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Shutter #0.5
Trigger
Micheline Helsing is a tetrachromat - a girl who sees the auras of the undead in a prismatic spectrum. Now she's facing one of her most challenging ghost hunts ever. Lock, stock, and lens, she's in for one hell of a ride.
Cover art by Dominick Saponaro
Cover art by Dominick Saponaro
46 pages, ebook
First published June 3, 2015
4 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Alameda
19 books618 followersA veteran bookseller and librarian, Courtney Alameda now spends her days writing thriller and horror novels for young people. Her debut novel, SHUTTER, was nominated for a Bram Stoker award and hailed as a "standout in the genre" by School Library Journal. Her forthcoming novel, PITCH DARK (Spring 2017), is a genre-blending science fiction/horror novel in the vein of Ridley Scott's 1979 film ALIEN.
Courtney holds a B.A. in English literature with an emphasis in creative writing. She is represented by the talented John M. Cusick of Folio Literary. A Northern California native, she now resides in Utah with her husband, a legion of books, and a tiny five pound cat with a giant personality.
Courtney holds a B.A. in English literature with an emphasis in creative writing. She is represented by the talented John M. Cusick of Folio Literary. A Northern California native, she now resides in Utah with her husband, a legion of books, and a tiny five pound cat with a giant personality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 12, 2015
This ought to be right up Correia's alley. A teenage Helsing is pulled out of gun class (for the Colt M1911, to be exact) by her father to help hunt a monster. Escalates quickly into various fight scenes, tempered some family drama and coming-of-age angst.
The Tor.com segment doesn't mention it's a book prequel, but the GR description does. Styling it as a prequel makes more sense. It lacks the fluidity of a true short and feels more like an episode/chapter, although it does take place over some months.
Main character has serious daddy issues (eyeroll) and there's some odd issue with ignoring her 'heritage' that comes from her mother's side that is only hinted at and isn't resolved. The author/lead has a tendency to tell us all what Helsings and their team/friends/dogs all believe/act ("A Helsing dog only whines if..." "A Helsing dog only growls for one reason..." "A Helsing's heart is a dam..."). Teammates call each other "Princess" and "Loverboy." You know what this reads like? Somebody's National Guard experience Van Helsinged.
Oh, as an added character bonus, Heroine is a long-haired petite blonde with "tetrachromatic blue eyes," and her best friend is a big hulking Australian hunk.
Damn, lost my contact in the back of my head again.
Added note: this might be the only f/sci-fi I've read that used the word "core" to describe a physical maneuver and not the central portion of a hive or power generator.
The Tor.com segment doesn't mention it's a book prequel, but the GR description does. Styling it as a prequel makes more sense. It lacks the fluidity of a true short and feels more like an episode/chapter, although it does take place over some months.
Main character has serious daddy issues (eyeroll) and there's some odd issue with ignoring her 'heritage' that comes from her mother's side that is only hinted at and isn't resolved. The author/lead has a tendency to tell us all what Helsings and their team/friends/dogs all believe/act ("A Helsing dog only whines if..." "A Helsing dog only growls for one reason..." "A Helsing's heart is a dam..."). Teammates call each other "Princess" and "Loverboy." You know what this reads like? Somebody's National Guard experience Van Helsinged.
Oh, as an added character bonus, Heroine is a long-haired petite blonde with "tetrachromatic blue eyes," and her best friend is a big hulking Australian hunk.
Damn, lost my contact in the back of my head again.
Added note: this might be the only f/sci-fi I've read that used the word "core" to describe a physical maneuver and not the central portion of a hive or power generator.
March 24, 2017
"Come, shutterfly, you have a monster to hunt."
Courtney Alameda continues to amaze me. In Trigger, a short prequel to the uber-creepy and exciting Shutter, we get to see in detail Micheline's battle to bring down the Embarcadero Scissorclaw. Those who've read Shutter (and if you haven't what are you waiting for? Go read it right now!) know how it ends, but that doesn't lessen the enjoyment of getting to peek into Micheline's past.
One of the best prequels I've read, in terms of adding to the story and/or world. It's not necessary to read it in order to follow Shutter, but it's like a delicious slice of chocolate cake for dessert. You don't need it to finish off a great meal, but oh is it a treat.
Courtney Alameda continues to amaze me. In Trigger, a short prequel to the uber-creepy and exciting Shutter, we get to see in detail Micheline's battle to bring down the Embarcadero Scissorclaw. Those who've read Shutter (and if you haven't what are you waiting for? Go read it right now!) know how it ends, but that doesn't lessen the enjoyment of getting to peek into Micheline's past.
One of the best prequels I've read, in terms of adding to the story and/or world. It's not necessary to read it in order to follow Shutter, but it's like a delicious slice of chocolate cake for dessert. You don't need it to finish off a great meal, but oh is it a treat.
June 3, 2015
Wonderful. Now I'm in a reading hangover. Ugh. When do I get more Micheline???!?!
This was a fantastic addition to the world of Micheline Helsing created in Shutter. Micheline has to prove her worth to her father as someone able to take over his legacy. With a huge scissorclaw hiding in the sewers and killing people left and right, Micheline has to somehow be the one to make the kill shot without dying and without losing her relationship with her mother that is slowly dwindling.
Oh and Ryder's gorgeous face is part of this too :D :D
This was a fantastic addition to the world of Micheline Helsing created in Shutter. Micheline has to prove her worth to her father as someone able to take over his legacy. With a huge scissorclaw hiding in the sewers and killing people left and right, Micheline has to somehow be the one to make the kill shot without dying and without losing her relationship with her mother that is slowly dwindling.
Oh and Ryder's gorgeous face is part of this too :D :D
January 15, 2017
This short novella is placed before all the events that happen in Shutter. I do have to say that I love the names. Trigger. Shutter. And it all fits the story so well.
I have tried Shutter, and when I couldn't get through that one, I saw this one and tried it out. I normally love stories like this, and I am always interesting in Helsings and monsters and special abilities.
I still want to further read Shutter, someday, but I had the same problem with that one as I had with this one. Our main character Micheline, she is not only not that likeable, she is also an enormous idiot, risking people's lives, risking her life. It is quite frustrating that someone tasked with such an important task does all these things. I know, she wants to show her dad that she is capable of leading the corpse one day, but there also must be another way to show him that.
The book was quite exciting, with a running wild scissorclaw killing/maiming people. I really loved those parts, well, all but the last part, because that was just overkill and as one might say: "That escalated quickly." What happened there in the last part quite ruined the book for me. It was just over the top, weird, and I don't understand how Micheline apparently never got punishment or something? Or maybe she did, but after all that went down we are thrown in a time loop and end up a few months/weeks later. *sighs* I was kind of looking forward to the ending, I had quite a few questions after what happened there.
I didn't like the dad or the mom. The dad kept pushing his daughter, threatening her with losing her chance at leading the corpse, didn't hide his disappointment when she made a mistake.
The mom was also meh, I won't spoil that one, as that happens somewhat later in the book, but I was just shaking my head at what she said to Micheline.
I can somehow see why Micheline has turned out the way she did. With 2 parents and sky-high expectations of doom.
Would I recommend this book? At times yes, the chases, the hunt and the information about Helsing and what they do, is very interesting. But the idiocy, the expectations of the parents were just meh.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have tried Shutter, and when I couldn't get through that one, I saw this one and tried it out. I normally love stories like this, and I am always interesting in Helsings and monsters and special abilities.
I still want to further read Shutter, someday, but I had the same problem with that one as I had with this one. Our main character Micheline, she is not only not that likeable, she is also an enormous idiot, risking people's lives, risking her life. It is quite frustrating that someone tasked with such an important task does all these things. I know, she wants to show her dad that she is capable of leading the corpse one day, but there also must be another way to show him that.
The book was quite exciting, with a running wild scissorclaw killing/maiming people. I really loved those parts, well, all but the last part, because that was just overkill and as one might say: "That escalated quickly." What happened there in the last part quite ruined the book for me. It was just over the top, weird, and I don't understand how Micheline apparently never got punishment or something? Or maybe she did, but after all that went down we are thrown in a time loop and end up a few months/weeks later. *sighs* I was kind of looking forward to the ending, I had quite a few questions after what happened there.
I didn't like the dad or the mom. The dad kept pushing his daughter, threatening her with losing her chance at leading the corpse, didn't hide his disappointment when she made a mistake.
The mom was also meh, I won't spoil that one, as that happens somewhat later in the book, but I was just shaking my head at what she said to Micheline.
I can somehow see why Micheline has turned out the way she did. With 2 parents and sky-high expectations of doom.
Would I recommend this book? At times yes, the chases, the hunt and the information about Helsing and what they do, is very interesting. But the idiocy, the expectations of the parents were just meh.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
December 9, 2015
I started Shutter and have been loving it. Then I was messing around on Goodreads and stumbled across Trigger, the prequel to Shutter. I figured I would give it a shot because I love my prequels and it still fits for my Halloween theme this week.
Trigger is the full story of the kill that let Micheline get that red line tattooed on her arm. Therefore, the events take place before Shutter.
The action is well-paced and keeps the story moving. Even though Trigger is listed as a prequel, I think you should probably read Shutter first or at least start it like I did. Shutter introduces the characters and their lives to you better than Trigger (which is fair since Trigger is a short story). I did read some comments that suggested people hadn’t read Shutter and Trigger was enough to interest them in reading more.
I love the characters that Courtney Alameda has created and can’t wait to delve back into Shutter this afternoon (I’m hoping to finish it by tomorrow – Saturday). I’m sure some people will find the famous names Helsing, Stoker, etc. to be a corny addition to this story, but I enjoyed that twist on our world. I like thinking about the descendants of those famous names continuing on with paranormal work and being the best in the world at dealing with it. It actually made go back and do some research on Bram Stoker and now I’d like to read Dracula (no, I haven’t read it yet).
Overall, I enjoyed reading Trigger. It’s also enhanced my reading experience with Shutter, which is a bonus. I’d love to read a short story about exactly what happened with Micheline’s mom (maybe the author will see this and write/publish one). I would definitely recommend Trigger, if you’re looking for a little horror or spooky reading. Since it’s a short story you can probably read it tonight or tomorrow to get you ready for Halloween!
For more reviews, check out Reviews In A Pinch today!
Trigger is the full story of the kill that let Micheline get that red line tattooed on her arm. Therefore, the events take place before Shutter.
The action is well-paced and keeps the story moving. Even though Trigger is listed as a prequel, I think you should probably read Shutter first or at least start it like I did. Shutter introduces the characters and their lives to you better than Trigger (which is fair since Trigger is a short story). I did read some comments that suggested people hadn’t read Shutter and Trigger was enough to interest them in reading more.
I love the characters that Courtney Alameda has created and can’t wait to delve back into Shutter this afternoon (I’m hoping to finish it by tomorrow – Saturday). I’m sure some people will find the famous names Helsing, Stoker, etc. to be a corny addition to this story, but I enjoyed that twist on our world. I like thinking about the descendants of those famous names continuing on with paranormal work and being the best in the world at dealing with it. It actually made go back and do some research on Bram Stoker and now I’d like to read Dracula (no, I haven’t read it yet).
Overall, I enjoyed reading Trigger. It’s also enhanced my reading experience with Shutter, which is a bonus. I’d love to read a short story about exactly what happened with Micheline’s mom (maybe the author will see this and write/publish one). I would definitely recommend Trigger, if you’re looking for a little horror or spooky reading. Since it’s a short story you can probably read it tonight or tomorrow to get you ready for Halloween!
For more reviews, check out Reviews In A Pinch today!
June 9, 2015
This story is a prequel to Shutter, and if this is any indication of the level of excitement and action, I’m excited to read it as well. Micheline Helsing is able to see the auras of the undead, which makes her invaluable to her father, the monster hunting Leonard Helsing. She’s been training since childhood to destroy both undead monsters and ghosts, and now she has a chance to prove herself to her father in the search to destroy an especially nasty scissorclaw. We get a bit of personal history and family relationships, but most of the story is taken up with the intense and exciting monster hunt, which is fast, furious, and oh what a wild ride. I loved this introduction to a very interesting world and characters and look forward to reading more.
June 5, 2015
Five stars easy. Getting to see the Helsing Corps, Michaeline, Ryder, Oliver and Jude again was SUCH a treat and this is pre-Shutter at that.
Seeing the Helsing's before things went... Very dark... Seeing Michaeline before she became the bad-ace huntress of Shutter... Just... Oh it was fantastic!
If you haven't read this OR Shutter... What the heck are you doing? Get up off your butt and get it!
Seeing the Helsing's before things went... Very dark... Seeing Michaeline before she became the bad-ace huntress of Shutter... Just... Oh it was fantastic!
If you haven't read this OR Shutter... What the heck are you doing? Get up off your butt and get it!
June 3, 2015
This was a short novella, but with enough meat in it to give us some foreshadowing for Shutter, a look back to our beloved characters and made me want even more a sequel for Shutter!!
May 15, 2020
A fun short story about an exciting world where people fight undead creatures. I liked the nods to Dracula. The hunters reminded me a bit of Garth Nix’s Abhorsen, without the bells. I hope the book expands on the world building regarding what the undead creatures are and how they can be harmed by normal bullets.
May 21, 2020
Original Review at Jaunts & Haunts
5/5
I gave this novella five fascinating stars!
This is my first read of anything by Courtney Alameda, and man was I blown away!
Micheline lives an intriguing life in a dark, scary world where monsters exist and spirits lurk in mirrors. Micheline is a rising teen who has the innate ability to see the auras of monsters. She uses this ability to hunt monsters with her dad and is also being trained as an exorcist by her mother.
When a vicious and oddly intelligent monster starts a string of killings, Micheline and her dad and his forces must delve into the depths to stop this evil and save lives.
This was a great introduction to the universe of Shutter, which I will be reading next.
Micheline is an intriguing character. She's strong, well trained, and speaks her mind. Her ability was really great too, and while it's more of a passive power, she uses it in offensive ways. Micheline isn't all gunshots and punches. She also has a softer side that we get to see here and there that really fleshed her out well.
The writing style was spectacular, especially the diction used. Typical phrases I've seen in books time and time again were written in creative unique ways that really made it flow flawlessly.
I loved the world we were introduced to and the plot as well. It's a cold, cold world, and I can tell there's so much more to it. We get to see the very surface of it in this work, and I can't wait to find out more!
All in all, this was the perfect prequel filled with action, monsters, and really made me hunger for more. Give this one a chance!
5/5
I gave this novella five fascinating stars!
This is my first read of anything by Courtney Alameda, and man was I blown away!
Micheline lives an intriguing life in a dark, scary world where monsters exist and spirits lurk in mirrors. Micheline is a rising teen who has the innate ability to see the auras of monsters. She uses this ability to hunt monsters with her dad and is also being trained as an exorcist by her mother.
When a vicious and oddly intelligent monster starts a string of killings, Micheline and her dad and his forces must delve into the depths to stop this evil and save lives.
This was a great introduction to the universe of Shutter, which I will be reading next.
Micheline is an intriguing character. She's strong, well trained, and speaks her mind. Her ability was really great too, and while it's more of a passive power, she uses it in offensive ways. Micheline isn't all gunshots and punches. She also has a softer side that we get to see here and there that really fleshed her out well.
The writing style was spectacular, especially the diction used. Typical phrases I've seen in books time and time again were written in creative unique ways that really made it flow flawlessly.
I loved the world we were introduced to and the plot as well. It's a cold, cold world, and I can tell there's so much more to it. We get to see the very surface of it in this work, and I can't wait to find out more!
All in all, this was the perfect prequel filled with action, monsters, and really made me hunger for more. Give this one a chance!
December 31, 2015
uuuhhhh *drags on for five minutes*
I'm an eloquent reviewer.
I think it's a bad thing when you start to skim during the 'exciting' portion because it's not all that interesting and you're bored. By the time I reached the big action scene, I was sighing so hard you'd be amazed I still had breath to give. I don't think that it helps that the narrator, Micheline, was bordering hardcore on Mary-Sue, petite and pretty and special with 'badass' tendencies. And her best friend was obviously this beautiful, tanned Australian man that obviously has repressed feelings for Micheline so oooh pretty couple. And WOW, I am so bitter about these types of characters anymore.
I don't know. I have no idea. I think this is about 1.5 and I rounded it to two because I didn't bash my face on my desk and I applaud Alameda for her originality because she had a lot of it.
The idea of this was very unique (though aye, Dracula) and I thought that was great. I loved the idea of this, of the undead hunting and the tetrachromat concept, because I've never read or even really heard of anything like this, but I don't even know. I feel like something just fell disappointingly flat and by 'fell flat', I mean total splat against the concrete from the Empire State building because at the time I should have been invested, I definitely was not.
Surprisingly (because I tend to make everything sound awful), I'm actually going to say this wasn't bad, I don't want people to take it like that; it just wasn't for me so I don't think I'll be reading the actual book.
I'm an eloquent reviewer.
I think it's a bad thing when you start to skim during the 'exciting' portion because it's not all that interesting and you're bored. By the time I reached the big action scene, I was sighing so hard you'd be amazed I still had breath to give. I don't think that it helps that the narrator, Micheline, was bordering hardcore on Mary-Sue, petite and pretty and special with 'badass' tendencies. And her best friend was obviously this beautiful, tanned Australian man that obviously has repressed feelings for Micheline so oooh pretty couple. And WOW, I am so bitter about these types of characters anymore.
I don't know. I have no idea. I think this is about 1.5 and I rounded it to two because I didn't bash my face on my desk and I applaud Alameda for her originality because she had a lot of it.
The idea of this was very unique (though aye, Dracula) and I thought that was great. I loved the idea of this, of the undead hunting and the tetrachromat concept, because I've never read or even really heard of anything like this, but I don't even know. I feel like something just fell disappointingly flat and by 'fell flat', I mean total splat against the concrete from the Empire State building because at the time I should have been invested, I definitely was not.
Surprisingly (because I tend to make everything sound awful), I'm actually going to say this wasn't bad, I don't want people to take it like that; it just wasn't for me so I don't think I'll be reading the actual book.
January 29, 2016
Satisfying prequel to Shutter, one of my favourite books.( I do recommended reading this after the novel though - it will make more sense.) Thrown right back into action with the characters we love, this novella is almost non-stop action. And I loved it. I do wish the story had been longer though but it was still enjoyable. I love the universe Courtney Alameda has crafted and I am eager for more.
June 4, 2015
I loved this story. But then again, you put the word Helsing in the first several paragraphs of pretty much anything, I'll read it through. But I really liked this. I liked that the main character was a girl, that she was badass, and when she screwed up no one said it was because she was a girl.
June 10, 2015
I feel like this should have been a novel instead of a short story. There was this hanging plot thread with her mom's mirrors that was just left for no reason. Maybe there will be a second short story covering it?
July 14, 2015
Nothing too special, but made me remember how much I loved the first book in this series...can't wait for the second one!
September 2, 2016
This was a great story to introduce what appears to be an intriguing new (for me) urban fantasy series.
September 27, 2018
Last month I read SHUTTER and really enjoyed it. And since I'm between books, I decided to read the prequel, which is available at TOR.com for free.
This is actually an event mentioned in the book: the Embarcadero Scissorclaw. It's how Micheline gets involved with the hunt. It also focuses on the tension between her parents because they both want her to follow in their footsteps.
I disliked her dad as much here as in the book. And it was bittersweet to meet her mother and younger brothers. The family dynamic seemed troublesome even before the tragic events that nearly destroy Micheline in the book.
This was a great story, action-packed and creepy. Captures the essence and imagery of the book very well. I think it's a great intro into this dangerous world, but I'm glad I read the book first.
This is actually an event mentioned in the book: the Embarcadero Scissorclaw. It's how Micheline gets involved with the hunt. It also focuses on the tension between her parents because they both want her to follow in their footsteps.
I disliked her dad as much here as in the book. And it was bittersweet to meet her mother and younger brothers. The family dynamic seemed troublesome even before the tragic events that nearly destroy Micheline in the book.
This was a great story, action-packed and creepy. Captures the essence and imagery of the book very well. I think it's a great intro into this dangerous world, but I'm glad I read the book first.
November 9, 2019
Nice backgrounder before Shutter! When I first read that book's synopsis, I thought Micheline was just an ordinary photographer who just happened to be special. Turns out, she's heiress to her father's "army" (known as Reapers), and also inherited her mother's side of having "special eyes" (called tetros). And she's juggling to be good at doing both, Triggering and Shuttering.
1st star - author's way of writing is pretty smooth for the action-packed scenes, didn't lose my way in picturing the scenes
2nd star - really excited to start Shutter now! There's something still lurking in Micheline's mother's side and I'm guessing that'll be the premise of the next book
3rd star - 'cuz Micheline's a badass and I still find it endearing how she wants to prove herself to both her parents
4th star - just 'cuz this book didn't disappoint and I'm more curious than ever on how Shutter will unfold. We got the monster in Trigger, now it's time to see some ghosts in Shutter
1st star - author's way of writing is pretty smooth for the action-packed scenes, didn't lose my way in picturing the scenes
2nd star - really excited to start Shutter now! There's something still lurking in Micheline's mother's side and I'm guessing that'll be the premise of the next book
3rd star - 'cuz Micheline's a badass and I still find it endearing how she wants to prove herself to both her parents
4th star - just 'cuz this book didn't disappoint and I'm more curious than ever on how Shutter will unfold. We got the monster in Trigger, now it's time to see some ghosts in Shutter
April 19, 2018
This is a really interesting novella. I read the short story Fixer before I read this, and the tragedy in Michelline’s future hasn’t quite yet occurred. So it’s nice to see how she is stuck between two worlds – that of her father and mother and two legacies. Yet, Michelline’s gumption somehow saves the day. Albeit in a very destructive manner.
I’m really enjoying the single word names for Alameda’s Shutter series. Somehow they manage to explain exactly the topic and trend of the story. I love how one simple word might seem a little bizarre as a title at the beginning of the tale, but by the end I have this beautiful light bulb moment where everything makes sense and it seems so glaringly obvious.
Now I just have to wait for Shutter to appear in the mail…
I’m really enjoying the single word names for Alameda’s Shutter series. Somehow they manage to explain exactly the topic and trend of the story. I love how one simple word might seem a little bizarre as a title at the beginning of the tale, but by the end I have this beautiful light bulb moment where everything makes sense and it seems so glaringly obvious.
Now I just have to wait for Shutter to appear in the mail…
October 11, 2023
I'm probably too dumb to tie all the pieces of Helsing, reapers, cadets, tetras, necros, ghosts, cameras and mirrors together, especially since I've resorting to calling the protagonist Tire instead of
Mish-a-line
Mitchell-een
Michael-lynn ??
But it was still enough to entice me to give Shutter a try, so we'll see how that goes next.
But it was still enough to entice me to give Shutter a try, so we'll see how that goes next.
August 30, 2019
A nice prequel
I really enjoyed this brief prequel to Shutter. I really hope that this will be a series or trilogy. Pitch Dark is also very good.
I really enjoyed this brief prequel to Shutter. I really hope that this will be a series or trilogy. Pitch Dark is also very good.
November 26, 2019
I loved it. This book spoke about Micheline's life before she was a chosen Helsing.
February 22, 2025
Loved this short story, getting introduced to these characters and I can't wait to read Shutter now!
September 14, 2025
A fun short story as a companion to the novel!
June 5, 2015
originally posted at: http://thebookplank.blogspot.com/2015...
The first sentence of the synopsis caught my attention. Helsing. We all know who that is or was. To be honest I hadn't heard of Courtney Alameda and her shutter story but after reading Trigger, she is definitely on my radar!
The story of Trigger takes place before the events of the first book in the series Shutter. In Trigger you are introduced to the young women, (can't really call her a girl) Micheline Helsing, who is special. Her father definitely sees a bright future in her in a dark world. For birth Micheline knows what it takes to be a Helsing. To hunt the supernatural, to hunt the dead and make world a better and safer place to live. She is somewhat forced by her father to grow up really fast and soon she has her first assignment, however thing don't go as expected. Don't worry, Micheline survives but she was unable to get rid of the scissorclaw. Murder continue to happen because of this and action needs to be taken by the Reapers, people like Michaeline and her father. These being wouldnt live if they werent sneaky and smart so it becomes a cat and mouse game in order to catch the scissorclaws, one that will test the limits of Micheline's skill, powers and determination.
Courtney Alameda divides the story of Trigger in three months, with each part seperated by a few month. It might not sound special but it puts actually a larger timeframe in this short story. Giving the impression that you are reading a much big story. Even though the story picks up after event somewhere different it doesn't make the story erratic, there is a nice gradual transition.
The world building that is shown in the few pages sounds just plain and simple awesome a fast paced Urban Fantasy stories, of which you only get to see the scissorclaws but you know that there is much more hiding in the dark and murky waters waiting to jump on you and kill you. Micheline lives in a dangerous world but definitely knows how to fend for herself. Courtney Alameda puts the setting just right, action packed and highly entertaining!
The first sentence of the synopsis caught my attention. Helsing. We all know who that is or was. To be honest I hadn't heard of Courtney Alameda and her shutter story but after reading Trigger, she is definitely on my radar!
The story of Trigger takes place before the events of the first book in the series Shutter. In Trigger you are introduced to the young women, (can't really call her a girl) Micheline Helsing, who is special. Her father definitely sees a bright future in her in a dark world. For birth Micheline knows what it takes to be a Helsing. To hunt the supernatural, to hunt the dead and make world a better and safer place to live. She is somewhat forced by her father to grow up really fast and soon she has her first assignment, however thing don't go as expected. Don't worry, Micheline survives but she was unable to get rid of the scissorclaw. Murder continue to happen because of this and action needs to be taken by the Reapers, people like Michaeline and her father. These being wouldnt live if they werent sneaky and smart so it becomes a cat and mouse game in order to catch the scissorclaws, one that will test the limits of Micheline's skill, powers and determination.
Courtney Alameda divides the story of Trigger in three months, with each part seperated by a few month. It might not sound special but it puts actually a larger timeframe in this short story. Giving the impression that you are reading a much big story. Even though the story picks up after event somewhere different it doesn't make the story erratic, there is a nice gradual transition.
The world building that is shown in the few pages sounds just plain and simple awesome a fast paced Urban Fantasy stories, of which you only get to see the scissorclaws but you know that there is much more hiding in the dark and murky waters waiting to jump on you and kill you. Micheline lives in a dangerous world but definitely knows how to fend for herself. Courtney Alameda puts the setting just right, action packed and highly entertaining!
June 8, 2015
This is one of the faster reads I've come across on Tor.com. It's not bad, especially given the somewhat dismal state of the YA I've read lately The worldbuilding is interesting even if the characters are a bit thin.
Pros: Awesome heroine who shoots monsters. Said female protagonist is best friends with a guy and there's nary a trace of annoying teenage sexual tension. Also, no love triangle! I also enjoyed the fact that the protagonist actually was bothered by the trail of carnage in her wake. The big actions set pieces in fiction and film tend to cause a lot of destruction and it's almost never commented on and especially never regretted.
Cons: Aggressively generic Dracula appropriations. Yet another heir to Van Helsing fighting monsters. On-the-nose meta references. The tidbit with the protagonist's mother communing with ghosts in her basement lair really caught my interest, as did the whole exorcising ghosts with mirrors and cameras part. The story does nothing with them. A shitty monster-hunting dad who is basically just a John Winchester expy.
Apparently this is a prequel to a full-length novel. I really want to read it now because the story was intriguing enough to make me want more. I just hope it does more with the interesting original bits and less with the boring done before bits.
Pros: Awesome heroine who shoots monsters. Said female protagonist is best friends with a guy and there's nary a trace of annoying teenage sexual tension. Also, no love triangle! I also enjoyed the fact that the protagonist actually was bothered by the trail of carnage in her wake. The big actions set pieces in fiction and film tend to cause a lot of destruction and it's almost never commented on and especially never regretted.
Cons: Aggressively generic Dracula appropriations. Yet another heir to Van Helsing fighting monsters. On-the-nose meta references. The tidbit with the protagonist's mother communing with ghosts in her basement lair really caught my interest, as did the whole exorcising ghosts with mirrors and cameras part. The story does nothing with them. A shitty monster-hunting dad who is basically just a John Winchester expy.
Apparently this is a prequel to a full-length novel. I really want to read it now because the story was intriguing enough to make me want more. I just hope it does more with the interesting original bits and less with the boring done before bits.
July 15, 2015
I've heard good things about the series which was why I decided to check it out, but this short was disappointing in execution. The premise was adequately intriguing (I did finish reading it after all), but nothing really gets explained.
I suppose as a teaser for the actual book, it succeeded because I do plan on checking out the book at some later point, if only to see what happens with her mother's side of things involving shades, mirrors, and camera.
Don't get me wrong, I was interested when I read the first few paragraphs about hunting giving them a reason to live, but the promise was never quite fulfilled. There is little that I found novel or gripping without even addressing my pet peeve; Micheline Helsing (Micheline...) and her little friends in this short turn out to be fairly unappealing, making stupid decisions yet somehow not dying when better men have.
I would say it's a testament to the skill of an author, being able to write stupid, brash, self-conceited sixteen year-olds, but I don't know if that's a skill to be proud of.
I suppose as a teaser for the actual book, it succeeded because I do plan on checking out the book at some later point, if only to see what happens with her mother's side of things involving shades, mirrors, and camera.
Don't get me wrong, I was interested when I read the first few paragraphs about hunting giving them a reason to live, but the promise was never quite fulfilled. There is little that I found novel or gripping without even addressing my pet peeve; Micheline Helsing (Micheline...) and her little friends in this short turn out to be fairly unappealing, making stupid decisions yet somehow not dying when better men have.
I would say it's a testament to the skill of an author, being able to write stupid, brash, self-conceited sixteen year-olds, but I don't know if that's a skill to be proud of.
July 26, 2016
Okay, despite my continued hatred for short stories that are really just chapters that should have been included in a book, this one wasn't bad. It did contain a self-contained narrative with lots of hints for more to come. If you like YA, kickass female protagonists and urban fantasy, Alameda's work is probably for you. Though I suspect that you really should read Trigger first. Dammit, just post this as an excerpt!
October 14, 2015
Quite the exciting bit of action in this prequel story. It was nice getting to hang out with Micheline and her lads for a bit and getting to see a glimpse of her family before tragedy struck (also confirms that her dad was a bit of a hard a$$ from the start). I suppose this story works well enough as a stand-alone, but you'll probably enjoy it more having read Shutter beforehand.
November 21, 2015
I did like the main character, a strong young girl in line to be the next ruler of the Helsing's army, that also inherited a genetic anomaly from her mother that enable her to better see their enemy. I did like the settings, the foggy city I call home, i.e. San Francisco.
This said the story read as another pulpy YA story, with nothing to set it apart from a million others.
This said the story read as another pulpy YA story, with nothing to set it apart from a million others.
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