Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls

Pax Arcana #0.02

by Elliott James

John Charming. Ex knight. Current monster hunter.

Nothing with the Cunning Folk is ever free. When John Charming goes to Sarah White for help with a minor ghost problem, he soon finds himself dealing with a restless spirit on a completely different scale. And the last thing you want to be when hunting a water spirit is out of your depth. . .

This is a short story from contemporary fantasy author, Elliott James, within his Pax Arcana world. The first of his novels, Charming and Daring , are available now.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Short Stories, Paranormal, Novella, Urban, Werewolves

33 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

An army brat and gypsy scholar, ELLIOTT JAMES is currently living in the blueridge mountains of southwest Virginia. An avid reader since the age of three (or that's what his family swears anyhow), he has an abiding interest in mythology, martial arts, live music, hiking, and used bookstores.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahh. Now this delves a little more deeply into John and who he actually is. I'm beginning to think that the stories should have been bundled together and read as a set. I mean, that's what I'm doing anyway, but I think it could have been more clear that they're meant to go together.

I'm liking this inch-by-inch way that we're being indoctrinated into the world. These short stories give just enough to get you through the story, to understand, and give a little background. Not much more. And that's perfect.

I enjoyed the story here, which ties in with the previous prequel, and can't wait to see where it goes next.

Overall Prequels Thoughts (0.1-0.7)
While most of these stories stand alone well, I would recommend reading the 1st and 2nd together, and the 6th and 7th together as well (and don't expect everything, or even the main thing, to be tied up and resolved in these last couple). They're snapshots in John Charming's life, and a moment in time while he deals with a new monster. I'm intrigued and pulled in, while still being somewhat frustrated, and am looking forward to reading the first full-length novel, Charming.

I'm really excited to learning more about the world, the knights, John, and what the hell is going on with the open-ended stuff left hanging from these last two short stories!

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 3 out of 5]

That song by TLC runs through my head every time I read the title.

I'm not sure what to say about something that seems to take maybe 25-30 minutes to read. It is like a few chapters of a book. I like these prequels to Charming they are fun and interesting with some very cool lore but.....they are so short. I'm still not sure why the 5 of them weren't put into one book or just posted on the authors website.

Still if you are just waiting for the next book to come out like me they are fun. There is a cool water demon, a waterfall and a damsel in distress. Plus John makes a nice friend. Not necessary to the overall series but a good time non-the-less.

[Carmel (Rabid Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short picked up right where CHARMED I'M SURE left off, so I'm happy that there was some continuity to these stories because they don't really add anything to the series as a whole other than bonus time with John Charming which isn't in itself a bad thing. We have yet to encounter any of the cunning folk in the full length books, so that was a fun extra as was the Fossegrim. I like how creative the author is at coming up with new and original ways of conquering villains, and in this case that was Greek fire—nasty stuff! The aleuromancy angle, the ability to read the future in sifting flour, was pretty neat too. My complaint about the price remains however.

[Nicole (bookwyrm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun short story that is helpful to have read before reading book #3. (Not crucial, but helpful.)

[Aya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pax Arcana: 0.6
Ah, the reason the previous short story ended so suddenly is because the story continues in this one. Another action-packed story, with a nice touch of humor at the end.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 2 of "Charmed I'm Sure." This should be read directly after and with the previous story. I hate that it is sold for $1.99. But I did enjoy Sarah White. And Isaac. They're more interesting characters than those in the previous book. Even the monster was somewhat interesting. I'll keep reading the short stories.

[Sha · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. Not much to say about this one. Solid world expansion and character glimpses, but too short to really have much of an impact.

2. I have to say I like the sheer variety of monster-antagonists in this series.

[Bisquit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice introduction to Sarah :) Also contains sass & fun, just as I like it!

[Tonya Nardi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s nice to see Isaac getting a little more air time (get it?) in this story. The two main female characters get short shrift but it’s still interesting.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

These eight short stories are set before the five main Pax Arcana novels and tell the tale of how one John Charming ended up in bartending in Clayburg.

[Nicole Luiken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Direct sequel story to Charmed I'm Sure, which explains why that novellette ended so seemingly abruptly. John's first meeting with Sarah and an unusual fae opponent.

[Bmeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quick read that introduces Sarah, from book 3. I like James's dry humor and I'm glad I discovered these short stories.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls" follows immediately after "Charmed I'm Sure" with John seeking help from one of the cunning folk. Her name is Sarah White and while she seems innocent enough, John's experience with her kind leaves him wary of trusting her. But all she wants in exchange for helping him is a little help herself after one of her employers goes missing.

I loved the way this one tied into the previous tale, though in reading them I actually read them in reverse. It's ok. It doesn't really matter all that much which order any of these are read in but it was fun that they were linked. Again the use of varied mythology and the Pax Arcana itself prove to be a really great premise for this world and make each of the stories that much more enjoyable.

[Kristen B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vignette #2 in the too-short, overpriced prequels to Pax Arcana Book 1, Charming. In this one John Charming enlists the help of a Cunning Folk to find a helpless victim of a water demon. I liked seeing him form a sort of friendship with Sarah White. Out of the four prequel vignettes that I've read so far, I like this one best, probably because we see much more than just "what kind of monster is this and how will John kill it?" We actually see a little more character development and heart.

Like the others, this one is not necessary to read in order to understand or enjoy book 1, but it is entertaining and does help pass the time until book 2 is released.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice continuation to story

This short story followed directly on the heels of the previous one with Tom (John) trying to find help for Isaac who had become trapped between worlds after the death of the Wili. Having been a knight his reputation is not the best among the cunning folk.

This was a really quick read that took me about 30 minutes to get through, and that long only because I was at work. You are not getting any great insight into who John Charming is but you get at least an idea of what his life is like. You have to read Charming to get the full effect. I would give it a thumbs up and say give it a try. 😁

[Sharessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliott James' Charming compares favorably to Butchers' Dresden, Green's John Taylor, Williams' Bobby Dollar, or Carey's Felix Castor. The requisite otherworld weariness, and Noir film detective style busybody-ness are evident, but there is something about James' "intonation" that's freshened my palate and pulled me away from my initial knee-jerk "Not another depressing hard luck case urban fantasy"-reaction. We'll see how the full novel goes. :)

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation soon after Charmed I'm Sure, following what Charming does to help the remaining living Marine from the wila attack. This one mixes continued tactical thinking in regards to what John does against magical creatures in breach of the Pax, as well as what magical creatures think of him. It really hammers home his in-between-ness while still giving him the setup for his eventual settling in Clayburg. Good read.

[Kim Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short story in the Pax Arcana series. This is not a standalone book. The title alone gets a star because it's tough not to look at it without singing the TLC song. The story has action and insight into John Charming's world. There was a lot packed into this short story. Well recommended if you've read the books in this series.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars= I liked it. Just a couple of chapters long this was still a nice little slice of the series, but even though this is a prequel I think it's more enjoyable having read this after having a good handle on the series and John.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

John is in need of some help. He decides to go to Sarah White. No favors are free when dealing with the cunning folk. I love this series! These shorts are a lot of fun too. Always a new monster to deal with.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick with the rivers you're used to

Another short and sweet story. I am pleased these seem to have a conscious thought to them. I really wish now I found these as a set. I'm going to have to find the rest now.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like John Charming, and I like Charming's world. I love urban fantasy, and I read unnaturally fast, so I am always happy when another good series starts.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this short better than the first. My only dissapointment was Issac moving on. I was hoping he would stick around.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Charming has to offer a quid pro quo in order to help one of the marines he saved from the veela

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the weakest of this set of short stories, but a fun read nonetheless.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequel novella #2, and quite possibly my favourite. I really liked Sarah's character, and John's interactions with her made this story something more than just action-filled fun.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good for a short. Gave a little more of a background on Charming. I'll keep reading.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all of these Pax Arcana shorts last night and they were all pretty good. I do love the humor.

[lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it enough to be interested in the novel, but the story is too short to really develop anything. Maybe if I really like Charming, I'd be interested enough to read the rest of the shorts.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and enjoyable read.