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Rylee Adamson #0.25
Tracking Magic
"My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker."
When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.
A missing girl and a deadly item belonging to a power-mad demon need to be found before the killing begins. The problem? This is my first salvage.
And I have no idea what I’m doing.
These were the moments that began to define me, my skills, and my drive to face down the darkest side of the supernatural in order to bring children home.
This is where my journey began...
This short story precedes all the Rylee Adamson books including Elementally Priceless.
When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot.
A missing girl and a deadly item belonging to a power-mad demon need to be found before the killing begins. The problem? This is my first salvage.
And I have no idea what I’m doing.
These were the moments that began to define me, my skills, and my drive to face down the darkest side of the supernatural in order to bring children home.
This is where my journey began...
This short story precedes all the Rylee Adamson books including Elementally Priceless.
52 pages, ebook
First published May 19, 2015
397 people are currently reading
1245 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
161 books7,249 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
June 7, 2021
Ohhh that ending was a twist I didn't expect!!
March 22, 2023
3.5 Stars
October 18, 2024
GraphicAudio
May 20, 2015
Tracking Magic is the prequel to all the Rylee Adamson novels. However it was published after Elementally Priceless.
All I have to say that I'm glad this was released in the order it was, because I would have HATED Milly right from the beginning of the series. I would have also had some insight that I'm glad I discovered as the story unfolded. Not right at the beginning.
For those of you who have read all the novels you should be eagerly awaiting Blood of The Lost. If you are just discovering the world of Rylee, I'm not sure if this book gives you great insight for future novels reading it first. Or if you should read it by publication date like those of us who are eagerly lapping up anything Rylee related before it runs out. Personally I would choose the latter....Sara
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All I have to say that I'm glad this was released in the order it was, because I would have HATED Milly right from the beginning of the series. I would have also had some insight that I'm glad I discovered as the story unfolded. Not right at the beginning.
For those of you who have read all the novels you should be eagerly awaiting Blood of The Lost. If you are just discovering the world of Rylee, I'm not sure if this book gives you great insight for future novels reading it first. Or if you should read it by publication date like those of us who are eagerly lapping up anything Rylee related before it runs out. Personally I would choose the latter....Sara
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June 16, 2016
Nice to see how it all started.
May 18, 2024
There is a Graphic Audio production of the whole Rylee Adamson Series, which includes 10 books of the series and five short stories. All this was included in my audible subscription. That's how I decided to listen to all the books and short stories. Otherwise it would have been pretty costly to listen to this production.
The first two short stories and book 1 and two were 3.5 and 4 stars. The rest of the series was a solid three stars rating.
At some point the story felt to drawn out but since I had passed the point of no return, where I just wanted to know who the stories ends I finished 15 Graphicaudio books. I think the story could have been shortened without loosing anything. From the beginning two things were predictable: One (and even more) person was Demon possessed and this person will die. And also there will be an Elemental involved, whom we meet again in book 9.
I liked Rylee and Mayer killed off some of the good guys. Two deaths were not really necessary and didn't feel right.
I would say this is a drawn out series, but okay, to listen for free in the graphic audio version. Stay away from the series if you tend to dnf series and hate it if the author kills beloved important side charcters.
The first two short stories and book 1 and two were 3.5 and 4 stars. The rest of the series was a solid three stars rating.
At some point the story felt to drawn out but since I had passed the point of no return, where I just wanted to know who the stories ends I finished 15 Graphicaudio books. I think the story could have been shortened without loosing anything. From the beginning two things were predictable: One (and even more) person was Demon possessed and this person will die. And also there will be an Elemental involved, whom we meet again in book 9.
I liked Rylee and Mayer killed off some of the good guys. Two deaths were not really necessary and didn't feel right.
I would say this is a drawn out series, but okay, to listen for free in the graphic audio version. Stay away from the series if you tend to dnf series and hate it if the author kills beloved important side charcters.
June 6, 2021
The list of the books
Ok this book was ok but then you get to the end and your left hanging with no direction to go to see what happens.
It says Rylee Adamson novel not not which book. The Author recommend that you read them in order but..... What is the order, I have no clue where this falls in the lineup.
Ok this book was ok but then you get to the end and your left hanging with no direction to go to see what happens.
It says Rylee Adamson novel not not which book. The Author recommend that you read them in order but..... What is the order, I have no clue where this falls in the lineup.
November 17, 2019
Short story that I should have read as the first book in the series. However, as a later read you get the whys and hows of Rylee's existence.
August 13, 2025
A captivating story
February 9, 2021
This is the prequel to the Rylee Adamson series. Previously I have not read any of this series, but now I will certainly be seeking it out. An exciting and intriguing opening, promising a fresh take on a familiar storyline that I am excited to read more of.
July 17, 2024
I have not read the Rylee Adamson series yet however, it has been recommended to me. I decided to go ahead and get the graphic audio and this was a small prequel novel that definitely hooked me! I am really excited to begin the series. I loved the few characters that we were introduced to and can't wait to see what happens next. I also really enjoyed the graphic audio aspect of the book!
July 14, 2018
This seems like a good novella with good background info regarding Rylee and Milly. Granted, I’m currently reading both Rylee’s series and Larkspur’s series in chronological order and per Shannon’s website she had this novella listed prior to actually starting Priceless. I kind of feel like I spoiler-ed what’s to come by reading this now. Wish I had skimmed some of the reviews that suggested not reading this early on, but that’s my fault. That said, there were a ton of typos for such a short novella. I normally can move past that, but these shouldn’t have been that hard to catch considering this is all of 6 chapters.
December 30, 2024
I knew from the first page I was going to love this series and it has become one of my favourites. I read it years ago and now I am leaving a review. It is a short story and where it all began for our Heroine.
Rylee has the best and the worst job, to find those who are lost, the ones no one can find but it is not all sunshine and roses. Sometimes it will break your heart.
It is an intriguing, suspenseful, and mysterious thriller filled with tension. The story includes alliances, threats, betrayal, riddles, and plots, all infused with a touch of humour to keep the pages turning.
The ending twist was quite a surprise.
Rylee has the best and the worst job, to find those who are lost, the ones no one can find but it is not all sunshine and roses. Sometimes it will break your heart.
It is an intriguing, suspenseful, and mysterious thriller filled with tension. The story includes alliances, threats, betrayal, riddles, and plots, all infused with a touch of humour to keep the pages turning.
The ending twist was quite a surprise.
May 26, 2021
3.5⭐️
“Tracking Magic” is a short story in Shannon Mayer’s Rylee Adamson Series. Events in this book precedes “Elementary Priceless”. If you want to know how Rylee came to know she was a Tracker then this book explains it.
Rylee Adamson ran from home after her adoptive parents and an agent of the FBI believed she killed her sister. Now she lives with Giselle her mentor who is training her and trying to get her to unlock her Supernatural side. In the middle of the night they get an uninvited guest, where they find out that there is a girl with a powerful stone that must been found. Well finding missing people just so happens to be what Rylee does best.
A new to me author, and I can say after reading this novella that I just found a new to binge read. A quick and enjoyable read. I went in to this with an opened mind having no idea what to expect, and I was not disappointed.
I can tell by this little addition this series is going to be so good. I can not wait to see how things turn out. All though I’m a little scared about what will happen when Rylee figures out the betrayal and lies.
“Tracking Magic” is a short story in Shannon Mayer’s Rylee Adamson Series. Events in this book precedes “Elementary Priceless”. If you want to know how Rylee came to know she was a Tracker then this book explains it.
Rylee Adamson ran from home after her adoptive parents and an agent of the FBI believed she killed her sister. Now she lives with Giselle her mentor who is training her and trying to get her to unlock her Supernatural side. In the middle of the night they get an uninvited guest, where they find out that there is a girl with a powerful stone that must been found. Well finding missing people just so happens to be what Rylee does best.
A new to me author, and I can say after reading this novella that I just found a new to binge read. A quick and enjoyable read. I went in to this with an opened mind having no idea what to expect, and I was not disappointed.
I can tell by this little addition this series is going to be so good. I can not wait to see how things turn out. All though I’m a little scared about what will happen when Rylee figures out the betrayal and lies.
January 11, 2022
Introduction to Rylee, Milly and Giselle. Hints are given that Rylee came from someplace warm but there is no explanation as to how she met Giselle and ended up in North Dakota. We’re given much more information about Milly and are told she is under the influence of Orion. I’m don’t understand what other commenters mean when they refer to a surprise ending.
O’Shea getting a transfer to follow her to North Dakota on what is apparently a cold case just doesn’t ring true. The FBI must have many newer and more important cases to be worked. He should have been presented as a private investigator hired by her adopted parents in order to be so dedicated to uncovering the cause of her sister’s disappearance.
All in all kind of a meh short story.
O’Shea getting a transfer to follow her to North Dakota on what is apparently a cold case just doesn’t ring true. The FBI must have many newer and more important cases to be worked. He should have been presented as a private investigator hired by her adopted parents in order to be so dedicated to uncovering the cause of her sister’s disappearance.
All in all kind of a meh short story.
May 4, 2023
Really good
As a start of a new series you're starting this one is really good. It's a great introduction of Rylee to whet your appetite and get you moving into the whole series, followed by the other interlinking series of books too.
You can also get this on audio, which is unusual as many authors don't normally have novellas narrated, especially one that's less than 40 pages!!
The narration is by Lauren Fortgang, who has always been a favourite of mine, since hearing her narrate 'The Desert Cursed' series, back in October 2020....woah seems like so very long ago, lol.
So I'd definitely recommend both the book and audio and start to lose yourself into another of Shannon's creations.....I know that is exactly what I'm going to do 😉😉
As a start of a new series you're starting this one is really good. It's a great introduction of Rylee to whet your appetite and get you moving into the whole series, followed by the other interlinking series of books too.
You can also get this on audio, which is unusual as many authors don't normally have novellas narrated, especially one that's less than 40 pages!!
The narration is by Lauren Fortgang, who has always been a favourite of mine, since hearing her narrate 'The Desert Cursed' series, back in October 2020....woah seems like so very long ago, lol.
So I'd definitely recommend both the book and audio and start to lose yourself into another of Shannon's creations.....I know that is exactly what I'm going to do 😉😉
July 23, 2018
Wow! I loved it.
After all these years, I came across this story. It was so awesome to see the very beginning of Rylee. I’m just starting my book devouring tour, starting here and going thru to the end. Thank you for this story. It was awesome to read a Rylee story that was new to me. Thank goodness for kindles and e-readers or I’d have replaced all of my Rylee series 5 times over. Like I said, a good book is meant to be read and reread till the pages fall out and then you get a brand new shiny never been opened new copy. Yeah I miss those days but my hubbys wallet doesn’t. Thank again for these characters and their world.
After all these years, I came across this story. It was so awesome to see the very beginning of Rylee. I’m just starting my book devouring tour, starting here and going thru to the end. Thank you for this story. It was awesome to read a Rylee story that was new to me. Thank goodness for kindles and e-readers or I’d have replaced all of my Rylee series 5 times over. Like I said, a good book is meant to be read and reread till the pages fall out and then you get a brand new shiny never been opened new copy. Yeah I miss those days but my hubbys wallet doesn’t. Thank again for these characters and their world.
May 30, 2019
Excellent as always!!
Well this answered some questions that I had from reading the series. On one hand I feel sorry for Milly. I guess in the end when she was no longer taken over by Orion’s influences she really was the Milly Rylee knew her to be. Here in the novella we only see the one that is completely controlled by Orion. How cruel to give Giselle the madness! Oh that really got my blood boiling. Of course Rylee had to go through all the trials and tribulations throughout the series in order to fight the final battle with Orion.
Well this answered some questions that I had from reading the series. On one hand I feel sorry for Milly. I guess in the end when she was no longer taken over by Orion’s influences she really was the Milly Rylee knew her to be. Here in the novella we only see the one that is completely controlled by Orion. How cruel to give Giselle the madness! Oh that really got my blood boiling. Of course Rylee had to go through all the trials and tribulations throughout the series in order to fight the final battle with Orion.
October 6, 2018
Meh!!! It was ok but a little disappointing because the summary makes Rylee sound like a badass and she is sooo NOT!! Badass is Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson or Karen Moning's Mac & Dani or even Annie Bellet's Jade Crow. Compared to them, Rylee is a badass wannabe. Actually, that might not be fair since all the real badasses are older, thus making Rylee a badass in training.
Anyway, I could see where the series was going and it's too YA for me.
Anyway, I could see where the series was going and it's too YA for me.
September 22, 2025
An intersting start to the series. Interested to see where things really kick off with the first novel. I'm reading the order on Shannon's website (so this is after the first few Elemental books) and the threads that came in, especially from Windburn was crazy. Listening in Graphic Audio. My checkouts are done for the month, but I can't wait to dig more into this world and see how things develop on this storyline!
January 16, 2017
I am so confused. Maybe I shouldn't have read this short story before any of the others?
Hopefully what I read here makes more sense after I read Elementally Priceless and Priceless.
Rylee sounds like me when I was a teenager. Angry at the world and possessing a b.s. quota that's already hit its limit.
I'm interested enough by what I saw here to keep reading.
Hopefully what I read here makes more sense after I read Elementally Priceless and Priceless.
Rylee sounds like me when I was a teenager. Angry at the world and possessing a b.s. quota that's already hit its limit.
I'm interested enough by what I saw here to keep reading.
September 8, 2017
I just listened to the audio version of this book, and it was great... This prequel short is a great entryway, as it should be to the rest of the series... You get to explore her magic and the new, to her, reality where monsters are real... If you can listen to the audio version because the narrator Lauren Fortgang is awesome...
Either way you won't want to miss this one...
Either way you won't want to miss this one...
July 1, 2019
Surprising twist! Interesting
Rylee takes her 1st assignment, while her mentor, Gisele, looks on. This all takes place before Rylee and Gisele realize she's a Tracker. The salvage springs a surprising twist at the end, one where I am really looking forward to seeing the resolution.
Rylee takes her 1st assignment, while her mentor, Gisele, looks on. This all takes place before Rylee and Gisele realize she's a Tracker. The salvage springs a surprising twist at the end, one where I am really looking forward to seeing the resolution.
October 19, 2021
This short introduction to a series played automatically on Audible. A new feature that is exposing me to new material but also somewhat annoying. At any rate the writing seems straightforward and simple. This particular vignette probably helps to fill in holes but might be "spoilers" for the main series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
Very quick read about Rylee finding what kind of magic she has and meeting Molly. It ends with a cliffhanger so wasn't really happy.
March 16, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was browsing through some books to listen to and I came across this. It sounded interesting and it was a graphic audio plus the first four audiobooks are free. So I just got done listening to this and omg it was so interesting, so good. The next book a novel is also a graphic audio and is free. I am definitely going to listen to.
I was browsing through some books to listen to and I came across this. It sounded interesting and it was a graphic audio plus the first four audiobooks are free. So I just got done listening to this and omg it was so interesting, so good. The next book a novel is also a graphic audio and is free. I am definitely going to listen to.
September 17, 2017
Short story to introduce a new (to me) series. Concept is good, main character swears horribly. Because this "pre" prequel was written after the series canon was started, it felt like I was still missing some information about the characters, so I look forward to reading book one.
June 7, 2018
Interesting introduction to the series. I wonder how Giselle found Rylee to begin with. Can tell that Orion is going to be a big part of this series and not in a good way. While I feel a little sorry for Millie, I'm soooo not liking her.
September 17, 2018
Excert
Not a bad little dip into the beginning of Riley's world, even before Elementally Priceless. Explains how Riley got started, met Milly and Giselle. Not necessarily needed to read the other books, but a nice tidbit to read.
Not a bad little dip into the beginning of Riley's world, even before Elementally Priceless. Explains how Riley got started, met Milly and Giselle. Not necessarily needed to read the other books, but a nice tidbit to read.
January 4, 2019
The beginning of Rylee & Intro of Milly
This novella was a great addition to the Rylee Adamson series. We now know how Rylee started tracking and how Milly came into the story. Shannon is a fantastic writer. You will enjoy anything she imagines and puts down on paper.
This novella was a great addition to the Rylee Adamson series. We now know how Rylee started tracking and how Milly came into the story. Shannon is a fantastic writer. You will enjoy anything she imagines and puts down on paper.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews