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Hellion House #3
Leopard Ascending: a novel of gaslight and magic
When courage and a crack shot aren’t enough
After violence shatters Miranda Fletcher’s world, she swears to protect those she loves. An air captain’s daughter, she has courage enough to battle hungry monsters. Now a different threat hides among them—one much harder to destroy.
Miranda seeks out her rebel brother, Gideon, for aid. A private inquiry agent, he’s searching for victims no one else dares to find. When one of his father’s airships is blown from the sky, Gideon suspects his cases are linked to the disaster, and his family is the villain’s new target.
Danger hides everywhere—in gaslit clubs and drawing rooms, in the secret halls of the mages, and among the monsters of the forest. Uncovering the city’s dire truth could cost Miranda and Gideon their lives—or condemn them to a fate more terrible than the grave.
After violence shatters Miranda Fletcher’s world, she swears to protect those she loves. An air captain’s daughter, she has courage enough to battle hungry monsters. Now a different threat hides among them—one much harder to destroy.
Miranda seeks out her rebel brother, Gideon, for aid. A private inquiry agent, he’s searching for victims no one else dares to find. When one of his father’s airships is blown from the sky, Gideon suspects his cases are linked to the disaster, and his family is the villain’s new target.
Danger hides everywhere—in gaslit clubs and drawing rooms, in the secret halls of the mages, and among the monsters of the forest. Uncovering the city’s dire truth could cost Miranda and Gideon their lives—or condemn them to a fate more terrible than the grave.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2022
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Emma Jane Holloway
18 books244 followersEver since childhood, Emma Jane Holloway refused to accept that history was nothing but facts prisoned behind the closed door of time. Why waste a perfectly good playground coloring within the timelines? Accordingly, her novels are filled with whimsical impossibilities and the occasional eye-blinking impertinence—but always in the service of grand adventure.
Struggling between the practical and the artistic—a family tradition, along with ghosts and a belief in the curative powers of shortbread—Emma Jane has a degree in literature and job in finance. She lives in the Pacific Northwest in a house crammed with books, musical instruments, and half-finished sewing projects. In the meantime, she’s published articles, essays, short stories, and enough novels to build a fort for her stuffed hedgehog.
Struggling between the practical and the artistic—a family tradition, along with ghosts and a belief in the curative powers of shortbread—Emma Jane has a degree in literature and job in finance. She lives in the Pacific Northwest in a house crammed with books, musical instruments, and half-finished sewing projects. In the meantime, she’s published articles, essays, short stories, and enough novels to build a fort for her stuffed hedgehog.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 29, 2022
I would have to say that this is probably my first book from this type of genre! I am so glad I was able to find the time to read Leopard Ascending! It was a breath of fresh air for me and something I wouldn’t normally read. But glad I did. Emma Jane Holloway is a masterful storyteller! I found myself smiling through the book at times. I also loved the use of older words or words not often used in this day and time…like churlish, folly, feckless! A very fresh take on my normal read! Like any good book should, Leopard Ascending had the capability to draw me from my world completely into the world of the book. I got lost in the words and the story and felt at times as if I were really looking at things described in the book almost as if it were real!
It was a page turner that once I started reading couldn’t stop!
Breath of fresh air.. I have never read anything like this book and I absolutely loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was a page turner that once I started reading couldn’t stop!
Breath of fresh air.. I have never read anything like this book and I absolutely loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2022
The latest installment in Emma Jane Holloway’s Hellion House series artfully transports you to a world that’s just close enough to ours that it feels entirely real. Leopard Ascending is a perfect combination of action and mystery, with short chapters that are aptly paced. As promised, you can read it as a standalone story, though you’ll probably want to read the others in the series as soon as you’re finished! Holloway describes the steampunk elements so well you can see the gears turning in her brain. It will definitely leave you wanting more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2022
You thought this was just another steampunks vs zombies tale. You thought wrong. While it could be read without prior knowledge thanks to some nifty recapping of prior events, I honestly don't know why you'd deny yourself the steady layering of intrigues and action provided by Fortune's Eve: a short story of gaslight and magic and Scorpion Dawn: a novella of gaslight and magic. This third instalment following the walled city of Londria and it's notable Fletcher family serves up more of the same and then some. My eyes were glued to the pages and I honestly feared reaching the end.
Our story picks up some time after the events of Scorpion Dawn and dives straight in with Gideon Fletcher, investigative agent, chasing down yet another of the vicious Unseen while chasing up the lead on another missing person case. Strangely, he finds allies in unexpected places... And enemies that aren't quite what he thinks. Meanwhile his youngest sibling Miranda is trying to help out with the family business while moonlighting as The Scorpion to hunt down the Unseen who took her sister Sidonie all those months ago. While overseeing the maiden voyage of the airship Leopard and testing out her father's latest invention designed to keep the city safe, disaster strikes. Armed with the knowledge that the ship was sabotaged and a disturbing inkling that the magic of the mysterious Conclave was involved, Miranda won't rest until she has answers. Just what games are the supposed magical protectors of Londria playing?
What. A. Ride. With pitch-perfect slow-boil pacing and a whole world of new revelations to unpack, this book has a little of everything to keep you gripped. Mystery? Magic? Action? A tiny smidge of possible romance? World building to die for? It checks all those boxes and leaves you hungry for more.
For this is so much more than your usual Cherie Priest-like steampunk and zombies. For one thing, it's not horror. Yes, the Unseen are somewhat zombie-like but... Well, to say more is spoiler territory, but let's just say they're more complex and interesting than your average shambling horror. It's one of those stories designed to make you ask just who is the monster here, playing with plenty of moral gray areas. There are heroes and villains, but there's a little more to them than just being good or evil.
We hop between the POVs of Gideon and Miranda (and the third spoilerific-but-trust-me-it's-good character), watching two halves of the same investigation come together. Both siblings are somewhat awkward, but both are driven by their need to find out what became of their beloved older sister Sidonie. They encounter not just the Unseen, but the mad mages of the Conclave who have their own intrigues to weave. Add in plenty of action and adventure, not to mention some interesting side characters by way of Hellion House owner Mrs Randall (a Madam with many secrets) and the dashing William Kitterage (a dilettante... with many secrets), and there's more fun than you can shake your aether gun at.
I think my favourite thing was finding out about the Unseen and how they came to be, as it's been foreshadowed but still feels like a new fresh twist on the tropes. The characters that come out of it are cruelly fascinating.
Nitpicks? A couple of times information is told rather than coming in organically or having been foreshadowed in earlier books (how Gideon knows about Unseen "kings" for example), and sometimes it seemed characters gave away information a little too easily (one character seems strangely happy with dole out exposition to our heroes despite it seeming odd for them to do so).
While it's a To Be Continued sort of ending, it wraps up what feels like the first story arc of the series. You'll get some answers (trust me, those are juicy) but there's still much work to be done for our intrepid cast. I cannot wait for the next book in this series that only gets better as it goes along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our story picks up some time after the events of Scorpion Dawn and dives straight in with Gideon Fletcher, investigative agent, chasing down yet another of the vicious Unseen while chasing up the lead on another missing person case. Strangely, he finds allies in unexpected places... And enemies that aren't quite what he thinks. Meanwhile his youngest sibling Miranda is trying to help out with the family business while moonlighting as The Scorpion to hunt down the Unseen who took her sister Sidonie all those months ago. While overseeing the maiden voyage of the airship Leopard and testing out her father's latest invention designed to keep the city safe, disaster strikes. Armed with the knowledge that the ship was sabotaged and a disturbing inkling that the magic of the mysterious Conclave was involved, Miranda won't rest until she has answers. Just what games are the supposed magical protectors of Londria playing?
What. A. Ride. With pitch-perfect slow-boil pacing and a whole world of new revelations to unpack, this book has a little of everything to keep you gripped. Mystery? Magic? Action? A tiny smidge of possible romance? World building to die for? It checks all those boxes and leaves you hungry for more.
For this is so much more than your usual Cherie Priest-like steampunk and zombies. For one thing, it's not horror. Yes, the Unseen are somewhat zombie-like but... Well, to say more is spoiler territory, but let's just say they're more complex and interesting than your average shambling horror. It's one of those stories designed to make you ask just who is the monster here, playing with plenty of moral gray areas. There are heroes and villains, but there's a little more to them than just being good or evil.
We hop between the POVs of Gideon and Miranda (and the third spoilerific-but-trust-me-it's-good character), watching two halves of the same investigation come together. Both siblings are somewhat awkward, but both are driven by their need to find out what became of their beloved older sister Sidonie. They encounter not just the Unseen, but the mad mages of the Conclave who have their own intrigues to weave. Add in plenty of action and adventure, not to mention some interesting side characters by way of Hellion House owner Mrs Randall (a Madam with many secrets) and the dashing William Kitterage (a dilettante... with many secrets), and there's more fun than you can shake your aether gun at.
I think my favourite thing was finding out about the Unseen and how they came to be, as it's been foreshadowed but still feels like a new fresh twist on the tropes. The characters that come out of it are cruelly fascinating.
Nitpicks? A couple of times information is told rather than coming in organically or having been foreshadowed in earlier books (how Gideon knows about Unseen "kings" for example), and sometimes it seemed characters gave away information a little too easily (one character seems strangely happy with dole out exposition to our heroes despite it seeming odd for them to do so).
While it's a To Be Continued sort of ending, it wraps up what feels like the first story arc of the series. You'll get some answers (trust me, those are juicy) but there's still much work to be done for our intrepid cast. I cannot wait for the next book in this series that only gets better as it goes along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2022
Oh wow, lots going on in this installment of the Hellion House series. The Fletcher family is still reeling from the taking of Gideon’s twin sister Sidonie by the Unseen, and Gideon has distanced himself from the family to protect them as he investigates the disappearances of a number of society’s members in addition to his sister, since this is frowned on by the Conclave and it’s mages. Miranda is also engaged in activities that will get her in trouble with the Conclave, since as the Scorpion, she’s hunting the Unseen within the city, when there aren’t supposed to be any within the magic protected walls. We find out much more about the vicious monsters known as the Unseen, as well as somewhat more intelligent ones that live with them outside the walls, and a possible connection to the Conclave. As both Gideon and Miranda encounter more action than they ever expected, the story advances apace into an exciting conclusion, answering many questions but leaving more to be discovered in the next book, which I’m very much looking forward to reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2023
There is trouble brewing and those in power appear to turn a blind eye. But our hero and heroine won't take that approach, which leads them to lots of trouble and very few allies. No one said doing the right thing was easy.
This is nominally book three of the series. But it also does pretty well as a standalone. All the essential bits are covered early on.
This is a steampunk series with a lot of action. The story is well written and easy to read with a plot that moves at a very fast pace, almost daring you to keep up. Both the characters and the setting are well done and full of all those intriguing elements you find in steampunk stories. It was a lot of fun watching our characters in action and there was never a dull moment. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is nominally book three of the series. But it also does pretty well as a standalone. All the essential bits are covered early on.
This is a steampunk series with a lot of action. The story is well written and easy to read with a plot that moves at a very fast pace, almost daring you to keep up. Both the characters and the setting are well done and full of all those intriguing elements you find in steampunk stories. It was a lot of fun watching our characters in action and there was never a dull moment. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and am definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
August 27, 2022
Holloway does an amazing job of spinning her words into a world of magic, mystery, and machines that one can easily travel there from the comfort of one's favorite reading spot. The reader is able to experience several points of view, which adds even more suspense and intrigue. Throw in cliff-hanger chapter endings and multiple plot twists along for the adventure, and the reader will forget that these are just words on a page. This latest installment of the Hellion House series lived up to the standard of the first two books, so the reader knows that they will not be let down if looking for excitement (it could be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the other two titles in this series). I am anticipating the next installment!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2022
I don't often read steampunk novels but I definitely enjoyed this one.
The plot is well constructed and well executed with "monsters", mages and civilians all struggling for control of a mythical London called Londra and it ends with an epic battle that features airships, magic and plenty of blood and gore.
I liked the characters, particularly the 4 siblings of the central family and I loved the fact that it was only in the last few pages that I discovered it wasn't actually a stand alone novel and I'll have more chances to follow this wonderful world and attention grabbing family. No cliffhangers, just a chance to find out how they got to where they are and another story featuring the same great characters.
Highly recommended.
The plot is well constructed and well executed with "monsters", mages and civilians all struggling for control of a mythical London called Londra and it ends with an epic battle that features airships, magic and plenty of blood and gore.
I liked the characters, particularly the 4 siblings of the central family and I loved the fact that it was only in the last few pages that I discovered it wasn't actually a stand alone novel and I'll have more chances to follow this wonderful world and attention grabbing family. No cliffhangers, just a chance to find out how they got to where they are and another story featuring the same great characters.
Highly recommended.
August 1, 2022
This latest book in Emma Jane Holloway’s Hellion House series artfully transports you to a world that’s just close enough to ours that it feels utterly real.
Leopard Ascending flawlessly combines action and mystery, with brief chapters that are paced with great care to the reader.
As promised, you can read it as a standalone story, though you’ll probably want to read the others in the series as soon as you’re finished.
Holloway describes the steampunk elements so well you can see the gears turning in her brain and might even hear the turn in your own.
It will definitely leave you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leopard Ascending flawlessly combines action and mystery, with brief chapters that are paced with great care to the reader.
As promised, you can read it as a standalone story, though you’ll probably want to read the others in the series as soon as you’re finished.
Holloway describes the steampunk elements so well you can see the gears turning in her brain and might even hear the turn in your own.
It will definitely leave you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2022
A gripping read even if you’re not into steampunk fantasy (it’s not my favorite genre). Emma Jane's worldbuilding is as good as ever (check out her Niece of Sherlock Holmes stories if you haven't yet) and her plot twists are as surprising to the reader as to the heroes. It’s a page turner, especially in the aerial scenes, although it does suffer from the occasional dull moment. The story is told from well-balanced multiple points-of-view, the reader learning what’s going on at the same time as the heroes. My only qualm is that the good guys are always good, and the bad guys are insufferably bad. Would you add a little seasoning in the next installment, Emma Jane?
August 30, 2022
I enjoyed Leopard Ascending, I think it is the best of the three books. Things are coming to a head and mysteries are opening up. It wraps up the main threads of the story and leaves the reader wondering what will be in store for Fletcher family in the future. Holloway has written some very good characters and keeps the suspense of the story moving along well. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2022
Great steampunk/gaslight world building. Lots of action, mystery and romance what else do you need. So much detail describing this world, lots to get your mind around. The characters are not your usual which adds to the charm. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so leads into the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2022
I've really been enjoying the Hellion House Steampunk series, it's been a fun journey from the first book to this one. The characters are interesting and worked in the steampunk atmosphere. I hope there is more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2022
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. Mysteries, monsters, sabotage and treacherous moments will have you reading from the 1st page til the last with the ending having you want to know what happens next. The plot is fast moving and exciting. Starting with mysterious disappearances and ending with answers that are truly heroic, makes for a delightful evening of reading
August 28, 2022
What a truly great mix of magic and steampunk. This was my first book by the author but the books seem like they can be read out of order. Great story with a lot going on. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2024
What a treat!
This is an intriguing and engaging read and beautifully written. Yes, there are some minor errors, but nothing too distracting, and I couldn't wait to read more whenever I had to put this down.
This is an intriguing and engaging read and beautifully written. Yes, there are some minor errors, but nothing too distracting, and I couldn't wait to read more whenever I had to put this down.
July 25, 2022
This was an absolute fascinating book in a series that is a thriller of a read. Simply amazing.
August 24, 2022
A first book from this amazing author. Refreshing, totally different than my usual. Magic, intrigue and wonderful characters to keep you wanting more. I’m certainly hooked forever.
August 29, 2022
This is the first of Emma Jane Holloway's books I have read. It will not be the last. Leopard Ascending took a bit of time for me to fall into. But it eventually caught me like a grappling hook and pulled me aboard.
I enjoy the characters and the various ins and outs throughout the book. I look forward to the novellas and the other full length books in the Hellion House series.
I enjoy the characters and the various ins and outs throughout the book. I look forward to the novellas and the other full length books in the Hellion House series.
July 27, 2022
Liked the first one in the series and the plot keeps growing. Every one has a cause to advance and they aren't all looking at the same goal. So how do you tell the "good guys" from the others?
Turns out that you can't always tell.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review. As always I want to point out that giving me a copy gets me to read it. The review is what I think, that hasn't always been what an author wanted to see.
Turns out that you can't always tell.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review. As always I want to point out that giving me a copy gets me to read it. The review is what I think, that hasn't always been what an author wanted to see.
August 29, 2022
An action filled steampunk story, you had me at steampunk. The author has great world building skills. A remarkable plot and characters. Everything you want in a steampunk tale, it has action, drama and mysteries. An exciting story from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2025
This is a GREAT story! I've only read a few steampunk stories, but if this is typical I'll be reading a lot more of it. There is plenty of action, close calls, monsters, powerful mages who control the population with fear, missing persons to find. don't miss this story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews