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Weird #1
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One
Henry Ian Darling is a collector of oddities, those that bring him closer to an enigma, one he hopes will be a great thing.
But maybe it isn’t.
But maybe it isn’t.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
6 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Julie Elizabeth Powell
72 books324 followersHello everyone. If you haven't guessed by now I have a passion for words and have numerous books published in a variety of genres and lengths, in addition to short story anthologies with other authors in the Mind's Eye Series.
Several of my stories are also included within several box sets with Paper Gold Publishing.
Audiobooks are also available at Audible.
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I cannot ignore my dreams, so many of them, with names and places and ideas that spark my imagination and compel me to write; to create stories, whether fantasy or horror, or mystery or psychological thriller or murder or even humour and adventure. So, my garden is sown, flourishing, with all manner of growth, and still the dreams come.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, my soul lingering within my imagination; maybe you’ll join me?
Several of my stories are also included within several box sets with Paper Gold Publishing.
Audiobooks are also available at Audible.
UK - http://www.audible.co.uk/search/ref=a...
USA - http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_m...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_s...
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_...
http://julizpow.wix.com/julieelizabet...
http://www.freewebs.com/julizpow
http://www.lulu.com/julizpow
http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Elizabeth...
https://www.facebook.com/julieelizabe...
https://www.facebook.com/GoneByJulieE...
https://twitter.com/starjewelz
I cannot ignore my dreams, so many of them, with names and places and ideas that spark my imagination and compel me to write; to create stories, whether fantasy or horror, or mystery or psychological thriller or murder or even humour and adventure. So, my garden is sown, flourishing, with all manner of growth, and still the dreams come.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, my soul lingering within my imagination; maybe you’ll join me?
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 13, 2018
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Henry Ian Darling is a collector of oddities, those that bring him closer to an enigma, one he hopes will be a great thing. This is also about Henry's "special" wife Clara and best friend Brett. (Read the book to find out what makes them special).
A fast paced short story. I loved the unique, original writing, macabre and bizarre actions, and "anything is possible" story line. Henry is weird, yet he is so likable.
I loved the narrative aspect, I won't say much more because I don't do spoilers. But I highly recommend Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One you won't be disappointed, I know I was not. A true five star read!
Henry Ian Darling is a collector of oddities, those that bring him closer to an enigma, one he hopes will be a great thing. This is also about Henry's "special" wife Clara and best friend Brett. (Read the book to find out what makes them special).
A fast paced short story. I loved the unique, original writing, macabre and bizarre actions, and "anything is possible" story line. Henry is weird, yet he is so likable.
I loved the narrative aspect, I won't say much more because I don't do spoilers. But I highly recommend Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One you won't be disappointed, I know I was not. A true five star read!
January 3, 2015
First in a series, in this 'weird' story, we're introduced to Henry Darling and follow him on his first adventure. I really enjoyed this story. It kept me hooked from the start and it's wonderfully imaginative. Henry has been through an experience that changed him and now he collects oddities. His wife and his unlikely friend Brett are his companions and helpers. This is a truly unique story from a talented writer. I have enjoyed all of Julie Elizabeth Powell's books and was eager to read this one. The characters are quirky and it's a fast-paced and exciting read. If you haven't read any of this author's work, 'Weird' would be a great place to start. I can't wait for the next story in the series!
October 2, 2016
I loved everything about this story!
Henry is an interesting, intriguing, fascinating, odd, unique, fun character. He tells us his story via his journal writing, and his personality shines throughout.
The plot has a strong supernatural concept, while also being completely believable. I could see it all play out. Sometimes I'd be laughing and sometimes I'd be spooked, and always I was totally engaged.
Julie Elizabeth Powell does a masterful job of staying out of the way and letting the characters take over. I easily forgot that Henry himself wasn't the person telling the tale
I'm looking forward to reading Henry's next missive!
Henry is an interesting, intriguing, fascinating, odd, unique, fun character. He tells us his story via his journal writing, and his personality shines throughout.
The plot has a strong supernatural concept, while also being completely believable. I could see it all play out. Sometimes I'd be laughing and sometimes I'd be spooked, and always I was totally engaged.
Julie Elizabeth Powell does a masterful job of staying out of the way and letting the characters take over. I easily forgot that Henry himself wasn't the person telling the tale
I'm looking forward to reading Henry's next missive!
May 1, 2016
I’m a big fan of short stories and nothing shows off an author’s ability to spin a good yarn more than to thrill me in just a limited amount of words. This author did that very well.
Another thing i want to mention is her ability to write a male character. Sometimes, it doesn’t work that well, but Julia’s character, Henry, came across as all male. He’s quirky, scatter brained, and sweet, and so protective of his wife, Clara. And very patient with Brett, the ghost who followed him back from death.
Yep, Henry died of a heart attack and was revived, bringing back with him a ghost. Neither Henry nor Brett knows how it happened, but they make the best of it, and Clara gets along with Brett quite well.
Clara can see Brett because she is a witch. Not the evil kind. She’s a good one and belongs to coven lead by the kind Ms. Peabody.
Since Henry’s return from death, he collects oddities. Most come with a riddle or mystery to solve. In this case, a book he picked up at a yard sale. A book that can’t be opened. Thus begins the first of many adventures for these three characters.
This short story is told from Henry’s rambling point of view and feels like he’s telling the story directly to you. I found that especially fun.
The character’s give a strong presence, quirks and all, and the plot is unique, you won’t know what to expect.
Had such fun, I opened the next book immediately and continued with this series.
Source: Won in a giveaway.
Another thing i want to mention is her ability to write a male character. Sometimes, it doesn’t work that well, but Julia’s character, Henry, came across as all male. He’s quirky, scatter brained, and sweet, and so protective of his wife, Clara. And very patient with Brett, the ghost who followed him back from death.
Yep, Henry died of a heart attack and was revived, bringing back with him a ghost. Neither Henry nor Brett knows how it happened, but they make the best of it, and Clara gets along with Brett quite well.
Clara can see Brett because she is a witch. Not the evil kind. She’s a good one and belongs to coven lead by the kind Ms. Peabody.
Since Henry’s return from death, he collects oddities. Most come with a riddle or mystery to solve. In this case, a book he picked up at a yard sale. A book that can’t be opened. Thus begins the first of many adventures for these three characters.
This short story is told from Henry’s rambling point of view and feels like he’s telling the story directly to you. I found that especially fun.
The character’s give a strong presence, quirks and all, and the plot is unique, you won’t know what to expect.
Had such fun, I opened the next book immediately and continued with this series.
Source: Won in a giveaway.
February 4, 2015
I will always give my books 5 stars! :) This one came in another dream...are rather Henry Ian Darling did...the rest flowed when I sat at the keyboard.
I never know where my imagination will take me, but it's usually weird.
I never know where my imagination will take me, but it's usually weird.
June 30, 2017
Weird! Short little little piece about an odd cast of characters. Entertaining. Great use of voice.
July 11, 2016
Henry Ian Darling talks directly to the reader via a journal entry or such in this short story. He likes to collect odd things and sometimes those odd things give him a small adventure. In this story, he’ll need the help of his second wife, Clara, and his ghostly friend Bret.
We learn early on that Henry had a massive heart attack after his first wife died. They brought him back, and with a passenger of sorts. Bret is the only dead person Henry can see and hear. Bret has no idea how it happened either. When Henry met his second wife, Clara, he decided to not keep any secrets from her and so far that is working well for both of them. Now the three of them have a quiet, if rather eclectic, settled life.
That is until Henry’s oddities collection brings them something from the other side! Cue classic horror music maniacal laugh! I really enjoyed this story and I find it’s a little hard to say all the reasons why without getting spoilery. So if I’m a bit vague, it’s because I want you to explore this story and discover all it’s goodies yourself.
First, Henry is an adorable old geek at heart. He was geek before there were computers and their was only tinkering with bits and bobs. He loves his oddities and his den is covered with them. The entire story is told from his point of view so we get to see how his mind can ramble a bit and take unusual turns, but that’s all for the best as it turns out. He’s also quite fond of cliches and he doesn’t mind pointing them out and poking fun at them either. Then he also gets a little snarky under stress, and what worthy hero doesn’t? Right away, I really liked Henry and wanted to adopt him as an uncle.
This story had some surprises for me. First, I wasn’t too sure who Bret was with his disfigured face. We learn early on that he’s a ghost but I was little surprised because Henry treats him like a friend and is constantly chatting him up. Clara is a treat too with her own reasons for being with Henry and being so accepting of Bret.
As we get into the meat of the story, a mystery unfolds, but it is one that can only be solved in the supernatural realm. Henry finds himself out of his depth on this one! But he rises to the occasion and does his best with the knowledge he has, sometimes falling back on instinct. The mystery itself wasn’t particularly unusual, but the setting and how it was solved was, making this a charming story.
The tale has a perfect mix of humor, suspense, and the unusual. I didn’t feel there was a dull moment at all in this story. I can see how the author would turn this into a series and I hope that happens!
I won a copy of this book with no strings attached.
The Narration: Alan Weyman was great! He sounded like a slightly befuddled country gent as Henry, which was perfect. His voice for Clara was slower, richer, and feminine. I especially liked his snarky tone.
We learn early on that Henry had a massive heart attack after his first wife died. They brought him back, and with a passenger of sorts. Bret is the only dead person Henry can see and hear. Bret has no idea how it happened either. When Henry met his second wife, Clara, he decided to not keep any secrets from her and so far that is working well for both of them. Now the three of them have a quiet, if rather eclectic, settled life.
That is until Henry’s oddities collection brings them something from the other side! Cue classic horror music maniacal laugh! I really enjoyed this story and I find it’s a little hard to say all the reasons why without getting spoilery. So if I’m a bit vague, it’s because I want you to explore this story and discover all it’s goodies yourself.
First, Henry is an adorable old geek at heart. He was geek before there were computers and their was only tinkering with bits and bobs. He loves his oddities and his den is covered with them. The entire story is told from his point of view so we get to see how his mind can ramble a bit and take unusual turns, but that’s all for the best as it turns out. He’s also quite fond of cliches and he doesn’t mind pointing them out and poking fun at them either. Then he also gets a little snarky under stress, and what worthy hero doesn’t? Right away, I really liked Henry and wanted to adopt him as an uncle.
This story had some surprises for me. First, I wasn’t too sure who Bret was with his disfigured face. We learn early on that he’s a ghost but I was little surprised because Henry treats him like a friend and is constantly chatting him up. Clara is a treat too with her own reasons for being with Henry and being so accepting of Bret.
As we get into the meat of the story, a mystery unfolds, but it is one that can only be solved in the supernatural realm. Henry finds himself out of his depth on this one! But he rises to the occasion and does his best with the knowledge he has, sometimes falling back on instinct. The mystery itself wasn’t particularly unusual, but the setting and how it was solved was, making this a charming story.
The tale has a perfect mix of humor, suspense, and the unusual. I didn’t feel there was a dull moment at all in this story. I can see how the author would turn this into a series and I hope that happens!
I won a copy of this book with no strings attached.
The Narration: Alan Weyman was great! He sounded like a slightly befuddled country gent as Henry, which was perfect. His voice for Clara was slower, richer, and feminine. I especially liked his snarky tone.
March 7, 2016
This was a interesting short story about Henry Darling. He is a ghost back from the dead who lives with his wife Clara, a witch and his friend Brett who is also a ghost. Henry collects oddities or experiences. In this story he an Brett find a book that will not open. When it does it takes them all into another world on a fantastical adventure to help a woman save her children.
This book had a great narrator who enthusiastically told of Henry's adventure. His excitement and inflections made the book very entertaining to listen to.
I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by the author. This is an unbiased review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book had a great narrator who enthusiastically told of Henry's adventure. His excitement and inflections made the book very entertaining to listen to.
I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by the author. This is an unbiased review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2016
I had no idea what to expect with this short story, but the title was so intriguing I dived in. What an interesting narrator! The voice was powerful and engaging. And although the plot and situation was not my "cup of tea" the writing was strong enough that I had to keep reading to find out what happened. Recommended for anyone who likes to read things that are totally different, "out of the box" and weird!
September 12, 2016
Too weird, creepy, and paranormal for my taste. I also had a very difficult time following the plot or understanding what was supposed to be happening.
February 27, 2021
Unusual Short Story
The author touts this as a journal, but it is not, in my opinion. I would guess about 80% of this story is the main character's inner thoughts. I think this was the author's way of giving the reader background information on Henry. But Henry's thoughts jump all over the place. So this is not a cohesive story. But once I got to the end I came away with some knowledge of Henry's relationship with his wife, how Henry acquired a ghost friend, Henry's love of all things odd or paranormal, and his brief encounter with a strange book. The actual missive one is about what happens when Henry is finally able to open a very odd book. And that encounter was quite interesting, albeit it left me with many questions about how that could happen and why it happened.
So, I liked the story but I don't like having questions at the end of a book. And I do not like the writing style where a book is mainly someone's inner dialogue with himself.
The author calls this a journal, but a journal tells what happened from the beginning to the end. Henry's inner dialogue was mostly about himself, in no particular order.
The author touts this as a journal, but it is not, in my opinion. I would guess about 80% of this story is the main character's inner thoughts. I think this was the author's way of giving the reader background information on Henry. But Henry's thoughts jump all over the place. So this is not a cohesive story. But once I got to the end I came away with some knowledge of Henry's relationship with his wife, how Henry acquired a ghost friend, Henry's love of all things odd or paranormal, and his brief encounter with a strange book. The actual missive one is about what happens when Henry is finally able to open a very odd book. And that encounter was quite interesting, albeit it left me with many questions about how that could happen and why it happened.
So, I liked the story but I don't like having questions at the end of a book. And I do not like the writing style where a book is mainly someone's inner dialogue with himself.
The author calls this a journal, but a journal tells what happened from the beginning to the end. Henry's inner dialogue was mostly about himself, in no particular order.
May 15, 2017
This is the first in a series of stories concerning the title character – Henry Ian Darling - and his adventures. The words ‘quirky’ and imaginative’ sprang to mind as I devoured this witty and distinctive tale. Having said that, when I reached the end, I wasn’t entirely sure what had happened (although I find this is often the case with short stories, so that isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Julie Elizabeth Powell has a unique and thoughtful writing style and a clear, distinctive voice. It’ll be interesting to see where she takes this character and his strange friends.
March 28, 2018
A Quirky Introduction
Darling's first adventure introduces us to Powell's likable everyman paranormal investigator and his WEIRD world.
There are definite shades of the eerie otherworlds of Barker at work, and fans of quirky horror will not be disappointed.
Darling's first adventure introduces us to Powell's likable everyman paranormal investigator and his WEIRD world.
There are definite shades of the eerie otherworlds of Barker at work, and fans of quirky horror will not be disappointed.
January 28, 2018
Very interesting. A great was to establish a framework in which the reader is introduced to the occult, horror and the supernatural. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
June 16, 2019
Great short story
Really enjoyed this look forward to reading more from this author
A cool short story that opens the imagination
Definitely recommend this
Really enjoyed this look forward to reading more from this author
A cool short story that opens the imagination
Definitely recommend this
September 23, 2016
I was not sure how I felt about this book. On one hand, I don't think this book is my normal cup of tea, but I did find that I cared about the characters and was drawn into the story by them. I like the short-story genre, especially if it is written well and is able to come to some sort of conclusion. Even though this book is part of a series, each book contains its own adventure, so there is a sort of conclusion. I listened to the Audible audio version of this book narrated by Alan Weyman. Again, I'm not quite sure how I felt about him as a narrator. He pronounces his "R's" as "W's", which irritated me at first, but eventually didn't bother me as much. Despite the speech impediment, his voice lent itself to a very vivid picture of the character.
August 5, 2016
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Henry Ian Darling is a collector of oddities, those that bring him closer to an enigma, one he hopes will be a great thing. This is also about Henry's "special" wife Clara and best friend Brett. (Read the book to find out what makes them special).
A fast paced short story. I loved the unique, original writing, macabre and bizarre actions, and "anything is possible" story line. Henry is weird, yet he is so likable.
I loved the narrative aspect, I won't say much more because I don't do spoilers. But I highly recommend Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One you won't be disappointed, I know I was not. A true five star read!
Henry Ian Darling is a collector of oddities, those that bring him closer to an enigma, one he hopes will be a great thing. This is also about Henry's "special" wife Clara and best friend Brett. (Read the book to find out what makes them special).
A fast paced short story. I loved the unique, original writing, macabre and bizarre actions, and "anything is possible" story line. Henry is weird, yet he is so likable.
I loved the narrative aspect, I won't say much more because I don't do spoilers. But I highly recommend Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One you won't be disappointed, I know I was not. A true five star read!
November 14, 2016
As always, another great read from Julie Elizabeth Powell. She has such a creative mind and it really comes out in her books. Not many authors can tell a full story in such a short period of time but I've learned from reading to her other books that if anyone can do it Julie Elizabeth Powell can. The story was just under an hour but I came away feeling like I've read a whole story. I can't wait to move on to part two. Good for all ages.
November 14, 2016
As always, another great read from Julie Elizabeth Powell. She has such a creative mind and it really comes out in her books. Not many authors can tell a full story in such a short period of time but I've learned from reading to her other books that if anyone can do it Julie Elizabeth Powell can. The story was just under an hour but I came away feeling like I've read a whole story. I can't wait to move on to part two. Good for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews