First Death

Seventeen #0.1

by A.D. Starrling

Discover where it all started...

1570. Carpathian Mountains, Moldavia. Ten-year-old Lucas’s life is a simple but happy one. All that changes when the Hunters finally track down his whereabouts.

Forced to bear witness to horrific scenes that forever shatter his innocence, he discovers the shocking secret behind his less than ordinary existence. What follows is a fight for survival that will define the nature of a boy bound to an incredible destiny whose origins have been lost to the tides of time.

First Death is a short story set in AD Starrling's explosive, action-packed, award-winning thriller series Seventeen. If you like high-octane adventures that combine science and a dose of the paranormal, then you'll love the world of Seventeen.

Grab this riveting short story and start the epic series today!

The Seventeen Series novels in order
Hunted #1 - previously published as Soul Meaning
Warrior #2 - previously published as King's Crusade
Empire #3 - previously published as Greene's Calling
Legacy #4 - previously published as Ashstorm

The Seventeen Series short stories in order
First Death #1
Dancing Blades #2
The Meeting #3
The Warrior Monk #4
The Hunger #5
The Bank Job #6

Boxsets
The Seventeen Series Collection Novels #1-3
The Seventeen Series Short Story Collection #1-3
The Seventeen Series Short Story Collection #4-6 (Coming Soon)
The Seventeen Series Ultimate Short Story Collection #1-6 (Coming Soon)

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Audiobook

Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2015

About the author

A.D. Starrling is a bestselling author renowned for her pulse-pounding fusion of urban fantasy, action, adventure, and supernatural suspense. With a passion for history and a gift for intricate plotting, she crafts captivating narratives that transport readers across time and continents. Her Seventeen series, featuring immortal warriors with extraordinary abilities, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated global following. Her authentic research and skillful character development keep readers hooked, while her love for action movies infuses her work with electrifying combat sequences and story lines.

When she’s not busy writing, A.D. can be found eating Thai food, being tortured by her back therapists, working part-time as a doctor on a Neonatal Intensive Care unit somewhere in the UK, reading manga, and watching anime. She has occasionally been accused of committing art with a charcoal stick and some drawing paper.

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Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this is a new series/new author.

This little short has done its job because now I’m intrigued. Although I’m not a huge fan of first person so I did struggled.

This is slow and descriptive but there’s enough here to keep me moving onto the next one.

It’s the story of a young boy raised by his loving parents. It’s set in the Carpathian Mountains in 1570. The boy, Lucas is ten and lives a sheltered but idyllic life. This is shattered one day when six strangers come and murder his parents. Repeatedly.

Lucas had no idea his parents had seventeen lives.

‘The boy’s heart raced in fear and shock. Crovir and Bastian were the names of the immortal races from the tales his father had oft told him.’

[Kerry Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Death is a short story linked to the "Seventeen" series. "Seventeen" focuses on events in the lives of key characters from the Bastian and Crovir immortal families who only die when they have been killed seventeen times. These families have been at war for centuries.

I have read and really enjoyed the 3 novels already published by A D Starrling in the "Seventeen" series. I was not sure that I would like her idea of writing each novel from the point of view of an almost fresh set of characters, but they have all been so full of life and interest that I have warmed to each new one straightaway. Nevertheless, when this short story was released, I jumped at the chance of revisiting the main protagonist from the first novel, Lucas Soul; this is the story of his first death.

Unlike the other novels in the "Seventeen" series, the pace of this one is much slower. The descriptions of the mountains where Lucas and his parents live are carefully drawn and although the story is short, I felt immediately immersed in the characters and their surroundings. Fans of the other books, may find this one a little less action packed and perhaps a little slower going, but I must say that I did like the contrast between the break neck speed of the main novels and the gentler pace set by this one and I was definitely pleased to see Lucas again and to find out a bit more about his background.

All in all, this is a lovely little story which fits in well with the "Seventeen" series. I would recommend at least reading "Soul Meaning" first as this will make the events in this story clearer, but for fans of the series, this is a story you will want to read.

[Kate Tilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved First Death. As I have not yet read Soul Meaning (book one in the series) I wasn’t sure if reading First Death first was the right choice, but I am glad I did.

The full review can be found at http://katetilton.com/december-2014-k...

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is less than one hour but engaging. The story is set in Carpathian Mountains in 1570 This introduces a 10-year-old boy, Lucas, who has been raised in seclusion by his loving parents. They have taught him to be a skilled outdoorsman and hunter, but they did not tell him of his heritage or destiny. One afternoon he learns the truth during a horrific attack on his family.

Lucas awakens amid the bodies of his parents and their five attackers. He packs the important items from his home and sets off for a village a few days away. Along his journey he is aware that someone or something follows. He escapes a pack of wolves to arrive at the village and follow his mother’s last spoken word.

The writing is simple and exciting in tone. Although this story barely sets the stage, it pulled me into Lucas’ world and made me want to follow his adventures and learn more of what happens in the series. I can’t say how I will like it until I try a fuller episode. This is a good start for those who enjoy fantasy with adventure and danger.

Audio Notes: Michael Bower does a good job with the narration. The presentation is crisp and clear with voices to match characters. The reading conveys the story with empathy and I will want to listen to the first full volume of the series.

[Bambi Unbridled · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you follow the blog, you will know that I discovered A.D. Starrling last year and fell in love with her brainy writing style. Normally I am not a fan of short stories or reading prequels after I have started the series... but I have enjoyed Starrling's snippets and peeks into the Seventeen world.

First Death gives us a glimpse into the origins of Lucas Soul, the hero of Soul Meaning. We finally get to meet Lucas' father and mother, and see the love they shared for each other and their son. The Soul parents were star-crossed lovers, each from a different sect of the supernatural race of immortals that is featured in this series. Their relationship and son, who is viewed as an abomination, earns them a death warrant, so they have been hiding out in the Alaskan (I think?) wilderness. Where ever it is they are hiding, its cold and there is lots of snow! Anywho, this is the story of how Lucas' family was discovered and his resulting first death.

If you are a fan of A.D. Starrling, you will enjoy this peek into Lucas' past. If you have yet to read this wonderful author, I suggest you start with this book, then move onto Soul Meaning.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from A.D. Starrling in exchange for an honest review.

Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled

[Melissa (thereaderandthechef) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Death is a quick short story that takes place before the events of A.D. Starrling's Seventeen series. Though I haven't read the full-length novels yet and I have no idea of what exactly the main character is going to face later on in the series, I already feel drawn to him for his strength and courage of trying to move on after his first death when he was ten years old and the other terrible events he witnesses.

What I found interesting in this story is that Lucas is a half-breed immortal and that his very existence goes against the laws of the other immortals. His parents come from two different kind (or enemy clans?) of immortals, but I really don't understand why he is such a threat to them. In any case, the immortals are doing everything in their power to capture him and won't stop trying until they do.

Overall, First Death is an intriguing small taste of what the Seventeen series has to offer and now I'm very much looking forward to start the first book, Soul Meaning.

*Thanks go out to the author for the copy in exchange of my honest opinion. This review can also be found at my blog, The Reader and the Chef.*

[Marjolein (UrlPhantomhive) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com

I was looking forward a lot to the next book in the Seventeen series so I was pleased to find that the first three short stories were now available as a free download from the author's website when you subscribe for her newsletter (http://www.adstarrling.com/)

This short story follows Lucas through the terribly moments that surround his first death and that were already mentioned in one (I believe it was the first one) of the books.

While not adding anything really substantially new to the story, I did enjoy reading it and was glad to be back in one of my favorite urban fantasy series. I would certainly recommend it if you enjoyed the series, even more so since it's free.

First Death is a short story prequel to the Seventeen series. There are more short stories like Dancing Blades and The Meeting, as well as four full length novels called Soul Meaning, King's Crusade, Greene's Calling and Ashstorm.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Seventeen series, so it was nice to go back before the beginning. It's 1570 and Lucas is just a little boy living happily with his parents in the forest. The joy of learning to fish and visiting the village with his father. The indignity of a 10 year old suffering kisses from his mother. The horror when the hunters came for them and the terrifying lonely trip out of the mountains. I really enjoyed this origin short about Lucas's early life and first death.

[Joan Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a free standing short story in a series I'm eager to start (and I have so much in line....). I would suggest that you go to any sale site (Kindle, Audible, Nook etc.) to get the meaning of the series title (Seventeen) so you know what's up. You can gather from the story but it takes a while.

[Maria do Socorro Baptista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Você já imaginou se seus pais tivessem um segredo que poderia destruir sua vida, ou quase isso, e descobrir isso da forma mais violente possível? Fiquei como dó do protagonista desta pequena narrativa, por muitos motivos. Fiquei também curiosa para ouvir o restante da série, que parece muito boa.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

First short story in Lucas Soul's saga that sets the stage for his character. While it precedes Hunted (hence. the 0.1 numbering), it really makes more sense to read it after Hunted, as Starrling recommends.

[Rebecca Schuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little hard to get into. A little slow but seems to be a world builder, background/back story set up for future books.

[Bobbi Galvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Children's book - I listened to this very short story even though I don't usually read history that is set this far back. I am considering reading the series "Seventeen" to hear more of the story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1570 in the wooded mountains of Moldavia, Lucas and his parents have a simple cabin home in the woods. It’s winter and few travelers are about. That is, until Alexander and his men show up on their doorstep. Lucas’s simple, happy world is about to be shattered.

Alexander kills Lucas’s father first, and then his mother Katarina. To Lucas’s surprise, they rise to fight again. Alas, they are killed again. This cycle continues again and again while Lucas is forced to watch. Lucas, the poor lad, goes into some sort of shock over it all.

Then Lucas must suffer his first death. Things don’t go as planned for Alexander and his men. I really liked the crow imagery and the ashes left behind. There’s definitely something very intriguing about this story. The tale and danger doesn’t stop with Lucas’s first death. Nope. Afterwards, he has to figure out his next move, how to survive the winter, who his allies (or parent’s allies) are. I was impressed by how much was packed into this short story.

I received a free copy of this audiobook.

Narration: Michael Bower was good, especially with the accents. He also did a good job imbuing emotion into the characters. Alexander sounded villainous through and through.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great pre story to Lucas Soul. It explains how he came to be where he is in the first book. It explains his parents death and how Lucas learned what he is and what he was to become. For a short novella it has so much information jammed into it and is so well written and interesting. It is a very interesting glimpse into Lucas as a child and what he saw and had to endure to be where he is today.

I love when authors take the time and do these little novellas that fill in the blanks that fact hungry people like myself just eat up, and even better, put them on audio too so I can keep on listening right along and not miss a beat, it is so awesome. Narrator Michael Bower is as good as ever with this cast of characters and I can't wait to move on to the next books in this series, he is that good. I kind of did this and the first full length book out of order, so I can't wait to see what is in store for Lucas next.

[Lis Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is a prequel in the world of "Seventeen," Starrling's ongoing saga of two races of immortals living alongside normal humans throughout our history. In thee first book, there are references to Lucas parents being killed--repeatedly, because the immortals revive back into life the first sixteen times they're killed--and Lucas himself being killed a time or two before he manages to escape into the woods.

"First Death" tells that story from the viewpoint of seven-year-old Lucas. It's well-told,with a convincing child's view of the world, and contains hints of things that are more fully developed in the novels. Worth reading for any fan of the series, and an easy "taster" introduction if you haven't found them yet.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of the audio of this story from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Death - This short story was tragic in all accounts. A very young Lucas is forced to watch the death of his family and forced into the realization of who he truly is. There is so much feeling in this short little bit of the beginning of Lucas' life.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding read, the narrator does a wonderful job with voices; bring the various characters to life! Author A.D. Starrling returns to the beginning, documenting Lucas as a 10 year old boy and his first death. I look forward to the next book.

[N.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story which works well as a companion to Soul Meaning. I became thoroughly immersed in its well-drawn world. And horrified by the events. Very emotional story.

[Tawnya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sad story about how Lucas’ parents were murdered before his eyes. At only 10 years of age he shows the bravery that we know from the main series.

[Tom Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read in the beginning of the series . How it started , mini book should be like right too the point . If a fan of the series will enjoy