In the Shadow of the Clouds

Return to Amston #4

by Jordan Elizabeth

Bianca Harker wants out of the life facing her as a prostitute's daughter. Her plan to live with her grandparents is short-lived when they marry her off to an airship merchant. When he dies suddenly, Bianca decides to fight for the failing business. The chance for independence is within her grasp...as long as she can save the business.

Charlie Washington loathes the pirates who murdered his parents. He's lost the family airship business, leaving him with no option but to work as a pilot for someone else. Now Charlie has to deal with a young widow and her newfangled ideas.

When Bianca discovers the cargo that Charlie's parents died for, she comes up with a plan, one that will save the business and give Charlie the revenge he wants.

Assuming they survive the adventure.

Genres: Steampunk, Romance, Adventure

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2020

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger, adventure and a fiercely independent woman ready to take on what lurks in clouds, as well as anyone who stands in the way of saving her late husband’s failing business. With the help of Charlie, an airship pilot, Bianca will uncover some dark truths, fight off airship pirates, and possibly save both her business and her heart.

High adventure in the skies! Jordan Elizabeth’s IN THE SHADOW OF THE CLOUDS is a steampunk fantasy with a strong female lead that hits the clouds running and never lets up! Quick, entertaining reading that takes readers back into the world of Amston!

I received a complimentary copy from Jordan Elizabeth! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Return to Amston - Book 4
Publisher: CHBB Publishing (June 19, 2020)
Publication Date: June 19, 2020
Genre: Steampunk
Print Length: 178 pages
Available from: Amazon
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[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca Harker sees her life at a crossroads, she can be stuck with her prostitute mother with little options or she can seek out her grandparents and see if she can get a fresh start. She begins to build a life she is proud of when she finds herself widowed and now the owner of an airship business what she finds is she is having an adventure of a lifetime.

I really enjoyed this steampunk story. All the characters have a story and the imagination in the descriptions are endless. I think Bianca could have easily fallen into her mothers lifestyle and instead she is determined from the beginning to be different. Very well done, look forward to reading more in this series.

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adventure is even more exciting than the last one. Once again, an amazing story set in a world of steam engines and airships. The story is about a woman who is ready for a new beginning after her husband dies and leaved her a company that's anything but successful. But Bianca isn't the one to cower in the face of a challenge. She has faced many hardships in her life and she is ready to finally get what she deserves; independence. Well, it doesn't exactly help that she finds her pilot attractive. Although falling for Charlie might not be such a bad thing after all. Together, the two of them are in for an adventure of a life time.
It's a very well-written story and as always Jordan Elizabeth had created such vivid imagery that you won't be able to put it down once you started reading. I know, I wasn't. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has everything from thrilling adventure, strong characters, to an epic romance. This book is a whole package and in my humble opinion, a must-read for all fiction lovers.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
In the Shadow of the Clouds is book 4 in the Return to Amston series, but as with most of her work it can be read as a standalone.
It is an engaging and entertaining steampunk fantasy YA tale of action and romance. It is a relatively short read, but it packs a punch. It is set in a world of steam engines and airships with danger, adventure, pirates, hardships, challenges, dark secrets, treasures and more.
Bianca has had a shitty life, the last being sold by her grandparents to a harsh man, now finds herself inheriting his failing airship company. She is fiercely independent, sassy and determined to make it work but to do that she needs help. Enter Charlie who is out for revenge but finds he can’t resist his new boss. Now they must survive some dark truths and pirates.
The story is well-written and not easy to put it down once you start reading. It is a really fun read.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Shadow of the Clouds is a bold, steampunk-infused adventure that combines high-flying airships, gritty survival, and unexpected romance in a richly imagined world. Jordan Elizabeth crafts a story of resilience, revenge, and reluctant partnership, all cantered around a fierce heroine determined to reclaim her future from the expectations—and limitations—of her past.

Bianca Harker has never had an easy life. As the daughter of a prostitute, she’s grown up knowing the odds are stacked against her. A brief hope for stability with her grandparents is dashed when she’s married off to an airship merchant. But when her husband dies suddenly, Bianca refuses to fall back into helplessness. Instead, she sets her sights on salvaging his failing business—despite the skepticism and resistance around her.

Enter Charlie Washington, a bitter pilot nursing his own wounds from a tragic encounter with sky pirates. Now working under Bianca, he wants nothing more than to be free of the past—and the strong-willed young widow who threatens to disrupt his careful detachment. But when the two discover a long-buried secret involving the cargo that cost Charlie’s parents their lives, they find common ground in a shared mission for survival and justice.

Elizabeth’s prose is brisk and engaging, blending the grit of industrial-age aesthetics with heart-pounding action sequences and moments of quiet character growth. The world-building is immersive, filled with steam-powered ships, deadly skies, and cutthroat commerce, but it’s the emotional arcs of Bianca and Charlie that truly propel the story forward.

Bianca is a standout protagonist: clever, determined, and unafraid to challenge the roles society tries to impose on her. Her evolving relationship with Charlie—grudging respect blossoming into something deeper—is handled with slow-burning finesse. Together, they’re a dynamic duo, pushing each other to confront old wounds while forging a new path ahead.

In the Shadow of the Clouds is a satisfying read for fans of steampunk adventure with strong female leads, brooding heroes, and a touch of romance. It’s about claiming your worth, fighting for second chances, and daring to fly toward something better—even when the skies are full of danger.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 – 4 Stars

In the Shadow of the Clouds is the fourth book in the Return to Amston series by Jordan Elizabeth. Having read and enjoyed quite a few of Jordan Elizabeth’s books now, I didn’t hesitate to pick this one up the moment I saw it pop up on social media.
It’s a YA steampunk fantasy with plenty of action, adventure, cloud pirates, airships, steam driven engines, danger, drama, a little mystery, romantic developments, challenges, secrets, agendas, a bit of a journey of discovery, and finding where you belong.
With the death of her husband Bianca inherits his airship business and needs to navigate her way through some turbulence in order to keep things afloat. Charlie has been hired as a pilot for the airship business, but he has deep secrets of his own. Driven by his past experiences he is determined to avenge his family. And so the adventure begins…
Even though this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
The Series Contains:
-Runners and Riders (Book #1)
-Secrets of Bennett Hall (Book #2)
-Now the Day is Over (Book #3)
-In the Shadow of the Clouds (Book #4)

Happy Reading…

Thank you, Jordan Elizabeth!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Return To Amston series. I would recommend reading this series from the beginning so you get the complete picture of Bianca Harkers life up until the point we find her now.
It is a steampunk adventure filled danger, action, challenges, secrets , romance and so much more.
In this book we find Bianca recently widowed. Her husband left her a business he promised would make them rich. Only for to Biance to discover the opposite was true. The business was struggling, but Biance isn't one to walk away from a challenge she is determined to make it a success.
The pilot Charlie comes to her rescue and together then need to work together to make it a success. However Charlie isn't all that he seems and he is hiding some dark secrects of his own. But with the attraction between Charlie and Bianca getting stronger will his need for revenge decrease as his attraction to her increases?
With dark secrets, pirates and so much more do they ever stand a chance of succeeding in making the business and their budding relationship work?

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and exciting steampunk adventure which kept me hooked throughout. Set within a fantasy world of steam engines, airships, and cloud pirates this was an action packed story with a touch of romance. Having been married off to an airship merchant Bianca finds herself widowed and fighting for her late husband’s failing business. Charlie is having to work as a pilot having lost his own family’s airship business, and suddenly finds himself having to deal with Bianca and her ‘newfangled’ ideas. Charlie’s parents were murdered by pirates and when Bianca discovers the cargo they died for she comes up with a plan. As long as they both survive, her plan should result in saving her business whilst giving Charlie the revenge he needs. I love Bianca as she’s so likeable and relatable, and I enjoyed the developing relationship between her and Charlie. The descriptive narrative brought the fantasy setting vividly to life making me feel immersed in the story.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Shadow of the Clouds (Return to Amston) by Jordan Elizabeth. This is the 4th book in the Return to Amston Series and it can be read as standalone but I always recommend to read the in order to get a better grip on the characters and plot. This is the story of Bianca who has had a pretty rough life as the daughter of a prostitute. She is soon married off to an Airship Merchant and not long after they are married she is widowed. She decides its time to take Fate in her own hands and makes up her mind to save the failing business her husband had. Charlie is a pilot who lost his parents to pirates and now his new boss is Bianca. She has some crazy ideas. While trying to not grow attached to her he tries to keep his distance but when they find some long buried secrets that contain the secret to why his parents were killed. Working closely together they begin to really enjoy each others company. Such a good young adult adventure.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Shadow of the Clouds is a beautifully layered steampunk adventure that combines gritty airship intrigue with emotional depth. Even as the fourth book in the Return to Amston series, it works perfectly as a standalone.Bianca Harker is a refreshing heroine strong, grounded, and easy to root for. Which I did lol. Her journey feels real, earned, and emotionally resonant. Charlie Washington adds a compelling edge to the plot. Together, their bond develops naturally, with a slow-burn connection that never overshadows their individual arcs. The world-building is amazingly detailed and rich with steampunk flare airships, shady merchants, and sky pirates but it doesn't overpower the characters or their arc. The pacing is steady, and the emotional stakes are just as important as the action.Highly recommended for fans of steampunk, strong female leads, and character-driven fantasy. Will definitely be going back to read the previous books.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca hasn't had the easiest life. Her mother is a Lady of the Night and she desperately wants to get away from that lifestyle. She feels that living with her grandparents will help solve the problem but that goes south when they marry her off. That also goes south when her new husband, an air ship merchant, suddenly passes. Not only is she now a young widow but she has also inherited a business which she knows next to nothing. The business is failing and she decides to fight for the business and hopefully turn it around. Charlie Washington lost his parents to a pirate and in turn their family business. He did work for Bianca's husband but since his passing she is now his boss. He is unsure of her ideas until she discovers what his parents lost their lives over. This could not only be his chance at revenge but it could save the business. Will these two be able to get along and help each other navigate this new adventure?

[Yvonne Derrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing Story Line and So Well Written

Jordan Elizabeth and her remarkable imagination never cease to impress me. The way she is able to draw me into her story and captivate me until the very end is astounding, and something I adore to come across in my reading. This tale follows Bianca as she works to take over her late husband’s business. Charlie is an airship pilot, and works to keep his family’s business going, even if there is no one left. Despite any misgivings either may have, they soon find themselves in a position where they must help each other. The minor characters definitely stand out within this story, and you can’t help but laugh at the antics that arise. I enjoyed reading this, although I do wish it had been longer! Jordan Elizabeth has a way of making me feel that with every book of hers I read.

[Shadel ayerbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Shadow of the Clouds (Return to Amston Book 4) by Jordan Elizabeth is a great science fiction story with added romance series

Bianca Harker is tired of being the daughter of a prostitute. When her grandparents marry her off to an airship merchant, her plan to live with them is short-lived. Bianca chooses to fight for the failing company after his unexpected death. She has the opportunity to become independent—as long as she can keep the company afloat. The pirates who killed Charlie Washington's parents are hated by him. He has no choice but to work as a pilot for someone else after losing the family airship business.

Every page was exciting, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I can't wait to read from this author.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I accidentally picked this one up not realizing it was the fourth book in the Return to Amston series. I feel like it was still a great experience reading it as a standalone, but I will be picking up the previous books now that I get a taste of what this world is like! The author created a magnificent storyline with a solid plot and in-depth characters. Charlie and Bianca are two that have their own history and secrets, which makes it all the more exciting to read. I read this in one sitting because I just couldn’t find it in myself to put it down. The author grabbed my attention from the very first page and never let go the entire way through. If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced book to get lost in for the weekend, this should be your next pick!

[Tammy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Shadow of The Clouds (Return to Amston Book 4) by Jordan Elizabeth delivers! The story begins with Bianca arriving at the airship business she inherited when her husband died. She is less than impressed with the business. The story rotates between Bianca as a young girl and the present as well as her pilot, Charlie Washington, as a young boy and the present. This young adult steampunk adventure really gets going when Charlie and Bianca encounter pirates. Charlie wants revenge on the pirates that killed his parents while Bianca strives to prove herself in a male-dominated world. There’s action and adventure as well as a little romance. I love the character of Biana. She is smart, witty, and tough as nails. This is a great book for all ages!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story for page one until the very last page. For me it was a quick read and held my interest throughout. The story builds on the strength of a young woman who takes over her late husband's business. And is determined not to let it fail. Bianca and Charlie work close together and you can see a relationship blooming. However, some things need to be solved first. The author leaves nothing out. The story is well written as well as entertaining. I found I could not put the book down. The more I read the better it got. While this is book 4 in the series it can be a standalone. Even though I am going back to read the complete series. This is a new author for me. I am so happy I took the chance on her. I hope you do too.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something about this cover that I’m liking and despite not having read the previous books I didn’t feel lost but I would recommend reading them to get a fuller experience 😉


Bianca goes to live with her grandparents when her mom does but that stay is also rather short lived when they marry her off to an airship merchant and then he suddenly dies and this is her chance to make a life for herself but she’s got her work cut out for herself because she’s going to have to work to salvage what’s left of the business and she’s not afraid to work hard …,

Charlie and Bianca’s paths cross when she needs a pilot and he needs work and soon enough they’re making a good team , she saves the business he gets revenge and well they get each other 🥰😉

A different read but rather enjoyable 🥰📕

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great steampunk story that is a thrilling adventure from start to finish. It is a really exciting story to read with some fiercely strong characters right at its centre. Although this is the 4th book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I will definitely be going back to read the others.
I was easily pulled into this story right from the start. I connected with the characters and felt like I could really imagine the journey they were on. I loved how feisty Bianca was. The storyline really seemed to fit well with the characters too. Everything was seamlessly conjoined and a brilliant story to read. I would certainly recommend this book.

[Rosanna Ingram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca has not had an easy life...and now she finds herself being sold by her grandparents to an airship merchant. However, when he dies, Bianca is determined to gain her independence by taking over his failing company. She needs Charlie's help to make it happen. This leads us to a story of love, revenge, and adventure

This steampunk YA adventure is set in a world that is brought to life through to wonderful descriptions by the author. Although this is the 4th book in the series, you do not have to read the previous books to understand what is going on. This is quick read that immerses the reader into the world created by the author. I didn't put it down until I finished the last page!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not my usual genre, steampunk YA, but I am so glad I decided to give it a chance. The author does a great job of creating a vivid and descriptive world. Biana is a wonderful character who doesn’t let her life circumstances define her. When her husband she was sold to, passes away, she decides to take the reins and take control. Charlie is a really wonderful character who initially struggles with Bianca, but as they continue to get to know each other while working together, they discover how much they have in common. It is a well written story with several different twists and turns. I didn’t realize it was part of a series, so I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series!

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the fourth in a series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I have not read the rest of the series, and I had no problem following along. It was such a fun book, and I really enjoyed that it was clean. The main characters are Charlie and Bianca. Bianca inherited an airship business after her husband passed away. Charlie is the pilot for that business. Bianca has had a hard life, and you can tell how desperately she wants this business to succeed. Bianca and Charlie work together to grow the business as well as to solve a mystery from Charlie’s childhood. You can see them grow closer little by little. It was a sweet story, and I enjoyed reading it.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this steampunk, historical story. I enjoyed this author’s attention to details that brought this adventure to life. I also enjoyed how engaging Charlie and Bianca are which made the story hard to put down. Their story is one of revenge and survival. I enjoyed how connectable and relatable these two are. They are my favorite of the story and I enjoyed watching their growth. This is a well written, fast paced, hard to put down story that was easy and entertaining to read. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

[aDuckOnQuack432 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick and easy read that can be finished in one sitting! It's such a sweet book that had me rooting for the two main characters. I love the found family element, and the action and adventure, I was sitting on the edge of my seat. I also love that you don't have to read the series in order, this was the first book out of this series I read, and there was no confusion. It was super cute, and I read the entire thing in one evening, so bonus points for that! I adored this book, it's adorable and young adult friendly!

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Shadow Of The Clouds is book 4 of the "Return To Amston" series by Jordan Elizabeth. I was not aware of it being a midseries book when I picked it up, so I would definitely recommend reading them in order, but otherwise it can definitely be read as a standalone. I absolutely love anything steampunk related, so this adventure was right up my alley! Bianca is such a wonderful female lead, and I couldn't get enough of her story! I wholeheartedly look forward to catching up to what I've read here!

[Candida Furbush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story isn't a genre I would normally read but I found it to be an interesting story. This book had great characters and I was taken on an adventure. The author did a good job keeping me entertained throughout the entire book. The author wrote in great detail so I could picture it in my mind's eye. This book was difficult to put down and there were some twists and turns along the way. This was an enjoyable read that I think all ages would enjoy. I recommend this book.

[Lavonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. It was a good mix of steampunk and futuristic storytelling with the wild west mixed in. Buckle up and get ready to take a trip in the clouds. Sometimes life is not always going to send you in the direction that you initially thought. I love Bianca's character because she is witty, smart, super inquisitive and ready for action. She is ready to prove the male dominated world that she is not someone to be messed with.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bianca Harker wants out of the life facing her as a prostitute's daughter. Her plan to live with her grandparents is short-lived when they marry her off to an airship merchant. When he dies suddenly, Bianca decides to fight for the failing business. The chance for independence is within her grasp...as long as she can save the business. Charlie Washington loathes the pirates who murdered his parents. He's lost the family airship business, leaving him with no option but to work as a pilot for someone else. Now Charlie has to deal with a young widow and her newfangled ideas. When Bianca discovers the cargo that Charlie's parents died for, she comes up with a plan, one that will save the business and give Charlie the revenge he wants. Assuming they survive the adventure."
Loved this book, engaging from beginning to end, quick read, great storyline and characters.

[Cindy Rushin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It had a really interesting twist to magic and alternative realities. It seemed to be more steampunk than supernatural but it was really good story. I liked the character development of the main characters in the story Charlie and Bianca. The story had a really good flow and I enjoyed the many twists and turns that were made to get to the end. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Enchanted Owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts out talking about Bianca from a young age and it’s interwoven with facets from her childhood when she is an adult. Charlie, who in the beginning of this book, is her employee. Bianca owns the airship company he works for. Fascinating novella. I know it’s book 4 of the series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing something from the previous books. Nice easy read under 2 hours.

[Kaye Lynne Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Shadow of the Clouds is an exceptional YA tale of young romance and adventure. Thoroughly entertaining. This is one of those stories that leaves you smiling.

See my full review here: https://writingtoberead.com/2020/08/2...