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Old World Chronology
Malediction
Ask Jesse Cruz how I died.
In life, Samantha Wheaton often got the last word—and not much has changed after her death. To find out what really happened to her sister, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther will travel to Los Angeles to talk to Cruz, the former LAPD detective who investigated the murder. When Jesse proves reluctant to talk, however, Lex must find more of the people connected to the Henry Remus case –including a young woman with a very ugly dog and very familiar powers.
As she searches for answers, Lex finds herself venturing deeper down a rabbit hole—one that may lead her to a big bad wolf.
Note: This story is set between Boundary Crossed and Boundary Lines.
In life, Samantha Wheaton often got the last word—and not much has changed after her death. To find out what really happened to her sister, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther will travel to Los Angeles to talk to Cruz, the former LAPD detective who investigated the murder. When Jesse proves reluctant to talk, however, Lex must find more of the people connected to the Henry Remus case –including a young woman with a very ugly dog and very familiar powers.
As she searches for answers, Lex finds herself venturing deeper down a rabbit hole—one that may lead her to a big bad wolf.
Note: This story is set between Boundary Crossed and Boundary Lines.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2015
123 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Olson
42 books1,738 followersMelissa F. Olson is a writer and film professor. Her work includes the comic ARCHAIC, the feminist horror novel The Other Frankenstein, and more than 20 urban fantasy novels and novellas, including the Scarlett Bernard series and the Boundary Magic novels. Her journalism and academic work has been published in The International Journal of Comic Art, the compilation Images of the Modern Vampire, Tor.com, and the Everyone's Gone to the Movies series.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 31, 2015
This short falls after the first three Scarlet Bernard books and after the first Boundary Witch book-and, as the author warns, has spoilers for all of the above.
Malediction does a great job of bringing the two series together when Lex hunts down Jessie and Scarlet to find out the truth about Sam's death. It is sad, because we get a glimpse of Sam 'before' and her death was quite gruesome, but it was also interesting to see the fallout and to have everyone interacting - the story is told in alternating POVs by Jessie and Lex. It made me look forward to Lex's next book, I think she's shaping to be a great character.
Malediction does a great job of bringing the two series together when Lex hunts down Jessie and Scarlet to find out the truth about Sam's death. It is sad, because we get a glimpse of Sam 'before' and her death was quite gruesome, but it was also interesting to see the fallout and to have everyone interacting - the story is told in alternating POVs by Jessie and Lex. It made me look forward to Lex's next book, I think she's shaping to be a great character.
November 24, 2015
This short story falls right after the ending of Boundary Crossed. Lex decides to go to Los Angeles, to talk to Jesse Cruz, and finds out what really happens with her sister's murder.
The short story has similar structure with Scarlet Bernard's novels, in which we have two point of views. One with Lex (first person) the other with Jesse (third person). We discovered what really happened with Sam.
It was nice to get an 'update' of Jesse and Scarlet too. And maybe it will be nice to have a cross-over stories, like in TV series from same network.
The short story has similar structure with Scarlet Bernard's novels, in which we have two point of views. One with Lex (first person) the other with Jesse (third person). We discovered what really happened with Sam.
It was nice to get an 'update' of Jesse and Scarlet too. And maybe it will be nice to have a cross-over stories, like in TV series from same network.
August 2, 2015
This is a short story that connects characters in the Scarlett Bernard and Boundary Magic series, but I really liked it. The only issue that I have is that it's too short (that's the point of these vignettes though). It makes me want Lex and Scarlett to pair up in the future and fight crime, or at least help each other out on cases.
December 29, 2016
I liked Jess so much, and then he apparently had to be made into a jerk, to resolve the love triangle, and now he's sympathetic again, and miserable. I hope better things happen to him in the next Scarlett story, as I doubt it's likely to come in the Lex ones.
September 17, 2019
It's been forever since I read the first book in Boundary Magic and I haven't read the Scarlett books but most of the first Boundary Magic book came back to me and I didn't feel too lost not having read about Scarlett and Jesse. I like the characters and the magic in the book so I plan to not wait so long and read book 2 soon.
August 23, 2015
I've always loved crossover events. My first memory of one was when Murder, She Wrote's Jessica Fletcher helped Magnum P.I. solve a crime (and then later defend him when he's arrested for murder.) It's always a thrill to see two protagonists of their own series interact.
That's what makes this short story so much fun, with Scarlett Bernard and Allison "Lex" Luthor meeting up as Lex tries to unearth new details of her sister's murder. Much like the Magnum-Fletcher interaction, it doesn't exactly go smoothly. The tension between the two is well earned, and serves to reinforce a recurring theme of the Bernard series while creating tantalizing possibilities for Lex going forward. While short and sweet, the story is fan service for those who've read both series and serves to drive both forward into unexpected places.
That's what makes this short story so much fun, with Scarlett Bernard and Allison "Lex" Luthor meeting up as Lex tries to unearth new details of her sister's murder. Much like the Magnum-Fletcher interaction, it doesn't exactly go smoothly. The tension between the two is well earned, and serves to reinforce a recurring theme of the Bernard series while creating tantalizing possibilities for Lex going forward. While short and sweet, the story is fan service for those who've read both series and serves to drive both forward into unexpected places.
June 17, 2015
**It's best to have read Boundary Crossed and to be caught up on the Scarlett Bernard series before reading Malediction.**
Lex's sister, Sam, told Lex from beyond the grave to look to Jesse Cruz for answers to her murder. So that's just what she does. Well, Jesse doesn't tell her what she needs to know over the phone so she's on a flight to L.A. to find answers. Jesse gives Scarlett the heads up that Lex is coming.
It was nice to see Jesse and Scarlett interacting again. I think they make great partners. Jesse's observations of Lex and Scarlett had my mind going in a certain direction. I'll just have to wait and see if I'm right. I was happy Lex got the answers she wanted no matter how hard it was to take.
This was a great transition novella. I'm excited for more!
Lex's sister, Sam, told Lex from beyond the grave to look to Jesse Cruz for answers to her murder. So that's just what she does. Well, Jesse doesn't tell her what she needs to know over the phone so she's on a flight to L.A. to find answers. Jesse gives Scarlett the heads up that Lex is coming.
It was nice to see Jesse and Scarlett interacting again. I think they make great partners. Jesse's observations of Lex and Scarlett had my mind going in a certain direction. I'll just have to wait and see if I'm right. I was happy Lex got the answers she wanted no matter how hard it was to take.
This was a great transition novella. I'm excited for more!
February 12, 2020
I have to admit I don’t like Scarlett that much and it made me giggle when Lex
June 20, 2018
This is a really good short story/novella which falls between the first and second Boundary Witch books. It also comes chronologically after the 3rd Scarlett Bernard book and containers lots of spoilers for that one (so don’t read this if you haven’t read the first Scarlett trilogy).
In this book, Lex tries to get more details about the death of her sister so we get to see Scarlett and Jesse again. It’s an interesting crossover between the series.
I haven’t read “Boundary Lines” (book 2) yet, but as far as I can tell, it’s not necessary to read this one first. If you just want to read the full length novels that should be fine.
In this book, Lex tries to get more details about the death of her sister so we get to see Scarlett and Jesse again. It’s an interesting crossover between the series.
I haven’t read “Boundary Lines” (book 2) yet, but as far as I can tell, it’s not necessary to read this one first. If you just want to read the full length novels that should be fine.
April 1, 2017
Short story that links Scarlett Bernard and Boundary witch series.
Lex travels to LA to find out what finally happened to her sister Sam. It is heartbreaking story that involved more werewolf's in the story.
Definitely going to start reading the Scarlett Bernard series.
Lex travels to LA to find out what finally happened to her sister Sam. It is heartbreaking story that involved more werewolf's in the story.
Definitely going to start reading the Scarlett Bernard series.
November 15, 2019
3.5 stars
May 31, 2017
This little short story was everything I wanted it to be. It mashed the two stories together in a way that was totally organic and made me happy to still not have to go back into Jesse’s drama. I hope he gets his act together before we see him again.
As a follow-up to the cliffhanger-ish ending of the first Boundary Witch book, we knew that Lex had to go to LA to figure out what really happened to her sister. If you’ve read the other series, you already know, but it was still heart wrenching to watch Lex have to go through the discovery. She also had to be forcefully introduced to the Old World in LA, which is definitely a departure from how things work in Colorado. I was particularly happy that we got this little glimpse into how things are going without having to commit to a full-fledged book. Nice to visit, but glad I didn’t have to stay.
Needless to say, we do get answers for Lex and some perhaps unflattering views of the other paranormals in LA. I probably enjoyed how Lex reacted to Scarlett a little too much, but sometimes she could use a little bit of Lex’s tough love. I’m interested to see where Lex takes this new information and new world view.
As a follow-up to the cliffhanger-ish ending of the first Boundary Witch book, we knew that Lex had to go to LA to figure out what really happened to her sister. If you’ve read the other series, you already know, but it was still heart wrenching to watch Lex have to go through the discovery. She also had to be forcefully introduced to the Old World in LA, which is definitely a departure from how things work in Colorado. I was particularly happy that we got this little glimpse into how things are going without having to commit to a full-fledged book. Nice to visit, but glad I didn’t have to stay.
Needless to say, we do get answers for Lex and some perhaps unflattering views of the other paranormals in LA. I probably enjoyed how Lex reacted to Scarlett a little too much, but sometimes she could use a little bit of Lex’s tough love. I’m interested to see where Lex takes this new information and new world view.
July 24, 2024
“Malediction” is a novella-length book which links two series and, as the author points out, contains spoilers for several titles.
Boundary Witch Allison 'Lex' Luther has a visit from her sister, Sam. Which wouldn't be odd except that Sam was horrifically murdered a year ago.
Sam has a message for Lex: - “Ask Jesse Cruz how I died”.
Jesse was the cop in charge of the investigation but he has since left the California police and takes some tracking down. He's unwilling to help but Lex forces his hand when she talks to the woman convicted of killing Sam's killer, serial killer Henry Remus.
What she learns isn't, on the face of it, particularly helpful but makes those in the know try to close Lex down.
On doing so they eventually provide her with the details of the killing but there is a lot left out - and Lex won't stop until everyone involved has paid.
3 Stars.
Boundary Witch Allison 'Lex' Luther has a visit from her sister, Sam. Which wouldn't be odd except that Sam was horrifically murdered a year ago.
Sam has a message for Lex: - “Ask Jesse Cruz how I died”.
Jesse was the cop in charge of the investigation but he has since left the California police and takes some tracking down. He's unwilling to help but Lex forces his hand when she talks to the woman convicted of killing Sam's killer, serial killer Henry Remus.
What she learns isn't, on the face of it, particularly helpful but makes those in the know try to close Lex down.
On doing so they eventually provide her with the details of the killing but there is a lot left out - and Lex won't stop until everyone involved has paid.
3 Stars.
May 24, 2018
58 points/100 (3 stars/5).
Lex forces Scarlett and Jesse to tell how her sister, Samantha, died.
This is a novella that takes place after both the events in the Scarlett Bernard series, and the first book in the Boundary Magic series, and should not be read before those two points.
I thought this was a bit boring, honestly. It was Olson trying to catch up with the Scarlett Bernard characters, while further connecting the Boundary Magic main character with that series. There wasn't much to this on its own. We already know the story, so this was mostly just Lex reacting to being told.
Overall, skippable if you don't want to read it. Probably enjoyable if you do want to read it.
Lex forces Scarlett and Jesse to tell how her sister, Samantha, died.
This is a novella that takes place after both the events in the Scarlett Bernard series, and the first book in the Boundary Magic series, and should not be read before those two points.
I thought this was a bit boring, honestly. It was Olson trying to catch up with the Scarlett Bernard characters, while further connecting the Boundary Magic main character with that series. There wasn't much to this on its own. We already know the story, so this was mostly just Lex reacting to being told.
Overall, skippable if you don't want to read it. Probably enjoyable if you do want to read it.
January 16, 2018
This was a nice way to see how the Boulder world clashes/meshes with the LA world. It is sad to once again think about Sam and what happened with her and the other victims of the nova wolf.
I would hope that this is more closure for Lex, though it stinks that the rest of her family can’t have the same knowledge as her. I do like the idea that Lex can talk to her twin and think it will add an interesting twist to further stories starring her for sure
I like how Sam is her conscious though she writes it off as herself saying that in her head—I just think it is Sam basically telling her to grow up sometimes.
I would hope that this is more closure for Lex, though it stinks that the rest of her family can’t have the same knowledge as her. I do like the idea that Lex can talk to her twin and think it will add an interesting twist to further stories starring her for sure
I like how Sam is her conscious though she writes it off as herself saying that in her head—I just think it is Sam basically telling her to grow up sometimes.
June 7, 2017
Honestly, the best book in either series so far
It's a novella, and I think honestly that lends itself to the plot. It's a simple premise: Lex goes to LA to see what really happened to her sister. But there's SO MUCH CRAMMED into this short! It's a very good look at the whole pathology of PTSD and rape and survivor's guilt and a whole host of "what do you do after you solve the crime" dilemmas and it's very well done, and succinct. It sort of ups the ante, honestly, and I have a feeling I'm going to be disappointed by the novels.
It's a novella, and I think honestly that lends itself to the plot. It's a simple premise: Lex goes to LA to see what really happened to her sister. But there's SO MUCH CRAMMED into this short! It's a very good look at the whole pathology of PTSD and rape and survivor's guilt and a whole host of "what do you do after you solve the crime" dilemmas and it's very well done, and succinct. It sort of ups the ante, honestly, and I have a feeling I'm going to be disappointed by the novels.
March 17, 2018
I love seeing crossovers between Scarlett and Lex -- this scene gets referred to a lot, in both later Boundary books AND later Scarlett books, so it's fun to see the details of the scene. Horrifying more than fun in terms of the actual highly-traumatic events happening, but fun for the reader who knows how rewarding it is to put fictional characters through the wringer.
April 8, 2021
This is my first "book" by this author. As I understand it it ties most of her other series together maybe all of them. It is interesting, and I am looking forward to reading more about "Lex" and Scarlett and Jesse. A quick easy short story read to drop me into a new world...Just what the Dr ordered. :)
January 9, 2018
Ah ha!
No wonder I felt as if I were missing something with that last read. This was really good, but I was really hoping for more Sam. And was definitely looking forward to a tiny bit of Sam/Lex sisterly interaction.
No wonder I felt as if I were missing something with that last read. This was really good, but I was really hoping for more Sam. And was definitely looking forward to a tiny bit of Sam/Lex sisterly interaction.
March 4, 2018
Good short story
Nice little story with meetings and details that are referenced in the novels. I'm glad that i picked it up. It fleshed out characters whose names you read but haven't met.
Nice little story with meetings and details that are referenced in the novels. I'm glad that i picked it up. It fleshed out characters whose names you read but haven't met.
June 5, 2017
Nice backstory fill in.
Nice fill in about Lex and Scarlett meeting and a bit more information about her sister's death. But too short!
Nice fill in about Lex and Scarlett meeting and a bit more information about her sister's death. But too short!
September 18, 2017
Quick read, but good.
Nice to meet Scarlett and Shadow again.
Will there be more cross-overs in this series?
Thank You Ms Olson
Ken
Nice to meet Scarlett and Shadow again.
Will there be more cross-overs in this series?
Thank You Ms Olson
Ken
July 27, 2019
Loved this entire series! Read them back to back on KU.
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
March 9, 2017
didn't really make me want to start the next series
August 1, 2016
"Malediction". is the first novella in the Boundary Magic series and tells how Lex's twin sister, Sam, is murdered. In the first book of the series we are left with Sam telling Lex to find Jesse Cruz and ask him how she died. After having nightmares about her sister's death and unsuccessfully trying to reach Cruz by phone, Lex decides to go to L.A.
It seems Cruz no longer is working for the police department but as advisor to a Hollywood filming studio..Once he gets wind that Lex is in L.A he attempts to block her attempt to find out the truth about her sister. Unfortunately for him, Lex is not about to allow his interference to stand and decides to visit the woman who killed her sister's killer in prison. Loaded with some surprising information Lex is not closer to infiltrating L.A's paranormal community and the man in charge views her as a threat. Lex has to sundown to find out what happened to her sister before has to leave or risk being killed.
This short page turner nicely blends to worlds of the Deadspot series and the Boundary Magic series. It will be interesting to see what impact of any this information will have on the events that are yet to come.
It seems Cruz no longer is working for the police department but as advisor to a Hollywood filming studio..Once he gets wind that Lex is in L.A he attempts to block her attempt to find out the truth about her sister. Unfortunately for him, Lex is not about to allow his interference to stand and decides to visit the woman who killed her sister's killer in prison. Loaded with some surprising information Lex is not closer to infiltrating L.A's paranormal community and the man in charge views her as a threat. Lex has to sundown to find out what happened to her sister before has to leave or risk being killed.
This short page turner nicely blends to worlds of the Deadspot series and the Boundary Magic series. It will be interesting to see what impact of any this information will have on the events that are yet to come.
June 22, 2015
Malediction is a short story that takes place after Hunter's Trail and Boundary Crossed, but before Boundary Lines. It does contain slight spoilers if read out of order.
This short features boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther (from Boundary Magic series) and offers fans of Olson's Scarlett Bernard series a chance to reconnect with Scarlett and Jesse Cruz.
After Lex's dead twin tells her, "Ask Jesse Cruz how I died", she travels to LA to do just that. She's been told Sam's murderer is dead and the one responsible for killing him is in prison, but she has to know HOW her twin died.
(3.5 stars)
This short features boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther (from Boundary Magic series) and offers fans of Olson's Scarlett Bernard series a chance to reconnect with Scarlett and Jesse Cruz.
After Lex's dead twin tells her, "Ask Jesse Cruz how I died", she travels to LA to do just that. She's been told Sam's murderer is dead and the one responsible for killing him is in prison, but she has to know HOW her twin died.
(3.5 stars)
January 17, 2017
Searching For The TRUTH
This is a linking book between the Scarlett Bernard Series and the Boundary Magic Series. Both series must be read in order. This book takes place after Hunter's Trail (Scarlett Bernard #3) as well as after Boundary Crossed (Boundary Magic #1). I can't wait to read Midnight Curse (Disrupted Magic #1 ie Scarlett Bernard Series 2) and Boundary Lines (Boundary Magic #2)!
Lex woke up after speaking with her (dead) sister with a mission- Find Jesse Cruz and make him tell her how her sister REALLY died. It sounds simple... But nothing has been simple for a long time now. Does her sister's death have something to do with the Old World? Or is she just grasping at straws? If she finds out the truth, will everything begin to make more sense? Or less?
*** Both of these series are suitable for adult readers who enjoy modern urban supernatural romance action adventure mysteries with plenty of drama, suspense, intrigue, thrills, humor and monsters both good and bad :)
This is a linking book between the Scarlett Bernard Series and the Boundary Magic Series. Both series must be read in order. This book takes place after Hunter's Trail (Scarlett Bernard #3) as well as after Boundary Crossed (Boundary Magic #1). I can't wait to read Midnight Curse (Disrupted Magic #1 ie Scarlett Bernard Series 2) and Boundary Lines (Boundary Magic #2)!
Lex woke up after speaking with her (dead) sister with a mission- Find Jesse Cruz and make him tell her how her sister REALLY died. It sounds simple... But nothing has been simple for a long time now. Does her sister's death have something to do with the Old World? Or is she just grasping at straws? If she finds out the truth, will everything begin to make more sense? Or less?
*** Both of these series are suitable for adult readers who enjoy modern urban supernatural romance action adventure mysteries with plenty of drama, suspense, intrigue, thrills, humor and monsters both good and bad :)
October 17, 2015
This novella crosses both the Scarlett Bernard and the Old World Series as Sam, Lex’s twin sister, had been one of the victims in Hunter’s Trail. At Sam’s urging during a dream, Lex heads to LA to learn what happened to her sister.
The tale is told from three points of view: Lex’s, Jesse’s and Scarletts. Other than Lex learning the truth and getting a better understanding of how another area of the Old World is run, it’s difficult to see what Lex gets out of this trip other than some ugly truths and learning that Scarlett is a null; the same thing her niece Charlotte is which makes her popular with the local vampires.
Available via KindleUnlimited, it’s a nice way to get your fix while waiting for the next release.
The tale is told from three points of view: Lex’s, Jesse’s and Scarletts. Other than Lex learning the truth and getting a better understanding of how another area of the Old World is run, it’s difficult to see what Lex gets out of this trip other than some ugly truths and learning that Scarlett is a null; the same thing her niece Charlotte is which makes her popular with the local vampires.
Available via KindleUnlimited, it’s a nice way to get your fix while waiting for the next release.
June 30, 2015
A great little story to tie in the world of Scarlett and Lex together with one of my favourite characters, Jesse Cruz. I can't help but hope that Jesse gets his own story eventually. Here we get to find out what happened to Lex's twin sister and as gruesome as it was it throws a lot of light on the world of werewolves and I can see how Lex's opinion is being formed. I have to say I am pretty much in agreement, they are a bunch that I'm not sure I would want much to do with! Really great short story for fans of both worlds.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews