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The Manticore's Vow
A vain assassin takes an assignment with dire consequences. An aristocratic lady fleeing her past is besieged by pirates. And a manticore princess sets out on a life-changing adventure.
The Manticore’s Vow collects three stories set in the world of Magic of Blood and Sea, all exploring the origins of some of its most memorable characters: Naji, the scarred assassin, Marjani, the pirate queen, and Ongraygeeomryn, the man-eating manticore. Explore a world of dangerous magic and thrilling adventures with this trio of gorgeous, swashbuckling tales.
This collection includes:
The Manticore's Vow
The Automaton’s Treasure
The Witch’s Betrayal
The Manticore’s Vow collects three stories set in the world of Magic of Blood and Sea, all exploring the origins of some of its most memorable characters: Naji, the scarred assassin, Marjani, the pirate queen, and Ongraygeeomryn, the man-eating manticore. Explore a world of dangerous magic and thrilling adventures with this trio of gorgeous, swashbuckling tales.
This collection includes:
The Manticore's Vow
The Automaton’s Treasure
The Witch’s Betrayal
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
116 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2019
4 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Rose Clarke
63 books1,438 followersCassandra Rose Clarke is a speculative fiction writer living amongst the beige stucco and overgrown pecan trees of Houston, Texas. She graduated in 2006 from The University of St. Thomas with a bachelor’s degree in English, and in 2008 she completed her master’s degree in creative writing at The University of Texas at Austin. Both of these degrees have served her surprisingly well.
During the summer of 2010, she attended the Clarion West Writers Workshop in Seattle, where she enjoyed sixty-degree summer days. Having been born and raised in Texas, this was something of a big deal. She was also a recipient of the 2010 Susan C. Petrey Clarion Scholarship Fund.
During the summer of 2010, she attended the Clarion West Writers Workshop in Seattle, where she enjoyed sixty-degree summer days. Having been born and raised in Texas, this was something of a big deal. She was also a recipient of the 2010 Susan C. Petrey Clarion Scholarship Fund.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 16, 2022
It was gr9 to get a new story set in this world (The Manticore's Vow), even if it dragged a bit at times. The other two stories are still very good, and it was fun to revisit them. Definitely check this one out if you liked Magic of Blood and Sea.
June 7, 2019
You can read my full review for this (as well as the rest of the series) at my blog, The Writerly Way, here.
Thanks to NetGalley and Interstellar Flight Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
So, this book is a collection of short stories meant to be companions to The Assassin’s Curse series. Overall, the collection was short and sweet, and it was a little hit or miss, but it did provide some more background into the characters in the series that I really wanted more from.
✦ The Manticore’s Vow ✦
★★☆☆☆
I actually expected to like this one more than I did, because the manticore was my favorite character. But it really ended up raising more questions than it answered, which was a bit annoying.
The biggest question I had was, how old is the manticore supposed to be in this, anyway? She acted extremely young, like around what we humans might consider a five-year-old.
The peek behind the scenes of the island the manticores lived on and a little into their social structure and life was interesting, but fairly shallow. I wanted to know more. She goes on a bit of an adventure with another manticore, but I don’t really know anything about him. And they do end up finding something at the end of their quest, but it's never explained what it is or does, and then it's just completely forgotten. The whole story revolves around this little “quest,” so the fact that it didn’t pan out to anything was a bit disappointing.
What I did like was that we got to see the wizard and how the manticore ended up with him.
✦ The Automaton’s Treasure ✦
★★★☆☆
This story felt like it started too late and ended too early. Let me explain.
The Automatron’s Treasure picks up right after Marjani’s exile, so we don’t actually get to see the exile happen. Would’ve loved to have seen it play out, but fine. Post-exile Marjani was interesting, too, because she was a noble who suddenly found herself disowned and sent away.
If you’re wondering how Marjani becomes a pirate, this short story answers it for you … sort of. This is where it gets into the idea that it ended too early. It felt like the tale wasn’t fully told. There’s a little quest going on, which was cute and neat, but there was all this danger and warnings, and then … it ended. Like it was all no big deal. Except that at the point where it ends, Marjani is still in danger. So rather than wrap up, I felt more like it just stopped.
✦ The Witch’s Betrayal ✦
★★★☆☆
WE FIND OUT HOW NAJI RECEIVED HIS SCARS. YES, PLEASE. I was dying to know this throughout the series, since it played such a freaking big role in the way Naji viewed himself.
Confession: I have absolutely no idea why Naji fell in love with Leila except that she's beautiful. That’s quite literally all she has going for her. There's no chemistry between them other than being FWB. Emphasis on the benefits part, and less on the friends. Maybe more like acquaintances with benefits?
The actual how behind Naji’s scars makes sense, and I thought that was pretty well done. There’s also a little bit more background about assassins and what it means to Naji, at least, to be an assassin. I still don’t know much about his history (and I do sort of want to know more about how he came to be in the Order), but this nicely filled in a few things I was pretty curious about.
Thanks to NetGalley and Interstellar Flight Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
So, this book is a collection of short stories meant to be companions to The Assassin’s Curse series. Overall, the collection was short and sweet, and it was a little hit or miss, but it did provide some more background into the characters in the series that I really wanted more from.
✦ The Manticore’s Vow ✦
★★☆☆☆
I actually expected to like this one more than I did, because the manticore was my favorite character. But it really ended up raising more questions than it answered, which was a bit annoying.
The biggest question I had was, how old is the manticore supposed to be in this, anyway? She acted extremely young, like around what we humans might consider a five-year-old.
The peek behind the scenes of the island the manticores lived on and a little into their social structure and life was interesting, but fairly shallow. I wanted to know more. She goes on a bit of an adventure with another manticore, but I don’t really know anything about him. And they do end up finding something at the end of their quest, but it's never explained what it is or does, and then it's just completely forgotten. The whole story revolves around this little “quest,” so the fact that it didn’t pan out to anything was a bit disappointing.
What I did like was that we got to see the wizard and how the manticore ended up with him.
✦ The Automaton’s Treasure ✦
★★★☆☆
This story felt like it started too late and ended too early. Let me explain.
The Automatron’s Treasure picks up right after Marjani’s exile, so we don’t actually get to see the exile happen. Would’ve loved to have seen it play out, but fine. Post-exile Marjani was interesting, too, because she was a noble who suddenly found herself disowned and sent away.
If you’re wondering how Marjani becomes a pirate, this short story answers it for you … sort of. This is where it gets into the idea that it ended too early. It felt like the tale wasn’t fully told. There’s a little quest going on, which was cute and neat, but there was all this danger and warnings, and then … it ended. Like it was all no big deal. Except that at the point where it ends, Marjani is still in danger. So rather than wrap up, I felt more like it just stopped.
✦ The Witch’s Betrayal ✦
★★★☆☆
WE FIND OUT HOW NAJI RECEIVED HIS SCARS. YES, PLEASE. I was dying to know this throughout the series, since it played such a freaking big role in the way Naji viewed himself.
Confession: I have absolutely no idea why Naji fell in love with Leila except that she's beautiful. That’s quite literally all she has going for her. There's no chemistry between them other than being FWB. Emphasis on the benefits part, and less on the friends. Maybe more like acquaintances with benefits?
The actual how behind Naji’s scars makes sense, and I thought that was pretty well done. There’s also a little bit more background about assassins and what it means to Naji, at least, to be an assassin. I still don’t know much about his history (and I do sort of want to know more about how he came to be in the Order), but this nicely filled in a few things I was pretty curious about.
June 11, 2019
The Manticore's Vow and Other Stories by Cassandra Rose Clarke contains three short stories set in the world of The Assassin's Curse books, recently repackaged as The Magic of Blood and Sea. Although I have read both of the novels in this world, it was several years ago and my memory of them is quite hazy. This means that I was effectively coming to these stories from a stand-alone perspective.
Overall, I found these stories stood alone fine, especially the first two. My favourite story was, without a doubt, “The Automaton’s Treasure”, which hooked me most quickly and kept my attention the best, even though there were times when very little was happening in the story (granted the boring parts of the long sea voyage were skipped over). For the other two stories, I didn’t connect with the protagonists as well and hence did not find myself especially invested in them. My thoughts on each story are given at the end of this review, as per usual.
This book works well as a companion to the longer works set in the same universe while also working alone well. In fact, I suspect a reader unfamiliar with the larger world might not immediately realise that the stories are connected to each other since they take place in different regions of the world. This collection serves as a sampler of the author’s work, but not exactly a good introduction to the novels, since they are about tangential characters. I think it will appeal most to readers who want more from the world after having read the novels.
~
The Manticore’s Vow — Narrated in first person by a manticore, this story follows a young manticore, her human servant and some friends as she misadventures in her father’s kingdom. I enjoyed it well enough, particularly towards the end of the story.
The Automaton’s Treasure — A sea voyage interrupted by pirates and a sentient automaton made this story quite the exciting adventure. I enjoyed it more than the first story in its collection.
The Witch’s Betrayal — An assassin with a difficult kill and an obstruction from someone he had considered a friend. It was OK but nothing special. I think the most strongly linked to the novels in the same world (based on my vague memories).
3.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
Overall, I found these stories stood alone fine, especially the first two. My favourite story was, without a doubt, “The Automaton’s Treasure”, which hooked me most quickly and kept my attention the best, even though there were times when very little was happening in the story (granted the boring parts of the long sea voyage were skipped over). For the other two stories, I didn’t connect with the protagonists as well and hence did not find myself especially invested in them. My thoughts on each story are given at the end of this review, as per usual.
This book works well as a companion to the longer works set in the same universe while also working alone well. In fact, I suspect a reader unfamiliar with the larger world might not immediately realise that the stories are connected to each other since they take place in different regions of the world. This collection serves as a sampler of the author’s work, but not exactly a good introduction to the novels, since they are about tangential characters. I think it will appeal most to readers who want more from the world after having read the novels.
~
The Manticore’s Vow — Narrated in first person by a manticore, this story follows a young manticore, her human servant and some friends as she misadventures in her father’s kingdom. I enjoyed it well enough, particularly towards the end of the story.
The Automaton’s Treasure — A sea voyage interrupted by pirates and a sentient automaton made this story quite the exciting adventure. I enjoyed it more than the first story in its collection.
The Witch’s Betrayal — An assassin with a difficult kill and an obstruction from someone he had considered a friend. It was OK but nothing special. I think the most strongly linked to the novels in the same world (based on my vague memories).
3.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
June 21, 2019
My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. The following is my honest review and opinion. Last year I read the Assassin's Curse series but I didn't manage to read any of the novellas, which this book has now combined into one collection. Having already known the characters from the book it was a pleasure to go back and get to know some of their back story. The first story, Manticore's Vow follows Ongraygeeomryn, who I ended up loving in the series, as she decides to travel from her world to the human world and all that befalls her, landing her on an island far away from all she knows. The second story Automaton's Treasure was probably my favorite of this book. We find out a bit of Marjani's backstory, but Safin, a steamworks little crocodile thing, really takes the spotlight! I loved their hunt and discovery of the Great Treasure! The final story Witch's Betrayal follows Naji before he meets Ananna and in his early years in the Order. In this story we discovered the origins of his scars and some of his anger and distrust, it really gives us a lot of insight into his character and where his values came from. All in all I like that we get all these novellas combined into one book and they really do add to the main books in the series!
June 28, 2019
While the short stories in this book were good on their own, having read it before getting to the author's first book in the series 'Magic of Blood and Sea', I found I had a very difficult time understanding why the stories ended so abruptly and without true conclusions. Nowhere on the cover or in the book itself does it say that it is a tie-in to another book/series or that it is a prequel of some sort. Because of this, the reader won't find any conclusions to the characters or plot lines.
But even then, the writing was good and the story telling was spectacular with characters of all shapes and sizes (and species) as well as LGBT+ relationships to be inclusive to the wider audiences. If the three stories within this book were full stories, or if there had been some explanation as to why the book was set up the way that it was, I probably would have liked it more and given it a higher score. Yet regardless, I still plan on adding a few of Cassandra Rose Clarke's other books to my TBR list so that I can read more of her wonderful work and hopefully get some of my questions answered.
But even then, the writing was good and the story telling was spectacular with characters of all shapes and sizes (and species) as well as LGBT+ relationships to be inclusive to the wider audiences. If the three stories within this book were full stories, or if there had been some explanation as to why the book was set up the way that it was, I probably would have liked it more and given it a higher score. Yet regardless, I still plan on adding a few of Cassandra Rose Clarke's other books to my TBR list so that I can read more of her wonderful work and hopefully get some of my questions answered.
September 6, 2019
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
This book is a companion book to the Assassin's Curse series. They are a series of short stories which build upon the characters, their backgrounds and who they are as a person.
Each of the novella stories: Manticore's Vow Automaton's Treasure & Witch's Betrayal gives a bit more information on characters found within the Assassins Curse series. They tie in well and while not a mandatory read, they definitely flesh out some of the characters a bit more, which is always enjoyable.
The stories were well written, thought out and detailed enough without giving away any major plot details from the main series. They were engaging and entertaining. I enjoyed reading this book and it hooked me in from the very beginning. I always love when authors come back and written about a world that I have already submerged myself in, just to give little, new tidbits of information that just add to the old stories and remind me of a series I should once again read!
This book is a companion book to the Assassin's Curse series. They are a series of short stories which build upon the characters, their backgrounds and who they are as a person.
Each of the novella stories: Manticore's Vow Automaton's Treasure & Witch's Betrayal gives a bit more information on characters found within the Assassins Curse series. They tie in well and while not a mandatory read, they definitely flesh out some of the characters a bit more, which is always enjoyable.
The stories were well written, thought out and detailed enough without giving away any major plot details from the main series. They were engaging and entertaining. I enjoyed reading this book and it hooked me in from the very beginning. I always love when authors come back and written about a world that I have already submerged myself in, just to give little, new tidbits of information that just add to the old stories and remind me of a series I should once again read!
August 16, 2021
I'm just so happy that this book exists. With newer authors, web-publishing standalone chapters to get people interested in your book is kind of a must. I often find myself frustrated that these standalone chapters never seem to make it into the finished product, even as extras in the back of the book. Having a short volume that collects the web-published stories needs to become a publishing standard.
The stories themselves? A solid 3 stars. All of them set up the characters that I presume are returning in the Magic of Blood and Sea, which I will start reading shortly. However, since characters often begin a story in some sort of adversity, it makes all 3 of these short stories end with the protagonist making a huge mistake. I'm assuming I'll appreciate them more after reading the first actual book in the series. As a first chapter, they are all fairly good. However, as standalones short stories, they don't really work.
The stories themselves? A solid 3 stars. All of them set up the characters that I presume are returning in the Magic of Blood and Sea, which I will start reading shortly. However, since characters often begin a story in some sort of adversity, it makes all 3 of these short stories end with the protagonist making a huge mistake. I'm assuming I'll appreciate them more after reading the first actual book in the series. As a first chapter, they are all fairly good. However, as standalones short stories, they don't really work.
February 7, 2021
This book is a collection of three short stories in Cassandra Rose Clarke's Magic of Blood and Sea universe. I really enjoyed Clarke's writing style and the way she's given voices and personalities to these characters. My favorite of the collection was definitely The Automaton's Treasure as it really felt like you got to know Marjani without really getting the full story of her past. I feel like this is a great taste of the world and if you've read the novels, then it would expand upon it. All three stories were enjoyable and entertaining, so it was a solid read.
August 1, 2019
I won this as part of a Goodreads Giveaway!
So I'll get straight to the reason I couldn't give this one 5 stars and that's because I hadn't realized that it was a companion novella to Clarke's other work. That being said- this book had me hooked. The world is masterfully built and the characters are well-fleshed out and developed, even though they appear for only a mere 30 pages or so.
I would absolutely pick up another of Clarke's works as a result of reading this little gem.
So I'll get straight to the reason I couldn't give this one 5 stars and that's because I hadn't realized that it was a companion novella to Clarke's other work. That being said- this book had me hooked. The world is masterfully built and the characters are well-fleshed out and developed, even though they appear for only a mere 30 pages or so.
I would absolutely pick up another of Clarke's works as a result of reading this little gem.
August 30, 2019
I'm happy I requested this ARC because I discovered a new to me exciting series.
This is an excellent book with an interesting world building and fleshed out characters.
The stories are engrossing and entertaining.
I had some issues because I didn't read the other book in this series and I think missed something.
It was a good reading experience, recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
This is an excellent book with an interesting world building and fleshed out characters.
The stories are engrossing and entertaining.
I had some issues because I didn't read the other book in this series and I think missed something.
It was a good reading experience, recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
July 15, 2019
I enjoyed these three short stories and getting glimpses into Ongraygeeomryn's, Marjani's and Naji's befores. I don't feel like they would really work well as stand-alone stories, but if you've read the Assassin's Curse series, you'll probably like these as well!
May 24, 2024
Three enjoyable high fantasy short stories in one volume, set in the same universe as such novels as The Assassin's Curse, offering fantastical magic and adventures ranging from lighthearted to dark.
March 11, 2020
Sad...it left me wanting more! Thought they were excellent and encouraged me to read more by this author. 🍀
April 30, 2020
Full Disclosure: Goodreads Giveaway Winner
Three charming tales to take you to another realm..... a nice respite from quarantine.
Three charming tales to take you to another realm..... a nice respite from quarantine.
February 27, 2022
Enjoyed these emotionally powerful stories from an otherworld.
October 9, 2020
The Manticore’s Vow is full of mayhem, magic and myth. Unlike most tales when humans are owners of beasts, this novels show the story of a manticore who is a princess. She has human servants and plans to take over the human world. She feel that their species is stronger than that of the the humans. Read the book of you want to see a different perspective of man taming beasts.
-Rebeca
-Rebeca
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2022
4.5 stars.
April 13, 2019
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fantasy and adventure book so I would strongly recommend this to readers who like those genres because this read represents the best of them!
It's got worldbuilding that is out of this world with obstacles and that a charismatic protagonist prevails over.
It's a unique premise that is executed amazingly well because the author has a whimsical style of writing that captures both prose and action scenes.
The thrilling action sequences are combined with characters that you can't help but root for to prevail.
It's exciting and original, with fantasy and adventure, this read will keep your eyes glued to the page.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fantasy and adventure book so I would strongly recommend this to readers who like those genres because this read represents the best of them!
It's got worldbuilding that is out of this world with obstacles and that a charismatic protagonist prevails over.
It's a unique premise that is executed amazingly well because the author has a whimsical style of writing that captures both prose and action scenes.
The thrilling action sequences are combined with characters that you can't help but root for to prevail.
It's exciting and original, with fantasy and adventure, this read will keep your eyes glued to the page.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews