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The Eternal Machine: Dark Steampunk Fantasy
Keeper of Death is quite a fitting name for a villain, and yet Lythienne finds herself as the only Fae who can save the realm of Iverbourne.
Born as an Empty Fae, she is sent into the Eternal Mountain, a prison designed for the most malicious, blood thirsty and cursed creatures alive. Her crime, along with so many other creatures, is being Lesser than the grand High Fae who rule the divided lands above.
Aether magic rules Iverbourne, a whimsical land ravaged by long held prejudices, unkind to all those without magic. The Others are a mysterious court to the south, kidnapping and murdering all those on their path through the continent.
Only a Fae without Aether can wield the mysterious Harbinger, a weapon of mass destruction needed to defeat the epic evil taking over the realm. The elegant call of immense power corrupts most, especially those who have been mistreated.
Dangerous lust, high stakes adventure and loyal companionship are thrust into Lyth’s life, but can she be the Hero after playing the Villain for so long? After all, why would you want to save a world that wants to see you buried six feet under?
Perhaps this isn’t a hero saves the day story. Perhaps, this is the origin story of the Deadliest Fae alive.
Born as an Empty Fae, she is sent into the Eternal Mountain, a prison designed for the most malicious, blood thirsty and cursed creatures alive. Her crime, along with so many other creatures, is being Lesser than the grand High Fae who rule the divided lands above.
Aether magic rules Iverbourne, a whimsical land ravaged by long held prejudices, unkind to all those without magic. The Others are a mysterious court to the south, kidnapping and murdering all those on their path through the continent.
Only a Fae without Aether can wield the mysterious Harbinger, a weapon of mass destruction needed to defeat the epic evil taking over the realm. The elegant call of immense power corrupts most, especially those who have been mistreated.
Dangerous lust, high stakes adventure and loyal companionship are thrust into Lyth’s life, but can she be the Hero after playing the Villain for so long? After all, why would you want to save a world that wants to see you buried six feet under?
Perhaps this isn’t a hero saves the day story. Perhaps, this is the origin story of the Deadliest Fae alive.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
14 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Aelina Isaacs
11 books90 followersAelina (he/they) is a fantasy punk author with young witch vibes, endless coffee stains, and a craving for adventure. Aelina’s work is heavily influenced by their love of the outdoors and a need for more inclusive fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 17, 2021
Loved this book. Awesome world building. It’s a dark book, there is a good dose of violence but the characters are more than their actions. I really felt the darkness of the underground world of Lyth. I felt her emotions, her anger, conflict, her need for love. Truely immersive story of Fae and magic. Novak had me right from the beginning. Loved the steampunk edge of this story
April 26, 2022
Wow! Where to start?
Let's get the bad out of the way: from an editing standpoint, this book is pretty rough, at least for the first 75%. (If I had to guess, it was started and then finished at different points in the authors education/life.) There were so many mis-matched tenses for most of the book that I was almost wondering if I was reading a book by an ESL author. The FMC's hair is consistently described as burgundy, lilac, and purple...and at least two of those are very different colors. The FMC is also clearly written to be curvier ("wide" is an adjective used often), but is also frequently described as the tiniest person around, including one scene where she hugs someone who "is the only person smaller than her". We (the reader) are often left out of entire scenes, which are only partially filled in by some dialogue later. There are also multiple POVs shifted between in single chapters, as well as scenes along different timelines, and it's not always clear to the reader. There's a ton of world building, as per any fantasy novel, and it's done with varying levels of success.
So why did I keep reading this questionably-edited book where I was often confused about what was happening/who was speaking/when it was happening? Because the plot is really, really good. And I am truly in love with many (most?) of the characters.
This is a fantastic and big effort first fantasy novel from a new author, and . We follow the FMC on an adventure, as she learns who she is, what she brings to the table, and how to love. (If a particular three move into a poly relationship for the second book I will simply die of happiness. On a related note, there are a few good spice scenes but I wouldn't pick up this book expecting lots of smut or anything.) There are many strong female characters (in fact they're the majority), and the male characters are at least somewhat in touch with their emotions and capable of forming real and meaningful friendships. I don't read enough steampunk fantasy to know if this is true within the larger genre, but the world felt unique and the general concepts were easy enough to follow along with. I read the book over two days while traveling, and found myself wanting to get back to it ASAP.
Fair warning: as of the time of this review, it ends on a brutal cliffhanger and I am unsure when the next book of the trilogy is expected to be released. There are two prequel novellas, which I am obviously heading to read. (And hoping that the improved editing I saw in the latter quarter of this book carries over!)
Bonus points for a lovely cover that I'd be happy to have on my physical shelves.
Let's get the bad out of the way: from an editing standpoint, this book is pretty rough, at least for the first 75%. (If I had to guess, it was started and then finished at different points in the authors education/life.) There were so many mis-matched tenses for most of the book that I was almost wondering if I was reading a book by an ESL author. The FMC's hair is consistently described as burgundy, lilac, and purple...and at least two of those are very different colors. The FMC is also clearly written to be curvier ("wide" is an adjective used often), but is also frequently described as the tiniest person around, including one scene where she hugs someone who "is the only person smaller than her". We (the reader) are often left out of entire scenes, which are only partially filled in by some dialogue later. There are also multiple POVs shifted between in single chapters, as well as scenes along different timelines, and it's not always clear to the reader. There's a ton of world building, as per any fantasy novel, and it's done with varying levels of success.
So why did I keep reading this questionably-edited book where I was often confused about what was happening/who was speaking/when it was happening? Because the plot is really, really good. And I am truly in love with many (most?) of the characters.
This is a fantastic and big effort first fantasy novel from a new author, and . We follow the FMC on an adventure, as she learns who she is, what she brings to the table, and how to love. (If a particular three move into a poly relationship for the second book I will simply die of happiness. On a related note, there are a few good spice scenes but I wouldn't pick up this book expecting lots of smut or anything.) There are many strong female characters (in fact they're the majority), and the male characters are at least somewhat in touch with their emotions and capable of forming real and meaningful friendships. I don't read enough steampunk fantasy to know if this is true within the larger genre, but the world felt unique and the general concepts were easy enough to follow along with. I read the book over two days while traveling, and found myself wanting to get back to it ASAP.
Fair warning: as of the time of this review, it ends on a brutal cliffhanger and I am unsure when the next book of the trilogy is expected to be released. There are two prequel novellas, which I am obviously heading to read. (And hoping that the improved editing I saw in the latter quarter of this book carries over!)
Bonus points for a lovely cover that I'd be happy to have on my physical shelves.
October 3, 2021
Such a well detailed storyline! The story starts off a bit heavy as there's alot you are getting introduced to but a smoother read after that. The world building and magic structure is captivating you honestly feel like you could step right into their world and fit in. Lythienne the female mc is edgy, clever, fierce and loyal and exactly what a strong mc should be. It's got space pirates, faeries, magic, enemies to lovers and a bit of spice. Just picture an adult steampunk version of Treasure Planet. Also I have to state I am 100% team Novak ~ you'll know when you know 😁
March 10, 2022
Omg I loved this so much. The whole concept is so on point for what we all love in fantasy but also so unique. With a cast that include a disabled heroine who is BADASS, lgbt characters and poc characters. Also loved the steam punk aesthetic. Epic! Loved it in all it’s dark glory! Honestly haven’t been this excited for a sequel since zodiac academy!
January 21, 2022
Had to read this for the second time… love you aelina, you are a genius
May 17, 2022
Anger does not begin to describe what I am feeling right now. Ma’am you brought me through 449 pages of action, adventure, found family, fated mates, and you leave me here? ON THE CLIFFHANGER OF A CENTURY? I need a moment, maybe a few moments.
Ok, now that I don’t want to watch the world burn, I will TRY to review this without prejudice. You meet and come to LOVE Lyth, the girl thrown in a prison since birth because she was born without Fae magic. She literally overcomes it all, going from orphaned baby to the Keeper of Death in a prison where she’s an inmate herself. Through an incredulous journey, we learn broken Lyth is the key to fixing a broken world. We meet the family of misfits, Alvis, Orion, the Captain, Novak and Lyth. Some make cameos like Pan and Umbre, whose purpose you come to understand AFTER the fact. Eros, who’s power and wit are unmatched and evilness is misunderstood. With these characters the author is able to weave a tale of magic and wonder and adventure that will have you HOOKED.
This story has a lot of potential, the first book in the Take Me to Ivenbourne series definitely is that. There is so much world building and character background story and development that at times I felt forced to skim entire pages of paragraph so I could progress without feeling like I was drowning in words. I feel like there are so many plots, that I won’t spoil. However, I felt like there were holes in these plots, and as I read through some key events I felt like I was still missing something to fully grasp what was happening. That could very well also be a me thing. I am hoping that a lot more is explained in the next few books that will help me find peace and resolve lol.
I can’t say I didn’t love this story, the more I read the more hooked I became. This author knocked it out of the park, there is great fantasy, romance and adventure in these pages. The character she created in Lyth is magnificent not just in personality, but also in representation. Lyth is handicapped, a bilateral lower extremity amputee, who undertakes peril and danger and dishes out the same, despite all obstacles. There’s beautiful LGBTQ+ representation, where upholding that love is love is the main premise of this book. Overall great read, there are some prequels in the story that maybe after I’ve had a small break I’ll tackle to continue the story. For now, the wound is still fresh! Happy reading!
Ok, now that I don’t want to watch the world burn, I will TRY to review this without prejudice. You meet and come to LOVE Lyth, the girl thrown in a prison since birth because she was born without Fae magic. She literally overcomes it all, going from orphaned baby to the Keeper of Death in a prison where she’s an inmate herself. Through an incredulous journey, we learn broken Lyth is the key to fixing a broken world. We meet the family of misfits, Alvis, Orion, the Captain, Novak and Lyth. Some make cameos like Pan and Umbre, whose purpose you come to understand AFTER the fact. Eros, who’s power and wit are unmatched and evilness is misunderstood. With these characters the author is able to weave a tale of magic and wonder and adventure that will have you HOOKED.
This story has a lot of potential, the first book in the Take Me to Ivenbourne series definitely is that. There is so much world building and character background story and development that at times I felt forced to skim entire pages of paragraph so I could progress without feeling like I was drowning in words. I feel like there are so many plots, that I won’t spoil. However, I felt like there were holes in these plots, and as I read through some key events I felt like I was still missing something to fully grasp what was happening. That could very well also be a me thing. I am hoping that a lot more is explained in the next few books that will help me find peace and resolve lol.
I can’t say I didn’t love this story, the more I read the more hooked I became. This author knocked it out of the park, there is great fantasy, romance and adventure in these pages. The character she created in Lyth is magnificent not just in personality, but also in representation. Lyth is handicapped, a bilateral lower extremity amputee, who undertakes peril and danger and dishes out the same, despite all obstacles. There’s beautiful LGBTQ+ representation, where upholding that love is love is the main premise of this book. Overall great read, there are some prequels in the story that maybe after I’ve had a small break I’ll tackle to continue the story. For now, the wound is still fresh! Happy reading!
September 6, 2022
This book was amazing!
Aelina has such a unique story telling style that it is truly immersive and captivating. The world building is flawless and sprinkled throughout the book, enabling the scenes to leap from the pages.
The characters are wonderfully diverse. Each one is well thought out and fully rounded, with engaging and relatable personalities. They feel like real people, and I want more stories about ALL of them.
The plot had me in a choke hold, dragging me through every emotion possible, right up until the brutal cliff-hanger at the end (which had me crying my eyes out).
This is a fantastic story that has elements in it that as a fantasy reader I am familiar with and fond of. But at the same time is written in such a way that it feels effortlessly unique.
I couldn't put this book down, and I can't recommend it enough.
Aelina has such a unique story telling style that it is truly immersive and captivating. The world building is flawless and sprinkled throughout the book, enabling the scenes to leap from the pages.
The characters are wonderfully diverse. Each one is well thought out and fully rounded, with engaging and relatable personalities. They feel like real people, and I want more stories about ALL of them.
The plot had me in a choke hold, dragging me through every emotion possible, right up until the brutal cliff-hanger at the end (which had me crying my eyes out).
This is a fantastic story that has elements in it that as a fantasy reader I am familiar with and fond of. But at the same time is written in such a way that it feels effortlessly unique.
I couldn't put this book down, and I can't recommend it enough.
April 24, 2024
What an ending!!! I need the next book immediately.
April 29, 2024
holy shit my heart is pounding after that ending
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews