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A Charm of Magpies #0.5
The Smuggler and the Warlord
In
A Case of Possession
, Merrick gives us a hint, he mentions a certain northern-Chinese warlord that Crane was ‘playing the fool with’…
KJ Charles has graciously shared a little tidbit with us, a little Chinese adventure featuring Crane and Merrick, and that mysterious warlord.
KJ Charles has graciously shared a little tidbit with us, a little Chinese adventure featuring Crane and Merrick, and that mysterious warlord.
3 pages, ebook
First published November 30, 2013
5 people are currently reading
1407 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Charles
65 books12.2k followersKJ is a writer of romance, mostly m/m, historical or fantasy or both. She blogs about writing and editing at http://kjcharleswriter.com.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads as I no longer check the inbox due to unwanted messages.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads as I no longer check the inbox due to unwanted messages.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
Read
June 7, 2015I've only just seen that some lovely person did this lovely cover for my super-short snippet. I have no idea who, so I'm saying a massive thank you here, and if you identify yourself I'll say thank you properly!
What an extraordinarily nice thing to do. I'm glowing.
What an extraordinarily nice thing to do. I'm glowing.
June 27, 2018
I will admit to having been quite surprised when I read about a certain smuggler's exploits with a warlord. Going in, I was picturing something more... ugh... Mulan-like. You know, with spies and cross-dressing soldiers escalating columns using women's shawls.
I definitely had an "ooooooh, I see" moment, closely followed by a "duuuuh!" one, after finishing it. That being said, my overall verdict is still...
2.5 / 5 stars
I truly admire Ms. Charles for her ability to make full use of every single word in her novels. I certainly can't do that. HOWEVER, three pages is... well, just three pages; parts of which still confused me.
To be clear, I'm not saying that it wasn't a good story. Just that I consider it a teaser for one.
=====================
Review of book 1: The Magpie Lord
Review of book 1.5: Interlude with Tattoos
Review of book 2: A Case of Possession
Review of book 2.5: A Case of Spirits
Review of book 3: Flight of Magpies
Review of book 3.5: Feast of Stephen
I definitely had an "ooooooh, I see" moment, closely followed by a "duuuuh!" one, after finishing it. That being said, my overall verdict is still...
2.5 / 5 stars
I truly admire Ms. Charles for her ability to make full use of every single word in her novels. I certainly can't do that. HOWEVER, three pages is... well, just three pages; parts of which still confused me.
To be clear, I'm not saying that it wasn't a good story. Just that I consider it a teaser for one.
=====================
Review of book 1: The Magpie Lord
Review of book 1.5: Interlude with Tattoos
Review of book 2: A Case of Possession
Review of book 2.5: A Case of Spirits
Review of book 3: Flight of Magpies
Review of book 3.5: Feast of Stephen
December 22, 2025
Not really necessary to read, but a nice addition.
The skinny, snotty youth had grown muscles, and manners, and a bit of respect for his betters, and a knack for handling himself in a fight. He still had no bloody sense when it came to picking bed partners, mind. 🤭
The skinny, snotty youth had grown muscles, and manners, and a bit of respect for his betters, and a knack for handling himself in a fight. He still had no bloody sense when it came to picking bed partners, mind. 🤭
Read
October 14, 2021Too short to rate but I love the entertaining tale of Lucian and the Warlord from the past. This whole story of how Lucian got trapped by a Mongolian Warlord is narrated by his manservant Merrick in every book of this series. Merrick misses no chance to tell anyone how much Lucian's love for 'dangerous buggers' and 'it keeps life interesting' comes back to bite him.😂😂
January 3, 2018
4 Stars
What I wouldn’t give for a series about Crane’s misadventures and shenanigans!
*grumbles because it’s never going to happen*
What I wouldn’t give for a series about Crane’s misadventures and shenanigans!
*grumbles because it’s never going to happen*
May 23, 2016
This short story was told from Merric's POV. It's a little adventure from Crane's days in China. I'm glad it was short and not detailed, because I really don't want to know what Lord Crane did before he met Stephan. I know they didn't know each other then, but Still.
December 20, 2014
This story takes place before The Magpie Lord.
After five months in the clutches of an obsessed warlord, Crane gets rescued by Merrick.
After five months in the clutches of an obsessed warlord, Crane gets rescued by Merrick.
'‘Next time I tell you not to get us tangled up with some dangerous maniac who’s going to kill us both just because you want to get your end away. You going to listen to me then?’Fortunately, he kept his word. You can see the depth of their friendship in only a couple of passing remarks. A lovely story. Too short though.
Vaudrey’s smile was just visible in the filtered moonlight. ‘Of course I’m not.’
January 26, 2023
Una pequena historia que nos muestra como Crane se mete en problemas y como es tarea de Merrick rescatarlo. Muy divertida.
December 20, 2014
As is the case in this entire series, we learn a lot with a few words.
Or rather, in reading this after spending this past year with Merrick and Lucien, we're reminded of Lucien's many-layered personality and chaotic life he's led.
For as much as a gentleman he was raised to be and still is, he's as rough as the next ruffian. This is key in understanding the ease with which he is drawn to and connects with not so high born folk, like Saint and his beloved, Stephen.
Speaking of, notice how so much less chaotic Lucien is in living his life these days, after having been with Stephen all this time? Their external lives are definitely chaotic and full of the crazy, but internally, twixt them, the only "chaos" that truly happens is the type they engage together. Lucien doesn't leave his fate up to the chaos gods anymore, that's Stephen's role now.
As for Merrick, he's Merrick. He's loyal, intelligent, more than capable, and knows Lucien. And vice versa.
I actually recommend you read this after you've read the Charm of Magpies series. It feels most valuable when placed in that position. Every word of this will have great meaning.
Also? This is much more of a serious tease now. More Merrick and more about their time in China and the people they spent it with. Please and thank you! :D
Or rather, in reading this after spending this past year with Merrick and Lucien, we're reminded of Lucien's many-layered personality and chaotic life he's led.
For as much as a gentleman he was raised to be and still is, he's as rough as the next ruffian. This is key in understanding the ease with which he is drawn to and connects with not so high born folk, like Saint and his beloved, Stephen.
Speaking of, notice how so much less chaotic Lucien is in living his life these days, after having been with Stephen all this time? Their external lives are definitely chaotic and full of the crazy, but internally, twixt them, the only "chaos" that truly happens is the type they engage together. Lucien doesn't leave his fate up to the chaos gods anymore, that's Stephen's role now.
As for Merrick, he's Merrick. He's loyal, intelligent, more than capable, and knows Lucien. And vice versa.
I actually recommend you read this after you've read the Charm of Magpies series. It feels most valuable when placed in that position. Every word of this will have great meaning.
Also? This is much more of a serious tease now. More Merrick and more about their time in China and the people they spent it with. Please and thank you! :D
June 19, 2023
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“Which is what I said when we got here,’ Merrick pointed out. ‘And you said, he’s really rather charming and I was to shut up and let you alone. ’
‘He was rather charming at that point.’ Vaudrey’s voice was light again, after that brief, betraying snarl. ‘If we’d left after three months, I’d have called that a delightful interlude.’
‘You won’t be told, will you? Gawd, you need a keeper.”
It feels a bit strange to be writing a review for such a short story that was barely a page long, but heck, why not? 😊
This was a quick look into the time Merrick saved Vaudrey from the clutches of his possessive lover in Shanghai. And as always, Merrick and Vaudrey's banter with each other was a delight to read - you can really see how comfortably at ease they are with each other. 👌🏻👌🏻
I also liked that we got some insight into how much Merrick is so committed to looking out for Crane. And knowing how Crane's future does end up, I appreciated all the subtle hints to the possibility that his happiness was just around the corner for him. ✨
“Which is what I said when we got here,’ Merrick pointed out. ‘And you said, he’s really rather charming and I was to shut up and let you alone. ’
‘He was rather charming at that point.’ Vaudrey’s voice was light again, after that brief, betraying snarl. ‘If we’d left after three months, I’d have called that a delightful interlude.’
‘You won’t be told, will you? Gawd, you need a keeper.”
It feels a bit strange to be writing a review for such a short story that was barely a page long, but heck, why not? 😊
This was a quick look into the time Merrick saved Vaudrey from the clutches of his possessive lover in Shanghai. And as always, Merrick and Vaudrey's banter with each other was a delight to read - you can really see how comfortably at ease they are with each other. 👌🏻👌🏻
I also liked that we got some insight into how much Merrick is so committed to looking out for Crane. And knowing how Crane's future does end up, I appreciated all the subtle hints to the possibility that his happiness was just around the corner for him. ✨
February 8, 2015
Merrick's take, and really this deserves more attention. All the teasing about the episode is killing me.
July 7, 2018
That was good, but too short. I don't feel that it added that much to what one already knows about this incident from where the characters mention it elsewhere in the series. However, kudos to Charles for taking that overused non-consensual romance trope and showing that it is in no way romantic. Seriously, Vaudrey has the *worst* judgment... Where would this series be without Merrick?
August 9, 2018
That was one quick hit of fun. I quite enjoyed it. Merrick's love and devotion for Lucien is the very best kind of paternal lesson-giving with a side of wolfman protecting his cub. A five-minute smile-breeding diversion.
April 9, 2017
Flash fiction, just a tiny snippet to set the mood, I guess. I liked the humour and sarcasm in it, so now I will have to get the first novel in this series.
February 5, 2015
How did I miss this charming little ficlet from Merrick's POV. Tasty morsel.
December 20, 2014
I have just two words for you....'Overbred tit', that is all. 4 stars.
January 11, 2015
Amazing what a big punch this packs in just a page or two.
November 21, 2023
Too short but very insightful about Merrick and Crane relationship.
November 12, 2015
Tiny story, told from Merrick's POV. I feel like this quote sums up Crane and Merrick's friendship perfectly:
"You won’t be told, will you? Gawd, you need a keeper."
"I have a keeper." Vaudrey reached up and touched the back of his hand lightly, all the thanks that would ever be exchanged. "You’re really quite adequate."
"You won’t be told, will you? Gawd, you need a keeper."
"I have a keeper." Vaudrey reached up and touched the back of his hand lightly, all the thanks that would ever be exchanged. "You’re really quite adequate."
June 21, 2025
Rating - 4 stars
A better introduction would've been more helpful. But hopefully this will make more sense
P.S. - Edited the rating since this actually DID make sense later 😅😂 Let's goooooo Merrick! 😂♥️
A better introduction would've been more helpful. But hopefully this will make more sense
P.S. - Edited the rating since this actually DID make sense later 😅😂 Let's goooooo Merrick! 😂♥️
Read
January 10, 2023Did I read this 3-page freebie solely bcs I am freaking out about my (4-day long) 2023 reading slump? Yes. Am I currently a resident of Struggleville? Also yes.
The short story is,,,okay?? Idk, I read the Magpie books like 7 years ago and they never really clicked for me so like, whatever.
But the reading slump is officially broken! I can continue to self-soothe with fictional people! Yay!
The short story is,,,okay?? Idk, I read the Magpie books like 7 years ago and they never really clicked for me so like, whatever.
But the reading slump is officially broken! I can continue to self-soothe with fictional people! Yay!
March 14, 2016
4 stars!
More Lucien and Merrick shenanigans please!
More Lucien and Merrick shenanigans please!
May 25, 2017
Since it was Vaudrey's idea to jump into some barbarian's bed, and Merrick's job to haul him out again, the overbred tit could bloody well take the consequences.
Snicker.
A tiny little snippet, pre-book one, from Merrick's POV. I had to read the second novella first because (gasp) I couldn't remember who Merrick was. I am the worst, I know. If I had read further on than the opening few lines I would've remembered but the bonus to jumping ahead and then back is that this particular encounter was referenced in AN INTERLUDE WITH TATTOOS so I actually had a better understanding of the whole thing in hindsight.
"He's a sodding animal."
"Which is what I said when we got here. And you said, he’s really rather charming and I was to shut up and let you alone."
As short and sweet (well, not so much) as this was I still really liked it. Mostly because I'm trash for Merrick/Crane banter.
3 "gawd, you need a keeper" stars
Snicker.
A tiny little snippet, pre-book one, from Merrick's POV. I had to read the second novella first because (gasp) I couldn't remember who Merrick was. I am the worst, I know. If I had read further on than the opening few lines I would've remembered but the bonus to jumping ahead and then back is that this particular encounter was referenced in AN INTERLUDE WITH TATTOOS so I actually had a better understanding of the whole thing in hindsight.
"He's a sodding animal."
"Which is what I said when we got here. And you said, he’s really rather charming and I was to shut up and let you alone."
As short and sweet (well, not so much) as this was I still really liked it. Mostly because I'm trash for Merrick/Crane banter.
3 "gawd, you need a keeper" stars
Read
June 15, 2023It's three pages, and I feel a little ashamed thusly that it'll now forever be marked as the book that reached my reading goal for the year. But it is what it is, and I didn't trust myself to remember to mark this when I'd finished a different book. So, oh well.
I'm... not entirely sure what I just read, to be honest. I had no clue who any of the characters were, and I suspect that Goodreads' chronological ordering of books in a series has just bitten me in the ass. A prequel, this most definitely is not! Maybe someday I'll circle back around to read it when I know who these characters are and actually appreciate it instead of being deeply confused for the entire journey.
The writing was nice, though. There were a few peculiarities that I suspect had to do with being an online freebie on a blog instead of an actual, published work, but otherwise it had a charming flow to it and I liked the pacing.
I'm... not entirely sure what I just read, to be honest. I had no clue who any of the characters were, and I suspect that Goodreads' chronological ordering of books in a series has just bitten me in the ass. A prequel, this most definitely is not! Maybe someday I'll circle back around to read it when I know who these characters are and actually appreciate it instead of being deeply confused for the entire journey.
The writing was nice, though. There were a few peculiarities that I suspect had to do with being an online freebie on a blog instead of an actual, published work, but otherwise it had a charming flow to it and I liked the pacing.
January 9, 2018
This is a really short story that takes place before "The Magpie Lord", so naturally I read it after reading that one. And I'm glad I did, because, while it's cute and fun, it isn't quite up to the crazy, plotty, smexiness of the first novel in the series.
January 4, 2019
Super short read with a bit of action.
May 17, 2016
(read in November 2013)
KJ kindly wrote this interlude for the blog I used to review for.
It takes place in China (before they meet Stephen) and Merrick works hard to extract the foolhardy Crane from a possessive warlord-lover. Great fun, as usual.
February 5, 2015
Just a few pages but it was interesting to learn more about Lucien and Merrick's time in China and the curious warlord lover!
July 14, 2018
A little snippet to whet one’s appetite for book one in the Magpie series. I only gave it theee stars because how does one rate something that’s only three pages long.? LOL!! Looking forward to the Magpie Lord.
January 2, 2022
Okay so I just got the first book in kindle but noticed this was a short prequel so I read it and now I'm super excited to read the first book!
I love the gay main character and the witty back and forth between Vaudry and Merrick
I love the gay main character and the witty back and forth between Vaudry and Merrick
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews