The Seer's 7 Deadly Fairy Tales: A Compendium

Deadly Fairy Tales #1

by Elizabeth Marx

Okay, let’s start out by saying this book is a compendium, not a novel. I had no idea what a compendium was until my good friend Merriam Webster informed me. Compendium: 1) a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of knowledge; 2) A collection or compilation.

This is all the ExtraOrdinary knowledge I’ve collected and written down in the little black book Ilithyia gave me as a death-day present. The same night she gave me the spiel about the important purpose I’d serve as The Seer. I have more questions about the Order than I have answers for, but I’ve decided to serve my higher purpose by constructing this encyclopedia for the Ordinary world.

The Seer’s 7 Deadly Fairy Tales also includes a truthful account of what happened to me, and a peek into what transpired while Locke and I were sent away to Blessingston. It’s full of definitions, cool illustrations, and the first of seven fairy tales that will be told over the course of the series. If you’re dying to know what goes on behind the veil of secrecy Salem is shrouded in, feel free to read this compendium.

But beware, the Order has one rule about recording ExtraOrdinary events--it’s strictly forbidden. So just to be on the safe side, you might want to destroy this after reading it.

But don’t worry about me getting in trouble, I’m already dead!

The Seer

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology, Anthologies, Witches

77 pages, Nook

First published March 12, 2012

About the author

Windy City writer Elizabeth Marx brings cosmopolitan flair to her fiction, which is a blend of romance and fast-paced Chicago living with a sprinkle of magical realism. In her past incarnation she was an interior designer--not a decorator--which basically means she has a piece of paper to prove that she knows how to match and measure things and can miraculously make mundane pieces of furniture appear to be masterpieces. Elizabeth says being an interior designer is one part shrink, one part marriage counselor and one part artist, skills eerily similar to those employed in writing.
Elizabeth grew up in Illinois and has also lived in Texas and Florida. If she’s not pounding her head against the wall trying to get the words just right, you can find her at a softball field out in the boonies or sitting in the bleachers by a basketball court. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs.
Elizabeth has traveled extensively, but still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.

Reviews

[Larry B Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Seer’s 7 Deadly Fairy Tales: A Compendium by Elizabeth Marx. The story was well developed and well thought-out. It grabbed my attention and kept me reading, wondering what was next.

I especially liked the section on definitions for various things associated with Irish folklore.

Since the book was just an introduction the full length version, All's Fair in Vanity's War (The Seer's Seven Deadly Fairy Tales) by Elizabeth Marx, it served its purpose. It captured my imagination and now I look forward to reading the entire book.

I recommend this book to capture your imagination.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a fantastic "hook" to prime interest in the full novel! A high school girl is killed in an accident. Her boyfriend lives and is determined to discover why she died, but not through normal channels, but a secret world to which he belongs. Unknown to Locke, she has become a Seer, able to see the world she can no longer be a part of. And there's the hook, what happens?

The following pages are filled with descriptions, definitions and information on the paranormal, mythological world, and I have to say, it was fascinating for me! Nothing like having a reference book for my paranormal reading, complete with illustrations! The Seer's 7 Deadly Fairy Tales: A Compendium
by Elizabeth Marx is well worth the read.

Publication Date: March 12, 2012
Publisher: Elizabeth Marx
Genre: Paranormal
Number of Pages: 77
Available from: Amazon

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seer's 7 Deadly Fairy Tales: A Compendium (Elizabeth Marx)

This is the beginning of a tale of a girl who dies and becomes the seer.. She is not happy with the choice that was made for her, but she must learn to cope with her death and the aftermath.

I really enjoyed the Celtic Mythology, and photos. I also enjoyed how the story was told through the deceased girls eyes, as the seer. I have never read anything like this before

I look forward to reading the full length book All's Fair in Vanity's War (The Seer's Seven Deadly Fairy Tales) by Elizabeth Marx

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for a honest review.

I am not sure how I feel about this book. I found it hard to follow, but then sometimes world-building is like that. It seemed to have no real story, except that the Seer and Locke are both messed up. The whole accident on the way to a party, which “kills” the Seer’s human body and badly wounds Locke, happens before you have a sense of who these two were to each other. You have to find this out just from some memories of the Seer.

Locke is a druid in Salem, Mass. Although Locke chose the Seer as his significant other when they were both children, the Order (organization which protects druids, vates, and bards) has other ideas. The accident makes is so Locke believes his girlfriend was killed, well I guess she was, and the Seer can still see Locke but can’t interact with him. In fact, there are very few that the Seer can interact with.

A Seer can travel the nine realms (whatever that means) to watch and record ExtraOrdinary events (events that involve ExtraOrdinaries). This Seer is not sure what she is able to do and in this book does not do much of anything. She basically follows Locke around and moons.

Locke is reintroduced to a childhood acquaintance, Keleigh, who was almost killed the same night as Locke’s accident. These two events are apparently connected. She comes to live with his family. He is determined to dislike her, but finds himself admiring her. She refuses to acknowledge her magic and tries to live like a human. They have an ongoing feud which eventually gets Locke banished to school in Ireland three months before he was supposed to go.

The ending is a cliff-hanger, but it gives me hope since I think the Seer might find a love interest that can actually see her. (That whole sentence just sounds weird, a Seer that few can see.) Anyway, I am willing to read a sequel and find out if the mud clears up any. (The book does contain a sort of dictionary of who, what, and where. It is very dry reading on its own. Don’t do it.)

[Lyn Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Wow!!! I desperately need the next book!!! This is such an amazing book and the author is so so talented! I love all mythology especially Celtic mythology and love it when they are novelised, especially to the accurate degree of this book and I have to say I love the portion after the book and all the info given there.

This storyline is world class! Its filled with so much excitement, mystery and suspense, with twists and turns and secrets around every corner making this a major page turner and a pretty obsessive read. The way that Elizabeth Marx writes this story pulls you into the legends of ancient Celts, making it feel historical and modern day at the same time. I wont say too much more about the storyline as I would hate to give away this books secrets before you can read it but I will say that when you begin the book don't expect anything as whatever you think will happen, trust me wont and this is a very good thing

The characters in this book are written with so much character to their personalities, each character is completely different to the others, again I wont mention all the characters I loved but I can assure you that you are in for a roller-coaster of a ride, expect to be filled with many emotions throughout this book, you have fear, pain, love, longing, loneliness, anger.... as I said a roller-coaster ride.

Tis is definitely one of my favourite books that I have read this year, it is an awesome read it is a must read for anyone even if its not your normal genre, pick up a copy you wont regret it I promise!!!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again Ms.Marx dazzled me with her expertise as a wordsmith. The way she writes makes me feel I am just on the perimeter of the story as invisible and observant as The Seer. The gods appear in the background of this story treating ordinary humans as they are nothing. Extraordinary people have some sort of magic or power which make them superior to the ordinary people.

The Seer was a 16 year old ordinary in love with a an extraordinary when she dies in a fire during a headon collision and transformed into a Seer. I loved this story and it's detailed explanation of magic, witches, demons, etc. If your interested in druids, Celtic myths and Ireland you will love this story.

This is a cliffhanger

[Diana Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, not great short story on the Celtics mythology of "The Seer" a young girl is sacrificed in an age old fight between good, evil, normal and paranormal beings. What they want her to become : a watcher, a writer of what she sees, but never an active participant, is not what she wants and she does everything she can to help the ExtraOrdinary boy she loves not become a victim too. Lots of information and pictures packed in a short story. I look forward to reading the full length novel to follow. 4 ☆'s.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled into this story right from the beginning. The characters and world building are first rate along with the wonderful story line. I fell in love with Locke, Keleigh and The Seer as they struggle to find the meaning of fate within their lives. This is a marvelous trip through Celtic lore and legend along with being a beautifully written story for anyone who loves a good triangle. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Chell Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I will preface this with, my humor is a bit on the morbid side sometimes. This is my first book to ready by Elizabeth Marx, but it will not be the last. I found a bit of humor enhanced the paranormal side of this book. I enjoyed this book even when it proves that teenage girls need to listen to their grandmothers. What happens in Salem on Halloween night is very intriguing and the book moves along at quick pace. Elizabeth’s writing style provides a very smooth reading experience.

[Tim Prive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Marx does a masterful job describing an out of body experience. Anyone looking to read a story involving, witchcraft, demons, and human immortals with magical and mythical powers, I recommend you read this short story. The descriptive tales are easy to read and will keep you turning page after page. I plan to read future work by Elizabeth Marx.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced view of a normal girl from a non-magical family, in Salem, MA, who is killed by a mythical beast and is turned into a magical being, a Seer. She has to learn and help those in the magical community to save the world sometime in the future. There is a lot of wonderful information in this book about magical lore. I loved this read.

[Missy Noecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a little while to get into the story since there wasn't much of a backstory of the charcters before the accident. For me, this story read more like a prequel to the series than a starter. The characters were good and the settings were great. I can't wait to see where their journey heads next.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is only four stars because it was just background/extra info for other stories. But that being said I thought it was great! I liked how the sections were like mini books!! Good job I want to read the series now!! This was awesome!!

[L. Mcclellan · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a dictionary than anything else

The actual story was very short. Though good and interesting. The book more then anything gives an introduction to wicca terminology. It was very much like a dictionary.

[Icicle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Marx is a very descriptive writer. I feel as if I am experiencing the trials and tribulations of the characters! It is fast moving with such an intriguing story line. She has a wonderful sense of fantasy and I am so looking forward to see how things turn out for the characters!

[Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!}]

DNF. It's just too boring for me at the moment.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairytale gone wrong, when the couple who seemed destined to have the happily ever after are brutally torn apart, and an apparently normal human girl suddenly has a role in a different kind of "afterlife". The Seer is trying desperately to get back to her old life, but meanwhile she is expected to play a role in helping Locke find his own destiny. She is also in danger, without a clue how to face it. Perhaps Tristan is the key. Most enjoyable.

[Achsa Phillippi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the most poorly written waste of time I’ve read in a long time. The fascinating Celtic mythology is utterly wasted on a meandering self-pity party that goes nowhere and has no conclusion. I don’t like any of the characters and I couldn’t care less about reading the next book to find out where their story goes.
Not to mention the prose is absolutely terrible. It whips from flowery poetic fluff to rough basic casual comments randomly and it’s extremely off-putting.

[R.N. Simpson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldnt even finish the first chapter

I loved the cover and the action in the first scene made me want to finish it but the uncharacteristic way the inner monologue was going and the descriptions turned me off.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story, by new-to-me author – Elizabeth Marx, served up a great plot that incorporated, also new-to-me, Celtic mythology.

Due to my ignorance of the mythos, I struggled some in the beginning to understand some of what was going on and who people were. However, the characters and plot were so engaging I had to keep reading! It is a short book and about halfway through, the story really took off for me – very exciting and unique. Author Marx has really built a world around Salem, Ireland, and the witchy denizens of both. To assist readers, the author begins each chapter with a brief description of one or two of the beings that will be appearing in the following pages. In addition, she provides an excellent and comprehensive guide to the Celtic beings, with illustrations, at the end of the book. (This was a little awkward to access on my ereader but I can imagine in a physical book this would get some good use!)

The work itself does suffer from typos and incorrect or odd word choices. And there appeared to be a misidentification of a character’s name early in the book which caused me some confusion later. But I was able to sort all that out on my own. However, I liked the story so much that I went ahead and obtained All’s Fair in Vanity’s War by the same author – a continuation of this story – and the writing and editing are excellent so far.

I do recommend this for those readers that enjoy and are familiar with the Celtic myths and witch stories.

[Michael Eidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the information in this compendium. The story sections were interesting, and might be enough to get me to read the related full-length books. The compendium could have benefited from better editing. It was a free download for me, and it's just a compendium, so I shouldn't be too critical, except that this compendium gave me my first impression of this author, so I think a better editing job would have paid off here. If missing commas and other little grammatical missteps don't bother you, and you like Celtic mythology, or if you're already a fan of this author, then you might love this compendium. It does make it obvious that the author has done a good deal of research into Celtic mythology, so the full-length books will benefit from that, and hopefully they have merited a better editing job.

[Jenny527 · Rating 1 out of 5]

The kindle version of this book was terrible. It jumps from page 665 to 779 and also skips other pages. It was very annoying. The story was interesting just with it was all there. Very disappointed.

[Nadine Rose Larter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice cover....

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