Second Chances

Chosen #2.5

by Jeff Altabef

One night changes everything.
One chance meeting forces a young man to make a choice.
Will he do what’s right?
Or what’s easy?

Ayden is forced to remember old secrets he’d rather not reveal when his daughter returns home with questions about his shadowy past and dangerous legacy. Will she understand when he tells her about the night mysterious strangers came to his sleepy Arizona town looking for a local medicine man?

As his tale unfolds, Ayden pieces together the mystery that connected a recent murder, the strangers, and the medicine man’s bizarre behavior.

Will he allow old demons to rule him, or will he get a second chance?

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy

Paperback

First published September 7, 2015

About the author

Jeff Altabef lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and Charlie the dog. He spends time volunteering at the writing center in the local community college. After years of being accused of "telling stories," he thought he would make it official. He writes in both the thriller and young adult genres. Fourteenth Colony, a political thriller, is his debut novel. Jeff has a blog designed to encourage writing by those that like telling stories. You can find his blog, The Accidental Writers Workshop, on The Patch. Jeff also rights a column for The Examiner under the byline - The Accidental Writer.

Reviews

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story grabbed hold of me, almost from the beginning. I have not read any of the "Chosen" series, but after this story, I plan to investigate further. I highly recommend this book.

[Mummy Cat Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this series. The first book is my favorite and I would recommend the series to all YA, action and paranormal lovers.

This novella is more of a companion to the first book, IMHO. I would read the first book here before I read this novella.

This story begins with Juliet seeking out her father, Ayden. Juliet has come to the point where she needs to know all the details about Ayden and how he fits into her story. This book covers his entire story, in even more detail than what is laid out in Wind Catcher. It tells of his drug deals and meeting Juliet's mother and his dealings with Juliet's grandfather. The book takes his story and digs deeper into his choices and involvement.

I enjoy Ayden's character. He admits that his choices, as a younger man, were wrong and he paid the price for them. I enjoyed learning even more about him and seeing his growth as a person...character.

I recommend this book to those that love the series. I recommend this to others who have not yet read the first book with reservation. Lastly, I recommend this series to anyone who hasn't read them. Jeff Altabeff is a great writer and story teller.

Content: sexual situations, bar fights, mention of drugs, murder

[Dotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first time reading anything from this author 
I think most teens/young adults would find this type of series interesting.

This short story is something different. It has elements of Native American tribal lore, science fiction/fantasy, murder mystery and love story in a few, tightly packed pages. 

I received the book for free from the author in return for an honest review.

[Mandy Walkden-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really intriguing introduction to Juliet and her, until now, absent father, Ayden.

It was so well written and there was such an intriguing mystery to Juliet's circumstances that I immediately downloaded Wind Catcher, the first book in the series from where the characters in this short story appear. Proved to be a wise decision as Wind Catcher was also a brilliant read.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tribal folk lore, mystery, suspense. Great reading for teens and adults alike. First time reading anything by this author, not the last. Keeps you interested until the end . Received this book as an ARC and enjoyed reviewing it.

[Kay J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man it got me, what a good short story, but now I'm made because I have to go and grab the other novels, but I'm intrigued, good character build up...it has wet my appetite for this series and it seems like it's going to get a good one

[Michelle Olms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Would definitely recommend.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an impressive little story. For something so short it doesn't half pique my interest. It was so gripping and mysterious now I simply must find out what else is in store for the characters. Fantastic work.

[Garth Mailman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the first novel I’ve read by that name. A daughter learns why her father has been absent from her life since before she was born. A father who would use any opportunity to prevent his daughter marrying a man considered beneath her. What he didn’t know was that the seed had already been planted.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good short story

[Deborah Gebhardt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short story, so a fast read.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this story! I wasn't sure if I would because it isn't my usual read. I am now off to get the next one!

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great short story about Ayden. Very interesting.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Nice Story

A nice story that adds to Juliet's family story, her parents past, and he grandfather's choices. Interesting but not essential.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good well written, fantasy story! I did enjoy this & will look for more by these authors!

[Garth Mailman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another freebie. Like so many this is first in a series given to stimulate sales of later entries. This one involves Shamen and a pair of brothers one of whom loves a Shaman’s daughter. The plot is open ended.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this story raised more questions than it answered. My rating 3.5.

Juliet is a teen who has always wondered about her father. Her mother refused to give any information but she has finally met him and demands that he explain his absence from her life.

Ayden had a rough childhood and ended up as a part of a gang. He had every intention of giving up his past and going straight so he could marry the girl he loved, the daughter of a rich man in town. Ayden hears strangers in town asking about a local medicine man and about his girl’s father. When he races off to warn them he stumbles onto a dark man with evil powers. Unexpected events that no one will believe, especially with his history, put Ayden in jail and out of his daughter's life for many years.

Her father’s tale of events helps Juliet to understand more about herself. Now she has to face a future knowing she has special abilities and enemies to find.

I am not sure if this is a ‘prequel’ or a short story between full books in the series. It is short at 74 pages and barely introduces the primary characters and mysterious legend, supernatural powers and evils that are involved. I felt sorry for Ayden who made some bad choices and got trapped by outside powers. I didn’t care for Juliet’s attitude of rebellion and disobedience. I liked the suspense and Native American mystery elements.

Although this serves as an introduction, I felt it was incomplete on its own. I didn’t feel I understood what was to happen when I finished the short story. I suspect it would make sense once the reader moves on to the first full book in the series but I really was left puzzling whether this had pulled me in enough to want to continue. I might be willing to read the next book if it was offered for review but I can’t say I was engaged enough to want to run out and buy it.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances - A "Chosen" Short Story by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef is a teen/young adult mystery, thriller, and fantasy, with a supernatural bite thrown in to grab my attention completely. I am certainly no longer a young adult but I was glued to this story. It took me on a wild but short ride of action, mystery, and supernatural thrills with enough twists and turns of a full novel. There was supernatural "something", what is it, this is yet to be seen, but the What is the mystery and the hint of the girl of the story being a Chosen is a hook for me. It was only mentioned once but it had me. This is a prequel to the series of his and now it looks I am going to have to get them. I MUST know what is going on since this short story was so good, can't wait to read the books! I received this book as a freebie in my email, thanks!!!

[Dee Maglio-Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great beginning for the Chosen Series! Well written and a series page turner. I can't wait to read the next book in the series ,Wind Catcher. Juliet has just learned that her father, having been in jail for almost her entire life, was put there for reasons other than she was told. Now she wants to know the real story. Ayden is finally out of prison and his daughter, whom he is getting to know for the first time has some very hard questions for him. Will the story he tell her give the answers that she's looking for? This is the first story I read from this author, I look forward to reading more. I recieved this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathi Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a kind of teaser for a series by the same author for young adults. Its very short and easy to read. There are some interesting characters; but I feel there is not enough divulged about the characters for the reader to like or dislike them. The possible exception is Ayden. He comes across as a very interesting character. Its all very mysterious. I think most teens/young adults would find this type of series interesting.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Anna Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a rather interesting peek into a bit of Juliet's past. She's finally got a chance to catch her dad alone - so she sets out to ask him the most difficult question of all: his past and how he got that scar.

What turns up is a heartwarming story of a young man desperately trying to change his ways and make things right by his future wife and for his coming daughter. But the people he's sticking his neck out for don't exactly see things the same way.

It's a great starter into the Chosen series.

[Brittany Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from eBook Discovery.
I have always been a sucker for reunion stories between fathers and daughters. I really liked this story. Not so much a reunion story as a further connection story. It leaves a lot of questions, but the purpose was to give a glimpse into this father's past and the relationship developing between he and his daughter. I look forward to reading more of their story

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second changes is a Y/A/ Teen mystery , fantasy thriller story with a supernatural bite. Juliet has learned that her Dad was in jail for almost her whole life and he was put there for reasons other than she was told. Ayden is now out of prison and Juliet who he is getting to know has some very hard questions for him. She wants to know the real reasons he went to jail? Will the answers he gives her satisfy her or cause her to ask even harder questions?

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a short story that fills in the gaps after Wind Catcher. It is precise and not only answers questions you had left, but leaves you with more so that you must read the next book. It is a must read, eventhough it is short.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Della Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow
This book has a lot going for it, a lot of twisted and turns. It answers questions from the other book. But leaves you wanting even more. So grab a copy, your favorite drink and turn the world off.( so you don't miss anything Lol ) can not wait to read the next ones.
I received an copy for an honest review.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first I have read from this author and enjoyed the short very much. It was an interesting read the way it told Juliett's story and then that of her father.

Very descriptive writing which put me there with the characters. It was a mix of Tribal folklore, science fiction and mystery all rolled up in one package. I look forward to reading the next short in the series.

[Jennifer Baysinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is well written and intriguing; I would not consider this a short story but instead a prequel.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very different book than I expected, but I found it very enjoyable. Left me wanting to read more. Luckily, there are at lrast two more books.

I was given a free copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.

[Marcy]

I thought that this was.a great teaser. I am interested in reading more about this family and what makes them tick.

[CATHERINE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing short story that means I will be seeking out the novel.