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Scattered, Smothered and Spellbound: The Battle of Waffle Haus 814
Ever been to Waffle Haus at 3:00 am and... wondered... about some of the specimens of humanity observed there? Well, there's a good chance they weren't human at all, but thanks to the good graces of Faerie, all supernatural creatures look more-or-less human while they enjoy their scattered, smothered and covered hash browns. They don't always get along, though, and sometimes it requires extraordinary men and women to keep the peace.
There's a new Sheriff at Waffle Haus, and he's not going to take any guff from the clientele.
There's a new Sheriff at Waffle Haus, and he's not going to take any guff from the clientele.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 10, 2024
You probably already have an opinion on Waffle Houses everywhere, but after reading this, you'll never view the Waffle Haus the same. Action, adventure, and layers of chuckles based in fantastical parallel reality... K. Grayson provides it all.
August 1, 2023
It's rather bizarre the way Kelly Grayson popped up while I was on hiatus. I lay my reviewing aside briefly (okay, not so briefly), and when I return, he is recommended as producing writing I might like. So, I go check on Amazon, and there are maybe a million entries for him. Will I be able to catch up? Who knows? Who cares? (Who pays?)(nobody PAYS, idiot. Shut up, and review.)
There is NOTHING you can teach me about Waffle House. However, this is Waffle HAUS, and therein lies the difference. Waffle HAUS serves the same menu, but the clientele and the staff are somewhat...enhanced, shall we say?
It seems that a long time ago (as humans count time) a deal was cut between the mundane and supernatural, and as a result, unearthly beings can appear in Waffle Hauses, and look like humans. Appearances don't control behavior, though, and so it was necessary to...enhance (shall we say?) the security. SO: the line cook is a sorcerer/sheriff, and the wait staff is similarly in possession of ethereal talents.
Customers could go either way. You might be sitting next to a mundane retired school teacher, or it could be an orc. Or both.
On this particular day, in this particular Waffle Haus, most of the customers ARE mundane. Sort of. However, their routine, calm, normal existence has gifted them with affection and ownership of a variety of weapons, and a passion for monster hunting. This has existed in something of a vacuum to this point, but today? Today, they get to act.
Here are the problems: there are more bad guys than good guys; the bad guys have heavier weapons; the Waffle Haus fortifications aren't really designed for extended siege; it is ESSENTIAL that the mundane world NOT discover the supernatural. And then, the news people show up, with cameras and stuff.
How you gonna get out of THIS?
That's for me to know, and you to find out. Hint: it's not solved by Larry Correia.
Short, sweet, an easy read, and while there ARE some inside jokes, you really don't need to be an insider in order to enjoy.
There is NOTHING you can teach me about Waffle House. However, this is Waffle HAUS, and therein lies the difference. Waffle HAUS serves the same menu, but the clientele and the staff are somewhat...enhanced, shall we say?
It seems that a long time ago (as humans count time) a deal was cut between the mundane and supernatural, and as a result, unearthly beings can appear in Waffle Hauses, and look like humans. Appearances don't control behavior, though, and so it was necessary to...enhance (shall we say?) the security. SO: the line cook is a sorcerer/sheriff, and the wait staff is similarly in possession of ethereal talents.
Customers could go either way. You might be sitting next to a mundane retired school teacher, or it could be an orc. Or both.
On this particular day, in this particular Waffle Haus, most of the customers ARE mundane. Sort of. However, their routine, calm, normal existence has gifted them with affection and ownership of a variety of weapons, and a passion for monster hunting. This has existed in something of a vacuum to this point, but today? Today, they get to act.
Here are the problems: there are more bad guys than good guys; the bad guys have heavier weapons; the Waffle Haus fortifications aren't really designed for extended siege; it is ESSENTIAL that the mundane world NOT discover the supernatural. And then, the news people show up, with cameras and stuff.
How you gonna get out of THIS?
That's for me to know, and you to find out. Hint: it's not solved by Larry Correia.
Short, sweet, an easy read, and while there ARE some inside jokes, you really don't need to be an insider in order to enjoy.
December 6, 2024
This book is a mess. It's riddled with glaring bias, especially in how characters are described. You can try to overlook the comparison of orcs to Black people, but it's hard to ignore how "thug" and "Black person" are used interchangeably throughout. Even if you give the benefit of the doubt and assume it’s just the narrator being a jerk, the author's prejudices are crystal clear and impossible to ignore. The female characters? I don’t even want to expand on that, but they’re nothing more than sexist caricatures—contributing nothing meaningful while reduced to the butt of jokes and reinforcing outdated, harmful stereotypes.
The story itself feels disjointed, leaving you with emotional whiplash as the infantile humour increasingly fails in its attempt to be funny. The author seems to channel Tom Clancy with an excessive focus on firearms, as if writing a Rainbow Six novel for gun enthusiasts, but it only makes the book feel even more forced. The pervasive undercurrent of racism is uncomfortable and hard to ignore. It’s difficult to find any redeeming qualities when the narrative is so poorly executed and the author’s biases are so blatant. I couldn’t finish it fast enough.
PS: Normally, I don’t judge authors for older works, but it’s pretty ironic that this author has written this mess and then if you look at his earlier work, you get an almost comically stereotypical view of the kind of person who spews this kind of hateful rhetoric.
The story itself feels disjointed, leaving you with emotional whiplash as the infantile humour increasingly fails in its attempt to be funny. The author seems to channel Tom Clancy with an excessive focus on firearms, as if writing a Rainbow Six novel for gun enthusiasts, but it only makes the book feel even more forced. The pervasive undercurrent of racism is uncomfortable and hard to ignore. It’s difficult to find any redeeming qualities when the narrative is so poorly executed and the author’s biases are so blatant. I couldn’t finish it fast enough.
PS: Normally, I don’t judge authors for older works, but it’s pretty ironic that this author has written this mess and then if you look at his earlier work, you get an almost comically stereotypical view of the kind of person who spews this kind of hateful rhetoric.
June 30, 2023
If you’ve been in a greasy spoon between midnight and sunup and wondered if your fellow diners are for real, you’ll get half of the premise for this. In this alternative reality, the answer’s definitely not. There’s magic, elves, orks, and media gaslighting the public while Waffle Haus is under siege.
The story’s also an homage of sorts to Monster Hunters International from Larry Corriea. Lots of inside baseball which was lost on me. I thought this was a wash: there’s clever premise and good writing, but some of the overtones will be jarring if you’re not in the right (or maybe “right”?) frame of mind.
Going to try something else by Grayson and see how it works out.
6/10 (3 stars)
The story’s also an homage of sorts to Monster Hunters International from Larry Corriea. Lots of inside baseball which was lost on me. I thought this was a wash: there’s clever premise and good writing, but some of the overtones will be jarring if you’re not in the right (or maybe “right”?) frame of mind.
Going to try something else by Grayson and see how it works out.
6/10 (3 stars)
April 11, 2023
Waffle Hair IS kinda magical.for conventions...
Good story with characters I've had, more or less, real life experience with. (sci-fi and fantasy conventions DO tend to get a bit wild).
My only problem with the story? Too darned short! That's the only reason that this is a four star review rather than a five star.
Overall; fun read, well pacer, and brought back a lot of fun memories. If you've been to Waffle House, and SF conventions, you should read this! Even if you haven't, you should read this... Good fun!
Good story with characters I've had, more or less, real life experience with. (sci-fi and fantasy conventions DO tend to get a bit wild).
My only problem with the story? Too darned short! That's the only reason that this is a four star review rather than a five star.
Overall; fun read, well pacer, and brought back a lot of fun memories. If you've been to Waffle House, and SF conventions, you should read this! Even if you haven't, you should read this... Good fun!
June 23, 2023
Fun idea, but…
I like the idea of magical sheriffs for Waffle House (or Haus, as the author avoids copyright problems). The wielding of the spatula was great.
However, the constant descriptions of this person’s gun and that person’s gun got old pretty quick. There’s no literary reason for it, and “pulled a semiautomatic” would have been sufficient without the descriptions of make, model, and calibre.
That said, having eaten in Waffle Houses at three a.m. (former paramedic), I’m pretty sure that some of the diners may well not have been human…
I like the idea of magical sheriffs for Waffle House (or Haus, as the author avoids copyright problems). The wielding of the spatula was great.
However, the constant descriptions of this person’s gun and that person’s gun got old pretty quick. There’s no literary reason for it, and “pulled a semiautomatic” would have been sufficient without the descriptions of make, model, and calibre.
That said, having eaten in Waffle Houses at three a.m. (former paramedic), I’m pretty sure that some of the diners may well not have been human…
April 19, 2023
Unexpected
Now I'm a pretty big fan of eating at Waffle house, But this story puts a whole new spin On the franchise. So after reading this story and contemplating it a little bit The next time you go into a waffle house and you drink their great coffee and eat their really good omelets make sure you tip the waitress really good. Just might change your life😉
Now I'm a pretty big fan of eating at Waffle house, But this story puts a whole new spin On the franchise. So after reading this story and contemplating it a little bit The next time you go into a waffle house and you drink their great coffee and eat their really good omelets make sure you tip the waitress really good. Just might change your life😉
May 12, 2023
Whimsical, wonderful, and WAY too short!
Were this to be animated, it would prove to be a fantastic treatment, hoping to get picked up and turned into an ongoing series!
WAY better than "Vox Machina", and more wit and wordplay than " Futurama".
I sincerely hope that this isn't the last we hear of Al and his co-workers!
Were this to be animated, it would prove to be a fantastic treatment, hoping to get picked up and turned into an ongoing series!
WAY better than "Vox Machina", and more wit and wordplay than " Futurama".
I sincerely hope that this isn't the last we hear of Al and his co-workers!
July 13, 2023
Fun Short Story
If you're looking for a great story, this is it. It has great detail about each of the characters and paints a realistic picture of the waffle haus. The description of the battle is a little graphic but not too bad. Its a story of standing up to bullies and teamwork.
If you're looking for a great story, this is it. It has great detail about each of the characters and paints a realistic picture of the waffle haus. The description of the battle is a little graphic but not too bad. Its a story of standing up to bullies and teamwork.
October 2, 2023
I will never eat at IHOP again
I knew there was a reason I preferred WH. Maybe it was the coffee is not burnt motor oil at 1am, maybe it is you can get a decent short stack at 5am with bacon that is nor "rare" when you are on the road super early. Now I will look carefully for Hawaiian shirts from now on.
I knew there was a reason I preferred WH. Maybe it was the coffee is not burnt motor oil at 1am, maybe it is you can get a decent short stack at 5am with bacon that is nor "rare" when you are on the road super early. Now I will look carefully for Hawaiian shirts from now on.
October 12, 2023
What A Treat!!
There’s nothing like tough good guys in situations proving their reputations. Being outnumbered, wounded, and with casualties but victorious, is a thrill. Except, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill…people?? Enjoy this quick read I recommend. Guaranteed to wake up your brain and make you smile!
There’s nothing like tough good guys in situations proving their reputations. Being outnumbered, wounded, and with casualties but victorious, is a thrill. Except, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill…people?? Enjoy this quick read I recommend. Guaranteed to wake up your brain and make you smile!
June 22, 2023
Totally Awesome
Okay if you are a MHI member you have to read this book! On top of that the story and characters rock. Really good action and the pace of the story is fantastic. Read this book.
Okay if you are a MHI member you have to read this book! On top of that the story and characters rock. Really good action and the pace of the story is fantastic. Read this book.
July 4, 2023
Phenomenal
I just picked this book after reading the Combat Wombat short story. This book is such an adventure I had hair standing on end on my forearms for several minutes. I laughed and laughed and this is just a wild ride.
I just picked this book after reading the Combat Wombat short story. This book is such an adventure I had hair standing on end on my forearms for several minutes. I laughed and laughed and this is just a wild ride.
September 3, 2023
Require Reading for Waffle House Afficianados
Hilarious running references. Best use of 13th Warrior quote, ever.
Truly laughed out loud.
As with Waffle House, while glutted now, can’t wait for more.
Hilarious running references. Best use of 13th Warrior quote, ever.
Truly laughed out loud.
As with Waffle House, while glutted now, can’t wait for more.
September 18, 2023
So much fun
I love Waffle House and these stories are an appropriate tribute to all the wonderful people who work there and eat there! These are keepers for days when we all need a laugh. Thank you, Kelly Grayson. Please keep writing these.
I love Waffle House and these stories are an appropriate tribute to all the wonderful people who work there and eat there! These are keepers for days when we all need a laugh. Thank you, Kelly Grayson. Please keep writing these.
October 14, 2023
A nice tribute to Sci-Fi/Fantasy author Larry Correia
Another fun novella from Kelly Grayson. This one takes place in the same universe as Larry Correia's Monster Hunter International.
Another fun novella from Kelly Grayson. This one takes place in the same universe as Larry Correia's Monster Hunter International.
December 12, 2023
Awesome short story that ties into Correia's MHI books.
As a huge fan of Larry Correia and his MHI books, I thought this was a great treat. The characters were lots of fun and the story was very entertaining. I just wish it was longer.
I can't wait to read more of these books.
As a huge fan of Larry Correia and his MHI books, I thought this was a great treat. The characters were lots of fun and the story was very entertaining. I just wish it was longer.
I can't wait to read more of these books.
December 27, 2023
2023 bk 316. What happens when an apprentice is passed over for promotion - revenge, but revenge that can and will get the employees and patrons of Waffle Haus killed. The crew has to work together - along with recruited patrons - to save themselves. When they manage to contact Tully .....
July 5, 2024
Great humorous fantasy!
Excellent main characters with an extremely original storyline created an fun and totally surprising short story! I highly recommend it and am already looking forward to reading more from this very imaginative author!
Kindle Unlimited
Excellent main characters with an extremely original storyline created an fun and totally surprising short story! I highly recommend it and am already looking forward to reading more from this very imaginative author!
Kindle Unlimited
May 18, 2025
A lot of fun
If you're a fan of Larry Correia's Monster Hunter International series, or a member of one of the MHI groups on Facebook, you'll likely enjoy this. Several regulars are featured by name. It's a love letter to Waffle House, and more.
If you're a fan of Larry Correia's Monster Hunter International series, or a member of one of the MHI groups on Facebook, you'll likely enjoy this. Several regulars are featured by name. It's a love letter to Waffle House, and more.
March 18, 2023
fun and funny
If you’ve ever been in a Waffle House at 3 am, this fun story will just confirm your suspicions. Well done story telling
If you’ve ever been in a Waffle House at 3 am, this fun story will just confirm your suspicions. Well done story telling
March 19, 2023
Just fun
A fun short read. If you like MHI, waffles, and the curious people who wander into such establishments you will enjoy this like a candy bar
A fun short read. If you like MHI, waffles, and the curious people who wander into such establishments you will enjoy this like a candy bar
March 27, 2023
Orcs lose!
Good short. Well paced, monster hunter space opera. Come play in Larry's world again. Word words words words words donne
Good short. Well paced, monster hunter space opera. Come play in Larry's world again. Word words words words words donne
April 5, 2023
Fun
A quick read that was fun and different. Like most short stories, it has undeveloped potential. Too bad it wasn’t longer.
A quick read that was fun and different. Like most short stories, it has undeveloped potential. Too bad it wasn’t longer.
April 19, 2023
Damn that was a fun read
Loved it! A quick read but a great one especially if you get the inside jokes....I would read more of this world in a heartbeat.
Loved it! A quick read but a great one especially if you get the inside jokes....I would read more of this world in a heartbeat.
May 3, 2023
Waffle House will never be the same for me. Terrific take on magic and monsters.
June 14, 2023
Good quick read
Fast fun story , big time treat for all the MHI fans out there . Will definitely try this authors other books
Fast fun story , big time treat for all the MHI fans out there . Will definitely try this authors other books
June 20, 2023
Ok wow.
Didn't know what to expect really. Started and finished it in one sitting. It was pretty damn awesome! I plan to read more by this author. Bravo!
Didn't know what to expect really. Started and finished it in one sitting. It was pretty damn awesome! I plan to read more by this author. Bravo!
June 30, 2023
Monster Hunters rule!
I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Larry Corriea and his works. I laughed out loud, and I'll go to a Waffle House tomorrow.
I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Larry Corriea and his works. I laughed out loud, and I'll go to a Waffle House tomorrow.
July 10, 2023
Fun!
I’m going to look for more from this author. A fun read that made me beg for more! Needs to be as thick as a Monster Hunter tome,please.
I’m going to look for more from this author. A fun read that made me beg for more! Needs to be as thick as a Monster Hunter tome,please.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews