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Cassandra Palmer #0.6
The Queen's Witch
"The Queen's Witch" is a short story connected to the New York Times bestselling Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab series of urban fantasy novels. It features Kit Marlowe in a supernatural thriller set in Elizabethan England.
It's a companion novel to The Gauntlet.
It's a companion novel to The Gauntlet.
60 pages, ebook
First published May 13, 2010
12 people are currently reading
1696 people want to read
About the author
Karen Chance
61 books5,252 followersKaren Chance is the author of two New York Times bestselling series, plus a number of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cassandra Palmer universe. A full-time writer since 2008, she was previously a university history teacher, which comes in handy when writing the time-travel aspect of Cassie’s crazy adventures. She loves Las Vegas, the main setting for her novels, but currently lives in Florida near her family home. Visit her website or connect with her on Facebook here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
January 15, 2020
This novella is the sequel to The Gauntlet, taking place one day after Kit Marlowe helped Gillian out of the prison, and Gillian left him behind.
At the beginning of the story, Gillian is almost caught by the Silver Circle again, but Marlowe helps her again, and this time he doesn’t let her go until she agrees to substitute the missing witch in a meeting.
In the meeting, they detect how and when the Black Circle plans to end the Queen. All they have to do is stop them from carrying out their plan. Of course, it is dangerous and seems almost impossible.
So what do we have?
☆ A conspiracy against Queen Elizabeth I.
☆ The largest pearl in the world, La Peregrina, which is cursed with a special spell, is supposed to drain life from every living organism that touches it.
☆ A fearless and gorgeous (especially when he is naked) vampire, Kit Marlowe.
☆ A very talented, powerful, and smart witch, Gillian.
☆ And a zombie monkey.
I loved how accurately the magic and the spells are created and work, it's really impressive.
The Queen's Witch is an adventurous, interesting, funny, and sensual story. Highly recommended!
At the beginning of the story, Gillian is almost caught by the Silver Circle again, but Marlowe helps her again, and this time he doesn’t let her go until she agrees to substitute the missing witch in a meeting.
In the meeting, they detect how and when the Black Circle plans to end the Queen. All they have to do is stop them from carrying out their plan. Of course, it is dangerous and seems almost impossible.
So what do we have?
☆ A conspiracy against Queen Elizabeth I.
☆ The largest pearl in the world, La Peregrina, which is cursed with a special spell, is supposed to drain life from every living organism that touches it.
☆ A fearless and gorgeous (especially when he is naked) vampire, Kit Marlowe.
☆ A very talented, powerful, and smart witch, Gillian.
☆ And a zombie monkey.
I loved how accurately the magic and the spells are created and work, it's really impressive.
The Queen's Witch is an adventurous, interesting, funny, and sensual story. Highly recommended!
March 27, 2024
Reseña corta:
No hay mucho que decir. Me ha entretenido y son los mismos personajes que del primer relato. Se podría decir que es su continuación. Ha sido una aventura interesante. Me encantaría tener libros solo de Marlowe aunque aun me queda mucho por descubrir.
No hay mucho que decir. Me ha entretenido y son los mismos personajes que del primer relato. Se podría decir que es su continuación. Ha sido una aventura interesante. Me encantaría tener libros solo de Marlowe aunque aun me queda mucho por descubrir.
February 7, 2024
Este relato estuvo mejor que el anterior. Supongo que esta bruja aparecerá en algún momento en la saga y que este relato nos muestra por qué ya no lo es... lo que digo yo que tendrá alguna clase de importancia si ella aparece en algún momento en la serie.
August 14, 2013
"Being a witch in her majesty's most Protestant England had once been considerably easier than life on the Continent, where the Inquisition had been joined in its efforts to wipe out magic users by a group of dark mages known as the Black Circle."
Those who escaped created the Silver Circle in England and now they are the ones who are persecuting those who resist their new order or who are too independent.This story takes place a few days after The Gauntlet where Kit Marlowe helped Gillian escape prison. She left her daughter with some friends and she is trying to sell the ring she stole from Kit.
He finds her and makes her an offer she cannot refuse.
In Dorina Basarab series Kit Marlowe is not my favourite character since he doesn't like Dorina very much. Not that he isn't great there too, but here he is more than that.
I am not sure how this four-chapter story would look to someone who doesn't know anything about the world. Since I have read at least some of the Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab books, this story is great. Still, I doubt anyone might dislike a character like Kit Marlowe even when he is mean to a character you like, especially in these two stories (The Gauntlet and this one). And I like how Karen Chance writes so there's that.
October 7, 2019
Kit Marlowe, what a delightful creature. Need I say more?
January 20, 2018
Short story where Kit Marlowe and the witch Gillian continue their adventures after the pearls of the queen.
June 11, 2019
Gillian and Kit team up again to stop a plot against the queen. I really enjoyed this little story and hope to see more of them in the future.
December 30, 2011
Another very solid story by Chance, a sequel to The Gauntlet. Both stories are available for free on the author's website or from smashwords. They take place during the late 1500s in England in the world of Chance's Cassie Palmer characters, but familiarly with the series isn't necessary. Fans of the series will enjoy that this story features Kit Marlowe, once of the more intriguing vampires from the series (although him being a vampire isn't much of an issue here). I do think the stores will be appreciated more if read together, the character of Gillian will make more sense In this one and you'll care about her more if you know where she came from and what she's fighting for, but both stories a quite good in their own as well.
February 19, 2012
Another great free read from Karen Chance The Queen's Witch picks up the story straight after the ending of The Gauntlet. These stories are set in the same world as the Cassie Palmer / Dorina Basarab books but are much earlier in time and don't contain spoilers for either series.
I'd recommend reading both short stories in order though because this one would contain spoilers for The Gauntlet. They are both fast paced and fun reads though and fill in a bit of background information about the Silver Circle and Kit Marlowe. They're great for when you're looking for something quick to read.
I'd recommend reading both short stories in order though because this one would contain spoilers for The Gauntlet. They are both fast paced and fun reads though and fill in a bit of background information about the Silver Circle and Kit Marlowe. They're great for when you're looking for something quick to read.
December 31, 2012
The Queen's Witch
The Queen's Witch picks up just days after the events in The Gauntlet and sees Gillian the witch—this time written in first person from her POV—up to mischief once again. With a plot against the Queen under way involving precious jewellery and magic, who better to assist Kit—willingly or not—than a former jewel thief slash coven witch?
Again, this was a fun read, but it could be skipped as it doesn't really progress anything with regards to either the Cassandra Palmer series or the Dorina Basarab series.
3 Stars ★★★
This book is free either on the author's website or Smashwords.
The Queen's Witch picks up just days after the events in The Gauntlet and sees Gillian the witch—this time written in first person from her POV—up to mischief once again. With a plot against the Queen under way involving precious jewellery and magic, who better to assist Kit—willingly or not—than a former jewel thief slash coven witch?
Again, this was a fun read, but it could be skipped as it doesn't really progress anything with regards to either the Cassandra Palmer series or the Dorina Basarab series.
3 Stars ★★★
This book is free either on the author's website or Smashwords.
May 28, 2012
Pretty good follow up to The Gauntlet.
I love Kit and Gillian is still just as feisty. It was over a little too quickly, but I did enjoy that bath scene with Kit and Gillian.
I loved Kit's speech too about why he was willing to do what he was doing for the Queen.
I love Kit and Gillian is still just as feisty. It was over a little too quickly, but I did enjoy that bath scene with Kit and Gillian.
I loved Kit's speech too about why he was willing to do what he was doing for the Queen.
January 3, 2016
4 stars
Not too bad of a story. Interesting how Gilliam became a member of the Queen's Court. The monkey was very weird and annoying. Nice to see Gilliam and Kit interacting again. Wonder if they become lovers. What happened to Elinor?!
Not too bad of a story. Interesting how Gilliam became a member of the Queen's Court. The monkey was very weird and annoying. Nice to see Gilliam and Kit interacting again. Wonder if they become lovers. What happened to Elinor?!
June 12, 2024
Novella que esla continuación de The Gauntlet. Gillian tras haber birlado el anillo a Kit trata de venderlo para conseguir pasaje para escapar de Inglaterra junto a su pequeña hija. Pero las cosas no son nada fáciles y Kit vuelve a encontrarla para hacerse pasar por una bruja de aquelarre para descubrir una conspiración contra Elizabeth I.
Es más floja que la anterior novella en cuanto a acción, pero aclara más cosas del círculo, y como los vampiros luchan con ellos por influencia política .
Being a witch in her majesty’s most Protestant England had once been considerably easier than life on the Continent, where the Inquisition had been joined in its efforts to wipe out magic users by a group of dark mages known as the Black Circle. Having been excluded from the magical community for years, they lusted after its demise and their own subsequent rise to power. And their magic combined with the Inquisition’s numbers had insured that the number of real witches meeting a fiery end had recently shown a dramatic increase.
As a result, a flood of magical refugees had started arriving in England, determined to rebuild their power and retake the continent. Anyone who resisted the new order imposed by this “Silver Circle” was suspect. But members of the once powerful, independent covens or—worse—outlaws who refused to abide by anyone’s rules but their own, were anathema.
I was the Circle’s worst nightmare, for I was both.
La reina es presentada como vanidosa y obsesionada con la joya de época : las perlas.
Como dato histórico, la Peregrina existió en realidad, y se piensa que fue dada a Elizabeth Taylor , aunque algunos dicen que son dos perlas semejantes.
El Circulo Negro ha conseguido un envenenador y conspira con España para deshacerse de ella, mientras que los magos quieren sembrar caos para apoderarse del país. Kit esta determinado a evitar que Inglaterra quede en manos extranjeras.
Es más floja que la anterior novella en cuanto a acción, pero aclara más cosas del círculo, y como los vampiros luchan con ellos por influencia política .
Being a witch in her majesty’s most Protestant England had once been considerably easier than life on the Continent, where the Inquisition had been joined in its efforts to wipe out magic users by a group of dark mages known as the Black Circle. Having been excluded from the magical community for years, they lusted after its demise and their own subsequent rise to power. And their magic combined with the Inquisition’s numbers had insured that the number of real witches meeting a fiery end had recently shown a dramatic increase.
As a result, a flood of magical refugees had started arriving in England, determined to rebuild their power and retake the continent. Anyone who resisted the new order imposed by this “Silver Circle” was suspect. But members of the once powerful, independent covens or—worse—outlaws who refused to abide by anyone’s rules but their own, were anathema.
I was the Circle’s worst nightmare, for I was both.
La reina es presentada como vanidosa y obsesionada con la joya de época : las perlas.
Como dato histórico, la Peregrina existió en realidad, y se piensa que fue dada a Elizabeth Taylor , aunque algunos dicen que son dos perlas semejantes.
El Circulo Negro ha conseguido un envenenador y conspira con España para deshacerse de ella, mientras que los magos quieren sembrar caos para apoderarse del país. Kit esta determinado a evitar que Inglaterra quede en manos extranjeras.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2019
"I am trying to decide whether to kiss you again, or throw you over my knee!"
"Let me know when you make up your mind, " I told him. I thought both had possibilities.
What's better than a fantasy spy story with a great protagonist? A story with 2 and that's just what I got here in the second novella featuring coven Elder Gillian Urswick and gentleman spy vampire Kit Marlowe.
Starting only a day or so after the first novella, we find Gillian still on the run from the dreaded Circle, a magical order seeking absolute power in England. There are few, if any, allies Gillian can turn to for help in getting herself and her young daughter safe passage from England. Enter Kit Marlowe with the answer to her prayers.
Separately, these characters are interesting, witty and formidable. Together, they're a powerhouse of sarcasm, stubbornness, intelligence, and palpable chemistry. They work well together, neither character overshadowing the other. Immediately, given what they'd just endured at the prison in the last story, they find a way to work together to achieve their respective goals and in the end they're the better for it.
The Queen's Witch is a short, but inspiring read that is imaginatively packed with history and charming characters that satisfy.
Off to read the next 26 books in this universe! 😁
"Let me know when you make up your mind, " I told him. I thought both had possibilities.
What's better than a fantasy spy story with a great protagonist? A story with 2 and that's just what I got here in the second novella featuring coven Elder Gillian Urswick and gentleman spy vampire Kit Marlowe.
Starting only a day or so after the first novella, we find Gillian still on the run from the dreaded Circle, a magical order seeking absolute power in England. There are few, if any, allies Gillian can turn to for help in getting herself and her young daughter safe passage from England. Enter Kit Marlowe with the answer to her prayers.
Separately, these characters are interesting, witty and formidable. Together, they're a powerhouse of sarcasm, stubbornness, intelligence, and palpable chemistry. They work well together, neither character overshadowing the other. Immediately, given what they'd just endured at the prison in the last story, they find a way to work together to achieve their respective goals and in the end they're the better for it.
The Queen's Witch is a short, but inspiring read that is imaginatively packed with history and charming characters that satisfy.
Off to read the next 26 books in this universe! 😁
August 16, 2019
This story was set a few days after The Gauntlet ended and I would recommend reading that one first before starting this book, although I believe it could also be enjoyed alone.
While the first book (The Gauntlet) was full of action, a fight between witches and mages, this one was not as explosive but thrilling and captivating nonetheless. This one’s also shorter and such a quick read, I was finished in no time at all.
Vampire Kit Marlowe still needed witch Gillian’s help and they both set out to a dangerous mission.
I can’t mention it often enough. I love the author’s writing. No matter how long or short her stories, I get lost every time in the fascinating world she creates.
A spell binding historical fantasy, which again left me wanting for more!!!!
While the first book (The Gauntlet) was full of action, a fight between witches and mages, this one was not as explosive but thrilling and captivating nonetheless. This one’s also shorter and such a quick read, I was finished in no time at all.
Vampire Kit Marlowe still needed witch Gillian’s help and they both set out to a dangerous mission.
I can’t mention it often enough. I love the author’s writing. No matter how long or short her stories, I get lost every time in the fascinating world she creates.
A spell binding historical fantasy, which again left me wanting for more!!!!
May 8, 2018
You can say this is part 2 of Kit Marlowe story as a young master vampire, and what sweet little action packed story that was. I really enjoyed it.
Gillian was fierce and sassy, and Kit was strong and galant.
For such a short book, it had a great pace, nice storyline and surprisingly (okay not surprisingly because it’s Karen Chance we are talking about here, and she is da bomb! ) well developed characters.
Read: 08/05/2018
Will I recommend: Yes, but read series first, not the little prequels or you want get as much out of it.
Gillian was fierce and sassy, and Kit was strong and galant.
For such a short book, it had a great pace, nice storyline and surprisingly (okay not surprisingly because it’s Karen Chance we are talking about here, and she is da bomb! ) well developed characters.
Read: 08/05/2018
Will I recommend: Yes, but read series first, not the little prequels or you want get as much out of it.
December 20, 2021
What? How can this be? Kit is flirting with another woman? I picked this book up years ago and never read it. I honestly can't say that I remember the preceding book, Gauntlet.
I liked reading about how the Silver Circle came into the England. I also liked how this story showed that those that want to be left alone and do what they have always done are being forced out. I think I'm more outraged by that part more than anything else in the story. It is frustrating that her livelihood is being controlled by others and makes me mad.
Overall this is a short and sweet piece tightly written and gives another look into Kit's past.
I liked reading about how the Silver Circle came into the England. I also liked how this story showed that those that want to be left alone and do what they have always done are being forced out. I think I'm more outraged by that part more than anything else in the story. It is frustrating that her livelihood is being controlled by others and makes me mad.
Overall this is a short and sweet piece tightly written and gives another look into Kit's past.
February 4, 2024
“The Queen's Witch” is really nothing more than a very short epilogue to the novella “Gauntlet” and doesn't really stand on its own.
Gillian, rescued from the clutches of The Silver Circle, is attempting to escape Elizabethan Britain but, once again, finds Kit Marlowe looking out for her.
And then it's over!
It doesn't have enough to be a standalone work and it left me somewhat baffled.
2 Stars.
Gillian, rescued from the clutches of The Silver Circle, is attempting to escape Elizabethan Britain but, once again, finds Kit Marlowe looking out for her.
And then it's over!
It doesn't have enough to be a standalone work and it left me somewhat baffled.
2 Stars.
December 16, 2018
"The Queen's Witch" is a short story connected to the New York Times bestselling Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab series of urban fantasy novels. It features Kit Marlowe in a supernatural thriller set in Elizabethan England.
It's a companion novel to The Gauntlet.
It is very short. I did enjoy the story and would like to read more.
It's a companion novel to The Gauntlet.
It is very short. I did enjoy the story and would like to read more.
November 23, 2017
I loved the setting location for The Queen’s Witch. Following on Gillian and Kit from The Gauntlet, they travel through Victorian England and try to find a way to save the queen. The semi-historical setting gave the story a unique feeling from the main Cassandra Palmer series, and (I’m assuming) context for the later storylines within the series.
Having said that, I’m not actually sure where this miniseries fit into the storyline, but it feels like there is a lot of context here that is going to become useful later. The idea of coven witches and circle witches is fascinating, and the constant war that they are at is a constantly recurring battle. That of the old system vs. the new – modern vs. natural.
Kit Marlowe and Gillian have a tensely sexual relationship, and I like the way that they play off of one another throughout the story. Although this isn’t resolved at the conclusion of the story, it added a nice layer throughout the storyline.
Having said that, I’m not actually sure where this miniseries fit into the storyline, but it feels like there is a lot of context here that is going to become useful later. The idea of coven witches and circle witches is fascinating, and the constant war that they are at is a constantly recurring battle. That of the old system vs. the new – modern vs. natural.
Kit Marlowe and Gillian have a tensely sexual relationship, and I like the way that they play off of one another throughout the story. Although this isn’t resolved at the conclusion of the story, it added a nice layer throughout the storyline.
April 28, 2019
Continuação do conto anterior sobre Gillian e Kit. Eu possivelmente vou reler mais pra frente esse conto, pois ainda não vi muita ligação com os acontecimentos no universo de Cassie Palmer, ainda espero ansiosa para saber mais sobre Gillian.
June 25, 2017
la continuacion del 0.5 . me ha encantado Kit como siempre un caballero paranoico y sexy. necesito mas historias de Kit.
alguna vez ha estado enamorado de alguien?? no se porque me recuerda a JIM de la saga Kate Daniels de Ilona Andrews .
alguna vez ha estado enamorado de alguien?? no se porque me recuerda a JIM de la saga Kate Daniels de Ilona Andrews .
June 26, 2017
I enjoy the stories where Kit is almost normal in his youth
April 23, 2018
I'm not sure I had the complete book. It was only 107 pages. Still, it was interesting. If this is the complete book, I think it could be fleshed out a little.
September 23, 2019
Continuation of The Gauntlet with a witch, Gillian, and new vampire Kit Marlowe in Elizabethan England. High-action, quick read.
November 10, 2019
A cute short story about Kit and Gillian again based in the 1500s. I hope Karen writes more with them two. They are great together.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
January 22, 2021
I want more Kit Marlowe and Gillian. That is all.
January 17, 2022
3.25 estrellas
Estuvo bueno y divertido aunque quería más desarrollo entre estos dos personajes
Estuvo bueno y divertido aunque quería más desarrollo entre estos dos personajes
January 24, 2022
Read when published. Reread January 2022.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews