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The Peri Reed Chronicles #0.5
Sideswiped
2 hours, 36 minutes
BONUS MATERIAL: INCLUDES THE PROLOGUE AND FIRST CHAPTER OF THE DRAFTER, THE FIRST NOVEL IN KIM HARRISON’S NEW SERIES!
Don’t miss this thrilling first look into the elite world of Peri Reed, government agency operative extraordinaire, and catch more of her character in The Drafter, the first book in the all-new suspense trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison, out September 1.
Every hero, even the accidental ones, have a beginning.
Silas’s radical theory that drafters are not replaying time as much as they are temporarily sliding into an alternate universe has never been well-received, but frankly, the darling of Opti’s research has enough clout not to care, until a professor with a grudge tries to put a permanent end to it. Love can’t alter time, and sometimes, even being able to rub out a single mistake isn’t enough…
BONUS MATERIAL: INCLUDES THE PROLOGUE AND FIRST CHAPTER OF THE DRAFTER, THE FIRST NOVEL IN KIM HARRISON’S NEW SERIES!
Don’t miss this thrilling first look into the elite world of Peri Reed, government agency operative extraordinaire, and catch more of her character in The Drafter, the first book in the all-new suspense trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison, out September 1.
Every hero, even the accidental ones, have a beginning.
Silas’s radical theory that drafters are not replaying time as much as they are temporarily sliding into an alternate universe has never been well-received, but frankly, the darling of Opti’s research has enough clout not to care, until a professor with a grudge tries to put a permanent end to it. Love can’t alter time, and sometimes, even being able to rub out a single mistake isn’t enough…
Audiobook
First published August 1, 2015
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About the author
Kim Harrison
83 books18.8k followersKim Harrison is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 best selling Hollows series, but she has written more than urban fantasy and has published over two-dozen books spanning the gamut from young adult, thriller, several anthologies, and has scripted two original graphic novels. She has also published traditional fantasy under the name Dawn Cook. Kim is currently working on a new Hollows book between other, non related, urban fantasy projects.
Kim reaches out to her audience at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KimHarrisons...
Instagram
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and her blog http://kimharrison.wordpress.com/
other pseudonyms: Dawn Cook
Kim reaches out to her audience at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KimHarrisons...
https://instagram.com/kim_harrison_au...
and her blog http://kimharrison.wordpress.com/
other pseudonyms: Dawn Cook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
February 10, 2016
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
I'm kind of at a loss . . .
I don't like time travel. Unless it's in one direction and more or less permanent. Technically, I don't particularly like it even then, but in that context it doesn't bother me, so that's something at least.
I don't like the time travel you more frequently encounter, b/c it's too easy . . . Authors can't seem to help themselves, and they take more liberties than they ever would under any other circumstances b/c who-the-hell-cares?-we-can-just-go-back-in-time-and-FIX-it.
I bloody hate that.
But that's not what's going on here . . .
In Peri Reed's world, a very small fraction of the population has the ability to "draft" or move backwards in time. An equally small fraction of the population has the ability to "anchor" a Drafter's dual memories, preventing . . . insanity? Brought on by numerous versions of reality?
Drafters and Anchors predictably work together in teams of two.
The problem is that I don't really see the point.
You see . . . there are extreme limitations on this drafting ability:
I don't know about you, but "more than a minute" sounds like it's meant to be impressive . . . But even if Ethan could draft a full minute back in time with Heidi's "breathtaking mile" reach, what the hell could that actually accomplish?
Unless they've also got clairvoyants (no sign of that) to direct the drafters in advance to where they need to be, only being able---at the outside limit---to go sixty seconds backwards (sideways?), isn't really helpful in the greater scheme of things.
And the likelihood that someone who happens to be able to draft, also happening to be Johnny-on-the-spot when the ability would be helpful is . . . not incredibly likely . . .
So again, I ask . . . What's the point?
Maybe there will be further explanation in the full-length novel that I'm definitely planning to read b/c:
1. Kim Harrison.
2. Aside from the questionable usefulness of the drafting ability, this prequel was highly engaging.
In only sixty or so pages, Harrison once again demonstrated her ability to create compelling, extremely likable characters. Plus her sometimes eyebrow-raising flair for simile and metaphor has grown on me over the years . . .
I still find it hard to believe that anything could be like "trying to get lemonade from a cow patty," but it makes me laugh that she would say so.
But none of that matters b/c Harrison is an autobuy author for me, so I will be reading THE DRAFTER regardless of the questions SIDESWIPED has raised. I'll report back, hopefully with more information, as soon as that's accomplished. Stay tuned . . .
IN HINDSIGHT after being thoroughly confused about the seemingly pointless drafting ability (and after discussing it with my book bff who agreed with me), I mentioned the concept to my husband who annoyingly hit the nail on the head:
"Well, obviously, they'd be highly trained for some kind of dangerous government job, increasing the likelihood that the ability would be useful."
GAH. *kicks aluminum can*
I'm kind of at a loss . . .
I don't like time travel. Unless it's in one direction and more or less permanent. Technically, I don't particularly like it even then, but in that context it doesn't bother me, so that's something at least.
I don't like the time travel you more frequently encounter, b/c it's too easy . . . Authors can't seem to help themselves, and they take more liberties than they ever would under any other circumstances b/c who-the-hell-cares?-we-can-just-go-back-in-time-and-FIX-it.
I bloody hate that.
But that's not what's going on here . . .
In Peri Reed's world, a very small fraction of the population has the ability to "draft" or move backwards in time. An equally small fraction of the population has the ability to "anchor" a Drafter's dual memories, preventing . . . insanity? Brought on by numerous versions of reality?
Drafters and Anchors predictably work together in teams of two.
The problem is that I don't really see the point.
You see . . . there are extreme limitations on this drafting ability:
Ethan could draft more than a minute into the past, but he could only physically affect a circular block. Heidi had never exceeded ten seconds, but her reach was a breathtaking mile across.
I don't know about you, but "more than a minute" sounds like it's meant to be impressive . . . But even if Ethan could draft a full minute back in time with Heidi's "breathtaking mile" reach, what the hell could that actually accomplish?
Unless they've also got clairvoyants (no sign of that) to direct the drafters in advance to where they need to be, only being able---at the outside limit---to go sixty seconds backwards (sideways?), isn't really helpful in the greater scheme of things.
And the likelihood that someone who happens to be able to draft, also happening to be Johnny-on-the-spot when the ability would be helpful is . . . not incredibly likely . . .
So again, I ask . . . What's the point?
Maybe there will be further explanation in the full-length novel that I'm definitely planning to read b/c:
1. Kim Harrison.
2. Aside from the questionable usefulness of the drafting ability, this prequel was highly engaging.
In only sixty or so pages, Harrison once again demonstrated her ability to create compelling, extremely likable characters. Plus her sometimes eyebrow-raising flair for simile and metaphor has grown on me over the years . . .
I still find it hard to believe that anything could be like "trying to get lemonade from a cow patty," but it makes me laugh that she would say so.
But none of that matters b/c Harrison is an autobuy author for me, so I will be reading THE DRAFTER regardless of the questions SIDESWIPED has raised. I'll report back, hopefully with more information, as soon as that's accomplished. Stay tuned . . .
IN HINDSIGHT after being thoroughly confused about the seemingly pointless drafting ability (and after discussing it with my book bff who agreed with me), I mentioned the concept to my husband who annoyingly hit the nail on the head:
"Well, obviously, they'd be highly trained for some kind of dangerous government job, increasing the likelihood that the ability would be useful."
GAH. *kicks aluminum can*
November 22, 2017
►► BR with my MacHalo Freaks starting Sept. 7, 2015.
[Last update: Sept. 8, 2015]
And the Short Story Curse continues! First there was Eyes Deep, then there was Freeze Warning and now this? I have the feeling someone is trying to tell me to stick to full-length books from now on…
✉ Dear Kim Harrison: I'd warned you that time-travel was my favourite SF subgenre. You didn't listen, did you? Sigh. You dare call this time-travel? You have to be joking. A story about a bunch of immature college students, that's what this is: semesters, grades, tests, professors… Damn, it got to a point where I started wondering whether this was Freaking YA!
►► Okay, I have better things to do with my life than write a review for this story so I'll try and make this as quick and painless as possible.
✘ What I don't like about this story ✘
① The college setting: do you want to know how to do this right Kim Harrison? Read any book in Connie Willis' Oxford Time-Travel series. No immaturity there. No silly college students trying to hack into the registrar's computer to wipe everyone's grades because they failed a stupid test. Are we still in high school people? It sure looks like it.
② The decaffeinated time travel: what a joke. First of all, there is very little time travel to be had here. And don't expect to read about the technical/scientific aspects of drafting, either. To make things worse, the concept of drafting itself seems pointless. I mean, the most gifted drafters are only able to move back in time for a minute while the rest are only able to do it for a few seconds. That's a pretty useless ability to have if you ask me.
③ The "Summer is Beautiful" Fest: Summer has womanly charms, she is so gorgeous that she keeps getting solicitations for her phone number, she is tall, blond, and beautiful , she is a tall, sexy bombshell (am I boring you yet? Too bad, I'm not finished), she has strong cheekbones and wispy lashes, she has pale skin and slim hands (mentioned twice) and her hair smells sooooo gooooood… . Argggghhhh!!!!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
④ The "Silas and Summer are in Lurrrrve" bits: boring and uninteresting, they do nothing but drag the story down and make Silas' character come across as a pathetic love puppy. I rest my case.
⑤ The unlikeable cast of characters: I didn't connect with any of them. I didn't care about a single one of them. That is all. Moving on.
⑥ The unexciting, uninspired, unoriginal, lackluster and FREAKING PREDICTABLE plot: need I say more? Didn't think so.
⑦ The corny lines, aka the last straw: "we're going to be legends" *sighs*, "time is on our side" (please tell me I did NOT just read this in a time travel story. PLEASE), "it's good to be bad" *shakes head in desperation*. Half of the lines in this book are either trite or clichéd. That's just fantastic.
✔ What I do like about this story ✔
① Absolutely nothing. Okay that's a bit harsh. I do actually like the book cover. Yes I do.
►► Do I still want to read The Drafter? Honestly, I don't know. It's waiting for me on my Kindle and I was supposed to read it with some of my MacHalo Freaks later this week but honestly, I don't know. This is only a prequel and might not do the rest of the series justice but honestly, I don't know. Should I bother? Should I not? Honestly, I don't know.
✎ Book 1: The Drafter - DNF of Doom and Oblivion (DNFoDaO™)
▧ Pre-review nonsense:
① YES, I am definitely cheating and starting a day early. Got a problem with that?
② Time-travel is my favourite SF subgenre. Can you feel the pressure Kim Harrison? No? Just know this: you're competing with Jack Finney and Connie Willis. Please go ahead and shudder.
[Last update: Sept. 8, 2015]
And the Short Story Curse continues! First there was Eyes Deep, then there was Freeze Warning and now this? I have the feeling someone is trying to tell me to stick to full-length books from now on…
✉ Dear Kim Harrison: I'd warned you that time-travel was my favourite SF subgenre. You didn't listen, did you? Sigh. You dare call this time-travel? You have to be joking. A story about a bunch of immature college students, that's what this is: semesters, grades, tests, professors… Damn, it got to a point where I started wondering whether this was Freaking YA!
►► Okay, I have better things to do with my life than write a review for this story so I'll try and make this as quick and painless as possible.
✘ What I don't like about this story ✘
① The college setting: do you want to know how to do this right Kim Harrison? Read any book in Connie Willis' Oxford Time-Travel series. No immaturity there. No silly college students trying to hack into the registrar's computer to wipe everyone's grades because they failed a stupid test. Are we still in high school people? It sure looks like it.
② The decaffeinated time travel: what a joke. First of all, there is very little time travel to be had here. And don't expect to read about the technical/scientific aspects of drafting, either. To make things worse, the concept of drafting itself seems pointless. I mean, the most gifted drafters are only able to move back in time for a minute while the rest are only able to do it for a few seconds. That's a pretty useless ability to have if you ask me.
③ The "Summer is Beautiful" Fest: Summer has womanly charms, she is so gorgeous that she keeps getting solicitations for her phone number, she is tall, blond, and beautiful , she is a tall, sexy bombshell (am I boring you yet? Too bad, I'm not finished), she has strong cheekbones and wispy lashes, she has pale skin and slim hands (mentioned twice) and her hair smells sooooo gooooood… . Argggghhhh!!!!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
④ The "Silas and Summer are in Lurrrrve" bits: boring and uninteresting, they do nothing but drag the story down and make Silas' character come across as a pathetic love puppy. I rest my case.
⑤ The unlikeable cast of characters: I didn't connect with any of them. I didn't care about a single one of them. That is all. Moving on.
⑥ The unexciting, uninspired, unoriginal, lackluster and FREAKING PREDICTABLE plot: need I say more? Didn't think so.
⑦ The corny lines, aka the last straw: "we're going to be legends" *sighs*, "time is on our side" (please tell me I did NOT just read this in a time travel story. PLEASE), "it's good to be bad" *shakes head in desperation*. Half of the lines in this book are either trite or clichéd. That's just fantastic.
✔ What I do like about this story ✔
① Absolutely nothing. Okay that's a bit harsh. I do actually like the book cover. Yes I do.
►► Do I still want to read The Drafter? Honestly, I don't know. It's waiting for me on my Kindle and I was supposed to read it with some of my MacHalo Freaks later this week but honestly, I don't know. This is only a prequel and might not do the rest of the series justice but honestly, I don't know. Should I bother? Should I not? Honestly, I don't know.
✎ Book 1: The Drafter - DNF of Doom and Oblivion (DNFoDaO™)
▧ Pre-review nonsense:
① YES, I am definitely cheating and starting a day early. Got a problem with that?
② Time-travel is my favourite SF subgenre. Can you feel the pressure Kim Harrison? No? Just know this: you're competing with Jack Finney and Connie Willis. Please go ahead and shudder.
October 11, 2016
Final review, first posted on Fantasy Literature:
At a university for time travelers and those with related talents, called “drafters,” and the people who anchor drafters back to reality after they shift backwards in time, Silas and his drafter girlfriend Summer meet Peri Reed, who is the main character in Kim Harrison’s related 2015 novel, The Drafter. Silas is a technical whiz, and is already unhappy about the way the system is treating him, and about his pending forced separation from Summer when she graduates and will go to work for the government with another anchor. When things go wrong during a practical final exam for Summer and some other drafters, Silas is talked into using his computer talents to fix the problem.
Kim Harrison has created an intriguing world, with a very interesting twist on time traveling: those with the talent to draft are limited to rewinding time within a limited geographic area, and can travel back no more than about a minute. While they’re repeating time, they can remember what happened the first time and pursue a different outcome, but once they catch up to the original time, the drafter forgets everything during their drafting period in both timelines, and relies on their anchor to bring them back up to speed.
Conceptually not everything made sense to me; for example, sometimes other people remember the prior reality and sometimes they don’t; the issue is handwaved with the explanation that time is “weird stuff”. Also, most of the characters are pretty one-dimensional, but that’s offset by a fast-paced plot with lots of action. My biggest issue is that this isn’t really a complete story by itself; the key plot threads are left to be resolved in The Drafter. This novella cost only 99c, but really it’s just a teaser for the novel and, in my opinion, these kind of stories should be given away for free.
Sideswiped wasn’t compelling enough to motivate me to buy a copy of The Drafter, but I’ll probably pick up a copy of it at the library sometime. One of my GR friends, Brad, says that this novella contains some backstory that's important if you're reading The Drafter, so readers of the novel may want to keep that in mind.
At a university for time travelers and those with related talents, called “drafters,” and the people who anchor drafters back to reality after they shift backwards in time, Silas and his drafter girlfriend Summer meet Peri Reed, who is the main character in Kim Harrison’s related 2015 novel, The Drafter. Silas is a technical whiz, and is already unhappy about the way the system is treating him, and about his pending forced separation from Summer when she graduates and will go to work for the government with another anchor. When things go wrong during a practical final exam for Summer and some other drafters, Silas is talked into using his computer talents to fix the problem.
Kim Harrison has created an intriguing world, with a very interesting twist on time traveling: those with the talent to draft are limited to rewinding time within a limited geographic area, and can travel back no more than about a minute. While they’re repeating time, they can remember what happened the first time and pursue a different outcome, but once they catch up to the original time, the drafter forgets everything during their drafting period in both timelines, and relies on their anchor to bring them back up to speed.
Conceptually not everything made sense to me; for example, sometimes other people remember the prior reality and sometimes they don’t; the issue is handwaved with the explanation that time is “weird stuff”. Also, most of the characters are pretty one-dimensional, but that’s offset by a fast-paced plot with lots of action. My biggest issue is that this isn’t really a complete story by itself; the key plot threads are left to be resolved in The Drafter. This novella cost only 99c, but really it’s just a teaser for the novel and, in my opinion, these kind of stories should be given away for free.
Sideswiped wasn’t compelling enough to motivate me to buy a copy of The Drafter, but I’ll probably pick up a copy of it at the library sometime. One of my GR friends, Brad, says that this novella contains some backstory that's important if you're reading The Drafter, so readers of the novel may want to keep that in mind.
September 11, 2016
I liked this short story. Can't wait to start the first book!
August 20, 2015
Sideswiped takes the reader back five years before The Drafter begins and introduces us to key players. They are all brilliant college students in their senior year and preparing for final exams. One of those tests involves a mission to retrieve an item in a real world environment. Told from the perspective of Silas we learn about the characters, witness their test and see them band together to change the outcome. We are also introduced to Peri Reed a freshman and she makes a grand entrance which left me with many questions I hope will be answered in the series.
Harrison was clever allowing Silas to tell us their story; He shared his relationships with his fellow students and introduced us to Peri Reed the main character of The Drafter. The idea of drafting, anchors and the technology are briefly described teasing the reader with tantalizing tidbits. We learn that upon graduation they will have careers as drafters or anchors working for the government. Silas is already a doctor and is working on his thesis. His theory is that drafters are actual shifting sideways in time to alternate versions of reality and not going back in time as the scientist believe.
Events that occur in Sideswiped clearly have a strong impact on Silas, Perri and their friends. A stranger named Fran, introduced near the end hints that there is an alternate path for their careers.It gave me a sense of sides being drawn and I am excited to see what develops.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Harrison was clever allowing Silas to tell us their story; He shared his relationships with his fellow students and introduced us to Peri Reed the main character of The Drafter. The idea of drafting, anchors and the technology are briefly described teasing the reader with tantalizing tidbits. We learn that upon graduation they will have careers as drafters or anchors working for the government. Silas is already a doctor and is working on his thesis. His theory is that drafters are actual shifting sideways in time to alternate versions of reality and not going back in time as the scientist believe.
Events that occur in Sideswiped clearly have a strong impact on Silas, Perri and their friends. A stranger named Fran, introduced near the end hints that there is an alternate path for their careers.It gave me a sense of sides being drawn and I am excited to see what develops.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
September 24, 2015
This isn't fair! This novella needs to be included with the first novel, either as the prologue or the epilogue. It doesn't even have to be one or the other, considering that the novel and the novella are both ripe with time travel, alternate timelines and alternate memories and completely nonlinear even if it takes place at the dawn of the story.
Correction, it takes place after the prologue of the novel, but before the real opening.
Here's the problem, though: Silas and Allen are main characters, and we don't really get to know those two until later in the proper novel, and the fact that they actually knew Peri can be inferred later on, but it is explicit in the novella. Would having such spoilers improve the tale or take away from it? I don't know! But I do know that this novella is almost required reading for all the pieces that fit so perfectly but without much explanation in the real novel.
Like how the time travel works, what theoretical foundation is used, why long draftings isn't normally used and why its so damn dangerous, and we even get the source of Peri's odd little turns of phrases.
It's almost like it was edited out of the novel to improve the impact, but in so doing, it left out some vital pieces of real comprehension for us.
I'm sorry, but I vote for putting it back in. There was a bit of an info-dump, but the tale was still completely self-contained and full of adventure and tragedy. It's very worth reading if you're going to read Kim Harrison's new series. But again, it has spoilers. If you're a purist, read this after the novel even if it takes place before the novel.
If you want to have a solid foundation and foreknowledge of certain important themes coloring your perception of the otherwise greater and claustrophobic tale, then by all means read the novella first.
I am personally very tolerant of spoilers, because then I can reach through and see the greater or more subtle undercurrents without distraction. If you're like me, READ THIS FIRST. :)
Either way, the novella has improved my appreciation of The Drafter.
Correction, it takes place after the prologue of the novel, but before the real opening.
Here's the problem, though: Silas and Allen are main characters, and we don't really get to know those two until later in the proper novel, and the fact that they actually knew Peri can be inferred later on, but it is explicit in the novella. Would having such spoilers improve the tale or take away from it? I don't know! But I do know that this novella is almost required reading for all the pieces that fit so perfectly but without much explanation in the real novel.
Like how the time travel works, what theoretical foundation is used, why long draftings isn't normally used and why its so damn dangerous, and we even get the source of Peri's odd little turns of phrases.
It's almost like it was edited out of the novel to improve the impact, but in so doing, it left out some vital pieces of real comprehension for us.
I'm sorry, but I vote for putting it back in. There was a bit of an info-dump, but the tale was still completely self-contained and full of adventure and tragedy. It's very worth reading if you're going to read Kim Harrison's new series. But again, it has spoilers. If you're a purist, read this after the novel even if it takes place before the novel.
If you want to have a solid foundation and foreknowledge of certain important themes coloring your perception of the otherwise greater and claustrophobic tale, then by all means read the novella first.
I am personally very tolerant of spoilers, because then I can reach through and see the greater or more subtle undercurrents without distraction. If you're like me, READ THIS FIRST. :)
Either way, the novella has improved my appreciation of The Drafter.
March 7, 2017
[4.5 stars]
This is a MUST READ for the series. :) I loved it!
This is a MUST READ for the series. :) I loved it!
August 14, 2015
Quite a departure from the previous world from The Hollows, Kim Harrison's beloved series, which is always a good thing. I love that rather than go the same route with witchy stuff, vampires and shifters, she's created a new and fascinating sci-fi world with a focus on a sort of time-travel. I really appreciate when authors differentiate their series by making them completely different, showcasing their creativity, and this new series is a perfect example.
There were futuristic elements, many interesting gadgets, and a concept involving time-bending, also known as drafting in this new world. Drafters work alongside an anchor and that particular relationship is one that I am really looking forward to learning more about. That, and the drafting itself. Silas, one of the highlighted characters, is working on a thesis trying to prove/disprove various theories involving drafting and one such theory of import is long drafting, the ability to bend bigger increments of time and change things further back that what everyone thinks is possible. Peri Reed, the 'star' of the series, was also introduced and I can already tell that I'm going to like that girl :)
For being so short, Sideswiped had a great amount of character development and really gave a nice glimpse of world and the various elements surrounding the new story. Silas and Peri are really interesting and I can't wait to read more about them in the first book of this series, The Drafter.
There were futuristic elements, many interesting gadgets, and a concept involving time-bending, also known as drafting in this new world. Drafters work alongside an anchor and that particular relationship is one that I am really looking forward to learning more about. That, and the drafting itself. Silas, one of the highlighted characters, is working on a thesis trying to prove/disprove various theories involving drafting and one such theory of import is long drafting, the ability to bend bigger increments of time and change things further back that what everyone thinks is possible. Peri Reed, the 'star' of the series, was also introduced and I can already tell that I'm going to like that girl :)
For being so short, Sideswiped had a great amount of character development and really gave a nice glimpse of world and the various elements surrounding the new story. Silas and Peri are really interesting and I can't wait to read more about them in the first book of this series, The Drafter.
August 10, 2015
Lots of potential and original world building. However, it did not grab me right away like The Hollows did.
Still unsure why this world would choose to educate drafters and anchors (people who can reset and change timelines) and what their true purpose is.
whatever the reason, it's certainly demonstrated how dangerous this line of work can be, when a group of seniors fail their final exam and attempt to correct their mistakes by going back in time - with dire results...
Not entirely convinced, but intrigued enough to want to buy the first novel.
3.5 ☆
Still unsure why this world would choose to educate drafters and anchors (people who can reset and change timelines) and what their true purpose is.
whatever the reason, it's certainly demonstrated how dangerous this line of work can be, when a group of seniors fail their final exam and attempt to correct their mistakes by going back in time - with dire results...
Not entirely convinced, but intrigued enough to want to buy the first novel.
3.5 ☆
August 10, 2015
Really good stuff. I don't think I'll be disappointed with this series.
-1star cliffhanger
============================
This book counts towards my Girls, Guns and Grimoires Challenges > Book Bingo
Category: ANTHOLOGY OR THREE SHORT STORIES
-1star cliffhanger
============================
This book counts towards my Girls, Guns and Grimoires Challenges > Book Bingo
Category: ANTHOLOGY OR THREE SHORT STORIES
September 25, 2019
Years ago I liked Harrison's Witch series, so thought I'd give this one a shot. The premise seemed interesting & I had access to this prequel short story plus the first book or two. Seemed perfect for me since I really like reading series in chronological order. I'm not sure it was a good idea in this case. I read my GR friend Cathy's review both before & after. I highly recommend reading her review & believe this should be read in published, NOT chronological order. She's on the fence about it, but she read these in published order.
I can't speak to the spoilers she mentions. The bonus material wasn't available in this edition, so I don't know how it flows into the first book, but the ending of this story is quite abrupt. It introduces a new element & left me hanging. I'm guessing that things weren't as bleak as they were left, but that's not a surprise. In this sort of story, main characters have obligations.
The idea of time slipping & anchors to pull things together afterward was interesting, but not really for me. It's YA (even though they're graduate students) angst-ridden romance which isn't to my taste. Too many sweet, sweet moments & loving thoughts. There was also a lot of magical tech & abilities, really stupid teachers (aka real adults), & monochromatic characters. Some of the characters were interesting, but they were either fairly unbelievable or just had cameo appearances. That's another reason I think reading the first book before this prequel would be a good idea. They'd probably be fleshed out better.
I won't be continuing the series. It's probably a pretty good one, if you like this sort of thing. Not really mine, but I can see where it has real potential. The narrator was very good, so no worries there.
I can't speak to the spoilers she mentions. The bonus material wasn't available in this edition, so I don't know how it flows into the first book, but the ending of this story is quite abrupt. It introduces a new element & left me hanging. I'm guessing that things weren't as bleak as they were left, but that's not a surprise. In this sort of story, main characters have obligations.
The idea of time slipping & anchors to pull things together afterward was interesting, but not really for me. It's YA (even though they're graduate students) angst-ridden romance which isn't to my taste. Too many sweet, sweet moments & loving thoughts. There was also a lot of magical tech & abilities, really stupid teachers (aka real adults), & monochromatic characters. Some of the characters were interesting, but they were either fairly unbelievable or just had cameo appearances. That's another reason I think reading the first book before this prequel would be a good idea. They'd probably be fleshed out better.
I won't be continuing the series. It's probably a pretty good one, if you like this sort of thing. Not really mine, but I can see where it has real potential. The narrator was very good, so no worries there.
August 24, 2015
*Genre* Science Fiction, Time Travel
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Sideswiped is a 80 page novella that takes place FIVE years before The Drafter begins. Not a whole lot to say about this story. Perhaps it's best described as being an appetizer for what is to come. I dare say that Peri Reed is not the main character. She's a secondary character who appears several times over the course of the story. Dr. Silas Denier is the main character of this novella. Silas has theories about what Drafting, or Time Travel really does. He bangs heads with those who think he's a lunatic.
It is story about a group of Drafters and Anchors who are supposed to pass a major test in order to graduate. Peri's appearance adds a bit of fun and depth to the mix after she hits Silas in the head with a drone. Readers also get to take a peak at the first two chapters of the Drafters, if you so choose. I choose. You should take notice of not only Peri and Silas, but Allen Swift as well. You will be hearing about all three characters, as well as Fran Jacquard real soon.
Published August 10th 2015 by Pocket Star
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Sideswiped is a 80 page novella that takes place FIVE years before The Drafter begins. Not a whole lot to say about this story. Perhaps it's best described as being an appetizer for what is to come. I dare say that Peri Reed is not the main character. She's a secondary character who appears several times over the course of the story. Dr. Silas Denier is the main character of this novella. Silas has theories about what Drafting, or Time Travel really does. He bangs heads with those who think he's a lunatic.
It is story about a group of Drafters and Anchors who are supposed to pass a major test in order to graduate. Peri's appearance adds a bit of fun and depth to the mix after she hits Silas in the head with a drone. Readers also get to take a peak at the first two chapters of the Drafters, if you so choose. I choose. You should take notice of not only Peri and Silas, but Allen Swift as well. You will be hearing about all three characters, as well as Fran Jacquard real soon.
Published August 10th 2015 by Pocket Star
August 28, 2015
Sideswiped was a nice introduction to Kim Harrison's new The Peri Reed Chronicles series. It helps set the stage to the world building and terminology. All though Sideswiped is told through Silas' POV we do meet Peri, the main character of the series.
I really enjoyed LaVoy's narration. Her voice and performance reminded me of Elisabeth Rodgers, the narrator for Richelle Mead's Georgina Kincaid series. I only wish I had The Drafter on audio for review but at last, I'll be reading it.
I really enjoyed LaVoy's narration. Her voice and performance reminded me of Elisabeth Rodgers, the narrator for Richelle Mead's Georgina Kincaid series. I only wish I had The Drafter on audio for review but at last, I'll be reading it.
January 13, 2016
No estoy segura de si habría que leer este corto antes o después de THE DRAFTER, la cuestión es que lo he leído a la mitad de The Drafter (ni bien leí que era sobre , me picó la curiosidad y decidí empezarlo) y por el momento no creo que me arruine la lectura. Es más, creo que me la hace todavía más interesante.
Corta la bocha: Kim Harrison es genial (in my opinion). Hace que me guste la ciencia ficción, un género que suele gustarme sólo en el cine, casi nunca en los libros.
Corta la bocha: Kim Harrison es genial (in my opinion). Hace que me guste la ciencia ficción, un género que suele gustarme sólo en el cine, casi nunca en los libros.
October 4, 2016
This shorty provided some fun entertainment with a small time travel twist. I wouldn't say it's Kim Harrison's best work, but it sets the stage for an interesting series first novel in The Drafter.
I did really like Summer, Silas, and Peri. We'll see how it goes with Peri as the main character in the following book.
I did really like Summer, Silas, and Peri. We'll see how it goes with Peri as the main character in the following book.
August 23, 2015
Sideswiped is the prequel novella to Harrison's new series The Peri Reed Chronicles, and it sets the background for both the overall story and the characters. Mysterious and dealing prominently with time travel or time change, while also showing how agents are being trained in order to be able to work for a very secret government organization.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
October 14, 2021
Thought this was the first novel in the series but turns out It was 0.5. It was okay a good base on a new series but wasn't blown away by the reading experience. Will probably continue on to see if I enjoy the series more when tge story gets going for real.
December 15, 2017
I am sitting here trying to think about what I want to say about the story. It was confusing, tried to be heartbreaking, really geared toward young adults. I like this author but I'm not sure I'll like this series. So, I'm going to stop here until/if I change my mind.
August 25, 2015
Sideswiped by Kim Harrison is a 2015 Pocket Books publication. I was provided a copy of this book as a member of the XOXperts- The Official Street Team of XOXO After Dark.
Kim Harrison's imagination is second to none!
For those who are familiar with Kim Harrison via her “Hallows” series, you will find this new one to be quite a departure. Sideswiped is the prequel to the new Peri Reed Chronicles- a sci-fi- time travel trilogy.
I knew going in, the book was science fiction, that it involved time travel, but I had no idea how to prepare myself for it. To be completely honest I don't read a lot of science fiction, in fact, it's almost dead last on my list of genres I will consider reading. I do like time travel romance novels, but normally those are classified as paranormal. No, this one wouldn't be anything like that, so what was it going to be like? And the bigger question, given my aversion to science fiction, would I like it?
For starters we are introduced to Silas, who is taking his final drafter exam at Opti when a drone flies through the window effectively invalidating the exam. The operator of said drone is Peri Reed. Rounding out the cast is Summer, Silas's girlfriend and his best friend, Allen. When the group of students become pawns in an evil professor's diabolical plan to oust Silas, they bond together to save their university careers, by doing what they do best... reset time.
Well, I should have known with Kim Harrison at the helm, she would have me eating out of her hands in no time. This very short story didn't waste time on filler, that's for sure. The story got off to a very fast pace and covered a lot of ground in a limited amount of time. I got a big enough bite to know I will certainly want to go back for seconds. This is an excellent start to a new series and I think we are all going love Peri Reed. Be aware that as with many prequel novellas, this one does end with a bit of cliffhanger. So, naturally, I can't wait for the first full length novel in this series- “The Drafter”.
4 stars
Kim Harrison's imagination is second to none!
For those who are familiar with Kim Harrison via her “Hallows” series, you will find this new one to be quite a departure. Sideswiped is the prequel to the new Peri Reed Chronicles- a sci-fi- time travel trilogy.
I knew going in, the book was science fiction, that it involved time travel, but I had no idea how to prepare myself for it. To be completely honest I don't read a lot of science fiction, in fact, it's almost dead last on my list of genres I will consider reading. I do like time travel romance novels, but normally those are classified as paranormal. No, this one wouldn't be anything like that, so what was it going to be like? And the bigger question, given my aversion to science fiction, would I like it?
For starters we are introduced to Silas, who is taking his final drafter exam at Opti when a drone flies through the window effectively invalidating the exam. The operator of said drone is Peri Reed. Rounding out the cast is Summer, Silas's girlfriend and his best friend, Allen. When the group of students become pawns in an evil professor's diabolical plan to oust Silas, they bond together to save their university careers, by doing what they do best... reset time.
Well, I should have known with Kim Harrison at the helm, she would have me eating out of her hands in no time. This very short story didn't waste time on filler, that's for sure. The story got off to a very fast pace and covered a lot of ground in a limited amount of time. I got a big enough bite to know I will certainly want to go back for seconds. This is an excellent start to a new series and I think we are all going love Peri Reed. Be aware that as with many prequel novellas, this one does end with a bit of cliffhanger. So, naturally, I can't wait for the first full length novel in this series- “The Drafter”.
4 stars
September 7, 2015
3.5 Stars
Since the end of the Rachel Morgan series, I’ve been itching to see what Ms. Harrison would write next. To say I was extremely intrigued about the Peri Reed Chronicles is an understatement. And now that I’ve gotten a small taste, I’m even more so!
SIDESWIPED is a small sampler of what’s to come in this series and it cements the fact that Ms. Harrison can make you get lost in the most complex worlds with ease. There is a movie that the name escapes me now revolving around a group of people who come bend time, move forward and backwards and even change the outcome of events. That is sort of what we get here.
There are Drafters who have the ability to draft through time, and Anchors who are the grounding force for them. Silas is an Anchor and has developed a new theory about the rules their world is living by. But proving it may be deadly. I was intrigued by Silas, even though I know he may not play a starring role in the upcoming series. And this is the introduction of our heroine, Peri, to this group. She’s definitely going to be intense even with her facade of devil-may-care attitude. She’s a Drafter, and seems a powerful one at that.
There’s quite a bit of action in this short story, and the world is explained quite well here. Without much info dump in what should be an enormous amount of rules and parameters we need to know to understand what’s going on. Proof again that Kim Harrison knows how to write the stories in her head. This was a great intro and it leaves me only wanting more now!
Since the end of the Rachel Morgan series, I’ve been itching to see what Ms. Harrison would write next. To say I was extremely intrigued about the Peri Reed Chronicles is an understatement. And now that I’ve gotten a small taste, I’m even more so!
SIDESWIPED is a small sampler of what’s to come in this series and it cements the fact that Ms. Harrison can make you get lost in the most complex worlds with ease. There is a movie that the name escapes me now revolving around a group of people who come bend time, move forward and backwards and even change the outcome of events. That is sort of what we get here.
There are Drafters who have the ability to draft through time, and Anchors who are the grounding force for them. Silas is an Anchor and has developed a new theory about the rules their world is living by. But proving it may be deadly. I was intrigued by Silas, even though I know he may not play a starring role in the upcoming series. And this is the introduction of our heroine, Peri, to this group. She’s definitely going to be intense even with her facade of devil-may-care attitude. She’s a Drafter, and seems a powerful one at that.
There’s quite a bit of action in this short story, and the world is explained quite well here. Without much info dump in what should be an enormous amount of rules and parameters we need to know to understand what’s going on. Proof again that Kim Harrison knows how to write the stories in her head. This was a great intro and it leaves me only wanting more now!
September 12, 2015
2.5 stars
Sideswiped is the intro to the Peri Reed Chronicles. It was the standard boring short story that doesn't give you enough info to care about the plot or the characters. Some people may like this, but I'm not a big fan of short stories in general.
The whole drafting thing is weird and kind of lame. They go back in time for a few seconds to maybe a minute. WTF is that? That's barely even enough to consider it time travel. I was able to understand the basics of drafting but was still confused about many aspects of it. I assume all of that will be explained in The Drafter.
I didn't like any of the characters. Peri had potential but not enough page time. Silas was pathetic. All of the constant dramatic statements about how he can't bear to be away from Summer were annoying. For a short story we were beat over the head with this info. Yet Silas and Summer barely spent any time together and had no chemistry at all.
It was also mentioned like a bazillion times that Silas is a genius. He's the best. Better than everyone else. Blah, blah, blah. Couldn't he have actually done something intelligent throughout the story? He did one dumb ass thing after another.
This was not an impressive intro to the series, but I won't hold it against the rest of it. Novels may give this topic far more depth than this story was able to.
Sideswiped is the intro to the Peri Reed Chronicles. It was the standard boring short story that doesn't give you enough info to care about the plot or the characters. Some people may like this, but I'm not a big fan of short stories in general.
The whole drafting thing is weird and kind of lame. They go back in time for a few seconds to maybe a minute. WTF is that? That's barely even enough to consider it time travel. I was able to understand the basics of drafting but was still confused about many aspects of it. I assume all of that will be explained in The Drafter.
I didn't like any of the characters. Peri had potential but not enough page time. Silas was pathetic. All of the constant dramatic statements about how he can't bear to be away from Summer were annoying. For a short story we were beat over the head with this info. Yet Silas and Summer barely spent any time together and had no chemistry at all.
It was also mentioned like a bazillion times that Silas is a genius. He's the best. Better than everyone else. Blah, blah, blah. Couldn't he have actually done something intelligent throughout the story? He did one dumb ass thing after another.
This was not an impressive intro to the series, but I won't hold it against the rest of it. Novels may give this topic far more depth than this story was able to.
September 4, 2015
Sideswiped was a great introduction to Kim Harrison (for me) and to the world and characters of her new series The Peri Reed Chronicles.
We are introduced to Silas, Peri, Summer and Allen and find out a little bit about exactly what it means to be a drafter and an anchor and a little bit about the training that those with this special ability were subject to. I phrase it that way because…WTH?! You’ll have to read it to understand…
I definitely recommend picking up this novella as it does a great job of setting the foundation up for The Drafter. You probably won’t be completely lost without reading it, but I promise it will make the start of The Drafter that much more enjoyable.
We are introduced to Silas, Peri, Summer and Allen and find out a little bit about exactly what it means to be a drafter and an anchor and a little bit about the training that those with this special ability were subject to. I phrase it that way because…WTH?! You’ll have to read it to understand…
I definitely recommend picking up this novella as it does a great job of setting the foundation up for The Drafter. You probably won’t be completely lost without reading it, but I promise it will make the start of The Drafter that much more enjoyable.
August 29, 2015
Oh man... this was a great novella to start off this new series! Totally hooked... :)
August 16, 2015
Silas’s size has kept him from being an agent instead stuck in the background knowing that one day his girlfriend will leave him. Drafting is where the agent replays time changing something that happened previously to create a new outcome. Silas doesn’t believe that’s how it really works he has this idea that there are alternate realities and they are sliding laterality into one and changing it before sliding back. Silas has always been extremely intelligent even smarter than some of the professors which has rubbed one the wrong way. While on a routine exam things go horribly wrong, changing the path of his life forever.
I like Silas he’s against the odds but he’s determined not to give up on what he thinks is really going on when someone drafts. He’s not your typical heartthrob but I like it makes him a unique and refreshing male main character and I’m curious see more of him in the full novel. We also had a little glimpse at Peri she’s kind of awesome in an I go my own way path. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of her.
I’ve read most of Kim Harrison’s book so of course with the anticipation of the new one I had to read Sideswiped. We are given a short fast paced action packed tease into the world of the drafters, and our main characters first interactions. I like the concept idea it’s interesting with the idea of being able to change the past by just shifting into another alternate reality is really unique. I also like the character we aren’t only give a little bit but what I’ve read has me hook and I can’t wait to get my hands on the first book to see how the story will play out. I love Kim Harrison’s writing style it’s one of my favorites and I’m excited for the new series. Sideswiped it a perfect tease it has me now impatiently waiting for the moment the delivery shows up with my book.
I like Silas he’s against the odds but he’s determined not to give up on what he thinks is really going on when someone drafts. He’s not your typical heartthrob but I like it makes him a unique and refreshing male main character and I’m curious see more of him in the full novel. We also had a little glimpse at Peri she’s kind of awesome in an I go my own way path. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of her.
I’ve read most of Kim Harrison’s book so of course with the anticipation of the new one I had to read Sideswiped. We are given a short fast paced action packed tease into the world of the drafters, and our main characters first interactions. I like the concept idea it’s interesting with the idea of being able to change the past by just shifting into another alternate reality is really unique. I also like the character we aren’t only give a little bit but what I’ve read has me hook and I can’t wait to get my hands on the first book to see how the story will play out. I love Kim Harrison’s writing style it’s one of my favorites and I’m excited for the new series. Sideswiped it a perfect tease it has me now impatiently waiting for the moment the delivery shows up with my book.
September 1, 2015
Sideswiped introduces us to the new world created by Kim Harrison. I love her books (Trent lover here) and I couldn't wait to read her new work.
The book is told from Silas's POV. He is tall, muscular, smart and in love. His build seems to be a problem with becoming a field agent. He's trying to demonstrate he can be an "anchor" and help his girlfriend who is a "drafter". He also wants to prove that drafters can slide in an alternate reality instead of replaying an event.
Peri Reed, the main character in The Drafter, is introduced here. She is small and tiny but she is smart and resourceful. She is a freshman in college. It's assumed she can draft and she is powerful. She comes up with an idea to help the team after things go wrong with their test.
This prequel had me at Kim Harrison. At the beginning, I must admit I was a little confused with the terminology but after "getting it" it was smooth sailing and I was amazed. I love the idea of drafting and I liked all the teams. I believed it was a great introduction to a new world of action.
Cliffhanger : No
5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
August 18, 2015
I got a little click happy when I saw something new from Kim Harrison. I really enjoyed The Hollows, so I jumped on this. It was only once I started this that I realized it was actually a novella prequel to the new Peri Reed Chronicles. My issue with novellas and short stories related to UF series is that they rarely ever feel like they have enough depth for character development and world building. Ms. Harrison does a decent job with this one and I am left wanting more.
This story does a good job of laying the magical foundation for the series. I call it magic, but it is presented more as a scientific ability to shift time. However, with the lack of explaining how the science works, it feels more like magic. Either way, so far, the description works for me.
The story is also a good introduction of the characters. Clearly, Peri Reed will be the main character, the series name kind of gives that away. However, this story is told from the perspective of Silas, .
The release time frame for this novella is brilliant. It allows the reader time to anticipate the release of the first book. That is precisely what I am doing.
This story does a good job of laying the magical foundation for the series. I call it magic, but it is presented more as a scientific ability to shift time. However, with the lack of explaining how the science works, it feels more like magic. Either way, so far, the description works for me.
The story is also a good introduction of the characters. Clearly, Peri Reed will be the main character, the series name kind of gives that away. However, this story is told from the perspective of Silas, .
The release time frame for this novella is brilliant. It allows the reader time to anticipate the release of the first book. That is precisely what I am doing.
October 9, 2015
At first I was a bit reluctant to start this new series after the Hollows - I did get to like Rachel very much despite our differences ;) But I shouldn't have been. This short story was great! And the narrator did a marvelous job bringing all the characters to life.
Beware there is no happy ending in this story, because it's a short before the first book in the series and it explains the concept of Drafting and how things come to be. I loved Perry - she is headstrong and resourceful. I loved Silas - he is brilliant scientist and he has scruples :) I felt as if Silas's relationship with Summer was not very real but it was interesting nonetheless.
So if you have 3+ hours and you want to enjoy a good book, read this one. And then proceed to the Drafter.
Beware there is no happy ending in this story, because it's a short before the first book in the series and it explains the concept of Drafting and how things come to be. I loved Perry - she is headstrong and resourceful. I loved Silas - he is brilliant scientist and he has scruples :) I felt as if Silas's relationship with Summer was not very real but it was interesting nonetheless.
So if you have 3+ hours and you want to enjoy a good book, read this one. And then proceed to the Drafter.
August 16, 2015
I was really sad when the Rachel Morgan/Hallows series ended. I kept hearing Harrison talk about the Peri book, so was intrigued about it and leery too. After reading this short I find myself more intrigued than anything. I like the world, like how the characters worked together. I find myself wanting to know more about Drafting and really hope that these characters stick it to Milo and those like him.
September 27, 2015
Really good introduction to the new series. It is a unique world, and Harrison was somehow able to write multi-layered characters in such a short amount of space. She managed to include both the positive and negative potentials of the powers these characters have, as well as the dramatic effects politics play on those potentials. It made me really look forward to reading the first book of the series.
January 6, 2016
Full review here: http://tinyurl.com/jfc35ye
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I really enjoyed this glimpse into a new literary world from Harrison. Time travel books can be a bit dodgey but I think this spin on it sounds interesting. The characters are engaging and readers get just enough insight to imagine that there will be some fallout based on the ending of this story and what is bound to come in The Drafter. I want to know more about Silas and Peri certainly seems sassy with an interesting backstory.
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I really enjoyed this glimpse into a new literary world from Harrison. Time travel books can be a bit dodgey but I think this spin on it sounds interesting. The characters are engaging and readers get just enough insight to imagine that there will be some fallout based on the ending of this story and what is bound to come in The Drafter. I want to know more about Silas and Peri certainly seems sassy with an interesting backstory.
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