by Melanie Karsak
Genres: Steampunk
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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.
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
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 that the truth..thanks Michelle!
Sharon - Obsession with Books
What an amazing cover! I’ve only ever read one steampunk series but I really enjoy it, this sounds great!
A wonderful review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Isn’t it gorgeous? I am enjoying this series and look forward to the next installment.
Faye
This one sounds like an emotional but engaging journey. I will definitely be adding this one to my TBR list!
kimbacaffeinate
Be sure and read book one first!
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.
aurian
Not sure this series is for me, though I do start to like steampunk.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Aurian, I enjoy mixing in this genre.
Naomi
I was nodding my head all the way theough your review… agreeing about it all. Lily did have a lot of personal development in this one for sure. Great review Chicka!!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Naomi!!
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
I hope you enjoy it Mary 🙂
Debbie Haupt
What an interesting cover and a great review.
Thanks Kimba
deb
kimbacaffeinate
Aren’t the covers stunning. Thanks Debbie 🙂
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.
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..those are both excellent reasons!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Yep… darn you… I think I need to read this steampunk. I do enjoy it and even if it is light on the gadgets, the story sounds very good. I even love that cover.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Melissa…er i mean sorry.
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
ShootingStarsMag
Oh seems really unique. I’m totally loving the cover too!! Thanks for sharing- I don’t think I’d heard of these.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lauren, these are unique.
A Voracious Reader
I haven’t heard of this series. I need more steampunk in my diet! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..Bon Appétit
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!
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.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Jenea 🙂 her covers are stunning!
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!
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.
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.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Sherry I am enjoying this series 🙂
Christine
Wow these books are releasing so close to each other — that’s my kind of series 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I couldn’t agree more!
blodeuedd
This one reminds me of something…hm…can’t remember
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, now you have me curious 🙂
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!
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 🙂
Rachelle Reese
Thanks for bringing this series to my attention. It looks like a lot of fun and I just bought Book 1 in the series.
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you are starting this series Rachelle..enjoy!
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!
kimbacaffeinate
Her journey is bumpy, but you gotta love her.
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. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Ginny 🙂
Chene Sterckx
I am so excited to read the first book next week and this installment sounds just as great!! Great review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you are reading these Chene!
Jessica
One-click MADNESS 😉
kimbacaffeinate
sweet!
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
I want to read some more steampunk and this one got me intererested!
Awesome review! <33
kimbacaffeinate
Aren’t the covers amazing Melaine, I hope you grab these 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
You know steampunk is not my thing but that cover! Wow.
kimbacaffeinate
I shall convert you yet *evil grins* but yes the covers are spectacular!
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 🙂