by Melanie Karsak
Series: The Airship Racing Chronicles #1
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
An opium-addicted beauty. An infamous poet living in self-imposed exile. An ancient treasure about to fall into the wrong hands. Melanie Karsak's Chasing the Star Garden takes readers on a thrilling adventure from the gritty opium dens of gaslamp London to the gem-colored waters of the ancient world. Lily Stargazer, a loveable but reckless airship racer with a famous lover and shattered past, reluctantly plunges into a centuries-old mystery in a romantic adventure best described as Dan Brown meets Mary Shelley. It all begins on one of the worst days of Lily’s life. She just lost the London leg of the 1823 Airship Grand Prix. To top it off, a harlequin fleeing from constables shoved a kaleidoscope down her pants, told her to fly to Venice, then threw himself from her airship tower. What’s a girl to do? For Lily, the answer is easy: drink absinthe and smoke opium. Lily’s lover, Lord Byron, encourages her to make the trip to Venice. Lily soon finds herself at the heart of an ancient mystery which has her running from her past and chasing true love and the stars along the way.
In 2013, I participated in a tour and reviewed the Harvesting by new author Melanie Karsak. It was a zombie, post-apocalyptic tale that also blended in fantasy elements. The world-building and story left me in awe. So I was delighted to receive a new book from Karsak entitled Chasing the Star Garden. The first in the Airship Racing Chronicles, Chasing the Star Garden, is a steampunk fantasy featuring an opium eating heroine and an ancient treasure linked to the Greek Gods. Mini review: A thrilling adventure that is imaginative, and enthralling.
We meet Lily Stargazer and her airship team as they fly over London in an epic race against other airships during the last leg of the 1823 Airship Grand Prix. Sadly, they take second place, but on the platform a strange man fleeing the police runs up to her and shoves of all things a kaleidoscope down her pants and whispers, “fly to Venice” and then propels himself over the side of the platform to meet his untimely death. Now people are looking for the kaleidoscope and Lily is about to begin an epic adventure. Along the way, she will face her fears, and discover something about her past. My friends hold on because it is quite the ride.
Lily Stargazer is unique and unlikely heroine. She has moxy and is one heck of a pilot but the girl has some serious issues. To dull the pain of nightmares she has turned to a popular drugs of this time period; opium and absinthe. It has a hold on her and at one point I found myself concerned about her bathing habits of all things. Karsak did an amazing job with her as a character. I was on the fence about Lily in the beginning as the author exposed the weaker side of our heroine. But, then she peeled back Lily’s layers, revealing her kick-ass side, her spirit and her fierce loyalty. You cannot help but like Lily, and I became her champion. Lily sees tremendous growth throughout the novel, and it added an incredible depth to an already splendid tale. Lord Byron (yes thee Lord Byron ) is Lily’s sponsor for the airship races and her lover which was all quite interesting. There is also a tinkerer named Sal who lily enjoys romps with. Sal is handsome, soft-spoken and intelligent. I came to adore this tall dark and handsome Greek. Secondary characters and those from Lily’s past added depth, humor and even horror to the tale.
Chasing the Star Garden was a captivating tale from the complex characters to the breathtaking world-building. Karsak’s writing has a flow and ease to it that allows the reader to slip into the worlds she creates. She made the steampunk elements of the tale spring to life as we flew from London to Venice. She threads mythology into the mysterious adventure of the kaleidoscope and cleverly wove our heroine’s past into the details. The blurb on the back of the book says, “Dan Brown meets Mary Shelley” and I think that is an apt description. As the author peels back Lily’s layers we see flashbacks to Lily’s childhood and every time Lily went back I was both horrified and captivated. These were done seamlessly and only strengthened my feelings for Lily. There is a romance that is intertwined with the tale that felt genuine. The tale has dark moments from the dark opium dens to passions which the author realistically portrayed from the character’s experience to the den’s themselves. The ending wrapped things up nicely, and I look forward to the next adventure.
Chasing the Star Garden was a brilliant steampunk adventure with colorful characters leaving me once again awestruck by Melanie Karsak’s incredible talent for story-telling. The next book Chasing the Green Fairy is set to release in March of 2014.
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Kay
I’ve never really read steampunk before, at least not on purpose, if that makes any sense. Anyway, this book sounds really original and I think I’m going to give it a try. Not to mention the cover is amazing! Great review as always!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did Kay 🙂
Michele
This really does sound like quite the ride — mesmerizing and heartbreaking at the same time. This is a lovely review, Kimba; and I’m definitely intrigued with this book. Thanks so much for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
You are just all over my blog this morning, and this was so well done. I cannot wait for book two
Tabitha the Pabkins
So a druggy huh? But then I find most junkies have to have a lot of moxy to be a druggy. Which eventually the drugs steal from you but eh.
I will definitely have to pick this one up I love the sound of it and plus that cover…you know I’m salivating for it.
kimbacaffeinate
hmm, more damaged soul trying to dull the pain and then comes in to her own
Jennifer
I have not heard of this author, but holy cow this sounds pretty awesome! I checked to see if my library has a copy and IT DOES! Now I am really excited! This sounds so great! =)
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jennifer and I am excited I could introduce you to Karsak 🙂
Diana Leigh
Wow, sounds very interesting! Cool book cover, too.
kimbacaffeinate
I love the cover and this was a fun ride!
Dani
I have never heard of this book but it does sound very interesting!!
kimbacaffeinate
glad I could introduce you to it Dani 🙂
Jess
I really like the cover and the story sounds so unique. I am definitely curious about this one and have marked it on my list. I look forward to getting to know Lily. Definitely different than anything I have read before. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jess, I look forward to hearing what you think of Lily 🙂
Sherrey Meyer
Admitting here in public that I’ve never read a steampunk. You’ve made this sound like a good one for my first read. Agree?
kimbacaffeinate
It is an excellent first read and I would love to see what you think.
Lily B
I love a good steampunk book. This sound so fun, creative and imaginary. I hope to read it myself 😀
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lily, enjoy!
Ginny
Yay! So glad you liked this one. This is one that I was worried about at the very beginning (the opium den’s) but quickly fell into the story and loved it. Melanie definitely has a gift for bringing the book to life.
kimbacaffeinate
I remember your review and yes it turned around!
melliane
wow I didn’t know this one but I fell in love with the cover. It sounds like something a little different and it’s always interesting to discover new books like that. thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
I love the cover too Melliane 🙂
Lauren
It’s been too long since I read a good steampunk and I may as well read one that comes so highly recommended by you! Lily Stargazer sounds like an amazing heroine, and I love her name! Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lauren and enjoy!
Naomi
*Squee* I loved this book too. Lily did need to open up and by the end I really loved her too. She is something different, that’s for sure! Fab review Kimberly!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear you loved this too 🙂
laura thomas
I have this in my kindle and did a post for a tour last year. I’m looking forward to reading it and your review and rating are encouraging. I’ve read The Harvesting and loved it.
kimbacaffeinate
I am so glad you liked the Harvesting and think you will appreciate Karsak interpretation of Steampunk 🙂
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Wow, this sounds pretty fantastic. You’ve hit all my key words: complex characters, great world building etc….
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed this one Melissa and those are my key words too 🙂
Candace
I read the first half of this and I don’t know if it’s just my mood or what the deal is, but I just really struggled with it. I picked it up again later and struggled through a little bit more. I know that there’s a lot of good there so I’m not sure if it’s just not my thing, or if my mood just hasn’t fit the book. I’m glad you really enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
I am really sorry to hear that Candace, sometimes that happens to me or maybe it just wasn’t a good fit. Thanks sweetie 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Wow Kimba, great review and this looks like a Must Read for me!!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Debbie 🙂
Heidi
Oh this does sound delightful. The main character sounds terrific. I am always up for a great steampunk adventure so I will add this to the old TBR.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Heidi!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I have to admit, the Dan Brown part puts me off, but I do like the sound of the worldbuilding in this book. I also love steampunk so I do think this one is for me. Oh and that cover. Stop finding me more books! 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I love Dan Brown but this only compared to the adventure aspect
Pamela D
I haven’t read very many steampunk books, but I do love that type of world. This sounds like a fantastic new series. It is so cool that you have been able to see this author grow through her books. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Pamela, and I love that she can jump genres and do it so well.
kara-karina
I just finished it today! 🙂 Totally agree with you, K. Although I secretly wanted more of Byron. Hope he gets his own happy ending (despite historical accuracy) 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..yes I did enjoy his page time..LOL
Braine Talk Supe
DBrown meets Shelley & steampunk at that. Win win for me, will be adding this to my wishlist
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy my friend!
blodeuedd
Omg, it sounds so cool 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Yes it does and it was Blodeudd!
Adriana
Honestly, I can’t get over “shoves of all things a kaleidoscope down her pants…” It’s extremely distracting. Lily sounds like she is awesome and the adventure in the story sounds the same way but this books feels really weird. I’m glad you enjoyed it nonetheless.
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..don’t go there
Pam (
Sounds good! Have you read the Downside Series by Stacia Kane? The heroine is also a drug addict, but you can’t help but route for her as well. Great review!
~Pam @ Moonlight Reader
kimbacaffeinate
Pam the author sounded familiar and sure enough I have book one and two of that series on my Nook and bumped them up the list 🙂
brandileigh2003
I think I would like Lily who is the unlikely heroine, they always catch my eye.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Brandi, thanks 🙂
Lark
The plot sounds really interesting, but drug use by a protagonist is one of my triggers. I just can’t go there; it bothers me too much. (It bothers me in the Sherlock Holmes stories, but luckily it isn’t in all of them.) I’m glad you enjoyed the book, though!
kimbacaffeinate
While it defines her in the beginning, like Sherlock she finds a greater outlet..do not let that hold you back. Like Sherlock you will understand Lily.
Lupdilup
You’re killing me Kimba! LOL I just grabbed the Kindle version…LOL It was priced right. I’ll give some time for the audio, and maybe a whipersync deal 😉
Thanks for reviewing!
kimbacaffeinate
*dances* Yes! I am so glad you grabbed it and hopefully it goes to audio soon 🙂
aurian
Great review Kimba, adding this to my wishlist. I am reading a steampunk novel now, and really enjoying it.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy it my friend I await your thoughts 🙂
sherry fundin
Your review makes me want to run right out and buy the book. I will have to check my Kindle first, though. I have read The Harvesting and loved it, so I may have already picked this up.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay I am so glad you loved Harvesting too, and I think this is priced sweetly for kindle 🙂
Jenni
It’s so great that this book worked just as well for you as the book you had previously read by this author. The heroine here sounds fantastic. Not sure it’s a book that would entice me but I am happy to see that it worked so well for you! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I loved how complex Lily was and good or bad she faced who and what she was. Thanks for commenting:)
Tammy
Wow, I’ve never heard of this author, but your enthusiasm is catching! I love steampunk and I love that the heroine has issues. Awesome review, onto the pile it goes!
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you added it Tammy, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and I am excited I could introduce you 🙂
Toni
I loved this one! Glad to see you did as well. Melanie is definitely a talented storyteller!
kimbacaffeinate
She just rocks it 🙂
Jenny
This isn’t something I would normally pick up, but your review has me more than a little intrigued. I love a book that has dark moments intermingled with romantic moments and moments full of adventure, so I think I would enjoy this one. Plus, that cover is gorgeous!
kimbacaffeinate
You like fantasy, and historical so this would be a good one for you to try.
Christine
I’ve never read any steampunk books, but this one sounds so good, I just may need to branch out. (And the cover is gorgeous!)
kimbacaffeinate
What?!? I would have thought with the genre of books you read that you would have tried some..eep. Branch. Out. That. Is. All.
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
Great review Kim! Glad you finally had a chance to read this one – I enjoyed it myself. 🙂
I also very much liked Lily, even though she wasn’t perfect from the beginning and had lots of problems of her own. Looking forward to Chasing the Green Fairy next! 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, and we don’t have long to wait for Chasing Green Fairy!
kindlemom1
An opium eating heroine? Hmmm, I actually think I would quite like this one. I love flawed heroines.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, she is a very colorful character.
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
You know that has to be the most unique steampunk cover I have seen in awhile. I would love to have a poster of it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I agree i t is well done..ooh and yes I would love a poster too!
Nick
This has such a lovely cover, Kim and the idea seems so unique. I haven’t read many steampunk novels, but this seems like a lot of fun. Plus, I love the sound the main character. She seems unusual.
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
She was and honestly I can see you hated her in the beginning but trust me stick around there is tremendous growth and she feels genuine.
Jenea
I think this has a fantastic cover! I like that there is steampunk and mythology together, definitely curious to read this one. Great review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too Jenea, and thread regarding Mythology was an interesting one 🙂
Mary
Wow, this sounds really amazing! I do enjoy steampunk, when it’s done right, and Lily seems like a troubled yet fantastic MC (my favorite kind). I’m going to have to check this out.
kimbacaffeinate
I can see you enjoying this Mary, and yes Lily was complicated and spunky..I enjoyed her 🙂
Jan
This sounds like a very good book. I bought it a few weeks ago so I will move it higher on my TBR books to read! Thanks for a very good review!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jan, I look forward to your thoughts
Megan
This sounds like a really run read. I’m definitely a fan of well-down steampunk.
kimbacaffeinate
This felt authentic and I loved the suspense and characters.
Michelle
Yay, I think I own this one! I grabbed it on a whim so I’m glad to see that it turned out to be a great read! There are so many things mentioned that I’m in love with: world building, complex characters and mythology are all huge attractions for me.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Michelle!