Short story review: What Zoey Doesn't know (A Monster Haven short) by R.L Naquin

This is a short story in Rachel’s wonderful Monster Haven Series. It takes place between book three; Fairies in my Fireplace and book four; Golem in my Glovebox.

Short Adventures

Hidden Holidays by R.L. Naquin

Set between book two, Pooka in My Pantry, and book three, Fairies in My Fireplace, "Hidden Holidays" tells of Zoey's first Christmas with her new family of monsters, myths, and urban legends. While everyone's favorite closet monster, Maurice, makes plans to decorate the house in the spirit of the season, an overwhelmed Zoey escapes to the beach where she discovers a young boy who needs her help.

Short Book Review: Inner Demons by Ann Snizek

This book has a bit of a story built in before it was written. Let me share it with you, before I tell you my thoughts of Inner Demons.

I stumbled over an author’s series last year. Her second book was about to be published, and the blurb intrigued me, so I wanted to read the first one before diving head first into the second. I’m still happy I did that, will never regret it. We started talking about this and that, and soon became good friends. Earlier this year, Ann (the author, and my friend) was holding a FB party, and I was invited (yay – lucky me!), we had a great deal of fun, right up until I got a different kind of Ping on my computer. It was a private message from Ann, asking me for help. She had forgotten something very, very important, and she had to dash from the computer. If I could be persuaded to finish the rest of the event?

My initial thought was: o.O Stunned silence. I was awed, honored and a GREAT deal of scared. (alright, I MIGHT have looked a little like Daffy Duck... maybe...) Never having worked with blogger before, I had about 30 min before Ann had to run, so I went in, feet first, hoping for the best.

You can relax. Everyone survived. Including me, even though I stayed up till 2am, and had worked the entire day at the post office. :-)

Not giving it a second thought, I continued on the day after, and when I was closing in on my afternoon, I got a surprise from Ann. She gave me a link,  told me to get my ass over there, fill out the form and leave the rest to her.

So I did. Wondering what the hell I got myself into.

Then suddenly, a couple of weeks ago, Ann messaged me letting me know she was done. Since life has a way of throwing things in my way, I didn’t get a chance to read it until recently.

I have heard about the Short Books before, from Ann, but didn’t really know what to expect. So, let me tell you a little about the book, starting with the blurb:

 

Ani Bass just wants to enjoy a nice vacation on the beach. Her peaceful time away proves to be anything but peaceful when she discovers the house next door is possessed. But will the demons in the abandoned beach house be her biggest concern?

Ani is on vacation when she hears screams from the neighbor’s house – and of course she calls the police. When they arrive, the elderly officer, pretty much claims she’s nuts and leaves. The younger officer, however, comes back a little later, claiming the screams Ani can hear is from real, full-blooded Demons. Well, as you can imagine, this doesn’t exactly makes Ani more secure, and she’s not all that sure she should follow Ben (the younger officer), but what choice does she have? If what he says is true, then her live is in danger. But is the fact that demons are real, the only truth that will be revealed that night? Because some things one can not change – demon or not.

Inner Demons were made for me (as I mentioned earlier), and to tell you the truth; Ann nailed it perfectly. I loved every page in this book. The story held me captive, and (damn her) ended waaayyy too soon. :-D

I loved the twist Ann did with the story. I won’t tell you what it is, since it would ruin the story, but it was VERY well made. Ying and Yang. Opposites really do attract – and that’s ALL I’m saying! The story flows easily, is exciting to read and MOST enjoyable! And though I still wanted it to be longer, at least I know I can get a continuation, since Ann recently launched the option of making your short book into a series. (I hope my friends and husband gets the BIG hint here!!!)

Just to tell you a small secret; if you didn’t think had a naughty side to her – think again. This book shows that she can be very naughty indeed!! ;-)

Here in the end, I want to give Ann a BIG hug and a huge shout of THANK YOU!!! Ann, thank you for creating this book for me, it made me smile, and I truly enjoyed reading it! NOVO YOU!!!!

About Ann Snizek:

Originally from Vermont -- and after a childhood of relocating -- Ann Snizek finally settled in southern Virginia with her family. She is actively involved with literacy in her community through tutoring and facilitation of a local writing club, which is also interactive online through Facebook.
Ann writes Young Adult Sci-Fi & Fantasy.

Where to stalk find Ann:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Goodreads

Short Story Review: Ill-Conceived Magic by R.L. Naquin

 

What do you do when a baby is left on your doorstep? Normally, you would call the Police. That’s not an option for Zoey Donovan. Zoey is an Aegis, the protector and caretaker of the Hidden (magical creatures), and the baby sitting on her doorstep is definitely not human. Unless human babies started having sage skin and olive hair, complete with goat legs and two tiny horns . So, what to do?

The hunt is on for the little baby girls parents. Only when you’re trying to locate a beautiful little mixed girl parents, when both parties Family hates each other….  You’re into more trouble than planned for.

This is a sweet and cute little short story set in the world of the Monster Haven Series, right after Monster in My Closet. We see Zoey and Maurice wander off on their own little adventure, trying to find the parents to the little girl found on Zoey’s doorstep. But it isn’t as easy as one would think. The dryads will not accept her and the Satyrs… well, they’re being Satyrns.  I’m still having nightmares about the chase in the woods!! O_O I totally blame you Rachel!

I enjoyed Ill-conceived Magic. It’s a beautiful tale about love and what it can overcome… and transmonsterification. :-)  It gives us a few surprises, and it fits perfectly into the rest of the series.

Did I mention it’s free? No? Ups. (looks innocent)

Well it is. You can find it here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/292836

 ENJOY! I know I did.

Want to know more about Fairies in My Fireplace, the third book in the Monster Haven Series? Then come by tomorrow for my review!