Before the End

Mystic Familiars #0.5

by Jennifer Carter

Alaric thought summoning a familiar would be easy… how devastatingly wrong he was.

Long before the prophecy rattled the Mystic Coven, chaos was already stirring in the air. Alaric Vexley is a hot mess of a warlock, but what he lacks in talent he makes up for in ambition. However, none of this prepares him for Nyx. A cunning crow familiar that crash lands in Alaric’s life, quite literally.
When their first bonding ritual goes horribly wrong, somewhere between magical mayhem and flirty insults, their connection begins to heat up in ways neither of them anticipated. Alaric struggles with controlling his magic and Nyx refuses to be tamed. They discover that surviving each other just might be harder than surviving the coven. Trouble looms around every corner for this disastrous duo.
Hopefully they can get it together sooner rather than later, because something tells me life for the magical community is gonna need them.

Before the End is a prequel story setting off the events that will come later in the series. Each book is an interconnected standalone and is highly recommended to be read in order. This series is for fans that enjoy MM romance, dart humor, and bratty bottoms that don't take no for an answer.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting the stage

This was an interesting start to what is yet to come. This shows how a mediocre warlock bonded his familiar. 

Turns out what he did accidentally created a bond that is not allowed. However, this triggered the start of a prophecy. 

Now they just need to wait till it's time.

[Angiewagg]

This is the beginning of something that seems like it is going to be a great series.
When a so so warlock creates a bond with his familiar that kicks in a prophecy.
This is a definite series to keep up with. I'm ready for the next book.
I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

Alaric is not the best warlock and desperately craves acceptance from his coven.
To this end, he summons a familiar, Nyx, and inadvertently bonds them together.
Something that absolutely shouldn't have been done and begins something that neither are prepared for.
I can't wait to continue their story.

[Jamie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was over way too fast lol!!! This was a short, cute prequel that definitely left me wanting more. Alaric is uptight and controlled, while Nyx is bratty, feisty, and so much to handle! I can’t wait to read more about these two in the future!!!

[Heather Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, captivating read! A warlock desperate to prove himself and gain power summons a familiar and instead gets Nyx, a chaos-born half demon, half crow. Their unlikely bond is as intriguing as it is powerful. I absolutely loved this prequel and can’t wait to see where their story goes next!

[Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Alaric and Nyx dynamic. They had a rough start since they were opposites of each other. But when it came down to it they both where protective of each other. I'm excited to read about them and how they will help the new generation of Warlocks and Familiars. And shoutout to Severin who I at first was skeptical about but who turned out to be caring and protective of Alaric.

[Zeoanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Nyx. This very short story was quite enjoyable to read. It's too bad it's so short.
Come on. Read it!

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

In order to increase his warlock powers, Alaric Vexley summons a familiar, a submissive, quiet being that would obey him. Fate gives him Nyxandrel Corvina Trickwing Dustcaller, a half demon/half crow shifter. Nyx is pure chaos. From the start, Alaric knows he'll turn his world upside down.
It's an excellent start, a prequel to a new Jennifer Carter series. At 94 pages, it's a much too quick of a read. There's insta-love/lust, with some steam, but not really much else. The author had to balance worldbuilding with character development. Worldbuilding won out. And yes, this is a reality I'd love to return to. Unfortunately, Alaric and Nyx get short shifted. A bit. They are well balanced, but I would have given up at least half the sizzling steam for more interaction. I hope that they get their story expanded in the next book. Which I've already preordered. Because, yes, I want more.
It's a quick, lite read. Nyx is quite endearing and once he loosen up, Alaric is as well.
I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my review.

[Elsie Bartolic · Rating 4 out of 5]

When summoning your familiar goes a bit wonky and you trigger a prophecy instead...
Alaric seems a bit uptight as the heir to a wizard familyline next to be Coven Master but Nyx, his familiar, definitely isn't he is a flirty crow/demon full of sass. This is a cute short prequel so I really hope as this series continues this couple pops up from time to time. I love Nyx's energy and fiesty spirit and it would be nice to get to know a more loosen up version of Alaric especially as the prophecy plays out as more characters are added into the overall storyline.

I read this as an ARC Review, so all thoughts and opinions are my own based on my personal reading preferences.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaric Vexley wants a familiar, but with him unable to control his magic, he is unsure what will come out of the summoning circle. He couldn't believe his eyes when Nyx appears in his room.
Nyx was so much fun and the way he wound up Alaric had my smiling, although I did feel sorry for poor Alaric when he could not control the situation.
This Novella sets the scene for this series and I am looking forward to knowing more about the prophecy and knowing what else Alaric and Nyx get up to

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Jennifer's books !!

I couldn't help but binge read all her books.

They are filled with great characters, amazing storyline and epic plots. Always action packed and addicting.

I could not put it down once I picked it up.

If you haven't read one of her books I recommend you do !! A must read. ! .

[Nimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm thinking there is more because I absolutely enjoyed what I read so far. Alaric summoned a familiar so he would be accepted by his coven and he gets Nyx. The chemistry between this two is off the charts. It's a quick read and a good start to something interesting.

thanks for the advanced copy

[Chante Heaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and well-written; it left me wanting more. Alaric and Nyx are quite adorable together. Nyx has a feisty, bratty personality that pairs well with Alaric's controlled demeanor. I would love to know what happens next.

[Thera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this intro to this series. I can't wait to see what happens with the over arching plot. It should be very interesting.

[Frankie Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer you have made me into a lover of MM romance!!! This book is chefs kiss perfect!