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The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel #1
Christmas Before the Magic
Learn how it all began … before the magic of tatùs.
When Argyle invites his best friend, Simon Kerrigan, home for the Christmas holidays, he wants to save Simon from staying at Guilder Boarding School on his own.
Simon comes along and doesn’t expect to find much more excitement in the tiny Scottish town where Argyle’s family lives. Until he meets Beth, Argyle’s older sister. She’s beautiful, brash and clearly interested in him.
When her father warns him to stay away from her, Simon tries, but sometimes destiny has a hope of it’s own.
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel is the beginning of the story before Rae Kerrigan. This Christmas Novella is the start (but it may not be the end...)
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Series
Rae of Hope
Dark Nebula
House of Cards
Royal Tea
Under Fire
End in Sight
Hidden Darkness
Twisted Together
When Argyle invites his best friend, Simon Kerrigan, home for the Christmas holidays, he wants to save Simon from staying at Guilder Boarding School on his own.
Simon comes along and doesn’t expect to find much more excitement in the tiny Scottish town where Argyle’s family lives. Until he meets Beth, Argyle’s older sister. She’s beautiful, brash and clearly interested in him.
When her father warns him to stay away from her, Simon tries, but sometimes destiny has a hope of it’s own.
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel is the beginning of the story before Rae Kerrigan. This Christmas Novella is the start (but it may not be the end...)
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Series
Rae of Hope
Dark Nebula
House of Cards
Royal Tea
Under Fire
End in Sight
Hidden Darkness
Twisted Together
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2015
316 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
About the author
W.J. May
236 books1,187 followers Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. Crazy-happy childhood, she always has had a vivid imagination and loads of energy.
The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.
At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.
But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occassion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the travelling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favourite past time.
Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories.
Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelain (one of the business' website: www.wadeincanada.com ).
After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.
Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - will be available October 2011 by kNight Romance Publishing.
She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.
At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.
But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occassion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the travelling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favourite past time.
Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories.
Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelain (one of the business' website: www.wadeincanada.com ).
After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.
Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - will be available October 2011 by kNight Romance Publishing.
She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 27, 2019
Christmas Before the Magic
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel Book 1
By: W.J. May
Narrated by: Sarah Ann Masse
I have read other books by this author and really enjoyed them but this short story lacked depth. I think the books will be better.
The narration was fair.
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel Book 1
By: W.J. May
Narrated by: Sarah Ann Masse
I have read other books by this author and really enjoyed them but this short story lacked depth. I think the books will be better.
The narration was fair.
August 5, 2020
A super short novella.. and it's on audible!
Christmas Before the Magic was an okay book. Since it was pretty short, I felt like things were a bit rushed throughout this. Yeah, we get to meet the two main characters - Beth and Simon. They were also pretty cute.. but of course once you tell a kid to not do something. They do it.
So yeah, these two are caught kissing and Beth's dad is acting like he murdered someone. Instead of just kissing his daughter. Maybe it's against the law in this world? Even after diving into books one through three, I'm not one hundred percent sure. I'm thinking maybe he was just being overprotective like most fathers are.
Then there was the interesting tatù's in this book. They give the person who has them some sort of cool magic. Once they turn 16 years old, they are supposed to wake up with some fresh ink. I'm intrigued to find out more about these and what magic or power they each give.
Christmas Before the Magic was an okay book. Since it was pretty short, I felt like things were a bit rushed throughout this. Yeah, we get to meet the two main characters - Beth and Simon. They were also pretty cute.. but of course once you tell a kid to not do something. They do it.
So yeah, these two are caught kissing and Beth's dad is acting like he murdered someone. Instead of just kissing his daughter. Maybe it's against the law in this world? Even after diving into books one through three, I'm not one hundred percent sure. I'm thinking maybe he was just being overprotective like most fathers are.
Then there was the interesting tatù's in this book. They give the person who has them some sort of cool magic. Once they turn 16 years old, they are supposed to wake up with some fresh ink. I'm intrigued to find out more about these and what magic or power they each give.
April 25, 2018
The prequel to the book shows a story of romance between two teenagers,and the mindset that sons are better than daughters.argyle invites his friend simon over for the holidays and simon hears from argyle that there are rumors pertaining to him of being born to two tatu'ed parents despite it not being confirmed.he meets argyle's sister and they develop a romance that is not accepted by beths father because of the fact that simon is studying at the guild and will get his tatu someday that will give him abilities.what happenes to beth and simon,how do they defy the odds.....its an interesting captivating read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 15, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/15/2019)! 🎁
July 28, 2020
Of course it's a cliffhanger. What else would it be? As usual no warning about it being one, but hey it's free and it's how you are lured in to getting the next book. Parts were ok and other parts just dragged.
January 5, 2023
This is a good short story. Simon and Argyle are at school together and Simon comes home with Argyle for Christmas. Simon meets Argyle's sister Beth and they both hit it off, but her father sends him packing when he finds them in the barn. They were just talking, but he doesn't want his daughter with someone who will have a tatu soon. It's hard to believe that this Simon turns out the way he does later on, as he is a little defiant but also sweet and awkward.
The first story in the series is in with this one and I really enjoyed reading it. It was longer with more drama, mean teasing, suspense and treachery. That's all I will say so as not to spoil the story.
The first story in the series is in with this one and I really enjoyed reading it. It was longer with more drama, mean teasing, suspense and treachery. That's all I will say so as not to spoil the story.
June 24, 2017
Christmas Before the Magic by W.J. May was a great quick read. Argyle decides to invite his best friend Simon Jon for Christmas. Simon meets Argyle's older sister Beth and he knows everything's about to change. This was a great part of the prequel series to the chronicles of Kerrigan. I can't wait to read more of the series.
December 22, 2017
An introduction to Simon Kerrigan and his friend Argyle, with a visit to Argyle's home for Christmas. It is here that Simon meets Beth, and is warned away by Argyle's father.
It is hinted at a tattoo (Tatu) and a special school for those that received benefits from the animal characteristics that the tattoo represented.
It is hinted at a tattoo (Tatu) and a special school for those that received benefits from the animal characteristics that the tattoo represented.
May 6, 2017
Interesting
The title book is actually just a short story. It was good, but the next book, was the real story. I really enjoyed it! Confusing, I know, but this seems to be a promising series.
The title book is actually just a short story. It was good, but the next book, was the real story. I really enjoyed it! Confusing, I know, but this seems to be a promising series.
July 28, 2017
Sweet
This is certainly not the Simon Kerrigan everyone fears and hates for the horrible things he supposedly did. Yes he may be a tad defiant, but comes across as sweet and awkward.
This is certainly not the Simon Kerrigan everyone fears and hates for the horrible things he supposedly did. Yes he may be a tad defiant, but comes across as sweet and awkward.
November 26, 2018
Front cover is eye catching. The title of the book is justifying. Theme is good, plot is intriguing. I actually enjoyed it. Narrating style is captivating. Overall a satisfying read for me. Recommendable as well. Thank you.
March 30, 2020
5 stars
Delightful. The simple teenage romance of Rae Kerrigan's parents.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Romantic. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
Delightful. The simple teenage romance of Rae Kerrigan's parents.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Romantic. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest review.
June 9, 2020
I received this book for free for a honest review. I loved the characters and storyline. it flowed very well and held together. I love Beth and her character. Jason is amazing as well!!! The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. highly reccomend
August 16, 2022
It was good to read a little about Rae parents when they were young and in love and why her father was the way he was. Very short not sure exactly how many pages in this short novella/prequel. It was a quick read.
December 3, 2017
I read book one in this series first then found this prequel and it offers so much insight into how Rea's family started out. I can't wait to read more in the series
December 22, 2017
This prequel got me interested but I have too many other books to read before I have time to start with this series.
September 10, 2018
This story was only 18% of the book, following it was the first book which I had already read. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
January 17, 2019
Loved it
January 28, 2020
Christmas Before the Magic is a prequel to The Chronicles of Kerrigan which has piqued my interest. Can't wait to start the series.
April 15, 2020
Thinking about the legend Simon has turned out to be, I wouldn't have thought it would turn out like this. Seriously. He really was innocent. I kept thinking back on the last sequel,
August 2, 2020
I would recommend avoiding anything by this author. The characterization is inconsistent, and so many details don't make sense. Just don't waste your time with this series.
December 23, 2020
Great Tale
Loved the growth im power being recorded specifically and the turmoil associated with the variety of personalities. School type setting for love and learning.
Loved the growth im power being recorded specifically and the turmoil associated with the variety of personalities. School type setting for love and learning.
January 12, 2021
This is a great glimpse into the world that has been created for us. I absolutely adored the series and this was lovely to see. Great performance from Sarah.
February 14, 2021
Good read
This was a very imaginative feel good story. I enjoyed reading this and would enjoy reading more by this author.
This was a very imaginative feel good story. I enjoyed reading this and would enjoy reading more by this author.
December 27, 2022
The prequel to the Kerrigan series. It is quite a sweet story but intrigues with a number of original ideas. I have not the series nut am planning to read the first book at least.
January 8, 2023
Part of a prequel series to the Chronicles pf Kerrigan. i enjoyed this very much.
December 21, 2024
I knew this was a prequel when I began reading it. I enjoyed the characters and the mounting tension. And then it ended abruptly ...
March 11, 2017
So this review is probably going to be long and drawn out. Much longer than a novella review should be!!! LOL :) But I want to say I love love love Author WJ May's books. The Chronicles of Kerrigan is probably, No most definitely is by far one of my favorite YA/Teen Series. I was fortunate enough several years ago to be able to review Rae of Hope before it came out. Now that series has 12 books to it and I have read most of them (I've gotten side tracked the last year or so being loaded down with other books)..... But I have still paid attention to this author and when she has new books come out. You can't believe how happy I was that she came out with a Prequel Series!!!!
Now on with my review of this book Christmas Before the Magic is just as it sounds. If you've read The Chronicles of Kerrigan than you'll know that Simon and Beth are Rae's parents, or if you haven't read the other books than now you'll know who they are.
This novella starts before Simon gets his ta'too. Simon and his best friend Argyle, go to Argyle's home for Christmas. This is where Simon meets Argyle's sister Beth. I liked that we get to know them from the very beginning and before everything happens. To see how Beth and Simon meet.
I can't wait to read the rest of this Prequel series. I'm giving this novella 4.5 Stars out of 5!!!!!
Now on with my review of this book Christmas Before the Magic is just as it sounds. If you've read The Chronicles of Kerrigan than you'll know that Simon and Beth are Rae's parents, or if you haven't read the other books than now you'll know who they are.
This novella starts before Simon gets his ta'too. Simon and his best friend Argyle, go to Argyle's home for Christmas. This is where Simon meets Argyle's sister Beth. I liked that we get to know them from the very beginning and before everything happens. To see how Beth and Simon meet.
I can't wait to read the rest of this Prequel series. I'm giving this novella 4.5 Stars out of 5!!!!!
December 19, 2019
Twas good popcorn.
November 19, 2018
I decided to read the prequel before reading the first book in the series and I have to admit my interest is definitely piqued and can't wait to read the first book in the series. I really liked Simon and Beth, their romance, and the fact that Beth's father wanted to keep them apart. It leaves all kinds of question I'm dying to have answered, like the significance behind Guilder Boarding School, the tattoo Simon is supposed to get, and the ominous words Beth's father spewed at Simon. It has me wanting to read more. This was really good and I am ready to read more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews