A Sad Jar of Atoms

Glass and Iron #0.5

by Monica Enderle Pierce

*This short story is a prequel to Girl Under Glass. It contains no spoilers.*

Accused of adultery and manslaughter, and nine months pregnant, Rachel Pryne faces community judgment and a terrible decision. She can accept the protection of her community's leader -- the man who fathered her child by rape -- or be expelled into a world devastated by alien conquerors. Rachel must choose death or the devil and find hope somewhere in between.

In this short story prequel to the sci-fi/post-apocalyptic novel, Girl Under Glass, readers will meet Rachel Pryne and discover just how determined a mother can be, even when the odds against her are overwhelming.

Genres: Dystopia

24 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

About the author

Monica Enderle Pierce and her characters have been kicking the crap out of evil since 2012. She writes fantasy and science fiction. Her stories are filled with strong women, smart men, love, adventure, and magic. She has an English literature degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and she lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband, their daughter, a neurotic dog, and two crazy tomcats. When she's not sending characters into battle or off on an adventure, she's reading minds, seeing through walls, and reveling in the glorious Pacific Northwest rain.

Reviews

[Jess Schira]

I’ve been looking forward to finding enough time to read A Sad Jar of Atoms ever since I first heard Monica Enderle Pierce had released a prequel story to her outstanding debut sci-fi novel, Girl Under Glass, part of her Glass and Iron series. I’m very pleased to report that A Sad Jar of Atoms didn’t disappoint me. The short story does a wonderful job of explaining how Rachel became so ostracized and harbored so much resentment for the people who inhabited Suffer. A Sad Jar of Atoms also does a wonderful job of showing just how level headed and determined Rachel was, even during her lowest points.

As is her style, Monica Enderle Pierce gave her story a Western flair that fans of the old television show, Firefly, will enjoy. It’s an angsty story that will have you falling in love with Rachel and the sci-fi genre all over again.

[Kristin]

Insider peak ;)

While this is short it gives you a quick glimpse into what happened before Girl Under Glass. I highly recommend giving this a read.

[Suz]

A heroine that's plucky enough to give birth all alone but not to fight back against her rapist.

We'll see how this story pans out. I really hate it when women don't fight their persecutors.

[Della]

A tantalizing preview of what's to come

I give it a 4 star rating. Well written, atmospheric and good characterization making it impossible not to want to read the next book.