Ondine

Ondine Quartet #0.5

by Emma Raveling

“I shouldn’t get involved.”
Rebellious and headstrong, sixteen-year-old Kendra Irisavie doesn’t have much respect for authority. An ondine with the powerful gift of Virtue, she uses her tough attitude and Empath magic to navigate through high school and keep others away.

Because being an ondine also means keeping secrets.

Kendra and her mother are Rogue water elementals in the middle of an ancient war. They hide among humans, their survival constantly threatened by monstrous Aquidae demons.

Along with a rigorous training regimen to mold Kendra into a lethal fighter, her mother has instituted four rules to keep her safe.

Trust no one. Relationships are weaknesses. Emotional attachments are dangerous. Be responsible only for yourself.

But when Kendra witnesses a classmate in trouble, she intervenes and her decision to break the rules comes at a price.

Sometimes, humans could be more dangerous than demons.

Ondine is a short prequel novella for the young adult urban / paranormal fantasy series, the Ondine Quartet.

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult, Fantasy, Novella, Urban Fantasy, Ebooks, Magic

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2013

About the author

Emma Raveling resides in Honolulu with her husband and German shepherd.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was nice learning more about the tattoo ;)

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Raveling has this incredible way of writing books that you can't help but read in one sitting. I was incredibly lucky to receive an advanced ebook of Ondine and I only meant to read the first chapter or two just to get a taste and then the next thing I knew I had finished (thank god this one was a novella or I would have been seriously late for work). As excited as I was about this one I was a little hesitant about the lack of the amazing characters that I've come to know and love from the series (Cam, Ian, TRISTAN) but I honestly didn't even notice their absence it was so well written in its own little world and scenario.
She also has a way of writing action sequences that have me on the edge of my seat. I normally hate action scenes and skim over them but I have never done that with one of Emma's. And there are quite a few action sequences in this one.
I loved getting to know younger Kendra and it was nice to see how she started out and how those events shaped her into the Kendra that I know and love now. I enjoyed seeing her in the human world where most people didn't know her and she had this anonymity that she NEVER has in the series simply because of who she is and who she's related to. It was nice to see her in normal situations (well, really, this is Kendra. She doesn't do normal. But there were no aquidae or Shadows lurking about).
Also, LOVED the ending. I didn't see it coming and I think it was perfect. Surprisingly sweet with a ton of foreshadowing to readers who have read Whirl.
Loved this one. Every Emma Raveling book I read makes me a bigger fan of hers and this one was no different. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of Breaker and this one was a great little dip into that world. Enough to tide me over (pun intended) until the forth one. Probably. Bottom line? If you're a fan of the series you'll enjoy this one and if you're looking to start the series (trust me, it's an amazing one) it's a great introduction into our main character.

[Aeicha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and its heroine, Kendra, so I was super stoked to read Ondine and get to explore a pre-Whirl (book one) Kendra and, like I suspected, Ondine delivers and definitely does not disappoint!

This prequel novella showcases everything I love about Emma Raveling's captivating and addicting storytelling and, even with its shorter length, this novella captures the intensity, action, and excellent world-building of the full length books in the series. I loved getting to meet a younger Kendra and seeing the life she and her mother lived while on the run from the elemental community. Raveling creates some fantastic backstory in this novella, further building Kendra's already complex and layered character development.

Kendra may be stuck in a very human world in this novella, but she finds herself in a whirlwind of bad guys, kickbutt action, and maybe even a little heat (of the sexy kind!).

Exciting. Enthralling. Electric...Ondine lacks nothing. Fans of the Ondine Quartet will love further exploring Kendra's world, while this prequel novella is the perfect starting point for readers new to this awesome series!

[Booknut 101 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written novella that ties perfectly into the series, Ondine adds a whole new dimension to Kendra's character.

If you thought Kendra was badass before...you haven't seen anything yet!

Go back to where it all began.

Kendra, sixteen and fearless, is about to up the ante. Taking on a crime ring in the hopes of proving herself once and for all - as both a fighter, and as an ondine - Kendra will face her biggest challenge yet...who to trust.

Trust is a luxury an ondine cannot afford.

Learn about Kendra's battle to meet her mother's gruelling expectations, and watch as she struggles tries to keep her true identity a secret from the humans around her, whilst fighting for her life.

This is her life. Her choice. And no one's going to take that away from her.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella, because it tells the beginning and explains the hows. Then you learn the reasoning behind why she got her tattoo. You get to know more about her relationship with her mom, which was brief in Whirl, but you see it here. Then you REALLY see Kendra more of her rebellious nature and understand why and can see the reasoning behind it. Excellent!

[Arieana rie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story when Kendra Irisavie at Los Angeles. She uses name Kendra Durrand and broke four rules that her mom set in her entire life;
Trust no one.
Relationships are weaknesses.
Emotional attachments are dangerous.
Be responsible only yourself.

[Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short introduction. Intrigued.

[Strix · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one before Whorl with no idea what was coming. It's very standard YA UF, but I didn't really get too invested--Kendra was far too flat

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a novella - very short and quick to read. It might lead me to read some of the books from the series.

[Dharshini Anushya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved it!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*s
review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Ondine is an excellent insight into a younger Kendra, who is now future governor of Haverleau. In this we see her as a sixteen year old, trying to stay below the radar by following her mother’s rules -
‘Trust no one. Relationships are weaknesses. Emotional attachments are dangerous. Be responsible only for yourself.’
And she has….until now.. because she is forced to step in when she sees one of her classmates being held responsible for something that is out of his control which attracts the attention of the bully – Rui- who has a lot going on beneath the surface and Kendra recognises that in him. Along with the bullied boy, Kendra decides to make a difference in this town and sort of leave a legacy for the better but will everything go according to plan?
As I mentioned, this is an excellent insight into Kendra’s younger self, I can see her emerging into the Ondine warrior we know her to be, ‘the sondaleur’. I like her strong sense of right from wrong, I like how she wants to make a difference and can see how these traits have manifested into her new role. Even though this was a short story, I liked the connection she had to Rui, it’s a shame there was never any time to delve into that further because he was like a kindred spirit and both victims of their parents visions. For all we know much about Naida Irisivie, I find myself wondering wth she was doing to her daughter, I’m surprised Kendra had any confidence left by the time Tristan took her away, she is cruel in my opinion and whilst I do know why she was that way with Kendra, it’s harsh. I really liked the story, it fit well to her character and definitely something I could see her doing plus it shows us she was just as fearless then as now and we get a very symbolic scene at the end which I thought was a great way to end this. As with each & every story we get in this series, it always leaves me wanting more!

[Naz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Emma Raveling and her style of prose and how strong and wilful her characters are etched out to be and...well, I could go on for hours and still not be done.
I suppose it simply boils down to how she makes me lose myself in a world where I have no sense of surrounding, no conscious realization that its a book that Im reading and not a nail biting, edge perching thriller that my eyeballs are glued to.
It is for this reason that when I realized I missed re-reading the books leading to the release of the final part of her maiden quartet series early this year, that I would correct this error post haste by beginning with the Ondine. I drank every word like I'd been stranded in the Sahara and Ms Raveling offered me the most sweetest, tallest glass of strawberry Kool-aid.

This series is about a water elemental-Kendra Irisavie- and how the selfsame ondine plays a pivotal role in the ongoing war since forever (not really but seems like that) between the elementals and the Shadow. It has to do with a prophecy, a prince (Im a sucker for princes, sigh) and lots of intricate royal political altercations and shows of power. And does Kendra kick ass. She's got a dont-mess-with-me-if-you-value-your-sanity vibe going on and this novella is no exception. We see Kendra get involved in some pretty serious fight scenes when she stands up for one of her classmates but she learns the lessons her mother has drilled her in all her life, the hard way-Trust no one, form no relations, emotions weigh you down. It was interesting to finally learn how Irisavie got her tattoo of the crest-the one that puts the prophecy in motion and Kendra in the path of the big baddies (as we shall see in the next book-Whirl).
So im on my way to picking up ondine#1 and if you havent started this series yet, put it on the top of your to-read list...like, right now!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was recommend this series by my cousin, and then I saw they were all .99 with the prequel novella free, so I thought, why not? I read this really quick before bed last night, and it definitely sparked my curiosity.

The main character, Kendra is a rogue water elemental, living on the run with her mom, but are currently in L.A. She is a fighter, so I liked that the author made the main character one who was already exhibiting strength rather than being a more weak; it definitely added more of a twist to book because readers are used to seeing strength develop over the course of the series, so this leads me to believe the strength she finds, will be more internal.

I also liked the conflict introduced. Already we see a world of danger, revenge, and betrayal, which makes me wonder what's in store next. I know this is a prequel, setting the stage and providing background, but I'm hopeful there might be a return of characters....if not, I can deal. The book definitely allowed me insight in to what's to come, and I can guess the next four books will be just as action-packed.

My only issue was it was a little hard to understand. I wasn't familiar with the world we're reading about, and although there was the terminology in the beginning, I was still a bit confused. There were just some holes for me, but that's probably because it's me:) Overall, I'm intrigued and anxious to keep reading!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Raveling never disappoints. She's back but this time with Ondine a prequel novella based around Kendra when she's younger and in the human world where she's trying to figure out the difference between right and wrong. There's something going on at school and Kendra knows she's the only one who can help right the situation, even despite all her mother's warnings. Her mother is a harsh women. At times I could see why Nadia is the way she is, after all, if you've read the series, you know her it all plays out for her and why she pushes Kendra so much. But there's a way to do that at I honestly believe Nadia did most things wrong. She puts Kendra down and doesn't really show her the affection a mother should, it was slightly hard to read because Kendra takes as much as possible in stride but deep down, I think she just wanted her mother to be proud of her, so does what she can. I enjoyed the overall story for Ondine too. It was good to see Kendra interacting with people, you can see the feisty person starting to bubble under the surface and even though she's in the human world, she's far from normal...and you do start to see glimmers of that. In all, even though this is only a novella, Emma Raveling manages to capture everything we love about Kendra and makes us wish that much more that she can get the happy ever after ending we all want her to have.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a shame that this book came after the release of the first three books in the Ondine Quartet series, because this addition certainly makes a powerful statement.

I think that this short story on Kendra really captures who she is. She is someone who will stick up for others, even when they aren't as they appear. She is also someone who doesn't go back on her word. When she commits to something, she doesn't back down, no matter how detrimental a situation may be to herself. Lastly, she is determined to do what she feels moved to do. When she believes in something, she fights for it with every bone in her body.

Kendra is tough, loyal, and truly dedicated in all that she does. Even though she doesn't believe it of herself, she's a good person to try to fight so hard for others.

I highly recommend this book to those who have read any or all of the Ondine Quartet books and especially to those who have not yet experienced the greatness that is Kendra. Truly, you would be in for a treat.

[Tessa Unruh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great addition to an already phenomenal series! This novella follows Kendra in her time before making it to Haverleau and her destiny. I loved it because it gives a very personal look into just how far Kendra has come within herself and the community she will inevitably one day lead. It shows her strong need to become independent and to prove to herself that she is capable of what her mother has always taught her she needs to be capable of. Its such a great starting point in order to really gauge just how much she has grown up and evolved throughout this wonderful series. I love Kendra and her heart and grit and bravery. This novella just added to the high regard I hold her and Emma in!

[Carrie Adair · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let down on the expected fantasy side as well as a lack of explanation

This novella surrounds Kendra, an rogue ondine who never stays in one place for long. She gets caught up in a deal with the police to catch Rui's father criminal business. Of course everything goes wrong.

I'm glad this novella was free because it would have been a waste to pay a penny for it. Perhaps the main series is better, but this was a let down.

I thought there would be more about ondines, but it let me down there. I also think Kendra got out of the trouble with the cops too easily. I also would have liked to see a greater attachment to Rui. If not that, then I would have liked a greater explanation about Troy or the reason she had the tattoo--besides being an ondine.

I don't recommend this.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this short story, the more writing from Emma, the better lol.
It follows Kendra before she enters the Ondine world and meets Tristan. Kendra becomes involved in a plot to help a boy named Troy whose father has abandoned him, leaving him with a whole ton of debt. Troy asks Kendra to help him take down the person he owes the money to by getting evidence for the police to arrest him. Also involved is Rui, the man's son, who wants to see him pay for the death of his brother,
This exciting story is very revealing and insightful particularly when we see Kendra with her mother.
Overall, I would recommend it, you don't need to read any of the other books to understand what goes on.

[Antoinette Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an interesting introduction. It gave a small insight into Kendra's life and how she struggles with her empath powers and a mother that's hard on her relentlessly.

I loved that she broke all her moms rules to help put a drug dealer behind bars, and the fight between her and machine was just realistic, I felt like I was there.

I wondered what happen to Troy though and officer Ruggiero. Mr. Ruggiero disliked her just because she defeated his daughter for kickboxing championship title. It was a good intro I hope the other books are better.

[katnissbraid. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved this series and Kendra is awesome. She's inspiring and reading about her is very refreshing, but I must admit that if the whole serie would have place in the human world with Kendra Irisavie the executioner of the bad guys it would have been superb stuff.

I devoured this novella and I definitely want more.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this brief glimpse into Kendra's life before the Lumiere Academy. I liked seeing this younger version of her! It was nice to see the way she has always stuck up for the underdogs. Even though she seems harsh or abrasive, she has always been a quiet hero. I enjoyed the story, and the sweet twist at the end.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a novella - but it was a good introduction to the world, which was interesting and makes me want to read more, so I guess it served it's purpose (it was a kindle freebie). I'll look into reading the full series now. (Probably won't buy them, but they're interesting enough to check out from the library.)

[Shanna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a really good book in a while like Half-Blood series or Vampire Academy Series or (Heartbeats Over Time) The LUX Series, But the Ondine Series is one of the few series to make it on my "I Read Every Last Word and Fell Hopelessly in Love" book list.

[❤Rose (◕‿◕✿) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice insight into her life before the first book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

******4*******
What a great beginning to an awesome series.

[gio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I should pick up the series again...
Anyway, Ondine is a nice novella, it isn't necessary to read it to understand the series but it's still a quick and enternaining read.

[Teresa Caric · Rating 4 out of 5]

not a read you need but gives you an a deeper look into Kendra

[Ciera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this novella! I will never look at Kendra's tattoo the same again.