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Waif
ONLINE REVIEW “One of the best short stories I have read.”“…an ending I didn’t expect.” “Scenes and people are described so deftly that you can easily imagine the place, the atmosphere, the longing for something more from each of them.” When midnight comes, Waif must serve Young Master. But what service will he demand of her?This Greyhart Press e-book is a short story, a perfect length to enjoy on your lunch break, or to complement a drink in your favorite coffee house.
- GenresFantasyShort Stories
23 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2011
3 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Nigel Edwards
54 books9 followersBorn a long time ago in a distant country, Nigel is Welsh but living in England with his wife plus the occasional child or pet (currently we have a pair of rabbits).
Nigel has been a spare-time writer since around 2005 (give or take a year), and has been published by Indie Press names NewCon Press (Ian Whates) and Greyheart Press (Tim Taylor).
For a living Nigel works as a software tester/manager in the IT industry, sometimes in London, sometimes elsewhere.
Nigel's ambition is to become a world famous author and then retire to the romantic coastline of Cornwall. Until then, Nigel just puts up with having to be nice to employers and potential employers.
Nigel has been a spare-time writer since around 2005 (give or take a year), and has been published by Indie Press names NewCon Press (Ian Whates) and Greyheart Press (Tim Taylor).
For a living Nigel works as a software tester/manager in the IT industry, sometimes in London, sometimes elsewhere.
Nigel's ambition is to become a world famous author and then retire to the romantic coastline of Cornwall. Until then, Nigel just puts up with having to be nice to employers and potential employers.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 10, 2011
Really? Like people can't see that ending coming.
November 10, 2017
Edward's short story was okay. I felt it was cumbersome at some points, too obvious in others, and unsatisfying as a whole. A quick read with no 'bad' points, it was just... okay.
I have no gripes about his unconventional use of naming, in fact, I thought it worked very well, but I did have a problem with his heavy-handed use of 'hints' throughout the book.
It became completely obvious what the 'twist' would be after repeated 'hints' as to why the family under which Waif worked under were so odd.
Completely took me out of the book, and I would've loved to have been surprised at the end of this one... and the annoying thing is I think it would've been possible too!
Overall, a quick read that's 'okay' and I'd read it again if it were in front of me and I was on the train.
I have no gripes about his unconventional use of naming, in fact, I thought it worked very well, but I did have a problem with his heavy-handed use of 'hints' throughout the book.
It became completely obvious what the 'twist' would be after repeated 'hints' as to why the family under which Waif worked under were so odd.
Completely took me out of the book, and I would've loved to have been surprised at the end of this one... and the annoying thing is I think it would've been possible too!
Overall, a quick read that's 'okay' and I'd read it again if it were in front of me and I was on the train.
May 5, 2013
(I received this book as part of Greyhart Press Publishers 'read...review...repeat' offer).
(This review may contain spoilers).
This story sort of felt... unfinished to me. I really liked the idea behind it - and I really do like fantasy works. However, I would have liked to see much more of the world - and because the story was so short, I wasn't given enough time or information about the characters to truly emphasise with them.
I did like the fact that the characters were each known by their 'job titles' - it's an idea I've seen used before, but still an interesting one.
I was a bit disappointed in the ending, too. Short stories are easy to read, but most of the time, they're mere tasters and if they're good, they leave me wanting more. I would like to see a deeper exploration of the ideas and characters raised here.
(This review may contain spoilers).
This story sort of felt... unfinished to me. I really liked the idea behind it - and I really do like fantasy works. However, I would have liked to see much more of the world - and because the story was so short, I wasn't given enough time or information about the characters to truly emphasise with them.
I did like the fact that the characters were each known by their 'job titles' - it's an idea I've seen used before, but still an interesting one.
I was a bit disappointed in the ending, too. Short stories are easy to read, but most of the time, they're mere tasters and if they're good, they leave me wanting more. I would like to see a deeper exploration of the ideas and characters raised here.
March 30, 2012
A well paced short story that gradually builds its world and characters through layered details and descriptions along with some unusual stylistic choices.
The decision to name characters by occupation gives the reader immediate impressions of everyone, as well as some sense of detachment, all of which adds to the atmosphere of unease and foreboding. The dark feelings and increasing tension continue as the story twists towards a resolution (which I found a bit predictable, but didn't mind).
Something different from the norm, and quite interesting.
The decision to name characters by occupation gives the reader immediate impressions of everyone, as well as some sense of detachment, all of which adds to the atmosphere of unease and foreboding. The dark feelings and increasing tension continue as the story twists towards a resolution (which I found a bit predictable, but didn't mind).
Something different from the norm, and quite interesting.
August 3, 2011
A thoroughly enjoyable and quick read, well-paced and well-plotted. The author's choice to forego names heightens the sense of sadness and inevitability of each character's position. Scenes and people are described so deftly that you can easily imagine the place, the atmosphere, the longing for something more from each of them.
June 30, 2011
I didn't connect with any of the characters, not even Waif, so I wasn't invested in her fate. For my taste, there was too much world building and description given to non-vital story elements. There was also a good deal of telling.
That said, I enjoyed Butler's part and it was a quick read.
That said, I enjoyed Butler's part and it was a quick read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews