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Legacy Chronicles
Boom Time: A Legacy Chronicles Standalone
Bootleggers, coppers, and no good, dirty gangsters! During Prohibition, the parties were wild, the alcohol was flowing, and danger was never far away. Pierce Landcross has been brought to the fast-paced future of New York City, 1926. His abductor, the Trickster, claims he’s hiding Pierce for his own protection, but cutthroats and femme fatales lurk around every corner. Lost in a strange land, Pierce vows to keep his nose clean, but that doesn’t last long when he falls into the bootlegging racket. Pierce has to quickly adapt to a world full of diesel-fueled machines, airships, moving picture shows, and clashes with rival gangs. At the same time, he has to elude a hunter from his own time sent to kill him!
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2019
4 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Michelle E. Lowe
22 books92 followersLowe was born in Georgia and spent most of her life near the Atlanta area before relocating to Southern California with her husband, Ben, and their two children.
Her writing work includes published novels such as The Warning, Cherished Thief, Children’s Books, Poe’s Haunted House Tour, and the fantasy/adventure series, The Hex Hunt and YA Cycles, A Cut Through Time.
Her science fiction/thriller, Atlantic Pyramid, earned a spot on the Best Books of 2014 list. Her other books include mystery/thriller, Storyteller, a six-part steampunk/fantasy series, Legacy, with the standalone novel, Boom Time, and a four-part steampunk series connected to Legacy, titled The Age of the Machine.
For more information, please visit her website at www.michellelowe.net and follow her on BookBub, Facebook, or Instagram
BookBub
https://shorturl.at/AP2GM
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https://shorturl.at/SwiV2
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https://shorturl.at/PLafC
Her writing work includes published novels such as The Warning, Cherished Thief, Children’s Books, Poe’s Haunted House Tour, and the fantasy/adventure series, The Hex Hunt and YA Cycles, A Cut Through Time.
Her science fiction/thriller, Atlantic Pyramid, earned a spot on the Best Books of 2014 list. Her other books include mystery/thriller, Storyteller, a six-part steampunk/fantasy series, Legacy, with the standalone novel, Boom Time, and a four-part steampunk series connected to Legacy, titled The Age of the Machine.
For more information, please visit her website at www.michellelowe.net and follow her on BookBub, Facebook, or Instagram
BookBub
https://shorturl.at/AP2GM
https://shorturl.at/SwiV2
https://shorturl.at/PLafC
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 8, 2019
Boom Time
By Michelle E. Lowe
Genre - Fiction
Sub Genre - Steampunk/Alternative History/Speculative Fiction/Action/Adventure
Pages - 365
Publication Information - Independently Published, August 17, 2019
Format - Print
Reviewed by William C. Bitner, Jr. (https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...)
Rating - 📙📙📙📙📙
While “Boom Time” by Michelle E. Lowe, or as I like to call it “The Further and Future Adventures of Pierce Landcross” isn’t technically part of the fantastic 6 book series, “The Legacy Series”, you will find some very familiar characters and story-lines. It’s more of an afterthought of the series. Pierce Landcross is transported by the Trickster to prohibition era New York City and goes by the name Isaac Chaplin (no relation to Charlie), where he finds himself in very unfamiliar surroundings. It's a story of survival, love, crime, pain and the search for answers and contentment and discovery.
Michelle masterfully crafted a story that dips its toes on either side of the river of reality. One in Pierce’s past and one in what is now his present. She artfully mingles in mythological creatures like elves and witches who will have influences on Pierce’s future in both dimensions. I was captivated from the very first to the last sentence. The flow is melodic and almost reads itself. It has great rhythm, fantastic characters and a very well thought out design with some very surprising and interesting twist and turns. Action and adventure abound in this very thrilling and exciting read. While I loved the series, this book is right up there with some of my favorites. I am anxious, and curious to see what is next for this very talented word artist. “The Age of the Machine” is her next series and I’m sure it’s going to be just as much fun as “The Legacy”. Well done Michelle, well done indeed.
From the back cover: Bootleggers, coppers, and no good, dirty gangsters! During Prohibition, the parties were wild, the alcohol was flowing, and danger was never far away. Pierce Landcross has been brought to the fast-paced future of New York City, 1926. His abductor, the Trickster, claims he's hiding Pierce for his own protection, but cutthroats and femme fatales lurk around every corner.
Lost in a strange land, Pierce vows to keep his nose clean, but that doesn't last long when he falls into the bootlegging racket. Pierce has to quickly adapt to a world full of diesel-fueled machines, airships, moving picture shows, and clashes with rival gangs. At the same time, he has to elude a hunter from his own time sent to kill him!
About the Author: Michelle E. Lowe is a Georgia born native who has spent most of her life near the Atlanta area before pulling up stakes and moving clear across the country with husband, Ben, and our two daughters. History piques her interests, especially European history. She’s a big nerd at heart. She reads science-fiction and fantasy stories, and loves old B horror films. She also get a kick out of playing classic Atari video games, and doing oil painting as a hobby.
She’s a daydreamer and animal lover. She took up writing as a serious career choice twenty years ago, learning a lot and sharpening her skills along the way.
Other Books by Michelle E. Lowe: Legacy (Legacy Series - Book 1), The Reunion (Legacy Series - Book 2), The Underground (Legacy Series - Book 3), Bounty Hunter (Legacy Series - Book 4), The Forgotten Story (Legacy Series - Book 5), The Payment (Legacy Series - Book 6), Spine Shivering Stories, Cherished Thief, Atlantic Pyramid, The Warning, The Hex Hunt, The Hex Hunt - Surviving the Sea, The Hex Hunt - The Island of the Sleeping Volcano, and Poe’s Haunted House Tour.
By Michelle E. Lowe
Genre - Fiction
Sub Genre - Steampunk/Alternative History/Speculative Fiction/Action/Adventure
Pages - 365
Publication Information - Independently Published, August 17, 2019
Format - Print
Reviewed by William C. Bitner, Jr. (https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...)
Rating - 📙📙📙📙📙
While “Boom Time” by Michelle E. Lowe, or as I like to call it “The Further and Future Adventures of Pierce Landcross” isn’t technically part of the fantastic 6 book series, “The Legacy Series”, you will find some very familiar characters and story-lines. It’s more of an afterthought of the series. Pierce Landcross is transported by the Trickster to prohibition era New York City and goes by the name Isaac Chaplin (no relation to Charlie), where he finds himself in very unfamiliar surroundings. It's a story of survival, love, crime, pain and the search for answers and contentment and discovery.
Michelle masterfully crafted a story that dips its toes on either side of the river of reality. One in Pierce’s past and one in what is now his present. She artfully mingles in mythological creatures like elves and witches who will have influences on Pierce’s future in both dimensions. I was captivated from the very first to the last sentence. The flow is melodic and almost reads itself. It has great rhythm, fantastic characters and a very well thought out design with some very surprising and interesting twist and turns. Action and adventure abound in this very thrilling and exciting read. While I loved the series, this book is right up there with some of my favorites. I am anxious, and curious to see what is next for this very talented word artist. “The Age of the Machine” is her next series and I’m sure it’s going to be just as much fun as “The Legacy”. Well done Michelle, well done indeed.
From the back cover: Bootleggers, coppers, and no good, dirty gangsters! During Prohibition, the parties were wild, the alcohol was flowing, and danger was never far away. Pierce Landcross has been brought to the fast-paced future of New York City, 1926. His abductor, the Trickster, claims he's hiding Pierce for his own protection, but cutthroats and femme fatales lurk around every corner.
Lost in a strange land, Pierce vows to keep his nose clean, but that doesn't last long when he falls into the bootlegging racket. Pierce has to quickly adapt to a world full of diesel-fueled machines, airships, moving picture shows, and clashes with rival gangs. At the same time, he has to elude a hunter from his own time sent to kill him!
About the Author: Michelle E. Lowe is a Georgia born native who has spent most of her life near the Atlanta area before pulling up stakes and moving clear across the country with husband, Ben, and our two daughters. History piques her interests, especially European history. She’s a big nerd at heart. She reads science-fiction and fantasy stories, and loves old B horror films. She also get a kick out of playing classic Atari video games, and doing oil painting as a hobby.
She’s a daydreamer and animal lover. She took up writing as a serious career choice twenty years ago, learning a lot and sharpening her skills along the way.
Other Books by Michelle E. Lowe: Legacy (Legacy Series - Book 1), The Reunion (Legacy Series - Book 2), The Underground (Legacy Series - Book 3), Bounty Hunter (Legacy Series - Book 4), The Forgotten Story (Legacy Series - Book 5), The Payment (Legacy Series - Book 6), Spine Shivering Stories, Cherished Thief, Atlantic Pyramid, The Warning, The Hex Hunt, The Hex Hunt - Surviving the Sea, The Hex Hunt - The Island of the Sleeping Volcano, and Poe’s Haunted House Tour.
September 9, 2019
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review. This is the 7th book I've read in this series and the 7th I've read by the author.
Warning: If you want to know what the book is about, read the synopsis. I won't rehash it but I'll tell you how the book made me feel and what I thought of it.
I've really enjoyed this entire series, it is my favorite recent series. While this is technically a stand alone book, the story takes place during a time period only briefly touched on in the main series. This is exactly what I was hoping for when I was told that the last book was a stand alone. The flow is great, the characters are awesome and well thought out, and the the story fills in a gap that I was curious about. Possibly the best part was the promise of a new series coming out, I have high hopes for the new series.
Finally I'll say that Michelle Lowe should be with a big publisher because she is consistently putting out high quality and fun material. I look forward to her next series and I will be going back to check out more of here catalog.
Warning: If you want to know what the book is about, read the synopsis. I won't rehash it but I'll tell you how the book made me feel and what I thought of it.
I've really enjoyed this entire series, it is my favorite recent series. While this is technically a stand alone book, the story takes place during a time period only briefly touched on in the main series. This is exactly what I was hoping for when I was told that the last book was a stand alone. The flow is great, the characters are awesome and well thought out, and the the story fills in a gap that I was curious about. Possibly the best part was the promise of a new series coming out, I have high hopes for the new series.
Finally I'll say that Michelle Lowe should be with a big publisher because she is consistently putting out high quality and fun material. I look forward to her next series and I will be going back to check out more of here catalog.
February 11, 2020
I got a review copy of Ms. Lowe's first novel of her Legacy series and quickly ran through the other five in just over a month (I sort of did have other reading on my plate!) Through a smattering of snippet correspondence with her over some questions and feedback, I learned she'd written the six in succession over a year and a half. And she sent me a copy of this with a kind inscription, "To Jim, I'm glad our paths have crossed {smiley face} Enjoy Boom Time!" Between a December vacation, holidays, a bout of flu, and just life, not to mention finishing a few other reading projects, I didn't get back to this until the end of January. And of course, I got interrupted...
One thing about a big story arc, even spread over six novels, is that sometimes a writer doesn't get a chance to explore something that she didn't expect needed exploring. Or, maybe she did expect it, but couldn't stop the other work. Have you ever wanted a part of a story glossed over to have a bigger life? That is Boom Time. Parts alluded to in a couple of the Legacy series blown up big into its own novel. We get to find out what happened during an interlude. And I enjoyed the time spent - don't mistake, I enjoyed the Legacy arc, but this didn't have the burden of context or the problems of hints dropped out of the wrong place. And Ms. Lowe got to stir in a bit more steampunk.
I almost forgot to add that she tied the story back very well, which begged the question of when this was written with respect to the Legacy series. Something poked a memory and I went back and checked (I have electronic copies of the last five which made it easier) and found identical parallel sections. That was refreshing for continuity - I remember Jack Chalker had a hard time keeping his Well World species straight, but that was in the days long before searchable electronic texts (I still thought that surprising to learn.)
So, I enjoyed this quite a bit. Even more than the parent books. I look forward to the next series (a new one I'm given to understand.)
[I don't generally summarize fiction out of respect to the author and the reader. I imagine you can find a synopsis elsewhere.]
One thing about a big story arc, even spread over six novels, is that sometimes a writer doesn't get a chance to explore something that she didn't expect needed exploring. Or, maybe she did expect it, but couldn't stop the other work. Have you ever wanted a part of a story glossed over to have a bigger life? That is Boom Time. Parts alluded to in a couple of the Legacy series blown up big into its own novel. We get to find out what happened during an interlude. And I enjoyed the time spent - don't mistake, I enjoyed the Legacy arc, but this didn't have the burden of context or the problems of hints dropped out of the wrong place. And Ms. Lowe got to stir in a bit more steampunk.
I almost forgot to add that she tied the story back very well, which begged the question of when this was written with respect to the Legacy series. Something poked a memory and I went back and checked (I have electronic copies of the last five which made it easier) and found identical parallel sections. That was refreshing for continuity - I remember Jack Chalker had a hard time keeping his Well World species straight, but that was in the days long before searchable electronic texts (I still thought that surprising to learn.)
So, I enjoyed this quite a bit. Even more than the parent books. I look forward to the next series (a new one I'm given to understand.)
[I don't generally summarize fiction out of respect to the author and the reader. I imagine you can find a synopsis elsewhere.]
August 31, 2019
If you've read the six-book saga of Pierce Landcross, you don't want to miss this standalone novel. It will transport you to a time and place you won't be expecting. While reading this, I realized that Lowe has stepped into China Miéville or Jonathan Fesmire territory where bad guys are concerned (If you are a serious reader of steampunk, you will know what I mean.)
Steampunk is one of those science fiction sub-genres that allows a writer to let loose with anything and everything imagineable. It is more than just steam powered this and steam powered that. It is a blending of cultures and myths in ways that only the creative can write. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Michelle E. Lowe is a teller of tales. Her voice is unique.
I've been on the Landcross bandwagon since the beginning. Each book has added depth and dimension to the "legacy" of Pierce and his family. It is a journey I am glad to have taken. Although BOOM TIME is a standalone novel, you should do yourself a favor and read the entire Legacy series before you tackle it. I hope there will be more stories, whether novels or a collection of short stories or novellas, because somehow I think there is more to tell.
Steampunk is one of those science fiction sub-genres that allows a writer to let loose with anything and everything imagineable. It is more than just steam powered this and steam powered that. It is a blending of cultures and myths in ways that only the creative can write. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Michelle E. Lowe is a teller of tales. Her voice is unique.
I've been on the Landcross bandwagon since the beginning. Each book has added depth and dimension to the "legacy" of Pierce and his family. It is a journey I am glad to have taken. Although BOOM TIME is a standalone novel, you should do yourself a favor and read the entire Legacy series before you tackle it. I hope there will be more stories, whether novels or a collection of short stories or novellas, because somehow I think there is more to tell.
September 3, 2019
This is another fabulous novel by Michelle Lowe. I thoroughly enjoyed the Intensity of this story, and that it’s based in two very different places. The plot is certainly interesting, and I easily found myself immersed in it. I’ve read several stories about the character Pierce Landcross, and I’ve really enjoyed each one of them. He gets himself into all sorts of situations, but you can’t help but like him.
Pierce Landcross was quite happy swindling money out of the rich folk, and believing he was smarter than everyone else around him. That was until the Trickster turned up and decided to take him away to another place. Pierce had no idea that Freya wanted to destroy him and was just biding her time until she could, and she was happy that the Trickster was prepared to help her out. With what she wanted to do with the djinn, it might just be a good idea if she didn’t succeed after all. Pierce seemed to fit in quite well in his new surroundings, and he was certainly a man that could adapt quickly. However, even in this new place Pierce quickly found trouble, and he will have to be careful that he doesn’t get himself killed. This is a memorable book and certainly well worth reading. 5/5 Star rating.
Verified Purchase Amazon Australia
Pierce Landcross was quite happy swindling money out of the rich folk, and believing he was smarter than everyone else around him. That was until the Trickster turned up and decided to take him away to another place. Pierce had no idea that Freya wanted to destroy him and was just biding her time until she could, and she was happy that the Trickster was prepared to help her out. With what she wanted to do with the djinn, it might just be a good idea if she didn’t succeed after all. Pierce seemed to fit in quite well in his new surroundings, and he was certainly a man that could adapt quickly. However, even in this new place Pierce quickly found trouble, and he will have to be careful that he doesn’t get himself killed. This is a memorable book and certainly well worth reading. 5/5 Star rating.
Verified Purchase Amazon Australia
March 30, 2020
This was really fun to read. I love reading steampunk, fantasy, and time-travel so the combination is really interesting. I think this goes more under Dieselpunk than Steampunk but has some elements that are really typical for Steampunk. The atmosphere is fitting; I loved all the small details about the 1920s. There were plenty of interesting plots and subplots, and characters. It was a bit confusing for me at first because there are so many things that are going on in the background (I expected something-1920s but not that amount of fantasy after reading the synopsis) and I was reading other books too. I love the mythical elements which now realizing that this is a standalone in a larger series I'll have to read the rest to get the whole picture.
I like the concept of a character who travelled to the future but Pierce's future is our past (or alternative past). It reminds me of watching Outlander (I haven't read those books yet) and I loved just following the adventures of a time-traveller who wasn't from our era.
Steampunk and Dieselpunk fans will love this. If you like the combination of fantasy and sci-fi, this is also for you.
Those fans that like a more simple plot in steampunk might not like this. I've read some steampunk books in the past that tend to have a simple plot so if you're looking for a more casual read this might be a bit confusing because this isn't a casual read. This is a book universe to get invested in.
The organized crime type of environment reminded of other book series like the Six of Crows duology or the Lies of Locke Lamorra books. The steampunk elements of the book reminded me of the Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare (if you read Boom Time and TID, you know what I mean).
****I received a review copy for free from BookSiren and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.*****
I like the concept of a character who travelled to the future but Pierce's future is our past (or alternative past). It reminds me of watching Outlander (I haven't read those books yet) and I loved just following the adventures of a time-traveller who wasn't from our era.
Steampunk and Dieselpunk fans will love this. If you like the combination of fantasy and sci-fi, this is also for you.
Those fans that like a more simple plot in steampunk might not like this. I've read some steampunk books in the past that tend to have a simple plot so if you're looking for a more casual read this might be a bit confusing because this isn't a casual read. This is a book universe to get invested in.
The organized crime type of environment reminded of other book series like the Six of Crows duology or the Lies of Locke Lamorra books. The steampunk elements of the book reminded me of the Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare (if you read Boom Time and TID, you know what I mean).
****I received a review copy for free from BookSiren and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.*****
August 5, 2020
Really this is the 7th book in the Legacy series. Some say that it can be a stand alone and I really can't see that. Most of the story will not make sense without knowing the back ground.
As I've said for every book in the series ... I loved it. It was great to fully understand what Pierce's seemingly random flashes of 'memory' are in the other books. Like when he broke his ribs or when he flew in an airship. Now we get it. Pierce gets dumped by the Trickster cold, hurting, and alone in the middle of 1920's dieselpunk era New York. Now he needs food and shelter (New York in the dead of winter is COLD) and a doctor would be great too.
He is forced to rob a guy to get started and, oh my word, was it the wrong guy to rob. But how was he to know?
Next thing you know Pierce is in a zoot suit, managing a speakeasy and swing dancing with a gorgeous girl. Lucy's not Taisa but technically he hasn't met her yet. All the normal Pierce hi-jinks ensue. Getting into trouble and dodging death by the skin of his teeth. As usual I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it all plays out.
You would think with this being a 'past' that he forgot there wouldn't be any surprises but you'd be wrong. The ending is just wonderful and so very bittersweet.
I adored this series! I am sad that it ended but so glad I got to know this story.
I received each of the books in the series from the awesome author in exchange for my unbiased reviews.
As I've said for every book in the series ... I loved it. It was great to fully understand what Pierce's seemingly random flashes of 'memory' are in the other books. Like when he broke his ribs or when he flew in an airship. Now we get it. Pierce gets dumped by the Trickster cold, hurting, and alone in the middle of 1920's dieselpunk era New York. Now he needs food and shelter (New York in the dead of winter is COLD) and a doctor would be great too.
He is forced to rob a guy to get started and, oh my word, was it the wrong guy to rob. But how was he to know?
Next thing you know Pierce is in a zoot suit, managing a speakeasy and swing dancing with a gorgeous girl. Lucy's not Taisa but technically he hasn't met her yet. All the normal Pierce hi-jinks ensue. Getting into trouble and dodging death by the skin of his teeth. As usual I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it all plays out.
You would think with this being a 'past' that he forgot there wouldn't be any surprises but you'd be wrong. The ending is just wonderful and so very bittersweet.
I adored this series! I am sad that it ended but so glad I got to know this story.
I received each of the books in the series from the awesome author in exchange for my unbiased reviews.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews