I’m writing to seek beta readers for my first novel, which blends historical elements from the western frontier and steampunk, and is the first in a planned trilogy. Cal has been following the Rio Grande River south with their mother for as long as they can remember. Cal’s mother kept them away from modern society and taught them how to live off the land with only stories and the chatter of the animals for company. After their mother dies unexpectedly Cal is truly alone for the first time, but ready for the challenge of surviving the upcoming winter. When a predator out of their mothers’ stories starts to hunt them, they decide to run and take a chance finding help. After being rescued by August and James, who are traveling in an airship to the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Cal learns about friendship and the marvels of steam technology. As the trio make their way through the western frontier and the realities of living with the gender, political, and societal norms in the current United States become clear, Cal discovers startling truths about their past tying them to famous outlaws.

Requirements & Requests

This is a request for beat readers to pull my novel together before submitting for query.

Comparable Stories:

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel Pony by R.J. Palacio Hatchet by Gary Paulsen His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman Bladestay by Jackie Johnson Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee The Aeronaut’s Windlass by Jim Butcher

Trigger Warnings:

Some monster​/​horror elements.