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Familiar
When reluctant teen witch Brenda Collins is sent by her mother to a magical pet shop to pick out her animal familiar, she settles on a small tawny-striped kitten not realizing it's a shapeshifter currently in hiding. Discovering the gorgeous but troubled Owen's secret plunges the witch-in-training into a dangerous and romantic adventure that will test her magical abilities like never before.
Familiar is a stand alone 10,000 word YOUNG ADULT SHORT STORY, originally published in the "Kiss Me Deadly" anthology.
Familiar is a stand alone 10,000 word YOUNG ADULT SHORT STORY, originally published in the "Kiss Me Deadly" anthology.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2011
2 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Rowen
67 books2,722 followersNational bestselling author MICHELLE ROWEN writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and young adult fantasy, both light and dark, sexy and sweet, long and short -- it all depends on the story! She's won a Holt Medallion for Best First Book and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award for Vampire Romance. For more information, please visit Michelle at her website at www.michellerowen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 12, 2012
This was a totally cute story. I wish it wasn't just short story. I'd love to read more about these characters. I can see so much potentional with this story. I don't think I've meet a Michelle Rowen story I didn't like. Shes got my highest recommendation!
October 11, 2011
for only being 10,000 words i loved it. oh why, oh why could you not be an entire book??
June 27, 2011
Very cute but indeed short. I wish it was a whole book!
June 19, 2011
Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Booshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com)
First off, let me say that some of the very first adult paranormal romance books I read were by Michelle Rowen, and I loved them (I believe it was her series about Thierry and Sarah Dearly). Her young adult short story, Familiar, captures some of her signature spunk that I love – though I really did wish it was longer. It had a lot of potential that simply wasn’t fulfilled in the 10,000 word limit.
The short story is about a young witch-in-training, Brenda, going to pick out her familiar. She chooses a runty little kitten – only to find out that this kitten is actually a shape-shifter named Owen. Brenda and Owen, in their little two-day adventure, run into quite a bit of trouble with werewolves and a really nasty older brother named Jeremy (Gr!!!). They help one another explore their situations and fears (albeit, rather hurriedly – this is a short story). A little bit of love blossoms, a happy ending occurs.
What does Ms. Rowen do well? She captures the essence of teenage uncertainty, desire to belong, and desire to please. She also writes the completely illogical nature of teenage logic (i.e. I don't want to disappoint my mother by being bad at magic, so instead I won't even try) really well. Any teenager would be able to easily relate, and all of us who have been teenagers once recall those feelings with clarity. If the story had been a little bit longer she could’ve done a better job developing the story and the characters and added more of her signature witty flair. As it was, it wasn’t bad – in fact it was pretty good for a story of its length. If you’re looking for a quick, fast-paced, light read, this is a book to pick up.
“Sexy”ness rating: It’s Young Adult, so it’s totally PG with very sweet, chaste kisses
Overall Rating: B
Bottom Line: Perfect for an hour/two hour wait when you want to read an uncomplicated, fast-paced, young adult love story.
First off, let me say that some of the very first adult paranormal romance books I read were by Michelle Rowen, and I loved them (I believe it was her series about Thierry and Sarah Dearly). Her young adult short story, Familiar, captures some of her signature spunk that I love – though I really did wish it was longer. It had a lot of potential that simply wasn’t fulfilled in the 10,000 word limit.
The short story is about a young witch-in-training, Brenda, going to pick out her familiar. She chooses a runty little kitten – only to find out that this kitten is actually a shape-shifter named Owen. Brenda and Owen, in their little two-day adventure, run into quite a bit of trouble with werewolves and a really nasty older brother named Jeremy (Gr!!!). They help one another explore their situations and fears (albeit, rather hurriedly – this is a short story). A little bit of love blossoms, a happy ending occurs.
What does Ms. Rowen do well? She captures the essence of teenage uncertainty, desire to belong, and desire to please. She also writes the completely illogical nature of teenage logic (i.e. I don't want to disappoint my mother by being bad at magic, so instead I won't even try) really well. Any teenager would be able to easily relate, and all of us who have been teenagers once recall those feelings with clarity. If the story had been a little bit longer she could’ve done a better job developing the story and the characters and added more of her signature witty flair. As it was, it wasn’t bad – in fact it was pretty good for a story of its length. If you’re looking for a quick, fast-paced, light read, this is a book to pick up.
“Sexy”ness rating: It’s Young Adult, so it’s totally PG with very sweet, chaste kisses
Overall Rating: B
Bottom Line: Perfect for an hour/two hour wait when you want to read an uncomplicated, fast-paced, young adult love story.
February 22, 2012
Review from Linny's Literature
Familiar was such a wonderful short story! It was not only well-written and fun, it had an exciting new concept that I loved. I was lucky enough to get this for free as a Valentine's Day gift to her readers from the author, Michelle Rowen (thank you!!), and I read it in about an hour and a half. Everything from the story to the great characters and cute romance kept me reading without stop until the last page.
My favorite thing about Familiar was the intriguing new story line. Witches and hottie-cat-man-shapeshifters?! You can count me in! Being the big paranormal/fantasy lover that I am, I've obviously watched my share of Charmed and other witch related shows and movies, and I'm suprised there hasn't been more magically delicious books cropping up. Familiar gave me some of the witchy goodness that I've been craving, along with the added fun of the shapeshifters.
Even though it was a short story and didn't have a lot of time for character development, it succeeded in making me like them anyway. I enjoyed the main character, Brenda, who refreshingly seemed to have her own backbone, and Owen (aka hottie-cat-man-shapeshifter and part-time familiar) who was sweet, charming, and definitely droolworthy.
Familiar was awesome, but that's nothing new coming from Michelle Rowen. It really is a shame that this couldn't have been a full novel.
Familiar was such a wonderful short story! It was not only well-written and fun, it had an exciting new concept that I loved. I was lucky enough to get this for free as a Valentine's Day gift to her readers from the author, Michelle Rowen (thank you!!), and I read it in about an hour and a half. Everything from the story to the great characters and cute romance kept me reading without stop until the last page.
My favorite thing about Familiar was the intriguing new story line. Witches and hottie-cat-man-shapeshifters?! You can count me in! Being the big paranormal/fantasy lover that I am, I've obviously watched my share of Charmed and other witch related shows and movies, and I'm suprised there hasn't been more magically delicious books cropping up. Familiar gave me some of the witchy goodness that I've been craving, along with the added fun of the shapeshifters.
Even though it was a short story and didn't have a lot of time for character development, it succeeded in making me like them anyway. I enjoyed the main character, Brenda, who refreshingly seemed to have her own backbone, and Owen (aka hottie-cat-man-shapeshifter and part-time familiar) who was sweet, charming, and definitely droolworthy.
Familiar was awesome, but that's nothing new coming from Michelle Rowen. It really is a shame that this couldn't have been a full novel.
October 4, 2011
Review also found here: http://lili-lost-in-a-book.blogspot.c...
Brenda is a witch...and not a very good one at that. Why? Because she just isn't interested in practicing witchcraft like her very talented mother. but to get her insisting mother off her back, she decides to give it a try. First things first, she must pick out a familiar...a witch's pet who will keep her company and help her with magic. Only she doesn't realize that the cute, little , striped kitten she chooses is a actually a shifter in hiding (Owen, who i like to call a werecat even though he prefers shapeshifter :P)
As she helps out Owen, Brenda find herself drawn closer to him...and Owen could possibly be feeling the same way. Or is it just the witch/familiar bonding spell?
I loved this story! It was very cute and funny! I read the story sooo fast that when I came to the end I was sure I had skipped some pages, lol. It was that great! I really wish there was more to the story though..
BTW I read this story in a collection of anthologies, the book is: Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love
Brenda is a witch...and not a very good one at that. Why? Because she just isn't interested in practicing witchcraft like her very talented mother. but to get her insisting mother off her back, she decides to give it a try. First things first, she must pick out a familiar...a witch's pet who will keep her company and help her with magic. Only she doesn't realize that the cute, little , striped kitten she chooses is a actually a shifter in hiding (Owen, who i like to call a werecat even though he prefers shapeshifter :P)
As she helps out Owen, Brenda find herself drawn closer to him...and Owen could possibly be feeling the same way. Or is it just the witch/familiar bonding spell?
I loved this story! It was very cute and funny! I read the story sooo fast that when I came to the end I was sure I had skipped some pages, lol. It was that great! I really wish there was more to the story though..
BTW I read this story in a collection of anthologies, the book is: Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love
May 30, 2011
This was a quick little read but it was cute and it features one of my favorite themes - the idea that family doesn't necessarily have to be the people you're born to but rather the people who are there for you in your time of need.
Brenda was a typical teenage girl who just happens to be a witch in training. She fights against her mom's good advice. She blows off the things she should be focusing on. She only goes to pick out her familiar to get her mom off her back. Like I said, typical. Owen, on the other hand, is decidedly untypical. He's all alone and he's looking for a way back into his pack. He's done what he has to do to stay safe and being mystically bound to Brenda throws him for a loop.
For a short story it doesn't feel like we've been slighted on character development. I really wouldn't mind more set in this world.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Brenda was a typical teenage girl who just happens to be a witch in training. She fights against her mom's good advice. She blows off the things she should be focusing on. She only goes to pick out her familiar to get her mom off her back. Like I said, typical. Owen, on the other hand, is decidedly untypical. He's all alone and he's looking for a way back into his pack. He's done what he has to do to stay safe and being mystically bound to Brenda throws him for a loop.
For a short story it doesn't feel like we've been slighted on character development. I really wouldn't mind more set in this world.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 4, 2012
Familiar is a short but really fun read!
Brenda is a witch in training who thinks she picked out her familiar, a kitten. Only to find out the her adorable kitten is really a hot shapeshifter on the run from the bad guys.
This was a short story that I read in like an hour. It is a quick read and there is not enough time for much background information or character development. This did not keep me from loving the story though. The plot and the characters were well written. I loved the cute romance that developed and how the story flowed along. I would love to see this written into a series, it's that good. This is a 5 star in my opinion and one of my favorite short stories.
This e-book was given to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
Brenda is a witch in training who thinks she picked out her familiar, a kitten. Only to find out the her adorable kitten is really a hot shapeshifter on the run from the bad guys.
This was a short story that I read in like an hour. It is a quick read and there is not enough time for much background information or character development. This did not keep me from loving the story though. The plot and the characters were well written. I loved the cute romance that developed and how the story flowed along. I would love to see this written into a series, it's that good. This is a 5 star in my opinion and one of my favorite short stories.
This e-book was given to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
September 7, 2015
Witches...familiars...spells...werewolves...diamond bracelet...shapeshifter...and again, love comes unexpectedly every single time!!!
I thought familiars are cats, did not know that it can be other animals (it can even be a snake!!!) except for puppies...why is that...hmmm, maybe need to research this information.
I do believe in the power of names (it's been in every myth, legend, etc), that's why you don't give your 'real' name to anyone because it can be used against you.
Bonding between the new witch and the familiar...then suddenly Brenda can read Owen's (the cat) thoughts...this is something new...
Did not know that shifters have packs and alphas too! (another research opportunity).
I thought familiars are cats, did not know that it can be other animals (it can even be a snake!!!) except for puppies...why is that...hmmm, maybe need to research this information.
I do believe in the power of names (it's been in every myth, legend, etc), that's why you don't give your 'real' name to anyone because it can be used against you.
Bonding between the new witch and the familiar...then suddenly Brenda can read Owen's (the cat) thoughts...this is something new...
Did not know that shifters have packs and alphas too! (another research opportunity).
September 12, 2013
Review originally posted on My Urban Fantasies
I absolutely love this story! Familiar is cute, funny and heartwarming. Michelle Rowen transfers the genius of her novels into a short story. The characters are great. You instantly know who they are. There is no need for background information.
You may be wondering what kind of shifter turns into a kitten. Lets just say you will be pleasantly surprised. This little kitten has more bite than you think.
I absolutely love this story! Familiar is cute, funny and heartwarming. Michelle Rowen transfers the genius of her novels into a short story. The characters are great. You instantly know who they are. There is no need for background information.
You may be wondering what kind of shifter turns into a kitten. Lets just say you will be pleasantly surprised. This little kitten has more bite than you think.
September 10, 2016
Heartwarming little short story. Great for a little positive energy pick-me-up.
Brenda, a young witch-in-training has been sent to pick out a familiar by her mother. But the cute little kitten turns out to be a cute young man who can shift into any form of cat and he has a diamond necklace. Now their bonded by a spell.
I loved the little story and wish I could read more of their adventures. The end scene is perfect. But then I’m a cat person.
Fave scene: Brenda’s mom bringing up the orange juice.
Brenda, a young witch-in-training has been sent to pick out a familiar by her mother. But the cute little kitten turns out to be a cute young man who can shift into any form of cat and he has a diamond necklace. Now their bonded by a spell.
I loved the little story and wish I could read more of their adventures. The end scene is perfect. But then I’m a cat person.
Fave scene: Brenda’s mom bringing up the orange juice.
July 8, 2012
This was such a cute and awesome short story! I wish it was a whole book! So much fun, it had all the points you look for in a good book (cool characters, development, plot, dash of danger, humor, and of course romance!) all condensed in a short story! I was impressed by that because it didn't feel rushed or cheesy. I absolutely loved it! Five stars all the way! Now I'm going to have to look a what else this author has written because if it's anything like Familiar I know it'll be great! :)
July 1, 2015
All time favorite read! =)
I can't flaw anything and for a short story, it had so much depth, suspense and comedic elements, it was hard not to love.
I've read some of Rowen's other works and her books are fantastic! Certainly an author to look out for! :D
I'd recommend it to anyone who loves paranormal or just looking for a short read :)
I can't flaw anything and for a short story, it had so much depth, suspense and comedic elements, it was hard not to love.
I've read some of Rowen's other works and her books are fantastic! Certainly an author to look out for! :D
I'd recommend it to anyone who loves paranormal or just looking for a short read :)
January 12, 2023
This is a cute little novella about a young witch who needs to pick out a familiar and the shapeshifter that accidentally gets bonded to her. Brenda and Owen are funny and likeable characters. The romance is sweet if very very shallow and quick. The action is straightforwards. It's a shame it's a novella, I would actually enjoy reading this as a full length story.
March 16, 2016
Short and Sweet. Great Story. I'm a Michelle Rowen fan so I wasn't surprised this short story was enjoyable. Though the story was short the characters were full-bodied and engaging. I could actually see this being developed into a series at some point. A were and a witch getting into all kinds of trouble. Especially since she's kind of behind on her witchcraft lessons.
February 23, 2012
Absolutely adorable....I want more...Fast paced and over too quickly a witch who is so unsure of herself she doesn't want to try and a shifter who just wants to belong..find each other by accident and determine maybe that isn't a bad thing.
May 16, 2011
Omg I loved this little tale, short and sweet.... and a little fuzzy lol
May 31, 2011
Very very cool. Loved the concept and characters. Definitely a 5 star read.
July 10, 2011
My review is here: http://ticon4.com/2011/07/review-fami...
June 27, 2015
This short story just made feel really happy and warm inside :D
February 14, 2012
Best short read ever!!!! ohh gosh I wish she would make this book longer like 200 pages more??? I want to see where brenda and owen goes
October 7, 2012
A very cute, quick read.
I loved the characters and their interactions. Adorable.
I loved the characters and their interactions. Adorable.
December 18, 2012
not my cuppa of tea, it's a sweet idea though.
July 16, 2020
an okay read for a bus ride
(not being facetious haha)
(not being facetious haha)
May 10, 2014
I wish it was longer, and I really hope they make a movie for it. It was AWESOME. Just like all her other books i've read!
July 28, 2014
too short and sweet.
March 12, 2014
Light. Cute. A simple read.
August 9, 2016
Loved it! It was short and sweet but I think could have easily been made into something longer! Love stories like that! :D
October 27, 2014
That's such a cute story.
Really enjoyed it!
Really enjoyed it!
October 24, 2011
It was brilliant! Wished it wasn't a short story but alas it was and that was the only flaw!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews