Sky Ghosts: The Night Before

Sky Ghosts #0.5

by Alexandra Engellmann

*This short story has been unpublished.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Urban Fantasy, Fiction, Suspense, Science Fiction

42 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Alexandra Engellmann is a self-published author and artist. At ten years old, she was allowed into the adult fantasy section of her local library, which might have scarred her for life. At twelve, she started learning English from Eminem's songs, which did not please her teachers. At eighteen, she got the first glimpse of a story that later became the Sky Ghosts series. Ten years later, having quit a career in IT, she splits her time between writing, painting, and procrastinating, and dreams of escaping to the sea with her possibly telepathic cat Cookie.

Follow Alexandra on Instagram at @engellmann

*No private messages on Goodreads due to spam, please contact via email alex.engellmann@gmail.com

Reviews

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little prequel to the proper Sky Ghosts novel is pretty much a teaser, although it *is* an action filled teaser, giving us a few of the motivations and a taste of the kinds of action we'll see later, flying about Manhattan and killing the baddies in the other faction of flyers.

This is shelved and espouses itself as Adult UF, but it still has a bunch of teenagers flitting about and doing murder. Is this meant to confuse? Or is it merely a New Adult sub-category? I don't know, but most UF *is* adult already, so the insistence even though there's tons of teenagers is still a bit odd.
Who knows? Maybe it's only a distinction that bothers me!

If so, no harm, and if you guys like battles among the skyscrapers of Manhattan with winged teenagers with cool weapons, hop to it! :)

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and reviewed the first two Sky Ghosts books and reading Sky Ghosts: The Night Before, I feel privileged to have another glimpse into this world Engellmann has created and into the character Pain. The character Pain is very multi-dimensional and more and more aspects of her personality are emerging. The first few lines of dialogue you might think Pain is talking to someone seated across from her, but you quickly realize what kind of scenario you're in and who Pain is. This shows how clever Alexandra Engellmann is in this descriptive approach of the character and the setting. I'm proud to see how this author is maturing in her craft.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Your brother was a fine swordsman, Benji.” Pain nodded her head, finishing up the milkshake. “I mean, he wasn’t very bright, attacking me like that with Marco around and everything. But the two minutes that we shared were epic, I’ll give him that.”

She sat down on the rooftop with a contented sigh, looking over the glowing Manhattan. With its seventy-two floors, Trump World Tower provided the best view. She liked her mealtime to have a view.

“I almost wish Marco didn’t kill him so fast. It could’ve been a fantastic battle.” She rummaged in her Happy Meal for the fries, picking one and gesturing with it as she spoke. “Unfortunately, Marco doesn’t like it when people have their sword at my neck. And I don’t like it when you folk assault civilians right outside my doorstep. You two almost killed an innocent woman. You didn’t really expect me to look the other way, did you?”

so much fun:)

[Alatea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summing up in one sentence: A Quentin Tarantino style fantasy book.

Loved it.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 4.5

Thank you Alexandra Engellmann for the opportunity to read your book. This was an incredible read. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. It is interesting to finally see how the characters were like before the event that took place in Sky Ghosts: All For One. It was funny and I was not expecting that at all. Also, it was filled with action-packed scenes. it was a thrilling prequel. Overall, a fantastic read.

[Sue Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER GREAT SKY GHOST STORY...
I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW ..........OVER 18+ READING
This is the third Sky Ghosts story I have read and even though it is a shorter story it is really good. It lets you discover more about Pain and her partner Marco . Only 21 years old, Pain is certainly a Sky Ghost to look out for if you are a Sky Beast. Eugene's group of Beast are high on her list to stop and Chuck squad has a job that night that she wants to stop. Is she going to a trap? will she and Marco survive? And if they do what will their boss Peter and her guardian do about her choosing her own jobs?

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun short snippet into Marco and Pain. Readers will love it!!!!

[Peter Kazmaier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sky Ghosts are superhuman freedom fighters that clandestinely fight renegades of their kind (beasts) in order to protect the innocents, that is the rest of us, from the beast's depredations. Sky Ghosts: The Night Before, like the sequel is filled with non-stop action, martial arts and blade combat interspersed with gallows humor. I enjoy that and I find Alexandra Engellmann handles the action scenes very well.

This novella (my e-book was 40 pages) is easy to read at one sitting and will let you know if you want to go on to the much more substantial Sky Ghosts: All for One.

As I understand it, from Alexandra Engellmann's biography, english is not her first language. I would not know that from the quality of the writing. Indeed, I had a few complaints about word construction and unexpected point of view changes in my review of Sky Ghosts: All for One, but I find these little grammatical intrusions have disappeared in this later work.

[Belart Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed short story with plenty of cutthroat humor.

Sky Ghosts: The Night Before is a fast-paced action comedy with a lot of brutal swordplay and appropriately dark humor. It stars a young adult age girl named Pain who's out to protect the streets of New York from the big bad Sky Beasts, a rival gang composed of those with powers like hers. I've been a fan of these SG books for a while now. This brand of metaphysical fantasy and supernatural action is just my cup of tea. This short introduction story serves up more of what I like about the series, namely the bloody action and awesome characters. You won't find very many characters out there quite like my favorite pair of Pain and Marco, both stars of their own books that I also enjoyed immensely. This one hit my action junkie spot quite nicely and also gave me more than enough “inappropriate” jokes to laugh at.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was short but wasn't unfulfilling at all, it was full of the usual action, comedy, sarcasm that always goes hand in hand for the sky ghosts, this little story merely had me wanting more and more yet left me with no real big cliffhanger (which I hate)

Pain, well what can I say really she's fully immersing herself in her real world blood, guts, killing, action and drama and most girls would hate it but not Pain she thrives on it all and loves it all looking for more death and killings every night.

Marco, big strong wall of muscle comes to mind but the way he winds up Pain is funny, they wind one another up but bounce off one another in a friendly banter way and it's a pleasure to read.

Overall, good short action read full of the usual blood guts and gore.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received a free copy for a honest review*
I love these characters, they kick butt, get themselves into deadly situations, yet find still find a way to be crack joke. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes strong female leads, humor, and action. This is also a great book for when you're in a reading slump, because it get me out of one. All around this is a great series and i can't wait for more.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Pain & Marco... they're so much fun & kick so much butt together. This book, author, and series is just awesome. I could probably go on but I think it's just better if you check it out for yourself. (In case you couldn't tell - I highly recommend this book to everyone.)

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short story. I didn't know I had missed the character of Pain so much until I started this book. I love this character. She is a great one! The action pieces are great and the writing is great too. Great job again Alexandra! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[W.R. Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love urban fantasy, along with thrilling and exciting storytelling, I cannot recommend these series of books highly enough. I look forward to reading the future works!

Read more.

[Rajalakshmi Prithviraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the stories so far in the Sky Ghosts series and this short story is like bonus.

The story is short and standalone acting as the prelude to this wonderful series. For the what how and why you need to read it. All I can say is that Pain is back in action. Those who have read even one story from the series will understand what I am talking about.

Writing style is awesome as usual. There has been no dip in the narration. Every scene feels like a movie that I am witnessing in my mind's eye. Loads of imageries are on offer for every reader. Language is lucid yet a bit stromg. There is graphic violence and black humour as well. Hence it is apt for adult but not for the young young adult readers.

The story gives a glimpse into the life of a sky ghost. The characters in this short story would entice you to read the series for sure. Need I say more?

To sum up, this prelude is a must read both for fans of sky ghosts series as well as for those yet to be initiated. If you are looking for a different story that is sans mushy romance this story is an apt choice. Excellent writing that can be read in one session for sure.

P.S - Thank you Alexandra. You rock as usual. Loved this short prelude to one of my favourite series. Love the Sky Ghosts.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is a prequel or a preview into the Sky Ghosts series. I have already read the other two books and have loved this one just as much as the others.

This one is a bit darker in the murder scenes. But at the same time it's pretty much focused on Pain and Marco so it all makes sense. There is plenty of action from beginning to end. There are also humorous moments that you will find yourself laughing at. Pain and Marco are two of my favorite characters from this series. They have a dark sense of humor and make great friends together.

I cannot wait to read more in this series and from this author! This e-book was provided to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.

[Keith Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Received a kindle copy from Author, thank you for the free preview**

This is a prequel to the main Sky Ghost series. It explains why Pain and Marco are such good partners and trust each other with no doubt. Appreciate the details by Alexandra to provide readers with more insight of what to expect from the main series.

Overall this is very fast paced and ended before you realise.

[Jenny Koch · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 80%

While the beginning scene was unique and interesting, I ended up hating the lead characters. I haven't noticed a single redeeming quality from either of them.

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely short story to introduce the Sky Ghosts series. Looking forward to reading the series.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are plot spoilers in this review to illustrate how stupid one of the characters is.

This was to be an urban fantasy for adults but the two main characters in this story are like a pair of snotty brattish teenagers who are either sniping and arguing at each other or dreamily talking about their romantic conquests, all while they are trying to dispose of bodies, and later, sneak up on a possible enemy camp. Y'know STEALTH is generally good when you are about to break into what is meant to be the enemy's camp but Pain and Marco are whining at each other about what went on in a previous mission and who is the best killer. It was very annoying.

Both characters are arrogant yet immature and the sniping was not witty and amusing, just really annoying. Just shut up and complete the mission already. Pain is supposed to be 21 here but she is so whiny for a badass. She is annoyed at him using her real name so when she escapes her chains, what does she do? Leaves Marco chained up as punishment while she goes off to kill everyone like the glory hound she obviously is. That is so immature, childish and stupid. It's not being part of a team and I find her quite pathetic.

So she goes up to confront 30 enemy beasts on her own, telling them all she is there and prepared not to kill them if they reunite her with her sword. And NOW she realises that leaving Marco chained up as a beast goes down to investigate the noises of him trying to get free might not have been the smartest move. Stupid bitch. She then proceeds to be idiot enough to throw an axe at someone and fuse the electronics, plunging the place into darkness with most of the beasts still alive. In the fight instead of quietly dispatching the enemies, Marco and Pain insist on shouting out the score as they make their kills which was as dumb as you'd expect from them.

Pain is a spoiled brat who thinks the world revolves around what she wants, never doing what she is told, breaking her leader's rules and being a moronic child the whole time. Even when she gets a punishment for it she finds a way out of it and heads off to break more rules. I despise characters like her and have no interest in reading on with the series is THIS is supposed to be the heroine. No thanks.

[Miriama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again this book was sent to me for an honest review, but you can still get it for free on Amazon and boy should you do it! This book is just a something I would call a Prologue to the Sky Ghost series, but despite it shortness it isn't lacking anything any other books have.

It was stunning, it was funny with the all present humor of the characters which won't disappoint you ever. I had hard time to keep the grin of my face while reading the short story in public. Also the storytelling was great and I have to say I put down another book I have been reading just to finish this one because it was so much captivating, much appreciated page-turner.

The descriptions and dialogues didn't lack a thing and were every bit hilarious. I know I'm repeating myself but there are no other words I would say about this book. Maybe the rollercoaster of emotions especially my concern over one specific character (you know which one, Engellmann!!! I still didn't get over it >.<)

Anyway, I would recommend this book to kids, although I'm not sure if there was any foul language used, would have to check. But go read it if you haven't, it's so much worth it. Besides it's FREE guys PREVIEW ;)

[Donte McNeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the get go of Sky Ghosts: The Night Before, I was reminded why I love Engellmann's writing and the character Pain so much (I read Sky Ghosts: All For One prior to reading this). Her wit, personality and fighting skills are unmatched in my oh so humble opinion. I mean, this starts out with her eating Mickey D's on the rooftop of a 72-story building casually talking about killing someone. She's such a fun character to read.

The action pieces were top notch, easily pulling me in and the back and forth between Pain and Marco were so easy going and natural (it had me secretly wishing these characters could get a show based off of them). Their relationship is easily one of my favorite things about the Sky Ghosts books.

If you want a quick, engaging and outright entertaining intro to the immersive and dark world of Sky Ghosts, you can't go wrong with this one!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel for the series, Sky Ghosts: The Night Before whets your appetite for the first book of the series. It has enough back story to keep you from being lost, but doesn't say enough to keep you from reading future books.

The book finds Pain doing what she does best, killing Beasts. She finds a way to infiltrate enemy territory with faithful Marco by her side, and together they wreak havoc on the place. Upon returning home to shower, she is met by Peter who restricts her to her room until her next mission.

As always, the author writes with a level of grit and grime, but also with snark and passion. As a result, putting the story down is difficult.


Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to the Sky Ghosts series. I read books 1 & 1.5 first since they were out first. I really love this series. Pain is my favorite type of heroine. She is a strong female with an awesome personality. She is snarky and I find myself laughing at the things she says and does. I love how the book opens up. It took me a second to realize who she was talking to and then I couldn't help but laugh. It was so typical of this character but still so totally unexpected. I really wish the story was longer but I loved it! I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

**Please note that I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review**

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a preview novella to introduce you to the character of Pain and the Sky Ghosts. This gives you a little teaser of action and drama of good VS evil, that you can find in the pages of the Sky Ghosts books.

I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. This is book 0.5 of the Sky Ghosts book series by the author.