Thank you NetGalley and author Ricky Hayes for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Secrets of Silver & Steam – The New Awakening is the first volume of the science fiction and epic fantasy series intertwining mythical creatures, thrilling world exploration, dark secrets, and the hidden world of Master Keepers (MKRs), which has remained shrouded in the annals of time. Little was known of them, but then one, Elior Lystander, emerged from behind the curtain of their existence as survivors began to rebuild following a world cataclysmic event known as The Great Collide. Such a phenomenon reunited the landmasses of the world and reset the motion of every civilization.

War inevitability ensued as the race to establish dominance comes so naturally to humans.During the war, Elior lent his knowledge to the development of technologies known as Steam Tech, which now incorporates a rare metal, Mystic Silver, that holds immense potential to fuel machines.

Where once steam power was employed in the pursuit of machine engineering, the magic metal has become one of the largest sought and valuable commodities. And now, the dust has settled on the three remaining kingdoms in what many refer to as The Last Age.By happenstance or destiny, Aagneya Nym, a recent graduate student, and new explorer, finds herself upon an expedition with none other than the famous MKR into the most dangerous place known to civilized folk, the Unlight.

It is here Aagneya witnesses the power of Elior firsthand and is soon chosen to join him behind the curtain. How does one refuse the opportunity to become such a marvel? Aagneya finds herself awakened. As her power grows, so does her boldness in learning all she can about the magic she possesses and the secrets of Elior to better understand what he has kept at bay for so long. For many things in the dark can terrify even the most powerful of MKRs, but more so is the greatest of evils, seeking to emerge and devour all in its wake. It would seem for Aagneya, the world is about to come to ruin once more if she cannot ignite a fire in the darkness."

I enjoy reading this book. Please heed the recommendation. "Do Not Skip The Intro".

This was a great start to the New Awakening series, it had everything that I look for in this type of book. The characters were what I wanted from this world and I enjoyed how strong they were written. It left me excited to read more in this world and from the author.

Set in a post-cataclysmic world, the story follows Aagneya Nym, a young explorer, as she ventures into the perilous Unlight alongside the enigmatic Elior Lystander, a Master Keeper. This novel seamlessly blends elements of fantasy and steampunk, creating a unique and immersive world.

The author’s storytelling is captivating, drawing readers into a richly developed universe filled with mystic metals, ancient secrets, and the looming threat of darkness. The character development is superb, with Aagneya's growth as a central figure truly shining. Secrets of Silver & Steam is a spellbinding tale of power, destiny, and the battle against darkness, making it a great read for fans of fantasy and adventure.

Hey, bookworms! Prepare to be whisked away to a world of magic and machines in Secrets of Silver & Steam by Ricky Hayes! This book is like a rollercoaster ride through a fantastical realm where steam tech and mystic silver rule the day.

Aagneya Nym, our kick-butt explorer, stumbles into the adventure of a lifetime with Elior Lystander, a mysterious Master Keeper. What's so cool about this story? Well, it's a mash-up of epic proportions – magic, technology, and a dash of darkness thrown in for good measure.

If you're craving a page-turner with heart-pounding action, lovable characters, and secrets that'll keep you guessing, then "ecrets of Silver & Steam is your golden ticket. Trust me, you won't want to put it down! So, hop on this crazy train and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! 🚂🔮📚