The Burning Hand

The Orphan Queen #0.3

by Jodi Meadows

The city of Skyvale's problems have reached the palace. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows's most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce is no longer simply a prince. He wanted to be more and do more after he watched his tutor's brutal murder and uncovered a plot that threatens the safety of Skyvale. With the help of his cousin, James, and the guidance of a girl who knows her way around the city's rooftops, Tobiah is gaining confidence in his new role. He can no longer be just a witness to the evils occurring in his city, but is he willing to risk his reputation—and maybe even his life—to make things right?

The Burning Hand is the third of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Novella, High Fantasy, Ebooks, Fiction, Magic

40 pages, Unknown Binding

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

I write books. I snuggle cats. I drink coffee.

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Feel free to send a friend request. I don't reply to Goodreads messages; email is preferred.

Reviews

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh look! My prayers have been answered because I got more of Tobiah!

The Burning Hand is the third novella in a short list of for lovely novellas. It doesn't disappoint either, just like the previous two. It's a little bit darker than the first two novellas as well - but oh man, is it amazing.

I'm secretly, okay not so secretly, falling for Tobiah. It's nice to get more information on him before I read The Orphan Queen and I hope that I will love him even more in that book (and beyond!). It's interesting to see what he does in this book. I have no idea what I would do if I saw someone being murdered right in front of me. And then finding out someone you know is under constant threat from the murderer?!? Oh hell no, I have no fucking idea what I would do in that situation. I'd probably run away though. I'm a lover and not a fighter - plus, I'd probably die if I tried to fight since I have no idea what to do other than kick someone..

This novella did have some twists and turns that I honestly had no idea would appear and it definitely made it more interesting. I seriously can't wait to finish the fourth novella so that I can binge read this entire freaking series.

[Katerina Kondrenko · Rating 2 out of 5]

4.5 out of 10

Ревью в моем блоге/This review on my blog
Living A Thousand Lives (please use Chrome/Yandex browser or Android/IOS to see the page; otherwise, spoiler-tags I use to make my post compact may not work)

Short-Soundtrack:
Inon Zur – Covert Action
Inon Zur – Dust & Danger
Icon Music – Quick Burning Wick

I was hoping so badly for badass girls not to be the Ospreys. But that was them. And that's ridiculous! Little girls are stronger than a bunch of merciless criminals. So much for a believable situation. I liked Tobiah's transformation, but the plot... it's again full of contrived coincidences. All these 'at the very last moment did happen this and that' destroy my excitement, I can't worry about MCs if they always are to be rescued as if by magic.

PS: James... this bastard of a prince (a literal one) deserves a place on my princes-fetish-shelf. Unlike Tobiah. Such a shame there's too little of James in these bonuses.

The Orphan Queen (Королева сирот):

— The Hidden Prince (Оберегаемый принц) #0.1/2
— The Glowing Knight (Раскаленный рыцарь) #0.2/2
— The Burning Hand (Пылающая рука) #0.3/2
— The Black Knife (Черный нож) #0.4/2
— The Orphan Queen (Королева сирот) #1/2
— The Mirror King (Зеркальный король) #2/2

[rachel, x · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still think these novellas should be combined to form a complete full-length prequel, but obviously that isn’t happening any time soon so I’ll stop saying that…

Anyway, this story was everything I needed. If you adored Tobiah in the main series, you should have already picked this mini series thing up by now. It is everything we could have asked for on that front. Tobiah’s characterisation is just on point. I just love seeing him evolve into the character we’ll later know him to be. He was so innocent and naive in the first prequel novella. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing him work out where he stands on these massive/important debates and overcome so much of his privileged perspective.

Meadows’ writing style just makes these novellas pop. She is so vivid with her descriptions. Her fight scenes are realistic but engaging and nail-bitingly suspenseful. The banter and dialogue between characters is always perfect, and I just want more from her asap!

[Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching his tutor being murdered and discovering that Skyvale is under threat, Prince Tobiah is determined to stop the murderer Hensley. With guidance for Romily, a girl who knows the way around the rooftops, is Tobiah willing to risk his reputation or his life to make things right?

The Burning Hand is the third prequel novella in The Orphan Queen series and my favourite so far but also the darkest. I love getting to know Tobiah better and seeing how much he wants to help his country despite how corrupt it is. I also liked how clumsy he is compared to the vigilante we know and love. I also did not see that twist about James coming. I really enjoyed The Burning Hand and would recommend it to fans of Jodi Meadows Novels.

This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm

[Carina Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally had the chance to read this precious novella today. And I'm glad to say that I liked it a whole lot. Sigh. I adore this world that Jodi has created. And getting to read so much about Tobiah two years before The Orphan Queen is all kinds of perfect. I love getting to know this precious boy; whom I adore so much.

I'm not sure what I can say about this short story, though. Because it is very short. Yet pretty amazing even so. I just loved getting to know Tobiah a bit more. And reading more about James as well. I love their friendship. Also got to read more about Tobiah's parents. And I just. I don't like them at all.

I'm not sure if I remember that secret in this one, though. Ack. But then I remembered a The Mirror King secret. Sobs. And now my heart is all kinds of broken again. How mean. I have decided to give The Burning Hand four stars, because while I loved it, I also had some issues with how it was written. Which makes me a bit sad. But I also do love the writing. And I adore Jodi the most. She's amazing. And these books of hers are so good. Now I'm dying for the fourth and final novella. Ack. It is going to be awesome. Because there is a villain in this stories. And he is not yet dead. And I want him dead a lot. So yeah. Very excited for the last one :D

I'm not going to say much more about this one. Just that I thought it was awesome. It is a short and quick read. And I'm so glad I finally read it. I'm also forever grateful to the fact that I have already read The Mirror King, sigh. It was such a perfect sequel. If you all haven't read these books yet, then you really must do so. Because they are awesome. And, yeah, I very much suggest reading The Orphan Queen first. Or you will be spoiled. Also, I loved a sighting in this one a lot :) It was pretty awesome.

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This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2015/1...

[fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third novella was so much fun to read because it gave us a glimpse of the Black Knife in his early days when he's still clumsy and leading. Tobiah is such a great character and I love his fierceness and his determination.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I have hit a wall with Jodi's work because I was able to anticipate a lot of this novella so it wasn't as emotionally impactful as it should have been.

[Kayleigh {K-Books} · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Burning Hand Review on K-Books

Once again, I couldn't wait to jump into the third prequel novella about Tobiah's story before the events of The Orphan Queen. The Burning Hand really upped the anti and the danger in this incredibly addictive story. After seeing the brutal murder of Professor Knight Tobiah is more determined to see justice.

I really loved every moment of this novella. Jodi has done such a fantastic job of having these novellas stand alone but also come together as if it could be put together as a full-sized novel. I love that about them and I cannot wait to read the final novella.

[Paul Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy when YA series include novellas between the releases of their books. It ties the reader over and allows them to keep in the world of the series. These novellas focus on Tobiah and are prequels to the series.

James takes on a little more of a focus in this novella. Tobiah is still learning how to operate as a vigilante. He tries to balance being the Black Knife and his responsibilities as an heir. I give this novella a 5/5.

[mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Dianna ☾midnight reads☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is okay. I just wish there was more ooomph to the action scenes and the deus ex machina seems a bit weak for my taste. I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like there aren't enough descriptions for world-building, making it simple instead of vast and complex. The whole kingdom seems like a small city for me.

[Jamie Coudeville · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the inclusion of Wil (or nameless girl). I liked this one better than the first too, but I'd still prefer it in one big part.

[Greyscotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving on - or is it back? - to the main stories. Like I said I want to finish all of them before passing judgement, as it were.

[Jules Goud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another short and sweet novella! I really enjoy getting Tobiah's perspective.

[Bash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dramatic. That bombshell with James caught me off guard. Will be interesting to see how things wrap up in the last novella.

[Tealover · Rating 4 out of 5]

It made my heart ache for him and for her. This is the story behind the vigilante. Told for Tobiah's perspective, it was short but sweet and painful too.

[Julia Tulisov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lol.
I wonder if Wil knows she saved black knife

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The novellas are getting better and more action-packed each time. We got a little more insight into Tobiah and James' relationship and why Tobiah feels the way he does about certain things.

[Nina Sakura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Kara · Rating 1 out of 5]

ok I don't hate this book I just don't remember the characters and the plot of the story

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this story and all the developments, and I need to continue on now!

[TheBookNutBlog]

Originally posted on booklovingnut.com

4.5 Nuts

 

This is the third novella in the Orphan Queen series, which make MUCH more sense if read in order.

 

This is the novella I like to refer to as the "novella of secrets". Seriously, everyone has a secret.

First, there's a HUGE, MEGA AWESOME secret regarding James, which if you've read Mirror King will make your jaw drop and your lip quiver with all the feels. WHY, JODI, WHY!? Also why does this never come up again? O.O If you're a James fangirl this is your novella.

Then there's our little rooftop friend, Romily. Oh Romily, what have you done? Secrets, secret, and more secrets!

While Tobiah is slowly becoming more competent, he is still putting himself in situations where he is in way over his head. I see a theme here. I think he needs a better minder. Get in the game, James!

This is as good a time as ever to talk about the villain, now that there's much more time for him to be established. Jodi created a masterful villain for this novella set. He's intelligent and incredibly evil, a killer and yet sneaky enough to work right under the nose of the king. He's not even the likable kind of villain or a sexy villain, he's a straight up you're wishing-for-his-death kind of villain.

So I know I said the last one was my second favorite but looking back I think I lied. Or maybe this one is even tied for first. I don't know, it's certainly up there. If you haven't read Mirror King yet, this is the perfect time to marathon these novellas. If you have, you still need to read these novellas. Whatever, just read them. READ THEM! Ahem.

So Orphan Queen fans, where does this novella rank in your mind for the series? Share your thoughts in the comments.

From my shelf to yours,

This review was originally posted on The Book Nut: A Book Lover's Guide

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite novella yet.

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This might just be my favorite novella ever, it is certainly my favorite of the Orphan Queen prequel novellas. Things happen, oh boy do they happen. I'm not entirely surprised by the turn of events this novella took. After all, there is only one more left before the story reaches where the first book took place. But there really wasn't a dull moment. I could easily imagine Tobiah on his character journey behaving the way he does. He's not quite who he is in book one, but for the first time, he's really close. Plus I had a "Nameless Girl" OTP ship/fangirl moment while ready. This story definitely put me in the mood to reread book one.

[Amna Salam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad that Jodi decided to share with her readers Tobiah's story. His journey from the Crowned prince to Black Knife is so amazing to read. One more reason why I anticipate these novellas so much is that I like Black Knife more than Tobiah and to see how he transformed into my most favorite characters is a delight.

The best thing about BK is that he really really had to struggle and work to reach that position. It wasn't like the Crowned prince wanted to be a 'vigilante' and behold! he was born with those capabilities. No, Tobiah had to go through hell, to fail , to feel helpless yet keep his determination to the highest level.
I was absolutely devasted to read about Romily.

And BK cut off 'hand of the Burning Hand??' .. How cool is that :)

Also I enjoy these snippets of MK we are getting. Can't wait to read it in one sitting

P.S. The entire James twist.. Did not see that coming.. Did not see that coming. No way

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this novella, Tobiah is 16. And I still really like him. Thinking of the end of The Orphan Queen, it just makes me sad--I want certain things to happen, and I'm just afraid they won't.

Important events from this novella:
- Tobiah cuts off Hensley's hand when he's caught spying on his dealings with the Nightmare gang.
- His friend Romily, the 13-year-old girl from Red Flag, betrays him to Hensley, then changes her mind and ends up dying.
- Tobiah convinces his father to make James his guard by agreeing to court and eventually marry Meredith.
- The queen tells Tobiah that James is the bastard son of the king, making him Tobiah's half brother in addition to being his cousin. James doesn't know.
- We briefly see the Ospreys when they sort of save Tobiah from the Nightmare gang and steal his dagger.

Note: Nothing bad.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just realized I never added a review for this. FOR SHAME!

First off, if you've read The Orphan Queen but haven't been reading the novellas, you really should be. Aside from the two extra chapters of The Mirror King at the end of each novella (which is by the way a very compelling reason to read these), each of these novellas focuses on the struggles of Tobiah before he was Black Knifeand his struggles on becoming that.

Honestly, each of these novellas is a spoiler for The Orphan Queen. So if you haven't read it, stop reading these reviews, and go read the novel first.

The third novella is critical in that it deals with betrayal. We even get to see a bit of Wil from the past! I can't wait to see where the fourth and final novella takes us. To see how Tobiah finally ends up in his position.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thoughts from The Glowing Knight pretty much hold true for The Burning Hand. It's a decently entertaining mini-adventure in the Orphan Queen world that's dragged down by how incomplete it feels. (The Burning Hand in particular feels pretty much like an extended fight sequence.)

I'm also not sure how I feel about Tobiah having an encounter with Wilhelmina and the Ospreys, either. It changes their dynamic from The Orphan Queen in ways I'm not sure I like. (Though it is cute to see the origin of Wilhelmina's "nameless girl" nickname.)

The Burning Hand: 3.25 stars

[Carrie White · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something about this series of novellas that feels distinctly MG to me, or perhaps on the line between MG and YA. Maybe I've grown too used to the darkness that upper YA is presenting. Nonetheless, a terrific storyline, and the MC is certainly growing by leaps and bounds--though still showing enough holes in his armor to make the mistakes he needs to make if the story is to progress. I'm just sorry that the next installment isn't out yet!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tobiah is really acting on doing more in this short story, and it comes around back at him in the worst way. Being both the Crown Prince and a vigilante is not working out too well and his family begins to notice changes in him. Further, his vigilante work starts to put him in real danger as he tries to make changes. The end culminates in some serious problems for him and where to go from here; makes me curious to see how these short stories will end!

[Karin (desAlien) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third Orphan Queen novella. Yay!
I absolutely adore everything by Jodi Meadows and this was no exception.
As for the story, I really didn't see some of this coming. I was kinda shocked about some things. Well done Jodi, well done.
Also can someone tell me what to do until the release of the fourth novel and especially Mirror King? Those preview chapters are great but also WAY to short!!!