The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman (The Celwyn Series Book 5) by Lou Kemp | #HistoricalFantasy #Steampunk #Mystical #Adventures | @AuthorLouKemp @4horsemenpubs
Quick Summary:
“The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman” is a captivating steampunk fantasy with intrigue, magic, and excitement. Having followed this series from its inception, I found myself deeply invested in the well-developed characters whose dynamics have grown increasingly familiar over time. From inventors and immortals to automatons, witches, vampires, and pirates, the ensemble cast offers diverse personalities, each contributing unique skills to the group’s endeavors. As they navigate perilous waters with Captain Nemo, they encounter formidable adversaries and face daunting challenges.
Book Details
The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman by Lou Kemp
Series: The Celwyn Series Book 5
Published by 4 Horsemen Publications on January 2, 2024
Genres: Action & Adventure, Historical Fantasy, Magical Realism
Format: eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 473
Source: Received from the author or publisher for review.It is 1870, and the immortal magician Celwyn, the automat Professor Xiau Kang, and Bartholomew, a scientist and widower from Sudan, set out on another adventure.
The adventurers leave the North Sea aboard Captain Nemo's Nautilus, chasing a pirate ship and Captain Dearing. The pirates have kidnapped friend and vampire Simone Redifer, not to mention they have stolen something precious from Captain Nemo.
Meanwhile, in Prague a dastardly murder forces Professor Kang back home.
The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman is a steampunk fantasy filled with murder, magic, and adventure.
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Purchase Links for The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Kemp, Lou (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 473 Pages - 01/02/2024 (Publication Date) - 4 Horsemen Publications, Inc. (Publisher)
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My thoughts on The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman
In 1870, the immortal magician Celwyn, the ingenious automat Professor Xiau Kang, and Bartholomew, a widowed scientist from Sudan, embark on another thrilling adventure. Set against the backdrop of the North Sea, they board Captain Nemo’s Nautilus in pursuit of a pirate ship led by the notorious Captain Dearing. Their mission: to rescue their friend, the vampire Simone Redifer, who has been kidnapped by the pirates, and recover a valuable item stolen from Captain Nemo himself. However, their journey turns unexpectedly when a sinister murder in Prague compels Professor Kang to return home.
“The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman” is a captivating steampunk fantasy with intrigue, magic, and excitement. Having followed this series from its inception, I found myself deeply invested in the well-developed characters whose dynamics have grown increasingly familiar over time. From inventors and immortals to automatons, witches, vampires, and pirates, the ensemble cast offers diverse personalities, each contributing unique skills to the group’s endeavors. As they navigate perilous waters with Captain Nemo, they encounter formidable adversaries and face daunting challenges.
As Celwyn’s niece Annabelle, her husband, and Professor Kang’s wife encounter trouble in Prague, they urgently seek aid from Celwyn and his companions, further heightening the tension and stakes of the narrative.
Recommended
I recommend this tale to enthusiasts of adventurous tales featuring an eclectic cast imbued with elements of magic, mayhem, fantasy, steampunk, and historical fiction. While “The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman” can be enjoyed as a standalone read, I strongly advise readers to delve into the entire series to fully immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of storytelling.
I may have received a copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company. Otherwise, it is from my personal library or Kindle Unlimited.
This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love to read books through my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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About Lou Kemp
From Lou Kemp:
Early work was horror and suspense, later work morphed into a combination of magical realism, mystery, and adventure painted with a horrific element as needed.
I’m one of those writers who doesn’t plan ahead, no outlines, no clue, sometimes write myself into a corner. Atmospheric music in the background helps entice the moodier muse that must be present. Black by Pearl Jam is one that really helps.
Chronological milestones:
1988-1993
Short stories in small presses Crossroads, Eldritch Tales, Nightmares, Heliocentric Net, Cabal Asylum, Black October, and Pirate Writings.
1994
Santa Barbara Writers Conference SF/Fantasy/Horror award.
2000-2003
Wrote some really crappy books.
2002
Barnes and Noble anthology 365 Scary Stories
2003-2004
Ghost story anthologies Monsters From Memphis and More Monsters From Memphis. Possible to find old copies on Amazon.
2003
Began work on Sea of the Vanities.
2005
Honorable mention from Ellen Datlow in The Years Best Fantasy and Horror for one of my short stories.
2009
Anthology story Sherlock’s Opera, Seattle Noir edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online.
May 1, 2009
2009 The anthology story Sherlock’s Opera appeared in Seattle Noir, edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Booklist published a favorable review of my contribution to the anthology.
2010 My story, In Memory of the Sibylline, was accepted into the best-selling MWA anthology Crimes by Moonlight, edited by Charlaine Harris. The immortal magician Celwyn makes his first appearance in print.
2018 The story, The Violins Played before Junstan is published in the MWA anthology Odd Partners, edited by Anne Perry. The Celwyn series begins.
Book 1, The Violins Played before Junstan reissued with the publisher, the 4 Horsemen on 10-17-22. The 4 Horsemen will publish the remaining books in the series beginning with Music Shall Untune the Sky, The Raven and the Pig, The Pirate Danced, and the Automat Died.
The companion book, Farm Hall continues the story of Pelaez, another immortal magician, and Celwyn's brother will also be available.
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Easy Amazon Link
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Kemp, Lou (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 473 Pages - 01/02/2024 (Publication Date) - 4 Horsemen Publications, Inc. (Publisher)
Please let me know if the above link doesn’t take you to your home country’s Amazon page. I’ll gladly get you a link. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share, which helps support this blog.
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More Reviews from the Celwyn Series
The Violins Played Before Junstan (The Celwyn Series Book 1)
Music Shall Untune the Sky (the Celwyn Series Book 2)
The Raven and the Pig (Celwyn #3)
The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died (Celwyn #4)
The Sea of the Vanities (The Companion Novels of Jonas Celwyn Book 1
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