Authors: Raven Bond
Alien Devices: Tesla joins crew to prevent alien zombie apocalypse (The Secret War Book 2) (27 page)
“No longer,” Jinhao replied. “You have seen the trouble I am in
at Court.” She regarded him levelly. “You are followed by expensive assassins
that seek your death. You are no common British nobleman.”
Strong looked nonplussed at this statement.
“Well, yes,” he admitted, “but I am retired from all that.”
“Yes,” she replied calmly. “Much as I am retired from being an
adept
I think.”
He laughed at that.
“Very well,” he said gaily. “Let us both keep our secrets, and
stop this talk of life debts and the like. Together we shall see what diversions
this Hong Kong has for us, shall we?” He stuck out a hand. “Deal?” Jinhao
looked at his outstretched hand. She took it firmly in hers.
“Deal,” she said, trying not to smile. Owen Strong released her
hand. He pulled a watch on a chain from within his cloak.
“I was contemplating taking the morning airship south to the
city,” he explained. “We still have time to make it. I trust you are not afraid
of flying?” This time Jinhao allowed herself a smile.
“I enjoy it immensely,” she said with a secret smile. “Although
it has been some time since I flew.”
“Very well,” Strong replied. “Let us be about it then!” Jinhao
smiled even more broadly. There was no need for him to know that there was no
life debt custom among the Han. He was British, after all. And there was her
vision to follow.
Owen Strong Steampunk Murder Mysteries
Secret War – Steampunk and mad science battling zombies
and aliens
Other writing
Game
writer for Incredible Expeditions
Board
Game
WIND DANCER
Steampunk as it should be written
A wonderful spin on the alternate reality that is Steampunk fiction. The story
is a lovely fast paced one, well written and rich with action and adventure.
There is mystery and mayhem afoot in a well crafted story. Raven Bond has
created strong characters that are 3 dimensional and believable. There is no
gender bias, each character is a person first and their gender/race/color
second and this is a very refreshing view of the world. There are Airships and
Pirates, Electrical marvels and aliens all bound together in a rousing tale.
There must be a sequel to this - the characters and the world are too well
written to leave them at the end of the story.
Well worth picking up to spend some quality time reading it.
An intriguing and engaging
sci-fi fantasy. Lots of fun
A fast-paced and engaging alternative history with well drawn characters and
well thought out alternative science. A grand steam punk adventure, complete
with pirates, native Americans, Tesla coils and mysticism. I thoroughly enjoyed
it.
STRONG ALCHEMY
Many of the characters in Strong Magic know a great deal about alchemy, the
mystical art of combining disparate elements in order the produce a substance
with rare and wondrous qualities. They are not alone in their expertise. In
this new work, Raven Bond blends ingredients of espionage adventures, murder
mysteries, historical thrillers, science fiction, occultism and fantasy into a
singular new substance with a gleaming, brassy, steampunkish glow.
Another writer to look for
Raven Bond is an author unknown to me prior to this. A fellow member of the
Harry Dresden fb page recommended this short story as a good intro to his
writing style and I heartily concur! The era (late 1800's) and the magic
conventions are fresh and engaging. I will definitely be searching for more of
Mr. Bond's writing/s.
STRONG MAGIC
Mystery
wrapped in enigma
This is one of my favorite styles of writing -
there's enough detail to make it interesting and enough left to your
imagination to make it personal. The characters are enigmatic, even to each
other and the small reveals along the way give the story an intimate feeling.
The Steam aspect is subtle and the magic is unique. The pacing and careful use
of language are reminiscent of R.A MacAvoy. I look forward to the next
installment! Bring it on, Raven Bond!
Wonderfully
rollicking good fun!
I give this book 5 Stars! Lots of fun! A wonderful
mix of Steampunk and magic and general Victorian landscape. Set in Victorian
Age Hong Kong, surrounded by the works of Steampunk as well as a very strong
magical presence. Raven has incorporated some really fun elements as well as
some really fun witty banter.
I recommend this to anyone who is into Steampunk, Magic
and/or the Victorian era!
Too
good to put down - charge your device!
This is a page turner.
I’m
writing this review
whilst waiting for my device to charge so that I can get back to the action,
I’m
sure it is going ahead
without me. The pace is breathtaking from the very first scene. The writing is
tight and very well crafted. I am
right
in the scene with the characters. Murder and Mystery in a
Steampunk setting what more can you ask for?
Fresh
take on the steampunk mystery
This is the first
work I have read by Mr. Bond and I loved it! I enjoy all things mystery and
steam punk and had felt like I'd read everything. Hong Kong is a fresh new
location in the Steampunk genre and adds an exotic flavor to the mystery. The
characters are strong- each has a full personality and the feeling of a life
beyond the current book and stories all their own; the mystery aspect was solid
and interesting. Mr. Bond has a knack for just the right amount of detail in a
scene- enough to set the stage and let your mind fill it out- and for creating
characters that I can't wait to meet again.
STRONG MYSTERY
Five Stars
Very delightful read. An
interesting blend of Victorian Hong Kong, magic and mystery.
I loved this book! Adventure
writing at its best
An author who can WRITE adventure! It is steam punk (magic and weird
engineering in the Victorian Era). A Han woman out of Crouching Tiger, with an
English Lord, a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Peter Wimsey. I read all
three books in one day. I am certain that this author will write more if we
make it worth his while and BUY his books. I really want more Strong books.
Adventure, Mystery + Mad Science
.
1
STRONG ADEPT
.
1
(bonus story)