Steel Time

Steel Empires

by J.L. Gribble

You’re never too young or too old to experience a paradigm shift. Toria Connor is 25 when tripping over an artifact in the ruins of Nacostina thrusts her a century into the past, before the city is destroyed during the Last War. Now, she finds herself alone. Adrift in a time where she must hide everything important to her, from her mercenary career to her true magical ability. Victory is over eight centuries old when she follows her adopted daughter. She has seen empires rise and fall, but never anything like this. She must survive alone in a city inhospitable to vampires, dodging friends and foes from her past alike. Both of them know the clock is ticking down to the moment when the city is wiped off the map. Now, they’re in a race against time. To find each other. To escape the past. And to save the future. “Gribble brings the newest generation to the forefront with an adventure reminiscent of Tamora Pierce’s Alanna series. Strong plotting and captivating characters will please fans of fantasy quests.” — Library Journal “This is a solid first effort that sets the stage for more installments in an intriguing world with complex characters.”— Publishers Weekly “A deviously raucous romp through a modern world filled with were-creatures, mercenaries, and Victory—a fanged kickass heroine…”—Diana Dru Botsford, author  Four Dragons  and  The Drift “Strong characters rule in this unique debut. Magic, murder, and mayhem wrapped up in one package—definitely my type of book!”—Maria V. Snyder, The Chronicles of Ixia series

218 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2018

About the author

J.L. Gribble writes speculative fiction and romance, but she’s happiest when combining the two and adding a dose of the unexpected or nontraditional. When not writing, Gribble reads an eclectic range of books, adds to her LEGO collection, and plays video games. She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her husband and three vocal Siamese cats. Find her book review blog and info about her publications at jlgribble.com.

Reviews

[Chelsea Stickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how it's possible, but every book in the Steel Empires series is better than the last. In Steel Time we get to see Toria on her own dealing with the fallout of the previous books. I never thought an alternate history would give me one of the best depictions of anxiety and PTSD that I've ever seen. Gribble really digs into her psychology in a way that makes me want 100 more books about her. Of course there are fight scenes, magical creatures and lots of blood. Gribble wouldn't let you down there. But all of that is balanced with the tension of going back in time to a city that's about to be destroyed. Oh, and of course, plenty of Good Men and badass women like only Gribble does. I can't wait for the next book.

[David Brawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I read an advanced reviewer copy of this book from the author, who is a friend (and one of the former D&D players). Didn't stop me from buying a dead tree copy for myself!

Once again, my friend has written an engaging story that expands her world, full of characters both new and old that you can't help but like and care about. It's especially hard given that from the start you know what's going to happen, even if you're not sure how the story will unfold.

My biggest complaint, and the one I've had for the previous 3 books, and the ones yet to come is that they're too short! That and having to wait another year for the next book...

[Shannon Eichorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel romp with stakes, romance, and a focus on caring for mental health! Gribble earned her spot on my must-buy list with Steel Blood, but I found Steel Time carrying me even more seamlessly from page to page, hooked in both the plot-carrying stakes of appearing in a city shortly before a historic nuclear explosion and the heart-grabbing interplay of snappy dialogue and textured characters that has been Gribble's hallmark since book 1. If you're looking for a fun book that still acknowledges that the world is hard and unfair, give this a try.