Disenchanted

Darkest Powers #2.5

by Kelley Armstrong

This novella is no longer published online but can be found in Darkest Powers Bonus Pack 1

This is the story of Tory & Simon after Chloe & Derek got off the bus.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Short Stories, Novella, Supernatural

33 pages, ebook

First published December 31, 2010

About the author

Kelley 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.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

KELLEY PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, (id be on my knees right now if i hadn't broken my legs in a car accident two years ago...actually you know what ill get on them anyway!) PLEEEEEASE WRITE ANOTHER!!!
All i want for Christmas is another Darkest Powers Book! i've read each and every one of your books even the graphic novels at least twice or more! aside from Elena and Clay, (just so were clear im naming my next son Clay if only id found your books when the first one was born) Chloe and Derek are my faves and it makes me sad that there isnt any more to this particular series yet, nay it makes me depressed!

im like a kid without cake here, nobody wants to see their kids without cake Kelley...nobody :'(

so one more time, please, pretty, pretty please write all us die hard fans another...:D

Your my favorite!

x

[Christian Savin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I like Chloe (and I really do like her, all the kudos to Armstrong for writing a compelling protagonist), Tori would've been a slightly better and more interesting narrator!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

But now I think of those months in Lyle House with my mother pushing me to overcome my problem, only to doc over she'd known all along that j couldn't overcome them. That she was responsible for those problems. Then I'd think about what she said in the warehouse, all the things she said... I wish I wasn't her daughter. I hope she's happy with Lara. Silly, vapid Lara. I hope she realizes, someday, that I was the child she could have been proud of, if only she'd bothered getting to know me.

I liked how in this novella, we get to see more of Tori's world and learn a bit more about her family. I had no idea she had a sister. Tori was actually the good child and her sister was the bad one but everyone saw Lara has the good child and saw Tori as the bad one when that wasn't actually true. Tori is having a hard life both at home and on the run. It's so easy for her and it does suck that she's getting ignored by the boys.

"I was scared, okay? You want me to admit that? Fine."
"Chloe would have looked back for you."
I rolled my eyes. "Of course she would. Because Chloe is good and prefect."
"No, because she thinks of others. I would have looked back, too, if you were behind me. Even Derek would have. Why? Because we're a team now. We need to have each other's backs. No matter what."

I also like how Tori and Simon have their little chat. How Simon tells Tori that all four of them are now a team and that it's important to stick together despite their dislikes for each other.

5/5 stars.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The is a third installment of Kelley Armstrong's free online fiction for The Darkest Powers Series. This story is located on Armstrong's blog here.

This story covers the time while Tori and Simon were separated from Derek and Chloe. This story was quite entertaining! The beginning two chapters were clever and humorous (with the change - I don't want to spoil it for anyone).

It was nice to see this story from a third perspective. I think Armstrong is a fantastic author, and it is amazing to see such a great author offer so many stories for free. It's smart, and it lets her fans know that she cares more about her writing and their experiences rather than the bottom line (at least in this case).

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good story about Tori and Simon on their way to Andrew's while worrying about Chloe and Derek. Reading from Simon's PoV was alright, but I really liked reading from Tori's it gave a better perspective on her, and she's funny.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, Tori. I appreciate how I went from hating you, to being annoyed by you, to feeling sorry for you, to being happy for your character growth. I hope something good happens to you.

[Haneul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tori was the one character in the original trilogy I wished we could've learned more about, and I was always disappointed with the way it'd ended without developing her much. I think she has a unique perspective and an upbringing that distanced her from the others, leading to them more or less alienating her (justifiably or not) despite all of them only having each other during their escape. It made me sad to see her so alone during a time when she needed someone the most. At the same time, I admired her independent and "bitchy" personality. This novella did a good job showing the different facets of her personality, however brief, and developing her just a bit more. I want her to have a happy ending.

[Anna 'Bookbuyer' · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another good novella. I really appreciated reading this from Tori's POV. Makes me like or at least understand her a bit more.

I can see why Tori doesn't get along with any of the others. She has a fundamental different personality trait that isn't compatible with them. Derek has a bit of it too which is probably why they don't get along either.

Again not much plot wise happened that didn't happen in book 2 so there were any great insights. I find it funny though that both groups got 'carded' for being too young. lol. :P

[Monicab · Rating 3 out of 5]

No estan mal como historias cortas aunque tampoco aportan nada nuevo. Pese a esto me ha gustado ver el punto de vista de Derek y Tori. Me he quedado un poco mosca por la propension que tienen a encontrar cadaveres por todos lados.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm following the books in order so I'm getting every point of view.... and I'm LOVING it. Awesome series. Onto book 3!

[Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, it’s like this one doesn’t even exist. I couldn’t bring myself to care about Tori even though she had 1000 problems and feelings and such. It was also pretty uneventful/boring.

[caz · Rating 2 out of 5]

tori the most interesting one here tbh 😋🤞 she still sucks tho 💔

[Boo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two words… MORE PLEASE

[Radhika · Rating 4 out of 5]

So we get a book about Simon and Tori's journey when Derek and Chloe misses the bus. Well it is definitely different and nice to know what is going through their brains too, but I don't think I would miss anything by skipping this book. It was interesting, and I guess that should do?

[°☆.。.:*・Nanna°☆.。.:*・ · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second book, Awakened, they mentioned what lead some change in feelings, but I was still left wondering what really happened. This was a great way to better fill in the blanks of what happened while they were separated. It was great that the author showed two perspectives on this book. It gave more detail and a better understanding of what happened.
I thought it was intriguing how Simon showed his side of the story. It showed how he cared for certain people, but didn't really care for a certain person in particular. Even though it was great to better know how much Simon likes Chloe, it was better having Tori take over transcribing their little adventure. I don't think I would have been able to take reading the whole book with Simon mooning over Chloe.
When it changed over to Tori's account on what occurred during their time apart, I was glad that she took over the reins of storytelling. Felt that it would be a more accurate telling of events and it was nice to be able to hear more about a person that was not shown much earlier in the series. Also, got more insight on how on Tori and how she saw things.
I liked how Tori started her perspective off and how she recounted what went on. It was also great to know how she felt about the other characters and about her own life. I felt a little sorry for Tori because obvious way that the guys would treat her differently from Chloe, however she kind of brought it on herself with the way she acted and treated people, especially Chloe. All she has proved is that she will get you if she doesn't like you or things are not going her way. She hasn't shown anything to them that she could be trusted at all. Although, they aren't as bad as she puts them out to be. I mean, they would probably worry about Chloe first, since they like her, but they aren't heartless. They would still take care of her and save her if her life were in danger. Tori just needs to give them time and let them see that she has changed.
It was also intriguing when Tori reasons why she liked Simon. It wonderful how they are arguing not even a few minutes after they are alone together. Makes me question how Tori even thought they may get together or why she liked him, when he obviously wasn't into her.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Victoria and Simon wake up on the bus without Chloe and Derek they must decide what to do now. Do they have a chance of finding their missing companions before Edison groups finds them?

This first person narrative begins in Simon’s point of view before switching to Tori’s for the majority of the story. To be honest other than maybe offering a little more insight into that characters of Tori and Simon this story adds nothing to the series. It doesn’t even quite fit with the books. First both Chloe and Derek left their bags and money on the bus in the books. Even if Derek wasn’t sitting with Tori, Chloe was sitting right next to Simon so they should have both seen their things and at minimum picked them up. However this story makes no mention of their belongings. Second the dream sequence in this story where Tori vaguely remembers the conversation with Chloe seems like an afterthought on the part of the writer. Beyond this pretty much nothing happens in this short story. There’s no action, adventure or excitement, just a couple of teenagers traveling who spend most of their time fighting.

Character development is pretty much the only thing this story has going for it. We get a little more insight into Simon and his interest in Chloe at the beginning of the story and learn more about him through his conversation with Tori later in the story. We gain a lot of insight into Tori’s character in this tale because for once we see things from her point of view. This is probably the first time in the series we can see Tori as something other than a bitch and that her actions actually start to make sense. So for character development the story actually does really well adding depth to Tori and Simon’s characters that we haven’t seen in other Darkest Powers works.

Overall if you have the time it’s a nice insight into Simon and Tori, but otherwise it offers nothing to the series and I can’t really recommend it.

[Koorihime-sama · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ ONLINE WHILE IT WAS STILL FREE.

Review/Rating:

4 out of 5

When Chloe and Derek get off the bus and separate from Tori and Simon, what exactly happens with them? Read this short story and find out.

The plot of this short story is between Chapter 28 and Chapter 37 (around page 309) of The Awakening. However, I suggest reading the book first and then read this short story.

Unlike the other short stories, this one is good to have out of the books. Why? Because it doesn’t have the same depth or feeling as the second book. Also, unlike the other short stories, this one narrated by Tori with a little narration by Simon. However, the difference in narration was not the reason why I didn’t like it that much. I didn’t like this short that much because it feels like the author skipped events and some details in order to make it shorter. There were plenty of descriptions, but I wish there were more details to the events.

Also, please note, this is a review of the free short story. It is no longer free online since it will be published in a book along with the Dangerous and Divided short stories.

There are also, I think, two more short stories. I’ll have to look it up. One should be in a book and the other a free online ongoing read.

[Yukiraking · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story takes place during The Awakening. While Chloe and Derek are separated from the others, Simon and Tori must try to get along long enough to get to Andrew’s house without killing each other.

This is the third story that Kelley Armstrong wrote to coincide with her Darkest Powers trilogy. Unlike the previous two, this one is narrated by Tori Enright, rather than Derek Souza. Well…and a little bit of it is told from Simon Bae’s perspective too. Just the first chapter though. I really enjoyed the transition between Simon and Tori’s points of view, and though it wasn’t my favourite of the stories it wasn’t bad. There just wasn’t nearly as much done in this one as there was in the two told from Derek’s perspective.

It was great though, to finally have some sort of grasp on Tori’s character, since Chloe Saunders tended to see the good in most people and that made it hard to understand Tori. All in all, I’d say this was a pretty good read.

[Victoria Pring · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read this series before so knew what this book would be but am still somehow dissapointed. The last two short stories have been from Derek’s perspective but now, during the time Chloe and Derek are together bonding, the Author decides to change the Narrator to Torie, why?? I do not think there is a single person who was rooting for Derek and Chloe who was happy with the direction this book took. I do like the fact Tori finally gets over her infatuation with Simon but that's about all I can say about this story. Every time I reread this series I say I will skip this one but the completionist in me just can't do it.

[Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to see things from Tori's POV. But honestly, it didn't make me understand her any better. Perhaps that's wrong; it didn't make me feel sympathy for her. I cannot connect with Tori. She's self centered and cruel. Sure, her mother didn't love her and her family didn't appreciate her. But that gives no one license to start bashing people in the head. Even more than that... it still doesn't seem that she really felt bad for what she did to Chloe.

I guess I just really don't like her.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tori, my dear Tori.

I'll admit I'm guilty of shipping Simon/Tori through the last book. This one made me change perspectives, kind of. In a good way. I guess I understood what complexities lie behind their relationship. I can't help thinking what a good team they'd be together if they had spent more time together. (They will, right? Considering the ending of the third book.) Also, Derek. I'll admit I missed Derek and Chloe a little, but Tori's voice is fantastic. I wish we'd gotten more of her voice.

Anyway, great one. My love for Tori just boils all over.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun novella that takes place after Chloe and Derek got off the bus. This follows Simon and Tori as they make their way to Andrew's place. This book alternates between Simon and Tori's perspectives. It was an enjoyable read and I liked too see things from Tori's perspective for a chance to try and understand her a bit more, this novella was not as enjoyable for me as the previous one. Mainly because there was no Derek in this one.

[LastBreath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the Darkest Powers Bonus Pack this one is by far the most interesting.

It starts with Simon Baes POV. In other words it's based around his crush, Chloe Saunders. If it would have stuck with that train of thought it may not have garnered a 5 star from me.

It quickly phased into Tori Enrights version of events. Her reasons behind her actions, the family issues - her fight or flight tendencies.

Yup, Victoria definitely holds my vote for a potential stand alone book.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this short story! It was nice to hear Simon's voice - even for a little bit. I really liked hearing Tori's POV. She is a complicated character with all she's done and the situation that they're in. It was nice to see where she's coming from. I'm going to be starting book 3, I'm hoping Tori's character development continues. She's really growing on me.

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

so,i was right. i just said in my last review in the awakening, i feel for Tori. i thought she's going to be a great main character. i never knew that in this bonus part, Tori is.

being inside her head is fun. to get to know her, her wittiness, her insecurity and all.

i wished there's another series with Tori as main character. i sincerely loved her.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is from Tori's POV, I was hoping it would be from Simon's but honestly I enjoyed getting to know Tori a little better. She is a spoiled brat for the most part but I do think she's leaning a lot by,being around Derek, Chloe and Simon about true team work and friendship. I will seriously be sad when this series is over, and will truly miss the characters!!

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, great short story of when Simon and Tory were separated from Chloe and Derek, and how Simon narrated at first, but then Tory took over. Really enjoyed this look of Tory!

*First read January 1st 2011*
Liked Divided, loved this book! I think I mixed this 2 up, but I know I liked them!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short little story about what was going on with Simon and Tori after Derek and Chloe got off the bus in The Awakening.

I always love more glimpses in this wonderful world that Kelley Armstrong has created.

[Nathalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aventura de Simón y Tori mientras estuvieron separados de Derek y Chloe.
Primero la parte de Simón me confirma lo que sospeche siempre, le gusta y mucho :D
Segundo, el relato de Tori nos hace comprenderla de mejor manera sobre todo sus actitudes

[Miranda Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot! It was interesting to get to see things from Tori's perspective — she's so funny and sarcastic. I love how it started out being from Simon's POV and then she just took over. That's totally Tori. It makes me wish that we'd gotten more from her in the series!