by Raven Bond
“Well, yes,” he admitted, “but I am retired from all that.”
“Yes,” she replied calmly. “Much as I am retired from being an adept I think.”
He laughed at that.
“Very well,” he said gaily. “Let us both keep our secrets, and stop this talk of life debts and the like. Together we shall see what diversions this Hong Kong has for us, shall we?” He stuck out a hand. “Deal?” Jinhao looked at his outstretched hand. She took it firmly in hers.
“Deal,” she said, trying not to smile. Owen Strong released her hand. He pulled a watch on a chain from within his cloak.
“I was contemplating taking the morning airship south to the city,” he explained. “We still have time to make it. I trust you are not afraid of flying?” This time Jinhao allowed herself a smile.
“I enjoy it immensely,” she said with a secret smile. “Although it has been some time since I flew.”
“Very well,” Strong replied. “Let us be about it then!” Jinhao smiled even more broadly. There was no need for him to know that there was no life debt custom among the Han. He was British, after all. And there was her vision to follow.
Raven Bond Books
Owen Strong Steampunk Murder Mysteries
Strong Mysteries (books 1-3)
Strong Adept (1)
Strong Magic (2)
Strong Justice (3)
Secret War – Steampunk and mad science battling zombies and aliens
Wind Dancer (1)
Alien Devices (2)
Other writing
Game writer for Incredible Expeditions
Board Game
Raven Bond Reviews
WIND DANCER
Steampunk as it should be written
A wonderful spin on the alternate reality that is Steampunk fiction. The story is a lovely fast paced one, well written and rich with action and adventure. There is mystery and mayhem afoot in a well crafted story. Raven Bond has created strong characters that are 3 dimensional and believable. There is no gender bias, each character is a person first and their gender/race/color second and this is a very refreshing view of the world. There are Airships and Pirates, Electrical marvels and aliens all bound together in a rousing tale. There must be a sequel to this - the characters and the world are too well written to leave them at the end of the story.
Well worth picking up to spend some quality time reading it.
An intriguing and engaging sci-fi fantasy. Lots of fun
A fast-paced and engaging alternative history with well drawn characters and well thought out alternative science. A grand steam punk adventure, complete with pirates, native Americans, Tesla coils and mysticism. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
STRONG ALCHEMY
Many of the characters in Strong Magic know a great deal about alchemy, the mystical art of combining disparate elements in order the produce a substance with rare and wondrous qualities. They are not alone in their expertise. In this new work, Raven Bond blends ingredients of espionage adventures, murder mysteries, historical thrillers, science fiction, occultism and fantasy into a singular new substance with a gleaming, brassy, steampunkish glow.
Another writer to look for
Raven Bond is an author unknown to me prior to this. A fellow member of the Harry Dresden fb page recommended this short story as a good intro to his writing style and I heartily concur! The era (late 1800's) and the magic conventions are fresh and engaging. I will definitely be searching for more of Mr. Bond's writing/s.
STRONG MAGIC
Mystery wrapped in enigma
This is one of my favorite styles of writing - there's enough detail to make it interesting and enough left to your imagination to make it personal. The characters are enigmatic, even to each other and the small reveals along the way give the story an intimate feeling. The Steam aspect is subtle and the magic is unique. The pacing and careful use of language are reminiscent of R.A MacAvoy. I look forward to the next installment! Bring it on, Raven Bond!
Wonderfully rollicking good fun!
I give this book 5 Stars! Lots of fun! A wonderful mix of Steampunk and magic and general Victorian landscape. Set in Victorian Age Hong Kong, surrounded by the works of Steampunk as well as a very strong magical presence. Raven has incorporated some really fun elements as well as some really fun witty banter. I recommend this to anyone who is into Steampunk, Magic and/or the Victorian era!
Too good to put down - charge your device!
This is a page turner. I’m writing this review whilst waiting for my device to charge so that I can get back to the action, I’m sure it is going ahead without me. The pace is breathtaking from the very first scene. The writing is tight and very well crafted. I am right in the scene with the characters. Murder and Mystery in a Steampunk setting what more can you ask for?
Fresh take on the steampunk mystery
This is the first work I have read by Mr. Bond and I loved it! I enjoy all things mystery and steam punk and had felt like I'd read everything. Hong Kong is a fresh new location in the Steampunk genre and adds an exotic flavor to the mystery. The characters are strong- each has a full personality and the feeling of a life beyond the current book and stories all their own; the mystery aspect was solid and interesting. Mr. Bond has a knack for just the right amount of detail in a scene- enough to set the stage and let your mind fill it out- and for creating characters that I can't wait to meet again.
STRONG MYSTERY
Five Stars
Very delightful read. An interesting blend of Victorian Hong Kong, magic and mystery.
I loved this book! Adventure writing at its best
An author who can WRITE adventure! It is steam punk (magic and weird engineering in the Victorian Era). A Han woman out of Crouching Tiger, with an English Lord, a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Peter Wimsey. I read all three books in one day. I am certain that this author will write more if we make it worth his while and BUY his books. I really want more Strong books.
Table of Contents
ABOUT
ALIEN DEVICES
Adventure, Mystery + Mad Science
DEDICATION
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Acknowledgements
Author’s afterword
STRONG ADEPT (bonus story)
Raven Bond Books
Raven Bond Reviews
Table of Contents
