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Nikki Glass #2.5
Pros and Cons
An original eNovella in the acclaimed Nikki Glass urban fantasy series, taking place between the events of the novels Deadly Descendant and Rogue Descendant.As a living descendant of Artemis the Huntress, private investigator Nikki Glass knows how to track someone down—but this time, her latest case leads to unexpected revelations of lies and betrayal...
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2013
15 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Black
43 books2,507 followersJenna Black is your typical writer. Which means she's an "experience junkie." She got her BA in physical anthropology and French from Duke University.
Once upon a time, she dreamed she would be the next Jane Goodall, camping in the bush making fabulous discoveries about primate behavior. Then, during her senior year at Duke, she did some actual research in the field and made this shocking discovery: primates spend something like 80% of their time doing such exciting things as sleeping and eating.
Concluding that this discovery was her life's work in the field of primatology, she then moved on to such varied pastimes as grooming dogs and writing technical documentation. She writes paranormal romance for Tor and urban fantasy for Bantam Dell.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jennab...
Once upon a time, she dreamed she would be the next Jane Goodall, camping in the bush making fabulous discoveries about primate behavior. Then, during her senior year at Duke, she did some actual research in the field and made this shocking discovery: primates spend something like 80% of their time doing such exciting things as sleeping and eating.
Concluding that this discovery was her life's work in the field of primatology, she then moved on to such varied pastimes as grooming dogs and writing technical documentation. She writes paranormal romance for Tor and urban fantasy for Bantam Dell.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jennab...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 26, 2013
Pros and Cons is a novella set in Jenna Black’s Descendant series. If you haven’t read her series before, this might be a good place to start, although I did have some frustrations with the novella itself. Nikki Glass is a private investigator as well as a new member of the Liberi, a group of immortal descendants from ancient gods. Nikki is hired by a woman, Heather Fellowes, to track down a man she met in a bar. Nikki has a feeling that she’s being lied to about why Heather wants to track him down, but she accepts the case readily enough and goes to work on tracking down “Doug” from the bar.
The more Nikki delves into the investigation, the more she becomes aware that Heather lied and the woman who is playing the part of the possibly expectant mother is nothing more than a con artist that likes to set up men and blackmail them for easy money. I won’t recap the whole story, but a big part of my irritation with this novella is that it’s talk, talk, talk and wait, more talk! I have no doubt that realistically, a big portion of a PI’s job is nothing more than tracking down leads and talking to everyone involved, whether they have a starring role or not. But it doesn’t make for a very exciting read. I recall at 50% into the book wondering when anything but yakking was going to take place. There are vague references to Anderson, the leader of the Liberi, and events that took place in Deadly Descendent, the 2nd book in the Nikki Glass series.
I don’t think this novella does any justice to the series if I’m being frank. The lack of action, the lack of interaction with Nikki’s love interest, her sister, the rest of the Liberi, left me rather cold and wondering what the entire point of the novella was. In the later part of the novella, one of Nikki’s cohorts, Jack, a descendant of the god Loki, makes an appearance to help her catch the bad guy, but for me, it was too little, too late. Typically, the Nikki Glass series has action, humor, a bit of romance, and unfortunately, this novella was missing all three.
- Ronnie
The more Nikki delves into the investigation, the more she becomes aware that Heather lied and the woman who is playing the part of the possibly expectant mother is nothing more than a con artist that likes to set up men and blackmail them for easy money. I won’t recap the whole story, but a big part of my irritation with this novella is that it’s talk, talk, talk and wait, more talk! I have no doubt that realistically, a big portion of a PI’s job is nothing more than tracking down leads and talking to everyone involved, whether they have a starring role or not. But it doesn’t make for a very exciting read. I recall at 50% into the book wondering when anything but yakking was going to take place. There are vague references to Anderson, the leader of the Liberi, and events that took place in Deadly Descendent, the 2nd book in the Nikki Glass series.
I don’t think this novella does any justice to the series if I’m being frank. The lack of action, the lack of interaction with Nikki’s love interest, her sister, the rest of the Liberi, left me rather cold and wondering what the entire point of the novella was. In the later part of the novella, one of Nikki’s cohorts, Jack, a descendant of the god Loki, makes an appearance to help her catch the bad guy, but for me, it was too little, too late. Typically, the Nikki Glass series has action, humor, a bit of romance, and unfortunately, this novella was missing all three.
- Ronnie
February 26, 2013
A short story set in the Nikki Glass series, Pros and Cons is a nice way to wait for book #3. I loved that Nikki is back to her job as PI and the plot is somewhat free of the politics of the Liberi. Even in such a short space Ms Black packed everything that makes this series interesting: a touch of mystery and lots of grey areas. here as there Nikki is on her own and can trust nobody, less of all her allies.
January 21, 2013
Originally Posted on Confessions of an Opinionated Book Geek
After the events of “Deadly Descendant,” Nikki Glass is hiding. Not from her enemies, the Olympians, but from her boss Anderson. Nikki knows that Anderson will want her to use her Liberi skills up help him find and kill his enemy and so she is doing her best to avoid him. Avoidance leads her into taking a virtually unsolvable case. Heather is searching for someone, but the only information she has is his first name, where she met him and a description. Not nearly enough for a normal PI, but luckily Nikki is a descendant of and can locate almost anyone.
I picked up this novella, because I love Nikki Glass. The third book comes out in April and I am literally chomping at the bit to have it in my hands! When I saw that the publisher was offering up for review I immediately pounced. I needed my Nikki fix and I needed it now!
Here’s thing thing about being a fan of a series. It is not just the Heroine or hero that keeps you coming back book after book. It is also their love interest and their best friend. It’s their super smart hacker co-worker and the guy they sit next to at the office who fills pages with witty banter. That is what is missing from pros and cons and it is also the main reason I usually like to skip novellas and short stories. I was already half way through the book when I began to seriously miss Anderson, Maggie, and Jamaal. The book has Nikki being her normal PI skills, but it is missing the relationships that keep the series together.
Needless to say, I did not get my Nikki Fix. The novella is enjoyable, is easy to read and is really smart with lots of twists, but it missed elements that I crave from the series. Jack does show up in the last third of the book with his usual humor and mischief, which I really enjoyed.
“Pros and Cons” is one of the most aptly named books I have ever read. When the secrets of the story are revealed I literally thought OF COURSE! It is such an innocent play on words and Jenna Black does a great job of making her story live up to its title.
It is a short book, but it is filled with intrigue, mystery and an investigation you’ll be trying to solve in your head. “Pros and Cons” ends with an action pack, but ridiculous action scene it will have you shaking your head in bemused amusement.
The important thing is that it reminded me that I really love this series and filled me with even more excitement!
Recommended for fans of the Nikki Glass series and anyone who likes a quick test before committing to a novel/series. This book has enough of a hint without revealing major plot points from the series.
Release Date: February. 25, 2013
**ARC from Edelweiss and Pocketbooks
February 12, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
Pros and Cons takes place after Deadly Descendant, which is book 2 in the Nikki Glass series, and shows Nikki taking a case in the hopes that keeping busy will allow her to avoid Anderson just a little bit longer. When she thought she was taking a simple case of finding a man about to be a daddy, she soon learns that the woman who hired her has done nothing but lied about the nature of the case. As her investigation takes her deeper into the lives of a scam artist, she starts to uncover things far more dangerous than she may be able to handle.
I loved that we got to see Nikki actually doing her job as a PI for a ‘normal’ case instead of one for the Liberi, but I felt that I missed the paranormal aspect of the story. Granted, we do get to see more of Jack, the descendant of Loki (love Loki!), who’s a trickster at heart and I feel like Nikki has become closer to her Liberi family now since Jack and Leo were so willing to help her. The only drawback I had was that I had already anticipated the way Nikki’s case would turn out; how her client lied to her and all the shady busy the lady was involved with, etc.
Overall, I really enjoyed this short read. It doesn’t progress the series but I liked getting a snapshot of what Nikki would be like when it doesn’t involve immortal danger. As a side note, readers should be aware that this story is solely about the case Nikki has taken so there is no Jamaal, Anderson or really anything to do with the Liberi except those that help her solve her case.
Pros and Cons takes place after Deadly Descendant, which is book 2 in the Nikki Glass series, and shows Nikki taking a case in the hopes that keeping busy will allow her to avoid Anderson just a little bit longer. When she thought she was taking a simple case of finding a man about to be a daddy, she soon learns that the woman who hired her has done nothing but lied about the nature of the case. As her investigation takes her deeper into the lives of a scam artist, she starts to uncover things far more dangerous than she may be able to handle.
I loved that we got to see Nikki actually doing her job as a PI for a ‘normal’ case instead of one for the Liberi, but I felt that I missed the paranormal aspect of the story. Granted, we do get to see more of Jack, the descendant of Loki (love Loki!), who’s a trickster at heart and I feel like Nikki has become closer to her Liberi family now since Jack and Leo were so willing to help her. The only drawback I had was that I had already anticipated the way Nikki’s case would turn out; how her client lied to her and all the shady busy the lady was involved with, etc.
Overall, I really enjoyed this short read. It doesn’t progress the series but I liked getting a snapshot of what Nikki would be like when it doesn’t involve immortal danger. As a side note, readers should be aware that this story is solely about the case Nikki has taken so there is no Jamaal, Anderson or really anything to do with the Liberi except those that help her solve her case.
March 27, 2013
PROS & CONS Skillful, Short and Fun
Original Post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
With a ROGUE DESCENDANT, the third book in the series being released in a few days, it's apparent that this e-novella is intended as an appetizer. As such it hits the spot as a satisfying but not filling amuse bouche..
I haven't read the first two books in the series, but that didn't stop me from enjoying or catching onto this short piece. I liked Nikki -- she's at once tough and vulnerable, and not quite comfortable with her role as an immortal huntress. Of course the modern guise of an immortal huntress is a P. I. and that's what Nikki does.
I was at a workshop yesterday where the speaker pointed out how hard it is to introduce characters, a constructed world, a plot, and get the audience sympathetic to the main character(s) in a short story or novella. I have to agree with the speaker and then say that here, Jenna does a good job. By using the first person for Nikki, telling a bit about her history within the context of this story, she immediately makes Nikki fair, noble, and likeable. She also makes her imperfect.
The client in the story immediately rang untrue to me. By doing this, Black gives us an insight not immediately apparent to Nikki. She gives us one up on her own character which made me feel a ntuitive and "right." This further helps be identify with Nikki and absorb me into her world.
This is a skillful created short story that I really enjoyed. It was a quick read that gave me a taste of Jenna's writing and made me interested in the series. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Original Post: http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
With a ROGUE DESCENDANT, the third book in the series being released in a few days, it's apparent that this e-novella is intended as an appetizer. As such it hits the spot as a satisfying but not filling amuse bouche..
I haven't read the first two books in the series, but that didn't stop me from enjoying or catching onto this short piece. I liked Nikki -- she's at once tough and vulnerable, and not quite comfortable with her role as an immortal huntress. Of course the modern guise of an immortal huntress is a P. I. and that's what Nikki does.
I was at a workshop yesterday where the speaker pointed out how hard it is to introduce characters, a constructed world, a plot, and get the audience sympathetic to the main character(s) in a short story or novella. I have to agree with the speaker and then say that here, Jenna does a good job. By using the first person for Nikki, telling a bit about her history within the context of this story, she immediately makes Nikki fair, noble, and likeable. She also makes her imperfect.
The client in the story immediately rang untrue to me. By doing this, Black gives us an insight not immediately apparent to Nikki. She gives us one up on her own character which made me feel a ntuitive and "right." This further helps be identify with Nikki and absorb me into her world.
This is a skillful created short story that I really enjoyed. It was a quick read that gave me a taste of Jenna's writing and made me interested in the series. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 4, 2013
3.5 stars- PI and descendant of the goddess of the Hunt, Nikki is trying to avoid Anderson and takes a case from a student trying to find the one night stand father of her child to be. Armed with only a first name it's going to take all of Nikki's super mojo to track down the guy - but as she starts getting closer to finding the mysterious man, Nikki also finds out that her client may have not been entirely truthful about the reason behind the hunt.
This was a quick and fun little carve out from Black's Nikki Glass series. It was great to see Nikki at work, there isn't a lot of her fellow Liberi in this one but she does get some help from the tricksy Jack - he's alway pesky fun, and in a weak moment we get a glimpse behind the joker.
So I enjoyed this short touch up with Nikki and am looking forward to more from her and her fellow descendant of gods, in Rogue Descendant (which is on my list to read this weekend.)
This was a quick and fun little carve out from Black's Nikki Glass series. It was great to see Nikki at work, there isn't a lot of her fellow Liberi in this one but she does get some help from the tricksy Jack - he's alway pesky fun, and in a weak moment we get a glimpse behind the joker.
So I enjoyed this short touch up with Nikki and am looking forward to more from her and her fellow descendant of gods, in Rogue Descendant (which is on my list to read this weekend.)
April 5, 2013
If you have not read any of the books in the Nikki Glass series it probably isn't to your benefit to jump in here. PROS and CONS is a short story taking place between book 2 DEADLY DESCENDANT and book 3 ROGUE DESCENDANT. Even though she planned not to take on any more PI cases for now when Heather calls she feels inclined to work it anyways. Nothing about the case is what it seems and the client is in way over her head.
I'm so used to action, action, and more action when it comes to Nikki Glass that I was surprised there wasn't any in here. It was however a nice little mystery and moved a nice fast pace. I missed having most of the gang with her but Jack made an appearance and as usual he livened it up a little at the end. Like with some eNovellas I could have gone on in the series without reading it but it was still a nice look into Nikki's life and world.
I gave it 3/5 stars
I'm so used to action, action, and more action when it comes to Nikki Glass that I was surprised there wasn't any in here. It was however a nice little mystery and moved a nice fast pace. I missed having most of the gang with her but Jack made an appearance and as usual he livened it up a little at the end. Like with some eNovellas I could have gone on in the series without reading it but it was still a nice look into Nikki's life and world.
I gave it 3/5 stars
February 24, 2020
A quick and short novella. It didn’t have anything to do with the Liberi or on going series. It was a good quick read. As the synopsis states, “Nikki is a P.I. and she has taken a job working with a mundane human. The job isn’t as it seems. Nikki has to call upon Jack (only for a quick pop in/ pop out of the story). Overall, 2 stars because it’s a good read/ interesting premise. Just not a great read. I truly wish the author would make the series more action packed. This had no action whatsoever.
What’s disappointing is the lack in character growth. We are 2.5 books in, and Nikki is still confused? And is still not sure about herself. That’s what’s frustrating to me at this point. Will I continue reading the series? Maybe? But this did not give me the push I was hoping for to continue.
What’s disappointing is the lack in character growth. We are 2.5 books in, and Nikki is still confused? And is still not sure about herself. That’s what’s frustrating to me at this point. Will I continue reading the series? Maybe? But this did not give me the push I was hoping for to continue.
June 9, 2013
Shape-shifters, blackmail, guns and a few drinks - what more could you ask for in Book #2.5 of the Nikki Glass series?!
June 26, 2017
This was a nice, short, P.I., story. Had almost nothing to do with the 'Descendants' series; although Nikki does get Jack (Loki's Descendant) to help her. Nikki takes a case when someone calls her almost abandoned P.I. business, kind of just to keep in practice. After she figures out what the 'real' case is, (because, clients never tell the whole story right away) she comes up with a good plan. Then she asks Jack for his help; and, being a descendant of Loki, the Trickster god, things go a bit differently than she had expected. This doesn't take much time to read, maybe 1-3 hrs., depending on how fast you read.
April 22, 2022
This was a fun novella and it was nice to see Nikki just do what she’s supposed to be best at and just solve a “normal” case. It definitely felt a bit disjointed from the rest of the series and I’m starting to get annoyed with Nikki and her moral high ground, but mostly because she picks and chooses when to stick to them and isn’t consistent. She’s accepted her place in the world and she knows what that entails and I’m sick of her internal monologue over it. But overall it’s still an enjoyable series.
February 13, 2017
I enjoyed the mystery and then how it resolves totally different than she plans. I wish she would do more in this series that are like this instead of being bogged down with Olympians and Anderson's God issues.
February 25, 2022
Nikkei to the Rescue
When Nikki becomes involved with a couple of clients who are a good deal less than honest, she must find a way to save their lives. The results of her efforts are unusual because she gets help from Jack, a descendant of the trickster God, Loki. A good read for anyone that likes the Nikki Glass novels.
When Nikki becomes involved with a couple of clients who are a good deal less than honest, she must find a way to save their lives. The results of her efforts are unusual because she gets help from Jack, a descendant of the trickster God, Loki. A good read for anyone that likes the Nikki Glass novels.
October 4, 2017
A good short story that actually felt like a step up from the second full length novel. It gave us a good look inside our main character's head without some of the irritations from the previous book screwing up the narrative.
December 10, 2023
I really enjoy this series, though I thought this short story was a little lacking. I guess I missed the rest of Liberi. I do like Jack, but I want to see more of Jamaal. It was good to tide me over and bring me back into this world before the next book comes out at the end of this month.
March 31, 2019
It was good to see Nikki actually be a PI, but this book was kind of unnecessary
December 21, 2024
Not bad, but it was a little boring. I did like parts where Jack was involved though-doing typical Jack shenanigans-he makes it interesting and fun.
March 11, 2019
A novella in the Nikki Glass series. Nikki takes a case to try to avoid what she knows Anderson wants of her, but finds it's more complicated than she expected--in that her client could meet a grisly end.
March 16, 2017
Loved this short, a great addition to the series. I didn't catch onto the
title till I was in the novella.
title till I was in the novella.
June 14, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.
Quick & Dirty: Nikki Glass is no regular private investigator. Instead she is a descendant of the goddess Artemis. She uses the gifts she receives as a descendant to help her clients solve their cases. Will her gifts uncover more than what is being asked of her in her latest case?
Opening Sentence: Playing hide and seek is fun when you’re a kid.
The Review:
Nikki Glass is a decedant of the goddess Artemis. As such she uses her powers for good and helps others as a private investigator. During Nikki’s latest case nothing seems to add up. It is up to Nikki to get to the truth and protect her client’s life in this novella by Jenna Black. I thought this was a good story but it was too short for me and seemed a bit dry. I enjoyed the plot line and the story itself but it just needed something big to make an impact. There was no scene where I went — wow I’ll remember this scene for a while. Nevertheless, it was still a well written and worthwhile book.
Nikki Glass is a short, delicate looking woman but behind her looks is a strong, independent, and kind woman. Her mother abandoned her when she was young, but instead of giving up, it pushed her to become something more. She has powers that she received from her ancestor, Artemis. Many people would abuse these powers or use them for selfish reasons, not Nikki. Instead, Nikki uses her powers to solve cases. I liked Nikki. She sticks up for her clients even when they are not always the greatest people but, at the same time she makes sure they do not get away with crimes.
I was not a big fan of Heather, the client from the beginning. Jenna Black did a wonderful job making you know that something was off about her and to not trust her. Heather was the type of woman who had a hard childhood and thought that because of this fact she could do whatever she wanted and blame it on her childhood. Also, she knows she is good looking and uses her looks to hurt people.
Jenna Black wrote the story so well that one moment you hate those who are in the wrong and then in the next minute you are thinking, well that is a bit harsh and you want to help protect them. This is how I felt about Heather and Doug. I wanted to see justice done but I think that what was planned for them may have been a bit extreme. Thankfully for these two they have Nikki on their side, and she will do whatever she can to see that justice is served the right way.
I have never read the full length books in the Immortal Huntress series but would give them a try after reading this. For many this book is good because it is short and very easy to follow. For others like myself there was not enough plot twists or other things that made this a must read over and over again type book. Either way it is worth reading at least once.
Notable Scene:
“My first thought was to use Heather and Doug as bait and try and lure Fowler into doing something incriminating that I could catch on video.”
Jack snorted and rolled his eyes. “Oh brilliant!” he said. “Because this Fowler guy is likely to come after tweedledum and tweedledumber personally.” It’s not like he might, you know, send one of his hit-man buddies to take care of the problem for him.”
FTC Advisory: Pocket Star/Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of Pros and Cons. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Nikki Glass is no regular private investigator. Instead she is a descendant of the goddess Artemis. She uses the gifts she receives as a descendant to help her clients solve their cases. Will her gifts uncover more than what is being asked of her in her latest case?
Opening Sentence: Playing hide and seek is fun when you’re a kid.
The Review:
Nikki Glass is a decedant of the goddess Artemis. As such she uses her powers for good and helps others as a private investigator. During Nikki’s latest case nothing seems to add up. It is up to Nikki to get to the truth and protect her client’s life in this novella by Jenna Black. I thought this was a good story but it was too short for me and seemed a bit dry. I enjoyed the plot line and the story itself but it just needed something big to make an impact. There was no scene where I went — wow I’ll remember this scene for a while. Nevertheless, it was still a well written and worthwhile book.
Nikki Glass is a short, delicate looking woman but behind her looks is a strong, independent, and kind woman. Her mother abandoned her when she was young, but instead of giving up, it pushed her to become something more. She has powers that she received from her ancestor, Artemis. Many people would abuse these powers or use them for selfish reasons, not Nikki. Instead, Nikki uses her powers to solve cases. I liked Nikki. She sticks up for her clients even when they are not always the greatest people but, at the same time she makes sure they do not get away with crimes.
I was not a big fan of Heather, the client from the beginning. Jenna Black did a wonderful job making you know that something was off about her and to not trust her. Heather was the type of woman who had a hard childhood and thought that because of this fact she could do whatever she wanted and blame it on her childhood. Also, she knows she is good looking and uses her looks to hurt people.
Jenna Black wrote the story so well that one moment you hate those who are in the wrong and then in the next minute you are thinking, well that is a bit harsh and you want to help protect them. This is how I felt about Heather and Doug. I wanted to see justice done but I think that what was planned for them may have been a bit extreme. Thankfully for these two they have Nikki on their side, and she will do whatever she can to see that justice is served the right way.
I have never read the full length books in the Immortal Huntress series but would give them a try after reading this. For many this book is good because it is short and very easy to follow. For others like myself there was not enough plot twists or other things that made this a must read over and over again type book. Either way it is worth reading at least once.
Notable Scene:
“My first thought was to use Heather and Doug as bait and try and lure Fowler into doing something incriminating that I could catch on video.”
Jack snorted and rolled his eyes. “Oh brilliant!” he said. “Because this Fowler guy is likely to come after tweedledum and tweedledumber personally.” It’s not like he might, you know, send one of his hit-man buddies to take care of the problem for him.”
FTC Advisory: Pocket Star/Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of Pros and Cons. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
December 18, 2012
2.5 stars
Nikki Glass is an immortal descendant of Artemis the Huntress, which makes her a Liberi and a natural enemy of the Olympians. She is the latest member of the Liberi and she’s still adjusting to her new life, but that doesn’t mean she’s entitled to a drama-free existence. After the great fight with Anubis’ descendant in the last book, things are tense between Nikki and her boss Anderson, so Nikki decides to do what she does best – hide.
In an attempt to avoid conflict, she leaves the house she shares with him and the other Liberi, at least for a little while, and goes back to being a private investigator, albeit one with a few extra senses. The case that she decides to accept is very mundane – a pregnant party girl wants to locate her one-night stand to inform him about their baby. After some digging, however, the case becomes far more complicated, and Nikki’s strong sense of right and wrong complicates things even further.
It was nice to revisit familiar characters; not just Nikki, but Jack (descendant of Loki), Blake (descendant of Eros) and a few others as well. I like this world and I’m always excited about spending time in their company. However, Jamaal was entirely absent this time, and considering his newly established friendship with Nikki, as well as their growing attraction, I found this rather odd.
I wouldn’t recommend jumping into this novella if you haven’t read the previous two books. Jenna Black offered no backstory, no explanations and no recaps. It still helped jog my memory, which I desperately needed after all this time. It was nice to be reminded of how much I like Nikki Glass. A year is a very long time between books, especially for someone who reads as much as I do, and I must admit to forgetting the finer details of her character, as well as some of the worldbuilding. Even though Pros and Cons didn’t help much with the latter, it still helped me remember Nikki’s integrity and honesty.
The lesson Nikki has learned in this little e-novella is this: never ask the descendant of Loki to help you solve a problem because he is likely to cause you five more instead of solving the one you already have. And he’ll probably land a few people in jail in the process. Nikki disliked Jack from her very first day as a Liberi, but I always liked reading about his antics. Who could be more fun to read about then the descendant of a trickster god? Oh, yeah, Jamaal, but no such luck.
I can’t wait to get my hands on Rogue Descendants in April. Despite her many qualities, Nikki has some serious challenges ahead of her and she’ll have to resist her natural tendency to run away from her problems. Hopefully things will move forward with Jamaal too, he is still such a mystery to me.
Nikki Glass is an immortal descendant of Artemis the Huntress, which makes her a Liberi and a natural enemy of the Olympians. She is the latest member of the Liberi and she’s still adjusting to her new life, but that doesn’t mean she’s entitled to a drama-free existence. After the great fight with Anubis’ descendant in the last book, things are tense between Nikki and her boss Anderson, so Nikki decides to do what she does best – hide.
In an attempt to avoid conflict, she leaves the house she shares with him and the other Liberi, at least for a little while, and goes back to being a private investigator, albeit one with a few extra senses. The case that she decides to accept is very mundane – a pregnant party girl wants to locate her one-night stand to inform him about their baby. After some digging, however, the case becomes far more complicated, and Nikki’s strong sense of right and wrong complicates things even further.
It was nice to revisit familiar characters; not just Nikki, but Jack (descendant of Loki), Blake (descendant of Eros) and a few others as well. I like this world and I’m always excited about spending time in their company. However, Jamaal was entirely absent this time, and considering his newly established friendship with Nikki, as well as their growing attraction, I found this rather odd.
I wouldn’t recommend jumping into this novella if you haven’t read the previous two books. Jenna Black offered no backstory, no explanations and no recaps. It still helped jog my memory, which I desperately needed after all this time. It was nice to be reminded of how much I like Nikki Glass. A year is a very long time between books, especially for someone who reads as much as I do, and I must admit to forgetting the finer details of her character, as well as some of the worldbuilding. Even though Pros and Cons didn’t help much with the latter, it still helped me remember Nikki’s integrity and honesty.
The lesson Nikki has learned in this little e-novella is this: never ask the descendant of Loki to help you solve a problem because he is likely to cause you five more instead of solving the one you already have. And he’ll probably land a few people in jail in the process. Nikki disliked Jack from her very first day as a Liberi, but I always liked reading about his antics. Who could be more fun to read about then the descendant of a trickster god? Oh, yeah, Jamaal, but no such luck.
I can’t wait to get my hands on Rogue Descendants in April. Despite her many qualities, Nikki has some serious challenges ahead of her and she’ll have to resist her natural tendency to run away from her problems. Hopefully things will move forward with Jamaal too, he is still such a mystery to me.
February 19, 2013
Nikki has a nice mundane case. Well, she has chosen a nice mundane case because it will get her out of the house and away from Anderson asking her to use her Artemis hunting skills to exact his revenge.
And this client does sound very desperate since many other private detectives have turned her down. And for good reason, her task is almost impossible for anyone but Nikki. Of course, an extra reason for the desperation is that her client is lying and a very dangerous man is involved – the situation is far more delicate and far more is at risk than she originally thought taking the case.
This book was the very essence of a novella. Which is a little unfortunate because I don’t like novellas and something that is the epitome of a novella is going to be the epitome of something I don’t like.
However, as far as novellas go this did everything I hope for. Firstly, it isn’t an essential step on in the series – to continue to follow the Dark Descendant series you don’t have to read this book. It doesn’t add any vital building blocks to the story or leave you floundering if you skip it. Similarly, as a short story it isn’t essential to have ready the rest of the books in the series - you can pick this up and follow the story without any real difficulty. It certainly helps to have read the other books, but it’s hardly necessary.
But, above all, the book is self-contained. It’s hard to get the pacing of a short story right – it’s too easy to write something that doesn’t have enough material to cover the whole story, or something that feels rushed and cut down and probably doesn’t have quite enough plot for a full book but is still far too meaty for a novella. This book was perfectly spaced and perfectly paced, it didn’t need more explanation or development, it didn’t need nor did it have info-dumps to try and cram 2 books worth of backstory into it, it didn’t need several chapters to give us Nikki’s backstory – though it did include her history neatly and succinctly. It was a great little introductory book to the characters and concepts of the series without feeling like I was reading a trailer.
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And this client does sound very desperate since many other private detectives have turned her down. And for good reason, her task is almost impossible for anyone but Nikki. Of course, an extra reason for the desperation is that her client is lying and a very dangerous man is involved – the situation is far more delicate and far more is at risk than she originally thought taking the case.
This book was the very essence of a novella. Which is a little unfortunate because I don’t like novellas and something that is the epitome of a novella is going to be the epitome of something I don’t like.
However, as far as novellas go this did everything I hope for. Firstly, it isn’t an essential step on in the series – to continue to follow the Dark Descendant series you don’t have to read this book. It doesn’t add any vital building blocks to the story or leave you floundering if you skip it. Similarly, as a short story it isn’t essential to have ready the rest of the books in the series - you can pick this up and follow the story without any real difficulty. It certainly helps to have read the other books, but it’s hardly necessary.
But, above all, the book is self-contained. It’s hard to get the pacing of a short story right – it’s too easy to write something that doesn’t have enough material to cover the whole story, or something that feels rushed and cut down and probably doesn’t have quite enough plot for a full book but is still far too meaty for a novella. This book was perfectly spaced and perfectly paced, it didn’t need more explanation or development, it didn’t need nor did it have info-dumps to try and cram 2 books worth of backstory into it, it didn’t need several chapters to give us Nikki’s backstory – though it did include her history neatly and succinctly. It was a great little introductory book to the characters and concepts of the series without feeling like I was reading a trailer.
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February 26, 2013
**** reviewed as a guest post over at Paranormalhaven.com ****
Pros and Cons is a novella set in Jenna Black’s Descendant series. If you haven’t read her series before, this might be a good place to start, although I did have some frustrations with the novella itself. Nikki Glass is a private investigator as well as a new member of the Liberi, a group of immortal descendants from ancient gods. Nikki is hired by a woman, Heather Fellowes, to track down a man she met in a bar. Nikki has a feeling that she’s being lied to about why Heather wants to track him down, but she accepts the case readily enough and goes to work on tracking down “Doug” from the bar.
The more Nikki delves into the investigation, the more she becomes aware that Heather lied and the woman who is playing the part of the possibly expectant mother is nothing more than a con artist that likes to set up men and blackmail them for easy money. I won’t recap the whole story, but a big part of my irritation with this novella is that it’s talk, talk, talk and wait, more talk! I have no doubt that realistically, a big portion of a PI’s job is nothing more than tracking down leads and talking to everyone involved, whether they have a starring role or not. But it doesn’t make for a very exciting read. I recall at 50% into the book wondering when anything but yakking was going to take place. There are vague references to Anderson, the leader of the Liberi, and events that took place in Deadly Descendant, the 2nd book in the Nikki Glass series.
I don’t think this novella does any justice to the series if I’m being frank. The lack of action, the lack of interaction with Nikki’s love interest, her sister, the rest of the Liberi, left me rather cold and wondering what the entire point of the novella was. In the later part of the novella, one of Nikki’s cohorts, Jack, a descendant of the god Loki, makes an appearance to help her catch the bad guy, but for me, it was too little, too late. Typically, the Nikki Glass series has action, humor, a bit of romance, and unfortunately, this novella was missing all three.
My Rating – 2.5
Pros and Cons is a novella set in Jenna Black’s Descendant series. If you haven’t read her series before, this might be a good place to start, although I did have some frustrations with the novella itself. Nikki Glass is a private investigator as well as a new member of the Liberi, a group of immortal descendants from ancient gods. Nikki is hired by a woman, Heather Fellowes, to track down a man she met in a bar. Nikki has a feeling that she’s being lied to about why Heather wants to track him down, but she accepts the case readily enough and goes to work on tracking down “Doug” from the bar.
The more Nikki delves into the investigation, the more she becomes aware that Heather lied and the woman who is playing the part of the possibly expectant mother is nothing more than a con artist that likes to set up men and blackmail them for easy money. I won’t recap the whole story, but a big part of my irritation with this novella is that it’s talk, talk, talk and wait, more talk! I have no doubt that realistically, a big portion of a PI’s job is nothing more than tracking down leads and talking to everyone involved, whether they have a starring role or not. But it doesn’t make for a very exciting read. I recall at 50% into the book wondering when anything but yakking was going to take place. There are vague references to Anderson, the leader of the Liberi, and events that took place in Deadly Descendant, the 2nd book in the Nikki Glass series.
I don’t think this novella does any justice to the series if I’m being frank. The lack of action, the lack of interaction with Nikki’s love interest, her sister, the rest of the Liberi, left me rather cold and wondering what the entire point of the novella was. In the later part of the novella, one of Nikki’s cohorts, Jack, a descendant of the god Loki, makes an appearance to help her catch the bad guy, but for me, it was too little, too late. Typically, the Nikki Glass series has action, humor, a bit of romance, and unfortunately, this novella was missing all three.
My Rating – 2.5
February 21, 2013
*Genre* Paranormal, Mystery
*Review* 3.5
*Review*
In opening my review for "Pros and Cons", I would "suggest" that potential readers of this novella or series stop and read Deadly Descendant first. You don't, in reality, have to, but, it makes things much more clearer if you do eventually read the series from start to finish. The reason for my "suggestion" is that there is a storyline gap that has been purposefully opened to allow Jenna Black to close it when Rogue Descendant comes out on April 30, 2013. It has been festering since the end of Deadly Descendant and is the reason that Nikki Glass, descendant of Artemis, takes on a mundane case in the first place.
Pros and Cons is all about Nikki Glass's attempt at staying away from Anderson Kane, aka the leader of the "Liberi" or immortal descendants of ancient Norse and Greek Gods. Anderson wants Nikki for a specific job (which I will not spoil) and doesn't really want to get involved unless she is ordered to do so by Anderson. So, Nikki reopens, temporarily, her PI business in order to help Heather Fellowes supposedly find the baby daddy of her unborn fetus. Yeah, right! Hooligans follow, and the real truth behind why Heather hired Nikki comes out. In the end, characters like Leo Huff, descendant of Hermes, and Jack Gillespie, descendant of Loki, help Nikki out in concluding her case while staying out of the reach of Anderson.
I am a fan of Jenna Blacks writing but don't always rave about her stories especially when it comes to the Morgan Kingsley series. This particular story was OK in my opinion. It was a fast paced and easily read within one sitting. The characters involved, except for Nikki, Jack and Leo, are totally out of their elements and get exactly what their asking for by their actions. I would say that this story is just another way for Jenna Black to get her story across to those who may not read the Nikki Glass series.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Pocket Star *Releases February 25, 2013*
*Review* 3.5
*Review*
In opening my review for "Pros and Cons", I would "suggest" that potential readers of this novella or series stop and read Deadly Descendant first. You don't, in reality, have to, but, it makes things much more clearer if you do eventually read the series from start to finish. The reason for my "suggestion" is that there is a storyline gap that has been purposefully opened to allow Jenna Black to close it when Rogue Descendant comes out on April 30, 2013. It has been festering since the end of Deadly Descendant and is the reason that Nikki Glass, descendant of Artemis, takes on a mundane case in the first place.
Pros and Cons is all about Nikki Glass's attempt at staying away from Anderson Kane, aka the leader of the "Liberi" or immortal descendants of ancient Norse and Greek Gods. Anderson wants Nikki for a specific job (which I will not spoil) and doesn't really want to get involved unless she is ordered to do so by Anderson. So, Nikki reopens, temporarily, her PI business in order to help Heather Fellowes supposedly find the baby daddy of her unborn fetus. Yeah, right! Hooligans follow, and the real truth behind why Heather hired Nikki comes out. In the end, characters like Leo Huff, descendant of Hermes, and Jack Gillespie, descendant of Loki, help Nikki out in concluding her case while staying out of the reach of Anderson.
I am a fan of Jenna Blacks writing but don't always rave about her stories especially when it comes to the Morgan Kingsley series. This particular story was OK in my opinion. It was a fast paced and easily read within one sitting. The characters involved, except for Nikki, Jack and Leo, are totally out of their elements and get exactly what their asking for by their actions. I would say that this story is just another way for Jenna Black to get her story across to those who may not read the Nikki Glass series.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Pocket Star *Releases February 25, 2013*
September 11, 2013
I’m a big fan of crossgenre books, especially when the crossing is crime with dark fantasy. Supernatural detectives rock my boat, you might say, so I’m always interested to find a new (to me) series. Pros and Cons fits the bill very nicely, even though it’s not the beginning of the series; this novella is actually the third publication in the chronological list but is not labeled as #3 because it’s not a full-length novel. To my way of thinking, a mid-series novella or short story is a perfect way to introduce a new reader to that series and it certainly worked its magic on me.
I love the idea that Nikki Glass is a descendant of Artemis because, after all, what is a private investigator if not a huntress? I’m pretty sure I didn’t get a really good taste of Nikki’s story because there’s not much about her cohorts in this novella. That’s OK, though, because I needed to know that the crime element of this series is not just a throwaway side story to the paranormal theme. Nikki is a bona fide detective and I can learn more about her friends and colleagues, as well as her romantic life, when I delve further into the series.
In Pros and Cons, Nikki takes on a “normal” case to give her an excuse to stay away from her supernatural environs for a little while but, early on, she realizes that something is not quite right about her new client. All the mythological trappings were lingering off to the side and I fell in love/like with Jack when he got involved. Jack is a descendant of Loki, the Norse trickster god who’s fun and devious and more than a little bit of a bad boy. Jack was the icing on the cake of a decent little tale of crime and I’ll be glad to see these folks again when I go back to book #1, Dark Descendant. I have some catching up to do!
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, September 2013.
I love the idea that Nikki Glass is a descendant of Artemis because, after all, what is a private investigator if not a huntress? I’m pretty sure I didn’t get a really good taste of Nikki’s story because there’s not much about her cohorts in this novella. That’s OK, though, because I needed to know that the crime element of this series is not just a throwaway side story to the paranormal theme. Nikki is a bona fide detective and I can learn more about her friends and colleagues, as well as her romantic life, when I delve further into the series.
In Pros and Cons, Nikki takes on a “normal” case to give her an excuse to stay away from her supernatural environs for a little while but, early on, she realizes that something is not quite right about her new client. All the mythological trappings were lingering off to the side and I fell in love/like with Jack when he got involved. Jack is a descendant of Loki, the Norse trickster god who’s fun and devious and more than a little bit of a bad boy. Jack was the icing on the cake of a decent little tale of crime and I’ll be glad to see these folks again when I go back to book #1, Dark Descendant. I have some catching up to do!
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, September 2013.
March 23, 2013
Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
PROS AND CONS was a nice refresher to the Nikki Glass series and its immortal descendants of various gods. This novella is not too friendly to those who are completely new to this series as there is some backstory and history with various characters that is not explained. I have yet to read the second book, DEADLY DESCENDANT, so I was lost on the supposed drama that happened in the previous book.
While I was shaking off the cobwebs of memory in regards to the worldbuilding, I rediscovered how resourceful and persistent Nikki Glass is as an investigator. She relied on her Artemis inspired powers and tenacity to expertly crack the near unsolvable case presented in PROS AND CONS.
Helping Nikki is Joey, a descendant of Loki, the Norse trickster god. While I thought he was hilarious, he was a thorn in Nikki’s side as his much needed assistance involved so many other problems for her. I hope Joey features more prominently in the next book as his crazy off the wall personality plays off Nikki’s ‘straight man’ persona so well.
PROS AND CONS was a nice self-contained story that was a wonderful reminder of a series I inadvertently stopped reading. I’ll be catching up by reading DEADLY DESCENDANT as I wait for the next Nikki Glass novel, ROGUE DESCENDANT, coming out April 30th 2013.
Sexual Content; N/A
PROS AND CONS was a nice refresher to the Nikki Glass series and its immortal descendants of various gods. This novella is not too friendly to those who are completely new to this series as there is some backstory and history with various characters that is not explained. I have yet to read the second book, DEADLY DESCENDANT, so I was lost on the supposed drama that happened in the previous book.
While I was shaking off the cobwebs of memory in regards to the worldbuilding, I rediscovered how resourceful and persistent Nikki Glass is as an investigator. She relied on her Artemis inspired powers and tenacity to expertly crack the near unsolvable case presented in PROS AND CONS.
Helping Nikki is Joey, a descendant of Loki, the Norse trickster god. While I thought he was hilarious, he was a thorn in Nikki’s side as his much needed assistance involved so many other problems for her. I hope Joey features more prominently in the next book as his crazy off the wall personality plays off Nikki’s ‘straight man’ persona so well.
PROS AND CONS was a nice self-contained story that was a wonderful reminder of a series I inadvertently stopped reading. I’ll be catching up by reading DEADLY DESCENDANT as I wait for the next Nikki Glass novel, ROGUE DESCENDANT, coming out April 30th 2013.
Sexual Content; N/A
March 18, 2013
Nikki Glass is trying to avoid Anderson, the leader of the Liberi, a group of descendents from gods. She knows that he wants her to hunt his nemesis, Konstantin who used to be the “king” of the Olympians, a rival group of Liberi. Although as a descendent of Artemis, she is a great hunter, she does not believe in revenge killing, and that is exactly what Anderson wants her to do. So instead she is staying away from the mansion Anderson’s group of Liberi live in and is answering phone messages from her former business as a private investigator, she has decided she is going to take on a new client.
Heather Fellows needs her help in tracking down a man she knows very little about. She met a man named Doug at a bar and they hit it off and went back to her place. However he left early and she does not know anything else about him. Using her intuition and hunting skills Nikki eventually finds Doug and a whole lot of lies and decent along with it. As she delves into the case she learns that several people are not who they say they are and things escalate to dangerous territory in a hurry.
With the help of two of her Liberi comrades she must unscramble what are truths and what are lies as she tries to save several lives and find the guilty person in this mess.
Complete review: Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind
Heather Fellows needs her help in tracking down a man she knows very little about. She met a man named Doug at a bar and they hit it off and went back to her place. However he left early and she does not know anything else about him. Using her intuition and hunting skills Nikki eventually finds Doug and a whole lot of lies and decent along with it. As she delves into the case she learns that several people are not who they say they are and things escalate to dangerous territory in a hurry.
With the help of two of her Liberi comrades she must unscramble what are truths and what are lies as she tries to save several lives and find the guilty person in this mess.
Complete review: Ramblings From a Chaotic Mind
April 17, 2017
These digital novellas can really be hit or miss when it comes time to decide if they are worth the price. I really like the Nikki Glass series and was happy to read that "Pros and Cons" was being offered to hold readers over until the third installment of the series. This was a short and really easy read but I am happy to report that it contains a very interesting little story about Nikki doing a PI job. At first it felt like the story (although always entertaining) didn't have anything much to do with the series but at the end of the book Nikki has to enlist the help of help of a fellow Liberi. The last third of this story is by far the best part of the tale and I really enjoyed the resolution. The very end of the story Nikki comes to a realization about her status with the Liberi which is guess is the main point of this installment. So yes, this is story has a very different feel then the books in the series but it still is a fully fleshed out story with a beginning, a middle, and a satisfying end. It is well worth the 99 cents to buy this book but if you pass it you won't miss anything as you continue on with the series.
April 9, 2013
3.5 stars
This novella took place between Deadly Descendant and upcoming Rogue Descendant (would be released on April 30th). Unlike the novels, in this novella, there was very minimum appearance by the members of Liberis. Its main story was Nikki taking a case of finding a man, while deliberately trying to avoid Anderson (her "boss") and impending confrontation with the Olympians.
I actually enjoyed Nikki outside the element of Liberis. I always like mystery/detective stories. So it was nice to read Nikki hunting this guy (and proving that her client had something to hide). Even with the lack of Liberi members, except for Jack who helped Nikki near the end, it didn't really matter to me. I wasn't loving it (because it was a bit short, and well, Jack was pretty manipulative at times) but still, it was an enjoyable read...
This novella took place between Deadly Descendant and upcoming Rogue Descendant (would be released on April 30th). Unlike the novels, in this novella, there was very minimum appearance by the members of Liberis. Its main story was Nikki taking a case of finding a man, while deliberately trying to avoid Anderson (her "boss") and impending confrontation with the Olympians.
I actually enjoyed Nikki outside the element of Liberis. I always like mystery/detective stories. So it was nice to read Nikki hunting this guy (and proving that her client had something to hide). Even with the lack of Liberi members, except for Jack who helped Nikki near the end, it didn't really matter to me. I wasn't loving it (because it was a bit short, and well, Jack was pretty manipulative at times) but still, it was an enjoyable read...
May 15, 2013
Pros and Cons is a short story that takes place between Deadly Descendant and Rogue Descendant. In the short, while avoiding Anderson, Nikki takes the case of a woman looking for a man she met on a one-night stand. All she has is a first name and a vague description. Nikki, being the living descendant of Artemis, feels certain she can find him. But, as her investigation progresses she learns her client wasn't exactly honest with her. She asks Joey, descendant of Loki, to help her.
I would recommend reading the first two books in the series before this short, even though Nikki is on her own for the majority of it.
In the end, she's reminded: "... [her] life was no longer [her] own. [She] was one of Anderson's Liberi, and [she] would always be subject to his will."
I would recommend reading the first two books in the series before this short, even though Nikki is on her own for the majority of it.
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