Portrait of a Starter: An Unhidden Story: By Lissa Price

Portrait of a Starter: An Unhidden Story

REVIEW

I don’t know that much about Starters, except what I’ve read from the book description on Amazon. But I can tell you that from the little I do know it seems like an interesting book.

Portrait of a Starter: An Unhidden Story seems to be almost a prequel, or at the very least story from early on in the book that sets up some of the relationships and characters. It’s filled with mystery, interesting characters, and engaging writing.

Unfortunately, this story is short. As in it’s possible to finish while eating lunch sort of short. That said, I view this less of a novella (which it certainly isn’t) and more of a set up for the main event (Starters).

But the Portrait of a Starter: An Unhidden Story did it’s job. I now know a little bit more about the series, am interested in it, and will probably buy the book. All in all I’d say it’s done its job well.

INFO

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published: February 14, 2012

Price: $1.99

Retro Demonology: By Jana Oliver

RETRO DEMONOLOGY

SUMMARY

A Demon Trapper’s bonus story.

Before Riley Blackthorne can take on Grade Five demons, she has to trap her very first. Her debut solo trapping experience should be a breeze, just a harmless Grade One after all. But throw in some dippy hippies (whose peace signs and Patchouli really aren’t driving any demons away), one mischievous demon, and a run-in with the police, and Riley might not be able to pull it off...

REVIEW

Retro Demonology is a fun short story that introduces Jana Oliver’s world of demon hunting, and the beginning of The Demon Trapper’s Daughter series. It is fast paced, interesting, and introduces readers to a well developed and appealing protagonist, Riley. Not only that but Retro Demonology gives readers a chance to sample the first few chapters of the captivating novel and continuation of the story in The Demon Trapper’s Daughter, that’s due out in February.

While the story might be short, it’s well written and entertaining. I personally can’t wait for The Demon Trapper’s Daughter and wouldn’t mind reading more of these short stories in-between books in the series.

RATING

8.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Published: December 17, 2010

Price: $0.00 (Free)

Side Jobs: By Jim Butcher

SIDE JOBS

SUMMARY

Here, together for the first time, are the shorter works of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher-a compendium of cases that Harry and his cadre of allies managed to close in record time. The tales range from the deadly serious to the absurdly hilarious. Also included is a new, never-before-published novella that takes place after the cliff-hanger ending of the new April 2010 hardcover, Changes. This is a must-have collection for every devoted Harry Dresden fan as well as a perfect introduction for readers ready to meet Chicago's only professional wizard.

REVIEW

Jim Butcher is a fantastic author. His books have repeatedly hit #1 on the NYT Bestsellers list. He has creative and in depth plots, his characters are both 3D and engaging, and his books always end in a level of suspense leaving the reader wanting more.

All in all there is very little disagreement whether Butcher is a great author.

What readers may be curious about is how well he can tell his stories through short stories and novellas. To answer that readers would need to read Butcher’s latest book Side Jobs.

Side Jobs is an collection of all of Butcher’s previous short stories as well as a brand new novella that takes place hours after the end of Changes. And while everyone may have different opinions about this book, I personally had mixed feelings.

I wanted to love it because I’ve loved almost every other book Butcher has written, but I really feel part of his magic is in the buildup in his stories. Because of this I never felt the real punch Butcher was going for in his stories. They were nice enough, and it’s always great to read more about the world of Harry Dresdan but all in all it didn’t do it for me.

Now, I could also be a little disappointed because the novella at the end that fans such as myself have been waiting months for, was not nearly the story I was looking forward to. I love reading about Murphy through Harry’s eyes but for some reason I never really felt the connection with her character as she helped Billy solve the mystery of Georgia’s disappearance.

Because of that and my natural dislike of most short stories I was unimpressed with the book but still can’t wait for the next novel, Ghost Story.

RATING

6 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Rock Hardcovers

Published: November 2, 2010

Price: $25.95

The Death of Joan of Arc: By Michael Scott

THE DEATH OF JOAN OF ARC

SUMMARY

Joan of Arc was not burned at the stake in Rouen, France in 1431. She was rescued from certain death by Scathach the Warrior.

The truth about that day is revealed in the last will and testament of William of York, and it will leave you wondering: does Joan of Arc still walk the earth? Michael Scott’s first-ever exclusive ebook short story delves into the world of the bestselling series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel and offers readers a never-before-seen lost story—the story of two warriors who would become sisters.

REVIEW

The Death of Joan of Arc is short, good, and cheap.

The first thing you have to understand about this short story is that it is short. I know you think you know what I’m saying, and consider me an idiot for having to reiterate this, but there is no other way to describe it in full. The story is 12 pages long and close to a quarter of it is used to set up the story and state the perspective it’s based on.

That said this kindle only short story is a decent buy for fans of Michael Scott’s Nicholas Flamel Series at $0.89 a copy. The story itself will mean nothing to readers who have not read the series, but for fans who have read the series, this will be a fun opportunity to enjoy watching Scathach and Joan in action.

All in all The Death of Joan of Arc is a short cheap reminder for fans of the next Nicholas Flamel book. While I felt this story could have been better, I would certainly read a book of short stories in the Flamel series, but until then I’ll wait for the next book in the series.

RATING

7 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published: August 24, 2010

Price: $0.89