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Elder Races #5.5
The Wicked
The adventure of a lifetime might just end in turmoil, but when it includes meeting your future mate, who gives a hoot?
A Novella of the Elder Races
For a librarian with a focus on rare magic books, Olivia’s new job is a dream come true. She has been hired as part of a team to help manage the safe transportation of the collection of books owned by the Vampyre sorceress Carling Severan. The fact that the library is located on a mysterious island in an Other land only heightens the adventure.
Head of security for the expedition, Sebastian Hale is tired of his rootless life of adventure and finds himself attracted to the calm, beautiful librarian. But he is living a personal nightmare. He has been hit with a curse that is slowly taking away his sight, and he doesn’t know if he will survive the results.
But the powerful feelings growing between them, along with Sebastian’s inner turmoil, take a backseat when they learn there is a traitor lurking among their expedition team. With Elder Races politics and a priceless library on the line, they’ll have to rely on each other to survive the experience.
When a librarian who likes to nest meets an owl Wyr who has always lived for adventure, their romance won’t just be fly-by-night…
A Novella of the Elder Races
For a librarian with a focus on rare magic books, Olivia’s new job is a dream come true. She has been hired as part of a team to help manage the safe transportation of the collection of books owned by the Vampyre sorceress Carling Severan. The fact that the library is located on a mysterious island in an Other land only heightens the adventure.
Head of security for the expedition, Sebastian Hale is tired of his rootless life of adventure and finds himself attracted to the calm, beautiful librarian. But he is living a personal nightmare. He has been hit with a curse that is slowly taking away his sight, and he doesn’t know if he will survive the results.
But the powerful feelings growing between them, along with Sebastian’s inner turmoil, take a backseat when they learn there is a traitor lurking among their expedition team. With Elder Races politics and a priceless library on the line, they’ll have to rely on each other to survive the experience.
When a librarian who likes to nest meets an owl Wyr who has always lived for adventure, their romance won’t just be fly-by-night…
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2013
93 people are currently reading
2000 people want to read
About the author
Thea Harrison
63 books5,491 followersI write paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and other stuff. I taught myself to read when I was four. That was around the time I tried to ride my tricycle to work. I wasn't sure where work was, but I knew it had to be interesting if people went there every day. Now I combine my love of books with work, and I don't have to ride my tricycle to get there. My Elder Races series began May, 2011. You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
February 20, 2018
Sebastian and Olivia
Olivia is a human witch and symbologist. She is also a friend of the Oracle Grace and a member of the team that will transfer Carlin's dangerous library out of her island. The first time we have read about this library was in the book Serpert's kiss ( Serpent's Kiss). So, this little novella is a continuation of this book.
The team that will transfer the books includes people we already know like Phaedra (Khalil's daughter), but also a security team lead by Sebastian, the Wyr. Sebastian is almost blind, but still powerful and he has lived almost all the years that an Eagle owl normally lives. He still has about 50 years left hehehe.
And this is the part where I am absolutely ecstatic because a librarian will be matched and mated with an owl shifter. Perfect combination!
Olivia is a human witch and symbologist. She is also a friend of the Oracle Grace and a member of the team that will transfer Carlin's dangerous library out of her island. The first time we have read about this library was in the book Serpert's kiss ( Serpent's Kiss). So, this little novella is a continuation of this book.
The team that will transfer the books includes people we already know like Phaedra (Khalil's daughter), but also a security team lead by Sebastian, the Wyr. Sebastian is almost blind, but still powerful and he has lived almost all the years that an Eagle owl normally lives. He still has about 50 years left hehehe.
And this is the part where I am absolutely ecstatic because a librarian will be matched and mated with an owl shifter. Perfect combination!
The moon called to him. It always called to him.
Come dance with me, it said. Take wing and fly wild into the night.
And he always had, before now.
This time, he said to the moon, I cannot fly with you this night, for I have another with whom I will dance, and she is even lovelier than you.
And the knowledge of that was both bitter and sweet, as he let go of one thing to reach for the other.
November 13, 2016
I can't get enough of Thea Harrison's Elder Race Series.....
The Wicked is a novella (#5,5 in the series) and is the story of Olivia, a friend of Grace, the Oracle (from Oracle's Moon) and Sebastian, an Eagle Owl Wyr.
I liked this couple and glad they had their HEA.
It was really great getting glimpses of the many characters we have come to love in the previous books. Fabulous to see a bit of Khalil and Grace..........and wow........loved Khalil's daughter, Phaedra. She was a totally fabulous!!!!
The Elder Race World just keeps rocking!!!! Wyr, Elves, Unicorns, Vampyres, Fae, Witches..........
please..... give me more!!!!
July 28, 2013
3.5 ★'s
Olivia and Sebastian are hired by Carling to retrieve her library contents that are still on her island. Things have had to be negotiated very carefully since Carling gave up the leadership of the Vampyre's and Julian, the new King, is very suspicious of what Carling is up to.
I really enjoyed this Elder Races short especially since it had Djinns in it...Khalil and his daughter, Phaedra. She is very interesting and I really enjoyed seeing her reign...and not reign in her powers. I can only hope this is a prelude to what we might read in the future between her and a certain someone! (Please!)
But...back to the main couple...they were sweet and had some steamy scenes but it lacked the intensity I felt TH's couples normally had. Maybe because it was a short, maybe because I'm really more interested in Djinn's and maybe, just maybe...I couldn't really get into a Wyr Owl?? Don't get me wrong, Sebastian seems really sexy and all that but I think a line needs to be drawn with certain animals. Wolfs = h*ll yes, Lions and other felines = heck yes, Hyenas = hmmmm not really and Owls = well, not so much. (Don't even get me started on rats!)
Sexy??....just say NO! And I don't care if they give you those sexy little owl eyes! ;)
And because it was a short, we had the instant connection thing happening and the drama that involves Sebastian was handled fairly easily as well. Even the drama with the library items was taken care of quickly. So now maybe you're seeing why the Djinn held more interest?
If there's one thing I've learned from reading TH's other shorts, is that there's always MORE going on than we're lead to believe! But overall, a good addition to the story. It flowed well and I enjoyed getting to know some new characters. I'm only more curious as to how things will proceed in the future!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "You know you're mine, don't you?" he muttered. "You have to be. You just have to be."
Olivia and Sebastian are hired by Carling to retrieve her library contents that are still on her island. Things have had to be negotiated very carefully since Carling gave up the leadership of the Vampyre's and Julian, the new King, is very suspicious of what Carling is up to.
I really enjoyed this Elder Races short especially since it had Djinns in it...Khalil and his daughter, Phaedra. She is very interesting and I really enjoyed seeing her reign...and not reign in her powers. I can only hope this is a prelude to what we might read in the future between her and a certain someone! (Please!)
But...back to the main couple...they were sweet and had some steamy scenes but it lacked the intensity I felt TH's couples normally had. Maybe because it was a short, maybe because I'm really more interested in Djinn's and maybe, just maybe...I couldn't really get into a Wyr Owl?? Don't get me wrong, Sebastian seems really sexy and all that but I think a line needs to be drawn with certain animals. Wolfs = h*ll yes, Lions and other felines = heck yes, Hyenas = hmmmm not really and Owls = well, not so much. (Don't even get me started on rats!)
Sexy??....just say NO! And I don't care if they give you those sexy little owl eyes! ;)
And because it was a short, we had the instant connection thing happening and the drama that involves Sebastian was handled fairly easily as well. Even the drama with the library items was taken care of quickly. So now maybe you're seeing why the Djinn held more interest?
If there's one thing I've learned from reading TH's other shorts, is that there's always MORE going on than we're lead to believe! But overall, a good addition to the story. It flowed well and I enjoyed getting to know some new characters. I'm only more curious as to how things will proceed in the future!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "You know you're mine, don't you?" he muttered. "You have to be. You just have to be."
May 27, 2024
My standard disclaimer with all Elder Races novellas and books is that I'm wildly in love with this ENTIRE series. Wildly. They have to call out animal control when I pick up any of the books because things get OUT OF CONTROL and there's some fangirl flailing and other things that are best left unspoken of. Just... keep this in mind. Please.
So. This time around we get to see Carling send in a team to retrieve her incredibly powerful (and often creepy) library. While the focus of the story is on Sebastian and Olivia, the characters we've come to know and love who pop in make me GIDDY. Grace and Khalil (one of my favorite couples - next to Dragos and Pia) get to show off their relationship. The delightful Chloe and Max (LOVE those two!) are their usual charming selves. Phaedra, Khalil's daughter, makes a rather powerful impact. It's just... awesome to the 10th degree to see how things have progressed in their lives since we last saw them.
As fun as that crew is, this is Sebastian and Olivia's story. They fall for one another quickly and they both make the decision to grab life (and everything it has to throw at them) by the horns. Which makes for some spectacular sexy times, if you ask me. I approve of spectacular sexy times and all the feral hunger that I've come to expect from these Wyr.
Gorgeous cover, fabulous characters, and enough danger to keep even a predator Wyr on his toes. I will gladly read as many of these novellas as Thea Harrison writes. Yes, I love them that much.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So. This time around we get to see Carling send in a team to retrieve her incredibly powerful (and often creepy) library. While the focus of the story is on Sebastian and Olivia, the characters we've come to know and love who pop in make me GIDDY. Grace and Khalil (one of my favorite couples - next to Dragos and Pia) get to show off their relationship. The delightful Chloe and Max (LOVE those two!) are their usual charming selves. Phaedra, Khalil's daughter, makes a rather powerful impact. It's just... awesome to the 10th degree to see how things have progressed in their lives since we last saw them.
As fun as that crew is, this is Sebastian and Olivia's story. They fall for one another quickly and they both make the decision to grab life (and everything it has to throw at them) by the horns. Which makes for some spectacular sexy times, if you ask me. I approve of spectacular sexy times and all the feral hunger that I've come to expect from these Wyr.
Gorgeous cover, fabulous characters, and enough danger to keep even a predator Wyr on his toes. I will gladly read as many of these novellas as Thea Harrison writes. Yes, I love them that much.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 28, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Both main characters are 35+ or/and in the heroes case he looks about 40 but is a shapeshifter so has a longer lifespan.... and is much older than he looks.
A hero that is not the formulaic and “standard” romance hero… he is only a few inches taller than the heroine.
A shapeshifter/paranormal creature that is Not a Wolf, Bear, Lion etc. or any of the more formulaic and/or overused shapeshifter/paranormal creatures in this genre.
Some parts of the plot.
Some parts of the world-building.
➖ What I disliked:
The hero was a little too jaded when it came to women.
Even for a Novella…. The romantic build-up and chemistry is rushed and lacking … and what little there is feels forced and based only on the physical…. There is almost No emotional connection… it just felt lacking and rather insta-lust and insta-love.
Even for a novella there is too much telling instead of showing.
Rushed/too short.
Every issue and problem is solved a little too easily and quickly. (Even for a novella.)
Rather uninteresting/flat main characters.
The side character that height shames the hero.
(Talks shit about the heroes height when gossiping about him with the heroine.)
January 12, 2018
The Wicked (A Novella of the Elder Races) was one of my favorites of the Elder Races novellas so far. There was a nice touch up with Grace, Khalil and the kids (from Oracle's Moon) and a really good steamy intense mate connection between the leads, cursed Wyr security expert, Sebastian and, human witch magical books specialist, Olivia - plus a tantalizing touch of two characters: the former insane pariah Djinn Phaedra and Vampire King Julian (They both need books of their own... or hmmm, a book together? That might be interesting.)
I really liked Olivia and Sebastian together, and the 'click' between them was such an earth moving shift but some how it just worked. And I liked that Harrison finally listened to her readers' concerns about a mating between a Wyr and a human with a shorter life span - he's from a long lived race but not immortal and he's old enough that he has just about the right number of years left to match up with her life span.
So, I really liked what was here, Harrison probably could have milked this story for a bit more length - since the personal conflict for the hero resolved quickly - and I am always greedy for more and I will take whatever I can get, but I was still happy with the story.
So this was a nice little taste of the Elder Races world that left me hungry for more - of the series. I am really looking forward to the next book, Kinked, but I also got a kick out of the announcement for the next Elder Races short which will be out in the fall Dragos Takes a Holiday - "The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?"
I really liked Olivia and Sebastian together, and the 'click' between them was such an earth moving shift but some how it just worked. And I liked that Harrison finally listened to her readers' concerns about a mating between a Wyr and a human with a shorter life span - he's from a long lived race but not immortal and he's old enough that he has just about the right number of years left to match up with her life span.
So, I really liked what was here, Harrison probably could have milked this story for a bit more length - since the personal conflict for the hero resolved quickly - and I am always greedy for more and I will take whatever I can get, but I was still happy with the story.
So this was a nice little taste of the Elder Races world that left me hungry for more - of the series. I am really looking forward to the next book, Kinked, but I also got a kick out of the announcement for the next Elder Races short which will be out in the fall Dragos Takes a Holiday - "The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?"
August 8, 2024
Loved it. Loved Olivia and Sebastian as well as catching up with Grace and Kahlil from Oracle's Moon. Very good addition to the series. Happy reading!
August 24, 2016
Fantastic addition to the Elder Races series. I enjoyed it so much I wish it was a bit longer, the H&H Olivia & Sebastian have become a fav Elder Races couple for me. We also had another ER fav of mine, Khalil & Grace making a couple of lengthy appearances.
Great storyline and terrific character's. This little novella packed a terrific punch and left me wanting more, more, more!!! I've said before that I love this world Thea Harrison has created and I'll say it again!!! Looking forward to the next books.
Great storyline and terrific character's. This little novella packed a terrific punch and left me wanting more, more, more!!! I've said before that I love this world Thea Harrison has created and I'll say it again!!! Looking forward to the next books.
May 11, 2018
A cursed Owl Shifter and a Witch Librarian. Only Thea Harrison can make that work. It's another sweet, short story in the addictive world of Elder Races. I was happy to see old characters getting on with their lives. These novellas are fun to read.
August 8, 2024
3.5 Stars
Part of the TPAM BR for this series
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
All of these novellas seem to be a 3.5 for me.
Their nice little snippets of various characters within the same world as the series and the same time line.
I like them but not crazy about them.
I really liked Sabastian and Olivia. I liked the storyline of them retrieving Carlings library.
The intimacy between them was very nice.
Really enjoyed the part Phaedra played.
Julien is an absolute obnoxious jerk.
Loved all the other side characters. Except Steve of course.
Part of the TPAM BR for this series
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
All of these novellas seem to be a 3.5 for me.
Their nice little snippets of various characters within the same world as the series and the same time line.
I like them but not crazy about them.
I really liked Sabastian and Olivia. I liked the storyline of them retrieving Carlings library.
The intimacy between them was very nice.
Really enjoyed the part Phaedra played.
Julien is an absolute obnoxious jerk.
Loved all the other side characters. Except Steve of course.
July 6, 2013
Spoilers
Better than the last two Elder Races novellas.
-The plot was pretty enjoyable. Human witch, Olivia, goes on an expedition to an Other land (the former home/island of Carling, the ex-vampire queen) to retrieve Carling's priceless library. Naturally, she becomes attracted to the sexy, broody leader of the expedition (Sebastian). And of course, they run into trouble but thankfully they find plenty of time to sex each other up. Aw yea.
-I liked Olivia a little more than Sebastian. I thought Sebastian was kind of cliched and boring, he reminded me of previous Elder Races heroes. All heroes seem to have the same personality these days. Olivia's character was decent enough, mostly because she wasn't some speshul snowflake, she was just normal.
-The instant attraction between Olivia and Sebastian annoyed me but I guess in a novella where the heroine/hero haven't met before that would be inevitable. I was irritated at Olivia's reaction to Sebastian touching her or glancing at her, it was really over the top, she was like a schoolgirl.
-I hope Phaedra gets her own book, she's a great character. I think there might have been something between her and Julian but I don't want that to happen since Julian was such a douche, he was also a sore loser.
Better than the last two Elder Races novellas.
-The plot was pretty enjoyable. Human witch, Olivia, goes on an expedition to an Other land (the former home/island of Carling, the ex-vampire queen) to retrieve Carling's priceless library. Naturally, she becomes attracted to the sexy, broody leader of the expedition (Sebastian). And of course, they run into trouble but thankfully they find plenty of time to sex each other up. Aw yea.
-I liked Olivia a little more than Sebastian. I thought Sebastian was kind of cliched and boring, he reminded me of previous Elder Races heroes. All heroes seem to have the same personality these days. Olivia's character was decent enough, mostly because she wasn't some speshul snowflake, she was just normal.
-The instant attraction between Olivia and Sebastian annoyed me but I guess in a novella where the heroine/hero haven't met before that would be inevitable. I was irritated at Olivia's reaction to Sebastian touching her or glancing at her, it was really over the top, she was like a schoolgirl.
-I hope Phaedra gets her own book, she's a great character. I think there might have been something between her and Julian but I don't want that to happen since Julian was such a douche, he was also a sore loser.
July 13, 2013
Sometimes I think I am too hard on novellas. I complain because there isn't enough substance; that I don't connect to the characters; or I don't believe in the love story. Sometimes I ask myself, Is it fair to expect an entire story in half the word count of a full length book? Then --every blue moon-- I come across a novella like this one -- one that delivers-- and I'm glad my standards exist, because it proves size isn't everything
It doesn't hurt that story begins with a tie in to my favorite couple in the series: Grace and Khalil. Our heroine, Olivia, is a great friend of Grace's who has been tapped to go on mission for the vampire Carling. She is a human witch and a symbologist who is working with a team to move Carling's ancient library out of her island home. There are seven people in the group, including Khalil's dysfunctional daughter Phaedra, and members of a security team lead by a Wyr named Sebastian.
Sparks fly between Olivia and Sebastian right away. I liked our hero immediately. He's not seven feet tall or as old as time. He is actually kind of short for a man --and about 200 years into his 250 year lifespan. And if that doesn't humanize him enough, he is also fighting a curse that's turning him blind --and fighting the ennui of a life without love. He is vulnerable, yet still powerful. He's fast and strong, feared and filthy rich. Plus, he sees the value in Olivia.. despite the fact that she isn't a 20 year-old virgin or a raving beauty.
There is a tangible sexual tension between them, but their path to happily every after looks wide open. I really enjoyed watching them fall for one another and the love scenes were great too. There's a bit of drama in an external conflict I won't spoil, but the love story is really the heart of the book. Very satisfying --and reminded me why I love the Elder Races series so much. Now I am more jazzed than ever for Kinked! (Is it November yet?)
Rating: B+
*ARC Provided by Samhain
It doesn't hurt that story begins with a tie in to my favorite couple in the series: Grace and Khalil. Our heroine, Olivia, is a great friend of Grace's who has been tapped to go on mission for the vampire Carling. She is a human witch and a symbologist who is working with a team to move Carling's ancient library out of her island home. There are seven people in the group, including Khalil's dysfunctional daughter Phaedra, and members of a security team lead by a Wyr named Sebastian.
Sparks fly between Olivia and Sebastian right away. I liked our hero immediately. He's not seven feet tall or as old as time. He is actually kind of short for a man --and about 200 years into his 250 year lifespan. And if that doesn't humanize him enough, he is also fighting a curse that's turning him blind --and fighting the ennui of a life without love. He is vulnerable, yet still powerful. He's fast and strong, feared and filthy rich. Plus, he sees the value in Olivia.. despite the fact that she isn't a 20 year-old virgin or a raving beauty.
There is a tangible sexual tension between them, but their path to happily every after looks wide open. I really enjoyed watching them fall for one another and the love scenes were great too. There's a bit of drama in an external conflict I won't spoil, but the love story is really the heart of the book. Very satisfying --and reminded me why I love the Elder Races series so much. Now I am more jazzed than ever for Kinked! (Is it November yet?)
Rating: B+
*ARC Provided by Samhain
November 16, 2024
My Review:
What a exciting and thrilling story and I couldn't get enough of this book. I absolutely loved this book here and it was packed with romance and adventure and some suspense trickled in and what a impactful ending. The Wicked is a story of a hero who is broody and tortured but is also suffering from a curse. He acts like a bodyguard for a troop of explorers to discover a new hidden library archive in the jungle. The woman he is attracted to, is one of the top librarians who has her own sense of magic and some vampirical abilities.
This romance was endearing and sweet! Even though there was some antagonistic tension between them in the very beginning, very quickly they connect to each other. I just loved their romance quiet moments together. And the road trip adventure in the jungle was such fun to read! I loved them finding a secret hidden library and artifacts. For those that love a good adventure romance, I highly recommend this one here.
Overall this novella was a hit and I had such a fun time with it and was a quick read that kept me on my toes!
What a exciting and thrilling story and I couldn't get enough of this book. I absolutely loved this book here and it was packed with romance and adventure and some suspense trickled in and what a impactful ending. The Wicked is a story of a hero who is broody and tortured but is also suffering from a curse. He acts like a bodyguard for a troop of explorers to discover a new hidden library archive in the jungle. The woman he is attracted to, is one of the top librarians who has her own sense of magic and some vampirical abilities.
This romance was endearing and sweet! Even though there was some antagonistic tension between them in the very beginning, very quickly they connect to each other. I just loved their romance quiet moments together. And the road trip adventure in the jungle was such fun to read! I loved them finding a secret hidden library and artifacts. For those that love a good adventure romance, I highly recommend this one here.
Overall this novella was a hit and I had such a fun time with it and was a quick read that kept me on my toes!
August 8, 2013
Olivia and Sebastian's story.
Olivia is a librarian who has been chosen as a part of an elite group of people hired by Carling Severan to retrieve her magic library.
Olivia is really good friends with Grace (the Oracle) and Khalil.
She meets Sebastian Hale who has also been hired by Carling to be head of security for this mission.
Amazing chemistry between the two lead characters!
Great writing, story, and character development.
Another great addition to the "The Elder Races" series!
November 1, 2019
Well developed for a novella. I liked seeing the MCs of The Oracle’s Moon. However, I didn’t like the H in this story much. Plot was decent, but hearing about how the H had been with so many women by the time he was 40 that he’d lost count (and he was 200 years old at this story takes place) was unnecessary. At least the h wasn’t a virgin in her mid thirties.
July 23, 2013
To my surprise when I found out that Ms. Harrison had another novella for her Elder Races series. I thought the novellas were at an end. Well, it was a pleasant surprise and a good move for Ms. Harrison. She does such a great job with her short stories. She always include updates from the characters from previous books along with the ones she is showcasing. Giving her fans including me, a good dose of the Elder Races world to satisfy our cravings.
In this case, the story is about Olivia and Sebastian who meets during their expedition to Carling’s magical island. Both are hired to preserve and transport Carling’s precious library back to her. Of course, being in such expedition would have mystery and danger and I think Ms. Harrison provided just that. I enjoyed Olivia and Sebastian’s story. I thought it was exciting and full of tension between the. Their romance was bit quick but I can’t expect more since it’s a very short story. Of course, with this series; I always want more.
We got some updates on Carling and Rune of course. Khalil, whom I adore, was in this book a lot. He is the Djinn mated to the Oracle, Grace. I love that we see them beyond their happy ever after. Grace’s powers as the Oracle have grown quite a bit. I’m sure she will play a big part on the scheme of this series. But the most intriguing appearance is of Julian the Vampire King and Khalil’s daughter, Phaedra. Their exchange was definitely intense. It was a brief altercation but it was definitely note worthy. That is a story waiting to happen and I am hoping for a full-length novel.
Overall, another great read!
*Review provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2013
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤
I love the Elder Races series and I've missed reading them. The Wicked is definitely among one of my favorites in the series. Although it was a novella length book, it was packed with passion, adventure, and intrigue. Sebastian and Olivia were wonderful compliments to each other and I enjoyed how their relationship developed because it felt like a natural progression and not like the insta-attraction that occurs in so many shapeshifter romances. Thea Harrison masterfully crafted an engaging and intriguing tale that definitely marks a potent entry in the Elder Races series.
VERY GOOD: The characteristics of a heart book include: a great story; I loved the characters; and there was an interesting plot and unique story elements; there may have been a few odd things kept the story from being amazing. I would read it again and I would recommend it to a friend.My Thoughts:
I love the Elder Races series and I've missed reading them. The Wicked is definitely among one of my favorites in the series. Although it was a novella length book, it was packed with passion, adventure, and intrigue. Sebastian and Olivia were wonderful compliments to each other and I enjoyed how their relationship developed because it felt like a natural progression and not like the insta-attraction that occurs in so many shapeshifter romances. Thea Harrison masterfully crafted an engaging and intriguing tale that definitely marks a potent entry in the Elder Races series.
July 25, 2013
I am sad about this one. Harrison is very talented writer and her world as always is rich and fun. I was very much looking forward to a book about an owl shifter and librarian. How cool is that? But no. All telling and no real emotional connection to characters. Not enough of the relationship. I put this one down and picked it up again many times. I really just was not interested in finishing. Maybe I will change my review later if I do but for now. Meh.
November 9, 2013
4/5; 4 stars; A-
Thea Harrison is the master of the well put together novella. Maybe its because I've read all the books and short stories in this series but I found this novella fit quite smoothly into the existing story lines.
I really enjoyed the main characters Olivia and Sebastian but it was also fun to revisit Grace, Khalil, and the obnoxiously funny Phaedra.
The Elder Races is one of my favorite PNR/Fantasy series.
Thea Harrison is the master of the well put together novella. Maybe its because I've read all the books and short stories in this series but I found this novella fit quite smoothly into the existing story lines.
I really enjoyed the main characters Olivia and Sebastian but it was also fun to revisit Grace, Khalil, and the obnoxiously funny Phaedra.
The Elder Races is one of my favorite PNR/Fantasy series.
July 2, 2013
I am not a fan of novellas but this one was nice. Yes, nice is the word for it. The heroine is human witch and a librarian and she meets the Wyr owl hero when they are part of a team retrieving Carling's library. The relationship and book seemed to just flow.
And I see a book for Khalil's daughter.
And I see a book for Khalil's daughter.
July 3, 2013
I enjoyed The Wicked. Olivia and Sebastian were a great couple and I enjoyed the slow yet emotional connection they made. Harrison also manages to include old friends and introduce new story lines in a realistic manner.
July 6, 2013
Great novella. Likable characters, interesting plot and clever resolution. I am amazed that Thea Harrison could fit so much in 105 pages. Enjoyed seeing Grace and Khalill again and do I sense something brewing between Julian the Nightkind King and Phaedra, the Dijnn...
July 8, 2013
One of the better 'Elder Races' novellas! It was great to see more of Phaedra and I realllly hope she gets her own full-length novel....
January 7, 2015
A little abrupt at the end but otherwise a nice dip into the Elder Races world and it was surprisingly well rounded considering it is just a novella
June 12, 2020
2.5 stars. I suppose it was nice to know how Carlings little legal problem with retrieving her property was resolved in the ongoing fight with her progeny. But this is overall pretty cookie cutter as a story. I am not a fan of shorts as a general rule especially when they don’t feature characters I know from previous books.
I didn’t care about these people. I didn’t have the time to.
I would have rather read about Chloë and her tantrum and maybe even her day at school. Or something to do with Grace and her oracle duties. You know, folks I have some investment in.
This is a whole lotta nice cover art and a whole big mouthful of title for a whole lotta nothing.
I didn’t care about these people. I didn’t have the time to.
I would have rather read about Chloë and her tantrum and maybe even her day at school. Or something to do with Grace and her oracle duties. You know, folks I have some investment in.
This is a whole lotta nice cover art and a whole big mouthful of title for a whole lotta nothing.
February 19, 2018
A short story but good.
September 16, 2019
Veronica - per RFS
.
Ciao fenicette,
ho letto per voi la nuova novella di Thea Harrison, e devo dire che fino ad ora sono tutte molto belle e ci fanno ritrovare spesso i protagonisti dei precedenti libri, nonché conoscerne di nuovi.
Olivia e Sebastian sono i protagonisti di questa nuova avventura e come avete letto dalla trama ce ne saranno delle belle. Non voglio aggiungere altro sulla storia, in quanto considerando che è una novella e non molto lunga, potrei finire con il raccontarvi troppo.
Vi parlo dei due personaggi e dei loro caratteri.
Olivia è una studiosa, appassionata di ciò che fa e al contempo dolce e riservata. Cerca di non richiamare troppo l’attenzione, anche se non è andata proprio così con Sebastian, infatti ha attratto un wyr molto bello e cazzuto. È un’umana, una strega e anche per questo è entrata a far parte della spedizione oltre ovviamente alle sue competenze. Diciamo che ha una bellezza silenziosa come la chiamo io, di quelle che ti colpiscono senza troppi clamori. Almeno è così che me la sono immaginata leggendo il libro.
Sebastian è il capo della ditta che dovrà vigilare sulla sicurezza della spedizione, un wyr forte e letale. Purtroppo una maledizione gli sta costando la vista, non sembra esserci soluzione al suo stato e quando incontra Olivia, ha quasi perso ogni speranza. Nonostante ciò l’incontro tra i due cambia un po’ le cose, e se fino a poco prima aveva perso le speranze per il futuro, ora si scopre a volere altro. Devo dire che è descritto bene, come al solito, l’autrice rende i protagonisti dei suoi libri tutti forti e belli nonché possessivi. Lui non fa differenza, vi piacerà.
È una bella, novella dovete leggerla, e come ho detto qui incontriamo oltre che personaggi già conosciuti anche nuovi o che sono apparsi così poco che non abbiamo potuto apprezzarli. Tra questi la figlia di Khalil, che spero abbia un libro tutto suo perché sembra molto interessante come personaggio.
Correte a comprare la novella. Per chi non l’avesse ancora fatto, che aspettate! Io dal canto mio non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo romanzo. Posso solo dirvi che ne vedremo ancore delle belle con la serie.
Alla prossima.
.
Ciao fenicette,
ho letto per voi la nuova novella di Thea Harrison, e devo dire che fino ad ora sono tutte molto belle e ci fanno ritrovare spesso i protagonisti dei precedenti libri, nonché conoscerne di nuovi.
Olivia e Sebastian sono i protagonisti di questa nuova avventura e come avete letto dalla trama ce ne saranno delle belle. Non voglio aggiungere altro sulla storia, in quanto considerando che è una novella e non molto lunga, potrei finire con il raccontarvi troppo.
Vi parlo dei due personaggi e dei loro caratteri.
Olivia è una studiosa, appassionata di ciò che fa e al contempo dolce e riservata. Cerca di non richiamare troppo l’attenzione, anche se non è andata proprio così con Sebastian, infatti ha attratto un wyr molto bello e cazzuto. È un’umana, una strega e anche per questo è entrata a far parte della spedizione oltre ovviamente alle sue competenze. Diciamo che ha una bellezza silenziosa come la chiamo io, di quelle che ti colpiscono senza troppi clamori. Almeno è così che me la sono immaginata leggendo il libro.
Sebastian è il capo della ditta che dovrà vigilare sulla sicurezza della spedizione, un wyr forte e letale. Purtroppo una maledizione gli sta costando la vista, non sembra esserci soluzione al suo stato e quando incontra Olivia, ha quasi perso ogni speranza. Nonostante ciò l’incontro tra i due cambia un po’ le cose, e se fino a poco prima aveva perso le speranze per il futuro, ora si scopre a volere altro. Devo dire che è descritto bene, come al solito, l’autrice rende i protagonisti dei suoi libri tutti forti e belli nonché possessivi. Lui non fa differenza, vi piacerà.
È una bella, novella dovete leggerla, e come ho detto qui incontriamo oltre che personaggi già conosciuti anche nuovi o che sono apparsi così poco che non abbiamo potuto apprezzarli. Tra questi la figlia di Khalil, che spero abbia un libro tutto suo perché sembra molto interessante come personaggio.
Correte a comprare la novella. Per chi non l’avesse ancora fatto, che aspettate! Io dal canto mio non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo romanzo. Posso solo dirvi che ne vedremo ancore delle belle con la serie.
Alla prossima.
August 3, 2024
~ 5 The Wicked Stars ~
The Wicked is a novella #5.5 in the Elder Races series. This novella gives you a wonderful taste of the world and supernatural creatures.
Olivia is a witch and librarian, so her life is not full of adventure. She plans to change that, but she did not expect it to be so changed. Sebastian is a Wyr and has lived a life of adventure through his security company. He is taking on one last task and avoiding what happened on his last gig. These two made a perfect couple. They fit and helped each other out when it was needed. The relationship builds at a pace that works for them and left me satisfied.
I love this series, especially the novellas. I have been re-reading my favorites and The Wicked is one of them. I just love that we get a little snippet of Grace and Khalil. These two are one of my favorite couples in this series and it was nice to have a peek into there lives again. Khalil’s daughter Phaedra makes an appearance and ttys to make an effort to work with others, proving that she is not as unstable as most believe her to be.
The Wicked is full of danger, intrigue, betrayal, and love. I highly recommend picking up the Elder Races series.
The Wicked is a novella #5.5 in the Elder Races series. This novella gives you a wonderful taste of the world and supernatural creatures.
Olivia is a witch and librarian, so her life is not full of adventure. She plans to change that, but she did not expect it to be so changed. Sebastian is a Wyr and has lived a life of adventure through his security company. He is taking on one last task and avoiding what happened on his last gig. These two made a perfect couple. They fit and helped each other out when it was needed. The relationship builds at a pace that works for them and left me satisfied.
I love this series, especially the novellas. I have been re-reading my favorites and The Wicked is one of them. I just love that we get a little snippet of Grace and Khalil. These two are one of my favorite couples in this series and it was nice to have a peek into there lives again. Khalil’s daughter Phaedra makes an appearance and ttys to make an effort to work with others, proving that she is not as unstable as most believe her to be.
The Wicked is full of danger, intrigue, betrayal, and love. I highly recommend picking up the Elder Races series.
October 15, 2013
Thea Harrison has a way of writing heroes that are vastly different from each other. We don’t have each hero just a slightly different version of Dragos. Each hero is his own person. It's amazing that she doesn't use the same typical PNR hero (you know, 6’8” or so, alpha as can be, and super rich, handsome, and perfect in every way), and that it works so well.
Sebastian is about 5'7" going blind, about 200 years old, but has a 250 year lifespan, oh and he’s an owl shifter. I can honestly say I've never read that before. It was fantastic. He is heading up security for a mission that Carling has initiated. She has a vast library of invaluable texts and she has only 3 days to retrieve it.
Olivia is a librarian. And she’s human. Her job is to help safely transport Carling’s library. She and Sebastian hit it off immediately, and in fact the steam factor in this novella is upped a notch from the previous books, but that’s A-OK with me.
But this story has more than just romance. They are running against a clock and there is more going on than a simple removal of books.
This novella has a lot for everyone—romance, steam, original characters, and a really intriguing plot where nothing is as simple as it seems. I think any Elder Races fan will enjoy this story.
ARC courtesy of the author
Sebastian is about 5'7" going blind, about 200 years old, but has a 250 year lifespan, oh and he’s an owl shifter. I can honestly say I've never read that before. It was fantastic. He is heading up security for a mission that Carling has initiated. She has a vast library of invaluable texts and she has only 3 days to retrieve it.
Olivia is a librarian. And she’s human. Her job is to help safely transport Carling’s library. She and Sebastian hit it off immediately, and in fact the steam factor in this novella is upped a notch from the previous books, but that’s A-OK with me.
But this story has more than just romance. They are running against a clock and there is more going on than a simple removal of books.
This novella has a lot for everyone—romance, steam, original characters, and a really intriguing plot where nothing is as simple as it seems. I think any Elder Races fan will enjoy this story.
ARC courtesy of the author
December 15, 2014
I've read a few books in this series. I like books about main characters struggling with impairments like blindness, deafness, etc. In this book, Sebastian is an eagle-owl-wyre, losing his vision. However, there wasn't much about his darkening eyes. In fact, there isn't much to this novella at all. I will forget all about it within a month. Not worth the price of the audiobook. Insta-lovin-sex with minimal plot. A mating trope.
I did like some scenes. The vampire mind-melding. Phaedra versus the vampire king. The attack scene, bloody and swift (and too quickly resolved). But what was taken from the library?? What was that old book about?
Chapter one is set in Florida with Gracie, Kahil the jinn, little Chloe in kindergarten, and toddler Max, plus their houseguest, Olivia. It was nice to reconnect with characters from Oracle Moon, even if it added nothing to the plot. For me, it was perhaps the nicest part of the book.
Olivia turned me off early by rudely dissing maladjusted and mistreated Phaidra in a public meeting, twice. I warmed up to her a little, though, when she stood up for Phaidra.
I did like some scenes. The vampire mind-melding. Phaedra versus the vampire king. The attack scene, bloody and swift (and too quickly resolved). But what was taken from the library?? What was that old book about?
Chapter one is set in Florida with Gracie, Kahil the jinn, little Chloe in kindergarten, and toddler Max, plus their houseguest, Olivia. It was nice to reconnect with characters from Oracle Moon, even if it added nothing to the plot. For me, it was perhaps the nicest part of the book.
Olivia turned me off early by rudely dissing maladjusted and mistreated Phaidra in a public meeting, twice. I warmed up to her a little, though, when she stood up for Phaidra.
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