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Scarlett Bernard #0.1
Bloodsick
All her life, Sashi’s mother warned her not to get involved with werewolf problems. But Sashi, a witch who uses magic to heal sick and injured bodies, has never made a habit of ignoring trauma. When she meets an abused shapeshifter that no one else seems willing to help, Sashi will risk everything –including a budding romance with a human, Will – to save a woman who can’t save herself.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2014
362 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Olson
42 books1,739 followersMelissa F. Olson is a writer and film professor. Her work includes the comic ARCHAIC, the feminist horror novel The Other Frankenstein, and more than 20 urban fantasy novels and novellas, including the Scarlett Bernard series and the Boundary Magic novels. Her journalism and academic work has been published in The International Journal of Comic Art, the compilation Images of the Modern Vampire, Tor.com, and the Everyone's Gone to the Movies series.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 29, 2020
I have a lot of love for Melissa F. Olsen's Boundary Magic series so at the beginning of the year I decided to give her Scarlett Bernard series a go. I was disappointed. Fast forward 12 months and I'm struggling to find my book mojo and this one is sitting there on my Kindle so I thought, 'What have I got to lose?'
Bloodsick sits between Trail of Dead and Hunter's Trail (#2 & #3) in the series but it really stands on its own well. It's actually pretty damned good. I walked away from the series but this book has very much made me want to give it another try.
Bloodsick sits between Trail of Dead and Hunter's Trail (#2 & #3) in the series but it really stands on its own well. It's actually pretty damned good. I walked away from the series but this book has very much made me want to give it another try.
September 11, 2018
I was in the middle of reading Companion Pieces: Stories from the Old World and Beyond when a note from the author before the all-new story,
Powerless
, made me put THAT book down, then I bought this one and read it instead.
Because Powerless is a story of Sashi and Will during the end of Shadow Hunt while this one is the story of Sashi and Will from before. When Sashi was only this 21-year-old girl, who met Will -- a cancer survivor whom had been a patient of Sashis' mother -- for the first time. This is the story when they fell in love, before Will turned into wolf, and they broke up.
Oh, and this is ALSO a story about Astrid, who suffers from abuse from her alpha. I'm not sure I'm happy with what Astrid did in this book, but she had to do what she could to survive, didn't she?
And it was WONDERFUL!! I always love Will and I love Sashi. I am truly happy that I read this book now, when I already owned the sequel. Because the end of this one broke my heart a bit.
Because Powerless is a story of Sashi and Will during the end of Shadow Hunt while this one is the story of Sashi and Will from before. When Sashi was only this 21-year-old girl, who met Will -- a cancer survivor whom had been a patient of Sashis' mother -- for the first time. This is the story when they fell in love, before Will turned into wolf, and they broke up.
Oh, and this is ALSO a story about Astrid, who suffers from abuse from her alpha. I'm not sure I'm happy with what Astrid did in this book, but she had to do what she could to survive, didn't she?
And it was WONDERFUL!! I always love Will and I love Sashi. I am truly happy that I read this book now, when I already owned the sequel. Because the end of this one broke my heart a bit.
February 2, 2026
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to think, and even as the story went on, I found myself going back and forth. There were parts that pulled me in, and I kept reading because I genuinely wanted to see where things were headed. But by the end, I was left feeling like something was missing.
Sashi and Will were the two characters I connected with the most, and they’re also the reason I wanted more from the story. Their dynamic has so much potential, and I kept waiting for it to dig a little deeper. I’m still curious about where their arc goes, so that part definitely worked.
The emotional weight is there—no question. It’s a heavy, intense ride, and there are moments that hit hard. But at times it felt uneven, like the pacing or the depth didn’t quite match the impact the story was aiming for.
Even with that, the Old World elements are intriguing, and there’s clearly a lot of room for the world and characters to grow. I’m hoping the next part builds on that foundation and gives me more of what I was looking for.
This one left me somewhere in the middle, but still interested enough to see what comes next.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to think, and even as the story went on, I found myself going back and forth. There were parts that pulled me in, and I kept reading because I genuinely wanted to see where things were headed. But by the end, I was left feeling like something was missing.
Sashi and Will were the two characters I connected with the most, and they’re also the reason I wanted more from the story. Their dynamic has so much potential, and I kept waiting for it to dig a little deeper. I’m still curious about where their arc goes, so that part definitely worked.
The emotional weight is there—no question. It’s a heavy, intense ride, and there are moments that hit hard. But at times it felt uneven, like the pacing or the depth didn’t quite match the impact the story was aiming for.
Even with that, the Old World elements are intriguing, and there’s clearly a lot of room for the world and characters to grow. I’m hoping the next part builds on that foundation and gives me more of what I was looking for.
This one left me somewhere in the middle, but still interested enough to see what comes next.
Read
November 14, 2014I hated the book but not because of a bad story line or bad writing but because there was no happy ending. It was intense and well written and I cared about the characters which made me hate the ending.
December 28, 2014
I loved this novella. It was very well written and the characters were well developed. I know that some readers don't like the ending, but it's a very realistic one. I also love the fact this novella leaves the possibility for more.
January 1, 2020
Book 1 in Scarlett Bernard series by Melissa F Olson
This book is set before Scarlet Bernard or Allison ‘Lex’ Luther book.
I’m glad I didn’t find this book till after reading the other book in series first.
Will in Scarlett Bernard is the Will in this book and explains how he became a werewolf and how he knew Sashi before other characters.
Very brutal and really upsetting at times but such a great short story. I do think its better if you read other books first even though this is very much a standalone book and can be read with no clue of the other books but I feel I get a bigger impact.
This book is set before Scarlet Bernard or Allison ‘Lex’ Luther book.
I’m glad I didn’t find this book till after reading the other book in series first.
Will in Scarlett Bernard is the Will in this book and explains how he became a werewolf and how he knew Sashi before other characters.
Very brutal and really upsetting at times but such a great short story. I do think its better if you read other books first even though this is very much a standalone book and can be read with no clue of the other books but I feel I get a bigger impact.
June 4, 2021
Dark and addictive!
Goodness, this was heartbreaking! Such a different tone, more solemn, then Melissa’s other books based in the Old World.
Thoroughly enjoyed this instalment and I just have so much respect for Sashi and Will!
Goodness, this was heartbreaking! Such a different tone, more solemn, then Melissa’s other books based in the Old World.
Thoroughly enjoyed this instalment and I just have so much respect for Sashi and Will!
October 1, 2021
I should have read this earlier as it answers a lot of questions.
October 28, 2014
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for a honest review.
Bloodsick is Will Carling’s origin story, a character that readers met in the Scarlett Bernard series. Bloodsick is narrated by Sashi Noring, a twenty-something Thaumaturge witch (healing magic) living in Minnesota and occasionally Astrid, a female werewolf recently traded to the Minnesota pack to mate with their alpha Luke. There are two stories occurring simultaneously, one with Sashi discovering her place in the world, who wants to make her own path rather than follow in her mom’s footsteps using her magic as an oncologist; and Astrid a new werewolf and member to the Minnesota pack, being mistreated by her Alpha Luke who is determined to bond/mate their wolves together…regardless of their mutual dislike for one another.
I never read a short-story with duo narration, nor is it a preference of mine but I found myself wrapped up in both of these strong women voices and really enjoyed it. Sashi’s mother, Stephanie Noring is Luke’s go-to healer every time he or his wolves get injured. A few days before the full moon, Luke brings Astrid to Stephanie to heal a broken leg and this is where Sashi first meets Astrid and eventually discovers that Luke is not only physically and mentally abusing Astrid but he’s also forcing himself on her in hopes that their wolves bond, and that he will be cured of his madness. Sashi knows she shouldn't meddle in pack affairs, but she's not one to stand by and see another woman go through what Astrid is going through. Sashi's involvement has a snowball effect not only in her Old World business life but also her personal life. While this is supposed to be a story of Will’s origins, the two women are the ones mostly in the spotlight. However, the story still did a great job in painting an image of Will prior to his werewolf transformation and a life before he became the Alpha of the L.A. pack. It was interesting to see all the events that lead up to Will’s transformation, especially when he never had a say in it.
I loved Sashi and Astrid, they were very likeable leads. They are two very different woman but have the same qualities that make them the perfect heroines; both of them are strong, independent, smart, brave and headstrong. I also loved learning all about the witches and wolfs dynamic as well as more of the old world (term used when referring to all the hidden supernaturals). The two supernaturals are very complex in their rules and it was interesting to see how much they differ yet one thing is for certain; the sects cannot stand one another nor do they interact with each other much, which is exactly the way everyone wants it to be kept.
Another great novella from Olson! Bloodsick has all the elements that I love and come to associate with the Scarlett Bernard series packed into this short-story. Bloodsick clocks out at 175 pages, but it was jammed packed with action, a well-written plot, awesome characters and an intriguing world. Bloodsick is a great introduction to Olson’s writing style/story telling; fans of the Scarlett Bernard series will be delighted to jump back into the Old World, while new fans…let me just say ‘get ready to be hooked’! I absolutely loved Bloodsick and was so sad when it ended...I just didn’t want to leave Sashi, Astrid, Will, and the wolf pack! The ending/Epilogue was just crazy and bittersweet! I hope we find out what happens next for Sashi! I highly recommend Bloodsick, Olson’s spin on the supernaturals (Witches, Vamps, and Weres) is a breath of fresh air. Read it, you won’t be disappointed!
Bloodsick is Will Carling’s origin story, a character that readers met in the Scarlett Bernard series. Bloodsick is narrated by Sashi Noring, a twenty-something Thaumaturge witch (healing magic) living in Minnesota and occasionally Astrid, a female werewolf recently traded to the Minnesota pack to mate with their alpha Luke. There are two stories occurring simultaneously, one with Sashi discovering her place in the world, who wants to make her own path rather than follow in her mom’s footsteps using her magic as an oncologist; and Astrid a new werewolf and member to the Minnesota pack, being mistreated by her Alpha Luke who is determined to bond/mate their wolves together…regardless of their mutual dislike for one another.
I never read a short-story with duo narration, nor is it a preference of mine but I found myself wrapped up in both of these strong women voices and really enjoyed it. Sashi’s mother, Stephanie Noring is Luke’s go-to healer every time he or his wolves get injured. A few days before the full moon, Luke brings Astrid to Stephanie to heal a broken leg and this is where Sashi first meets Astrid and eventually discovers that Luke is not only physically and mentally abusing Astrid but he’s also forcing himself on her in hopes that their wolves bond, and that he will be cured of his madness. Sashi knows she shouldn't meddle in pack affairs, but she's not one to stand by and see another woman go through what Astrid is going through. Sashi's involvement has a snowball effect not only in her Old World business life but also her personal life. While this is supposed to be a story of Will’s origins, the two women are the ones mostly in the spotlight. However, the story still did a great job in painting an image of Will prior to his werewolf transformation and a life before he became the Alpha of the L.A. pack. It was interesting to see all the events that lead up to Will’s transformation, especially when he never had a say in it.
I loved Sashi and Astrid, they were very likeable leads. They are two very different woman but have the same qualities that make them the perfect heroines; both of them are strong, independent, smart, brave and headstrong. I also loved learning all about the witches and wolfs dynamic as well as more of the old world (term used when referring to all the hidden supernaturals). The two supernaturals are very complex in their rules and it was interesting to see how much they differ yet one thing is for certain; the sects cannot stand one another nor do they interact with each other much, which is exactly the way everyone wants it to be kept.
Another great novella from Olson! Bloodsick has all the elements that I love and come to associate with the Scarlett Bernard series packed into this short-story. Bloodsick clocks out at 175 pages, but it was jammed packed with action, a well-written plot, awesome characters and an intriguing world. Bloodsick is a great introduction to Olson’s writing style/story telling; fans of the Scarlett Bernard series will be delighted to jump back into the Old World, while new fans…let me just say ‘get ready to be hooked’! I absolutely loved Bloodsick and was so sad when it ended...I just didn’t want to leave Sashi, Astrid, Will, and the wolf pack! The ending/Epilogue was just crazy and bittersweet! I hope we find out what happens next for Sashi! I highly recommend Bloodsick, Olson’s spin on the supernaturals (Witches, Vamps, and Weres) is a breath of fresh air. Read it, you won’t be disappointed!
July 20, 2015
I was given this book in exchange for a review. You never really know how that is going to go—and in this case it went fabulously.
I loved, loved, loved the main character, Sashi. She was mature, strong, and acted how you would expect someone in their early twenties to act. In fact, all the characters were well developed. They were believable and a good amount of flawed. All the characters were well-rounded and complicated enough to be interesting and challenging.
As for the story itself, I wasn’t disappointed here either. It was unique enough to keep me interested and but adhered to genre conventions enough to be an uncomplicated read. I genuinely wanted to know what was going to happen because I couldn’t predict it. And it didn’t turn out to be a canned and predictable story.
I definitely became a fan of Melissa F. Olsen and I’ve already started buying her other stuff.
I loved, loved, loved the main character, Sashi. She was mature, strong, and acted how you would expect someone in their early twenties to act. In fact, all the characters were well developed. They were believable and a good amount of flawed. All the characters were well-rounded and complicated enough to be interesting and challenging.
As for the story itself, I wasn’t disappointed here either. It was unique enough to keep me interested and but adhered to genre conventions enough to be an uncomplicated read. I genuinely wanted to know what was going to happen because I couldn’t predict it. And it didn’t turn out to be a canned and predictable story.
I definitely became a fan of Melissa F. Olsen and I’ve already started buying her other stuff.
July 24, 2015
Melissa has long been on my list of authors to check out. Budgeting issues keep me from indulging. However, after reading this short, I cannot wait to dig into the Scarlet Bernard series and beyond.
The pacing of this short is fantastic. The comedic moments are quickly overshadowed by a story full of mythology. Sashi and Will are so perfectly stubborn that you can't help but love and root for them. Astrid is such a damsel in distress, but you quickly learn why. That aspect of the story made me sick, so I was glad to see the payoff of that plot point later on.
Again, I'm in love with this introduction to Melissa's work. I WILL be back for more!!! *****FIVE STARS*****
The pacing of this short is fantastic. The comedic moments are quickly overshadowed by a story full of mythology. Sashi and Will are so perfectly stubborn that you can't help but love and root for them. Astrid is such a damsel in distress, but you quickly learn why. That aspect of the story made me sick, so I was glad to see the payoff of that plot point later on.
Again, I'm in love with this introduction to Melissa's work. I WILL be back for more!!! *****FIVE STARS*****
March 17, 2017
Disappointing
I love Melissa F Olson's writing, both the boundary magic and Scarlett Bernard series, but this story seems to exist to set up those worlds without any effort to make it good on it's own and the end is wholly unsatisfying. Choose another of her books!
I love Melissa F Olson's writing, both the boundary magic and Scarlett Bernard series, but this story seems to exist to set up those worlds without any effort to make it good on it's own and the end is wholly unsatisfying. Choose another of her books!
May 21, 2018
74 points/100 (3.75 stars/5).
Sashi is being used by her mother to further her mother's work against cancer by using healing magic, and she hates it. Astrid is being abused by her pack alpha in a bid to make her submit to being his mate, and understandably she hates it. Watch these two women struggle to become their own women against their oppressors.
I really enjoyed reading this one. In urban fantasy, we rarely get to read about healers. Fighters, detectives and the like, no, almost never. I was actually drawn in to this really quickly and I didn't really lose interest over the course of the story. It actually surprised me, because going into this I wasn't certain I would like it at all. It stands on its own as a story really well.
The fight between Sashi and her mother over how she doesn't want to do what her mother wants her to will resonate with a lot of people. As will her fight to be with the boy she wants to be with, despite her mother's objections. In fact, this novella reads as a young adult novella, despite the fact that everyone is over the age of 20, since Sashi is 21 and Astrid is in her 30s.
While Sashi is fighting on the mental front with her mom, Astrid is fighting on the physical front with her alpha. Beaten and raped, she refuses to submit to being what he wants her to be. Becoming a werewolf has caused her nothing but pain, yet she still refuses to give up even though there is no real way for her to make it stop. Well, unless she somehow manages to kill her alpha, though that seems unlikely.
As an introduction to the world-building in the Old World, this novella seems to do a good job. I have yet to get to rereading the rest of Scarlett Bernard, but this seems to hit all the main points. It sets up the main creatures and introduces that the world isn't cohesive and there is no real safety nets in place.
Again, I enjoyed this short story a lot. I really recommend reading it, even as a standalone. It highlights some struggles people have to go through in a good way.
Sashi is being used by her mother to further her mother's work against cancer by using healing magic, and she hates it. Astrid is being abused by her pack alpha in a bid to make her submit to being his mate, and understandably she hates it. Watch these two women struggle to become their own women against their oppressors.
I really enjoyed reading this one. In urban fantasy, we rarely get to read about healers. Fighters, detectives and the like, no, almost never. I was actually drawn in to this really quickly and I didn't really lose interest over the course of the story. It actually surprised me, because going into this I wasn't certain I would like it at all. It stands on its own as a story really well.
The fight between Sashi and her mother over how she doesn't want to do what her mother wants her to will resonate with a lot of people. As will her fight to be with the boy she wants to be with, despite her mother's objections. In fact, this novella reads as a young adult novella, despite the fact that everyone is over the age of 20, since Sashi is 21 and Astrid is in her 30s.
While Sashi is fighting on the mental front with her mom, Astrid is fighting on the physical front with her alpha. Beaten and raped, she refuses to submit to being what he wants her to be. Becoming a werewolf has caused her nothing but pain, yet she still refuses to give up even though there is no real way for her to make it stop. Well, unless she somehow manages to kill her alpha, though that seems unlikely.
As an introduction to the world-building in the Old World, this novella seems to do a good job. I have yet to get to rereading the rest of Scarlett Bernard, but this seems to hit all the main points. It sets up the main creatures and introduces that the world isn't cohesive and there is no real safety nets in place.
Again, I enjoyed this short story a lot. I really recommend reading it, even as a standalone. It highlights some struggles people have to go through in a good way.
September 27, 2022
The Scarlett Bernard series by Melissa Olson is definitely one of my favorites. I always wondered about Sashi’s background, history with Will and what led to the downfall of their relationship. “Bloodsick” answers all of those questions and more and quite frankly I had a hard time putting the read down. Why do we have to work? Lol
In this novella we meet a 21 year old Sashi who is on summer break from the University. She is at home with her mother, the famous Mayo Clinic cancer doctor, Stephanie Nouring. Mother wants Sashi to follow in her footsteps, become a doctor, enter into a genetically matched union in order to keep the witch bloodline pure. However, that is not what Sashi wants nor is she agreeable to this abhorrent future.
One day right before Sashi begins her volunteering duties at the Mayo she accompanies her mother into the room of one of her recovering patients, Will. He is about to be released and for some reason he and Sashi hit it off right away. She knows she should not encourage a relationship with a norm but Will has an intoxicating affect on her.
Meanwhile the local werewolf pack is struggling under the brutal leadership of an oppressive Alpha, Luke. On the full moon Luke brings Astrid, an injured were to Dr. Nouring for treatment of a badly mangled and broken leg. Sashi realizes that there is something wrong with Luke and he is abusing Astrid. She sets out to help only to later realize she has set into motion events that will change everyone’s lives.
This read was chocked full of emotion, action and devastation. I felt for all of the characters including the broken Luke. This installment completely filled in the gaps I had with the series as it pertained to Sashi and Will. It also makes their reunion in the later installments much more satisfying. Kudos Ms. Olson. You’ve done it again!
In this novella we meet a 21 year old Sashi who is on summer break from the University. She is at home with her mother, the famous Mayo Clinic cancer doctor, Stephanie Nouring. Mother wants Sashi to follow in her footsteps, become a doctor, enter into a genetically matched union in order to keep the witch bloodline pure. However, that is not what Sashi wants nor is she agreeable to this abhorrent future.
One day right before Sashi begins her volunteering duties at the Mayo she accompanies her mother into the room of one of her recovering patients, Will. He is about to be released and for some reason he and Sashi hit it off right away. She knows she should not encourage a relationship with a norm but Will has an intoxicating affect on her.
Meanwhile the local werewolf pack is struggling under the brutal leadership of an oppressive Alpha, Luke. On the full moon Luke brings Astrid, an injured were to Dr. Nouring for treatment of a badly mangled and broken leg. Sashi realizes that there is something wrong with Luke and he is abusing Astrid. She sets out to help only to later realize she has set into motion events that will change everyone’s lives.
This read was chocked full of emotion, action and devastation. I felt for all of the characters including the broken Luke. This installment completely filled in the gaps I had with the series as it pertained to Sashi and Will. It also makes their reunion in the later installments much more satisfying. Kudos Ms. Olson. You’ve done it again!
June 11, 2017
Oh....wow
This was really intense and revolting in places, but it was written to be intense and revolting. It was an unthinking view of what really werewolf culture would be like in the old world, and there were super graphic scenes that had to be written to be true to the world that was built.
But it was a tough read and even if it was super well-written there was a lot at play that made me feel uncomfortable, not because it was graphic, but because it's a white woman writing about indian culture. And a lot of it made me sort of raise my eyebrow, but at the same time it was peripheral enough to ignore.
THe point is, this book is not for the faint of heart and it's dealing with a lot of the complex emotional politics of domestic violence and abuse. As somebody who works a lot with that population, I found it real as *****. But I wouldn't recommend this book to just anybody, particularly anybody with any sort of history with abuse or rape.
But I really would love to read more of Sashi's story...
This was really intense and revolting in places, but it was written to be intense and revolting. It was an unthinking view of what really werewolf culture would be like in the old world, and there were super graphic scenes that had to be written to be true to the world that was built.
But it was a tough read and even if it was super well-written there was a lot at play that made me feel uncomfortable, not because it was graphic, but because it's a white woman writing about indian culture. And a lot of it made me sort of raise my eyebrow, but at the same time it was peripheral enough to ignore.
THe point is, this book is not for the faint of heart and it's dealing with a lot of the complex emotional politics of domestic violence and abuse. As somebody who works a lot with that population, I found it real as *****. But I wouldn't recommend this book to just anybody, particularly anybody with any sort of history with abuse or rape.
But I really would love to read more of Sashi's story...
February 26, 2020
Moody, sorta-depressing UF set in Scarlett Bernard’s world
3.5 stars
I liked this short, quick-read novella which is a romance prequel to the Scarlett Bernard UF world. The main storyline focuses on Sashi Durga Noring, a 21-yr old witch whose magical speciality is healing or Thaumaturgy. Sachi’s controlling mother is a world-renowned oncologist, who is treating a handsome man named Will, who is now in remission. Surprised? There are other boilerplate setups.
I was unhappy with the second storyline about Astrid the werewolf, who is being abused, beaten, and raped by her Alpha Wolf partner. I carried on reading, because Melissa Olson always interweaves plots toward the end, so it was crucial to know Astrid’s story. Warning: There are bloody and wincingly crunchy, domestic-violence scenarios. Will Sachi fall for Will? Will Oncologist Mom tolerate Will? How much abuse will Astrid suffer? Will romance-fans find even a smidge of HEA at the denouement?
I like Melissa Olson’s Scarlett Bernard series, so I read this novella to learn more about Sashi and Will.
3.5 stars
I liked this short, quick-read novella which is a romance prequel to the Scarlett Bernard UF world. The main storyline focuses on Sashi Durga Noring, a 21-yr old witch whose magical speciality is healing or Thaumaturgy. Sachi’s controlling mother is a world-renowned oncologist, who is treating a handsome man named Will, who is now in remission. Surprised? There are other boilerplate setups.
I was unhappy with the second storyline about Astrid the werewolf, who is being abused, beaten, and raped by her Alpha Wolf partner. I carried on reading, because Melissa Olson always interweaves plots toward the end, so it was crucial to know Astrid’s story. Warning: There are bloody and wincingly crunchy, domestic-violence scenarios. Will Sachi fall for Will? Will Oncologist Mom tolerate Will? How much abuse will Astrid suffer? Will romance-fans find even a smidge of HEA at the denouement?
I like Melissa Olson’s Scarlett Bernard series, so I read this novella to learn more about Sashi and Will.
May 10, 2020
This was a quick diversion read for continuity and it was 100% worth it (as usual)
Melissa Olson has maybe become my favorite writer over the past couple of years as I've steadily chewed through everything I can find that belongs to her Old World. I had already gotten through (I think) just about every novel of hers and come to her Companion Pieces before I realized I'd missed Bloodsick but thankfully, she's just that badass and actually gave the advice in her notes that reading this first would be a boon before one of her stories in Companion Pieces. It was already on my list, but it was so enjoyable to get to read things in an order that would make more sense. Now, if you'll pardon me, I'm now DYING to get to that next story in Companion Pieces! Enjoy this awesome backstory for Sashi, everyone!
Melissa Olson has maybe become my favorite writer over the past couple of years as I've steadily chewed through everything I can find that belongs to her Old World. I had already gotten through (I think) just about every novel of hers and come to her Companion Pieces before I realized I'd missed Bloodsick but thankfully, she's just that badass and actually gave the advice in her notes that reading this first would be a boon before one of her stories in Companion Pieces. It was already on my list, but it was so enjoyable to get to read things in an order that would make more sense. Now, if you'll pardon me, I'm now DYING to get to that next story in Companion Pieces! Enjoy this awesome backstory for Sashi, everyone!
December 23, 2021
Man did I love this novella.
I wish I had read this book in the order of it chronologically. I think my views on Will would've been better, because of it. I really didn't like him...and always wondered why. I think, something in me...wanted to like him...and now I know why.
That he left with Astrid...saddens me, but Sashi couldn't stand being around him, either. A Romeo and Juliet love story, but where both walk away. Ugh.
I understand her mother's thinking. I truly understand Sashi's thinking. I definitley understood Astrid's thinking. AND I felt for Caroline...too.
Impossible situation. What was the best decision? I think they actually did it. Now, they will have to live with the consequences.
I hope that Melissa writes more books in this series. I just cannot get enough of them. So thankful to have found them.
I wish I had read this book in the order of it chronologically. I think my views on Will would've been better, because of it. I really didn't like him...and always wondered why. I think, something in me...wanted to like him...and now I know why.
That he left with Astrid...saddens me, but Sashi couldn't stand being around him, either. A Romeo and Juliet love story, but where both walk away. Ugh.
I understand her mother's thinking. I truly understand Sashi's thinking. I definitley understood Astrid's thinking. AND I felt for Caroline...too.
Impossible situation. What was the best decision? I think they actually did it. Now, they will have to live with the consequences.
I hope that Melissa writes more books in this series. I just cannot get enough of them. So thankful to have found them.
October 10, 2018
DITTO DITTO DITTO ON ALL OF THE POSITVES
I really love giving a great review for a great, new to me or not author and series, that I decided to read because I read or have heard great reviews. Especially when an author that I really enjoy, wrote the review.
Sáshi is à character that is easy tó identify with.
Arrange my life for me. NEVER. So not okay. Not this Life nor any other. It wouldn't be my life.
Sáshi has very strong feelings, and she expresses them fully with everything she has. Opinionated. Intelligent &Rash. Solid. Great mothering iñstincts. Makes a great foundation for a memorable character. One you wantew to me. Filled with lots of other great characters,
This being the first book I have read by Ms. Olson
I really love giving a great review for a great, new to me or not author and series, that I decided to read because I read or have heard great reviews. Especially when an author that I really enjoy, wrote the review.
Sáshi is à character that is easy tó identify with.
Arrange my life for me. NEVER. So not okay. Not this Life nor any other. It wouldn't be my life.
Sáshi has very strong feelings, and she expresses them fully with everything she has. Opinionated. Intelligent &Rash. Solid. Great mothering iñstincts. Makes a great foundation for a memorable character. One you wantew to me. Filled with lots of other great characters,
This being the first book I have read by Ms. Olson
November 24, 2021
Novella! Because everyone was curious about Sashi’s backstory. So we have Sashi’s issues with her super controlling mom: a) she’s determined that Sashi needs to be a doctor and b) she’s got intense opinions about the racial background of Sashi’s dating prospects. As in, not that they need to have genetic material from South Asia, but that they need to have strong witch bloodlines. Meanwhile we have truly awful stuff happening with the werewolves in town (well, to Astrid in particular), and the guy Sashi’s falling for has some, uh, potentially fatal health issues. A short book, but some real tough parts to read, and you’re not rewarded with a particularly happy ending, but sometimes that’s okay.
March 26, 2018
Heartbreaking and so good. I read this out of order. I just finished Shadow Hunt, and Bloodsick’s connection to that novel was blindsiding. It totally made me cry. Same amazing writing that I expect from Olson, just no HEA here. These Old World novels do such a great job of working magic into everyday life so that none of the fantasy elements seem all that fantastic. It’s gritty and sad and full of real life. So now I may have to go and read something with a ridiculously cute and lighthearted ending just so I’ll stop crying about missed opportunities and the awful decisions people make in life.
September 17, 2018
This was somewhere between a short story and a compilation of chapters. If you've read other books in this universe, this is definitely a much read. I swung back around to this short story when I was reading another anthology. I have always been interested in Will and Sashi and this gives you their full history.
I would recommend reading this at some point during your experience in the Old World, but I'm not exactly sure where it would fit best. Maybe after we meet Sashi? It would certainly help you feel a little more sympathetic for their situation. I both loved and hated that I knew where they would end up, but it was still totally worth the read.
I would recommend reading this at some point during your experience in the Old World, but I'm not exactly sure where it would fit best. Maybe after we meet Sashi? It would certainly help you feel a little more sympathetic for their situation. I both loved and hated that I knew where they would end up, but it was still totally worth the read.
August 21, 2024
Sashi and Will have amazing chemistry and instantly click but there is an issue, Sashi is a witch and Will is human (who happens to be dying of cancer). Her mom doesn't want her child to weaken their bloodline by falling for a human so she takes a drastic step with the help of a werewolf named Astrid, who is being abused by her alpha so she is willing to do anything. I had some knowledge of the characters because I started with a different series but they were secondary characters with little to no backstory. It was interesting to learn more about them in this prequel, I'm excited to drive into this entire world but reading all of the series in chronological order.
April 21, 2024
3.5 Stars
BLOODSICK (Scarlett Bernard Series Book #0.1) By: Melissa F. Olson
‘All her life, Sashi’s mother warned her not to get involved with werewolf problems. But Sashi, a witch who uses healing magic on sick and injured bodies, has never made a habit of ignoring trauma. When she meets an abused shapeshifter that no one else seems willing to help, Sashi will risk everything –including her fledgling relationship – to save a woman who can’t save herself.'
~This is the intriguing prequel to what looks like it could be a great series. Paranormal. Magic. Witches. Shifters. And more…
BLOODSICK (Scarlett Bernard Series Book #0.1) By: Melissa F. Olson
‘All her life, Sashi’s mother warned her not to get involved with werewolf problems. But Sashi, a witch who uses healing magic on sick and injured bodies, has never made a habit of ignoring trauma. When she meets an abused shapeshifter that no one else seems willing to help, Sashi will risk everything –including her fledgling relationship – to save a woman who can’t save herself.'
~This is the intriguing prequel to what looks like it could be a great series. Paranormal. Magic. Witches. Shifters. And more…
January 23, 2025
I have a love/rate relationship with this prequel and it's mainly because Olson is such a gifted storyteller. Without giving the crux of the twist away, this book made me uncomfortable in the "What would I do in this situation?" case study way...and Olson has a way of teaching a lesson so you think you'd decide one way in one book and then you're racking your brain later in the series when you can't figure why you ever thought that way.
This one stuck with me way past reading the series in its entirety.
This one stuck with me way past reading the series in its entirety.
March 17, 2018
This book is so sad! Star-crossed lovers. I'm happy to report that we see Sashi and Will at different times throughout the Old World novels, and that there is some closure on their story in the book that just came out, Shadow Hunt, but the story between these two is still incredibly bittersweet.
October 10, 2018
Melissa F. Olson is a recent discovery of mine, but a welcome one. I've devoured all the Scarlett Bernard and the Allison Luther books and enjoyed the characters and the world-building tremendously. If you enjoy Urban Fantasy with a kick-ass heroine, these are definitely books to check out. Read them in order or they'll never make sense, but there's only three or four in each series, so it won't take too long to sort out and believe me, it will be worth it. Great stuff.
March 11, 2020
This book was fantastic, despite being sad and not having the standard happy ending. I highly suggest this book after reading many of the Old World books as it helps you cope with the ending and the story as a whole. Melissa F. Olson did Sashi and Will Justice with this story, and I followed this wonderful story up with Powerless from the Companion stories - awesome!
Also, the narrator on the audible is fantastic for the Scarlett Series, but I was blown away by her Sashi.
So good!
Also, the narrator on the audible is fantastic for the Scarlett Series, but I was blown away by her Sashi.
So good!
December 5, 2020
Loved the idea of this type of magic. Was exciting to see the conflict between the alpha and the new female of the pack. Much more the type of behavior I believe exists in a pack than the civilized control usually portrayed for were-wolfs. Interestingly see where Sashi and her werewolf friends go from here. Definitely looking for more.
October 11, 2018
Now we know how Will came to have a daughter
Love to read Melissa Olson. Her characters are well developed. The story lines are fascinating, pure magic. One could almost believe that they are true.
Love to read Melissa Olson. Her characters are well developed. The story lines are fascinating, pure magic. One could almost believe that they are true.
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