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The Witch Hunters Short Story #1
Foul is Fair
Sam would prefer to stay concealed amongst the nobodies. She’s a witch with a dodgy past hiding in the insurance claim industry. When a high profile politician is threatened with having his Community position as a vampire exposed, she couldn’t care less.
Sadly her boss forces her on baby-sitting duty and she unwittingly attracts the attention of a witch-hunter. While trying to protect her confidential client’s secret identity she also has to fight her attraction to the pyromaniac hunter like a suicidal moth.
An urban fantasy short story of approx 2,500 words set in London with British spellings.
Sadly her boss forces her on baby-sitting duty and she unwittingly attracts the attention of a witch-hunter. While trying to protect her confidential client’s secret identity she also has to fight her attraction to the pyromaniac hunter like a suicidal moth.
An urban fantasy short story of approx 2,500 words set in London with British spellings.
9 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2012
12 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Chantal Halpin
2 books31 followersChantal Halpin lives in the South West of England with her husband, two kids and their smelly rescue dog, Keira. She mostly writes urban fantasy and loves anything fanged, fae, witchy or shifty. She is currently working on The Witch Hunter series which includes both urban fantasy and young adult stories.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 26, 2012
This was a charming little short story. Sam isn't a witch like any other I've read before. Her abilities manifest themselves in a very physical way. I just know there's a backstory there and I'd love to read about it! (Loved the tap on the lip, too!)
The insurance spin is unique - I've read a ton of stories where the main character is a Private Investigator, and I do love that genre. But the insurance investigator/agent spin is not something I've seen before and I'd like to learn more about Sam's job and her crazy clients.
Will I buy a Witch Hunter novel should one come out - YES!
4 stars.
A disclaimer: Chantal has been an online message board buddy of mine for...gosh I think it's been a couple years now. So I'm biased. :)
Having said that, if I hadn't enjoyed this story I'd keep quiet and do my best to avoid the resulting awkwardness. Yes, I can be a shit! Luckily I don't have to do that because I honestly think this was pretty darned cool.
The insurance spin is unique - I've read a ton of stories where the main character is a Private Investigator, and I do love that genre. But the insurance investigator/agent spin is not something I've seen before and I'd like to learn more about Sam's job and her crazy clients.
Will I buy a Witch Hunter novel should one come out - YES!
4 stars.
A disclaimer: Chantal has been an online message board buddy of mine for...gosh I think it's been a couple years now. So I'm biased. :)
Having said that, if I hadn't enjoyed this story I'd keep quiet and do my best to avoid the resulting awkwardness. Yes, I can be a shit! Luckily I don't have to do that because I honestly think this was pretty darned cool.
September 2, 2012
*blink* Wait? Where's the rest of it? Grumble grumble. My friend, Chantal sent me a little note about a new book. I didn't pay too close attention to the recommendation and just added it to my unwieldy to be read shelf. It is Urban Fantasy and it's about a witch who works as a claim agent of some kind.
This short story moves very fast and when it's over, I'm wanting more. Sam is a witch who lives on the fringes. We don't know exactly why, but she wants to say under the radar. This story reminds me of early Kim Harrison. I loved early Ms. Harrison. This story a teaser for the series to come. I'm excited. The bit of world building is already intriguing to me and I'm already liking Sam. I want to learn more about these hunters too. This short story is written very tight and if this is what I have to look forward to, I can't wait to read a full length book.
The surprise to me is when I took a closer look at the author name, I realize, the author's name has the same name as my friend. I look a little closer and smack my hand to my forehead...it's my friend. I go back to search for the recommendation notification she sent and read the message attached. Yes, there are times when I'm oblivious. *chagrin* This story is a 3.5 star for me. I recommend it to those who enjoy The Hollows series by Ms. Harrison. Ms. Halpin is an up and coming author to watch.
This short story moves very fast and when it's over, I'm wanting more. Sam is a witch who lives on the fringes. We don't know exactly why, but she wants to say under the radar. This story reminds me of early Kim Harrison. I loved early Ms. Harrison. This story a teaser for the series to come. I'm excited. The bit of world building is already intriguing to me and I'm already liking Sam. I want to learn more about these hunters too. This short story is written very tight and if this is what I have to look forward to, I can't wait to read a full length book.
The surprise to me is when I took a closer look at the author name, I realize, the author's name has the same name as my friend. I look a little closer and smack my hand to my forehead...it's my friend. I go back to search for the recommendation notification she sent and read the message attached. Yes, there are times when I'm oblivious. *chagrin* This story is a 3.5 star for me. I recommend it to those who enjoy The Hollows series by Ms. Harrison. Ms. Halpin is an up and coming author to watch.
August 30, 2012
I discovered this short story because of an Ilona Andrews blog post. It's an interesting introduction to a world I WANT to see more of.
Witches, vampires, seductive and dangerous witch-hunters, and a hidden supernatural world that is doing all it can to stay under the human radar - despite having so many vampires as bigwig politicians.
I'm intrigued by the main character, Sam. She tells us she's not the best witch of the bunch, that she struggles with spells - which could only mean trouble in the future - but she's got incredible strength (physically) and seems pretty kickass. I liked her a lot!
I'll be keeping an eye out for more from Chantal Halpin!
4/5 stars
Witches, vampires, seductive and dangerous witch-hunters, and a hidden supernatural world that is doing all it can to stay under the human radar - despite having so many vampires as bigwig politicians.
I'm intrigued by the main character, Sam. She tells us she's not the best witch of the bunch, that she struggles with spells - which could only mean trouble in the future - but she's got incredible strength (physically) and seems pretty kickass. I liked her a lot!
I'll be keeping an eye out for more from Chantal Halpin!
4/5 stars
August 22, 2012
Politicians who are more than they appear to be, sneaky tabloid journalists, and a sexy latino witch-hunter are just some of the people Sam, a London-based witch, encounters in this fun little story.
Written in first-person, the character of Sam, who narrates the story, has a unique voice. She's quite the witty lass!
I'm really hoping Halpin writes more Sam stories in the future.
Written in first-person, the character of Sam, who narrates the story, has a unique voice. She's quite the witty lass!
I'm really hoping Halpin writes more Sam stories in the future.
July 11, 2015
Very short, Interesting. It didn't totally grab me as something that I really needed to pick up this offer, but wasn't bad to the point where I wouldn't pick up this author either. I have to say it was good at not being completely rushed for how very short this short story was.
August 30, 2012
A short novella introducing us to the character Samhain or Sam. It's set in London where Sam works as an insurance claims investigator. Her boss, who also some times works for the 'Community' talked her into shadowing a gay, vampire politician who is apparently being threatened by a blackmailer.
Sam is a witch and an unusual one at that. Her magical powers are weak and she's pretty low on the pecking order.
This is too short a story for me to tell if I really liked her, but given the chance I think I could. The least likeable and realistic character in this novella was the witch-hunter/potential love interest. The descriptions given, the dialogues exchanged, the actions depicted - all this was perfectly adequate where Sam was concerned, I could picture her just fine in my head, but the guy came across as slightly dumb, incompetent and overbearing; someone who might have been a passable secondary character, if the author had intended him to be smacked down by Sam for sexism.
I couldn't picture him as the hero, you know? The only reason to even consider that he might be nominated for that position is that the heroine spent a lot of time telling us about his Latino sexiness.
But I would definitely read a full length novella with Sam as the heroine, not the least because (unlike most UF girls) this witch is 'as strong as a terminator'. Now how often do you find that?
=D
Sam is a witch and an unusual one at that. Her magical powers are weak and she's pretty low on the pecking order.
This is too short a story for me to tell if I really liked her, but given the chance I think I could. The least likeable and realistic character in this novella was the witch-hunter/potential love interest. The descriptions given, the dialogues exchanged, the actions depicted - all this was perfectly adequate where Sam was concerned, I could picture her just fine in my head, but the guy came across as slightly dumb, incompetent and overbearing; someone who might have been a passable secondary character, if the author had intended him to be smacked down by Sam for sexism.
I couldn't picture him as the hero, you know? The only reason to even consider that he might be nominated for that position is that the heroine spent a lot of time telling us about his Latino sexiness.
But I would definitely read a full length novella with Sam as the heroine, not the least because (unlike most UF girls) this witch is 'as strong as a terminator'. Now how often do you find that?
=D
August 31, 2012
Probably like other people who may have read this story, I came across it by Ilona Andrews. The story is only 9 pages long but it gives an interesting sneak peek into Halpin's world that she's creating.
Sam is neat that she doesn't follow other UF females-she's not a powerful witch but she's "as strong as the Terminator." The love interest Desi I don't have an opinion about him one way or the other.
I think if another story was released, I would read that one too. I just hope that it would be longer.
Sam is neat that she doesn't follow other UF females-she's not a powerful witch but she's "as strong as the Terminator." The love interest Desi I don't have an opinion about him one way or the other.
I think if another story was released, I would read that one too. I just hope that it would be longer.
August 30, 2012
Great taster story which has left me wanting more tales of Sam. She's a gutsy character, the voice comes across very strong.
The story is very pacy and that makes for a thrilling read. The action starts right away and doesn't let up until the end. The resolution is clever.
The addition of the witch-hunter character adds another layer to the story. Wish it was longer as these two characters have a great (if dangerous) vibe.
More please!
The story is very pacy and that makes for a thrilling read. The action starts right away and doesn't let up until the end. The resolution is clever.
The addition of the witch-hunter character adds another layer to the story. Wish it was longer as these two characters have a great (if dangerous) vibe.
More please!
May 21, 2013
I found Chantal Halpin through GoodReads, and I have to say I'm encouraged that I'm finding good authors using this service. I really enjoyed the glimpse of the universe she's created in this story, and really would love to know more about vampires and her world and how magic there works. The witch hunters are intriguing as well! I liked this story a lot and will be seeking out more by Chantal Halpin in the future.
September 5, 2012
I don't always go crazy for short stories. I have very few complaints about this book save for the length. It's short even for a short.
The writing was clever & witty. Found myself instantly liking Sam & wanting to know more about her. Can I just say that a lot of action was crammed into this. Wow. Some high profile writers should take notes. I do hope this is simply a prelude.?
The writing was clever & witty. Found myself instantly liking Sam & wanting to know more about her. Can I just say that a lot of action was crammed into this. Wow. Some high profile writers should take notes. I do hope this is simply a prelude.?
August 31, 2012
I really enjoyed this short story. There are some great turns of phrase in here, and the writing is vivid, drawing the reader in. My favourite sentence was: 'My hearing was grateful.' - gave me a good chuckle. Sam certainly had a fabulous sense of humour. I look forward to reading more.
September 11, 2012
A tasty little morsel into the world of witches, vamps, and hunters. A brilliant short story (where I truly hope Chantal Halpin expands into a full length) the reader is given just a sampling of something more, something bigger, something...wow! I can't wait to read more from this writer.
August 31, 2012
I found this story interesting, would definitely like to read more about these characters and see how the story continues.
February 22, 2013
Lots of fun. I can hardly wait for Chantal to write more books . . . Please!
September 18, 2012
An enjoyable read, Chantal takes us into a world of urban fantasy that reminds me of a cross between The Dresden Files and the anime series Witch Hunter Robin. She paints her scenes very well and immerses you into the events as they unfold for the believable characters she has created. I look forward to reading more from her!
April 15, 2013
I'm not sure what I expected from this prequel, but I was disappointed with it.
I was surprised how short it was (yes I know it's a prequel!). The characters weren't described enough and the overall plot was a bit weak.
Having said that, I did enjoy it and hope the following instalments are a lot better.
I was surprised how short it was (yes I know it's a prequel!). The characters weren't described enough and the overall plot was a bit weak.
Having said that, I did enjoy it and hope the following instalments are a lot better.
August 31, 2012
This is a well-written pacy short story. I liked the way the main female character was feisty with crisp dialogue. There is plenty of scope for further action - keep at it Ms Halpin, you're doing well.
September 2, 2012
2.75
I might read it if it was expanded into a true story, however I couldn't enjoy it too much with only 9 pages. I thought her writing was good though but the characters were so/so with not much to remember about them.
I might read it if it was expanded into a true story, however I couldn't enjoy it too much with only 9 pages. I thought her writing was good though but the characters were so/so with not much to remember about them.
September 2, 2012
It was ok. I'm sure there is potential ther for a decent series. Unfortunately there wasnt much there for me to distinguish it from some of th other UF/PNR series. I will definitely keep an eye out for the next full length novel.
October 6, 2013
Halpin has kindly made the Witch Hunters short stories available at no charge. I highly recommend urban fantasy lovers take advantage of her generosity. Both Foul s Fair and the Brinded Cat are great stories. I cannot wait for Sam to get a book!
November 7, 2015
What I liked:
the tone of the story-has the makings of a good UF novel.
What I didn't like:
Since this was a novella, I required some backstory or a little bit of world-building to ease me into this world. There was none.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2012
2.5*
Not enough of a story but the world building seems very interesting.
Not enough of a story but the world building seems very interesting.
August 31, 2012
A great freebie, but too short. More please Chantal!
August 31, 2012
Love it love it LOVE IT!! More please . . . NOW!!!!
October 24, 2012
Disjointed fluff. Just because it's a short work doesn't mean it has to lack substance.
June 30, 2014
Didn't really read like a short story. More like the first 10 pages of a novel. Leaves you feeling "And..?"
March 16, 2014
it was ok
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews