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The Network #1.5
The Isadora Interviews
Isadora is a quiet, old witch living alone in the fog-strewn forest of Letum Wood. Her magical power is great, but her foresight is even greater.
As a Watcher, Isadora has the ability to see into the heart of every witch she meets, a talent that makes her the perfect guardian of the prestigious Miss Mabel’s School for Girls.
Any girl that wants to enter the school must first pass an interview with Isadora. No secret insecurity or sinister motivation can be hidden from a Watcher, as four teenage girls will soon find out.
Join Leda, Camille, Michelle, and Priscilla as they each encounter Isadora in their quest to join Miss Mabel’s School for Girls. It’s a collection of short stories that fans of the compelling new young adult fantasy novel Miss Mabel’s School for Girls can’t afford to miss.
As a Watcher, Isadora has the ability to see into the heart of every witch she meets, a talent that makes her the perfect guardian of the prestigious Miss Mabel’s School for Girls.
Any girl that wants to enter the school must first pass an interview with Isadora. No secret insecurity or sinister motivation can be hidden from a Watcher, as four teenage girls will soon find out.
Join Leda, Camille, Michelle, and Priscilla as they each encounter Isadora in their quest to join Miss Mabel’s School for Girls. It’s a collection of short stories that fans of the compelling new young adult fantasy novel Miss Mabel’s School for Girls can’t afford to miss.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2014
22 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Katie Cross
122 books781 followersMy world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 4, 2022
I read this book years ago but so happy Katie has it on audiobook. It was great to revisit the stories of how each of Bianca’s friends end up at Miss Mabel’s. This is a short read but insightful info on Leda, Camille, Michelle and Priscilla. Also a fun glimpse of Isadora. Better yet, Katie is the narrator. Don’t miss this book.
July 26, 2014
I enjoyed this short read by Katie Cross. The Isadora Interviews is a collection of four short stories about some of the characters who appear in Miss Mabel's School for Girls: Leda, Camille, Priscilla, and Michelle. I liked seeing into these character's backgrounds as they are interviewed to see whether or not they should attend Miss Mabel's school. Cross's characters feel very real and have realistic fears and desires. I thought it was funny how three of the characters couldn't wait to get out of their towns to attend the boarding school (even though those three had very different backgrounds--one rich, one poor, and one in the middle) and the fourth was too afraid to leave her family. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
October 23, 2014
Seriously thrilled with this novella. I loved having insight into four of the other characters in MMSFG (not that I don't love Bianca, I do. This was just cool).
Getting inside Leda, Camille, Michelle, and Priscilla's heads just expanded the characters for me. Now I'm going to read Antebellum Awakening and just feel like I know them that much more.
If you loved MMSFG (or even if you only liked it/liked Leda etc) READ THIS NOVELLA!
It's super quick and sweet and fun.
Get some insight.
Merry meet!
Getting inside Leda, Camille, Michelle, and Priscilla's heads just expanded the characters for me. Now I'm going to read Antebellum Awakening and just feel like I know them that much more.
If you loved MMSFG (or even if you only liked it/liked Leda etc) READ THIS NOVELLA!
It's super quick and sweet and fun.
Get some insight.
Merry meet!
November 5, 2014
A cute quick read for all Network fans.
January 27, 2021
A cute novella that includes four short stories from the Network Series. It gives a good background on four of the main characters as they complete their interviews with Isadora for entrance into Miss Mable's School for Girls. It helps with character development and background information. This book could be considered a prequel and read before the first book, but can be read at any point in the series. At just 59 pages, it's a good quick read!
February 17, 2021
Sorry that it is so short—I could read about Ms Mabel’s girls forever. And love hearing more about Isadora. I highly recommend this book.
May 22, 2021
Neat insights into the home lives, hopes, and fears of Leda, Camille, Priscilla, and Michelle before attending Miss Mabel's, including their actual interview with Isadora. I read this after finishing the 4 Network Series books and Mildred's Resistance. I feel like it gave even greater depth to Isadora's predictions about each girl after knowing where they all actually end up. However, you could read the interviews right after book 1 if you want.
June 22, 2015
See my full review on www.stacksandshelves.wordpress.com
My Review
The Isadora Interviews is a companion novella to the Miss Mabel’s School for Girls series. Definitely start with Miss Mabel’s but this novella is a must read for any fans. Its very quick. I finished the whole thing on my lunch break. Interviews gives another perspective to the secondary friends (and enemies) characters. Isadora reminds me of the witch in Brave. She is incredibly perceptive and understands young witches more than they understand themselves.
I loved reading move about Leda and her desire to succeed. It was nice to get an idea of where she came from. Her poor background and the crazy amount of siblings provided a difficult environment to live in with her curse.
Camille is adorable. I knew she was a sweetheart from the first book and this novella just reinforced that. I loved her chattering to Isadora in her nervousness. It was important to see her in the home of her aunts, where her vibrant good nature was stifled. Her longing for her passed mother made me feel for her even more.
Priscilla is not a character I can claim to like but nasty personality traits often come from an insecure place inside. Interviews displayed the origins of Priscilla’s perfection oriented mindset in her relationship with her mother. One of the lasts lines of her chapter “you’d do well with transformations…” is telling. I see what you did there. ;)
I didn’t latch on to Michelle as much in my first reading of Miss Mabel’s but after this novella I will be on the lookout more for her. She takes care of her family and siblings, doing the cooking and taking care of the household. Her strong love for her family was apparent in her reluctance to let them go and attend the Network school. Her desires, passions, and fears make her relatable.
In Summary
The Good
More background on great characters
Super quick read
A good fix to tide you over before the impending prequel Mildred’s Resistance coming July 15!
The Not So Good
I know it is a novella, but I still wanted more!
Recommendation
A must for any fan of the Miss Mabel’s Series.
My Review
The Isadora Interviews is a companion novella to the Miss Mabel’s School for Girls series. Definitely start with Miss Mabel’s but this novella is a must read for any fans. Its very quick. I finished the whole thing on my lunch break. Interviews gives another perspective to the secondary friends (and enemies) characters. Isadora reminds me of the witch in Brave. She is incredibly perceptive and understands young witches more than they understand themselves.
I loved reading move about Leda and her desire to succeed. It was nice to get an idea of where she came from. Her poor background and the crazy amount of siblings provided a difficult environment to live in with her curse.
Camille is adorable. I knew she was a sweetheart from the first book and this novella just reinforced that. I loved her chattering to Isadora in her nervousness. It was important to see her in the home of her aunts, where her vibrant good nature was stifled. Her longing for her passed mother made me feel for her even more.
Priscilla is not a character I can claim to like but nasty personality traits often come from an insecure place inside. Interviews displayed the origins of Priscilla’s perfection oriented mindset in her relationship with her mother. One of the lasts lines of her chapter “you’d do well with transformations…” is telling. I see what you did there. ;)
I didn’t latch on to Michelle as much in my first reading of Miss Mabel’s but after this novella I will be on the lookout more for her. She takes care of her family and siblings, doing the cooking and taking care of the household. Her strong love for her family was apparent in her reluctance to let them go and attend the Network school. Her desires, passions, and fears make her relatable.
In Summary
The Good
More background on great characters
Super quick read
A good fix to tide you over before the impending prequel Mildred’s Resistance coming July 15!
The Not So Good
I know it is a novella, but I still wanted more!
Recommendation
A must for any fan of the Miss Mabel’s Series.
June 30, 2015
I received a copy of the first book in The Network Series during a book tour and really enjoyed the first book. I thought Katie did a great job with writing and it always is inspiring to see an author who has a full-time job but keeps writing as a passion. Although, here in lies an issue for me, I remembered that I enjoyed the first book in The Network Series, Miss Mabel's School for Girls, but I could not remember the actual plot of the book, nor the storyline of the main characters. I wanted to continue with the series, but I really think I will have to go re-read the first book because I really could not remember anything, even after reading the novella.
Likes:
Honestly, it has been a while since I read the first book in The Network Series and I had forgotten a lot of the plot and characters. I remembered that I enjoyed the first book, Miss Mabel's School for Girls, so I grabbed at the chance to read more of the series. The Isadora Interviews was a great way to be "reintroduced" to the characters because it takes place before the girls are in school.
In my review for Miss Mabel's School for Girls, I noted that there was some similarity to Harry Potter. I felt like the series really stood on it's own feet and came to life in this novella. I loved learning the girls past and getting a more detailed view into the lives of the girls who weren't such main characters in the first book.
Isadora is a weird old bat, but I loved her methods. I would have to say that odd witches are my favorite characters. Luna Lovegood is one of my all-time favorite weirdos and I can definitely see a bit of her in myself.
Gripes:
As a novella, there isn't a lot of time to develop a lot of action and climax, so it was not the most exciting book, but it read quickly and gave some great character background.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
Likes:
Honestly, it has been a while since I read the first book in The Network Series and I had forgotten a lot of the plot and characters. I remembered that I enjoyed the first book, Miss Mabel's School for Girls, so I grabbed at the chance to read more of the series. The Isadora Interviews was a great way to be "reintroduced" to the characters because it takes place before the girls are in school.
In my review for Miss Mabel's School for Girls, I noted that there was some similarity to Harry Potter. I felt like the series really stood on it's own feet and came to life in this novella. I loved learning the girls past and getting a more detailed view into the lives of the girls who weren't such main characters in the first book.
Isadora is a weird old bat, but I loved her methods. I would have to say that odd witches are my favorite characters. Luna Lovegood is one of my all-time favorite weirdos and I can definitely see a bit of her in myself.
Gripes:
As a novella, there isn't a lot of time to develop a lot of action and climax, so it was not the most exciting book, but it read quickly and gave some great character background.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
November 15, 2014
If you haven't heard about the Network Series, I suggest you hop on over to my blog and read my review on Miss Mabel's School for Girls. Its a fabulous new series involving an all girl boarding school for witches. It opens with the main character, Bianca, being interviewed for potential acceptance to the school, but that is the only interview readers are privy to. In this new book readers glean insightful information about four more main players in the Network Series: Michelle, Leda, Camille and Priscilla, as we listen in on each of their interviews.
The Isadora Interviews is a quick read and moves at a brisk pace. We are taken into each of the girl's home and get to see them in their home environment. We find out a little more background information on each of these characters spotlighted, which will add depth to the story. For me it was quite helpful because it totally helped me to feel a little more sympathetic to Priscilla, a character I didn't care for much in the first book. My favorite interview was Leda's. I knew she didn't come from a family of wealth. I just didn't realize how grave her home situation truly was. It was inspiring to see all that she went through to gain entrance into the school. It also made me see how important it was to her.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently reading the Network Series. This is a short, quick read which is a valuable piece to the bigger story. I enjoyed it and the writing very much and early anticipate the second book which was just released in October 2014.
The Isadora Interviews is a quick read and moves at a brisk pace. We are taken into each of the girl's home and get to see them in their home environment. We find out a little more background information on each of these characters spotlighted, which will add depth to the story. For me it was quite helpful because it totally helped me to feel a little more sympathetic to Priscilla, a character I didn't care for much in the first book. My favorite interview was Leda's. I knew she didn't come from a family of wealth. I just didn't realize how grave her home situation truly was. It was inspiring to see all that she went through to gain entrance into the school. It also made me see how important it was to her.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently reading the Network Series. This is a short, quick read which is a valuable piece to the bigger story. I enjoyed it and the writing very much and early anticipate the second book which was just released in October 2014.
November 1, 2014
3.5 stars
If you enjoyed Miss Mabel's School for Girls and its sequel, Antebellum Awakening, I feel pretty safe in saying you'll enjoy this too.
This short little snippet is a collection of admission interviews, conducted by Isadora, whom we met in MM1, with four of the side characters from the series. It adds a little depth to some characters who, frankly, kind of needed it. And it was short enough and to-the-point enough that the problems I had with the novels - which I liked but didn't love enough to overlook the flaws - didn't have time to surface.
Eh. I won't go so far as to say that it's an essential piece of the series, but it did add another dimension...and it's a freebie that takes minutes to read, so give it a whirl.
If you enjoyed Miss Mabel's School for Girls and its sequel, Antebellum Awakening, I feel pretty safe in saying you'll enjoy this too.
This short little snippet is a collection of admission interviews, conducted by Isadora, whom we met in MM1, with four of the side characters from the series. It adds a little depth to some characters who, frankly, kind of needed it. And it was short enough and to-the-point enough that the problems I had with the novels - which I liked but didn't love enough to overlook the flaws - didn't have time to surface.
Eh. I won't go so far as to say that it's an essential piece of the series, but it did add another dimension...and it's a freebie that takes minutes to read, so give it a whirl.
June 28, 2014
What a wonderful tale of four of the Network Series girls - Leda, Camille, Priscilla, and Michelle. Each story, focusing around their interviews for acceptance to Miss Mabel's, showcased something deeper for each individual. Stories of happy consequences, a reminder that school is about much more than academics, that perfection is unattainable (even if you pretend to have it) and that sometimes we have move through our fear.
This novella is a wonderful addition to The Network series, giving us insight into some of our favorite characters. The thoughtfully chosen interviews expand upon each character, investing us further into their world, and exponentially increasing my impatience for the next book.
This novella is a wonderful addition to The Network series, giving us insight into some of our favorite characters. The thoughtfully chosen interviews expand upon each character, investing us further into their world, and exponentially increasing my impatience for the next book.
July 29, 2014
The Isadora Interviews is a charming book which leads you from Miss Mabel's School for Girls to the next book in the series. (If you haven't read MMSFG, go get it now!) I actually read it once before MMSFG and once after. In my first read I thought it to be four very well-crafted, detailed vignettes of some young ladies wanting to attend Miss Mabel's school. It piqued my interest in learning more about the school and the girls. My second reading was much more meaningful, since I knew much more about the four girls. I already cared about them (well, all of them except Priscilla), and it was fascinating to learn more about their home lives before they joined Bianca at Miss Mabel's School for Girls. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
August 26, 2014
This delightful collection of short stories is a companion to The Network Series. It is an excellent addition to the series, providing additional depth and history to each character that enhances the reader's understanding of the girls.
The highlight of each story is definitely the interview with Isadora. Isadora is a wonderful and mysterious character, and I love everything she says and does.
If you have read The Network Series or have any thought of doing so (you should!), I would definitely read this charming collection as well.
The highlight of each story is definitely the interview with Isadora. Isadora is a wonderful and mysterious character, and I love everything she says and does.
If you have read The Network Series or have any thought of doing so (you should!), I would definitely read this charming collection as well.
August 5, 2014
The Isadora Interviews is the prequel to Miss Mabel's School for Girls. I couldn't put Miss Mabel's School for Girls down, and had the exact same experience with The Isadora Interviews. I enjoyed learning more about Leda, Camille, Michelle, and Priscilla. Even though Priscilla is an unlikable character in Miss Mabel's School for Girls, I found myself rooting for her in The Isadora Interviews. It's no wonder Priscilla acts the way that she does considering how awful her mother is.
Katie Cross is an amazing writer and I can't wait to read the sequel to Miss Mabel's School for Girls!
Katie Cross is an amazing writer and I can't wait to read the sequel to Miss Mabel's School for Girls!
April 24, 2015
This was a nice look into a little background from some main characters in "Miss Mabel's School for Girls".
It could totally have been a "0.5"
My favorite was getting to know Leda a little better and seeing why she is the way she is. Also, getting a little look inside life at home for Priscilla helps you understand her attitude and behavior a little better. Still don't like the witch (haha, see what I did there?), but I get her.
It could totally have been a "0.5"
My favorite was getting to know Leda a little better and seeing why she is the way she is. Also, getting a little look inside life at home for Priscilla helps you understand her attitude and behavior a little better. Still don't like the witch (haha, see what I did there?), but I get her.
June 29, 2014
Ended too soon
The Isadora Interviews is a fast read (certainly not long enough!) and provides much-needed insight into the students of Miss Mabel's School for Girls. The characters are consistent between the two works which is a credit to the brilliant author, Katie Cross. I cannot wait to find out what lies in store for these girls and Bianca in the next book!!
The Isadora Interviews is a fast read (certainly not long enough!) and provides much-needed insight into the students of Miss Mabel's School for Girls. The characters are consistent between the two works which is a credit to the brilliant author, Katie Cross. I cannot wait to find out what lies in store for these girls and Bianca in the next book!!
August 4, 2014
I really enjoyed The Isadora Interviews and getting a deeper background on some of the characters from Miss Mabel's School for Girls.
I especially loved Camille and I can't wait to see what she is destined for in Antebellum Awakening.
I especially loved Camille and I can't wait to see what she is destined for in Antebellum Awakening.
June 28, 2014
I loved the insights into the characters. I'm guessing we will see these ones even more in the series. I'm so excited!
October 17, 2014
Read this one first and loved it. Of course you will have to like witches and magic mixed in with young girls. Can't wait to read the rest!
December 16, 2014
A great set of stories about the characters we know from the full-length books. Would have liked them to be longer!
December 16, 2014
Must read Miss Mabel''s School first. An enjoyable addition to Katie Cross world while we are impatiently waiting for her next book
May 12, 2015
Great short stories to go with the first book! Loved hearing more about these great characters, especially Michelle and Leda.
August 13, 2016
A fun companion piece to add some depth to some of the side characters. I loved getting to know them a little more.
October 18, 2020
Isadora is such an awesome character and you should read the Dragonmaster Chronicles to learn even more.
June 17, 2022
Enjoyed the interviews of the characters I was interested jaja but still have some to read… will read the few stories I missed though…
February 1, 2018
This book is part of The Network Series, a wonderful series about Miss Mabel's School for Girls.
Four girls really want to get into Miss Mabel's School. However, to do this, they must go through Isadora. Isadora is no ordinary witch. She can see the truth in every witch she meets. They cannot hide their true motives, and they have to pass her muster to get into the school. Isadora is a Watcher, which means she can also see their abilities and future possibilities, so this may also help them pass the interview (not an easy thing to do).
This book is a group of short stories of the interviews of Leda, Camille, Priscilla, and Michelle. Their adventures will follow in other books in the series.
Four girls really want to get into Miss Mabel's School. However, to do this, they must go through Isadora. Isadora is no ordinary witch. She can see the truth in every witch she meets. They cannot hide their true motives, and they have to pass her muster to get into the school. Isadora is a Watcher, which means she can also see their abilities and future possibilities, so this may also help them pass the interview (not an easy thing to do).
This book is a group of short stories of the interviews of Leda, Camille, Priscilla, and Michelle. Their adventures will follow in other books in the series.
April 20, 2018
It was the perfect addition to the series. I loved the insight into some of secondary characters. I'd love to see more of all of these characters - except maybe Camille - she's okay but not my favourite. Leda was awesome. So is Michelle. Priscilla isn't - but I think I'd still love to read more about her. This was your typical novella - it was short and just added background development rather than standing on its own.
October 20, 2019
This companion novella gives you an amazing insight into the other characters seen frequently throughout The Network Series. While I love learning more about the main character’s background, I also think it is important to know more about the supporting characters. The Isadorah Interviews is perfect to give you that background and leave you wanting more! This is a pretty quick read, but it is great for helping build the anticipation for the third novel in the series, Mildred’s Resistance.
July 21, 2017
I loved this series.
The primary characters are young women, growing into themselves. The story embraces change, growth, and redemption. A positive and kind approach with a feminist tilt...well worth reading.
The primary characters are young women, growing into themselves. The story embraces change, growth, and redemption. A positive and kind approach with a feminist tilt...well worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews