Chasing the Green Fairy by Melanie Karsak

March 6th, 2014 Kimberly Review 60 Comments

6th Mar
Chasing the Green Fairy by Melanie Karsak
Chasing the Green Fairy
by Melanie Karsak
Genres: Steampunk
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

A sabotaged airship. A recovering opium addict. A messenger with life-shattering news. With the 1824 British airship qualifying race only weeks away, Lily Stargazer is at the top of her game. She’s racing like a pro, truly in love, and living clean. But on one ill-omened day, everything changes. Pulled head-long into the ancient secrets of the realm, Lily soon finds herself embroiled in Celtic mysteries and fairy lore. And she’s not quite sure how she got there, or even if she wants to be involved. But Lily soon finds herself chasing the spirit of the realm while putting her own ghosts to rest. And only accepting the truth--about her heart and her country--can save her.

Chasing the Green Fairy is the second installment in Melanie Karsak’s Airship Racing Chronicles and what an emotional journey it was. From sabotaged airships, death, secret realms and decisions Karsak completely drew me in. Mini review: personal demons, heartbreak, beautiful, sweet and engaging.

The 1824 British qualifying race is weeks away, and spirits are high for Lily Stargazer and her trusty team, when one day changes everything. Her ship is sabotaged, and an urgent message is delivered forcing her to leave her team and Sal, the man she loves. Lily soon finds herself in the middle of Celtic mysteries, heartache and fairies. It is a hard journey that brings us closer to Lily.

I adore Lily and her misfit team, but this tale is focused more on Lily as she faces challenges, accepts new responsibilities and renews her determination. Karsak does an excellent job of fleshing out Lily, and I found myself rooting for this troubled, head-strong, and noble gal. Along the way, we meet old comrades and lovers. Each of the characters has their own voice, and the author brings these eccentric and delightful characters to life.

Chasing the Green Fairy still has airship racing, but this tale focuses more on Lily and has her facing some dark times. Her journey is a difficult one but brings us closer to her. This was an emotional ride, and as a reader I experienced many emotions from loss to elation. The thread on Celtic lore and the fairies was fascinating and completely captured my attention. While the steampunk gadgets weren’t as prevalent, we did see a few that had me excited. Sal, our beloved tinkerer, is in the midst of something wonderful, and we see some advancement with their relationship. The tale was well paced, with a few twists, and a little magic. My heart went out to Lily, as I felt every emotion she experienced. Gads, this girl, is one tough cookie with spunk and heart. Despite her own personal demons, she always does the right thing which makes things interesting as she stays true to her own course. The tale ended on a high note shedding the darker aspects and leaving me with hope as I eye her next adventure.

Chasing the Green Fairy was a welcome addition to the Airship Racing Chronicles bringing us closer to Lily. Chasing the Fog is the next book set to release in June.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

60 Responses to “Chasing the Green Fairy by Melanie Karsak”

  1. Michelle

    I love the cover! I really need to read the first one. There are just so many books to get to and very little time. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Isn’t it gorgeous? I am enjoying this series and look forward to the next installment.

  2. Faye

    This one sounds like an emotional but engaging journey. I will definitely be adding this one to my TBR list!

  3. Pamela D

    This series sounds like so much fun. I have never heard of it. After watching Indiana Jones as a kid, I have always wanted to ride in a blimp/dirigible/airship. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I really like this series and honestly I thought you read book one for some reason.

  4. Mary

    I love a main character and his/her “band of misfits”. There’s just nothing like a crew of misfits to keep things interesting. And, for just $.99 for the first one, I’m going to have to check this out! Thanks for putting it on my radar!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Aren’t the covers stunning. Thanks Debbie 🙂

  5. Lily B

    I almost want to read this just for the covers and the fact that the main character has my name lol but! I love the sound of this world, it really does sound well thought out.

  6. Victoria (aka Zemfirka)

    Reading it at the moment (but I just recently started it). Glad you enjoyed this story, but I think I’m a bit disappointed that it’s more of Lily’s story… and I’m sure I’ll miss Byron (although I loved the story about their first meeting).

    V. 😉

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe, yeah I like the gang all together but Lily’s adventure is interesting

  7. Heidi

    I haven’t read a good steampunk in awhile and this look terrific. I love Celtic lore. I will definitely grab the first book since it is only $.99. Love the cover on the second one it is stunning!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Lily is an interesting and complex character..have fun!

  8. Jenea

    Twists and a fast paced sounds really good, and the world sounds even more fascinating than the first. The cover is gorgeous! Wonderful review.

  9. Lindy

    As you know, I love stories that tug on my emotions. I can tell that this one really touched you. Celtic Lore has always fascinated me, and I love that there;s a hint of magic in this story. Great Review
    Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Lindy I am growing quite fond of Lily and look forward to the next adventure!

  10. Candace

    I stink cause I never finished the first book. I know that not every book is for everyone but it seems weird that I struggled so much and you and Ginny really liked it. I thought it was maybe mood but it didn’t work the next few times I tried either. So I guess I’ll just say it’s not for me. I do love the steampunk elements though. And the covers are GORGEOUS! So, so beautiful!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe, that happens we all bring different things to a book and not all genres, characters allow us to connect. The covers are wonderful though.

  11. sherry fundin

    The cover made me look twice. I love your review and the mixture of Celtic lore, fairies and steampunk has me curious how it all comes together. Well done, Kim.

  12. Jenny

    First off, this is a STUNNING cover. It alone has me wanting to read this series! Second, love the sound of Celtic mythology. I’m a fan of any type of mythology, and the fact that it’s combined with fabulous characters and an emotional journey makes it even better. Lovely review Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you try them, and agree the covers are spectacular!

  13. kindlemom1

    That cover is gorgeous!

    It has been way too long since I have read anything steampunk related, I need to keep the first book in mind when picking up my next one.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Sweet, I hope you snag a copy while it is on sale 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So glad you are starting this series Rachelle..enjoy!

  14. Nick

    That is such a lovely cover!
    I’m glad to hear that the second book in this series was as strong as the first one for you, Kim. Lily sounds like she has undergone a lot of growth throughout.
    Lovely review!

  15. Ginny

    So glad to see you enjoyed this one. It’s on my read list for next month and am super excited to get to it. Can’t wait to see what Lily and her gang are up to. 🙂

  16. Chene Sterckx

    I am so excited to read the first book next week and this installment sounds just as great!! Great review Kimba 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Aren’t the covers amazing Melaine, I hope you grab these 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I shall convert you yet *evil grins* but yes the covers are spectacular!

  17. Melliane

    oh I was really intrigued by your first review and now I’m even more. They really do a great job with the covers it’s impressive and even the name makes me want to read it. So it’s aplus to know the story is really good as well. It’s great to have a steampunk like that! thanks for the review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Melliane, I hope you decide to try these 🙂