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Delivering Yaehala
Exiled from her people, Alila lives alone in a canyon harvesting Frankincense resin with her twin unicorns for company. When a pregnant princess on the run from assassins disrupts her quiet world, Alila decides to help her reach the coast. Hounded by assassins and torn apart by distrust, Alila's choice threatens to reveal her dark past and her terrible secret. But only if she and the princess survive their journey to safety.
Delivering Yaehala is a fantasy novelette.
Also see: Alternate Cover Editions for this ISBN [ACE]
ACE #1
Delivering Yaehala is a fantasy novelette.
Also see: Alternate Cover Editions for this ISBN [ACE]
ACE #1
- GenresFantasyShort Stories
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2011
34 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Annie Bellet
83 books839 followersAnnie Bellet is a full-time speculative fiction writer. She holds a BA in English and a BA in Medieval Studies and thus can speak a smattering of useful languages such as Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Welsh.
Her books include Avarice (Pyrrh Considerable Crimes Division: Book 1), The Gryphonpike Chronicles series, and the Twenty-Sided Sorceress series.
Her interests besides writing include rock climbing, reading, horse-back riding, video games, comic books, table-top RPGs, and many other nerdy pursuits.
Want to be notified when her next book is released, receive free stories and books, and be notified about sales and other goodies? Sign up for Annie Bellet's mailing list
Or if you want sneak peaks, regular updates, and exclusive stories, consider supporting her Patreon. Patreon is here!
Her books include Avarice (Pyrrh Considerable Crimes Division: Book 1), The Gryphonpike Chronicles series, and the Twenty-Sided Sorceress series.
Her interests besides writing include rock climbing, reading, horse-back riding, video games, comic books, table-top RPGs, and many other nerdy pursuits.
Want to be notified when her next book is released, receive free stories and books, and be notified about sales and other goodies? Sign up for Annie Bellet's mailing list
Or if you want sneak peaks, regular updates, and exclusive stories, consider supporting her Patreon. Patreon is here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 16, 2024
Unicorns do not necessarily a cozy-fluffy story make. And that is slightly glorious, if you ask me.
Also, strong female characters! Magic! Murder! Redemption! A refreshingly non-Eurocentric setting!
Also also, it was written by Annie Bellet! It's super extra short! It's super extra cheap!
Also, strong female characters! Magic! Murder! Redemption! A refreshingly non-Eurocentric setting!
Also also, it was written by Annie Bellet! It's super extra short! It's super extra cheap!
December 6, 2016
After being banished from her village Alila ekes out just enough to survive in a canyon with her two pet unicorns. Yes, you heard that right. Unicorns!
When Princess Yaehala barrels into her canyon, pregnant and with assassins in hot pursuit, Alila decides to help her escape.
A 26 page (blink and you'll miss it) free short story from Annie Bellet. Not sure where it fits into anything but it was entertaining enough.
When Princess Yaehala barrels into her canyon, pregnant and with assassins in hot pursuit, Alila decides to help her escape.
A 26 page (blink and you'll miss it) free short story from Annie Bellet. Not sure where it fits into anything but it was entertaining enough.
January 23, 2022
It's been a long time since I've read an Annie Bellet story. Her writing is such sweet comfort to me. This gem of a short story has been sitting in my Kindle for 4 years. Perfect for keeping up with my reading challenge.
July 2, 2018
Usually I tend to stay away from shorter stories. This stems from having issues of finding some that act more like a stand alone story rather than just pure prologues or additions to already introduced stories. So, as you can guess, I downloaded Delivering Yaehala with some uncertainty.
What pulled me to download it was the interesting premise of a woman cast out helping someone of a higher nobility. I loaded the book and immediately wanted to know about the main character's history. Why she was cast out, what made her become such an outcast, and where the heck did two unicorns fit in? I admit, all my questions were in fact answered, though it waited till I was literally on the last of the story to actually explain her story and not the princess's.
All this said, The story was really well done for a quick read, though I would -love- to see it be brought about into a much larger novel.
What pulled me to download it was the interesting premise of a woman cast out helping someone of a higher nobility. I loaded the book and immediately wanted to know about the main character's history. Why she was cast out, what made her become such an outcast, and where the heck did two unicorns fit in? I admit, all my questions were in fact answered, though it waited till I was literally on the last of the story to actually explain her story and not the princess's.
All this said, The story was really well done for a quick read, though I would -love- to see it be brought about into a much larger novel.
August 24, 2017
This was only the second piece of work from this author I have had the pleasure of reading. Like the first, it was a short story and had action from start to finish. Unlike the first work I read (which felt more like a chapter from a novel), I felt like this one was complete. Short, of course, but it felt whole.
Bellet has done a good job of giving her characters life without needing to include page after page of detail. She keeps it simple yet telling, short yet moving. I really liked the character Alila. I feel like she could have her short on how she came to be as well; I would certainly read it. There is some fantasy to it, but it is not overpowering. Instead, there is more realism to the way of life for Alila.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and I feel it was well-written. I would recommend it for a short, quick read, and I intend to check out more of Bellet's works.
Bellet has done a good job of giving her characters life without needing to include page after page of detail. She keeps it simple yet telling, short yet moving. I really liked the character Alila. I feel like she could have her short on how she came to be as well; I would certainly read it. There is some fantasy to it, but it is not overpowering. Instead, there is more realism to the way of life for Alila.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and I feel it was well-written. I would recommend it for a short, quick read, and I intend to check out more of Bellet's works.
June 11, 2022
Gripping!
It is short but at the same time is paced so well you do not realise it. A story of redemption, magic, exile and strength. Ali is such a strong character and has been through much, of her own and others doing. She is a character that builds as the story goes even Yaehala is strong in her own right but still human as seen by how she acts and regrets decisions. A rich world I would love to see more of.
It is short but at the same time is paced so well you do not realise it. A story of redemption, magic, exile and strength. Ali is such a strong character and has been through much, of her own and others doing. She is a character that builds as the story goes even Yaehala is strong in her own right but still human as seen by how she acts and regrets decisions. A rich world I would love to see more of.
August 15, 2019
Great idea and pretty well executed for a short story. However there needed to be some more explaining and world building even if it was short. I really wish the author made this into a full length book, such a great story line and so much potential
October 12, 2019
Unique
This was a very different story with two very differently complicated characters. This did make the story rather confusing and sometimes alittle over whelming but I did love the story as a whole In the end.
This was a very different story with two very differently complicated characters. This did make the story rather confusing and sometimes alittle over whelming but I did love the story as a whole In the end.
April 23, 2020
Love her stories
Another wonderful short story, with vivid characters and a intriguing plot. The world building was good though I would have liked a bit more exposition to help me understand the culture.
Another wonderful short story, with vivid characters and a intriguing plot. The world building was good though I would have liked a bit more exposition to help me understand the culture.
August 6, 2020
Love this Author!
Great short story. Exactly what I'd expect from this author. Fantasy mixed with reality. The horror of what our own kind, will and do, to each other often much worse than the 'monsters' that she usually includes in her books. I just wish the story was longer!!!
Great short story. Exactly what I'd expect from this author. Fantasy mixed with reality. The horror of what our own kind, will and do, to each other often much worse than the 'monsters' that she usually includes in her books. I just wish the story was longer!!!
November 6, 2016
When I finished this story I didn't think I liked it, but it has stayed with me and I've been thinking about it a lot.
May 31, 2017
Fantasy that's not that fantastic. It was just fair all around. Only scanned thru after abt the first 7 pages. I need a little more adventure, less description. Fair ending.
August 7, 2017
Need More
Story draws you in, makes you want to know more about backstory of each plus unicorns. Also what future holds.
Story draws you in, makes you want to know more about backstory of each plus unicorns. Also what future holds.
January 31, 2018
Fantasy...
Unicorns.... magic.... attempted murder... good story, just short.... wonders if this is just the start of a great novel or if its truly all there is.
Unicorns.... magic.... attempted murder... good story, just short.... wonders if this is just the start of a great novel or if its truly all there is.
November 4, 2018
I just couldn't get into it
July 14, 2019
A great adventure
Annie does a great job of packing everything you need to know and care about the characters in a small package.
Annie does a great job of packing everything you need to know and care about the characters in a small package.
October 8, 2025
Short story, but I'd read more in this world.
July 25, 2014
Nine Moons, Two Unicorns, and One Scarred Young Woman
Alone in the Namoh desert, Alila is immersed in the difficult and dangerous task of gathering frankincense resin from a cliff-side tree when "trouble [comes] in the form of a figure on horseback." Tasked with lookout duty, her twin unicorns Gabi and Hezi are the first to sound the alarm. By the time Alila makes her way down to the injured rider, her horse has succumbed to his injuries. The woman is shaken but still alive - and noticeably pregnant, at that.
This isn't any damsel in distress, however; Yaehala is the newest member of the Pashet's Purdah, his "collection of perfect women." She is a princess, carrying the heir to the Pashet's throne. The Pashet's First Serena hired mercenaries to kidnap Yaehala and cut the child from her belly so that she could claim the boy as her own, thus securing her place on the throne.
Though it goes against her better judgment, Alila decides to offer the princess passage to the sea, where she has ships waiting to ferry her out of the country. This is in no small part to make amends for past sins: accidentally killing her best friend and her unborn child in a fit of rage and grief. For this crime she was tattooed, mutilated, and banished to the desert, left for god to pass judgment on. She is "anathema. Marked. Forbidden."
Yet, just as the gods sent Gabi and Hezi to heal Alila's broken body, Yaehala offers her the chance to find forgiveness and redemption.
More a short story than a novella (or novelette), "Delivering Yaehala" is quick yet satisfying read that's not short on suspense. One especially anxious moment sees Hezi and Yaehala taken captive by mercenaries (truth be told, my heart ached more for the unicorn than the woman riding her. I mean, c'mon! UNICORNS! Magical unicorns, with saliva that heals, muzzles that locate water, and horns that light up at night. The full nine!)
Another enjoyable story from Annie Bellet.
http://www.easyvegan.info/2014/08/01/...
Alone in the Namoh desert, Alila is immersed in the difficult and dangerous task of gathering frankincense resin from a cliff-side tree when "trouble [comes] in the form of a figure on horseback." Tasked with lookout duty, her twin unicorns Gabi and Hezi are the first to sound the alarm. By the time Alila makes her way down to the injured rider, her horse has succumbed to his injuries. The woman is shaken but still alive - and noticeably pregnant, at that.
This isn't any damsel in distress, however; Yaehala is the newest member of the Pashet's Purdah, his "collection of perfect women." She is a princess, carrying the heir to the Pashet's throne. The Pashet's First Serena hired mercenaries to kidnap Yaehala and cut the child from her belly so that she could claim the boy as her own, thus securing her place on the throne.
Though it goes against her better judgment, Alila decides to offer the princess passage to the sea, where she has ships waiting to ferry her out of the country. This is in no small part to make amends for past sins: accidentally killing her best friend and her unborn child in a fit of rage and grief. For this crime she was tattooed, mutilated, and banished to the desert, left for god to pass judgment on. She is "anathema. Marked. Forbidden."
Yet, just as the gods sent Gabi and Hezi to heal Alila's broken body, Yaehala offers her the chance to find forgiveness and redemption.
More a short story than a novella (or novelette), "Delivering Yaehala" is quick yet satisfying read that's not short on suspense. One especially anxious moment sees Hezi and Yaehala taken captive by mercenaries (truth be told, my heart ached more for the unicorn than the woman riding her. I mean, c'mon! UNICORNS! Magical unicorns, with saliva that heals, muzzles that locate water, and horns that light up at night. The full nine!)
Another enjoyable story from Annie Bellet.
http://www.easyvegan.info/2014/08/01/...
August 6, 2016
Retribution leaves Alila alone; an outcast in the desert.
Circumstance leaves only her able to help a pregnant hunted woman.
Redemption is offered, depending on Alila’s decision.
Does she help the woman, or not?
***
An intriguing world of the desert, long robes, unicorns with magic powers and murderous princesses who would cut the boy child out of another’s womb.
I hope there is more of this world in other Bellet stories.
4 stars
Circumstance leaves only her able to help a pregnant hunted woman.
Redemption is offered, depending on Alila’s decision.
Does she help the woman, or not?
***
An intriguing world of the desert, long robes, unicorns with magic powers and murderous princesses who would cut the boy child out of another’s womb.
I hope there is more of this world in other Bellet stories.
4 stars
May 31, 2016
A girl harvesting frankincense in a lonely canyon gets an unexpected visitor. And this visitor has dangerous people hunting her down.
I loved this setting, not a typical setting for a short story. The mystery of why the girl is alone in the desert drives you to keep reading. A fantastic short read with a wonderful conclusion.
I loved this setting, not a typical setting for a short story. The mystery of why the girl is alone in the desert drives you to keep reading. A fantastic short read with a wonderful conclusion.
September 25, 2016
Absolutely beautiful tale. This is the stuff that made me a fan of this author's writing. I'm glad there's a new alternate cover to go with this book. Much more fitting and worthy of this tale than the old edition which I own.
January 31, 2017
Read in a single night
A deeply flawed and human character, unicorns that seem like strange sea animals, and a pregnant princess running to save two lives. What this story lacks in length, it makes up for in plot and world building.
A deeply flawed and human character, unicorns that seem like strange sea animals, and a pregnant princess running to save two lives. What this story lacks in length, it makes up for in plot and world building.
February 10, 2020
An action packed and good short story. Despite its shortness, it builds an interesting world and introduce interesting characters.
I wish it was longer, or that Bellet would write another book in this world, for I want to explore it more
I wish it was longer, or that Bellet would write another book in this world, for I want to explore it more
January 7, 2020
It was good, with strong female characters. I just didn't realize it was a short story when I got it. Buzzed through it in less than an hour and it must be a lead in to a series because it just kind of ends and leaves you with lots if room to imagine your own ending/continuation of the story.
September 1, 2014
A great short-story. I just wish it will be continued.
September 20, 2015
Good start
I'm being teased with a good start for a great story. I can see it going down various paths. The princess words are prophetic, ' we will return when my son is grown'.
I'm being teased with a good start for a great story. I can see it going down various paths. The princess words are prophetic, ' we will return when my son is grown'.
October 22, 2019
Great short story.
Wonders never cease. Unicorns, the princess, and ALILA!
Will Alila be forgiven the tragic mistake, will she be healed body and soul for helping Yaehala?
Wonders never cease. Unicorns, the princess, and ALILA!
Will Alila be forgiven the tragic mistake, will she be healed body and soul for helping Yaehala?
May 6, 2016
A lovely short story from Annie Bellet. Her lush descriptions, the quick action and the interesting characters are hallmarks of her work.
May 11, 2016
Good short story
Annie Bellet is up to her usual good standards with this story. Redemption can come in strange ways and strange places.
Annie Bellet is up to her usual good standards with this story. Redemption can come in strange ways and strange places.
November 26, 2016
Nice. A pretty interesting read. I really liked the main character, Alila. I'd like to read it again soon. It's compact and goes quick. I think there'd be a lot to soak in on a re-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews