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Otherworld Stories #5.1
Adventurer
Available free online
Adventurer is a short story about "Silent Kenneth", the shaman of the interracial council.
Adventurer is a short story about "Silent Kenneth", the shaman of the interracial council.
6 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2005
3 people are currently reading
1300 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 15, 2017
In truth, Adventurer is more of a two-point-five star read, but I opted to round it down, as it wasn’t quite the level of amazing as some of the other Otherworld short stories have been.
Adventurer is just a handful of pages long, something you can complete in a mere handful of minutes, providing you a little insight into the mind of Kenneth. He’s a character we know of, but not one we know very well. In fact, he spends a lot of time in the background. This works to show there is something more to his character than we believe – but I really would have liked a little bit more. This made him real, but it wasn’t enough for me to fall head over heels for his character.
A nice little addition for fans, but not a necessity.
Adventurer is just a handful of pages long, something you can complete in a mere handful of minutes, providing you a little insight into the mind of Kenneth. He’s a character we know of, but not one we know very well. In fact, he spends a lot of time in the background. This works to show there is something more to his character than we believe – but I really would have liked a little bit more. This made him real, but it wasn’t enough for me to fall head over heels for his character.
A nice little addition for fans, but not a necessity.
April 6, 2015
Kenneth the Shaman never says much at the Council meetings but there is more to him than meets the eye. He decides that Elena and Clay need a little help with their quest to have children and he gets the chance to quietly help Jeremy with a plan to outwit the St Cloud Cabal.
I liked this! Kenneth has always interested me and this could have been really good if it had been extended into a decent length novella featuring Kenneth and the Pack.
I liked this! Kenneth has always interested me and this could have been really good if it had been extended into a decent length novella featuring Kenneth and the Pack.
November 29, 2017
I miss the Women of the Otherworld series. So I went back to see which stories I had not yet read.
Adventurer is a short one listed as Otherworld Stories #5.1. This story is about Kenneth, the shaman of the interracial council. He takes off on an adventure.
Although this story is super short we get cameos by: Cassandra, Paige, Jeremy, Jaime and Elena.
We learn about council business. And we get a bit about the Cabals.
This was a cute story. But I wish it had been longer.
February 24, 2017
This was surprisingly entertaining! I couldn't remember Kenneth at all (apparently he was in Stolen) but I loved the little peek into his mind. Kenneth's matter-of-fact tone was endearing and funny, as where those Tinkerbell images in his head.
My favorite bit:
"It is said among shamans that each is paired with his or her perfect spirit guide. A system that Kenneth suspected had broken down the day he’d come into the world. Perhaps another shaman had been born at the exact same moment, and the Creator—distracted by something more pressing, like an earthquake or angel uprising—had misassigned the ayamis. Somewhere right now, there was probably a shaman CIA agent being parachuted into enemy territory, accompanied by an ayami who’d really rather be napping."
My favorite bit:
"It is said among shamans that each is paired with his or her perfect spirit guide. A system that Kenneth suspected had broken down the day he’d come into the world. Perhaps another shaman had been born at the exact same moment, and the Creator—distracted by something more pressing, like an earthquake or angel uprising—had misassigned the ayamis. Somewhere right now, there was probably a shaman CIA agent being parachuted into enemy territory, accompanied by an ayami who’d really rather be napping."
August 9, 2011
Anything that even addresses Clay is good in my books!
April 9, 2022
Short POV from Kenneth. Looks like he does do something after all ;)
December 11, 2020
A free short story, 5.1 in the Women of the Otherworld urban fantasy series, revolving around the supernatural races with the focus on the Interracial Council.
My Take
You could say that "Adventurer" is an exposé that ticks Taira off big time. She'd like some excitement and adventure with Kenneth who much prefers the laid-back life of a sleepy shaman.
Only Taira doesn't know the deal Kenneth has with the council, *snicker*.
We learn all this from third person protagonist point-of-view from Kenneth's perspective, as he takes in the dynamics of the council's planning meeting. Yep, there isn't much in the way of action, but more an insight into Kenneth's observations.
It's a winding kind of thing, low-key, as we follow Kenneth in his meanderings.
The Story
There are all kinds of excuses the council offers up, anything to avoid ticking off a cabal. Only Bryant Peters really isn't being blackmailed by a cabal...
So the council's break-in isn't, um, really wrong.
The Characters
"Silent" Kenneth is a sleepy, shaman. Taira is Kenneth's ayami, a spirit guide.
The Interracial Council is…
…an organization for supernaturals, excluding sorcerers, dedicated to preventing the misuse of power. Paige Winterbourne represents the witches. Cassandra represents the vampires. Jeremy Danvers, an artist and the alpha, reps the werewolves. Elena Danvers is part of his pack — the only female werewolf in the world — who is trying to get pregnant. Clayton Danvers is Elena's husband, a notorious werewolf. Adam Vasic, an Exustio half-demon, represents the demons. Jaime Vargas is the newest council delegate, a necromancer.
Lucas Cortez, a sorcerer, lawyer, and Paige's husband, is a crusader against the Cabals, including his own family. Robert Vasic, a Tempestras half-demon, professor, and Adam's stepfather, and Ruth Winterbourne, a witch and Paige's deceased mother, had been council members. Bryant Peters is being blackmailed.
The Cabals are...
...like a mafia family only composed of sorcerers. The cabal in this story is the St Clouds.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a central graphic in a blurry range of blues with Taira in the middle reaching for a pink butterfly. The top and bottom have black borders serving as the background for the author's name with the title below in a pale blue. The bottom text is a pale blue credit for the cover artist.
The title is all about an unexpected "Adventurer".
My Take
You could say that "Adventurer" is an exposé that ticks Taira off big time. She'd like some excitement and adventure with Kenneth who much prefers the laid-back life of a sleepy shaman.
Only Taira doesn't know the deal Kenneth has with the council, *snicker*.
We learn all this from third person protagonist point-of-view from Kenneth's perspective, as he takes in the dynamics of the council's planning meeting. Yep, there isn't much in the way of action, but more an insight into Kenneth's observations.
It's a winding kind of thing, low-key, as we follow Kenneth in his meanderings.
The Story
There are all kinds of excuses the council offers up, anything to avoid ticking off a cabal. Only Bryant Peters really isn't being blackmailed by a cabal...
So the council's break-in isn't, um, really wrong.
The Characters
"Silent" Kenneth is a sleepy, shaman. Taira is Kenneth's ayami, a spirit guide.
The Interracial Council is…
…an organization for supernaturals, excluding sorcerers, dedicated to preventing the misuse of power. Paige Winterbourne represents the witches. Cassandra represents the vampires. Jeremy Danvers, an artist and the alpha, reps the werewolves. Elena Danvers is part of his pack — the only female werewolf in the world — who is trying to get pregnant. Clayton Danvers is Elena's husband, a notorious werewolf. Adam Vasic, an Exustio half-demon, represents the demons. Jaime Vargas is the newest council delegate, a necromancer.
Lucas Cortez, a sorcerer, lawyer, and Paige's husband, is a crusader against the Cabals, including his own family. Robert Vasic, a Tempestras half-demon, professor, and Adam's stepfather, and Ruth Winterbourne, a witch and Paige's deceased mother, had been council members. Bryant Peters is being blackmailed.
The Cabals are...
...like a mafia family only composed of sorcerers. The cabal in this story is the St Clouds.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a central graphic in a blurry range of blues with Taira in the middle reaching for a pink butterfly. The top and bottom have black borders serving as the background for the author's name with the title below in a pale blue. The bottom text is a pale blue credit for the cover artist.
The title is all about an unexpected "Adventurer".
July 22, 2022
Three reasons to read Adventurer:
1) I fully expected to neither like nor dislike this story. Kenneth made a brief appearance in Stolen where he doesn't even have a speaking role. He was there to fill a space and didn't serve a purpose beyond that; therefore, he did not leave a lasting impression. But his POV makes him likable, even interesting.
2) His relationship with Teira is sweet in a frustrated, confrontational way, and I loved his interaction with Jeremy.
3) Elena's reaction after he gave her the good news, although only a small moment in a small story, made me smile.
1) I fully expected to neither like nor dislike this story. Kenneth made a brief appearance in Stolen where he doesn't even have a speaking role. He was there to fill a space and didn't serve a purpose beyond that; therefore, he did not leave a lasting impression. But his POV makes him likable, even interesting.
2) His relationship with Teira is sweet in a frustrated, confrontational way, and I loved his interaction with Jeremy.
3) Elena's reaction after he gave her the good news, although only a small moment in a small story, made me smile.
December 24, 2018
I’ve previously read books 1 to 9 of this series many years ago, loved them all. It’s only recently that I’ve watched the TV series called Bitten which is based on the books which has made me want to come back and finish reading the series as well as all the short novels that have been written in addition to the full length novels.
So this short story was an interesting read, I’ll admit I don’t recall the character of Kenneth from the previous books but I still enjoyed it and it was nice to see that characters Elena, Paige, Jeremy, Cassandra and Adam had cameo appearances.
So this short story was an interesting read, I’ll admit I don’t recall the character of Kenneth from the previous books but I still enjoyed it and it was nice to see that characters Elena, Paige, Jeremy, Cassandra and Adam had cameo appearances.
October 31, 2023
Well this was REALLY short XD don't know what to rate it really. I kind wish we had more of Kenneth and Taira, really fun pair and a lot of really interesting possibilities with a Shama who can do astral projections but feels a bit too lazy to do much and his spirit guide Taira who nags him about it. It was lovely though, but yeah you can read it in like 5 minutes so if - like me - you love the universe built by Kelley Armstrong so much you want to read every little story she wrote, then you might as well go ahead. If i'm not mistaken it's free on her website.
January 6, 2018
Very short story found on the author’s website under Extras. It’s about an incident in Kenneth, a shaman on the council and how he helps them take care of a sensitive situation. Gives us some interesting background on Shamans.
Footnote 1) Time conundrum: when Kenneth got back from his reconnaissance, he immediately took a nap, yet 30 minutes later he had drawn up plans to give to Jeremy.
Fave scene: advice to Elena.
Footnote 1) Time conundrum: when Kenneth got back from his reconnaissance, he immediately took a nap, yet 30 minutes later he had drawn up plans to give to Jeremy.
Fave scene: advice to Elena.
November 22, 2020
Yay! A story about Armstrong's shamans! I've always been curious about them. Whether they have any other powers than spirit-walking or not. Guess I got my answers here.
Also fun to see the glimps into Elena and Clay pre-Broken. And while I honestly didn't remember Kenneth as a character, I liked him here. Don't think he'd be a good full novel MC, but interesting. And I'd love more shaman stuff!
Also fun to see the glimps into Elena and Clay pre-Broken. And while I honestly didn't remember Kenneth as a character, I liked him here. Don't think he'd be a good full novel MC, but interesting. And I'd love more shaman stuff!
August 6, 2021
3.5 stars
Very short story from Kenneth's (council shaman) POV. It's the only shaman POV we ever get and we don't see much of the shaman's in general. Here, adventure-averse Kenneth uses his astral-projection to help the council with some plans for a break-in. We also get a little bit of background info... like learning that Clay and Elena are trying to get pregnant.
Very short story from Kenneth's (council shaman) POV. It's the only shaman POV we ever get and we don't see much of the shaman's in general. Here, adventure-averse Kenneth uses his astral-projection to help the council with some plans for a break-in. We also get a little bit of background info... like learning that Clay and Elena are trying to get pregnant.
August 2, 2019
super short story
January 17, 2020
Cute little story.
October 8, 2021
Nice little short story.
November 17, 2021
Adventurer is a short story about "Silent Kenneth", the shaman of the interracial council.
Heather's Notes
I don't remember Kenneth but I did like the story.
Heather's Notes
I don't remember Kenneth but I did like the story.
January 6, 2023
3.5 stars
June 20, 2023
This online short was actually pretty entertaining and well written. Kenneth was always a quiet background character who didn't get much press, and this little story explains why in a very nice way.
January 14, 2017
The image of an invisible Tinker Bell flitting about and poking at Kenneth is amusing but doesn't really serve any purpose. I suppose this short does explain how Jeremy always knows where things are even on unfamiliar territory, but he'said also proven his own senses work very well in those situations. Still, this is pretty much the only time we see any shaman step in to help in any capacity as this race is largely relegated to the background of the supernatural world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2011
This was a fun story from Kelley Armstrongs free short story collection available on her website. The story featured a little known character from the interracial council Kenneth and chronicled his secret adventures. I found the story to be fun, and whimsical. For a true fan of the otherworld only. I doubt the content would make sense to someone who hasn't at least read "Stolen."
August 24, 2012
This Otherworld short is about Kenneth, a shaman. He helps Jeremy the Werewolf Alpha get a set of blueprints for an upcoming event. It really doesn't have much bearing on the overall story and was very short. If you like the Otherworld stories and want all the information you can get, go ahead and read it.
August 12, 2016
Story of Kenneth the shaman, of the council, and who basically wants to nap, but helps in his own way, doesn't want credit, and passes it on, before it was Ruth, now it's Jeremy, and yeah, it was a sweet short story!
March 7, 2012
This is a short story, giving a bit of background on some of the charactors throughout the Otherworld series. It's a fun quick read. Can be found on her website http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/free-o...
September 3, 2012
As a standalone story, this was a cute quick one about a shaman who seems to enjoy frustrating his spirit guide.
I don't remember Kenneth at all though, so as a peek into the Otherworld this doesn't add anything for me.
I don't remember Kenneth at all though, so as a peek into the Otherworld this doesn't add anything for me.
December 26, 2014
"Silent Kenneth" is the shaman on the interracial council that doesn't get much mention. This was a really beautifully done story that reminds us that we will never know everything. Kenneth has been secretly helping out all the "stars" of the series and we never knew!
July 1, 2011
Silent Kenneth's story.
August 11, 2011
It's about Kenneth, a shaman. Wouldn't make any sense to someone who hasn't read Stolen and even I had to think about the whole thing to recognize him *ashamed*
May 28, 2025
08/04/14 - 4 stars
05/28/25 - 3 stars
05/28/25 - 3 stars
April 15, 2012
I didn't remember reading this... It took me forever and an internet search to remember who Kenneth was :O
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews