“Violet! What have you done?” Covered in blood and holding a knife, isn’t it obvious? You think she’d be happy, I did it for both of us. Maybe I need to explain it in a way she'll understand, I might need a bigger knife.
Would you believe I’m practically normal just a few years later? At least until…
Origin of Violet explains why Violet becomes the woman she is today. It's a novella, and the first part of her duet and a half. It's the half. Please check the trigger warnings inside, intended for readers 18+ It may end with a little bit of a cliffhanger, but the next installment, VioleNt is being released simultaneously, so you won't be left hanging for long.
My thanks to the team of BookSirens, the publisher and the author for this review copy. This review is based on my completing this book and is an honest representation of my views while reading the story. This is a short novellas and is one that I could read in three- four short sittings. The story is a prequel the to the main series and gives a background and origin story of Violet, the protagonist of the story. The story is easy paced and presents a abusive background for the 12 year old. It follows a simple and common template of an abusive stepfather, a middle-aged mother in denial and a child who is not only unloved but also abused sexually by a hand that should have been her protector and rocking her cradle. The abuse beyond is something that could be hard-hitting for most readers. The story follows her struggle out of the relationship and into a fruitful one with therapy, the court, legal hassles and subsequent adoption play their important parts. On the way Violet manages to create some lifelong connections which may help her in her future. Story comes a full circle as the author and fate seem to be pushing her into a predetermined path. The story is not very hard-hitting considering its background. The travails of Violet are very cut and dried which made it difficult for me to connect with her. If this is a YA novel which it appears to be then this novelette is not meant for anyone less than an adult. The crimes depicted is also not for the YA crowd. I am at a loss fixing this book into a vertical. It's not mature enough for adult reading despite the content.
The author has done a decent job with the prose and she writes well. I will try another of her books despite the fact that this story is not in my normal reading zone.
What intrigues me is how the story progresses into its next step. Worth waiting for.
Violet's backstory just got a whole lot more interesting, thanks to this novella that dishes out all the deets leading up to book one - you won't regret the read.
Wow this book took my heart with it when it ended. This was filled with so many emotions, trauma, found family and so much more. I actually cried at the ending. I loved that we got backstory for violet and all she’s been through and I can’t wait to continue the story
This novella did not turn out to be what I was expecting at all based on the synopsis (which really only encompasses the first chapter) and the 18+ reader warning. I was looking forward to the possibility this series would follow the same kind of storyline as the Mindf*ck series by S.T. Abby, and I guess it could head that way in the next book, but I am no longer interested enough to find out.
This book is most definitely YA, and young YA at that, given that the story is told from the pov of the main character who is 12-13, and the author wrote it as if it was written by someone in that age group. It is not thrilling or terribly violent, like the crafty title might have you believe. It is also not a page-turner, but rather a plainly written short story of an abused child, who believes she is smarter than most adults, attempting to recover and move on when tragedy strikes and it ends there.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Origin of Violet" is a haunting tale that grabs the attention right out of the gate, pulling you into a world where you’re never quite sure whether to settle in or stay on edge. As I read, I had a constant voice in my head reminding me... "But that first scene." The atmosphere is tense, with a constant feeling that Violet’s reality could collapse around her at any moment. This suspense keeps the pages turning, and even as you start to understand her world, there’s always that unsettling question of what she might do next.
Violet is a captivating, chilling character who’s trying to navigate a “normal” world she’s never truly known. At her core, she’s an outsider, learning to adapt along with other outsiders she meets along her journey. As the story progresses, she grows more comfortable in her own skin, as her new friends soften her hard edges. Her journey feels authentic, especially as the writing reflects her youthful, adolescent snarkiness—it’s easy to read, quick-paced, and just edgy enough to fit Violet’s perspective as she balances on that fine line between innocence and something far darker.
The plot moves steadily, keeping the reader hooked, and the suspense only deepens as Violet’s story unfolds. Supporting characters add color, each uniquely and believable, adding layers to her journey; you can’t help but hope they’ll play even larger roles as the series continues. The cliffhanger ending leaves you with more questions than answers, making VioleNt an absolute must-read if you want to see how far Violet’s story will go.
A prequel novella to introduce Violet and understand her past and what has led to the present. A horrific crime with 12-year-old Violet at the center covered in blood leads you to question whether she is a victim or not. However, it becomes clear upon her story and causes you to hope that the next people introduced to her will be better and more nurturing. Life seems to improve for her and new family and friends are found, until a tragic accident changes everything. I really enjoyed this quick glimpse into who Violet is and the trauma from her past and how she overcame it (even if it was a stabby way) to move forward. The adults and friends that were introduced each played a role in helping her move forward and adjust to a new life. I look forward to reading the next book and finding out what she does next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Though you don't need to read this story before diving into the duet, you really need to read this first. This was probably the most unique opening scene and introduction to a character that I've ever read. Right off the bat, it's obvious that Violet is going to be an unhinged character that you'll end up rooting for and that just gets reinforced every step of her journey. Violet has gone through things in her short life and continues to in this story, that could make her evil. Instead, there's just something inside her that makes her kind of a sunshine character. She goes with the flow and finds people that she's willing to trust. Her instincts are spot on. The supporting characters step up and fight for her in the ways she's needed all along. My only "complaint" is that there's so much that happens in the story that it could have been a full length novel. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Origin of Violet, the prequel novella to E.N. Chanting's Violet's Tales duet introduces Violet and gives a glimpse of her life between the ages of 12 and 17. It explains why she became the woman she is today.
Disgust, hatred, hope, and joy. These are just some of the emotions that can be expected while reading. This story is about so much more than the abuse Violet endured. It is a story of trust, family, friendship, love, and protection. Seeing the people that come into Violet's life step up for her makes the side characters just as loveable as Violet herself.
Although it doesn't go into explicit details, this is not an easy read. Make sure you read the trigger warnings.
Origin of Violet will make you laugh, cheer, and cry, and just when you thought you had no tears left, the ending will make you cry harder.
This is a great introduction to Violet's story, and I can't wait to see what's in store for her.
This story is about a very touchy subject and will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Violet is twelve when she decides she will no longer be abused by the beast, her step father. It's the beginning of a long road to recovery for her.
Through all the trauma, Violet is finally able to start healing. She even makes a few friends and finds a family.
Violet also finds a friend that eventually becomes her boyfriend. And Max is willing to be as slow as need be for Violet to be comfortable.
There are quite a few triggers in this story so be sure to read the warnings. But, if you are strong enough to make it past the triggers, this story will not disappoint.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Origin of Violet is a short opening to Violet’s Tales letting us understand what makes Violet tick. I found it informative and amusing but lacking when trying to entice the reader.
Violet’s story starts with a huge conflict but as the novella continues everything goes smoothly. For such a harsh opening we find Violet a self taught genius, bubbly, and with a tendency towards violence if ppl are cruel. We don’t see the flaw of the character or a building conflict.
It felt like a anime character background for the start of an overpowered character, that would be within the first 5-10 mins of an episode. Which is fun and informative but not necessary enticing or able to provide an hook on its own.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I decided to start with this backstory novella that gives you an introduction to Violet, and boy what an introduction. E.N. Chanting drops you into it "hip deep" and doesn't pull any punches. But what could have simply been a bloody first scene, instead captivates the reader with Violet's off-beat sense of humor. Before you know it, you're right there in Violet's mind as the story of her brutal past comes to light. By the end of the first chapter I could really feel that a vigilante was forming. Later you get to see her sweet sides as she copes with the aftermath of the first chapter, but never lets the reader forget that she's a survivor...by any means possible. Can't wait to dive into the next book.
What can I say? Holy cow that's intense. So since it's a novella it's not very long and a decently short read. In those few (83)pages SO much happens. Poor freaking Violet. Her mother is a terrible person and I hope she gets revenge on her in VioleNt. She goes through so much and she deserves happiness 😭 Just based on this one book I know this series is gonna rock. Reader beware of the triggers! Also remember she's between 12 and 17 through this book so it does (props to E.N. Chanting) read like a teenager thinking to herself, even as she ages you can tell the difference. I think this gives the book character and cannot wait to read VioleNt.
Absolutely loved this book. Violet had a terrible upbringing, finds the only way out she can think of which is killing the monster. She spends a few months in a mental hospital as she’s so young. Meets new friends, turns out to be really bright and friendly even after what she has been through.
The story is amazing. The way it is written sometimes has you questioning what she is going to do when she has an idea in her head. So you think shes going to go back to the mental hospital for the same reason violet went there in the first place.
The only reason this book hasn’t been given 5 stars for me is I wish it was a bit longer and also some of the writing in the first few pages confused me.
This was a great introduction to Violet’s backstory, it takes us along for the ride as Violet navigates life after her stepfather’s death and her mother abandons her. She meets key people in her life who help her adjust to her new life and who soon become so much more. I loved seeing Violet starts to overcome some of her trauma and abuse. She begins to open herself up to those around her and thrive with her new family and friends while looking forward to a better future. That ending left me so heartbroken for Violet just as her life was getting better she was hit with another curveball.
I loved this introduction to Violet. As a twelve-year-old she should not have gone through what she did, but I am glad that she overcame the trauma she faced. It was crazy seeing how the judge that was first appointed was in on what was going on. I am glad he got replaced and she was able to have someone who realized why she did what she did.
This was such a good and quick read that makes me want to see so much more of Violet and her story. I can’t wait to dive into Violet’s story and where she goes from there.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I normally do not like novellas only because they tend to be such a quick read that I don't feel like I can truly enjoy a story but I liked Violet and am excited to get the next book so see how she grows and develops as a character. I was so happy once things seem to go right for Violet and the people who did the right thing to protect her. That cliff hanger stressed me out all over again.
I really enjoyed this quick read about Violet and looking forward to the next chapter in her life. Violet has not had I easy and is forced to take matters into her own hands. She lands in the hospital and a very nice Dr helps her through it all. For the first time in her life Violet finds love, family, friendship and trust. Graduation is completed and college is around the corner and the world awaits Violet.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Violet’s story starts off terrible, gets so much better, and then BOOM… cliffhanger. I really like where this is going and will probably read the next one just to see what happens, but the grammatical errors and sentence structure was the downfall for me. The sentences are short and basic in my opinion with not a lot of detail.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Violet is a young girl who has been through way too much trauma. She takes things into her own hands to set herself free. It is a very emotional book, giving us the backstory of Violet. This is a short prequel to the duet books. I look forward to reading the next book to see what is in store for her. Hopefully she can recover and soar, but the title of the next book (VioleNt) is ominous. I received an ARC copy from the author and this I my honest review.
This story is not for everyone to read. It is the story of Violet and the traumas she suffered during her childhood at the hands of her stepfather. A mother who was not interested in her and used her. The story gives you an idea of why Violet is this way and what made her that way. Or should we say who made her that way? It's a short introduction to Violet's real story. And I'm very curious to see how things will turn out.
Origin of Violet Violet's Tales: Book 0.5 BY E. N. CHANTING
This book made laugh, made me cry and then cry harder..
This was the 1st book for me by E. N. Chanting and I need to know what will happen next. Violet has been through so much in her life and just when you think finally she gets a break.. she gets hit harder. This was a great way to start a series and I cannot wait to dive in more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Interesting backstory and a very quick read. Written as if by a 12 year old child, dissociative and unemotional; which incidentally is how I felt about the story too... After a rough start, everything gets very happy and easy, to the point that I was expecting the twist at the end to give the next book any kind of reason. Violet herself is intriguing though so I will continue her story and see where it goes.
Origin of Violet is a Novella by E.N. Chanting, which was a new author for me. This was certainly an emotional read, and heart breaking. It could be triggering to some people. In only 83 pages this was action packed, and a very quick read. I would recommend it to others.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
My Heart Cries Out for Violet. This was not an easy thing to read. Even though it didn't go into explicit details it's still very triggering. Just when I think things are getting better and that she's going to have the life she deserves it all comes Crashing Down. I'm about to start the second book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I just want to say that this story captured me from the moment I picked it up. My emotions were all over the place, not going to lie. The ending? Tear streaammmssss. I really enjoyed this novella, excited to read VIOLENT.
P.S. Violet being a book junkie just made me love her even more 💜