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Ruby Callaway #0.5
Bone Realm
Available from the author's website.
When a gravely wounded half-demon stumbles into Ruby Callaway's print shop seeking medical assistance for a werewolf bite, Ruby quickly finds herself assuming an unfamiliar mantle: werewolf huntress. But killing a 1,300 year-old alpha werewolf as the full moon approaches might be the least of her problems... Bone Realm is a standalone prequel novella to the upcoming Ruby Callaway urban fantasy series.
When a gravely wounded half-demon stumbles into Ruby Callaway's print shop seeking medical assistance for a werewolf bite, Ruby quickly finds herself assuming an unfamiliar mantle: werewolf huntress. But killing a 1,300 year-old alpha werewolf as the full moon approaches might be the least of her problems... Bone Realm is a standalone prequel novella to the upcoming Ruby Callaway urban fantasy series.
124 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2016
6 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
D.N. Erikson
31 books93 followersD.N. Erikson is a USA Today Bestselling paranormal and urban fantasy author. To get your free copy of the novella BONE REALM - and join D.N.'s mailing list for the latest news on upcoming novels - visit dnerikson.com/bone.
D.N's series include THE HALF-DEMON ROGUE TRILOGY (complete), THE RUBY CALLAWAY TRILOGY (complete), and THE EDEN HUNTER TRILOGY (in progress).
D.N's series include THE HALF-DEMON ROGUE TRILOGY (complete), THE RUBY CALLAWAY TRILOGY (complete), and THE EDEN HUNTER TRILOGY (in progress).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 29, 2017
It is a paranormal fantasy and prequel to Lightning Blade.
It provides some answers about Ruby callaway’s past and how she got rare powers.
Bone Realm is one of nine worlds and earth is other.
It provides some answers about Ruby callaway’s past and how she got rare powers.
Bone Realm is one of nine worlds and earth is other.
August 23, 2017
Good easy read. Enough to make me want to read the first book in the series. Different take on the supernatural world but also doesn't fully explain every detail. This is sort of nice but I do hope for some more answers in book 1.
May 7, 2017
Bone Realm is a prequel to the Ruby Callaway Trilogy by D.N. Erikson. At the time of writing this, it's currently only awaiting its third and final book, and it includes: Bone Realm - Book #0.5; Lightning Blade - Book #1; Shadow Flare - Book #2; & Blood River - Book #3. Other works includes an additional trilogy that's complete, set in some of the same universe, categorised as urban fantasy too. It's called The Half-Demon Rogue Trilogy and it includes: Storm Pale - Book #0.5; Demon Rogue - Book #1; Blood Frost - Book #2; & Moon Burn - Book #3. It's probably important to advise that both prequels are currently offered as free bonus stories, not on individual retailer services.
More specifically, I couldn't find them listed on Amazon AU (which may extend to other international platforms that I haven't bothered to search, not given how they are accessed). They can nonetheless be seen as listings through Goodreads, as standalone prequels on D.N. Erikson's author page. This suggests that reading order isn't a hard-and-fast requirement. I've reviewed Bone Realm before tackling Lightning Blade for the simple reason that I have access to it, before going on to read further books in the trilogy (of which Shadow Flare and Blood River are both currently available). In the case of Storm Pale, I'll be reading that prequel between Demon Rogue and Blood Frost, by virtue of Demon Rogue being the first D.N. Erikson book I ever reviewed.
It should suggest at least moderate recommendations that following my review of Demon Rogue I grabbed the complete first trilogy and both prequels, plus I grabbed Lightning Blade on an introductory special. Whilst I have reviewed Demon Rogue, I've been somewhat remiss in reading the other books I have, something I plan to correct over the next month. Please don't confuse that with any reluctance on my behalf. Both prequels are available as free stories via freely available agreements regarding signing up for the newsletter, so I've provided these links below. Regardless of when you read this review, it's worth doing a quick check for special deals such as boxed set prices. Unless, that is, you already own the full-length books in your eLibrary. (http://watchfirepress.com/storm and http://watchfirepress.com/bone)
Although it isn't part of this trilogy, for those interested the following link is my review of Demon Rogue:
https://www.amazon.com.au/review/R378....
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Liberty Printworks had fallen to Rebecca Callaway to run after her father passed away. It has served as a public front for her family's true tradition whilst in the hands ov her for the past five decsdes, not that the printing side has evrr been an illegitimate pursuance. It's nonetheless operated for two different purposes, of which only its namesake is public knowledge. The secret purpose could only afford to be known by those who it helped, who've just as much reason to be unknown. It treats those who can't seek orthodox healing, a family tradition that has been seen fit to be considered a responsibility of a sacred duty or oath.
With the social atmosphere regarding witches as heretics and satanists to be eradicated and expunged from common folk by the Church, neither her nor they could ever afford to be discovered. Given only certain types require an apothecary's service, it's an infrequent occasion. As an example, her current prospective clients are the first since her father had passed away months ago. This is due in a large part to the fact that most of its clients possess robust bodies and healing. Rebecca's father had made sure that the two businesses remained separate. Indeed, she'd only become aware when her father's approaching death forced him into revealing certain truths. The need had become unavoidable to make her aware and impart necessary knowledge. Over a period of six months of his worsening health as death fast approached, she'd had it all laid out for her as her father's increasingly raspy voice told her what she should know.
Given the amount of time that passed before her first client appeared, Rebecca could now see how it was no wonder he'd been able to keep the secret. When the border collie that now sat opposite the counter asking for Mr. Callaway to treat his wounded and dying half-demon friend, it occurred to her that believing the stories and information, versus seeing it for herself, were two significantly different possibilities. She'd learnt only sparse amounts about the true extent of their services due to a lack of connection with the knowledge, not to mention a wavering attention span, but it had somehow failed to drive home this awareness until now. She had a family legacy steeped heavily in tradition, but now was not the time for an existential crisis about meeting these demands. It only just now occurred to her that she'd face races she'd been told to never do business with. When the dog, Argos, had said what his friend needed, Rebecca's mind had frozen at the words half-demon; such that she'd missed whatever came after his opening sentence.
Rebecca could claim little more than the most basic and rudimentary healing craft. It's only demons who her father had been adamant weren't to be treated. Fortunately for Kal (Kalos Aeon), even though Rebecca was a first timer, quite literally, her family's compiled books are extensive and exemplary. Volumes upon volumes filled with knowledge and treatments involved in the healing arts filled the apothecary's library. Detailed manuscripts with accompanying diagrams as necessary on how to heal a great many things, and often in relation to the client's race as well. To Argos's disgust, her status as an untested healer on top of the severity of Kal's need, brought out the worst in him. Despite his problems with having no opposable thumbs, it appears he's learned more of the sorts of material Rebecca has barely more than perused. From the minimal input made by Kal during his infrequent lucid moments, he gives an impression of his companion's trademark attitude and style not being particular to her, but more so being a case of toward everyone.
In the light of having access to such books as those in her library and of the dangers of being exposed as a witch, she supposed that owning and operating a printworks could provide a good cover story. Unfortunately for all concerned Rebecca hadn't paid attention during her rushed apprenticeship, and bites are among the most difficult condition to treat; let alone venom from the bite of an alpha, and worse still, a thirteen-hundred year old one at that. If that weren't complication enough, a knock on her locked business door alerts her to three men trying their best to appear strictly human, but failing in her eyes. Seeking entry they carry a rudimentary sketch of the man laying unconscious on her treatment table. The constable among them ensures her that he's wanted for disruption of the peace plus theft and attempted murder. Yep, the decision was already in regarding the mess that her new life was meant to avoid, and it's unfortunately a resounding screwup.
It isn't just any old half-demon that Rebecca struggles at healing, it's none other than the half-demon rogue at the centre of the trilogy by the same name. This creates intriguing crossover between the two trilogies not only in the present, but also in possible speculation regarding the future of both trilogies. For readers of the other trilogy, no names were necessary to spark recognition regarding noth Argos and Kal. Kal's influence as a train wreck in his own life to a certain extent is being experienced by another herein. At the risk of this commentary being taken as a group of observations better suited to the other trilogy starring Kal in his central role, it's also a notable crossover effect that he in essence gave rise to one, Miss Ruby Callaway.
This prequel therefore in part tells a story regarding how a half-demon rogue crash landed in Rebecca Callaway's menial life, such that upon leaving the young woman known by that name metaphorically passes away, soon after the death of her father. This leaves only Ruby Callaway in its wake, meaning in essence that this prequel is as much an origin story as it is the former. It should mean that the young woman who'll take the trilogy forward from here in, can possibly do so in ways that allow past hangups to be just that, in the past, and, well... hung up. For all the things that meant Rebecca was a certain type of woman still here but gone, there remains a list of possible benefits moving forward. Chief among them is that Ruby can reinvent herself as any sort of person she wants.
In the span of less than a year, Miss Callaway inherited two possible futures, and laid one to rest. The first a family tradition that was made a right royal mess of, although it could be argued that a certain man and his dog had had a rather poignant role in that. Inevitably, however, it can also be seen as having been forced upon her, for which she had unrealised resentment over in how it shaped the roads she'd travel in her future life. The second is one where she's set to make her first ever try at herein, that could inherently be considered the exact opposite of the first. Perhaps in the absence of two certain characters she'd be much better suited to the latest one. Either way, she'll know soon enough. Ruby either does what Rebecca couldn't, that is, she gets it right the first time round, or she might have the same sort of luck as Rebecca.
For all intents and purposes her new self, could become a completely new person capable of defining who she wants to be without restraints; instead of the person she has to be. Such aspects make the acceptance of wrong choices easier to accept in the latter. Becoming the person defined by the shadows of a past she had no designs over, was lingering in ways she hadn't wanted to raise for fear of the consequences in her satisfaction with her lot. Because no one thought to consult her before it was too late to make any choices regarding it, meant she'd been set for failure to a certain extent. In just the first few minutes of her new life as Ruby, she'd already seen fit to see the good and bad that exists in everything. The custom provided by a dying demon and a talking immortal dog had at least taught her to embrace the good that exists in the bad. Such concepts weren't something Rebecca would've readily identified due to the flavours of her life in the months since her father's death, so progress can be seen to have been pretty much immediate.
Victorian era urban fantasy isn't nearly as common as its contemporary or near future brethren, perhaps because a regular number of fantasy novels set in said periods have a tendency to be steampunk sci-fi fantasy variants. The supernatural must in such times remain a mystery unknown to the general public without reinventing a dystopian image of those former times, which otherwise make them steampunk. Urban fantasy is doing great things for readers who wish to encounter societies where the supernatural is emancipated from its well ingrained position within the closet, but there are likely as many if not more cases where it still remains there in its contemporary timespan as well. Thus the timespan of the setting isn't inherently damaging to the context.
Interestingly, the item causing problems in this prelude to Ruby's trilogy is also causing problems in the first book of Kal's trilogy, set around two centuries later. It's obviously just one of those hot potatoes that unless it's immediately popped back into flight so that no owner possesses it whilst it's in the air, it has the destructive tendency of burning any who try to hold onto it long enough to see what it can actually do. The role to be played by Ruby, and the environment of the book's namesake, are very unique constructions with an intrigue all their own. In hundreds upon hundreds of fantasy series and stories, I've not encountered the like in either cases before.
This origin prequel does an exceptional job in performing the inherent jobs, which includes sparking interest and captivation so that you want to seek out what the series proper. Another box to be ticked off is in my critique that it created the awareness of it being an origin story. Fast pacing and imaginative content has achieved for me a rare effect, that of making me want to read not just trilogy, but also its companion trilogy. I guess I'm a little biased because I already had read Demon Rogue in Kal's trilogy which led to that desire before reading Bone Realm, but I still can nonetheless confirm that it's renewed that desire with greater vigour. D.N. Erikson's writing style is that of the flowing natural storyteller's commentary which hides technicalities like prose and tense so that it is seamless, with some quite substantively effective and timely changes in point of view. The sparcity of doing so in a reuced capacity in lieu of frequent or not at all, has not been a cost in any way: instead it's enhanced the perspective by making them more critically important.
It's a shame in some ways that due to being unpublished, reviews by myself and others and just their presence as very likely cheap reads on retailer outlets by this author, won't necessarily have as big a chance of promoting the trilogies because they'll only appear on Goodreads. Thankfully Goodreads has such a great and widely used service that'll compensate for this to a decent extent. I hope readers seeing this, and my soon to follow reviews of other books by D.N. Erikson will send them to their preferred retailers to look at getting hold of those titles. Ergo a definitive 5 ☆☆☆☆☆ Stars!
More specifically, I couldn't find them listed on Amazon AU (which may extend to other international platforms that I haven't bothered to search, not given how they are accessed). They can nonetheless be seen as listings through Goodreads, as standalone prequels on D.N. Erikson's author page. This suggests that reading order isn't a hard-and-fast requirement. I've reviewed Bone Realm before tackling Lightning Blade for the simple reason that I have access to it, before going on to read further books in the trilogy (of which Shadow Flare and Blood River are both currently available). In the case of Storm Pale, I'll be reading that prequel between Demon Rogue and Blood Frost, by virtue of Demon Rogue being the first D.N. Erikson book I ever reviewed.
It should suggest at least moderate recommendations that following my review of Demon Rogue I grabbed the complete first trilogy and both prequels, plus I grabbed Lightning Blade on an introductory special. Whilst I have reviewed Demon Rogue, I've been somewhat remiss in reading the other books I have, something I plan to correct over the next month. Please don't confuse that with any reluctance on my behalf. Both prequels are available as free stories via freely available agreements regarding signing up for the newsletter, so I've provided these links below. Regardless of when you read this review, it's worth doing a quick check for special deals such as boxed set prices. Unless, that is, you already own the full-length books in your eLibrary. (http://watchfirepress.com/storm and http://watchfirepress.com/bone)
Although it isn't part of this trilogy, for those interested the following link is my review of Demon Rogue:
https://www.amazon.com.au/review/R378....
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Liberty Printworks had fallen to Rebecca Callaway to run after her father passed away. It has served as a public front for her family's true tradition whilst in the hands ov her for the past five decsdes, not that the printing side has evrr been an illegitimate pursuance. It's nonetheless operated for two different purposes, of which only its namesake is public knowledge. The secret purpose could only afford to be known by those who it helped, who've just as much reason to be unknown. It treats those who can't seek orthodox healing, a family tradition that has been seen fit to be considered a responsibility of a sacred duty or oath.
With the social atmosphere regarding witches as heretics and satanists to be eradicated and expunged from common folk by the Church, neither her nor they could ever afford to be discovered. Given only certain types require an apothecary's service, it's an infrequent occasion. As an example, her current prospective clients are the first since her father had passed away months ago. This is due in a large part to the fact that most of its clients possess robust bodies and healing. Rebecca's father had made sure that the two businesses remained separate. Indeed, she'd only become aware when her father's approaching death forced him into revealing certain truths. The need had become unavoidable to make her aware and impart necessary knowledge. Over a period of six months of his worsening health as death fast approached, she'd had it all laid out for her as her father's increasingly raspy voice told her what she should know.
Given the amount of time that passed before her first client appeared, Rebecca could now see how it was no wonder he'd been able to keep the secret. When the border collie that now sat opposite the counter asking for Mr. Callaway to treat his wounded and dying half-demon friend, it occurred to her that believing the stories and information, versus seeing it for herself, were two significantly different possibilities. She'd learnt only sparse amounts about the true extent of their services due to a lack of connection with the knowledge, not to mention a wavering attention span, but it had somehow failed to drive home this awareness until now. She had a family legacy steeped heavily in tradition, but now was not the time for an existential crisis about meeting these demands. It only just now occurred to her that she'd face races she'd been told to never do business with. When the dog, Argos, had said what his friend needed, Rebecca's mind had frozen at the words half-demon; such that she'd missed whatever came after his opening sentence.
Rebecca could claim little more than the most basic and rudimentary healing craft. It's only demons who her father had been adamant weren't to be treated. Fortunately for Kal (Kalos Aeon), even though Rebecca was a first timer, quite literally, her family's compiled books are extensive and exemplary. Volumes upon volumes filled with knowledge and treatments involved in the healing arts filled the apothecary's library. Detailed manuscripts with accompanying diagrams as necessary on how to heal a great many things, and often in relation to the client's race as well. To Argos's disgust, her status as an untested healer on top of the severity of Kal's need, brought out the worst in him. Despite his problems with having no opposable thumbs, it appears he's learned more of the sorts of material Rebecca has barely more than perused. From the minimal input made by Kal during his infrequent lucid moments, he gives an impression of his companion's trademark attitude and style not being particular to her, but more so being a case of toward everyone.
In the light of having access to such books as those in her library and of the dangers of being exposed as a witch, she supposed that owning and operating a printworks could provide a good cover story. Unfortunately for all concerned Rebecca hadn't paid attention during her rushed apprenticeship, and bites are among the most difficult condition to treat; let alone venom from the bite of an alpha, and worse still, a thirteen-hundred year old one at that. If that weren't complication enough, a knock on her locked business door alerts her to three men trying their best to appear strictly human, but failing in her eyes. Seeking entry they carry a rudimentary sketch of the man laying unconscious on her treatment table. The constable among them ensures her that he's wanted for disruption of the peace plus theft and attempted murder. Yep, the decision was already in regarding the mess that her new life was meant to avoid, and it's unfortunately a resounding screwup.
It isn't just any old half-demon that Rebecca struggles at healing, it's none other than the half-demon rogue at the centre of the trilogy by the same name. This creates intriguing crossover between the two trilogies not only in the present, but also in possible speculation regarding the future of both trilogies. For readers of the other trilogy, no names were necessary to spark recognition regarding noth Argos and Kal. Kal's influence as a train wreck in his own life to a certain extent is being experienced by another herein. At the risk of this commentary being taken as a group of observations better suited to the other trilogy starring Kal in his central role, it's also a notable crossover effect that he in essence gave rise to one, Miss Ruby Callaway.
This prequel therefore in part tells a story regarding how a half-demon rogue crash landed in Rebecca Callaway's menial life, such that upon leaving the young woman known by that name metaphorically passes away, soon after the death of her father. This leaves only Ruby Callaway in its wake, meaning in essence that this prequel is as much an origin story as it is the former. It should mean that the young woman who'll take the trilogy forward from here in, can possibly do so in ways that allow past hangups to be just that, in the past, and, well... hung up. For all the things that meant Rebecca was a certain type of woman still here but gone, there remains a list of possible benefits moving forward. Chief among them is that Ruby can reinvent herself as any sort of person she wants.
In the span of less than a year, Miss Callaway inherited two possible futures, and laid one to rest. The first a family tradition that was made a right royal mess of, although it could be argued that a certain man and his dog had had a rather poignant role in that. Inevitably, however, it can also be seen as having been forced upon her, for which she had unrealised resentment over in how it shaped the roads she'd travel in her future life. The second is one where she's set to make her first ever try at herein, that could inherently be considered the exact opposite of the first. Perhaps in the absence of two certain characters she'd be much better suited to the latest one. Either way, she'll know soon enough. Ruby either does what Rebecca couldn't, that is, she gets it right the first time round, or she might have the same sort of luck as Rebecca.
For all intents and purposes her new self, could become a completely new person capable of defining who she wants to be without restraints; instead of the person she has to be. Such aspects make the acceptance of wrong choices easier to accept in the latter. Becoming the person defined by the shadows of a past she had no designs over, was lingering in ways she hadn't wanted to raise for fear of the consequences in her satisfaction with her lot. Because no one thought to consult her before it was too late to make any choices regarding it, meant she'd been set for failure to a certain extent. In just the first few minutes of her new life as Ruby, she'd already seen fit to see the good and bad that exists in everything. The custom provided by a dying demon and a talking immortal dog had at least taught her to embrace the good that exists in the bad. Such concepts weren't something Rebecca would've readily identified due to the flavours of her life in the months since her father's death, so progress can be seen to have been pretty much immediate.
Victorian era urban fantasy isn't nearly as common as its contemporary or near future brethren, perhaps because a regular number of fantasy novels set in said periods have a tendency to be steampunk sci-fi fantasy variants. The supernatural must in such times remain a mystery unknown to the general public without reinventing a dystopian image of those former times, which otherwise make them steampunk. Urban fantasy is doing great things for readers who wish to encounter societies where the supernatural is emancipated from its well ingrained position within the closet, but there are likely as many if not more cases where it still remains there in its contemporary timespan as well. Thus the timespan of the setting isn't inherently damaging to the context.
Interestingly, the item causing problems in this prelude to Ruby's trilogy is also causing problems in the first book of Kal's trilogy, set around two centuries later. It's obviously just one of those hot potatoes that unless it's immediately popped back into flight so that no owner possesses it whilst it's in the air, it has the destructive tendency of burning any who try to hold onto it long enough to see what it can actually do. The role to be played by Ruby, and the environment of the book's namesake, are very unique constructions with an intrigue all their own. In hundreds upon hundreds of fantasy series and stories, I've not encountered the like in either cases before.
This origin prequel does an exceptional job in performing the inherent jobs, which includes sparking interest and captivation so that you want to seek out what the series proper. Another box to be ticked off is in my critique that it created the awareness of it being an origin story. Fast pacing and imaginative content has achieved for me a rare effect, that of making me want to read not just trilogy, but also its companion trilogy. I guess I'm a little biased because I already had read Demon Rogue in Kal's trilogy which led to that desire before reading Bone Realm, but I still can nonetheless confirm that it's renewed that desire with greater vigour. D.N. Erikson's writing style is that of the flowing natural storyteller's commentary which hides technicalities like prose and tense so that it is seamless, with some quite substantively effective and timely changes in point of view. The sparcity of doing so in a reuced capacity in lieu of frequent or not at all, has not been a cost in any way: instead it's enhanced the perspective by making them more critically important.
It's a shame in some ways that due to being unpublished, reviews by myself and others and just their presence as very likely cheap reads on retailer outlets by this author, won't necessarily have as big a chance of promoting the trilogies because they'll only appear on Goodreads. Thankfully Goodreads has such a great and widely used service that'll compensate for this to a decent extent. I hope readers seeing this, and my soon to follow reviews of other books by D.N. Erikson will send them to their preferred retailers to look at getting hold of those titles. Ergo a definitive 5 ☆☆☆☆☆ Stars!
April 16, 2017
I'm usually not interested in books that don't take place in at least modern day times, but this book wasn't bad at all. I read this since it was the backstory to how Ruby Calloway came to be. I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of the series.
June 14, 2017
This was a great novel. It is actually a sequel to Storm Pale, prequel to The Half-Demon Rogue trilogy, and also a prequel to the Ruby Callaway trilogy. It sounds complicated but the author managed to seamlessly continue one character's story, introduce the new character, briefly intertwine their stories, and continue with the new character. In other words, the story starts with Kalos, he meets Ruby, they share the story for a while, and then Ruby's story continues. Since they both live in the same world, I cannot wait to see whether their stories further intertwine.
Just like with Storm Pale and immediate purchase of The Half-Demon Rogue trilogy, this story ended with me buying the first two Ruby Callaway books, and only because the third one is not available yet.
I was curious about the author, so when I subscribed to the newsletter, I received in total four novels so far, none of them available anywhere else. Silver Tempest and Kentucky Clear, two more Ruby Callaway stories, which I believe happen before the trilogy starts.
This particular story is immensely important as it explains Ruby's origin, her development and evolution. I have started with the trilogy, and immediately went back to the prequels to get more information. The trilogy starts in the future and it reads so much better with all the additional information and character development. Without it, Ruby's character loses in its complexity and the whole world building commences all over again. If you have an option, start at the beginning, with Storm Pale, Bone Realm, Silver Tempest and Kentucky Clear before you embark on The Half-Demon Rogue and Ruby Callaway trilogies.
Ruby is such an interesting character, as her potential is not immediately obvious, but she grows, learns, develops, and accepts herself. At the moment I am devouring the rest of the stories. I can't wait to see where her story goes. I am highly recommending this author, and the book is available here http://dnerikson.com/.
Just like with Storm Pale and immediate purchase of The Half-Demon Rogue trilogy, this story ended with me buying the first two Ruby Callaway books, and only because the third one is not available yet.
I was curious about the author, so when I subscribed to the newsletter, I received in total four novels so far, none of them available anywhere else. Silver Tempest and Kentucky Clear, two more Ruby Callaway stories, which I believe happen before the trilogy starts.
This particular story is immensely important as it explains Ruby's origin, her development and evolution. I have started with the trilogy, and immediately went back to the prequels to get more information. The trilogy starts in the future and it reads so much better with all the additional information and character development. Without it, Ruby's character loses in its complexity and the whole world building commences all over again. If you have an option, start at the beginning, with Storm Pale, Bone Realm, Silver Tempest and Kentucky Clear before you embark on The Half-Demon Rogue and Ruby Callaway trilogies.
Ruby is such an interesting character, as her potential is not immediately obvious, but she grows, learns, develops, and accepts herself. At the moment I am devouring the rest of the stories. I can't wait to see where her story goes. I am highly recommending this author, and the book is available here http://dnerikson.com/.
September 28, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I bought the characters and the plot. What I didn’t buy, was a lot of the dialogue. The author put an awful lot of anachronistic slang phrases in their characters’ mouths. Running up against really modern language usage in a story set just after the American Revolution, is disconcerting, to say the least. It pops me right out of the story. And even if these idioms were contemporaneous, they wouldn’t seem so to the average reader. If the author, for whatever reason, wishes to include things that are true to the period, but fool the average reader, then they should include a foreword or afterword in which they acknowledge this.
Here are some of the examples that bothered me the most:
If Erikson stays in the present, or goes to the future with their writing, no problem. If, however, the past is to be re-visited, paying attention to era appropriate slang might be an idea worth looking into.
Here are some of the examples that bothered me the most:
I’m just saying…
...she’d have a shit fit…
...have a conniption...
If Erikson stays in the present, or goes to the future with their writing, no problem. If, however, the past is to be re-visited, paying attention to era appropriate slang might be an idea worth looking into.
June 24, 2018
Ruby has inherited her father's business and her first customer turns out to be the one person that her father said that she must not do business with. She offers her services anyway and as a consequence her life is set on a path of death, magic and immortality. What will she end up with?
This is a short novella to introduce Ruby before she appears in Lightning Blade and it isn't required reading, but it is really good to read this if you want to know all the details of who, how and why about Ruby. I certainly recommend it, if you can lay your hands on it.
The author actually suggests the following order for reading the Ruby Callaway books, in the frontispiece:
• Bone Realm
• Lightning Blade (Book 1)
• “Silver Tempest” Shadow Flare (Book 2)
• “Kentucky Clear” Blood River (Book 3)
• Going Home
I received an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is a short novella to introduce Ruby before she appears in Lightning Blade and it isn't required reading, but it is really good to read this if you want to know all the details of who, how and why about Ruby. I certainly recommend it, if you can lay your hands on it.
The author actually suggests the following order for reading the Ruby Callaway books, in the frontispiece:
• Bone Realm
• Lightning Blade (Book 1)
• “Silver Tempest” Shadow Flare (Book 2)
• “Kentucky Clear” Blood River (Book 3)
• Going Home
I received an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 31, 2017
Ever make a decision you knew you'd regret before you even made it?
Ruby Callaway does. A split-second choice changes her life and everything she believes in. That's when things get scary. Survival comes at a cost, and she has to decide if she's prepared to pay. Courage, trust, and selflessness are not qualities that'll keep her safe from the monsters, but throw in allies and a friend or two and she might surprise them all.
I'm not a fan of prequels, but I LOVED Bone Realm. An equal balance between character development and plot solidified this new world and the people in it. I've made a few new interesting friends, and I can't wait to read Lightning Blade to see what's happening in their lives.
I'm hooked! If you like adventure, conflict, and a lot of attitude with your fantasy I recommend Bone Realm.
Ruby Callaway does. A split-second choice changes her life and everything she believes in. That's when things get scary. Survival comes at a cost, and she has to decide if she's prepared to pay. Courage, trust, and selflessness are not qualities that'll keep her safe from the monsters, but throw in allies and a friend or two and she might surprise them all.
I'm not a fan of prequels, but I LOVED Bone Realm. An equal balance between character development and plot solidified this new world and the people in it. I've made a few new interesting friends, and I can't wait to read Lightning Blade to see what's happening in their lives.
I'm hooked! If you like adventure, conflict, and a lot of attitude with your fantasy I recommend Bone Realm.
September 26, 2017
Highly enjoyable story with interesting and likeable characters, well, not all the characters are likeable but that's they way it's supposed to be :-)
When Rebecca Callaway inherits her late fathers apothecary, catering to supernaturals, the first patient she takes on is the one being her father told her to always avoid, a Demon.
Kalos Aeon turns up at her shop bleeding profusely and on the brink of collapse but when the ancient Alpha werewolf responsible for Kalos's condition turns up looking for the Demon, they're lucky to escape with their lives.
The ensuing confrontation changes Rebecca's life in a way she could never have imagined and from the ashes so to speak, Realmfarer Ruby Callaway is born. What's a Realmfarer you ask, well you're just gonna have to read it to find out.
I for one am looking forward to following Ruby Callaway's adventures.
When Rebecca Callaway inherits her late fathers apothecary, catering to supernaturals, the first patient she takes on is the one being her father told her to always avoid, a Demon.
Kalos Aeon turns up at her shop bleeding profusely and on the brink of collapse but when the ancient Alpha werewolf responsible for Kalos's condition turns up looking for the Demon, they're lucky to escape with their lives.
The ensuing confrontation changes Rebecca's life in a way she could never have imagined and from the ashes so to speak, Realmfarer Ruby Callaway is born. What's a Realmfarer you ask, well you're just gonna have to read it to find out.
I for one am looking forward to following Ruby Callaway's adventures.
August 26, 2017
2.5 stars. Prequel novella in the Ruby Callaway series. It was interesting but also felt a little disjointed like it wasn’t quite sure what it was meant to be – kind of randomly leaping about in terms of storyline starting with Rebecca/Ruby as a alchemist selling healing to supernatural creatures, then suddenly she a werewolf hunter, then dying, then in some weird never clearly explained why/how underworld army only to be smuggled out because the commander of the underworld army – who has only had 2 brief conversations with her – loves her. I rounded up to 3 star because it was certainly interesting and it did keep me reading trying to puzzle out what the hell was going on – just never felt like I got a handle on it.
October 21, 2019
En dos horas terminé de leerlo. Cortita y de lectura rápida, esta precuela nos cuenta de la vida de Rebecca Callawey antes de ser Ruby cazadora y cazarrecompensas, los hechos que la llevaron a convertirse en ella y en la realmfarer que conocimos encerrada en un correccional sobrenatural.
Me gustó bastante leerlo, explica algunas cosas respecto a su pasado que en el primer libro no se terminaban de entender. Y también conocemos más de Kalos, Pearl y Galleron.
Aún así podría haber sido un poco más largo, porque hay bastantes temas que quedaron como incógnitas como si la historia va de la mitología nórdica, griega, solo sobre seres sobre naturales o una mezcla, ya que toca todo eso pero sin detenerse mucho en uno, pero fue interesante leerlo de todos modos.
Me gustó bastante leerlo, explica algunas cosas respecto a su pasado que en el primer libro no se terminaban de entender. Y también conocemos más de Kalos, Pearl y Galleron.
Aún así podría haber sido un poco más largo, porque hay bastantes temas que quedaron como incógnitas como si la historia va de la mitología nórdica, griega, solo sobre seres sobre naturales o una mezcla, ya que toca todo eso pero sin detenerse mucho en uno, pero fue interesante leerlo de todos modos.
May 15, 2018
I read this one first as the prequel based on a recommendation by the author and DAMN this was a great introduction. I fell in love with Ruby and couldn't wait to start the actual first story Lightning Blade. She's a fun character that is willing to try anything which is exactly what I like. She took what she was handed and ran with it, making it her own story and taking chances.
May 21, 2017
Action, adventure, supernatural creatures and beings, and a mega fiesty, albeit reluctant, heroine. Rebecca starts her adventure helping out a half demon she should have turned away...and ends up needing a name change to start a new life, as Ruby. Her luck goes downhill from there. Vicious alpha werewolf, a talking dog, undead realms, and a cranky seer ...all make Ruby's story a very enjoyable read. Can't wait for the next!
June 23, 2017
*I received a free copy of the ebook from the author via BookFunnel on 2nd June 2017*
A novella explaining the back story of Ruby Callaway. It was interesting enough, the author likes to work in characters from ancient myths from Greece and Rome, which is fine by me. I'm glad I read 'Storm Pale' from the author's "Half Demon" trilogy first, as it introduces you to Kalos and Argos, so I knew who the characters were. You might be a bit lost otherwise. Rating: 3 stars.
A novella explaining the back story of Ruby Callaway. It was interesting enough, the author likes to work in characters from ancient myths from Greece and Rome, which is fine by me. I'm glad I read 'Storm Pale' from the author's "Half Demon" trilogy first, as it introduces you to Kalos and Argos, so I knew who the characters were. You might be a bit lost otherwise. Rating: 3 stars.
February 3, 2018
I really liked Ruby Callahan book One Lightning Blade but I was disappointed in this prequel novel. I was hoping it would fill in some blanks on Ruby's history, but once she got to the Weald there were a couple jumps that felt like part of the story was missing. How the Commander ended up in love with her for example. I read this a part of the complete collection of Ruby's stories, so maybe in was,a case of missing pages?
February 24, 2018
This is a new type of novel for me.
At first I wasn't sure if I would continue. Since it was my first intro to fae's, etc...I didn't understand everything. But, the author was patient with us newbees , and I soon got the hang of most of it.
I ended up reading both Bone Realm and Lightning Blade.
They are enjoyable. Ruby is one BAD LADY...but, you gotta like her.
It is well worth reading.
At first I wasn't sure if I would continue. Since it was my first intro to fae's, etc...I didn't understand everything. But, the author was patient with us newbees , and I soon got the hang of most of it.
I ended up reading both Bone Realm and Lightning Blade.
They are enjoyable. Ruby is one BAD LADY...but, you gotta like her.
It is well worth reading.
August 11, 2019
3.5 stars
I got this novella after following Nicholas Erik self-publishing advices. His advices are always on top and I was curious of his writing style. He is a good story teller. I like his character Kalos better than the main character Ruby, but that is just preferences. Will probably read works about Kalos. He is fun to read.
Otherwise, it's a nice, short read suggested if you like urban fantasy.
I got this novella after following Nicholas Erik self-publishing advices. His advices are always on top and I was curious of his writing style. He is a good story teller. I like his character Kalos better than the main character Ruby, but that is just preferences. Will probably read works about Kalos. He is fun to read.
Otherwise, it's a nice, short read suggested if you like urban fantasy.
June 4, 2017
This is a nice introduction to Ruby Calloway. The trilogy will delve into her adventures in the future. This story shows what happened to her and how it changed her. When we first meet her she is not Ruby. I enjoyed getting to see how she became who she is. If you like knowing a character's backstory, don't miss reading this one.
September 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. I had read lightning blade first and was happy to see I didn't need to read the previous books first in order to know what was going on. Great character development and symbolism. Excellent background detail. Shows how certain paths in our lives can set a new course in life. A must read.
September 5, 2017
I realize this is a novella but I feel like the author had a word count to keep it under. I got whiplash with things happening with absolutely no build up. I kinda wish I had not read this as I wonder if all of the books are like this style. If so, I would not want to read any further into the series. I think it has promise but it does give me pause.
May 20, 2017
A nice prequel to the Ruby Callaway Series. Normally, I'm not into prequels because I feel more the half the time they are not done well, but this one was. Short and to the point, not fluff, just facts and background on Ruby. A recommended read .
December 3, 2019
This was a great prequel to the Ruby Callaway series! Her origin story if you will. I enjoyed it and have hopes that the strength she possessed in the end will carry on into the series. Can't wait to get started on it!
May 31, 2017
Really great read. We learn a lot about Ruby and why she's such a great heroine.
June 14, 2017
Really exciting book, enjoyed every chapter. Hope you enjoy as not spoiling it.
August 7, 2017
Was an interesting if convoluted read at times looking forward to reading more by this author
August 21, 2017
DNF 65%
Messy and confusing. I Think you need be be a hardcore fan to appreciate this.
Messy and confusing. I Think you need be be a hardcore fan to appreciate this.
February 5, 2018
Very tame compared to others books in series. Still fast paced with lots of violence.
April 24, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
July 24, 2018
Bit of a weird book but enjoyable. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
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