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Polar Night #0.5
The Turnagain Arm
A prequel to the paranormal thriller Polar Night.
Locomotive wheels screech to a halt. Potters Creek, Alaska is nothing more than a small camp set up alongside the tracks. A weathered sign dominates the scene.
The Turnagain Arm Saloon
Est.1917
Only one passenger remains and exits.
The early afternoon full moon peaks through a shimmering snow fall as a shadow casts over each split rail. The wind howls, sweeping the cloak of a hooded figure. He follows the tracks toward the distant saloon. A hulking man crunches through the snow, attracting his attention.
Calling out to him in a foreign accent, the townsman stops in mid step. The stranger catches up and engages him.
Until…
The man disappears under the stranger’s cloak.
Blood drips from his lips, and he wipes the remaining trickles from his mouth. After disposing of the body, the mysterious figure continues on his journey. He glides through the snow as if on a sleigh, leaving no footprints behind.
* * * * *
Within a short period, he convinces Vasyl, the owner of the saloon, to hire him. Aleksei charms everyone he meets. But soon mistrust enters every tense line on Vasyl’s face as others disappear and his wife falls under Aleksei’s spell.
The classic game of cat and mouse continues, but who will win?
Is a mere mortal any match for Aleksei?
A spark ignites within Alexei after yet another of Vasyl’s attempts to disgrace him.
This man knows of me. He must be a witch. Aleksei laughs. You are no match for me or my plan.
Locomotive wheels screech to a halt. Potters Creek, Alaska is nothing more than a small camp set up alongside the tracks. A weathered sign dominates the scene.
The Turnagain Arm Saloon
Est.1917
Only one passenger remains and exits.
The early afternoon full moon peaks through a shimmering snow fall as a shadow casts over each split rail. The wind howls, sweeping the cloak of a hooded figure. He follows the tracks toward the distant saloon. A hulking man crunches through the snow, attracting his attention.
Calling out to him in a foreign accent, the townsman stops in mid step. The stranger catches up and engages him.
Until…
The man disappears under the stranger’s cloak.
Blood drips from his lips, and he wipes the remaining trickles from his mouth. After disposing of the body, the mysterious figure continues on his journey. He glides through the snow as if on a sleigh, leaving no footprints behind.
* * * * *
Within a short period, he convinces Vasyl, the owner of the saloon, to hire him. Aleksei charms everyone he meets. But soon mistrust enters every tense line on Vasyl’s face as others disappear and his wife falls under Aleksei’s spell.
The classic game of cat and mouse continues, but who will win?
Is a mere mortal any match for Aleksei?
A spark ignites within Alexei after yet another of Vasyl’s attempts to disgrace him.
This man knows of me. He must be a witch. Aleksei laughs. You are no match for me or my plan.
- GenresHorrorThrillerParanormal
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2014
2 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Julie Flanders
10 books169 followersI am the author of the Polar Magic series and The Ghosts of Aquinnah. Polar Curse, book 3 in the Polar Magic series, will be published in October, 2022 by Ink Smith Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 13, 2014
When I read Flanders' first book "Polar Night," I was caught by surprise, because it isn't your usual run-of-the-mill mystery. Prior to reading that book, if someone had asked me if I liked books about vampires, I would have probably shaken my head and said, "No, nuh-uh, not ME." But that was BEFORE this mild-mannered librarian-by-day, writes-stuff-to-scare-the-crap-out-of-you-by-night author convinced me otherwise.
Now THIS book, "The Turnagain Arm," is a prequel novella to "Polar Night," so I knew what to expect this time. I thought. I expected short, and yep, I got short. I expected a nice interesting background with a touch of "creepy," and holy moley, I got a wonderfully detailed background, well-developed characters, and a deliciously creepy atmosphere created by the perfect choice of words. Much more than I expected in a book this short. To tell the truth, I wish it were longer, but it is actually just the right length to entice readers to continue reading the story in "Polar Night."
Pretty nefarious, right? You have no idea. I mean, with all the books I haven't had a chance to read yet, it's pretty thoughtless of this author to write a prequel that's so darned good, I'm now considering re-reading "Polar Night." I ask you, what kind of writer does that? What kind of writer has so little regard for my time that she's luring me into reading her ealier books all over again? Hmmmph.
I'll tell you what kind.
Talented. Damned talented.
I highly recommend all of this author's books. If you've already read "Polar Nights", you'll love this book. If you HAVEN'T read "Polar Nights" yet, read this one first. This prequel novella will suck you right into the novel... faster than a vampire drains his victim...
Now THIS book, "The Turnagain Arm," is a prequel novella to "Polar Night," so I knew what to expect this time. I thought. I expected short, and yep, I got short. I expected a nice interesting background with a touch of "creepy," and holy moley, I got a wonderfully detailed background, well-developed characters, and a deliciously creepy atmosphere created by the perfect choice of words. Much more than I expected in a book this short. To tell the truth, I wish it were longer, but it is actually just the right length to entice readers to continue reading the story in "Polar Night."
Pretty nefarious, right? You have no idea. I mean, with all the books I haven't had a chance to read yet, it's pretty thoughtless of this author to write a prequel that's so darned good, I'm now considering re-reading "Polar Night." I ask you, what kind of writer does that? What kind of writer has so little regard for my time that she's luring me into reading her ealier books all over again? Hmmmph.
I'll tell you what kind.
Talented. Damned talented.
I highly recommend all of this author's books. If you've already read "Polar Nights", you'll love this book. If you HAVEN'T read "Polar Nights" yet, read this one first. This prequel novella will suck you right into the novel... faster than a vampire drains his victim...
October 7, 2014
Potters Creek, Alaska is a small camp set up along the tracks. Workers find comradery and drink at The Turnagain Arm Saloon run by Vasyl and his lovely wife. The peace of the camp is disturbed by an increasing number of disappearances. Ones that occurred after Aleksei starts working for Vasyl. A monster has walked into their midst. Can Vasyl save everything he loves from the arrogant creature?
This is a prequel to Julie Flanders' paranormal thriller, Polar Night. It takes place in 1917 just after the gold rush. I could feel the chill in my bones against the grim backdrop. The perfect setting for the terror Aleksei brings.
Vasyl is an admirable character no matter that sometimes he can be gruff. It's part of his charm! I was on the edge of my seat hoping he and his wife would escape with their lives. Aleksei is as wonderfully sadistic and fascinating as he is in Polar Night. The perfect villain.
This well-written novella is a must read for fans of Polar Night and for anyone who likes a good creepy tale.
This is a prequel to Julie Flanders' paranormal thriller, Polar Night. It takes place in 1917 just after the gold rush. I could feel the chill in my bones against the grim backdrop. The perfect setting for the terror Aleksei brings.
Vasyl is an admirable character no matter that sometimes he can be gruff. It's part of his charm! I was on the edge of my seat hoping he and his wife would escape with their lives. Aleksei is as wonderfully sadistic and fascinating as he is in Polar Night. The perfect villain.
This well-written novella is a must read for fans of Polar Night and for anyone who likes a good creepy tale.
October 19, 2014
The Turnagain Arm is a spine-tingling, fantastic prequel by author, Julie Flanders. Once I began to read The Turnagain Arm there was no way I could put it down until I reached the final page.The Turnagain Arm is the prequel to Polar Night and I like the way the author adds history and facts to her stories. Ms. Flanders has proven herself again to capture her readers with a riveting story. Her writing is strong and powerful like her main character, Aleksei, and I was chilled to the bone and loved every minute of The Turnagain Arm!
November 4, 2014
This novella is the prequel to Polar Night. I haven’t read Polar Night, but I have read The Ghosts of Aquinnah by the author and really enjoyed the story. The Turnagain Arm has a delicious blend of a creepy character, a gruff, but likable hero, and a setting that lets the imagination run wild. Even though the story is short, Flanders is able to weave a scary tale in a short amount of time that will stick with me over the next couple of nights, which I’m thinking will be sleepless. Now I need to get my hands on a copy of Polar Night.
May 23, 2017
This the perfect introduction for Aleksei Nechayev, the antagonist of Polar Night by Julie Flanders, and his appearance in the second book Polar Day.
Although a heartbreaking example of his murderous proficiencies and his uncanny ability to survive whatever circumstance comes his way, it’s a wonderful introduction to both Polar Night and Polar Day!
Excellent, and highly recommended!
Although a heartbreaking example of his murderous proficiencies and his uncanny ability to survive whatever circumstance comes his way, it’s a wonderful introduction to both Polar Night and Polar Day!
Excellent, and highly recommended!
November 9, 2014
Aleksei, a soldier turned vampire, is running from a fallen Russia with the threat of an eternity alone after his beloved is killed. All of this we find out in the first couple of pages, and because of that I was intrigued. Things get interesting when he makes it to Alaska, in an area known as Turnagain Arm, and searches for a man named Vasyl Dzubenko.
Julie Flanders is a talented writer. The dialogue of the characters and the sentences that make up each perspective easily planted me into 1917. Her well-crafted descriptions of cold Alaska made me shiver...in Florida.
I love how Flanders blended the rail road and the history of that with the supernatural (vampires and witches). I’ve been a fan of the show Hell on Wheels so this new take on the subject was fun. She created a fascinating vampire that I liked, even when he was killing. Vasyl was also a well thought-out character with a past and secret of his own.
There are pleasant surprises that twist the plot, and the end was unexpected. Overall, this is an enjoyable read and a great prequel.
Julie Flanders is a talented writer. The dialogue of the characters and the sentences that make up each perspective easily planted me into 1917. Her well-crafted descriptions of cold Alaska made me shiver...in Florida.
I love how Flanders blended the rail road and the history of that with the supernatural (vampires and witches). I’ve been a fan of the show Hell on Wheels so this new take on the subject was fun. She created a fascinating vampire that I liked, even when he was killing. Vasyl was also a well thought-out character with a past and secret of his own.
There are pleasant surprises that twist the plot, and the end was unexpected. Overall, this is an enjoyable read and a great prequel.
October 20, 2014
The Turnagain Arm is a prequel to Polar Nights - which I loved - so I was excited to read this and wasn't disappointed. Aleksei from Polar Nights is back and the story picks up from when he a newly made vampire and how he gets from Russia to Alaska in 1917.
It's a short but enticing read that I finished in one sitting. Aleksei is as ruthless as ever, but the loss of his love Natasha, tugs at his heart, which gives him the humanity that the rest of behavior seems to take away.
There is a new cast of characters, all interesting and steeped in Eastern European legends and magic, with a unexpected twist at the end, that I hope is explored further in the next edition, Polar Days.
It's a stand alone read, so if you haven't read Polar Nights (which you should) you won't have any trouble following the story.
It's a short but enticing read that I finished in one sitting. Aleksei is as ruthless as ever, but the loss of his love Natasha, tugs at his heart, which gives him the humanity that the rest of behavior seems to take away.
There is a new cast of characters, all interesting and steeped in Eastern European legends and magic, with a unexpected twist at the end, that I hope is explored further in the next edition, Polar Days.
It's a stand alone read, so if you haven't read Polar Nights (which you should) you won't have any trouble following the story.
December 19, 2014
In a small Alaskan town rests a popular saloon run by a Ukrainian named Vasyl and his wife Lara. It’s a quiet place with no drama, but in steps Russian Aleksei. Vasyl immediately dislikes him because of his nationality and what the Russians have done to the Ukrainians. Soon, Vasyl will find another reason to detest Aleksei.
Disappearances and murders are occurring around the saloon, too many in fact. A supernatural force is killing the visitors and townspeople. This force is Aleksei. He is immortal. He is a vampire. Vasyl is willing to face demons from his past to put a stop to the bloodshed.
This fast-paced novella had a wonderful atmosphere with the 1917 Alaskan setting, and the supernatural vampire premise was well done. There was gore, but it wasn’t off-putting. I will definitely read more from this author, particularly Polar Night, which this is a prequel of.
Disappearances and murders are occurring around the saloon, too many in fact. A supernatural force is killing the visitors and townspeople. This force is Aleksei. He is immortal. He is a vampire. Vasyl is willing to face demons from his past to put a stop to the bloodshed.
This fast-paced novella had a wonderful atmosphere with the 1917 Alaskan setting, and the supernatural vampire premise was well done. There was gore, but it wasn’t off-putting. I will definitely read more from this author, particularly Polar Night, which this is a prequel of.
March 18, 2015
This is an excellent prequel to the books Polar Night and Polar Day, but you don't have to read it before those books. You can read it in between or after them, as Flanders includes enough information in each to make them powerful standalone reads. I highly recommend The Turnagain Arm as it contains much more backstory on Aleksei, the unflappable vampire nemesis of Polar Night and how he got started. I really enjoy the historical elements to Flanders' stories and this comes to the fore in this novella, which is wholly set in the remote Alaskan wilderness of 1917. It's hard to imagine many more bleak and desolate places and this really comes across in the description and the setting, together with an eerie sense of menace. Highly recommended if you like vampire stories or even if you don't. I don't, particularly, but Flanders makes them seem very real!
December 21, 2015
This novella had such a great villain! And the scariest thing was he wasn’t just evil and dangerous, he was smart. He was always one step ahead of the other characters. He was so smart it got me very worried for the hero and his wife, and it kept me glued to the last half of the book, which I read in one sitting.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sneaky twists in this novella, and the frightening murders kept me on the edge of my seat. If you like thrillers, you’ll love this book. It’s a real page-turner. Highly recommended!
I thoroughly enjoyed the sneaky twists in this novella, and the frightening murders kept me on the edge of my seat. If you like thrillers, you’ll love this book. It’s a real page-turner. Highly recommended!
September 29, 2015
This was so well written and the characters have a great dynamic. BUT, I knew how it would end (or close), and I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END THAT WAY. *sigh* Darn vampire...
I loved the history incorporated into the setting, and Alaska. I mean, who doesn't want to read stories set in Alaska? (Or maybe I'm weird like that?)
The story is definitely intended for adults, and I suggest it to lovers of horror. A great Halloween read.
Content warning: Gore. Violence.
I loved the history incorporated into the setting, and Alaska. I mean, who doesn't want to read stories set in Alaska? (Or maybe I'm weird like that?)
The story is definitely intended for adults, and I suggest it to lovers of horror. A great Halloween read.
Content warning: Gore. Violence.
March 4, 2016
The Turnagain Arm is the prequel to Polar Night, which I read and enjoyed.
A chilling and atmospheric tale that is packed with suspense.
The setting is amazing and "comes alive" so that you are there in 1917 Alaska, and "witness" the goings-on in the small camp alongside the tracks.
Strong and powerful writing!
A chilling and atmospheric tale that is packed with suspense.
The setting is amazing and "comes alive" so that you are there in 1917 Alaska, and "witness" the goings-on in the small camp alongside the tracks.
Strong and powerful writing!
April 13, 2017
A tightly paced, tense novella that fills in some of the back story of Flanders's character Aleksei from her fantastic novel, Polar Night. This is a vampire series the way vampires are meant to be!
October 10, 2014
I blew through this in one sitting.
Wonderfully chilling. Flanders' best yet. A must read.
Wonderfully chilling. Flanders' best yet. A must read.
February 27, 2015
Incredibly chilling, The Turnagain Arm delivers a "must-read" story with compelling characters and taut prose.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews