Praxis Novellas

Mosaic Chronicles #2

by Andrea Pearson

Note from the author:
Praxis Novellas, Katon University Book Two contains three novellas that, while not continuing Nicole and Austin's relationship per se, are integral to the plot line of the entire series (which is why together they're considered to be the second book of the series). As stated above, you can receive Praxis for free by joining my newsletter list. Happy reading!

The Focus:
When Nicole, a talented cellist, goes to Ohio to sharpen her skills with wind magic, she has no idea her studies are about to collide with terrifying creatures and people from another dimension. Based off one of HP Lovecraft’s popular stories.

The Manor:
Austin receives a photograph in the mail and quickly discovers something about it isn’t quite right: every time he looks at it, there are changes.
And the changes aren’t good.

The Angel:
Lizzie doesn't know the old whistle she found in a deserted trapper's cabin is possessed. She blows on it, accidentally calling back the spirit of a dead goddess consumed by the desire to snare the person who called her.

When the goddess arrives in the form of a statue, the stillness of Lizzie's mountain retreat is destroyed.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Magic, Novella, Romance, Collections

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2014

About the author

Andrea, a Brigham Young University graduate, is an avid reader and outdoor enthusiast (hiking, fishing, boating, biking, spending time in the Rocky Mountains, and taking walks). She spent a year and a half serving the Spanish speaking community in Toronto, Canada, and fluently speaks 2 ½ languages. She plays several instruments, not including the banjo, and loves putting together musical arrangements. Her favorite sports are basketball and football, though several knee surgeries and incurably awful coordination prevent her from playing them.

Andrea is always in the mood for a good movie with close friends and family (especially her husband and mom), with a large glass of milk and a bowl of overly buttered popcorn nearby. She also enjoys oil painting, making earrings, squeezing every bit of oxygen out of Ziploc bags, and she hopes to someday travel to Italy and Alaska.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three short stories are nestled in between books one and three, all designed to give more depth to three main characters, Nicole, Austin and Lizzie. Brief bites to be read all at once or broken up when time allows.

The Focus: Nicole still struggles to gain focus on her magic. When she hears and feels the magic from an apartment above, she is thrown into a dark world where terror awaits. Just enough to keep readers guessing at what will happen next, while hoping for more detail in a complete novel.

The Manor: Finally a bit more in depth knowledge about Austin, as a photo becomes a chameleon that looks different to different people, constantly changing, growing more dark and ominous. When Austin is compelled to find this mysterious home, he steps into a world of dark magic far stronger than any seen before, but once again, the loss of a child cannot be prevented, although it may no longer be a mystery. The best of the lot, this had me from start to a finish that came far too soon! Another tease for another novel?

The Angel: Lizzie, Nicole’s flashy, funny best friend finds that the peace and solitude of a mountain retreat becomes a nightmare she may not escape from and it all started with an old whistle she found. A quick tale with a few moments of seeing Lizzie on her own, using her powers and surviving the clutches of an ancient goddess!

Andrea Pearson has created a bridge between novels that is almost like three literary commercials, just little snippets that hopefully will lead to further explanations later! Nothing too heavy, not quite enough to truly sink your teeth into but definitely entertaining.

I received a complimentary copy from Andrea Pearson.

Series: Mosaic Chronicles - Book 2
Publication Date: September 22, 2014
Publisher: Andrea Pearson
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 165 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[KelticKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a set of 3 novellas that help expand on the world and story created in Discern.

1st novella is The Focus Dedication - We follow Nichole as she travels to Hoglin, Ohio to study with Professor Stephen Nielson, a Wind Arete who uses the Cello as a medium. She is drawn in by an elusive elderly woman who plays Cello in the middle of the night. What is her story? Also, Nichole continues to struggle with the Cello as her medium.

2nd novella is The Manor - In this story we follow Austin, Nicole, Lizzie & Nate. Austin receives, as a birthday present, a unique old photograph from his brother. The photograph has only a brief description on the back - but it appears to be of a Manor in the Seattle area. This is a magical photograph that draws the "gang" into a creepy and sad story of the owners of the home.

The 3rd novella is The Angel - Here we follow Lizzie as she visits with Nate's family at their Cabin near Olympic National Park. There is a beautiful but disturbing statue of a woman that welcomes visitors to this cabin (think large Adirondack type summer home). She learns the old legend of lovers from Steph (Nate's Mom) and while on a hike finds a much smaller & rustic cabin - that appears as if someone simply walked away one day and didn't return - leaving all sorts of personal belongings and such. In this cabin she finds an old whistle - what if any do the statue and whistle have in common?

Great tag-a-long stories to the longer novels. Definitely looking forward to continuing on in this series.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praxis Novellas (Katon University #2) by Andrea Pearson is the second book in the series by can be read as a stand alone book. The book has three short stories in them that continue the story of the main characters. Each are chilling! Magic, suspense, mystery, and more all wrapped up in the three stories. I loved all three. I stayed up all night reading the book! It was creepy and awesome at the same time, loved it! I got this book free for being on her newsletter list. Thanks so much!!!

[Maria von Riva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drei Kurzgeschichten, je eine zu jeder Hauptfigur (Nicole, Austin und Lizzie). Alle wirklich gut und die letzten beiden fand ich teilweise auch wirklich ziemlich gruselig.

Ich bin immer noch geflasht davon, wie klasse die Reihe ist und ich hoffe, dass es auch bei den anderen sechs Bänden so bleibt.

[Heather Rainwater-Alvarado · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the first book in the series, Discern, in the Angels and Demons book set, the main storyline intrigued me enough to check the price of the other books. When I saw you could get books 1-5 for $.99 as a bundle, I figured, why not? I did not realize, however, that "Book 2" would really be "Book 1.5". The front cover calls this "Book 2", although it then includes "Novellas" under the title which is confusing. Even the Omnibus lists Praxis as "Book 2". This is not a book. It is a novella comprised of three very succinct stories. I even use the term "story" loosely here because they are only a tad bit longer than chapters. If you have the opportunity to purchase this as part of the set as I did at a discounted cost, I would highly recommend it. I would have been extremely upset (as some other reviewers were) if I had paid full retail price for these short stories. I'm leaving this review separately from the Omnibus I purchased since I have quite a bit to say about this particular piece of the series.

After discovering this was a novella rather than a sequel, I was very disappointed. Especially after Book 1 concluded with a lot of loose ends and a cliffhanger on what would happen next. Although each of the three stories fill the gaps for the full books that follow, it was really off-putting to have to put the main storyline on hold and read three separate stories. And they are completely separate. They have nothing to do with each other. The only similarity is that they all contain the same main characters. Each story is even told from a different character's point of view.

I still maintain that the maturity level of this series is Young Adult because of the maturity level of the characters, PG rated romance, and lack of graphic violence. There is violence. It just is not anything that would keep me from letting my 12 year old read it. The genre of writing is a bit ambiguous however. The series began as paranormal/urban fantasy, and has now morphed into a more horror/science fiction genre. This especially applies to the Praxis novella. As one reviewer suggested, I agree that this story is similar to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Unfortunately I prefer the paranormal/urban fantasy genre, which is one of the main reasons I've given this a two star rating.

In the end, I did finish the novella and plodded on to the third book in the series hoping that these three stories would help clarify things in the books to come.

[Meche · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories from Austin, Nicole and her bff(forgot her name) .
The one related to Nicole is the continuation after the first book, so She goes and learn how to control her focus but finds a lady that also plays cello and the sound is enchanting for her so she tries to befriend the lady but she doesn't want to. Nicole doesn't learn anything from the guy that she originally went for and realizes that the cellist lady has been trying to chase away some spirits. Nicole ends up playing the cello of the lady and realizes that her focus I related to the type of The cello and its story. This story I very meh and I didn't love it or hate it
The second story Is in my opinion the best one because it's quite creepy and it has Austin's POV. He receives a photo from his brother of a creature that moves in front of an old house. Apparently the creature wants to kidnap a baby and this happens over and over again even though the baby is dead. This story was really interesting and I love how Austin is a little dork with Nicole
the last one is with ... the bff and was also kind of meh. It was about a lady ghost that was waiting for her lover so she could kill him.

[Damian Southam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole's followed the recommendation to move and Hoglin, Ohio is to be her new address. Cosmetically the new location appears to be worse than her old residence. If the short stare followed by a refusal to meet her gaze is anything to go by, then her new street's neighbours are far from friendly. One might go so far as to suggest rude. The absence of a wide enough span for parking her car, adding insult to injury. She couldn't find her focus well enough either, so lugging her moving items cannot even be assisted by her channeling of air. Although, if the expressions on her neighbours faces are anything to go by, such a choice mighten be the wisest she could make. Obviously, being the youngest person residing on her new street might suggest her placement at the nearby Misto University. The reek of brine, rotting fish and sewage from the nearby canal would be unbearable when the temperature rose.

Thus its hard to say whether her age of placement were to blame. Seeing as all her elderly neighbours were standing or sitting in their front yards, she'd been able to deduce an age span starting at about forty years her senior. Given its close proximity to Misto, it was surprising that an absence of any other younger inhabitants occurs. The longer it took to get to number seventeen, the harder it became to conceive how she'd manage living there for three weeks. Those that met her gaze did so for only a few seconds before they pretended she didn't exist. Even once she finally arrived at her building's doorstep, the building manager (Mr. Langdon) did no more than say a short greeting declaring his job, before continuing to ignore her in the same manner of the rest of her street. The sooner Nicole is able to get the necessary information and experience with her new Professor, Stephen Nielsen, the sooner she could return to Katon.

Fortunately, some of her reservations, and her daydreaming about kisses with Austin, left her upon arrival the following morning at the Misto campus. There's a picturesque and breathtaking magnificence of natural flora amongst it's buildings and grounds, making it a gardner's delight tocstudy at. As with the up and down of a yo-yo, Nicole's discouragement returns somewhat, when during their first encounter and introductory lesson Nielsen fails to address anything concerning her troubled focus and channeling her magic. As learnt in Discern this three week change from Coolidge was meant to be about obtaining the specialised instruction Nielsen excels in with Aretes who have Cello foci. After ninety-minutes playing every composition she knows he sends her away with a folder of sheet music to master before the following day, but no mention of wind magic.

The dazed and non-responsive residents of the building and street had a secret they kept through no will of their own. A magical phenomenon had been escalating for an unknown time due to the elderly cello playing lady from the seventh floor. As with the Arches and the creatures strengthened by Nicole's playing something of a similar nature was occurring before ever Nicole landed at their front door. Only two people had an inkling of what was going on and neither could tell her before it was too late. One, from the state brought on by the occurrences, and the other, by their doubts over whether they're correct. When and if reinforcements arrive, it may be too late to do anything about it.

From this tale the book jumps to a new story, for the first time, from Austin's main point of view. The Manor deals with a magical photograph sent to Austin by one of his older brothers, Cody. The photograph from the late eighteen-hundreds captures a malevolent figure that moves around the image of a manor. Unable to put his curiosity aside, Austin invites Nicole and Lizzie to help him research the name and location. But in doing so they involve themselves with the intent of the malevolence and thus bite off much more than they can chew. Working from assumptions and much limited information they draw up a plan of attack, believing they know why the figure is there. Recruiting other aretes on the basis of saving lives the students of Katon take it upon themselves to intercede.

The Angel is the following tale and once again there's a shift. Another first sees the new story from Lizzie's point of view, and another case of an object causing harm. Praxis is thus a collection of short tales of the bizarre and thrill. Nightmarish creatures, spiritual figures and ghosts of long dead powerful aretes from bygone eras gone by, haunt, chase, repel and try to kidnap the friends of Discern. Each novella focuses on each of the three points of view from Nicole to Austin and then to Lizzie. Each of the girls must contend with their foes without the much missed assistance of their closest friends. In Austin's case he has the assistance of his friends but he nonetheless drives the story forward, with the girls playing secondary roles.

Each of the novellas contained in this anthology of sorts are entertaining and quite succinct when it comes to key events. As you might expect this makes for a snappy pace, and conclusions that don't require hours to reach. The overall length of the book isn't exactly short lived, the collection making up the length of a medium to long novella; and the bonus sampler of the first three chapters from book three, Perceive, adds about the additional length of another short story. Between Discern and Praxis the magical abilities of the two leading ladies have started to move along, but its obvious they still have a significant way to travel before they reach a place where they can be relied upon. Not being the type of reader to get into samplers before I'm ready to get the whole book, I cannot comment on what might be expected, as I never read the bonus chapters. For those who do though, there's roughly a little under an hour's taste of where the series will go next. It was a novelty to get the change in point of views and to enjoy the serial manner of book two, Praxis.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praxis, the second book in the Mosaic Chronicles, contains three novellas. The Focus (Nicole’s POV), The Manor (Austin’s POV), and The Angel (Lizzie’s POV). They don’t exactly carry on the story from the first book, but they are necessary in the progression of the series and some events are mentioned again later. These stories kept me up way too late one night (which contributed to some weird Kilenya/Mosaic mashed up dreams) mainly because The Manor and The Angel are so creepy. They are well-written and while it doesn’t take much to scare me, the creepiness was just the right level. Some of the stuff in The Angel is a bit… familiar… for Doctor Who fans. I highly recommend all Mosaic Chronicles fan read this set of novellas (but you must read Discern first or you’ll just be confused).

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole is in Seattle for 3 weeks learning from a master Cellist and Professor. She lives on an odd block on the other side of a smelly canal. It's just three weeks.
Every night she hears a brilliant cellist playing. She befriends the elderly lady and she listens to her play. Nicole comments she would like to hear her play what she has been listening to every night for the past week. Oh No! There is something very Strange going on!
Andrea Pearson again has claimed my heart and my full attention. I can't wait to see what happens next. Character introduction is masterfully done as not to remove anything from the flow of the story. I love this one too.I highly recommend this Book.I'm
moving on to number 3 in the series.

[Jestice Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each story was to further introduce you to Lizzy, Nichole and Austin from the series.

I enjoyed Nichole's story and would have given that story a 5 star.

Austin's story had my heart racing and me freaking out with a scary story and then it was over. It didn't leave on a cliff hanger, but I felt the ending fell a bit short to what I thought was going to happen. It's because of this I would give his story a 3 star.

Lizzy ' s story seemed rushed and didn't draw me in like the others. It wasn't horrible, just blah. 2 stars because it was written well, just not drawn.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

These novellas, in Praxis, Mosaic Chronicles #2 pre-date the Koven Chronicle series I have read previously. Some of the same characters appear as college students whose magical abilities are in early development. It is interesting to see how friendships develop and grow. I need to go back to read #1 and the rest of the series. Andrea Pearson has created a great premise and likeable characters. The demons are not likeable, but certainly interesting. Posting this review is totally voluntary.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praxis
Loved the focus. Where she plays an instrument to ward off things trying to escape in to our world. So interesting and a great magical story line.

The manor: Crazy, creepy, wow! This short story is amazing! So much in such a short book. They were able to change things for the better. Good amongst crazy and creepy.

The angel: cringe. Shake. Eek! These are seriously creepy stories. Otherworldly and seemingly so real. They make your hair stand on end and cringe worthy. SO good. I will read them when I get the desire to write a scary story.

[Carol Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horror tale set in essentially our world, where some people can do elemental magic. The plot revolves around a teen, Nicole, who is trying to unlock her wind magic. Her roommate Lizzie, and a few friends, try to solve 3 mysteries, which are unconnected. All were solved, but I felt like I was missing pieces about the youth’s abilities, and didn't totally understand the world-building. To be fair, this was book 2, and I haven’t read book one. Maybe a prologue would have helped. I received a free copy of this book, with no obligation.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I enjoyed Andrea Pearson’s supernatural stories as she crafts three separate stories in one book. I found myself speeding up my reading to finish each of them. Then I reflected on what I would do if I were faced with those experiences providing of course that I possessed magical abilities.

I must also say that she proves a story can be exciting without having profanity. I am turned off by such language and I don’t think I’m alone in my thinking that.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mosiac Chronicles series, authored by Andrea Pearson, continues its magical journey with the Praxis Novellas.

A creative way to share viewpoints of characters introduced in her first book, Discern, we get a variety of tales revolving around Lizzie, Nicole and Austin. With romances blooming and adventures hapoening, whether they want them to or not, these novellas keep us excited about the Arete world!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the Mosaic Chronicles books 1-5 and these stories are contained in the book. All Three stories contain Nicole, Austin and Lizzie. Nicole is the main character in the first story, Austin in the second and Lizzie is in the 3rd story. All the stories are exciting and contain a mysterious them, but I think my favorite is story #3. The stories are not of the "Cookie cutter" variety. The author, Andrea Pearson has done a fantastic job of telling a story and I'm sure everyone will enjoy them.

[Naoé · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the kind of novellas that were necessary to understand the rest of the series I think we learn more about the 3 main characters their personality their backgrounds their feelings and I enjoyed it a lot all three of them
They all have a creepy theme in them some really unusual things happened and it was cool good way to keep the tension
I really enjoyed it

[Elaine Chiu · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't as good as the first book. I mean, I loved the short story about Austin and the manor. That was my favorite short story out of the three in the book, probably because it was the creepiest and most action-packed. Plus, I loved the insight on Austin's feelings for Nicole.

[Ken Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

More along the lines of short stories. These continue to develop the world and characters. Develops the idea of danger wherever the characters go. Sets up the idea that they must continue to grow in their abilities and in their trust of each other to survive and make a difference in the world.

[Donna Ruckart]

What an unusual way to continue the story. Andrea gives us novellas of each of our main characters, Nicole, Austin and Lizzie. I enjoyed learning more of each. Now I cannot wait to see how the story line goes from here. Great writing, keeps you reading to the end!

[annieluvsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn't quite as good as I was expecting. It was focusing more on Nicole rather than the entire story. But it does give a good insight into Nicole Learning to control or harness her powers.

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

These novellas are fun additions to the story, but they also fell flat. I didn't even understand what was going on and the motivation behind most of the characters actions.

[Tamsin O'Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true pleasure to read, as is all her work. This one holds your attention well from start to finish.

[Sydney Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

These were fun stories to read, reminding me very much of the spooky stories we tell each other around Halloween! Lizzie's story was my favorite overall. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed all three stories tremendously!

[Karl Hakimian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was 3 short stories filling in some details between the first and third books. It does a good job of filling some details and setting things up for more adventures.

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the novellas. quite interesting plot. couldn't let the book down until i got to the end

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three great stories to enhance the series! Each story follows the group of friends but each is told from a different persons perspective. Grab the boxed set (I did!) and enjoy the entire series!

[Jamie Jowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a novella after the first book...love the characters...must read if u like magic.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great creepy novella collection! I enjoyed the various points of view: Nicole, Austin, and Lexie respectively.