Book Reviews

Book Blurb

1882—Gillian Hamilton, magic caster and Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, has been stripped of his title, badge, and freedom. Gillian’s true name and powers have been exposed, so now he’s kept under lock and key. To make a tragedy worse, Gunner the Deadly has returned to his life out in the Wild West and has not been heard from since.

Rumors of a doctor, known only as Sawbones, with access to illegal magic have persisted into the new year. Gillian believes that violence, chaos, and certain death will befall New York City if this criminal isn’t apprehended. And despite having lost his sense of purpose, Gillian knows he’s the only one capable of confronting this new madman—with or without the backing of the FBMS.

But such dangers should never be undertaken alone. Gillian will need both Gunner’s deadeye marksmanship, as well as his love, if he’s to detain Sawbones before irreparable damage is done to the magic of his world.

 

Book Review

“Sometimes you meet someone, and it’s so clear that the two of you…belong together…You just work, whether you understand one another or you’re in love or you’re partners in crime…under the strangest circumstances, and they help you feel alive….” ~ Auliq Ice

 

Gillian Hamilton, of ‘The Doctor’ by C.S. Poe, thought he had put his past behind him; then his world came crashing down around him. Now he has lost everything he has worked so hard to build, most significantly, the relationship with his lover Constantine Gunner. At one of the lowest points in his life, an unlikely person, Dr. Barrie, the physician who saved his hands in the past, helps Gillian gain his freedom. Before they part ways, Barrie insists on knowing where he can contact Gillian if he is to offer further assistance. With no other option, Gillian gives him the address.

 

Using his casting abilities, Gillian escapes the asylum where he was held prisoner and goes to a former associate who shares his proclivity, Addison O'Dea. Addison doesn't hesitate to give him a safe place to hide until Gillian can plan what to do next. Addison is surprised when Dr. Barrie shows up at his establishment, but lets Gillian know he has a guest. Barrie agrees to help Gillian get to California and arranges airfare for the trip.

 

Gillian is curious about how a doctor can afford the apparent luxuries they enjoy during the trip. After a long sleep, he joins the doctor in the dining car. They discuss the doctor's most recent research, compelling Gillian to tell him that he doesn't agree with some of the methods he deems are dangerous and border on illegality. When the discussion turns to his involvement in the war, Gillian's PTSD takes over, causing extreme distress. He excuses himself and steps out for some air. Before he can absorb what is happening, Gillian sees a flash of light, then realizes someone has shot the doctor; when he turns, ready to protect himself and Barrie, he realizes that the shooter is Constantine Gunner. In his confusion, Gillian doesn't have time to wonder how Gunner found him and why he shot Dr. Barrie. What becomes clear is that what he needs to do is find an immediate escape for both of them.

 

I've never loved steampunk as much as I do with this series. Gunner and Gillian are complex, unpredictable antihero characters. The circumstances they find themselves in seem virtually impossible to sort out, but they find a way every time. Their love and devotion to one another make my heart beat faster with its intensity. Thank you, C.S. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 255 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	26-May-2022
Price	$4.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Magic-Steam-Book-ebook/dp/B09PNNSXFT