Hearts of Steel

Until two and a half years ago, everyone in the American Federation and other free states of the West believed that all of Europe had been destroyed. It was common knowledge that the plague decimated the much of Africa and Europe’s population; the Manchu’s great steel beasts came in to finish off the rest. Those lucky enough to escape to the New World had done so. As to those who couldn’t flee, they were never seen or heard from again. For nigh on two centuries, no word came from the Old World. Though many Federation ships had been sent to try and figure out what happened, none had ever come back.

That was, until my brother decided to try his hand at finding the truth.

Mara Cavanaugh hasn't had the typical upbringing. Street urchin turned Tinker, amongst other things, she and her brother Andrew now have the might of the American Federation Airship Navy behind them. The only problem is getting back to the Old World to rescue those still living under Manchu occupation.

But Mara has even more reason to go back to that land of darkness and oppression. She made a promise to a man back there, someone whose face she never saw, but who knows her better than even her twin brother. A man she owes her life and her sanity to. And Mara Cavanaugh always keeps her promises.