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Temp
You might imagine the Collision that catapulted magical creatures to Earth would make every moment miraculous. But jobs were just as dull, and life could be just as boring. Traffic still stunk, only now with dragon Flyways above highways, the stink was worse than ever.
Jackson Bee Belle Elders (Bee for short) is a promising Magical Sciences major who ends up smack in the middle of the Southern home town she tried to escape. Her lofty dreams of adventure only land her under fluorescent lights as she turfs creatures to temp jobs for Beveled Star Magical Staffing (B.S. for short).
But everything changes when the cautious temp meets a friend who will dramatically alter her holiday weekend and her life. Nevermind that the friend is a wolf working for a despicable djinn who might use him to destroy the planet and everyone in it. Nevermind that the wolf can talk, but no human except Bee can hear him. Bee has a lot of secrets—some she knows about, and some she doesn’t.
Fizzing with wit and adventure, Temp is a tale for anyone who has ever fantasized about a more magical life.
Jackson Bee Belle Elders (Bee for short) is a promising Magical Sciences major who ends up smack in the middle of the Southern home town she tried to escape. Her lofty dreams of adventure only land her under fluorescent lights as she turfs creatures to temp jobs for Beveled Star Magical Staffing (B.S. for short).
But everything changes when the cautious temp meets a friend who will dramatically alter her holiday weekend and her life. Nevermind that the friend is a wolf working for a despicable djinn who might use him to destroy the planet and everyone in it. Nevermind that the wolf can talk, but no human except Bee can hear him. Bee has a lot of secrets—some she knows about, and some she doesn’t.
Fizzing with wit and adventure, Temp is a tale for anyone who has ever fantasized about a more magical life.
238 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2011
22 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Mayer
1 book17 followersA.E. Mayer was born in Atlanta, Ga. She lived in Florida, Virginia, Boston and Alabama before deciding to settle in north Georgia with her husband and itty bitty dog. Mayer graduated from Washington and Lee University where she majored in print journalism with a side of literature and studio art and a minor in long walks and napping. Before writing books, she worked as a movie store clerk, trade show booth slinger, receptionist, executive assistant, travel magazine journalist, public relations writer and marketing consultant. She currently writes fiction, urban fantasy, and kiddie lit and loves every minute of it. For more information on Mayer and her books, please visit www.aemayer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 8, 2012
I really enjoyed Temp: An Accidental Fairytale. It is a fun book with interesting characters. Although her world is vastly different than ours, Bee is like so many of us feeling stuck in the ordinary and not knowing how to go after her dreams. I could relate to Bee instantly with her lack of self-confidence and her willingness to do her job to the best of her abilities despite the difficult circumstances in which she worked. This made the story all the more interesting as we see her transform from an extremely cautions person to one who finally begins to trust herself and make decisions based more on instinct. Each of Bee's companions also has an interesting story from Angus, the man trapped in animal form until he finds what he seeks, to Saul, a member of a nearly extinct race called the Brock, to Ninwicket the gnome.
While the events that take place in Temp: An Accidental Fairytale are certainly not ordinary events, especially for Bee, she handles everything very calmly and goes on her adventure as if it is just another day. While she does puzzle and question and wonder at everything that is happening, she also accepts it in a way that shows that this is exactly what she is meant to be doing. The writing emphasizes this state of mind as it is straightforward and factual while at the same time conveying extraordinary events with wonderful descriptions.
I wish I had been able to read the book in longer stretches to get a better feel for the overall flow. Instead, with two young children to take care of, I had to snatch a few minutes of reading time whenever I could get it. This often meant I was unable to even complete a chapter at a time and that it would be half a day or more before I could get back to reading. So while it is difficult for me to comment on the book as a whole, I did notice that the sections of Bee's journal that were inserted between chapters did take me out of the flow of the main narrative when I was able to spend more time with the book. I enjoyed how the journal entries provided more historical background on the Collision and also into the framework for Bee's understanding of her world but I think, at half a page or less, they were more of a distraction for me.
Overall, Temp: An Accidental Fairytale is a enjoyable and different story. I'm curious to know if we will hear more about Bee and Angus in the future as the ending leaves open the possibility that they will have more adventures.
While the events that take place in Temp: An Accidental Fairytale are certainly not ordinary events, especially for Bee, she handles everything very calmly and goes on her adventure as if it is just another day. While she does puzzle and question and wonder at everything that is happening, she also accepts it in a way that shows that this is exactly what she is meant to be doing. The writing emphasizes this state of mind as it is straightforward and factual while at the same time conveying extraordinary events with wonderful descriptions.
I wish I had been able to read the book in longer stretches to get a better feel for the overall flow. Instead, with two young children to take care of, I had to snatch a few minutes of reading time whenever I could get it. This often meant I was unable to even complete a chapter at a time and that it would be half a day or more before I could get back to reading. So while it is difficult for me to comment on the book as a whole, I did notice that the sections of Bee's journal that were inserted between chapters did take me out of the flow of the main narrative when I was able to spend more time with the book. I enjoyed how the journal entries provided more historical background on the Collision and also into the framework for Bee's understanding of her world but I think, at half a page or less, they were more of a distraction for me.
Overall, Temp: An Accidental Fairytale is a enjoyable and different story. I'm curious to know if we will hear more about Bee and Angus in the future as the ending leaves open the possibility that they will have more adventures.
September 18, 2015
A pleasure
Dear God! The first third of the book was akin to a colorblind person playing Where's Waldo; laborious, tedious and a bit mind-numbing. It was a slow, sedate amble through a very descriptive world build. At times my eyes crossed and I had to seek out other pleasures just to build up the fortitude to continue down this literary trail. I slogged through that first third right on the cusp of throwing in the towel when every changed! The world got brighter, everything tasted better and finally tedium turned to pure joy. The slow start turned out to be a necessary evil in order to make the rest of the story dynamic. I found it to just straddling the line of perfection and way, way too much. I loved every character no matter their role within the story; they were well written and developed. I am very curious where this will all lead. The author found my carrot and now I will plod along, at least to the next book.
Dear God! The first third of the book was akin to a colorblind person playing Where's Waldo; laborious, tedious and a bit mind-numbing. It was a slow, sedate amble through a very descriptive world build. At times my eyes crossed and I had to seek out other pleasures just to build up the fortitude to continue down this literary trail. I slogged through that first third right on the cusp of throwing in the towel when every changed! The world got brighter, everything tasted better and finally tedium turned to pure joy. The slow start turned out to be a necessary evil in order to make the rest of the story dynamic. I found it to just straddling the line of perfection and way, way too much. I loved every character no matter their role within the story; they were well written and developed. I am very curious where this will all lead. The author found my carrot and now I will plod along, at least to the next book.
September 30, 2024
September 2024
Kindle edition
Alphabet challenge - T
I should've dnf'd, but that's another one off the list. Starts off focused in the workplace with a nightmare boss. Got a bit interesting when Angus first appeared. Then more appeared. Something like a love triangle between Bee, Angus and Riggins, along with the obvious bad guy. Bee felt like a supporting character rather than the main character.
Kindle edition
Alphabet challenge - T
I should've dnf'd, but that's another one off the list. Starts off focused in the workplace with a nightmare boss. Got a bit interesting when Angus first appeared. Then more appeared. Something like a love triangle between Bee, Angus and Riggins, along with the obvious bad guy. Bee felt like a supporting character rather than the main character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2019
Brilliant Imagination
Mythology, fairy tales, and human nature collide into an impossible story of revenge and revelations.
Decades after a disgruntled god forces all inhabitants of his home planet to Earth, humans and creatures have come to an understanding. Dragons can be leased, but not bought. Magic spells can be purchased for use, but not to be understood. Creatures can coexist with humans if they follow the laws agreed upon by all parties.
One of the most convenient services provided through magic is a mere shadow of what was behind the Collision to begin with. Human nature quickly dismissed dangers and encouraged Pay-Per Doors to flourish.
I found myself unable to put down this book of greed, mystery, and self-discovery. The author painted the scenes with bright imagery and fascinating characters. I eagerly look forward to continuing this adventure with Bee, Angus, Saul, and the rest.
Mythology, fairy tales, and human nature collide into an impossible story of revenge and revelations.
Decades after a disgruntled god forces all inhabitants of his home planet to Earth, humans and creatures have come to an understanding. Dragons can be leased, but not bought. Magic spells can be purchased for use, but not to be understood. Creatures can coexist with humans if they follow the laws agreed upon by all parties.
One of the most convenient services provided through magic is a mere shadow of what was behind the Collision to begin with. Human nature quickly dismissed dangers and encouraged Pay-Per Doors to flourish.
I found myself unable to put down this book of greed, mystery, and self-discovery. The author painted the scenes with bright imagery and fascinating characters. I eagerly look forward to continuing this adventure with Bee, Angus, Saul, and the rest.
July 19, 2019
Descriptions are thorough which helped me immerse myself in this particular magical world; however, at times, said descriptions made the progress slow and cumbersome. The beginning was difficult, didn't engage me right away. Gilda turned my stomach! Once past these obstacles, the story began to gather momentum and I finally committed. The love story was a bit predictable, but sweet. The end seems ambiguous so I assume the author is planning a sequel to develop some of the many leftover questions.
August 8, 2019
I almost stopped reading several times.
It feels as if the protagonist doesn't grow or change at all during the entire book and there is a lot of fatphobia and casual racism against the boss (a fat, black woman who is obsessed with unicorns).
Not to mention that the antagonist is pretty clear from the beginning since the 'hints' are more like boulders being dropped from up high in an arrow formation pointing towards them.
Can't understand how this managed to get through editing without any of these things being corrected.
It feels as if the protagonist doesn't grow or change at all during the entire book and there is a lot of fatphobia and casual racism against the boss (a fat, black woman who is obsessed with unicorns).
Not to mention that the antagonist is pretty clear from the beginning since the 'hints' are more like boulders being dropped from up high in an arrow formation pointing towards them.
Can't understand how this managed to get through editing without any of these things being corrected.
May 10, 2017
Read if you like to laugh
A fast paced run between laughs and sudden stops. If you like to see horrible people get what they truly deserve, then open the cover and dive in. You won't be sorry you did.
A fast paced run between laughs and sudden stops. If you like to see horrible people get what they truly deserve, then open the cover and dive in. You won't be sorry you did.
March 25, 2019
Unexpected! Well written and imaginative.
Anyone into fantasy without excessive violence will love it.I
Good characterizations, mostly for the heroine. Secondary characters good, but they are a little shallow, which is not necessaily a bad thing here.
Anyone into fantasy without excessive violence will love it.I
Good characterizations, mostly for the heroine. Secondary characters good, but they are a little shallow, which is not necessaily a bad thing here.
April 1, 2019
All over the place but fun
Wish fulfilment in several weird ways. A fun bunch for an epic journey story with a small array of characters.
Wish fulfilment in several weird ways. A fun bunch for an epic journey story with a small array of characters.
July 23, 2020
Oy
Wallllllls of text. So much talking and telling not much interaction or doing. I liked the idea. Loved the characters but they hardly said anything.
Wallllllls of text. So much talking and telling not much interaction or doing. I liked the idea. Loved the characters but they hardly said anything.
November 15, 2021
3.5 stars. Fun little book.
April 11, 2012
3 1/2 stars - I found it hard to get into and confusing at first. I wasn't sure what was going on...but as I read I started to follow better and the story finally took off and I wanted to know what happened and how it was going to end. So a 3 for the beginning and a 4 for the ending. I will be posting a review on my blog in a few weeks. I will post it here then. Thanks
At first this book confused me a bit(as may this review confuse you), I wasn't sure what was going on with the Door situation and the Collision...strange creatures...magic eyes...unicorns...? As I kept reading, it became clearer, but still a little confusing. Reading on I found more strange things going on and more things that were new and unfamiliar to me. But, as I kept reading, the story took shape and I started to get what was going on and was finally interested enough to keep reading until I finished. I have to say that if the beginning of the book had been as captivating as the end I would have finished it much faster than I did.
So much is going on in this book and you meet many, many different and unique characters that will be good to re-visit if there is a sequel. A bit more information in the beginning to set the stage may have helped me understand the rest of the story better. Doors, payper use, paper doors, one-way doors and return doors.... monsters, vampires with rules, animals that talk...all of that...well....I didn't get until the end(most of it anyway). Great characters, once you realized what was going on and the story flowed better the closer to the end it got. The Door talk at the beginning was just strange and I didn't really get what was happening, but looking back from the end I understand it better and wish it had been clearer at the first so I could have enjoyed the book more. 3 for the beginning and a 4 for the end so 3 1/2 stars.
This is a good story as it builds and I'm not sure how to improve the beginning, but I look forward to seeing if the author writes another.
At first this book confused me a bit(as may this review confuse you), I wasn't sure what was going on with the Door situation and the Collision...strange creatures...magic eyes...unicorns...? As I kept reading, it became clearer, but still a little confusing. Reading on I found more strange things going on and more things that were new and unfamiliar to me. But, as I kept reading, the story took shape and I started to get what was going on and was finally interested enough to keep reading until I finished. I have to say that if the beginning of the book had been as captivating as the end I would have finished it much faster than I did.
So much is going on in this book and you meet many, many different and unique characters that will be good to re-visit if there is a sequel. A bit more information in the beginning to set the stage may have helped me understand the rest of the story better. Doors, payper use, paper doors, one-way doors and return doors.... monsters, vampires with rules, animals that talk...all of that...well....I didn't get until the end(most of it anyway). Great characters, once you realized what was going on and the story flowed better the closer to the end it got. The Door talk at the beginning was just strange and I didn't really get what was happening, but looking back from the end I understand it better and wish it had been clearer at the first so I could have enjoyed the book more. 3 for the beginning and a 4 for the end so 3 1/2 stars.
This is a good story as it builds and I'm not sure how to improve the beginning, but I look forward to seeing if the author writes another.
February 11, 2017
A cracking good tale.
Bee is a young woman who is working at a job she hates. But she believes she has no choice because of a fatal illness.
A three day weekend becomes an adventure into a world of magical creatures.
As usual, there are some odd words such as "dint" which apparently is "dent".
Bee is a young woman who is working at a job she hates. But she believes she has no choice because of a fatal illness.
A three day weekend becomes an adventure into a world of magical creatures.
As usual, there are some odd words such as "dint" which apparently is "dent".
September 26, 2012
Set in a time where the world of Magic has "collided" with the mundane Earth due to a bored and demoted god who gums up the works. The modern day world is now full of magical creatures. With a few major changes such as a magical teleportation system through PayPer Doors, deserted rural areas in control of vampires and other creatures, and the oceans controlled by monsters, for most people daily life has not changed much. There is still traffic, boring jobs, and mundane day to day activities. Bee was a magical studies major and is now working at a temp agency placing magical creatures. However, her boss is a nightmare and Bee finally decides to take a day at the beach. There she meets a wolf who can speak, who is fascinated by her ability in a mortal. Angus draws her into an amazing adventure that will change her perspective on life forever and reveal some mysteries from her past. Along the way, they pick up a cast of characters including a gnome, and owl and a badger. Filled with clever characterizations and an intriguing world view, this was a clever and entertaining fantasy journey with dashes of humor thrown in for good measure.
September 4, 2012
This was a fun, light-hearted and humourous read. The world building is very detailed and unique.
The story is full of eclectic and interesting characters. Ninwicket was a mischievous and lovable troublemaker. I loved seeing what he got himself into. Angus was the hottest wolf I’ve ever met. I was swooning for him before Bee even got a glimpse of his human form. He was strong and protective like most alphas, and yet was still quite nice and respectful.
I would love to read more stories based in this world. Both history stories about what happened around the time of the Collision, and other modern day stories. The excerpts from Bee’s journal made the history of the world clearer in a simple way that allowed for info-dumping without seeming like info-dumping, but I think it would be a great story to experience first hand.
The story is full of eclectic and interesting characters. Ninwicket was a mischievous and lovable troublemaker. I loved seeing what he got himself into. Angus was the hottest wolf I’ve ever met. I was swooning for him before Bee even got a glimpse of his human form. He was strong and protective like most alphas, and yet was still quite nice and respectful.
I would love to read more stories based in this world. Both history stories about what happened around the time of the Collision, and other modern day stories. The excerpts from Bee’s journal made the history of the world clearer in a simple way that allowed for info-dumping without seeming like info-dumping, but I think it would be a great story to experience first hand.
June 22, 2015
What would happen if a world of fairy tale creatures were suddenly and inexplicably ejected from their home planet, landing on earth with no means of return and forced to carve out a new existence in a strange place? Apparently, they integrate with the human population and their mundane, 9-5 existence.
This was a charming novel about a recent college graduate named Bee who works at a dead-end temp agency employing all sorts of magical creatures. Her life takes a turn after discovering that she possesses a rare ability to comprehend these beings, even against their will to be understood. She is instantly thrust into a dangerous and life-altering adventure.
I wasn't sure how I'd rate this and eventually decided on three stars. While it's not typically the type of story that I'd enjoy, the author does a great job with her characters, pacing, and descriptions.
This was a charming novel about a recent college graduate named Bee who works at a dead-end temp agency employing all sorts of magical creatures. Her life takes a turn after discovering that she possesses a rare ability to comprehend these beings, even against their will to be understood. She is instantly thrust into a dangerous and life-altering adventure.
I wasn't sure how I'd rate this and eventually decided on three stars. While it's not typically the type of story that I'd enjoy, the author does a great job with her characters, pacing, and descriptions.
July 7, 2011
This is a really well written book. The style is engaging and fun--accessible to anyone. I couldn't help but smile at some of the well tunred phrases the author sprinkled throughout. The book follows Bee as she shovels away at her depressing job working at a placement firm. A temp firm that places magical creatures in jobs in the community--dwarves, vampires, pixies, and the occasional something or other. With a horrible boss and nothing to exciting going on, Bee takes off for an adventure despite herself.
The genre might be fantasy but I think anyone will enjoy this book--it's fun and well written.
If anyone is interested, the author's website also has a blog that was fun.
The genre might be fantasy but I think anyone will enjoy this book--it's fun and well written.
If anyone is interested, the author's website also has a blog that was fun.
October 9, 2011
How to begin? A.E. Mayer is a fabulous writer – the ‘world’ that she has created in the story is absolutely amazing. There are a number of supernatural creatures that you encounter in this book that are so freaking interesting. The way that A.E. Mayer describes the creatures and surroundings is awe inspiring. Bee has decided she has had enough of playing it safe and dealing with her wretched employer so she goes on an amazing adventure, where she discovers her true self – Bee handles all difficult situations with such ease and bravado. Bee is a kick ass chick!!
January 24, 2015
I really, really wanted to like this book. I thought the premise was cute and I went in with high hopes. The nicest thing I can say now is that it needs a good editor.
Way, way too many adjectives and adverbs. One example on page 14: "Bee pulled a toothbrush and toothpaste out of her taxicab yellow leather messenger bag and brushed." Nearly every sentence is like that; I can't get into the story for all the words in the way.
DNF @ 8%.
Way, way too many adjectives and adverbs. One example on page 14: "Bee pulled a toothbrush and toothpaste out of her taxicab yellow leather messenger bag and brushed." Nearly every sentence is like that; I can't get into the story for all the words in the way.
DNF @ 8%.
March 31, 2015
I alternated between enjoying the detailed descriptions of the magical places and creatures Bee encountered and wanting to throttle Bee for being so oblivious to herself. I loved Saul, Nitwicket, Crackers, and Angus. Gilda reminded me of bosses I've had. The final confrontation with the djinn came sooner than I expected, and yet when I thought the book should be wrapping up, more questions were being raised. I'm guessing there will be a sequel, maybe a series, from this.
March 7, 2015
I really enjoyed this very creative and imaginative fantasy, and I absolutely hope there will be a sequel. It is a nearly perfect piece of escapist fiction, including just enough romance to make female readers smile, but nothing overtly sexual, so it's acceptable for younger readers, too. The only problems I encountered were very occasional misspellings, missing words, etc., but not enough to seriously detract from this reader's pleasure.
April 28, 2015
The pacing of this book felt very off. It started very slowly, and the main character didn't feel fully realized. Some of the problems in the book were resolved with what felt like cheap fixes. On the other hand, I enjoyed the book. It was fun, and funny, and had an interesting vision of a magical world. It was a bit predictable and places, but not in a way that significantly detracted from the story.
August 7, 2012
Mayer has such an incredible writing style. She makes me want to write better. After reading this, I had to check out her blog just to get more of her writing.
Temp is not easy to assign a genre to. YA I suppose, but it is rather unique. And not in a way that is easy to describe. Well worth checking out.
Temp is not easy to assign a genre to. YA I suppose, but it is rather unique. And not in a way that is easy to describe. Well worth checking out.
November 16, 2011
This is an imaginative story with a middle grade fantasy feeling to it that had fun and adventure. Some witty moments and creative characters. It is really is very different than any other story I've read and I found that refreshing.
May 27, 2015
I admit it. I'm a sucker for books set in a world where magic has collided with reality. This book is fun and pretty light-hearted, with a fair amount of humor tossed in.
The world-building is pretty great, and I'd really like to read more books in this setting.
The world-building is pretty great, and I'd really like to read more books in this setting.
September 2, 2015
Clever fun original
Fun original concept. What happens when magic is real and becomes part of daily life and economic system. Your boss is really a monster. Well written, no annoying errors in spelling, grammar.
Fun original concept. What happens when magic is real and becomes part of daily life and economic system. Your boss is really a monster. Well written, no annoying errors in spelling, grammar.
March 15, 2012
I have re-read it often.
I am also hopeful that there will be a sequel. I think my favorite character is Angus. But I really liked Ninwicket to, I thought he was pretty interesting and funny.
I am also hopeful that there will be a sequel. I think my favorite character is Angus. But I really liked Ninwicket to, I thought he was pretty interesting and funny.
July 1, 2014
A surprising treat full of fairy tale creatures and one heck of a boss from hell
February 26, 2015
This was a fun, easy to read adventure. As a fan of mythological creatures, it was interesting to read this author's take on what would happen if our worlds collided.
September 2, 2014
I was very surprised!
I loved the descriptions, characters and story. I don't use the word often, but this was a cute and fun book.
I loved the descriptions, characters and story. I don't use the word often, but this was a cute and fun book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews