Genre: Steampunk, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: MM Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
1881—Special Agent Gillian Hamilton, magic caster for the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, has recovered from injuries obtained while in Shallow Grave, Arizona. Now back in New York City, Gillian makes an arrest on New Year’s Eve that leads to information on a gangster, known only as Tick Tock, who’s perfected utilizing elemental magic ammunition. This report complicates Gillian’s holiday plans, specifically those with infamous outlaw, Gunner the Deadly, who promised they’d ring in 1882 together.
The two men stand on the cusp of a romance that needs to be explored intimately and privately. But when Gillian’s residence is broken into by a magical mechanical man who tries to murder him on behalf of Tick Tock, he and Gunner must immediately investigate the city’s ruthless street gangs before the illegal magic becomes a threat that cannot be contained.
This might be their most wild adventure yet, but criminal undergrounds can’t compare to the dangers of the heart. Gillian must balance his career in law enforcement with his love for a vigilante, or lose both entirely.
The novel-length follow-up to The Engineer, in the exciting new steampunk series, Magic & Steam.
The Review
Gillian Hamilton, Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, has plans with Constantine, aka Gunner the Deadly, most dangerous and wanted gangster. The plan is to bring in the New Year and start 1882 off right. But best laid plans get side tracked when Gillian meets with his boss, FBMS Director Loren Moore.
Gillian is late picking up Gunner at the station. Being late sets Gillian to worry, but lo and behold, Constantine has kept his promise. But once again, his plans are thwarted when Frank Fishback is found dead in his FBMS jail cell. The event sends Gillian and Constantine on one of the most chaotic and nightmarish investigations, and they find themselves hunting down the most dangerous man in New York City – Tick Tock.
Tick Tock already has a definite goal and has sent his message that he wants Gillian dead.
CS Poe is just fantastic, bringing us the second explosive installment of the “Magic & Steam” series. Steampunk, magic, murder, mystery, death defying action and romance at its best! Secrets are revealed, and Poe gives us an in-depth look at Gillian Hamilton with his inner thoughts that lead to interesting reveals. The connection, banter and reveals between Gillian, Constantine and Moore give a boost to the twisted and chaotic plot.
I am by no means an expert on sci-fi, steampunk, etc, but Poe is outstanding, with her vivid descriptions of the human/mechanical men. She describes each and every small mechanical device and the automation perfectly.
Even the magic and steam scenes were so descriptive it was easy to understand and picture it all. It was like actually watching a movie!
I am absolutely stoked for the next book in the “Magic and Steam” series, “The Doctor”. If you haven’t read it yet, grab the first book “The Engineer” and start a fantastic ride with Gillian Hamilton and Gunner the Deadly!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
