Sky Ghosts: Marco

Sky Ghosts #1.5

by Alexandra Engellmann

When Marco ends up on the street, the offer to join the New York Sky Ghosts Headquarters from the director himself seems like a good idea. There's only one minor problem — a girl half his size who is dead set on turning his life into hell. And while he's up for the challenge and the ensuing bloodletting, one thing he doesn't want is her digging in his past.
To make her stop, he might just have to do the unthinkable — become her best friend.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Short Stories, Suspense

78 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2015

About the author

Alexandra Engellmann is a self-published author and artist. At ten years old, she was allowed into the adult fantasy section of her local library, which might have scarred her for life. At twelve, she started learning English from Eminem's songs, which did not please her teachers. At eighteen, she got the first glimpse of a story that later became the Sky Ghosts series. Ten years later, having quit a career in IT, she splits her time between writing, painting, and procrastinating, and dreams of escaping to the sea with her possibly telepathic cat Cookie.

Follow Alexandra on Instagram at @engellmann

*No private messages on Goodreads due to spam, please contact via email alex.engellmann@gmail.com

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as fantasy goes, this is at the top of my list of favorites. I read Sky Ghosts: All for One by Alexandra Engellmann and I feel privileged to be able to receive this ARC copy of this wonderful book. My only hang up is I wish it had been longer, since it was a short story. I enjoyed all the characters in the story Pain, Marco, Chris, Zac, Jane (Pain's sister) to name a few.

I love the characters distinctive voices, and simplicity and yet complexities that make them whole and very unique and intriguing individuals. I fell in love with the characters almost instantly. Ms. Engellmann again has woven, a tight and flexible although solid plot with some humorous points throughout that keep the story away from monotony.


She is not overly descriptive but, descriptive enough to have each scene and each character description jumping off the pages in 3-D. Doing this so well I could see this installment, as well as the entire series as a graphic novel with Ms. Engellmann showing off more of her extraordinary talent as an artist by doing the illustrations as only she can do them justice.


Once again the story was natural and so were the characters as if you could meet them on the street, or only hope to so you can be even deeply more a part of their interactive lives, as this reader felt while reading it.

[Belart Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offensive humor, bloodletting, bone breaking, and...pranks!?

The Quick and Dirty
+Humor
+Cutthroat Violence
+Plenty of Descriptive Action
+A Closer Look Into the Life of a Fan Favorite Character
+Pain and Marco's Brutiful (yeah I combined brutal and beautiful) Friendship Gets its Origin

Sky Ghosts: Marco is the newest entry into the Sky Ghost series and is a prequel starring the titular character, Marco. Marco, as fans of the series will no doubt remember, is the mohawked badass from Sky Ghosts: All For One (which I also reviewed) with a penchant for breaking bones and having an encyclopedic knowledge of how to offend women with obscene commentary, but beyond all that he was a character many came to care for by the end of that story. This book is strictly about how he came to join the Sky Ghost organization of New York.

Now in these reviews I like to avoid spoilers whenever possible so I typically avoid synopsis of the novel. I like to instead go over the points about the story that I liked. With that said, let's get started.

The book starts off with a mystery of sorts. Just who is this Marco guy and why did the Ghosts find him in an alley, unconscious, and surrounded by the dead bodies of their enemies, the Beasts? He appears to be just a teenager and yet this scene suggests that his combat skill is like that of a veteran. Here we're introduced to a younger Pain, the main character of the first book in the series, Sky Ghosts: All For One. Once Marco is conscious we get to the Ghost's headquarters and get to what the book is really about.

So what this book really boils down to and why I like it so much is because it's just a fun side story. It doesn't seek to be more than that. There is no epic plot, only shades of a mystery surrounding this somewhat enigmatic character. But more than that, we get a ton of humor and action as Marco tries to get accustomed to his new life and tries to get this offensive and violent girl out of his mind.

I laughed a lot while reading Marco. The silly teenage nature of him and Pain combined with their stubborn natures and violent streaks made for some suitably hilarious and cringe worthy scenes. For those who've read the first book in the series, their relationship is even more violent and volatile in this book. The pranks they played on each other were pretty damn funny as well. There was one red t-shirt that had me dying, mainly it was Marco's attitude while wearing the offensive garment that had me howling like mad. You'll see what I mean once you read it. Pain was so easy to rope into that one, I almost felt bad for her because Marco knew just how to push her buttons.

Beyond the laughs was the spectacle of action. Alexandra continues to surprise me with her in-depth action scenes. The details she uses to paint her picture give a nice mental picture of well choreographed and fluid action. There was one epic fight in the training hall between Pain and Marco that was just a complete joy to behold. That's slightly spoilery, but I want you to have something to really look forward to, especially for all you action junkies out there. This was a buffet of violent theater and what's more, the stakes were actually very high. I like when books can achieve that without, I don't know, the world being in danger from a nuclear bomb.

This was a pretty good entry into the Sky Ghosts series. Their wasn't much revealed and so if you're the type who needs game changing, epicly plotted events in your stories to enjoy them then this isn't for you. This is for people looking for intense action, some humor, and a look into one of the events and characters briefly mentioned in the first book. I don't really have any negative points that I can think of. I was a big fan of the first book as well and this book gave me what I wanted. So in my opinion Sky Ghosts: Marco is a damn good time for fans of short stories with action and humor. Check it out!

[Xen Randell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 stars!

This was a nice short story! If you've already read the "Sky Ghosts: All for One", then you're familiar with the characters. The story takes place some years before the events in "All for One", and explains Marco and Pain's relationship, or better, how it came to be. Pretty amusing!

I gotta say, the writing style is already much better, even if I got to read the Arc version. Also, the constant POV switches, which was a big issue in the "All for One" is non-existent here. It was very easy and entertaining to read it! Great job Alexandra, can't wait to read the sequel to "All for One"!

Recommend: to anyone who has read the first book in the series, as it's connected and it would be hard for someone who doesn't know about the world-building to understand what's all that about. Anyway, if you had any issues with the writing in "All for One", but liked the overall plot, this short story is for you! And it is a great example of what to expect in the next book!

[Lindsay Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Sky Ghosts: All For One, Pain was my favorite character. I feel like I can personally identify with her, so naturally I formed an attachment to her story-line. Sadly, much of her story-line in the Sky Ghosts: All For One was shrouded in mystery. You can imagine my excitement when I found out Engellmann was going to release a novella solely about Pain.

The back story on Marco and Pain's friendship satiated my curiosity about their dynamic from the first book. There was a pang of disappointment at the end of the story, only because I wanted more! I really love Engellmann’s writing style, and her ability to create characters that I immediately form an attachment to. I can't get enough of them. The Marco story will give her addicted readers (like myself) a fix before she publishes her next book. I look forward to seeing where the Sky Ghosts world heads to in the future.

[Kelly Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great (albeit teasing) book for lovers of Engellmann's writing. I want the next one! We get to understand the hilarious Marco and how the complex relationship between Marco and Pain came to be. This novella flowed well from the start with a fast pace and enough humor, heartbreak, and harrowing action to satisfy. But not enough to satiate my desire for more, more MORE. I suppose that's the point, right?
The author is well-versed in the sky-ghosts world after her debut book, Sky Ghosts: All for one, and it's a pleasure to see an already skilled writer further grow. As much as I love Marco, I'm really wanting to sink my claws into Sky Ghosts #2.
A professional and engaging read. And can I just say, that cover is effin amazing - stand out!

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was engaging and fun to the last drop. The action intensive story gave me a lot of insight into the world of the Sky Ghosts. The suspense behind who Marco really is kept me on edge throughout. At the same time, the insight into what makes him tick provided a unique counterbalance. Pain is funny from the get go and the Pain vs Marco history was priceless.

As a whole, this was a fun & unique insight into the world of the Sky Ghosts. I loved how we got to know some of the characters on such an intimate level while also being on a wild ride.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Levi Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bullseye!!!! And I'm not talking about Marco's head for Pain's fist either!! This book is the perfect addition to this series, as we have already come to understand Pain and her attitude, and now we get to see it taken out on a worthy adversary.

We are introduced to Marco, the Blade like character who has a rough edge and a smart mouth that he has a really hard time controlling. Marco then meets a girl known as Pain, and the rest is already history, but this story is so much fun. I loved learning more about Marco and Pain, and even Skull--the big, badass teddy bear--who can kill you with a look. HA HA Lots of fighting and pranks ensue as the two get to know each other and I had a great time reading all about this smart-assery today!

Alexandra Engellmann did an amazing job on this short story tying the series together and in like 60 pages building overwhelming excitement for the next installment. That ending, though!!!! GAAAAA, now I can't wait to read the next book. Thanks a lot evil Engellmann, you are such a pain!!!! ;)

And thank you for the free copy, ya jerk! Sure, it's for an honest review and that's all, you say, but actually you know that once people read it they'll have to have the next one!! Well played, wicked author lady! haha

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I was very excited to be given the opportunity to read this as Marco was one of my favourite characters in sky ghosts mainly because he was just as insane as Pain and I loved that they had a close friendship in sky ghosts. In this book however they were very much enemies and played many a prank on each other as well as trying to hurt one another continually, I loved seeing how Marco came into Ghosts and how he kind of formed a little in the first few weeks. I loved reading about Marco and Pain and how they really struggled to find a common ground or any kind of ground bar the hate they shared for one another.

Overall I loved the character Marco stayed true to the characteristics he had in sky ghosts but I felt this was very lacking in his whole story, it's like we got a glimpse of his life and how he came to be there but that was all we as readers were given, I would have liked to have seen a little more of how they're friendship progressed and how scenes from sky ghosts that Marco experienced were reflected and tied in to it, I felt it was a little of a missed opportunity but it was still a good read :)

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: this review is based on an advanced copy provided by the author for a fair and unbiased critique.)

Sky Ghosts: Marco does exactly what a side-story should do. Taking place five years before the events of Sky Ghosts: All for One, the first of the series, it gives the reader further insight to the personalities of characters we know and the evolving relationship between each other. It's an origin story for the titular Marco, who is found beaten on the streets of New York and in pretty rough shape. The Sky Ghosts take him in, and seeing him for what he is offers him the chance to be among the best of them. He is given a trial period, a chance to prove himself to the heads of the organization: Michael and his second-in-command Peter. More than willing to show that he's got what it takes, there's only one small thing that gets in the way: Pain.

The author's talent has improved since All for One, and you can see it clearly in Marco. Not only in her grammar and sentence structure, but in her ability to weave a tale that holds your attention. She makes the characters believable. Their interactions with each other play out in a relatable way... except, of course, for all the flying and body-slamming others into ceilings.

It's a short story, and is a quick and fun read. While it by no means is a necessary read to continue the main Sky Ghost's plot, it serves as a reward; a chance to witness hands-on the events hinted at from the first book. Being a lore-nerd, I'm always willing to soak up backstory where I can, and with Marco, I was not disappointed.

[Keith Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book title:
This is a book about Marco; where it is just simply entertaining.

Review based on ARC received from author.

Introduction:
Most of the book is about introducing Marco and how he joined the Sky Ghost. Since it is a short read; it is well written and simply amazing.

Character Development:
Marco has good characters and I started to like him more after reading this. He used to be a very deadly fighter with not much emotions on Sky Ghost: All for One but now, my perception changed.

Story plot:
The story is very interesting and it actually builds up why Marco and pain can be such good friends. One part I like is Marco actually watched The Simpsons; I actually LOL’ed at this.

Conclusion:
Overall this is very interesting and pulls up a good character like Marco with an entertaining story. You can find brutal fighting, childish act, and a lots with this book.

[Joe Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story-wise, almost exactly what I'd expected after getting to know these two characters in Sky Ghosts: All for One. Plenty of humor here, spiced up with some well-placed but not over-abundant foul language. Sky Ghosts: Marco details the budding rivalry of Marco and Pain succinctly and neatly, adding a little more depth to the relationship as presented in the first novel. It makes a nice sidecar for All for One, giving us a little more about the characters without being a drawn-out info dump of character background and histories. If Engellmann does this same thing after each of the three "major" books in the series, I think it will flesh out the series as a whole beautifully.

And now, to wait for the next Sky Ghosts volume...

[Caitlyn Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is based on an advance readers copy from the author for an honest review.

Summery:
This book is based on the view of Marco, at the very beginning of his sky ghosts career at the New York Sky Ghosts Headquarters. He instantaneously gets into fights with Pain the moment they meet, and this eventually leads to to them constantly fighting, which leads to the rest of this book.

My Review:
This is the second book in the Sky Ghosts series and if you liked the first book, Sky Ghosts: All for One, then you should give this one a go! There are tons of fighting, blood-spilling, and connections made with this book and with the first book of the series, and eventually you will finally know how deep Pain and Marco's relationship goes from how they first met and onwards.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a prequel to All For One, and serves to shed a little light on the events that lead up to the relationship between Pain and Marco. It serves this purpose extremely well.

However it also made me want to learn more about Marco's pre-Sky Ghosts life. We catch a glimpse of his life, and it's alluded that he belonged to a similar group in the past, but nothing specific was given.

As a novella, it is excellent. I wouldn't have complained if the author had written a full novel about this!

***Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***

[Eryka Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky Ghosts: Marco (Sky Ghosts Series Book 1.5) (Kindle Edition)
I read Sky Ghost All for One and loved the relationship Marco and Pain shared and this story made me love them even more. I was so happy to receive this ARC copy but sad it was so short. Thoroughly enjoyed getting to know more about both Pain and Marco and seeing their relationship's up and downs. See that neither one has changed much. I look forward to the next book in the series. An awesome and intriguing read.

[Miriama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous, great descriptions. Didn't expect any less after the first book. No more words are needed. A M A Z I N G. Keep it up! Even tho...it was short to my taste. :p Considering how much I love Marco.
(Read full review here)

[W.R. Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Impression: A great prequel that will immerse the reader deeper into the Sky Ghost world, and will make you feel more invested with the character's personal lives. I look forward to the next in this series!

Read full review here.

[Donte McNeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think it’s a secret that I adore Alexandra Engellmann’s Sky Ghosts series, despite there only being one full-length novel out so far. That’s just how good it is. Apart from Sky Ghosts: All For One, the first in the series, there are two short stories, Sky Ghosts: The Night Before, a prequel to the main story, and Sky Ghosts: Marco, the other a novella focusing on two of the best characters Sky Ghosts has to offer, and also a prequel of sorts. Now I read the main story before either of the shorts, mainly because it was published before them, but I’d think it’s best to check out the shorts after reading the main story, but that’s just my opinion. Now, for Alexandra Engellmann’s Sky Ghosts: Marco!

In this book we meet Marco, an angry, short-tempered nineteen-year old who is taken in by the Sky Ghosts. Once at their headquarters, he meets the equally angry and short-tempered girl named known as Pain. And thus begins a tale of epic proportions centered around rivalry, mistrust, and revenge! Okay, not really; it’s really about exploring Marco and Pain’s initial antagonistic attitudes towards each other, ripe with heated exchanges, brutal training, and borderline sadistic pranks.

It was a fun look into their pasts, though I do wish it was longer, but that’s just because I want to learn even more about these characters. They’re some of the most memorable I’ve come across in the past few years. To say I’m eagerly awaiting the next book (or anything new relating to the series) is a massive understatement. The Sky Ghosts series are full of action, humor (laughed out loud quite a few times) and violence, as well as memorable characters, cool powers and engaging plots. Led by a snarky, foul-mouthed badass young female lead Engellmann has created a world where one can get lost in for hours at a time, and as such has found fan for life in me!

[Ramona Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky Ghost Marco is an entertaining Prequel written by Alexandra Engellman. It helps you understand on how some of the characters met and tells about the early years of Sky Ghost Headquarters. The author has a very lively way of telling their story and I really enjoy reading her books. This book came out after Sky Ghost Initiation which is great since you now can fill in some of the gaps.

I really like the characters Pain and Marco and you really get to know them more in this novella. The pace of this book is very good with something constantly happening. The dynamics between these two characters is the focus of this book and it is very much like to rivaling siblings. I really think the author captured this very nicely. I for one am a fan of this series and can't wait for more of these to come out.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I loved reading this short story! I really enjoyed learning how Marco came to the Sky Ghosts headquarters. How Marco and Pain's friendship didn't quite start out that way. There is lots of action and humor. I would have loved for it to have been longer, I just want to read more of this series. There are plenty of laughable moments that I didn't expect from Marco or Pain. This is a fast paced, well written short story. I can't wait to continue reading this series! This e-book was provided to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.

[Janeandjerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky Ghosts: Marco (Sky Ghosts Series Book 1.5)

This is part of the Sky Ghosts Series and it is Marco's story. You don't have to read the first book in this series but it would be nice to know exactly who everyone is and what part they play in the book. I hope they come out with more on the other characters like they have with Marco in this book cause I'd really to know more of their beginnings as well...

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The level of violence in this book was disturbing. The pranks were closer to abuse and hazing.

[Sue Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW AND THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW ...
In this book is about the story of Patricia and her meeting Marco for the first time. Many of the sky ghost resented Patricia aka Pain( for pain A°°), at 16 , she and her little sister Jane, had been raised at the training facility and taught to fight all her life, and she was good. She would often sneak out and go on patrol, even when she wasn't supposed to, on one of these trips is when she saw Marco, for the first time. Marco had been found with six beast (people with the same powers as the sky ghost but doing evil )around him, so the theme of sky ghost tell him to Doc. After Doc treated him, he called Michael, actor Michael came and checked him out and ask questions. Michael offered Marco a chance to stay with the sky ghost, there were rules he would have to follow, who would not be able to leave until they could check him out and prove that he is no danger do any of the Sky Ghost. He could have no contact with anyone on the outside without someone being a witness. And no alone time with the young kids. In return Marco would get a place to stay, food, clothes, medical attention and money. Marco agreed and was shown to his room, and two Sky Ghost were assigned to watch him. Patricia and Marco did not seem to like each other from the very beginning, they fought. Who is Marco really? What is the tattoo where the sky ghost birthmark usually is? The story gets really enjoyable watching how the relationship between the new guy Marco on Patricia who was raised there. After the death of their parents Patricia and Jane were brought to the sky ghost training and housing facilities, where they continue their training in weapons, hand to hand fighting and using their natural born abilities , till the day they were old enough to join the bodyguards for hire. Patricia and Jane are total opposites, but Patricia will always protect Jane at all costs, even though Jane has reached an age where she wants to defend herself, she has been trained and is no weakling. After many tricks pulled by both of them, Peter had had enough, he walked into the training room and ordered Patricia and Marco the fight and put Jane with Brad who Marco had been fighting. Which after it was over it ended with both spending time in the infirmary, with broken bones, but new respect for each other. We know where Patricia was trained , but where was Marco trained? Could Pain ever find a friend? Skull wondered, in the four years she had been there he had never seen her have one. Maybe it just took finding someone as crazy as she was , in a building with more than 100 fighters and age not really the problem, because she was a control freak where her sisters safety was concerned. The fighters had learned rather to avoid her then have dislocated or broke. But she needed to learn how to form some kind of friendship. They were like two sadistic teens not knowing how to use their overflowing powers. Skull seems to have an idea about where Marco could be from.

[Laurajean Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it gave me an insight to Marco and Pain. I do not know how you want to read this book, but I would read it after Shy Ghost #1. Alexander know's how to write excitement in to her book.
I read this book in a short period of time because i could not put it down. Make sure that you read it.

[Rajalakshmi Prithviraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Marco after I finished reading All for One in the Sky Ghosts series (thanks to the author). And I had no choice but to finish it in one sitting. The book kept me hooked on till the end.

Though titled as Marco, this book focuses on Pain and Marco (Better explained as if it is not Marco's personal views, then its Pain's thought about Marco!!!) Right from their introduction till the end of the book, Alexandra takes you on a journey into the lives of these two characters.

At one point, this book makes you feel that you are right there inside the book, like an onlooker, watching the antics of Pain and Marco. You will laugh with them, at them, you will cheer them when they fight. Alexandra has this ability to get her readers involved.

What appears to be hate at first sight, is later the very foundation of a strong friendship. They are the perfect example for the scientific theory, unlike poles attract. Now to think about, isn't it stragely true that the best of friends are actually those who begin on a wrong note???

I wish I could bring out in detail what I loved about it (which is everything!!!), but if I do so, I will be named a spoil sport. One needs to read this book in order to embark on a journey into the life of these Sky Ghosts.

By the way, many of these Sky Ghosts are teenagers, and the way they fight the Beasts, many an adult would shudder. Doesnt it sound ironical when we label teenagers as wanderers without real purpose???

To sum up, the essence of this book is best understood if you have read All for One (though it is an excellent story even when read in isolation!!!) So allow Marco to enter your lives and help you explore the world of Sky Ghosts.

P.S- If you thought All For One is good, then Marco is even better.

[Shelle Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this Prequel to Sky Ghosts: All For One, we learn more about Marco, one of the more engaging characters from the first book. In ‘All For One’, Marco and Pain are close friends and sparring partners. Marco is a bit irreverent and seemingly salacious. It is hinted that he has a past he doesn’t want to talk about.

In this story, Marco ends up at Headquarters under suspicious circumstances, after apparently taking down six Beasts on his own. He and, then sixteen year old, Pain take an instant disliking to each other and in true Sky Ghost fashion their rivalry moves quickly from taunts and pranks to outright violence. This was a terrific opportunity to see more of the inner workings of Sky Ghost Headquarters.

Knowing the two become close friends eventually doesn’t take the edge off this short story. It was also nice getting to know more about a few of the peripheral characters. Pain may be the focus of the series, but I am certain each of the Ghosts could carry their own volume quite easily. Skull and Betsy? I have to know to more. This is a world I will gladly visit again.

I received a copy of this story in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 4.05

This novella takes place before the events of Sky Ghosts: All for One have even occurred. This novella revolves around Marco and when he joined the Sky Ghosts in New York City. It showed off his rivalry with Pain.

I found both of them to be funny. I wish there was more about Marco's past and where he came from. Then I would be able to connect with him more. Overall, a great read.

[Ola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally, I enjoyed Marco a lot more than it's predecessor as I found that it moved at a much quicker pace (maybe due to it being a novella), with less annoying mistakes when it came to the writing, and of course - I had already met the characters before and so I knew what to expect of them. But it was a good prequel to the first book and thought that it linked in very well.

I would recommend both of the books to fans of fantasy novels full of action and angel-like creatures.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco knew his life in the Sky Ghosts was too good to be true. Nothing good had ever happened in his life. Then he realized the catch: Pain.
I loved how there were pranks in here that I can see older teens doing. I was really happy that Ms Engellmann stayed true to her characters and suited the events to their age and personality. I actually don't think there was anything I didn't like, besides the fact that it was so short.
Impatiently waiting for the next book.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This side story has really got me anxious for the next book. Clearly, we can expect a lot of world expanding and maybe even new characters. I liked how even in such a simple story there was a lot of suspense and the main mystery wasn't solved. I guess the author has different plans for it, and this one was just for fun, and I like where it's going!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marco was my second favorite character after Pain, so I couldn't wait to read this book. I wish it was longer! But I guess there will be more about Marco in the next book, because too much was left unresolved.