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Benedict-Savant #1.5
Challenging Zed
Want to be the first to find out what Zed was thinking when he met Sky? Fancy finding out what Zed was like at nine? I've written a special story for Valentine's Day 2013, which is available as a free download.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
105 people are currently reading
3278 people want to read
About the author
Joss Stirling
39 books2,521 followersJoss Stirling is a British novelist. Her first novel under this name was the internationally successful, Finding Sky, which is followed by five others in the same series entering into the savant world of young people with special powers. Central to the story are the Benedict Brothers, seven talented guys from Colorado.
In a second series, Struck, Joss begins a new world of detective romance. The first three parts are: Struck (#1) and Stung (#2), and Shaken (#3) and Scorched (#4). Joss introduces readers to four new heroes - Kieran Storm, Nathan Hunter, Joe Masters and Damien Castle, who all attention the Young Detective Agency. The first part, Struck, won the Romantic Novel of the Year 2015 in the UK.
Her new series, PERIL, a paranormal love story set in the near future, is out 13 July 2017.
Joss lives in Oxford, England. She is married with three children.
Stirling also publishes under two pen names: Julia Golding and Eve Edwards.
In a second series, Struck, Joss begins a new world of detective romance. The first three parts are: Struck (#1) and Stung (#2), and Shaken (#3) and Scorched (#4). Joss introduces readers to four new heroes - Kieran Storm, Nathan Hunter, Joe Masters and Damien Castle, who all attention the Young Detective Agency. The first part, Struck, won the Romantic Novel of the Year 2015 in the UK.
Her new series, PERIL, a paranormal love story set in the near future, is out 13 July 2017.
Joss lives in Oxford, England. She is married with three children.
Stirling also publishes under two pen names: Julia Golding and Eve Edwards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
February 17, 2013
Originally posted on my blog, My Bookish Thoughts.
Challenging Zed is a short story from the Benedict series. It's written in the perspective of Zed Benedict, the youngest Benedict brother, and soulfinder of Sky Bright. It contains scenes from before he met Sky, a flashback to when he was nine, when he met Sky, and when he found out they were soulfinders. If you haven't read any of the books in Joss Stirling's series, I highly recommend you do - it's quite high on my list of favourites.
Challenging Zed starts off by showing us a glimpse into Zed's life before he met Sky. For those of us readers who've read Finding Sky, you can imagine what he was like back then. However for those of you who haven't, allow me to explain the fact that he was quite a 'bad boy'. His supernatural powers have given him the ability to not only solve crime, but the ability to see the darker side of people straight away - and he hasn't been coping well.
During the story, Stirling gives us an insight into Zed's life when he was nine. So that means that his oldest brothers were probably in their late-teens or early-twenties... it was very entertaining. The reader gets to see their more playful and caring sides, making girls - like me - swoon. I'm so grateful that this flashback was included, and I learned somethings that I never knew about the Benedict household (they used to have a family pet! You'll have to read it to find out what animal it was. Hehe.)
This short story answered a lot of questions that I had about when Zed and Sky first met, like Did he find her as attractive as she found him? Reading Challenging Zed helped me figure out Zed's character more, and I admit that Zed's never been a favourite for me. Although after reading this, I think I'll reconsider.
Challenging Zed will be available as a free download on Valentines Day 2013. I loved reading it and seeing for myself all the different versions of Zed and I think you will, too.
You can also read my review for Joss Stirling's Seeking Crystal.
A huge thank you to Joss Stirling for making me one of the winners to the 'Zed's Story Competition' and giving me and two others a manuscript - thank you!
5/5 stars - You MUST read this series!
Quote:
"The girl was still at the piano, stroking the keys. The thought edged in that he wanted to go lie down on it and let her run her fingers over him."
Challenging Zed is a short story from the Benedict series. It's written in the perspective of Zed Benedict, the youngest Benedict brother, and soulfinder of Sky Bright. It contains scenes from before he met Sky, a flashback to when he was nine, when he met Sky, and when he found out they were soulfinders. If you haven't read any of the books in Joss Stirling's series, I highly recommend you do - it's quite high on my list of favourites.
Challenging Zed starts off by showing us a glimpse into Zed's life before he met Sky. For those of us readers who've read Finding Sky, you can imagine what he was like back then. However for those of you who haven't, allow me to explain the fact that he was quite a 'bad boy'. His supernatural powers have given him the ability to not only solve crime, but the ability to see the darker side of people straight away - and he hasn't been coping well.
During the story, Stirling gives us an insight into Zed's life when he was nine. So that means that his oldest brothers were probably in their late-teens or early-twenties... it was very entertaining. The reader gets to see their more playful and caring sides, making girls - like me - swoon. I'm so grateful that this flashback was included, and I learned somethings that I never knew about the Benedict household (they used to have a family pet! You'll have to read it to find out what animal it was. Hehe.)
This short story answered a lot of questions that I had about when Zed and Sky first met, like Did he find her as attractive as she found him? Reading Challenging Zed helped me figure out Zed's character more, and I admit that Zed's never been a favourite for me. Although after reading this, I think I'll reconsider.
Challenging Zed will be available as a free download on Valentines Day 2013. I loved reading it and seeing for myself all the different versions of Zed and I think you will, too.
You can also read my review for Joss Stirling's Seeking Crystal.
A huge thank you to Joss Stirling for making me one of the winners to the 'Zed's Story Competition' and giving me and two others a manuscript - thank you!
5/5 stars - You MUST read this series!
Quote:
"The girl was still at the piano, stroking the keys. The thought edged in that he wanted to go lie down on it and let her run her fingers over him."
September 12, 2021
I’m leaving as a 3 because there’s honestly not enough to rate. This is like 35 pages of a few scenes from his pov. I'm not sure if this cost $$ in the store, but it really doesn't add anything.
June 26, 2013
I got a copy of Challenging Zed right after finishing Finding Sky, as my mind was still so occupied with the two main characters. For me that's always a sign of a really good book or series. That also means I had really high hopes for this feature and they were not disappointed. I admit, Challenging Zed is written in an easy way and rather unconventional. It transmitted the feeling of reading the story a friend wrote and for an add-on like this, that was perfect.
Challenging Zed gives you a more in-depth look into Zed's character and his thoughts. The novella has the perfect length. If it would be any longer, there'd be a risk of repeating the same story all over again but like this it keeps you wanting more.
A really nice read that you can finish in a short amount of time!
Challenging Zed gives you a more in-depth look into Zed's character and his thoughts. The novella has the perfect length. If it would be any longer, there'd be a risk of repeating the same story all over again but like this it keeps you wanting more.
A really nice read that you can finish in a short amount of time!
December 8, 2024
Hi. I still love love love love Zed. Ok bye
February 14, 2013
*Update 14/02/2013
Man, I wish it was longer... Really interesting addition to the Benedict Brothers series that allows the reader to not only get a feel for what Zed was thinking in Finding Sky but also an insight into the Benedict brothers when they were younger.
If you don't have it already, go download it on Amazon for FREE!
Pre-ordered and ready to be zapped on to my Kindle at Midnight! :D
Man, I wish it was longer... Really interesting addition to the Benedict Brothers series that allows the reader to not only get a feel for what Zed was thinking in Finding Sky but also an insight into the Benedict brothers when they were younger.
If you don't have it already, go download it on Amazon for FREE!
Pre-ordered and ready to be zapped on to my Kindle at Midnight! :D
February 22, 2013
I reviewed this (Seeking Crystal) here on goodreads.
In that review I did avoid mentioning a very big thing (and did explain in a spoiler why). But this book would even introduce you to the concept. So do I think it’s a good book to start with? << Especially as I was like... Start with Seeking Crystal, it’s got my favourite brother so far in it- Uriel being my other, who I sort of have claims to. I had claims to him until the last page, OK?>>
Yes. I wasn’t fangirling for Zed but now...
Yes, he is not what he seemed. Oh. My. Interested. Sugarcubes.(sorry for that reference. I wish I could say this book contained sugarcubes, but it still has a whole lot of sweet.)
What sweet moments you ask? Well, I suppose I can tell you the gist. You get to see insight into little Benedict brothers. Yves was still more clever than his adult brothers when he was 10. Not only do I love Zed more... But Yves too.
The characterization was already better than most brands of chocolate but now it is like nutella on pancakes.
Not only do we see the future years before Sky moved from England & had the exact same reaction to Zed as Rachel Berry (seen above, duh) but we see scenes, through Zed's eyes (sort of- it actually wasn't in first person), before.
Unfortunately we didn't get to see the vast series of events as in Finding Sky but I suppose had it been a lot longer it wouldn't have been as poignant for it's difference.
I loved it (and posted this review on my blog
In that review I did avoid mentioning a very big thing (and did explain in a spoiler why). But this book would even introduce you to the concept. So do I think it’s a good book to start with? << Especially as I was like... Start with Seeking Crystal, it’s got my favourite brother so far in it- Uriel being my other, who I sort of have claims to. I had claims to him until the last page, OK?>>
Yes. I wasn’t fangirling for Zed but now...
Yes, he is not what he seemed. Oh. My. Interested. Sugarcubes.(sorry for that reference. I wish I could say this book contained sugarcubes, but it still has a whole lot of sweet.)
What sweet moments you ask? Well, I suppose I can tell you the gist. You get to see insight into little Benedict brothers. Yves was still more clever than his adult brothers when he was 10. Not only do I love Zed more... But Yves too.
The characterization was already better than most brands of chocolate but now it is like nutella on pancakes.
Not only do we see the future years before Sky moved from England & had the exact same reaction to Zed as Rachel Berry (seen above, duh) but we see scenes, through Zed's eyes (sort of- it actually wasn't in first person), before.
Unfortunately we didn't get to see the vast series of events as in Finding Sky but I suppose had it been a lot longer it wouldn't have been as poignant for it's difference.
I loved it (and posted this review on my blog
December 30, 2016
Nou, ik ben zeer verbaasd maar ik heb enorm genoten van dit verhaaltje. Het Verhaal van Zed, vertelt eigenlijk een klein stuk over het heen dat we all gelezen hebben in Het Verhaal van Sky, maar deze keer uit perspectief van Zed. Het Verhaal van Sky had van mij een 3 sterren gekregen vanwege enkele punten waar ik me ergerde. Straight, hoe dit boek een 4 sterren gekregen heeft. Ik las het gewoon veel liever dan uit het perspectief van Sky.
June 14, 2015
Fand ich nicht schlecht, das Kennenlernen aus Zed's Sicht zu lesen :)
June 22, 2016
Ik ben nog steeds gek op Zed haha^^ Het was zo leuk om een deel vanuit Zed te lezen!
August 24, 2016
Justo cuando la historia se pone buena. Termina.
October 5, 2023
Calificación: ⭐⭐ (2.3/5)
Review:
"Challenging Zed" es un cuento breve de la siempre fascinante serie Benedict. Este relato nos lleva a la mente inquieta de Zed Benedict, el hermano menor de la familia, y nos sumerge en su vida antes de conocer a la enigmática Sky Bright.
Preparaos para un viaje en el tiempo, ya que Zed comparte con nosotros recuerdos de cuando tenía la tierna edad de nueve años, antes de que su mundo se sacudiera por completo con la llegada de Sky.
Y, por si fuera poco, descubrimos el emocionante secreto de que estos dos personajes están destinados a ser "almas gemelas". 📚🔮 ¡Un cóctel literario que desafía todas las expectativas! 🤯✨
Review:
"Challenging Zed" es un cuento breve de la siempre fascinante serie Benedict. Este relato nos lleva a la mente inquieta de Zed Benedict, el hermano menor de la familia, y nos sumerge en su vida antes de conocer a la enigmática Sky Bright.
Preparaos para un viaje en el tiempo, ya que Zed comparte con nosotros recuerdos de cuando tenía la tierna edad de nueve años, antes de que su mundo se sacudiera por completo con la llegada de Sky.
Y, por si fuera poco, descubrimos el emocionante secreto de que estos dos personajes están destinados a ser "almas gemelas". 📚🔮 ¡Un cóctel literario que desafía todas las expectativas! 🤯✨
August 19, 2017
Finally got this off my TBR!! This was adorable!!! Seeing things from his perspective was really good, if really made me remember why I loved them so much in the original series. Also his love for her and when he discovers she is his Soulfinder is so cute ☺️☺️
April 28, 2013
4,6 von 5 Sternen
*Kurzmeinung*
Diese kurze Zusatzstory macht nur für die Leser von „Finding Sky“ Sinn. Hier wird kurz ein wenig aus Zeds Kindheit erzählt und dann über seine Empfindungen und Erlebnisse als Sky in die Schule kommt und er sie zum ersten Mal sieht bis hin zu dem Punkt an dem er erkennt, dass sie sein Seelenspiegel ist.
Es ist eine nette Zusatzinformation, die die ersten Begegnungen von Zed und Sky noch einmal in einem ganz anderen Licht zeigt. Außerdem fand ich es sehr schön auch mal den 'kleinen' Zed kennenzulernen.
Also wer den Charakter mochte, sollte sich diese kostenlose Zusatzstory wirklich zulegen. Wer ihn nicht mochte, kann es sich getrost sparen. Ich fand diese Zusatzinfos auf jeden Fall klasse!
*Kurzmeinung*
Diese kurze Zusatzstory macht nur für die Leser von „Finding Sky“ Sinn. Hier wird kurz ein wenig aus Zeds Kindheit erzählt und dann über seine Empfindungen und Erlebnisse als Sky in die Schule kommt und er sie zum ersten Mal sieht bis hin zu dem Punkt an dem er erkennt, dass sie sein Seelenspiegel ist.
Es ist eine nette Zusatzinformation, die die ersten Begegnungen von Zed und Sky noch einmal in einem ganz anderen Licht zeigt. Außerdem fand ich es sehr schön auch mal den 'kleinen' Zed kennenzulernen.
Also wer den Charakter mochte, sollte sich diese kostenlose Zusatzstory wirklich zulegen. Wer ihn nicht mochte, kann es sich getrost sparen. Ich fand diese Zusatzinfos auf jeden Fall klasse!
June 4, 2013
I loved this short story! My only complaint was that it was so short! After the last paragraph I wanted to know more, see more interaction between him and Sky.
I love to see how since the beginning he felt attracted to her. In 'Finding Sky' he seemed indifferent at the beginning, so I'm so happy to see that that wasn't right!
Love seeing more about the Benedict brothers! And Yves attracted to Sky? That was weird!
I wished we had more of this short story, love Zed's POV!
I love to see how since the beginning he felt attracted to her. In 'Finding Sky' he seemed indifferent at the beginning, so I'm so happy to see that that wasn't right!
Love seeing more about the Benedict brothers! And Yves attracted to Sky? That was weird!
I wished we had more of this short story, love Zed's POV!
August 6, 2022
No sé si fue el hecho de que ya había leído los seis libros principales y ya me había encariñado con Zed, pero AMÉ por completo este libro.
Fangirlee en todo el proceso de lectura y al tener sólo cuatro capítulos me lo devoré en menos de una hora.
Simplemente me encantó ver el punto de vista de Zed en todo esto, pero más me divirtió el hecho de que Sky "no le interesaba para nada" pero no le importaba arruinar su imagen por verla sonreír.
Fangirlee en todo el proceso de lectura y al tener sólo cuatro capítulos me lo devoré en menos de una hora.
Simplemente me encantó ver el punto de vista de Zed en todo esto, pero más me divirtió el hecho de que Sky "no le interesaba para nada" pero no le importaba arruinar su imagen por verla sonreír.
March 3, 2017
To see the beginning of the story from Zed's point of view was nice change.
Zed is very kind in a secretive way and very sensible. He is the character that you cant help but fall in love with. He is strong amd have macho image going on for him but on the inside is good and understanding.
I loved his point of view!
Zed is very kind in a secretive way and very sensible. He is the character that you cant help but fall in love with. He is strong amd have macho image going on for him but on the inside is good and understanding.
I loved his point of view!
March 1, 2017
En esta pequeña historia conoceremos más del pequeño Zed, el más joven de los hermanos Benedict, y como fue su primer encuentro con Sky.
Me ha encantado la forma de pensar de Zed, el porque de su actitud.
Nos cuenta de mejor manera lo que él pensaba desde antes de conocer a su alma gemela y como era su relación familiar de pequeño.
Ahora solo quiero leer a Yves.
Me ha encantado la forma de pensar de Zed, el porque de su actitud.
Nos cuenta de mejor manera lo que él pensaba desde antes de conocer a su alma gemela y como era su relación familiar de pequeño.
Ahora solo quiero leer a Yves.
November 14, 2024
Me hubiese gustado estar un poco más de tiempo metida en la perspectiva y pensamientos de Zed. Sentí que acabó todo muy pronto, y justo cuando hubo la conexión. Pero bueno, hubieron pequeños datos que si me llamaron la atención (nada muy importante, solo cosas mías).
December 27, 2014
Antes no sentia nada por el personaje de Zed, pero ahora definitivamente me gusta. Lastima no hay mas libros sobre el y sky.
March 20, 2018
Just another cute short story that I love !! Finding Sky is the first one in this series and it's really good.
April 2, 2018
Беше доста интересно, с различна история и гледна точка.
July 6, 2018
Look, I know it's a free ebook but that cover is really disappointing. Also the toxic masculinity in this is annoying.
July 3, 2020
Lindo, Zed es lo más tierno del planeta
April 17, 2022
Es war schön, nochmal in die Geschichte eintauchen zu können und Zeds Perspektive zu lesen. Ich habe auf jeden Fall Lust bekommen, die Reihe noch einmal zu lesen.
August 27, 2016
Het verhaal van Zed, de titel zegt voldoende. Een klein stukje uit het verhaal van Sky, maar dan vanuit de ogen van Zed.
Aangezien ik in het eerste boek al direct een zwak had voor Zed, heb ik ook echt genoten van dit boekje. De gebeurtenissen heb je dus al beleefd in het eerste boek, maar er worden stukjes informatie vanuit Zed aan toegevoegd. Je leert hem daardoor iets beter kennen, maar ik vond het verhaal gewoon heel fijn om nog even in het verhaal te blijven. Leuke toevoeging!
Aangezien ik in het eerste boek al direct een zwak had voor Zed, heb ik ook echt genoten van dit boekje. De gebeurtenissen heb je dus al beleefd in het eerste boek, maar er worden stukjes informatie vanuit Zed aan toegevoegd. Je leert hem daardoor iets beter kennen, maar ik vond het verhaal gewoon heel fijn om nog even in het verhaal te blijven. Leuke toevoeging!
June 28, 2016
Best leuk om een keer vanuit een ander perspectief te lezen. Ontzettend leuk eigenlijk. Het enige wat ik wel jammer vind, is dat de gebeurtenissen niet helemaal overeenkomen. Soms worden er in het boeken dingen anders gezegd/telepathisch verzonden dan in het verhaal. Maar verder wel echt een aanrader
August 28, 2014
OMG! what can I say? I love this series and I was jumping for joy when I found out there was a book about ZED! Zed is like... my favourite brother out of the bunch!
March 10, 2013
Hello Zed, I loved to see you again!
Read
May 5, 2014simply adorable!
February 9, 2017
This little novella is well written and really adds to the storyline of the series.
Price: freebie
#COYER
Price: freebie
#COYER
Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews