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The Chosen Chronicles #0.5
The Guest
A short story of the Angel of Death within The Chosen Chronicles by Karen Dales.
12 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2012
6 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Karen Dales
12 books183 followersKaren Dales is the Award Winning Author of "The Chosen Chronicles."
She began writing "Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles" and "Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles" after she was inspired to create the character of The Angel for an on-line role playing game she was part of. It was from that experience the birth of The Angel was formed and through years of research Karen fleshed out The Angel and other characters that came to her.
Having completed York University's Creative Writing courses years previously, Karen began to write "Changeling" and "Angel of Death" as one novel. It was on their completions that it was clear they were two distinct novels of an evolving series that has come to include "Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles."
Karen is currently writing the next installment - "Thanatos: Book Three of the Chosen Chosen Chronicles."
Since the publication of both "Changeling" and "Angel of Death" in a limited edition single volume, Karen has been an Author Guest at, Polaris, AdAstra, FanExpo, and has appeared at Word On The Street. You can find out her future appearances by clicking http://karendales.com/appearances.html
In January 2011 Karen's book "Angel of Death" which included "Changeling" won the Siren Books Awards for Best Horror 2010 and Best Overall 2010.
Karen loves hearing from you. If you have a question or comment please feel free to email it to her at karendales@karendales.com
You can also follow her on:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/karendales
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-D...
and join her Facebook Fan Group - http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?...
She began writing "Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles" and "Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles" after she was inspired to create the character of The Angel for an on-line role playing game she was part of. It was from that experience the birth of The Angel was formed and through years of research Karen fleshed out The Angel and other characters that came to her.
Having completed York University's Creative Writing courses years previously, Karen began to write "Changeling" and "Angel of Death" as one novel. It was on their completions that it was clear they were two distinct novels of an evolving series that has come to include "Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles."
Karen is currently writing the next installment - "Thanatos: Book Three of the Chosen Chosen Chronicles."
Since the publication of both "Changeling" and "Angel of Death" in a limited edition single volume, Karen has been an Author Guest at, Polaris, AdAstra, FanExpo, and has appeared at Word On The Street. You can find out her future appearances by clicking http://karendales.com/appearances.html
In January 2011 Karen's book "Angel of Death" which included "Changeling" won the Siren Books Awards for Best Horror 2010 and Best Overall 2010.
Karen loves hearing from you. If you have a question or comment please feel free to email it to her at karendales@karendales.com
You can also follow her on:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/karendales
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-D...
and join her Facebook Fan Group - http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 8, 2012
The Guest is a short story by the amazingly talented Karen Dales, and is a excellent introduction into the world of her fascinating mind as it weaves a great storyline for us all as readers to enjoy over and over again. Such a short story, yet it is filled with so much information that you will swear that you have read a much larger novel than what you have actually just read. Just when I was getting into what was happening it came to a end. (must check to see if this particular story is a full length one)
The Guest is a story about a man whom we only know as “The Guest” who had sought and was given refuge at a Montessori a very long time ago. Excepted for who is, and not condemned by the monks as he had been by just about every mortal that he came across.
Living a peaceful and purposeful life among them, he learned of their ways and cared for them as they had cared for him all these years.
The Master has grown old, frail and in pain over the years as his life has moved on as it should… This life, but he is ready for this life to come to a end as it should but is comforted knowing that he will return, as he has many times before. A request asked by one, A promise given by two, A promise known by many.
The sadness and sorrow of the fellow monks of the Montessori is felt throughout, each knelt in their own prayers of guidance to deal with their Masters pending death, and departure from this life.
Time is growing near, the monks seek their Guest. It is time for a promise to be fulfilled. The Guest knows that he must do as he promised, although he has conflicting emotions on what was asked of him many years before. It is something that he wouldn’t bring on anyone. They walk in silence to their Master’s room where they find him resting, The Guest tells his Master, although he already knows that his Master knows his feelings on the matter…. It’s not something he wish to do, but to end his Master’s suffering and pain, he will carry out the Master’s wishes.
With the taste of ancient death still on his lips, as he pulls back from his Master and sees him in death a great sadness fills him. He hadn’t wanted this, to do to another, as he had been done to him.
They now prepare for their Master’s life to return to them, as it will, as it has many times before. To be reborn.
Thank you so much Karen Dales for this wonderful short story, it has left me with a renewed sense of returning after death, as I truly feel we all will. Although not in the same sense that this has been told, but we will return in another form to rejoin those that love us and those that we love.
I would recommend: YA and up
Rating: 5/5 angel stars
Angel Anne Reviews
Award Winning Series “The Chosen Chronicles” includes:
“Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles”
“Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles”
“Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles”
The Guest is a story about a man whom we only know as “The Guest” who had sought and was given refuge at a Montessori a very long time ago. Excepted for who is, and not condemned by the monks as he had been by just about every mortal that he came across.
Living a peaceful and purposeful life among them, he learned of their ways and cared for them as they had cared for him all these years.
The Master has grown old, frail and in pain over the years as his life has moved on as it should… This life, but he is ready for this life to come to a end as it should but is comforted knowing that he will return, as he has many times before. A request asked by one, A promise given by two, A promise known by many.
The sadness and sorrow of the fellow monks of the Montessori is felt throughout, each knelt in their own prayers of guidance to deal with their Masters pending death, and departure from this life.
Time is growing near, the monks seek their Guest. It is time for a promise to be fulfilled. The Guest knows that he must do as he promised, although he has conflicting emotions on what was asked of him many years before. It is something that he wouldn’t bring on anyone. They walk in silence to their Master’s room where they find him resting, The Guest tells his Master, although he already knows that his Master knows his feelings on the matter…. It’s not something he wish to do, but to end his Master’s suffering and pain, he will carry out the Master’s wishes.
With the taste of ancient death still on his lips, as he pulls back from his Master and sees him in death a great sadness fills him. He hadn’t wanted this, to do to another, as he had been done to him.
They now prepare for their Master’s life to return to them, as it will, as it has many times before. To be reborn.
Thank you so much Karen Dales for this wonderful short story, it has left me with a renewed sense of returning after death, as I truly feel we all will. Although not in the same sense that this has been told, but we will return in another form to rejoin those that love us and those that we love.
I would recommend: YA and up
Rating: 5/5 angel stars
Angel Anne Reviews
Award Winning Series “The Chosen Chronicles” includes:
“Changeling: Prelude to the Chosen Chronicles”
“Angel of Death: Book One of the Chosen Chronicles”
“Shadow of Death: Book Two of the Chosen Chronicles”
December 26, 2013
This short captured me from the start with the scene setting and the way this author knows how to make me almost hear the monks chant. She expertly builds up and foreshadows what is bound to come, but then still surprises with the how and the who.
I loved how she made the Guest real and gave him an unexpected dept. All the other characters, even the ones who have a minor part in the whole, are not just cardboard figures but real and alive. And like I mentioned above the scenes are properly set without becoming an info dump, but rather is very much picture painting.
Yes, a very pleasurable read I would suggest to everyone who likes reading a snippet of buddhist life presented very different from what you would expect.
I loved how she made the Guest real and gave him an unexpected dept. All the other characters, even the ones who have a minor part in the whole, are not just cardboard figures but real and alive. And like I mentioned above the scenes are properly set without becoming an info dump, but rather is very much picture painting.
Yes, a very pleasurable read I would suggest to everyone who likes reading a snippet of buddhist life presented very different from what you would expect.
May 2, 2012
The Guest is a short story about the angel of death. It can be read alone or along with The Chosen Chronicles series. The story takes place in a Buddhist Monastery. As secretive as they are, by my surprise, the have welcomed a certain guest for a few years now. This guest is there to take on a job that is a matter of life or death. I would call this guest different, but that would still be an understatement. If you would like to find out who the guest really is and what the mission is at the monastery, grab your free copy at smashwords.This is the first book I have read by this author and loved it. I look forward to reading more in The Chosen Chronicles.
August 15, 2012
This is a short story than can be read alone or can go along with "The Chosen Chronicles" series. The Guest, from the title, is residing at a Buddhist monastery, and the reader gets to see how he handles the ideas of Death, Karma, and Reincarnation, especially when they deal with someone he considers a close friend.
While the story is only a few pages in length, the imagery is wonderful, and I could fully visualize the monastery, the monks, and the Guest. This little snippet makes me want to dive right into the series and read more of Ms. Dales' work right away!
While the story is only a few pages in length, the imagery is wonderful, and I could fully visualize the monastery, the monks, and the Guest. This little snippet makes me want to dive right into the series and read more of Ms. Dales' work right away!
June 17, 2012
in pdf format story is 6 pages.
A short story about life, death and reincarnation set in a monastery with the added extra of ’The Guest’.
A cleverly written short story which is complete with no loose ends but with the ability to be extended to reveal what happens next, or a sequel could follow.
The writing style is beautiful with some lovely imagery and word pictures.
A very good short story that should only take 10 minutes to read.
4/5 stars I really liked it.
A short story about life, death and reincarnation set in a monastery with the added extra of ’The Guest’.
A cleverly written short story which is complete with no loose ends but with the ability to be extended to reveal what happens next, or a sequel could follow.
The writing style is beautiful with some lovely imagery and word pictures.
A very good short story that should only take 10 minutes to read.
4/5 stars I really liked it.
August 23, 2012
I thought this very short introduction to The Chosen Chronicles series was very enlightening as to the world she is building.. Stand Alone or not this little gem will blow your mind as Karen introduces you to The Guest,an angel of death, who is unlike anything I have ever seen. I am definitely going to be reading the rest of her work!
5 out of 5 Hearts
Lovetiggi's Book Reviews
5 out of 5 Hearts
Lovetiggi's Book Reviews
August 29, 2012
A quick read introducing you to the Angel of Death from The Chosen Chronicles.
Incredibly well written and excellent descriptions, this short gives you just enough to leave you wanting more and to know how the story continues.
Incredibly well written and excellent descriptions, this short gives you just enough to leave you wanting more and to know how the story continues.
September 12, 2012
This short story was awesome. I love the guest. It left me wanting more and I believe I will be purchasing the first book in the series, so I can read more. I totally would recommend this short story to anyone. It was very well written.
May 3, 2012
I like it...just a taste of good story, to want more of it...
November 1, 2019
Intriguing paranormal story of life, death, and karma under Buddhism philosophy. Really seems like it would be a great scene, possibly introduction, to a much larger story.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Informative.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Informative.
October 25, 2012
Check out all my reviews at Kenn's Reviews
This is a short story that involves life, death and reincarnation. It can be read alone or as part of the Chosen Chronicles.
The Guest lives at a Buddhist monastery and performs missions for the monks. As a monk approaches old age, the Guest helps to ease their transition from this life to the next. Although the Guest performs his actions flawlessly, he is tormented by the actions he knows he must take. The shortness of the story lead me to think that I would be left with open endings, but they were neatly tied up and although it is not a cliff hanger, I am really wanting to read more. A perfect appetizer to Dales writings.
This is the first of Karen Dales writing that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed her style and characters. Although it was only 9 pages in my Nook format she grabbed my interest within the first few chapters and provided me with a scene that contained the basics of life on earth. I am very impressed with her writing and can’t wait to read more of her work.
This is a short story that involves life, death and reincarnation. It can be read alone or as part of the Chosen Chronicles.
The Guest lives at a Buddhist monastery and performs missions for the monks. As a monk approaches old age, the Guest helps to ease their transition from this life to the next. Although the Guest performs his actions flawlessly, he is tormented by the actions he knows he must take. The shortness of the story lead me to think that I would be left with open endings, but they were neatly tied up and although it is not a cliff hanger, I am really wanting to read more. A perfect appetizer to Dales writings.
This is the first of Karen Dales writing that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed her style and characters. Although it was only 9 pages in my Nook format she grabbed my interest within the first few chapters and provided me with a scene that contained the basics of life on earth. I am very impressed with her writing and can’t wait to read more of her work.
February 13, 2013
i didn't mind The Guest by Karen Dales. Though there were a lot of words i had no clue off, until reading the dictionary. the setting a place of peace and zen and the monk a peaceful people. i loved the idea of the reincarnation of their master but was saddened when i finished this piece. will deffinitely read more of Karen Dales work.
Keep up the good work!
Mels Projects and Melina Turner reviewed
Keep up the good work!
Mels Projects and Melina Turner reviewed
August 2, 2013
This was a very short, but well-written story, probably the length of a chapter (although, honestly, I didn't pay much attention to that) about a dying monk and a mysterious guest at the monastery. Normally, I wouldn't have bothered to purchase a single chapter's worth of work, but this free novella (can you call something this short a novella?) was an interesting read. I would read other stiff my Karen Dale, based on this sample of her work. Not worth .99 for 10 pages, but a good free read.
August 3, 2013
Expertly written with mystery and intrigue.
The writing style captivated me and the mystery had me intrigued.
I understand that this is a short set to introduce a character in a series and thus the sentence ---
How were we to know that death does not even know himself. Loved that and in context so will you.
If this is a genre you like then I recommend this for you. If only for the expert world building! However world building aside. This was a great read.
WaAr
The writing style captivated me and the mystery had me intrigued.
I understand that this is a short set to introduce a character in a series and thus the sentence ---
How were we to know that death does not even know himself. Loved that and in context so will you.
If this is a genre you like then I recommend this for you. If only for the expert world building! However world building aside. This was a great read.
WaAr
October 3, 2013
I learned of this series today, I have not read the series but I can tell from the short it is one I will read.
It was short very short, but the detailed, descriptive writing captivated me within the first paragraph. This is already a culture that fascinates me & I can tell this is a series I will read in the future.
It was short very short, but the detailed, descriptive writing captivated me within the first paragraph. This is already a culture that fascinates me & I can tell this is a series I will read in the future.
July 30, 2013
This short story's main purpose seems to be to introduce the reader to a cast of characters. But there's not enough here to really captivate me nor entice me to purchase the next book, despite the eloquent writing.
May 15, 2014
This is a very short story about monks and reincarnation. It seemed a little rushed and you were left needing more information to complete the story. Which makes it a good teaser but felt incomplete. WaAR
February 18, 2014
Well written short story. Descriptive, giving you a look into the angel of death's role.
His own acceptance of who he is.
His own acceptance of who he is.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews