A Conspiracy of Alchemists: Book One in The Chronicles of Light and Shadow

By Liesel Schwarz

LEAVE IT TO CHANCE. Eleanor “Elle” Chance, that is—the intrepid heroine of this edgy new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy, historical adventure, and paranormal romance into pure storytelling gold.
 
In a Golden Age where spark reactors power the airways, and creatures of Light and Shadow walk openly among us, a deadly game of Alchemists and Warlocks has begun.
 
When an unusual cargo drags airship-pilot Elle Chance into the affairs of the mysterious Mr. Marsh, she must confront her destiny and do everything in her power to stop the Alchemists from unleashing a magical apocalypse.

Praise for A Conspiracy of Alchemists
 
“Oh my Steampunk God! . . . If you like steampunk you definitely have to give this jewel a try. It would be a sin not to, really.”—Butterfly-o-Meter Books
 
“A wonderful sense of fun on every page . . . Visit [your] nearest bibliographic emporium and seek this rather magnificent tome out.”—The Eloquent Page
 
“I truly enjoyed this novel and strongly suggest it to Steampunk fans. I’m convinced A Conspiracy of Alchemists will rock your world!”—Tynga’s Reviews
 
“Pure fun to read.”—Karissa’s Reading Review

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Worlds
• Release date: Mar 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9780345541277

Liesel Schwarz

Liesel Schwarz, a lifelong fan of nineteenth-century Gothic literature, is a hopeless romantic who loves Victorians, steampunk, fairies, fantasy monsters, the fin de siècle, and knowing the correct way to drink absinthe. She also likes medieval things, pirates, zombies, space operas, and all subjects in between.

Book preview

This was the place where people came to give their souls to fairies. I watched her step into the café and close the door, at once sealing out the noise and stench of the Latin Quarter behind her. It was still early in the afternoon and the café was empty.

She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the dim interior of this place. The battered paneling of oak trees long dead is always a little disconcerting after the bright crowded streets.

The one they called Aleix unfolded from the shadows behind the counter. He wore his long hair bound in a simple braid that made him look slightly Oriental in appearance, but to even the most ignorant there could be no mistaking his race. He was a Nightwalker.

They studied one another for a moment.

Are you Aleix? she said.

Who wants to know? It was more of a command than a question. He narrowed his eyes as he assessed her, carefully noting the jodhpurs and man’s shirt she wore under her leather coat. Whether she was peer or prey would be measured, considered carefully before he spoke, for that was the Nightwalker way.

I’m looking for Patrice. My name is Elle—Eleanor Chance. The pilot. Her breath caught in her throat as she spoke, as if the words had come faster than she had expected.

He relaxed his shoulders. Upstairs. The flower house, he said with the briefest of nods.

To the side of the counter a heavy crimson curtain partly covered the curves of a cast-iron staircase.

Shall I go up? she said.

He shrugged as if what she did was of no interest to him, but I knew she had been expected. For no Nightwalker would rise at this hour for the sole purpose of seeing to the task of polishing glasses.

The soles of her boots left a trail of sawdust from the floor below. I sensed the whispers of pine and beech rise up from the resonating stairs as she moved over them. It was a clever thing, this wrought, twisted staircase. Designed to allow the patrons who frequented this place to enter and leave at will, it held those of us who worked here caged within its iron bars and scrolls. For few creatures with the old blood in their veins could cross pure iron unharmed.

When I was still young and living among my people, the Dryad, I once had a different name. But that was many years ago, at a time when anise and wormwood were nothing more than plants that made up my world. A time before sacred dreams could be bought for a few sugar cubes.

My real name is long since forgotten along with so many memories of green. All that remains of me now is what you see here amongst the coal-fire, stone and dead glass. For I am La Fée Verte, the keeper of the absinthe drinkers. But you may call me Adele if you must.

I saw her for what she was, this young woman with the clear blue eyes and hair like the leaves of the horse chestnut when the season turns. I saw that she would one day cast no shadow on the narrow path between Shadow and Light.

Isn’t it strange how not even pure iron can stay events once they have been set in motion? I knew from the moment I saw her she would offer salvation. But salvation often comes at a price. Perhaps a price I might have paused to consider a little more closely at the time. But I was too caught up in my own thoughts to pay heed to the signs. All I knew was that for the first time in years, I felt hope.

CHAPTER 1

SEPTEMBER 4, 1903

The opium den above the Café du Aleix smelled of clove incense and oblivion.

Eleanor! Welcome to Paris. I am so glad you came. Patrice, her docking agent, rose up from the sofa and gripped her shoulders fondly. He was a big bear of a man and the little shake he gave her almost lifted her off her feet.

Patrice, Elle said in her best French. Always a pleasure to see you. The sweet scent of opium rose up from his clothes as she kissed him—twice on each side, as was the custom on the Continent.

Sit. Sit. Rest for a moment. I’ll go and see if I can get us some refreshments. Watch my seat for me. He swayed down the staircase on legs that were not entirely steady.

Elle slung her holdall over the back of a chair where she could keep an eye on it and sank into one of the linen-covered settees that lined the walls. The windows of the café were all sealed up so no sunlight could penetrate its sanctuary. Ornate brass lamps sat against the red chinoiserie wallpaper. The warm glow of their spark cores softened the sordid purpose of this place.

The only other patron in the den was a brawny man in a gray jacket. He hunched over a journal, scribbling furious lines of verse over the pages, pausing only to slam down gulps of absinthe from a greasy glass at his side without even bothering to mix it properly. The murky liquid swirled inside the glass, like an artist’s water jar after too many paintbrushes had been dipped into it.

Next to the poet, a green absinthe fairy balanced en pointe upon the edge of the low table. She arched her arm and swung her leg to and fro, like a little dancer at the barre. The poet cursed, crumpled the page and flung it across the room, where it burst into flames and disappeared.

Poets, Elle thought with annoyance. The poetry had to be supremely rubbish, for the fairy-muse to look that bored. It was almost cruel to watch the poor thing suffer like that.

The man looked up from his work and their eyes met. He smiled at her, his expression lush and predatory.

Elle looked away, denying him the satisfaction of seeing her shudder. A desperate need to rush outside for fresh air and light filled her, but she remained in her seat. To reassure herself, she touched the row of buttons on the front of her shirt. The slim hilt of the stiletto she kept tucked into the front laces of her corset was still there.

She sighed and looked up at the roof. Hopefully this business with Patrice would be brief, so she could be on her way. She hated stepping into the Shadow side. It was odd that even in this day and age there were still places in this world where Reason and Enlightenment had not reached.

Patrice appeared with a tray at the top of the stairs. He walked carefully over to the table and set it down on a clear space with exaggerated care. The floorboards groaned briefly as he sank into the upholstery opposite her.

I brought tea. Oolong. Have some. He lifted the teapot and poured the steaming liquid into small ceramic cups. There were dark crescents of dirt at the base of his fingernails when he handed her one.

So tell me, my dear, did you have a pleasant flight over the Channel? he said.

It was fine. Windy, but nothing unusual for this time of year. She wanted to ask about the assignment, but Patrice was not a man who could be rushed. She would have to go through the ritual of negotiation with him first.

Would you like a pipe? He rummaged around the opium paraphernalia on the table. I’m sure I have a made one here somewhere.

She shook her head. Better not. Wouldn’t want to crash my ship and your cargo into the sea, now would I?

He fiddled with one of the carved pipe stems in a moment of indecision. I suppose you are right. Might as well do this with a clear head. He gave her a knowing smile.

Patrice, what is this all about? She sat forward, unable to contain her curiosity. The telegram said that the charter is urgent and to meet you here, but nothing else. Paris is a long way to travel on speculation, so I hope I haven’t travelled here unnecessarily.

Patrice’s laugh was a sudden burst of noise, swallowed up by the paper screens and furnishings. Always straight to business, little one. That’s what I like about you. You never get distracted when there’s work to be done.

At the sound of Patrice’s laughter, the absinthe fairy looked up. She flexed her wings and wisped over to where Elle and Patrice were sitting. Elle averted her eyes. The fairy-muses of Paris were elegant from afar, but, like dragonflies or the prostitutes who prowled dark alleys, they were quite ugly if one looked at them too closely. They said the fairies brought brightly colored dreams from which one never wanted to wake up and which brought descent into complete madness. Much was said about the hideous things they did to their charges—the absinthe drinkers—once held in their spell. And Elle had no desire to be caught by the charms of La Fée Verte.

The fairy shifted form until she was nothing but a knot of gray-green light rising in the direction of the bamboo fairycote that hung from the ceiling. The sound of fairies whispering in the air above washed over Elle. She felt their attention like a whisper of breath against her skin and she shivered.

So, on to business. Patrice stroked his broom moustache slowly as he spoke.

I’m listening. She was careful to keep her voice even. She needed this charter. She would not have bothered coming to this dreadful place if she didn’t. Patrice was one of the few agents who didn’t mind that she was a woman. She had managed to log some valuable flight hours thanks to the official work he sent her way. In return, she did some of his off-the-books business for him. She owed him that. It was the way the world worked: Everyone owed somebody something in the end and it helped if those you owed were friends.

Tonight’s charter is a rather delicate matter, Patrice said, interrupting her thoughts. The utmost discretion is required. It concerns the conveyance of a very important parcel. You are to fly to England. Someone will be waiting to collect the freight at the Aerodrome. You will receive further instructions upon your arrival.

That shouldn’t be too difficult. But …? There was bound to be a catch somewhere. There invariably was when it came to dealing with Patrice.

Patrice nodded and smiled as if he had read her thoughts. I need you to look after part of the freight for me this afternoon. Only for a few hours, until you fly tonight. It shouldn’t cause you too much trouble. There is a reason I told you to watch my seat. See, I have it right here.

He pulled a polished wooden box out from between the cushions behind him and put it on the table between the teapot and the pipes. No one will even know you have it.

That can’t be all of it, surely? They wouldn’t have chartered a whole airship for one little box, would they?

He shrugged. It’s an important parcel.

She frowned and ran her finger along the brass-edged corner of the box. It was roughly the size of a book—a solid block of wood with no obvious hinges or opening. A fine pattern of ancient-looking symbols was laid into the surface.

Patrice, I am just a pilot. I fly the freight. I deliver it. I get paid. That is all and you know it. You cannot ask me to start carting things around Paris for you. That has never been part of our agreement.

Make an exception this one time, please. It’s not as if I’m asking you to guard a warehouse. It’s just one small box.

Elle looked over her shoulder. The poet on the other side of the room had fallen asleep with his pencil still in his hand. A soft snore emanated from somewhere at the back of his throat.

What’s inside the box? she said in a fierce whisper. There has to be a reason why it can’t be opened, and I’m not going to carry it around in my holdall unless I know what that is.

Patrice shook his head. I cannot tell you what is inside the box. I am bound by an oath of secrecy. All you need to know is that it’s extremely valuable, but completely safe. And you are not to let it out of your sight until you get to England.

And where is the rest of the freight?

The rest of the freight will be waiting for you at the airfield.

You will be aware, of course, that this is going to increase the risks I have to take. What if I am searched and they find the box?

Patrice rested his moustache on his knuckles in measured exasperation. Anyone who sees it will simply think it’s a jewelry box. My client, Viscount Greychester, is a very powerful man. If anything does happen, he will take care of matters. Just mention his name and all will be smoothed over. Just like that. Patrice tried to snap his fingers, but no sound came from them. He looked at his hand with the slight surprise of the uncoordinated.

It’s going to cost more. I’m not doing this for charity, you know.

That wasn’t completely true. She loved to fly more than anything and she would do it for free if she could, but dreams and dirigibles cost money.

He sat forward and took hold of her hands. All I need is a standard Channel crossing. Nothing unusual. I am asking that you do this for me. For all the times I have helped you.

He had a point. There was no arguing with him on that. She gave Patrice a look of extreme dubiousness.

And before you start complaining about it, here is your fee. He pulled a dark blue velvet pouch out of the pocket in his waistcoat and placed it on her palm.

Elle’s eyes widened with surprise. It was an eternity bracelet inlaid with gems. Brilliant cut stones, the size of peas, set in a neat row ten or eleven inches long. At each end was one-half of a clasp that intertwined in a Celtic knot.

Patrice, are those diamonds?

He nodded. They are indeed. Your preferred mode of payment, I believe?

Elle pulled her combobulator optic loupe from her holdall, clicked it open and held the lens up to her eye. The tiny gears whirred and clicked as the image came into focus. She studied the bracelet between her fingers. Even in the dim light of the spark-lamps, she could see that the diamonds were flawless. They shone with a strange but exquisite shade of blue. She would have to take them to a jeweler to be valued, but the bracelet would fetch quite a price if she used the right people.

She had found that jewelry was the perfect form of payment for her services. Diamonds were far preferable to bills that needed her father’s signature for her to draw upon them. Gold was too heavy to carry and too hard to sell when it came to it. But no one asked questions when a lady sought to sell jewelry discreetly. Elle had become very good at spotting paste gems from real ones.

She put away her optics, taking care not to seem too pleased.

So do we have an agreement? Patrice picked up his tea and sat back against the cushions.

Curiosity bubbled up inside her. She lifted the box up and gave it a wiggle. It had a heavy, solid feel to it that spelled trouble. She should say no to this charter. She felt the little voice inside her whisper the warning. But doing exactly what she ought not to was one of her very worst habits. And now was not the time to break old habits. Not when her ship needed mending.

All right, Patrice, I’ll do it, she said. But only because it’s you who is asking. She slipped the box into her holdall and set it on the floor next to her feet.

Patrice raised his cup and smiled. To a successful flight, then.

To wealthy eccentric clients with more money than brains, Elle thought to herself as she took a sip of fragrant tea.

Try the bracelet, Patrice said. He gestured with his hand for her to try.

She flicked the diamonds over her wrist. They wound around it and the clasp shut with a click. It’s rather early in the afternoon for diamonds, don’t you think? She held it up to admire it in the light.

The absinthe fairy drifted down from the rafters and hovered before Elle, as if she was trying to get a better look.

You like shiny things, don’t you? she said to the fairy.

The fairy moved up and down in what appeared to be the affirmative. Then, in a green flash almost too quick for the eye to see, the knot of light disappeared into the bracelet.

Hey! Where do you think you’re going? Elle wiggled her arm, but the fairy refused to budge. Elle tried to undo the clasp, but it was stuck. Patrice, I think my stowaway has broken the clasp. Can you help me, please? She held her wrist out to him.

Oh! That can’t be good— Patrice started to say but something beyond her shoulder caught his attention.

Patrice, there you are! A man said in English behind her.

Marsh. You have found us! Patrice flushed red and half rose up from his seat.

Marsh turned out to be a tall man wrapped in a black carriage cloak despite the mild weather. His dark hair was just that little too long and messy to be fashionable and the finely tailored black shantung waistcoat, visible from between the folds of his cloak, was too expensive to match the rest of him.

"This is Miss Eleanor Chance. The pilot," Patrice said, emphasizing the last word.

How do you do. She hid her arm behind her back. It was never wise to advertise in this type of establishment that one was wearing diamonds.

Marsh barely nodded in reply as he looked her up and down. His fine, regular features creased into a frown. Patrice, surely you can’t be serious? he said.

Patrice started to stammer an answer, but Marsh turned on him. And iron? What were you thinking? Do you realize that I have been looking for you for three hours?

It was the safest place I could think of to wait. Besides, there is nothing to worry about. This was merely a diversion, nothing you wouldn’t be able to overcome. A tinge of obstinacy crept into his tone. Miss Chance is an excellent pilot. She has top-notch credentials. I can assure you that all will be well.

I honestly don’t give a damn about her credentials, Marsh said, but I do care about the fact that we need to leave this place. Immediately.

Elle felt a tight little bud of anger unfurl inside her. "Mister Marsh, she said. If the fact that I am a woman is not to your liking, then please, by all means, go and find someone else to fly your cargo. But I am keeping the diamonds for my efforts."

Please tell me you’re not one of those tedious Suffragettes as well. Good work, Patrice, Marsh sighed, and rolled his eyes.

Being called a Suffragette in such unfair and unflattering terms was one thing; being called tedious was another, and Elle wasn’t going to dignify his insufferable remark with an answer. Instead, she gathered her holdall to return the box.

Patrice placed a hand on her arm. Please, if I may. My associate is not himself today. We really do need your assistance. He gave Marsh a pointed look as he spoke.

Marsh rubbed his hand over his face in a gesture of resignation. "Very well, but this is on your head, mon ami."

Patrice turned to Elle. Allow us to hail you a cab. It will take you back to the airfield. Wait there for further instructions. I do hope you would forgive this imposition while Mr. Marsh and I attend to a few last-minute items of business. He paused for a meaningful moment as he pleaded with her in silence to play along.

I can walk, you know. The airfield is not that far from here.

I would feel better if I saw you off safely. He inclined his head toward the contents of her holdall.

She tightened her grip on the strap. Let them waste money on a cab if it mattered that much. Very well, then, Patrice, I’ll see you at the airfield for takeoff. We depart at six. Don’t be late, she added with as much hauteur as she could muster.

Marsh rolled his eyes. I’ll be downstairs, he grumbled as he stalked off.

CHAPTER 2

Outside the café, Patrice handed Elle into an old hansom carriage, recently converted and fitted with an engine. Horseless carriages were all the rage in Paris these days. The spark reactor and steam engine were attached to the front of the carriage underneath the driver’s seat. The dome of the reactor gleamed blue-green and the pistons huffed and hissed. Little puffs of steam escaped while the engine idled. The cab driver, seated on the front of the carriage, held on to the lever brake to stop the cab from lurching forward.

Patrice had a word with the driver and handed him money. Then he poked his head into the window. Take care of yourself until we meet again. And don’t worry about Mr. Marsh. I will see to him. Just make sure you look after the box. He pulled up the window and snapped it shut.

Elle nearly fell over in her seat as the cab pulled off over the cobbles. The driver did not seem very skilled in his command of the machine. And if there was one thing Elle knew about, it was spark-powered engines. They took finesse to master and this was clearly a skill the cab driver had not quite acquired yet.

They trundled down the street and took a right turn. She caught a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. La Dame de Fer rose up over the city bathed in afternoon light.

She frowned. She knew Paris well enough to know that they were going in the wrong direction.

Excuse me! She banged on the hatch door that opened up next to the driver so passengers could give directions. He didn’t seem to hear her so she leaned forward to open the window. It was stuck. She rattled the frame and wrenched at it until she managed to drag it open slightly.

Excuse me. This is the wrong way, she called out to the driver.

There was no answer. She tried the door handle, but it too was firmly locked. The cab sped up. Something was very wrong. There was no way of telling where this man was taking her. Paris was rife with occultists and libertines in need of quarry. And that was without counting the Nightwalkers and the other creatures of Shadow. This city could be a dangerous place for a woman on her own and she had no intention of ending up on some dark altar or a dinner platter in a dungeon somewhere. And there was the box to consider. She needed to do something. Quickly.

Elle gripped the door handle and shoved at it. It budged slightly, but held firm. The buildings started whirring by with nauseating speed. She swallowed down the urge to panic and hitched her holdall across her body so the leather strap nestled between her breasts. With her bag in front of her, she turned sideways and gave the door a kick with both legs.

Cab doors are by their nature rather flimsy and not designed to be kicked. The cab shuddered. She kicked it again. The leather-padded plywood door split next to the handle. She leaned back and kicked the door again with all her strength. With the sound of tearing upholstery, the door flew open.

The driver looked down in surprise and let go of the brake. The cab lurched forward, almost out of control.

Elle closed her eyes and launched herself out of the moving cab. She landed on the pavement, hitting her elbow on the cobbles. She rolled and sat up, looking about to get her bearings so she could see which way to run.

The cab slowed down and the engine shuddered to a halt as the driver let it stall. He yelled and leapt off the machine after her.

She stood up to run, but out of nowhere someone stepped from behind and grabbed her. Before she could react, Elle felt the cool graze of sharp-edged steel press against her throat and it made her stop in her tracks. Don’t move, or I will slit your throat from end to end, a voice behind her said. The smell of licorice laced his breath as he held her in his grip. Absinthe. That meant it was quite likely the man was deranged.

Elle held very still as the blade edge scraped against her skin. If he was away with the fairies, there was no telling what he might do. One wrong move and she would be dead for sure.

Go restart the cab, her captor said to the driver. He tightened his grip on her. Now, very slowly, let go of that bag of yours. His damp breath filled her ear. Go on, hand it over … there’s a good girl. His fingers crawled up her arm and over her shoulder. They dug into her neck as he gripped the strap of her holdall. In a violent move, he dragged it over her head, taking several strands of her hair with it.

Elle gasped with pain and revulsion. She tried to move away, but his fingers dug into her throat, threatening to choke her.

There you go. Now you and I are going for a little ride. And don’t you dare scream, or I’ll make sure you will be sorry.

Fury rose up inside her. She was not going to let this man drag her off to do who-knows-what with her. And she certainly wasn’t going to let him get away with her holdall.

No, you will not, she croaked. She brought her foot up and shoved her heel into her attacker’s groin. Elle was slim, but years of helping her father in his workshop building engines had made her lithe and strong. It was a lucky shot, but her boot sank into his crotch with satisfying force.

Her attacker wailed and doubled over.

Elle twisted out of his grip and kicked him in the knee. He went down onto the pavement, clutching his groin. She caught sight of his face and gasped. It was the poet from the café.

How? Why? She didn’t have much time to wonder. The driver yelled and jumped off the cab, where he had been restarting the engine.

She drew her stiletto out of her bodice and balanced it in her hand, ready to defend herself.

The driver just laughed when he saw her weapon. In reply, he drew out a long metal rod and flicked it. An electric-blue charge started crackling at one end of the stick. Elle swallowed with dismay. It was a Tesla spark prod—the type policemen used to subdue unruly mobs and anarchists. One buzz from that and she would be immobile and drooling on the floor for hours. The driver stood in the road, blocking her way. The spark prod in his hand crackled ominously.

She glanced down at the squirming poet. She only had a few moments before he recovered enough to come after her again.

Together, the two men were more trouble than she could manage. She turned to run, but the poet grabbed her ankle and tripped her. For the second time she fell hard on the cobbles. She held the blade up, ready to stab whoever touched her next.

Let go of her!

A pair of boots appeared next to her face. She looked up and realized with a rush of surprise that it was Mr. Marsh. Before she could protest, he hauled her to her feet. She found herself face-to-face with his solid chest as he slipped his arm around her waist to stop her from falling.

The poet cursed and spun round. And slashed at Marsh’s calf. Marsh cried out and swiveled Elle out of the way as he held her to him.

The poet dragged himself up to face them. His stubbly cheeks glistened with sweat. He started laughing and held the holdall up before him.

Elle lunged at it, stumbling out of Marsh’s grip. For the third time in as many minutes she landed on the ground, winded.

Marsh and the poet squared up to face each other.

Come on, then. Let’s have it, Marsh said in a low voice. He leaned forward, ready to fight.

The poet grinned at him and shook his head. Oh no. He spoke English with a heavy Cockney accent. Not that way, Gov. I ain’t that stupid. He drew something from inside his pocket and hurled it at Marsh. There was a bright flash of light as the projectile hit Marsh square in the chest. The air filled with the acrid smell of alchemy.

Before anyone could do anything, the poet disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Patrice ran up to them. He was panting and rubbing his fist. Are you hurt?

Marsh was bent over at the waist. He was taking long steady breaths. His hair had flopped forward into his eyes and his hat lay forgotten on its side on the cobbles.

Did you get him? he asked Patrice.

Patrice shook his head and pulled a slim black cigar from his pocket. He lit it and took a deep draw. The end glowed red in reply. No, he got away, he said as he exhaled. I grabbed him, but he was too fast. Managed to get a good punch in though.

What are you doing here? Elle said. She rubbed her palm. A dusty bruise was already forming from landing on the cobbles. Have you been following me?

Marsh straightened up with a groan. I noticed that your cab drove off in the wrong direction and decided to investigate. We were lucky that another cab was to hand and so we were able to follow you. And a good thing we did too, by the looks of things. He bent over and examined his leg. The leather of his boot was marred with a long gash where the knife had split it. I seem to have had a lucky escape. He stood up straight. Just ruined a good pair of flannels. Thank you for asking. He gave her a pointed look.

Elle realized she was holding her breath and let it out slowly. I could have managed on my own, you know, she said.

Marsh snorted. With that brooch pin? He gestured at the stiletto she was still holding.

This is a deadly razor-sharp weapon, if you don’t mind. She turned her back to him and tucked the blade into its place inside her shirt.

Well then, you should mind that you don’t cut yourself or your laces, he observed.

With her buttons done up, she faced him. That was the poet—the one from the café. And he’s gotten away with my holdall, and the viscount’s box.

That was no poet. Marsh retrieved his hat from the cobbles. Patrice, I am hoping with everything I am that the box Miss Chance is referring to isn’t our box. It’s not, is it? he asked between gritted teeth.

I thought it would be the safest place. No one would look in a lady’s luggage, surely? Contrite, Patrice looked down at the ground.

Marsh said something into the air above him in a language Elle did not know. She guessed from the inflection that the words were not fit for polite conversation. Then he turned to her and gripped the tops of her arms. What else was in the holdall? He gave her a little shake.

The ferocity of his question sent her heart racing. J-just my things, the flight papers … and the box, she stammered. She liked to think of herself as robust, but such manhandling was quite unacceptable and her blood was still pounding through her veins from the shock. Now let go of me, this very instant, you big lout. She kicked his shin and started wriggling furiously to escape his grasp.

Marsh cried out as her boot connected with his shin. He straightened up and loosened his grip. Damn it, that hurt. His eyes were winter-cold.

Well, you deserved it, she said.

Marsh did not respond. Instead, he looked away before he spoke. It seems that the men Patrice and I initially had business with now have business with you. And for that, I am truly sorry. His expression softened as he spoke.

Elle found herself at a loss for words. Physical shock and delayed reaction were sending her whole body into shakes. She swallowed the lump that was building in her throat and looked away.

Very well, if you insist on pouting, we shall share pleasantries first. Tell me, madam, are you harmed? Any broken bones? No gaping injuries?

He was mistaking her silence for petulance. No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pout. I mean, I’m fine. A few scrapes perhaps, but no harm done. It was a ridiculous answer and she found herself casting about for a better one, but his attention was already elsewhere.

Patrice, this has been a most unfortunate turn of events. I fear that matters have become rather complicated by this little episode. We need to get back to London as soon as we can. He pulled out his pocket watch and looked at it. We must make for the airfield immediately, before they decide to come back.

I think we need to call the authorities, Elle said, recovering some of her composure.

Marsh shook his head. You may take it from me that the police will be of no assistance in these circumstances. In my experience, involving the authorities will be far more trouble than it’s worth.

Elle stared at him. She did not move.

Come along, then, Miss Chance. Marsh nodded at her.

I beg your pardon! she said, bristling at his presumptuousness. "I’m not moving from this spot

[rabidgummibear-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

From the title and cover alone this book sounds promising. Even the blurb is promising, but all it manages to do is stumble about and be a weird mix of steampunk and not steampunk. Instead of complaining though I'll break it all down for you.

A seemingly strong female Elle is put into a precarious situation with her father being kidnapped and the 'quick' delivery she was supposed to make. It all turns out to be a huge set up for some terrible things to take place.

The things I liked in this book. The characters were pretty unique and awesome. Lots of treachery and fun to be had by all. It was interesting seeing some of the characters I was suspicious of turn out to be evil. I really liked Marsh and how much he grew throughout the book. Elle seemed like a strong character, but later on she started to fall flat for me.

The things I didn't care for was that the book literally took a turn around 50% of being slow and boring. I almost didn't finish it, but I made myself stick it out. Which the ending was pretty good so I'm glad I did.

Overall I really can't say a lot of good about this book I give it 2.5/5 stars. I was left just not as interested in the end. Don't foresee myself picking up the sequel either. It's definitely more on the trash end of things.

[mommatracey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A good debut work. Needs a little tightening but details, world building and dialogue are good.

Editing was decent, very little misspellings or missing words but as noted above some tightening of the timeline and story would be good.

Overall I enjoyed the theme. The ending seemed a bit rushed after spending the entire book building to it. And it would have been slightly better to have explained how she eliminated the vortex...

Undecided on whether I'll continue the series

[altheaann · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received an advance copy of this book through a First Reads giveaway! THANK YOU Goodreads!

So, I think I would get along with this author. She likes a bunch of cool things: airships, pirates, airship pirates, absinthe, fairies, vampires, plucky heroines, noble heroes, evil villains, henchmen, secret occult societies, sacrifices on altars, the Orient Express, Paris, Constantinople, absent-minded professors, scientific inventions, magic, and of course, alchemy.

All these things are jammed into this book.
It's not about being original, it's about fitting all the cool things in. The result, is a light, cartoony, adventure-romance. it's good fun, even though I had a persistent feeling of 'seen it before,' and even though the romance aspect was a little annoying, mainly due to the male lead's patronizing attitude. No, I really don't find that kind of thing attractive.

I would highly recommend this book to all fans of M.K. Hobson - I found it very similar - and, to a lesser degree, to fans of Gail Carriger and Leanna Renee Hieber.

I know this is an advance copy, so I'm not going to make a big deal of the few errors in the text... with one exception. A "bill of fare" is the MENU at a restaurant, not the bill or check. Editors!

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This had a lot of potential, there were some good moments in it but it just didn't quite work as well as it possibly might.

Elle Chance is a airship-pilot, fighting against the restrictions of her sex and society. She accepts a commission from a friend in Paris and this draws her into the world of Alchemists and Warlocks, two opposing groups who want her because her destiny is to be a pivot point in the world and she will have to come to terms with her destiny.

One of the people involved is Mr Marsh a warlock, who is attracted to her, but I didn't really feel that the relationship development was shown enough.

Interesting, I'm going to read more but I'd like to see more about the relationship coming through.

[isisunit · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Goodreads Blurb:
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.


An exciting and creative series debut, this book deftly combines history with science fiction, fantasy, in the wonderful and magical world of steampunk fiction. From the very beginning this series revolves around a very strong-willed young lady, one who can serve tea in the drawing room to members of high society, then turn around and pilot her own dirigible. Elle takes after her father with a mind for mathematics and engineering, yet remains as feminine as the next debutant - when it suits her that is.

Lord Greychester, also known as Hugh Marsh, is a striking leading male character. He is a lovely blend of domineering, devious, gallant, chivalrous, and utterly bemused by the young Ms. Elle Chance. As a Warlock Mr. Marsh has a duty, but he finds it more and more difficult to fulfill his obligations. The longer he goes without fully explaining himself to Elle, the stronger she is in her resistance of his 'requests.'

The other characters are just as developed as necessary to get by. They aren't particularly well-rounded, with a few exceptions of course. Normally that would bother me, but in this case it works. Most of the other characters fall into the roll of antagonist of varying degrees, and as villains they play their roles very well, if not a bit by rote. Most are caricatures of the evil villains of the 1920's and 30's, with the billowing black cape and mustache waxed into points, yet they fit the story flawlessly. They all have the traditional motivations, greed and power, and they are more than willing to kill to gain what they want, which of course is a real problem for Elle, seeing as she is what they want. Or more precisely, what is inside her is what they want.

This story starts neatly and quickly picks up speed, until it is as fast as a runaway freight train. Yet for all the speed the plot is still well rounded and peppered with great details and tantalizing glimpses of what might be. The arc of the story is smooth, with steady pacing that ebbs and flows with a very natural feeling. Each scene is smoothly constructed, and even with an explosive ending the book still leaves a few threads dangling to better set up the next book in the series. Though not the most original steampunk book I've read, this one more than satisfies.

[glennis.leblanc · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This story is the first in a new series and it seemed like the author wanted to take too many things and add them to the stew of the story and hope it all works together. We have the plucky steampunk pilot heroine who meets with a business associate to take delivery of a package gets paid in a diamond bracelet that promptly has a absinthe fairy inhabited it. There are vampires that are not called vampires working with the wizards that protect them from the other wizard faction. There is the hero wizard that amazingly enough our heroine falls in love with even though the reader doesn't see where the attraction comes from. And even then she runs hot and cold for him as the book goes on. The baddies were so obviously the bad guys, I'm surprised they were not twirling their mustaches. I don't see myself reading any more books in the series.

Digital review copy provided by Edelweiss

[nancyno5 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A conspiracy of Alchemists is a great debut novel that has entered the Steampunk genre.

The story centers around Elle Chance, dirigible pilot, and her 'mystical' inheritance. Without giving any spoilers, Elle is the central figure in the balance between the Light and the Shadow elements of her world.

Elle's world is full of dirigibles, steam, and other typical steampunk elements; where magic and the 'undead' are also part the norm. Romance comes in the form of Lord Greychester, aka Mr. Marsh, who is part of the Shadow world and is integral in shaping Elle to become the great Oracle that is her inheritance.

The story is fun, light and quick to read. I liked the characters although Elle can come off as a bit high strung. Since this is the first in a trilogy, I expect more character definition will come into play.

Ms. Schwarz creates a balanced novel with a good plot and characters to help support the story. I have already pre-ordered book 2!

[jeneaw-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the first in The Chronicles of Light and Shadow series, and it was a great start to a new Urban Fantasy and Steampunk series. This starts off with an action packed beginning, and I knew I was in for something that was going to be interesting and something that I would not want to put down.
We first our two main characters, Eleanor (Elle) and Hugh Marsh (Marsh), when Elle arrives in Paris to meet a prospective client. She has been hired to carry a couple parcels to England. Elle is inquisitive by nature, so of course she has questions about the charter she has been hired to do. She is feisty and doesn’t take anything from anyone, especially a man who instantly irritates her because she is a female pilot. Mr Marsh is the other parcel, and he is an arrogant man to say the least. There is a lot more to Elle life than she ever knew, she is the Oracle. I enjoyed the fact she doesn’t give in easily which I thought was fantastic. So many just go in blindly and accept it, but not her, and I think it shows the true strength of her character. Elle is a heroine in her own rights.

Marsh isn’t just any man. He is a Warlock, and is a strong powerful one who has closed himself off from most people. He was interesting and learning his past was great. But there is even more to him as the story continues. Marsh helps Elle on her path to become what she meant to be and his affections for her grows into something sweet and endearing. The romance aspect of this was fantastic. There are a few other characters that I have to mention too. Elle’s Father is a professor and a genius one at that.

The world building was fascinating, with a world that is divided between Light and Shadow. The war is progressing on between them and the search for the Oracle is getting desperate. It is the only way to have a balance. There were fairies, nightwalkers, and interesting steam and spark powered machines. The pacing was fast and with plenty of action. Air attacks, and people always trying to kidnap her, so never a dull moment. The ending left some unanswered questions, and set us up for the next book. The characters were great and the plot was definitely unique.

A Conspiracy of Alchemists is a wonderful blend of steampunk, historical fiction, adventure with an unexpected romance. It has an element of paranormal to it too. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I am excited for A Clockwork Heart out later this year. This is an awesome to start to a new series.

[a_tiffyfit · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Disclaimer: Received from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun, well-paced steampunk fantasy romance! I thought it was a strong start to a new series that I will be snatching as soon as available. It starts off with intrigue and action and keeps it up throughout the book. I loved the absinthe fairies and the inner monologue of Adele as she travels with Elle on her adventure.

I've always liked Wonder Woman and the archetype of strong, self-efficient feminine leads without them acting as if they have something to prove. Elle Chance is this kind of character. She is self-sufficent and able to stand on her own, but doesn't have that self-aggrandizement that can be so annoying. She questions Marsh and his motives from the beginning, which was smart in my book as why ever would you trust someone with your life and the life of a loved one based on his word alone?

Marsh, as her counterpart, is likeable with the tiniest hint of "hurt in the past" that makes you want Elle to fix him. Dashing, gentlemanly, and never condescending.

I enjoyed the turns of mythology in regards to oracles, the fantasy of magic with warlocks, and the steampunk ships, creations, mechanicals, and alchemists. The ending was satisfying even though it left you with heart palpitations and wanting the next book RIGHT NOW.

A Conspiracy of Alchemists publishes on March 4, 2013. So get it now and join me in the "wait, when is the SEQUEL?!"

[lauriebrown54 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This steampunk novel, the first of a trilogy, introduces us to Elle Chance, owner of her own airship and daughter of a renowned inventor. To pay for her ship, she runs it as light freighter. Most companies won’t hire her, though, so she takes what she can get. So when she is offered an under the table job of transporting a small box from Paris to England, she takes it. No sooner does she do this, however, than trouble starts- and doesn’t stop for 400+ pages.

This is a 1903 where airships and horseless carriages are run on steam powered by mysterious (to me) spark reactors -I never figured out if that was magic, or science, or something in between. The world is divided into Light and Shadow, with fairies, vampires, warlocks, fauns, airship pirates and I’m not sure what else. For a long time, Light, the side of science and logic, has ruled, but members of the Shadow side aim to put an end to that soon- and to end a long time pact with some associates. Not only does Elle get embroiled in this fight by having the box, but it seems she has a talent that both sides want, too. Of course, there is the handsome, troubled hero, whom Elle finds attractive but cannot trust or get along with, Hugh Marsh, Lord Greychester.

While Elle seems to get past her troubles when she makes it safely home, that changes when her father is kidnapped and she goes out for blood. As she and Hugh try to rescue her father, the way this world works is unfolded for us and it’s an interesting world, with some interesting characters in it.

Sadly, Elle is sometimes not the most interesting of them. She starts out fine, brave, smart, and capable of making her own way in the world. But meeting Hugh seems to rob her of a part of herself and turn her into a teenager who reacts emotionally when she shouldn’t and refusing to listen to important things about herself and her family. I’m hoping that in the next volume she comes around and faces things as an adult. Everyone is entitled to scared and petulant moments, but when it becomes one’s personality, that gets irritating.

I’m also hoping to see more of some of the characters introduced in this book: Adele the absinth fairy, Baroness Belododia the (good) vampire, and Inut the half-faun boy. They made more of an impact that one would expect for the limited number of pages given to them, which is why I’m hoping they are given more space in Book Two. Which I will be reading.

[literaryfeline · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I wasn't sure what I was in for when I began reading A Conspiracy of Alchemists. I avoided reading any of the reviews about it, but the description made it sound promising. Plus, I really like the cover. I read this book when I most needed something light and easy, and it proved to be a good fit.

I haven't read too much in the way of steampunk, and loved the descriptions of the devices and forms of transportation described . It was interesting and the author did a good job of setting the stage for her novel. I loved the idea of Elle, a female pilot trying to make her way among a mostly male dominated field. Elle had been raised by her father, having lost her mother when she was young. Her mother's death and reputation was mired in rumors of the occult.

Elle isn't one to believe much in magic. She's very practical minded. And although she sometimes finds herself walking between the Light (more scientific realm) and the Shadow (more magical realm), she'd like to think her feet are firmly planted in the Light. When she takes on a job for one of her regular customers, the Frenchman Patrice, she soon finds herself questioning the reality she knows, both in the present and in the past. What should have been a simple cargo flight from Paris to London, turns into a fight for her life as she flees an unknown enemy. When her father is kidnapped, Elle will do anything to find him. Even if that means putting her trust in Mr. Marsh, a shady character with high connections.

What unfolds is a story of magic and mayhem where alchemists seek their freedom from the vampires, and the warlocks try to hold onto that last sliver of magic they can find. Author Liesel Schwarz brought the landscape her novel is set in to life from the descriptions of England and France and Italy and Constantinople. The action is almost nonstop from beginning to end and plenty of secrets to be uncovered. There is also romance, albeit a bit cliche.

When behind the wheel of an aircraft, Elle was quite the formidable foe. I loved the scene where she was up against the air pirates. She could be quite stubborn in an annoying sort of way, especially when it came to Mr. Marsh. I liked her overall, however. She had heart.

I enjoyed getting to know Elle and the world she lives in, as well as many of the other characters, including meeting Baroness Beladodia on the Orient Express, the absinthe fairy that stowed away in Elle's bracelet, and Inut, the half-faun who was eager to be of help.

I really like the idea of a steampunk novel about a female pilot, and admit to being a tad disappointed when it became clear the author was going in an entirely different direction with the character. Even so, I let go of my expectation and let Schwarz take me where she would. In the end, I enjoyed the ride quite a bit. I definitely will be seeking out future books in the series.

Review copy provided by Publisher.

[diavoletto-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So the advanced reader version was mailed to me by the author and i found Ellie to be kinda whiny at times due to marsh pushing her aside. He has his reasons and she just wont understand that. Overall i loved the book and its now on of my favorites

[philae_02 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was utterly fabulous! I loved everything about it --the characters, the plot, the climax, and ending. This steampunk mystery/drama was everything that I could have hoped from the air ship pirates to the absinthe fairies. Eleanor "Elle" Chance is an air ship pilot, who is commissioned by a mysterious warlock viscount named Hugh Marsh. Elle takes the job, but soon realizes she's in more than she's bargained for. From burglaries to kidnappings, Elle and Marsh travel around Europe to put a stop to the dastardly Alchemists' plans for world domination. I can't wait for book 2!

[darkfaerietales_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.

Quick & Dirty: Elle’s hidden gift is all that can keep the world in balance and running from her destiny could prove more dangerous than embarrassing who she really is.

Opening Sentence: This was the place where people came to give their souls to fairies.

The Review:

Schwarz has created an amazing universe in this book. The world is divided into Light and Shadow. Everything in the Light believes only in science and solid fact while the Shadow is made up of all the magic of the world. They exist in balance, one never overpowering the other until a greedy old alchemist named Abercrombie decides to destroy this harmony and tip the world in favor of the Shadow.

I enjoyed Abercrombie as the villain quite a bit. As an alchemist, he is bound as a servant to a Nightwalker named Aleix. In the beginning it appears these two are partners, Abercrombie doing the work Aleix couldn’t while the sun was up. It didn’t take long, however, to notice that this partnership wasn’t going to end well for one of the two gentlemen. Neither of them was given much of a back story outside of the history of their two species. Basically, Abercrombie was sick of being as powerful as he was and still being a servant. His motives were simple and straightforward. Get the girl and the key and destroy the creatures that believe themselves to be above him.

Now the girl is Miss Elle Chance. To start, she is one of the only female pilots of her day but by the end she must face a destiny that will decide the fate of the world forever. She has an incredible amount of confidence in herself and refuses to fill the role society dictates for her. I immediately like this woman even if she comes off a bit, Mary-Sue to begin with. I mean she’s beautiful, a gifted pilot, smart, strong-willed, destined for a greatness she doesn’t yet know of; basically she is perfect. That little fact is quite annoying to me because I like to see characters with flaws that they have to work through for the greater good. Elle’s greatest pitfall is her pride and narrow minded views. I enjoyed Elle’s wit and spirit so much that I was able to overlook everything else.

Elle is a pilot for freight planes and her one most loyal and trusted patron is Patrice. He often gives her assignments since not many other men would trust their freight with a woman flying the plane. Patrice comes off as a kind and jolly man but I have read enough books and watched enough movies that as soon as Elle told Mr. Marsh that she trusted Patrice without a doubt, I knew he was going to do something stupid.

Mr. Marsh is probably my favorite character. He is a warlock on a mission and he tries so desperately to keep Elle out of it that he often comes off as rude and a bit sexist. I love the banter between Elle and Marsh, especially as it becomes more and more obvious that the two have a thing for each other. Marsh’s character comes off nearly as perfect as Elle’s because he is quite rich, handsome, powerful, but his perfection seems more appropriate due to the fact that he’s a warlock. He has seen a great deal of the world and understands things Elle shouldn’t or couldn’t.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and the plot was interesting enough. The one thing I had a problem with is not something everyone will find as a fault. Since I read mostly young adult novels, I have become a bit accustomed to having plots move quickly from point to point to point so that if there is a lull in the action, that part of a journey is merely summarized in a paragraph or two. Schwarz left no moment untold, no day unspoken for. We followed the characters basically minute by minute from dusk till dawn. While this is a sign of a well thought out and developed story, it made it very difficult for me to get through. By the end of this adventure, I was very thankful to be done which isn’t usually the case. While this book wasn’t really my cup of tea, I’m sure that a fanbase will form behind it and the series will be very much enjoyed.

Notable Scene:

They can all manage by themselves. The voices were right. The world would manage without her. But before it did, she would have to rid the world of these evil men and whatever it was that they were planning. She was not about to let them succeed, even if it was to be the last thing she did. Suddenly an awesome sense of power filled her and when she spoke her voice had a resonance that was not her own. “Alchemist, you will not take from me what you have no permission to take. By the power that my mothers before me command, all you do shall be returned to you three-fold.” A sudden gust of air whirled around the cell. A few of the cloaked figures shifted slightly and looked at one another. Abercrombie started laughing. “How magnificent you are. You look like a goddess in that dress, with your hair all around you. But alas, ,I must call a halt to matters now. Enough of the brave games. The moon is rising and we have important business to attend to.” He reached over and touched his fingers to the center of Elle’s forehead. Hot alchemy flashed against her skin. She resisted for an instant, but her feeble barriers didn’t hold. Suddenly she was far away from her own body. She watched her knees buckle under her. Hands caught her and lifted her up onto the flower-adorned litter they had ready and waiting outside the door. A wreath of flowers was pushed into her hair. She was borne away in time to the deep-toned death chant of the Alchemists. Then everything went black.

FTC Advisory: Del Rey/Random House provided me with a copy of A Conspiracy of Alchemists. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[eyes92c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

dirigibles, absinthe drinkers and dens of inequity

Enter into the heady steampunk world of Victorian England and Paris--absinthe drinkers, dens of inequity, and alchemists' accruements. Add to this the faerie world of shadow and light and the Victorian era take on an altogether different hue.
The pivotal character is Aviatrix Elle, pilot of a 40 ' dirigible,
When meeting a client, Mr. Marsh, an occultist, in an opium den (absinthe cafe) a diamond bracelet attaches itself to her arm. This is the age of reason and for Elle, electromancy can be explained by science but occultism is a different to- be- avoided realm.
Attacks in Paris, a foiled kidnapped attempt, and dramatic getaway from a Paris field is followed by other troubles back in England. Her father is kidnapped, the plot is afoot, and occultism comes to the fore.
A lively read.


A Netgalley ARC

[readsalot81 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 Stars

****Posted as a guest review over at Paranormalhaven.com*****

When I first came across the blurb for Liesel Schwarz’s A Conspiracy of Alchemists, I got really excited. Talk about a blending of some of my favorite genres. Urban fantasy, steampunk and paranormal romance all mixed into one. There are lots of ideas that get tossed around in the book, so it took me a little while to get through the novel, but the visual imagery and creativity get high marks from me.

Eleanor Chance or “Elle” is a young pilot who is hired by her docking agent Patrice, to fly a very important parcel to England. Against her better judgment, she agrees to carry the package, while not knowing what exactly is inside the box itself. Almost as soon as Elle has custody of the parcel, there is an attempted abduction and the box ends up being stolen, while Elle is rescued by a gentleman that goes by the name of Hugh Marsh. They encounter a bit of trouble after Elle lands her airship at the agreed upon destination of her passengers and Elle, along with her airship, lands in the care of Hugh Marsh. When Elle returns home, she finds that her father has been kidnapped and insists upon setting out to rescue her father. At this point in the story, you can tell that Marsh is deliberately keeping information about Elle to himself, but the author does a nice job with having Marsh reveal various pieces of information throughout the story.

While Elle comes across as a competent character, she also seems very young. Although she flies her ships and is the daughter of this genius inventor, she’s also very sheltered, and it comes across with her interactions with Marsh. In some ways, this reads very much as a Young Adult novel and it did frustrate me a bit while I was reading. The author takes great pains in setting up the Light and Shadows and makes the reader want to know more about the Nightwalkers and Alchemists. There is also an alternating viewpoint from an absinthe fairy that starts before every other chapter or so that adds another layer to the story that I found intriguing.

Now there are parts that meander something fierce and I did find myself skimming at times when the book would get bogged down in descriptions, but this may be attributed to being book # 1 within the series. The relationship that develops between Elle and Marsh was also a high point for me, with both them slowly learning about one another with revelations being made all throughout the book. By the author’s own description, the double cross that occurs does not come as any great surprise, but that’s a small quibble with a book that I enjoyed immensely. If you like a book with great visual imagery, unique world building, and a somewhat muted romance, then A Conspiracy of Alchemists may be the book for you.

[ladycato · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley.

I've been reading a lot of steampunk, and have been disappointed by a number of titles. Some of them think throwing in a few airships and goggles is all the genre needs. This one hits the steampunk vibe just right; it's dark, it utilizes the technology, and it features a smart and savvy heroine who struggles against the expectations of propriety for a woman in her time. It's set in the Belle Epoch, only a few years into the 20th century, and jets all over Europe. The settings are fully realized, and it felt like Schwarz really did her research.

I confess, the book didn't grab me right away. It offered many curious elements in the first few chapters, such as absinthe fairies, but Elle as a heroine had to grow on me. For me, the book really picked up after she returned to England and endured several interesting complications there. Mr. Marsh didn't pique my curiosity at first, either, but his character grew in pleasant and complicated ways. The romantic element is gentle. Both characters grow together and grow up, but it's not a smooshy-face-kissy type of romance--good!

One of the things I liked best about the book was how it melded steampunk and magic on Earth. It's the sort of angle I enjoy in my own writing, and it was refreshing to see Schwarz's take on the subject.

In all, a good read, and I'd be curious to read on in the series.

[amberfib · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A Conspiracy of Alchemists is an intriguing tale of love and adventure set in a steam punk universe. Fans of the genre are sure to eat this one up. While the novel has some glaring issues, such as pacing, character development, and world-building, I was still able to enjoy the story and will be reading the sequel, if one is in the making.

Elle is supposed to be this kick-ass heroine. I can tell by the way she's set up. However, she came across more as a temperamental and immature simpering miss. She just isn't strong enough for me to buy into the whole kick-ass image the author was trying to portray. Having a fiery temper and being strong are two completely different things. Sometimes emotional control requires more strength than mouthing off. At the end of the day, Elle is unable to take care of herself, just like all the other weak heroines in the YA genre.

Mr. Marsh is your typical arrogant rich guy. He also sucks at communication. Seriously, he was the source of most of the world-building, and I still have no idea how anything in the world works. Also, I have no idea what he looks like. None. Some people like that, but I was distracted the entire book trying to figure out what kind of face I wanted him to have. His back story also isn't entirely clear, and I really didn't feel like I got to know him well enough.

The secondary characters are mostly filler, and I didn't feel a connection with any of them. The most interesting character is the professor, but he, too is a cliche. I just wasn't impressed with the characterization of this novel. The bad guys were so generic, I expected them to actually go, "Muah hah hah hah."

The relationship between Elle and Mr. Marsh is a little insta-lovey. Also, their dialogue is, more often than not, stilted and awkward. There were some awesome lines between them, though, such as when Elle told Marsh that she would rather eat her own foot than marry a man like him, in which he replied that he should propose right then just to see her try. Regardless, I don't know how they could possibly have fallen in love in case there was something I didn't see that happened, like some touching verbal exchange or something. Considering every mundane detail is explained for the first 70% of the book, I doubt I missed anything. The pacing is incredibly slow to start. When the plot picks up, nothing is explained still. I'm a bit frustrated that I don't know how Elle's power works. I'm also irritated at the lame explanations given for the alchemists and warlocks. The last 30% of the book happens in a rush and nothing seems fully developed. Also, the backstabber didn't come as a shock to me. Everything was pretty predictable.

I know that it sounds like I didn't like this book at all, but I did. I enjoyed the idea and I look forward to seeing what happens next. I just hope that some of these issues are fixed in the next installment. This has the potential to be a good series.

[krau0098 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a debut novel by Schwarz and the first book in The Chronicle of Light and Shadow. This second book will be titled A Clockwork Heart and is scheduled for an August 2013 release. I really enjoyed this book. It was an entertaining and fun Victorian steampunk read.

Elle is a lady pilot who has trouble getting jobs because she is female. As a result she does some less than savory work for Patrice delivering packages that need the utmost discretion. When Patrice asks her to deliver a small box, something warns her that this isn’t going to go well. Accompanying her is the devilishly handsome (and probably just as troublesome) Mr. Marsh. Before the delivery is complete Elle will find herself plunged into the world of Shadow and hunted for strange abilities she doesn’t even know she has.

This was a fast-paced and well written read. Elle is a spunky, yet sometimes vulnerable, female lead who is tons of fun to read about. I really enjoyed her. As the book progresses Elle develops interesting powers. I am very curious to see what happens with her abilities in future books.

Marsh is a wonderfully complex character as well, full of many hidden secrets. He is also absolutely to-die-for handsome and respectful and supportive of Elle. He was a wonderful male lead, and great fun to read about.

There are tons of nifty steampunk devices throughout this novel, Schwarz did an excellent job describing and researching all of this. Schwarz is obviously a huge steampunk fan and describes her steampunkish devices in wonderful detail. I really enjoyed reading about them.

The novel is a wonderful blend of steampunk, mystery, and a bit of romance. There is a lot of action and the novel is very fast-paced. I had trouble putting it down and was completely drawn into to this world where Light (tech) battles Shadow (magic).

The book was well written and easy to read. I also enjoyed that this was a well done and complete story. The Epilogue starts a little storyline that will be addressed in the next book.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, is was pure fun to read. There is lots of witty banter and humor in here, as well as an intriguing world and engaging characters. So if you enjoy steampunk, faeries, and some romance this is definitely a book you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading the next one in the series.