Fire & Feathers

Silver and Orchids #0.5

by Shari L. Tapscott

This is a previously-published edition - ASIN: B06XBZJGQJ

After spending the last nineteen years in the illustrious chicken farming business, Lucia decides to leave her family's farm behind and sets out to make her fortune. Unfortunately, no one has faith in her skills as a scout—an adventuress by trade—especially her longtime friend, Sebastian.

To convince the doubters she has what it takes, Lucia knows she must find something amazing. Something rare. Something so valuable, no one will be able to deny she has the prowess required to be one of the greats. Something like a phoenix's feather.

Too bad she might be tracking the wrong beast...

This 10,000-word novelette is the prequel to Moss Forest Orchid and may be read before or after the first book in the Silver and Orchids series.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Short Stories, Fiction, Adventure, Fairy Tales

47 pages, ebook

First published February 26, 2017

About the author

Shari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing.

She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.

Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.

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Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so excited about this new series from Shari Tapscott! This is a prequel to the series and gave me a good taste of what is to come. I can't wait!! I've pre-ordered the first book and now I'm anxiously awaiting it. :)

[Hana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry, what absolute rubbish? The heroine decides on a total whim to go out searching for a phoenix - something we're very clearly told is INCREDIBLY dangerous and difficult - despite being completely helpless and having no skills or common sense?! And of course the only reason she survives is thanks to overbearing and superior (though justified, given that he saves her life multiple times...) childhood best friend/reluctant crush who follows her despite her explicitly not wanting him along. *infinite eye-rolls*. I should not be this frustrated by a novella less than 50 pages long.

[Coralie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this prequel! It was a quick read, but it provided insight into the Silver and Orchid MCs, Lucia and Sebastian. This is the story of how they first came to start a business together. I think my favorite part was how it indirectly explained why Lucia was so determined to wright her wrong in book one. It explained, at least for me, why she valued Sebastian's trust and why breaking that trust was such a big deal to her. And, just for the record, I freaking LOVE Sebastian! I've loved him all along, but this just continued to show me what an incredible guy he is. Cute, short little prequel to Moss Forest Orchid!

[Quartzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an impulse buy, a light fantasy novelette about a would-be adventurer heroine on a quest to get a phoenix feather to prove herself to the somewhat condescending local shopkeeper boy. Unfortunately, he tags along and shows our heroine up at every turn and leaving her looking disappointingly unprepared at best and incompetent at worst, with little to do except realize he's actually quite attractive.

I really liked the heroine's first person narrative voice and the story was fun and breezy, the action well-written but the premise ultimately let down a bit. I might still try the novel that follows, but I'm on the fence about it now.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ Stars!
The perfect kickoff to Tapscott's newest series, Silver and Orchids. Really looking forward to this new cast of characters, the adventure and romance that begin tomorrow, when Moss Forest Orchid releases (March 31, 2017). Yay! I love Shari Tapscott novels!!!

This is a free, very short prequel story I received from the Author.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good prequel to the series, with a fun story of how Lucia and Sebastian end up as partners. I enjoyed the hippogriff part, as well as seeing how they interacted prior to the events of the first book. The only downside is the promise of a relationship hinted at here; we already know how this story ends.

[T.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had read this at the beginning rather than the end of the series. I thought it would help with series withdrawal, but it made it worse. Shari, if you're reading this, could you write another book in this series? I feel like a bargaining addict, but I'm just not ready to let these characters go.

[Jolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story explaining how Lucia and Sebastian got started adventuring together.

I read this story after reading "Moss Forest Orchid" so it was interesting to see the hints in this prequel at how the relationship between Lucia and Sebastian might develop over time knowing what happens in the next story. However I think that readers would also enjoy reading "Fire and Feathers" even if they have not yet read "Moss Forest Orchid".

Sex - none
Language - none
Violene - none
Religion - none

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short prequel to the Silver and Orchids series. Seeing how Lucia and Sebastian became partners was fun and enlightening. Their adventure was quick but showed insight into their relationship and how well they work together. Tapscott demonstrates a flare for world building, developing interesting characters, and creating must-read fantasy. Her writing is impeccable and always leaves me wanting more.

[Bess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, fun, spunky read. This is the beginning of a new series by Shari!
It was a funny little read about Lucia & Sebastian. Lucia is poor and the daughter of chicken farmers ready to spread her wings! (yep, went there!) Sebastian is the son & grandson of a duke. Oil & water!
But they are destined to be adventurers & probably eventually rivals. Although, that's my prediction.
We shall see!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“But it’s not exactly—”
“A place for a lady? Don’t worry about that—I’m not one.”

This was a short and sweet novella that sets up some of the world building as well as introducing two characters in this series. I'm intrigued to see more of this story in the first full length novel in the series.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light-hearted, fun story with a hint of romance! I absolutely love Lucia! She is so cute, and her relationship with Sebastian is lovable.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend you read this first

[Shruti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this prequel a lot and am looking forward to reading the series. This is a good start.

[Kimberly Gordon-Bercich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute. Two kids set off to find an adventure. They just might find the adventure they seem and possibly the path to romance along the way. Or not. Friendship at the very least.

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prequel to Lucia's story and her very first adventure, light and fun.

[brii | brii (three months behind...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and fun short prequel.

It was kind of nice to see a little snippet of what Lucia and Sebastian were like before the introduction of Avery into their story.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to a wonderful series.

[Jenny Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick freebie prequel to a new series. It did its job and left me interested in reading the next book to see what happens to the lead characters.

[Zoby · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun!

Well, this prequel did what it was supposed to do: made me want to read the book "Moss Forest Orchid". I can't wait! I have already preordered it. Shari Tapscott's books are so fun to read, and this one was no exception. Full of adventure, humor, the right amount of romance, and the scenic imagery is amazing. Truly enjoyable!

[Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun teaser!

[Lisa Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect start to the series. I recommend reading this prequel first, but if you start with book one, you won’t miss anything. I just like reading the progression of their relationship in order. Such a fun adventure this story is. The reader gets a great feel for Lucia and Sebastian. The hijinxs are a riot. And I love the magical elements in this world.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can already tell… this is going to be a good series 😁

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prequel of a new series, this book sets new characters and a new adventure in as fast as it takes you to read it. I enjoyed the discovery and awaits the rest to see what it's really worth. No real surprise, though, as I always enjoy the developing characters in Tapscott's stories. There's here a whole new world to dive into and I'm diving in with great ease.

[Lynn]

Prequel short story. Where it all begins.