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Aether Psychics #3
Aether Spirit
Forgetting her is impossible. Remembering him could kill her.
After treatment for the mental and emotional trauma of a steamcart accident left her with partial amnesia, Claire McPhee hopes that by helping others with combat-related neuroses, she’ll someday—somehow—fill in her own blanks. Particularly the elusive memory of a man she once loved.
Something about the new medical chief triggers her painful, hypnosis-induced blocks, but he keeps pushing her away before she can shove through the barriers to determine why.
Chadwick Radcliffe has faced many challenges since assuming the position of medical chief at Fort Daniels, but facing his former love—and the knowledge that her memory of him could be deadly—pains him the most. While he’s had some preliminary success using the Eros Element, he’s all too aware its unintended effects could harm as much as heal.
With the Union on the cusp of caving in to the Confederacy’s demands, time becomes a precious commodity. Ghosts rise. The Element takes on a new, unpredictable aspect. And resurrected love could give Claire and Chadwick unexpected strength—if they have the courage to break the chains welded around them to seize it.
Warning: Tempting as it is, do not try manipulating aether at home, especially while making tea. Blistering in some very embarrassing places could result.
This is the second edition of the book Aether Spirit originally released through Samhain Publishing in May 2016.
After treatment for the mental and emotional trauma of a steamcart accident left her with partial amnesia, Claire McPhee hopes that by helping others with combat-related neuroses, she’ll someday—somehow—fill in her own blanks. Particularly the elusive memory of a man she once loved.
Something about the new medical chief triggers her painful, hypnosis-induced blocks, but he keeps pushing her away before she can shove through the barriers to determine why.
Chadwick Radcliffe has faced many challenges since assuming the position of medical chief at Fort Daniels, but facing his former love—and the knowledge that her memory of him could be deadly—pains him the most. While he’s had some preliminary success using the Eros Element, he’s all too aware its unintended effects could harm as much as heal.
With the Union on the cusp of caving in to the Confederacy’s demands, time becomes a precious commodity. Ghosts rise. The Element takes on a new, unpredictable aspect. And resurrected love could give Claire and Chadwick unexpected strength—if they have the courage to break the chains welded around them to seize it.
Warning: Tempting as it is, do not try manipulating aether at home, especially while making tea. Blistering in some very embarrassing places could result.
This is the second edition of the book Aether Spirit originally released through Samhain Publishing in May 2016.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2017
7 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Cecilia Dominic
34 books392 followersCecilia Dominic became a clinical psychologist because she's fascinated by people and their stories, but she couldn't stop making stuff up. By day, she helps people cure their insomnia. By night, she writes fiction that keeps her readers turning pages past bedtime. Yes, she recognizes the conflict of interest between her two careers, but she prefers to be called versatile, not conflicted. Cecilia has been published in short and novel-length fiction and currently writes urban fantasy and steampunk. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and the world’s cutest cat.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 25, 2022
Aether Spirit by Cecilia Dominic
Aether Spirits series #3. Historical steampunk romance. Can be read as a stand-alone however the history of the two main characters is evolving and the prior books will give you more background to where this story starts.
Claire McPhee has amnesia after a medical treatment. Trying to regain her memory causes her blinding headaches. The medical chief, Chadwick causes Claire to faint and when she recovers, it’s with a headache and a feeling that she’s missing something important. Danger threatens as the two work together with the unknown.
Alternate history with paranormal “elements” and science make this an intriguing suspense novel. It takes place during the Civil War in the United States, unlike the first two that were across the pond. This third is more romance than the prior books, but it also leaves unanswered questions about the Aether, leading directly into the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the suspense but felt bad for both Claire and Chadwick as they clearly struggled to overcome their obstacles.
I’m looking forward to continuing to the next book.
Aether Spirits series #3. Historical steampunk romance. Can be read as a stand-alone however the history of the two main characters is evolving and the prior books will give you more background to where this story starts.
Claire McPhee has amnesia after a medical treatment. Trying to regain her memory causes her blinding headaches. The medical chief, Chadwick causes Claire to faint and when she recovers, it’s with a headache and a feeling that she’s missing something important. Danger threatens as the two work together with the unknown.
Alternate history with paranormal “elements” and science make this an intriguing suspense novel. It takes place during the Civil War in the United States, unlike the first two that were across the pond. This third is more romance than the prior books, but it also leaves unanswered questions about the Aether, leading directly into the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the suspense but felt bad for both Claire and Chadwick as they clearly struggled to overcome their obstacles.
I’m looking forward to continuing to the next book.
July 14, 2018
My heart goes out to Chadwick Radcliffe, the main character in the third book in Aether Psychics series. Clearly this man has been through a lot. He was introduced in book one of the series and in book two his character developed a bit. The reader got to understand that he was a caring doctor, not out for money, but out to truly help people. This proved helpful in book 2 as he was able to procure some necessary items that were hard to come by during the siege of Paris. Chadwick’s tale of heartbreak struck a cord with this romantic.
Book three in Aether Psychics series is more on the romantic side of things than the other two books in the series with a dash of medical science thrown in for good measure. I loved the dance of Chad and Claire, our two separated lovers, thrown forcibly together due to circumstances beyond their control. Intellectual equals, Chad approaches the problem with mind of a scientist. Trying to remove himself from Claire’s life lest he cause further damage. Claire approaches the situation with the mind of a psychiatrist, trying to find the cause of her memory loss and determine why Chad and his friend, Patrick, feel so familiar to her.
There’s a bit of excitement as the story takes place in America during the Civil War and the setting of the story is a field hospital and treats soldiers from both sides of the front. This leads to an interesting side story that does involve the little understood discovery from the previous books and another haunting love story. However, this story is really about Chad and Claire and not the discovery. After three books I’ve given up on learning more about the discovery from the previous book that has been the thread that links the three books and novella together. I’m disappointed there wasn’t more development there, but I need to cut my losses and focus on the characters who I have truly grown to love.
This is another strong entry in the Aether Psychics series. There is further character development and we learn more about Chad and Patrick’s reason for being in Europe in book one. And we learn more about Claire, another intelligent, educated woman who can stand her ground. I can’t wait to have Iris, Marie and Claire in one room together. I believe they will be a force to be reckoned with and I’m not sure Edward, Johann and Chad will be able to cope. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the Aether Psychics series!
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
Book three in Aether Psychics series is more on the romantic side of things than the other two books in the series with a dash of medical science thrown in for good measure. I loved the dance of Chad and Claire, our two separated lovers, thrown forcibly together due to circumstances beyond their control. Intellectual equals, Chad approaches the problem with mind of a scientist. Trying to remove himself from Claire’s life lest he cause further damage. Claire approaches the situation with the mind of a psychiatrist, trying to find the cause of her memory loss and determine why Chad and his friend, Patrick, feel so familiar to her.
There’s a bit of excitement as the story takes place in America during the Civil War and the setting of the story is a field hospital and treats soldiers from both sides of the front. This leads to an interesting side story that does involve the little understood discovery from the previous books and another haunting love story. However, this story is really about Chad and Claire and not the discovery. After three books I’ve given up on learning more about the discovery from the previous book that has been the thread that links the three books and novella together. I’m disappointed there wasn’t more development there, but I need to cut my losses and focus on the characters who I have truly grown to love.
This is another strong entry in the Aether Psychics series. There is further character development and we learn more about Chad and Patrick’s reason for being in Europe in book one. And we learn more about Claire, another intelligent, educated woman who can stand her ground. I can’t wait to have Iris, Marie and Claire in one room together. I believe they will be a force to be reckoned with and I’m not sure Edward, Johann and Chad will be able to cope. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the Aether Psychics series!
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews
June 1, 2016
Aether Spirit, Cecilia Dominic’s third book in the Aether Psychics series. Set in the Civil War of the Union States, using aether weapons that could end the war, and a love lost full of drama, love, steampunk elements and suspense keep the story moving.
Chadwick Radcliffe becomes the medical chief at Fort Daniels. Claire McPhee, his love and completely beyond his reach, is the last person he expected to see. Three years ago, Claire lost her memory in a tragic steamcart accident. Left with a gaping hole, Claire helps soldiers who suffer from post traumatic stress. Only she finds Chadwick familiar, with each step forward Claire takes in finding out why, he is standing in the way pushing her back. With a past Claire does not remember and the key to the Union’s victory, will Chadwick use the Eros Element to heal Claire, even if it means her life?
The world-building continues to grow, a blend of history with fantasy, steampunk and the paranormal. The characters are likeable, and head-strong, each in their own unique way. A great steampunk/paranormal romance series, I look forward to the next story. I received an ARC copy from the author for an honest opinion. 4.5/5 stars
Chadwick Radcliffe becomes the medical chief at Fort Daniels. Claire McPhee, his love and completely beyond his reach, is the last person he expected to see. Three years ago, Claire lost her memory in a tragic steamcart accident. Left with a gaping hole, Claire helps soldiers who suffer from post traumatic stress. Only she finds Chadwick familiar, with each step forward Claire takes in finding out why, he is standing in the way pushing her back. With a past Claire does not remember and the key to the Union’s victory, will Chadwick use the Eros Element to heal Claire, even if it means her life?
The world-building continues to grow, a blend of history with fantasy, steampunk and the paranormal. The characters are likeable, and head-strong, each in their own unique way. A great steampunk/paranormal romance series, I look forward to the next story. I received an ARC copy from the author for an honest opinion. 4.5/5 stars
August 15, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book, as a big big fan of this author's work I was excited to read this book as I have been dying to find out more about Chad and really wanted him to have his own story.
I love this series so much and I can't wait to read more especially with how this book ended!!! I love how things that you find out are linked you things you already know and it comes as a surprise every time! The storyline makes this book an extremely addictive read that consumes you until you finish but also leaves you needing to read more by this author. I adore the way that she writes this book with such obvious care and attention for the characters and the storyline.
Having had mild ptsd myself, it is something that I am passionate about and I have always felt that veterans do not get enough help for this life altering condition so reading a character that wanted to heal really spoke to me, not to mention someone trying to heal their own hurts. Claire really speaks to me and I love her strength and courage, for everything she has been through and she is still determined to live her life how she wants to. I have always enjoyed reading about Chad’s character. He has a quiet and protective strength that is really warming. He will always put himself aside to help and care for others especially those he loves.
I adored this book and people really need to read this series,it really is amazing!!!!
I love this series so much and I can't wait to read more especially with how this book ended!!! I love how things that you find out are linked you things you already know and it comes as a surprise every time! The storyline makes this book an extremely addictive read that consumes you until you finish but also leaves you needing to read more by this author. I adore the way that she writes this book with such obvious care and attention for the characters and the storyline.
Having had mild ptsd myself, it is something that I am passionate about and I have always felt that veterans do not get enough help for this life altering condition so reading a character that wanted to heal really spoke to me, not to mention someone trying to heal their own hurts. Claire really speaks to me and I love her strength and courage, for everything she has been through and she is still determined to live her life how she wants to. I have always enjoyed reading about Chad’s character. He has a quiet and protective strength that is really warming. He will always put himself aside to help and care for others especially those he loves.
I adored this book and people really need to read this series,it really is amazing!!!!
June 6, 2016
The Skinny
Chadwick Radcliffe is the head of the hospital, essentially. As a black man in the American South during the Civil War – a war revolving around slavery – Chadwick doesn’t get any breaks. He is a bit of a broken man, having lost his fiance to a terrible accident several years ago. The thing is, she is still alive and well, but Claire’s memories of the steamcart accident claimed several years of her life and health. She is now stationed at his hospital to work with soldiers coping with combat-related neuroses. She doesn’t remember Chadwick, but he and his pal Patrick surely remember her, and they can’t let on that they knew her in a former life. Claire is gradually aware that things seem familiar, but the blocks in her hypnosis-induced memory keep things at bay or cause excruciating pain.
Chadwick does not want to pain Claire further, but she might be the key to solving more than one issue. The Eros Element has been shown to heal before, but the risk is great.
The Players
Chadwick Radcliffe – an African American doctor in charge of Distillery Hospital; he is Claire’s former fiancé; working with Patrick on his aether project
Patrick O’Connell – an Irishman in charge of a new weaponry project for the U.S. military involving the eros element, aether
Claire McPhee – a (white) doctor who has been assigned to Distillery Hospital to practice mental health medicine so soldiers can be sent back to the battlefront; she has recently recovered from traumatic events and is fragile; can interpret and feel things about others
Nanette – the head nurse at Distillery; she greatly loves Chadwick and resolutely hates Claire
Mrs. Soper – the housekeeper for the General’s House; she befriends Claire and takes her in like her own
Major Longchamp – the major in charge at the base; he is friends with Mrs. Soper and befriends Claire
Gregory Perkins – a white doctor put out that he was overlooked for a promotion; he is lewd and believes in amputation
Bryce McPhee – Claire’s cousin; a patient at Distillery
The Quote
“What is it? You can’t die. I need someone to help me, but they need to be alive.”
“Help you with what?”
“I’m not sure. Something happened before the attack, and it has something to do with why you can see me when no one could before you got here. Except for Mrs. Soper.”
The Highs and Lows
An Oddity. When I started reading this installment in the series, I realized it was a little different than the others. In the first and second books, a female character and her love interest – tied to the aether, of course – were the focus of the book. The female character in the second book had appeared in the first book and been a major supporting character. That’s not the case at all in this third book, which I found a little odd. When I started reading I kept thinking there was something off, and that’s why. The first two books also started with the opening in the POV of those female characters.
The Location and Setting. The book is set at Fort Daniels, Tennessee in 1871. This is toward the conclusion of the Civil War in the States, but things are still raging strong at this point. This is important to note because the book is set in the South, which was fighting for slavery and states rights, and Chadwick is a black doctor in charge of this base hospital. There are even patients who refuse to be under his care. As the book progresses, Claire does have flashbacks to other places within the last few years.
The Ghost of the General. It is rumored that the women’s quarters at the base are haunted. When Claire arrives at the General’s House for alternative sleeping arrangements, she encounters the ghostly form of the General’s daughter, who died a few years prior to “the consumption.” Emma ends up saving Claire from a disastrous outcome, and later follows her to the black quarters. She keeps saying she needs to do something before she is at peace. And then there’s this whole other aspect of ghosts and weird things going on. I’m still not sure what that was about.
Patrick. Once again, Patrick is an outstanding friend to both Chadwick and Claire. He’s just a great guy and I loved that he tagged along with Chadwick back to the States. Although he is struggling with the aether, he wants to create a weapon that will end the war.
Nanette. She is the head nurse and works heavily with Chadwick, but she is a nasty snake of a woman. She’s really good with the patients, but she is a horrible person.
Claire. She is very fragile and has undergone extensive psychotherapy – in what form, it is unclear, but her cousin Bryce reveals that he will not speak with Chadwick about what his mother and her mother did to her following the accident, so it’s not good. Throughout the book, Claire mentions a doctor in Europe putting “blocks” on her (her memory) and she does not remember hardly anything of her life before. When she encounters something of her life before (Chadwick, Bryce, familiar comments or words) it triggers horrendous headaches and sometimes fainting. She continues to have dreams and nightmares about her past, and a little bit more is revealed each time. Although some things are revealed about the accident through Chadwick and Patrick, nothing is known of Claire’s “care” after the accident. It was very frustrating trying to figure out the references Chadwick would make, not knowing what had happened, and the fact that Claire herself didn’t even know what had happened to her.
A Spy in the Ranks. After a time, there were a couple of comments from various characters to indicate that someone working inside the base was a traitor, working for the Confederacy. A double agent. I knew immediately who it was, but it turns out that there was more than one culprit.
The Take-Away
I liked the care with which everyone, ahem, OK, Chadwick, Patrick, Lacey, Mrs. Soper and Major Longchamp treated Claire. She was very delicate and fragile, despite being sent to the front lines of a brutal Civil War. Despite her challenges, they all pitched in to take care of Claire and keep her with them.
Recommendation – Buy, Borrow or Skip?
Borrow! I’m not sure if this is the final book in the series – I hope not, I hope Patrick gets his girl!
Chadwick Radcliffe is the head of the hospital, essentially. As a black man in the American South during the Civil War – a war revolving around slavery – Chadwick doesn’t get any breaks. He is a bit of a broken man, having lost his fiance to a terrible accident several years ago. The thing is, she is still alive and well, but Claire’s memories of the steamcart accident claimed several years of her life and health. She is now stationed at his hospital to work with soldiers coping with combat-related neuroses. She doesn’t remember Chadwick, but he and his pal Patrick surely remember her, and they can’t let on that they knew her in a former life. Claire is gradually aware that things seem familiar, but the blocks in her hypnosis-induced memory keep things at bay or cause excruciating pain.
Chadwick does not want to pain Claire further, but she might be the key to solving more than one issue. The Eros Element has been shown to heal before, but the risk is great.
The Players
Chadwick Radcliffe – an African American doctor in charge of Distillery Hospital; he is Claire’s former fiancé; working with Patrick on his aether project
Patrick O’Connell – an Irishman in charge of a new weaponry project for the U.S. military involving the eros element, aether
Claire McPhee – a (white) doctor who has been assigned to Distillery Hospital to practice mental health medicine so soldiers can be sent back to the battlefront; she has recently recovered from traumatic events and is fragile; can interpret and feel things about others
Nanette – the head nurse at Distillery; she greatly loves Chadwick and resolutely hates Claire
Mrs. Soper – the housekeeper for the General’s House; she befriends Claire and takes her in like her own
Major Longchamp – the major in charge at the base; he is friends with Mrs. Soper and befriends Claire
Gregory Perkins – a white doctor put out that he was overlooked for a promotion; he is lewd and believes in amputation
Bryce McPhee – Claire’s cousin; a patient at Distillery
The Quote
“What is it? You can’t die. I need someone to help me, but they need to be alive.”
“Help you with what?”
“I’m not sure. Something happened before the attack, and it has something to do with why you can see me when no one could before you got here. Except for Mrs. Soper.”
The Highs and Lows
An Oddity. When I started reading this installment in the series, I realized it was a little different than the others. In the first and second books, a female character and her love interest – tied to the aether, of course – were the focus of the book. The female character in the second book had appeared in the first book and been a major supporting character. That’s not the case at all in this third book, which I found a little odd. When I started reading I kept thinking there was something off, and that’s why. The first two books also started with the opening in the POV of those female characters.
The Location and Setting. The book is set at Fort Daniels, Tennessee in 1871. This is toward the conclusion of the Civil War in the States, but things are still raging strong at this point. This is important to note because the book is set in the South, which was fighting for slavery and states rights, and Chadwick is a black doctor in charge of this base hospital. There are even patients who refuse to be under his care. As the book progresses, Claire does have flashbacks to other places within the last few years.
The Ghost of the General. It is rumored that the women’s quarters at the base are haunted. When Claire arrives at the General’s House for alternative sleeping arrangements, she encounters the ghostly form of the General’s daughter, who died a few years prior to “the consumption.” Emma ends up saving Claire from a disastrous outcome, and later follows her to the black quarters. She keeps saying she needs to do something before she is at peace. And then there’s this whole other aspect of ghosts and weird things going on. I’m still not sure what that was about.
Patrick. Once again, Patrick is an outstanding friend to both Chadwick and Claire. He’s just a great guy and I loved that he tagged along with Chadwick back to the States. Although he is struggling with the aether, he wants to create a weapon that will end the war.
Nanette. She is the head nurse and works heavily with Chadwick, but she is a nasty snake of a woman. She’s really good with the patients, but she is a horrible person.
Claire. She is very fragile and has undergone extensive psychotherapy – in what form, it is unclear, but her cousin Bryce reveals that he will not speak with Chadwick about what his mother and her mother did to her following the accident, so it’s not good. Throughout the book, Claire mentions a doctor in Europe putting “blocks” on her (her memory) and she does not remember hardly anything of her life before. When she encounters something of her life before (Chadwick, Bryce, familiar comments or words) it triggers horrendous headaches and sometimes fainting. She continues to have dreams and nightmares about her past, and a little bit more is revealed each time. Although some things are revealed about the accident through Chadwick and Patrick, nothing is known of Claire’s “care” after the accident. It was very frustrating trying to figure out the references Chadwick would make, not knowing what had happened, and the fact that Claire herself didn’t even know what had happened to her.
A Spy in the Ranks. After a time, there were a couple of comments from various characters to indicate that someone working inside the base was a traitor, working for the Confederacy. A double agent. I knew immediately who it was, but it turns out that there was more than one culprit.
The Take-Away
I liked the care with which everyone, ahem, OK, Chadwick, Patrick, Lacey, Mrs. Soper and Major Longchamp treated Claire. She was very delicate and fragile, despite being sent to the front lines of a brutal Civil War. Despite her challenges, they all pitched in to take care of Claire and keep her with them.
Recommendation – Buy, Borrow or Skip?
Borrow! I’m not sure if this is the final book in the series – I hope not, I hope Patrick gets his girl!
February 1, 2019
I have no idea how she does it, but Cecilia Dominic's series gets better with each book! Aether Spirit follows Chadwick Radcliff as fate throws Claire, his once-fiance who was in a terrible accident years ago, back into his life... but is it fate or something more? To overcome the memories of the terrible accident, Claire was treated so she has no memory of it... or of Chad. Chad was warned to stay away from her for her own good, but with the terror of the Civil War frontlines raging all around them, will he be able to stay away? And will Claire ever regain the precious memories of what she's lost? Filled with rich characters we've come to expect from the author, the mysterious aether substance being sought for both its potential as a weapon to end the war and a healing device for shattered minds, and a smidgen of the supernatural, this third book in the series is not one you want to miss.
July 10, 2020
In this entry to the series, the group has split up. Radcliffe and Patrick are working with the Union Army in Tennessee. Radcliffe is in charge of the hospital but he and Patrick are still exploring the Eros Element; Patrick, in search of a weapon to win the war, Cliff, to find a device which will restore his fiancée's memory. But Claire arrives as a neuroticist who arrives to work with wounded soldiers.
May 7, 2017
This was a historical paranormal set in the U.S. Civil War era. There were references to Paris and other places so I assumed there were other books in the series. This stands alone as an interesting read.
May 29, 2017
Good book. Intriguing story. My big problem with it is the pacing. It is slow. A bit frustrating the main character weakness and inability to actually do the work she went there to do. Enjoyable read nonetheless.
June 29, 2016
Aether Spirit is another brilliant story in Cecilia Dominic’s Aether Psychics series. I’ve been with this steampunk series since the beginning. Like its predecessors, Aether Spirit is a standalone story that is completely and delightfully unique within the series. The setting has moved from Europe to the Union States (United States) where a civil war still rages in 1871. Chadwick Radcliffe and Patrick O’Connell are both stationed at Fort Daniels, Chadwick as the medical chief and Patrick as an engineer. The third player in this saga is Claire McPhee, neuroticist, who has come to Fort Daniels to attempt to help battle-scarred soldiers get back on their feet by using new therapy methods.
By the way, Claire just happens to be the woman that Chadwick was engaged to before a terrible steamcart accident separated them. Claire’s memories were taken from her and Chadwick was warned to stay away or risk hurting her. Claire has been discussed in both of the first two novels in the series, so I was pleased to finally meet her and get more of her and Chadwick’s story.
As if missing memories were not enough to keep them apart, Chadwick is black (or Negro in 1871 terms). As much as the northern part of the country may have acknowledged emancipation, true equality was a long way off. That included acceptance of a Negro man with a white woman.
While Claire and Chadwick are both consciously and unconsciously working to overcome these obstacles, Patrick is working on a weapon that could end the war. The weapon is to be powered by aether. Chadwick is Patrick’s sometime assistant in his effort to harness the energy source in a weapon and has some hope that the aether might also be an effective treatment to help Claire regain her memories.
While he is tinkering with aether, Patrick has another important role. Between Claire and Chadwick there are very few light-hearted moments, at least in the first half of the story. Claire struggles with missing memories and Chadwick struggles with not being able to be with the woman he loves. These two personalities need Patrick’s cheery, charming temperament to relieve the tension. All three main characters are well developed and critical to the overall story. Additionally, Claire and Chadwick have individual stories that are intricately and flawlessly woven into the plot.
Chadwick and Patrick are the only two characters that were also in books 1 and 2 of the series, with a brief exception. I did miss that ensemble of characters, especially my favorite, Edward Bailey. Personally, I am hoping Edward, Iris, Marie and Johann make their ways back into the story. Inspector Davidson and Parnaby Cobb will show up in Aether Spirit, in small but provocative roles.
The other recurring ‘character’ is the Eros element – or aether. The use of aether, including as an energy source, is the theme that ties the books in the Aether Psychics series together. With each book you learn just a little more about it and I am certain there will be more to learn. As the title of the book might imply, in Aether Spirit the Eros element takes on a personality. This is as much interesting as it is terrifying and opens the series to go pretty much anywhere with future plots.
The background of an extended civil war had me comparing the creation of an aether-powered weapon to the use of atomic bombs in 1945. The debate over whether the end justifies the means was as much a part of the story as it is in life.
On a lighter note, when you read Aether Spirit, look for what I like to call a steam-powered superhero costume. Loved it!
Each book in the series stands alone. Aether Spirit is no exception as Ms. Dominic does a good job of subtly filling the back-story where needed. I can recommend it as a standalone, but I would be remiss if I did not also recommend reading the entire series. It is definitely a favorite series for me!
A review copy was provided by the author.
By the way, Claire just happens to be the woman that Chadwick was engaged to before a terrible steamcart accident separated them. Claire’s memories were taken from her and Chadwick was warned to stay away or risk hurting her. Claire has been discussed in both of the first two novels in the series, so I was pleased to finally meet her and get more of her and Chadwick’s story.
As if missing memories were not enough to keep them apart, Chadwick is black (or Negro in 1871 terms). As much as the northern part of the country may have acknowledged emancipation, true equality was a long way off. That included acceptance of a Negro man with a white woman.
While Claire and Chadwick are both consciously and unconsciously working to overcome these obstacles, Patrick is working on a weapon that could end the war. The weapon is to be powered by aether. Chadwick is Patrick’s sometime assistant in his effort to harness the energy source in a weapon and has some hope that the aether might also be an effective treatment to help Claire regain her memories.
While he is tinkering with aether, Patrick has another important role. Between Claire and Chadwick there are very few light-hearted moments, at least in the first half of the story. Claire struggles with missing memories and Chadwick struggles with not being able to be with the woman he loves. These two personalities need Patrick’s cheery, charming temperament to relieve the tension. All three main characters are well developed and critical to the overall story. Additionally, Claire and Chadwick have individual stories that are intricately and flawlessly woven into the plot.
Chadwick and Patrick are the only two characters that were also in books 1 and 2 of the series, with a brief exception. I did miss that ensemble of characters, especially my favorite, Edward Bailey. Personally, I am hoping Edward, Iris, Marie and Johann make their ways back into the story. Inspector Davidson and Parnaby Cobb will show up in Aether Spirit, in small but provocative roles.
The other recurring ‘character’ is the Eros element – or aether. The use of aether, including as an energy source, is the theme that ties the books in the Aether Psychics series together. With each book you learn just a little more about it and I am certain there will be more to learn. As the title of the book might imply, in Aether Spirit the Eros element takes on a personality. This is as much interesting as it is terrifying and opens the series to go pretty much anywhere with future plots.
The background of an extended civil war had me comparing the creation of an aether-powered weapon to the use of atomic bombs in 1945. The debate over whether the end justifies the means was as much a part of the story as it is in life.
On a lighter note, when you read Aether Spirit, look for what I like to call a steam-powered superhero costume. Loved it!
Each book in the series stands alone. Aether Spirit is no exception as Ms. Dominic does a good job of subtly filling the back-story where needed. I can recommend it as a standalone, but I would be remiss if I did not also recommend reading the entire series. It is definitely a favorite series for me!
A review copy was provided by the author.
August 7, 2022
This is the third novel in Cecilia Dominic’s Aether Psychics series, and the books are best enjoyed in order. This book offers mystery, romance, humor, and excitement in a steampunk setting filled with fascinating characters.
Aether Spirit has a slightly different feel than the previous volumes in this series because it's set in the United States during the Civil War, it features only some of the characters from the previous books, and it's a bit more focused on romantic and paranormal elements. Ms. Dominic provides enough background for this book to be enjoyed on its own, but I think the reading experience will be richer and more enjoyable if you read the entire series in order (and all of the books are so good, I highly recommend you read them all)
While Doctor Claire McPhee was mentioned in previous books, this is the first time we have a chance to meet her. As with the other women in this series, I appreciated Claire's strength and intelligence and also enjoyed laughing at some of the predicaments she gets herself in. I love that Cecilia Dominic's female characters are so well balanced (neither Mary Sues nor helpless damsels in distress). I also enjoyed getting to know Chadwick and Patrick better, and even the secondary characters are quirky and interesting. Ms. Dominic reliably writes memorable characters, whether they are characters you love or characters you hate or characters you just want to get to know better!
The only thing that disappointed me with this book is that we are teased with some very intriguing information about the aether, but I felt impatient to learn more about the mystery of the Eros Element. That's not a bad problem to have, but if you're also driven to find answers, be prepared to race out and buy the next book to find out more.
The story featured elements of science fiction, paranormal fantasy, mystery, suspense, and historical romance, and I think this would probably please fans of many of these genres. The pacing seemed good to me, and the book was well-written. I was quickly drawn into the story and never had trouble suspending disbelief. I thought the descriptions of various manifestations of PTSD and how different characters proposed treating the condition were really interesting. The ending sufficiently ties up the events of this book, but leads directly into the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the narration by Alicia Foreman. Her performance was well paced and appropriately conveyed the story’s mood and the characters’ emotions. I enjoyed her character voices. I think this is a great choice for listening.
I received a free copy of this ebook and audiobook from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
Aether Spirit has a slightly different feel than the previous volumes in this series because it's set in the United States during the Civil War, it features only some of the characters from the previous books, and it's a bit more focused on romantic and paranormal elements. Ms. Dominic provides enough background for this book to be enjoyed on its own, but I think the reading experience will be richer and more enjoyable if you read the entire series in order (and all of the books are so good, I highly recommend you read them all)
While Doctor Claire McPhee was mentioned in previous books, this is the first time we have a chance to meet her. As with the other women in this series, I appreciated Claire's strength and intelligence and also enjoyed laughing at some of the predicaments she gets herself in. I love that Cecilia Dominic's female characters are so well balanced (neither Mary Sues nor helpless damsels in distress). I also enjoyed getting to know Chadwick and Patrick better, and even the secondary characters are quirky and interesting. Ms. Dominic reliably writes memorable characters, whether they are characters you love or characters you hate or characters you just want to get to know better!
The only thing that disappointed me with this book is that we are teased with some very intriguing information about the aether, but I felt impatient to learn more about the mystery of the Eros Element. That's not a bad problem to have, but if you're also driven to find answers, be prepared to race out and buy the next book to find out more.
The story featured elements of science fiction, paranormal fantasy, mystery, suspense, and historical romance, and I think this would probably please fans of many of these genres. The pacing seemed good to me, and the book was well-written. I was quickly drawn into the story and never had trouble suspending disbelief. I thought the descriptions of various manifestations of PTSD and how different characters proposed treating the condition were really interesting. The ending sufficiently ties up the events of this book, but leads directly into the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the narration by Alicia Foreman. Her performance was well paced and appropriately conveyed the story’s mood and the characters’ emotions. I enjoyed her character voices. I think this is a great choice for listening.
I received a free copy of this ebook and audiobook from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
June 26, 2016
Cecilia Dominic has rocked the Steampunk world with her Aether Physics’ books. She has really blown my mind with these books. I never dreamed that I would be captivated by Aether Physics, much less romance involved with the story as well. Awesome mixture. Not only has she thrown romance in the mixture, there is mystery, murder, and evidentially in this latest book, amnesia. These are books that you should read if anything else for something different.
“Forgetting her is impossible. Remembering him could kill her.’ Direct quote from book synopsis.
Chadwick Radcliffe takes the position of medical chief at Fort Daniels after having traveled to Europe with Dr. Edward Bailey and company in order to help with the handling of Dr. Bailey’s Aether Physics project. He knew in accepting this position there would be prejudice because of his mixed heritage, but the last thing he had ever expected was to run into the one woman who is beyond his reach, both medically and emotionally. He wonders if using the Eros Element as a healing device could help Claire regain her memory. The only dilemma is that he isn’t sure if it would heal her or make her worse. He and his friend Patrick O’Connell are hoping to use the Eros Element will help them win the war.
Claire McPhee was in a steam cart accident that caused her to lose her memory, three years’ worth of memories. One memory that she lost was the memory of Dr. Chadwick Radcliff. She can’t understand why he seems so familiar to her. Nor does she know why he she started having headaches after she would get close to remembering him. She is hoping that working at the Distillery Hospital located at Fort Daniels will give her the place she needed to help the soldiers deal with their war related neurosis, and hoped that she would find her faceless man there. She is hoping to find the key that will give her the 3 years she lost back.
Chadwick knows that even as bad as he wants Claire back he can’t risk using the Eros Element on her. The thing that worries Chadwick is that Claire holds the key to winning the civil war they are fighting. Now Chadwick and Claire are forced beyond their boundaries that was placed on them by others. Only problem with them discovering their love for each other could kill him and Claire. Will Chadwick give in and use the Eros Element to help Claire regain her memory? Will Chadwick and Claire get their happy ending? You’ll have to read the book to find out about all the twist and turns the book holds.
No Spoilers, ARC free book given in exchange for an honest review.
“Forgetting her is impossible. Remembering him could kill her.’ Direct quote from book synopsis.
Chadwick Radcliffe takes the position of medical chief at Fort Daniels after having traveled to Europe with Dr. Edward Bailey and company in order to help with the handling of Dr. Bailey’s Aether Physics project. He knew in accepting this position there would be prejudice because of his mixed heritage, but the last thing he had ever expected was to run into the one woman who is beyond his reach, both medically and emotionally. He wonders if using the Eros Element as a healing device could help Claire regain her memory. The only dilemma is that he isn’t sure if it would heal her or make her worse. He and his friend Patrick O’Connell are hoping to use the Eros Element will help them win the war.
Claire McPhee was in a steam cart accident that caused her to lose her memory, three years’ worth of memories. One memory that she lost was the memory of Dr. Chadwick Radcliff. She can’t understand why he seems so familiar to her. Nor does she know why he she started having headaches after she would get close to remembering him. She is hoping that working at the Distillery Hospital located at Fort Daniels will give her the place she needed to help the soldiers deal with their war related neurosis, and hoped that she would find her faceless man there. She is hoping to find the key that will give her the 3 years she lost back.
Chadwick knows that even as bad as he wants Claire back he can’t risk using the Eros Element on her. The thing that worries Chadwick is that Claire holds the key to winning the civil war they are fighting. Now Chadwick and Claire are forced beyond their boundaries that was placed on them by others. Only problem with them discovering their love for each other could kill him and Claire. Will Chadwick give in and use the Eros Element to help Claire regain her memory? Will Chadwick and Claire get their happy ending? You’ll have to read the book to find out about all the twist and turns the book holds.
No Spoilers, ARC free book given in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2016
Aether Spirit is the second Aether book I've read, and I really enjoyed it. I read book #1, and was offered an ARC of Aether Spirits in exchange for an honest review.
Miss Dominic has created a really interesting sort of alternate Earth, a very Steam Punk kind of place, where the mysterious element, "Aether" has been discovered and is being tinkered with. That's literal, by the way, because people who we would call mechanics or engineers or inventors are Tinkerers in this world.
Aether Spirit takes place during this alternate world's American Civil War. It's a time period I've always been interested in, and it was fascinating for me to read a Steam Punk view of that time. Interesting questions of the possibility of ultimate weapons and their morality, the issue of slavery and prejudice, gender rolls, the question of life after death, the care of wounded soldiers... all of these come up in Aether Spirits. All are important and interesting topics in this book, and relevant in the real world, even today. It was an interesting thought for me, comparing how some of these things were applied in our own Civil War and in the story. The issue of mental health, I think, is the most interesting and strongest theme in the book. We still have great stigma attached to any kind of mental health issue, and some of our past mistreatment of mental health patients are echoed in this book.
The characters are sympathetic and interesting, with deep motivations and interesting backstories. I haven't read the second book, but I was able to understand what was happening just fine here, especially since I've read book 1. I'll definitely have to go back and pick up book 2, as there are some things mentioned in this book that harken backward in the series, and I'm very interested to learn more about them.
There is some violence, and definitely a love story, but nothing steamy. This isn't about sex, it's about love transcending all things: war, prejudice, grief, pain, separation. At it's heart, Aether Spirit is about the power of emotion, and how love endures all things. It can never truly be forgotten.
Miss Dominic has created a really interesting sort of alternate Earth, a very Steam Punk kind of place, where the mysterious element, "Aether" has been discovered and is being tinkered with. That's literal, by the way, because people who we would call mechanics or engineers or inventors are Tinkerers in this world.
Aether Spirit takes place during this alternate world's American Civil War. It's a time period I've always been interested in, and it was fascinating for me to read a Steam Punk view of that time. Interesting questions of the possibility of ultimate weapons and their morality, the issue of slavery and prejudice, gender rolls, the question of life after death, the care of wounded soldiers... all of these come up in Aether Spirits. All are important and interesting topics in this book, and relevant in the real world, even today. It was an interesting thought for me, comparing how some of these things were applied in our own Civil War and in the story. The issue of mental health, I think, is the most interesting and strongest theme in the book. We still have great stigma attached to any kind of mental health issue, and some of our past mistreatment of mental health patients are echoed in this book.
The characters are sympathetic and interesting, with deep motivations and interesting backstories. I haven't read the second book, but I was able to understand what was happening just fine here, especially since I've read book 1. I'll definitely have to go back and pick up book 2, as there are some things mentioned in this book that harken backward in the series, and I'm very interested to learn more about them.
There is some violence, and definitely a love story, but nothing steamy. This isn't about sex, it's about love transcending all things: war, prejudice, grief, pain, separation. At it's heart, Aether Spirit is about the power of emotion, and how love endures all things. It can never truly be forgotten.
May 25, 2016
Yay review copies! I promise nothing when I receive them, only a fair review, and I thank my lucky stars for them because I am a biblioaddict.
I have been *waiting* for this one. Diabolical deeds! Racist/classist/asshole relatives! War! Chicanery! We mustn't forget the ghosts and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night. Add in 19th century mental health and I was swooning (metaphorically, though I did slip and fall shortly before starting this one so maybe it was my body's attempt at a proactive swoon).
Chadwick (I'm sorry, I find "Chad" an annoying name so I must think of him as Chadwick) and his intrepid sidekick, Patrick, are doing good the best they can. Claire is an "unexpected" addition to the stress and drama, which shouldn't be that surprising to any who read the preceding books. I will zip my lips overall because I don't like to give spoilers. But there is much noble idiocy (c'mon, it's CHADWICK, how surprised are you?).
This came SO CLOSE to being a five star read for me, there were just a few things that made me twitch enough not to be able to give that fifth star. HOWEVER, they are because I can be a bit of a pedant and I don't really see most others having any issues with the things that bothered me. So recommend, recommend, recommend.
okay for aayesha.
I have been *waiting* for this one. Diabolical deeds! Racist/classist/asshole relatives! War! Chicanery! We mustn't forget the ghosts and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night. Add in 19th century mental health and I was swooning (metaphorically, though I did slip and fall shortly before starting this one so maybe it was my body's attempt at a proactive swoon).
Chadwick (I'm sorry, I find "Chad" an annoying name so I must think of him as Chadwick) and his intrepid sidekick, Patrick, are doing good the best they can. Claire is an "unexpected" addition to the stress and drama, which shouldn't be that surprising to any who read the preceding books. I will zip my lips overall because I don't like to give spoilers. But there is much noble idiocy (c'mon, it's CHADWICK, how surprised are you?).
This came SO CLOSE to being a five star read for me, there were just a few things that made me twitch enough not to be able to give that fifth star. HOWEVER, they are because I can be a bit of a pedant and I don't really see most others having any issues with the things that bothered me. So recommend, recommend, recommend.
okay for aayesha.
May 29, 2016
This book hit all my "feelers" in that it was a Civil War romance and about the reunion of past lovers.
Claire is an intelligent doctor suffering from a mysterious memory loss. I adore reading historicals featuring an intelligent woman who is ahead of her time. She is entirely sympathetic and credible. The author has researched mental illness and the treatments available during this era. Claire works to help soldiers suffering from what we now know of as PTSD.
Chadwick is also a doctor and in charge of a hospital treating wounded soldiers. He had a tragic and intimate past with Claire that she doesn't even remember. When she reenters his life to work at the same hospital, it brings his own painful memories to the forefront as he communicates with the love of his life who doesn't know him anymore.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced review copy of this book from the author.
Claire is an intelligent doctor suffering from a mysterious memory loss. I adore reading historicals featuring an intelligent woman who is ahead of her time. She is entirely sympathetic and credible. The author has researched mental illness and the treatments available during this era. Claire works to help soldiers suffering from what we now know of as PTSD.
Chadwick is also a doctor and in charge of a hospital treating wounded soldiers. He had a tragic and intimate past with Claire that she doesn't even remember. When she reenters his life to work at the same hospital, it brings his own painful memories to the forefront as he communicates with the love of his life who doesn't know him anymore.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced review copy of this book from the author.
Read
July 19, 2016Claire McPhee has an intentional amnesia to guard her from the trauma of the steam cart accident that scarred her hands. She was also plucky enough to have gone from hysteria patient to doctor. Cad Radcliffe has never gotten over Claire, and it's not helping any that she's shown up at the field hospital in Fort Daniels where he works--especially not since reminding her of their love causes debilitating headaches. Maybe, though, the aether he's been experimenting on holds the key to unlocking her missing memories.
So lots going on here. First of all, mad props for making it Fort Daniels and putting the hospital in an old distillery. Fun times. Second, this is like the Civil War, but not. It's steam punk/alternate history/paranormal element/romance. Believe it or not, all of that works together. I really like this world that Dominic has created, and I found myself wanting to know even more about aether and neurologists. Good thing for me there are two more books, eh?
So lots going on here. First of all, mad props for making it Fort Daniels and putting the hospital in an old distillery. Fun times. Second, this is like the Civil War, but not. It's steam punk/alternate history/paranormal element/romance. Believe it or not, all of that works together. I really like this world that Dominic has created, and I found myself wanting to know even more about aether and neurologists. Good thing for me there are two more books, eh?
May 31, 2016
Cecilia Dominic has written another excellent book, and I enjoyed reading it. This story is set in the 1871 civil war in the Union States (United States) and covers Chadwick Radcliffe, of mixed heritage & the medical chief who is also in love with Claire but she is beyond his reach both medically and emotionally.. Patrick O’Connell, an engineer that is trying use the aether to make a weapon that could end the war. Claire McPhee, who suffered a steam-cart accident that stole three years of memories and a neuroticist sent by the University of Pennsylvania to help the soldiers recover from their mental wounds. This story has drama, suspense, intrigue, forgotten memories, experiments, love and romance. The story-line is well developed and written. The characters are well developed and entwine beautifully into the story. This is a good stand alone steampunk book.
September 7, 2016
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This book was a whole new genre for me. I do like science fantasy but was unfamiliar with 'steam punk'. In fact, I was so unaware of that term I had to google that expression to know what it meant. Initially I found it a little confusing but it actually made an entertaining story.
I found the characters interesting and well written. (My favorite was Patrick. I am sure there is a great story about him out there.)
The plot moved right along. There was a lot of foreshadowing of events that were later to engulf the US in its historical struggles ... the racial issue, PTSD and its treatment, and the development/use of controversial military weapons. And there was an innocent, low-key romance mixed into the story as well.
All-in-all, a nice little read that kept me going until the end.
This book was a whole new genre for me. I do like science fantasy but was unfamiliar with 'steam punk'. In fact, I was so unaware of that term I had to google that expression to know what it meant. Initially I found it a little confusing but it actually made an entertaining story.
I found the characters interesting and well written. (My favorite was Patrick. I am sure there is a great story about him out there.)
The plot moved right along. There was a lot of foreshadowing of events that were later to engulf the US in its historical struggles ... the racial issue, PTSD and its treatment, and the development/use of controversial military weapons. And there was an innocent, low-key romance mixed into the story as well.
All-in-all, a nice little read that kept me going until the end.
June 17, 2016
Another amazing steam punk novel by Ms. Dominic. An intricate romance dealing with civil war psychology during a time when psychology was not respected. Romance is also fighting the battle with memory loss as well as PTSD. An extremely well thought out book brilliantly written. I have been given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this novel. The steampunkish setting really appealed to me, and I enjoyed going on adventures with Claire to see what she might encounter next while on her journey. The romantic elements included in this book are subtle and sweet, and I really appreciated the high intellect of many of the different characters in this book.
July 14, 2016
Steampunk, mystery, and love. Aether Spirit is fun to read!
December 16, 2016
I love this series!
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