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Shadowlands #0.5
The Summons
Every fairy tale has to have some basis in fact, right? That's what Eliza thought as she made a desperate plea to the legendary Goblin King. If he could grant her wish, she'd finally be safe. He would protect her. But what would he ask in return...?Enjoy this short free prequel and a sneak peek of The Goblin King, the first of a highly imaginative new paranormal series by Shona Husk.
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
29 people are currently reading
1346 people want to read
About the author
Shona Husk
97 books618 followersShona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with a lively imagination she spent most of her childhood making up stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
May 19, 2012
I have had this short story on my kindle for too long. The title and cover, yip I admit it are what caught my attention. I haven't read anything that involved Goblins so I decided to finally give this ago. And overall it was enjoyable.
It is set nine year before book 1, which I think I should have read first. It follows Eliza who at a party summons the goblin king to help her get away. When the Goblin King arrives he helps her but doesn't fully grant her wish. He instead start to fell human again and Eliza starts to find herself being attracted to him.
Now, this is a just a quick read with only around 20 or so pages. The author has managed to create a good taster to the story. However, I was left a little confused and not really knowing what was going on. There isn't much of a backstory to the Goblin King but I hope we see that develop in book 1.
On a side note. Now if you are anything like me and see/hear "The Goblin King" you automatically think David Bowie! I did I couldn't help it. Even though the author describes her character with dreadlocks and in goblin form a monster. I still kept seeing Jareth from The Labyrinth because for me there is and alway will be only one Goblin King. Lol.
Go grab yourself a copy of The Summons. It's free on kindle.
It is set nine year before book 1, which I think I should have read first. It follows Eliza who at a party summons the goblin king to help her get away. When the Goblin King arrives he helps her but doesn't fully grant her wish. He instead start to fell human again and Eliza starts to find herself being attracted to him.
Now, this is a just a quick read with only around 20 or so pages. The author has managed to create a good taster to the story. However, I was left a little confused and not really knowing what was going on. There isn't much of a backstory to the Goblin King but I hope we see that develop in book 1.
On a side note. Now if you are anything like me and see/hear "The Goblin King" you automatically think David Bowie! I did I couldn't help it. Even though the author describes her character with dreadlocks and in goblin form a monster. I still kept seeing Jareth from The Labyrinth because for me there is and alway will be only one Goblin King. Lol.
Go grab yourself a copy of The Summons. It's free on kindle.
September 20, 2018
GREAT BEGINNING
this was a great introduction a short prequel into what will be the main story of the Goblin King. It was well written and does what it says on the tin, in short gives you a real incentive to read the main novel which I am now looking forward to a very short but good start.
this was a great introduction a short prequel into what will be the main story of the Goblin King. It was well written and does what it says on the tin, in short gives you a real incentive to read the main novel which I am now looking forward to a very short but good start.
February 25, 2012
It's starting to become a seriously annoying trend in the PNR genre to have a little “short story” to introduce a new series. Anya Bast's Dark Magick series comes to mind, where you're reading along and you realize that there has to be a short story before. Because while the story is fine, you realize that you're out of the loop and have missed something. Or Kim Harrison's Madison Avery Trilogy. You honestly can not enjoy that series without reading the short story that came out first.
So in my mind the same is true for The Goblin King. You don't have to read this short story to get the book. However, if you read The Summons it will help your overall emotional build up. And I'm saying this after just finishing The Summons and jumping right into The Goblin King. Why they just didn't put The Summons as a prologue is beyond me.
The Summons is a cute introduction to a Goblin who was once a great king. He fights to maintain what little part of his human soul remains, not just for him but for the last of his warriors. The King is continuously summoned as part of his curse by any who call upon the Goblin King. Once he would have to do all the summoner bids him to do, now he can choose to accept it. It's quite a surprise to him when a girl summons him to her. Both giving each other some child like hope to hold on to.
The Goblin King's story is greatly enhanced by this 20 page “short story.” It builds an emotional connection that the the author should have realized needs to be there from the get go. It's a sweet and innocent introduction to the beauty and the beast. If you have no intentions of reading The Goblin King, leave this be. If you do have every intention to read it, then this is a must! After all it is a free short story.
Sexual Content: Kissing and unwanted male advances. Pretty clean
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Originally posted at Book Whispers.
So in my mind the same is true for The Goblin King. You don't have to read this short story to get the book. However, if you read The Summons it will help your overall emotional build up. And I'm saying this after just finishing The Summons and jumping right into The Goblin King. Why they just didn't put The Summons as a prologue is beyond me.
The Summons is a cute introduction to a Goblin who was once a great king. He fights to maintain what little part of his human soul remains, not just for him but for the last of his warriors. The King is continuously summoned as part of his curse by any who call upon the Goblin King. Once he would have to do all the summoner bids him to do, now he can choose to accept it. It's quite a surprise to him when a girl summons him to her. Both giving each other some child like hope to hold on to.
The Goblin King's story is greatly enhanced by this 20 page “short story.” It builds an emotional connection that the the author should have realized needs to be there from the get go. It's a sweet and innocent introduction to the beauty and the beast. If you have no intentions of reading The Goblin King, leave this be. If you do have every intention to read it, then this is a must! After all it is a free short story.
Sexual Content: Kissing and unwanted male advances. Pretty clean
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.
Originally posted at Book Whispers.
September 18, 2011
Two things you should know right off the bat- 1) this is a teaser introduction to a new series that's coming out, not a separate entity, and 2) it's free, so you certainly can't argue with the price!
Anyway, this story tells about Roan, the Goblin King, whose crappy decision making in the past makes him the sufferer of a curse that seems to be neverending. When he's summoned by Eliza as she tries to escape a loser's drunken advances, he figure he'll grant her stupid wish and that'll be the end of it and his miserable life can go on as always.
Eliza isn't like anyone who's summoned him before, though, and there's plenty of hinting at some sizzle that will come between them in the upcoming series. Eliza is thoroughly a youngster in this book, and nothing gross or inappropriate happens, but it's a perfect illustration of a formative experience that can have dramatic repercussions later.
With the basic outlining of the mythology and the whole goblin king/queen element, this is a series I'm definitely looking forward to. While this story will probably be more enjoyable when read in conjunction with the first volume (Amazon has the release date for The Goblin King as October 1st, so not too long to wait) it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, which is make me as a reader want to invest time in the series. Mission accomplished!
Overall Grade: B
Anyway, this story tells about Roan, the Goblin King, whose crappy decision making in the past makes him the sufferer of a curse that seems to be neverending. When he's summoned by Eliza as she tries to escape a loser's drunken advances, he figure he'll grant her stupid wish and that'll be the end of it and his miserable life can go on as always.
Eliza isn't like anyone who's summoned him before, though, and there's plenty of hinting at some sizzle that will come between them in the upcoming series. Eliza is thoroughly a youngster in this book, and nothing gross or inappropriate happens, but it's a perfect illustration of a formative experience that can have dramatic repercussions later.
With the basic outlining of the mythology and the whole goblin king/queen element, this is a series I'm definitely looking forward to. While this story will probably be more enjoyable when read in conjunction with the first volume (Amazon has the release date for The Goblin King as October 1st, so not too long to wait) it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, which is make me as a reader want to invest time in the series. Mission accomplished!
Overall Grade: B
May 19, 2012
I downloaded it this morning assuming it will be a short read. Well that and the cover, seriously, did you see the cover? It was a short read! What I did not bargain on is what a delightful read it would turn out to be.
The story of a sixteen year old girl, finding herself in danger from a friend of her brother during a drunken party is one most of us can relate to.
Her cry for help, heard by the Goblin King is one we cannot. I fell in love with the story in only a few pages. This is a series I can’t wait to read. If the prequel is anything to go on then this is going to be an amazing story, one which I intend to follow. I would strongly suggest you go and get the book and read it. It is really a fast, engaging story. I give this a 5 * review as it is one of the best prequel’s I have had the pleasure of reading.
The story of a sixteen year old girl, finding herself in danger from a friend of her brother during a drunken party is one most of us can relate to.
Her cry for help, heard by the Goblin King is one we cannot. I fell in love with the story in only a few pages. This is a series I can’t wait to read. If the prequel is anything to go on then this is going to be an amazing story, one which I intend to follow. I would strongly suggest you go and get the book and read it. It is really a fast, engaging story. I give this a 5 * review as it is one of the best prequel’s I have had the pleasure of reading.
March 29, 2016
Now this is how a prequel should be. Enough of a story and intriguing characters that make me want to read the full length novel. I adored Roan in this brief glimpse. Eliza, too, was interesting. Plus, how many books are there right now with a goblin as the main character?
Currently free.
Currently free.
April 23, 2012
This short story is a very intriguing prequel to Shona Husk's Shadowlands series. If The Goblin King wasn't already on my to-read list, I would definitely add it now after reading The Summons. While I noticed a few awkwardly-constructed sentences, in general I liked this sample of Shona Husk's writing. I also liked what I saw of both main characters, Eliza and Roan, and I'm very curious about Husk's paranormal setting. I look forward to reading The Goblin King.
December 16, 2013
This taster into the world of the Shadowlands series may not have been jaw-droppingly fantastic; however, I really enjoyed this quick introduction to the world. I had been interested in reading the series before now. Now? I’m keenly knocking my currently reading books out of the way to make room for this!
I look forward to… hope for…
Sexy supernaturals
Intriguing alternate dimensions
… and steamy romance!
I hope the following books don’t disappoint. Either way, I’m excited to see how things play out.
#TeamAussieAuthors
I look forward to… hope for…
Sexy supernaturals
Intriguing alternate dimensions
… and steamy romance!
I hope the following books don’t disappoint. Either way, I’m excited to see how things play out.
#TeamAussieAuthors
January 12, 2013
What an interesting avenue in the world of Paranormals: Goblins!
No, they are not pretty in any way, but this PREQUEL NOVELLA gives us a glimpse into a story which combines beautiful man with hideous monster. And I must say that it piqued my interest and curiosity well enough to want to read the series.
No, they are not pretty in any way, but this PREQUEL NOVELLA gives us a glimpse into a story which combines beautiful man with hideous monster. And I must say that it piqued my interest and curiosity well enough to want to read the series.
January 6, 2012
This is a free prequel. As a mostly MM reader I wasn't sure what to expect but I really enjoyed this short intro and will probably buy the first book soon. I of course hope there is a cute gay couple in the background
February 24, 2013
I'm beginning to think that paranormal stories are not for me. I read it to see if I liked these type of books and I haven't so far. The story: Goblin comes and saves a teenager when she calls for him to save her. Of course they can't be together, at least for now. Hence, why this is a prequel.
September 21, 2011
Well, color me intrigued! This was a great teaser. I'm looking forward to spending more time with the mysterious Goblin King ;)
April 29, 2012
This was really just a prequel to the book, The Goblin King. It is too short to really write a review but I enjoyed it enough to want to read the book.
August 24, 2012
Only complaint? Waaaay short. :P But of course the main book is yet to come (so to speak). Yay! Will definitely add the Goblin series to my to-reads.
September 20, 2024
A very short intro to the series. Quite intriguing.
August 26, 2018
Book Review- The Summons by Shona Husk
Eliza is sixteen and wants to go to a party. She decides to stay for the one her brother throws at her house. Unfortunately, she is cornered by a very forward type of guy. She runs into the bathroom to get away. While trapped she calls for the Goblin King to grant her wish of taking her away. The Goblin King ignores the summons as long as he can. Once he understands the situation he does what he can do.
And the story begins. This is the prequel of the Goblin King Series. It is a very short read and introduces the reader to the Goblin king and his curse. Eliza is the one person so far that makes him want to remember what it was like to be human. There is a bit of tortured soul that really overshadows the evilness he projects. I love how Eliza can see it right away and doesn’t fear him. It whets the appetite. I know these two will meet again and the ending with definitely be different. I give it a 3 out of 5.
Eliza is sixteen and wants to go to a party. She decides to stay for the one her brother throws at her house. Unfortunately, she is cornered by a very forward type of guy. She runs into the bathroom to get away. While trapped she calls for the Goblin King to grant her wish of taking her away. The Goblin King ignores the summons as long as he can. Once he understands the situation he does what he can do.
And the story begins. This is the prequel of the Goblin King Series. It is a very short read and introduces the reader to the Goblin king and his curse. Eliza is the one person so far that makes him want to remember what it was like to be human. There is a bit of tortured soul that really overshadows the evilness he projects. I love how Eliza can see it right away and doesn’t fear him. It whets the appetite. I know these two will meet again and the ending with definitely be different. I give it a 3 out of 5.
December 14, 2024
This is a very short introduction to Shona's Shadowlands series (not to be confused with Cherise Sinclair's Masters of the Shadowlands series - I've read several of those too!)
This story gave me Labyrinth vibes, especially when we got more of a look at Roan.
The writing is for the most part quite good, minimal errors (a couple noted below). It was easy to read and kept me interested despite my distaste for Eliza and her petty issues. She gave off cookie-cutter teen vibes which irritated me to no end.
I hope that Roan is more of a focus in the main books in this series and less on Eliza.
Things I noticed:
3% - ...like on(an) off-balance washing machine.
5% - ...beer was sitting (in) the trough...
This story gave me Labyrinth vibes, especially when we got more of a look at Roan.
The writing is for the most part quite good, minimal errors (a couple noted below). It was easy to read and kept me interested despite my distaste for Eliza and her petty issues. She gave off cookie-cutter teen vibes which irritated me to no end.
I hope that Roan is more of a focus in the main books in this series and less on Eliza.
Things I noticed:
3% - ...like on(an) off-balance washing machine.
5% - ...beer was sitting (in) the trough...
November 27, 2016
A quick free read to introduce a person to the Shadowlands series. Picked it up for the "free" and the cover. Yeah ... (sigh). Sometimes Kindle -books are a little boring since you don't see the cover every time you pick up the book.
I found the story emotionally involving. A teenage girl gets in trouble at a party and decides to do the one thing her mother told her never to do. Call the Goblin King. He shows up.
Because it is so short I don't want to give anything else away, but it is a nice opening for the series. Love the bead scene.
Downside - as sexy as the cover is, it doesn't match the male character description. Loss of one star for the mis-match. If you got a guy with dreads, don't put a military cut on the cover.
I found the story emotionally involving. A teenage girl gets in trouble at a party and decides to do the one thing her mother told her never to do. Call the Goblin King. He shows up.
Because it is so short I don't want to give anything else away, but it is a nice opening for the series. Love the bead scene.
Downside - as sexy as the cover is, it doesn't match the male character description. Loss of one star for the mis-match. If you got a guy with dreads, don't put a military cut on the cover.
February 19, 2019
Every fairy tale has to have some basis in fact, right? That's what Eliza thought as she made a desperate plea to the legendary Goblin King. If he could grant her wish, she'd finally be safe. He would protect her. But what would he ask in return...?
Heather's Notes
Nice short story. I am glad I read the first story first, because this does not have a true resolution at the end.
Heather's Notes
Nice short story. I am glad I read the first story first, because this does not have a true resolution at the end.
June 8, 2020
The author has given us the beginning a Beauty and the Beast retelling, interwoven with threads of a redemption in the tapestry of an illicit teenage home party in the absence of parents. Surprisingly sweet with hints of dark, I definitely want to know what happens when the main characters meet again, because the story requires another meeting.
December 18, 2017
This really made me want to go ahead and read the first book in this series. Concept sounds great, writing was great and I liked the characters. Ive had the first book on my TBR for a while now but I’ll definitely be putting it on my must reads of 2018.
June 13, 2018
I like it
Yes, it's a tease but it's pretty darn interesting. I like it. The heroine has spunk she's not some damsel in distress and the lore it starts to delve into is refreshing and well researched.
Yes, it's a tease but it's pretty darn interesting. I like it. The heroine has spunk she's not some damsel in distress and the lore it starts to delve into is refreshing and well researched.
September 17, 2019
Good prequeal
In this prequel you learn how Eliza first met Ronan the goblin king as a teen . You learn his yearning to be human again and protect the girl good Amber yes. If you want to know the series it good to start here.
In this prequel you learn how Eliza first met Ronan the goblin king as a teen . You learn his yearning to be human again and protect the girl good Amber yes. If you want to know the series it good to start here.
June 15, 2020
I enjoyed this short, fun story. Eliza is a sixteen year girl in way over her head, and she calls to the Goblin King for help. Though nothing sexual or untoward happens (it shouldn't because the girl is only a kid), it is a prequel to the Eliza and Roan's main story, which I would love to read.
January 7, 2023
The Summons
is a prequel to the Shadowlands series and was just enough of a bite to get my attention. I'm intrigued with the premise involving the fairy tale about the Goblin King and his attempt to reverse his curse. I'm eager to start book 1 to see where Eliza and the Goblin King go from here.
May 25, 2022
Great Prequel to a Great Series
Love this series especially this snippet of the couples first meeting. Wish I could get it in paperback but still purchased as ebook.
Love this series especially this snippet of the couples first meeting. Wish I could get it in paperback but still purchased as ebook.
June 18, 2024
Immediate ick when a grown man is coveting a 16 year old; fantasy or not. Story would be good if she wasn’t so young.
July 15, 2012
This short story was a very nice treat and a great set up for 2 great full length novels to come. As I said in my review of Kiss of the Goblin Prince (Shadowlands #2), each installment of this highly imaginative paranormal romance series by talented author Shona Husk can be read as a stand-alone novel, but it can be fully appreciated if read in order.
In this prequel we get to know how Roan and Eliza, the main characters of The Goblin King ( Shadowlands #1) meet for the first time. Roan is a Celtic king turned into a heartless goblin by a curse that had destroyed his people. He lives in The Shadowlands, a desolated realm populated and ruled by greedy monsters obsessed with gold: the Goblins. Roan visits the Fixed Realm (our world) at will, using people’s dreams and nightmares, but with his ugly goblin looks and an empty and cold spot where his heart used to be, he would rather hide in the darkness and dismiss the summons of those humans. Until Eliza, a 16 years old girl from the XXI century, a girl who grew up believing in fairy tales, summons him when she is in danger, and he just cannot resists her call.
Her mother had said always be careful what you wish for as she’d told stories about a man who’d been cursed for loving gold and had been given a heart of gold as punishment. Damned to be goblin, now he was forced to answer other people’s wishes. She closed her eyes. She had to answer hers. “I wish the Goblin King would take me away from here.”
To save her from an overzealous suitor, Roan answers Eliza’s call and takes her in a place of light and life (the Summerland) where he can show himself in his original human appearance without scaring her. Something about Liza’s strikes some cords in his soul, making him wish to be remembered as a man, not as a greedy monster, rekindling his humanity and his desire to go back to his true kind and honorable self.
Where I go the Shadowland follows. I bring darkness, death, and despair. I rule land made of dust and famine. My subjects are goblins who’d eat you alive. Do not summon me again for next time I may not return you.
But when they part their ways to return to their realms, Roan and Eliza will not forget about each other. He saw in Eliza something worthier than gold, and she saw in Roan a man who needed to be saved.
Highly recommended as an introductory read to The Goblin King (Shadowlands #1).
In this prequel we get to know how Roan and Eliza, the main characters of The Goblin King ( Shadowlands #1) meet for the first time. Roan is a Celtic king turned into a heartless goblin by a curse that had destroyed his people. He lives in The Shadowlands, a desolated realm populated and ruled by greedy monsters obsessed with gold: the Goblins. Roan visits the Fixed Realm (our world) at will, using people’s dreams and nightmares, but with his ugly goblin looks and an empty and cold spot where his heart used to be, he would rather hide in the darkness and dismiss the summons of those humans. Until Eliza, a 16 years old girl from the XXI century, a girl who grew up believing in fairy tales, summons him when she is in danger, and he just cannot resists her call.
Her mother had said always be careful what you wish for as she’d told stories about a man who’d been cursed for loving gold and had been given a heart of gold as punishment. Damned to be goblin, now he was forced to answer other people’s wishes. She closed her eyes. She had to answer hers. “I wish the Goblin King would take me away from here.”
To save her from an overzealous suitor, Roan answers Eliza’s call and takes her in a place of light and life (the Summerland) where he can show himself in his original human appearance without scaring her. Something about Liza’s strikes some cords in his soul, making him wish to be remembered as a man, not as a greedy monster, rekindling his humanity and his desire to go back to his true kind and honorable self.
Where I go the Shadowland follows. I bring darkness, death, and despair. I rule land made of dust and famine. My subjects are goblins who’d eat you alive. Do not summon me again for next time I may not return you.
But when they part their ways to return to their realms, Roan and Eliza will not forget about each other. He saw in Eliza something worthier than gold, and she saw in Roan a man who needed to be saved.
Highly recommended as an introductory read to The Goblin King (Shadowlands #1).
August 2, 2011
This is not a novel or novella story. It's basically an introduction called Summons: The Goblin King for the upcoming novel The Goblin King that will be released October 2011.
Book starts nine years earlier. Eliza's brother Matt is having a house party while their father is out of town on business. While at the party, 16 year old Eliza encounters a little problem with her brothers friend. He is trying to come on to her a little too heavy and she tries to ditch him. While locked in a room listening to him trying to get in, she made a wish to the Goblin King and he answered.
Roan, the Goblin King is from the Shadowlands and is now in the fix realm of Eliza. Though Eliza is young he finds himself drawn to her. He helps Eliza and takes her to the summerland realm where he informs her not to summon him again. When Eliza wakes up she is unable to stop think of the Goblin King and Roan senses this.
This introduction for the upcoming book surely caught my attention and I enjoyed it. It surely accomplished what it set out to do, get my interest for a soon to be released book. I definitely want to find out what happens to the Goblin King and Eliza. I have to say though I am getting a little irritated with these free ebooks that looks like a novel/ novella but are basically a sneak peek for books that we have to wait months for. I just don't like being excited just to have it come to an abrupt ending. Other than that I still encourage the read, I thought it was good and interesting. Haven't read anything by the author and look forward to more books.
Storyline: GOOD
Enjoyment: Fair
Ebook length: 404
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Book starts nine years earlier. Eliza's brother Matt is having a house party while their father is out of town on business. While at the party, 16 year old Eliza encounters a little problem with her brothers friend. He is trying to come on to her a little too heavy and she tries to ditch him. While locked in a room listening to him trying to get in, she made a wish to the Goblin King and he answered.
Roan, the Goblin King is from the Shadowlands and is now in the fix realm of Eliza. Though Eliza is young he finds himself drawn to her. He helps Eliza and takes her to the summerland realm where he informs her not to summon him again. When Eliza wakes up she is unable to stop think of the Goblin King and Roan senses this.
This introduction for the upcoming book surely caught my attention and I enjoyed it. It surely accomplished what it set out to do, get my interest for a soon to be released book. I definitely want to find out what happens to the Goblin King and Eliza. I have to say though I am getting a little irritated with these free ebooks that looks like a novel/ novella but are basically a sneak peek for books that we have to wait months for. I just don't like being excited just to have it come to an abrupt ending. Other than that I still encourage the read, I thought it was good and interesting. Haven't read anything by the author and look forward to more books.
Storyline: GOOD
Enjoyment: Fair
Ebook length: 404
**********************
"LIKE" us here --> www.Facebook.com/romance.novel.junkies , this is our fan page dedicated to book reviews.
"JOIN" our group here --> www.facebook.com/groups/47100110777?ap=1 this is our group that has 600+ members. This group includes authors and avid readers who would love to hear about new books and opinions. We are also on goodreads. Great networking.
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