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Grimm Agency #1.5
Soul Ink
As the right hand woman at the Fairy Godfather’s Grimm Agency, Marissa Locks has a grip on all things magical. If only she could get control of her own not-so-charmed life…
For most people, waking up after a night of partying next to a dragon, sporting a tattoo with a mind of its own, would be a new low. For Marissa, only the tattoo is new—and, unfortunately, it’s not the weirdest part of her day. The Agency has been called in to stop a string of messy murders, a problem that’s turning into a disaster of biblical proportions, and Marissa’s been assigned to the case.
One of the archangels from Paradisia is attempting to switch teams, and he’s willing to use as many souls as it takes to pay his way. With Grimm contractually bound to clean up the chaos, Marissa must find a way to keep the former cherub from completing his rampage. But between fighting an angel gone bad and battling the magical compulsions of her new Fae tattoo, Marissa’s definitely facing the worst hangover in history…
Includes a preview of the Grimm Agency novel, Armageddon Rules.
For most people, waking up after a night of partying next to a dragon, sporting a tattoo with a mind of its own, would be a new low. For Marissa, only the tattoo is new—and, unfortunately, it’s not the weirdest part of her day. The Agency has been called in to stop a string of messy murders, a problem that’s turning into a disaster of biblical proportions, and Marissa’s been assigned to the case.
One of the archangels from Paradisia is attempting to switch teams, and he’s willing to use as many souls as it takes to pay his way. With Grimm contractually bound to clean up the chaos, Marissa must find a way to keep the former cherub from completing his rampage. But between fighting an angel gone bad and battling the magical compulsions of her new Fae tattoo, Marissa’s definitely facing the worst hangover in history…
Includes a preview of the Grimm Agency novel, Armageddon Rules.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2015
11 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Nelson
15 books183 followersA Texas native transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, JC Nelson works with software, herds chickens and children, and writes books.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 26, 2018
2.5 stars. Ok paranormal/fairy tale series about a woman whose parents sold her into indentured servitude working for the Grimm Agency. (I know, that's amazingly unhelpful even by my reviewette standards, but pretty much anything else I can say would be a spoiler.)
January 17, 2015
Whole thing to fend off a dangerous magical tattoo that is trying to possess her, Marissa is on the trail of a dangerous being who is leaving carnivorous cherubs in his wake.
I liked this but it felt a bit more generic than the first book. That is probably since, as a short, it didn't go quite as deep into the relationships between the characters or that the angel/demon themed hunt didn't quite draw me in - but then again it might just be that I am also reading another book with a similar Fairytale/Investgation framework at the same time.
I liked this but it felt a bit more generic than the first book. That is probably since, as a short, it didn't go quite as deep into the relationships between the characters or that the angel/demon themed hunt didn't quite draw me in - but then again it might just be that I am also reading another book with a similar Fairytale/Investgation framework at the same time.
September 5, 2017
This was okay. It had the same feel to it that I remember from the first book (though it's been a while since I read that). However, it was just okay. There's something about the main character that I don't like, and I can't put my finger on what it is. But since Marissa is the MC and narrator, I'll have to take a second look at whether or not I continue with the series.
January 18, 2016
So, I've always thought that those innocent little cherub paintings were super creepy. It's nice to know those feelings were justified.
This is a pretty long short story/novella so a treat compared to most little short stories between series installments.
Marissa, Ari & Liam are all working for the Agency. After an evening bender, Marissa wakes up not only with a horrid hangover, but also a new tattoo, the epic triumph of a night out enjoying far too many adult beverages. Of course, nothing could be so mundane, so it was done with Fae ink which ends up being good for Liam (half dragon thanks to the curse) but not so good for mundane humans like Miranda.
Grimm is called to task on a contract and he sends Miranda & Ari to perform clean up duties. They stumble upon on angel who is trying to ascend and become a baddie. A little bit of heavenly seepage comes into the mundane world in the form of hungry cherubs that pretty much eat the remains of the carnage left by the angel.
This was a nicely gruesome little tale. I haven't read book 2 yet, so don't know how this plays into the overall story arc, but you definitely need to have read book 1 first so you have a feel for the world and what's going on.
This is a pretty long short story/novella so a treat compared to most little short stories between series installments.
Marissa, Ari & Liam are all working for the Agency. After an evening bender, Marissa wakes up not only with a horrid hangover, but also a new tattoo, the epic triumph of a night out enjoying far too many adult beverages. Of course, nothing could be so mundane, so it was done with Fae ink which ends up being good for Liam (half dragon thanks to the curse) but not so good for mundane humans like Miranda.
Grimm is called to task on a contract and he sends Miranda & Ari to perform clean up duties. They stumble upon on angel who is trying to ascend and become a baddie. A little bit of heavenly seepage comes into the mundane world in the form of hungry cherubs that pretty much eat the remains of the carnage left by the angel.
This was a nicely gruesome little tale. I haven't read book 2 yet, so don't know how this plays into the overall story arc, but you definitely need to have read book 1 first so you have a feel for the world and what's going on.
January 22, 2015
Exactly what I needed after a long dry spell of terrible books. Soul Ink was fun, silly, not terribly deep, and tremendously engaging. There's not a lot there and (like the first book) it helps not to think too hard about the world's rules. The main character is fun, her one dimensional boyfriend is a delight, and you can never have too many princess jokes.
Normally I avoid the "cash grab point release" books in a series, as they almost always disappoint. This didn't. Well worth my $2.99. Deep literature this is not. An entertaining way to escape it is. Can't wait for my pre-ordered book #2 to arrive.
Normally I avoid the "cash grab point release" books in a series, as they almost always disappoint. This didn't. Well worth my $2.99. Deep literature this is not. An entertaining way to escape it is. Can't wait for my pre-ordered book #2 to arrive.
March 14, 2015
Sometimes, you just need some blood, gore, dragons, fairy godfathers, and human-eating cherubs to make your day a little better. I like Marissa, Liam, Ari, and Grimm. Soul Ink teaches a great lesson; do not get tattoos under the influence of dwarvish liquor.
April 17, 2018
62 points/100 (3.25 stars/5).
Marissa wakes up after a night of drinking with a magical tattoo she has to deal with, infestations of cherubs cropping up, and an Angel bent on going bad.
I had a really difficult time connecting to this novella. It just felt like it had a very different voice from the first book. I know goodreads and everything (including the fat this was released before the second book) says this is in position 1.5 of the series, but it doesn't feel that way. The characters do not act the same as they do in the book. Plus, the romance between Marissa and Liam is totally, 100% different than the feeling I got from the end of book one. This bodes ill for the rest of the series.
The plot was okay, just more bad shit happening, more hints for the future of the series. However, I really just do not understand why imps and cherubs and demons and angels (and, frankly, werewolves) are even in this series. They don't feel like they fit within the world the author has set up.
I don't know, this just was not the novella I was expecting to read after finishing the first book. I'm concerned for book two and three and what to expect in them. Novellas are always a bit different from the series though, so I'm still looking forward to see what is in store.
Marissa wakes up after a night of drinking with a magical tattoo she has to deal with, infestations of cherubs cropping up, and an Angel bent on going bad.
I had a really difficult time connecting to this novella. It just felt like it had a very different voice from the first book. I know goodreads and everything (including the fat this was released before the second book) says this is in position 1.5 of the series, but it doesn't feel that way. The characters do not act the same as they do in the book. Plus, the romance between Marissa and Liam is totally, 100% different than the feeling I got from the end of book one. This bodes ill for the rest of the series.
The plot was okay, just more bad shit happening, more hints for the future of the series. However, I really just do not understand why imps and cherubs and demons and angels (and, frankly, werewolves) are even in this series. They don't feel like they fit within the world the author has set up.
I don't know, this just was not the novella I was expecting to read after finishing the first book. I'm concerned for book two and three and what to expect in them. Novellas are always a bit different from the series though, so I'm still looking forward to see what is in store.
October 7, 2023
I mean, this is essentially a magical crime-fighting procedural, and I do like a procedural. This is fun. Bit of a romp. I like the characters. I did dock a star because I don't remember Ari being so violent in the first book, and that character trait got a bit old, but otherwise a fun time.
June 30, 2022
Ehhh... Nothing much exciting happened and the plot was meh
March 18, 2015
★★★★1/2
This read may have been short but it's packed full of all the same nail bighting mischief, fast-pace action, and witty banter as Free Agent.
Marissa can't seem to catch a break, at every turn she's getting herself into trouble that is really, her own fault. It is funny tough and it’s super fun reading about how she can't seem to get any piece no matter how hard she tries.
I like how again J.C. Nelson again takes what we have been told and twists it into sometime dangerous and disgusting.
I can't wait for Armageddon Rules, just from the preview, I can tell that it’s going to be better and even more mind blowing then this and before.
Cheers
-Emily
This read may have been short but it's packed full of all the same nail bighting mischief, fast-pace action, and witty banter as Free Agent.
Marissa can't seem to catch a break, at every turn she's getting herself into trouble that is really, her own fault. It is funny tough and it’s super fun reading about how she can't seem to get any piece no matter how hard she tries.
I like how again J.C. Nelson again takes what we have been told and twists it into sometime dangerous and disgusting.
I can't wait for Armageddon Rules, just from the preview, I can tell that it’s going to be better and even more mind blowing then this and before.
Cheers
-Emily
May 27, 2015
If you are thinking of reading the two full length novels and not reading this one, I would recommend you read it anyway. It is short and it has some information in it that may help you a bit in the second full length book. The next book happens 2 years after the first so this is a good little filler in book to keep you up-to-date with the characters.
The characters are growing, the humor is still as snarky and funny as the first book. The romance is lovely and there is still just hints of sex, which is perfect for a series such as this one that really depends on and delivers the action, mystery and suspense I do have to say that on my initial reading of the first book, I felt the main character Marissa, was undeveloped and a bit childish for the age she was supposed to be...but with this novella I can see her growing and maturing into her position and power.
The characters are growing, the humor is still as snarky and funny as the first book. The romance is lovely and there is still just hints of sex, which is perfect for a series such as this one that really depends on and delivers the action, mystery and suspense I do have to say that on my initial reading of the first book, I felt the main character Marissa, was undeveloped and a bit childish for the age she was supposed to be...but with this novella I can see her growing and maturing into her position and power.
September 20, 2015
Soul Ink - a great interim novella that can give you a feel for the series This is book 1.5 in the Grimm Agency Series, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I love the colorful descriptions of everything from pain to foul odors that really pulled me into the story. Fun, fast-paced, and fully entertaining, this story is a great read for anyone wanting to dip their toes into the Grimm Agency series and see what the author is all about.
Marissa may be human, but she is still capable of kicking some serious Kingdom butt. Now partner at the Grimm Agency, which is run by the Fairy Godfather, what starts as a bad night with a regrettable tattoo turns into a wild adventure. Accompanied by her assistant, Arianna, and her boyfriend, Liam, she battles against evil forces from the heavenly realm.
Marissa may be human, but she is still capable of kicking some serious Kingdom butt. Now partner at the Grimm Agency, which is run by the Fairy Godfather, what starts as a bad night with a regrettable tattoo turns into a wild adventure. Accompanied by her assistant, Arianna, and her boyfriend, Liam, she battles against evil forces from the heavenly realm.
June 13, 2015
I have to say that I'm disappointed by the inconsistency in this novella. In the first book, Marissa was sold to Fairy Godfather Grimm in order to save her younger sister's life. In the novella, Marissa decides that being an only child has its advantages.
The entire motivation for her working for Grimm was to return to her family: father, mother, and sister. You can't wipe out an entire character like that! And since this is a shorter story than novel, there's not excuse for "missing" that in the edits since no one had to slog through a full novel.
Now I don't know if I'll bother with the next in the series. I'd hate to think of what other plot points will be ret-conned.
The entire motivation for her working for Grimm was to return to her family: father, mother, and sister. You can't wipe out an entire character like that! And since this is a shorter story than novel, there's not excuse for "missing" that in the edits since no one had to slog through a full novel.
Now I don't know if I'll bother with the next in the series. I'd hate to think of what other plot points will be ret-conned.
January 29, 2016
Went through so much trouble locating a website that caters this ebook to Singapore addresses, and I guess it was worth the effort. Soul Ink delivers the same humorous and action-driven style J.C Nelson had in Free Agent which I liked so much. Waiting for Armageddon Rules to come in the mail now. ^_^
January 13, 2015
Novella (#1.5 in the Grimm Agency series).
Grimm gets a contract from a "higher" agency that the firm cannot refuse. But, this situation is more dangerous than Marissa and Ari should be handling - especially since it involves cherubs and angels (and not in a good way.)
This was a quick, fun, entertaining read which gives the reader greater insight into the characters working for the Grimm Agency. I highly enjoyed it and cannot wait for book 2 to come out.
I recommend that you read book 1 Free Agent in the series before tackling this novella.
Grimm gets a contract from a "higher" agency that the firm cannot refuse. But, this situation is more dangerous than Marissa and Ari should be handling - especially since it involves cherubs and angels (and not in a good way.)
This was a quick, fun, entertaining read which gives the reader greater insight into the characters working for the Grimm Agency. I highly enjoyed it and cannot wait for book 2 to come out.
I recommend that you read book 1 Free Agent in the series before tackling this novella.
May 15, 2015
Marissa wakes up one morning with little memory of what happened the night before and a new tattoo. She finds out the tattoo was made using fae ink and could eventually take over her baby. If that wasn't enough to deal with, she and Ari are sent to deal with a bunch of creatures who have escaped from hell.
This was a quick, fun read. The characters are likeable and the world is interesting.
This was a quick, fun read. The characters are likeable and the world is interesting.
January 12, 2015
I found most of the Novella in my personal opinion to be about Marissa ' s snapy one liners and come backs, I kinda forgot about the actual plot till about half way through, then the plot got interesting and I thought the ending was really cute. I can't wait for February until the next book in the series comes out.
April 14, 2017
Definitely more solid than the first novel!
I really feel like JC Nelson is coming into their own with this novella. It was tight, the writing was concise, the plot was well formulated, and you got some character development as well. It's very well-written and it's well-worth the 2.99 on amazon. I love it when authors improve a series!
I really feel like JC Nelson is coming into their own with this novella. It was tight, the writing was concise, the plot was well formulated, and you got some character development as well. It's very well-written and it's well-worth the 2.99 on amazon. I love it when authors improve a series!
June 28, 2016
Not bad. I'll see if I can get the first book out of the library. I don't think I'll go out of my way to buy any other books in the series. The main character was a bit inconsistent and whiny. A bit of a watered down Anita Blake without the steamy bits.
February 4, 2015
Couldn't put it down
I couldn't put the book down great read and I can't wait to read the others
And I hate writing reviews with a word limit
I couldn't put the book down great read and I can't wait to read the others
And I hate writing reviews with a word limit
March 19, 2015
I wish I had read the first book, but I enjoyed this so far... I can't wait to read book two.. The cherub's mess just cracked me up..
April 25, 2015
I love this series. Woot!
April 26, 2015
More please!
This short story in the Grim Agency series was fun. I still love the whimsical banter and the action. Definitely has me addicted.
This short story in the Grim Agency series was fun. I still love the whimsical banter and the action. Definitely has me addicted.
May 30, 2015
I nice little short story, not essential to the overall story
May 20, 2016
Referring to cherubs as Heaven's pigeons is a prime example of the voice and worldbuilding I love from J.C. Nelson.
*skips away to purchase book 2*
*skips away to purchase book 2*
December 9, 2019
Enjoyable
So far I really like this series. I am ready to read the next books. Arianna is probably my favorite character. I hope the author continues to develop that character.
So far I really like this series. I am ready to read the next books. Arianna is probably my favorite character. I hope the author continues to develop that character.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews