What do you think?
Rate this book
The Orphan Queen #0.4
The Black Knife
Skyvale is on the verge of becoming a battleground. 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 has been beaten and broken and has lost two people he cares about. His worst enemy knows his deepest secret. What he thought he knew about his family has fallen apart. And his parents push harder than ever for him to court Lady Meredith. But with the imminent threat of firefly, the newest and deadliest version of a magical drug, Tobiah doesn’t have time to sort through his problems. If he doesn’t act immediately, firefly will suffocate the city and everyone in it.
The Black Knife is the final 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.
Tobiah Pierce has been beaten and broken and has lost two people he cares about. His worst enemy knows his deepest secret. What he thought he knew about his family has fallen apart. And his parents push harder than ever for him to court Lady Meredith. But with the imminent threat of firefly, the newest and deadliest version of a magical drug, Tobiah doesn’t have time to sort through his problems. If he doesn’t act immediately, firefly will suffocate the city and everyone in it.
The Black Knife is the final 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.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
11 people are currently reading
1970 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Meadows
33 books4,719 followersI write books. I snuggle cats. I drink coffee.
--
Feel free to send a friend request. I don't reply to Goodreads messages; email is preferred.
--
Feel free to send a friend request. I don't reply to Goodreads messages; email is preferred.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Read
August 21, 2015The whole time I read the pass pages, I just kept muttering, "This poor boy. This poor, poor boy."
September 23, 2018
As far as novellas go, this one was really good and provided valuable insight, imo.
Just don’t go and read these novellas before book 1 since it will ruin ALL the fun.
Just don’t go and read these novellas before book 1 since it will ruin ALL the fun.
May 18, 2016
Prince Tobiah has been beaten and broken, he has lost two people he cares about and on top of that his enemy Hensley knows his real identity. Tobiah has to stop Hensley trading the drugs to the Nightmare gang before it is too late and Skyvale will be overrun with firefly.
The Black Knife is the final prequel novella to The Orphan Queen and it is fast paced and full of action. I am glad I waited until all of the novellas were out before starting to read them as it worked well reading them as if they were one book. I really liked how we got to know how Tobiah became the person we know in the Orphan Queen and how he fights for what is right and to protect his people. I also liked the relationship between him and James and they are brilliant best friends and I hope we get to see more of them together in the next book. I am really looking forward to reading The Mirror King and seeing what happens next after that cliff-hanger ending. I would recommend The Black Knife to fans of The Orphan Queen.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
The Black Knife is the final prequel novella to The Orphan Queen and it is fast paced and full of action. I am glad I waited until all of the novellas were out before starting to read them as it worked well reading them as if they were one book. I really liked how we got to know how Tobiah became the person we know in the Orphan Queen and how he fights for what is right and to protect his people. I also liked the relationship between him and James and they are brilliant best friends and I hope we get to see more of them together in the next book. I am really looking forward to reading The Mirror King and seeing what happens next after that cliff-hanger ending. I would recommend The Black Knife to fans of The Orphan Queen.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
May 26, 2016
This novella is probably my favorite out of all of them, only because Tobiah resembles so much of the badass person we know and love in The Orphan Queen. He's been through so much and I love that these novellas have provided us glimpses into his backstory and his development - it's made me love him even more.
December 1, 2017
I think I'm in love with Tobiah forever. Maybe longer than that.
And I also did a terrible thing and read the other reviews of this novella before typing my own and I found out that TOBIAH DIES OR SOMETHING !?!?! Later on in the book series. I'm heartbroken - but don't worry I'm still going to read the rest of this series. No spoiler will ever stop me from reading a book!
Other than that, I seriously am in love with Tobiah. I feel like The Black Knife was a perfect ending to these novellas and I seriously can't wait to read more about him and the rest of the characters in The Orphan Queen.
Bring on the tears!
And I also did a terrible thing and read the other reviews of this novella before typing my own and I found out that TOBIAH DIES OR SOMETHING !?!?! Later on in the book series. I'm heartbroken - but don't worry I'm still going to read the rest of this series. No spoiler will ever stop me from reading a book!
Other than that, I seriously am in love with Tobiah. I feel like The Black Knife was a perfect ending to these novellas and I seriously can't wait to read more about him and the rest of the characters in The Orphan Queen.
Bring on the tears!
August 10, 2016
The perfect finale to this prequel novella series. I adore Tobiah, as you should know by now, and it's sad that this is our last book with him. I'm just glad it was so fulfilling!
February 9, 2023
This was an action packed novella, and we learn another twist about James. I really wish that had been mentioned in the main series, but I guess it's also a way to show how loyal to his father Tobiah is.
This one shows Tobiah becoming Black Knife and why. I thought this one gave good insight into his character.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
This one shows Tobiah becoming Black Knife and why. I thought this one gave good insight into his character.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
March 31, 2016
This is the fourth and final enovella about Tobiah Pierce from The Orphan Queen books. Aw. I will miss this boy. I have loved getting to know him more in all four novellas, and I adored him so much in The Orphan Queen and The Mirror King. I simply love him. He's a favorite of mine. I liked this final one a whole lot.
I simply adore how Jodi has written these books. Her writing is stunning. And I love her characters so much. I love Tobiah a lot. And James too. Sigh. He is the bestest friend. I love him so much. His relationship with Tobiah is the best. I love how well he is at protecting him, and I love how much he cares for him.
In this final novella we get to read about Tobiah facing up with the bad guy, trying to stop him one last time. It was interesting and exciting. I find the glowmen to be pretty scary, and this drug type of thing is just the worst. Ack. Yet so so interesting to read about. We also get more of Tobiah, which I always love. And his first kiss too. Which made me a bit sad, but I liked getting to read it. I just want my boy to be happy. Sigh. I liked the story in this one a whole lot. I just wish it had been even longer, hih. It is so short. I think the two chapters of The Mirror King in the back is longer than this story. Ack. But despite it being short, it was amazing and I loved it lots. It was a great read. I'm just sad there will be no more Tobiah. I want more.
Which reminds me. You all need to read The Orphan Queen books. And these novellas too, after you read The Mirror King. They are all perfection. These books are so good. And you are all going to love them. You need to buy them. Because I need more books from this world, I really do. So glad I finally read this one. It was awesome. Also wish to mention that I adore Jodi so much. She's always so kind and just the very best person. Thank you so much, Jodi, for writing these stunning books. I have loved them all lots.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2016/0...
I simply adore how Jodi has written these books. Her writing is stunning. And I love her characters so much. I love Tobiah a lot. And James too. Sigh. He is the bestest friend. I love him so much. His relationship with Tobiah is the best. I love how well he is at protecting him, and I love how much he cares for him.
In this final novella we get to read about Tobiah facing up with the bad guy, trying to stop him one last time. It was interesting and exciting. I find the glowmen to be pretty scary, and this drug type of thing is just the worst. Ack. Yet so so interesting to read about. We also get more of Tobiah, which I always love. And his first kiss too. Which made me a bit sad, but I liked getting to read it. I just want my boy to be happy. Sigh. I liked the story in this one a whole lot. I just wish it had been even longer, hih. It is so short. I think the two chapters of The Mirror King in the back is longer than this story. Ack. But despite it being short, it was amazing and I loved it lots. It was a great read. I'm just sad there will be no more Tobiah. I want more.
Which reminds me. You all need to read The Orphan Queen books. And these novellas too, after you read The Mirror King. They are all perfection. These books are so good. And you are all going to love them. You need to buy them. Because I need more books from this world, I really do. So glad I finally read this one. It was awesome. Also wish to mention that I adore Jodi so much. She's always so kind and just the very best person. Thank you so much, Jodi, for writing these stunning books. I have loved them all lots.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2016/0...
January 1, 2017
A major thing bothers me about this novella: no killing. Now I'm not a psychopath or a fan of gratuitous violence, but the black and white viewpoint of this just irritated me. Like Tobiah and James were up against eleven fighters. If you only injure them, you're either going to get captured or killed, most likely the latter. I get that killing is awful and a terrible burden, but it is unrealistic that they could get out of that situation without getting blood on their hands. Also the deaths that did occur where "accidental" and really convenient. That whole situation just made it hard to believe in the reality of the story. But other than that, I liked seeing Tobiah's progression as Black Knife. I especially liked how they were trying to figure out his manifesto. So meta.
May 12, 2016
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.
This is the final novella. The effects of the end of the last novel propel the action forward. Tobiah finally has a name for his vigilante persona. This novella is a nice conclusion. These three novellas really make a prequel novel in itself. I give this novella a 5/5.
This is the final novella. The effects of the end of the last novel propel the action forward. Tobiah finally has a name for his vigilante persona. This novella is a nice conclusion. These three novellas really make a prequel novel in itself. I give this novella a 5/5.
May 3, 2016
Fast-paced and action packed, this is my favourite of the four novellas. Meadows creates a fantastic ending to Tobiah's story and an excellent foreshadowing of the events to come in The Orphan Queen.
The last two sentences in this novella are absolute gold:
"Mirrors gleamed with starlight, calling me home. “I’ll meet her another time.”
The last two sentences in this novella are absolute gold:
"Mirrors gleamed with starlight, calling me home. “I’ll meet her another time.”
June 20, 2016
3.5 stars
May 4, 2017
So many subtle clues...
November 9, 2017
Short but sweet; fills in some background in the overall scheme of the series. Now I have to read the other three novellas.
December 3, 2017
It's good. Still lacks a bit more for my taste.
January 17, 2018
Not what I expected, however the mystery of Black knife from the orphan queen is revealed.
August 18, 2018
Cute story. It has a Batman and Robin and Robinhood vibe. Gotta love a good vigilante story.
December 21, 2018
A lovely ending. I especially loved the final page with Nameless Girl 😉
June 26, 2019
I love their tandem. The fight scenes here are gripping, as if Im running and fighting with them. I love, love James. I hope there's a better future for him in the final book.
October 21, 2025
Yeah, this was so fantastic to read, and I'm so excited to dive into the main 2 books having now read these 4 novealls!
Read
March 17, 2016Originally posted on booklovingnut.com
4.5 Nuts
Like most of these novellas, this novella contains spoilers for The Orphan Queen. If you don't want to be spoiled do not read this review. It is also recommended that you do not read these novellas until you have read The Orphan Queen. These novellas are best when read in order.
This is the 4th novella in the Orphan Queen series.
Now that the boring warning stuff is done with, ON TO THE REVIEW!
Shock! Awe! Tobiah is the Black Knife. Ok, is anyone actually surprised? No, not if you've been reading along. If you are reading things out of order it might be. Don't do that! Go back to to the beginning and read stuff in order!
Hey, James fans! Look, more James! This is probably the most James heavy novella of all of them so James fans will get their fill until Mirror King comes out. You get a lot of Tobiah and James' relationship in this book, which is never a bad thing. Yes, give us more!
This is probably the most action-packed of the novellas, which is not surprising considering that it is the conclusion. Obviously a big fight has been set up the go down from the earlier novellas and now its time to bring it all together.
I loved the way this book ended. Like most novellas that Harper puts out to tie in with its books, the end is a bit abrupt but it does tie up a lot of the loose ends, and the rest are pulled in together later in TMK. It does an excellent job of making you crave the next book and I was so glad by the end that I had a Mirror King ARC waiting for me so I didn't have to interrupt my marathon.
Of the novellas in this series, this one is probably my favorite. But it was very close. Burning Hand was also very good and the two are a million times better when read back to back. I was lucky that by the time I sat down to read these, all 4 novellas were out. I totally recommend reading the set back to back to back to back if you can, it reads like one novel length Tobiah prequel rather than individual novellas.
What did you think about the novellas? Which is your favorite? Share in the comments.
From my shelf to yours,
This review was originally posted on The Book Nut: A Book Lover's Guide
4.5 Nuts
Like most of these novellas, this novella contains spoilers for The Orphan Queen. If you don't want to be spoiled do not read this review. It is also recommended that you do not read these novellas until you have read The Orphan Queen. These novellas are best when read in order.
This is the 4th novella in the Orphan Queen series.
Now that the boring warning stuff is done with, ON TO THE REVIEW!
Shock! Awe! Tobiah is the Black Knife. Ok, is anyone actually surprised? No, not if you've been reading along. If you are reading things out of order it might be. Don't do that! Go back to to the beginning and read stuff in order!
Hey, James fans! Look, more James! This is probably the most James heavy novella of all of them so James fans will get their fill until Mirror King comes out. You get a lot of Tobiah and James' relationship in this book, which is never a bad thing. Yes, give us more!
This is probably the most action-packed of the novellas, which is not surprising considering that it is the conclusion. Obviously a big fight has been set up the go down from the earlier novellas and now its time to bring it all together.
I loved the way this book ended. Like most novellas that Harper puts out to tie in with its books, the end is a bit abrupt but it does tie up a lot of the loose ends, and the rest are pulled in together later in TMK. It does an excellent job of making you crave the next book and I was so glad by the end that I had a Mirror King ARC waiting for me so I didn't have to interrupt my marathon.
Of the novellas in this series, this one is probably my favorite. But it was very close. Burning Hand was also very good and the two are a million times better when read back to back. I was lucky that by the time I sat down to read these, all 4 novellas were out. I totally recommend reading the set back to back to back to back if you can, it reads like one novel length Tobiah prequel rather than individual novellas.
What did you think about the novellas? Which is your favorite? Share in the comments.
From my shelf to yours,
This review was originally posted on The Book Nut: A Book Lover's Guide
December 30, 2020
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
- It's official, Tobiah and Meredith's romance has more background. And how am I supposed to feel for him and Wil after that?
- Sacks with ice and painkillers. I can accept some cellarage where fantasy people can keep their food fresh, but ice? Without magic or winter season to help? And what about painkillers? Tobiah talks about them as if of pills, not herbs (which is more accurate for a fantasy-world). Hello, fantasy-Ibuprofen!
- Graffiti. Yeah, this world has it.
- I liked fight-scenes, but I dislike all this gang stuff and how crazy turned out to be the villain.
- Enough of little fingers flicking! Enough of badass Nameless Girl!
- James is awesome. And reasonable! Look at what he said when Tobiah made a nickname for himself:
“What about the Black Knife?”
James cringed. “That’s even stupider than the black-mask vigilante.”
Amen.
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
March 8, 2016
GOSH! It felt so good to finally sit down and read a book. Ever since I started my my bachelors, my reading life has taken a backseat. I have lost all track of what books are coming or what books in my TBR have been released, and considering I have been waiting for them patiently since last year, this has disturbed me greatly.
So last night I decided to just read a BOOK. I picked BK cause it was a novella and was just perfect for the small time I had. Plus it was the conclusion to Tobiah aka my fav Black Knife's road to becoming a vigilant from a prince.
Coming to the plot, it was quick paced and tied up all the knots perfectly. Throughout the book I could feel Tobiah's helplessness at not being able to serve his people better. His hands were tied too tight but I loved how instead of moping around, he decided to take action.
Also, I have to come realize that if not before, definitely from now James has grown on me. He is such a strong devoted person in each of his relationships that you can't help but adore him. I have feeling we might be getting James and Will. And honestly I don't know how to feel about it. I want her to be with Black Knife but he is Tobiah and for now, Tobiah still has to make a mark on me. But James isn't a bad choice either. Let's see how Jodi takes this.
Hensley got his well deserved fate and I couldn't be more happier.
Also, I loved how we were getting these few cameo appearances of Will. It shows that since forever, Black Knife was keeping a close lookout for her, which is why we see the results in Orphan Queen
The only thing that didn't sit with me well was again the entire flash and shine stuff. I still am not exactly sure what they are or what they do. But I bet if i reread Orphan Queen, the picture might get clear. But lazy me won't do that obviously.
Waiting anxiously for TMK. I do hope I get ample time to read it though
So last night I decided to just read a BOOK. I picked BK cause it was a novella and was just perfect for the small time I had. Plus it was the conclusion to Tobiah aka my fav Black Knife's road to becoming a vigilant from a prince.
Coming to the plot, it was quick paced and tied up all the knots perfectly. Throughout the book I could feel Tobiah's helplessness at not being able to serve his people better. His hands were tied too tight but I loved how instead of moping around, he decided to take action.
Also, I have to come realize that if not before, definitely from now James has grown on me. He is such a strong devoted person in each of his relationships that you can't help but adore him. I have feeling we might be getting James and Will. And honestly I don't know how to feel about it. I want her to be with Black Knife but he is Tobiah and for now, Tobiah still has to make a mark on me. But James isn't a bad choice either. Let's see how Jodi takes this.
Hensley got his well deserved fate and I couldn't be more happier.
Also, I loved how we were getting these few cameo appearances of Will. It shows that since forever, Black Knife was keeping a close lookout for her, which is why we see the results in Orphan Queen
The only thing that didn't sit with me well was again the entire flash and shine stuff. I still am not exactly sure what they are or what they do. But I bet if i reread Orphan Queen, the picture might get clear. But lazy me won't do that obviously.
Waiting anxiously for TMK. I do hope I get ample time to read it though
June 3, 2018
The Black Knife Review on K-Books
Reading The Black Knife was a very bittersweet experience for me. I have absolutely adored reading Tobiah's story and although I couldn't wait to find out how it all ended I was super sad because that means his point of view is over. I have absolutely loved reading his story. I am so glad that I read them before starting The Orphan Queen as I feel like I will have so much more of an insight into his character going forward.
The Black Knife was massively action-packed and once again I read it super fast. I loved every moment of it. I really wish these novellas could be put together in a print version for my bookshelf as I have loved reading them and I know I will enjoy reading them again and again. I absolutely cannot wait to get stuck into The Orphan Queen. I am so excited to read it but also super sad as I know it's not from Tobiah's point of view. I have loved being inside his head and I can't wait to see what he gets up to next.
Reading The Black Knife was a very bittersweet experience for me. I have absolutely adored reading Tobiah's story and although I couldn't wait to find out how it all ended I was super sad because that means his point of view is over. I have absolutely loved reading his story. I am so glad that I read them before starting The Orphan Queen as I feel like I will have so much more of an insight into his character going forward.
The Black Knife was massively action-packed and once again I read it super fast. I loved every moment of it. I really wish these novellas could be put together in a print version for my bookshelf as I have loved reading them and I know I will enjoy reading them again and again. I absolutely cannot wait to get stuck into The Orphan Queen. I am so excited to read it but also super sad as I know it's not from Tobiah's point of view. I have loved being inside his head and I can't wait to see what he gets up to next.
April 9, 2022
The Black Knife is definitely the best of the Orphan Queen short stories. It's fun and exciting—it's great to see Tobiah and James getting into trouble together—and it comes the closest to feeling like a complete story. It also serves as a pretty satisfying spark for Tobiah's , one that wasn't necessary but is fun to explore all the same.
Honestly, the Orphan Queen short stories probably should've been a single prequel novella rather than a handful of short stories. Taken together, they've got an arc and a flow to them, but individually they all feel annoyingly incomplete. (Even if Fierce Reads wanted to release it in multiple installments, they could've been bound up into a single volume at the end.)
That said, the overall story is pretty entertaining and generally a nice prequel to The Orphan Queen.
The Black Knife: 3.75 stars
Honestly, the Orphan Queen short stories probably should've been a single prequel novella rather than a handful of short stories. Taken together, they've got an arc and a flow to them, but individually they all feel annoyingly incomplete. (Even if Fierce Reads wanted to release it in multiple installments, they could've been bound up into a single volume at the end.)
That said, the overall story is pretty entertaining and generally a nice prequel to The Orphan Queen.
The Black Knife: 3.75 stars
March 23, 2016
I enjoyed reading how Tobiah became the Black Knife !!! We also see how he first comes across Will, we learn more about James and the unique relationship Tobiah has with James. I love knowing all these little details it helps build and shape the orphan queen and the mirror King. There is also a little hint towards something about Tobiah, that's if I understood it correctly. I will see if I did with the final book which I can't wait to read and maybe a with a lit research. Anyway I def recommend these novella for anyone who loves this series. I haven't read the bonus chapters of the mirror King at the end of these novellas. They give you chapters 1-8. I would rather read the book as a whole when it comes out, otherwise I began to forget details b/c they are so spread out, but to each it's own. Happy reading !
August 3, 2016
I really enjoyed reading The Black Knife.
As the last of the four prequel novellas, this story brings us closer to the events in the first book The Orphan Queen. But unlike most novellas, it did not feel like a "filler" or "money maker" novella. The story was wonderful and I loved watching him become the character I know and love from the full length novels.
There has been a lot of foreshadowing in these novellas, and The Black Knife is no different. But, just as with the other three stories, these teasers of what is to come does not detract from the novellas' own story.
You don't have to read these novellas before you pick up book one, but I highly recommend them to get a great glimpse into the mind of one of my favorite characters.
As the last of the four prequel novellas, this story brings us closer to the events in the first book The Orphan Queen. But unlike most novellas, it did not feel like a "filler" or "money maker" novella. The story was wonderful and I loved watching him become the character I know and love from the full length novels.
There has been a lot of foreshadowing in these novellas, and The Black Knife is no different. But, just as with the other three stories, these teasers of what is to come does not detract from the novellas' own story.
You don't have to read these novellas before you pick up book one, but I highly recommend them to get a great glimpse into the mind of one of my favorite characters.
March 3, 2016
This worked as a conclusion to the story arc of Tobiah becoming Black Knife. I found the ending a little bit abrupt, but I was expecting something of a quick wrap-up as is often the case when it comes to novella tie-ins. I also really liked James in this part especially since it emphasized the relationship between the two of them, which I really enjoyed.
I definitely didn't like the way that they chose to publish this story. By splitting it up into a series of novellas released over several months, it made it very hard to remember what had gone on previously, which wouldn't have been a problem if it had been published as one part. I suppose that this strategy was employed to hype up the second book. If it was, it definitely didn't work for me.
I definitely didn't like the way that they chose to publish this story. By splitting it up into a series of novellas released over several months, it made it very hard to remember what had gone on previously, which wouldn't have been a problem if it had been published as one part. I suppose that this strategy was employed to hype up the second book. If it was, it definitely didn't work for me.
June 8, 2017
More about Prince Tobiah prior to The Orphan Queen. Still adore him. Still hope Lady Meredith turns out to be evil so he can ditch her.
Important events of the novella:
Important events of the novella:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews