Revin’s Heart Series
by Steven D. Brewer
Revin, a young man from a poor mining town, has pulled himself up by his bootstraps to become the student apprentice of a law professor. But then, everything goes wrong: their airship is captured by pirates and Revin loses his mentor. Born female, Revin must make his way in a world oriented toward men while he struggles with his own identity.
Set against the backdrop of a war between island nations, Revin must navigate a world divided between the aristocracy and the common people. And, as a promising young man, he must choose whom to align himself with — and to serve. But what does Revin’s Heart say?
Check out the whole series here
Overall Series Rating & Review
5 out of 5
I was curious to see how this series would play out – they’re all quite short stories, and I was absolutely blown away by the acceptance, tension, action, love, and intrigue that were entwined in these stories. I was not expecting to come to love Revin, Grip, and Will as much as I did over the course of the series. I’ve laughed, I’ve almost shed a few tears, and I’ve been on the edge of my seat as I worked my way through. Although each story is fairly short, you manage to get a good grasp of the world and characters, and they have more depth than I would have expected from such quick reads. I enjoyed each story thoroughly, and I would absolutely read these again when I need something to lift my spirits. This is a unique series, and I would love to see all the stories compiled into one larger book or even a box set bundle someday, although it would be a hefty tome, the stories it would contain would be worth it!
The Third Time’s the Charm
When an airship is hijacked by pirates, a young man with a secret loses his mentor … and his future.
After twice thwarting the pirates’ plans, he must finally come to terms with the pirate captain and decide whether to ally himself with him … or to confront a hostile future alone.
Rating & Review
5 out of 5
This was a great adventure, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store in future books. This gave me Treasure Planet vibes, if Jim had gone with Silver and there was magic in the world. I’m a big fan of steampunk when done right, and I loved the mixing of steampunk with fantasy elements. It’s a very quick read, I read it in a few hours, and I’m definitely going to read the rest of the series!
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For the Favor of a Lady
Even a pirate will stop at nothing to help his little sister.
When Grip, the first mate, is dismayed by his little sister’s surprise engagement, Revin accompanies him home to learn who arranged her marriage and why.
Rating & Review
5 out of 5
This might be a quick read, but it packs a lot into a small space. I loved getting to know Revin more, and learning about Grip’s past. (Talk about being thrown for a loop – but his past isn’t the only twist in store). I still have some questions about everything, and I’m dying to know more, so it’s on to the next book, but the ending to this installment definitely left me smiling.
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Storm Clouds Gather
After the Queen of Belleriand encounters an etheric anomaly that threatens the airship, Revin is abducted. But by whom? And why?
Revin must use all of his newly-acquired skills as a pirate — and more — in order to survive.
Rating & Review
5 out of 5
When the story opened, I thought I had a decent idea of where it was headed – I was so wrong. There is foreshadowing – but it may not lead where you think it will! This was a quick, easy, and captivating read that left me dying to know what would happen next. I’m absolutely attached to Revin, Grip, and Will, now. I’m looking forward to jumping right into the next story.
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Crossing the Streams
Revin and the Professor must go undercover to investigate a mysterious device that has the power to generate storms and may threaten their very existence.
But securing the information and getting out alive may be trickier than they bargained for.
Rating & Review
5 out of 5
This was action-packed from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat, and couldn’t put it down. We pick up shortly after the previous book leaves off, and dive right into everything. Brewer did an excellent job describing the action, and weaving in tension throughout the whole story. We got to learn more about what’s been going on in the world Revin and company inhabit, and Revin proves once again he’s stronger than he thinks. The ending left me hanging, so it’s on to the next one!
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The End of His Rope
Revin and the pirate crew travel to the heart of the kingdom to carry a dire warning about the dangers posed by the device that could end air travel forever.
Trailing the storm, Revin and the pirate crew collect crucial data about the damage caused by a device that could end air travel forever. As they depart, they encounter a downed airship and rescue the crew. But just who are these marooned airmen and what was their mission? The answers will lead them to the heart of the kingdom.
Rating & Review
5 out of 5
This was easily the most emotional installment yet. I teared up a few times, but there were others that made me laugh. The tension at the end had my heart racing, and I’m dying to see where Revin’s adventure will go now that he’s been dropped into a new position. I’m also curious to see who, out of the lives he’s touched that are interested in exploring more than just friendship, will end up at his side at the end.
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Then They Fight You
When even the King’s mandate isn’t enough to bring the warring parties to the table, how far will Revin go to pursue peace? Charged with the King’s mandate to negotiate for peace, Revin is thrust suddenly into a world of diplomacy and intrigue. Confronted with dangers on every side, he must keep his wits about him and be prepared to use all of the resources at his disposal to navigate the complex personal and political minefields that surround him.
Rating & Review
5 out of 5
First, let me say, Beck gave me the icks shortly after meeting him, and I’m happy about the way his role in the story played out. I can’t believe how far Revin has come! From training to be a lawyer to king’s envoy – and now instead of worrying about pirates or dodging patrols, he has to navigate the world of politics. There were some tense moments, but ones that made me laugh, and a few that made me sick to my stomach. This definitely sets us up for a very interesting next installment, and I can’t wait to see how things play out now that Revin is trying to guide peace talks.
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Rewriting the Rules
When peace is no longer possible, one must either run or go to war.
Abandoned by the nobility, everything goes wrong for Revin and he makes a run for it, ready to give up all hope. But when confronted with the choice he must make, will his heart lead him true?
Rating & Review
5 out of 5
Is it really the end already? I feel like Revin, Will, and Grip are practically family at this point I know them so well. My heart was breaking at the opening of the story, but by the end I couldn’t stop smiling. There are no more loose ends to tie up, but I must admit, I’m disappointed to leave everyone I’ve come to know and love over the last seven books behind. Brewer has done a masterful job of brining this world and it’s inhabitants to life, and while there have been some dark moments, they’ve been balanced by the light-hearted and heart-warming ones. I would start at book one, or you won’t have the same understanding of everyone and what’s going on, but I promise you won’t be disappointed!
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Steven D. Brewer has been a fan of science fiction and fantasy stories for as long as he can remember. He still remembers getting scolded for not reading chapter books in fourth grade because he was avidly consuming the Hobbit, late at night, by flashlight under his covers. And he probably got his copy from his older brother and most important mentor.
As an author, Brewer identifies diverse obsessions that underlie his writing. His early interest in natural history, life science, and environmentalism he learned from his father, an ecologist and ornithologist. He attributes seeing his mother study German for his abiding passion for languages that led him to major in Spanish (as well as Biology) and subsequently learn Esperanto and use it for international correspondence and travel. His fascination with Japanese culture grew from writing haiku and haibun in Esperanto. And his mania for information technology and the Internet led him back to graduate school where he earned a Masters in Earth Science and a PhD in Science Education.
His scattered interests led to an eclectic employment history. He did farm work and food service growing up in southwest Michigan. He has worked as a large-animal caretaker, an archeological faunal analyst, a hunter of the fastest lizards in the world, a gas-station attendant, a bilingual teacher’s aide for a migrant-worker education program, and an edutainer with live animals and a portable planetarium. For the past quarter century he has served as a non-tenure-system faculty member in higher education.
Brewer currently teaches scientific writing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with his extended family.