Brass Queen

She knows a liar when she sees one. He knows a fraud when he meets one. In a steam-powered world, Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogues. Selling firearms under her alias, the "Brass Queen," she has kept her baronial estate's coffers full. But when US spy J. F. Trusdale saves her from assassins, she's pulled into a search for a scientist with an invisibility serum. As royal foes create an invisible army to start a global war, Constance and Trusdale must learn to trust each other. If they don't, the world as they know it will disappear before their eyes. If you like the Parasol Protectorate or the Invisible Library series, you'll love this gaslamp fantasy-a rambunctious romantic romp that will have you both laughing out loud and wishing you owned all of Miss Haltwhistle's armaments. In 1897, a fiery British aristocrat and an inept US spy search for a stolen invisibility serum that could spark a global war. Short Summary: By day, Constance Haltwhistle is a lady in possession of a fortune, very much in need of a noble husband. By night, she's the "Brass Queen," inventor of Victorian England's finest weapons. With the thoroughly unsuitable and inept US spy J.F. Trusdale by her side, she sets out to find both a husband and a stolen invisibility serum to save her estate, and the world, in just three days. "A fun, frothy blend of fantasy and romance . . . Fans of humorous fantasy and headstrong heroines will be delighted." -Publishers Weekly "The Brass Queen thrills from the first page and doesn't let up. Razor-sharp wit and immaculate worldbuilding make this debut one to savor. . . . Chatsworth, with a bold and ebullient voice, has created a genre blockbuster." -Leanna Renee Hieber, award-winning, bestselling author of Strangely Beautiful and The Spectral City "Simply a joy to read!" -James A. Owen, bestselling author of Here, There Be Dragons "A bright new talent, Elizabeth Chatsworth infuses her writing with humor, charm, and adventure. Themes of acceptance, friendship, justice, and personal strength weave themselves effortlessly through her narrative. I can't wait to read more." -Rebecca Moesta, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning coauthor of the Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights series "The Brass Queen is at times wondrous, at times romantic, and very often gut-bustingly funny. Elizabeth Chatsworth isn't just a new author to watch for-buy this book, and she'll be one of your new favorites!" -David Farland, international bestselling author of The Runelords series "Rollicking fun and sharp as a brass tack, this book is everything steampunk should be." -Cat Rambo, Nebula Award winner

She knows a liar when she sees one. He knows a fraud when he meets one. In a steam-powered world, Miss Constance Haltwhistle is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogues. Selling firearms under her alias, the "Brass Queen," she has kept her baronial estate's coffers full. But when US spy J. F. Trusdale saves her from assassins, she's pulled into a search for a scientist with an invisibility serum. As royal foes create an invisible army to start a global war, Constance and Trusdale must learn to trust each other. If they don't, the world as they know it will disappear before their eyes. If you like the Parasol Protectorate or the Invisible Library series, you'll love this gaslamp fantasy-a rambunctious romantic romp that will have you both laughing out loud and wishing you owned all of Miss Haltwhistle's armaments.

The grass was always greener in another dimension. In a fantastical steam-powered world, eccentric aristocrat and secret arms dealer, Miss Constance Haltwhistle, has been blackmailed into stealing alien artifacts from the crown heads of Europe. Only the shady but annoyingly handsome US spy, "Liberty" Trusdale, can help her execute her perfect palace heists. As Constance creates chaos and mayhem across the Continent, monstrous creatures are plotting an interdimensional invasion of Earth. Will Constance and Trusdale stop bickering long enough to end the war of the worlds before it starts? If you enjoy stories inspired by HG Wells's “War of the Worlds”, you'll love this gaslamp romp across an alternate 1890s Europe where our bickering heroes may just be the bad guys.

A 2025 IPPY Award Bronze Medal Winner "I loved The Brass Queen." -Genevieve Cogman, author of the Invisible Library series "Lush, exciting, and endlessly inventive . . ." -Cherie Priest, award-winning author of Boneshaker, on The Brass Queen The grass was always greener in another dimension. In a fantastical steam-powered world, eccentric aristocrat and secret arms dealer, Miss Constance Haltwhistle, has been blackmailed into stealing alien artifacts from the crown heads of Europe. Only the shady but annoyingly handsome US spy, "Liberty" Trusdale, can help her execute her perfect palace heists. As Constance creates chaos and mayhem across the Continent, monstrous creatures are plotting an interdimensional invasion of Earth. Will Constance and Trusdale stop bickering long enough to end the war of the worlds before it starts? If you enjoy stories inspired by HG Wells's War of the Worlds, you'll love this gaslamp romp across an alternate 1890s Europe where our bickering heroes may just be the bad guys. Short Summary: Eccentric aristocrat, Constance Haltwhistle, has been blackmailed into stealing alien artifacts from the crown heads of Europe. Only the shady but annoyingly handsome US spy, "Liberty" Trusdale, can help her execute her perfect palace heists. As monstrous creatures plot to invade Earth, will Constance and Trusdale stop bickering long enough to prevent the war of the worlds? "VERDICT: In the sequel to The Brass Queen, the vivid worldbuilding and delightful characters create an epic setting. Chatsworth pushes the dialogue and banter to extremes, leading to a fast-paced and humorous steampunk tale." -Library Journal "Chatsworth concocts a delightful blend of magic and science, creating a world filled with parallel dimensions and alien invasions . . . Series fans and new readers alike will tear through this action-packed, twist-filled romp." -Publishers Weekly "A fun, action-packed second installment that will appeal to fans of Gail Carriger, Marie Brennan, or Patricia C. Wrede." -Booklist Blackmailed into stealing artifacts from the crown heads of Europe, eccentric aristocrat Constance Haltwhistle and the annoyingly handsome US spy "Liberty" Trusdale team up to execute perfect palace heists while keeping monstrous otherworldy creatures from invading Earth.