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The Ghost Child
In the dead of winter, raiders cross the frozen waters of the Dunav to pillage towns and villages along the river. When darkness falls and the war party retreats before the coming blizzard, they stumble upon one last farmstead. There they encounter a mysterious child, and the hunters suddenly become the hunted.
This is the story of Magz, his little sister Jackie, and their harrowing struggle to survive.
This novelette is a prelude to a longer work, which will debut later this year.
This is the story of Magz, his little sister Jackie, and their harrowing struggle to survive.
This novelette is a prelude to a longer work, which will debut later this year.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2011
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132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 9, 2012
Christmas 2011, I was offered a free copy of The Ghost Child by Simeon... I downloaded it, and there it sat on my sadly neglected Kindle app ever since. Too many books, too little time.
Cut to today, with my Goodreads 2012 reading goal sitting at 14 books behind (booo!), and so I go in search of short books that I can read quickly. And I stumble once again on The Ghost Child.
And my, I'm glad that I did.
I can think of a few words to describe this story:
Captivating
Impressive
Enigmatic
Too Short
OK, I know that last one is two words, but I couldn't think of another way to say it. This is only part of what I hope is to be a larger story, and I wanted more. I kept watching the progress bar inch to the right, indicating less and less story, and felt that it was too soon for that. I have too many questions, and I need more story to provide the answers to them. The "To Be Continued" gives me hope though.
In a way, I liked that we're not given very much to go on. It's mysterious, ethereal. We just follow along moment to moment, and gradually these moments come together into a narrative. There are gaps, and we fill them in and they work with the story.
The fantasy aspects of the story were... I don't want to say mundane, but kind of presented in an everyday way. More like magical realism than fantasy, perhaps? The fantasy bits, the abilities and the nature of them, aren't explained, or even detailed. They just are. And I liked that, mostly. Though, there were some bits that I had to read a few times to truly "get", and some I'm still not sure I really got. But, this is 30 pages of a story that could be epic, so I don't know if understanding is even possible at this point.
I loved the writing, and the language, and the kind of soft-spoken strength of Marise. I loved the innocence and otherness of Magz. Overall, I really loved this story, and would love to read the full story at some point.
Full disclosure: Simeon is one of my Goodreads friends, and I quite like him and respect his opinions and reviews. He has not asked me for a positive review of this story, nor does his being my friend affect my reactions to the book at all. I genuinely enjoyed it for the story itself.
Cut to today, with my Goodreads 2012 reading goal sitting at 14 books behind (booo!), and so I go in search of short books that I can read quickly. And I stumble once again on The Ghost Child.
And my, I'm glad that I did.
I can think of a few words to describe this story:
Captivating
Impressive
Enigmatic
Too Short
OK, I know that last one is two words, but I couldn't think of another way to say it. This is only part of what I hope is to be a larger story, and I wanted more. I kept watching the progress bar inch to the right, indicating less and less story, and felt that it was too soon for that. I have too many questions, and I need more story to provide the answers to them. The "To Be Continued" gives me hope though.
In a way, I liked that we're not given very much to go on. It's mysterious, ethereal. We just follow along moment to moment, and gradually these moments come together into a narrative. There are gaps, and we fill them in and they work with the story.
The fantasy aspects of the story were... I don't want to say mundane, but kind of presented in an everyday way. More like magical realism than fantasy, perhaps? The fantasy bits, the abilities and the nature of them, aren't explained, or even detailed. They just are. And I liked that, mostly. Though, there were some bits that I had to read a few times to truly "get", and some I'm still not sure I really got. But, this is 30 pages of a story that could be epic, so I don't know if understanding is even possible at this point.
I loved the writing, and the language, and the kind of soft-spoken strength of Marise. I loved the innocence and otherness of Magz. Overall, I really loved this story, and would love to read the full story at some point.
Full disclosure: Simeon is one of my Goodreads friends, and I quite like him and respect his opinions and reviews. He has not asked me for a positive review of this story, nor does his being my friend affect my reactions to the book at all. I genuinely enjoyed it for the story itself.
December 23, 2011
People are always looking for things in the fantastic genre, and in my friend Simeon's story, his introductory character is doing the same. I'll admit that this common trope--along with that of inn, ale, horse, forbidden lands, and a mysterious quest--gave me an initial impression of par for the genre. Then Marise, possibly our hero, shows a talent for the unnatural, and reveals more of his abilities as he and an incidental companion proceed into terra infestus. Now I was hooked: give me cool magic and a bad-ass character who knows when to use it to full effect, and I will be pleased as punch.
The story grows from there, and by its end, I was left with a few questions and a hankering for more. What, exactly, is Carnage--and can I, please, pretty please, meet more its members and bear witness to the taking of many villainous asses deserving of a beat down? And what's going to happen to the Ghost Child--and while we're meting out punishment, can he pop in and out (a pun!) and add to the ensuing mayhem?
The fantasy genre infused me with a thirst for fiction, and while the latter has grown and thrived, the former has often left me wanting. "Ghost Child" left me wanting to know and see more--and in less than 50 pages, no less. That is cool magic, and I am pleased as punch.
The story grows from there, and by its end, I was left with a few questions and a hankering for more. What, exactly, is Carnage--and can I, please, pretty please, meet more its members and bear witness to the taking of many villainous asses deserving of a beat down? And what's going to happen to the Ghost Child--and while we're meting out punishment, can he pop in and out (a pun!) and add to the ensuing mayhem?
The fantasy genre infused me with a thirst for fiction, and while the latter has grown and thrived, the former has often left me wanting. "Ghost Child" left me wanting to know and see more--and in less than 50 pages, no less. That is cool magic, and I am pleased as punch.
March 30, 2020
Recommended to me by the author, I'm happy to have read this novella/unfinished work. While it is in the production stage, the story and characters have great promise and I was intrigued from the second page. I enjoy a fantasy novel that is lax on exposition, mainly because I enjoy finding things out as I go, but also because the "stranger walks into a tavern" beginning is a common trope in fantasy wherein too much description of the buildings, people, and various other items would have been redundant. Likewise, the quick start was a great hook for the reader - by the third page you want to know where the heck Marise is going and why he needs an interpreter and etc etc.
The magical aspects and Marise's background needed some explanation, but once further chapters are written, there will likely be a natural progression to add a little more to this novella (perhaps more of Marise's flashbacks - some of which containing magical explanations?). Even a prologue about a character that appears later (perhaps one we haven't met yet in the novella) could give magic some context or, another possibility in a different direction, Magz' section could be a prologue. This might diminish the effect of the old man's murder of the chief, but there would be ways to make it work, especially if this is intended to be the length most fantasy novels are these days (400+ pages).
My editorial review says: "Great promise! Needs some tightening and a content editor to fix some instances of awkward sentences/comma splices, but overall a well-written and intriguing start to a novel."
My personal review says: "That rocked and I want more." :)
Thanks, Simeon, for asking me to give it a read!
The magical aspects and Marise's background needed some explanation, but once further chapters are written, there will likely be a natural progression to add a little more to this novella (perhaps more of Marise's flashbacks - some of which containing magical explanations?). Even a prologue about a character that appears later (perhaps one we haven't met yet in the novella) could give magic some context or, another possibility in a different direction, Magz' section could be a prologue. This might diminish the effect of the old man's murder of the chief, but there would be ways to make it work, especially if this is intended to be the length most fantasy novels are these days (400+ pages).
My editorial review says: "Great promise! Needs some tightening and a content editor to fix some instances of awkward sentences/comma splices, but overall a well-written and intriguing start to a novel."
My personal review says: "That rocked and I want more." :)
Thanks, Simeon, for asking me to give it a read!
December 22, 2011
Impressive little novella from new author and Goodreads friend Simeon Stoychev. Fans of high fantasy should find this story enjoyable. There are some interesting concepts here though I am not entirely sure how the magic works. An elaborate world building project is in progress here and it is clearly a labour of love. It will be interesting where the author goes from here. This one has legs and could run and run!
Get your free copy today!
Get your free copy today!
January 5, 2012
This is the story of Marise, a "Carnage," and his journey in the cold to find the titular Ghost Child, a child named Magz. The author linked me to a free copy of this, and I'm glad I read it! Although short, the setting is beautifully rendered - Simeon did a really good job at describing a cold climate. It was the little details I liked the best, like noting that the locals in the bar were ice fishermen and the potential perils of a horse crossing a frozen river.
The story of Magz is heartbreaking and well done; at the beginning he's a petulant twelve-year old, and he acts like one. I especially liked his confusion at the manifestation of his powers - it's not a smooth process at all, and the writing reflects it.
I was intrigued by how the two protagonists' stories came together at the end, particularly with Marise's magic. I definitely look forward to reading more.
The story of Magz is heartbreaking and well done; at the beginning he's a petulant twelve-year old, and he acts like one. I especially liked his confusion at the manifestation of his powers - it's not a smooth process at all, and the writing reflects it.
I was intrigued by how the two protagonists' stories came together at the end, particularly with Marise's magic. I definitely look forward to reading more.
January 20, 2012
Recommended to me by the author, and having seen a glimpse of how picky he can be with his reviews, I had high hopes for this short story and it did not fail to impress :)
I must admit I thought there were places like the beginning where story order and dialogue could have been improved, but by the time I got into the story of the Ghost Child, I was hooked. By the end, I was sorely disappointed that the story was not any longer and that there was a hell of a teaser that better be wrapped up in a full-length novel someday. I look forward to more of the same character and world development that I read in this short story!
I must admit I thought there were places like the beginning where story order and dialogue could have been improved, but by the time I got into the story of the Ghost Child, I was hooked. By the end, I was sorely disappointed that the story was not any longer and that there was a hell of a teaser that better be wrapped up in a full-length novel someday. I look forward to more of the same character and world development that I read in this short story!
January 1, 2012
Cold, so very cold. I wrapped my blanket around my shoulders a little bit tighter as I read this short story by Simeon Stoychev. This is the first published tale by Mr. Stoychev and it shows much promise for the young writer. He describes very vivid setting as a traveler searches for the rumored Ghost Child who has frightening abilities. The journey takes our traveler to snowy wastes populated by savages.
This short story is part of a larger installment that I hope Stoychev completes very soon.
This short story is part of a larger installment that I hope Stoychev completes very soon.
December 19, 2011
This looks like the beginning of something epic. The protagonist (Marise) is a stranger searching for a child who’s one of the few survivors after a raiding party slaughters everyone in a northern village. No one seems to know what he’s talking about though, and Marise gets a translator and heads into the tribelands to investigate.
The perspective of the story is beautifully done and switches halfway through to a boy called Magz and his family. The tense of the story also shifts, and the second half feels almost dreamlike. The vivid imagery of winter, the land described as a sort of snow desert, the crows and desolation are all very evocative.
I loved the descriptions of the family as well and what Magz sees from his perspective. The action sequences were especially well done. Incredibly good storytelling.
The perspective of the story is beautifully done and switches halfway through to a boy called Magz and his family. The tense of the story also shifts, and the second half feels almost dreamlike. The vivid imagery of winter, the land described as a sort of snow desert, the crows and desolation are all very evocative.
I loved the descriptions of the family as well and what Magz sees from his perspective. The action sequences were especially well done. Incredibly good storytelling.
January 7, 2012
I can almost feel my nose freezing! :)
The plot and the characters are both promising, but I was expecting more on the "description" department because I was a bit left off on some point in the story making me rely on my "Graphics card" to make up for it lol. But nonetheless, I was really intrigued by what the so called "Ghost Child" is, is he a (here it goes) Vampire? or something entirely different? oh man i cant wait for the next installment! good job! :)
The plot and the characters are both promising, but I was expecting more on the "description" department because I was a bit left off on some point in the story making me rely on my "Graphics card" to make up for it lol. But nonetheless, I was really intrigued by what the so called "Ghost Child" is, is he a (here it goes) Vampire? or something entirely different? oh man i cant wait for the next installment! good job! :)
August 31, 2012
This well written 'beginning' was sent to me by the author. I really felt I was in the story with the descriptions, which did not go so far as to remove you from the story.
It is a short book/beginning I read it quickly because I was enjoying it so. I would like to read more, and as it is 'to be continued' I hope I can. The story has a lot of promise and if it continues in the same way will be a very good read.
It is a short book/beginning I read it quickly because I was enjoying it so. I would like to read more, and as it is 'to be continued' I hope I can. The story has a lot of promise and if it continues in the same way will be a very good read.
September 5, 2012
I really enjoyed this short glimpse of what is sure to be an epic novel! I'm very curious to see how the story progresses. Good writing and a superb imagination have left me hungry for more!
UPDATE
Just finished rereading this one and the second time was even better than the first! Pure epic awesomeness!! :)
UPDATE
Just finished rereading this one and the second time was even better than the first! Pure epic awesomeness!! :)
набелязани
August 12, 2013The author has given us the chance to read his book for free here http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/... :) And I kindly recommend buying the book if you have liked it.
January 13, 2012
I want to like epic, sword-n-horses fantasy. Really, I do. The main reason I ever started reading fiction was escapism, so it always seemed like a good fit, but something started turning me off about the entire genre once I’d read enough book and grown sufficiently old enough to have an opinion about the relative quality of one versus the other:
The prose, especially the dialogue, is kind of embarrassing.
If Simeon Stoychev’s short book succeeds in nothing else, it’s in presenting the story with a general lack of purple prose. Everything written has a purpose and proceeds at a healthy pace, not fixating on the scenery every time they travel somewhere.
He also scores points for not having characters who appear generated by a first edition Dungeons and Dragons manual, with a magical order that doesn’t just seem like a rehash of every other system overused in other stories.
This isn’t a terribly long book, and it ends with a suggestion that it’s a sort of sampler for a longer work. The Kindle marketplace has become a home for a lot of shorter books, and I’m not really sure how to feel about the trend. It can be amusing at time, but I tend to prefer my reading to be either short-story-short or fairly long. It’s frustrating to engage characters and then have it cut off that quickly. I guess this book is a bit of a tease, but better to be teased than irritated.
I’m at least teased enough to consider buying the full book when it comes out.
The prose, especially the dialogue, is kind of embarrassing.
If Simeon Stoychev’s short book succeeds in nothing else, it’s in presenting the story with a general lack of purple prose. Everything written has a purpose and proceeds at a healthy pace, not fixating on the scenery every time they travel somewhere.
He also scores points for not having characters who appear generated by a first edition Dungeons and Dragons manual, with a magical order that doesn’t just seem like a rehash of every other system overused in other stories.
This isn’t a terribly long book, and it ends with a suggestion that it’s a sort of sampler for a longer work. The Kindle marketplace has become a home for a lot of shorter books, and I’m not really sure how to feel about the trend. It can be amusing at time, but I tend to prefer my reading to be either short-story-short or fairly long. It’s frustrating to engage characters and then have it cut off that quickly. I guess this book is a bit of a tease, but better to be teased than irritated.
I’m at least teased enough to consider buying the full book when it comes out.
December 31, 2011
This was a nice little story by a Goodreads friend. It may be a little rough in certain areas, and could use some fleshing out in others, but the ideas are great and it's a fun read. The characters are interesting and the story is pretty neat so far.
I'd like to see it polished up and expanded, particularly some back story on Marise and some more in-depth explanations of the magic going on in this world. I'd like to know more about the ghost child and his powers - where they came from, how he learned to control them, if they are hereditary or rare, etc.
I think the scenes explaining the ghost child's magic were a little confusing at times, especially right as he is attacking the tribesmen. Was it his first time exploring these new powers, or had he used them before? It's a little vague and confusing in some parts. When the tribesmen came, why did his father hide him in the cellar and not any of his siblings? How or why were they killed? Just things like that. Overall, a great story idea, just needs a little polishing up. Looking forward to reading the next installment. :)
I'd like to see it polished up and expanded, particularly some back story on Marise and some more in-depth explanations of the magic going on in this world. I'd like to know more about the ghost child and his powers - where they came from, how he learned to control them, if they are hereditary or rare, etc.
I think the scenes explaining the ghost child's magic were a little confusing at times, especially right as he is attacking the tribesmen. Was it his first time exploring these new powers, or had he used them before? It's a little vague and confusing in some parts. When the tribesmen came, why did his father hide him in the cellar and not any of his siblings? How or why were they killed? Just things like that. Overall, a great story idea, just needs a little polishing up. Looking forward to reading the next installment. :)
January 16, 2012
I have mixed thoughts about it. On the one hand, I found it hard to get started reading it. The author's choice of words seems to be unnecessarily complicated, and that certainly gets in the way of the narrative. Some sentence structure did strike me as odd too. But I'm not a native English speaker, so I might be mistaken; it might just be his stylistic choice. On the other hand, I thought the story was fascinating. At first, as I said, it took me a while to just "go with the flow", but as I kept on reading, the plot overcame the weaknesses of his writing, and at the end I found myself moved when little Jackie was healed by Maurice. I especially liked how the two stories came together at the end. A good read, overall.
Edit: I'm editing this review a month after finishing this novella. I'm giving it four stars instead of three now. I found the descriptions and characters to be memorable and well written. And that certainly matters.
Edit: I'm editing this review a month after finishing this novella. I'm giving it four stars instead of three now. I found the descriptions and characters to be memorable and well written. And that certainly matters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2013
This novella was pretty interesting and beautifully written, I absolutely loved the descriptions of the cold bleak landscapes (it actually made me forget that it was 44 degrees Celsius when I read it) and I fell in love with the characters almost instantly (especially Jackie). The tone of this novella reminded me of an Indy game I played called Winter Voices and has given me the urge to replay it right now.
If this is a preview for a Novel I cannot wait to read it.
If this is a preview for a Novel I cannot wait to read it.
August 26, 2013
I stumbled upon this book rather by accident and didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find a beautifully written story, rather short (sadly!) but full of life. The author has not gone into too much details about the back-story, giving just hints of the forces driving the quest. This leaves him plenty of space to focus on the present - the descriptions of nature, feelings and actions are very rich, almost poetic.
December 29, 2015
I found the story overall interesting but the writing could have been stronger. I largely enjoyed Marise's POV, though most things were left unexplained. Worldbuilding left me intrigued but wanting so very much more. Then with Magz's POV I found myself bored but also frustrated by the writing more in this section. I did not feel as though the action scenes were well-done either and then were all in Magz's section. Overall the novella did nothing to engender contentment in this reader when it ended in a cliffhanger, or essentially a non-ending. And apparently there will not be a continuation?
March 1, 2012
This book was recommended by the author and Goodreads friend. The novella is pretty interesting. It has a captivating prose. An intriguing magic system and a promising story. I especially liked the prose, it doesn't go on tangets nor does it 'vomit' the story. It delivers the story at a perfect pace. It definitely made me want to read the rest of the story.
January 23, 2013
A compelling start marred by typos. I was a little confused on the timeline, as well, and I have a pet peeve about "modern" names co-existing with the fantastic. This definitely isn't perfect, but it's certainly interesting, and I'd pick up a novel-length expansion, certainly.
November 28, 2017
A pretty light read, finished in less than an hour. Really enjoyed the story line. The writing was a bit hectic in times, but I feel like that was on purpose. I greatly enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading more.
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January 12, 2012Huh.
June 15, 2012
A truly haunting tale of the great north and dealing with Eskimo natives. Following a trail made more by ghosts and superstition. A page turner from beginning to end.
June 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this short story. the last page says 'to be continued' and I can't wait to read more
February 11, 2013
Good story, with more to come, about this child who is magical.
June 24, 2018
More of a prologue
This one is more of a prologue to a longer book than a story in its own right, but I definitely want to read more to see what happens next!
This one is more of a prologue to a longer book than a story in its own right, but I definitely want to read more to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews