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Cassandra Palmer #0.5
The Gauntlet
"The Gauntlet" is a short story connected to the New York Times bestselling Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab series of urban fantasy novels. It features Kit Marlowe in a supernatural thriller set in Elizabethan England.
First published in the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2, it is now being offered as a free ebook. The sequel is "The Queen's Witch."
First published in the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2, it is now being offered as a free ebook. The sequel is "The Queen's Witch."
100 pages, ebook
First published October 5, 2010
17 people are currently reading
1770 people want to read
About the author
Karen Chance
62 books5,231 followersKaren Chance is the author of two New York Times bestselling series, plus a number of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cassandra Palmer universe. A full-time writer since 2008, she was previously a university history teacher, which comes in handy when writing the time-travel aspect of Cassie’s crazy adventures. She loves Las Vegas, the main setting for her novels, but currently lives in Florida near her family home. Visit her website or connect with her on Facebook here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 1, 2020
The Gauntlet is a Kit Marlowe short, chronologically the first novella in the Cassandra Palmer series.
Kit Marlowe is only a newby vampire, but he had been given an extra deal of power, elevating him to a master’s rank, in order to help his mistress, and save the Queen. He is in sore need of a red-haired witch to complete a mission, so he goes to the prison to find one.
But freeing the witch doesn’t go smooth, chaos erupts, and all of the prisoners are trying to get free. It’s not easy for Gillian to trust a vampire, but she has no other choice.
The Gauntlet actually is the story of Gillian’s escape: it’s very exciting, filled with fight scenes, magic, and revealing some of the history of the witch covens, and also the Silver and the Black Circle in England.
The plot could have been constructed more precisely, as they are having extremely long conversations in the middle of a fight, but it’s a great and fun story. Marlowe is really charming.
Kit Marlowe is only a newby vampire, but he had been given an extra deal of power, elevating him to a master’s rank, in order to help his mistress, and save the Queen. He is in sore need of a red-haired witch to complete a mission, so he goes to the prison to find one.
“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mistress Urswick,” he said wryly. “I am Chris Marlowe, although my friends call me Kit.”
“You have friends?”
“Strangely enough, yes. I would like to number you among them, if I could.”
But freeing the witch doesn’t go smooth, chaos erupts, and all of the prisoners are trying to get free. It’s not easy for Gillian to trust a vampire, but she has no other choice.
Gillian hugged Elinor against her, every instinct she had screaming that she was mad to put their lives in the hands of a creature who saw them merely as prey. But if her only choice was between dying now and dying later, she would take later. “If you betray me, I will use my last breath to curse you!”
“I would expect nothing less.”
The Gauntlet actually is the story of Gillian’s escape: it’s very exciting, filled with fight scenes, magic, and revealing some of the history of the witch covens, and also the Silver and the Black Circle in England.
A rain of arrows shot by. One of them grazed Kit’s arm, leaving a stinging track across his skin, while another buried itself in the wood between his spread legs. He stared at it wildly – there were certain things he was not willing to sacrifice for queen and country.
The plot could have been constructed more precisely, as they are having extremely long conversations in the middle of a fight, but it’s a great and fun story. Marlowe is really charming.
Kit stared after her until the gathering shadows swallowed her up. Witches. He’d been right all along. They were completely mad. He smiled slightly, his lips still tingling from her final touch. But what glorious madness.
June 11, 2024
Novella donde una bruja esta prisionera en Inglaterra , en medio de una guerra mágica donde el Circulo Plateado de magos quiere ser la única fuerza mágica, según dice vienen huyendo del continente y proceden a 'unificar' aka destruir los enclaves druidicos y los aquelarres de brujas.
Las brujas yacen amordazadas para no maldecir a sus captores, cuando un vampiro (Kit Marlowe) llega buscando una bruja por encargo de su reina. Elige a Gillian , pero el carcelero no quiere dejarla salir de esas paredes, y Gillian aprovecha para intentar escapar con su hija.
Lo que sigue es una refriega cruenta entre brujas soldados y magos del circulo, en que las brujas llevan las de perder.
Kit puede escapar pero se empecina en llevarse a Gillian, y entre la batahola pasan muchas cosas.
Notas:
-No hay romance.
-Kit es un vampiro novato , ascendido a maestro aceleradamente por su sire, y su personalidad es diferente a lo que vemos siglos después.
-Los del circulo están decididos al parecer a exterminar a las brujas, pero antes drenarlas y usarlas al parecer.
Gillian Urswick . Elinor es su hija de siete años
Winnie es una bruja ,camarada de su pandilla de hurtos (mientras se esconden de los magos), y una enana.
Las brujas yacen amordazadas para no maldecir a sus captores, cuando un vampiro (Kit Marlowe) llega buscando una bruja por encargo de su reina. Elige a Gillian , pero el carcelero no quiere dejarla salir de esas paredes, y Gillian aprovecha para intentar escapar con su hija.
Lo que sigue es una refriega cruenta entre brujas soldados y magos del circulo, en que las brujas llevan las de perder.
Kit puede escapar pero se empecina en llevarse a Gillian, y entre la batahola pasan muchas cosas.
Notas:
-No hay romance.
-Kit es un vampiro novato , ascendido a maestro aceleradamente por su sire, y su personalidad es diferente a lo que vemos siglos después.
-Los del circulo están decididos al parecer a exterminar a las brujas, pero antes drenarlas y usarlas al parecer.
Gillian Urswick . Elinor es su hija de siete años
Winnie es una bruja ,camarada de su pandilla de hurtos (mientras se esconden de los magos), y una enana.
June 20, 2022
Final Rating: 8/10
You can read my full length review of this book at my Official Website . Below is an overview of my thoughts about it.
OVERVIEW
I learned two things in reading this excellent novella: First, Karen Chance is a much better writer than I previously gave her credit for; second, she is wasting her talents writing unexceptional urban fantasy novels. While I have no doubt UF as a genre pays the bills more handsomely than historical fantasy, after reading The Gauntlet I know which of the two genres I would prefer the author to write more of.
Set in the same world as her two urban fantasy series, but taking place a few centuries earlier, in England, The Gauntlet is billed as a Kit Marlowe short. Fortunately, the vampire plays second fiddle to a considerably more compelling witch character called Gillian Urswick, and the book is better off for it. In fact, I would have given The Gauntlet a higher rating if it had been a single POV narrative that focussed solely on Gillian’s story. As it is, Kit provides an unwanted secondary point-of-view which detracts from the story.
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You can read my full length review of this book at my Official Website . Below is an overview of my thoughts about it.
OVERVIEW
I learned two things in reading this excellent novella: First, Karen Chance is a much better writer than I previously gave her credit for; second, she is wasting her talents writing unexceptional urban fantasy novels. While I have no doubt UF as a genre pays the bills more handsomely than historical fantasy, after reading The Gauntlet I know which of the two genres I would prefer the author to write more of.
Set in the same world as her two urban fantasy series, but taking place a few centuries earlier, in England, The Gauntlet is billed as a Kit Marlowe short. Fortunately, the vampire plays second fiddle to a considerably more compelling witch character called Gillian Urswick, and the book is better off for it. In fact, I would have given The Gauntlet a higher rating if it had been a single POV narrative that focussed solely on Gillian’s story. As it is, Kit provides an unwanted secondary point-of-view which detracts from the story.
Subscribe to my author Newsletter
Vist my Official Website and Personal Blog
Make tip jar donations via Ko-fi or PayPal
Follow me on social media:
Facebook | Last.fm | Pinterest | Tumblr | Twitter
March 12, 2024
“They could destroy us, she thought blanckly. They could destroy all of us”.
He llegado aquí de casualidad gracias a una compañera de estas redes. Si me lees la reseña, muchas gracias,linda. Creo que me has descubierto una saga bastante interesante.
Este es el primer relato de una serie de novelas de fantasía urbana. El orden que estoy siguiendo es el cronológico y que une tanto la saga principal como el spin-off de ella.
Sinceramente para lo poco que he leído me parece una saga que promete y engancha. Además, uno de mis muchos puntos débiles es la fantasía urbana así que a por el siguiente.
He llegado aquí de casualidad gracias a una compañera de estas redes. Si me lees la reseña, muchas gracias,linda. Creo que me has descubierto una saga bastante interesante.
Este es el primer relato de una serie de novelas de fantasía urbana. El orden que estoy siguiendo es el cronológico y que une tanto la saga principal como el spin-off de ella.
Sinceramente para lo poco que he leído me parece una saga que promete y engancha. Además, uno de mis muchos puntos débiles es la fantasía urbana así que a por el siguiente.
February 6, 2024
A mí es que los relatos casi nunca me llenan (con honrosas excepciones como Cortázar o Juan Rulfo). A menudo me parecen fragmentos de algo mayor o capítulos descartados.
Aquí conocemos a una bruja que tal vez sea importante más adelante dentro de la saga... también conocemos un poco más a Marlowe del que hasta ahora no sabemos gran cosa. Veremos si más adelante lo aquí revelado tiene algún valor.
Aquí conocemos a una bruja que tal vez sea importante más adelante dentro de la saga... también conocemos un poco más a Marlowe del que hasta ahora no sabemos gran cosa. Veremos si más adelante lo aquí revelado tiene algún valor.
December 31, 2012
The Gauntlet.
The Gauntlet introduces us to a witch named Gillian who is currently in gaol awaiting execution. In steps a familiar (to us, anyway) curly-haired, be-goateed vampire with an offer she would really like to refuse. Madness and mayhem naturally ensues, along with some nice background information on the formation of the Silver Circle in the British Isles. I know it was in the The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 originally, but it's not really a romantic story at all. It's more like one big action scene full of spells, magic and....chickens.
All in all, it was a fun read, but nothing to write home about and not necessary to read for the Cassandra Palmer series to make sense.
3 Stars ★★★
This book is free either on the author's website or Smashwords.
The Gauntlet introduces us to a witch named Gillian who is currently in gaol awaiting execution. In steps a familiar (to us, anyway) curly-haired, be-goateed vampire with an offer she would really like to refuse. Madness and mayhem naturally ensues, along with some nice background information on the formation of the Silver Circle in the British Isles. I know it was in the The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 originally, but it's not really a romantic story at all. It's more like one big action scene full of spells, magic and....chickens.
All in all, it was a fun read, but nothing to write home about and not necessary to read for the Cassandra Palmer series to make sense.
3 Stars ★★★
This book is free either on the author's website or Smashwords.
May 28, 2012
Awwww! I love seeing Kit during his early time as a vamp! He was so different from the Marlowe we get to see in the Cassie and Dory books. He was adorable. He kept getting his ass kicked and his balls seemed to be in constant danger! I am not surprised that Marlowe would be attracted to a feisty type like Gillian. She sure was the epitome of a fiery red-head and then the way she robbed him at the end! Too funny.
January 12, 2021
Despite the author saying you can read these anytime I was quite lost. I have no clue who the characters are in reference to the main stories.
Overall it was okay. It wasn't a fantastic read. Lots of action. Kit was a bit of a buffoon and Gillian was a very obviously overprotective mom.
The Silver Circle seems to be bad news in all the books. Sounds like a really bad cult.
Overall it was okay. It wasn't a fantastic read. Lots of action. Kit was a bit of a buffoon and Gillian was a very obviously overprotective mom.
The Silver Circle seems to be bad news in all the books. Sounds like a really bad cult.
November 7, 2018
3.5 Stars... This short story in the "Cassandra Palmer Series" depicts a time when Kit Marlowe is a newly made vampire sent to obtain a powerful witch to protect his Queen and country... What ensues is an epic battle with a fiery red headed witch named Gillian who acquires some unexpected powers herself leaving her to protect her daughter and an entire coven of witches... The writing is enjoyable filled with moments of humor as well as history; overall a fun read giving us a quick peek into Kit's early moments as a vampire.:)
April 11, 2015
A free short story, 0.5, in the Cassandra Palmer urban fantasy series. This one involves Kit Marlowe when he's still a young vampire and he's working for the Queen in Elizabethan England.
Download it for free (so far) at Karen Chance's website.
My Take
This one is a blip in the early life of Kit Marlowe (as vampire) when he's spying for the Queen and/or mistresses. It doesn't say which queen, so I'm assuming from the text that Chance means Queen Elizabeth.
It's interesting that the Silver Circle seems to be all men while the witches appear to be all women. With the men doing their best to beat all the women into submission. Well, at least their gender is consistent as violence and subjugation is the only route men---in general---understand.
I'd love to know more of Gillian's story!
The Story
Captured. And it doesn't seem as if any kind of future is possible. But Gillian is determined to fight. For herself and for her young daughter. She'll do whatever it takes to flee this place with Elinor.
Marlowe, on the other hand, desperately needs a witch to aid him with his mission. A witch who intends to meet a representative of the Black Circle. And who can blame her really, after what the Silver has done to the English covens!
The Characters
Gillian Urswick is one of a number of witches imprisoned by the Silver Circle. Elinor is her seven-year-old daughter. Winnie is a dwarf and a witch.
Kit Marlowe is a vampire sent on a secret mission regarding the Black Circle.
The Cover and Title
The cover's background looks like a medieval great hall in gray with a tiled floor, gothic widnows, and an upper railing with wood moldings. The red-haired Gillian is dressed for the time period in a square-necked gown with ground-sweeping sleeves, her arms stretched to her sides in supplication with her head raised toward the ceiling.
The title refers to the "battle" through which a Mother must prove herself to her coven.
Download it for free (so far) at Karen Chance's website.
My Take
This one is a blip in the early life of Kit Marlowe (as vampire) when he's spying for the Queen and/or mistresses. It doesn't say which queen, so I'm assuming from the text that Chance means Queen Elizabeth.
It's interesting that the Silver Circle seems to be all men while the witches appear to be all women. With the men doing their best to beat all the women into submission. Well, at least their gender is consistent as violence and subjugation is the only route men---in general---understand.
I'd love to know more of Gillian's story!
The Story
Captured. And it doesn't seem as if any kind of future is possible. But Gillian is determined to fight. For herself and for her young daughter. She'll do whatever it takes to flee this place with Elinor.
Marlowe, on the other hand, desperately needs a witch to aid him with his mission. A witch who intends to meet a representative of the Black Circle. And who can blame her really, after what the Silver has done to the English covens!
The Characters
Gillian Urswick is one of a number of witches imprisoned by the Silver Circle. Elinor is her seven-year-old daughter. Winnie is a dwarf and a witch.
Kit Marlowe is a vampire sent on a secret mission regarding the Black Circle.
The Cover and Title
The cover's background looks like a medieval great hall in gray with a tiled floor, gothic widnows, and an upper railing with wood moldings. The red-haired Gillian is dressed for the time period in a square-necked gown with ground-sweeping sleeves, her arms stretched to her sides in supplication with her head raised toward the ceiling.
The title refers to the "battle" through which a Mother must prove herself to her coven.
April 8, 2014
Really funny short story about Kit Marlowe (from the Cassie and Dory series) meeting a witch in Elizabethan England shortly after he is turned.
It was great to find out some more about Marlowe's past (since he's usually so secretive) Karen Chance's skill for the 'ridiculous' really shone here. Also...it was free!
It was great to find out some more about Marlowe's past (since he's usually so secretive) Karen Chance's skill for the 'ridiculous' really shone here. Also...it was free!
January 20, 2018
Entertaining short story where we meet a young vampire, Kit Marlowe, who saves a witch name Gillian and helps her to escape from prison.
December 4, 2020
I usually don't read novellas but I like to read everything written by Karen Chance for the Cassie Palmer World so I came upon this short story.
I liked the pace of it and it certainly threw a different sort of light on Kit Marlowe. I also got to knew about the witches of the Cassie Palmer World in more detail.
Over all, it was good story and I'll be reading the next part soon!
I liked the pace of it and it certainly threw a different sort of light on Kit Marlowe. I also got to knew about the witches of the Cassie Palmer World in more detail.
Over all, it was good story and I'll be reading the next part soon!
May 31, 2019
A facinating story. I loved getting a look into the genocide of the witches by the hands of the silver circle. Marlowe, as always, is a delight. Gillian is a new favorite character. I hope Chance continues their story!
January 17, 2022
Estuvo entretenida pero muy cortica, igual me gustó!!
Espero q en la parte que sigue se ahonde más en la relación entre Kit y Gillian
Espero q en la parte que sigue se ahonde más en la relación entre Kit y Gillian
July 25, 2019
A very quick, but engaging read about an unlikely alliance between a powerful witch and a gentleman spy vampire.
Having taken AP English for more years than I care to remember, Christopher Marlowe (who greatly inspired William Shakespeare) is among the playwrights that haunted my dreams when in school. Having him here, re-imagined, after his "mysterious death" to be this cheeky gentleman spy vampire is both hilarious and ingenious (since he was considered a spy in reality).
However, the real star of this book for me is Gillian Urswick: Witch. Mother. Warrior. Taken by force with her young daughter and other covens by a magical order that wishes to eradicate those that refuse to bend to their will, Gillian is left with one choice: fight or die.
"Will you fight, girl, for what is yours?"
And boy, does she!
There were shouts and curses from the guards who fell with the walls, and from the bewildered mages who suddenly found themselves at the center of a pile of spread-out rubble. But the witches were eerily silent, turning as one to look up at the tower for a long, drawn out moment. And then they gave an ancient battle cry that raised the hair on Gillian’s arms.
And charged as one.
This book was short, but so much fun and I'm already reading the next one.
Having taken AP English for more years than I care to remember, Christopher Marlowe (who greatly inspired William Shakespeare) is among the playwrights that haunted my dreams when in school. Having him here, re-imagined, after his "mysterious death" to be this cheeky gentleman spy vampire is both hilarious and ingenious (since he was considered a spy in reality).
However, the real star of this book for me is Gillian Urswick: Witch. Mother. Warrior. Taken by force with her young daughter and other covens by a magical order that wishes to eradicate those that refuse to bend to their will, Gillian is left with one choice: fight or die.
"Will you fight, girl, for what is yours?"
And boy, does she!
There were shouts and curses from the guards who fell with the walls, and from the bewildered mages who suddenly found themselves at the center of a pile of spread-out rubble. But the witches were eerily silent, turning as one to look up at the tower for a long, drawn out moment. And then they gave an ancient battle cry that raised the hair on Gillian’s arms.
And charged as one.
This book was short, but so much fun and I'm already reading the next one.
December 30, 2011
A very solid short story that takes place in the past in Karen Chance's Cassie Palmer world, but doesn't require any familiarity with the series. Kit Marlowe, one of the regular (and most intriguing) vampire characters in Cassie's stories, appears here, but this story is really about a witch named Gillian and about how the witch covens are being forced out of England by a new group called the Silver Circle. Fans of the Palmer series will recognize this group, but new readers won't feel lost at all and are sure to just enjoy the strong story. It originally appeared in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 but is now available for free from the author's website on smashwords. This story should be read before The Queen's Witch, which is a sequel to this story, and is also now available in both locations.
February 22, 2011
This, in essence, is a back story about Kit Marlow and a witch named Gillian Urswick, who becomes coven mother. It's available both at the writers web page under freebies at the top, as well as swashwords.com.
Gillian had been a member of the Druid coven that once ruled the supernatural in Britian, prior to the arrival of what is now called the Silver Circle an ancient society of light magic users who had brought nothing but darkness to England. Her coven refused to join, so now she finds herself subjected to a witch hunt mightier and more successful than anything the Inquisition had ever managed.
Kit has been tasked to save the queen mother at any cost, even if that means bringing a powerful witch back with him.
It's basically 8 chapters long, or 100 pages. The action is non stop from the first page to the last page. Chance fans will enjoy this short story.
Gillian had been a member of the Druid coven that once ruled the supernatural in Britian, prior to the arrival of what is now called the Silver Circle an ancient society of light magic users who had brought nothing but darkness to England. Her coven refused to join, so now she finds herself subjected to a witch hunt mightier and more successful than anything the Inquisition had ever managed.
Kit has been tasked to save the queen mother at any cost, even if that means bringing a powerful witch back with him.
It's basically 8 chapters long, or 100 pages. The action is non stop from the first page to the last page. Chance fans will enjoy this short story.
August 1, 2011
Fast paced story featuring Kit Marlowe who it seems is in need of the help of one red haired witch, he finds one imprisoned by "The Circle" and in trying to help her escape he bites off a bit more than he bargained for with Gillian. Gillian just wants to get herself and her daughter out of the prison and out of England, in the process of which some really strange happenings occur and she inherits the full power of an elderly witch. This was a great story in a short amount of time that leaves one looking forward to part two in
The Queen's Witch
. Nice little novella to enjoy as a fast read on a summer evening. (free from smashwords for now)
September 14, 2011
Though this is a fairly short book, it is action packed from the first page to the last page and highly worth the read!! The characters have great depth, and the storyline is interesting and well-written. Honestly, I wanted more - so I'm sure I'll be looking for more of Ms. Chance's work! I love that the heroine is a strong, interesting character and not just some damsel in distress, and I think the use of mystical forces is done just right. This is a very good read and suitable for all paranormal/fantasy readers.
January 27, 2016
Karen Chance delivered an excellent, free short story for her series with Kit Marlowe and a witch back in the past. It's not as short as most shorts and is divided into chapters. I loved Sarah and all the characters. Kit was never that interesting to me but I don't think I read the books with him featured much so that could be why; he was very likeable here. The humor was present and action, while there, was not overwhelming like some of the novels. If you like Karen Chance's work you should love this short story.
November 6, 2012
Fast paced free short story featuring Kit Marlowe from the Cassie Palmer and Dory Series. Tight narrative and intriguing story. Nice dynamic between Kit and Gillian, the witch.
July 30, 2013
Ok, so i wont read the other two short stories before book one....I'll read them sometime after...sorry Aly!
March 30, 2016
This was hilarious :D
August 3, 2016
Good story, shows another side of Kit. Not enough focus on him in it, though.
Interesting to see some of the history between the witches and mages as well.
Interesting to see some of the history between the witches and mages as well.
August 15, 2019
I usually steer clear of short reads, especially freebies, but it’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Karen Chance’s writing and especially her Cassie Palmer novels. Suffice to say that this was an absolute gem and exceeded my expectations from Kit Marlowe's story. I absolutely loved it!!
This can be read as a standalone because there was enough background information to give an impression of the world the characters lived in. It just wasn’t like a full story and felt more like part of a whole but was captivatingly written and left me wanting for more. It jumped right into the story without unnecessary introduction and was thrilling from start to finish.
I learned from all the Cassie books that it's impossible for me to follow any kind of chaotic fights in detail - and there are many in the Cassandra Palmer World. But that's totally okay for me because I get the gist of them and still love what I understand of it. This time it was even easier to follow everything because it wasn’t overdone with details as I was used to from her other books.
Karen Chance constantly challenges me with her fantastically written words and this little read was no exception. This short story felt more like a longer and very suspenseful chapter or rather a scene from a full length book. It was a page-turner and fast read. I really loved it.
The witch Gillian was imprisoned with numerous of other people until vampire Kit Marlowe came looking for a suitable help to save the queen. When all hell broke loose it was to decide who to trust in order to survive in a fighting chaos full of witches and mages. To look for the lesser of two evils.
The only thing I didn't understand was how so many witches were captured and held for days or longer and then suddenly were able to fight for so long - without any weapons and only little to none magic left due to their weak states - against very powerful mages who had a large armory or seemingly endless supply of magic.
This can be read as a standalone because there was enough background information to give an impression of the world the characters lived in. It just wasn’t like a full story and felt more like part of a whole but was captivatingly written and left me wanting for more. It jumped right into the story without unnecessary introduction and was thrilling from start to finish.
I learned from all the Cassie books that it's impossible for me to follow any kind of chaotic fights in detail - and there are many in the Cassandra Palmer World. But that's totally okay for me because I get the gist of them and still love what I understand of it. This time it was even easier to follow everything because it wasn’t overdone with details as I was used to from her other books.
Karen Chance constantly challenges me with her fantastically written words and this little read was no exception. This short story felt more like a longer and very suspenseful chapter or rather a scene from a full length book. It was a page-turner and fast read. I really loved it.
The witch Gillian was imprisoned with numerous of other people until vampire Kit Marlowe came looking for a suitable help to save the queen. When all hell broke loose it was to decide who to trust in order to survive in a fighting chaos full of witches and mages. To look for the lesser of two evils.
The only thing I didn't understand was how so many witches were captured and held for days or longer and then suddenly were able to fight for so long - without any weapons and only little to none magic left due to their weak states - against very powerful mages who had a large armory or seemingly endless supply of magic.
February 3, 2024
So many books, so little time – which explains why I never got around to reading the 'Cassandra Palmer' series.
And when a series has over a dozen books, plus prequels, short stories and novellas, to be read in a set order, well, that's when prequels come into their.
There's a fairly large investment of time involved so I like to get a taste of what is to come before committing myself.
Based on the “Gauntlet” I'll definitely be reading onwards.
Gillian is a witch in Elizabethan Britain, just not the one we know from history.
Witchcraft is under attack, facing extermination, and Gillian is in prison facing a very uncertain (probably short) future.
She meets an improbable saviour in the shape of vampire Kit Marlowe just as all merry hell breaks loose in the jail.
He's a powerful vamp but only a recent member of the undead, so most things vampish are a mystery to him.
It's short but very, very busy, hardly pausing to draw breath.
And it has a good sense of humour.
It's too short to really judge but I liked it.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
And when a series has over a dozen books, plus prequels, short stories and novellas, to be read in a set order, well, that's when prequels come into their.
There's a fairly large investment of time involved so I like to get a taste of what is to come before committing myself.
Based on the “Gauntlet” I'll definitely be reading onwards.
Gillian is a witch in Elizabethan Britain, just not the one we know from history.
Witchcraft is under attack, facing extermination, and Gillian is in prison facing a very uncertain (probably short) future.
She meets an improbable saviour in the shape of vampire Kit Marlowe just as all merry hell breaks loose in the jail.
He's a powerful vamp but only a recent member of the undead, so most things vampish are a mystery to him.
It's short but very, very busy, hardly pausing to draw breath.
And it has a good sense of humour.
It's too short to really judge but I liked it.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
July 6, 2017
I loved the way that this novella flicked between two different points of view – the vampire and the witch’s. Although originally it is easy to take the witch’s side, it quickly becomes possible to not only see the blossoming romance between the two, but also why each acts as they do. No matter how odd and absurd riding across a battle on a keg may seem.
Actually, it’s the rather absurd battle and ways in which the characters are able to overcome their difficulties, differences and the dangers around them that I most love about this story. The imagery that Chance brings to the tale have stayed in my mind a lot longer than they usually would, and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into The Queen’s Witch.
Actually, it’s the rather absurd battle and ways in which the characters are able to overcome their difficulties, differences and the dangers around them that I most love about this story. The imagery that Chance brings to the tale have stayed in my mind a lot longer than they usually would, and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into The Queen’s Witch.
January 24, 2022
I've read Karen Chance's works as they've come out to Shatter the Earth, which I missed being published. COVID made us all miss a lot of things, I think! Since it has been a while since I've read quite a few of them, I've decided to start back at the very beginning and read everything set in the universe in chronological order and revisit my ratings. I don't think I'll write reviews for many of the books and definitely not the short stories, but we'll see.
First read when published. Reread January 2022.
First read when published. Reread January 2022.
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