The Nocturne’s Gatekeeper

Sam Quinn #6.5

by Seana Kelly

Ever wonder what it’s like to live in the nocturne? Spend one night with Russell, Audrey, and Godfrey while they interview an alarming assortments of vampire applicants and go on a creepy errand for Meg. Things are changing in the nocturne, especially for Audrey.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal, Novella, Romance, Shapeshifters

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2024

About the author

She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and one fish. She comes from a long line of storytellers. She's just the first to put them in books. She's an avid reader and re-reader who misses her favorite characters when it's been too long between visits.

She's represented by the delightful Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that with this one we get to see the side characters a bit more. The three in this one really have a united front for the Nocturne and the changes that have happened. You can tell that they will be successful. There is respect there, but they also tease each other like family does.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

I realised that it makes sense to do a new review in a series, when the POV character changes (& its not done with every book being a new POV).

I like the various characters in this world, so it was nice to see a book from the POV of one of them rather than the normal MC.

First time read the author's work?: No

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nocturne’s Gatekeeper is a novella length story about Audrey, one of the minor characters from the Sam Quinn urban fantasy series. It was given away for free with the author’s newsletter earlier this year, and is now available for about a dollar on Amazon. This is set between books six and seven, and does assume familiarity with the vampire characters and their living arrangements, but you don’t need to have read all the books to enjoy it.

Audrey is a vampire who was once a lady’s maid and has recently been freed from the control of her evil mistress Leticia. She’s been promoted to second by Russel, the new Master of San Francisco, and is still finding her feet in the role, and dealing with her secret longing for him. Over the course of a night, she assists with interviewing new potential housemates and does some housekeeping for a gorgon, proving that in spite of her fears, she really does belong by Russell’s side.

I enjoyed this, getting to know Audrey who’s previously been an uninteresting background character, and learning more about Russell’s backstory as well. Like all the bonus novellas, I just wish they were longer. Recommended for fans of the main series.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful surprise this short story was! As someone who reads any and all offshoots of a main series, I knew I had to pick this up before the next Sam Quinn book. I don’t think it is necessarily required reading, but it gives such wonderful insights into what’s going on at the Nocturne now that Sam & Clive are out living another life.

The Nocturne is now run by Russell, with the help of Audrey and Godfrey. Audrey is the narrator of the story and it goes through a somewhat normal night for the crew. They are interviewing for new housemates, troubleshooting supernatural issues, and rescuing kittens (for real). We truly get to see Audrey as she is now, in a rather satisfying way. When we first met her, she was timid, having been under a serious compulsion for far too long to have lots of herself left. She’s since become a force in the Nocturne and I’m glad we get to see Russell appreciate that in all the best ways.

[Mary Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice to see things from Audrey's point of view.

It's just another.night in the San Fransico nocturne the master vampire Raymond is interviewing three possible recruits to the nocturne and asks his second Audrey and third Geoffrey to sit in. What follows leads to an interesting night for Audrey who is still coming to terms with her new life (undeath) in San Fransico as a free woman able to think for herself and after two hundred and fifty years finding out who she is.....................

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever wonder what it’s like to live in the nocturne? Spend one night with Russell, Audrey, and Godfrey while they interview an alarming assortments of vampire applicants and go on a creepy errand for Meg. Things are changing in the nocturne, especially for Audrey.

Heather's Notes
I liked this look into the nocturne. I hope Russell and Audrey do become an item. I was sad that the kitten got "found" by her family. Maybe Audrey can get one of her own.

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fun read from Audrey which gave us a little bit more detail on her background and how she was turned as well as a couple of short incidents involving some new to the nocturne vampires and a black panther!

It didn't take long to read, but it was great to see a different side to Audrey and how her relationship with Russell as her Master of the City is developing as well as her own powers.

[MELISSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable snapshot of Sam Quinn’s world with three busy secondary characters giving readers a view into a day in the life of a vampire’s nocturne and the master and his crew. This time interviews for vampires requesting admittance to the nocturne and then a rescue of a panther from a cage. Good characters, good story, good read.

[Illana Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

only disappointment was it ended too soon

What a delightful return to a wonderful world. Loved the deeper look into the characters at the nocturne
Wonderful scene where the problem is solved by her

[M-1701 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read!

I've been wanting more Russell and Audrey for a while now and this didn't disappoint.

[Jen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT???

That was too short. Not fair. There better be more to this damn story Seana seriously 😒 Not fair at all. 😂

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to 4 Stars:)

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detour to Russell's Nocturne, where Audrey is 2nd & Godfrey wanted to stay 3rd.

How they 3 deal with several new applicant's wanting to join the Nocturne.

Loved it, especially the ending.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this peek into the Nocturne.

[Siyka · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was strange to see the Nocturne without Clive and Sam.

[Christine Schiltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good short story

I would really love new books exploring these characters even more. I love Sam Quinn and The wicche chronicles. I'd love more on these characters.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russell and Audrey ❤️

A quick and lovely treat in the nocturne. It was a story from the perspective of Audrey as she, Russell and Godfrey interview candidates for the nocturne. Along with rescuing victims of a serial killer vamp, THE KISS finally happens ❤️❤️❤️❤️😭

[Midu Hadi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick-look at the Book

Told from the POV of Audrey–a vampire and Russell’s second, who has spent centuries under the mind control of a villain. The nocturne is vetting new members and one shifty guy brings more than his resume when he applies!

Shows us the beginning of Audrey & Russell’s relationship.

Thoughts on this Series

This is a series with a not-so good central couple dynamic. Its protagonist has too much power, too little sense, and is surrounded by a cast of villains you just want to kick. But it will scratch that UF itch in a pinch.

Also reviewed at WP

Review of Book 7 here

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novella that gives us backstory on the new leaders of the Nocturne know that Clive has stepped down and handed the reins to Russell. It’s a quick read that gives us some good insight and the beginnings of a new romance.