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What the Faeries Left Behind
After coming home from a monotonous office job to the apartment where she lives alone, thirty-something Abigail Watson is having a tough day in a hard week in a rotten month, and don’t even get her started on the year. Until that night when something wonderfully impossible shows up at her door and rings the bell insistently.
You’re not supposed to answer the door late at night to strangers who come knocking unannounced, right?
Right. But Abigail does,
Because how can you be scared of someone with translucent wings like those of a dragonfly?
WHAT THE FAERIES LEFT BEHIND is an urban fairy tale ‘antidote’ to those times when the dullness and drudgery of grown-up life seems inescapable, and to the misconception that wonder and play are just for children.
You’re not supposed to answer the door late at night to strangers who come knocking unannounced, right?
Right. But Abigail does,
Because how can you be scared of someone with translucent wings like those of a dragonfly?
WHAT THE FAERIES LEFT BEHIND is an urban fairy tale ‘antidote’ to those times when the dullness and drudgery of grown-up life seems inescapable, and to the misconception that wonder and play are just for children.
104 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Amber Michelle Cook
9 books27 followersAmber Michelle Cook writes stories of deep, meaningful fun.
Partly raised in Germany, she went to an international school for high-school, majored in linguistics, loves literature and period pieces. She's also a photography/graphic arts artist of color and wonder living in the great Northwest.
In addition to leading improv writing tables, she’s Director of National Novel Editing Month and Facilitator for the People's Ink writing community.
Aside from words and stories, she adores dogs and is fascinated by any and everything aquatic. Especially cephalopods.
Partly raised in Germany, she went to an international school for high-school, majored in linguistics, loves literature and period pieces. She's also a photography/graphic arts artist of color and wonder living in the great Northwest.
In addition to leading improv writing tables, she’s Director of National Novel Editing Month and Facilitator for the People's Ink writing community.
Aside from words and stories, she adores dogs and is fascinated by any and everything aquatic. Especially cephalopods.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 6, 2014
What the Faeries Left Behind is by Amber Michelle Cook. It is a science fiction concerning faeries. I wasn’t sure if I would like it; but I really did. It is a cute story and one which would make a great longer book.
Abigail Louise Wingate has always felt she didn’t belong anywhere. She doesn’t see the world like others do. This evening as she is relaxing in her house, she gets a phone call from someone who says they are outside her house. She peeks out the window and then opens the door and allows the person to come in. This is against all the rules for a single woman living in the city by herself. However, Abigail doesn’t think twice about it because the “person” had translucent wings half the length of her body. Abigail thinks this is so cool. She has always wanted something extraordinary to happen to her.
The “person” tells her that she is actually a faerie child who was left on Earth. They had planned to come get her much earlier but things happened and they were not able to. Now it is time for Abigail to come home with her. Abigail is more than willing to do so. After grabbing a few vital belongings, Abigail leaves with the “person”.
What adventures will she have with this ‘person”? What will she learn to do? That is, if she is finally able to leave.
Abigail Louise Wingate has always felt she didn’t belong anywhere. She doesn’t see the world like others do. This evening as she is relaxing in her house, she gets a phone call from someone who says they are outside her house. She peeks out the window and then opens the door and allows the person to come in. This is against all the rules for a single woman living in the city by herself. However, Abigail doesn’t think twice about it because the “person” had translucent wings half the length of her body. Abigail thinks this is so cool. She has always wanted something extraordinary to happen to her.
The “person” tells her that she is actually a faerie child who was left on Earth. They had planned to come get her much earlier but things happened and they were not able to. Now it is time for Abigail to come home with her. Abigail is more than willing to do so. After grabbing a few vital belongings, Abigail leaves with the “person”.
What adventures will she have with this ‘person”? What will she learn to do? That is, if she is finally able to leave.
May 16, 2013
This is a delightful little story about Abigail, who in an attempt to escape from a life of depressing predictability, as most of us lead, reaches within her imagination for both a novel experience and to revel in the beauty and joy of life
The author comes across as well educated. By using magical beings and descriptive imagery she enables the reader to experience the beauty, sadly overlooked, in the simple things of life.
The description of the soap bubbles made by an ordinary wand presents an image of a magical world full of colors and sensations. The author enables the reader to reflect that sometimes we just need to pause and contemplate as there is a wealth of beauty and joy to be had in the ordinary things in life.
Although I found this story delightful, I disliked the constant use of the first person in the story as it impeded the natural flow .
I obtained this short story free of charge from the author for an honest review.
The author comes across as well educated. By using magical beings and descriptive imagery she enables the reader to experience the beauty, sadly overlooked, in the simple things of life.
The description of the soap bubbles made by an ordinary wand presents an image of a magical world full of colors and sensations. The author enables the reader to reflect that sometimes we just need to pause and contemplate as there is a wealth of beauty and joy to be had in the ordinary things in life.
Although I found this story delightful, I disliked the constant use of the first person in the story as it impeded the natural flow .
I obtained this short story free of charge from the author for an honest review.
March 13, 2014
This is a fun story that started out as a writing challenge for the author. How fun! To be able to take a prompt or idea, and weave an entertaining story like this. It certainly had all the elements- relatable characters, descriptive scenes, and adventure. It also has a great reminder about not losing yourself in the monotony of routine and responsibility.
Even though this was an easy and enjoyable read, there were some parts that confused me. I didn't quite get enough reason to suspend reality, and the conclusion seemed a bit rushed. This could easily be expanded and I would love to read more... about this Fae world, what needed to be fixed, etc...
I was also disappointed when the story ended at 60% on my kindle. I gauge the length of a story, based off that, so when it ended, I was still expecting something more to happen...
I give this one a solid 3.5
Even though this was an easy and enjoyable read, there were some parts that confused me. I didn't quite get enough reason to suspend reality, and the conclusion seemed a bit rushed. This could easily be expanded and I would love to read more... about this Fae world, what needed to be fixed, etc...
I was also disappointed when the story ended at 60% on my kindle. I gauge the length of a story, based off that, so when it ended, I was still expecting something more to happen...
I give this one a solid 3.5
March 30, 2013
This is a light and nicely imagined story, with some moments of threat driving the plot that seem simple but that carry surprising power. The book made for a lovely breather between heavier novels.
_What the Faeries Left Behind_ is a fast read with an interesting, unexpected ending. I believe it could have benefited from expansion closer to novel length or at least into a longer novella, as a few scenes were summarized that I would have enjoyed witnessing through the protagonist's direct experience.
I can see from this first effort that Amber is an author whose work I will enjoy reading in the future, especially as she stretches her wings into longer formats.
_What the Faeries Left Behind_ is a fast read with an interesting, unexpected ending. I believe it could have benefited from expansion closer to novel length or at least into a longer novella, as a few scenes were summarized that I would have enjoyed witnessing through the protagonist's direct experience.
I can see from this first effort that Amber is an author whose work I will enjoy reading in the future, especially as she stretches her wings into longer formats.
June 4, 2013
I loved this little novella. It was short and sweet and open-ended, and it really reminded me of growing up in the 90's for some reason.
It's about a girl who comes home from a crap day at work to find that the faeries are there to collect her. She was switched with a human baby at birth, which explains a lot.
Just when I was really getting into it, the story was over! I didn't expect that because I was only halfway through the book, but the second half of the book is excerpts from some of the author's other work.
I will definitely be checking out more writing from this author. A few pages into the excerpts I was hooked on her storytelling style!
It's about a girl who comes home from a crap day at work to find that the faeries are there to collect her. She was switched with a human baby at birth, which explains a lot.
Just when I was really getting into it, the story was over! I didn't expect that because I was only halfway through the book, but the second half of the book is excerpts from some of the author's other work.
I will definitely be checking out more writing from this author. A few pages into the excerpts I was hooked on her storytelling style!
August 19, 2014
Disclaimer: I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review
This book was so close to being five stars, it was a really interesting idea and a great read. I just felt it was a little short and was over before I realised it!
I liked the fact that there weren't too many characters introduced although I would love to know more about the Fae and the world they live in and what Abigail's role will be in the future :)
This book was so close to being five stars, it was a really interesting idea and a great read. I just felt it was a little short and was over before I realised it!
I liked the fact that there weren't too many characters introduced although I would love to know more about the Fae and the world they live in and what Abigail's role will be in the future :)
January 28, 2015
Review also posted on my blog at http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...
I’m sure lots of people have at times wished their life could be a little less mundane and a little more exciting. I know I definitely have. What the Faeries Left Behind explores this fantasy and Amber Michelle Cook has written a quirky, entertaining, magical little novella.
When this book started, I wasn’t sure what to expect but humour laced every page and made this a really fun, easy read. Abigail, in her thirties, is bored of her life and so when the opportunity arises to live a little, she’s eager to do so. I thought Abigail was a really likeable character. Being 36 didn’t have to be an excuse for her to be serious and sensible and it was amusing seeing how she responded to the new twists in her life.
I was a tiny bit confused at the beginning when Abigail discovered she was a Fae Changeling but soon became captivated with the story. I liked all the colours and imagery and the stranger Abigail meets at the beginning was a fun character that helped make this book really enjoyable.
What the Faeries Left Behind was a little eccentric and really fascinating story, really original and fun. I loved the ending and felt it was a fitting way to end what is a great little book to escape into. What the Faeries Left Behind was a joy to read.
4/5.
*Book gifted for honest review.
September 18, 2014
*I received a free copy of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Abigail has a boring life that is transformed when she is told that she is a Fae Changeling who is to return home. As she is taken to the meeting place for the journey Home, she starts to imagine what her life will become.
This was a funny and entertaining novella about a young woman who longs to be different and have some meaning in her boring life. Abigail has no doubts about the wisdom of agreeing to leave for a new life. You can understand how she feels. Who wouldn't like to leave a dull job and non existent social life to live in a new world where you have magical powers? Abigail herself is someone I could relate to and I liked her story. You learn a lot about her as a person through her interaction with other characters, giving her resonable depth. There was a good amount of humour and her Fae guide was an amusing character. I also liked the fact that the author put her own spin on the classic homecoming story.
I don't want to put any spoilers in so I'll just say that I did expect what was coming, but it did not detract from the story at all. I really liked the ending which was perfect. I liked the way the author told this story and followed it through and I'd certainly look at the rest of her work when it is available.
Abigail has a boring life that is transformed when she is told that she is a Fae Changeling who is to return home. As she is taken to the meeting place for the journey Home, she starts to imagine what her life will become.
This was a funny and entertaining novella about a young woman who longs to be different and have some meaning in her boring life. Abigail has no doubts about the wisdom of agreeing to leave for a new life. You can understand how she feels. Who wouldn't like to leave a dull job and non existent social life to live in a new world where you have magical powers? Abigail herself is someone I could relate to and I liked her story. You learn a lot about her as a person through her interaction with other characters, giving her resonable depth. There was a good amount of humour and her Fae guide was an amusing character. I also liked the fact that the author put her own spin on the classic homecoming story.
I don't want to put any spoilers in so I'll just say that I did expect what was coming, but it did not detract from the story at all. I really liked the ending which was perfect. I liked the way the author told this story and followed it through and I'd certainly look at the rest of her work when it is available.
August 19, 2013
This is an interesting take on the "drudgery" of life that most people seem to fall into with the fanciful hopes that the dreamers of our world wish could happen. I did feel that the ending was a bit abrupt, and was surprised that it was so short, but enjoyed it overall.
I thought that Ms. Cook did a descriptive job for this short story.
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I thought that Ms. Cook did a descriptive job for this short story.
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this story i wanted it to keep going and was disappointed to find their was not more to the story. I loved the description of the fairy and the whole park scene with the bubbles was delightful. Quick and sweet.
February 14, 2013
A fun little novella with some wonderful moments showing the power of bubbles.
October 27, 2013
Won this here on goodreads. This definitely qualifies as short and sweet. Loved the story. Made me laugh, and definitely could relate to the monotony of life. Wish there had been more!
April 27, 2013
A fun, delightful story with an uplifting message.
April 20, 2013
A short, charming, and uplifting fantasy with a few surprising turns.
October 26, 2013
(This book was a free copy in exchange for an honest review)
This is a very short novella about a thirty something woman called Abigail. Whilst I could relate to the boredom of her life and her wish to escape it, I simply could not relate to any of the characters. They lack depth, and do not pull the reader in. This book would benefit tremendously from some thorough editing, and perhaps even a rewrite. The premise of the story is a good one, but it lacks in the execution. There is an abundance of head hopping, and at times it is difficult to work out what is going on or has just been described, forcing a reread. Just when the reader might be getting into the story another one of these many flaws crops up and reminds you that you are simply looking at words on a page, words that are oft-times not too clear. The very best stories show us rather than tell us, which is a device this new writer could put to more effective use in getting her message across.
Sadly, when a book is published at this level, it serves to reinforce the bad name a lot of people give to indie authors.
I desperately wanted to like this book, and indeed to support this new author, but I do not feel I can rate it any higher than one star due to the sheer amount of work it needs.
All in all this book needs a lot of work; I can however see potential in this brand new writer, with a little application and further study.
This is a very short novella about a thirty something woman called Abigail. Whilst I could relate to the boredom of her life and her wish to escape it, I simply could not relate to any of the characters. They lack depth, and do not pull the reader in. This book would benefit tremendously from some thorough editing, and perhaps even a rewrite. The premise of the story is a good one, but it lacks in the execution. There is an abundance of head hopping, and at times it is difficult to work out what is going on or has just been described, forcing a reread. Just when the reader might be getting into the story another one of these many flaws crops up and reminds you that you are simply looking at words on a page, words that are oft-times not too clear. The very best stories show us rather than tell us, which is a device this new writer could put to more effective use in getting her message across.
Sadly, when a book is published at this level, it serves to reinforce the bad name a lot of people give to indie authors.
I desperately wanted to like this book, and indeed to support this new author, but I do not feel I can rate it any higher than one star due to the sheer amount of work it needs.
All in all this book needs a lot of work; I can however see potential in this brand new writer, with a little application and further study.
May 5, 2013
When a faerie shows up on her doorstep, Abigail discovers a longed-for escape from mundane life. What the Faeries Left Behind clocks in at 30 pages, a strongly inspired novella that suffers for want of a rewrite. It's urban fantasy by the "traditional"/1980s definition, contrasting the banality of daily life against the magic that we hope to find at its fringes; while each is simplistically rendered, the emotional relationship between the mundane and faerie worlds is palpable and climaxes in a beautiful scene about the magic of a perfectly ordinary bubble wand. But it's choppy and stilted, suffering from both headhopping and an obtrusive first person narrative, with many of the markings of self-published work. I think it needs a rewrite from the ground up and that makes me hesitant to recommend it, but What the Faeries Left Behind has its heart in the right place and if you're sympathetic to its message then you may enjoy it despite its flaws.
(Review copy provided by the author.)
(Review copy provided by the author.)
November 12, 2013
I received What the Faeries Left Behind from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. That being said my apologies to the author for taking so much time to get it done. The book wouldn't open properly on my ereader which meant I had to read it on the computer and while that's no excuse it does take me longer.
I didn't include this in my November eReader Challenge and really I should have as it has taken me ages to get through it. I don't usually read short stories, I find either I can't get into the characters at all or I do get into the story and then...it's over. This one was really short only about 30 pages.
I couldn't get a connection with any of the characters, even Abigail and I really don't know if that is because of the writing or the fact that the book is only 30 pages. It may also be the fact that it took me several tries to read it. I found the premise of the story interesting and maybe in a fleshed out book I might have enjoyed it better but as is...not so much
I didn't include this in my November eReader Challenge and really I should have as it has taken me ages to get through it. I don't usually read short stories, I find either I can't get into the characters at all or I do get into the story and then...it's over. This one was really short only about 30 pages.
I couldn't get a connection with any of the characters, even Abigail and I really don't know if that is because of the writing or the fact that the book is only 30 pages. It may also be the fact that it took me several tries to read it. I found the premise of the story interesting and maybe in a fleshed out book I might have enjoyed it better but as is...not so much
May 18, 2013
** I received a free copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review **
“What the Faeries Left Behind” is a message to keep an eye out for the wonder and fun in life.
Abigail’s had a bad day and is tired of the daily drudgery. Unexpectedly she opens the door to a faerie that has translucent wings and ends up on an adventure taking her back to the faerie realm.
It ultimately is fun and quirky! Abigail see’s the world from a different perspective now that she is keeping company with the fey. She becomes mesmerized by soap bubbles and childhood trappings such as Shrinky Dinks and Sea Monkeys. She offers an off beat ending that is satisfying and full of self evaluation.
It’s well written with the only real down fall being its short length. There are some scenes that would have been really fun if they had been expounded on. But all in all Amber Michelle Cook promises to be young author to keep an eye on.
“What the Faeries Left Behind” is a message to keep an eye out for the wonder and fun in life.
Abigail’s had a bad day and is tired of the daily drudgery. Unexpectedly she opens the door to a faerie that has translucent wings and ends up on an adventure taking her back to the faerie realm.
It ultimately is fun and quirky! Abigail see’s the world from a different perspective now that she is keeping company with the fey. She becomes mesmerized by soap bubbles and childhood trappings such as Shrinky Dinks and Sea Monkeys. She offers an off beat ending that is satisfying and full of self evaluation.
It’s well written with the only real down fall being its short length. There are some scenes that would have been really fun if they had been expounded on. But all in all Amber Michelle Cook promises to be young author to keep an eye on.
August 2, 2013
I received a free copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
Abigail leads a mundane life, but after a particularly bad day a faerie turns up at her door claiming that Abigail is a fae changling, who must return home. The story then follows Abigail and the faerie's journey to the meeting place for her return to the Faerie Realm.
Abigail was likeable & I could easily relate to her character. I found her thoughts were amusing & kept me interested throughout the novella. I enjoyed the ending, it was not how I imagined it would end & I liked that it wasn't predictable!
I would have liked the book to have been a bit longer to explore the characters more fully, particularly the fae. I also felt that the writing didn't always flow that well, which left me re-reading bits, so that I understood what was happening.
Abigail leads a mundane life, but after a particularly bad day a faerie turns up at her door claiming that Abigail is a fae changling, who must return home. The story then follows Abigail and the faerie's journey to the meeting place for her return to the Faerie Realm.
Abigail was likeable & I could easily relate to her character. I found her thoughts were amusing & kept me interested throughout the novella. I enjoyed the ending, it was not how I imagined it would end & I liked that it wasn't predictable!
I would have liked the book to have been a bit longer to explore the characters more fully, particularly the fae. I also felt that the writing didn't always flow that well, which left me re-reading bits, so that I understood what was happening.
May 14, 2014
The meaning, message, or moral of this story was a good one - wonder and play are not just for children. My favorite scene in the story involved childhood fun with bubbles. It was descriptive and really hit home. The faeries coming in and switching babies - interesting. However, the rest of the story had me kind of confused at times. I didn't really get why they were switched, or why they had to switch back. I think Abigail was talking to herself and telling the story at the same time which added to my confusion. It was also much shorter than I thought it would be when I started reading it. It said it was only at around 60% when the story ended and the rest of the "book" contained author information and excerpts from other work.
I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2013
I did enjoy reading this novella. The main character is stuck in the mundane world and suddenly is given the opportunity to escape. I can relate to her situation, and if given a chance to runaway, I would go too. I think the message is simple in the story-stop and enjoy what life has to offer, and explore the simple things in life that make us happy. Imaginative and very creative story that I think could easily expand on. I would've liked to learn more about the faeries and the main character-I had a hard time connecting to them. Overall, it was an interesting read that I normally don't gravitate to.
August 11, 2013
I received a free copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very easy story to read about mid-30s Abigail who is bored with her life and suddenly encounters the fae world and discovers she may actually be a part of it!
I liked the pace of the story and it had some good humour too. There were a few parts where I was a little confused as to what had happened, but nothing that a quick re-read of a passage didn't fix, or a good editor couldn't attend to. This novella could form the basis for a great novel down the track.
This was a very easy story to read about mid-30s Abigail who is bored with her life and suddenly encounters the fae world and discovers she may actually be a part of it!
I liked the pace of the story and it had some good humour too. There were a few parts where I was a little confused as to what had happened, but nothing that a quick re-read of a passage didn't fix, or a good editor couldn't attend to. This novella could form the basis for a great novel down the track.
April 24, 2014
Sadly, I bought this book.... it did not live up to my expectations. The main character seemed very whiny and immature for a 36 year old. It was difficult to relate to any of the characters -- there just wasn't enough plot/information/detail for me to truly relate to the characters. The basic premise of the book was intriguing (which is why I bought it); the execution was poor.
May 10, 2013
A clever concept for a little book that unfortunately falls a bit short at the end. I found myself getting into it only to be left disappointed and incomplete. It's simply written with some nice descriptions though. I would still recommend this as a quick little read for anyone who needs some faeries in their lives. Worth a read. *I won this book in a GoodReads First Reads giveaway*
October 27, 2013
Quick easy read perfect for those brief respites from everything that takes up our time each day. While there are some issues with the writing the plot is endearing and relatable for many readers. Parts are written better, such as the scene with blowing bubbles. With more experience and a helpful editor this could be a much better read, but it's not terrible as it stands.
April 1, 2014
A charming tale about the loss of wonder in our modern world and adult lives. Amber inserts some unexpected twists to add a fresh breath to this classic theme.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews