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Clockwork Dragon
Blythe Li is a wellspring—a vessel containing magic that can only be used by a magi. The only problem is, women aren’t supposed to be wellsprings. In a world where powerful female magic workers rule, and vulnerable male wellsprings must follow the rigid social norms meant to keep their magic pure from corruption, Blythe doesn’t fit in anywhere. She can’t actually use magic, the way a woman should. Wellsprings can’t own property and have very little in the way of basic rights. And Blythe has no hope of making a fortuitous match and becoming a magi’s favored lover and pet, the way a male wellspring would. Instead, she’s an embarrassment and burden to her parents, who already have a house full of normal boy wellsprings to marry off. Blythe’s world is turned upside down when a commission for a clockwork dragon ends with a proposal she never could have imagined—and leaves her bonded to the future queen of the Imperial American States. But this is no Cinderella story.
Blythe’s future wife, Raina, is engaged in a quiet, deadly battle of politics and power with the current regent as she approaches her coming of age and her ascension to the throne. Blythe soon finds herself fighting alongside Raina for every freedom she’s ever dared dream of, as they try to completely remake a kingdom. But will Raina’s efforts to gather the support of a misfit court with the magic of only a pair of newly bonded wellsprings be enough to save them all from accusations of treason, murder, and all-out war?
Clockwork Dragon is an “outside the box” romance of monarchy and mayhem. It is set against a rich steampunk regency backdrop in an alternate world where magic has influenced the development of technologies and nations, and where Regency and Victorian era gender norms are reversed. It features a clockwork dragon guard dog, an irreverent and intimidating future queen, a metal-worker-turned-consort, and a poly relationship with a vessel of fire and air. Oh, and airships…plenty of airships. This story includes diverse characters and LGBTQIA elements, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, and poly romance, as well as reversed and fluid gender norms.
Author's Note:
This isn't your usual reverse harem. It isn't your usual steampunk book. And these aren't your usual victorian/regency gender norms....
*99,000 words without any extra "fluff" at the end.
*This book is not a serious historical book. It is a fantasy and liberties have been taken!
*The initial/main romance in this book is F/F, however it later develops into a poly relationship with M/F, F/F, M/M, and M/F/F scenes.
*There may be mentions of trauma, though this isn’t explicit on the page stuff.
*There is some mild-moderate violence.
*No, I can’t send you your own Sparrow. Sorry.
*This book is intended to be a stand-alone story for now. Whether there are any more books in this world will depend entirely upon demand and the graces of the writer muse.
Blythe’s future wife, Raina, is engaged in a quiet, deadly battle of politics and power with the current regent as she approaches her coming of age and her ascension to the throne. Blythe soon finds herself fighting alongside Raina for every freedom she’s ever dared dream of, as they try to completely remake a kingdom. But will Raina’s efforts to gather the support of a misfit court with the magic of only a pair of newly bonded wellsprings be enough to save them all from accusations of treason, murder, and all-out war?
Clockwork Dragon is an “outside the box” romance of monarchy and mayhem. It is set against a rich steampunk regency backdrop in an alternate world where magic has influenced the development of technologies and nations, and where Regency and Victorian era gender norms are reversed. It features a clockwork dragon guard dog, an irreverent and intimidating future queen, a metal-worker-turned-consort, and a poly relationship with a vessel of fire and air. Oh, and airships…plenty of airships. This story includes diverse characters and LGBTQIA elements, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, and poly romance, as well as reversed and fluid gender norms.
Author's Note:
This isn't your usual reverse harem. It isn't your usual steampunk book. And these aren't your usual victorian/regency gender norms....
*99,000 words without any extra "fluff" at the end.
*This book is not a serious historical book. It is a fantasy and liberties have been taken!
*The initial/main romance in this book is F/F, however it later develops into a poly relationship with M/F, F/F, M/M, and M/F/F scenes.
*There may be mentions of trauma, though this isn’t explicit on the page stuff.
*There is some mild-moderate violence.
*No, I can’t send you your own Sparrow. Sorry.
*This book is intended to be a stand-alone story for now. Whether there are any more books in this world will depend entirely upon demand and the graces of the writer muse.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2020
38 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Kaye Draper
134 books264 followersSometimes our greatest strengths come from our deepest challenges. I write magic and romance, starring a cast of creatures with feathers, fins, and teeth. My books include paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy romance--with the occasional steampunk or alien story thrown in just for kicks. My pan heart firmly believes love is love, so you'll see straight, LGBTQIA, monogamous, reverse harem, and poly relationships in my work. My favorite theme is overcoming our inner demons and the insecurities that hold us back.
I also advocate for self-development and mental health and dabble in non-fiction as time allows. I love the outdoors and still hope to be abducted by fae! (I may have more in common with my characters than I care to admit.)
I love to hear from readers!
Sign up for my mailing list to get a free RH spoof story that pokes fun at all the tired old tropes:
http://eepurl.com/bG_6dX
Join me on Patreon to help me create, AND get advance access to ebooks, audiobooks, and more! https://www.patreon.com/kayedraper
My website: http://kayedraper.com/
Join me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaye-D...
Or follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kayedrapera...
I also advocate for self-development and mental health and dabble in non-fiction as time allows. I love the outdoors and still hope to be abducted by fae! (I may have more in common with my characters than I care to admit.)
I love to hear from readers!
Sign up for my mailing list to get a free RH spoof story that pokes fun at all the tired old tropes:
http://eepurl.com/bG_6dX
Join me on Patreon to help me create, AND get advance access to ebooks, audiobooks, and more! https://www.patreon.com/kayedraper
My website: http://kayedraper.com/
Join me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaye-D...
Or follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kayedrapera...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 28, 2021
I came across Clockwork Dragon from a blog post about reverse harem fantasy and the cover is quite gorgeous. It's also free on KU. In this world you have magi and wellsprings. Magi are powerful mages who are able to manipulate elements to do mundane things to using it to protect or to harm. Magi are almost always women and wellsprings are almost always men which means in this scenario women literally rule the world. Also, magis are usually on the lookout for wellsprings that compliment their elemental magic. It's not always just one person, it can be many.
Blythe is an anomaly because she is one of the rare female wellsprings of the world. She's also an outcast because of this and works in a clockwork shop with her parents. What she lacks in magical ability, she's really good at making clockwork commissions. One day she's asked to make a clockwork dragon by one of her regular customers, Ray. The directions were very specific in that it had to be a dragon and the creator was to test it out before Ray would pick it up. Little did Blythe know, this would change her life because Ray is actually future queen Raina and had been courting Blythe for over a year. Ray ends up proposing to Blythe and that sets a series of events into motion that involve a lot of political intrigue and plots because Ray isn't of age yet to take he throne and her regent really does not want to give up power.
It takes a lot of reading to see where the reverse harem part comes in but it eventually does because Ray is one of those magi that needs wellsprings to be more powerful. Overall the storytelling in this book was very good. At times though I had a hard time imaging what the characters looked like, especially Blythe because it seemed like only Ray and Hakim were described in detail all the time. I also felt like the last third of the book was really anti-climatic for all the build up we got in the first half. The dragon didn't play a huge role overall in my opinion and Blythe's character development wasn't what I expected. Even so, I'd read another book by this author.
Blythe is an anomaly because she is one of the rare female wellsprings of the world. She's also an outcast because of this and works in a clockwork shop with her parents. What she lacks in magical ability, she's really good at making clockwork commissions. One day she's asked to make a clockwork dragon by one of her regular customers, Ray. The directions were very specific in that it had to be a dragon and the creator was to test it out before Ray would pick it up. Little did Blythe know, this would change her life because Ray is actually future queen Raina and had been courting Blythe for over a year. Ray ends up proposing to Blythe and that sets a series of events into motion that involve a lot of political intrigue and plots because Ray isn't of age yet to take he throne and her regent really does not want to give up power.
It takes a lot of reading to see where the reverse harem part comes in but it eventually does because Ray is one of those magi that needs wellsprings to be more powerful. Overall the storytelling in this book was very good. At times though I had a hard time imaging what the characters looked like, especially Blythe because it seemed like only Ray and Hakim were described in detail all the time. I also felt like the last third of the book was really anti-climatic for all the build up we got in the first half. The dragon didn't play a huge role overall in my opinion and Blythe's character development wasn't what I expected. Even so, I'd read another book by this author.
July 27, 2025
One star for the concept of this book, and one star just because I feel terrible giving only one star. I’m infuriated by the fact I had to pay for this book that had such a high rating and I felt like I was fighting to get through it. The spelling and grammatical errors also pissed me off for the fact I spent money to purchase it and it wasn’t included in my kindle unlimited subscription so I actually coughed up extra money to read it. Disappointing tbh.
October 5, 2020
Pretty good
A wonderful , vibrant and unique book. Unlike any you have read before, this book offers an innovative and uniquely interesting world building. The author has boldly and without any apologies presented a mixed of interesting and entertaining characters. The storyline is unique, Fascinating and entertaining and will leave you starving for more.
A wonderful , vibrant and unique book. Unlike any you have read before, this book offers an innovative and uniquely interesting world building. The author has boldly and without any apologies presented a mixed of interesting and entertaining characters. The storyline is unique, Fascinating and entertaining and will leave you starving for more.
October 1, 2020
Having previously only read serial novellas by this author, I was delighted when she announced a stand-alone novel-length project. This book contains all of the elements that I have come to love this author for, such as satisfying paranormal romance arcs featuring unique and fantastical characters. Draper is still one of the few “reverse harem” authors I have found who incorporates the harem element as a plot point in her stories rather than a titillating excuse for lots of sex. In this particular case, the story would have been satisfying with only the relationship between Blythe and Raina. However, including Hakan and Mizu is entirely relevant to the needs of the story, with the added benefit of highlighting under-represented sexualities (bisexuality and asexuality) in an accepting and loving context.
Initially, I thought that bringing an alternate universe version of “the United States” into this story was unnecessary. However, it allows Draper to fill an influential political role with a character of indigenous descent. The setting also contextualizes how the characters of different ethnicities are in their varying social positions without unnecessary explanation.
By the very concept of the magic system used, this book also comments on gender and social dynamics in a manner that never feels heavy-handed. Raina’s desire to change the status quo does not put her on any sort of pedestal; instead, she is down-to-earth enough that her actions in support of her beliefs come off as sensible rather than revolutionary.
I would happily revisit these characters or this world in the future. They all captured my heart, and the book’s conclusion introduced plenty of changes to the world—the possibility for conflict means a sequel would be relevant rather than self-indulgent.
So, why 4 stars? The text desperately needed a final pass by a copy editor or proofreader before publication. The story is excellent and engaging enough that I never felt the urge to put it down when I stumbled across errors, but I cringed every time.
Initially, I thought that bringing an alternate universe version of “the United States” into this story was unnecessary. However, it allows Draper to fill an influential political role with a character of indigenous descent. The setting also contextualizes how the characters of different ethnicities are in their varying social positions without unnecessary explanation.
By the very concept of the magic system used, this book also comments on gender and social dynamics in a manner that never feels heavy-handed. Raina’s desire to change the status quo does not put her on any sort of pedestal; instead, she is down-to-earth enough that her actions in support of her beliefs come off as sensible rather than revolutionary.
I would happily revisit these characters or this world in the future. They all captured my heart, and the book’s conclusion introduced plenty of changes to the world—the possibility for conflict means a sequel would be relevant rather than self-indulgent.
So, why 4 stars? The text desperately needed a final pass by a copy editor or proofreader before publication. The story is excellent and engaging enough that I never felt the urge to put it down when I stumbled across errors, but I cringed every time.
October 10, 2020
I'm such a huge fan of Kaye Draper and the characters that she creates. It seems like every single book I read of hers is such a journey for each character--a journey of acceptance and love. She creates such unique bonds with unexpected groups of characters, ones that may be considered odd by those around them, misfits, or even outcasts ostracized by the people who should instead be embracing their differences and seeing the value in them, and she does it flawlessly. In her books, love is love. It's as simple as that. She shows us that it can come in many different forms and this is definitely shown in Clockwork Dragon. It's so nice to see people embracing what they truly desire or not judging those who wish to focus on the nonphysical side of love in a relationship instead of physical intimacy. It's different yet everything seems to flow well with Bylthe's little group. There's a balance there that only they are able to accomplish. The relationship between a magi (magic wielding) and a wellspring (a vessel for magic) is usually a give and take type of bond, where the magi takes and the wellspring gives, focusing solely on the magi and what they want or need, but Blythe seriously changes things up being a female wellspring among a sea of males. She's different and has such a unique outlook on life, never expecting much of anything but deserving so much because of the size of her heart. She is part of the catalyst for change, and, boy, does her group make a huge splash when they start shaking things up. I think this is one of my favorites so far by Draper. It's a standalone with a HEA guaranteed to leave you in a blissful state. It's a definite reread for me.
November 2, 2022
It started off really well. I enjoyed the steampunk elements. I enjoyed the characters and how the story developed. I absolutely liked the idea of a dragon guard.
What put me off was the f/f elements, which up till now, I had no idea would be a problem! I’ve read quite a few rh books by now, and I find it astounding that I haven’t come across a poly relationship till this book. How on earth has that even happened? 🤷🏽♀️
I actually liked everything about it, but it seems to me that I have a preference for true rh, instead of mixed harems, and if that’s not a deterrent for you then I’d absolutely recommend reading this.
I’ve read a few other books from this author, and love her unique way of thinking outside the box. Her characters are different to the norm, and it’s awesome and refreshing. Clockwork Dragon does not disappoint in that regard at all.
What put me off was the f/f elements, which up till now, I had no idea would be a problem! I’ve read quite a few rh books by now, and I find it astounding that I haven’t come across a poly relationship till this book. How on earth has that even happened? 🤷🏽♀️
I actually liked everything about it, but it seems to me that I have a preference for true rh, instead of mixed harems, and if that’s not a deterrent for you then I’d absolutely recommend reading this.
I’ve read a few other books from this author, and love her unique way of thinking outside the box. Her characters are different to the norm, and it’s awesome and refreshing. Clockwork Dragon does not disappoint in that regard at all.
February 5, 2021
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
November 11, 2020
More please!
Please, I must have more. There is so much more this unique family could do and become. I love the reverse gender roles and poly relationship. Some parts brought me to tears when our heroes realized they were worth loving. I would love to see how their magic grows over time. Each wellspring has an adventure waiting just for them. I would love to see how the poly group are as parents. Just so much more to tell. I will probably read this one again and again.
Please, I must have more. There is so much more this unique family could do and become. I love the reverse gender roles and poly relationship. Some parts brought me to tears when our heroes realized they were worth loving. I would love to see how their magic grows over time. Each wellspring has an adventure waiting just for them. I would love to see how the poly group are as parents. Just so much more to tell. I will probably read this one again and again.
January 30, 2021
Beautifully Different
I was quite please with this story. It took my head a while to get used to a society set up different than I'm used to. I enjoyed women being in power. I really enjoyed this book and would love to see these characters again even if they are sprinkled in with their progenies stories.
I was quite please with this story. It took my head a while to get used to a society set up different than I'm used to. I enjoyed women being in power. I really enjoyed this book and would love to see these characters again even if they are sprinkled in with their progenies stories.
September 30, 2020
Love
Raina is an amazing character. I feel like she is the main character despite the book being focused on another person. The world building is fantastic.
There were a few very minor errors in editing that didn't actually detract from the story at all
Raina is an amazing character. I feel like she is the main character despite the book being focused on another person. The world building is fantastic.
There were a few very minor errors in editing that didn't actually detract from the story at all
October 3, 2020
Love!
I don’t write too many reviews but I adored this book and universe so much I just had to! Thank you so much for this refreshing and lovely steampunk story! Very fun and exciting read!
I don’t write too many reviews but I adored this book and universe so much I just had to! Thank you so much for this refreshing and lovely steampunk story! Very fun and exciting read!
November 11, 2020
New magical world
Kaye Draper creates a new world with a completely different take on magic. And in typical Kaye Draper style, she weaves in a sweet love story about atypical gender roles. Fun, fast action, lovely read.
Kaye Draper creates a new world with a completely different take on magic. And in typical Kaye Draper style, she weaves in a sweet love story about atypical gender roles. Fun, fast action, lovely read.
December 29, 2020
Liked it
I really liked this book. I loved the switched gender roles. I also really liked how the outcasts became a found-family. The reason for the 3 stars is there are some errors that made me go back and make sure I read some sections correctly. I think after another round of editing, this book would be 4 or 5 stars.
I really liked this book. I loved the switched gender roles. I also really liked how the outcasts became a found-family. The reason for the 3 stars is there are some errors that made me go back and make sure I read some sections correctly. I think after another round of editing, this book would be 4 or 5 stars.
February 6, 2022
I love Kaye Draper!
A ragtag group of people coming together to prove that love comes in so many shapes and sizes. Kaye has done it again! I love her other series and this is a lovely addition to my buy immediately pile🥰🥰
A ragtag group of people coming together to prove that love comes in so many shapes and sizes. Kaye has done it again! I love her other series and this is a lovely addition to my buy immediately pile🥰🥰
October 6, 2020
Another enjoyable tail
I really in joy her unique characters and stories. When others get to feeling formulated, Draper challenges you to think broader.
I really in joy her unique characters and stories. When others get to feeling formulated, Draper challenges you to think broader.
October 8, 2020
I don't read much steampunk but it's Kaye how could I not. Raina, Blythe and there little family are cute. And of course I had a few heart-stopping moments. I am glad they got there happy ending.
October 20, 2020
That was everything
Great. Wonderful. Must read. Love it. Just right. Read it. Read it read it. Just do it. Really just read this book.
Great. Wonderful. Must read. Love it. Just right. Read it. Read it read it. Just do it. Really just read this book.
January 10, 2021
Not the same old thrope
Wonderfully written story. Had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. Loved Rains. This author is now a must read for me
Wonderfully written story. Had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. Loved Rains. This author is now a must read for me
January 17, 2021
Interesting
I love romance, but simetimes it feels like reading the same story over and over. Not this book! Unique and unexpected.
I love romance, but simetimes it feels like reading the same story over and over. Not this book! Unique and unexpected.
February 12, 2021
Sweet
That was a sweeter story than I was prepared for. I enjoyed it very much. But I hoped she would make creatures for all of them.
That was a sweeter story than I was prepared for. I enjoyed it very much. But I hoped she would make creatures for all of them.
June 19, 2022
Read on Kindle. The story moved really fast so I didn’t feel the connection with the characters.
June 20, 2022
Great take on fantasy and politics. Loved it
I love the range of characters and the matriarchy. Great story and the love between the harem. I hope there is a second book.
I love the range of characters and the matriarchy. Great story and the love between the harem. I hope there is a second book.
June 23, 2022
4.5 stars quite good
February 24, 2025
Ooooo heart this so much
Loved it! So fun to read an inverse on gender roles. I need more of this in my life for sure!
Loved it! So fun to read an inverse on gender roles. I need more of this in my life for sure!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews