Fire Water

Prospero's War #0.5

by Jaye Wells

Rookie cop Kate Prospero only has one more training assignment to pass before she's officially sworn in to Babylon Police Department. But the veteran cop in charge of the river patrol boat is a salty old guy isn't happy about playing tour guide to a rookie and seems even less interested in real police work. But while on patrol, they stumble on to what appears to be a floating dirty magic lab. This highly combustible situation might finally be the key to these two unlikely partners finding common ground.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Novella, Short Stories, Paranormal, Magic, Urban

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

Jaye Wells is a former magazine editor whose award-winning speculative fiction novels have hit several bestseller lists. She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, and is a sought-after speaker on the craft of writing. When she’s not writing or teaching, she loves to travel to exotic locales, experiment in her kitchen like a mad scientist, and try things that scare her so she can write about them in her books. She lives in Texas.

Want free fiction from Jaye? Check out www.jayewells.com for details!

Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

Warning: I thought I would have the time to write a proper crappy review for this story but it looks like it's not going to happen. Crappier than crap crappy review coming right up.

► This probably deserved a 3-star rating but I just can't be reasonable when it comes to Kate Prospero so 3.5 it is. I almost went for a 4 but decided to try and salvage the little credibility I have left. Funny little me.

① This is pretty enjoyable despite the desperate lack of Macho. Well if you're not familiar with this series you probably have no idea of what I'm talking about. Well that's your problem, not mine. Ha.



② This is pretty enjoyable because it gives great insight into Kate's life as a rookie cop. You might call these her pre-Cupcake days. Well if you're not familiar with this series you probably have no idea of what I'm talking about. Well that's your problem, not mine. Ha.



③ This is pretty enjoyable because we get to find out how Kate first met Baba, her seventy-something crazy potion cooking/senior citizen-stalking freak/neighbour. No sexy juice or smutty book club meetings to be had in this instalment, unfortunately. Sigh.



④ This is pretty enjoyable even though the plot is neither deep nor mind-blowingly original. It's fast paced and entertaining, what more do you want?



⑤ This is pretty enjoyable because Kate Prospero.

⑥ This is pretty enjoyable because Kate Prospero.

⑦ This is pretty enjoyable because Kate Prospero.

Am I repeating myself? It sure looks like it doesn't it? Why do you think that is? Are you getting the point I'm trying to make? You are? Good for you! your parents must be so proud.



► Now just stop wasting time on Goodreads and go read this series. You can thank me later.

· Book 1: Dirty Magic ★★★★
· Book 2: Cursed Moon ★★★★★
· Book 3: Deadly Spells ★★★★★
· Book 4: Volatile Bonds ★★★

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story describing Kate's first days on the BPD. I like how enthusiastic and rather naive she is back then. The juxtaposition of the rookie against the old veteran is a common theme in a lot of stories but here it was handled well enough not to bother me. And in the end, Kate's firm believe that the cops of Babylon can anctually change something did win.
This story also shows the beginning of the incredible friendship Kate has with Baba. Go Baba! You're the best! And a glimpse of a younger, not so annoying Danny. He really was a sweet kid :) To bad I'll probably never see him fully grown :(

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Kate's first case while she was still new to the force and on probation.

[Amy Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this series for a while, and was glad to start with this short, sweet, fun prequel novella that introduces the creative world and the main character, Prospero, who I can already tell I'm going to love. The story is around 80 pages so there's not much to say other than I liked the story, the action, and the way magic is used in the world. Can't wait to start the rest of the books!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fire Water is a short prequel to Jaye Wells’ Prospero’s War series. It’s set during the last few days of Kate’s training as a rookie and is not a necessary read.

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Jaye Wells Prospero’s War series, then you will love this novella. Fire Water is the prequel to the series and it focuses on Kate’s life as a rookie cop. It reveals her desires as a child and the struggles she faced after leaving the coven. It portrays the prejudices that women face when working in what is considered a man’s world.
 
The story started out slowly, which was not a bad thing as it provided details as to the reason she was continually being overlooked for promotion in the Babylon Police Department. We also came to learn how she met her eccentric, but well-meaning neighbour Baba. It showed in detail how she solved her first case with the help of Captain Martin Smiley, who was a few days away from retirement. This was where the story heated up in terms of excitement.
 
 
The writing was good and the descriptions were vivid. Just thinking about that lake she had to patrol gave me the shivers. The thought of swimming in that sludge, gross! Overall, this was a short but fun and exciting read. If you are new to the series get yourself copies of Dirty Magic and Cursed Moon. This a unique and refreshing series with likeable characters and a great plot, a must read for fans of the urban fantasy genre.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Fire Water" is a sweet little novella that gives us glimpse into Kate's life as a rookie for the Babylon Police Department a week before she finally graduates. As Kate finishes up her rotation through various departments, she saves the most boring, River Patrol for last or so she thinks.

As Kate boards the police boat on the chemically tainted waters she is greeted by crusty old Captain Martin Smiley. Smiley has a reputation for his salty attitude and is none too pleased to be saddled with a rookie cop. Meanwhile, Kate applies for and receives permission to rent a 2 bedroom house for her ten year old brother, Danny and herself. Here is where Kate first meets Baba.

This novella highlights the story that will garner Kate a little infamy at BPD. It's a sweet little read that provides the backdrop for Kate's humble beginnings. It's a fun little view in the life of young Kate.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, loved that we got to see Kate when she was a bit younger and not quite so cynical. I loved the relationship she built with the Cap'n and Babba. After reading this it makes me wish I had the next book ready to go.

[Cee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like she way over-hyped her case. Like it was intense, there was an explosion, but didn't seem like something all the cops would discuss in hushed tones and awe. Especially not when they are all comparing stories. So meh alright overall. I'll give the first book a read.

[Cheyenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This prequel novella served as a little introduction to Kate Prospero's life as it stands in the main series. In addition to showing the beginning of her career as a cop, it also showed her moving into the house that she lives in during the rest of the series and meeting Baba. It felt very much like the beginning of a new chapter that she'd well worn in by the time we met her in Book 1.

While this was a fun little introduction to her life, I didn't think this book was as well-written as the main books in the series. Since there wasn't a big case investigation to tie everything together and act as an overarching plot, it felt a little less compelling and Kate seemed more to float along from one part of the story to another in a more reactive way. Everything also felt very stereotypical and predictable, perhaps moreso even than it did in Book 1. Plus, again, there were editing errors, though they felt less pervasive since there was just less text there and thus fewer opportunities for error.

I suppose another comment that I could make about this is that it generally felt unnecessary. I didn't feel like I learned anything about Kate in this book that I didn't already know, and that if I would have skipped it altogether, I wouldn't have really lost out on any depth of character or understanding moving forward. Therefore, if you want to take the time to read this, you'll probably enjoy it, but I don't think you're really missing anything important if you don't.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A cute, short, fun prequel to an underrated series.

I love the whole world of Prospero's War, if only because it's grittier and more cynical than all the other supernatural/urban fantasy fare out there. Though if I'm being honest, I'm more in love with the idea behind the books, rather than the execution.

In this one, we meet a naive Kate Prospero in her early training days on the Babylon Police force. There's nothing mind blowing, no mystery, but the writing is solid. It felt really short, and I just wish there was more to the story, more action.

I guess what I'm really wishing for is more books set in this world with a younger Kate.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was still pretty standard urban fantasy fare, but I enjoyed it more than Dirty Magic, honestly. The only glaring note that really stuck out was a continuity error - in Fire Water, Kate told Baba about her no magic rule before she moved in; while Dirty Magic made it seem that Baba didn't know about this quirk until late in the novel.

[David Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really read the print book but it was not a choice in goodreads. I found the writing to be so smooth to read. I enjoyed the story and immediately started the sequel after I finished this novella. I look forward to reading this series.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I love me some Sabina Kane books.. this is by far Jaye's best novella!

[Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to see Prospero's beginnings. Moving into her new house, Danny as a kiddo.

[hesione · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre short story, probably typed up quickly.

[Daphne Chantale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but there’s something about the flow that didn’t do it for me.

[Merideth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read. Miss this series.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Interesting look at young Kate, new to the police force—starry eyed and optimistic.

[Melissa Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I read this book for my own enjoyment.


This is the beginning of Kate on the force and in the home she lives in during the novels. We are introduced to Kate's world and what revolves in it to drive her on her path in life - her past, her little brother, and the city she hopes to help make a difference in.

This novella is before the series starts in the novels. It's Kate fresh out of the academy and doing her rounds with experienced cops before becoming a beat cop herself. Kate is gun-ho about doing what she can to stop the dirty potions that people buy on the streets, and ultimately kills them. Potions are like a drug and Kate wants to stop them, she knows all to well what the end result can be.

Kate's last round of shadowing veteran cops is on the river boat. It's boring, but Kate knows many potion dealers use the river for their transporting. Kate finally gets the aged cop she's with to act, getting her wish to move on someone she believes is dealing and mixing.

Kate gets some great advice from veteran officers here. I felt these were truly heartfelt from the experienced cops and worth noting. I think these are things that will stick with Kate as she works on in the years to come.

This novella is set in the same style as Jaye's first book. We get to meet Kate and those around her, and how her life is at this moment in time along with what her hopes are. Then we dig a little deeper into her work and get to the case.

This was a nice novella to get a glimpse at the world Kate lives in and her motivations. If you are looking for a quick sample, give it a try.

[Marsha Hubbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of Jaye Well’s “Prospero’s War” series, “Fire Water” reveals Kate Prospero’s early days as a rookie cop in the Babylon Police Department. The novella is a fun, action-packed and eye-opening preamble prior to the release of book three in the series. We become even more aware of the strong relationship between Kate and Danny, the younger brother she is raising following the death of their mother. We see a fresh Kate, still naive and a bit green, striving to create a better life for them, free from the “dirty magic” she was born into. We are also introduced to a veteran cop, days away from retirement (a strong contrast to rookie Kate) that I can only hope will show up again down the road.

Prospero’s War is a unique urban fantasy series filled with strong characters and a fresh story-line. If new to the series, grab a copy of “Dirty Magic” and “Cursed Moon.” Then join Jaye’s international fan base as we look forward to “Deadly Spells.”

[Jenevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review first published on My Blog.

A novella set before Dirty Magic, set in a time when Kate was finishing up her last few things so she could be sworn in as a police officer. Kate's biggest obstacle, besides the chip on her shoulder and her being an Adept, is that she has to do a week on the river patrol and get signed off on it. She opts to do her time as quickly as possible but it puts her with the crustiest, crankiest, curmudgeonly close-to-retirement police officer she has ever met. He wants to just get out in tact since he has so little time left but Kate is hot to prove herself and she's a hard girl to say no to.

It was nice seeing Kate as a fresh-faced new recruit, to see Danny as a kid, meet Baba when Kate did. There was nothing really earth-shattering necessary if you are reading the books but give it a read if you want a little backstory.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm by no means blown away, but I enjoyed this story. After the ultra-angsty Kate Prospero of Cursed Moon, it's nice to see her young and optimistic in this prequel. Fire Water is the story of Kate's first big bust. It also reveals how she met Baba, though the old witch is a little bit more subdued than usual.

I would love to see some more of Kate's early days, like how she met Little Man and Mary.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella (#2.5)in the Prospero's War series.

As a rookie police officer, Kate Prospero needs to intern in one last training area before she is officially sworn in. But the veteran officer in charge just looking to retire... at least until they discover a floating dirty magic lab. Will Kate get her first big bust? Or will the criminals win? or both?

Cute, quick, interesting read. Highly entertaining.

[Vroom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too short. Liked it. Still waiting for my pre-order of the next proper book to arrive. For whatever reason, I ended up buying two novellas for two books I have pre-ordered for Feb 2015. Of the two, Soul Ink (by JC Nelson) felt like a much better buy -- more cohesive, more novella-y. This was lighter, shorter, still fun. Can't wait for both real sequels to show up.

[Trey Waltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire Water takes place after book 2, Cursed Moon, and it provides a little bit of backstory about Kate, Pen, and Danny. I personally enjoyed reading about Kate's struggle to become a cop given her checkered past, and also how Baba came into her and Danny's lives. A quick read but very enjoyable. A great addition to a fantastic series

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fire Water is a quick little novella about Kate in her early days as a rookie cop. She succeeds with determination and perseverance. It is set in a timeframe before the Prospero’s War series.


Audio series review at The Book Nympho:

http://thebooknympho.com/2016/06/audi...

[ladymurmur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and satisfying prequel story.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!! A taste of her as a probee, just before she starts her life as a cop. It was sweet and not too much pain... love her to bits.... Prospero and Jaye :)

[Bart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars