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Raine Benares #0.5
Wild Card
My name is Raine Benares. I'm a seeker, a finder of things lost and people missing. I've never had to do both in one day, or had this many lives at stake--including mine.
The search for a missing ring leads me to the abduction of eight magically gifted children. Their souls were stolen while they slept, and unless I find those souls by sunrise, their bodies will die.
Both cases have one thing in common--they're linked to a goblin secret society high-stakes poker game, whose members are practitioners of the blackest of black magic. As a seeker, I can track those captured children's souls, but to spring them will take magic I haven't got.
That's where Tamnais Nathrach comes in. He's the seductive embodiment of sin itself. He's also a goblin dark mage with an even darker past, the owner of the city's most notorious casino--and the only person with magic enough to reach the kids in time.
Why are the most dangerous predators the most beautiful?
The stakes are high; the odds of success are low. And I'm betting with my life--a life I'll have to trust to a darkly tempting goblin mage I just met.
The search for a missing ring leads me to the abduction of eight magically gifted children. Their souls were stolen while they slept, and unless I find those souls by sunrise, their bodies will die.
Both cases have one thing in common--they're linked to a goblin secret society high-stakes poker game, whose members are practitioners of the blackest of black magic. As a seeker, I can track those captured children's souls, but to spring them will take magic I haven't got.
That's where Tamnais Nathrach comes in. He's the seductive embodiment of sin itself. He's also a goblin dark mage with an even darker past, the owner of the city's most notorious casino--and the only person with magic enough to reach the kids in time.
Why are the most dangerous predators the most beautiful?
The stakes are high; the odds of success are low. And I'm betting with my life--a life I'll have to trust to a darkly tempting goblin mage I just met.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2014
32 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Shearin
22 books1,106 followersLisa is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Raine Benares novels and The SPI Files.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 10, 2018
I’ve read some of Shearin’s books in the SPI series and really enjoyed them and finally decided to give this series a go. To my delight, I got a kick out of elf/magic seeker Raine and goblin dark mage/casino owner Tam. The story was a nice intro to the series and managed to whet my appetite for more. Even though the ending wrapped up a little to neatly for me, the blend of light humor, magic, and action captivated my interest.
December 5, 2017
The one that started them all....It was bittersweet reading it, but I loved it :)
January 14, 2015
This is a prequel novella in Lisa Shearin's Raine Benares series detailing her first meeting with Tam Nathratch, the one-time dark Goblin mage turned casino owner. Raine is a magical seeker, finding goods and people that have gone astray. Between them Raine, Tam and Raine's piratical cousin, Phelan, get involved with reclaiming jewels that have been used to store the stolen souls of children.
It's a fairly straightforward plot, but Shearin's strengths are character, pace and voice and this has all of her trademark quirks in good measure. It serves as a good intro to her world and a nice revisit for those of us who have read all of the Raine Benares series beginning with Magic Lost, Trouble Found. A quick read. Recommended.
It's a fairly straightforward plot, but Shearin's strengths are character, pace and voice and this has all of her trademark quirks in good measure. It serves as a good intro to her world and a nice revisit for those of us who have read all of the Raine Benares series beginning with Magic Lost, Trouble Found. A quick read. Recommended.
June 27, 2015
Not long ago I found Lisa Shearin through her SPI Files series books, The Grendel Affair and The Dragon Conspiracy. I enjoyed those books greatly, so nosed around to see if I thought I would like any of her other books as well. It made sense – if you like one series, you will in all likelihood enjoy the author’s other work as well. Looking at Lisa’s page on Goodreads, I noted that the first novella of the Raine Benares series, Wild Card (Raine Benares .05) was available, and was the perfect way to begin, especially as the audio is only $5.95. Besides, I like Eileen Stevens, the narrator, so I downloaded it from Audible to give the series a try.
I wasn’t disappointed. I like Raine. She is strong, though not overpoweringly so. While she is a magical elf, her magic isn’t of the “Blow them all up” type. Rather, she is a Seeker – she finds missing items, missing people, that sort of thing. Now, she has been asked to find the stolen jewels belonging to Lady Kaharit (listening on Audible means you can’t always know how things are spelled!) a high standing Goblin lady. Of course, who she is to steal them from is scary in its own right – and it leads to even scarier things very quickly.
Magic Lost, Trouble Found (Raine Benares 1) is playing on my tablet now! Oh, and the third in the SPI Series, The Brimstone Deception, is due out January 26, 2016 (Soooo Long!! :-() but I already have it on my “must have” list.
I wasn’t disappointed. I like Raine. She is strong, though not overpoweringly so. While she is a magical elf, her magic isn’t of the “Blow them all up” type. Rather, she is a Seeker – she finds missing items, missing people, that sort of thing. Now, she has been asked to find the stolen jewels belonging to Lady Kaharit (listening on Audible means you can’t always know how things are spelled!) a high standing Goblin lady. Of course, who she is to steal them from is scary in its own right – and it leads to even scarier things very quickly.
Magic Lost, Trouble Found (Raine Benares 1) is playing on my tablet now! Oh, and the third in the SPI Series, The Brimstone Deception, is due out January 26, 2016 (Soooo Long!! :-() but I already have it on my “must have” list.
August 14, 2022
4 Stars:)
August 29, 2022
The story about the ring was a bit more involved than previously anticipated
January 21, 2015
This novella was a short but jolly ride with one of my favorite fantasy characters, Raine Benares, an honest red-headed elf and a magical seeker from a family of thieves and pirates. It’s a prequel to the author’s series about Raine, although the novella was published only recently, after all the other books in the series.
The beginning is innocuous: Raine’s client asks her to find a missing ring. The client’s husband stole it for his gambling debts. Unfortunately, complications arise as soon as Raine starts looking, and her search leads her to the uncovering of a terrible crime. There are stolen children souls involved. Raine has to get them back before their little bodies die.
Along the way, Raine first meets the dark goblin mage Tam, who becomes her friend and sometimes sexual partner later in the series. Together, they… well. Alas, I can’t say they solve the ring problem. Rather they find the evil culprits, face a certain death, and then – bang – some mysterious friends of Tam come along, solve their problem for them with a spectacular display of magic, and disappear quietly.
This is a pet peeve of mine, the deus ex machina literary device, when an author drops her characters into an untenable situation, pumps up the tension, and then introduces some new and obscure force to extract them from it. I hate such plot twists, even though ancient Greeks used them frequently. I like it when the heroes solve their problems themselves. In this case, despite the charming characters, the excellent writing, and the quick pace of the tale, the deus ex machina spoiled my joy (somewhat) in the otherwise delightful fantasy romp.
It would’ve been 5 stars otherwise.
The beginning is innocuous: Raine’s client asks her to find a missing ring. The client’s husband stole it for his gambling debts. Unfortunately, complications arise as soon as Raine starts looking, and her search leads her to the uncovering of a terrible crime. There are stolen children souls involved. Raine has to get them back before their little bodies die.
Along the way, Raine first meets the dark goblin mage Tam, who becomes her friend and sometimes sexual partner later in the series. Together, they… well. Alas, I can’t say they solve the ring problem. Rather they find the evil culprits, face a certain death, and then – bang – some mysterious friends of Tam come along, solve their problem for them with a spectacular display of magic, and disappear quietly.
This is a pet peeve of mine, the deus ex machina literary device, when an author drops her characters into an untenable situation, pumps up the tension, and then introduces some new and obscure force to extract them from it. I hate such plot twists, even though ancient Greeks used them frequently. I like it when the heroes solve their problems themselves. In this case, despite the charming characters, the excellent writing, and the quick pace of the tale, the deus ex machina spoiled my joy (somewhat) in the otherwise delightful fantasy romp.
It would’ve been 5 stars otherwise.
February 27, 2016
A terrific prequel to an exciting fantasy series
This is a fascinating series with a "kick ass" heroine, beautiful, red-haired elf, Raine Benares. Raine is a seeker of moderate magical powers in a world filled with magical creatures until, in Book 1 of the series, she unexpectedly gains a frightening degree of power from an unexpected source and gains as allies two gorgeous, extremely magically powerful males.
I had read the first book in this fascinating fantasy series prior to discovering this prequel. I was happy to read it, even if belatedly, as I was wondering all through Book 1 how Raine's relationship with the sexy and enigmatic Tamnais Nathrach (Tam) originated. This prequel explains all.
You don't have to read this novella before you start the series, but it definitely will increase the pleasure you will have in Book 1 and the rest of the series.
This is a fascinating series with a "kick ass" heroine, beautiful, red-haired elf, Raine Benares. Raine is a seeker of moderate magical powers in a world filled with magical creatures until, in Book 1 of the series, she unexpectedly gains a frightening degree of power from an unexpected source and gains as allies two gorgeous, extremely magically powerful males.
I had read the first book in this fascinating fantasy series prior to discovering this prequel. I was happy to read it, even if belatedly, as I was wondering all through Book 1 how Raine's relationship with the sexy and enigmatic Tamnais Nathrach (Tam) originated. This prequel explains all.
You don't have to read this novella before you start the series, but it definitely will increase the pleasure you will have in Book 1 and the rest of the series.
October 20, 2016
Nice short showing the meeting of Tam. I think it might be a lead in to his book that is coming soon. I really liked Tam and in this you see the start of the attraction that they have. We know where that goes if you've read the series. Phalen is also in this but very cursorily. Quick and to the point.
April 19, 2021
My name is Raine Benares. I’m a seeker, a finder of things lost and people missing. I’ve never had to do both in one day, or had this many lives at stake—including mine.
The search for a missing ring leads me to the abduction of eight magically gifted children. Their souls were stolen while they slept, and unless I find those souls by sunrise, their bodies will die.
Both cases have one thing in common—they’re linked to a goblin secret society high-stakes poker game, whose members are practitioners of the blackest of black magic. As a seeker, I can track those captured children’s souls, but to spring them will take magic I haven’t got.
That's where Tamnais Nathrach comes in. He's the seductive embodiment of sin itself. He's also a goblin dark mage with an even darker past, the owner of the city's most notorious casino—and the only person with magic enough to reach the kids in time.
Why are the most dangerous predators the most beautiful?
Heather's Notes
This was a really good introduction to the series. I like Raine and Tamnais. You don't see much interaction with them, but what you saw was very interesting. I will definitely be looking at the next book in this series.
The search for a missing ring leads me to the abduction of eight magically gifted children. Their souls were stolen while they slept, and unless I find those souls by sunrise, their bodies will die.
Both cases have one thing in common—they’re linked to a goblin secret society high-stakes poker game, whose members are practitioners of the blackest of black magic. As a seeker, I can track those captured children’s souls, but to spring them will take magic I haven’t got.
That's where Tamnais Nathrach comes in. He's the seductive embodiment of sin itself. He's also a goblin dark mage with an even darker past, the owner of the city's most notorious casino—and the only person with magic enough to reach the kids in time.
Why are the most dangerous predators the most beautiful?
Heather's Notes
This was a really good introduction to the series. I like Raine and Tamnais. You don't see much interaction with them, but what you saw was very interesting. I will definitely be looking at the next book in this series.
September 13, 2018
This is the story of how Raine and Tam first met. If you have read the Raine Benares series then you already know the basics, but as a fan of the series, it was great to see their first interaction and see the chemistry between the characters. It also goes a long way in explaining why Raine always trusted Tam, despite his past.
July 4, 2017
A wonderful novella about how Tam and Raine's friendship began while saving innocent souls.
October 17, 2017
I dunno yet.
October 20, 2017
While I have enjoyed SPI Files, I don't find the prose of the Raine Benares books sufficiently well-crafted to keep my interest.
December 15, 2017
Bittersweet as a prequel cuz the series is complete but fun none the less
February 6, 2018
Fun, fun, fun. I'm a little in love with Phaelan and Tam.
....Okay, a lot in love.
....Okay, a lot in love.
April 14, 2018
There could have been a little more action and a little less description. It was still good.
August 6, 2018
This is my type of story. I really am gonna read the series now. I wanted to anyways but this story confirms it.
June 2, 2019
I'm really excited to delve in these series. Cannot wait to read more about Raine.
August 23, 2019
Story was ok but the writing was a bit simple and occasionally repetitive. The plot seemed too simple as well, but that could be because it was a short story.
December 7, 2023
Great introduction to the world and characters for those not yet familiar with the series, a quick and entertaining read for those who are.
September 11, 2018
I always love Raine stories, and this was a nice bit of backstory - we've heard about the encounter where Raine met Tam, about 2 years before the events of book 1, but it's nice to see in all it's detail.
I feel like Raine was pushed into a more underpowered state, though, than she actually was in book 1 (before the Saghred). In the opening of that book, when encountering a pack of Khrynsani mages casting a nasty spell, she feels confident enough in her shielding (again, pre-Saghred) - we're told that has always been a particular gift of hers - to shield herself, Phaelan, and her employee. But she chooses to go on the offense instead, and dumps manure on their heads to interrupt their focus.
In this book, Raine doesn't use any magic besides seeking, even in situations where it would really make sense ... We don't even get to see Raine fight. She comes across as pretty incapable, honestly, with Phaelan tagging along like an incapable accessory.
Still, we've heard a lot about how Tam met Raine, and it was nice to see. I just wish they'd been a bit more themselves. No, they aren't badass mages, but they've held their own against badass mages before, and they do it right away in book 1.
*shrug* 3.5 stars
I feel like Raine was pushed into a more underpowered state, though, than she actually was in book 1 (before the Saghred). In the opening of that book, when encountering a pack of Khrynsani mages casting a nasty spell, she feels confident enough in her shielding (again, pre-Saghred) - we're told that has always been a particular gift of hers - to shield herself, Phaelan, and her employee. But she chooses to go on the offense instead, and dumps manure on their heads to interrupt their focus.
In this book, Raine doesn't use any magic besides seeking, even in situations where it would really make sense ... We don't even get to see Raine fight. She comes across as pretty incapable, honestly, with Phaelan tagging along like an incapable accessory.
Still, we've heard a lot about how Tam met Raine, and it was nice to see. I just wish they'd been a bit more themselves. No, they aren't badass mages, but they've held their own against badass mages before, and they do it right away in book 1.
*shrug* 3.5 stars
March 11, 2017
For once, a very good Novella.
There are precious few authors out there that can actually write a good short story or novella. It's nice to know that I can add another name to that list.
Other things that Ms. Shearin knows how to do 'very' well are;
1. Make characters so realistic and approachable with full backstories that you just know they are going step out of her world and set up shop in ours.
2. Come up with a plot line that is compelling, making you want to find out what's going to happen, be it good or bad.
3. She has no problem setting a pace in her stories that keeps her characters and readers on their toes. There are no long drawn out scenes that are over effusive with detailed descriptions of the surroundings, or clothing, or the bad guy's reveal of his 'Master Plan' to 'Rule the World' or at least his little chunk of it, that we all know is going to be thwarted by the good guys.
4. Ms. Shearin is also the Queen of Subtle Foreshadowing which she uses masterfully in numerous places that leaves you quietly pondering at the end how she's going address those points in the next book rather than going in for the Obnoxious Cliff Hanger that we all know is blatent pandering to sell the next book.
So, if you are in the market for a good, well written book, with characters that resonate with you, perfectly paced book, look no more. This book, no, this series is it. - Good Reading.
There are precious few authors out there that can actually write a good short story or novella. It's nice to know that I can add another name to that list.
Other things that Ms. Shearin knows how to do 'very' well are;
1. Make characters so realistic and approachable with full backstories that you just know they are going step out of her world and set up shop in ours.
2. Come up with a plot line that is compelling, making you want to find out what's going to happen, be it good or bad.
3. She has no problem setting a pace in her stories that keeps her characters and readers on their toes. There are no long drawn out scenes that are over effusive with detailed descriptions of the surroundings, or clothing, or the bad guy's reveal of his 'Master Plan' to 'Rule the World' or at least his little chunk of it, that we all know is going to be thwarted by the good guys.
4. Ms. Shearin is also the Queen of Subtle Foreshadowing which she uses masterfully in numerous places that leaves you quietly pondering at the end how she's going address those points in the next book rather than going in for the Obnoxious Cliff Hanger that we all know is blatent pandering to sell the next book.
So, if you are in the market for a good, well written book, with characters that resonate with you, perfectly paced book, look no more. This book, no, this series is it. - Good Reading.
November 11, 2024
A magical prequel featuring pirates, goblins, elves and stolen souls. Raine Benares is the only (or at least mostly) law abiding member of a criminal family. Distancing herself from the family business sees her making a living as a seeker - a person who finds and retrieves stolen goods, missing items or kidnapped people.
In this first case, Raine is charged with finding some stolen jewellery and teams up with her cousin, Captain Phaelan Benares - second most feared pirate of the seven kingdoms - and newcomer to the city, the infamous Tamnais Nathrach - the ex right hand and magical enforcer of the goblin queen. And Raine needs all the help she can get because it's not just stolen jewellery she's after - but stolen souls.
I really liked this. The banter between Raine and Phaelan and Tam and the rest is snarky and hilarious. The mystery was interesting and the world building was well done - even if not anything particularly original. It was full of action and adventure and a great start to a new urban fantasy series. 4 stars.
In this first case, Raine is charged with finding some stolen jewellery and teams up with her cousin, Captain Phaelan Benares - second most feared pirate of the seven kingdoms - and newcomer to the city, the infamous Tamnais Nathrach - the ex right hand and magical enforcer of the goblin queen. And Raine needs all the help she can get because it's not just stolen jewellery she's after - but stolen souls.
I really liked this. The banter between Raine and Phaelan and Tam and the rest is snarky and hilarious. The mystery was interesting and the world building was well done - even if not anything particularly original. It was full of action and adventure and a great start to a new urban fantasy series. 4 stars.
July 2, 2015
For full review go to: http://wp.me/p5Q4Dh-k3
The story starts out with Raine finding a client that needs to find a piece of jewelry. Usually this kind of thing is right up Raine’s alley, but complications set in when Raine finds out the gems stolen from her client are used as vessels. Each gem is holding a kidnapped child’s soul. Raine and her cousin Phaelan join forces to get the gems back and the children released. Pretty straight forward? Uh…no. That’s just the short game. The long game has to do with Tamnais Nathrach, his wife’s death and his departure from royal court. Did I mention that he’s ever so hot and is a possible love interest? If this goblin has ½ as much charisma as Lord Rake Danescu from Shearin’s SPI files, I’m going to be in big, big trouble. Oh, boy….this is gonna be the good kind of trouble!
The story starts out with Raine finding a client that needs to find a piece of jewelry. Usually this kind of thing is right up Raine’s alley, but complications set in when Raine finds out the gems stolen from her client are used as vessels. Each gem is holding a kidnapped child’s soul. Raine and her cousin Phaelan join forces to get the gems back and the children released. Pretty straight forward? Uh…no. That’s just the short game. The long game has to do with Tamnais Nathrach, his wife’s death and his departure from royal court. Did I mention that he’s ever so hot and is a possible love interest? If this goblin has ½ as much charisma as Lord Rake Danescu from Shearin’s SPI files, I’m going to be in big, big trouble. Oh, boy….this is gonna be the good kind of trouble!
December 11, 2014
A good story, but lightweight
This tale explains how two of Shearin's main characters, Raine and Tam, joined forces, and while it's a fun read, like many prequels it doesn't really fit. The main problem is that the start of Tam and Raine's relationship is too close to what it becomes in much later books - there's too much comfort and trust, not enough edge and uncertainty. Then, too, Raine is too uncomplicatedly good - also an issue in the other books. It just doesn't really fit when she's grown up in a family of con men/pirates/players. I wish Shearin had shown her growing into a hero, rather than just starting out there. As a fantasy adventure, it works well. It just could have been better.
This tale explains how two of Shearin's main characters, Raine and Tam, joined forces, and while it's a fun read, like many prequels it doesn't really fit. The main problem is that the start of Tam and Raine's relationship is too close to what it becomes in much later books - there's too much comfort and trust, not enough edge and uncertainty. Then, too, Raine is too uncomplicatedly good - also an issue in the other books. It just doesn't really fit when she's grown up in a family of con men/pirates/players. I wish Shearin had shown her growing into a hero, rather than just starting out there. As a fantasy adventure, it works well. It just could have been better.
November 29, 2014
I really miss Raine, Mychael, Tam & the gang, so it was wonderful to read Wild Cards.
We learn that Raine has always been a magnet for trouble, due in part to her sense of justice, and that when her seeker abilities are in play she can sense trapped souls.. which eventually leads to the Saghred in her future.
After reading Wild Cards, I wish Raine had taken Tam up on his amorous pursuits.
Look forward to more.
We learn that Raine has always been a magnet for trouble, due in part to her sense of justice, and that when her seeker abilities are in play she can sense trapped souls.. which eventually leads to the Saghred in her future.
After reading Wild Cards, I wish Raine had taken Tam up on his amorous pursuits.
Look forward to more.
November 26, 2014
A fun and fast addition to the Raine Benares series. I enjoyed seeing the beginning of Tam and Raine's relationship and how seamlessly the story fit into the hints throughout the rest of the series. Now I need to reread the series again to quench the thirst for Shearin's writing that this book has reawakened.
December 16, 2014
This novella was nice, but no more. I liked the lead and her "interest" and her cousin was a nice side character. What is keeping me from starting the series is the love triangle. Really, I've got no idea what the appeal is. I had hope for a nice new series to read but after detecting the triangle-thing it's a no go for me.
March 22, 2015
I loved this because I have been missing Raine & Co and because it was great to get some background to the relationship between Raine & Tam. When we meet them in Magic Lost Trouble Found they have obviously known each other for a while and have a level of trust. It was great to see where it all began. Also Phaelan. Want MORE of these stories. only next time we need the addition of Piaras.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews