Steampunk Western/ Paranormal Romance
There’s no room for magic in the Age of Steam…
After winning the Civil War against the Confederate Wielders, the Union Machinists have outlawed magic to usher in a new age of steam-powered technology. Diah, an alchemist and the only non-wielder in his family, owes his brother for saving his life in the war; so when Cager is blackmailed into procuring the magical hide of the White Buffalo, Diah accompanies him to the Dakota territory.
Their guide is Oni, a half-Lakota woman with plenty of secrets to hide. She’s a magic wielder with an illegal wand concealed in her knife—and she’s a coyote shifter. To her people, killing the White Buffalo is not only sacrilege, it’s dangerous. Oni has no intention of helping them actually achieve their mission—until she falls in love with Diah…
Originally published as The Alchemy of Desire
New edition releasing on July 24, 2018
Preorder on iBooks, Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and Google Play
Reviews
From Wakela Runen’s World:
“Crista McHugh did an incredible job of drawing me into the world of magic, steampunk, and old west that she created.”
From I Smell Sheep:
“It is actually kind of sweet to see chivalry isn’t dead. This is my favorite aspect of the book. There is nothing wrong with this story. It is well-written and the premise of machinists vs. magic wielders was cool…” — Sharon S., 3/5 sheep
Awards
SECOND PLACE, FCRW’s 2012 Published Beacon Contest, Paranormal Category
SECOND PLACE, FTHRW’s 2012 Lories Best Published Contest, Paranormal Category
FINALIST, Desert Rose RWA’s 2012 Golden Quill Contest, Paranormal Category
FINALIST, 2012 Reader’s Crown Award, SF/Fantasy/Time-Travel Category
(under the original title of Once in a Coyote Moon)
FIRST PLACE, RWA FF&P chapter’s 2009 On the Far Side Contest, Time Travel/Historical Paranormal Category
SECOND PLACE, COFW’s 2010 Ignite the Flame Contest, Paranormal Category
