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Seasons of Soldark #1
The Clockwork Ice Dragon
An invention gone wrong. A city buried in snow. And she only has ‘til Christmas to make it right.
Aurelia Sundon has an idea for a brilliant invention that will ensure her family’s financial future. But the elite inventor’s guild has imposed a ridiculous deadline for invention Christmas Day. With only four days until the deadline, Aurelia thinks she can finish it in time.
Until her old love Frederick Grandville, son of the city’s most powerful inventor, steps back into her life. With a fantastic invention of his own to enter in the competition, Frederick might just be the downfall of Aurelia’s career--again. But when his invention goes out of control, the wondrous snow it brought to the ever-sunny city of Soldark turns into an outright blizzard.With a broken promise between them, she’s not so sure she wants to help him, but with days left until Christmas, she’ll need to figure out a way to keep Frederick’s mistake from ruining her own invention, and her chances at a better life.
Aurelia Sundon has an idea for a brilliant invention that will ensure her family’s financial future. But the elite inventor’s guild has imposed a ridiculous deadline for invention Christmas Day. With only four days until the deadline, Aurelia thinks she can finish it in time.
Until her old love Frederick Grandville, son of the city’s most powerful inventor, steps back into her life. With a fantastic invention of his own to enter in the competition, Frederick might just be the downfall of Aurelia’s career--again. But when his invention goes out of control, the wondrous snow it brought to the ever-sunny city of Soldark turns into an outright blizzard.With a broken promise between them, she’s not so sure she wants to help him, but with days left until Christmas, she’ll need to figure out a way to keep Frederick’s mistake from ruining her own invention, and her chances at a better life.
98 pages, Paperback
Published November 9, 2020
2 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Liz Delton
32 books157 followersLiz Delton writes and lives in New England, with her husband and sons. She studied Theater Management at the University of the Arts in Philly, always having enjoyed the backstage life of storytelling.
World-building is her favorite part of writing, and she is always dreaming up new fantastic places.
She loves drinking tea and traveling. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her baking in the kitchen, or out in the garden trying to keep her plants alive.
World-building is her favorite part of writing, and she is always dreaming up new fantastic places.
She loves drinking tea and traveling. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her baking in the kitchen, or out in the garden trying to keep her plants alive.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 17, 2023
A cosy, sweet novella. Aurelia needs to win the membership to the inventor's union, but time stands in her way... and an old flame might be the only way she can win. If he wasn't competing as well, of course.
This is a very short "under an hour read," so kudos to Delton for making me want more!
I liked Aurelia, and I would have liked more time with the characters. Some plot points resolved very conveniently and I would have liked to see more a emotional reaction from the MMC regarding a certain event that took place in the character's history (spoilers below if you want to know exactly what that is!) but it didn't deter me from enjoying the book. It has Christmas Day in it and snow, but it wasn't an overly cheesy holiday Hallmark special, which I enjoyed. Definitely recommend!
Spoilers below!
This is a very short "under an hour read," so kudos to Delton for making me want more!
I liked Aurelia, and I would have liked more time with the characters. Some plot points resolved very conveniently and I would have liked to see more a emotional reaction from the MMC regarding a certain event that took place in the character's history (spoilers below if you want to know exactly what that is!) but it didn't deter me from enjoying the book. It has Christmas Day in it and snow, but it wasn't an overly cheesy holiday Hallmark special, which I enjoyed. Definitely recommend!
Spoilers below!
December 23, 2020
I loved this steampunk Christmas novella so much, aaahhh! It just... made me happy. The perfect little Christmas read if you have an hour you need to fill with some steampunk with a dash of romance on the side--and lots of snow. I just keep smiling! So glad I picked this one up. (Perfect for fans of H.L. Burke's steampunk stories.)
November 9, 2020
I found this story to be very compelling and an interesting read. I definitely want to read more about these characters and this world. I love steampunk and particularly like the idea of a woman inventor who works her way into the guild.
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.
December 5, 2022
Aurelia starts off as a bit of a brat, angry that Frederick got the inventors apprenticeship instead of her assuming it was because of his wealthy father. But her dedication and concern for her parents quickly make her more sympathetic. She needs to win the Inventors Union competition to save her parents' farm, and she’s sure that her mag train will. But she only has four days to finish it since the judging will take place on Christmas Day. When Frederick's competition entry - a clockwork dragon that can make it snow gets out of hand and buries Soldark in unaccustomed snow, Aurelia agrees to help him stop it.
This is a sweet novella with a snow filled Christmas setting. It’s one of a series of novellas in the same setting, each taking place in a different season and focused around a seasonal holiday.
This is a sweet novella with a snow filled Christmas setting. It’s one of a series of novellas in the same setting, each taking place in a different season and focused around a seasonal holiday.
December 21, 2022
Steampunk? Dragon? Christmas? Sign me up! I bought this little novella without previewing it for all of the above reasons.
It’s a fun story, with excellent world-building, and a little romance at the center. Unfortunately, my biggest gripe is the FMC. She…irked me. Holding a grudge for seven years without checking her facts just…didn’t sit well. I found myself unsympathetic to her because she was just so unfeeling and stubborn. But then, I intensely dislike the misunderstanding trope, so bear that in mind.
If you like/love the misunderstanding trope, you’ll probably adore this story. It feels like steampunk meets Hallmark.
Don’t mistake me, I did like a lot of it, especially the meticulous steampunk details, and the setting—and the MMC Frederick—but it’s not a favorite. Still, as an indie book it will sit proudly on my bookshelves.
July 24, 2024
This is the final story I read in the Seasons of Soldark series. Aurelia is an inventor on a tight deadline! Opening up an apprenticeship to the Inventors Guild in Soldark, inventors are given 4 days to prepare an invention worthy of an apprenticeship. But of course, it snows when there hasn't been snow in over 100 years. Her "enemy" Frederick claims the snow is his fault and now he cannot control it. They must put aside their differences and help each other before the deadline is up.
Of course, this is another wonderful quick read! As always you get so immersed the story is over before you know it! It has all the wonder of Christmas and steampunk imagination! Both Aurelia and Frederick are determined. And luckily for Aurelia, Frederick has multiple reasons to be so determined!
What a fun way to end the Seasons of Soldark novellas!
Of course, this is another wonderful quick read! As always you get so immersed the story is over before you know it! It has all the wonder of Christmas and steampunk imagination! Both Aurelia and Frederick are determined. And luckily for Aurelia, Frederick has multiple reasons to be so determined!
What a fun way to end the Seasons of Soldark novellas!
November 21, 2025
The conclusion through our seasons in Soldark is Aurelia. She is an inventor and desperate to win the competition the Inventors Union is putting on. Even if she only has four days to complete her entry and even if it ends on Christmas. The person seemingly standing in her way is her rival Frederick. Frederick comes to her in desperation though, as he has lost control of his clockwork ice dragon and stop it snowing.
Aurelia is headstrong and passionate about her inventions. The snow throws so many distractions in her way, along with Frederick. The author continues her stunning descriptions in this book and I could see the inventions that she laid out in front of me. I loved the time pressure of the competition and the relationship that she has with her parents. I'm sad that this world is coming to an end, but know I will visit it again every season!
Aurelia is headstrong and passionate about her inventions. The snow throws so many distractions in her way, along with Frederick. The author continues her stunning descriptions in this book and I could see the inventions that she laid out in front of me. I loved the time pressure of the competition and the relationship that she has with her parents. I'm sad that this world is coming to an end, but know I will visit it again every season!
January 1, 2023
A short novella good for the winter holiday season.
To me it felt a bit like two stories combined, and I'm rounding my 3.5* up because I liked the part about the inventors and challenges and working to achieve the dream a lot. The romance and Christmas part felt a bit too US contemporary, so it didn't really work for me. All the little nods to suburban Christams don't stir any warm associations as they were certainly meant to simply because it's not really my culture, and the romance I didn't find necessary. Friendship would have been more heartwarming for me personally.
The steampunk part is lovely, though, I'm interested in the rest of the series.
To me it felt a bit like two stories combined, and I'm rounding my 3.5* up because I liked the part about the inventors and challenges and working to achieve the dream a lot. The romance and Christmas part felt a bit too US contemporary, so it didn't really work for me. All the little nods to suburban Christams don't stir any warm associations as they were certainly meant to simply because it's not really my culture, and the romance I didn't find necessary. Friendship would have been more heartwarming for me personally.
The steampunk part is lovely, though, I'm interested in the rest of the series.
November 10, 2020
Christmas invention gone wrong! This novella is only 10 chapters but it’s still a great story. Perfect for steampunk lovers with a little Christmas twist thrown in.
I really liked the main character and thought it was great what she was trying to accomplish. Frederick was an interesting character who just wanted to be seen again. I enjoyed the little romance that was included in this story. I’m glad that they could finally work together again and hopefully figure things out in the end.
Cute steampunky Christmas read. Definitely recommend reading this one!
I really liked the main character and thought it was great what she was trying to accomplish. Frederick was an interesting character who just wanted to be seen again. I enjoyed the little romance that was included in this story. I’m glad that they could finally work together again and hopefully figure things out in the end.
Cute steampunky Christmas read. Definitely recommend reading this one!
November 10, 2020
A magical steampunk tale.
This piece is as much a steampunk as fairytale too beautifully written it was a compelling story. The characters were so good Aurelia was a woman inventor who worked hard and did what she needed to do to take care of the challenges that get thrown at her. Written in a magical way the author has given the reader a fun and entertaining work of art. I loved the book, I liked the cover and the dragon was awesome. If you like steampunk pick this one up! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This piece is as much a steampunk as fairytale too beautifully written it was a compelling story. The characters were so good Aurelia was a woman inventor who worked hard and did what she needed to do to take care of the challenges that get thrown at her. Written in a magical way the author has given the reader a fun and entertaining work of art. I loved the book, I liked the cover and the dragon was awesome. If you like steampunk pick this one up! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
December 24, 2020
Christmas and clockwork
The Clockwork Ice Dragon is a delightful holiday tale of high hopes and determination. It's also a light romance, about a guy just trying to impress a girl. He goes about it all wrong.
It's also a cautionary tale about how people do not know how to drive in snow.
I loved the fun steampunk aesthetic of this story.
It would make a fun read for any time of the year but it setting it at Christmas time added a certain context of wonder that just made it more special.
The Clockwork Ice Dragon is a delightful holiday tale of high hopes and determination. It's also a light romance, about a guy just trying to impress a girl. He goes about it all wrong.
It's also a cautionary tale about how people do not know how to drive in snow.
I loved the fun steampunk aesthetic of this story.
It would make a fun read for any time of the year but it setting it at Christmas time added a certain context of wonder that just made it more special.
July 8, 2022
Christmas and steampunk! Hurray! 🥳🥳🥳
Eager to earn a spot in the Inventor’s Guild, Aurelia is busy building an invention which will be sure to win the upcoming contest. Only her old love and rival Frederick has an invention of his own which goes awry, leaving the city buried in snow. They must work together to save the city from the unending snow ❄️
It was really cute. I just wish it was longer. I would have liked to see more of Aurelia and Frederick together, but for as short as it is the story was still good 😃
Eager to earn a spot in the Inventor’s Guild, Aurelia is busy building an invention which will be sure to win the upcoming contest. Only her old love and rival Frederick has an invention of his own which goes awry, leaving the city buried in snow. They must work together to save the city from the unending snow ❄️
It was really cute. I just wish it was longer. I would have liked to see more of Aurelia and Frederick together, but for as short as it is the story was still good 😃
August 12, 2025
Festive mood
This short novella tells a story of Aurelia, a gifted inventor hoping for a better job, her old friend/nemesis Frederick who screws up (almost) the Christmas in Soldark with snow, and one competition with prizes to be won on the Christmas day. I truly enjoy all things steampunk, so this story was no different, packed into four days leading to Christmas, full of snow, and correcting past misunderstandings. And Aurelia's invention is really great, although I must also appreciate Frederick's flare with his dragon :) nice read!
This short novella tells a story of Aurelia, a gifted inventor hoping for a better job, her old friend/nemesis Frederick who screws up (almost) the Christmas in Soldark with snow, and one competition with prizes to be won on the Christmas day. I truly enjoy all things steampunk, so this story was no different, packed into four days leading to Christmas, full of snow, and correcting past misunderstandings. And Aurelia's invention is really great, although I must also appreciate Frederick's flare with his dragon :) nice read!
November 11, 2020
Aurelia comes up with a brilliant invention to help ensure her family's future. Only one problem she has four days to finish it by Christmas. Her rival Fredrick's invention goes out of control and could ruin her chances. Will she pull together with her rival and make the chance at a better life for her and her family? Read and find out!!! Enjoy!!!
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 29, 2020
This book is definitely a steampunk novel, and one where romance takes second place. Don't get me wrong, romance is definitely there but it doesn't dominate the story. Loved Aurelia's invention and she deserved to be recognised for it, even if the young man who treated her badly in the past has made his own invention - is it as good as Aurelia's? Good read especially if you love steampunk.
November 12, 2020
Liz Delton did an amazing job writing this book. The characters are well written. I like the way she brings Aurelia Sundon and Frederick Grandville together to solve the invention problems. And the ending was great.
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.
November 21, 2020
The Clockwork Ice Dragon by Liz Delton is a wonderful story that I have loved reading. I am so glad I read this story it was a clean romance and the characters and story line were wonderful. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Holiday Romance.
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.
November 26, 2021
Sweeter than a white chocolate peppermint mocha
I picked up this story based on the title and wasn't disappointed. I've read some steampunk, but this was the first piece that had a Christmas theme to it. The best part was the author's descriptive prose, creating a technological picture I could see easily in my mind.
I picked up this story based on the title and wasn't disappointed. I've read some steampunk, but this was the first piece that had a Christmas theme to it. The best part was the author's descriptive prose, creating a technological picture I could see easily in my mind.
December 12, 2021
I got this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a cute Christmassy steampunk adventure! It’s hard to world build in a short story but somehow Liz Delton makes you feel as if you know Soldark and it’s citizens without rushing the plot.
Love the steampunk devices as well. Definitely worth a read.
What a cute Christmassy steampunk adventure! It’s hard to world build in a short story but somehow Liz Delton makes you feel as if you know Soldark and it’s citizens without rushing the plot.
Love the steampunk devices as well. Definitely worth a read.
January 6, 2023
Nice novella. Very good steampunk references. Very relatable story about a struggling inventor juggling work, time on her invention, an old relationship and all the while trying to save her town and her family's farm from a freak neverending snowstorm, also trying to win the local inventors contest, all on Christmas day. Kept my attention, finished in two days.
November 22, 2025
I absolutely loved the narrator of the audiobook! They make the whole story feel alive and I was surprised by how quickly I got pulled in, especially since it is only a novella. And honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of steampunk? I am definitely curious to check out the other books set in this world.
December 23, 2022
Cute holiday story and fun world, but characters needed some development. I know a novella is meant to be shorter but there was so little motive for certain key things that could have really added to the story.
November 20, 2021
Touching story
What not to like? Inventions, mystery, and thrills. This was truly fun romance twisted around a steampunk theme. I’m looking for more of these stories.
What not to like? Inventions, mystery, and thrills. This was truly fun romance twisted around a steampunk theme. I’m looking for more of these stories.
April 14, 2022
Not your typical Christmas story. This story follows the determination of one woman to pursue her dreams, face her past and let in just a bit of the magic that Christmas promises.
December 25, 2022
This was a nice cute Christmas reas
November 16, 2025
This cozy, steampunk novella with a touch of romance was a great kick-off to my holiday season reads! 🎄📖
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series..
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series..
January 2, 2022
Sometimes you just need something cozy.
This is a simple, sweet, short book that has some good holiday feelings. Fun steampunk world with some cool design elements and an overall likeable heroine and love interest. It might've been higher on the list, but the eventually revealed reason for the rift between them was, to me, a misunderstanding that should never have happened (like could've been resolved almost instantly with a quick talk sort of issue with the main character choosing to believe something overheard from someone who she would have not reason to trust and never bothering to ask her boyfriend if said thing was actually true before just writing him off forever.). Maybe people do this in real life, but when you have an otherwise fairly level headed MC do it, it always bugs me. That said, the relationship rift is a backdrop to the story, not the story itself, so you can enjoy the book even if that is irritating to you.
This is a simple, sweet, short book that has some good holiday feelings. Fun steampunk world with some cool design elements and an overall likeable heroine and love interest. It might've been higher on the list, but the eventually revealed reason for the rift between them was, to me, a misunderstanding that should never have happened (like could've been resolved almost instantly with a quick talk sort of issue with the main character choosing to believe something overheard from someone who she would have not reason to trust and never bothering to ask her boyfriend if said thing was actually true before just writing him off forever.). Maybe people do this in real life, but when you have an otherwise fairly level headed MC do it, it always bugs me. That said, the relationship rift is a backdrop to the story, not the story itself, so you can enjoy the book even if that is irritating to you.
November 18, 2025
Another reread of this one, this time via audio! I absolutely adore this series. It's so so so cozy and delightful and unique! This one in particular is perfect for the holiday season with all the snowy winter vibes! And a clockwork ice dragon?! So cool!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews