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

"Don't tell me I'm supposed to punish you as well." Cal let the satchel settle to the ground and rolled her shoulder. The prince laughed and Chiza's lips bent into what might have been a smile.


"How delightful. I will accept the same punishment you gave Chiza. It should be fun." He straightened and the blank mask fell over his face. "Lady Shillingsworth, I am Roger Hrona Xanichi, third prince of the Congu nation." He took Cal's hand and kissed it. She'd always been uncomfortable with men kissing her hand, but he made it as natural as a handshake. "Please call me Roger, it is the name I used in Anglia."


"Well, Roger, I'm sorry to say we are to sail tomorrow at dawn. I have work I must do. However, why don't you and Chiza walk me to the Kestrel and I can give you a brief tour?"


Chapter 5: The Gates of Hell Part 5