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The Asylum Tales #0.6
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie
The second of two prequel stories to Jocelynn Drake's Angel's Ink.
Gage's ex-girlfriend is back in town and needs help escaping a master vampire. While not the easiest of tasks, he certainly didn't count of getting help from a mysterious woman with a few secrets of her own.
Gage's ex-girlfriend is back in town and needs help escaping a master vampire. While not the easiest of tasks, he certainly didn't count of getting help from a mysterious woman with a few secrets of her own.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2012
7 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
141 books2,898 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 17, 2012
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Another entertaining novella that explores Gage’s personality and the supernatural world of Low Town.
Opening Sentence: This woman could kiss.
The Review:
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie is the second of two novellas in The Asylum Tales series focuses on how Gage, a mysterious and loyal tattoo artist, meets the second of his employees Trixie. This novella begins with Gage hooking up with his ex-girlfriend Jo. Jo takes Gage down memory lane. He remembers why they had chemistry but yet why it would never have worked for them. Jo is a vampire. She has another motive for meeting with Gage, she recommends Gage hire her good human friend Trixie for a job. Gage reluctantly agrees to meet with Trixie.
When Trixie shows up at the tattoo parlor, Gage realizes that Trixie isn’t what she seems. She is hiding under a glamour. She is really an elf. Gage doesn’t reveal that he knows what she is because Trixie comes with even more shocking news. Jo is being mentally and physically abused by another vampire. Trixie wants Gage to do something about it. Always willing to help the damsel in distress, Gage decides he will help. This enables Gage to learn more about the dangerous vampire underworld.
In the end, This novella left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about Gage, Trixie and the hilarious Chang, his dry wit had me laughing out loud. Chang helps supply Gage with his “black market” needs. (I haven’t read Angel’s Ink yet but I do hope I see more of Chang.)
Notable Scene:
Chang smiled a sly grin that gave me chills as he once again waved for me to kneel beside him. “Not poisonous. You drink this and you get sick. Your stomach will empty, but it won’t kill you. Drink this and it do nothing to vampire that drink you.” Chang picked up the blood orange and held it in front of my face. “You eat this and it do nothing to vampire that drink you. Now,” Chang paused, holding up one spindly finger. He put the orange on the table next to the bottle. “You cut sanguinello in half and pour extract on both halves. Let sit for . . . at least two hours. Eat all.”
“Rind, too?”
“Rind? No, not rind. Just fruit. Who eats the rind?” Chang gave me a little smack on the back of the head while giving me a look of disgust. I didn’t regret the question, stupid or not. You always asked questions with magic or you didn’t live to regret it later.
FTC Advisory: I purchased my own copy of The Asylum Interviews: Trixie. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Another entertaining novella that explores Gage’s personality and the supernatural world of Low Town.
Opening Sentence: This woman could kiss.
The Review:
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie is the second of two novellas in The Asylum Tales series focuses on how Gage, a mysterious and loyal tattoo artist, meets the second of his employees Trixie. This novella begins with Gage hooking up with his ex-girlfriend Jo. Jo takes Gage down memory lane. He remembers why they had chemistry but yet why it would never have worked for them. Jo is a vampire. She has another motive for meeting with Gage, she recommends Gage hire her good human friend Trixie for a job. Gage reluctantly agrees to meet with Trixie.
When Trixie shows up at the tattoo parlor, Gage realizes that Trixie isn’t what she seems. She is hiding under a glamour. She is really an elf. Gage doesn’t reveal that he knows what she is because Trixie comes with even more shocking news. Jo is being mentally and physically abused by another vampire. Trixie wants Gage to do something about it. Always willing to help the damsel in distress, Gage decides he will help. This enables Gage to learn more about the dangerous vampire underworld.
In the end, This novella left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about Gage, Trixie and the hilarious Chang, his dry wit had me laughing out loud. Chang helps supply Gage with his “black market” needs. (I haven’t read Angel’s Ink yet but I do hope I see more of Chang.)
Notable Scene:
Chang smiled a sly grin that gave me chills as he once again waved for me to kneel beside him. “Not poisonous. You drink this and you get sick. Your stomach will empty, but it won’t kill you. Drink this and it do nothing to vampire that drink you.” Chang picked up the blood orange and held it in front of my face. “You eat this and it do nothing to vampire that drink you. Now,” Chang paused, holding up one spindly finger. He put the orange on the table next to the bottle. “You cut sanguinello in half and pour extract on both halves. Let sit for . . . at least two hours. Eat all.”
“Rind, too?”
“Rind? No, not rind. Just fruit. Who eats the rind?” Chang gave me a little smack on the back of the head while giving me a look of disgust. I didn’t regret the question, stupid or not. You always asked questions with magic or you didn’t live to regret it later.
FTC Advisory: I purchased my own copy of The Asylum Interviews: Trixie. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
May 29, 2023
Loved this Novella. Excellent paranormal series
June 18, 2017
An interesting glimpse at Jocelynn Drake's new world.
So, forgive me for being dense here, but I was under the impression this was going to be all about Trixie (whoever she may be) and therefore perhaps written from her POV. Colour me puzzled then when it's actually written in 1st person POV from a man—or a warlock as it happens—called Gage. It's about his first meeting with Trixie when she first came to Low Town, the setting for this new Urban Fantasy series. So, intrigued by this discovery I then went to read the blurb for the first full-length book, Angel's Ink , more closely (with my eyes open and everything) and saw that that is also going to be told from Gage's POV. Now, before you all start "duh"ing me, you have to admit the title and the cover art suggests a female main character. Does it or does it not? I don't read very many series with male main characters; only really my beloved Atticus from the Iron Druid Chronicles, which is also penned by a man. So this being written by a woman is doubly intriguing.
Of course, it's not the first time Drake has written from the male perspective. She did one of the books in her Dark Days series from Danaus' POV, but it still strikes me as an unusual way to go. And kinda misleading with the covers having girls on.
Anyway, once my confusion cleared I found I rather liked Gage. He seems like an interesting and likeable chap. Slightly flawed in his plans to be an asshole in order to keep the beautiful Trixie at bay, but nice nonetheless. He strikes me as the reluctant hero type. He tells you he's all bad, bad, bad but his actions prove otherwise.
Other characters we met were Jo, the ex-girlfriend/vampire guitar player. Bronx, the troll and partner at Gage's tattoo parlour. A few gargoyles. A delightful Chinese fellow called Chang who seems to be able to procure almost anything magical, for a price. And of course, Trixie. A woman who seems to be hiding a few secrets and is so far unaware that Gage is on to her.
So, it all looks very promising. There's a nice mix of supernatural species and the characters I've met seem interesting but flawed, with lots of secrets yet to be uncloaked. And most especially, I was pleased to see that the overall tone of the world and characters seems lighter that her previous series. I did enjoy Dark Days and read through them very quickly, but I never really connected to the main character, Mira. She was so cold, and some of the scenes were so violent— literal blood baths—that it got too much for me. But so far, from what I've seen from this small sample, it appears this isn't going to be quite as dark; there was some nice funny dialogue and Gage seems a much warmer character. Hopefully it will be just as exciting and fast-paced, though.
I'm looking forward to getting to Angel's Ink to find out more about everyone I've just met. And there's also another novella, The Asylum Interviews: Bronx , presumably about how Gage met his Troll friend, that I might get beforehand too.
3.5 Stars ★★★1/2
So, forgive me for being dense here, but I was under the impression this was going to be all about Trixie (whoever she may be) and therefore perhaps written from her POV. Colour me puzzled then when it's actually written in 1st person POV from a man—or a warlock as it happens—called Gage. It's about his first meeting with Trixie when she first came to Low Town, the setting for this new Urban Fantasy series. So, intrigued by this discovery I then went to read the blurb for the first full-length book, Angel's Ink , more closely (with my eyes open and everything) and saw that that is also going to be told from Gage's POV. Now, before you all start "duh"ing me, you have to admit the title and the cover art suggests a female main character. Does it or does it not? I don't read very many series with male main characters; only really my beloved Atticus from the Iron Druid Chronicles, which is also penned by a man. So this being written by a woman is doubly intriguing.
Of course, it's not the first time Drake has written from the male perspective. She did one of the books in her Dark Days series from Danaus' POV, but it still strikes me as an unusual way to go. And kinda misleading with the covers having girls on.
Anyway, once my confusion cleared I found I rather liked Gage. He seems like an interesting and likeable chap. Slightly flawed in his plans to be an asshole in order to keep the beautiful Trixie at bay, but nice nonetheless. He strikes me as the reluctant hero type. He tells you he's all bad, bad, bad but his actions prove otherwise.
Other characters we met were Jo, the ex-girlfriend/vampire guitar player. Bronx, the troll and partner at Gage's tattoo parlour. A few gargoyles. A delightful Chinese fellow called Chang who seems to be able to procure almost anything magical, for a price. And of course, Trixie. A woman who seems to be hiding a few secrets and is so far unaware that Gage is on to her.
So, it all looks very promising. There's a nice mix of supernatural species and the characters I've met seem interesting but flawed, with lots of secrets yet to be uncloaked. And most especially, I was pleased to see that the overall tone of the world and characters seems lighter that her previous series. I did enjoy Dark Days and read through them very quickly, but I never really connected to the main character, Mira. She was so cold, and some of the scenes were so violent— literal blood baths—that it got too much for me. But so far, from what I've seen from this small sample, it appears this isn't going to be quite as dark; there was some nice funny dialogue and Gage seems a much warmer character. Hopefully it will be just as exciting and fast-paced, though.
I'm looking forward to getting to Angel's Ink to find out more about everyone I've just met. And there's also another novella, The Asylum Interviews: Bronx , presumably about how Gage met his Troll friend, that I might get beforehand too.
3.5 Stars ★★★1/2
September 23, 2012
This is the second of two prequel novellas introducing the main characters of Jocelynn Drake's upcoming Asylum Tales series. These novellas are both narrated by Gage who is the owner of the Asylum Tattoo Parlour. The first story introduced us to tattoo artist Bronx and showed how he ended up working at Asylum. The Asylum Interviews: Trixie is set 18 months after the first novella and introduces us to another new tattoo artist - Trixie.
Gage's ex-girlfriend Jo has returned to town and the attraction between them is still sizzling. He is worried that she doesn't seem to be quite her usual self but it takes Jo's friend Trixie to fill him in on the problem. Jo is being bullied by a master vampire and tattoo artist Trixie comes to Gage looking for help to put a stop to it. Can Gage, Trixie and Bronx find a way to free Jo from the vampire's clutches?
Gage and Bronx have been working together for over a year and things at the tattoo parlour are busier than ever. They have become good friends but both are suffering from overwork and they really need another artist to help take some of the pressure off. They need to find someone that they will both get on with though and it has to be someone who is as skilled at both creating tattoos and making the special potions they use in the ink too. Will they get on well enough with Trixie to offer her the job?
We don't find out much more about Gage's past in this story but he does seem to gravitate towards people who also have secrets of their own. He doesn't push them for answers and he knows they're not likely to want to delve into his past either. Trixie is hiding her true identity and I'll be very interested to find out why that is as the series continues. As much as we don't get to find out more about Gage's secret past we do get to know his character a bit better. I am really coming to like all of these characters, Gage can come across as a bit of an ass at times but that is his way of keeping people at a distance and deep down he is a nice, caring guy. Bronx always manages to add humour to any situation but he is definitely the kind of guy you'd like to have at your back if you're in trouble and Trixie is a straight talking, spunky woman who won't take any crap but who will risk herself to protect her friends.
If you enjoyed The Asylum Interviews: Bronx then you'll love Trixie's story just as much. You don't have to read either of these novellas before picking up the first book in the series but I would recommend giving them a try. These stories have left me eager to get started on Angel's Ink - this is definitely a new urban fantasy series to watch out for.
Gage's ex-girlfriend Jo has returned to town and the attraction between them is still sizzling. He is worried that she doesn't seem to be quite her usual self but it takes Jo's friend Trixie to fill him in on the problem. Jo is being bullied by a master vampire and tattoo artist Trixie comes to Gage looking for help to put a stop to it. Can Gage, Trixie and Bronx find a way to free Jo from the vampire's clutches?
Gage and Bronx have been working together for over a year and things at the tattoo parlour are busier than ever. They have become good friends but both are suffering from overwork and they really need another artist to help take some of the pressure off. They need to find someone that they will both get on with though and it has to be someone who is as skilled at both creating tattoos and making the special potions they use in the ink too. Will they get on well enough with Trixie to offer her the job?
We don't find out much more about Gage's past in this story but he does seem to gravitate towards people who also have secrets of their own. He doesn't push them for answers and he knows they're not likely to want to delve into his past either. Trixie is hiding her true identity and I'll be very interested to find out why that is as the series continues. As much as we don't get to find out more about Gage's secret past we do get to know his character a bit better. I am really coming to like all of these characters, Gage can come across as a bit of an ass at times but that is his way of keeping people at a distance and deep down he is a nice, caring guy. Bronx always manages to add humour to any situation but he is definitely the kind of guy you'd like to have at your back if you're in trouble and Trixie is a straight talking, spunky woman who won't take any crap but who will risk herself to protect her friends.
If you enjoyed The Asylum Interviews: Bronx then you'll love Trixie's story just as much. You don't have to read either of these novellas before picking up the first book in the series but I would recommend giving them a try. These stories have left me eager to get started on Angel's Ink - this is definitely a new urban fantasy series to watch out for.
October 15, 2012
If Bronx's story was an introduction to the characters, then Trixie's story is just a tease. I am glad that I have a review copy of Angel's Ink so that I can dive right in. I am definitely looking forward to it after finishing this story. I really like Gage, and not just because of the hidden power that he wields, because he really is a good guy. He has a lot of connections because he is often willing to do the right thing without much regards to himself. This is also a common trait found in his friends and co-workers. What I like so far, is that he is not the only character that stands out. I am more interested in his story, but that may be because we are seeing everything through his eyes and we are in his head. I am not complaining, just explaining why I am drawn to him as a character. I do wonder what's going on in the other characters minds. While I am hoping for a showdown between Gage and the Ivory Towers, I am also hoping to learn more about Trixie, Bronx, Jo, Jill and Parker. The gargoyles seem interesting as well. Ahh, there is so much that pulls you into the story.
4 stars ****
What's Next? Angel's Ink
4 stars ****
What's Next? Angel's Ink
November 20, 2012
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie by Jocelynn Drake
Angel’s Ink filled in all the background information that I wanted when I read Asylum Interviews:Bronx. Angel’s Ink also filled in the blanks for this book. Both Trixie and Bronx can be read as stand alone stories without any problem. However I do recommend you read Angel’s Ink first. Gage, the ex-warlock, finds himself embroiled in a situation between a vampire and her nest.
I don’t know if Jim Butcher’s books have influenced Ms. Drake but there are some similarities particularly with both main protagonists and their inability to submit willingly to authority. With that said, Ms. Drake’s books are different and highly enjoyable.
Bronx who we met in his book, is a steadfast companion and always has Gage’s back. The loyalty is admirable. We meet Trixie who immediately intrigues Gage. I like the emotions and the interactions between characters in Ms. Drake’s books.
If I can be so bold to suggest a future story, one giving more background on the mysterious Chang would be very enjoyable. The books are in the same family as Jim Butcher but with plenty of differences.
I highly recommend the book.
Angel’s Ink filled in all the background information that I wanted when I read Asylum Interviews:Bronx. Angel’s Ink also filled in the blanks for this book. Both Trixie and Bronx can be read as stand alone stories without any problem. However I do recommend you read Angel’s Ink first. Gage, the ex-warlock, finds himself embroiled in a situation between a vampire and her nest.
I don’t know if Jim Butcher’s books have influenced Ms. Drake but there are some similarities particularly with both main protagonists and their inability to submit willingly to authority. With that said, Ms. Drake’s books are different and highly enjoyable.
Bronx who we met in his book, is a steadfast companion and always has Gage’s back. The loyalty is admirable. We meet Trixie who immediately intrigues Gage. I like the emotions and the interactions between characters in Ms. Drake’s books.
If I can be so bold to suggest a future story, one giving more background on the mysterious Chang would be very enjoyable. The books are in the same family as Jim Butcher but with plenty of differences.
I highly recommend the book.
August 13, 2012
I really like The Asylum Tales prequel novellas. The Asylum Interviews: Trixie was a short, quick read which shows more insight into the vampires, the circumstances leading up to Gage's meeting with Trixie, and how even from the beginning he fought his attraction to her. I would've liked more focus on Trixie instead of Jo, Gage's vampire ex, but it didn't seem to be the point. This was just Trixie's introduction to The Asylum Tales world and nothing beyond that. I assume that Jocelynn Drake wants us to learn more about the side characters as Gage gets to know them.
All-in-all The Asylum Interviews: Trixie was a fun, entertaining read and I highly recommend getting to know these characters before the release of Angel's Ink in the fall. Jocelynn Drake has created a fantastically original urban fantasy world and I can't wait to see what's in store for Gage and the Asylum crew next.
All-in-all The Asylum Interviews: Trixie was a fun, entertaining read and I highly recommend getting to know these characters before the release of Angel's Ink in the fall. Jocelynn Drake has created a fantastically original urban fantasy world and I can't wait to see what's in store for Gage and the Asylum crew next.
May 22, 2015
When Trixie enters Gage's life. She does it with style & then drops a bomb on him. His ex, who is a vamp, is being abused by another vamp. Trixie wants to help free Jo. But they don't know all the details. Secrets, secrets & more secrets ...
Ms. Drake creates this world, where all creatures live together. But they have more freaking secrets that anyone I have ever known. This isn't a negative issue, because you keep reading to learn all the secrets & to see where this will take them.
Ms. Drake creates this world, where all creatures live together. But they have more freaking secrets that anyone I have ever known. This isn't a negative issue, because you keep reading to learn all the secrets & to see where this will take them.
August 26, 2012
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie is a fun little short story to get you all pumped up for Drake’s new series, The Asylum Tales. It’s actually the second prequel to the series, but unfortunately I did not have the pleasure of reading the first, which was about Bronx, the troll. But even though I missed out on the first prequel I didn’t feel like I missed anything.
Gage was a warlock-in-training who didn’t like how things were being run where he trained, at the Ivory Towers, and escaped. He still has his magical powers, but struggles to keep them a secret. Now he runs a tattoo parlor called Asylum and I can’t help, but think what a cool name that is for a tattoo shop!
In this book, Gage met up with his ex-girlfriend and vampire, Jo, only to discover that she has been living in town for a month and is being controlled by a ruthless master vampire, Chester.
Jo also told Gage about a friend of hers that was looking for a job as a tattoo artist. He agrees to interview her friend, Trixie. But during the interview Trixie pleads with Gage to help her free Jo from Chester’s rule. So now the two of them along with Bronx are on a mission to save Jo before Chester can hurt her any further.
I’m really not a big fan of short stories, but I did really enjoy this one. Gage was a fun character and I loved him trying to make Trixie think he was an asshole when everything he did proved the opposite.
“Fan-fucking-tastic. Not only were Jo and Trixie in danger from this master vampire, but Trixie’s beleif in my prickishness was fading fast.
Priorities. I need to focus on getting Jo free of Chester permanently while protecting Trixie from any backlash from the master vampire. I could always prove to her later that I was a dick.”
Gage definitely makes me anxious for the first full-length novel of the series, Angel’s Ink (expected to be published in October)!
The only thing I really didn’t get was why this book was titled after Trixie, when she really wasn’t a prominent character in the book, taking a backseat to Gage, Jo, and even Bronx. But overall it doesn’t matter that much. This book was a lot of fun and a very quick read. I will definitely be continuing this series!
* Please note this review was based on an advance reader copy of this book and quotes are subject to change.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie is a fun little short story to get you all pumped up for Drake’s new series, The Asylum Tales. It’s actually the second prequel to the series, but unfortunately I did not have the pleasure of reading the first, which was about Bronx, the troll. But even though I missed out on the first prequel I didn’t feel like I missed anything.
Gage was a warlock-in-training who didn’t like how things were being run where he trained, at the Ivory Towers, and escaped. He still has his magical powers, but struggles to keep them a secret. Now he runs a tattoo parlor called Asylum and I can’t help, but think what a cool name that is for a tattoo shop!
In this book, Gage met up with his ex-girlfriend and vampire, Jo, only to discover that she has been living in town for a month and is being controlled by a ruthless master vampire, Chester.
Jo also told Gage about a friend of hers that was looking for a job as a tattoo artist. He agrees to interview her friend, Trixie. But during the interview Trixie pleads with Gage to help her free Jo from Chester’s rule. So now the two of them along with Bronx are on a mission to save Jo before Chester can hurt her any further.
I’m really not a big fan of short stories, but I did really enjoy this one. Gage was a fun character and I loved him trying to make Trixie think he was an asshole when everything he did proved the opposite.
“Fan-fucking-tastic. Not only were Jo and Trixie in danger from this master vampire, but Trixie’s beleif in my prickishness was fading fast.
Priorities. I need to focus on getting Jo free of Chester permanently while protecting Trixie from any backlash from the master vampire. I could always prove to her later that I was a dick.”
Gage definitely makes me anxious for the first full-length novel of the series, Angel’s Ink (expected to be published in October)!
The only thing I really didn’t get was why this book was titled after Trixie, when she really wasn’t a prominent character in the book, taking a backseat to Gage, Jo, and even Bronx. But overall it doesn’t matter that much. This book was a lot of fun and a very quick read. I will definitely be continuing this series!
* Please note this review was based on an advance reader copy of this book and quotes are subject to change.
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
September 4, 2012
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
The 2nd eNovella Prequel to Jocelynn Drake's highly anticipated ASYLUM TALES series, Trixie was another wonderful sneak peek into the upcoming world and characters. As Bronx did, Trixie just made me want Angel's Ink that much more!
Taking place 18 months following The Asylum Interviews - Bronx, The Asylum Interviews - Trixie starts off hot and heavy, picks up steam as the story continues, and ends with a bang.
Jo, Gage's ex-girlfriend and vampire is back in town and the two start off basically where they left off 2 years prior with a mutual lust and like. Jo has a problem though, and it takes Jo's friend Trixie - a closet elf and fellow tattoo artist - to bring Gage in on the situation.
Teaming up with Bronx again, as well as Trixie, Gage proceeds to do everything in his power to help Jo while still maintaining his status quo as the warlock-in-training-no-more.
I already like Trixie. She's high spirited, fiercly loyal, and shoots straight from the cuff, no holds barred, though she is somewhat dangerously spontaneous. She isn't afraid to tell Gage that he's being a prick or an a-hole, and does it on a regular basis throughout the story, and she definitely has some secrets that will be fun to unveil.
Ironically, just like I said in my review of Bronx, Gage is a good guy and a great friend, and his whole act of being the ultimate alpha-hole just doesn't stand up. He continues to be a wonderful leading alpha male for the series. He tries to distance himself from people by being sarcastic and rude, but what it all comes down to, is him just trying to protect everyone, even if that means from himself.
Bronx still holds a place close to my heart, even though he wasn't quite as featured in this tale he still grabbed my attention, and the three of them together - Gage, Bronx, and Trixie - both at Asylum and in their adventures conquering Low Town going forward should prove to be immensely exciting and revealing.
LITERAL ADDICTION gives The Asylum Interviews - Trixie 4 Skulls. I am so excited for a full length ASYLUM TALES novel now! October can't get here fast enough.
The 2nd eNovella Prequel to Jocelynn Drake's highly anticipated ASYLUM TALES series, Trixie was another wonderful sneak peek into the upcoming world and characters. As Bronx did, Trixie just made me want Angel's Ink that much more!
Taking place 18 months following The Asylum Interviews - Bronx, The Asylum Interviews - Trixie starts off hot and heavy, picks up steam as the story continues, and ends with a bang.
Jo, Gage's ex-girlfriend and vampire is back in town and the two start off basically where they left off 2 years prior with a mutual lust and like. Jo has a problem though, and it takes Jo's friend Trixie - a closet elf and fellow tattoo artist - to bring Gage in on the situation.
Teaming up with Bronx again, as well as Trixie, Gage proceeds to do everything in his power to help Jo while still maintaining his status quo as the warlock-in-training-no-more.
I already like Trixie. She's high spirited, fiercly loyal, and shoots straight from the cuff, no holds barred, though she is somewhat dangerously spontaneous. She isn't afraid to tell Gage that he's being a prick or an a-hole, and does it on a regular basis throughout the story, and she definitely has some secrets that will be fun to unveil.
Ironically, just like I said in my review of Bronx, Gage is a good guy and a great friend, and his whole act of being the ultimate alpha-hole just doesn't stand up. He continues to be a wonderful leading alpha male for the series. He tries to distance himself from people by being sarcastic and rude, but what it all comes down to, is him just trying to protect everyone, even if that means from himself.
Bronx still holds a place close to my heart, even though he wasn't quite as featured in this tale he still grabbed my attention, and the three of them together - Gage, Bronx, and Trixie - both at Asylum and in their adventures conquering Low Town going forward should prove to be immensely exciting and revealing.
LITERAL ADDICTION gives The Asylum Interviews - Trixie 4 Skulls. I am so excited for a full length ASYLUM TALES novel now! October can't get here fast enough.
April 2, 2013
MY REVIEW
Again I purchased this one from Amazon.co.uk. As I had read Blood by Moonlight, I wanted to read more of The Asylum series. I will admit I have managed to read the Asylum Interview novellas all in the wrong order but, to be truthful it hasn't really mattered. I have still enjoyed the novellas. I have loved learning more about the characters.
The cover I admit to not been as keen on. The female on the front could be either Trixie or Jo.
We see the protective side of Gage when it turns out his ex-girlfriend Jo is being mis treated by her new nest master Chester. As Jo has returned to town there are no spaces left in her old nest. there are only a number of spaces allowed since the government brought in certain rules and regulations to keep the vampires in line. So when Michelle, the leader of Jo's old nest tells Jo there's no room at the moment. Jo is forced to join the other nest in town which is ruled by a rather more sadistic, cruel and somewhat weird Chester.
Gage is upset, disappointed and enraged when Trixie lets him know how Chester is mistreating Jo, his first reaction is to nip around and rip Chester's head off! Then he listens to reason and decides to be more careful for Jo's sake and use a bit of magic to help.
I like all the characters in this series that I have come across so far, the protective, kind, generous yet hard, tough tattoo artist Gage, the gentle giant troll Bronx and the cute little . . .well we don't officially know what she is yet so Trixie. we do know Trixie is hiding from someone or something as she is using glamour to disguise her appearance. Even though Gage can see through the glamour he keeps quiet, like Gage I am sure we will hear Trixie's Problem soon. So now we have met those that work at The Asylum tattoo parlour . . and some of Gage's friends too in Parker, Jill and Jo.
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, once again, I really did. Would I recommend? Yes, though with a warning these novellas so far give me the feeling this series is more adult themed and aimed. Will I read more of this Series? I already have and yes I hope to read even more! Would I read other books/novellas by Jocelynn Drake? Yes I think I would try other books by her.
Again I purchased this one from Amazon.co.uk. As I had read Blood by Moonlight, I wanted to read more of The Asylum series. I will admit I have managed to read the Asylum Interview novellas all in the wrong order but, to be truthful it hasn't really mattered. I have still enjoyed the novellas. I have loved learning more about the characters.
The cover I admit to not been as keen on. The female on the front could be either Trixie or Jo.
We see the protective side of Gage when it turns out his ex-girlfriend Jo is being mis treated by her new nest master Chester. As Jo has returned to town there are no spaces left in her old nest. there are only a number of spaces allowed since the government brought in certain rules and regulations to keep the vampires in line. So when Michelle, the leader of Jo's old nest tells Jo there's no room at the moment. Jo is forced to join the other nest in town which is ruled by a rather more sadistic, cruel and somewhat weird Chester.
Gage is upset, disappointed and enraged when Trixie lets him know how Chester is mistreating Jo, his first reaction is to nip around and rip Chester's head off! Then he listens to reason and decides to be more careful for Jo's sake and use a bit of magic to help.
I like all the characters in this series that I have come across so far, the protective, kind, generous yet hard, tough tattoo artist Gage, the gentle giant troll Bronx and the cute little . . .well we don't officially know what she is yet so Trixie. we do know Trixie is hiding from someone or something as she is using glamour to disguise her appearance. Even though Gage can see through the glamour he keeps quiet, like Gage I am sure we will hear Trixie's Problem soon. So now we have met those that work at The Asylum tattoo parlour . . and some of Gage's friends too in Parker, Jill and Jo.
So did I enjoy this novella? Yes, once again, I really did. Would I recommend? Yes, though with a warning these novellas so far give me the feeling this series is more adult themed and aimed. Will I read more of this Series? I already have and yes I hope to read even more! Would I read other books/novellas by Jocelynn Drake? Yes I think I would try other books by her.
October 29, 2012
I won't recap the story line here as others have all done that for you.
I will say that this was more of a standard paranormal/urban fantasy storyline, in that it dealt primarily with vamps. That can be a bit ho-hum anymore.
However. . .a couple of spots in this one really stood out. The first was the introduction of Chang, the ancient black market dealer of rarities. Fascinating and humorous, I truly hope he becomes a more central figure in the continuing Asylum Tales.
The second was the inclusion of the scene with the gargoyle clan. My favorite quote was from the beginning of that scene: "If I could count on one thing, it was that gargoyles loved cereal." The scene where he includes the information about the older males preferring bran flake-type cereals, while the females liked anything chocolate and the "younger" gargoyles prefered anything sugar-frosted with marshmallows and toys is a great mood lightener before a story-intensive moment in which one of Gage Powell's strongest character-traits is revealed.
I love when an author is writing in a genre such as this and doesn't get caught up in their seriousness. The above quote shows that Jocelynn Drake has an unerring sense of self in her writing. She doesn't intend this to be serious literature and that is exactly why this sort of genre endures long after the main players, vamps and wolves, have pretty much overstayed their welcome. This genre in general is meant for us to suspend our sense of reality for a time, enjoy our stay, and return to reality a little better to cope with the real-world stuff. In particular, Jocelynn Drake's Low Town, Gage Powell,Asylum,Bronx,Trixie and all the other assorted fun side characters we've been introduced to in these two prequels is a great new contender into the urban fantasy genre. Long may it live and continue to grow. . .
I will say that this was more of a standard paranormal/urban fantasy storyline, in that it dealt primarily with vamps. That can be a bit ho-hum anymore.
However. . .a couple of spots in this one really stood out. The first was the introduction of Chang, the ancient black market dealer of rarities. Fascinating and humorous, I truly hope he becomes a more central figure in the continuing Asylum Tales.
The second was the inclusion of the scene with the gargoyle clan. My favorite quote was from the beginning of that scene: "If I could count on one thing, it was that gargoyles loved cereal." The scene where he includes the information about the older males preferring bran flake-type cereals, while the females liked anything chocolate and the "younger" gargoyles prefered anything sugar-frosted with marshmallows and toys is a great mood lightener before a story-intensive moment in which one of Gage Powell's strongest character-traits is revealed.
I love when an author is writing in a genre such as this and doesn't get caught up in their seriousness. The above quote shows that Jocelynn Drake has an unerring sense of self in her writing. She doesn't intend this to be serious literature and that is exactly why this sort of genre endures long after the main players, vamps and wolves, have pretty much overstayed their welcome. This genre in general is meant for us to suspend our sense of reality for a time, enjoy our stay, and return to reality a little better to cope with the real-world stuff. In particular, Jocelynn Drake's Low Town, Gage Powell,Asylum,Bronx,Trixie and all the other assorted fun side characters we've been introduced to in these two prequels is a great new contender into the urban fantasy genre. Long may it live and continue to grow. . .
February 10, 2013
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie (Prequel #2) by Jocelynn Drake
*A review copy of this book was received from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*
Gage’s tattoo business is growing and he is looking to add another artist to his shop. When the mysterious woman walks in looking for a job, he never expected it to lead to a showdown with a master vampire.
Trixie is new in town and she has her own secrets. She needs Gage’s help to save their mutual friend Jo from a master vampire. She uses her need for a job to get her foot in the door. Once there she has to convince Gage that he is the only one that can help save Jo.
Gage tries to stay below the radar as much as possible and going after a master vampire is sure to draw attention to him. He knows he can’t turn his back on Jo, even though he didn’t even know she was back in town. All he has to do is figure how to get her out, when she says she’s fine.
This is the second short novella in the Asylum Tales series and can be read as a stand-alone before Angel’s Ink. It is action packed and full of interesting characters, including favorites Gage and Bronx. I loved the addition Jo and Trixie to the mix.
Trixie was an interesting addition to the mix; she’s smart, strong and loyal to her friends. She is willing to do whatever it takes to save Jo from the master vampire. She is also mysterious and has some secrets of her own so she fits right in with Gage and Bronx.
Jo is Gage’s ex and she’s back in town. She is living with a master vampire that doesn’t treat her good but she’s ok with that. She has her reasons why she doesn’t want anyone to interfere on her behalf.
Overall I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read Angel’s Ink. I give The Asylum Tales: Trixie 4 Flaming Hearts.
*A review copy of this book was received from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*
Gage’s tattoo business is growing and he is looking to add another artist to his shop. When the mysterious woman walks in looking for a job, he never expected it to lead to a showdown with a master vampire.
Trixie is new in town and she has her own secrets. She needs Gage’s help to save their mutual friend Jo from a master vampire. She uses her need for a job to get her foot in the door. Once there she has to convince Gage that he is the only one that can help save Jo.
Gage tries to stay below the radar as much as possible and going after a master vampire is sure to draw attention to him. He knows he can’t turn his back on Jo, even though he didn’t even know she was back in town. All he has to do is figure how to get her out, when she says she’s fine.
This is the second short novella in the Asylum Tales series and can be read as a stand-alone before Angel’s Ink. It is action packed and full of interesting characters, including favorites Gage and Bronx. I loved the addition Jo and Trixie to the mix.
Trixie was an interesting addition to the mix; she’s smart, strong and loyal to her friends. She is willing to do whatever it takes to save Jo from the master vampire. She is also mysterious and has some secrets of her own so she fits right in with Gage and Bronx.
Jo is Gage’s ex and she’s back in town. She is living with a master vampire that doesn’t treat her good but she’s ok with that. She has her reasons why she doesn’t want anyone to interfere on her behalf.
Overall I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read Angel’s Ink. I give The Asylum Tales: Trixie 4 Flaming Hearts.
August 24, 2012
Mon avis en Français
My English review
After reading the first novel I was pretty curious to discover this novella. The first books introduces us the character of Trixie without telling us her meeting with Gage. This man is very unique and as we don’t know a lot about him, Herself or even Bronx, I was impatient to read this book.
We also discover here Joe, the former girlfriend of our hero who returns after a long absence, and asks Gage if he could hire a young friend of hers, tattooist as well as she is looking for a job now that she has just arrived in town. But the interview did not go as planned and Trixie announced immediately what she wants by explaining to Gage that Joe is abused by a master vampire with whom she lives and she would like him to help her to find a solution. It’s not long for him to decide to save her, or at least find a way to do it. But Trixie is determined to take care of that too.
I enjoyed their meeting as it fits perfectly in the context of the story. Gage is a man who tries to sound harsh, but as soon as you attack the people he loves, he is ready to do anything to help. This novella is a really fast read and I liked this little introduction. I admit that I'm intrigued now about the first prequel about the Bronx story as I'm sure it must be just as interesting.
My English review
After reading the first novel I was pretty curious to discover this novella. The first books introduces us the character of Trixie without telling us her meeting with Gage. This man is very unique and as we don’t know a lot about him, Herself or even Bronx, I was impatient to read this book.
We also discover here Joe, the former girlfriend of our hero who returns after a long absence, and asks Gage if he could hire a young friend of hers, tattooist as well as she is looking for a job now that she has just arrived in town. But the interview did not go as planned and Trixie announced immediately what she wants by explaining to Gage that Joe is abused by a master vampire with whom she lives and she would like him to help her to find a solution. It’s not long for him to decide to save her, or at least find a way to do it. But Trixie is determined to take care of that too.
I enjoyed their meeting as it fits perfectly in the context of the story. Gage is a man who tries to sound harsh, but as soon as you attack the people he loves, he is ready to do anything to help. This novella is a really fast read and I liked this little introduction. I admit that I'm intrigued now about the first prequel about the Bronx story as I'm sure it must be just as interesting.
August 18, 2012
This novella was much, much better than the Bronx interview was. Gage came across as a man instead of a woman, Bronx was present, but not the focus, and Trixie seems like an interesting character. However, this story focused more on Gage and his relationship with this ex-girlfriend than it did on Trixie. Because of that, I feel that the title is a bit misleading, but after reading this story, I am looking forward to reading Angel's Ink!
From what we saw of Trixie, I really liked her. She's tough, and she doesn't take Gage's crap. Gage is all cutesy infatuated with her, too. He just doesn't know it yet. I kind of hope they get together and that he forgets about Jo. I also hope that he tells Trixie his secrets and she tells him hers. I just think they'd make a really good couple.
For a short read, this novella packed in a ton of action and suspense. I couldn't put my Kindle down until I reached the end. The story starts with a heavy make out session in a closet, and things just pick up from there. We get to meet more characters and learn about more rules in this world. I really love how Drake decided to open this series with two novellas to introduce the rules and species of her newly created world. It's a unique idea, and I enjoyed these two novellas much more than I would have enjoyed a ton of info dumps.
Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a good urban fantasy book. It's a short read, and once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. You also won't be able to wait for Angel's Kiss after you read this novella.
From what we saw of Trixie, I really liked her. She's tough, and she doesn't take Gage's crap. Gage is all cutesy infatuated with her, too. He just doesn't know it yet. I kind of hope they get together and that he forgets about Jo. I also hope that he tells Trixie his secrets and she tells him hers. I just think they'd make a really good couple.
For a short read, this novella packed in a ton of action and suspense. I couldn't put my Kindle down until I reached the end. The story starts with a heavy make out session in a closet, and things just pick up from there. We get to meet more characters and learn about more rules in this world. I really love how Drake decided to open this series with two novellas to introduce the rules and species of her newly created world. It's a unique idea, and I enjoyed these two novellas much more than I would have enjoyed a ton of info dumps.
Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who loves a good urban fantasy book. It's a short read, and once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. You also won't be able to wait for Angel's Kiss after you read this novella.
January 18, 2017
Originally published at Dark Faerie Tales: http://darkfaerietales.com/review-asy...
Quick & Dirty: Another entertaining novella that explores Gage’s personality and the supernatural world of Low Town.
The Review:
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie is the second of two novellas in The Asylum Tales series focuses on how Gage, a mysterious and loyal tattoo artist, meets the second of his employees Trixie. This novella begins with Gage hooking up with his ex-girlfriend Jo. Jo takes Gage down memory lane. He remembers why they had chemistry but yet why it would never have worked for them. Jo is a vampire. She has another motive for meeting with Gage, she recommends Gage hire her good human friend Trixie for a job. Gage reluctantly agrees to meet with Trixie.
When Trixie shows up at the tattoo parlor, Gage realizes that Trixie isn’t what she seems. She is hiding under a glamour. She is really an elf. Gage doesn’t reveal that he knows what she is because Trixie comes with even more shocking news. Jo is being mentally and physically abused by another vampire. Trixie wants Gage to do something about it. Always willing to help the damsel in distress, Gage decides he will help. This enables Gage to learn more about the dangerous vampire underworld.
In the end, This novella left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about Gage, Trixie and the hilarious Chang, his dry wit had me laughing out loud. Chang helps supply Gage with his “black market” needs. (I haven’t read Angel’s Ink yet but I do hope I see more of Chang.)
Quick & Dirty: Another entertaining novella that explores Gage’s personality and the supernatural world of Low Town.
The Review:
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie is the second of two novellas in The Asylum Tales series focuses on how Gage, a mysterious and loyal tattoo artist, meets the second of his employees Trixie. This novella begins with Gage hooking up with his ex-girlfriend Jo. Jo takes Gage down memory lane. He remembers why they had chemistry but yet why it would never have worked for them. Jo is a vampire. She has another motive for meeting with Gage, she recommends Gage hire her good human friend Trixie for a job. Gage reluctantly agrees to meet with Trixie.
When Trixie shows up at the tattoo parlor, Gage realizes that Trixie isn’t what she seems. She is hiding under a glamour. She is really an elf. Gage doesn’t reveal that he knows what she is because Trixie comes with even more shocking news. Jo is being mentally and physically abused by another vampire. Trixie wants Gage to do something about it. Always willing to help the damsel in distress, Gage decides he will help. This enables Gage to learn more about the dangerous vampire underworld.
In the end, This novella left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about Gage, Trixie and the hilarious Chang, his dry wit had me laughing out loud. Chang helps supply Gage with his “black market” needs. (I haven’t read Angel’s Ink yet but I do hope I see more of Chang.)
September 7, 2012
With this novella, Jocelynn Drake gives us a short slice of life for Gage Powell, the narrator and main character of her new Asylum series. Much like "Bronx," this story shows us the events that help set up the full length novel, Angel's Ink. The first novella showed us how Bronx entered Gage's life and came to work at his tattoo parlor. This one shows how Trixie does the same.
Let me backtrack a bit. Gage is a tattoo artist who creates magical tattoos for his clients. He was once a warlock in training, but he had to give up his magic to escape from the shady life that was waiting for him. I tell you this, but the background info plays very little into this story. It's basically about Gage's attempts to save an old girlfriend from the master vampire who is abusing her. Trixie is friends with his ex --and just like that, a connection is born. Despite the title, this book is not about Trixie - just the events that bring her into Gage's world.
I read this one after reading Angel's Ink (out of order... bad Jen.) But I liked seeing the origins of Gage's relationship with Trixie. I enjoyed revisiting this world. And I like Gage's voice. It's not all that often I read an Urban Fantasy in a male POV.
The story starts out strong, with a little romp in the closet and keeps good pacing throughout. It was fun and entertaining. It also works as a standalone.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by Harper Voyager
Let me backtrack a bit. Gage is a tattoo artist who creates magical tattoos for his clients. He was once a warlock in training, but he had to give up his magic to escape from the shady life that was waiting for him. I tell you this, but the background info plays very little into this story. It's basically about Gage's attempts to save an old girlfriend from the master vampire who is abusing her. Trixie is friends with his ex --and just like that, a connection is born. Despite the title, this book is not about Trixie - just the events that bring her into Gage's world.
I read this one after reading Angel's Ink (out of order... bad Jen.) But I liked seeing the origins of Gage's relationship with Trixie. I enjoyed revisiting this world. And I like Gage's voice. It's not all that often I read an Urban Fantasy in a male POV.
The story starts out strong, with a little romp in the closet and keeps good pacing throughout. It was fun and entertaining. It also works as a standalone.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by Harper Voyager
September 10, 2012
Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
After reading THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: TRIXIE, I am eagerly anticipating ANGEL’S INK so I can have a full length book with Gage and his magical tattoo shop. This prequel introduces us to more of Gage’s friends who range from trolls to vampires to elves.
Considering we learned more about Bronx in his prequel story, I would have liked this story to revolve around Trixie more than it did. She pretty much comes in to help introduce the main conflict and then gets hired by Gage to work in his shop by the end of the story. This was both interesting and frustrating since I wanted to get to know her more. Trixie, an elf, seems like a very tough character with has a mysterious history could turn out to be really cool. I felt like Drake was holding back on Trixie’s story purposefully since I never really learned anything signification about her the way I learned about Bronx in his novella.
Aside from my frustration with wanting to learn more about Trixie, I enjoyed getting to know more about Gage’s world, how it works, and meet some more of his friends. I am eager to see what this new, gritty urban fantasy series can bring in full length novel form when ANGEL’S INK comes out October 16, 2012.
Sexual Content: some mild sex scenes
After reading THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: TRIXIE, I am eagerly anticipating ANGEL’S INK so I can have a full length book with Gage and his magical tattoo shop. This prequel introduces us to more of Gage’s friends who range from trolls to vampires to elves.
Considering we learned more about Bronx in his prequel story, I would have liked this story to revolve around Trixie more than it did. She pretty much comes in to help introduce the main conflict and then gets hired by Gage to work in his shop by the end of the story. This was both interesting and frustrating since I wanted to get to know her more. Trixie, an elf, seems like a very tough character with has a mysterious history could turn out to be really cool. I felt like Drake was holding back on Trixie’s story purposefully since I never really learned anything signification about her the way I learned about Bronx in his novella.
Aside from my frustration with wanting to learn more about Trixie, I enjoyed getting to know more about Gage’s world, how it works, and meet some more of his friends. I am eager to see what this new, gritty urban fantasy series can bring in full length novel form when ANGEL’S INK comes out October 16, 2012.
Sexual Content: some mild sex scenes
September 10, 2015
A second prequel to the series - this one falls after "Bronx" and introduces us to another one of the employees that Gage hires to work in his tattoo shop, Asylum. Trixie Ravenwood is just a regular old human...or is she? I'm definitely interested in whatever her story is.
There were also more critters and characters introduced - Jo, Gage's ex-girlfriend, who plays in a band called Dead Playthings. She is also a vampire. Gage receives some help from a group of gargoyles, which I liked. I always like the more obscure creatures, like gargoyles, and having a troll as a major player isn't bad either.
I like that this series is the POV of a man. Gage is a great main character, he's funny and tough. The genre is overpopulated with female leads, so reading a series with a male lead is quite refreshing. He's also a man with secrets - he's an ex-warlock who ran into some type of trouble. The trouble was alluded to in both novellas, so I'm guessing all will be revealed through the series. Should make for some interesting reading.
Both the novellas Bronx and Trixie nicely set the story up and provide some history on how Gage acquired his new employees. I am definitely looking forward to starting the actual series so I can learn more about many of the characters that were mentioned in the novellas.
There were also more critters and characters introduced - Jo, Gage's ex-girlfriend, who plays in a band called Dead Playthings. She is also a vampire. Gage receives some help from a group of gargoyles, which I liked. I always like the more obscure creatures, like gargoyles, and having a troll as a major player isn't bad either.
I like that this series is the POV of a man. Gage is a great main character, he's funny and tough. The genre is overpopulated with female leads, so reading a series with a male lead is quite refreshing. He's also a man with secrets - he's an ex-warlock who ran into some type of trouble. The trouble was alluded to in both novellas, so I'm guessing all will be revealed through the series. Should make for some interesting reading.
Both the novellas Bronx and Trixie nicely set the story up and provide some history on how Gage acquired his new employees. I am definitely looking forward to starting the actual series so I can learn more about many of the characters that were mentioned in the novellas.
October 3, 2014
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie is the second of two novellas in The Asylum Tales series, and it tells the tale of how Trixie came to be Gage's second employee.
Business is booming for Gage and his troll companion, Bronx. The novella begins with Gage hooking up with his ex-girlfriend/vampire Jo one night after a concert. Jo has another motive for meeting with Gage, she recommends Gage hire her good human friend Trixie for a job, and Gage reluctantly agrees to meet with her.
When Trixie shows up at the tattoo parlor, Gage realizes that Trixie isn't what she seems. She is hiding under a glamour. As it turns out, Trixie isn't really the one who needs help, Joe is. She is being mentally and physically abused by another vampire, and Trixie wants Gage to do something about it. However, it is not customary for vampires to seek help outside their own species. Nevertheless, Gage decides to help his ex-damsel in distress, and enables Gage to learn more about the dangerous vampire underworld and Joe herself.
Not as good as the first prequel novella, which was more in-depth, but it still managed to pique my interest. Gage is an interesting and secretive fella, and I definitely want to know more about him, his friends and the world they inhabit. 3.75 stars.
Business is booming for Gage and his troll companion, Bronx. The novella begins with Gage hooking up with his ex-girlfriend/vampire Jo one night after a concert. Jo has another motive for meeting with Gage, she recommends Gage hire her good human friend Trixie for a job, and Gage reluctantly agrees to meet with her.
When Trixie shows up at the tattoo parlor, Gage realizes that Trixie isn't what she seems. She is hiding under a glamour. As it turns out, Trixie isn't really the one who needs help, Joe is. She is being mentally and physically abused by another vampire, and Trixie wants Gage to do something about it. However, it is not customary for vampires to seek help outside their own species. Nevertheless, Gage decides to help his ex-damsel in distress, and enables Gage to learn more about the dangerous vampire underworld and Joe herself.
Not as good as the first prequel novella, which was more in-depth, but it still managed to pique my interest. Gage is an interesting and secretive fella, and I definitely want to know more about him, his friends and the world they inhabit. 3.75 stars.
September 16, 2012
This is the second of two pre-qeul short stories for a new series. Like the first one, I was very pleaantly surprised by both the depth of the story and the world building as well as the well built personalities of the characters. Short stories can very easily fail to deliver on both of these points and they are often not as interesting as full length books for that reason. In this case however, Jocelynn Drake does an incredible job of building the story, the world, and the characters. She leaves the reader wanting to know more about the series and the characters. They have secrets and problems and in the case of Gage (the narrator for the two prequels) we know what that secret and problem are - we just don;t know how they are going to play out (though we are pretty clear that they will be central to the story line).
I don't often say that I am excited for a new series based on one or even two short story prequels, but in this case I am. I will most definitely be picking up the first book when it comes out next month and I have high hopes for the series. Strongly recommended.
I don't often say that I am excited for a new series based on one or even two short story prequels, but in this case I am. I will most definitely be picking up the first book when it comes out next month and I have high hopes for the series. Strongly recommended.
September 7, 2012
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
This novella served as an introduction into Gage's second new employee, Trixie. She seems very interesting as there is a whole lot of mystery surrounding her circumstances. Granted that means that we don't know a whole lot about her, but from what I can see she is very loyal, and has a pretty level head about her. I am intrigued about the attraction Gage seems to feel towards her, and I wonder if that will be going anywhere. I'm a big fan of romance, so of course I'm rooting for it, but only time will tell I suppose. On a slightly side note, I didn't really care for Jo at all, so I was incredibly glad that it was Trixie that would be working for Gage rather than Jo.
So in the end, just like the first prequel novella, Trixie's introduction only made me even more eager to dive into the first full installment in Jocelynn's new series. I seriously cannot wait, and I highly recommend these prequel novellas to help whet your appetite!
This novella served as an introduction into Gage's second new employee, Trixie. She seems very interesting as there is a whole lot of mystery surrounding her circumstances. Granted that means that we don't know a whole lot about her, but from what I can see she is very loyal, and has a pretty level head about her. I am intrigued about the attraction Gage seems to feel towards her, and I wonder if that will be going anywhere. I'm a big fan of romance, so of course I'm rooting for it, but only time will tell I suppose. On a slightly side note, I didn't really care for Jo at all, so I was incredibly glad that it was Trixie that would be working for Gage rather than Jo.
So in the end, just like the first prequel novella, Trixie's introduction only made me even more eager to dive into the first full installment in Jocelynn's new series. I seriously cannot wait, and I highly recommend these prequel novellas to help whet your appetite!
September 17, 2012
Gage is the owner of a tattoo parlor called Asylum. His business is running so good he can barely keep up but when his ex girlfriend Jo comes into town he decides to shut the parlor down for a night to go see her play in her band.
Jo has a favor to ask Gage. She wants to know if he would give her friend Trixie a job interview. Gage agrees and once he meets Trixie things start to get a little crazy. Trixie tells him that Jo needs rescuing from a master vampire and even though he would deny it Gage has a soft side, so he demands that Trixie let him help.
He finds himself submerged in secrets, vampires, magic and gargoyles. Let the fun begin. Poor Gage he is a great guy but he has nothing but bad luck.
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie and Bronx are great prequels to the first book Angel's Ink. I think it is nice to see how everyone gets to meet. Trixie and Bronx are pretty awesome in their own ways and I cant wait to read more about this trio!
Jo has a favor to ask Gage. She wants to know if he would give her friend Trixie a job interview. Gage agrees and once he meets Trixie things start to get a little crazy. Trixie tells him that Jo needs rescuing from a master vampire and even though he would deny it Gage has a soft side, so he demands that Trixie let him help.
He finds himself submerged in secrets, vampires, magic and gargoyles. Let the fun begin. Poor Gage he is a great guy but he has nothing but bad luck.
The Asylum Interviews: Trixie and Bronx are great prequels to the first book Angel's Ink. I think it is nice to see how everyone gets to meet. Trixie and Bronx are pretty awesome in their own ways and I cant wait to read more about this trio!
August 27, 2012
Things seem to be going well for Gage, his tattoo business is booming and his old girlfriend, Jo, is back in Low Town to ask a favor of him - Jo's friend, Trixie, is a tattoo artist in need of a job.
Gage, agrees to look at Trixie's portfolio, but things quickly when he finds out that his interviewee is less interested in landing a job, than she is in getting Jo out of her own sticky situation.
I'm not familiar with Drake's work, but I thought this was a great introduction for her new series The Asylum Tales, which will be about Gage's tattoo parlor. It peaked my interest and I am looking forward to finding out what the book has instore for me. Lucky for me, I've already got it to review!
Recommeded for fans of Vicki Pettersson's Signs of the Zodiac series and Charlaine Harris.
Gage, agrees to look at Trixie's portfolio, but things quickly when he finds out that his interviewee is less interested in landing a job, than she is in getting Jo out of her own sticky situation.
I'm not familiar with Drake's work, but I thought this was a great introduction for her new series The Asylum Tales, which will be about Gage's tattoo parlor. It peaked my interest and I am looking forward to finding out what the book has instore for me. Lucky for me, I've already got it to review!
Recommeded for fans of Vicki Pettersson's Signs of the Zodiac series and Charlaine Harris.
September 21, 2012
Loved it!
This story was more about Gage, his ex and the vamps than about Trixie, but it was still good. I have a feeling these three (Gage, Bronx and Trixie) are setting out on an incredible journey, full of action and adventure. I'm really looking forward to this series!
As a side note, these two novellas reminded me of the beginning of The Hollows series, when Rachel, Jenks and Ivy began working together and started their own crazy adventure... When they had weird things to deal with on their own, but they gathered their forces and made a badass team... That made me feel a bit melancholic, considering that the series is getting close to the end... But that's kind of irrelevant here.LOL Here's hoping this series is going to be just as good and successful!
-Review to come soon-
This story was more about Gage, his ex and the vamps than about Trixie, but it was still good. I have a feeling these three (Gage, Bronx and Trixie) are setting out on an incredible journey, full of action and adventure. I'm really looking forward to this series!
As a side note, these two novellas reminded me of the beginning of The Hollows series, when Rachel, Jenks and Ivy began working together and started their own crazy adventure... When they had weird things to deal with on their own, but they gathered their forces and made a badass team... That made me feel a bit melancholic, considering that the series is getting close to the end... But that's kind of irrelevant here.LOL Here's hoping this series is going to be just as good and successful!
-Review to come soon-
October 1, 2012
I picked this up because it was cheap and sounded interesting. I'm fairly sure it was an ad on Smart Bitches, but it might have been FB, unsure. This short story and it's companion "Bronx" are introductions to this series by Jocelynn Drake. I haven't read her other books, so I don't know if it resembles the Dark Days series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this method of introduction, learning bits and pieces about Gage, the tattoo artist/ex-sorcerer-in-hiding and his new friend/employee Trixie, who is an elf. These two short stories allow enough world-building, backstory and character introduction that I'm very interested in reading the actual first book "Angel's Ink" when it is released in two weeks. There were no glaring continuity or editorial errors, and the story flowed smoothly.
I'll definitely buy "Angel's Ink" when it is released, and may also look into the Dark Days series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this method of introduction, learning bits and pieces about Gage, the tattoo artist/ex-sorcerer-in-hiding and his new friend/employee Trixie, who is an elf. These two short stories allow enough world-building, backstory and character introduction that I'm very interested in reading the actual first book "Angel's Ink" when it is released in two weeks. There were no glaring continuity or editorial errors, and the story flowed smoothly.
I'll definitely buy "Angel's Ink" when it is released, and may also look into the Dark Days series.
October 1, 2014
I'm starting to really like the Low Town world. I loved the interaction between Gage and Bronx, but I wish there had been more Trixie, especially since this is kind of her introduction to the boys. (She is, after all, introduced to the reader in Angel's Ink). I did like how she isn't your typical damsel in distress, though. :) Overall, I wish there had been more Trixie/Gage interaction as opposed to Jo/Gage, but it was an interesting story with zero static characters!
November 18, 2012
These short prequels are definitely making me excited to get to Angel's Ink. I love Gage's character. He tries to be an ass, but deep down he is really a great guy. He is a great friend and tries to do what he can to help his friends out and keep them safe. It definitely seems like he, Bronx, and Trixie are going to get along well (for the most part), keep each other in line, and have some interesting times together.
All in all, I'm loving the series and cannot wait to read Angel's Ink and see what's in store for these guys. :)
November 9, 2012
These short stories are doing a great job of getting me to want to read the first full length book. Gage intrigues me because as much as he tries to be an ass, he is really a good guy, while Bronx is a great side kick. The world that the story line is in is a fun one.
With this book we see more of the world. How the vampires work is interesting as is Jo's response to what is going on with her. I have a feeling there is more going on with Trixie.
I can't wait to get my hands on Angel's Ink.
With this book we see more of the world. How the vampires work is interesting as is Jo's response to what is going on with her. I have a feeling there is more going on with Trixie.
I can't wait to get my hands on Angel's Ink.
April 28, 2013
I really enjoyed these two short stories that set up the world and characters for the full length novel Angel's Ink. I really like when all the supernatural races are combined in Drakes's world. Demons, fairies, elves, vamps, trolls and warlocks are all found here. The new spin on this series is the main character is a tattoo artist and not only does he ink his clients, he can also spin potions that can also be inked. These two short stories introduced Bronx and Trixie also tattoo artists who come to work for him.
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