LEAVE IT TO CHANCE.Eleanor “Elle” Chance, that is—a high-flying dirigible pilot with a taste for adventure and the heroine of this edgy new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal romance into pure storytelling gold.It is 1903, and the world is divided between light and shadow. On the side of light is a wondrous science that has transformed everyday life by harnessing magical energies to ingenious new technologies. But each advance of science has come at the expense of shadow—the traditional realm of the supernatural.Now two ancient powers are preparing to strike back. Blood-sucking immortal Nightwalkers and their spellcasting Alchemist allies have a plan to cover the whole world in shadow. All they require is the sacrifice of a certain young woman whose past conceals a dangerous secret.But when they come after Elle, they get more than they bargained for. This enterprising young woman, the daughter of a scientific genius, has reserves of bravery and determination that even she scarcely suspects. Now she is about to meet her match in more ways than one: a handsome yet infuriating Warlock named Hugh Marsh, whose agenda is as suspect as his charms are annoyingly irresistible.
- Publisher: Del Rey
- Release Date: March 5th 2013
- Series: The Chronicles of Light and Shadow
- Author's Website
*NO Spoilers!
What a lovely new world to get lost into! I have missed something like this ever since the Parasol Protectorate series finished and I am so glad a I gave “The Chronicle of Light and Shadow” Series a shot.
I really tried to know draw a parallel between these two paranormal steampunk series, but I was not successful and unfortunately because of this comparison Liesel Schwarz’s new series is just a bit shot from perfection.
The plucky and ahead of her time heroine, Elle Chance, is a delight to read. She is smart, resourceful and a blast. I loved reading about her, her relationship with the world around her and with the secondary characters.
I really liked the hero as well. Hugh Marsh is plenty swoon worthy and perfect for Elle. I loved their interaction, though I wish we had a bit more to read of them both after the adventure ended.
A Conspiracy of Alchemists is a historical thrill ride that I utterly enjoyed! I really do need to put my Parasol Protectorate comparisons to rest, since Gail Carriger’s voice is one of a kind. All on its own, this beginning of a new series is full of promise and I for one am definitely along for the ride. =)