A Beginner's Guide to Summoning

by Christopher Keene

"A delightful story in the vein of Harry Potter, but with an intriguing premise all its own." —Dyrk Ashton, author of Paternus From the author of the Dream State Saga, comes this exciting new fantasy short story. For years, Nathan has learned about summoning Melkai, monstrous beings from another dimension. He never thought he’d get to see one this soon. When Master Morrow begins his first hands-on lesson, Nathan realizes that there is far more to summoning than long lectures and old books. These creatures are dangerous, deadly even. A Melkai loose in the human dimension could cause a terrible number of deaths, perhaps even destroy the castle that Nathan calls home. For the first time, Nathan wonders if he even wants to be a Caller. When a summoning goes horribly wrong, Nathan must decide if his powers can be used for good or if Melkai are too dangerous to ever try to control. "Mr. Keene has done an impressive amount of world building in such a short span of time that I would be excited to see what would come from one of his novels." —Jesse Teller, author of Song "It was a fun read, like a mix between Sword in the Stone and Pokémon." —Wade Garret, author of Genesis "Christopher Keene creates a wonderful new set of monsters with his Faustian variation on MMORPG summoners." —C. T. Phipps, author of The Supervillainy Saga "A great introduction into the world of Melkai." —M. D. Presley, author of The Woven Ring

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2018

Reviews

[J.D. Buffington · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only a chapter

I’ll mirror what others have said, this short story feels like a chapter plucked from the middle of a larger narrative. The world has some interesting elements, though Keene’s prose could use an editor’s eye. I know Fantasy tends to air on the side of flourish, but there were some places where explanation was given on the rhetorical and some character motivations and traits were muddled. Overall, a breeze of a read, but only a tease of what could be a much more fascinating look at a magical world.

[Lorna Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘A Beginner's Guide to Summoning,’ is very well-written in the fantasy genre. As the short story delves deeply into a world where dragons and creatures roam through magical lands, I am reminded of ‘Bridge to Terabithia.’ Author Keene is very descriptive as he cleverly details the training that young Nathan must master in his quest to develop a pact with a Melkai. Through lectures from the master and hands-on experience, young Nathan must learn what could be very dangerous lessons, as he may encounter very docile creatures one moment or very ferocious ones, the very next. Depending on the level of imagery identified for the creatures that are summoned, visuals are clearly defined and present a very entertaining chapter of what could easily become a novel. Amid castles and kings, sentry guards, and other characters, I found ‘A Beginner's Guide to Summoning,’ pleasantly surprising and not at all what I imagined it would be. Initially, the book’s title was somewhat disconcerting as it relates to the traditional interpretation of the word, ‘Summoning’. As I continued to read, I envisioned, ‘Melkairen,’ as a title more suited for the storyline or possibly even as a subtitle. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every moment and was hoping the story would continue longer than it actually did as it could certainly evolve into a fantasy saga.

[Jeanette George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher Keene has an engaging writing style. A Beginner’s Guide to Summoning is entertaining. I liked the plot and the world building promises an intriguing adventure, which is both the good part and not so good part.

The good part ABGTS is an interesting and a complete story, but the not so good part is the word count does not do this justice.

A story like this would be best served as a novel, and you can see it almost immediately.

[Angela Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and entertaining tale, that could easily turn into a novel (hint, hint!). Our hero has always wanted a Melkai - a companion critter, found in another dimension - and seizes the opportunity, but is he really prepared for what he might unleash?

Fun, with some cute critters - and a couple that are less than cute!

[Jonathan Swords-Holdsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent little dollop of magical goodness! Won me over in the end with its twist, which of course I can't detail, but was rather nice.
As other reviewers and people I've encountered on forums have said, it would make an engaging first chapter in a saga. So -
More please, Mr. Keene!