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Guardians of the Time Stream #1
The Blue Lotus Society
THE BLUE LOTUS SOCIETY A traveling exhibit of Egyptian artifacts is threatened by thieves. Pinkerton agents, including Ess Fremont, are assigned to protection duty. The thefts of artifacts around the world makes this a priority mission, not just for the sake of antiquity but for diplomatic reasons. A midnight vigil in the Smithsonian Institution's warehouse brings Ess face-to-face with the reason behind the thefts -- and the two groups seeking what is hidden within the artifacts. Encountering her missing grandparents' allies, Ess has a chance to reclaim her heritage. The question is if she wants to. Athena Latymer and the members of the Blue Lotus Society aren't being honest with her. How can she join a battle affecting the entire world when she doesn't understand the reasons for the war? There is more to the Blue Lotus Society than protecting Egyptian history and culture. As the exhibition crosses the country, Ess approaches the tipping point, when her decision could be made for her. Who can she trust? Who is lying to her and using her? Even for the chance to be reunited with her brother, Uly, she isn't quite ready to commit herself to an organization full of secrets. Then the enemy strikes far too close, and she discovers that making the right choice can't always wait until all her questions are answered.
The Guardians of the Time set during the reconstruction of the United States in the decades following the Civil War. Technology is on the rise, with locomotives and steam-powered industry, airships and other experiments in slightly anachronistic technology. A fascination with travel around the world and the exploration of other cultures, especially ancient cultures, is on the rise. The Guardians, who call themselves the Originators, are descendants of travelers from our far distant future, who traveled into the distant past to prevent another group of time travelers from altering the world to suit their vision. And as Ess Fremont grows up and learns her heritage, her family's history and their secrets, she takes her place in the battle to protect the world.
The Guardians of the Time set during the reconstruction of the United States in the decades following the Civil War. Technology is on the rise, with locomotives and steam-powered industry, airships and other experiments in slightly anachronistic technology. A fascination with travel around the world and the exploration of other cultures, especially ancient cultures, is on the rise. The Guardians, who call themselves the Originators, are descendants of travelers from our far distant future, who traveled into the distant past to prevent another group of time travelers from altering the world to suit their vision. And as Ess Fremont grows up and learns her heritage, her family's history and their secrets, she takes her place in the battle to protect the world.
206 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2023
18 people want to read
About the author
Michelle L. Levigne
191 books94 followersMichelle has been a book addict since picking up 'The Cat in the Hat'.
She started writing her own stories in junior high, when TV shows didn't turn out like she thought they should. Her first rejection letter came the summer after high school graduation, her first published story was in connection with fan fiction, and her first sale was in the Writers of the Future anthology.
With a BA in theater/English and an MA in Communications, focused on film and writing, she has worked for a local newspaper, then in advertising, and now works as a freelance editor. She is published in multiple sub-genres of romance, as well as SF and fantasy. Awards include multiple finals in the EPIC Awards competition and winning in 2006 and 2010, and finalist in the Realm Awards.
"Universes" include the Commonwealth (SF), The Hunt (Fantasy), The Zygradon Chronicles (Arthurian fantasy), The Faxinor Chronicles (Fantasy/romance), Guardians of the Time Stream (Steam punk), Neighborlee, Ohio (Fantasy), AFV Defender (SF adventure), Tabor Heights (Inspirational romance) and Quarry Hall (Women's fiction/adventure).
She started writing her own stories in junior high, when TV shows didn't turn out like she thought they should. Her first rejection letter came the summer after high school graduation, her first published story was in connection with fan fiction, and her first sale was in the Writers of the Future anthology.
With a BA in theater/English and an MA in Communications, focused on film and writing, she has worked for a local newspaper, then in advertising, and now works as a freelance editor. She is published in multiple sub-genres of romance, as well as SF and fantasy. Awards include multiple finals in the EPIC Awards competition and winning in 2006 and 2010, and finalist in the Realm Awards.
"Universes" include the Commonwealth (SF), The Hunt (Fantasy), The Zygradon Chronicles (Arthurian fantasy), The Faxinor Chronicles (Fantasy/romance), Guardians of the Time Stream (Steam punk), Neighborlee, Ohio (Fantasy), AFV Defender (SF adventure), Tabor Heights (Inspirational romance) and Quarry Hall (Women's fiction/adventure).
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 12, 2016
When you have Egypt, thieves, Pinkerton agents and secrets all in one book, it is a winner. It was a fun lively and adventurous read. I enjoyed the Characters immensely and really thought the writing was well done. Ess was a smart and cautious woman that had to think on her feet and make decisions on who to trust.
I enjoyed the fast paced storyline.
I enjoyed the fast paced storyline.
April 9, 2019
The Blue Lotus Society is book one of the wonderful Guardians of the Time Stream series by author Michelle L. Levigne. The prequel is Odessa Fremont. The reader will appreciate book one more if they read the prequel first.
In book one the reader meets Athena whose job it is to protect her people from the Revisionists. The prequel introduced Ess (Odessa) who was made useful because she could look and fight like a boy, or look and dress like a lady of esteem. Ess also worked as a Pinkerton detective protecting a traveling exhibit of Egyptian artifacts.
I believe readers should give this series a try because it is clean, wholesome reading. I felt involved with the characters and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend this series to fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
In book one the reader meets Athena whose job it is to protect her people from the Revisionists. The prequel introduced Ess (Odessa) who was made useful because she could look and fight like a boy, or look and dress like a lady of esteem. Ess also worked as a Pinkerton detective protecting a traveling exhibit of Egyptian artifacts.
I believe readers should give this series a try because it is clean, wholesome reading. I felt involved with the characters and look forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend this series to fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
January 9, 2017
One of the things I like clarify in my reviews is reading order.
While The Blue Lotus Society is book number one, there is a Prequel book titled Odessa Fremont. I highly recommend starting with the prequel. It adds loads of development to Ess's character and is great fun in it's own right.
That said, The Blue Lotus Society by: Michelle L. Levigne is a steampunk adventure taking place in an alternate America. History is a little different than the one we learned in school, Lincoln didn't die and Airships are the way to travel. Ess Fremont is a Pinkerton detective assigned to protect a traveling Egyptology exhibit. One night she has a run in with thieves trying to steal the priceless artifacts and learns that her long lost brother is not only alive but known to the thieves.
Who is the Blue Lotus Society? How do they know her family? Who are they trying to protect the from? All these questions and more wait inside.
Like most series this book leaves off with little resolution. It's not a cliffhanger exactly, more like the pilot to a TV series, great story but we need to wait till next week for more. Only in this case next week isn't until April.
While The Blue Lotus Society is book number one, there is a Prequel book titled Odessa Fremont. I highly recommend starting with the prequel. It adds loads of development to Ess's character and is great fun in it's own right.
That said, The Blue Lotus Society by: Michelle L. Levigne is a steampunk adventure taking place in an alternate America. History is a little different than the one we learned in school, Lincoln didn't die and Airships are the way to travel. Ess Fremont is a Pinkerton detective assigned to protect a traveling Egyptology exhibit. One night she has a run in with thieves trying to steal the priceless artifacts and learns that her long lost brother is not only alive but known to the thieves.
Who is the Blue Lotus Society? How do they know her family? Who are they trying to protect the from? All these questions and more wait inside.
Like most series this book leaves off with little resolution. It's not a cliffhanger exactly, more like the pilot to a TV series, great story but we need to wait till next week for more. Only in this case next week isn't until April.
February 1, 2017
Free copy received from StoryCartel in return for an honest review
The Blue Lotus Society follows the adventures of Odessa (a.k.a Ess), an intelligent and feisty woman, who works for an agency known as Pinkerton. The book started off well- a woman who defies the conventions of the society. But the plot went haywire after about 30%. Everything seemed too easy for Ess; for instance, even when she was kidnapped, she was treated like a royal. Every other character kept noting how beautiful, talented and intelligent Ess is. It was mildly annoying. But I would've kept reading it if the plot hadn't been so completely uninteresting. Unfortunately, it was. I couldn't finish it.
The Blue Lotus Society follows the adventures of Odessa (a.k.a Ess), an intelligent and feisty woman, who works for an agency known as Pinkerton. The book started off well- a woman who defies the conventions of the society. But the plot went haywire after about 30%. Everything seemed too easy for Ess; for instance, even when she was kidnapped, she was treated like a royal. Every other character kept noting how beautiful, talented and intelligent Ess is. It was mildly annoying. But I would've kept reading it if the plot hadn't been so completely uninteresting. Unfortunately, it was. I couldn't finish it.
July 8, 2019
A good adventure story, but gets confusing at end
This book is the second one about Odessa Fremont I enjoyed them both but the second kept hinting about a secret society somehow related to ancient Egypt. Odessa, the main character, is not a person you would like as a friend because she is so much smarter than everyone else (she thinks) and doesn't listen to anyone else. At the end of the book you had the Pinkerton Detective Agency, the Air Force, the Secret Service , the Originators and Resurrectionists. What a mess!
This book is the second one about Odessa Fremont I enjoyed them both but the second kept hinting about a secret society somehow related to ancient Egypt. Odessa, the main character, is not a person you would like as a friend because she is so much smarter than everyone else (she thinks) and doesn't listen to anyone else. At the end of the book you had the Pinkerton Detective Agency, the Air Force, the Secret Service , the Originators and Resurrectionists. What a mess!
December 7, 2016
Steampunk with a touch of religion. Overall a likable story of a young woman working as a Pinkerton agent protecting touring Egyptian artifacts only to become involved with a secret society that her missing family was involved in. Nice build up for a series tho it felt completely rushed in the end which brought down my rating. I'll definitely keep an eye out for the next book.
November 22, 2016
The Blue Lotus Society is full of adventure and great characters. There are villains and Pinkerton agents and a girl who had to learn to take care of herself when her family goes missing. I enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to reading more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews