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The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel #1-3
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel Series Books #1-3
A Boxset collection of the first 3 books in the Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel Series! Fall in love with W.J. May's international bestselling series. Learn how it all began... before the magic of tatus. Christmas Before the Magic - Book #1 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. Question the Darkness - Book #2 Learn how it all began ... before Rae Kerrigan. The sins of the father are the sins of the son. What did Rae's father do that put fear in people's eyes at the name Kerrigan? Simon Kerrigan is a bright kid. He likes to ask questions and push adults in their way of thinking. He's falling for a girl he's been warned to stay away from. Tempted by forbidden love, he also must face the biggest challenge of his life: receive a tattoo on his sixteenth birthday. This ink is going to give him a supernatural ability unlike anyone before him. When secrets of the past begin to reveal themselves, he questions everything he's ever known. Pressure from Guilder Boarding School and the Privy Council only confuse Simon more as he struggles to find himself. How hard will he have to shake the family tree to find the truth about the past? The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel is the beginning of the story before Rae Kerrigan. Christmas Before the Magic is just the beginning (but not the end...) Into the Darkness - Book #3 What did Rae's father do that put fear in people's eyes at the name Kerrigan? After a mysterious attempt is made on his life, Simon Kerrigan has more questions than ever, and this time, he's not the only one. The beginnings of a secret society are formed at Guilder. A society of other like-minded students all unsatisfied with the status quo. All searching for the truth. But things aren't always as they seem. When Simon gets an unexpected visitor, his entire world is turned upside-down. Suddenly, the rules that were made to keep him safe, are the only things standing in his way. Who can he trust? Can he learn to master his tatu? Most importantly, can he do it in time to protect those things that are most precious to him?
668 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2017
About the author
W.J. May
254 books1,189 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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May 23, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (5/23/2018)!💝
A Boxset collection of the first 3 books in the Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel Series!
Christmas Before the Magic - Book #1
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.
Question the Darkness – Book #2
Learn how it all began … before Rae Kerrigan.
The sins of the father are the sins of the son.
What did Rae’s father do that put fear in people’s eyes at the name Kerrigan?
Simon Kerrigan is a bright kid. He likes to ask questions and push adults in their way of thinking. He’s falling for a girl he’s been warned to stay away from. Tempted by forbidden love, he also must face the biggest challenge of his life: receive a tattoo on his sixteenth birthday.
This ink is going to give him a supernatural ability unlike anyone before him. When secrets of the past begin to reveal themselves, he questions everything he’s ever known.
Pressure from Guilder Boarding School and the Privy Council only confuse Simon more as he struggles to find himself.
How hard will he have to shake the family tree to find the truth about the past?
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel is the beginning of the story before Rae Kerrigan. Christmas Before the Magic is just the beginning (but not the end...)
Into the Darkness – Book #3
What did Rae’s father do that put fear in people’s eyes at the name Kerrigan?
After a mysterious attempt is made on his life, Simon Kerrigan has more questions than ever, and this time, he's not the only one. The beginnings of a secret society are formed at Guilder. A society of other like-minded students all unsatisfied with the status quo. All searching for the truth.
But things aren't always as they seem.
When Simon gets an unexpected visitor, his entire world is turned upside-down. Suddenly, the rules that were made to keep him safe, are the only things standing in his way.
Who can he trust? Can he learn to master his tatù? Most importantly, can he do it in time to protect those things that are most precious to him?
A Boxset collection of the first 3 books in the Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel Series!
Christmas Before the Magic - Book #1
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.
Question the Darkness – Book #2
Learn how it all began … before Rae Kerrigan.
The sins of the father are the sins of the son.
What did Rae’s father do that put fear in people’s eyes at the name Kerrigan?
Simon Kerrigan is a bright kid. He likes to ask questions and push adults in their way of thinking. He’s falling for a girl he’s been warned to stay away from. Tempted by forbidden love, he also must face the biggest challenge of his life: receive a tattoo on his sixteenth birthday.
This ink is going to give him a supernatural ability unlike anyone before him. When secrets of the past begin to reveal themselves, he questions everything he’s ever known.
Pressure from Guilder Boarding School and the Privy Council only confuse Simon more as he struggles to find himself.
How hard will he have to shake the family tree to find the truth about the past?
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel is the beginning of the story before Rae Kerrigan. Christmas Before the Magic is just the beginning (but not the end...)
Into the Darkness – Book #3
What did Rae’s father do that put fear in people’s eyes at the name Kerrigan?
After a mysterious attempt is made on his life, Simon Kerrigan has more questions than ever, and this time, he's not the only one. The beginnings of a secret society are formed at Guilder. A society of other like-minded students all unsatisfied with the status quo. All searching for the truth.
But things aren't always as they seem.
When Simon gets an unexpected visitor, his entire world is turned upside-down. Suddenly, the rules that were made to keep him safe, are the only things standing in his way.
Who can he trust? Can he learn to master his tatù? Most importantly, can he do it in time to protect those things that are most precious to him?
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October 14, 2018The appalling Scots dialect stops me reading further. I can’t hear a Scottish voice there, just a mish-mash of random dialects, none of which sounded Scottish. I don’t know why authors do this. The occasional word maybe, but not every other one! Dnf
March 5, 2018
The Prequel series oh my....
I just finished the first three book in the presquel of The Chronicles of Kerrigan to learn about her parents and how they met. Simon and Beth are Rea's parents. This is the story of what happen that caused Simon to do all the things he did. You learn there was an attempt on his life while he was a student at the school. You learn how Tristan and Simon became friends, how the H.O.C. (House Of Cards) came to be out of stuff that happen at the school. We also learn that Beth's father for some reason or another didn't like Simon. If you have read about Rea and her friends you need to read the Prequel Series and get the back story of how her parents got together and what happen way before Rae even stepped foot onto the school grounds. W.J. May has done it again with this series.
I just finished the first three book in the presquel of The Chronicles of Kerrigan to learn about her parents and how they met. Simon and Beth are Rea's parents. This is the story of what happen that caused Simon to do all the things he did. You learn there was an attempt on his life while he was a student at the school. You learn how Tristan and Simon became friends, how the H.O.C. (House Of Cards) came to be out of stuff that happen at the school. We also learn that Beth's father for some reason or another didn't like Simon. If you have read about Rea and her friends you need to read the Prequel Series and get the back story of how her parents got together and what happen way before Rae even stepped foot onto the school grounds. W.J. May has done it again with this series.
January 28, 2024
5 stars
Christmas Before the Magic: 5 stars
Question the Darkness: 5 stars
Into The Darkness: 4 stars
This set starts with a romance between Simon and Beth, Rae Kerrigan's parents later in the timeline. It continues with Simon receiving his tatù, an indication of his magical gift. Then culminates with the triggers that directed him toward the downward slope into darkness.
This series highlights the issues which might result from a totalitarian society. Fit the social norm or perish. Overall, the stories presented are well-formulated and fun to meander through.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Romantic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Christmas Before the Magic: 5 stars
Question the Darkness: 5 stars
Into The Darkness: 4 stars
This set starts with a romance between Simon and Beth, Rae Kerrigan's parents later in the timeline. It continues with Simon receiving his tatù, an indication of his magical gift. Then culminates with the triggers that directed him toward the downward slope into darkness.
This series highlights the issues which might result from a totalitarian society. Fit the social norm or perish. Overall, the stories presented are well-formulated and fun to meander through.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Romantic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
December 22, 2017
Book 1 : Christmas Before the Magic.
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.
I loved the three books, but must warn of the cliff hanger ending.
The plot is definitely developing, as each book unfolds more depth and something of a sinister character of Simon. However, I will not spoil the story for you, but the connection between Harry Potter's world and Simon Kerrigan is worth considering.
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.
I loved the three books, but must warn of the cliff hanger ending.
The plot is definitely developing, as each book unfolds more depth and something of a sinister character of Simon. However, I will not spoil the story for you, but the connection between Harry Potter's world and Simon Kerrigan is worth considering.
June 19, 2020
This is rather interesting, overall.
The ebook needs to be thoroughly checked for typos and there’s a few minor inconsistencies and nitpicks (eg. zero consistency with the schooling system and character ages: Argyle and Simon are more than 14 months apart and yet were in the same grade before Simon got bumped up... and there’s random characters that seem significantly younger than Simon, yet have an established tatù mere months after him, etc.), but the concept of tatùs is cool enough.
The bundle with first novella and the following two books was free on Amazon when I got it, but I was hooked enough to actually buy the following volumes.
The ebook needs to be thoroughly checked for typos and there’s a few minor inconsistencies and nitpicks (eg. zero consistency with the schooling system and character ages: Argyle and Simon are more than 14 months apart and yet were in the same grade before Simon got bumped up... and there’s random characters that seem significantly younger than Simon, yet have an established tatù mere months after him, etc.), but the concept of tatùs is cool enough.
The bundle with first novella and the following two books was free on Amazon when I got it, but I was hooked enough to actually buy the following volumes.
June 27, 2019
Guilders is a special boarding school. Overnight on their 16th birthday, the boys gain a tatu which symbolises their special skill - shape-changing, e.s.p, strength, speed etc. Simon is different - his tatu enables him to capture the skill of anyone that he touches but only until he touches another person
He and his friends work out that there some students disappear, never to be seen again. They group together to try to discover the secrets under the secrets.
*** One issue: the books are set in England and the tatus are at 16, How are these boys driving? Britain is 18 for driving.
He and his friends work out that there some students disappear, never to be seen again. They group together to try to discover the secrets under the secrets.
*** One issue: the books are set in England and the tatus are at 16, How are these boys driving? Britain is 18 for driving.
April 8, 2020
Loved the story
Loved the story but for the love of the readers sanity, spellcheck! The missing words were ridiculous and there were often sentences that made no sense, as for the one character that was supposed to be from Cardiff in Wales, I'm sorry but I live 20 minutes from there and no one speaks like them! Maybe a combination of Ireland and some part of England, but not a chance they were from Cardiff lmao. Otherwise I loved the trilogy, if you can see past the mistakes well worth a read.
Loved the story but for the love of the readers sanity, spellcheck! The missing words were ridiculous and there were often sentences that made no sense, as for the one character that was supposed to be from Cardiff in Wales, I'm sorry but I live 20 minutes from there and no one speaks like them! Maybe a combination of Ireland and some part of England, but not a chance they were from Cardiff lmao. Otherwise I loved the trilogy, if you can see past the mistakes well worth a read.
July 23, 2017
Love this giving us the dirt on Simon, not only his beginnings but his beginnings with Beth. I love the audio and completely enjoyed the story. The author gives us a touching and emotional replay bringing us closer to this wonderful cast of characters. A story that will appeal to all ages with plenty of excitement and intrigue and oh yes action. Love this author and the world she is making us a member of, mysterious and magical!!
December 6, 2018
This book is different from many paranormal series. Take my word for this as I have read MANY! The prequel set 1 thru 3 is about a young girl/woman who goes to an exclusive boarding school in England. She has no idea why she is going other than her uncle says it is necessary for her future.
There she learns why she's there, why it's necessary for her to be there.
Honestly really good series. I'm so glad I found WJ May! I have now become an avid fan of her writing!!
There she learns why she's there, why it's necessary for her to be there.
Honestly really good series. I'm so glad I found WJ May! I have now become an avid fan of her writing!!
June 29, 2017
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel Series by W.J. May was a great book. This book included books one through three of the prequel series. This followed Simon as he gains his tattoo and his powers. I enjoyed reading why everyone feared the Kerrigan name. I can't wait to read more by W.J. May.
June 29, 2017
The Chronicles of Kerrigan Prequel Series by W.J. May was a great book. This book included books one through three of the prequel series. This followed Simon as he gains his tattoo and his powers. I enjoyed reading why everyone feared the Kerrigan name. I can't wait to read more by W.J. May.
July 31, 2017
Good
Now I am starting to understand how this sweet boy becomes a legend to fear. I can see his one track mind, disregarding how others feel and what they have to say, because he feels what he has to say and do is more important...so the beginnings of a selfish "monster".
Now I am starting to understand how this sweet boy becomes a legend to fear. I can see his one track mind, disregarding how others feel and what they have to say, because he feels what he has to say and do is more important...so the beginnings of a selfish "monster".
September 7, 2017
This was a good book. I really enjoyed following Simon after he gets his tattoo. This is the first books I have read in the series and will finish the prequel books before I read the original books. Though I have to say teenagers can be so stupid but I think everyone knows that, lol.
June 5, 2018
Good REad
This was a bell of a lot better than I expected for a book about teens, superpowers or not it's just that age, I am so glad K tried it, the depth of the story and characters makes it a great book
This was a bell of a lot better than I expected for a book about teens, superpowers or not it's just that age, I am so glad K tried it, the depth of the story and characters makes it a great book
September 27, 2018
Magic for normals
What if anyone could inherit Malik, but only once a generation? Would it be dark or good? What makes the difference? Only a Kerrigan knows, and boundless adventure comes with the gift!
What if anyone could inherit Malik, but only once a generation? Would it be dark or good? What makes the difference? Only a Kerrigan knows, and boundless adventure comes with the gift!
May 26, 2019
Read the first book before reading the kerrigan chronicals. As this boxset only contains the first 3 books or the prequel, i felt it would be best to stoo as i dont have all books in the prequel series. Enjoyed what i read and may pick this up again later
June 4, 2019
It was good!
It was interesting getting to know how Rae’s dad turned into the monster he became. It just goes to show that kids need more love and compassion in their formative years.
It was interesting getting to know how Rae’s dad turned into the monster he became. It just goes to show that kids need more love and compassion in their formative years.
March 16, 2022
This could've been good, but it wasn't.
I struggled to get to 60%, where the prequel books stops.
At 61% 'Rae of Hope' starts 🤷🏼♀️
It had SO much potential, and I'm so very disappointed that it was waisted...
I struggled to get to 60%, where the prequel books stops.
At 61% 'Rae of Hope' starts 🤷🏼♀️
It had SO much potential, and I'm so very disappointed that it was waisted...
July 28, 2022
I don't think this author has ever actually heard a Scottish person speak, the attempts at the local dialect are atrocious, apart from that though, I really enjoyed this book, I will definitely be reading the rest of the series
June 11, 2017
Wow- What a series! I have been listening to the Audible versions of the First 6 books and I absolutely love them!
July 12, 2018
Wonderful
Brings to light a new side to Simon. Great backstory that can stand alone. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Brings to light a new side to Simon. Great backstory that can stand alone. Can’t wait to read the next one!
August 5, 2018
It is a great book to read
November 6, 2018
to be honest if there was a way to give zero stars I would for this one.
November 24, 2018
I am looking forward to continuing the series !
January 18, 2019
Loved it
March 1, 2019
Great read.
Loved the story and I love how it answers so much in the background of Rae's parents. I'm needing to get the last 3 books of it but I know I'll love them too.
Loved the story and I love how it answers so much in the background of Rae's parents. I'm needing to get the last 3 books of it but I know I'll love them too.
May 9, 2019
Great series
I had not read the first two books but the last book I have. Now it make a little more sense to have a background story.
I had not read the first two books but the last book I have. Now it make a little more sense to have a background story.
June 4, 2019
This prequel was a nice addtion to the tales I have indulged in already .I found it to be a simple engaging work .Well Done !
January 28, 2020
Very good story. Tells how it all began
One of the best series.. Keeps you very interested. Wanting to know what's going to happen next.. Was sad it ended..
One of the best series.. Keeps you very interested. Wanting to know what's going to happen next.. Was sad it ended..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews



















