Author: Karen Kincy
Series: Shadows of Asphodel #2.5
Age: Adult
Genres: Steampunk, Historical-fantasy romance
Publication Date: September 1st, 2015
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Source: ARC provided by publishing company
Purchase: Amazon US | Amazon UK
Synopsis:
1914. Konstantin would love to hide in his laboratory and dissect the clockwork dragon captured from Russia, but the Archmages of Vienna have other plans. He finds himself shipped off to St. Petersburg as the scientific attaché to an ambassador. His orders? Look, but don't touch. Of course, he considers this an impossible request with so much enemy technomancy to explore.
To make matters worse, Konstantin has to work with the dashing zeppelin commander Himmel, a man who should also be untouchable. They can't act on the smoldering attraction between them without risking it all. Faced with an illegal relationship and a devious rival technomancer, Konstantin might not return from this mission in Russia without conquering the forbidden.
A companion novella to the Shadows of Asphodel series, from Konstantin's point of view.
My Rating:
Review
Beautifully written. I loved both Shadows of Asphodel and Storms of Lazarus, so I knew I would enjoy this novella. Karen Kincy has a a way with words and how she creates her characters into these amazing people. The world of technomancy is just all too interesting.Konstantin was an archmage battling to save his home and with who he was. I loved him because he found a way to balance both out. He was nerdy, quirky and downright smart. He knew things were going wrong with Russia and the Countess and no matter who he told and how they laughed at him about it he didn't stop to uncover the truth.
Captain Himmel is downright bold, brave and naughty. He knew what he wanted and didn't care about the law much. He had his points where I was annoyed like when he tried to arrest Konstantin, but he recovered towards the end.
This being my first true m/m read I was intrigued by the romance and sexual aspects of it. I liked the cat and mouse chase they had going on. It wasn't too intense, but the sex scenes were short, sweet and descriptive enough.
That ending was just too cute! I was so happy and giddy for both Konstantin and Himmel. Great novella!!!
About the Author
Karen Kincy (Kirkland, Washington) can
be found lurking in her writing cave, though sunshine will lure her outside.
When not writing, she stays busy gardening, tinkering with aquariums,
or running just one more mile. Karen has a BA in Linguistics and
Literature from The Evergreen State College.
Giveaway
Gold Lotus Flower Bookmark that Glows
in the Dark from etsy seller Papillon9 (see here)
Open to US/CA
Ends Sept. 16th
Prizing is
provided by the publisher. Hosts are not responsible.
