Clockwork Spells and Magical Bells Edited by Herika R Raymer

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: Kerlak Enterprises, Inc. (March 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1937035107
• ISBN-13: 978-1937035105

Synopsis:
Steampunk Machinery Versus Magic! The Victorian era brought us the wonderful world of steam powered gadgetry and industry. It also still held many of the old beliefs. The Challenge: to write intriguing steampunk tales with a twist - magic versus machine.

My Thoughts:
It is rare for me to find an anthology in which I enjoyed every story but this one was one of those. Herika R Raymer has done an amazing job in selecting the perfect stories to fit in this anthology. There were many stories I loved but they were all enjoyable reads. I think that it is awesome that there is a mix of stories, poems and art. Going into this anthology I did know a couple of the authors but was so excited to find several new to me authors that I fully intend to read anything by them I can get my hands on. Robert J. Krog being the one I am most excited about, his story "Discombobulation" was a great tale and I love the way this author tells a story. Jackie Gamber is a favorite from before this anthology and I quite enjoyed her story as well. Other stand outs for me include Kathryn Sullivan, J.L Mulvihill, Mandi M Lynch.  Kathryn Sullivan has quite a way with words, I can tell she really understands fantasy and can write it well. With Mandi M. Lynch's story "Wax Seal", I found myself wanting to read more about and more stories set in the world she has created.

The intorduction to the anthology really got me thinking and Herika R Raymer is right you really can not guess the amazing writers that can be found just around the corner, she talked about small press and self-published authors and encouraged the readers to look at book fairs, conventions and local events to discover new books and authors. And I will add to that check out anthologies there are truly gems to be found.

Well done to the editor and writers this is a awesome book.

I give it a 4.5 out of 5.


Where to buy:
Kerlak
Amazon
B & N

Available in Paperback and eBook formats.


Anthology contents:
The Stories:
Ironwork Falcon by Jackie Gamber - Magic and metal, sometimes at odds, can work great beauty
Discombobulation by Robert J. Krog- Even the most ambitious magician can overestimate his own abilities
Moved To Action by Angelia Sparrow - Labor problems are not always restricted to humankind
The Taste Of Treasure by Kathryn Sullivan - A precious item is often defined by the one who appreciates it most
Quest For The Dragon's Scale by M. R. Williamson - A race, a prize, and a lesson about both
A Bit Of A Bind by CRS Bailey - Who wears the corset does not define the person inside
The Leprechaun's Story by J. L. Mulvihill - A chance encounter on the river turns into an interesting take on luck
The Witch Of Midnight Hollow by Alexander S. Brown - The great detective faces a new supernatural challenge
When The Heart Lies Open To Steam And Star by Anne E. Barringer - A mix of magic and mechanics to serve a Queen, with a cup of tea to top it off
Wax Seal by Mandi M. Lynch - Oppressed magical healing may be the last, forbidden hope of a dying royal
Survival by S. P. Dorning - That you are enemies does not mean you cannot respect each other
The Black Dress by Nick Valentino - Innovation in fashion can be equal to just about any task
Words in Eden - Lewis Sanders - A prayer, or a confession?
Time by Windsong Levitch - Two ways of looking at time, from those who measure it and those who live it
Adventure: A Series of Steampunk Haiku by Michael Greenway - Ten haiku on a theme

Edited by : Herika R Raymer
Cover image by: Dan Gamber
Cover Design by: Allan Gilbreath

Published By : Kerlak Publishing

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