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InCryptid #0.23
Blocked
Antimony Price likes her life. She likes her high school, she likes her friends—even if none of them really know her as anything more than another face in the halls—and most of all, she likes her place on the cheerleading squad, where she understands what's expected of her, and delivers with grace, style, and a viciousness that has done a lot for her team's reputation.
Too bad it's time to graduate.
Now adrift in a world that doesn't have the rules she's used to or the protections she had worked so hard to shape, Antimony has to find something else to keep herself busy...and her cousin, Elsinore, has a few ideas about what that something might be.
It's time for Antimony to meet the wide, wonderful world of roller derby. Let's hope that she survives the experience—and that everyone else survives her.
Too bad it's time to graduate.
Now adrift in a world that doesn't have the rules she's used to or the protections she had worked so hard to shape, Antimony has to find something else to keep herself busy...and her cousin, Elsinore, has a few ideas about what that something might be.
It's time for Antimony to meet the wide, wonderful world of roller derby. Let's hope that she survives the experience—and that everyone else survives her.
29 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read
About the author
Seanan McGuire
521 books17.2k followersHi! I'm Seanan McGuire, author of the Toby Daye series (Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation, An Artificial Night, Late Eclipses), as well as a lot of other things. I'm also Mira Grant (www.miragrant.com), author of Feed and Deadline.
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 9, 2017
Antimony is one of the Price's we haven't had much time with yet. I've been curious about the girl since I learned about her hide and seek tactics of digging pit traps to slow down her siblings.
Antimony has just graduated high school and needs to find something else that is going to keep her in shape AND have the added benefit of helping her work in a team. BUT it can't be something too mainstream or the Covenant of Saint George will find her.
What is less main stream than Roller Derby. This is her attempt to make it onto a team and going from thinking it is something stupid to something that might help her in her other job as a cryptozoologist.
It's good to finally get an introduction to Verity's little sister.
Antimony has just graduated high school and needs to find something else that is going to keep her in shape AND have the added benefit of helping her work in a team. BUT it can't be something too mainstream or the Covenant of Saint George will find her.
What is less main stream than Roller Derby. This is her attempt to make it onto a team and going from thinking it is something stupid to something that might help her in her other job as a cryptozoologist.
It's good to finally get an introduction to Verity's little sister.
January 6, 2017
I wasn't sure if I would like this one, because, well, let's be honest here, Antimony was a little annoying in her little appearances in the main series thus far. But, yet again, I've doubted Seanan McGuire when I shouldn't have. When will I learn? :P
January 5, 2016
This is an introduction to Verity's younger sister who has just finished high school (not my favourite age for a protagonist, but being part of this series makes up for it).
She needs to belong to a team and since she can't be a cheerleader any more her cousin finds her another team.
I have a feeling that cryptids in the end are used in the story as an afterthought.
An okay story.
No mice though.
She needs to belong to a team and since she can't be a cheerleader any more her cousin finds her another team.
I have a feeling that cryptids in the end are used in the story as an afterthought.
An okay story.
No mice though.
January 1, 2017
So this is my first real introduction to Antimony. And while there's not Anton that really happens here, this is a good start on getting to know this character. And after having fallen in adoration with Verity and absolute love with Alex, I wasn't sure the author was going to be able to pull of another completely new and interesting character that I'd end up liking.
So it was a little surprising to me that Antimony has the potential to be a favorite. She's young, still, in this short story, but she's well on her way to figuring out who she is. She has a strong sense of self, and is surrounded by good people. But it show she interacts with those people that I relate to the most.
Elsie - and I'll tell you that I nearly squeed when I realized she was lesbian and I can only hope we get some stories featuring her - tells Antimony that Antimony doesn't really like people. That she cares about those that matter to her, but it takes a lot to actually become a part of that circle. I related a lot to Antimony because of this, and because of her sarcasm as a defense, and because of her general snarkiness.
I'm looking forward to reading more from her point-of-view.
So it was a little surprising to me that Antimony has the potential to be a favorite. She's young, still, in this short story, but she's well on her way to figuring out who she is. She has a strong sense of self, and is surrounded by good people. But it show she interacts with those people that I relate to the most.
Elsie - and I'll tell you that I nearly squeed when I realized she was lesbian and I can only hope we get some stories featuring her - tells Antimony that Antimony doesn't really like people. That she cares about those that matter to her, but it takes a lot to actually become a part of that circle. I related a lot to Antimony because of this, and because of her sarcasm as a defense, and because of her general snarkiness.
I'm looking forward to reading more from her point-of-view.
October 25, 2016
This is the first chance we've had to spend much time with Verity's younger sister Antimony. As the youngest Price sibling you'd expect her parents to be a bit more relaxed but it actually seems like they're more protective about her than they are about her brother or sister.
Antimony has just finished high school, where she was a star member of the cheerleading team, and now she's at a loose end. Her parents want her to find something new that will have the same effect of helping her interact with others while keeping physically fit but whatever she chooses it has to be something that keeps her out of the spotlight so joining a major college cheer team is out of the question. She's actually quite resentful when her parents block the choices she would like to make but then her cousin suggests she try out for a local roller derby team.
I have to admit this wasn't my favourite short story in the Incryptid series, mainly because it's very short and not a great deal happens in it. I did enjoy meeting Antimony though and I'm hoping that in the next few stories about her we'll get the chance to see a bit more action and some members of the Cryptid community.
Antimony has just finished high school, where she was a star member of the cheerleading team, and now she's at a loose end. Her parents want her to find something new that will have the same effect of helping her interact with others while keeping physically fit but whatever she chooses it has to be something that keeps her out of the spotlight so joining a major college cheer team is out of the question. She's actually quite resentful when her parents block the choices she would like to make but then her cousin suggests she try out for a local roller derby team.
I have to admit this wasn't my favourite short story in the Incryptid series, mainly because it's very short and not a great deal happens in it. I did enjoy meeting Antimony though and I'm hoping that in the next few stories about her we'll get the chance to see a bit more action and some members of the Cryptid community.
December 15, 2017
Flesh eating dragonflies. o_O
September 25, 2014
I was more Wednesday Addams than Marcia Brady, more sarcastic than sunny, and more cynical than cheer-tastic.
4.5 stars.
I really love how the narrator starts out in that class cliched highschool cheer-off but turns it upside down on it's head. It's merely a cover for Antimony Price to get the supposedly normal highschool life. And all the references that are sprinkled throughout this short story is enough to have me geeking out. I mean, if you didn't get the X-Men reference, that's a bit sad in my opinion. But it's pretty epic that it's been weaved into the narrative and it doesn't talk the reader down. It actually brings the reader into the story, welcoming them with various references before getting to business.
And Antimony Price's business is monster protecting from their greatest enemy...us, humans.
If this is the storyline that is pertaining to the 'Present Day Storyline' then this is a very solid start for me.
4.5 stars.
I really love how the narrator starts out in that class cliched highschool cheer-off but turns it upside down on it's head. It's merely a cover for Antimony Price to get the supposedly normal highschool life. And all the references that are sprinkled throughout this short story is enough to have me geeking out. I mean, if you didn't get the X-Men reference, that's a bit sad in my opinion. But it's pretty epic that it's been weaved into the narrative and it doesn't talk the reader down. It actually brings the reader into the story, welcoming them with various references before getting to business.
And Antimony Price's business is monster protecting from their greatest enemy...us, humans.
If this is the storyline that is pertaining to the 'Present Day Storyline' then this is a very solid start for me.
January 8, 2017
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Blocked introduces the youngest of the Price siblings, Antimony. She's not yet had her own book, which made it somewhat more difficult to relate to her in such a short story.
She was mostly a teenager and the cryptids didn't feel like the most important part of the story. I am curious to see how her story develops though.
Blocked introduces the youngest of the Price siblings, Antimony. She's not yet had her own book, which made it somewhat more difficult to relate to her in such a short story.
She was mostly a teenager and the cryptids didn't feel like the most important part of the story. I am curious to see how her story develops though.
July 4, 2014
This is 3 and a half stars really, as it's not as compelling as the other short stories in the series, but it introduces Antimony, another member of the fascinating Price family.
September 28, 2019
My name is Antimony Price, and it’s my job to protect the monsters of the world from
the most dangerous things in existence: humans. And sadly, that’s not a job you can do from six feet in the air, no matter how much you might want to fly.
This short story features Antimony, who has been a cheerleader and just finished high school and is looking for something to satisfy her combative nature. Antimony made small appearance in the prior books and I didn't like her. But after reading this I'm looking forward to know her more. I love the dynamics of the Price family.
the most dangerous things in existence: humans. And sadly, that’s not a job you can do from six feet in the air, no matter how much you might want to fly.
This short story features Antimony, who has been a cheerleader and just finished high school and is looking for something to satisfy her combative nature. Antimony made small appearance in the prior books and I didn't like her. But after reading this I'm looking forward to know her more. I love the dynamics of the Price family.
March 5, 2020
A solid short story about Verity's younger sister Antimony. I think I'll like her.
November 23, 2024
Everybody needs a hobby, and given the way Verity has described Annie, roller derby does sound like a good fit! But this story was so short - what's next? What happens now?
July 5, 2021
Meet the family
I will begin by explaining what I'm reviewing here. Seanan McGuire has written a lot of short stories in The Incryptid Series. You can find a couple dozen of the older ones listed on the Incryptid Short Stories page on her web site. (Note, she has also published many stories through her Patreon site. They are not listed on the the Incryptid Short Stories page on her website, although many of them are listed in her bibliography.)
The stories are divided into groups, which can be divided into two supergoups: those that occur before Half-Off Ragnarok, and those that occur after. The first supergroup mostly concerns the early backstory of the Healy/Price family in the USA. The post-Half-Off Ragnarok stories are about the present-day (more or less -- 21st century) Prices and cryptids. It is this second group that I'm reviewing here. BE WARNED: spoilers for Half-Off Ragnarok follow.
These are the stories in question:
Verity Price and Dominic De Luca:
The Ghosts of Bourbon Street, free download from McGuire's web site
Snake in the Glass, free download from McGuire's web site
Swamp Bromeliad, free download from McGuire's web site
Waking Up In Vegas, free download from McGuire's web site
Antimony Price:
Blocked, free download from McGuire's web site
Bad Dream Girl, in the Anthology Glitter & Mayhem
Jammed, in the Anthology Games Creatures Play
Survival Horror, in the Anthology Press Start to Play
Sarah Zellaby and Arthur Harrington
IM, free download from McGuire's web site
Istas and Ryan
Red as Snow, in Anthology Hex in the City
Black as Blood, free download from McGuire's web site
White as a Raven's Wing, free download from McGuire's web site
Eliza
Balance, in Anthology Urban Enemies
The Verity and Dominic stories all take place after Half-Off Ragnarok and reflect the state of things as they were left at the end of that book. Half-Off Ragnarok had two main consequences for the future of the Incryptid world: Dominic De Luca is now irrevocably committed to Verity and severed from the Covenant. In fact, the Covenant believes he is dead, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Sarah, who damaged herself modifying the memories of the participants in Half-Off Ragnarok. So, there are the promised spoilers: Verity and Dominic are now a couple (this will come as a surprise to precisely no one), and Sarah has hurt herself badly.
Verity and Dominic are driving from New York to Portland in a rented U-Haul truck so that Dominic can be introduced to Verity's family. They are driving because Verity has a colony of Aeslin mice to transport -- not easily accomplished by air. Also, Verity is taking the scenic route, to introduce Dominic to various folks. The first story in this series, The Ghosts of Bourbon Street, is a crossover, in that it also belongs to McGuire's Ghost Road series -- you meet Rose Marshall, the main character of those books. Some other old friends show up: the Carmichael hotel in Chicago, and the Swamp Bromeliad in Buckley Township, Michigan. This series of stories ends as intended, with Verity introducing Dominic to her family in Portland.
Most of the Antimony stories have no obvious relation to the events of Half-Off Ragnarok. One may suppose they occur before that. If you have read the first three Incryptid novels you have sort-of been introduced to Antimony, because she features heavily in Verity's recollections of growing up, as the annoying little sister who excelled in such Price family staple skills as extreme survival, setting traps, and demolition. Now, introduced to Antimony in person, we see that she has complementary memories of Verity and Alex as the older siblings who her parents (in Antimony's view) always seemed to value more than her. Antimony becomes a roller-derby skater in these stories. A word about the anthologies: I read only one non-McGuire story. Several reviewers of Glitter & Mayhem, mentioned the story about the dancing princesses, so I read that one, too. It was OK. Jammed appeared in Games Creatures Play, which appears to be out of print. I couldn't easily get a copy, so I listened to the audiobook version. Survival Horror is in the Anthology Press Start to Play -- I read none of the other stories. The Antimony stores were a fun intro to Antimony, whom I now look forward to encountering in the novels. They also introduce her cousin Elsinor Harrington, whose father is an incubus, making Elsie a succubus.
That brings us to Antimony's other cousin, Elsie's brother Arthur (Artie). We have actually heard quite a bit about Artie in the novels because he and Sarah are hopelessly in love, and Verity also tends to phone Artie when she needs geek skills. IM is really all about whether Sarah is going to recover.
Istas is a kind of fun character. We met her in the Verity Price novels, where she works as a cocktail waitress at the place where Verity works, and fights at Verity's side. She's a sort of werewolf/werebear (as is her main squeeze Ryan). But what's fun about her is her very direct, uncomplicated way of thinking and speaking.
The final story, Balance, is about a cuckoo who, as far as I know, appears nowhere else in the Incryptid world. I didn't enjoy this story as much as the rest.
In summary, these stories are a good way to meet the Price/Harrington families. I give them four stars, except for Balance, which rates only three.
I will begin by explaining what I'm reviewing here. Seanan McGuire has written a lot of short stories in The Incryptid Series. You can find a couple dozen of the older ones listed on the Incryptid Short Stories page on her web site. (Note, she has also published many stories through her Patreon site. They are not listed on the the Incryptid Short Stories page on her website, although many of them are listed in her bibliography.)
The stories are divided into groups, which can be divided into two supergoups: those that occur before Half-Off Ragnarok, and those that occur after. The first supergroup mostly concerns the early backstory of the Healy/Price family in the USA. The post-Half-Off Ragnarok stories are about the present-day (more or less -- 21st century) Prices and cryptids. It is this second group that I'm reviewing here. BE WARNED: spoilers for Half-Off Ragnarok follow.
These are the stories in question:
Verity Price and Dominic De Luca:
The Ghosts of Bourbon Street, free download from McGuire's web site
Snake in the Glass, free download from McGuire's web site
Swamp Bromeliad, free download from McGuire's web site
Waking Up In Vegas, free download from McGuire's web site
Antimony Price:
Blocked, free download from McGuire's web site
Bad Dream Girl, in the Anthology Glitter & Mayhem
Jammed, in the Anthology Games Creatures Play
Survival Horror, in the Anthology Press Start to Play
Sarah Zellaby and Arthur Harrington
IM, free download from McGuire's web site
Istas and Ryan
Red as Snow, in Anthology Hex in the City
Black as Blood, free download from McGuire's web site
White as a Raven's Wing, free download from McGuire's web site
Eliza
Balance, in Anthology Urban Enemies
The Verity and Dominic stories all take place after Half-Off Ragnarok and reflect the state of things as they were left at the end of that book. Half-Off Ragnarok had two main consequences for the future of the Incryptid world: Dominic De Luca is now irrevocably committed to Verity and severed from the Covenant. In fact, the Covenant believes he is dead, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Sarah, who damaged herself modifying the memories of the participants in Half-Off Ragnarok. So, there are the promised spoilers: Verity and Dominic are now a couple (this will come as a surprise to precisely no one), and Sarah has hurt herself badly.
Verity and Dominic are driving from New York to Portland in a rented U-Haul truck so that Dominic can be introduced to Verity's family. They are driving because Verity has a colony of Aeslin mice to transport -- not easily accomplished by air. Also, Verity is taking the scenic route, to introduce Dominic to various folks. The first story in this series, The Ghosts of Bourbon Street, is a crossover, in that it also belongs to McGuire's Ghost Road series -- you meet Rose Marshall, the main character of those books. Some other old friends show up: the Carmichael hotel in Chicago, and the Swamp Bromeliad in Buckley Township, Michigan. This series of stories ends as intended, with Verity introducing Dominic to her family in Portland.
Most of the Antimony stories have no obvious relation to the events of Half-Off Ragnarok. One may suppose they occur before that. If you have read the first three Incryptid novels you have sort-of been introduced to Antimony, because she features heavily in Verity's recollections of growing up, as the annoying little sister who excelled in such Price family staple skills as extreme survival, setting traps, and demolition. Now, introduced to Antimony in person, we see that she has complementary memories of Verity and Alex as the older siblings who her parents (in Antimony's view) always seemed to value more than her. Antimony becomes a roller-derby skater in these stories. A word about the anthologies: I read only one non-McGuire story. Several reviewers of Glitter & Mayhem, mentioned the story about the dancing princesses, so I read that one, too. It was OK. Jammed appeared in Games Creatures Play, which appears to be out of print. I couldn't easily get a copy, so I listened to the audiobook version. Survival Horror is in the Anthology Press Start to Play -- I read none of the other stories. The Antimony stores were a fun intro to Antimony, whom I now look forward to encountering in the novels. They also introduce her cousin Elsinor Harrington, whose father is an incubus, making Elsie a succubus.
That brings us to Antimony's other cousin, Elsie's brother Arthur (Artie). We have actually heard quite a bit about Artie in the novels because he and Sarah are hopelessly in love, and Verity also tends to phone Artie when she needs geek skills. IM is really all about whether Sarah is going to recover.
Istas is a kind of fun character. We met her in the Verity Price novels, where she works as a cocktail waitress at the place where Verity works, and fights at Verity's side. She's a sort of werewolf/werebear (as is her main squeeze Ryan). But what's fun about her is her very direct, uncomplicated way of thinking and speaking.
The final story, Balance, is about a cuckoo who, as far as I know, appears nowhere else in the Incryptid world. I didn't enjoy this story as much as the rest.
In summary, these stories are a good way to meet the Price/Harrington families. I give them four stars, except for Balance, which rates only three.
January 21, 2016
Well alright then. I guess I am going to give the InCryptid series another shot. Verity's books veered a little wildly between "hell yeah!" and "meh" for my taste (and the second book was mostly "Oh, no. Really, just no."). I really wanted to like Alex, but it's a classic case of "can't stand your girlfriend, buddy." So, Antimony: Misanthropic loner with no romantic interest in sight. Snarky but not overdone. Sounds like I may have found the one. (Maybe I should read Antimony's other stories right quick and make sure there is no romance waiting around the corner.)
This little story is really a prelude, just a snippet to introduce some characters. It is not an actual full fledged short story. I rate things on what they are. As a prelude, it is lovely, and accomplishes a mission few stories can. I am willing to give a universe I had written off another chance. (Too bad the Antimony books are not here yet, but I see there are a couple of other short stories to read. And I will probably give the third Verity book a chance, just because I might miss something important, and really I am inclined to like the lady and her boyfriend. I'm done with Alex, though.)
This little story is really a prelude, just a snippet to introduce some characters. It is not an actual full fledged short story. I rate things on what they are. As a prelude, it is lovely, and accomplishes a mission few stories can. I am willing to give a universe I had written off another chance. (Too bad the Antimony books are not here yet, but I see there are a couple of other short stories to read. And I will probably give the third Verity book a chance, just because I might miss something important, and really I am inclined to like the lady and her boyfriend. I'm done with Alex, though.)
December 8, 2015
A story about how Annie joined the roller derby. I'd read a couple of stories about her being part of the derby in anthologies already, so this served as a prequel to those, and is also the first Antimony story by chronology. It started as she was finishing high school and ending her beloved cheerleading career and missing the activity and the satisfaction of working on an well-oiled team. Antimony's life as a Price was very isolating, especially when her father wouldn't let her be involved with any of the sports or activities that she enjoyed because her high skill level would draw too much press and attention that could draw the eyes of the Covenant. When her cousin Elsie took her to an old warehouse she didn't know what to think, and when she got inside and realized why they were there she still wasn't thrilled. At first. Good story. But McGuire always seems to have fun writing about Annie and her friends, they're a fun gang of gals, and bomb and comic book loving Antimony, with her huge heart, is a great character.
I just found out that this story and many others are available for free on the author's website in the InCryptid section on the Short Story page.
I just found out that this story and many others are available for free on the author's website in the InCryptid section on the Short Story page.
September 20, 2017
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
2.1 - Blocked
4 stars
This was kind of adorable.
The waxing poetic about cheerleading was out of my frame of reference (the cheerleaders at my high school were a bunch of Mean Girls), so I couldn't relate to that, but ROLLER DERBY is frickin' cool. And I love that Antimony, whom we've yet to directly meet, but about whom we've heard borderline scary things, was introduced to us at a vulnerable time in her life.
Makes her seem less insane.
2.1 - Blocked
4 stars
This was kind of adorable.
The waxing poetic about cheerleading was out of my frame of reference (the cheerleaders at my high school were a bunch of Mean Girls), so I couldn't relate to that, but ROLLER DERBY is frickin' cool. And I love that Antimony, whom we've yet to directly meet, but about whom we've heard borderline scary things, was introduced to us at a vulnerable time in her life.
Makes her seem less insane.
March 8, 2022
4.5 stars
Annie has graduated from high school, which means the end of cheerleading for her. Searching for a new activity, she lets her cousin Elsie drag her to try out for roller derby and, despite herself, Annie falls in love with the sport.
A fun introduction to Annie as a character (outside of her siblings' minds). Also introduces Annie's 'Melody West' high school persona, which she'll need to dust off later, and of course her roller derby friends, mainly Fern.
Annie has graduated from high school, which means the end of cheerleading for her. Searching for a new activity, she lets her cousin Elsie drag her to try out for roller derby and, despite herself, Annie falls in love with the sport.
A fun introduction to Annie as a character (outside of her siblings' minds). Also introduces Annie's 'Melody West' high school persona, which she'll need to dust off later, and of course her roller derby friends, mainly Fern.
April 9, 2015
Quite enjoyable. It was nice to read about Antimony Price who we have never read anything about before. Glad she found an extracurricular activity she will enjoy. Hope she will be able to help the Cryptids on the team. Can't wait to read more about Antimony.
June 7, 2016
I enjoyed it but it was too short! It was good to get into Annie's head!
July 16, 2017
So, since I managed to suffer through all the Verity and Alex books, I thought I should prepare myself for the third sibling, Antimony, by reading all her short stories that I imagine also work as prequels to her book, Magic for Nothing (InCryptid, #6).
Antimony's supposed to be a loner, a nerd and rough around the edges. A prodigy child that feels neglected, especially in comparison to her older siblings. Unfortunately she reads as every character in this universe so far: they all sound the same. Sure, one may have an obsession with the X-men and the other with snakes, but the way they react, think, and talk, is identical.
This time I enjoyed the details about derby, I love derby, and wished they were longer. Especially since I had to sit through THREE Verity books filled with tidbits about ballroom dancing.
I missed the mice tho. We didn't get a lot of Aislin action in these stories.
I think Seanan's strongest in this short format, instead of her 350 and 600 page long books, but I have to admit, that reading with each addition again and again all about how the world, the Price family and the cryptids work, is getting tiring FAST.
Since the rest of the stories are in collections and are not registered in Goodreads individually, I'll also write a few words about each of them, just so I can refresh my memory later on if I need to.
Blocked (InCryptid, #2.1)
A very cute and sweet story about Antimony. We are introduced to her POV for the first time. We also get to meet Elsie, her succubus cousin (sister of incubus Artie), who's queer <3 Antimony has just finished highschool, were she went by Melody, and since she can no longer be a cheerleader her parents push her to find something to do with her free time. Elsie takes her to roller derby tryouts, and seeing how derby life welcomes all sort of misfit women, including cryptids, she decides to join the Slasher Chicks, under the name Final Girl.
Bad Dream Girl (InCryptid, #2.2)
Antimony, under the alias Annie Thompson, is one of the two regular jammers of her team. She notices derby girls fainting during games, recognizes this as a cryptids work, and sets out to find what's wrong. We get to meet Artie for the first time. Elsie has an on-and-0ff-again relationship with a derby girl named Carlotta. Fern is a cryptid teammate. My mind cannot hold any more names. There's also a chupacabra derby girl. There are a lot of cryptid derby girls. The suspect for the faintings is a creature called mara, and all the cryptids band together to banish her from derby for her bad behavior. Really wished this had turned into a romance between the mara-girl and Antimony. Near the end the bisexual vibes were strong.
Jammed (InCryptid, #2.3)
Antimony is happy derby-ing when suddenly, a chopped foot of a skater appears! She works with her cousins (Elsie & Artie) and the cryptid derby girls, and they find that a Chimera is lose. How are they gonna manage? How did it get there? How will they manage to keep their identities secret? They kill it. The end.
Survival Horror (InCryptid, #2.4)
First time we see Artie up close! Antimony hangs our with him in his room while he installs a game someone from a shady cryptid forum sent him. Turns out it's a trap to kill him, made by a cuckoo and some cryptids called hid-a-something (we saw the species in Verity's books), for knowing about their existence (he kept asking medical questions for cuckoos in order to help his crush, Sarah, and thus attracted their attention). The game transfers them in a virtual reality/ alternate dimension world full of riddles they have to solve or else they will go to hellish dimensions or something. After they escape, Artie cries a bit and then both are fine. No talk of Sarah again.
Antimony's supposed to be a loner, a nerd and rough around the edges. A prodigy child that feels neglected, especially in comparison to her older siblings. Unfortunately she reads as every character in this universe so far: they all sound the same. Sure, one may have an obsession with the X-men and the other with snakes, but the way they react, think, and talk, is identical.
This time I enjoyed the details about derby, I love derby, and wished they were longer. Especially since I had to sit through THREE Verity books filled with tidbits about ballroom dancing.
I missed the mice tho. We didn't get a lot of Aislin action in these stories.
I think Seanan's strongest in this short format, instead of her 350 and 600 page long books, but I have to admit, that reading with each addition again and again all about how the world, the Price family and the cryptids work, is getting tiring FAST.
Since the rest of the stories are in collections and are not registered in Goodreads individually, I'll also write a few words about each of them, just so I can refresh my memory later on if I need to.
Blocked (InCryptid, #2.1)
A very cute and sweet story about Antimony. We are introduced to her POV for the first time. We also get to meet Elsie, her succubus cousin (sister of incubus Artie), who's queer <3 Antimony has just finished highschool, were she went by Melody, and since she can no longer be a cheerleader her parents push her to find something to do with her free time. Elsie takes her to roller derby tryouts, and seeing how derby life welcomes all sort of misfit women, including cryptids, she decides to join the Slasher Chicks, under the name Final Girl.
Bad Dream Girl (InCryptid, #2.2)
Antimony, under the alias Annie Thompson, is one of the two regular jammers of her team. She notices derby girls fainting during games, recognizes this as a cryptids work, and sets out to find what's wrong. We get to meet Artie for the first time. Elsie has an on-and-0ff-again relationship with a derby girl named Carlotta. Fern is a cryptid teammate. My mind cannot hold any more names. There's also a chupacabra derby girl. There are a lot of cryptid derby girls. The suspect for the faintings is a creature called mara, and all the cryptids band together to banish her from derby for her bad behavior. Really wished this had turned into a romance between the mara-girl and Antimony. Near the end the bisexual vibes were strong.
Jammed (InCryptid, #2.3)
Antimony is happy derby-ing when suddenly, a chopped foot of a skater appears! She works with her cousins (Elsie & Artie) and the cryptid derby girls, and they find that a Chimera is lose. How are they gonna manage? How did it get there? How will they manage to keep their identities secret? They kill it. The end.
Survival Horror (InCryptid, #2.4)
First time we see Artie up close! Antimony hangs our with him in his room while he installs a game someone from a shady cryptid forum sent him. Turns out it's a trap to kill him, made by a cuckoo and some cryptids called hid-a-something (we saw the species in Verity's books), for knowing about their existence (he kept asking medical questions for cuckoos in order to help his crush, Sarah, and thus attracted their attention). The game transfers them in a virtual reality/ alternate dimension world full of riddles they have to solve or else they will go to hellish dimensions or something. After they escape, Artie cries a bit and then both are fine. No talk of Sarah again.
August 9, 2021
The short stories within Seanan McGuire's InCryptid series are plentiful, for which I am grateful. Blocked is my most recent read and the first short story to give Antimony Price the lead. This is set following the second novel in the series – so before Antimony even got her own novel.
Antimony Price is the youngest Price child. She's stubborn, graceful, and in need of a contact sport that will keep her fit. Ideally, one that will be overlooked by the Covenant, who is always on the hunt for her family.
Thus, Roller Derby, it is. If you're looking for a short that is full of cryptids, roller derby chaos, and some Antimony Price drama; then I have good news for you! This is a fun and quick short and a pretty solid introduction for her character.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Antimony Price is the youngest Price child. She's stubborn, graceful, and in need of a contact sport that will keep her fit. Ideally, one that will be overlooked by the Covenant, who is always on the hunt for her family.
Thus, Roller Derby, it is. If you're looking for a short that is full of cryptids, roller derby chaos, and some Antimony Price drama; then I have good news for you! This is a fun and quick short and a pretty solid introduction for her character.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
November 1, 2025
The first short story to feature Antimony Price. I really wish I'd read these after book 1 or 2--Verity is a very different POV from Antimony, and her impressions of her sister don't do her justice. It also would've made the eventual Antimony books less of a shock--it's a pretty big tone difference between book 5 and book 6 onwards, and I think these shorts (all the shorts, actually) would've prepared me better.
These shorts also give a better introduction to cousin Elsie before the much-later Mary books. On top of that, after seeing the Price siblings living adult lives post-nest, this specific entry gives an interesting look at what it is like to be still living at home in this family.
These shorts also give a better introduction to cousin Elsie before the much-later Mary books. On top of that, after seeing the Price siblings living adult lives post-nest, this specific entry gives an interesting look at what it is like to be still living at home in this family.
January 19, 2018
"I was more Wednesday Addams than Marcia Brady, more sarcastic than sunny, and more cynical than cheer-tastic."
Antimony Price has a problem. She's part of the Healy/Price clan that defected from the Covenant generations before she was ever born. She's also pretty awesome at just about everything she tries. That means, to stay hidden, she usually has to give up anything she likes to do. Maybe it's time for that to change.
Antimony Price has a problem. She's part of the Healy/Price clan that defected from the Covenant generations before she was ever born. She's also pretty awesome at just about everything she tries. That means, to stay hidden, she usually has to give up anything she likes to do. Maybe it's time for that to change.
December 9, 2025
A delight! I'm absolutely loving Antimony's voice - she has a little bit of a grudge, she's a little bit anti-social, but she's no less good at what she does and willing to complain about it. IE, she's perfect! It's VERY fun having perspectives from both her and Verity, both of whom I adore and yet they're set in a natural opposition to each other by way of personality and family structure - which means a great time every step of the way!
June 20, 2024
This was a short story, but I enjoyed it. Antimony (I love the name!) ends her high school cheerleading career and has an opportunity to try out for a roller derby team. McGuire writes well, and and the story is brief and original. I am going to start the third book in the InCryptid series today. This made a nice appetizer!
Read
April 5, 2020An e-short where we meet the other Price sister, Antimony. She goes from being a senior high school cheerleader to a member of a roller derby team, thanks to her cousin Elsie. No Aisling mice but we do get flesh-eating dragonflies.
Read
April 6, 2020OK, so this series is fun and it now has derby which makes it MORE fun.
Trying not to nit-pick everything that is wrong or ill-advised (no self-respecting derby team would let someone do full-contact auditions in a borrowed helmet!).
Trying not to nit-pick everything that is wrong or ill-advised (no self-respecting derby team would let someone do full-contact auditions in a borrowed helmet!).
April 27, 2024
I like this first introduction to Annie.
But I used to skate roller derby and it hits like a sore spot to see it represented in fiction like this. I know I'm going to have to get over it as I continue the series... because I like Annie. But lost a few stars for that.
But I used to skate roller derby and it hits like a sore spot to see it represented in fiction like this. I know I'm going to have to get over it as I continue the series... because I like Annie. But lost a few stars for that.
June 24, 2017
Great to have Antimony's POV, really enjoyed that, and yeah, great story of her starting her transition from high school student to adult!
October 21, 2017
3 stars
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