What do you think?
Rate this book
Eterna Files #2
Eterna and Omega
Battle is joined as British and American paranormal investigators clash in an exciting gaslamp fantasy.
Leanna Renee Hieber's gaslamp fantasy series continues and the action ramps up in Eterna and Omega.
In New York City, fearing the dangers of the Eterna Compound--supposedly the key to immortality--Clara Templeton buries information vital to its creation. The ghost of her clandestine lover is desperate to tell her she is wrong, but though she is a clairvoyant, she cannot hear him.
In London, Harold Spire plans to send his team of assassins, magicians, mediums, and other rogue talents to New York City, in an attempt to obtain Eterna for Her Royal Majesty, Queen Victoria. He stays behind to help Scotland Yard track down a network of body snatchers and occultists, but he'll miss his second-in-command, Rose Everhart, whose gentle exterior masks a steel spine.
Rose's skepticism about the supernatural has been shattered since she joined Spire's Omega Branch. Meeting Clara is like looking into a strange mirror: both women are orphans, each is concealing a paranormal ability, and each has a powerful and attractive guardian who has secrets of his own.
The hidden occult power that menaces both England and America continues to grow. Far from being dangerous, Eterna may hold the key to humanity's salvation.
Leanna Renee Hieber's gaslamp fantasy series continues and the action ramps up in Eterna and Omega.
In New York City, fearing the dangers of the Eterna Compound--supposedly the key to immortality--Clara Templeton buries information vital to its creation. The ghost of her clandestine lover is desperate to tell her she is wrong, but though she is a clairvoyant, she cannot hear him.
In London, Harold Spire plans to send his team of assassins, magicians, mediums, and other rogue talents to New York City, in an attempt to obtain Eterna for Her Royal Majesty, Queen Victoria. He stays behind to help Scotland Yard track down a network of body snatchers and occultists, but he'll miss his second-in-command, Rose Everhart, whose gentle exterior masks a steel spine.
Rose's skepticism about the supernatural has been shattered since she joined Spire's Omega Branch. Meeting Clara is like looking into a strange mirror: both women are orphans, each is concealing a paranormal ability, and each has a powerful and attractive guardian who has secrets of his own.
The hidden occult power that menaces both England and America continues to grow. Far from being dangerous, Eterna may hold the key to humanity's salvation.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2016
9 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Leanna Renee Hieber
66 books1,096 followersAuthor, actress, artist and playwright, Leanna received a BFA in Theatre, a focus in the Victorian Era and a scholarship to study in London. She adapted 19th Century literature for the stage and her one-act plays have been produced around the country. She is a 4 time Prism Award winner for excellence in Futuristic, Fantasy, or Paranormal Romance. Her debut novel, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, first in the "Strangely Beautiful" saga of Gothic Victorian Fantasy novels (Barnes & Noble Bestseller) won two 2010 Prism Awards (Best Fantasy, Best First Book) has been hailed by Tor Books as a "foundation work of Gaslamp Fantasy" and has been reissued in new, revised editions as STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL. The prequel, PERILOUS PROPHECY and the never before published MISS VIOLET AND THE GREAT WAR finish the quartet (Tor Books). DARKER STILL: A Novel of Magic Most Foul was named an Indie Next title by the American Book Association and a Scholastic book fair "Highly Recommended" title. All books in the Magic Most Foul trilogy are now available as is THE ETERNA FILES trilogy of Gaslamp Fantasy novels (Tor Books). Her new series with Kensington's new Rebel Base imprint, THE SPECTRAL CITY, a Gaslamp Fantasy / Supernatural Suspense became a # 1 Amazon bestseller in Gaslamp Fantasy, Steampunk and Metaphysical Fantasy as well as hitting the top ten across other platforms. The series continues with three novels. Her short fiction has been included in anthologies such as QUEEN VICTORIA'S BOOK OF SPELLS and the MAMMOTH BOOK OF GASLAMP ROMANCE. All her Victorian-set series feature crossover characters. A member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers, she is a proud co-founder of Lady Jane's Salon Reading Series in New York City. A member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, Leanna works often in film and television on shows like Boardwalk Empire and Mysteries at the Museum, works as a ghost tour guide for Boroughs of the Dead tour company and creates unique neo-Victorian and Steampunk jewelry on Etsy. In 2018 Leanna wrote, developed and now tours a one woman show "By the Light of Tiffany: A Meeting with Clara Driscoll" about the talented 19th century artist. Visit http://leannareneehieber.com for free reads, writers' resources, interviews, videos and more, and follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/leannarenee and FB http://facebook.com/lrhieber.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 14, 2017
Didn't like this one as much as the first in the series. The pacing seemed odd, like I was waiting for the book to start until the last 100 pages or so. Once it got going the final battle picked up the nice feel from the first book.
I think my biggest problem however, is that there is a lot of time spent talking about the adversity that different characters face. But for the most part they interact within their own little groups so you don't see much of it, your just told about it.
I think my favorite part of the series remains Spire having to put up with everything. Hope to see more of him in the next book.
I think my biggest problem however, is that there is a lot of time spent talking about the adversity that different characters face. But for the most part they interact within their own little groups so you don't see much of it, your just told about it.
I think my favorite part of the series remains Spire having to put up with everything. Hope to see more of him in the next book.
August 5, 2016
Eterna and Omega picks up right where The Eterna Files left off, finally giving some closure to that cliffhanger. After Clara Templeton rouses from her seizure in the graveyard, she must learn how to carry on Louis's work and use the discoveries of the Eterna team to fight against unimaginable evil. While the Americans are developing a magical means of protection, the Omega team over in Great Britain begins to realize that the recent string of grisly murders is part of something much bigger than they initially thought. The two teams commissioned to find immortality must come together to meet a more imminent threat. Rose Everhart, Lord Black, and their band of paranormal circus performers ship off to America to investigate. Initially suspicious of each other, the British and American teams must learn to trust and work together, combining their strengths, if they want to have any hope of defeating the evil descending on both continents. The action travels back and forth across the Atlantic as our heroes battle evil on two fronts.
See my full review at TheGothicLibrary.com after 8/8/16
See my full review at TheGothicLibrary.com after 8/8/16
February 26, 2017
Fun, enjoyable characters solid finish, much room for improvement with the writing. Makes me want to visit Lilydale sometime soon.
October 10, 2016
As always, I have nothing but praise for Hieber's work. The heroes we met and admired in book one on either side of the pond unite, first on American soil, but with the bulk of the action in Britain. This series continues to set itself apart from Leanna's other works in that while there is a hint of romance, the main focus is on the action (I would have actually preferred more focus on the relationship between Clara & Bishop and Rose & Spire, but it's also nice to see them moving slow). Fans of Hieber's other works will appreciate cameos of some characters from Darker Still and Strangely Beautiful. If you havent read the latter, you may find a certain scene to be a strange digression. The ending sets up nicely for a Book 3 in the Eterna Files series, which I eagerly await.
July 2, 2017
In my estimation, 3 stars is a *good* book, worth reading.
The second book in the Eterna Files is better than it's predecessor, Hieber seems to be gaining confidence in the characters or the story. Either way, it was a better read, with plenty of action. I will be keeping an eye on Hieber and looking forward to the third book, coming up in late 2017.
The second book in the Eterna Files is better than it's predecessor, Hieber seems to be gaining confidence in the characters or the story. Either way, it was a better read, with plenty of action. I will be keeping an eye on Hieber and looking forward to the third book, coming up in late 2017.
January 4, 2018
Watching the London and American teams come together in this story was brilliant, all the coalescing personalities and everybody bringing a different piece of the puzzle to the table. I loved the pacing, the dialogue yet again completely entranced me, and there's a delightful cameo by characters from the Strangely Beautiful series, which made me grin like a Cheshire cat.
December 11, 2017
Review to come.
July 9, 2023
This is the second book in the series. It continues with the American Eterna group and the British Omega group trying to recover from the deaths of their scientists, each who had been trying to discover a cure for death. Each believe the other had a part in those losses, until a third party, much older and much more secretive, is found to be playing the against each other.
The first part of this story focused more on the characters of Eterna and Omega working to trust each other and determine what the real threat is. The pacing through this part felt uneven to me. Because of travel between each country, the story allowed time to add depth to the characters from book one.
The second part moved much more quickly, as the third party, aware of the growing threat Eterna and Omega to its plans, accelerates its plan.
This was, for me, an interesting blend of science fiction and paranormal. The Victorian era setting added appeal. I expect I will get at least the next book to see where this series goes.
The first part of this story focused more on the characters of Eterna and Omega working to trust each other and determine what the real threat is. The pacing through this part felt uneven to me. Because of travel between each country, the story allowed time to add depth to the characters from book one.
The second part moved much more quickly, as the third party, aware of the growing threat Eterna and Omega to its plans, accelerates its plan.
This was, for me, an interesting blend of science fiction and paranormal. The Victorian era setting added appeal. I expect I will get at least the next book to see where this series goes.
May 27, 2020
Eterna and Omega is the Avengers of the Hieberverse – all our heroes from across different continents and different franchises come together to foil the villain’s world-destroying plan! And it’s very exciting!
Eterna Files had to do a lot of heavy lifting by introducing all the characters and the world. But all that pays off in this book, which feels much more streamlined. There are longer chapters that allow us time to stay with characters and follow their plot threads. There is also a lot of action, as the final fifty pages are just a big battle sequence, and Hieber makes the most of her huge cast of characters to give it all a properly epic scope.
Definitely among my favorites of the books written by Hieber!
Eterna Files had to do a lot of heavy lifting by introducing all the characters and the world. But all that pays off in this book, which feels much more streamlined. There are longer chapters that allow us time to stay with characters and follow their plot threads. There is also a lot of action, as the final fifty pages are just a big battle sequence, and Hieber makes the most of her huge cast of characters to give it all a properly epic scope.
Definitely among my favorites of the books written by Hieber!
December 3, 2020
It's nothing to write home about really though I do think I enjoyed it more than the first book. Perhaps it's just that I've settled into the writing style, but it seemed to be better written over all.
October 1, 2017
A good sequel to the first book. It could have been developed more however, it was a interested read.
August 18, 2018
The first 2 of the 3 books in the series are great but it feels like the 3rd book was a bit of a letdown.
January 30, 2022
Funnily enough, when I originally read this I did not know it was part of a trilogy. I still thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to soon read the rest of the series.
September 22, 2016
**I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway**
I desperately wanted to love this book. I loved this genre, loved the premise.
But geez, I just couldn't get into it. I've read classic novels and I understand what sort of mood the author was going for, but it just didn't work. Instead of sounding authentic, it sounded pretentious and cheesy.
I couldn't emphasize with any characters. I never really felt engrossed in the story. Part of this may be due to the fact that I haven't read the first book, but I thought the author did do a good job of filling in most major gaps in that respect.
The world, at least, was awesome. The magic and science and darkness was tres cool, and it all felt very vivid. Based on that alone, this book deserved far more stars.
As it is, I'm stuck at a disappointed 3/5
I desperately wanted to love this book. I loved this genre, loved the premise.
But geez, I just couldn't get into it. I've read classic novels and I understand what sort of mood the author was going for, but it just didn't work. Instead of sounding authentic, it sounded pretentious and cheesy.
I couldn't emphasize with any characters. I never really felt engrossed in the story. Part of this may be due to the fact that I haven't read the first book, but I thought the author did do a good job of filling in most major gaps in that respect.
The world, at least, was awesome. The magic and science and darkness was tres cool, and it all felt very vivid. Based on that alone, this book deserved far more stars.
As it is, I'm stuck at a disappointed 3/5
August 9, 2016
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
Eterna and Omega picks up exactly within moments of the first book. Clara, a spiritualist wakes up from exhaustion due to the over abundance of spirits surrounding her in the cemetery when she was burying sensitive information from her former deceased lover Louis. At the start of the book, Clara and the American Eterna team are still investigating the death of Louis and his colleagues and what happened that fateful day when their building blew up. And thanks to Clara’s gifts she was able to communicate with Louis and discovered that evil shadowy creatures, The Summoned were the cause of their death and that without some sort of protection/wards, the creatures will wreck havoc across the country.
On the opposite side of the world in England, the Omega team is getting ready to set sail for America by order of the Queen. The Queen has made the Eterna team out to be the villains and that Omega must retrieve all of Eterna’s work to secure her the cure to immortality. But little do they know that the real threat is the Queen herself. The two teams finally collide with one another but instead of working against each another, they join forces together to beat The Summoned that threaten to take over their world and stop the agenda for an old world.
The stakes are higher in this follow-up to The Eterna Files. Hieber subtly paints a countdown clock without the unnecessary bells and whistle. There weren’t crazy action scenes but I felt the urgency of the plot bouncing back and forth between Eterna and Omega nonetheless. Readers finally get a better understanding of what’s going on and why certain things are happening, especially with Moriel. Like with most stories, I love it when people put aside their differences and work together. I found the most enjoyable party of the story was when Eterna and Omega started working together.
Eterna and Omega was an excellent addition to The Eterna Files Series. I enjoyed it way more than I expected. This is a wonderful Gaslamp Fantasy series (fantasy/historical fiction with Victorian/Edwardian Setting) and if you haven’t tried this genre yet, Hieber’s novels would be a great place to start!
Eterna and Omega picks up exactly within moments of the first book. Clara, a spiritualist wakes up from exhaustion due to the over abundance of spirits surrounding her in the cemetery when she was burying sensitive information from her former deceased lover Louis. At the start of the book, Clara and the American Eterna team are still investigating the death of Louis and his colleagues and what happened that fateful day when their building blew up. And thanks to Clara’s gifts she was able to communicate with Louis and discovered that evil shadowy creatures, The Summoned were the cause of their death and that without some sort of protection/wards, the creatures will wreck havoc across the country.
On the opposite side of the world in England, the Omega team is getting ready to set sail for America by order of the Queen. The Queen has made the Eterna team out to be the villains and that Omega must retrieve all of Eterna’s work to secure her the cure to immortality. But little do they know that the real threat is the Queen herself. The two teams finally collide with one another but instead of working against each another, they join forces together to beat The Summoned that threaten to take over their world and stop the agenda for an old world.
The stakes are higher in this follow-up to The Eterna Files. Hieber subtly paints a countdown clock without the unnecessary bells and whistle. There weren’t crazy action scenes but I felt the urgency of the plot bouncing back and forth between Eterna and Omega nonetheless. Readers finally get a better understanding of what’s going on and why certain things are happening, especially with Moriel. Like with most stories, I love it when people put aside their differences and work together. I found the most enjoyable party of the story was when Eterna and Omega started working together.
Eterna and Omega was an excellent addition to The Eterna Files Series. I enjoyed it way more than I expected. This is a wonderful Gaslamp Fantasy series (fantasy/historical fiction with Victorian/Edwardian Setting) and if you haven’t tried this genre yet, Hieber’s novels would be a great place to start!
August 15, 2016
I liked the first book but did not love it. It was enough for me to want to read this one. So, when I got it in the mail, I immediately picked it up. Unfortunately it took me a while to get though it. Heavy on description, it slowed down the flow of the book considerably. It drew me out of the book instead of in it. It had some of the same problems as the first book for me, but I remember slipping to parts of the book. I really didn't get there until the end in this one.
I do love the worldbuilding in this series and also the characters. It feels as if the language, although appropriate, seems too flowery. I also love the idea behind the plot and the various organizations that surround our characters. There is a budding love story that you want but it bittersweet from the last book. I actually didn't know how I wanted that to go until the end. It makes sense and makes sense as to why it is taking so long. Their relationship really hasn't been explored in any depth and to have a romance now would be too premature. As for the paranormal aspects, I did enjoy how those things were explained and handled. It's like the bones of the story are solid, but the tendons holding things together are just too thick.
I give this book 3 stars. I have a feeling it will be like the last book that you will either love or hate it. I didn't love it but didn't hate it by any means. I think it is interesting and I would suggest you try the first book first (it should be read in order anyway) to see if it is the series for you. I would say that those that like fantasy, alternate history with paranormal aspects might give it a go.
I do love the worldbuilding in this series and also the characters. It feels as if the language, although appropriate, seems too flowery. I also love the idea behind the plot and the various organizations that surround our characters. There is a budding love story that you want but it bittersweet from the last book. I actually didn't know how I wanted that to go until the end. It makes sense and makes sense as to why it is taking so long. Their relationship really hasn't been explored in any depth and to have a romance now would be too premature. As for the paranormal aspects, I did enjoy how those things were explained and handled. It's like the bones of the story are solid, but the tendons holding things together are just too thick.
I give this book 3 stars. I have a feeling it will be like the last book that you will either love or hate it. I didn't love it but didn't hate it by any means. I think it is interesting and I would suggest you try the first book first (it should be read in order anyway) to see if it is the series for you. I would say that those that like fantasy, alternate history with paranormal aspects might give it a go.
October 10, 2016
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I had a little trouble with the first volume even if I enjoyed the ideas of the author. I was therefore curious to find out what this second volume would introduce us.
We find of course, all the characters that we had previously discovered, set in New York and England and prepared to be in a new adventure that will bring them together afterwards. As in the previous volume, I loved to follow Clara and to discover the rest of her history with Louis. It is true that it is interesting to see how much Louis wants to help his former lover, trying to break the barriers between the living and the dead world. This novel presents us a nice mix of ghosts, conspiracies, demons and other creatures. It was interesting to see how the characters were going to handle all these new changes.
By cons it is true that I found myself once again with the same feeling somewhat mitigated while struggling to get into the story and I had a little trouble placing the different characters as we have many. It’s true that this is something that bothers me often as the number of characters loses me easily.
Yes, the universe is very interesting and it is true that the mixture with the Victorian era is worth it but even if the story and style are very interesting, I think I still have a little trouble with this series…
My English review
I had a little trouble with the first volume even if I enjoyed the ideas of the author. I was therefore curious to find out what this second volume would introduce us.
We find of course, all the characters that we had previously discovered, set in New York and England and prepared to be in a new adventure that will bring them together afterwards. As in the previous volume, I loved to follow Clara and to discover the rest of her history with Louis. It is true that it is interesting to see how much Louis wants to help his former lover, trying to break the barriers between the living and the dead world. This novel presents us a nice mix of ghosts, conspiracies, demons and other creatures. It was interesting to see how the characters were going to handle all these new changes.
By cons it is true that I found myself once again with the same feeling somewhat mitigated while struggling to get into the story and I had a little trouble placing the different characters as we have many. It’s true that this is something that bothers me often as the number of characters loses me easily.
Yes, the universe is very interesting and it is true that the mixture with the Victorian era is worth it but even if the story and style are very interesting, I think I still have a little trouble with this series…
August 14, 2016
I was excited when I found out about the second book in the Eterna Files series. When I first read the Eterna Files (Book 1) I felt as though the ending was not sufficient. There were many loose ends and questions that were left unanswered. Eterna and Omega tied up those loose ends, while showing new truths and plot twists I didn't see coming. If there is a third book in the series, I will definitely purchase it. This is the type of book I would recommend to my friends and family!
The second book started exactly were the first book left off. In this book, I loved how Clara's character was able to communicate with Louis. Even though he had died, she was still able to spend some time with him to find him justice and to bring his killer down. I love their relationship dynamic and how it changed when Clara's character learned about the Summoned. Joining forces with the English was one of the best things Eterna and her team could have done. While I am sure Clara could have defeated the summoned herself, the added efforts of the Omega team were needed.
I love how Leanna wrote the character of the Queen, making her seem 'evil' as she tries to get the immortality cure. I personally believe the Queen's character was interesting, because she seemed like one of the only characters who honestly wanted to be immortal. I mean, if I had the chance to get the cure, I would!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher.
The second book started exactly were the first book left off. In this book, I loved how Clara's character was able to communicate with Louis. Even though he had died, she was still able to spend some time with him to find him justice and to bring his killer down. I love their relationship dynamic and how it changed when Clara's character learned about the Summoned. Joining forces with the English was one of the best things Eterna and her team could have done. While I am sure Clara could have defeated the summoned herself, the added efforts of the Omega team were needed.
I love how Leanna wrote the character of the Queen, making her seem 'evil' as she tries to get the immortality cure. I personally believe the Queen's character was interesting, because she seemed like one of the only characters who honestly wanted to be immortal. I mean, if I had the chance to get the cure, I would!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2020
Got this as a gift from my 12 year old who picked it up at the dollar store. Pausing at page 80ish.
October 7, 2016
As much as this book deserved to be read in one sitting, I found it difficult due to life circumstances. The author's talent at portraying rich, complex characters was evident because although the tale didn't have the proverbial cast of thousands, there were a LOT of them, but no matter how long it had been since I picked it up, I was able to orient myself back to the tale and its inhabitants immediately. Moriel has to be one of the creepiest villains I've ever read, and he provided a perfectly horrific challenge for the heroes and heroines. There were plenty of beautiful moments to balance out the ghastly ones, and it was fun to see other characters from this shared world pop in. If the author were to add another book to this series, I wouldn't complain.
October 7, 2016
Over the summer, Leanna Renee Hieber came to speak at a creative writing course I took and I immediately fell in love with her and her writing. I read The Eterna Files in 3 days and was absolutely in love with it. So, obviously, I had to read this one too. Admittedly, this one took me a bit longer to get through, due to school and also a slight lag in the middle. But the ending was so beautifully crafted and tied so many things up, that I cried which is an extreme rarity for me. Furthermore, the fact that this series is set in the victorian era and has so much diversity is extremely refreshing. Overall, this series is amazing, this book is amazing, and the author is amazing and everyone should read it.
September 7, 2016
The story is set in an alternate version of 1882 New York City.
Agents from the British Omega agency and the New York City Eterna organization, team up together in order to prevent an apocalyptic uprising of the undead.
A Gas Lamp fantasy that mixes electricity with magic.
Agents from the British Omega agency and the New York City Eterna organization, team up together in order to prevent an apocalyptic uprising of the undead.
A Gas Lamp fantasy that mixes electricity with magic.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews