on the kraken. Now Judy and Arturo are both in Venice and ready for a second chance. But can they survive both the kraken and the fact that Judy is working for Arturo’s nemesis?
Kraken and Canals is an enjoyable short story set in the Elemental Web Chronicles world. Main character Judy is related to the main characters of The Golden Spider and The Silver Skull. Note: this is a standalone short story that ends at the 50% mark of the Kindle ebook.
I highly enjoyed this brief adventure and learning more about the kraken of Ms. Renwick’s world. Judy is a strong heroine who bucks tradition while Arturo is a man who appreciates her intellect and will. The facts that they were previously lovers and they work so well together, allow for emotional satisfaction during the course of this short story.
My Rating: B+, I liked it a lot
Kraken and Canals is an enjoyable short story set in the Elemental Web Chronicles world. Main character Judy is related to the main characters of The Golden Spider and The Silver Skull. Note: this is a standalone short story that ends at the 50% mark of the Kindle ebook.
I highly enjoyed this brief adventure and learning more about the kraken of Ms. Renwick’s world. Judy is a strong heroine who bucks tradition while Arturo is a man who appreciates her intellect and will. The facts that they were previously lovers and they work so well together, allow for emotional satisfaction during the course of this short story.
My Rating: B+, I liked it a lot
February 15, 2018
This short story packs a powerful wallop. The characters are three-dimensional and I walked in their shoes from the very beginning. The two main characters were not stereotypical characters which made me fall for them even harder. The banter and comical dialog between these two kept the tension alive but also served to remind the reader of backstory without major info dumps. The world building was so cleverly done that even though the setting has some major steampunk fantasy attitudes it felt like a real world where a kracken would live in a canal and cause all kinds of havoc. With a nod to Jules Verne, Renwick's short story may be short on words but is certainly not short on awesomeness.
November 1, 2018
Judith and Arturo are finally getting together, but Arturo finds out that Judith is working for the man who is trying to stop Arturo from completing his work. The man is very rich and wants to add to that wealth by taking advantage of people. Judith's hands are tied and she can't really tell Arturo about her work. Will they be able to stop this man before he brings down all of Venice on their heads?
August 2, 2025
Basic Plot: A couple gets a second chance at a relationship as they deal with the krakens that have taken over the canals of Venice.
This was short and sweet. It came together well with lots of fun steampunk gadgets and cryptozoology. I liked the characters and the setting. Just general fun. It was a full story, too, and I never felt like I was missing anything.
This was short and sweet. It came together well with lots of fun steampunk gadgets and cryptozoology. I liked the characters and the setting. Just general fun. It was a full story, too, and I never felt like I was missing anything.
February 7, 2018
Love later in life, or possibly just regret
Not one of the best outings of the Elemental Web series. Telling a tale of the mythical Judith mentioned in earlier books, we get it see her in Venice working to both save Venice and save her own aunt. She needs ink from a particular kraken and ask hopes for the help of her once beau, Arturo. The two do indeed meet up and set out to retrieve the ink, save her Aunt, save Venice, and stop her nasty employer. Things are messy, but they do work out.
This story was very short and while that is fine, I didn't entirely but the chemistry. Most of that came down to Arturo. It turns out he had married after being turned down by Judy. Arturo since lost his wife, and it makes sense that a widower could move on. What irked me was how he talked about it. In his own head he said he loved his first wife, always would, and didn't regret marrying her. But to Judy he said he had always wished he married her. That means he either lied to himself while married, or lied to Judy now. Either way, I found I couldn't really but their relationship so the story fell a little flat.
Not one of the best outings of the Elemental Web series. Telling a tale of the mythical Judith mentioned in earlier books, we get it see her in Venice working to both save Venice and save her own aunt. She needs ink from a particular kraken and ask hopes for the help of her once beau, Arturo. The two do indeed meet up and set out to retrieve the ink, save her Aunt, save Venice, and stop her nasty employer. Things are messy, but they do work out.
This story was very short and while that is fine, I didn't entirely but the chemistry. Most of that came down to Arturo. It turns out he had married after being turned down by Judy. Arturo since lost his wife, and it makes sense that a widower could move on. What irked me was how he talked about it. In his own head he said he loved his first wife, always would, and didn't regret marrying her. But to Judy he said he had always wished he married her. That means he either lied to himself while married, or lied to Judy now. Either way, I found I couldn't really but their relationship so the story fell a little flat.
December 11, 2019
Series Info/Source: This is a short story set in the Elemental Steampunk world. I bought this for Kindle.
Story (4/5): This is a story about kraken causing issues in Venice. Lady Judith is trying to use the kraken ink for medicinal purposes while Arturo is working on designing a device to protect Venice from the kraken infestation. The two have a history together and are brought together again by the illness of Judith’s aunt. This is a very short story but it packed a lot of story in a very short amount of space.
Characters (4/5): We don’t get a lot of time with these characters but I still enjoyed them both. Lady Judith is on a noble mission to use kraken ink to help the sick, she is smart and driven but has gotten herself into a bit of a tough spot. Arturo is also intelligent and creative and is determined to help protect Venice from the Kraken, he is also still desperately in love with Judith despite their rocky past. They have great chemistry together and worked well together in this story.
Setting (4/5): The setting is an alternate Victorian Venice. I’ve enjoyed the settings for all of the books in this world. I loved the re-imagined Victorian steampunk world and really enjoy these stories set in this alternate historical setting.
Writing Style (4/5): Renwick does a great job writing and this story was no exception to that. It’s easy to read, flows nicely, and was entertaining.
Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun little short story. I enjoyed the characters and the world, but it was very short which made everything seem a bit abrupt. I would recommend to those who have enjoyed Renwick’s full length books and are looking for a little more time in this entertaining historical steampunk fantasy world.
Story (4/5): This is a story about kraken causing issues in Venice. Lady Judith is trying to use the kraken ink for medicinal purposes while Arturo is working on designing a device to protect Venice from the kraken infestation. The two have a history together and are brought together again by the illness of Judith’s aunt. This is a very short story but it packed a lot of story in a very short amount of space.
Characters (4/5): We don’t get a lot of time with these characters but I still enjoyed them both. Lady Judith is on a noble mission to use kraken ink to help the sick, she is smart and driven but has gotten herself into a bit of a tough spot. Arturo is also intelligent and creative and is determined to help protect Venice from the Kraken, he is also still desperately in love with Judith despite their rocky past. They have great chemistry together and worked well together in this story.
Setting (4/5): The setting is an alternate Victorian Venice. I’ve enjoyed the settings for all of the books in this world. I loved the re-imagined Victorian steampunk world and really enjoy these stories set in this alternate historical setting.
Writing Style (4/5): Renwick does a great job writing and this story was no exception to that. It’s easy to read, flows nicely, and was entertaining.
Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun little short story. I enjoyed the characters and the world, but it was very short which made everything seem a bit abrupt. I would recommend to those who have enjoyed Renwick’s full length books and are looking for a little more time in this entertaining historical steampunk fantasy world.
June 3, 2023
Arturo Piatti once loved Lady Judith Ravensburg and had asked her to marry him. She declined so very gently and went on with her studies to graduate. Rejected, Arturo moved back to Italy. Now, twenty-three years later, Lady Judith came to Venice and arrived at the town where Arturo lived. They had met and found their spark was still alive, but Arturo discovered that the Lady worked for his nemesis, Lord Garrick, an Englishman who coveted coin above all else. She realized what kind of man he was and promised Arturo she would find a new patron, but first, she needed to do something dangerous. Would he help?
This book is a lunchtime read, if not a little longer. The physical world-building is fuzzy around the edges, and the ambiance of the immediate world comes across clearly. The character interaction seems to be honest.
This tale, the second in the series, is set in the Victorian age and full of science fiction, fantasy, and steampunk. There is plenty of romance if you like such a thing. :) I give this read four stars out of five stars.
This book is a lunchtime read, if not a little longer. The physical world-building is fuzzy around the edges, and the ambiance of the immediate world comes across clearly. The character interaction seems to be honest.
This tale, the second in the series, is set in the Victorian age and full of science fiction, fantasy, and steampunk. There is plenty of romance if you like such a thing. :) I give this read four stars out of five stars.
January 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this short story in the Elemental Web universe, set in Venice, although I do wish it'd been a full book so there'd been time to really dig into the characters and still have all the action. However, the interplay between characters was intriguing, and I really appreciated the descriptive and imaginative employment of the kraken - the different types, uses, sizes... amazing and unique. I love the steampunk elements too, and the whole series is truly excellent, but even if you haven't read any of the rest of the books, you can still read this one as a standalone. However, I fully recommend you read this one AND the others, as this author is a phenomenal writer and the series is brilliant. I just can't wait to read the next instalment in the series - and no doubt I'll be gushy then too!
January 27, 2018
Simply awesome for such a short read. It would be even better if it was longer so we could delve more into the characters like with the first two books The Golden Spider and The Silver Skull. Otherwise it definitely was descriptive and action packed pretty much from the get go. I liked the fact that it delved more into the kraken aspect that really only been barely described in the other books or set as brief elements as part of those ones. I simply need more from this world of steampunk that Anne Renwick has created. I can’t wait for the next full-length novel which I hope is very soon. She has captured and enraptured my attention of this series from the beginning and I’ve loved every minute of devouring her books. I highly recommend reading this short story and all the others that began the series! And I absolutely love the covers for each book too!
January 26, 2018
Another delicious story in the Elemental Web Tale series! First of all, I am loving the steampunk world that Anne Renwick has created in this series. This is a short story that tells about the aunt of Olivia, the heroine in “The Silver Skull”. One of the things I love about these books is that the author packs quite a lot of character into her short stories. In this one Arturo and Judy must battle the Kraken in the canals of Venice. But will they survive the tentacles and claws of these beasts? You have to read it to find out. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I’ve read from this author and I highly recommend it!
February 7, 2018
I love this universe and couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore yet another location within it. As I’ve seen with the rest of the series, a little bit of science and a little bit of myth are skillfully combined to create a tale filled with intrigue and wonder. I loved having lead characters with more years of experience than we usually see. I’m also glad to see that their advanced ages haven’t reigned in any risk-taking tendencies, otherwise we’d have a much different story on our hands. This was a wonderful side-trip in the Elemental Webs series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
April 27, 2018
Kraken and Canals is a second chance love story smashed into a short steampunk tale that both satisfies and leaves you longing for more. Arturo and Judy reunite after years apart to find they are still just as in love. Arturo works to clear the canals from the treacherous Kraken while Judy is trying to use their ink to cure her aunt's cancer. Full steam ahead in the name of love, Arturo joins Judy in dangerous waters to retrieve her only hope for her aunt. Wrought with betrayal and death defying adventure, the story is fast paced and exceedingly sweet with a very nice HEA. My voluntary and unbiased review is based upon a review copy.
August 6, 2019
Most great steampunk series at least mention krakens. Well this story has a kraken in a starring role. Well, maybe not starring. But figuring hugely!
The krakens are a menace all over the world. The readers of this series have already learned of them in London. In Venice, the presence of krakens among the city’s sub-structures is especially troubling. Their hooked tentacles tend to destroy foundations. Arturo’s plans to save the city bring him into Judith’s world. Underwater kraken hunting provides the suspense, danger and heroic action in Krakens and Canals. This short story is a fun, thrilling addition the Elemental Steampunk world.
The krakens are a menace all over the world. The readers of this series have already learned of them in London. In Venice, the presence of krakens among the city’s sub-structures is especially troubling. Their hooked tentacles tend to destroy foundations. Arturo’s plans to save the city bring him into Judith’s world. Underwater kraken hunting provides the suspense, danger and heroic action in Krakens and Canals. This short story is a fun, thrilling addition the Elemental Steampunk world.
October 18, 2021
Fun, creepy, and romantic!
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I highly recommend this exciting steampunk romance that can be read as a standalone. It is great for listening before Halloween and anytime because it has a harrowing and creepy scene of diving with sea monsters! I love the short, low-steam, second-chance romance of a couple in their 40s. Anne Renwick really packs a lot of bang for your buck in this 1.25-hour audiobook that also has excellent narration. I also love the setting of an alternate Venice during the mid-19th century that has been infested with kraken in the canals.
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I highly recommend this exciting steampunk romance that can be read as a standalone. It is great for listening before Halloween and anytime because it has a harrowing and creepy scene of diving with sea monsters! I love the short, low-steam, second-chance romance of a couple in their 40s. Anne Renwick really packs a lot of bang for your buck in this 1.25-hour audiobook that also has excellent narration. I also love the setting of an alternate Venice during the mid-19th century that has been infested with kraken in the canals.
August 23, 2018
Kraken and Canals is a short steampunk love story set in a reimagined Venice where kraken have made homes of the cities famous canal systems. To save someone close to her, Lady Judith is forced to enter the domain of these creatures. Joining her is Arturo, a man who she loved once upon a time but unfortunately didn't work out. They get a second chance at love during their dangerous ventures to the deep. This was a good, well developed short story with good elements of science and technology. Definitely plan to read more in this universe of books.
January 25, 2018
What do you get when you mix a little Jules Verne with a little romantic suspense and add in some steampunk espionage? Anne Renwick's Kraken & Canals! I received an advance reader’s copy of this book and decided to read book 1, The Golden Spider, first. Although the author wrote a tough act to follow with the first book the second is a worthy successor, as is this one, the third, although less Jules Verne and more romance than the first. Outstanding read!
July 7, 2019
I tend to be hard on short stories in general, so take the 3 stars with a grain of salt. It fits perfectly in to the Elemental Web World, expands on the Ravensdale family (which is part of what makes the rest of the series departure from those characters a little confusing), and rounds out the idea of romance by including middle aged smitten characters instead of individuals all in their 20s. But I felt it moved too quickly and not all of the characters made sense.
May 20, 2020
A fun, fast paced novella that does a good job building a realistic steampunk world in a short amount of time. The romance also felt fully realized as did the conflict. The premise was great and I enjoyed the imaginative world of alternate-Venice with kraken-filled canals. I admire how the author was able to convey so much in such a short amount of time! I would have LOVED to spend more time with this world, these characters, and the drama.
Read
July 12, 2021Novella length Steampunk espionage.
This adventure takes us to Venice with an engineer and a cryptozoologist. Over the years kraken have grown larger and larger until they now threaten the stability of the buildings. Arturo prepares a system to rid Venice of the kraken infesting many waterways but he's threatened by a rich man and one of his men is injured. Even worse, he finds the woman he loved as a young man, but left for his academic dreams, is working for this evil man.
This adventure takes us to Venice with an engineer and a cryptozoologist. Over the years kraken have grown larger and larger until they now threaten the stability of the buildings. Arturo prepares a system to rid Venice of the kraken infesting many waterways but he's threatened by a rich man and one of his men is injured. Even worse, he finds the woman he loved as a young man, but left for his academic dreams, is working for this evil man.
November 21, 2021
Is it steam punk
No, it's not, it's a short romance story using steam punk as a green screen, it takes more than setting to qualify, one hardly described steam butler with almost no actual part in the story doesn't qualify, using period technology with no modifications doesn't qualify, as a stereotypical, lost love found, adventure ruined by evil villain, killed by hero, everyone lives happily ever after story it hits the where have I read that line before feel. Enjoy
No, it's not, it's a short romance story using steam punk as a green screen, it takes more than setting to qualify, one hardly described steam butler with almost no actual part in the story doesn't qualify, using period technology with no modifications doesn't qualify, as a stereotypical, lost love found, adventure ruined by evil villain, killed by hero, everyone lives happily ever after story it hits the where have I read that line before feel. Enjoy
December 15, 2021
This is a short story. I read the first two books in the series some time ago and this story expects you to come in with good knowledge of the previous characters. I was left floundering.
There could have been more to this story - old lovers reuniting is awesome - and their work directly clashing could have been a source of conflict. I'd have liked a longer version - there simply wasn't enough context to the drama here, hence the low rating. I feel it was a squandered opportunity.
There could have been more to this story - old lovers reuniting is awesome - and their work directly clashing could have been a source of conflict. I'd have liked a longer version - there simply wasn't enough context to the drama here, hence the low rating. I feel it was a squandered opportunity.
June 10, 2023
This one was more memorable then the first one and I feel the righting was also better in this one as well. We have the same Steampunk world here but this time we travel to a place and the studies of the Kraken.
I honestly would like to see this one more evolved, since it also had love lost love found wrong timing to be in love story line like the movie Lake House or the book Persuasion. Sadly these stories always pull me in like a kid in a candy store.
I honestly would like to see this one more evolved, since it also had love lost love found wrong timing to be in love story line like the movie Lake House or the book Persuasion. Sadly these stories always pull me in like a kid in a candy store.
September 11, 2018
Awesome read, well written with a great plot and characters. I was engrossed from start to finish. Fast paced, quick read. Steampunk, action, romance, and intriguing. Second chance love between Judy and Arturo. I absolutely love this series and can't wait to read more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
March 19, 2020
Short little story set in the Elemental Steampunk universe. This one features Judy Ravensdale - the aunt of Olivia, Amanda and Emily. Judy is the cryptobiologist mentioned in The Golden Spider and the Silver Skull - the one who studies Krakens. There's not really much character development or plot to this one but a nice little insight to a side character of the main novels.
March 7, 2022
Underwater Adventure!
Kraken rate quite high on my creepy fictional creatures list, so I both quite enjoyed and got the heebie-jeebies from this story. I loved that Judith and Arturo got a second chance at a future and a shared love of science. Another great read by Anne Renwick.
Kraken rate quite high on my creepy fictional creatures list, so I both quite enjoyed and got the heebie-jeebies from this story. I loved that Judith and Arturo got a second chance at a future and a shared love of science. Another great read by Anne Renwick.
March 21, 2025
A short, well-written, entertaining read, Kraken and Canals is a fun steampunk tale featuring two likable leads (Judith and Arturo) and takes place in Venice, Italy, amongst indigo Kraken filled canals. Vittoria is also an entertaining character, and the villain is truly devious. I'm starting #3 now.
February 27, 2020
A scientist racing against death, a commoner trying to save his city, an aristocratic villain more concerned with money than lives and a sea monster - how does Anne Renwick manage to put so much into a short story?
I received a copy of this from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2020
Another short and fun story with a hint of romance. This one sped fairly quickly and there wasn't much focus on the villain and the krakens were basically there to move the plot along. That said, the chemistry between Arturo and Judy was fun enough for this light, action-filled read.
November 17, 2021
Not bad
For a short story, this is quite good the action starts on page one and doesn't stop till the end. Although I would have mi liked more steampunk and character building for a story this short its not bad, Baz
For a short story, this is quite good the action starts on page one and doesn't stop till the end. Although I would have mi liked more steampunk and character building for a story this short its not bad, Baz
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews