Pig, Crane, Fox

Lóng City #0.5

by Beth Bernobich

The king of Lóng City has declared a contest—whoever performs three impossible tasks gets to marry his daughter, the Princess Lian, as well as winning a lot of money. Kai the street rat doesn't want the princess, but he does want the money. Then he finds out the princess has her own ideas about this contest. A short story originally published in Magic in the Mirrorstone.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Short Stories, Magic, Childrens, Young Adult Fantasy

37 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2011

About the author

Beth Bernobich is a writer, reader, mother, and geek. She loves to tell stories.

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intro to a book called Fox and Phoenix. It's pretty short and normally I don't really enjoy short stories but since it's an intro I know there is more to come. Kai is a smart alec kid who isn't always the brightest, and isn't always the nicest but he is the sponkiest. He is the leader of a bunch of street kids and has a plan to get some money. He has to pose as a prince and do three impossible tasks, this will give him money and the princess's hand in marriage. Kai isn't really interested in the princess but he's all over the money.

There is a distinct beginning, middle, and end so that is a plus for a short where it sometimes feels like it is just left wide open. I think its supposed to be set somewhere in Asia in the past but with magic. The magic system was different from what I've usually seen but I couldn't get the full grasp of how it works completely. Kai is pretty likeable in that sarcastic way. His members are fun too. Fox and Phoenix should be good.

[Mackenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, like Fox and Phoenix after it, suffered from abruptness. There was very little world building. The only reason I knew what the magic flux, watch demons, and ghost dragons were was because I read F&P before I read this prequel.

It wasn't a bad book, but I feel like it had potential to be great instead of just good.

[Stéphanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth Bernobich has been on my watch list ever since I fell in love with the first book of her fantasy series called PASSION PLAY so I though this would be a great time to read this short story of hers that introduces her YA novel called FOX AND PHOENIX. I’ve yet to read the novel and while I wasn’t really impressed by this story, I think the story building that was necessary to write it has a lot of potential. I feel this story only grazed the surface of the characters and the setting and I hope to learn more about them in the full length novel.

I really enjoyed learning about the characters since they all have animal familiars that follows them around. Whether it be a pig, a fox, a crane, or some other animal, each member of society has their own humanized animal friend. While I’ve seen this done before (like in The Golden Compass), the way it was done here was quite original. Each bond between animal and human is unique and ultimately sacred. Kai, the main character, and his animal pig might seem like an unlikely heroic pair but for some reason, it really works for them. They work together, along with Kai’s friends, to find a way to win the princess’ hand and untold riches offered by the King. All they have to do is perform three impossible task. Sounds relatively easy right?

I’m not exactly sure which culture this fantasy world is based on, but the mix of historical Asian culture and modern technology makes a great combo. I wouldn’t necessarily call it steampunk but it’s something very similar to it. Personally I find the whole concept refreshing and while the story was short and sweet, not amounting to much, I will definitely read the next book in the series. This short story was an intriguing introduction and a teaser that will make you buy the novel length story associated to it. You don’t see many female authors writing in the fantasy genre and while we are seeing more and more of them, I think Beth Bernobich has the talent to break through and write some amazing things.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, entertaining little story. The protagonist, Kai, is street-smart and quick on his feet and his small group of friends make a fun ensemble, but the best thing about this is the setting - a Chinese/Chinese-inspired city filled with magic and advanced technology. And Kai has a sarcastic pig named Chen as his animal companion! I love it. Because this is a short story, however, there's barely enough time to get to know our supporting characters, so I hope the sequel will develop Yun's character more - she's evidently far more important than simply being Kai's second-in-command, so I'm excited to know her better.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huh, I'm a doofus. It's only after I purchased this story on my kindle and read it do I realize I can read it right here on Goodreads. Well, that teaches me not to look around for free options.

Anyway, this story was interesting. It wasn't the best, nor was it the worst. However, I felt it lacked something. Not sure what, but definitely something, or a few somethings. I do like the world, though. It's a strange universe, but it's original. I'm not sure I entirely understand it, though.

[Mely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming teaser short story set in a Chinese technomagical city -- wireless phones run on magic, everyone seems to have a spirit companion. The voice is winning and so is the world building. Definitely got me more interested in the forthcoming related novel.

[Estara]

This is a freebie by the author at Smashwords.com. It's the short story that set up her first novel in this world.

[Missie Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this cute little story. A fun and complex world that I would like to see more of (and will, when I read the book!). It also made me very hungry for Asian food.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting intro to a new world.

[lafon حمزة نوفل · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting little story...