Author:
Alex McGilvery has been reading since before he can remember, and writing almost that long. He has published 18 books and is author and editor at his imprint Celticfrog Publishing. He lives in Kamloops with his dog and the stories clawing their way out of his head.

They’re chasing a myth in the name of science.

Calliope works for her explorer father as an artist, recording what he brings back from his journeys in her sketchbooks. When she’s given a chance to go along on a trip to capture a sea serpent she doesn’t hesitate.

Life at sea isn't what she expected, and she ends up fascinated by the engine room of the steamship HMRV Peregrine. A tragedy makes her assistant engineer, but Pentam, her father’s protégé, is even more determined than her father to make Cal a fine lady. That means protecting her from danger, even if it drives her crazy.
When science and legend collide, Cal is the one who must take up the challenge of survival, even if it means risking her new-found feelings for Pentam.

Calliope

The bell from the bridge rang as the pointer on the dial moved to one quarter reverse. Cal checked the pressure yet again. Still holding steady at sixty. She rang back to the bridge in acknowledgement and turned the valve to send steam to the engine. Though she and Bran had spent an entire week running tests on the boiler, engine and the new shaft, Cal's heart went to her throat as the rumble of the engine grew. She still had trouble believing she'd made so many changes to the engine. In the end, she had to compromise her vision in the name of practicality.


There had been nothing wrong with the pistons. With a new shaft and shifting around of the various pipes and valves, the engine ran as good as new.


The vibration under her feet changed and the Peregrine moved freely in the water once again after six months in Finches Harbour. 


Chapter 55: The Royal Society Part 1