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Sanyare Chronicles #0.5
Pixie Tamer
A Short Story Prequel to Sanyare: The Last Descendant
It’s Nuriel “Rie” Lhethannien’s twenty-fifth nameday. She should be celebrating her rise to maturity, not sweating in the training hall. But life isn’t fair, and humans aren’t equal to the elves, at least not in the High Court.
After losing a practice bout to the one man she wants to trust, Rie is thrown into the most challenging test of her life. Will the rewards outweigh the risks?
It’s Nuriel “Rie” Lhethannien’s twenty-fifth nameday. She should be celebrating her rise to maturity, not sweating in the training hall. But life isn’t fair, and humans aren’t equal to the elves, at least not in the High Court.
After losing a practice bout to the one man she wants to trust, Rie is thrown into the most challenging test of her life. Will the rewards outweigh the risks?
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2015
25 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Megan Haskell
19 books143 followersLegend has it, I was born with a book in my hands. When I was a kid, my mom would ground me from reading in order to get me to do my chores. To this day, I can readily ignore the real world in favor of the imaginary one lurking between the pages of my current addiction. My dad — also an avid reader — introduced me to Tolkien in my late elementary years, and I never looked back. I love escaping to worlds where magic and monsters are real, especially stories with kick-butt heroines and dangerously attractive heroes.
Despite my voracious book appetite, I didn’t start creative writing until I was working as a number cruncher in a big accounting firm. With an hour plus commute by train every day, and a demanding left-brain occupation, I needed a mobile creative outlet. A pen and paper are about as mobile as it gets! As the pages began to fill, I quickly moved onto a tiny laptop, and a writer was born. Now I get to create my own fantasies!
I currently live in Southern California with my wonderfully supportive husband, two daughters, and a ridiculously energetic dog.
Despite my voracious book appetite, I didn’t start creative writing until I was working as a number cruncher in a big accounting firm. With an hour plus commute by train every day, and a demanding left-brain occupation, I needed a mobile creative outlet. A pen and paper are about as mobile as it gets! As the pages began to fill, I quickly moved onto a tiny laptop, and a writer was born. Now I get to create my own fantasies!
I currently live in Southern California with my wonderfully supportive husband, two daughters, and a ridiculously energetic dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 21, 2017
A very short prequel story to The Last Descendant by Megean Haskell.
Rie, the main character, is a kickass heroine who tries to find her way up in the world where humans are inferior to elves and also treated this way. The story starts off more like a gritty fantasy but at some point change direction into something that feels more like a YA. That puts me wondering what exactly the style of the series is, though I guess it’s a mix of both.
The writing is solid. It's something small but I had reservation regarding using a few info dumps in a middle of a fight. I mention that only because it's a short story so everything counts. The characterization is ok, and the pacing is just right.
As for the ending – I think it’s the hardest thing to do in a short story, but here there’s a nice resolution that wraps up the story pretty well.
All in all, it’s a nice short story.
3.5/5
Rie, the main character, is a kickass heroine who tries to find her way up in the world where humans are inferior to elves and also treated this way. The story starts off more like a gritty fantasy but at some point change direction into something that feels more like a YA. That puts me wondering what exactly the style of the series is, though I guess it’s a mix of both.
The writing is solid. It's something small but I had reservation regarding using a few info dumps in a middle of a fight. I mention that only because it's a short story so everything counts. The characterization is ok, and the pacing is just right.
As for the ending – I think it’s the hardest thing to do in a short story, but here there’s a nice resolution that wraps up the story pretty well.
All in all, it’s a nice short story.
3.5/5
February 24, 2015
I admit, I not a huge fan of the fae and in fact, have read very few books about them. More often than not I feel let down by them but once in awhile something fun comes about that is just so entertaining it is hard to resist it.
This little prequel novella was just such a read. I had fun while reading this. There was a lot packed into this little book and it made me very curious about picking up the full length novel.
It was very well written, edited, and had some engaging characters that I can already tell I will like.
I am truly looking forward to reading the first book.
This little prequel novella was just such a read. I had fun while reading this. There was a lot packed into this little book and it made me very curious about picking up the full length novel.
It was very well written, edited, and had some engaging characters that I can already tell I will like.
I am truly looking forward to reading the first book.
January 1, 2016
Pixie Tamer is the prequel that leads us into Sanyare. We are given a taste of Rie in battle and her encounter with the pixies. Rie is a human girl living among the Elves working hard to earn her place among them training hard each day. After a day of letting an elf get the best of her in a fight, her guardian sends her off to survive an encounter with the pixies. However this encounter with the pixies will be anything but what she expects.
We are only given a few short pages of who Rie is but I can see already she’s the kind of character that I’m going to enjoy. Right off I can’t pronounce any of the other characters so far in the book but that’s alright with me I just make it up in my head which is half the fun. While Pixie Tamer is short it does have just enough to wet my appetite for the book and I can’t wait to dive into Rie’s world. While short the story is well written and captivating it draws the reader in giving just enough to leave them wanting more. I can’t wait to start the book Sanyare: The Last Descendant which is my next read.
We are only given a few short pages of who Rie is but I can see already she’s the kind of character that I’m going to enjoy. Right off I can’t pronounce any of the other characters so far in the book but that’s alright with me I just make it up in my head which is half the fun. While Pixie Tamer is short it does have just enough to wet my appetite for the book and I can’t wait to dive into Rie’s world. While short the story is well written and captivating it draws the reader in giving just enough to leave them wanting more. I can’t wait to start the book Sanyare: The Last Descendant which is my next read.
February 6, 2015
In reading Megan Haskell‘s Pixie Tamer, I know I have discovered a new favorite.
Written as a prequel to Haskell’s upcoming Sanyare: The Last Descendant, this story, more than a mere introduction, invites us into a world the author has envisioned for her protagonist, Rie, and her not so cute, but ultimately (well, we’ll see in the full novel, I guess) endearing sidekicks–the pixies. I won’t say much about them except, think barracudas with wings.
As one possible demerit, I’ll say the story felt a tad short. I wanted to see more about Rie and her environs, maybe throw up some confetti and beat a piñata, or whatever they do in her Elven world when it’s your birthday. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. The story does contain one self-resolved element, and it also sets us up for more to come. And to partially quench our hunger for more, Haskell includes an excerpt from her upcoming novel.
For additional compensation, there’s much to like and enjoy in Pixie Tamer. First, Megan Haskell writes in a straightforward, let’s get on with it manner that weaves in background information as needed, naturally, and without halting the action. Her writing is crisp, and this she uses to draw a compelling, conflicted character. This character, Rie, she firmly establishes in terms of her relationships to other important characters, including, of course, the pixies. More than that, in a short span we see how Rie, a human raised in a foreign world, faces both internal and external conflicts and challenges. That Haskell accomplishes so much with such economical prose is quite the feat.
Though I don’t claim expertise in fantasy literature, I will say that in addition to strong characters and clean prose, I look for imagination. If there is one place where an author needs imagination, it’s in writing fantasy. And here too Haskell’s invitation story promises much. I am certainly looking forward to Pixie Tamer’s follow up. I recommend you grab the invitation and see what you think.
Written as a prequel to Haskell’s upcoming Sanyare: The Last Descendant, this story, more than a mere introduction, invites us into a world the author has envisioned for her protagonist, Rie, and her not so cute, but ultimately (well, we’ll see in the full novel, I guess) endearing sidekicks–the pixies. I won’t say much about them except, think barracudas with wings.
As one possible demerit, I’ll say the story felt a tad short. I wanted to see more about Rie and her environs, maybe throw up some confetti and beat a piñata, or whatever they do in her Elven world when it’s your birthday. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. The story does contain one self-resolved element, and it also sets us up for more to come. And to partially quench our hunger for more, Haskell includes an excerpt from her upcoming novel.
For additional compensation, there’s much to like and enjoy in Pixie Tamer. First, Megan Haskell writes in a straightforward, let’s get on with it manner that weaves in background information as needed, naturally, and without halting the action. Her writing is crisp, and this she uses to draw a compelling, conflicted character. This character, Rie, she firmly establishes in terms of her relationships to other important characters, including, of course, the pixies. More than that, in a short span we see how Rie, a human raised in a foreign world, faces both internal and external conflicts and challenges. That Haskell accomplishes so much with such economical prose is quite the feat.
Though I don’t claim expertise in fantasy literature, I will say that in addition to strong characters and clean prose, I look for imagination. If there is one place where an author needs imagination, it’s in writing fantasy. And here too Haskell’s invitation story promises much. I am certainly looking forward to Pixie Tamer’s follow up. I recommend you grab the invitation and see what you think.
April 14, 2019
This is a short prequel but Megan Haskell has put so much into it that at the end you feel satisfied . The emotions rolling thru this short covers them all . Happy , sad , disappointment , pride , and more . I honestly loved this short . If you haven't started this series and your looking for a new one pick this up and buckle your seat belt because your going to need it . 👍😃😃😃
February 16, 2018
Nuriel “Rie” Lhethannien now there is a mouthful and our protagonist. 25th name day (little long in the tooth). Rie has this crush on her sparring partner Galadir the fae, so gets her lunch handed to her in a bucket. Rie's warden and mentor Curuthannor takes Rie in hand and dishes out a punishment. Rie must fight a swarm of pixies led by Niinka and Tiik, these lil monsters at 2 to 3 inches tall and supposed to be cannibals. Rie wins a hive of pixies as friends and followers. You will have to spend ten to twenty minutes reading to find out how! Whoop, great fun.
July 10, 2021
Nuriel, aka Rie, is a human in an elf-dominated world. She has a chip on her shoulder the size of a boulder. In the short story "Pixie Tamer," she learns a lesson about thinking before acting and earns a new set of friends. A great introduction to The Sanyare Chronicles.
April 28, 2017
A healthy snack story :) Fun, entertaining and clueful.
August 22, 2017
Read the full review at my site https://wp.me/p89tYT-iH
Introduction
The “Sanyare Chronicles”, authored by Megan Haskell, is an ongoing fantasy series. This review will focus on the four books written so far. These are – ‘Pixie Tamer’ (a novella prequel), ‘The Last Descendant’, ‘The Heir Apparent’ and ‘The Last Apprentice’. The ‘Sanyare Chroncles’ is the story of ‘Rie’, a human, who grows up with the fae. Rie, a changling, grows up with the High Elves where she has to struggle to be respected and recognized. The books chronicle her adventures from the time she is a young adult.
Recommendation
I went into this series without knowing anything about it or the author. The high ratings on Goodreads encouraged me to start reading ‘Pixie Tamer’ which turned out to be quite good. The rest of the books follow this trend. While I would not rate this series as excellent, it is a cut above the rest of the usual young adult fantasy fare. The ‘Sanyare Chronicles’ is definitely worth a read. I would put it on par with other series like ‘October Daye’ or ‘Mercy Thompson’ (while not being as annoying).
Read the full review at my site https://wp.me/p89tYT-iH
Introduction
The “Sanyare Chronicles”, authored by Megan Haskell, is an ongoing fantasy series. This review will focus on the four books written so far. These are – ‘Pixie Tamer’ (a novella prequel), ‘The Last Descendant’, ‘The Heir Apparent’ and ‘The Last Apprentice’. The ‘Sanyare Chroncles’ is the story of ‘Rie’, a human, who grows up with the fae. Rie, a changling, grows up with the High Elves where she has to struggle to be respected and recognized. The books chronicle her adventures from the time she is a young adult.
Recommendation
I went into this series without knowing anything about it or the author. The high ratings on Goodreads encouraged me to start reading ‘Pixie Tamer’ which turned out to be quite good. The rest of the books follow this trend. While I would not rate this series as excellent, it is a cut above the rest of the usual young adult fantasy fare. The ‘Sanyare Chronicles’ is definitely worth a read. I would put it on par with other series like ‘October Daye’ or ‘Mercy Thompson’ (while not being as annoying).
Read the full review at my site https://wp.me/p89tYT-iH
July 20, 2018
Rie is a human amoungst elves. She's expected to be every bit as skilled as her elven peers despite being treated as a lower class because of her heritage. So when she allows a handsome elf with a penchant for emotional manipulation to beat her at swordplay, her adoptive father sets her a test: to defend herself from a room of savage pixies. He wanted her to learn how to use her head in difficult situations, but didn't expect quite how she'd do it...
An interesting enough short prequel/taster to introduce a fantasy world of elves, humans and magical creatures. The tone was set uncomfortably at young-adult-hormonal to begin with, and considering Rie is supposed to be 25 I found her attitude very teenage. I was a little disappointed with the infodumps and how simplistic Rie's "solution" was but it hints at this series being something more gentle than the initial battle-training scenes would imply.
The writing is well done however, and it acts as a nice little taster of the Sanyare Chronicles world.
-I received a free copy of this ebook via a giveaway-
An interesting enough short prequel/taster to introduce a fantasy world of elves, humans and magical creatures. The tone was set uncomfortably at young-adult-hormonal to begin with, and considering Rie is supposed to be 25 I found her attitude very teenage. I was a little disappointed with the infodumps and how simplistic Rie's "solution" was but it hints at this series being something more gentle than the initial battle-training scenes would imply.
The writing is well done however, and it acts as a nice little taster of the Sanyare Chronicles world.
-I received a free copy of this ebook via a giveaway-
December 27, 2018
Rather than celebrate on her birthday, Human Rie is training to fight alongside magic wielding, pure-blooded elves. But after her sparring partner trounces her, her trainer decides she needs an objective lesson and locks her inside a room with a band of hungry pixies.
This is a very short story, but even with being short, the fighting droned on in a blur of knives and arms flailing for page after page. Seriously, I could have done fine without the same old, same old combat. And the heroine is the standard tough as nails, slice ‘em first, take names later indie fantasy heroine (who can tell, I’m getting tired of the character-type? I like strong women, yes, but do they all have to be frosty, aloof and leaning on the crutch of weaponry to show how tough they are?) with nothing else really to her personality (not to mention she comes across as being a whole lot younger than 25. I was gauging her age at more like 15 or 17). Where this story shone was the lesson with the Pixies and how she dealt with them. And how each of them had their own personality. This was a delightful taste of the book series (provided it doesn’t dwell too much on the combat, and has plenty of scenes where she uses her head rather than her knives).
This is a very short story, but even with being short, the fighting droned on in a blur of knives and arms flailing for page after page. Seriously, I could have done fine without the same old, same old combat. And the heroine is the standard tough as nails, slice ‘em first, take names later indie fantasy heroine (who can tell, I’m getting tired of the character-type? I like strong women, yes, but do they all have to be frosty, aloof and leaning on the crutch of weaponry to show how tough they are?) with nothing else really to her personality (not to mention she comes across as being a whole lot younger than 25. I was gauging her age at more like 15 or 17). Where this story shone was the lesson with the Pixies and how she dealt with them. And how each of them had their own personality. This was a delightful taste of the book series (provided it doesn’t dwell too much on the combat, and has plenty of scenes where she uses her head rather than her knives).
May 4, 2017
As a taste of the world and characters for the series, this prequel short did wonderfully. Personally I loved the pixies and was happy when Rie came to an accommodation with them.
The story was quickly paced, moving smoothly from one scene to the next while still giving a good intro overview of the larger world, the Upper Lands, that Rie inhabited. As for Rie she came off a little inconsistent; the beginning is explained but later less so.
The first chapter of the first book, The Last Descendent is included, which I wonder at what was written first. LD is set about 80years later, so some of the character differences make sense, but I can't put my finger on why several of the chars seem a few shades beyond what you'd expect. Regardless it and this prequel did a great job convincing me to buy the first and second book. Book 3 looks to be releasing in June 2017 so let's hope so.
The story was quickly paced, moving smoothly from one scene to the next while still giving a good intro overview of the larger world, the Upper Lands, that Rie inhabited. As for Rie she came off a little inconsistent; the beginning is explained but later less so.
The first chapter of the first book, The Last Descendent is included, which I wonder at what was written first. LD is set about 80years later, so some of the character differences make sense, but I can't put my finger on why several of the chars seem a few shades beyond what you'd expect. Regardless it and this prequel did a great job convincing me to buy the first and second book. Book 3 looks to be releasing in June 2017 so let's hope so.
November 26, 2017
“You will enter this room, and you will leave without being bitten,” Curuthannor continued. “You have ten minutes. Prove to yourself and to me that your training has done some good.”
On her 25th Name Day, Rie has to prove herself worthy not only to her peers, but to herself. In doing so she befriends pixies, whom everyone thinks are “bugs”. The pixies in turn help her as she begins to move into some maturity and understand what power means.
This is a very short sort of prequel to The Sanyare Chronicles And again was too long on my TBR shelf. We get to meet the pixies and learn why and how they help Rie. And they teach her that things aren’t always as they seem.
On her 25th Name Day, Rie has to prove herself worthy not only to her peers, but to herself. In doing so she befriends pixies, whom everyone thinks are “bugs”. The pixies in turn help her as she begins to move into some maturity and understand what power means.
This is a very short sort of prequel to The Sanyare Chronicles And again was too long on my TBR shelf. We get to meet the pixies and learn why and how they help Rie. And they teach her that things aren’t always as they seem.
February 19, 2019
I found this short prequel story a wonderful introduction. Rie is a interesting character: a human living in a world where humans are regarded little by elves. She has to fight for even the smallest of positions. Lessons to be learned- especially when it comes to pixies that could be deadly. This series is going to be good.
June 2, 2019
Pixie Tamer
I really wish I had read this before reading the first book in this series. Although really short, it is a novella after all, this story makes several of the backstory of Rei more understandable.
I recommend reading this first, if possible, but definitely before continuing with the series!
I really wish I had read this before reading the first book in this series. Although really short, it is a novella after all, this story makes several of the backstory of Rei more understandable.
I recommend reading this first, if possible, but definitely before continuing with the series!
June 3, 2017
If you wanted to know how Rie from the Sanyare series was introduced to the pixies, this is the story. I will not tell you much more than that, as you will should read this prequel. I have not read the series yet; but, this book sets me up nicely to start reading it.
January 7, 2018
I bought a copy of book one of the Sanyare Chronicles thinking it looked like something I'd enjoy. When I got home, I discovered that there was this prequel, Pixie Tamer, and decided to read it first.
I'm glad I read this quick short story. It's not very long, but it felt like a good introduction to the world I'll soon dive into in The Last Descendant. In its few pages I got a feel for who Rie is. I also got a feel for the world in which she lives. It's a world I now want to explore more. I also think the characters will be even more interesting as the series does on.
This prequel story is just a taste of what I'm sure will be a series worth reading. I can't wait to read more.
I'm glad I read this quick short story. It's not very long, but it felt like a good introduction to the world I'll soon dive into in The Last Descendant. In its few pages I got a feel for who Rie is. I also got a feel for the world in which she lives. It's a world I now want to explore more. I also think the characters will be even more interesting as the series does on.
This prequel story is just a taste of what I'm sure will be a series worth reading. I can't wait to read more.
June 27, 2017
Loved the Pixies and I am looking forward to reading much more about them! And, I am also looking forward to reading much more written by Megan Haskill!
August 10, 2017
Short but thought provoking. Interesting prequel to the rest of the saga.
March 7, 2018
A different magical world. An interesting very short story introducing you into a world with humans, elves and pixies. Looking forward to reading the Sanyare series.
September 3, 2018
Tiny little story but it was really cute!
October 16, 2018
This a great little prequel to the Last Descendent. Rie comes of age and manages to pass her test by befriending the pixies. It will turn out to be one her best decisions she makes.
February 13, 2019
Fun and quick read, pixies and humans and other species. Catches your attention quickly. I will be reading more books by h=this author
March 5, 2019
Quickie taste
Fun quick look into Rie. Still more to find out why she is where she is and with who. Thumb up.
Fun quick look into Rie. Still more to find out why she is where she is and with who. Thumb up.
May 26, 2019
Ultra short story in the Sanyare Chronicles.
June 30, 2019
Very short story, but really insightful read into Rei's personality. Her driven attitude makes me want see where her ambitions take her.
March 10, 2025
Loved it, but it was too short.
July 4, 2017
I read book 1 first, and when i discovered there was a short prequel that comes before, i had to stop and read Pixie Tamer. I enjoyed reading about how Rie met her Pixie companions, and the vow she had to give them after accidentally breaking Possn's wings. It's sweet and fun and a great prologue.
January 11, 2017
Great!
September 22, 2016
Short, sweet, and curiosity-piquing. Pixie Tamer is a quick introduction to the world of The Sanyare Chronicles, and some of its interesting inhabitants and happenings.
High elves, carnivorous pixies, and a human sharing the same realm. A 25-year-old, strong and wise female protagonist. Magical abilities that can have you questioning your own judgment, working in ways both subtle and unnerving. All of this makes for my kind of story. I'm definitely hungry for more.
This feels like the beginning of an exciting female-led, Elder Scrolls/Tolkien-esque adventure.
Interested? Get a free e-copy of Pixie Tamer when you sign up for author Megan Haskell's newsletter .
High elves, carnivorous pixies, and a human sharing the same realm. A 25-year-old, strong and wise female protagonist. Magical abilities that can have you questioning your own judgment, working in ways both subtle and unnerving. All of this makes for my kind of story. I'm definitely hungry for more.
This feels like the beginning of an exciting female-led, Elder Scrolls/Tolkien-esque adventure.
Interested? Get a free e-copy of Pixie Tamer when you sign up for author Megan Haskell's newsletter .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews