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Steel City Heroes book cover 1
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Steel City Heroes
Series · 4 books · 2016-2019

Books in series

The Catalyst book cover
#1

The Catalyst

2016

A mad scientist fighting the laws of man and nature. A demon-monster of mythical proportions. A corporate conspiracy that goes back more than a century. The Steel City is in desperate need of a hero. When Sean Moretti’s powers manifested themselves, a lifetime of comic books taught him what to do. Already struggling to make it as a normal college student, his new found ability to sense energy in those around him did nothing to simplify his life. As destructive forces descend upon Steel City, he must learn to channel his potential, or die trying. Willa Weil has a secret—she comes from a long line of magicians trained to unlock the power hidden within poetry. This skill requires discipline and the Guild demands obedience. Willa has long kept her power to herself, but when a molten metal creature threatens to consume her friends, she can no longer remain on the sidelines. History professor Elijah Branton moved to Pittsburgh for the job of a lifetime, researching the family history of one of the nation’s wealthiest and most attractive CEOs. But not everything is as it seems in the Steel City. The historian soon unearths a deadly conspiracy that threatens to unravel his world. Can they save their city, or will they lose themselves in the process? The Catalyst is Daredevil meets The Dresden Files, a gritty and gripping superhero/urban fantasy story for the 21st century. With magic and monsters, science, and secrets, The Catalyst pushes readers to consider their own path and the ethical compromises we all make—heroes and villains alike. Editor’s Note: While not gratuitous, The Catalyst contains some strong language.
Corrosion book cover
#2

Corrosion

2019

They thought the Steel City was safe. They were wrong. Willa Weil’s power sets her apart from the world—the power to unlock the magic of poetry. But power means little if you don’t know who to use it. Or who to use it on. Elijah Branton’s old life died, crushed to death by molten steel. He wants nothing more than to dig what’s left from the ashes. But when a scaled creature rises from the river, Elijah must embrace the new life he’s been given, or see his city fall. A broken soldier returning home, a deadly monster ripped from nightmares, an aging gangster with his eyes set on glory—to save the Steel City from these threats, Willa and Elijah need to decide what kind of heroes they want to be.
The Crucible book cover
#3

The Crucible

2016

They survived The Catalyst, but can they handle what's coming next? Elijah Branton, part-time professor, part-time monster, is struggling to get a grip on his powers while integrating more fully to life in Pittsburgh. But a mysterious death brings last year’s tragedy into the spotlight, forcing Elijah to question how much control he really has. Meanwhile, Willa Weil is on a one-woman revenge mission in pursuit of demons from her family’s history. She must uncover the truth about her past in order to save the future, but can she save it from herself? In desperate need of a breakthrough, Chem’s days and nights are consumed by the lab. But progress remains elusive and an ex-mercenary with a violent pastime keeps interrupting his research. There are some problems that science can’t solve. Can our heroes save the Steel City or is the past doomed to repeat itself?
The Casting book cover
#4

The Casting

2016

There's a thin line between hero and villain. What does it take to walk it? Everything seems perfect for the Steel City Heroes. Dr. Elijah Branton has developed his mysterious power and is falling in love with his day job as an adjunct history professor. Rhett Johannes has started slinging words for the young, influential mayor while pursuing a relationship with an up and coming reporter. Willa Weil has made peace with her vengeance of the past and is finally looking toward the future. But peace comes at a price. Tim Ford is overcome by battling the deadly side effects of Chem’s supersoldier serum, and when the elusive Wizards’ Guild shows up to investigate Tim’s paranormal power the heroes must learn to trust themselves or live with the consequences. The Casting is a fast-paced adventure that struggles with the role of tradition and the shifting line between order and chaos. The third book in the Steel City Heroes saga has more magic, monsters, mayhem, and villains more sinister than ever!. Praise for the Steel City Heroes: “Great book! The book’s combination of guilty pleasure action and cultural cues gave it a contemporary feel while revealing a wealth of history underneath. Amid the backdrop of the steel industry’s disappearance in the prototypical Pittsburgh, The Catalyst keeps you guessing at who the true villains and heroes are in the struggle to keep an American city alive.” “Great read. I can’t wait for the next one!” “This is an interesting take on the fantastic realm of superheroes. Elements in the story can be related to the style of Brandon Sanderson, specifically his Reckoners series. If you love superheros and want something entirely new, this is the book for you!”

Authors

C.M. Raymond
C.M. Raymond
Author · 20 books

C.M. Raymond holds a PhD in philosophy, which qualifies him to write pop fiction but not much else. His home is in a river valley of Western Pennsylvania. Outside of reading and writing, he loves to spend time with his family in the woods and wilds or the city streets. You can also check out his Steel City Heroes saga and fast-paced thrillers, The Jack Carson Stories (beginning with The Devil's Due).

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