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Loki's Wolves
The Child Thief
"Help me! Please. The child thief has stolen my son."
Valkyrie Victoria Storm has werewolf hunters hell bent on revenge trying to kill her. She can barely keep her own downtrodden pack alive, let alone respond to the pleas of a murdered mother.
Can she set aside her differences and work with her sworn enemy to save a little boy from a Christmas nightmare?
A complete short story which can be read as a standalone or as part of the Loki's Wolves series.
This story was the inspiration for Valkyrie's Vengeance.
Valkyrie Victoria Storm has werewolf hunters hell bent on revenge trying to kill her. She can barely keep her own downtrodden pack alive, let alone respond to the pleas of a murdered mother.
Can she set aside her differences and work with her sworn enemy to save a little boy from a Christmas nightmare?
A complete short story which can be read as a standalone or as part of the Loki's Wolves series.
This story was the inspiration for Valkyrie's Vengeance.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2013
4 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Snark
38 books542 followersSubscribe to Melissa Snark's newsletter for new releases, prizes, and lots of fun. http://www.melissasnark.com/mailing-l... (Just copy & paste the link into your browser.) You'll get a free ebook just for signing up!
Author Melissa Snark lives in the San Francisco bay area with her husband, three children, and a glaring of litigious felines. She reads and writes fantasy and romance, and is published with The Wild Rose Press & Nordic Lights Press. She is a coffeeoholic, chocoholic, and a serious geek girl. Her Loki's Wolves series stems from her fascination with wolves and mythology.
• She blogs about books and writing on http://www.thesnarkology.com/.
Visit her website at http://www.melissasnark.com/.
• Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaSnark
• Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0076EEQIU
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MelissaSnark
Author Melissa Snark lives in the San Francisco bay area with her husband, three children, and a glaring of litigious felines. She reads and writes fantasy and romance, and is published with The Wild Rose Press & Nordic Lights Press. She is a coffeeoholic, chocoholic, and a serious geek girl. Her Loki's Wolves series stems from her fascination with wolves and mythology.
• She blogs about books and writing on http://www.thesnarkology.com/.
Visit her website at http://www.melissasnark.com/.
• Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaSnark
• Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0076EEQIU
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MelissaSnark
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 4, 2015
Originally reviewed at http://prufreads.blogspot.com/
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
She ran because her goddess commanded it, swearing revenge in her heart because she no longer believed in justice, whether she was sworn to it or not.
~Victoria Storm
**Please note, book was gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review**
What a pleasant surprise! Ms. Snark initially contacted me about reviewing book 2 of this series, Hunger Moon (my review is coming soon!) but she also mentioned this novella, as it introduces the heroine to the reader, and that I was welcome to it as well. I am so very glad I read this first.
The Child Thief doesn't waste much time "setting the tone" and for me, that is HUGE when it comes to my entertainment level where a novella is concerned. I can be such a child when it comes to the books that I read. I'm anxious the second I turn my kindle on and quite frankly, I don't enjoy the endless rambling about the purple hued sky, rolling mountain tops, the tweedy bird in the corner...you get the gist. I want a novella to come out swinging and that's exactly what Ms. Snark did.
Victoria Storm is the newly named Alpha of her pack. She questions whether or not she is worthy and the reasoning behind her new title is heartbreaking. Not only is Victoria a were-shifter but she was gifted with spirit sight which adds to her sense of responsibilities when it comes to protecting and making things right. Unfortunately for her, her once allies are now vicious enemies because they blame her for the loss of one of their own. She has suffered great loss that in some ways has made her hard but this strong heroine has a big heart.
You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you really shouldn't yet...we all know we have! I don't like this cover at all. I don't think it doesn't the book justice nor does it really capture what the book is about. I do, however, like the cover for book 2 so "YAY!" for that. I love my paranormal creatures, obviously. That being said, there are times where the "creature" is just a little too much, too over the top, for me and that was the case here. Another aspect that I'm struggling with is character development. I love how she didnt' make my head spin by introducing too many characters all at once. Aside from Victoria, there were only a handful of others mentioned. There were three standouts for me and what did the author do? She KILLED TWO OF THEM!!! So here is where I'm torn, on one hand, I'm thinking "WTF? Get me invested and snatch them right out from under me?!" but...on the other, "That's ballsy, I dig that shit." That in itself deserves a THUMBS UP in my book.
The Child Thief is a fantastic fast paced introduction to what is sure to be kick ass urban fantasy series!
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
She ran because her goddess commanded it, swearing revenge in her heart because she no longer believed in justice, whether she was sworn to it or not.
~Victoria Storm
**Please note, book was gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review**
What a pleasant surprise! Ms. Snark initially contacted me about reviewing book 2 of this series, Hunger Moon (my review is coming soon!) but she also mentioned this novella, as it introduces the heroine to the reader, and that I was welcome to it as well. I am so very glad I read this first.
The Child Thief doesn't waste much time "setting the tone" and for me, that is HUGE when it comes to my entertainment level where a novella is concerned. I can be such a child when it comes to the books that I read. I'm anxious the second I turn my kindle on and quite frankly, I don't enjoy the endless rambling about the purple hued sky, rolling mountain tops, the tweedy bird in the corner...you get the gist. I want a novella to come out swinging and that's exactly what Ms. Snark did.
Victoria Storm is the newly named Alpha of her pack. She questions whether or not she is worthy and the reasoning behind her new title is heartbreaking. Not only is Victoria a were-shifter but she was gifted with spirit sight which adds to her sense of responsibilities when it comes to protecting and making things right. Unfortunately for her, her once allies are now vicious enemies because they blame her for the loss of one of their own. She has suffered great loss that in some ways has made her hard but this strong heroine has a big heart.
You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you really shouldn't yet...we all know we have! I don't like this cover at all. I don't think it doesn't the book justice nor does it really capture what the book is about. I do, however, like the cover for book 2 so "YAY!" for that. I love my paranormal creatures, obviously. That being said, there are times where the "creature" is just a little too much, too over the top, for me and that was the case here. Another aspect that I'm struggling with is character development. I love how she didnt' make my head spin by introducing too many characters all at once. Aside from Victoria, there were only a handful of others mentioned. There were three standouts for me and what did the author do? She KILLED TWO OF THEM!!! So here is where I'm torn, on one hand, I'm thinking "WTF? Get me invested and snatch them right out from under me?!" but...on the other, "That's ballsy, I dig that shit." That in itself deserves a THUMBS UP in my book.
The Child Thief is a fantastic fast paced introduction to what is sure to be kick ass urban fantasy series!
July 29, 2013
WALKI'S REVIEW
A pack of werewolves is hunted by hunters hell-bent on vengeance. In Albuquerque, a ghost begs Victoria Storm, their alpha, to rescue her son who has been kidnapped by a monster who eats children. Reluctantly, Victoria agrees, and while also trying to save one of her own, finds herself caught in an uneasy alliance with the very hunters who want her dead.
With Victoria, Melissa Snark created a conflicted heroin and an alpha that no one intent to challenge because of her strength of character, her willingness to serve justice, and her devotion to her pack.
Readers might find this captivating short story too short and wish to know more about Victoria and the Storm pack, and the thread of Norse mythology the author has woven with this tale. Victoria Storm is worthy of an in-depth, full-length novel. Fortunately, there is a 348-page sequel, 'Hunger Moon'.
This short story is full of promises and full of characters worth developing to their full potential. A new pack is in town – or on the run – and they are worth watching out for.
A pack of werewolves is hunted by hunters hell-bent on vengeance. In Albuquerque, a ghost begs Victoria Storm, their alpha, to rescue her son who has been kidnapped by a monster who eats children. Reluctantly, Victoria agrees, and while also trying to save one of her own, finds herself caught in an uneasy alliance with the very hunters who want her dead.
With Victoria, Melissa Snark created a conflicted heroin and an alpha that no one intent to challenge because of her strength of character, her willingness to serve justice, and her devotion to her pack.
Readers might find this captivating short story too short and wish to know more about Victoria and the Storm pack, and the thread of Norse mythology the author has woven with this tale. Victoria Storm is worthy of an in-depth, full-length novel. Fortunately, there is a 348-page sequel, 'Hunger Moon'.
This short story is full of promises and full of characters worth developing to their full potential. A new pack is in town – or on the run – and they are worth watching out for.
April 7, 2014
I received a free copy of this novella in return for an unbiased review.
This book has a great hook from the first page, a bit creepy with a smatter of world building in the mix. I did feel in the next few that various mythology and supernatural terms were thrown at me a bit fast while I was still trying to get my feet with the relationship between the characters. This smoothes out as the book progresses however and I got a comfortable feel for the supernatural involved.
I felt the protagonist was relatable, despite reeling from recent loss and the emotions that come with it she keeps away from emo and looks after her pack as well as herself. It was refreshing to see a character that didn't hit one extreme or the other but was able to move between them. I also liked her reactions to different ages within the pack, both having to act as a mum and a little sister.
In places the writing quality dipped, particularly during fighting, with redundant words or phrases. The rest of the time the quality was high and made me want to keep reading.
A nice quick read, I look forward to reading more.
This book has a great hook from the first page, a bit creepy with a smatter of world building in the mix. I did feel in the next few that various mythology and supernatural terms were thrown at me a bit fast while I was still trying to get my feet with the relationship between the characters. This smoothes out as the book progresses however and I got a comfortable feel for the supernatural involved.
I felt the protagonist was relatable, despite reeling from recent loss and the emotions that come with it she keeps away from emo and looks after her pack as well as herself. It was refreshing to see a character that didn't hit one extreme or the other but was able to move between them. I also liked her reactions to different ages within the pack, both having to act as a mum and a little sister.
In places the writing quality dipped, particularly during fighting, with redundant words or phrases. The rest of the time the quality was high and made me want to keep reading.
A nice quick read, I look forward to reading more.
November 2, 2014
The Child Thief
What a wonderful story. Melissa Snark has developed very sympathetic characters in this short story. Victoria, the reluctant alpha of her pack, is being chased by hunters determined to eliminate them all. Victoria feels guilt over the death of her lover Daniel, her parents and pack mates.
Victoria is accosted by a ghost who is looking for her kidnapped child and wants Victoria's help. Unable to say no, she must leave her pack in search of this monster who steals children.
The story is well written, leaving the reader wanting more. I was glad to see there is a book, Hunger Moon available to carry on the story of Norse mythology, justice and revenge. Congratulations Melissa, well done!
What a wonderful story. Melissa Snark has developed very sympathetic characters in this short story. Victoria, the reluctant alpha of her pack, is being chased by hunters determined to eliminate them all. Victoria feels guilt over the death of her lover Daniel, her parents and pack mates.
Victoria is accosted by a ghost who is looking for her kidnapped child and wants Victoria's help. Unable to say no, she must leave her pack in search of this monster who steals children.
The story is well written, leaving the reader wanting more. I was glad to see there is a book, Hunger Moon available to carry on the story of Norse mythology, justice and revenge. Congratulations Melissa, well done!
March 24, 2013
I thought it was a very interesting start to what promises to be a good series. The author has done some unconventional things with her werewolves, ensuring that this isn't just another "werewolf novel".
I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys the genre.
This particular novella was dark and disturbing, which is exactly how it should be considering the subject matter that was involved.
I look forward to the growth of Victoria Storm as both a character and a pack leader.
I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys the genre.
This particular novella was dark and disturbing, which is exactly how it should be considering the subject matter that was involved.
I look forward to the growth of Victoria Storm as both a character and a pack leader.
September 23, 2013
"The Child Thief" is the first book I've read by author, Melissa Snark. It is a novella introducing the reader to Victoria Storm, Valkyrie for her werewolf pack. The pack had been on the move ever since Jake Barrett and his pack turned against them when they believed Victoria was responsible tor the death of Jake's eldest son, Daniel.
Now, her parents are dead and the surviving members of her pack are on the run. As Valkyrie she is a healer and protector; so, when the ghost of a murdered woman seeks her assistance in saving her 6 year old don from a monster, Vickie agrees yo help.
Unfortunately, Jake kidnaps one if her tern packmates and she bargains with him to turn herself in once she rescues the child. Jake come to check out the situation but everything does not go as it should. I enjoyed this quick read even though it was rather simplistic in its style. I wish there had been mote world building and characterizations but feel like I liked Vicky. I plan to read the next book in the series before I make up my mind as to whether or not I will continue on with the series. The good news is that this book is currently being offered for free at amazon.com.
Now, her parents are dead and the surviving members of her pack are on the run. As Valkyrie she is a healer and protector; so, when the ghost of a murdered woman seeks her assistance in saving her 6 year old don from a monster, Vickie agrees yo help.
Unfortunately, Jake kidnaps one if her tern packmates and she bargains with him to turn herself in once she rescues the child. Jake come to check out the situation but everything does not go as it should. I enjoyed this quick read even though it was rather simplistic in its style. I wish there had been mote world building and characterizations but feel like I liked Vicky. I plan to read the next book in the series before I make up my mind as to whether or not I will continue on with the series. The good news is that this book is currently being offered for free at amazon.com.
May 10, 2014
I was sucked into the story the moment a ghost was mentioned, which was page one. I've never read a book about shape-shifting werewolves before and I have to say . . . I enjoyed this very much! I liked the little things that made the characters believable such as catching scents and snarling.
Melissa Snark's writing is perfectly descriptive, offering great visuals of the characters and everything that happens. I could see the monster (the child thief), and Victoria's transformation into wolf in my mind. Her battle with the monster is vivid and gruesome. Just the way I like it! I know how hard it is to write fight scenes like that and thought Melissa did an exceptional job. I love, love, love tough heroines and Victoria is the definition of tough. I gladly rooted for her!
I wished for more of a back story to explain just what happened to Jack's son and her lover, and more details about the battle that killed her parents, but I didn't need those details to enjoy this story. I also know this story is a bit of a teaser for the sequel, which I can't wait to read!
Melissa Snark's writing is perfectly descriptive, offering great visuals of the characters and everything that happens. I could see the monster (the child thief), and Victoria's transformation into wolf in my mind. Her battle with the monster is vivid and gruesome. Just the way I like it! I know how hard it is to write fight scenes like that and thought Melissa did an exceptional job. I love, love, love tough heroines and Victoria is the definition of tough. I gladly rooted for her!
I wished for more of a back story to explain just what happened to Jack's son and her lover, and more details about the battle that killed her parents, but I didn't need those details to enjoy this story. I also know this story is a bit of a teaser for the sequel, which I can't wait to read!
September 30, 2015
Victoria who is alpha of her pack has a gift were she can see spirits. This dead woman comes to her for help asking her to help her find her son who was taken by the child thief. Jasper this sweet boy and the child of the pack pushes Victoria to do the right thing and help this woman.
Victoria has this hunter by the name of Jack Barrett after her. He thinks Victoria is responsible for the death of this son Daniel who was Victoria’s lover. Danger seems to be all around. Jasper gets kidnapped and Victoria must try to save him. Can Victoria save the dead woman son? Can Victoria help Jasper before it is too late?
Victoria has this hunter by the name of Jack Barrett after her. He thinks Victoria is responsible for the death of this son Daniel who was Victoria’s lover. Danger seems to be all around. Jasper gets kidnapped and Victoria must try to save him. Can Victoria save the dead woman son? Can Victoria help Jasper before it is too late?
April 6, 2013
This series rocks!
Talk about exciting, I love this series. Lucky me got to beta read Hunger Moon before I read this intro story and I cannot say enough about both. They’re well-written and masterfully developed. Original, exciting, and so much fun. Victoria is five foot tall, fierce, smoking hot, and a female Alpha. How endearing is that? She faces real problems that the reader feels and she kicks ass too. I highly recommend this magical urban fantasy as one of the most fun ways to spend an evening!
Talk about exciting, I love this series. Lucky me got to beta read Hunger Moon before I read this intro story and I cannot say enough about both. They’re well-written and masterfully developed. Original, exciting, and so much fun. Victoria is five foot tall, fierce, smoking hot, and a female Alpha. How endearing is that? She faces real problems that the reader feels and she kicks ass too. I highly recommend this magical urban fantasy as one of the most fun ways to spend an evening!
April 23, 2014
POWERFUL STORY
Great introduction to what I hope will be a great series. A small pack flees murderous hunters. The leader wants revenge for his son's death. The pack alpha can speak to the dead and is asked to save a young boy who has been taken by a monster. I could not put this book down. This book is not a cliff hanger, thank heaven. But there is clearly going to be many more trials for this pack and their alpha who is a werewolf and a Valkerie. I am going to go buy the next book right now and start it immediately.
Great introduction to what I hope will be a great series. A small pack flees murderous hunters. The leader wants revenge for his son's death. The pack alpha can speak to the dead and is asked to save a young boy who has been taken by a monster. I could not put this book down. This book is not a cliff hanger, thank heaven. But there is clearly going to be many more trials for this pack and their alpha who is a werewolf and a Valkerie. I am going to go buy the next book right now and start it immediately.
January 20, 2015
I am so ready for this series! What an opening for the first book, Hunger Moon! Victoria, at first seemed very weak for an alpha female. It just took the right situation for her to fall into that leadership for her pack. The detail in the description for "goat boy", I had a very clear picture and it wasn't pretty. But props to the author for it! I am not sure how I feel about Jake, but I am looking forward to learning what went down with his son. I do not usually buy ebooks, I just read the freebies. But I did buy each one in the series, it was that good. I am hooked! Ready to start book 1..
January 27, 2015
This book is not incorporated into Valkyrie's Vengeance
Awesome story
Nordics Gods and goddess, Valkyrie, wolfs, hunters and more. There is so much action in this book to keep anyone’s interest. Well written and self-contained story. A love story that transcends even death but at the same time has caused many lives. A monster goat like devil who steals children and feed from there fright. And then the Valkyrie who at one time worked with the hinters to rid the world of evil and are not at odds with each other. Very enjoyable story to read.
Awesome story
Nordics Gods and goddess, Valkyrie, wolfs, hunters and more. There is so much action in this book to keep anyone’s interest. Well written and self-contained story. A love story that transcends even death but at the same time has caused many lives. A monster goat like devil who steals children and feed from there fright. And then the Valkyrie who at one time worked with the hinters to rid the world of evil and are not at odds with each other. Very enjoyable story to read.
September 27, 2015
Victoria Storm is more than the alpha of a nearly destroyed pack. She has lost her love to murder and her family to revenge. As Victoria and her pack seek a safe place to regroup, Victoria is asked to find a kidnapped child. She finds more than she expected.
This is a very good novella and I plan to read more by this author.
This novella is free on Amazon. I am purchasing the next book in the series, Hunger Moon
This is a very good novella and I plan to read more by this author.
This novella is free on Amazon. I am purchasing the next book in the series, Hunger Moon
September 25, 2013
Very very exciting.. and truly a great start that had my attention from the beginning.
Victoria is alpha of a pack that was just about destroyed. She struggles to find a better place... her group is very fond of her and its amazing the bond. She's revengeful, determined to seek out her own justice... A child is kidnapped and she has been sought out to help find.. and the excitement follows.. sweet quick read.. and ready for more!
Victoria is alpha of a pack that was just about destroyed. She struggles to find a better place... her group is very fond of her and its amazing the bond. She's revengeful, determined to seek out her own justice... A child is kidnapped and she has been sought out to help find.. and the excitement follows.. sweet quick read.. and ready for more!
March 26, 2013
The Child Thief was a great quick read. Melissa Snark has done a great job of creating a new type of werewolf society while incorporating other supernatural creatures. This is a definite read full of unexpected turns. Mrs. Snark has a wonderful way of telling her story with strong descriptive elegance. I am anxiously awaiting the second part of the story.
September 28, 2013
What an impact a short novella can make.
Victoria Storm.. rare but an Alpha of her pack, and undoubtfully a painful spot to be at .. with the loss that was so close to her. She has gifts and with that comes a huge responsibility even if she isn't up to it. SOme twists.. and excitement rolled up in a quick read.. frustrations.. surprises..I can't wait to read more.
Victoria Storm.. rare but an Alpha of her pack, and undoubtfully a painful spot to be at .. with the loss that was so close to her. She has gifts and with that comes a huge responsibility even if she isn't up to it. SOme twists.. and excitement rolled up in a quick read.. frustrations.. surprises..I can't wait to read more.
September 25, 2013
Now I'm curious about this book.. I wanna read this... ^_^
owned-to-read
January 1, 2014*downloaded free on ARE
September 3, 2016
I enjoyed this story and the world it introduced. I'd like to keep reading the series :D
July 27, 2014
I am now going to start reading the next book. The Child Thief is a promising series I am sure to enjoy. Please read if you get a chance
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews