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Otherworld Stories #13.8
Gifted
Contains two holiday stories, one Otherworld Pack and one Cainsville.
Gabriel’s Gargoyles - (Cainsville short story, Gabriel Walsh as 10 year old narrator.) Cainsville was where a boy could walk the streets safely at any time, day or night. Where everyone was genuinely glad to see you, and didn’t think you were odd if you wanted to keep to yourself. Because Cainsville was odd, too. For one thing, there are the gargoyles. Unlike the others, Gabriel doesn’t believe the carven creatures came to life to protect the town. It’s up to a boy to protect himself. Now he’s determined to find the last hidden gargoyle by winter Solstice. He’s also determined to get the perfect gift for his great-aunt Rose. And when Gabriel Walsh sets goals, he achieves them…one way or another.
The Puppy Plan (Otherworld novella, 9 year old Logan Danvers as narrator.) When Logan finds an puppy abandoned by the roadside a few days before Christmas, he knows it’s a sign. His sister Kate wants a dog more than anything. Their parents aren’t completely opposed to the idea. It’s just a bad time. A really bad time. Maybe next year. But now there’s this puppy in need of a home and a girl in need of a pet… So how does a boy who always plays by the rules give his sister what she wants most?
Also contains excerpts from Omens and Forsaken.
Gabriel’s Gargoyles - (Cainsville short story, Gabriel Walsh as 10 year old narrator.) Cainsville was where a boy could walk the streets safely at any time, day or night. Where everyone was genuinely glad to see you, and didn’t think you were odd if you wanted to keep to yourself. Because Cainsville was odd, too. For one thing, there are the gargoyles. Unlike the others, Gabriel doesn’t believe the carven creatures came to life to protect the town. It’s up to a boy to protect himself. Now he’s determined to find the last hidden gargoyle by winter Solstice. He’s also determined to get the perfect gift for his great-aunt Rose. And when Gabriel Walsh sets goals, he achieves them…one way or another.
The Puppy Plan (Otherworld novella, 9 year old Logan Danvers as narrator.) When Logan finds an puppy abandoned by the roadside a few days before Christmas, he knows it’s a sign. His sister Kate wants a dog more than anything. Their parents aren’t completely opposed to the idea. It’s just a bad time. A really bad time. Maybe next year. But now there’s this puppy in need of a home and a girl in need of a pet… So how does a boy who always plays by the rules give his sister what she wants most?
Also contains excerpts from Omens and Forsaken.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2014
34 people are currently reading
1434 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 28, 2015
2 short stories in this lovely novella by one of my fav PNR authors.
Loved reading Gabriel's story as a young child which gave me an insight into his earlier life - this is part of the Cainsville Series.
Awesome getting to know more about the children from the Otherworld Series....I loved getting Logan's POV on his life with the Otherworld Clan.
Great and quick and sweet read.
Loved reading Gabriel's story as a young child which gave me an insight into his earlier life - this is part of the Cainsville Series.
Awesome getting to know more about the children from the Otherworld Series....I loved getting Logan's POV on his life with the Otherworld Clan.
Great and quick and sweet read.
October 31, 2015
I want to give Gabriel a hug even more now!
March 24, 2016
GABRIEL'S GARGOYLES
I love Gabriel so I enjoyed reading about his quest to find the last gargoyle... It also gives the reader an insight to Gabriel's upbringing, which is really sad...
Love this series!
I love Gabriel so I enjoyed reading about his quest to find the last gargoyle... It also gives the reader an insight to Gabriel's upbringing, which is really sad...
Love this series!
November 15, 2014
GABRIEL'S GARGOYLES - 4 stars
It was fun getting a glimpse of young Gabriel, although I can't say that he's much different 20 years later. He had to grow thick skin at a very young age, but I liked how he can turn any situation to his advantage—an excellent lawyer in the making! Bullies beat him up, so he steals their money, he hides an obvious stash of cash to keep his junkie mother from finding his real savings... I'm pretty sure I know who helped him out with his Xmas present for Rose, but that's not revealed until VISIONS, so I'll leave it at that.
THE PUPPY PLAN - 5 stars
I've been dying to read a story from the twins' POV, so it was a real treat getting to spend some time inside Logan's head. This short is overflowing with cuteness, and I loved how being a parent hasn't changed Clay in the least, he tries to be responsible, but even his own kids aren't fooled. Armstrong still managed to weave a mutt problem into this tale while also delivering a magical Christmas moment. The bond between Kate & Logan was awesome; I can't wait to delve into it further in FORSAKEN this January!
It was fun getting a glimpse of young Gabriel, although I can't say that he's much different 20 years later. He had to grow thick skin at a very young age, but I liked how he can turn any situation to his advantage—an excellent lawyer in the making! Bullies beat him up, so he steals their money, he hides an obvious stash of cash to keep his junkie mother from finding his real savings... I'm pretty sure I know who helped him out with his Xmas present for Rose, but that's not revealed until VISIONS, so I'll leave it at that.
THE PUPPY PLAN - 5 stars
I've been dying to read a story from the twins' POV, so it was a real treat getting to spend some time inside Logan's head. This short is overflowing with cuteness, and I loved how being a parent hasn't changed Clay in the least, he tries to be responsible, but even his own kids aren't fooled. Armstrong still managed to weave a mutt problem into this tale while also delivering a magical Christmas moment. The bond between Kate & Logan was awesome; I can't wait to delve into it further in FORSAKEN this January!
November 20, 2014
Gabriel's Gargoyles - 3.5 stars
I stumbled across this two story collection after finally reading Visions, book 2 in the Cainsville series, and let me just say . . . SO happy that I did. I was no where near ready to let go of the world that had finally begun to make sense, and this prequel that gives insight into the both infuriating and intriguing Gabriel Walsh, was the quick fix I didn't even know I needed.
Gabriel's Gargoyles is a prequel taking us back to Gabriel's childhood and his search for the last, yes, gargoyle, for his list to turn in at the Mid Summer festival. It's short, it's sweet, and it's totally worth the read.
The Puppy Plan - 4.5 stars
OMG.
Women of the Otherworld is one of my Top 5 UF Series of ALL time, and that mostly has to do with Clay and Elena. I will read anything that has to do with the Pack--ANYTHING--but stories about the twins have become particular favorites. Not just b/c of how stinking adorable Kate and Logan are, but also b/c of the depth Elena and Clay gain as parents.
We've fast-forwarded a bit since the last time I remember seeing them when they were 5ish. They are now nine and their twin bond is stronger than ever. The story is told from Logan's POV as he tries to find a way to get his sister the BEST. Christmas. Present. EVER.
This story was practically perfect. The only (very small) issues I had with it were:
Beyond that . . . Armstrong has once again made me eat my words about hating all holiday stories.
I stumbled across this two story collection after finally reading Visions, book 2 in the Cainsville series, and let me just say . . . SO happy that I did. I was no where near ready to let go of the world that had finally begun to make sense, and this prequel that gives insight into the both infuriating and intriguing Gabriel Walsh, was the quick fix I didn't even know I needed.
Gabriel's Gargoyles is a prequel taking us back to Gabriel's childhood and his search for the last, yes, gargoyle, for his list to turn in at the Mid Summer festival. It's short, it's sweet, and it's totally worth the read.
The Puppy Plan - 4.5 stars
OMG.
Women of the Otherworld is one of my Top 5 UF Series of ALL time, and that mostly has to do with Clay and Elena. I will read anything that has to do with the Pack--ANYTHING--but stories about the twins have become particular favorites. Not just b/c of how stinking adorable Kate and Logan are, but also b/c of the depth Elena and Clay gain as parents.
We've fast-forwarded a bit since the last time I remember seeing them when they were 5ish. They are now nine and their twin bond is stronger than ever. The story is told from Logan's POV as he tries to find a way to get his sister the BEST. Christmas. Present. EVER.
This story was practically perfect. The only (very small) issues I had with it were:
Beyond that . . . Armstrong has once again made me eat my words about hating all holiday stories.
November 14, 2014
Ahhh, I can't explain why this is 3 stars without spoilers (that's low for me and Armstrong). Just for Logan's story.
Gabriel's story was nice, but it was very much a short story. But a fun glimpse of him.
And I did like seeing Clay and Elena through Logan's eyes! Though if I'm complaining about things, Logan always felt like a bit of a cliche to me. That super smart kid. I don't know. I usually don't like those portrayals. They don't feel real.
Gabriel's story was nice, but it was very much a short story. But a fun glimpse of him.
And I did like seeing Clay and Elena through Logan's eyes! Though if I'm complaining about things, Logan always felt like a bit of a cliche to me. That super smart kid. I don't know. I usually don't like those portrayals. They don't feel real.
January 28, 2019
The Puppy Plan – This was cute Logan and Kate and the best Christmas gift they could give each other. We also learn more about Logan and how he thinks I really enjoyed this one.
January 10, 2015
Gifted Gifted is a novella by Kelley Armstrong and gives us two short stories. One from her Cainsville series and one is a pack story from her Women of the Otherwold series. Both are centred around giving that perfect gift for Christmas.
Gabriel’s Gargoyles
The first story is told from a young boy called Gabriel’s point of view. I have yet to read the Cainsville series, although it is sitting very temptingly on my kindle! So the characters and setting were entirely new to me, although I understand Gabriel is one of the main characters in the books. And we are given an excerpt at the end of the novella from the series that gave me an idea of the man he becomes.
Gabriel’s story is quite a sad one, he is a young boy, the son of a drug addict, poor, hungry and neglected. But there is one saving grace his regular visits to stay with his aunt in Cainsville. Gabriel lives for these visits, the normality, the town and its inhabitants, but more importantly the love he feels for his aunt. This story is about Gabriel’s quest to get her the perfect Christmas present.
This could have been a very sad story, if hadn’t have been for Gabriel. He has guts, steely determination and intelligence. It is this intelligence that allows him to survive, but also propels him to strive for something better outside of the life he has. It’s also very interesting to see the contrast of a Gabriel when he is at home surviving and there is a ruthless streak in him, for a child. To the Gabriel is Cainsville who is allowed to be a child once more.
In many ways this story did exactly what I am sure Armstrong hoped that it would do and has completely wetted my appetite and made me want to start the Cainsville series. I really enjoyed it.
The Puppy Plan
Book two is a pack novel, my favourite of Armstrong’s writing. It is told from the point of view of Elena and Clay’s twin son Logan, who is 9 years old. This book is very sweet and is about family. It’s lovely to see Clay and Elena as parents and also to see this parenting from a 9 year old’s point of view.
Both of the twins Kate and Logan want a puppy. For various reasons, their parents have told them the timing is not right and they cannot have one. What enfolds is a sweet story as Logan finds an abandoned puppy in a sack in the woods and wants to keep it as the perfect present for his twin and hides it away. But he also faces the moral dilemma of not wanting to put his parents in a difficult position.
This is just a cute story that will put a smile on your face, with a charming little twist at the end. Armstrong has created strong characters for Kate and Logan already, it was great to see flashes of Clay and Elena. We also get a guest appearance from Jeremy. There’s hints at another story to come from the pack featuring Logan and Kate and I very much look forward to getting my hands on it.
Verdict
A fab little Christmas novella for Armstrong fans. Neither of the stories are complicated or anything more than little festive short stories that are little treat for Christmas. My favourite (as always) was the pack story, but of course I am yet to read any of the Cainsville series.
Rating: 4 Stars
Gabriel’s Gargoyles
The first story is told from a young boy called Gabriel’s point of view. I have yet to read the Cainsville series, although it is sitting very temptingly on my kindle! So the characters and setting were entirely new to me, although I understand Gabriel is one of the main characters in the books. And we are given an excerpt at the end of the novella from the series that gave me an idea of the man he becomes.
Gabriel’s story is quite a sad one, he is a young boy, the son of a drug addict, poor, hungry and neglected. But there is one saving grace his regular visits to stay with his aunt in Cainsville. Gabriel lives for these visits, the normality, the town and its inhabitants, but more importantly the love he feels for his aunt. This story is about Gabriel’s quest to get her the perfect Christmas present.
This could have been a very sad story, if hadn’t have been for Gabriel. He has guts, steely determination and intelligence. It is this intelligence that allows him to survive, but also propels him to strive for something better outside of the life he has. It’s also very interesting to see the contrast of a Gabriel when he is at home surviving and there is a ruthless streak in him, for a child. To the Gabriel is Cainsville who is allowed to be a child once more.
In many ways this story did exactly what I am sure Armstrong hoped that it would do and has completely wetted my appetite and made me want to start the Cainsville series. I really enjoyed it.
The Puppy Plan
Book two is a pack novel, my favourite of Armstrong’s writing. It is told from the point of view of Elena and Clay’s twin son Logan, who is 9 years old. This book is very sweet and is about family. It’s lovely to see Clay and Elena as parents and also to see this parenting from a 9 year old’s point of view.
Both of the twins Kate and Logan want a puppy. For various reasons, their parents have told them the timing is not right and they cannot have one. What enfolds is a sweet story as Logan finds an abandoned puppy in a sack in the woods and wants to keep it as the perfect present for his twin and hides it away. But he also faces the moral dilemma of not wanting to put his parents in a difficult position.
This is just a cute story that will put a smile on your face, with a charming little twist at the end. Armstrong has created strong characters for Kate and Logan already, it was great to see flashes of Clay and Elena. We also get a guest appearance from Jeremy. There’s hints at another story to come from the pack featuring Logan and Kate and I very much look forward to getting my hands on it.
Verdict
A fab little Christmas novella for Armstrong fans. Neither of the stories are complicated or anything more than little festive short stories that are little treat for Christmas. My favourite (as always) was the pack story, but of course I am yet to read any of the Cainsville series.
Rating: 4 Stars
December 22, 2023
A pair of Christmas stories from Kelley Armstrong’s worlds of Cainsville & the Otherworld. Unlike the others, Gabriel doesn’t believe the carven creatures came to life to protect the town. It’s up to a boy to protect himself. Now he’s determined to find the last hidden gargoyle by winter Solstice. He’s also determined to get the perfect gift for his great-aunt Rose. When Logan finds an puppy abandoned by the roadside a few days before Christmas, he knows it’s a sign. His sister Kate wants a dog more than anything. Their parents aren’t completely opposed to the idea. It’s just a bad time. A really bad time.
A pair of really cute short stories.
A pair of really cute short stories.
September 23, 2017
Enjoyed the little back story on Gabrielle. Sad that he had such a hard time as a child but amazing how resourceful he was. Seemed he padded himself with the resourcefulness and smarts so he wouldn't feel lonely but he expressed he didn't like to feel at all. Can't wait to learn more about him
December 22, 2015
Gabriel’s Gargoyles 4/5
In this story a 10 year old Gabriel is visiting his aunt Rose to celebrate the Winter Solstice (December 21), a pagan holiday that has extra significance in a place like Cainsville. The holiday provides Gabriel (not Gabe) with an escape from his horrible home life in Chicago with Seanna, his drug addicted mother. Although Seanna’s problems are mentioned in both the full length Cainsville novels, it was still upsetting to hear about little Gabriel’s struggles at home. No one should have to worry about getting the crap beaten out of him by his mom’s boyfriends and strategize to keep her from stealing their hard-earned money, let alone a child. It was even more heartbreaking to see that Gabriel still had some hope that Seanna would turn things around and extend him some affection. It certainly explains a lot about adult Gabriel’s behaviour.
Gabriel is a very intriguing and mysterious character; since his narration gets so little page time in the full-length Cainsville stories, I jump at any chance I can get to read from his perspective. At first I was a little thrown by how mature his narration was in this story – he is supposed to be a kid, after all. Then I realized if anyone’s going to speak like a calculating lawyer at age 10, it’d be Gabriel Walsh. Apparently some things never change. I enjoyed seeing him hustle kids and adults alike for the funds required to buy his aunt Rose the perfect gift: a genuine antique Victorian tarot card deck. The other plot line is Gabriel’s participation in the search for the gargoyles of Cainsville, statues that seem to appear and disappear without explanation. In typical Gabriel style, he attempts to rationalize this supernatural phenomenon by citing optical illusions. Oh Gabriel, how you’ll learn.
It was very interesting to see the changes in Gabriel’s relationship with his aunt Rose from his childhood to the present events of the Cainsville series, where the two are clearly affectionate but they’re relationship is fraught with a lot of unspoken familial tension. Gabriel tries to protect Rose from the truth about Seanna’s deteriorating condition and his visits with her are the one bright spot in his life. Since he’s so reticent to show his feelings as an adult it was good to see that he is capable of loving someone and thinking of them before himself since so many people accuse adult Gabriel of being a sociopath. This story made me want more Cainsville ASAP!
The Puppy Plan 4/5
As per usual Kelley Armstrong fashion, the longer of these two shorts is about the Pack. In this novella nine year old Logan is getting ready for Christmas at Stonehaven with his family when he happens across a puppy in the forest surrounding the estate. It’s a sign! Logan’s twin Kate has been dying for a puppy, but their parents Elena and Clay have been reluctant to give them one since the Pack has been overrun with some troubling issues lately. But really, when aren’t they dealing with trouble? When he sets his eyes on the adorable pup, the usually logical and responsible Logan throws rules out the window and decides to take care of it in secret while wheedling his parents into letting the twins keep it.
While Elena and Clay are the fan favourites of the Otherworld, I’ve never liked them quite as much as everyone else. Seeing them as parents has changed my view of them though, as we get to see a much more mature and united front from them. They’ve obviously done an awesome job of raising the twins since they’re both really smart and unique kids. Kate is the rambunctious and dramatic twin with a fiery temper while Logan’s much more reserved and less reactionary – although when Logan does get mad, you will see that legendary Danvers temper come out. In terms of personality I’m probably more like Kate than Logan (much to my chagrin), but that just made me appreciate Logan’s narration more.
Apparently this is set shortly after the events of Forsaken, which is another Otherworld short coming out in the new year. The trouble that Kate gets into in Forsaken is alluded to in The Puppy Plan, and I have to say that my curiosity has definitely been piqued.
I’m not usually a big fan of holiday stories, but Kelley Armstrong is an auto-buy author for me – and she really knocked it out of the park with Gifted. While I would recommend “Gabriel’s Gargoyles” to anyone, I would recommend that those of you who haven’t read the Women of the Otherworld series should stay away from “The Puppy Plan.” As cute and fun as it was, what made the novella so great was all the easter eggs for the rest of the series that made an appearance. Overall I thought this was a fun fluffy read – perfect for the holidays!
In this story a 10 year old Gabriel is visiting his aunt Rose to celebrate the Winter Solstice (December 21), a pagan holiday that has extra significance in a place like Cainsville. The holiday provides Gabriel (not Gabe) with an escape from his horrible home life in Chicago with Seanna, his drug addicted mother. Although Seanna’s problems are mentioned in both the full length Cainsville novels, it was still upsetting to hear about little Gabriel’s struggles at home. No one should have to worry about getting the crap beaten out of him by his mom’s boyfriends and strategize to keep her from stealing their hard-earned money, let alone a child. It was even more heartbreaking to see that Gabriel still had some hope that Seanna would turn things around and extend him some affection. It certainly explains a lot about adult Gabriel’s behaviour.
Gabriel is a very intriguing and mysterious character; since his narration gets so little page time in the full-length Cainsville stories, I jump at any chance I can get to read from his perspective. At first I was a little thrown by how mature his narration was in this story – he is supposed to be a kid, after all. Then I realized if anyone’s going to speak like a calculating lawyer at age 10, it’d be Gabriel Walsh. Apparently some things never change. I enjoyed seeing him hustle kids and adults alike for the funds required to buy his aunt Rose the perfect gift: a genuine antique Victorian tarot card deck. The other plot line is Gabriel’s participation in the search for the gargoyles of Cainsville, statues that seem to appear and disappear without explanation. In typical Gabriel style, he attempts to rationalize this supernatural phenomenon by citing optical illusions. Oh Gabriel, how you’ll learn.
It was very interesting to see the changes in Gabriel’s relationship with his aunt Rose from his childhood to the present events of the Cainsville series, where the two are clearly affectionate but they’re relationship is fraught with a lot of unspoken familial tension. Gabriel tries to protect Rose from the truth about Seanna’s deteriorating condition and his visits with her are the one bright spot in his life. Since he’s so reticent to show his feelings as an adult it was good to see that he is capable of loving someone and thinking of them before himself since so many people accuse adult Gabriel of being a sociopath. This story made me want more Cainsville ASAP!
The Puppy Plan 4/5
As per usual Kelley Armstrong fashion, the longer of these two shorts is about the Pack. In this novella nine year old Logan is getting ready for Christmas at Stonehaven with his family when he happens across a puppy in the forest surrounding the estate. It’s a sign! Logan’s twin Kate has been dying for a puppy, but their parents Elena and Clay have been reluctant to give them one since the Pack has been overrun with some troubling issues lately. But really, when aren’t they dealing with trouble? When he sets his eyes on the adorable pup, the usually logical and responsible Logan throws rules out the window and decides to take care of it in secret while wheedling his parents into letting the twins keep it.
While Elena and Clay are the fan favourites of the Otherworld, I’ve never liked them quite as much as everyone else. Seeing them as parents has changed my view of them though, as we get to see a much more mature and united front from them. They’ve obviously done an awesome job of raising the twins since they’re both really smart and unique kids. Kate is the rambunctious and dramatic twin with a fiery temper while Logan’s much more reserved and less reactionary – although when Logan does get mad, you will see that legendary Danvers temper come out. In terms of personality I’m probably more like Kate than Logan (much to my chagrin), but that just made me appreciate Logan’s narration more.
Apparently this is set shortly after the events of Forsaken, which is another Otherworld short coming out in the new year. The trouble that Kate gets into in Forsaken is alluded to in The Puppy Plan, and I have to say that my curiosity has definitely been piqued.
I’m not usually a big fan of holiday stories, but Kelley Armstrong is an auto-buy author for me – and she really knocked it out of the park with Gifted. While I would recommend “Gabriel’s Gargoyles” to anyone, I would recommend that those of you who haven’t read the Women of the Otherworld series should stay away from “The Puppy Plan.” As cute and fun as it was, what made the novella so great was all the easter eggs for the rest of the series that made an appearance. Overall I thought this was a fun fluffy read – perfect for the holidays!
November 20, 2014
Gifted is a perfect read for the holidays! Kelley Armstrong brings us two short stories from her amazing series Cainsville & Otherworld! These were some great reads and really quick ones too, but were still oh-so-enjoyable!
Gabriel's Gargoyles
This one centers around a young Gabriel as he's saving up to buy the perfect Christmas gift for his great-aunt Rose. It was kind of cute to see Gabriel as a kid! He's already such an odd and mysterious character in the series now, seeing him as a kid, is like seeing adult Gabriel minified! He's got the same attitude but perhaps a bit downgraded as he is just a kid!
It was kind of sad seeing how he lives with his mother though. The woman is cruel in the neglectful kind of way. Always jonesing for her next fix. She steals from her son and there's rarely a time Gabriel can have a decent meal. He has to hide the money he saves and leave a small stash for his mother to conveniently find again and again! She steals from her own son! It's amazing Gabriel turned out into a decent human being after all that! And I think a lot of it is because of the time he got to spend with Rose.
It was a really sweet story too! And it packs a lot of emotion into it for such a short read! Gabriel is also doing his best to track down the last gargoyle in the town so that he can claim to find them all. Of course having one fashioned after him isn't his idea of a reward. The mysterious writer--totally blanking on his name--is still around! This guy drives me nuts! It's because he's SO mysterious! I mean who is he?! What is up with Cainsville and all their secrets? This short story basically just got my brain roaring on the questions again! But I must say, again, that I loved the ending!
Rating 5/5
The Puppy Plan
Kelley brings us a new kind of narrator this time around, and that's 9-year-old Logan! He's trying to figure out the perfect gift for his sister for Christmas. And he stumbles upon it in the woods one night and even that was a heartbreaking kind of moment! Kate has always wanted a dog and he happens upon an abandoned puppy. But he knows it's going to take a lot of convincing to his parents to agree.
Logan is such an amazing character! And he's nine years old! He is very mature for his age. He didn't want to beg his parents and put them between a rock and a hard place. He wanted to prove to them that having a puppy would be no big deal. So he tries to keep the puppy a secret for the time being until the moment is right to ask his parents.
This one was a bit longer than the first but still enjoyable! Seeing through Logan's eyes was a different kind of experience, but still amazing! This kid is just so awesome! He's caring and considerate, and like I said, just really mature for his age. He thinks things through logically!
I also enjoyed seeing Clay and Elena however briefly as they will always be my favorite Otherworld couple! Logan even gets a peek at them being lovey dovey like and his reaction was adorable! Clay makes an excellent father too! This story was just all kinds of amazing! And the ending had quite a twist to it too!
Rating 5/5
Needless to say this was one GREAT read and I read it just in time for the holidays!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
Gabriel's Gargoyles
This one centers around a young Gabriel as he's saving up to buy the perfect Christmas gift for his great-aunt Rose. It was kind of cute to see Gabriel as a kid! He's already such an odd and mysterious character in the series now, seeing him as a kid, is like seeing adult Gabriel minified! He's got the same attitude but perhaps a bit downgraded as he is just a kid!
It was kind of sad seeing how he lives with his mother though. The woman is cruel in the neglectful kind of way. Always jonesing for her next fix. She steals from her son and there's rarely a time Gabriel can have a decent meal. He has to hide the money he saves and leave a small stash for his mother to conveniently find again and again! She steals from her own son! It's amazing Gabriel turned out into a decent human being after all that! And I think a lot of it is because of the time he got to spend with Rose.
It was a really sweet story too! And it packs a lot of emotion into it for such a short read! Gabriel is also doing his best to track down the last gargoyle in the town so that he can claim to find them all. Of course having one fashioned after him isn't his idea of a reward. The mysterious writer--totally blanking on his name--is still around! This guy drives me nuts! It's because he's SO mysterious! I mean who is he?! What is up with Cainsville and all their secrets? This short story basically just got my brain roaring on the questions again! But I must say, again, that I loved the ending!
Rating 5/5
The Puppy Plan
Kelley brings us a new kind of narrator this time around, and that's 9-year-old Logan! He's trying to figure out the perfect gift for his sister for Christmas. And he stumbles upon it in the woods one night and even that was a heartbreaking kind of moment! Kate has always wanted a dog and he happens upon an abandoned puppy. But he knows it's going to take a lot of convincing to his parents to agree.
Logan is such an amazing character! And he's nine years old! He is very mature for his age. He didn't want to beg his parents and put them between a rock and a hard place. He wanted to prove to them that having a puppy would be no big deal. So he tries to keep the puppy a secret for the time being until the moment is right to ask his parents.
This one was a bit longer than the first but still enjoyable! Seeing through Logan's eyes was a different kind of experience, but still amazing! This kid is just so awesome! He's caring and considerate, and like I said, just really mature for his age. He thinks things through logically!
I also enjoyed seeing Clay and Elena however briefly as they will always be my favorite Otherworld couple! Logan even gets a peek at them being lovey dovey like and his reaction was adorable! Clay makes an excellent father too! This story was just all kinds of amazing! And the ending had quite a twist to it too!
Rating 5/5
Needless to say this was one GREAT read and I read it just in time for the holidays!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
April 24, 2016
Gifted is an ebook that collected two holiday related short stories. Gabriel's Gargoyles, which focused on a young Gabriel from Armstrong's Cainsville series, and The Puppy Plan, which focuses on Elena's son Logan, from the Women of the Otherworld series. There are also excerpts from both Omens, and the forthcoming subpress novella Forsaken.
I hate to use the word "heartwarming" to describe Gifted, as that usually makes people think of cheesy Lifetime-esque movies, but it's the best way I can describe this collection. Both stories touch on sad material (Gabriel's life is pretty tough for anyone, never mind a kid, and Logan discovers a dead puppy at the beginning of his story) but they end up feeling more hopeful than anything else. It was great to see the origins of Gabriel, who's so closed off in the Cainsville books. Logan's story was probably my favorite of the two. It reminded me a lot of my favorite Otherworld novella, Hidden, because of the emphasis on family. If the two stories have any faults, it's probably that the three kids who are the focus of both stories (Gabriel, Logan, and Kate) can feel a touch old for tots that are supposed to be around nine years old, but I guess it makes sense, given their backgrounds.
If you're a fan of either the Otherworld of Cainsville series, I would recommend picking up Gifted. These are two high quality stories that you will most likely enjoy.
I hate to use the word "heartwarming" to describe Gifted, as that usually makes people think of cheesy Lifetime-esque movies, but it's the best way I can describe this collection. Both stories touch on sad material (Gabriel's life is pretty tough for anyone, never mind a kid, and Logan discovers a dead puppy at the beginning of his story) but they end up feeling more hopeful than anything else. It was great to see the origins of Gabriel, who's so closed off in the Cainsville books. Logan's story was probably my favorite of the two. It reminded me a lot of my favorite Otherworld novella, Hidden, because of the emphasis on family. If the two stories have any faults, it's probably that the three kids who are the focus of both stories (Gabriel, Logan, and Kate) can feel a touch old for tots that are supposed to be around nine years old, but I guess it makes sense, given their backgrounds.
If you're a fan of either the Otherworld of Cainsville series, I would recommend picking up Gifted. These are two high quality stories that you will most likely enjoy.
May 11, 2017
I'm writting this on my phone as we don't have any net at the moment, so I'm sorry for any stupid spelling mistakes that may pop up.
GABRIELS GARGOILS — 3/5
ok, so this was actually a really cute story, but my biggest problem is the fact that I haven't read the "Cainsvile" series yet.
If I had, I'd probably have liked this short story a lot more.
Because it is a really short story, but it gives a look into the character Gabriel, and probably some stuff that happens to him in the main series.
I may go back and reread this when I get around to reading the series.
THE PUPPY PLAN — 5/5
I love the twins, and I've wanted to see more of them since they were born. So I can easily say this short story has been on my readinglist for a while.
Normally when I have high expectations, I'm dissapointed, but I feel I've grown to know what to expect from Armstrong, and therefor was not dissapointed in this.
This short story follows Logan, and we get a good look into how he works. Can't wait to see him grow up!
Other than that it was a really cute story, and I just had to snuggle up to my own dog afterward.
I'm planing a full reread of the "Women of the Otherworld" ++ —series in the future, and am already looking forward to rereading "The puppy plan"
GABRIELS GARGOILS — 3/5
ok, so this was actually a really cute story, but my biggest problem is the fact that I haven't read the "Cainsvile" series yet.
If I had, I'd probably have liked this short story a lot more.
Because it is a really short story, but it gives a look into the character Gabriel, and probably some stuff that happens to him in the main series.
I may go back and reread this when I get around to reading the series.
THE PUPPY PLAN — 5/5
I love the twins, and I've wanted to see more of them since they were born. So I can easily say this short story has been on my readinglist for a while.
Normally when I have high expectations, I'm dissapointed, but I feel I've grown to know what to expect from Armstrong, and therefor was not dissapointed in this.
This short story follows Logan, and we get a good look into how he works. Can't wait to see him grow up!
Other than that it was a really cute story, and I just had to snuggle up to my own dog afterward.
I'm planing a full reread of the "Women of the Otherworld" ++ —series in the future, and am already looking forward to rereading "The puppy plan"
July 12, 2017
I loved these two short stories, both were touching and fun to read.
Gabriel's youthful search for both the last Gargoyle and the perfect present for his aunt was a joy to read considering his less than idyllic childhood.
And Logan's dilemma was equally heartfelt and touching.
A great combination of Christmas stories from Kelley Armstrong's Cainsville and Women of the Otherworld series.
Gabriel's youthful search for both the last Gargoyle and the perfect present for his aunt was a joy to read considering his less than idyllic childhood.
And Logan's dilemma was equally heartfelt and touching.
A great combination of Christmas stories from Kelley Armstrong's Cainsville and Women of the Otherworld series.
July 4, 2015
Two fun short stories from Armstrong's popular series.
October 4, 2025
Gifted showcases Kelley Armstrong at her most precise and poignant. In just a few pages, she weaves tension, family legacy, and the ache of belonging into something unforgettable. This isn’t just another supernatural story — it’s a meditation on identity, inheritance, and the quiet ways love and power can twist together.
What I love most about Gifted is how contained it feels — small moments that somehow carry enormous emotional weight. The writing is sharp, cinematic, and deeply human. Armstrong proves, once again, that her strength isn’t just in creating worlds — it’s in filling them with hearts that break and heal in equal measure.
Gifted is eerie, elegant, and full of the kind of quiet magic that sneaks up on you.
A perfect, chilling addition to the Otherworld universe — and another reminder that Kelley Armstrong’s storytelling gift truly lives up to its name.
What I love most about Gifted is how contained it feels — small moments that somehow carry enormous emotional weight. The writing is sharp, cinematic, and deeply human. Armstrong proves, once again, that her strength isn’t just in creating worlds — it’s in filling them with hearts that break and heal in equal measure.
Gifted is eerie, elegant, and full of the kind of quiet magic that sneaks up on you.
A perfect, chilling addition to the Otherworld universe — and another reminder that Kelley Armstrong’s storytelling gift truly lives up to its name.
March 20, 2017
Thank you, Kelley Armstrong!
This story takes place right after Forsaken, another must read from KA. Wait a minute, sorry, there isn't a single book that's not a must read. Anyway, this short is about the werewolf twins, Kate & Logan. Loved it! Even teared up!
The theme here is family and love and puppies. It's also a nice little insight into a slice of their every day.
I usually talk more about the author, but I have used up all of the words I know that say just how great this prolific artist is. All of them, just gone. She's a go-to author......see name-buy book.
While this is part of her Otherworld series, with werewolves and magic and witches, KA also has a couple series that are more like hard boiled detective novels. They are all better than good, no matter what genre she's flirting with.
This series has 'supposedly' run its course and new ones are being laid before us. On a positive note, you don't have to wait for the next as the buffet is already waiting for you. And it is delicious!
This story takes place right after Forsaken, another must read from KA. Wait a minute, sorry, there isn't a single book that's not a must read. Anyway, this short is about the werewolf twins, Kate & Logan. Loved it! Even teared up!
The theme here is family and love and puppies. It's also a nice little insight into a slice of their every day.
I usually talk more about the author, but I have used up all of the words I know that say just how great this prolific artist is. All of them, just gone. She's a go-to author......see name-buy book.
While this is part of her Otherworld series, with werewolves and magic and witches, KA also has a couple series that are more like hard boiled detective novels. They are all better than good, no matter what genre she's flirting with.
This series has 'supposedly' run its course and new ones are being laid before us. On a positive note, you don't have to wait for the next as the buffet is already waiting for you. And it is delicious!
November 1, 2017
Applicable to "The Puppy Plan" only.
I really enjoyed seeing the twins be a little older, a little more in charge of themselves. I love seeing this world grow and expand, and seeing the next generation is fascinating.
I really enjoyed seeing the twins be a little older, a little more in charge of themselves. I love seeing this world grow and expand, and seeing the next generation is fascinating.
March 20, 2019
3/20/19 Only read "The Puppy Plan" (Otherworld Series #13.7) 4 stars
August 13, 2019
Technically, I read "Gabriel's Gargoyle's" in the "Portents" anthology, but since "Gifted" is listed as 0.5 in Cainsville, I'm counting this one as "read".
December 17, 2021
I always enjoy the short stories in the Armstrong worlds. These were no exception. I haven't read them all, but I really enjoyed these two, Gabriel's Gargoyles and Puppy Plan.
May 8, 2022
Got this book so I could read the puppy plan. I love Elena, clay and her kids. I just adore and love getting my hands on any of their stories. and it was adorable. I loved it!
December 30, 2020
i've only read the shorty "Gabriel's Gargoyles" and I liked it
March 1, 2017
This story about Gabriel's Gargoyles was very sweet and allowed the reader to learn more about one of the three main characters in Armstrong's Cainsville series. It is short and sweet but does add a vulnerability to our Gabriel character. Any fan of the Cainsville series would love this short story.
February 28, 2015
Review first published on My Blog. Check out all my reviews there!
Gabriel's Gargoyles - set in the Cainsville universe but back when Gabriel was young. Every year in Cainsville the children hunt around to find as many of the gargoyles hidden around the town as they can. The child who finds the most gets a prize and the one who finds them all will get a gargoyle made in their image put up somewhere in the town. Gabriel doesn't care about having a gargoyle made in his image but he is determined to find them all simply because he knows he can so every time he is allowed to visit his Aunt Rose, he spends part of his time wandering the town in search of them. When he isn't doing that, he is working to try and get his Aunt the perfect Solstice present. Gabriel has plans and he will make sure they all come to fruition.
I really enjoyed seeing Gabriel as a young boy but it's not a happy home life and definitely explains a lot of his attitudes when we finally meet him. I also found the interactions between him, Patrick, and the Elders to be an interesting bit of backstory. Definitely not a necessary read to understand anything in the series but still nice backstory.
The Puppy Plan - Elena and Clay have Kate out on a shopping trip and Logan is out wandering when he discovers a half-dead puppy. Knowing that this is what Kate wants more than anything, he resolves to nurse it back to health and try to convince his parents to allow him to give it to her as a Christmas present. Things don't go quite as planned when a mutt shows up on the property and the surprise ends up being blown before he can come clean to them.
Ok, Elena and Clay were always my favorite characters in the Women of the Otherworld series and I'm so thrilled that so many of the novellas and short stories coming out since the end of the series have focused on them (and even more thrilled that it's now a TV show!). Getting to see their interactions with their kids is fabulous and this was wonderful getting to be inside Logan's head and hearing his internal debates and dilemmas. I'm glad I waited until now to read it though because they reference something that happened in the new novel "Forsaken" that I just received and talked about how traumatic it had been for Kate but without ever mentioning what had happened. Needless to say, that moved quickly up my "to read" list.
Gabriel's Gargoyles - set in the Cainsville universe but back when Gabriel was young. Every year in Cainsville the children hunt around to find as many of the gargoyles hidden around the town as they can. The child who finds the most gets a prize and the one who finds them all will get a gargoyle made in their image put up somewhere in the town. Gabriel doesn't care about having a gargoyle made in his image but he is determined to find them all simply because he knows he can so every time he is allowed to visit his Aunt Rose, he spends part of his time wandering the town in search of them. When he isn't doing that, he is working to try and get his Aunt the perfect Solstice present. Gabriel has plans and he will make sure they all come to fruition.
I really enjoyed seeing Gabriel as a young boy but it's not a happy home life and definitely explains a lot of his attitudes when we finally meet him. I also found the interactions between him, Patrick, and the Elders to be an interesting bit of backstory. Definitely not a necessary read to understand anything in the series but still nice backstory.
The Puppy Plan - Elena and Clay have Kate out on a shopping trip and Logan is out wandering when he discovers a half-dead puppy. Knowing that this is what Kate wants more than anything, he resolves to nurse it back to health and try to convince his parents to allow him to give it to her as a Christmas present. Things don't go quite as planned when a mutt shows up on the property and the surprise ends up being blown before he can come clean to them.
Ok, Elena and Clay were always my favorite characters in the Women of the Otherworld series and I'm so thrilled that so many of the novellas and short stories coming out since the end of the series have focused on them (and even more thrilled that it's now a TV show!). Getting to see their interactions with their kids is fabulous and this was wonderful getting to be inside Logan's head and hearing his internal debates and dilemmas. I'm glad I waited until now to read it though because they reference something that happened in the new novel "Forsaken" that I just received and talked about how traumatic it had been for Kate but without ever mentioning what had happened. Needless to say, that moved quickly up my "to read" list.
December 6, 2014
I bought this book as soon as it was released, thinking it would be a great book to read around the holidays. This book is very short and contains some excerpts from other books, but I think it was still worth the wait. I love Kelley Armstrong her writing style and every time I pick up one of her books I am overwhelmed with that feeling of knowing I read something great and wonder why I haven't read this earlier.
Gabriel's Gargoyles
Gabriel's Gargoyles is a short story about Gabriel finding the last gargoyle, it was a fun read and it gave me a better understanding of why Gabriel is the way he is. He is a smart kid that learned to care for himself at an early age. It was sad to see how his mom treated him, never being there for him. I liked seeing how at easy Gabriel felt with his aunt and in Cainsville and it gives a different view of some character we'll see again in the other books. After reading this I can't wait to read Vision as it was great to be back in this world and now I just want more!
All in all this was a fun little novella!
The Puppy Plan
While I really enjoyed Gabriel's Gargoyles I loved the Puppy Plan. Elena and Clay are one of my favourite couples from the Otherworld series and I just love that series so much. It's so good to be back in the world and I loved every second from it. It was so fun to see pieces of Elena and Clay back in Kate and Logan. And I just wish there were more stories about the twins as it's so much fun to read about them and to see Elena and Clay as parents and how the deal with the werewolf aspect and such. The story was a fun one, although I wanted to warn Logan to tell his parents about the puppy in the first place, but ofcourse that wouldn't make for a fun story.
To conclude: even though the stories are short I enjoyed them so much. I don't think I ever rated a short story 5 stars, but this one deserves it. And I just want to pick up another Kelley Armstrong book next and forget about those books that need to be reviewed, and who knows maybe I'll do that. I seems to forget how much I love Kelley Armstrong her books when I haven't read one in a while and then when I read one I am again reminded of why she's one of my favourite authors.
Gabriel's Gargoyles
Gabriel's Gargoyles is a short story about Gabriel finding the last gargoyle, it was a fun read and it gave me a better understanding of why Gabriel is the way he is. He is a smart kid that learned to care for himself at an early age. It was sad to see how his mom treated him, never being there for him. I liked seeing how at easy Gabriel felt with his aunt and in Cainsville and it gives a different view of some character we'll see again in the other books. After reading this I can't wait to read Vision as it was great to be back in this world and now I just want more!
All in all this was a fun little novella!
The Puppy Plan
While I really enjoyed Gabriel's Gargoyles I loved the Puppy Plan. Elena and Clay are one of my favourite couples from the Otherworld series and I just love that series so much. It's so good to be back in the world and I loved every second from it. It was so fun to see pieces of Elena and Clay back in Kate and Logan. And I just wish there were more stories about the twins as it's so much fun to read about them and to see Elena and Clay as parents and how the deal with the werewolf aspect and such. The story was a fun one, although I wanted to warn Logan to tell his parents about the puppy in the first place, but ofcourse that wouldn't make for a fun story.
To conclude: even though the stories are short I enjoyed them so much. I don't think I ever rated a short story 5 stars, but this one deserves it. And I just want to pick up another Kelley Armstrong book next and forget about those books that need to be reviewed, and who knows maybe I'll do that. I seems to forget how much I love Kelley Armstrong her books when I haven't read one in a while and then when I read one I am again reminded of why she's one of my favourite authors.
February 15, 2017
I loved Gargoyles.
A foray into Gabriels history is always an adventure full of emotion (for me, NEVER him!)
Puppy Plan was hilarious and so sweet.
Jumping further into the future of the twins and seeing how are evolving into werewovles at such a young age.
I would love to see more stories from their pov. Especially when they reach adulthood.
Pretty please Ms Armstrong *gives puppy dog eyes*
A foray into Gabriels history is always an adventure full of emotion (for me, NEVER him!)
Puppy Plan was hilarious and so sweet.
Jumping further into the future of the twins and seeing how are evolving into werewovles at such a young age.
I would love to see more stories from their pov. Especially when they reach adulthood.
Pretty please Ms Armstrong *gives puppy dog eyes*
November 20, 2014
Gabriel's Gargoyles (3 stars)
I don't know if I should have read the main story before read this prequel. Because I didn't connect with the character at all. I couldn't get a glimpse of the world build. I found my mind often drift off while reading. Though, Gabriel seemed like an interesting character. Then, I read the excerpt. It was interesting and piqued my interest. At first I though Gabriel was the protagonist, but it was a woman. Then Gabriel showed up and make a whole lot of different impression than he made in the short story. So, I decided to read the book.
The Puppy Plan (5 stars)
There wasn't many times that I enjoyed reading from a kid's POV. But Logan was one of them. I believe Kate's would also be as interesting. Otherworld was one of my all time favorite series. Any chance I got to read any of characters from the series, I'd grab it.
I enjoyed reading this one so much. Logan was an interesting character. He was mature beyond his years. He reminded me of Clay when he was young. The story was lovely. It showed how much he loved his sister. He saw and did what a boy shouldn't do so his sister wouldn't see it and be upset. I thought that Kate might I really want to read a story where they reach teenage. There must be something exciting happen all the time.
I don't know if I should have read the main story before read this prequel. Because I didn't connect with the character at all. I couldn't get a glimpse of the world build. I found my mind often drift off while reading. Though, Gabriel seemed like an interesting character. Then, I read the excerpt. It was interesting and piqued my interest. At first I though Gabriel was the protagonist, but it was a woman. Then Gabriel showed up and make a whole lot of different impression than he made in the short story. So, I decided to read the book.
The Puppy Plan (5 stars)
There wasn't many times that I enjoyed reading from a kid's POV. But Logan was one of them. I believe Kate's would also be as interesting. Otherworld was one of my all time favorite series. Any chance I got to read any of characters from the series, I'd grab it.
I enjoyed reading this one so much. Logan was an interesting character. He was mature beyond his years. He reminded me of Clay when he was young. The story was lovely. It showed how much he loved his sister. He saw and did what a boy shouldn't do so his sister wouldn't see it and be upset. I thought that Kate might I really want to read a story where they reach teenage. There must be something exciting happen all the time.
November 14, 2014
As a fan of both the Cainesville and Women of the Otherworld series, this was the perfect holiday novella book for me!
Gabriel’s childhood story really sheds some light on his past and maybe even the way he acts sometimes living in Cainesville as an adult. I really enjoyed seeing this fun glimpse into his past and getting to know him a little better.
Logan’s Christmas story was what sealed the deal for me on this novella. Clay and Elena are in my top 3 favorite fictional couples of all time. So the sheer fact this story focuses on their son made it even better. While there are moments in this story that I felt were a little dark, it really showcases the real world. Even being a novella, Armstrong has managed to lay out a perfectly plotted story. I think this glimpse into Logan’s view on the world could potentially lead to more novellas at least about the twins. When the series ended there was so much left to be said with them as they were every young.
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