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Infernal Instruments of the Dragon #1
Absolute Heart
As the British Empire builds power based on new clockwork and steam technology, Ireland draws its might from its potent magical traditions. Only two boys with little in common can end the fighting between the two nations and prevent a terrible worldwide war.
Gavin Haveland’s dreams are in the sky with the airships, while his reality as a High Councilman’s son means hiding secrets that will get him executed if revealed.
Orion of Oberon is not just a powerful mage, he’s the nephew of the Irish queen, and the one she’s sent him on a quest for the ancient Dragon Stones that will bolster her fading power. In the process, he might restore his family to their rightful place in society.
With enemies determined to stop them by any means necessary and war or peace hinging on their success, Gavin and Orion must find a way to work together, despite the centuries of mistrust between their nations.
Gavin Haveland’s dreams are in the sky with the airships, while his reality as a High Councilman’s son means hiding secrets that will get him executed if revealed.
Orion of Oberon is not just a powerful mage, he’s the nephew of the Irish queen, and the one she’s sent him on a quest for the ancient Dragon Stones that will bolster her fading power. In the process, he might restore his family to their rightful place in society.
With enemies determined to stop them by any means necessary and war or peace hinging on their success, Gavin and Orion must find a way to work together, despite the centuries of mistrust between their nations.
286 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2019
3 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Michael Vance Gurley
3 books9 followersMichael Vance Gurley writes fiction with unconventional settings. Whether he is writing about hockey players in the Roaring Twenties or magicians in Victorian England, he promises something different. His first novel, The Long Season, discovered the secret world of professional athletes from the Jazz Age who fall in love with one another. Traveling around the world with a passion for history brought about a kiss of the Blarney Stone, which sparked the steampunk/magic blended Absolute Heart.
Michael won a “Pitchapalooza” literary event and garnered high praise for his books from readers and authors such as Jeff Adams, Brent Hartinger, and Jay Bell. His work with children in schools and LGBT outreach allows him to tap into the YA genre with authenticity and the respect of others. Michael has written short stories, comic books, and poetry since he was a little kid, eventually owning his own comic book publishing company. Not so secretly, he wants to be Green Lantern.
When not writing or working, Michael wanders from Chicago and the best pizza in the world to see Broadway plays, Alaskan glaciers, penguins in Antarctica with his husband, and once sang in a band in Italy. He reads constantly, takes photos with stars, and plays with his dog, Finnegan.
Michael won a “Pitchapalooza” literary event and garnered high praise for his books from readers and authors such as Jeff Adams, Brent Hartinger, and Jay Bell. His work with children in schools and LGBT outreach allows him to tap into the YA genre with authenticity and the respect of others. Michael has written short stories, comic books, and poetry since he was a little kid, eventually owning his own comic book publishing company. Not so secretly, he wants to be Green Lantern.
When not writing or working, Michael wanders from Chicago and the best pizza in the world to see Broadway plays, Alaskan glaciers, penguins in Antarctica with his husband, and once sang in a band in Italy. He reads constantly, takes photos with stars, and plays with his dog, Finnegan.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 23, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
It’s a tangled love triangle that works well within the twisty, intricate plotting of the book. This story has wheels within wheels, both of character motivations and sudden curve balls thrown at the characters. There are herrings so red they look like ghost peppers, and side characters — such as Masheck — that I honestly wanted to see more of. I’m not generally a fan of steampunk, but I had such fun with this book. The world building is creative, the MacGuffins are well thought out with an interesting back story, and the myths and legends the author draws from (which I won’t name, lest I ruin the surprise for you) are treated with respect and thoughtfulness.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
It’s a tangled love triangle that works well within the twisty, intricate plotting of the book. This story has wheels within wheels, both of character motivations and sudden curve balls thrown at the characters. There are herrings so red they look like ghost peppers, and side characters — such as Masheck — that I honestly wanted to see more of. I’m not generally a fan of steampunk, but I had such fun with this book. The world building is creative, the MacGuffins are well thought out with an interesting back story, and the myths and legends the author draws from (which I won’t name, lest I ruin the surprise for you) are treated with respect and thoughtfulness.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
June 16, 2019
This is the self serving self review and rating so you will see me. See me! I hope you all enjoy my second novel, due out July 23rd from Dreamspinner/Harmony Ink. You can go pre-order it there now.
no-thanks-its-just-not-my-cuppa
October 31, 2020Time of death...62%
Doing a DNF on a dragon book is not an easy decision for me because I love dragons and in all honesty it's not that this is a bad story or poorly written it's just not working for me. So after reading 62% I feel that I've given this one a fair shot and for now it's going on to my 'just couldn't do it' shelf with no rating as I prefer not to rate a book unless I've read it in it's entirety.
Who knows maybe one day I'll take another shot at this one after all we should never say 'never' and especially when dragons and steampunk are involved.
*************************
An ARC of 'Absolute Heart' as graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Doing a DNF on a dragon book is not an easy decision for me because I love dragons and in all honesty it's not that this is a bad story or poorly written it's just not working for me. So after reading 62% I feel that I've given this one a fair shot and for now it's going on to my 'just couldn't do it' shelf with no rating as I prefer not to rate a book unless I've read it in it's entirety.
Who knows maybe one day I'll take another shot at this one after all we should never say 'never' and especially when dragons and steampunk are involved.
*************************
An ARC of 'Absolute Heart' as graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2019
I am so excited for the release of my second novel next month. I hope everyone enjoys it and wants the story to continue into the planned trilogy. Steampunk is such an awesome sandbox to play in.
August 5, 2019
Review for GayBookReviews
Absolute Heart surprised me with how much I liked it. The story is essentially a coming of age story, wrapped in a big adventure set in an alternate version of earth with a mixture of steampunk and fantasy. Think Merlin on an airship. While it has all the triggers of a good young adult book; first love, adventure, betrayal, fate of the universe is on your shoulders, love triangle and more, it’s wrapped-up in a very well-spun, twisty-turny story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It did for me.
The story is about Gavin and Orion and their friends, from steampunk style England and magical Ireland respectively, who both have a big part to play in the future of their countries and the coming war. However, they also have a part to play to each other. Now, I won’t hash out the plot as the blurb gives a good indication, but I will tell you this: this story is so much bigger than it appears. There are many cogs turning in this story.
Find the full review here
Absolute Heart surprised me with how much I liked it. The story is essentially a coming of age story, wrapped in a big adventure set in an alternate version of earth with a mixture of steampunk and fantasy. Think Merlin on an airship. While it has all the triggers of a good young adult book; first love, adventure, betrayal, fate of the universe is on your shoulders, love triangle and more, it’s wrapped-up in a very well-spun, twisty-turny story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It did for me.
The story is about Gavin and Orion and their friends, from steampunk style England and magical Ireland respectively, who both have a big part to play in the future of their countries and the coming war. However, they also have a part to play to each other. Now, I won’t hash out the plot as the blurb gives a good indication, but I will tell you this: this story is so much bigger than it appears. There are many cogs turning in this story.
Find the full review here
July 31, 2019
Absolute Heart by Michael Vance Gurley brings the tone for its characters and setting right from the get go. Set in an alternate Victorian England, Absolute Heart is an excellent and relatable steampunk meets magic story of friendship meets adversity (both external and internal). I will admit, as a pilot myself, I am partial to the airship scene the author opens with and that interest carries on with very likable characters throughout. Without spoiling too much, the destinations the story take us to actually become characters in of themselves. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2019
Steampunk Meets Magick
I recommend this book to adults and young adults alike. Those who enjoy young adult fiction will certainly enjoy this novel which describes the adventures of an unlikely group of youth on an epic journey. The introduction of new characters throughout the book keeps the reader on their toes. I really enjoyed the different settings, and the interplay of steampunk and old magick. Amongst the fantasy, there’s a layering of different types of stigma and struggles that the characters face internally, in addition to the battles being waged in their external worlds. Cannot wait for the next book in the series!
I recommend this book to adults and young adults alike. Those who enjoy young adult fiction will certainly enjoy this novel which describes the adventures of an unlikely group of youth on an epic journey. The introduction of new characters throughout the book keeps the reader on their toes. I really enjoyed the different settings, and the interplay of steampunk and old magick. Amongst the fantasy, there’s a layering of different types of stigma and struggles that the characters face internally, in addition to the battles being waged in their external worlds. Cannot wait for the next book in the series!
July 23, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review: https://wp.me/p220KL-hi6
From that review:Absolute Heart (Infernal Instruments of the Dragon #1) by Michael Vance Gurley is the first that I read by this author and it won't be the last. If for no other reason then this story is but the first in a new series, something that thrills me for several reasons which I'm going to go into here.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review: https://wp.me/p220KL-hi6
From that review:Absolute Heart (Infernal Instruments of the Dragon #1) by Michael Vance Gurley is the first that I read by this author and it won't be the last. If for no other reason then this story is but the first in a new series, something that thrills me for several reasons which I'm going to go into here.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
August 18, 2019
I enjoyed the characters and how they interacted with each other. High school emotions exactly! Sexual content low so didnt detract from the story line. This was my first steam punk experience and I wasnt sure how I was going to like it, but the author did a great job keeping everything flowing and I had a hard time putting the book down. Fairies, magick, battle for the kingdom - what's not to like?! It's a great read!
September 9, 2019
What can I say? Great job Michael! I could see this playing out in my head as I was reading it! Kept me interested from the start. Especially love the sassy Landa! Looking forward to book 2!!!
September 15, 2019
I tore through this fun adventure novel and am so looking forward to the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews