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Tales of the High Court #6
Tales of the High Court: Collected Short Stories
Some smaller adventures of the High Court and beyond. Sarrica and Lesto when they were young, how Sarrica met his first husband, Chass touring the royal city, Kamir visiting his husband's homeland, and more…Author's Most of these stories have been published online, I've simply polished them up and collected them here for the ease of readers.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2024
About the author
Megan Derr
284 books2,966 followersMegan is a long time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.
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facebook.com/meganaprilderr
meganaderr@gmail.com
@meganaderr
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 18, 2024
Had these stories been in chronological order, I might've enjoyed this collection more. As it was, it felt jarring. I skimmed the last two, not being a fan of family minutae.
May 7, 2026
Sorry not sorry I cannot nor want to give it more
June 17, 2024
Collection of short stories all new to me. I've only read one of the five previous novels in the series, so I'm not familiar with many of the characters. I'd recommend saving this one for last.
Lots of mm dalliances, and a few instances of mf flirting and liaisons.
Most of the characters are extremely juvenile and immature.
This "polished" collection is rife with the usual sloppy errors, such as "who's" for whose," "arch" for arc," stray apostrophes, "born" for "borne," "try" for "tray," "someone" for "something," incorrect comma use, wrong verb tense, "lay" and "laid" for "lie" and "lay."
Lots of mm dalliances, and a few instances of mf flirting and liaisons.
Most of the characters are extremely juvenile and immature.
This "polished" collection is rife with the usual sloppy errors, such as "who's" for whose," "arch" for arc," stray apostrophes, "born" for "borne," "try" for "tray," "someone" for "something," incorrect comma use, wrong verb tense, "lay" and "laid" for "lie" and "lay."
April 10, 2025
Lovely collection of short stories about the characters from the Tales of the High Court series.
I particularly loved the short stories showing glimpses into the characters' lives after their respective books finish. Some of the events in these short stories are even hinted at in the books, like a long-overdue serious talk between Allen and his mother (which hits particularly hard after having read The Fallen King's Penitent Soldier ), or Allen and Sarrica looking for a Dame.
The glimpses into the characters' pasts, particularly Sarrica's, were lovely too, and it really makes me wish for a book about him and Nyle, no matter how that ends. That said, there is also a story about Sarrica (and Allen) visiting Nyle's grave that gives beautiful closure to that, though also opens up a lot of possibilities of "what if.." thoughts.
My favourite stories are the ones featuring Kamir, who is one of my all time favourite characters. I love seeing him happy and getting all the love and family he deserves.
There is only one story about Jac, that features Charlaine a bit, and if there is one thing I wish it's that Myra and the other two got their own story rather than just appearing in the background of the others.
I particularly loved the short stories showing glimpses into the characters' lives after their respective books finish. Some of the events in these short stories are even hinted at in the books, like a long-overdue serious talk between Allen and his mother (which hits particularly hard after having read The Fallen King's Penitent Soldier ), or Allen and Sarrica looking for a Dame.
The glimpses into the characters' pasts, particularly Sarrica's, were lovely too, and it really makes me wish for a book about him and Nyle, no matter how that ends. That said, there is also a story about Sarrica (and Allen) visiting Nyle's grave that gives beautiful closure to that, though also opens up a lot of possibilities of "what if.." thoughts.
My favourite stories are the ones featuring Kamir, who is one of my all time favourite characters. I love seeing him happy and getting all the love and family he deserves.
There is only one story about Jac, that features Charlaine a bit, and if there is one thing I wish it's that Myra and the other two got their own story rather than just appearing in the background of the others.
July 12, 2025
This book is like the extras on a DVD!!!!!! I can see how some of these would have slowed the pace and plot of the series.
I enjoyed reading the stories behind the side stories and side characters who are never background characters.
It was nice reading about Sarrica past with the Arseni.
I was happy to get an answer to my wish to read a bit more of Chass' life from my review of https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59991405-the-fallen-king-s-penitent-soldier.
My only con
I enjoyed reading the stories behind the side stories and side characters who are never background characters.
It was nice reading about Sarrica past with the Arseni.
I was happy to get an answer to my wish to read a bit more of Chass' life from my review of https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59991405-the-fallen-king-s-penitent-soldier.
My only con
March 10, 2024
Lovely.
The majority of these stories were great and highly enjoyable. I didn't particularly care for Jac, Myra and Charmaine's book and story herein - they pushed my boundaries way more than a tad over the point of discomfort.I
However, the other characters and stories were delightful, especially Chass and Desmond's! Four point five stars. (I deducted half a star for having to skim through Jac and Charmaine). I really like him; it's Jac and her pushy ways I'm not comfortable with.
The majority of these stories were great and highly enjoyable. I didn't particularly care for Jac, Myra and Charmaine's book and story herein - they pushed my boundaries way more than a tad over the point of discomfort.I
However, the other characters and stories were delightful, especially Chass and Desmond's! Four point five stars. (I deducted half a star for having to skim through Jac and Charmaine). I really like him; it's Jac and her pushy ways I'm not comfortable with.
February 7, 2024
I GULPED THIS DOWN!!
I am so glad to return to this world! Stories are epic and awesome- but I love the people. They are all so real in my head- probably because I have listened to the audio books so many times. This series of books should be on every fantasy lovers list! Thank you so much and if there are more stories, I will snap them up in a heartbeat- please and thank you!
I am so glad to return to this world! Stories are epic and awesome- but I love the people. They are all so real in my head- probably because I have listened to the audio books so many times. This series of books should be on every fantasy lovers list! Thank you so much and if there are more stories, I will snap them up in a heartbeat- please and thank you!
March 29, 2024
If you've loved the series I'm sure you'll find something to love in this. Didn't do it for me, though. But then, I hated book 3 and didn't even bother with book 4, so I started skimming
Tales
once I saw Kasmir's name and gave up on it as soon as I realized the short stories about the characters of the first two books were done with.
April 22, 2024
Some really great short stories for this fantastic world.
There was some confusion for me as to when the stories were set, as they weren't in chronological order. It would've been really helpful to have a comment to advise they were set before/during/after a certain book.
Also some editing issues and errors throughout, as with this whole series unfortunately.
There was some confusion for me as to when the stories were set, as they weren't in chronological order. It would've been really helpful to have a comment to advise they were set before/during/after a certain book.
Also some editing issues and errors throughout, as with this whole series unfortunately.
January 12, 2025
Wonderful Worldbuilding and Characters
This was a wonderful return to the kingdom of Harkan, and I loved catching up with all the characters and their stories and backstories. The depth of the author's cultural worldbuilding, particularly that pertaining to the unique views on how society recognizes gender, is something I aspire to.
This was a wonderful return to the kingdom of Harkan, and I loved catching up with all the characters and their stories and backstories. The depth of the author's cultural worldbuilding, particularly that pertaining to the unique views on how society recognizes gender, is something I aspire to.
February 7, 2024
Great!
I loved this so much. I've read all the books and almost own them all on paperback. This is a favorite series of mine and I was so happy to see the shorts! They were worth the wait and buy!
I loved this so much. I've read all the books and almost own them all on paperback. This is a favorite series of mine and I was so happy to see the shorts! They were worth the wait and buy!
February 8, 2024
It's a lovely series of shorts.
It's a lot of the bigger short stories, many, those of us long fans of the series and Megan are familiar with collected and refined in one spot.
It's a lot of the bigger short stories, many, those of us long fans of the series and Megan are familiar with collected and refined in one spot.
February 9, 2024
A Lovely Visit with The High Court
I love this series. I have all the books and audiobooks too. My favorite was Chass and Des book. Thank you for sharing
I love this series. I have all the books and audiobooks too. My favorite was Chass and Des book. Thank you for sharing
February 11, 2024
storyline: ****
main characters: *****
side characters: *****
world building: ****
editing: ****
main characters: *****
side characters: *****
world building: ****
editing: ****
February 11, 2024
Love the little insights into daily life for all the protagonists.
February 16, 2024
Another great book
Another set of great short stories from one of my favorite authors. If you enjoyed her other books, you will love these as well.
Another set of great short stories from one of my favorite authors. If you enjoyed her other books, you will love these as well.
February 16, 2024
I loved the books from this series and I was happy to see short tales from this world. Recommend reading.
April 16, 2024
great after series snack
This was a great after series snack full of catch-ups and prequels to the stories I fell in love with.
This was a great after series snack full of catch-ups and prequels to the stories I fell in love with.
June 15, 2024
Lots of little epilogues of the couples from the books being cute together. It's fine.
December 10, 2025
Queer romantasy shorts that require knowledge of the previous books in this series. Mostly fluff. Very sweet, very enjoyable.
September 17, 2025
After second read: Needed a distraction and what better book than this compilation with all my favourite characters!! I made a whole breakdown last time, so check below for my opinions on the different stories!
***
After first read:
Finished my reread of the series with this short story collection! I read some of these before, as bonus material online etc, but this is the first time I've really read everything in this universe back to back, and it was a joy. Reading these little tidbits made saying goodbye to my favourite cast of characters less sad lol.
I'll run down all the stories quickly:
Punishment: This one is a fun quick look into Sarrica and Lesto and what a bunch of idiots they were back when they were in the army together. Love their relationship in the main series and it's delightful to see them when they were a bit younger. 3.5/5!
Meeting the Parents: This one might be my favourite of the collection. It's got so many conversations I was waiting for in the main series. This is the first time Sarrica meets Allen's parents, but let's not forget that we haven't met them either. We just have Allen's pov from how he grew up. I was great seeing the characters on the page and hearing them speak for themselves. Very satisfying story. 4.5/5!
The Imperial Dame:I remember reading this in the past, and I really like this one. It's sweet, very sexy and wholesome as well. We knew of Lady Genna from the later books in the series, but we never met her and never got much context on how the proces of finding a dame or sire worked. So seeing it all laid out here was very interesting. 4/5!
The High King's Steel Heart: Another favourite here. Properly meeting Nyle and seeing how him and Sarrica met and fell in love. This was so nice, because it's easy to forget how painful it must have been for Sarrica to lose him (even if their marriage was on the rocks at the end) now that he's so happy with Allen. It is sometimes even suggested he might be happier with Allen than he was with Nyle (not by Sarrica or Allen of course, but still). Great chemistry, between Sarrica and Nyle, but once again also between Sarrica and Lesto. 4.5/5!
Past and Present: Genius to put this after the last one. It made me a lot more emotional than I would have been had I not read a bit of Sarrica and Nyle's love story. Wonderful also how Allen is included in this little ritual to remember the late consort. 4/5!
Family Reunion: This very much is a quick scene, not much more. Fun to see Kamir and Jader again, love this couple. The loudness of the Islander family intimidates me a bit (much like it does Kamir I imagine), but it's lovely to see their enthusiasm about the baby and everything. Like I said, as it's more just a long scene, don't expect too much depth in this one. 3/5!
Diving Lessons: More Kamir and Jader! I love seeing their adorable little family. Again, not much depth as it's a short scene, but definitely a sweet and cute bonus. 3/5!
Bets Won: This is just a funny follow up to all the jokes made about betting on Charlaine, his ass, and what he likes in bed back in the fourth book of the main series lol. Gave me a good giggle, but it is the least interesting in this collection for me. 2.5/5!
City Tour: A sort of extra epilogue to the last book in the series. I love these characters very much, and here once again we see some conversations I was hoping for in the main series. Seeing Chass going back home to Gaulden brings everything full circle, as the series started with Allen leaving Gaulden to become High Consort in Harken. Made me end this entire series with a smile. 4/5!
So overall: I'm rounding up to 4/5 for the entire collection. There are some true gems in here and I'm glad these stories are available in one collection to buy. Perfect if I need a quick fix of my favourite characters <3
***
After first read:
Finished my reread of the series with this short story collection! I read some of these before, as bonus material online etc, but this is the first time I've really read everything in this universe back to back, and it was a joy. Reading these little tidbits made saying goodbye to my favourite cast of characters less sad lol.
I'll run down all the stories quickly:
Punishment: This one is a fun quick look into Sarrica and Lesto and what a bunch of idiots they were back when they were in the army together. Love their relationship in the main series and it's delightful to see them when they were a bit younger. 3.5/5!
Meeting the Parents: This one might be my favourite of the collection. It's got so many conversations I was waiting for in the main series. This is the first time Sarrica meets Allen's parents, but let's not forget that we haven't met them either. We just have Allen's pov from how he grew up. I was great seeing the characters on the page and hearing them speak for themselves. Very satisfying story. 4.5/5!
The Imperial Dame:I remember reading this in the past, and I really like this one. It's sweet, very sexy and wholesome as well. We knew of Lady Genna from the later books in the series, but we never met her and never got much context on how the proces of finding a dame or sire worked. So seeing it all laid out here was very interesting. 4/5!
The High King's Steel Heart: Another favourite here. Properly meeting Nyle and seeing how him and Sarrica met and fell in love. This was so nice, because it's easy to forget how painful it must have been for Sarrica to lose him (even if their marriage was on the rocks at the end) now that he's so happy with Allen. It is sometimes even suggested he might be happier with Allen than he was with Nyle (not by Sarrica or Allen of course, but still). Great chemistry, between Sarrica and Nyle, but once again also between Sarrica and Lesto. 4.5/5!
Past and Present: Genius to put this after the last one. It made me a lot more emotional than I would have been had I not read a bit of Sarrica and Nyle's love story. Wonderful also how Allen is included in this little ritual to remember the late consort. 4/5!
Family Reunion: This very much is a quick scene, not much more. Fun to see Kamir and Jader again, love this couple. The loudness of the Islander family intimidates me a bit (much like it does Kamir I imagine), but it's lovely to see their enthusiasm about the baby and everything. Like I said, as it's more just a long scene, don't expect too much depth in this one. 3/5!
Diving Lessons: More Kamir and Jader! I love seeing their adorable little family. Again, not much depth as it's a short scene, but definitely a sweet and cute bonus. 3/5!
Bets Won: This is just a funny follow up to all the jokes made about betting on Charlaine, his ass, and what he likes in bed back in the fourth book of the main series lol. Gave me a good giggle, but it is the least interesting in this collection for me. 2.5/5!
City Tour: A sort of extra epilogue to the last book in the series. I love these characters very much, and here once again we see some conversations I was hoping for in the main series. Seeing Chass going back home to Gaulden brings everything full circle, as the series started with Allen leaving Gaulden to become High Consort in Harken. Made me end this entire series with a smile. 4/5!
So overall: I'm rounding up to 4/5 for the entire collection. There are some true gems in here and I'm glad these stories are available in one collection to buy. Perfect if I need a quick fix of my favourite characters <3
July 22, 2025
Not a review:
I never realised I didn't put my review in and it's more than half a year later (22nd July 2025) so I hardly remember what went on in any of the stories, just that I liked it, didn't love it.
I never realised I didn't put my review in and it's more than half a year later (22nd July 2025) so I hardly remember what went on in any of the stories, just that I liked it, didn't love it.
September 1, 2024
Loved this collection of stories and seeing more of these characters was great would love more stories from this world.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews