Tag: Steampunk books

Happy Book Birthday, All Hallows Airship!

Happy Book Birthday, All Hallows Airship!

All Hallows Airship lands today just in time for peak autumn foliage here in Connecticut.

A catastrophic blast. A haunting memory. And she only has one chance to prove her family’s innocence.

All Caz Coppersdown has ever wanted is to be a journalist for the Soldark Times. But the chances of her parents letting her pursue a breaking story are slim. Secluded after a childhood illness, Caz finally gets to leave Soldark for a trip to the country to her great aunt’s estate, but she quickly finds out there isn’t anything newsworthy there—unless you count her aunt’s upcoming All Hallows Eve soiree.

Until the local airshow clashes with her aunt’s party plans—causing more than just pumpkins to be destroyed. When Caz meets one of the airship pilots and discovers something about her family’s past, Caz might have just found her big story.

But she’ll need to dig for the facts quickly, because the constables are looking for a culprit, and old ghosts are making themselves known on this All Hallows Eve.

The Mechanical Masquerade: A Steampunk Novella, Now available!

The Mechanical Masquerade: A Steampunk Novella, Now available!

Enter Soldark, a city full of ambitious inventors, wily clockmaker’s daughters, and a cast of characters that will set your steampunk heart aflame.

Each novella in Seasons of Soldark is a standalone story, and can be read in any order. They each follow a different character (though some characters do make appearances throughout), and each story revolves around a season or holiday.


A thieving inventor. A future at stake. And she only has one night to discover the truth.

The most prestigious Midsummer celebration in Soldark is only three days away, and this is Verity Pennington’s best–and last–chance to attend. Verity thinks she might just be able to pull off a fantastic mask in order to gain entry, if she can only tap into her unwilling artistic side.

But when a thief breaks into her family’s clock shop and steals invaluable plans, it isn’t just summer revelry on Verity’s dance card. She’ll need to track down the thief–who’ll be showcasing an invention at the ball–and find a way to confront him amid the Soldark elite, without getting kicked out in the process.

With her family’s reputation at stake, she’ll do anything to make it right. But things at the ball are not as they seem, and Verity must find her way through a maze of lies and mechanical masterpieces before she can find out the truth.

Steampunk & Gaslamp Fantasy fest

Steampunk & Gaslamp Fantasy fest

I recently started organizing some book promotions through Bookfunnel, and the first one is all about Steampunk and Gaslamp fantasy books!

What is steampunk? Think Victorian era with a more technology, mainly steam with heavy use of gears. A subgenre of science-fiction, this retrofuturistic style also goes hand in hand nicely with gaslamp fantasy, which is a little lower-tech.

Two of my books are featured in this awesome roundup of steampunk and gaslamp fantasy books (The Alchemyst’s Mirror, and The Clockwork Ice Dragon).

There’s no signup, no catch, just a curated collection of books!

Happy One Month, Alchemyst’s Mirror!

Happy One Month, Alchemyst’s Mirror!

Celebrating 1 month of The Alchemyst’s Mirror, and a full recipe for the Raspberry Crumble Bars.

Can you believe The Alchemyst’s Mirror has been out for a month already!

“Liz Delton is a wonderful steampunk author who infuses her novels with action, humor, whimsy, and charming characters set in a unique fantastical world.”

Elizabeth Chatsworth, Author of The Brass Queen

This was one of my absolute favorite books to write, and it’s definitely got one of my favorite cover designs! I’m already working on writing book #2, The Thief’s Amulet, and just started messing around with the new cover–because if I’m going to procrastinate writing, I might as well do it with another writing-related project, right?

I’ve had some awesome reviews coming in for The Alchemyst’s Mirror, had the local newspaper do a feature on me, and even got to talk about the book on a UK radio show.

“A fast paced tale of mystery, sisterhood, and tea.”

H.L. Burke, Fantasy Author

“If you enjoy steampunk or mystery adventure stories, then I recommend reading The Alchemyst’s Mirror. It was a mix of Indiana Jones and Sherlock Holmes, but with two sisters leading the story.”

The Plum Report

To keep on celebrating this book, I’m going to start releasing some of the recipes featured in the blog tour, but with more pictures! When I decided to include “tea shop recipes” in the blog tour, I test baked all of them. Today I’m going to share a really yummy one, Elliot Everturn’s Raspberry Crumble Bars.

The Recipe: Raspberry Crumble Bars

Ingredients

Flour- 1 Cup
Oats- 1 Cup
Baking Powder- 1 tsp
Brown Sugar- 3/4 Cup
Butter- 1/2 Cup (1 stick)
Raspberries- 2 Cups (fresh or frozen)
Lemon Juice- 2 tbsp
White Sugar- 1/2 Cup
Flour- 2 tbsp

Instructions

  • Mix the flour, oats, baking powder, and brown sugar in a bowl.
  • Melt the butter, and stir it into the mixture until crumbly.
  • Pour two thirds of the mixture into an 8×8 pan (or pie dish)
  • In a small bowl, mix the raspberries with the lemon juice, white sugar, and flour.
  • Spread the raspberries evenly across the crumble in the pan.
  • Sprinkle the remaining crumble on top.
  • Bake at 350F for 35 minutes
  • Cool and cut into squares
  • Top with lemon glaze: Powdered sugar with a dash of lemon juice added until it reaches desired icing consistency.

When I made mine, I used frozen raspberries, and they worked perfectly!
Just look at that crumble
New Fantasy Book Releases for November 2020

New Fantasy Book Releases for November 2020

Welcome to my blog series featuring a roundup of select fantasy books of all sub-genres that are published this month.

Looking for new fantasy books to read? Keep reading to see what’s new this month, in order of release date.

This month we’ve got a variety of sub-genres: Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, Fairytale, Paranormal, and more. Content ratings are given by the author. This post contains affiliate links.


Release date: November 1, 2020
Sub-genre: Urban Fantasy/ Arthurian
Content rating: PG-13

How can my magic defeat a goddess?

I’m an immortal magician who only wants a peaceful life with his fiancée. My elemental nemesis was soundly beaten—so I thought—but now she’s back and plans to reign over all humans in the guise of a resurrected Aztec deity.

She will do anything to sway her followers.

Every day, more people are drawn to her earth-worshiping cult at the cost of their lives. Can I stop this self-proclaimed goddess before the entire city is under her dominion?

I am Merlin—but I need to be more.


Release date: November 6, 2020
Sub-genre: YA Epic Fantasy
Content rating: PG- 13

The end is here.

Satinka and her friends have finally made it to the Five Stars of the North.
There is nothing left but to rescue Memnyir and face Sunne in a battle to the death.
In this thrilling conclusion, the team confront Sunne and Āni in a fight they know could cost their lives. The Age of Mankind is tested, and the battle of gods and dragons commences.
One way or another, the War of the North will be won, and the fate of the world decided.


Release date: November 6, 2020
Sub-genre: Urban Fantasy
Content rating: PG-13

Following a narrow escape from the secret world of warring shapeshifters, Ellie St. James works at building a new life under an assumed identity—until Carter Ballis, head of security for mob boss and shifter leader Sean Costas reenters her life, bringing the perils of his job with him. This time, it’s not just Ellie’s life at stake, but Carter’s too, as Sean’s rivals close in on them both. Far outmatched, Ellie refuses to crumble when it comes to protecting those around her. However, when a partial translation of the magical Stones of Fire, coupled with a terrible misunderstanding, thrust Ellie into the gravest danger she’s faced yet, even the Talos himself may not be able to reach her in time…


Release date: November 10, 2020
Sub-genre: Urban Fantasy
Content rating: PG

In the battle to save the world, things have taken a fatal turn.

The elite mages have succeeded in getting ahead of Kashmeru’s shadow army, but now the power has shifted, and the good guys have taken a hit. It’s up to Jae and the rest of the crew to outwit the Pishacha and take back what they’ve lost.

Loyalties are tested and resilience pushed to the limits, as the war continues between the divine and evil.


Release date: November 11, 2020
Sub-genre: Steampunk/Gaslamp Fantasy
Content rating: PG

An invention gone wrong. A city buried in snow. And she only has ‘til Christmas to make it right.

Aurelia Sundon has an idea for a brilliant invention that will ensure her family’s financial future. But the elite inventor’s guild has imposed a ridiculous deadline for invention applications: Christmas Day. With only four days until the deadline, Aurelia thinks she can finish it in time.

Until her old love Frederick Grandville steps back into her life when he enters the competition with his own invention. Frederick could be the downfall of Aurelia’s career. Again. But when his invention goes out of control, the wondrous snow it brings down on the ever-sunny city of Soldark turns into an outright blizzard.

With a broken promise between them, she’s not so sure she wants to help him. But the clock is ticking, the snow is getting deeper, and Aurelia must find a way to team up with her rival or risk losing her one chance at a better life.


Release date: November 15, 2020
Sub-genre: Upper Young Adult
Content rating: PG-13

When a heist goes terribly wrong and the binding spell holding 17-year-old Neva’s powers at bay is shattered, the half-human thief knows she’s in trouble.

Neva has always hidden her Da’Valian heritage while working risky jobs to make a name for herself and serving at her family’s tavern, but she won’t be able to hide much longer. She can either risk the safety of those she cares about or seek out her mother’s people to gain control over her emerging powers.

The Da’Valia are beautiful, brutal creatures created by the god of war, and the austere Da’Valian soldier Astiand reluctantly agrees to take Neva to his clan under his protection. She makes unexpected friends, including the handsome fighter Emiliand, and a new enemy in the clan’s ruthless leader.

Spying on her guardian, the sly heroine quickly discovers just how deep she has stumbled into a dangerous, developing clan feud.

Will she be able to embrace who she is in time to keep her loved ones safe?


Release date: November 17, 2020
Sub-genre: Steampunk Paranormal Romance
Content rating: PG-13

The Gateway has opened…The Witches have come

Akira Renée is screwed. Everything that she’d been trying to stop from happening has happened and there’s no turning back. She is now the most wanted witch of the Scarlet Court and has become a beacon of both power and poison.

On the hunt for the Three Relics that could save her and her people, Akira must also outrun the Damned Witches who seek to claim her and her soul. And time is running out.

With the help of Kaden Starling, a handsome Fae warrior who makes her heart race and thoughts blur, Akira struggles to keep a clear head, whilst she tries to save the city from the brink of destruction.


Release date: November 19, 2020
Sub-genre: Fairytale/Dystopian
Content rating: PG-13

A savior has awakened. But she might just doom them all.

After Aurianna foils a deadly plot to destroy the capital city, the people believe she has fulfilled the prophecy and prevented the civil war.

However, when Aurianna returns home to the future, she realizes her attempts to thwart the catastrophe failed. Nothing has changed. Yet despite everything, the Arcanes still insist the prophecy is woven into her destiny.

Now Aurianna must work to determine how and where the real event will occur, all while still trying to control her elemental abilities. The fate of time itself is at stake if she can’t learn to control her powers.

The timeline will be forever stuck in an endless loop.

Uncovering the shocking secrets of her own past threatens to shatter Aurianna’s already fragile balance between power and self-restraint. These secrets have the potential to rip apart her connection with the people she now holds dear.

A tragic set of events leads to a battle of wills and a horrifying revelation that threatens to destroy her heart . . . and her home.

She might be the savior. But time is literally counting on her.


Release date: November 23, 2020
Sub-genre: Mythology
Content rating: G

Zaz’s life just got weirder.

With her dad long gone and a mom who lost touch with reality long ago, all she wants to do is finish her internship and make enough to look after herself.
So when her best friend gives her a statue of justice, the last thing she needs or expects is for it to come alive.

Will she be what a goddess needs to fight evil? Or will the scales tip toward darkness forever?


Release date: November 24, 2020
Sub-genre: Paranormal
Content rating: PG-13

On her twentieth birthday, Lynnie Russell—just a little ol’ thing from down in Havana, Arkansas—falls in love under a full silver moon.
When she wakes up the next morning naked and caked in blood, Lynnie is faced with a horrifying truth. She’s death incarnate.
In a race to unearth what she’s become, Lynnie must hide her beastly thing from those she loves most. If only to keep them alive.
When an unexpected ally offers help, how can she refuse?



Are any of these on your TBR?

The Alchemyst’s Mirror is LIVE

The Alchemyst’s Mirror is LIVE

Happy publication day to The Alchemyst’s Mirror! Now available in ebook, hardcover, and paperback.

I’m so excited to share this book with the world. It was my favorite book to write so far, and I think you’ll like it too. Petra and Maisie will be back in another Everturn Chronicles book, coming out in March 2021.

Don’t forget to check out the book’s Blog & Bookstagram Tour all week, with lots of fun things like recipes from the tea shop, interviews with me, and there’s even a giveaway for a hardcover copy.

The Alchemyst’s Mirror Blog & Bookstagram Tour

The Alchemyst’s Mirror Blog & Bookstagram Tour

I’m so excited for the release of The Alchemyst’s Mirror on October 27th! This steampunk/gaslamp fantasy novel is the first in the Everturn Chronicles, but is a standalone story, so you don’t have to worry about cliffhangers or catching up for the next book.

Check out all the stops along the Blog & Bookstagram tour with some great features; this post will be updated daily.

10/26/2020

C.O. Bonham’s blog ~ featuring a review of the book and a recipe for chocolate strawberry scones

DreamingInPages bookstagram:

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“There is an alchemy of quiet malice by which women can concoct a subtle poison from ordinary trifles.” — THE SCARLET LETTER, Nathaniel Hawthorne 🌲⁣ •⁣ •⁣ Today I am so excited to be featuring THE ALCHEMYSTS MIRROR By Liz Delton, a YA steampunk fantasy about two sisters who are searching for their brother who went missing while hunting for an alchemycal artifact. Their search pulls them into a mysterious and shadowy world of alchemy and secret societies. This beauty releases tomorrow, so add to your tbr, preorder it (it’s only 2.99 for kindle!), and check it out when it releases Tuesday! 🌲⁣ •⁣ {SYNOPSIS}⁣ ⁣ A missing brother. A secret society. And a mysterious artifact that’s worth more than gold.⁣ ⁣ Petra and Maisie Everturn just want to run their family’s tea shop, but when their explorer brother Jiordan goes missing while looking for an alchemycal artifact, none of them are safe.⁣ ⁣ The sisters must enlist the help of another explorer in order to find Jiordan or the artifact—before the mysterious alchemyst society finds them first.⁣ ⁣ However, when one of the sisters stumbles into the clutches of the most dangerous alchemyst in the city, the race to unravel the clues becomes desperate. And when they discover the truth about the artifact, their quest to infiltrate the alchemyst’s secret society becomes a matter of life and death. 🌲⁣ •⁣ {BUY LINKS}⁣ Purchase on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2TqB0Ec (clickable link in linktree)⁣ •⁣ •⁣ {HASHTAGS}⁣ #thealchemystsmirror #lizdelton #supportindieauthors #indiebooks #yafantasy #yabooks #yalit #youngadultbooks #indieauthor #bookishcandles #ireadya #yabookstagram #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #novellyyours #steampunk #thedarklibrarians #booksandcandles #book #bookquotes #booklover #books #booksandcoffee #bookaddict #bibliophile #fiestaware #bookhoarder #fallvibes #darkbookstagrams #darkvibes

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nightc0urt‘s bookstagram– & Hardcover giveaway!

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🍂 G I V E A W A Y 🍂 . . Happy Monday Beans!! It’s another dreary day here in PA so I’m going to make a big pot of beef stew and cuddle up with AGGGTM (which I’m really enjoying). I’m also feeling a bit blah today, idk if it’s allergies or what but I just feel like I need to relax a bit! BUT I am hosting a giveaway for the book in this picture so keep reading to enter!! 😍❤️ . . 🍂 A missing brother. A secret society. And a mysterious artifact that’s worth more than gold. 🍂 . . 🍂 GIVEAWAY 🍂 – One hardback copy of The Alchemyst’s Mirror by Liz Delton . . 🍂 TO ENTER 🍂 – Must be following Me (@nightc0urt ) and @lizdeltonwrites – Like, comment, save & tag 1 friend! . . 🍂 EXTRA ENTRIES 🍂 – Share in your story for 24hrs and don’t forget to tag me & @lizdeltonwrites so we will see it! – You can share every day until the giveaway closes . . 🍂 RULES 🍂 – Giveaway will be ending Oct. 30th at midnight EST – Winner will be picked by me at random – US ONLY – Must be a public account so I can verify entries – 16+ or have parental permission! – not affiliated with Instagram . . 🍂 I will leave the synopsis down in the comments for you & and link on my link tree for those who want to see what this book is about! It’s also worth mentioning that the preorder price is only $2.99!! May the odds be ever in your favor ✨ 🍂 . . QOTD: what do you do to pamper yourself or help yourself feel better? . . #alchemystsmirror #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #booklover #booksofinstagram #booksofig #igreads #bibliophile #yalit #yabooks #yabookstagram #bookblogger #readersofig #readersofinstagram #mybookfeatures #instabooks #bookishlove #bookishlife #ireadya #lizdelton

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L.M. Durand’s Book Blog- Interview

& L.M. Durand’s Instagram:

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𝗤𝗢𝗧𝗗: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱? 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗿?⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Today, I’m excited to feature this gorgeous book, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝘆𝘀𝘁’𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘇 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗼𝗻. To celebrate tomorrow’s release, the author answers a few questions for us. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ➡️𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨. 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘰.⬅️⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 𝘼𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙥𝙩, 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Petra and Maisie Everturn just want to run their family’s tea shop, but when their explorer brother Jiordan goes missing while looking for an alchemycal artifact, none of them are safe.⁣ ⁣ The sisters must enlist the help of another explorer in order to find Jiordan or the artifact—before the mysterious alchemyst society finds them first.⁣ ⁣ However, when one of the sisters stumbles into the clutches of the most dangerous alchemyst in the city, the race to unravel the clues becomes desperate. And when they discover the truth about the artifact, their quest to infiltrate the alchemyst’s secret society becomes a matter of life and death.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘓𝘪𝘻 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘰𝘯, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #lizdelton #thealchemystsmirror #yafantasy #yafiction #booksofinstagram #bookworm #bookaddict #bookaholic #lovereading #bookphotography #yalovin #igreads #yabookstagram #ireadya #yalit #yabooklover #yareads #bookstagram #bookworm #iheartyabooks #lmdurand ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣

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10/27/2020

KB Benson’s bookstagram

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If you could cast any spell, what would it be for?⁣ ⁣ First thing I’d do if I had access to ANY type of magic is get my house to start pulling its own weight and start cleaning itself 😍 Do you know how much extra time I’d have? Seriously though, where’s a fairy godmother?⁣ ⁣ A HUGE congrats to @lizdeltonwrites on her new release THE ALCHEMYST’S MIRROR! This #beautifulbook just released today. ⁣ ⁣ ✨✨✨⁣ ⁣ A missing brother. A secret society. And a mysterious artifact that’s worth more than gold.⁣ ⁣ Petra and Maisie Everturn just want to run their family’s tea shop, but when their explorer brother Jiordan goes missing while looking for an alchemycal artifact, none of them are safe.⁣ ⁣ The sisters must enlist the help of another explorer in order to find Jiordan or the artifact—before the mysterious alchemyst society finds them first.⁣ ⁣ However, when one of the sisters stumbles into the clutches of the most dangerous alchemyst in the city, the race to unravel the clues becomes desperate. And when they discover the truth about the artifact, their quest to infiltrate the alchemyst’s secret society becomes a matter of life and death.⁣ ⁣ You can grab a copy here:⁣ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FXTF81C⁣ ⁣ *****⁣ #newrelease #kindlebooks #alchemybook #bookrelease #bookbirthday #newbooks #readerlife #cozylife #readergram #bookworm #lovetoread #cozyvibes #mybookfeatures #prettybooks #simpleandstill

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simplybeccamee‘s bookstagram

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🎃𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝗪🎃⁣ ⁣ “𝘍𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘍𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯. 𝘍𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶—𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.” ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ The Alchemyst’s Mirror by @lizdeltonwrites tells the story of two sisters whose dogged search for their missing brother leads them into a world of alchemy, secret societies, and adventure. The Alchemyst’s Mirror was actually a pretty fun read. From the beginning, the plot gets rolling and doesn’t stop for the entire novel. The pacing in this book is really good, and I found Maisie and Petra’s desperate quest to reunite their family to be a narrative that was super compelling and engaging. I loved how the bond between sisters is truly the heart of this book. Maisie and Petra would do anything for each other, and seeing their relationship was really rewarding. I thought the plot and the different factions wanting the Alchemyst’s Mirror was really well-thought out and intriguing. The Alchemyst’s Mirror is a delightful steampunk fantasy about the lengths we will go for family and power. ⁣ ⁣ Thank you @lizdeltonwrites for the ARC and swag!⁣ ⁣ 𝐐𝐎𝐓𝐃 Favorite fall hot drink? ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #bookstagram #bookstagrammers #bookworm #booklover #bookdragon #bibliophile #bookaholic #readersofinstagram #readerlife #bookish #bookaddict #ireadya #igreads #instareads #bookcommunity #bookobsessed #amreading #bookphotography readersrejoice #spookytime #halloween #tuesday #thealchemystsmirror #newreleasetuesday #lizdelton #arcreview #steampunkfantasy

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clockwork.bookdragon‘s bookstagram

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⚗️Alchemyst’s Lab ⚙️ • • Hello there my spooky, Bookwyrms! I am so thrilled to be featuring @lizdeltonwrites new book The Alchemyst’s Mirror for today’s #clocktobereadathon prompt. The theme is Magical Objects and the firs think I thought of was the Philosopher’s Stone. Red Stone Necklace from @sweetmelissasgiftsetc. • • • The Alchemyst’s Mirror was officially published just yesterday! I was so excited when I received my bookstagram tour package. It includes an exclusive tea blend called Brass Breakfast, an exclusive book mark made by the author and of course the book itself. I absolutely love the cover design and the color scheme. Of course it’s steampunk af and I look forward to reading it soon. I just been so involved with reading spooky books this month I couldn’t squeeze it in but I will definitely read this in November! • • • Also some shop news from @orderofchaospins. She will no longer be producing any Harry Potter inspired designs due to WB cracking down on fans selling thier art based on the series. So that means once her poster designs sell out the will not be returning. Link in my bio use code CLOCKWORK15 to save! • • • Question: What are some of your favorite magical objects? Can be from any book or show or video game. Please just let be know what it’s from wan what it does. TIA • • • Answer: From the Wizarding World I really love the Ravenclaw Diadem before it was turned into a Horcrux. Having seemingly infinite wisdom sound amazing but also a bit unsettling. • • • • #thealchemystsmirror #lizdelton #steampunk #steampunkstyle #steampunktea #steampumkin #yareads #yabooks #yabookstagram #bookish #bookdragon #bookwyrm #booklover #bookreader #sweetmelissagiftsetc #orderofchaospins #enamelpins #spooky #spookyvibes #spookyseason #bookmark #newbook

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10/28/2020

Podcast Interview and Post on The Plum Report

Paws4Thought Blog Feature by Debbie Manber Kupfer

10/29/2020

Book Review of The Alchemyst’s Mirror from The Plum Report

Interview on the Lands Uncharted Blog

10/30/2020

Random Interview with H.L. Burke – with recipe for blueberry white chocolate scones

11/1/2020

Selina J. Eckert’s Blog – with a recipe for Cucumber tea sandwiches

More stops to be added as they become live!

Final Stop: The Launch Party on November 10th
The Alchemyst’s Mirror Fandom Tea Blends

The Alchemyst’s Mirror Fandom Tea Blends

With the launch of The Alchemyst’s Mirror next week, I thought I’d share more about the custom tea blends I created to go along with the book.

As you probably know, I’m a huge tea drinker myself, and since the main setting of The Alchemyst’s Mirror is a tea shop, it seemed almost required that I make up some custom tea blends.

I created the blends using Adagio Teas’ Signature/Fandom Blends function. It’s a really cool section of their website where anyone can come up with a tea blend, design artwork for the tins and bags, and put it up for other people to purchase. Adagio handles all the tea. Or you can even create blends and keep them private.

The person who designs it earns “points” with each sale which can be redeemed for a gift certificate, which is pretty cool. Adagio also rewards points for purchasing tea, and leaving reviews.

These seven teas are all mentioned in The Alchemyst’s Mirror

I first started by making a list of all the teas mentioned in the book. There happened to be seven, which was perfect considering all of the implications of the number seven in alchemy. Two of the teas are the favorites of the main characters. Petra’s is Hazelnut Midnight, and Maisie’s is Rose Oolong.

Next I went to Adagio’s Signature blend creator. Here you have to choose at least 2 teas to blend. You can also add fun little additions like rose petals, orange peels, (you can even add sprinkles if you want!). So then I figured out what each tea was made out of.

Then there needs to be artwork!

I will say when I received the tins, the designs were much darker than the original art, so I’ll have to keep that in mind for the future! But the sample tines (which are only $5 each) are a very adorable size and perfect for trying a sample or giving as a gift.

Each tea gets its own product page, and you can purchase them in the sample tin size, the 3 ounce pouch, or a 5 ounce tin.

Check out the whole collection here.

The Teas

Rose Oolong

This is a blend of a vanilla oolong tea with a lychee rose green tea, with extra rose petals. I thought the lychee would add a little something extra to the rose flavor. Oolong tea is about halfway between green tea and black tea in terms of caffeine.


Gunpowder Orange

Why gunpowder? Not just because it sounds cool and steampunky, it’s actually a type of green tea. Gunpowder green tea is named so because of the shape of the tea leaves after they’ve been processed, forming little pellets. Here it’s blended with blood orange herbal tea, with extra orange peels added.


Scitican Chai

Did you know that chai just means “tea”? It’s come to be known for spicy cinnamony type teas these days, and the Scitican Chai is a blend of spiced apple chai and masala chai. In the world of The Alchemyst’s Mirror, Scitica (I pronounce it “skit-ika”) is one of the other countries that the Everturns often refer to in regards to exploring for interesting artifacts. This is made with black tea, so it has some caffeine.


Amaryllian Mint

This is another tea named after a country in the world of the book- Amaryllia. It’s fairly close to Adonia, where our main characters live, only a three day journey by ship. The tea isn’t just a mint tea, it’s green tea blended with vanilla and chocolate flavors as well as spearmint and peppermint. Green tea is usually about 5-10% the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.


Brass Breakfast

A classic “breakfast” tea, this is a blend of an Irish breakfast with straight rooibos tea. Rooibos is sometimes called a red tea, and originates from South Africa, giving the tea more of a reddish hue.

This is one of the plainer, straight-up teas of the collection, and a black tea with caffeine.


Hazelnut Midnight

Petra Everturn’s favorite tea, this is a blend of mostly black tea, with some hazelnut flavor. It’s bold and simple, with a good amount of caffeine (black tea is usually equal to about 20% the caffeine in a cup of coffee)

It’s also based off of one of my favorite teas, too!


White Peach Blossom

A sweet and fruity tea, extremely low on caffeine, this is a blend of white tea with a peach herbal tea. Adagio’s herbal teas always have lots of flavor, and this peach one even includes pieces of apple, mango and pineapple.


Also, fun fact: It’s almost impossible to scoop tea out of these tins without spilling it!

What do you think? Are you a tea drinker? Or would you ever make a tea blend for your own fandom?

Virtual Book Launch Party for The Alchemyst’s Mirror & The Clockwork Ice Dragon

Virtual Book Launch Party for The Alchemyst’s Mirror & The Clockwork Ice Dragon

To celebrate the release of my two upcoming steampunk stories, I’ll be hosting a virtual book launch party via Facebook Live! Join us Tuesday, November 10th at 8pm EST for giveaways, tea drinking, book reading, and more fun.

If you haven’t already, preorder the books here:

Book & Tea Review: Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke

Book & Tea Review: Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke

A book with heart, and a hearty tea

I’ve been in a reading slump for a while now. I don’t know whether I’ve just been busy with my new fall releases, or if it’s the social/political/health climate, or what. But I finally finished a book!

I chose this one because H.L. Burke writes fun and snarky characters, and I figured it would keep my interest until the end. And it definitely did. So today I have a book & tea review for you; keep reading to see which tea I chose to go with it and why!

This post contains affiliate links.

📖 The book: Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke

Key points:
🌇 Awesome world building
👥 Great characters
🎭 Theater
🪄 Magic
⚙️ Steampunk
🥐 Pastries
🐌 Snails

Having read this author before, I knew I was going to be in for a fun yet heartfelt tale. And it was set in a theater, with characters who can do magic? Sign me up.

Leo and Muse find a home in The Curiosity Theater, their respective “knacks” (little magics) giving them jobs as a dancer (Muse can levitate) and a professional audience member (Leo can influence other people’s emotions).

When the theater becomes in danger of closing after a tragedy, their livelihoods, their home, and their happiness are all threatened.

Leo is a great main character, her scruples about using her knack on other people an excellent point of character development. And her love of pastries… Comes close to her growing love for another certain someone at the theater.

There are so many interpretations of what the title could really mean as you read the book; there is so much heart in this story and these characters. I definitely found myself actually smiling the last two chapters.

Where do the snails come in? I’ll let you read it to find out!

“Yes, people need food and shelter and goods and services, even buttons, but they need art as well. They need to smile and laugh and cry and see ideas expressed in ways that make them think and feel. They need The Curiosity, or at least what it stands for.”

– (Paxton) H.L. Burke, The Heart of the Curiosoty

☕ The tea: Rooibos Lemon Cloud by Adagio Teas

Tea choice inspired by the somewhat magical pastry shop that Leo frequents, this tea has a bold rooibos flavor with the right amount of creamy lemon. Great hot in this cool weather!

I’m careful not to oversteep this tea, because as with most rooibos teas, the hearty rooibos will overpower any flavor if left too long. I also like to use my disposable tea bags, because, again, the rooibos flavor can get intense, and I’m far too lazy to clean my usual teamaking stuff with soap everytime I use it!

The only thing this tea could be wanting is maybe some lemon peels for added flavor and vibe. But it’s a great decaf tea for anyone who likes lemon, with a hearty rooibos base.