Redoubt: Killing Intent [Crafting, Fantasy]

"You're a hero, but of what novel?"

A bereaved chemistry professor, suffering the loss of her family, dies fighting in a bitter war to avenge them.

Now reborn as a half-elf with no magical talent, Forlasita forges the skills and connections necessary to protect all she's grown to love in Mondo, a tumultuous realm of sword and sorcery. Her past lurks in every design, from castle to carbine. She builds an iron empire, powerful enough to give Demon-kin pause, though not without cost: a countdown to industrial Armageddon. The warmth from those she saves urges her onward; but the weight of those she fails drags her deeper into either excellence – or a heart of darkness.

Failures scar her body and soul. She now seeks ways to turn her brutalist bastion into a beacon of hope, before it becomes a pyre for her dreams.

"What is your value of peace, and what does your peace cost you?"

[WHAT TO EXPECT in Redoubt: Killing Intent]

•Around 3700 words per chapter (*26), and only one first-person POV.•A deeply personal journey, with logical and sensible tech progression.•Plagues, wars, and famines; a dark, but not grimdark, fantasy setting.•Skilled antagonists among dozens of recurring standout characters.•A complex female lead who starts as a peasant, unable to cast magic.•Vast industry-vs-magic conflicts with moral and ethical dilemmas.•Bows, guns, armored vehicles, airships, guided bombs, and bio-mechs.•Various schools of practiced sorcery; cultural manifestations of magic.•Dragons, demons, gryphons, merfolk, big bugs. Vast species and races.•Research, nationbuilding, production, trade and logistics from scratch.• Nogame/litrpg elements or cheat skills. MC has no overpowered allies.• Nolove triangles; chemistry remains, but romance is at a minimum.• Nopredictable heroics or simple solutions. Hell, what shortcuts?

** I'm editing as much as I can already. Any engaging comments, critique, or insight is welcome! I'm always striving to make my beloved upcoming novel a better one. Thanks for your time! **