A Conspiracy of Alchemists

January 14, 2013
Elle Chance is a lone zeppelin pilot in a 1903 Europe where technology fueled by magic is commonplace. After agreeing to deliver a mysterious locked box for Mr. Marsh, whose arrogance is matched by his wealth, Elle is hunted by powerful agents of the supernatural—some who want to imprison her in a gilded cage and may have killed her mother, and others who would regain their ancient dark powers with her sacrifice. Marsh is the only one who can help her navigate the shadows before they consume her, but whether he is a friend or an enemy agent is unclear. Schwarz’s debut blossoms with possibilities for a future hinging on the brave and determined Elle, who both loves science and wields Light’s magic. Intrigue, slightly contrived romantic tension, and colorful settings will appeal to fans of light fantasy and adventure.

October 15, 2012

Urban fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal romance: if you want them, you've got them in this charged debut. In 1903, science exploits magical energies to create remarkable new technologies, which has the one disadvantage of pulling the darkly supernatural into the world. Now, in alliance with their powerful alchemist, bloodsucking Nightwalkers are planning to plunge the entire world in shadow. They just need to get rid of Eleanor ("Elle") Chance, a gutsy dirigible pilot with a threatening secret, but she's not cooperating. Things do get complicated when she encounters a seductive warlock who might have ulterior motives. A "Chronicles of Light and Shadow" series opener; more grand genre bending.Crossing BorderS: Fiction

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