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Edinburgh Elementals #1
The Trouble With Pixies
A Short Story Introduction to The Edinburgh Elementals series.
All Michael wants is a quiet evening in his new home, but an unexpected visit puts paid to that. Hattie isn't here to welcome her new neighbour, though. There's something in Michael's attic that shouldn't be there. Several somethings, in fact.
Hattie says they're invisible to everyone but her. Michael thinks she's crazy. But armed with a paintball gun, Hattie's going to prove him wrong.
All Michael wants is a quiet evening in his new home, but an unexpected visit puts paid to that. Hattie isn't here to welcome her new neighbour, though. There's something in Michael's attic that shouldn't be there. Several somethings, in fact.
Hattie says they're invisible to everyone but her. Michael thinks she's crazy. But armed with a paintball gun, Hattie's going to prove him wrong.
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2012
19 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Ramage
31 books37 followersGayle is a Scot who, rather lazily, still lives in Scotland - for now. She has several novellas and short stories under her belt, and has written an audio play for a forthcoming fiction podcast series.
The first of two weird fiction short story collections, VULNERABLE IN FRONT OF FICTION, VOL 1, is out now!
Visit her website at https://www.gayleramage.co.uk
The first of two weird fiction short story collections, VULNERABLE IN FRONT OF FICTION, VOL 1, is out now!
Visit her website at https://www.gayleramage.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 4, 2017
The Trouble with Pixies
Edinburgh Elementals, Book 1
By: Gayle Ramage
Narrated by: Chris Barnes
This audible book is a short story or prequel. It was a clever story about a family moving in and the neighbor coming over and catching pixies in the attic. Of course the guy didn't believe in pixies but let her catch them anyway. It was cute and clever. I am prepared now! LOL. Sounds like a cute series start. The problem with the audible is that the Scottish was so thick it was difficult to understand at times. I think I missed several words.
Edinburgh Elementals, Book 1
By: Gayle Ramage
Narrated by: Chris Barnes
This audible book is a short story or prequel. It was a clever story about a family moving in and the neighbor coming over and catching pixies in the attic. Of course the guy didn't believe in pixies but let her catch them anyway. It was cute and clever. I am prepared now! LOL. Sounds like a cute series start. The problem with the audible is that the Scottish was so thick it was difficult to understand at times. I think I missed several words.
May 15, 2016
Michael moved into the house after the prior resident has passed away little did he know that she left him something in the attic. When a strange shows up on his doorstep looking for the prior owner she reveals that she must remove something in the attic after a trip up and unusual hunting trip she finds exactly what she was looking for leaving Michaels eyes open to everything he had no idea existed.
While it’s a short novel we have just a taste of Hattie who swoops into Michaels life quickly. I actually really like her character a human who sees the not so human acting as a mediator. While it’s a brief intro I feel like I really could connect with Hattie she’s one of those types of characters I enjoy plus it’s a supernatural world.
I picked this one up earlier this month as a kindle freebie based on the cover it sounded cute. I found the concept interesting the fact that the humans live among the supernatural is always one of my favorites ideas and that Hattie is human but in the supernatural world fits. The story while flows along into a whirlwind action packed adventure. I enjoyed the authors writing style it’s captivating it was easy to read in one sitting. My only real complaint is I want a 300+ story about Hattie it’s just not long enough for my taste. I do plan to check out the rest of the series in the future.
While it’s a short novel we have just a taste of Hattie who swoops into Michaels life quickly. I actually really like her character a human who sees the not so human acting as a mediator. While it’s a brief intro I feel like I really could connect with Hattie she’s one of those types of characters I enjoy plus it’s a supernatural world.
I picked this one up earlier this month as a kindle freebie based on the cover it sounded cute. I found the concept interesting the fact that the humans live among the supernatural is always one of my favorites ideas and that Hattie is human but in the supernatural world fits. The story while flows along into a whirlwind action packed adventure. I enjoyed the authors writing style it’s captivating it was easy to read in one sitting. My only real complaint is I want a 300+ story about Hattie it’s just not long enough for my taste. I do plan to check out the rest of the series in the future.
July 25, 2015
What I liked:
A cute, fun quirky UF short story that I would have loved more of. Kind of Douglas Adams-esque humorous urban fantasy NOT set in London if you're looking for a more unique UF setting. There's also a lot of unique ideas and touches in this. Definitely for fans of such things as the Spiderwick Chronicles, Labyrinth, and UF that focuses on more unusual mythical creatures than angels and vampires.
What I didn't like:
Although I knew it was a short story, this was waaaay too short. I could easily have devoured a full length novel of this. On the technical side, my main issue with this was I didn't quite buy how Michael just let a strange, and at initial meeting quite deranged woman into his house when he has kids.
In conclusion:
If you want something different in your urban fantasy, this is for you. It's short, so you get a quick taster, and it's free, so it's not costing anything other than a few moments of your time to try it out.
A cute, fun quirky UF short story that I would have loved more of. Kind of Douglas Adams-esque humorous urban fantasy NOT set in London if you're looking for a more unique UF setting. There's also a lot of unique ideas and touches in this. Definitely for fans of such things as the Spiderwick Chronicles, Labyrinth, and UF that focuses on more unusual mythical creatures than angels and vampires.
What I didn't like:
Although I knew it was a short story, this was waaaay too short. I could easily have devoured a full length novel of this. On the technical side, my main issue with this was I didn't quite buy how Michael just let a strange, and at initial meeting quite deranged woman into his house when he has kids.
In conclusion:
If you want something different in your urban fantasy, this is for you. It's short, so you get a quick taster, and it's free, so it's not costing anything other than a few moments of your time to try it out.
July 31, 2015
A little meh, but there's potential there. SUPER short. The author went a little too tell instead of show, but also was constrained by an extremely short format. Still, I liked the idea of it all.
June 12, 2018
A promising idea with some interesting characters, but alas a little bit stilted in execution. 2.5 Stars.
November 11, 2014
I recently purchased a copy of this book, The Trouble with Pixies, on Audible and so my review is based on the audio version.
I was pleasantly surprised by this magical short story. It was a great length at just over 27 minutes long so I was able to listen to the whole thing while on the way to pick my daughter up from school. The narration, done by Chris Barnes, was wonderful as the story is set in Scotland which happens to be where the narrator is from so it added authenticity to the story. I loved that!
Michael has just moved to Scotland with his children and is trying to relax after a long day of unpacking when a quirky woman, Hattie, knocks on his door. She was visiting the house to check in on the previous owner and is startled to realize the house has a new owner. While making pleasantries, Hattie realizes that Michael is unaware of the guests living in his attic and she must attempt to explain the situation while dealing with the upcoming high jinks.
I was pleasantly surprised by this magical short story. It was a great length at just over 27 minutes long so I was able to listen to the whole thing while on the way to pick my daughter up from school. The narration, done by Chris Barnes, was wonderful as the story is set in Scotland which happens to be where the narrator is from so it added authenticity to the story. I loved that!
Michael has just moved to Scotland with his children and is trying to relax after a long day of unpacking when a quirky woman, Hattie, knocks on his door. She was visiting the house to check in on the previous owner and is startled to realize the house has a new owner. While making pleasantries, Hattie realizes that Michael is unaware of the guests living in his attic and she must attempt to explain the situation while dealing with the upcoming high jinks.
January 8, 2013
A delightful little read that left me wanting more. I was so intrigued with Hattie the pixie hunter, even Michael's staid but curious nature. I would love to read more about these two - what a hilarious combination! What was it like? Think Ghostbusters meets Grimm (the TV show) meets Spiderwick Chronicles meets Gayle Ramage's creative mind.
February 16, 2015
This story is only 20 pages long and it reads like the opening scene of a novel or the initial set-up of a story. The story is over before any momentum gets built up and the dialogue is pretty simple.
July 7, 2015
This was a very short and very cute read. While the simplicity was nice and the dramatic notions were enjoyable, the randomness was a bit unsettling.
July 26, 2021
Just finished reading het probleem met elfen by gayle ramage, a Dutch translation of an English book reminding us all why translators are important people with taxing jobs, creating a garbled mess when they cut corners. This book had a typo on the front cover, which is not a good sign, and then the translation was... Bad. It seemed like it had been translated by Google translate and hastily pasted in the book. One sentence was even left untranslated. This translation is, quite honestly, probably doing the author more bad than good.
That is not to say the book would have been good otherwise, the story was rather bland and seems to, just have too little actually happening. The story can be summarised in one sentence: man discovers he has faeries living in his atic, does nothing while his neighbour cleans them up. Lacking any impact at all. And I know this is a short story and it's not entirely fair to hold it to the standards of regular books... But Ive read a bunch of short stories and this is presumably one of the worst experience so far.
That is not to say the book would have been good otherwise, the story was rather bland and seems to, just have too little actually happening. The story can be summarised in one sentence: man discovers he has faeries living in his atic, does nothing while his neighbour cleans them up. Lacking any impact at all. And I know this is a short story and it's not entirely fair to hold it to the standards of regular books... But Ive read a bunch of short stories and this is presumably one of the worst experience so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2020
A nice idea but really rushed to fit into such a small amount of pages. I didn't get why Michael would just let a random girl into his house when he doesn't even know her name... Is it because Hattie's a manic pixie dream girl? She seems like she could be a fun, hyper-active character if you like those in your urban fantasies rather than gruff old-before-their-timers or sultry seducer types. Quirky, cute, and with a lot of conceptual promise, but I found the very short format a bit too abrupt.
October 1, 2018
Good Book
I thought it was a great book just kind of short. I prefer longer stories. I was getting really into the book when it stopped. I would have given the book 5 stars it was that good.
I thought it was a great book just kind of short. I prefer longer stories. I was getting really into the book when it stopped. I would have given the book 5 stars it was that good.
November 24, 2019
They are real
Light breezy introduction to pixies and other magical creatures. Fun fast read to momentarily escape from human woes. Like a sample pick up to lighten your day.
Light breezy introduction to pixies and other magical creatures. Fun fast read to momentarily escape from human woes. Like a sample pick up to lighten your day.
December 17, 2023
Genuine Scottish folklore?
A brief first chapter of a series. It has a frenetic feel of a young adult novel. Written by an actual Scots woman.
A brief first chapter of a series. It has a frenetic feel of a young adult novel. Written by an actual Scots woman.
June 9, 2024
Cute quick little read. I found the FMC extremely entertaining. Would be interested in reading more of her adventures
March 25, 2014
I hate it that I'm the first reviewer and I have to give this 2 stars. According to the Goodreads standards 2 stars means 'it's okay'. And that is where I stand with this story. It's okay.
First off, I think this story should not be marked as YA, it's too 'childish' for that. Not that that's a bad thing, because I think it would make a pretty decent children's book / story.
The setting is very cool, the characters start with a lot of promise and the idea behind the story is great.
But then the characters fall a bit flat for me, and the dialogue doesn't really do the trick. The pixies are a nice idea, but not much happens with them, and every thing in the story feels far too 'easy' and convenient.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, and the narrator was really quite good. He brought some life into a rather flat story line.
Part of me hopes this author will do something else with the setting of this story, only work it out a little more this time. Think more about the characters and about the story she wants to tell. I think there is potential here.
First off, I think this story should not be marked as YA, it's too 'childish' for that. Not that that's a bad thing, because I think it would make a pretty decent children's book / story.
The setting is very cool, the characters start with a lot of promise and the idea behind the story is great.
But then the characters fall a bit flat for me, and the dialogue doesn't really do the trick. The pixies are a nice idea, but not much happens with them, and every thing in the story feels far too 'easy' and convenient.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, and the narrator was really quite good. He brought some life into a rather flat story line.
Part of me hopes this author will do something else with the setting of this story, only work it out a little more this time. Think more about the characters and about the story she wants to tell. I think there is potential here.
December 17, 2014
Pixie trouble
This was cute story. But seriously, some strange women shows up at your house looking for an old friend and your going to let her in. Really? It was kinda funny if you think about her and her pixie paint gun. No problem, no more pixies.
This was cute story. But seriously, some strange women shows up at your house looking for an old friend and your going to let her in. Really? It was kinda funny if you think about her and her pixie paint gun. No problem, no more pixies.
March 1, 2015
This was a fun, short story. The characters are interesting and fun. It has a lovely setting and a cute story to tell. I listened to the audiobook and Chris Barnes does a fantastic job bringing the story to life.
July 30, 2015
I'm heading to Edinburgh soon and wanted to read novels set in the city. This was the first I read. I expected Edinburgh to be featured a bit more but this story was a good start. It was a quick read. If you like magic and pixies, this story is for you.
November 27, 2015
3.5
Waaaay short!! Guess I should have looked closer at the info, lol. Nice little read. Nothing too unique here, but certainly intriguing.
Michael didn't know about the pixies infesting the attic of his new home until a friend of the previous owner shows up on the day he moves in.
Waaaay short!! Guess I should have looked closer at the info, lol. Nice little read. Nothing too unique here, but certainly intriguing.
Michael didn't know about the pixies infesting the attic of his new home until a friend of the previous owner shows up on the day he moves in.
February 15, 2016
MY OPINION
Very sweet, short novella. It's not a full book, more like an introduction to the series but no cliffhangers. It does however leave you curious to know what happens next so maybe I will continue with book two.
Very sweet, short novella. It's not a full book, more like an introduction to the series but no cliffhangers. It does however leave you curious to know what happens next so maybe I will continue with book two.
October 12, 2014
For a short story this book was fantastic and very unique... I mean a paintball gun for a pixie capture... very nice. Definite must read if you enjoy fast reads about the paranormal. Nicely done!
October 17, 2014
Ha, ha a very funny short story. The very uninitiated father coming into contact with a pixie exterminator is just plain fun.
May 11, 2016
It was really cute. If you're in the mood for a quick short story with a bit of magic, this short story will put a smile on your face. :)
January 28, 2017
"It's okay". Or a little less than okay. And the cover is deceiving.
But it doesn't entice me to recommend.
But it doesn't entice me to recommend.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews