William: A Short Story

Under Ground #1.2

by Alice Rachel

Story #0.2 - Included in SHIFTING GROUND: A SHORT STORY COLLECTION

What William wants, William takes. He doesn't need to ask for permission. He wasn't raised to accept rejection. And yet, his promised fiancee dares to turn him down and betray him. But William's obsession with her has turned unhealthy at best, and he's not about to let her go so easily.

30 pages, ebook

First published March 3, 2016

About the author

UNDER GROUND Series Recommended Reading Order:

1 - UNDER GROUND - BOOK 1
2 - LOSING GROUND: A Stephen Richards Novella
3- STANDING GROUND - BOOK 2
4 - HOLDING GROUND: A Stephen Richards Novella 2
5 - COMMON GROUND: Kayla and Taylor's Story
6 - SHIFTING GROUND: A Short Story Collection
7 - DANGEROUS GROUND: Tina and Chase's Story (Out in October 2018)
8- BREAKING GROUND - BOOK 3 (Out in 2019)

Social Media Links:
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Reviews

[J. Kahele · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ass

William is and will always be a complete ass. This is a short story through the asses eyes. I have no more words...ugh. I despise men like William.

[T S · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read underground and this novella you'll know what a b*st*rd William is. Reading his perspective made me loathe him a thousand times more. Aaah, but I'm so satisfied with how things went. Haha b***h, there are consequences ;)
Gosh. I am so cruel.
In short - I loved to hate William.

[John Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Under Ground series by Alice Rachel, everything about it so far. It comes in twelve different installments ranging from short stories to full novels with a few novellas in between. This short story of William, one of the not-so-good guys of the story is revealing and essential. It left me feeling both sad and angry. I was angry with William because of who he was, what he believes, and what he was determined to do. I was sad because the story reveals, in some part, how he got to this place.

We are the sum total of all our experiences, and William’s experiences as a youth haven’t been that inspiring to say the least. In some ways, many ways, he is a victim and we’re presented with the old nature versus nurture debate. Is William bad or has his environment made him that way? Some rise from the ashes of a bad environment to accomplish benevolent acts while others fall from seemingly advantageous beginnings to create dark havoc in the world. You decide when you read these well-written stories by Rachel. I’m hooked.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

William: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.2) by Alice Rachel an amazing four star read. William Fox is a character that I haven’t always been able to warm to, he is controlling and over bearing, William feels entitled to everything and feels that nothing can stand in his way. When his fiancé Thia doesn’t go with his grain we see William showing himself. But the side we see may surprise you. This series goes from strength to strength, and gets better with every instalment, each story reveals more details and another part of the journey. Alice Rachel takes you to a different world and even though the story is short, it’s a compelling read that reveals more of the story than you think possible in so few pages.

[Kat Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone reading the Under Ground series, I would recommend these short stories which give even greater depth to the characters and more story background info. Surprisingly, because of his basically evil nature, William's story was the most interesting to me of the three I read (Chi, William & Willow). I think the reason is because he becomes a far more nuanced character and the reader gets a feeling for the internal and external forces that have shaped William's psyche.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

William: A Short Story (Under Ground #0.2) by Alice Rachel is part of the Under Ground Series. I highly recommend reading the previous books in this series before this one as it will give you more information on the characters and where they are at. This installment is about William's point of view and his perception of how things are. This author once again has created a character that is strong and controlling See another perception of another character really brings a lot to this series. Find out how William views things.

William is the type that when he sees something he wants, he just takes it. He doesn't think he needs permission and he was raised to not accept rejection. But what will happen when his chosen finance doesn't want him and even goes as far as betrayal? He is obsessed with her to the point it is not healthy. He is determined to make her his, she is mine! How far will his obsession go? Will it put him in danger? Will he get his revenge on the person who stole her from him? William is a character that you may hate because he isn't very nice and is very disrespectful. He just wants everything even if they don't want him. Find out if obsession will put everyone in danger.

The one thing that I enjoy with Alice Rachel's stories is that she never lets me down with the creation of her characters. Even though I didn't necessary enjoy William's character, he really does make the story flow and give it a twist. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. This is a fast story that will keep you engaged until the end. I will say that, it may make you angry at times as it did me. You will enjoy the twist it brings to the story. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to find out what William's perception of things.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

William: A Short Story is a small view into the character from the Underground Series by Alice Rachel. It is told from William's point of view, and begins when he is 14 and meets Thia for the first time, and skims over time until his death. William is a total jerk of a character. I didn't like him from the other stories, and after reading this story, I hate him even more. Even at the age of 14, he sees Thia as his property, to mold and change her into what he likes by the time they marry. Even though he is engaged to her at such a young age, he doesn't let that stop him from having multiple girls over the years. As they are older, he doesn't love Thia, but since she is HIS, and her being with Thia angers him, and he makes it his mission to make sure no one else gets her but himself.
I enjoyed this book, despite the fact that I hate him as a character. It is a good addition to the Underground series, and I love seeing things from each characters perspective. I love all of the stories in the series, and am impressed with the backstory Rachel has created. She not only writes a great series, but she develops a back story for each character. Her writing is very visual, and keeps me coming back for more. I was shocked to see how short this story really is, because so much information and back story is given in so few pages. 4 star review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

William is A Short Story in the Underground Series. This story is a quick easy read. It has a fast pace and contains a lot of information for such a small package.
William Fox a cruel, self-serving and heartless young man. He’s the villain of the Underground series and this book is from his perspective. It is an insight into his character and sheds a light on his inner workings.
This story starts on the day he meet Thia for the first time, at age fourteen. As we discover in Underground- arrangements had been made with Thia’s parents, where Thia is basically ‘sold’/promised to a marriage with William. When things don’t go the way William had wanted, he becomes obsessed. This book sheds a light on why that happens.
Ms. Rachel has a great writing style that is dynamic, detail oriented, descriptive and a little gritty.
I despise William, but I love to hate him. Any scene he was in completely captivated my attention. So I really enjoyed learning more about him. The fact that Ms. Rachel can evoke such a passionate response from me is testament to her consummate writing skills.
I really recommend all the Underground series, especially the novellas- as they will give you an extra insight to the characters and backstories.

Thank you Ms. Rachel!

[Tracy Antonelli Manderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

William: A Short Story (Under Ground #1.2) by Alice Rachel
5 out of 5 stars

Ms. Rachel’s has not disappointed me with her short stories in the Under Ground Series and hopefully I will be reading a few more of her books tonight. I simply love her work. She has this unique way of telling her story that has you stepping into her world and the characters are well developed.
This is William's short story he is such a spoiled, obnoxious brat who thinks he is entitled to anything he wants and if he can have it he takes it. He doesn't need to ask for permission. He wasn't raised to accept rejection. And yet, his promised fiancée dares to turn him down and betray him. But William's obsession with her has turned unhealthy at best, and he's not about to let her go so easily.
From the first book William was portrayed as a villain but is he as bad as we think? Is he misjudge? Or is he worse than what he has been portrayed? You really need to read this story to find out.

I highly recommend this story/series and you need to read them in-order to get the full effect of the series… I just simply love these characters and story line. I can’t get enough of this series….
By
Tracy Manderson

[Anita Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

William: A Short Story (Under Ground #0.2) by Alice Rachel is part of the Under Ground Series.
This story gives more insight into William’s character and point of view. This story details how William’s upbringing and the society he belongs too has taught him to respect his father as an authority figure (even though he dislikes him) and believe that women are an end to a means.
It starts when William is 14 and meets Thia for the first time. It tells of his thoughts and desires for her as well as his possessiveness. Thia is his – to do with what he wants and he alone. How dare she betray him with Chi.
Read his story to find out what he truly thinks of his parents, women in general and Thia. It will not disappoint.
I love Alice Rachel’s work. She has developed her characters so that they are multi-dimensional and these short stories detailing the points of view of her characters give them greater depth and perspective. To know your characters so well to be able to do this shows an amazingly creative mind as well as skill. William’s story is a great addition to the Underground Series.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: William A Short Story
Author: Alice Rachel
FOUR STARS
Willow's Short Story starts when he meets Thai for the first time at age fourteen. It is a companion book to the Underground Series of books by author Alice Rachel. This is a very short 15 minute read that gives you some of the detail about how William met Thia.
William didn't know what to expect when he was told at age 14 that he would have a fiance. He sure didn't expect to have her run off with a different man by the time they were to be wed. William didn't love Thia but she did intrigue him and didn't bore him like the other women that his mother had introduced him to. William saw her mind and her beauty and was pleased that she actually could converse without sound morose.
When Chi and Thia ran off together William was livid and became a drunken incoherent mess. He even tried to find her so that he could steal her back.
Alice Rachel has a vivid way of describing this new world that she writes about.
Kelli Harper

[Misty Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

****4 Stars****
William: A short story by Alice Rachel

William, by Alice Rachel, is a 4 star short story that starts with William meeting Thia. Their parents have made a deal for William and Thia to marry, although they've yet to meet one another. The story continues as William loses his virginity with Joy, then explains how William meets Chi at school. We learn more in this story about how William treats girls from a young age, through his treatment of Joy, and how he sees that he can do and get what he wants from females. When William finds he isn't able to get what he wants from Thia as easily as expected, we see the lengths he will go to and lies he will tell in order to get revenge for not getting what he feels he is owed. This helped explore how William created extra drama through what he told his father and definitely added to my dislike for his character.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

William: A Short Story by Alice Rachel tells the story of William, the boy who was to marry Thia Clay. It begins when they first meet, William is fourteen and Thia is thirteen. At that time, it is known that they will marry when they get older.

Throughout this book, we learn more about William and his cold character. He truly believes that he can do whatever he wants, without consequences. No matter what he does, he will eventually marry Thia, until she meets Chi.

This book really gives some insight into William’s character, which helps readers to understand him a little more as they read the rest of the series. Another winner!

[Kandis · Rating 5 out of 5]

William: A Short Story
By Alice Rachel
**5 Stars**

William’s story starts when he is around the age of 14, when he first meets Thia. It's clear from the beginning that William has been raised to be like majority of the public except he isn't blind to the camps and cruelty of the government. Reading this short story from William’s point of view has made me really rethink my sympathetic feelings for him. But just because I don't like him doesn't mean Alice Rachel wrote a bad character. William is the perfect jr. antagonist for this series and is everything that Chi is not.

[Kristan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

William a short story is second in Alice Rachel's Under Ground short stories (0.2) that takes place during her Under Ground series. These are embellishment stories that give you more insight on the characters in the series. William meets Thia, the girl who is promised to him, when he is fourteen years old. As they grow she wants nothing to do with him and he just wants to change her so she pleases him. But he does not take no for an answer and will do what he has to to make sure she knows her place. So like William is a jerk, just saying.

[Jazmine Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

William: A Short Story, we get to see how William was brought up. He was born in a rich family and he gets what he wants. That is until his promised fiance “betrays” him. He is an evil person and only thinks about himself.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Breaking her into obedience will be a fun game and I’m all play.”
This is Williams short story from the Underground series by Alice Rachel. A lot is packed into this short novella, and promises to be a great read from the first few pages. His story starts when he meets Thia for the first time and is fourteen years old. “She’s only thirteen though. Maybe she’ll fill out a bit by the time we wed. No matter what, by the time I’m done with her makeover, she’ll fit my standards. I was told she was mine, which means I can mold her into being exactly what I like.” It is hard to be angry with William because you know his thoughts and opinions about women and life are a product of the society that he has been raised in and the laws that he has always lived by. This follows from the first time they meet till right before they are to be wed. Thia is not going to go without a fight as her heart belongs to someone else. Regardless William has a different ideal. “Does she have no sense of decency at all? I will break her into compliance if it’s the last thing I do. She’s mine. Mine to mold. Mine to touch. Mine only!”

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

William: A Short Story by Alice Rachel
Four Stars

William: A Short Story is part of the Under Ground Series #0.2 by Alice Rachel. This set of short stories are small snapshots, most less than 50 pages, and written in different points of view. Therefore, they should be read in order to get the whole picture of this story.

This is a William's story. William is a privileged child who believes he can have whatever he desires. He is betrothed to Thia when he is 14. Even though they have only seen each other over the years, he believed that Thia is his property and he can mold her into the women he thinks his wife should be. When things don't go his way, he handles it like the spoiled, rich kid he is.

That is the thing about this series each little chunk is a block of time that you get with from each character's point of the same period. They make for very interesting chunks of the big picture.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about the dirt bag, jerk, self-centered character of William Fox. He is somehow engaged to the super sweet and innocent, Thia. This story shows us just how crazy he is. His attitude and beliefs, like those of the society, make him an easy character to hate. This short story certainly got my blood pumping…in anger! There are many characters in Alice Rachel’s Underground Series, but I haven’t found one like the Fox family. Father and son are very much a like in the fact that they are evil. Their attitudes towards other people but women in general is horrible. Alice Rachel has an interesting way of telling this story. Each short story, novel and novella brings about so many emotions. Here’s hoping the Fox family gets what they deserve by the end of this series. That would be a great happily ever after!
I recommend the series but only if you start at the beginning.

[Kirstym · Rating 4 out of 5]

William by Alice Rachel is another short story supplementing the Underground series and is a four star read. This story follows William, you really need to read the Underground books to really, truly hate this guy. He is an entitled, obnoxious, spoils, hateful character. I really disliked him in the books, more so than Stephen and this novella just compounds my feelings. He cannot fathom that Thia may not want him, in his opinion she belongs to him to do with as he pleases. The society that the author has created is frightening, the power given to so few and the way the rest of humanity is treated is awful. What is really frightening is that there are glimpses of reality in there. I really enjoy this series of books, they are a very compelling read and I would really recommend them. It is best to read them in order so you can appreciate the the way these stories fit together.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

William is a short story in Alice Rachel’s Under Ground series and it would be smart to read it after finishing the first book! It totally proves the point that once an entitled bastard, always a bastard! It is a beautiful short story that shows us what the men of the entitled class in the dystopian world ruled by men think and behave. It is actually pretty scare to read it in the world we are living in right now! Sometimes reading the news I feel like Alice Rachel has been writing some of them ….
Some would ask Alice why on Earth did she think that William deserves his own short story but I totally agree with her! With each of the short stories the journey of Under Ground gets revealed more and more and I actually hope that she will write couple of more ‘bastard’ short stories!

[Nikki LeClair · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first books in the series by Alice Rachel, I was very interested to find she wrote a short story about William. I wanted to see more from him, I wanted to see if there was any hint of humanity within him that was never portrayed in the first books. Apparently, there was not. He is as manipulative, greedy and vile as he was in the first few books. Although this story may make you want to sock him in the eye, it is a great addition to the series, it adds to the evil persona that William represents in the series. Especially how he treats the girls he spends his time with. In a way you feel sorry for him, even though he doesn’t deserve it.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

William: A short story by Alice Rachel.
4 stars
Well this was an introduction to William! I haven’t read the Underground series yet but I have read Chi and Willow’s individual stories. William is mentioned in Chi’s story and I knew he was going to be an interesting character but in this book I definitely got to know and it wasn’t good! The author did a great job in creating such a horrible character! He was nasty, arrogant and horrible to the girls he used! It was interesting to read the story through his perspective and read what he thought about things and that he actually thought what he was doing was acceptable!

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

William is the villain in the first book - and here we get his story. Is he really as bad as we think? Is he worse? Or maybe just misunderstood and a victim himself? I was curious and I have to say Alice Rachel brought his character out very distinctly. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil anything but it is an interesting puzzle piece to understand the main book better.

[Rhonda Pulk · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is the story of William who is a spoiled pretentious brat. He is of the same belief as his father and other men of his time. Women are to molded to their requirements,  have no opinions, and basically only exist for men's pleasure.  He also has no limits to what he will do to get what he wants.  He wants two things:  Thia returned to him and to kill Chi.  Will he get what he wants?

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

William: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.2) by Alice Rachel

***This short story should be read AFTER reading Under Ground***

This is the backstory William. I really wanted to find out why is he who is he, like that there was some tragedy that made him this way. Turns out, for him, it was purely genetic and he could have made different choices to be a better person.

[Daisy Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the words of my homegirl Hermione, "What an idiot."

William is such a spoiled brat but I understand his reason for being the way he is.