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Downside Ghosts #0.1
The Brave Tale of Maddie Carver
A free short story about the start of Haunted Week, the event which changed the world in the Downside books. This is NOT in continuity; you don't need to read it to read the novels and you don't need to have read the novels to read/understand the story (although it will probably make some of it a little clearer).
THE BRAVE TALE OF MADDIE CARVER was originally published on the Paranormal Haven blog. It's been expanded and given a new ending here, and is a free holiday gift for readers.
It's only 2300 words.
THE BRAVE TALE OF MADDIE CARVER was originally published on the Paranormal Haven blog. It's been expanded and given a new ending here, and is a free holiday gift for readers.
It's only 2300 words.
ebook
First published December 20, 2010
3 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Stacia Kane
35 books2,538 followersStacia Kane is the author of the light-hearted romantic urban fantasy "Megan Chase" series starting with PERSONAL DEMONS.
She currently writes the gritty dystopian urban fantasy "Downside" series starring Chess Putnam and featuring ghosts, human sacrifice, drugs, witchcraft, punk rock, and a badass '69 Chevelle. She bleaches her hair and wears a lot of black.
She currently writes the gritty dystopian urban fantasy "Downside" series starring Chess Putnam and featuring ghosts, human sacrifice, drugs, witchcraft, punk rock, and a badass '69 Chevelle. She bleaches her hair and wears a lot of black.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 14, 2017
How'd I miss it the first time, Baltimore!
January 17, 2011
Free on Smashwords and on Stacia Kane's website. I have long wanted to know what happened in 1997 in the Downside Ghosts world. This is very short. About 10 pages. It is interesting until the very end. The end was confusing and did not make sense. But I liked the rest of it enough to want to read the rest of this story if Kane completes it.
May 7, 2017
I loved this short! It was great to go back to the beginning of things!
March 14, 2011
This was a sneak peak into the goings on of Haunted week before the trilogy of books begins. It would have been much more informative and interesting if it was just a tad bit longer than 5 pages.
While I get this was a free little dribble for fans it wasn't really enough to let me understand the terror, fear, confusion, and death that Chess alluded too when talking/thinking about the first Haunted Week.
I didn't get a clear grasp on the characters, their abilities, or purpose. They seemed to basically just describe what was happening although without revealing anything you didn't already know if you have read the trilogy of books.
Basically reading this is not necessary to understand or better enjoy Chess, Terrible, and their craziness, and was more just disappointing than anything.
While I get this was a free little dribble for fans it wasn't really enough to let me understand the terror, fear, confusion, and death that Chess alluded too when talking/thinking about the first Haunted Week.
I didn't get a clear grasp on the characters, their abilities, or purpose. They seemed to basically just describe what was happening although without revealing anything you didn't already know if you have read the trilogy of books.
Basically reading this is not necessary to understand or better enjoy Chess, Terrible, and their craziness, and was more just disappointing than anything.
December 27, 2010
A quick peek into the events of Haunted Week from the Downside Ghosts series. I love the revamped ending and how it just makes me more curious to know how everyone survived the rising.
Stacia Kane, once again, builds her world fully (even in a short story such as this) and makes the characters come alive. Although this short can technically stand alone, knowing the drabbles of history about this time period we've been given in the books gives it much more impact.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Stacia Kane, once again, builds her world fully (even in a short story such as this) and makes the characters come alive. Although this short can technically stand alone, knowing the drabbles of history about this time period we've been given in the books gives it much more impact.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 11, 2011
3.5 stars. Very short story about the beginning of Haunted Week in 1997. It was a bit confusing at first, but then I re-read the end and think I realized what had happened, and it made sense, which made it more enjoyable. Other than that vagueness, like the rest of the Downside books, Kane writes well, and I love the world she's created.
December 31, 2011
So short, 10 pages maybe? I can't even in good conscience add this to my read list for the year. Read 12/30/11.
September 27, 2024
A free short story about the start of Haunted Week, the event which changed the world in the Downside books. This is NOT in continuity; you don't need to read it to read the novels and you don't need to have read the novels to read/understand the story (although it will probably make some of it a little clearer).
Heather's Notes
It did not make anything clearer. The beginning was interesting but then it became confusing and the end was just annoying as it didn't answer anything and left you wondering what you were reading it for.
Heather's Notes
It did not make anything clearer. The beginning was interesting but then it became confusing and the end was just annoying as it didn't answer anything and left you wondering what you were reading it for.
December 10, 2023
Nice short story about Haunted Week set in the Downside World. It is a very short story, I would have liked to see it longer to see more about how everyone survived Hauted Week. Very nice free story though and it was very nice of Stacia to share it. I can't wait for Downside #4.
December 30, 2019
I want more.
February 9, 2021
Interesting start... We will see how it goes. Withholding judgement for now.
August 6, 2017
This a free prequel short story in Kane's Downside Ghosts series and it is set on Halloween 1997 from the perspective of an elderly woman named Maddie, who practices witchcraft in a small coven.
It is interesting to read how the events of 1997 began, but also that there were already people practising the witchcraft that becomes commonplace in the Downside series - and that they to some extent were aware that something was going to happen.
It would be interesting to read a longer novella or even a full length novel set at this point in the Downside series, I would like to see if the other members of Maddie's coven; Thaddeus, Virginia and Wallace survived that first night and if they helped to build the church that is so much a part of Chess's life in the series.
Overall rating; 3/5 stars - if it had been a bit longer and more detailed it would have been a definite four stars.
It is interesting to read how the events of 1997 began, but also that there were already people practising the witchcraft that becomes commonplace in the Downside series - and that they to some extent were aware that something was going to happen.
It would be interesting to read a longer novella or even a full length novel set at this point in the Downside series, I would like to see if the other members of Maddie's coven; Thaddeus, Virginia and Wallace survived that first night and if they helped to build the church that is so much a part of Chess's life in the series.
Overall rating; 3/5 stars - if it had been a bit longer and more detailed it would have been a definite four stars.
March 3, 2013
This is a classic short story; not a short (beginning/middle/end) version of what a regular story should be, but just a snapshot of a day in the life of a person living in the Downside-Ghosts universe.
It features Maddie Carver (duh), who was part of the pre-BT Church on the very day that Haunted Week begins. It's a good story, it's a perfect example of what a short story should be, but I know that the structure is not everyone's cuppa.
It fits the universe and I hope is a glimpse of what Kane could write if she wanted to do a prequel-universe type book or novella. Not bad, short and free. What's not to like?
It features Maddie Carver (duh), who was part of the pre-BT Church on the very day that Haunted Week begins. It's a good story, it's a perfect example of what a short story should be, but I know that the structure is not everyone's cuppa.
It fits the universe and I hope is a glimpse of what Kane could write if she wanted to do a prequel-universe type book or novella. Not bad, short and free. What's not to like?
July 22, 2014
Kane took a story that she'd originally released on a blog, expanded it a bit, and re-released it on Smashwords. It shows the terror that one woman felt at the beginning of Haunted Week, despite being a member of the Church that gave her and her three colleagues tools to fight the ghosts that were suddenly appearing. Because she also then realized the seriousness of the terror they were facing. And that her own failing health could be the one thing her friends wouldn't be able to overcome. It's a quick little story, but it did a good job of conveying this brave woman and the experience of those first moments of Haunted Week and how truly horrifying it was.
August 4, 2013
As usual with Stacia Kane, I want more. I love this woman's work so much. This story was, overall, a bit of a disappointment but it's only because I want more of everything Downside. I was really hoping that this would show more of what happened during Haunted Week than what I got. Haunted Week is this huge, world altering event that I know next to nothing about. A chance to experience it would have been awesome. This was just enough to dip my toes in but not enough to quench my thirst.
The story itself wasn't bad, though. It was touching and I did like it. Just want more!
The story itself wasn't bad, though. It was touching and I did like it. Just want more!
April 10, 2016
This review can also be found at: http://thepaperbackaddict.blogspot.com/
I am such a big fan of the Downside Ghosts series, but not really sure what the point of that short story was.. The Brave Tale of Maddie Carver was about 8 pages and told us absolutely nothing we didn't already know, except the name of one more person who died during Haunted Week. I was hoping to get a glimpse of Chess or Trouble from before, but nope that didn't happen. It's free and there is a link from Stacia Kane's blog, but not sure it's worth the time.
I am such a big fan of the Downside Ghosts series, but not really sure what the point of that short story was.. The Brave Tale of Maddie Carver was about 8 pages and told us absolutely nothing we didn't already know, except the name of one more person who died during Haunted Week. I was hoping to get a glimpse of Chess or Trouble from before, but nope that didn't happen. It's free and there is a link from Stacia Kane's blog, but not sure it's worth the time.
September 9, 2015
Super short, only about 8 pages. Sadly, no Chess or Terrible. But - this little tale was very instrumental in showing exactly how brutal and malicious the ghosts of Downside are. In the series books, there isn't nearly enough ghostly action showing how truly menacing (and vindictive) they are, so I really appreciated this story for that very reason. Adds a whole new layer of spooky to Haunted Week and gives a small taste of the decimation that took place during that bleak time.
FYI, this is a free short available from Stacia Kane's blog.
FYI, this is a free short available from Stacia Kane's blog.
October 22, 2015
Yeah, I might need to read more of this series to get this but...
Maybe if it had been a longer story, I would understand it. As it is now, all it leaves me with is a lot of confused questions. However, the writing in itself was very good and it made me want to find out what it's about and why Maddie made the choices she did... so I guess that's a good sign? ;)
Maybe if it had been a longer story, I would understand it. As it is now, all it leaves me with is a lot of confused questions. However, the writing in itself was very good and it made me want to find out what it's about and why Maddie made the choices she did... so I guess that's a good sign? ;)
January 23, 2011
Set in the same world as the DOwnside Ghosts series.
This was tiny, very short. I shelved it with my novellas, but its shorter than that. A glimpse of the start of Haunted Week, seen from the eyes of an elderly member of the Church.
It kept my attention, was exciting, and really left me wanting a lot more. Kane knows how to draw you in. A nice little present for fans of the series - if you haven't read the series, you probably will be scratching your head, wondering what is going on.
This was tiny, very short. I shelved it with my novellas, but its shorter than that. A glimpse of the start of Haunted Week, seen from the eyes of an elderly member of the Church.
It kept my attention, was exciting, and really left me wanting a lot more. Kane knows how to draw you in. A nice little present for fans of the series - if you haven't read the series, you probably will be scratching your head, wondering what is going on.
July 17, 2016
Though very brief, The Brave Tale of Maddie Carver gives more insight into the events of Haunted Week, "the ghost uprising that changed the world". I'm late to the Downside Ghosts game and just discovered this freebie today. It was originally published for blog use but the only place I could find it was on Smashwords. I'm including a link for those interested in this haunting, little treat. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
July 5, 2015
Good addition to the series, I love the glimpse of the world in transition, the people who believed in this religion going from being the crazy people that normal people wanted to avoid to the ones with the Truth, the tragedy mixed in with the hope, and Elder Thad Griffin when he was a fresh-faced youngster!
That last bit was probably the best part ;p I have a thing for history--whether personal or general--and this totally satisfied that!
That last bit was probably the best part ;p I have a thing for history--whether personal or general--and this totally satisfied that!
August 27, 2025
Recycled review: Though very brief, The Brave Tale of Maddie Carver gives more insight into the events of Haunted Week, "the ghost uprising that changed the world". I'm late to the Downside Ghosts game and just discovered this freebie today. It was originally published for blog use but the only place I could find it was on Smashwords. I'm including a link for those interested in this haunting, little treat. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view....
February 27, 2011
I didn't like this one as much as Unholy Ghosts because the exposition was a bit in-your-face (I guess with the short word count you have to be more direct), , but it was nice to get a little glimpse into the events of Haunted Week.
I'm curious what the ending was before it was changed.
Thanks Stacia for sharing this one with your readers for free!
I'm curious what the ending was before it was changed.
Thanks Stacia for sharing this one with your readers for free!
August 25, 2016
I made the mistake of reading this one before starting the series, so I was all kinds of lost. The ending made absolutely zero sense to me, but hopefully once I get into the series, it will fall into place. The writing and story (what little there is) was phenomenal, so I'm sure I'll like the actual books.
February 3, 2011
Nice short story about Haunted Week set in the Downside World. It is a very short story, I would have liked to see it longer to see more about how everyone survived Hauted Week. Very nice free story though and it was very nice of Stacia to share it. I can't wait for Downside #4.
March 28, 2011
This short story was a quick view into one woman's perspective on the first night of Haunted Week. It's easy to imagine the ghosts wandering the dark streets adding to their masses. A full story dedicated to Haunted Week would be wonderful!
Read
January 18, 2012I had to read the ending twice, but I get it now!
June 14, 2012
Okay, but very short and not really the full story of Haunted Week by any means. Actually, it almost raised more questions than it answered, and I missed the patois of the Downside Ghosts stories. Still, Kane is a must-read and I'm glad I found this freebie.
August 29, 2012
It's a pretty condensed short story on the very day Haunted Week starts. I thought there would be a bit more, honestly. Haunted Week seems like such an interesting story... so I hope there is more on it!
October 30, 2012
3.5 stars
An enjoyable short from the Downside Ghosts world. The character of Maddie Carver was well-drawn for such a short story. The ending was clever and overall the story made me want to pick up a Downside Ghost full-length novel.
An enjoyable short from the Downside Ghosts world. The character of Maddie Carver was well-drawn for such a short story. The ending was clever and overall the story made me want to pick up a Downside Ghost full-length novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews