Author’s name: Lana Axe
Title of book and/or series: The Golden Owl – Clockwork Calico Book 1
Brief summary of the story:
Calico Cogg is a cat like no other. Rescued from the streets of Ticswyk by esteemed inventor Lionel Cogg, she has been fitted with implants to enhance her natural feline abilities. When Lionel is kidnapped, Cali must put her skills to the test to free him.
Dark schemes are in the works—a plague of tiny clockwork spiders are wreaking havoc on the city’s inhabitants. Only Cali, with help from her trusted mouse friend Emmit, can get to the bottom of it all. With a criminal mastermind planning a major heist, Cali must race against time to unravel his plot before he escapes with the city’s greatest treasure.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Ticswyk is a steampunk city that’s not quite London, not quite St. Louis. It’s set in the Victorian era, but with the addition fantastic technology.
If we were to visit Ticswyk as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Not to be missed is the Exhibition, a showcase of technological inventions held once a year. It’s the highlight of the town, drawing visitors from across the globe. It’s also home to one of the finest museums around, featuring art and artifacts from all over the world.
What dangers should we avoid in Ticswyk?
Ticswyk is home to several Guilds, most of which function like organized crime. It’s best to stay away from them. In addition, if you spot any sort of clockwork spiders skittering about town, it’s best to stay as far from them as possible.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Ticswyk?
Ticswyk actually has a fine selection of eating establishments. Bakeries offer a wide variety of sweets, and the selection of tinned cat food is top notch.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Ticswyk?
Sentinels powered by steam are not uncommon guarding some of the more upscale establishments. Most buildings employ security systems of some sort, ranging from simple cameras to automatic missile launchers.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Ticswyk?
Horses do their fair share of the work in Ticswyk, pulling carts and transporting passengers around the cities. But visitors from distant locations prefer to travel by balloon or airship. Steam powered engines are also starting to be seen around town, pulling carriages without the need of a horse.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Ticswyk? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Cali herself is the most fascinating piece of technology in Ticswyk. Enhanced with implants designed by her dear friend, Lionel, she is given extraordinary abilities that set her apart from other felines. She’s faster, jumps higher, and sees farther than any other cat. Her mousing abilities are unparalleled.
What is the political or government structure in Ticswyk? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Unfortunately, the corrupt Guilds run most facets of the city. They have a hand in almost everything, bribing those in charge to pass laws in their favor. They even bribe the police to look the other way when crimes are committed. Anyone not associated with the Guilds risks being run out of town.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
My four dear cats are the inspiration for Cali and her feisty feline attitude. The 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, MO (my home state) as well as the infamous Sherlock Holmes as written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle heavily inspired the setting for this series.
Author Autobiography:
Lana Axe lives in Missouri near the edge of the woods. She is inspired by her love of nature to write about elves, magic, and adventure. Growing up in Mark Twain’s backyard inspired her love of fiction from an early age. She grew up an avid reader and went on to study literature in college.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
The Golden Owl is available on Amazon Kindle and in paperback.
Where can readers connect with you online?