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The Tinderbox Tales #2
Tinderbox Under Winter Stars
When being captured is a likely outcome, which cage is worse – the one in your mind or the one behind a locked door? Lady Elise Falk and Nessa Clay have happily taken on new identities as a married couple and boarded a steamship to Storsund, a land of frost faires, sprawling cities, and corrupt organizations. As they settle in and make friends - some funnier than others – are Nessa and Elise safe under these frozen winter stars? And will their relationship survive, while they must check every shadow to gauge what is paranoia and what is real threat. Under the old stars, but never far away, the villainous Queen of Arclid has her own threats to battle. As events unfold, Elise and Nessa must overcome their personal issues and challenge themselves. Because now, it is not only their fates that hang in the balance, but also that of two nations. If you enjoy romantic fantasy with a dash of steam and magic, Tinderbox Under Winter Stars, part two of The Tinderbox Tales is waiting for you. Board the steam train by buying Tinderbox Under Winter Stars, the second part of The Tinderbox Tales by Emma Sterner-Radley.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2018
17 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Emma Sterner-Radley
28 books170 followersEmma Sterner-Radley spent far too much time hopping from subject to subject at university, back in her native country of Sweden. One day, she finally emerged with a degree in Library and Information Science. She thought libraries was her thing, because she wanted to work with books, and being an author was just an impossible dream, right? Wrong. She's now a writer and a publisher. (But still a librarian at heart, too.)
She lives with her wife and two cats in England. There is no point in saying which city, as they move about once a year. She spends her free time writing, reading, daydreaming, working out, and watching whichever television show has the most lesbian subtext at the time.
Her tastes in most things usually lean towards the quirky and she loves genres like urban fantasy, magic realism, and steampunk.
Emma is also a hopeless sap for any small chubby creature with tiny legs, and can often be found making heart-eyes at things like guinea pigs, wombats, marmots, and human toddlers.
She lives with her wife and two cats in England. There is no point in saying which city, as they move about once a year. She spends her free time writing, reading, daydreaming, working out, and watching whichever television show has the most lesbian subtext at the time.
Her tastes in most things usually lean towards the quirky and she loves genres like urban fantasy, magic realism, and steampunk.
Emma is also a hopeless sap for any small chubby creature with tiny legs, and can often be found making heart-eyes at things like guinea pigs, wombats, marmots, and human toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 13, 2018
I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to read more about the adventures of Elise and Nessa. I adore these two characters, not to mention you know when you pick up a book by Emma Sterner-Radley it going to be fantastic.
When we left these two amazing ladies at the end of Making a Tinderbox, they were on the move to escape the Queen of Arclid. Fleeing Nightport to head to the bitter colder climate if Storsund. They are hoping to go so out of the way that the Queen and hopefully, her spies cannot find them.
This book is full of adventure and you see and feel Nessa and Elise struggle to find their footing both in their new world. Sterner-Radley describes everything in such detail you can see the setting unfold before your very eyes. Everything is new, so different from what these two ladies have ever experienced. You feel their wonder and trepidation. I tend to pull away from books where there is a lot of world-building because often times the author forgoes the human interaction. Never fear Elise and Nessa's relationship are still the forefront of this book.
Nessa and Elise are dynamic characters. They just find a way inside your heart. This book has it all, Adventure, intrigue and above all else a fabulous romance. This is one series I will treasure and look forward to Emma Sterner-Radley has in store next.
When we left these two amazing ladies at the end of Making a Tinderbox, they were on the move to escape the Queen of Arclid. Fleeing Nightport to head to the bitter colder climate if Storsund. They are hoping to go so out of the way that the Queen and hopefully, her spies cannot find them.
This book is full of adventure and you see and feel Nessa and Elise struggle to find their footing both in their new world. Sterner-Radley describes everything in such detail you can see the setting unfold before your very eyes. Everything is new, so different from what these two ladies have ever experienced. You feel their wonder and trepidation. I tend to pull away from books where there is a lot of world-building because often times the author forgoes the human interaction. Never fear Elise and Nessa's relationship are still the forefront of this book.
Nessa and Elise are dynamic characters. They just find a way inside your heart. This book has it all, Adventure, intrigue and above all else a fabulous romance. This is one series I will treasure and look forward to Emma Sterner-Radley has in store next.
November 16, 2020
Kindle Unlimited sequel, 6+ hours again.
We catch up with Nessa and Elise just 6 weeks later after the events of book 1. They have journeyed on the steamship headed North to a Scandinavian inspired continent called Storsund, where it's snowwy and winter. We watch them alight and meet new friends in the new cities and deal with the culture shock of a new country and weather, with different languages, and some shady political organizations, as well as (sadly) a bit of racism happening, too.
Both are feeling lost in this strange new world, self doubt and also paranoia lurks over their shoulder as they question whether The Queen from book 1 is going to let them be free. (She does not, I don't think this is a spoiler, considering the first chapter is from her POV, and what a maniacal Point Of View it is that we get over the novel - She is truly a vile creature and her obsession with Elise is scary!)
Your heart just wrenches for our two protagonists as they try to find their way and deal with internal struggles, as well as external ones that threaten their very lives and safety.
But consistent is the couples love for one another, they are soul mates and adore eachother beautifully, which was heartening to see. Also rewarding are the extended friends found along the way, and some old friends, too - who all team up to fight against injustice.
We catch up with Nessa and Elise just 6 weeks later after the events of book 1. They have journeyed on the steamship headed North to a Scandinavian inspired continent called Storsund, where it's snowwy and winter. We watch them alight and meet new friends in the new cities and deal with the culture shock of a new country and weather, with different languages, and some shady political organizations, as well as (sadly) a bit of racism happening, too.
Both are feeling lost in this strange new world, self doubt and also paranoia lurks over their shoulder as they question whether The Queen from book 1 is going to let them be free. (She does not, I don't think this is a spoiler, considering the first chapter is from her POV, and what a maniacal Point Of View it is that we get over the novel - She is truly a vile creature and her obsession with Elise is scary!)
Your heart just wrenches for our two protagonists as they try to find their way and deal with internal struggles, as well as external ones that threaten their very lives and safety.
But consistent is the couples love for one another, they are soul mates and adore eachother beautifully, which was heartening to see. Also rewarding are the extended friends found along the way, and some old friends, too - who all team up to fight against injustice.
Read
May 11, 2018DNF at 58%, though not because it was a bad book; I loved the first book in the series, and this was written with equal care. The evil stalker plot line and subsequent forced separation of the leads for nearly half the book was just frustrating and uncomfortable for me, though. Elise and Nessa were as wonderful here as they were in the previous book, I just have a hard time reading about the loss of autonomy, whether it’s trafficking, slavery or kidnapping. If those aren’t triggers for you, you should be fine.
May 24, 2018
Even though I am not a big fan of fantasy, I’ve been waiting for this second part of The Tinderbox Tales and I am not disappointed at all. It is as good as the first one. Though being fantasy, many of the things that appear here are very well related to real and modern life. As a matter of fact, once I started reading, I just didn’t pay attention on the time or place (but in a good way). I just loved the story and the characters.
In the first book, Elise and Nessa are on the run from the Queen. This second one starts with them still onboard and arriving to their new home. They make a new friend, Anja, fantastic Anja. They will find in her what they need along the story. It is an interesting and funny relationship they share here.
The writing is good, the description of the characters, the surroundings, the situations are excellent. The development of all the characters and the story kept me interested from the beginning. There is adventure, humour, romance, intrigue, and friendship, loyal friendship.
I very highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
In the first book, Elise and Nessa are on the run from the Queen. This second one starts with them still onboard and arriving to their new home. They make a new friend, Anja, fantastic Anja. They will find in her what they need along the story. It is an interesting and funny relationship they share here.
The writing is good, the description of the characters, the surroundings, the situations are excellent. The development of all the characters and the story kept me interested from the beginning. There is adventure, humour, romance, intrigue, and friendship, loyal friendship.
I very highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 4, 2018
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
However, it is just so amazing that I also had to purchase a paperback.
I absolutely adored the second part of the Tinderbox Tales Series and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was not a disappointment following the fantastic first part, Making a Tinderbox. This book can stand alone but you really should read part one before delving in.
The story further develops the characters and relationships of Elise and Nessa as they run from the Queen of Arclid. What was lovely in this story was the exploration and development of introducing us further to the Queen who is just wonderful.
It is great to see some old faces pop up, and new as Nessa and Elise travel.
This action packed Gaslamp romance adventure is a wonderfully magical escape from reality and a fantastic read. I really couldn’t wait to find out what happened and hope for many more Tinderbox Tales.
What a great read! I highly recommend this book (and series) and say you are missing out if you don’t delve in and lose yourself in such a wonderful story and imaginative world!
However, it is just so amazing that I also had to purchase a paperback.
I absolutely adored the second part of the Tinderbox Tales Series and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was not a disappointment following the fantastic first part, Making a Tinderbox. This book can stand alone but you really should read part one before delving in.
The story further develops the characters and relationships of Elise and Nessa as they run from the Queen of Arclid. What was lovely in this story was the exploration and development of introducing us further to the Queen who is just wonderful.
It is great to see some old faces pop up, and new as Nessa and Elise travel.
This action packed Gaslamp romance adventure is a wonderfully magical escape from reality and a fantastic read. I really couldn’t wait to find out what happened and hope for many more Tinderbox Tales.
What a great read! I highly recommend this book (and series) and say you are missing out if you don’t delve in and lose yourself in such a wonderful story and imaginative world!
April 28, 2018
Oh my gosh, this author has done it again!!! I'm completely blown away by this story and I'm already riled up and anxious to read more about these awesome and badass characters!!! Elise and Nessa have really grown in this story and it was a beauty to behold because they pushed themselves to become better people not just for themselves but to be better women in order to embrace everything life has to offer them. I must admit that there were moments where my heart really ached because of the challenges Nessa and Elise faced but that just made the story more endearing to me. I am heavily invested in this story so I am going to keep my fingers crossed with the hope that a sequel will be on the horizon soon!!!
April 27, 2018
Held my interest sporadically despite being a well crafted story (3.5 stars)
I read Making a Tinderbox (book one in the series) right before Tinderbox Under Winter Stars (book two in the series) and recommend that approach to other readers; neither book is meant to be read as a standalone and book two picks up shortly after where book one ends.
The writing is good, the world building thought out with each place and its inhabitants distinct in their personalities; it is fantasy genre but does not require a large suspension of disbelief to read since so many things that exist in these fictional lands have strong similarities to real life either in modern day or world history. Same sex relationships and marriage are a non-issue but other forms of discrimination exist (with some dark political happenings) so the world the characters live in isn't a Utopian one by any means. The story moves at a steady pace and incorporates several plot threads that intersect and weave as the book progresses.
There is adventure, romance, intrigue, suspense, and humor, so something for everyone in this book and in the series. The plot twists and reveals didn't feel like surprises because the writing preceding them had me primed to expect them; they were more like confirmations of suspicions and not reveals that threw me for a loop or caught me by surprise.
I was tempted to stop reading several times around the midpoint of the book but continued because I know the author's work from other books and kept hoping to feel a similar level of personal investment in reading this story and caring about the characters; the characters are likable, have their moments to shine but for some reason, with all these components present in the book I just wasn't pulled into the story and didn't become thoroughly invested in the plight of the characters until the latter portion of the book. The ending is written in such a way that a third book is likely upcoming and despite my lack of engagement in the first part of Tinderbox Under Winter Stars I'd read a third in the series to see what happens.
Personally I still prefer the author's Coffee at Midnight series over this one but recommend this one (and Making a Tinderbox which in my opinion is the stronger book in the series so far) to readers looking for pure escapism into an imaginative world that is both different from and eerily similar to ours. The author is a promising storyteller and I look forward to reading whatever they publish next.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I read Making a Tinderbox (book one in the series) right before Tinderbox Under Winter Stars (book two in the series) and recommend that approach to other readers; neither book is meant to be read as a standalone and book two picks up shortly after where book one ends.
The writing is good, the world building thought out with each place and its inhabitants distinct in their personalities; it is fantasy genre but does not require a large suspension of disbelief to read since so many things that exist in these fictional lands have strong similarities to real life either in modern day or world history. Same sex relationships and marriage are a non-issue but other forms of discrimination exist (with some dark political happenings) so the world the characters live in isn't a Utopian one by any means. The story moves at a steady pace and incorporates several plot threads that intersect and weave as the book progresses.
There is adventure, romance, intrigue, suspense, and humor, so something for everyone in this book and in the series. The plot twists and reveals didn't feel like surprises because the writing preceding them had me primed to expect them; they were more like confirmations of suspicions and not reveals that threw me for a loop or caught me by surprise.
I was tempted to stop reading several times around the midpoint of the book but continued because I know the author's work from other books and kept hoping to feel a similar level of personal investment in reading this story and caring about the characters; the characters are likable, have their moments to shine but for some reason, with all these components present in the book I just wasn't pulled into the story and didn't become thoroughly invested in the plight of the characters until the latter portion of the book. The ending is written in such a way that a third book is likely upcoming and despite my lack of engagement in the first part of Tinderbox Under Winter Stars I'd read a third in the series to see what happens.
Personally I still prefer the author's Coffee at Midnight series over this one but recommend this one (and Making a Tinderbox which in my opinion is the stronger book in the series so far) to readers looking for pure escapism into an imaginative world that is both different from and eerily similar to ours. The author is a promising storyteller and I look forward to reading whatever they publish next.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2018
I finally finished reading it and wow, it amaze me even more than the first one. The new scenery, the new friends and the new drama, wow. I loved the character development of Elise and Nessa as persons and as a couple.
It can feel a little slow in the beggining, but then it pick up speed and you can't put it down. And the end... I was blown away, I need to ask if there's going to be a book 3 because the way it ended it felt like an open ending.
If you haven't came across this series, I very much recommend it, the author is great at what she does and this story is very unique (and I'm not into fantasy much).
A must read series.
It can feel a little slow in the beggining, but then it pick up speed and you can't put it down. And the end... I was blown away, I need to ask if there's going to be a book 3 because the way it ended it felt like an open ending.
If you haven't came across this series, I very much recommend it, the author is great at what she does and this story is very unique (and I'm not into fantasy much).
A must read series.
Read
May 9, 2018Could not wait to read this book. And I loved it.
It has romance, adventure, humor and suspense.
the characters are great and you want to learn more about them, even the queen.
You get to see the characters develop and grow more. see some old face but then a lot of new characters also.
I would definitely recommend this book and series to others
It has romance, adventure, humor and suspense.
the characters are great and you want to learn more about them, even the queen.
You get to see the characters develop and grow more. see some old face but then a lot of new characters also.
I would definitely recommend this book and series to others
September 8, 2020
The book got off to a slow start, whatwith Elise and Nessa settling down and starting anew in a foreign place. It was satisfying to see both women accomplish this and then some. The book was made even more interesting having the Queen's thoughts to read... and my, she's cunning.
April 25, 2018
Enjoyed the sequel even more than the first. Great dialogue and characters.
May 6, 2018
Great author
I've read all her books so far. I love the plot twist and inner character struggles. I thought that the first was more intriguing,but still thoroughly enjoyed this one
I've read all her books so far. I love the plot twist and inner character struggles. I thought that the first was more intriguing,but still thoroughly enjoyed this one
June 6, 2018
Awesome
I really enjoyed thus story and I love the two women together. I love the characters of Hunter and Anja, they are wonderfully written.
I really enjoyed thus story and I love the two women together. I love the characters of Hunter and Anja, they are wonderfully written.
May 8, 2018
(I finally have time to write a review of sorts!)
Part two of The Tinderbox Tales, Tinderbox Under Winter Stars, continues right from where Making a Tinderbox. New country, new climate, new friends, new everything for our heroes.
Less booze, more adventures this time. Part of the story is from the villain's point of view, which brings a nice change. There are (of course) new supporting characters, one of whom really stands out - would love to read more about her!
As the characters are now familiar to the reader, this story seems to move along more smoothly than the first one. But same as before: plenty of humour, playing with clichés, lots of intrigue and some suspense... yeah, I think I like this even more than the first book.
Part two of The Tinderbox Tales, Tinderbox Under Winter Stars, continues right from where Making a Tinderbox. New country, new climate, new friends, new everything for our heroes.
Less booze, more adventures this time. Part of the story is from the villain's point of view, which brings a nice change. There are (of course) new supporting characters, one of whom really stands out - would love to read more about her!
As the characters are now familiar to the reader, this story seems to move along more smoothly than the first one. But same as before: plenty of humour, playing with clichés, lots of intrigue and some suspense... yeah, I think I like this even more than the first book.
September 9, 2018
Wonderful!
This book is very well written with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline, a great follow up to the first "Tinderbox Tales" book. Elise and Nessa are trying to get on with their lives in a new land, hoping that they are safe from the pursuit that drove them from their homeland. Posing as a married couple, they are both pursuing occupations they love when Elise is kidnapped. Now Nessa must overcome her fears and rescue the woman who holds her heart. Join her journey by putting this book on your must read list.
This book is very well written with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline, a great follow up to the first "Tinderbox Tales" book. Elise and Nessa are trying to get on with their lives in a new land, hoping that they are safe from the pursuit that drove them from their homeland. Posing as a married couple, they are both pursuing occupations they love when Elise is kidnapped. Now Nessa must overcome her fears and rescue the woman who holds her heart. Join her journey by putting this book on your must read list.
September 2, 2020
I was cold throughout Nessa's & Elise's stay in Storsund. Only someone familiar with that type of cold could write it so effectively. Queen Mariana hedonistic appetites were her weakness and the author painted her stark, cold, unbending, vicious personality with quick dialogue and how other characters viewed her. In Storsund, Nessa & Elise learn of its politics and culture through Anja, the woman who boards them in her home. There's intrigue in the midst of learning how to live in a colder place and make new acquaintances. A well-written descriptive story and a fitting end to the series. If there's another, I wonder if it'd spark from the Mariana's fingers?
February 28, 2020
I love Elise and Nessa sooooo much! What a brilliant and exciting sequel. The ending left me open mouthed and wanting more!!! The romantic side of the book is so lovely and sweet to read and the adventures that the couple find themselves in have you staying up very late (precisely 2:35am!) to carry on reading. I just couldn’t put it down :) The twists were brilliant!
Genuinely sad that i have finished both books xx
Genuinely sad that i have finished both books xx
March 14, 2021
A very sweet romance between two distinct and likeable protagonists. The side characters were all quite interesting, especially the grumpy Anja, and I enjoyed their interactions. The plot wasn't very complex, but, because of that, we could focus on Elise and Nessa's tries to adapt to a new culture and environment. Overall, this book is for those who are looking for more romance and less fantasy.
December 10, 2018
I’m still really enjoying this author’s Tinderbox Tales. Under Winter Stars isn’t quite as strong as the first, but the characters and settings are just as engaging. Looks like they will be at least one more in the series!
April 26, 2025
I totally enjoyed it!
I love Historical (Gaslamp) Fantasy Fiction, and The Tinderbox Tales did not disappoint. It was so fun to read Nessa's & Elise's journey and all the other characters in the story.
I'm hoping for a book #3, I'd certainly read it.
I love Historical (Gaslamp) Fantasy Fiction, and The Tinderbox Tales did not disappoint. It was so fun to read Nessa's & Elise's journey and all the other characters in the story.
I'm hoping for a book #3, I'd certainly read it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews