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Scarlett Bernard #0.2
Sell-By Date
This prequel story takes us back to the first meeting between crime scene cleaner and null Scarlett Bernard and her roommate Molly, a vampire with a complicated past and an even more complicated motive for inviting Scarlett into her home. Here, for the first time, read the story of Molly and Scarlett's first meeting - from Molly's point of view. (This short story takes place prior to the beginning of Dead Spots.)
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2014
53 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Olson
42 books1,737 followersMelissa F. Olson is a writer and film professor. Her work includes the comic ARCHAIC, the feminist horror novel The Other Frankenstein, and more than 20 urban fantasy novels and novellas, including the Scarlett Bernard series and the Boundary Magic novels. Her journalism and academic work has been published in The International Journal of Comic Art, the compilation Images of the Modern Vampire, Tor.com, and the Everyone's Gone to the Movies series.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 29, 2016
This really is just a scrap of a story. It's an origin story....if you've read any of the Scarlett Bernard series this is the story of how Scarlett and Molly meet. There isn't much to it but the fans will enjoy it.
September 8, 2016
See more of my reviews at We Live and Breathe Books
When I found out that Melissa F. Olson was releasing a short story that follows Molly and Scarlett's first meeting, I was instantly excited. I'm a huge fan of the Scarlett Bernard series (read my review of Trail of Dead here ), and receiving a copy for review was a very exciting thing.
As stated before, Sell-By Date follows when Molly and Scarlett first meet. For those of you who are not familiar with the Scarlett Bernard series (IT'S AWESOME. GO READ IT.), Scarlett is the main character and she is a null: a person who negates magic within a certain radius. Nulls are a concept that I find kind of difficult to explain but Melissa F. Olson does a great job with it in Dead Spots! Molly, on the other hand, is a vampire with whom Scarlett lives.
The thing I really enjoyed about this story is that we get a look into Molly's head. Molly is kind of an elusive character throughout the series and being able to understand her point of view really adds to the series as a whole for me. The short also provided a lot of vampire mythology, regarding emotions, that I found especially interesting - I had never really thought about whether or not vampires felt human emotions in the series until I read Sell-By Date.
The short also provides a bit of Scarlett's personality before Dead Spots. The Scarlett we see in Sell-By Date feels like a much gentler Scarlett than in the books. I always think of Scarlett as this sarcastic, strong woman but this was a good reminder that she does have a gentler side.
Overall, I really enjoyed Sell-By Date and it got me even more excited for Hunter's Trail! (Which doesn't come out until September. Sob.) This is a series I highly recommend to lovers of paranormal and mystery!
When I found out that Melissa F. Olson was releasing a short story that follows Molly and Scarlett's first meeting, I was instantly excited. I'm a huge fan of the Scarlett Bernard series (read my review of Trail of Dead here ), and receiving a copy for review was a very exciting thing.
As stated before, Sell-By Date follows when Molly and Scarlett first meet. For those of you who are not familiar with the Scarlett Bernard series (IT'S AWESOME. GO READ IT.), Scarlett is the main character and she is a null: a person who negates magic within a certain radius. Nulls are a concept that I find kind of difficult to explain but Melissa F. Olson does a great job with it in Dead Spots! Molly, on the other hand, is a vampire with whom Scarlett lives.
The thing I really enjoyed about this story is that we get a look into Molly's head. Molly is kind of an elusive character throughout the series and being able to understand her point of view really adds to the series as a whole for me. The short also provided a lot of vampire mythology, regarding emotions, that I found especially interesting - I had never really thought about whether or not vampires felt human emotions in the series until I read Sell-By Date.
The short also provides a bit of Scarlett's personality before Dead Spots. The Scarlett we see in Sell-By Date feels like a much gentler Scarlett than in the books. I always think of Scarlett as this sarcastic, strong woman but this was a good reminder that she does have a gentler side.
Overall, I really enjoyed Sell-By Date and it got me even more excited for Hunter's Trail! (Which doesn't come out until September. Sob.) This is a series I highly recommend to lovers of paranormal and mystery!
March 25, 2018
Four is generous as it was just too short, felt like 1/2 a chapter of something. But fits within the whole and gives a tad more insight to her concept of the vampire psyche. If you're reading the others, do include this.
March 28, 2017
More like an extended chapter than a true prequel, but I liked it a lot. Definitely made me want to read more.
April 22, 2014
As far as I could tell, the sex-and-feeding thing was something my kind only did in the movies. I mean, when I was human, and my mother made me wring a chicken's neck to be our family's dinner, it wasn't like I made out with it first. ~ Molly, on not finding it necessary to find your food source attractive.
Sell-By Date is a short story from Molly's pov. We met Molly in Dead Spots as Scarlett's roommate. She was turned into a vampire at the age of seventeen. In this story we get a glimpse of a few of Molly's issues with posing as a teenager in the human world. From not being able to buy a drink to needing her manager to purchase her house for her.
When Dashiell proposes having a null named Scarlett Bernard come and live with her, at first Molly doesn't like the idea of experiencing human emotions and bodily functions again but she was won over when she realized, by having Scarlett around, she'll be able to age.
How does a modern, desirable human roommate behave?...An idea struck me: I could be just like one of the characters on television. What was the show with the young people who all live together and stay the best of friends? ~ Molly, on deciding how best to act around Scarlett.
As excited as Molly became to the idea of a roommate, she wasn't prepared for the barrage of human emotions and memories she would be flooded with by having Scarlett around. Here we find out another reason Molly wants Scarlett to stay. If you're a fan of the series you'll love this short story! Well done!
Sell-By Date is a short story from Molly's pov. We met Molly in Dead Spots as Scarlett's roommate. She was turned into a vampire at the age of seventeen. In this story we get a glimpse of a few of Molly's issues with posing as a teenager in the human world. From not being able to buy a drink to needing her manager to purchase her house for her.
When Dashiell proposes having a null named Scarlett Bernard come and live with her, at first Molly doesn't like the idea of experiencing human emotions and bodily functions again but she was won over when she realized, by having Scarlett around, she'll be able to age.
How does a modern, desirable human roommate behave?...An idea struck me: I could be just like one of the characters on television. What was the show with the young people who all live together and stay the best of friends? ~ Molly, on deciding how best to act around Scarlett.
As excited as Molly became to the idea of a roommate, she wasn't prepared for the barrage of human emotions and memories she would be flooded with by having Scarlett around. Here we find out another reason Molly wants Scarlett to stay. If you're a fan of the series you'll love this short story! Well done!
July 3, 2023
99¢ for nothing... don't waste your money
I'm so freaking annoyed that 4 minutes of reading was 99¢ and I was stupid enough to pay because I liked the author so much. It is not worth 99¢ because there is nothing to this. It's not even a novella. It's barely a short story. I've read longer txt messages.
I'm so freaking annoyed that 4 minutes of reading was 99¢ and I was stupid enough to pay because I liked the author so much. It is not worth 99¢ because there is nothing to this. It's not even a novella. It's barely a short story. I've read longer txt messages.
June 28, 2016
A nice way to introduce a character, but there wasn't really a story. Basically just learning about the series' MC's roommate. I honestly don't have much to say because it was a super fast read and nothing really memorable happened. Probably something you'd read if you knew the story's protagonist a little better.
January 30, 2015
Glad it was free. I never liked Molly. It was clear Molly was using Scarlett during books 1-3 but here we learn Molly's motive.
September 15, 2017
This is pre Scarlett Bernard series. Scarlett has lost her parents and her guardian Olivia
Molly is a 90 or so year old vampire that was turned when she was 17 which at the time was fine but as years gone on it's made it really difficult for her to socialise.
When dashell explains that his new employee needs a place to stay and as a null can help molly age because Scarlett neutralises magic and turn molly back to human as long as she stays in her aura.
Loved this sneak peak but wish was longer
Molly is a 90 or so year old vampire that was turned when she was 17 which at the time was fine but as years gone on it's made it really difficult for her to socialise.
When dashell explains that his new employee needs a place to stay and as a null can help molly age because Scarlett neutralises magic and turn molly back to human as long as she stays in her aura.
Loved this sneak peak but wish was longer
September 22, 2017
More on an prequel chapter than short story or novella, but rated it four stars as I love the Scarlett Bernard series and the Oldworld. Melissa F. Olson has a great relaxed, informal, badass writing style great for her YA genre. Enjoyed the meeting of Scarlett and Molly but it could easily been expanded more rather than ending at the house tour. Yes we know she moves in but how did she cope initially? No doubt in my mind it would have been a great read!
May 21, 2018
56 points/100 (3 stars/5).
Molly is experience vampire ennui, when the master vampire Dashielle has a proposal for her: let a null live with her.
This is a short short story that just introduces two of the main characters from the series proper. There really isn't much to it other than the brief description I just gave. There are a lot of feelings and reminiscing about the past thrown in as well. There really isn't much to this, and can probably pretty easily be skipped entirely.
Molly is experience vampire ennui, when the master vampire Dashielle has a proposal for her: let a null live with her.
This is a short short story that just introduces two of the main characters from the series proper. There really isn't much to it other than the brief description I just gave. There are a lot of feelings and reminiscing about the past thrown in as well. There really isn't much to this, and can probably pretty easily be skipped entirely.
April 12, 2018
Good story BUT...
This was a really good story but it was way, Way, WAY to short. The reason why I have only 3 stars is because the story needed more details (or at least some hints about what is to come) more depth, and more character building. It was just a little too superficial for my taste especially for being a prequel.
This was a really good story but it was way, Way, WAY to short. The reason why I have only 3 stars is because the story needed more details (or at least some hints about what is to come) more depth, and more character building. It was just a little too superficial for my taste especially for being a prequel.
October 4, 2019
This prequel is part of the author's anthology, Companion Pieces - Stories from the Old World and Beyond. Its a new author/series to me and I'd seen some good ratings so decided to give it a try. The vampire element did put me off at first but the story had some unexpected twists so I downloaded Dead Spots to try next.
October 10, 2017
To Short, abrupt ending
It ended so abruptly, that I actually went to see if it did not fully download. This it what must authors would call a teaser, or free intro. Not a short story. Wound of been a good start to a short story.
It ended so abruptly, that I actually went to see if it did not fully download. This it what must authors would call a teaser, or free intro. Not a short story. Wound of been a good start to a short story.
February 11, 2018
A short 15 minute read about Molly and how she first met Scarlett. I really enjoyed reading about Molly's reaction to Scarlett's null powers and all the memories and feelings being human again brought back to her.
March 17, 2018
A VERY short story (basically a long chapter, about 20 pages) from Molly's point of view, showing how she and Scarlett became roommates. Will be most satisfying if, like me, you've finished all the Old World novels and now are desperate to get bonus material and stay in the world.
March 22, 2018
Very nice
This was a nice prequel and I had wondered how Molly and Scarlett met and what that would have looked like. It also added some depth not just to Molly but vampires in general and Dashiell especially.
The writing was good. I thought the story was nicely done.
This was a nice prequel and I had wondered how Molly and Scarlett met and what that would have looked like. It also added some depth not just to Molly but vampires in general and Dashiell especially.
The writing was good. I thought the story was nicely done.
June 11, 2017
Toooooo short!!!
Ack, that was it????? Molly is amazing and I'm so sad that we only got a brief story from her point of view. Pleeeease I need more !
Ack, that was it????? Molly is amazing and I'm so sad that we only got a brief story from her point of view. Pleeeease I need more !
June 12, 2017
Short and sweet
Established characters meet in this prequel, adds facets too Molly's character. Not a cliffhanger but makes you want to reread the other books.
Established characters meet in this prequel, adds facets too Molly's character. Not a cliffhanger but makes you want to reread the other books.
August 8, 2017
Good
It was good but too short. I enjoyed leaning more about Molly, but it left me wanting a little more about their earlier relationship.
It was good but too short. I enjoyed leaning more about Molly, but it left me wanting a little more about their earlier relationship.
August 11, 2017
Fun short read.
Fun short read from Mollys perspective the first time she meet Scarlett. Also a great glimpse into her personality and her backstory.
Fun short read from Mollys perspective the first time she meet Scarlett. Also a great glimpse into her personality and her backstory.
January 9, 2018
Fun, but way too short.
Loved getting this little insight into the history of Molly... And Scarlett. I just need a little bit more please.
Loved getting this little insight into the history of Molly... And Scarlett. I just need a little bit more please.
January 18, 2018
This was a nice insight into how Molly thinks ... she's not just the bubbly weird and touchy vampire.
April 9, 2018
Really short
You get some interesting interaction with Beatrice, and some of Molly's history from a flashback, but It goes as far as where they start off the house tour.
You get some interesting interaction with Beatrice, and some of Molly's history from a flashback, but It goes as far as where they start off the house tour.
February 5, 2019
Good info.
Too short. But as a short background tale it's great. Always good to hear more information and infill. Enjoy it
Too short. But as a short background tale it's great. Always good to hear more information and infill. Enjoy it
January 8, 2022
This was a short story. Not really much here, but it does seem to set up the first book in this series.
Read
October 3, 2022Solid - not as good as the first one, though interesting to get some back history on Molly
March 18, 2017
This was a very short glimpse into Molly's head. Having already read two books of the series and spin-off, this was a nice addition to what I already know. If you've read anything in this world, getting some additional Molly is always appreciated. It was also neat to see what is going through her mind when she's with Scarlett. A must read for someone who likes this world.
January 15, 2018
This was an extremely short story and while it did provide a bit of insight into one of the more interesting secondary characters it did not feel fully developed or fleshed out. Olson has been steadily improving since her first book. This was disappointing to me both for the length and the hasty/unfinished feel.
March 14, 2017
Great fill in
Lovely to have some back story about Molly, the question now is what happens when or if Scarlett moves out?
Lovely to have some back story about Molly, the question now is what happens when or if Scarlett moves out?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews