Hexguns & Roses

Book excerpt: In a world where magic and technology clash, an outlaw mage finds himself entangled in a dangerous game with a rose, a mob boss, and a whole lot of hexguns. Wildfire Jack Dewitt, the legendary Scourge of the Untamed Territory, has a reputation for trouble, a knack for getting what he wants, and a talent for bending the rules to his will. When he hears about the Inventors' Exposition, he sets his sights on a revolutionary new invention – the hexgun. But his quest for these magical firearms leads him to a beautiful, but troubled Elven inventor, who's in desperate need of his help... whether she wants it or not. The Elf's family legacy lies in enchanted roses, but her latest invention, the hexgun, combines sorcery and firearms in a way that's both thrilling and terrifying. And she's caught in the crosshairs of a ruthless mob boss with a dangerous vendetta. To escape the clutches of the mob boss, the Elf needs a skilled hand – and Jack, with his reputation for outsmarting and outgunning his opponents, is just the man for the job. But she's not exactly thrilled with the idea of relying on an outlaw mage, especially one known for his...questionable morals. Their alliance is be tested as they navigate a world of grimoires, steam-powered contraptions, and a crime family with a penchant for magic and violence. Can a maverick mage, a rose-wielding Elf, and a stolen stash of hexguns be enough to take down a mob boss and rewrite the rules of the game? Get ready for a thrilling adventure in Hexguns & Roses, where magic and mayhem collide in a world where only the cunning survive. In this world, justice may be a luxury, but Jack is about to make a deal with destiny. Previously published in the anthology From the Arcane: Relics of Legend and Lore