What do you think?
Rate this book
The long-awaited novella from Peta's point of view is finally here . . .
My name is Peta, and I am a familiar.
To stand at the side of an elemental as their familiar is a gift given to few familiars. Yet here I stand with my thirteenth—Larkspur, child of the earth.
I do not want this charge, for all my previous have ended in deaths I could not prevent. I am not sure my heart can take another loss of one bonded with me.
Larkspur’s strength and heart call to me as only one other elemental's had, and I cannot deny the need to protect her, and to shield her from all pain.
This is my story, my struggle to accept Larkspur as my charge, and the last time I will ever have to bond with an elemental.
Goddess help me keep us both alive.
My name is Peta, and I am a familiar.
To stand at the side of an elemental as their familiar is a gift given to few familiars. Yet here I stand with my thirteenth—Larkspur, child of the earth.
I do not want this charge, for all my previous have ended in deaths I could not prevent. I am not sure my heart can take another loss of one bonded with me.
Larkspur’s strength and heart call to me as only one other elemental's had, and I cannot deny the need to protect her, and to shield her from all pain.
This is my story, my struggle to accept Larkspur as my charge, and the last time I will ever have to bond with an elemental.
Goddess help me keep us both alive.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2015
373 people are currently reading
1143 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
161 books7,249 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 23, 2021
Very quick novella. It should be read after Firestorm. It recaps events that happen, but in PETA’s POV. We see how important a femilar bond can be and what roll our kitty will play in helping Larkspur along the way.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Rated: 3.5 Stars
November 17, 2015
Cute story told from Peta's POV. Definitely adds a little something to the series, and a fun extra offered by the author to her fans. Worth the read.
February 9, 2016
Peta, a short about the feline familiar (able to shift from snow leopard to house cat) used to being assigned to Salamanders (fire elementals), closely follows the story told in Firestorm, but from her POV.
Throughout, however, there are snippets about her past and her former charges. This inside look gives fans of the series an opportunity to learn a bit more about this "bad luck cat" and how, after "mothering elementals for hundreds of years", she struggles after so many losses.
Nepeta "Peta" is ready to be set free, but the mother goddess has one last charge for her - Larkspur. Peta's always heard Terralings (earth elementals) are stupid and useless, which makes her reluctant, at first, to admit Lark is different.
(This short was offered free to newsletter subscribers)
Throughout, however, there are snippets about her past and her former charges. This inside look gives fans of the series an opportunity to learn a bit more about this "bad luck cat" and how, after "mothering elementals for hundreds of years", she struggles after so many losses.
Nepeta "Peta" is ready to be set free, but the mother goddess has one last charge for her - Larkspur. Peta's always heard Terralings (earth elementals) are stupid and useless, which makes her reluctant, at first, to admit Lark is different.
(This short was offered free to newsletter subscribers)
November 7, 2018
To read more reviews in this series and others, check out keikii eats books!
Peta
76 points/100 (4 stars/5)
Peta is a novella that you can get by signing up for Shannon Mayer's novella. It takes place during the events of Firestorm, so there is really nothing new that happens here. It is mostly just recap, but from Peta's perspective.
You can really feel the pain that Peta is going through, though. It is so visceral. I feel so sorry for her. This really is the first part of the series that has really gotten to me, emotionally. It has been the best thing I've read so far in the series. It is totally worth signing up for the newsletter just for this.
Peta
76 points/100 (4 stars/5)
Peta is a novella that you can get by signing up for Shannon Mayer's novella. It takes place during the events of Firestorm, so there is really nothing new that happens here. It is mostly just recap, but from Peta's perspective.
You can really feel the pain that Peta is going through, though. It is so visceral. I feel so sorry for her. This really is the first part of the series that has really gotten to me, emotionally. It has been the best thing I've read so far in the series. It is totally worth signing up for the newsletter just for this.
October 29, 2015
Peta Is My Hero!
It didn’t take long to fall in love with Lark’s character when this series began, but I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite between Lark and Peta at this point. By the end of Firestorm, Peta was so much a part of Lark (and Lark so much a part of Peta) that it’s difficult to imagine one without the other. Peta’s reticence to accept Lark as first her charge then her heart mate makes sense considering the loss she’s suffered during her time as a familiar. Mother Goddess’s explanation connected pieces to Peta’s backstory that broadened the story for me and made me fall even more in love with her.
As a general rule, I’m not fond of POVs retelling the same story I’ve already experienced from a different character, but this novella was a COMPLETE EXCEPTION. Shannon NAILED this POV. In no way did this feel like just re-reading the same story, and I wouldn’t change a thing. My love of Peta was solidified, and I am SO excited to see where Shannon takes Lark and Peta next!
It didn’t take long to fall in love with Lark’s character when this series began, but I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite between Lark and Peta at this point. By the end of Firestorm, Peta was so much a part of Lark (and Lark so much a part of Peta) that it’s difficult to imagine one without the other. Peta’s reticence to accept Lark as first her charge then her heart mate makes sense considering the loss she’s suffered during her time as a familiar. Mother Goddess’s explanation connected pieces to Peta’s backstory that broadened the story for me and made me fall even more in love with her.
As a general rule, I’m not fond of POVs retelling the same story I’ve already experienced from a different character, but this novella was a COMPLETE EXCEPTION. Shannon NAILED this POV. In no way did this feel like just re-reading the same story, and I wouldn’t change a thing. My love of Peta was solidified, and I am SO excited to see where Shannon takes Lark and Peta next!
November 6, 2018
4 Stars.... Anyone who has read “The Elementals Series” knows and loves Peta... Her loyalty and heart saw Larkspur through many perilous adventures... This novella depicts the initial meeting between Peta and Larkspur once Peta is designated Larkspur’s familiar, and the emotional turmoil Peta experiences in being assigned to her... We have the opportunity to hear her voice and watch through her eyes the growing bond she develops with Larkspur and the peace she finally experiences in finding her home.:)
December 30, 2024
Rylee Adamson was a fantastic series and so I was hoping this would be good too. Great characters that you are behind 100%. It is an intriguing, suspenseful, and mysterious thriller filled with tension. The story includes alliances, threats, betrayal, riddles, and plots, all infused with a touch of humour to keep the pages turning. Shannon weaves a tangled web that leaves you in need of more.
August 5, 2018
Audiobook review: Didn’t read this novella the first go around reading the series but I’m glad I have this time. It was nice to see Firestorm from Peta’s perspective. Still had me crying at times.
November 18, 2015
At the end of Firestorm we were promised a little something extra if you signed up for Shannon's newsletter. Well, I had already been subscribed for I don't even know how long, but it so nice to get fun surprises especially when they are free!
One of the things I loved the most about Firestorm was that we got to see the relationship build between Peta and Larkspur. In Peta we get even more!
Peta is a basic recap of Firestorm from Peta's POV. But it is so much deeper than that. We learn who Peta is down to her soul and I personally love her all the more.
We also get little hints for the upcoming Blood of the Lost! I can't wait to see how Shannon ties these worlds together even more! I am giddy with anticipation!!!...Sara
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
One of the things I loved the most about Firestorm was that we got to see the relationship build between Peta and Larkspur. In Peta we get even more!
Peta is a basic recap of Firestorm from Peta's POV. But it is so much deeper than that. We learn who Peta is down to her soul and I personally love her all the more.
We also get little hints for the upcoming Blood of the Lost! I can't wait to see how Shannon ties these worlds together even more! I am giddy with anticipation!!!...Sara
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
May 10, 2021
Shannon Mayer really does it again with this Novella from Peta’s point of view. It isn’t essential for reading the series, but it is definitely a bonus any Elementals fan would love to read. Mayer really showcases her storytelling abilities in this one. It’s so much more than just a re-telling of the story Firestorm. Yes, some bits and pieces are the same (naturally), but instead of re-stating the conversations that already took place, she focuses more on Peta’s internal musings which help explain everything so much better. Peta has always been a fascinating character, but after reading this, I would love to hear her spin on all of the stories in the Elementals series. I truly cannot say enough positive things about this novella. It is my favorite novella I’ve ever read of an author. If you like the Elementals series, you HAVE to read this!
August 23, 2017
Oh how I love Peta! I had read every single one of Shannon Mayer's series about Lark and even read Ash, but could not find the Peta novella. Finally I found it! This book really puts the heart and soul into the relationship between Larkspur and her charismatic familiar. The depth of Peta's pain at being a "bad luck cat" really strikes a cord, not only for her, but for how Lark endured that same "cast-aside" feeling her whole life. Their bond is extraordinary.
August 3, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed Peta’s POV. I’m one of those people that doesn’t mind a rehash of a story if it’s pertinent to the overall story arc. Peta’s POV really filled in some gaps in time and I loved the outside the box vision it provided. It’s like being in the room and seeing the rest of the story. I also loved hearing more about her beginnings and the trauma she experienced over the years. Much of which explains her feelings of being assigned to Lark.
December 8, 2017
Peta's story is set in Firestorm from Mayer's Elemental deries and is told from the familiar's point of view. It was nice to see more of how Peta and Lark (Dirt Girl as Peta calls her) start to work together and how their bond grew. There are parts that will make you pause and feel sympathetic for one or both characters or laugh. A great short little story! Ms. Fortang did a nice job narrating!
March 7, 2018
Sidekicks rock.!
I chose this book because I wanted to know more about the snarky familiar everyone dimissed as a bad luck cat. I have found that many successful series have a sidekick that brings color and sometimes much needed emotions of laughter or caring that the main character isn't in a position to show. Peta doesn't disappoint in that respect.
I chose this book because I wanted to know more about the snarky familiar everyone dimissed as a bad luck cat. I have found that many successful series have a sidekick that brings color and sometimes much needed emotions of laughter or caring that the main character isn't in a position to show. Peta doesn't disappoint in that respect.
August 20, 2018
I enjoyed reading Peta's POV and getting to know more about her past. I read this quite a while after I had read the same story in Lark's POV, so I didn't mind the repeat story. That said, some of it didn't seem to flow as well in Peta's POV as it did in Lark's, so it may have been harder to follow if I hadn't read the Lark's story first.
January 1, 2019
A little disappointed, but I love Peta
If you have read the Elemental series this is a good addition, but I don’t think it was worth the $2.99, which you pay for a full size book OR for my one a month free Kindle Unlimited. I would have liked the story to carry on past the Pit and on through the whole series in PETA’s view.
If you have read the Elemental series this is a good addition, but I don’t think it was worth the $2.99, which you pay for a full size book OR for my one a month free Kindle Unlimited. I would have liked the story to carry on past the Pit and on through the whole series in PETA’s view.
March 11, 2019
Bad Luck Cat
Peta has always been one off my fave characters to read about when following Lark' s story. She's how thou could picture a large cat and the aloofness. Also the fact I LOVE snow leopards might make me bias. It as nice reading her story and makes me enjoy Oka a lot as well. Another great little novella.
Peta has always been one off my fave characters to read about when following Lark' s story. She's how thou could picture a large cat and the aloofness. Also the fact I LOVE snow leopards might make me bias. It as nice reading her story and makes me enjoy Oka a lot as well. Another great little novella.
June 12, 2019
All heart
I don’t about you but Peta makes me wish I could have a familiar!!! The heart, strength, fierceness, warrior blood that runs in both Lark and Peta is staggering. The love they have for one another and for others is truly amazing. They are and will be a force to recon with.
I don’t about you but Peta makes me wish I could have a familiar!!! The heart, strength, fierceness, warrior blood that runs in both Lark and Peta is staggering. The love they have for one another and for others is truly amazing. They are and will be a force to recon with.
July 9, 2017
Love the Viewpoint
Let's is such a strong character. She really became a stronger part of this series with reading this short story from her perspective. Am really enjoying those series!
Let's is such a strong character. She really became a stronger part of this series with reading this short story from her perspective. Am really enjoying those series!
July 31, 2017
Disappointing
This is the first book by Mayer that has ever disappointed me. There was nothing new, just a retelling of other stories from Peta's point of view. It was more like Cliff notes than story.
This is the first book by Mayer that has ever disappointed me. There was nothing new, just a retelling of other stories from Peta's point of view. It was more like Cliff notes than story.
September 23, 2017
Supplement to book 3, this is a shortened reselling of book 3. It is from the perspective of the main character's familiar. It doesn't really give much more insight to the series, but you do get a little background on Peta.
October 31, 2017
I feel like this novellas was a missed opportunity to really get into Petas head and heart on a seeker level. It felt very mechanic arms personally, there was no great revelations as far as how she felt that I hadn't already picked up from the series
.
.
January 4, 2018
Excellent as all the stories in this series are!
I give this five stars because I couldn't put the story down from start to finish.
The characters come to life right off the pages. You will love these stories.
I give this five stars because I couldn't put the story down from start to finish.
The characters come to life right off the pages. You will love these stories.
March 17, 2018
A must read
Absolute genius to write the pit in Petas' point of view. You must read it after firestorm or it won't make sense. You must read it though if you're a fan of Lark. It's brilliant and answered a few questions I've had since reading rylees series.
Absolute genius to write the pit in Petas' point of view. You must read it after firestorm or it won't make sense. You must read it though if you're a fan of Lark. It's brilliant and answered a few questions I've had since reading rylees series.
April 14, 2018
Cats are wonderful
Reading this after Firestorm was a definite treat. I love the blend of love, loyalty, and feline disdain that Peta shares with us. This was a glimpse of some scenes from Firestorm but through a familiar's eyes.
Reading this after Firestorm was a definite treat. I love the blend of love, loyalty, and feline disdain that Peta shares with us. This was a glimpse of some scenes from Firestorm but through a familiar's eyes.
September 10, 2018
Having not read any other books in the series, or by the authour, I was immediately drawn into this world and these characters. I was a little lost sometimes but then everything was explained or sorted out. Absolutely amazing world building and I will definitely be reading more!
March 15, 2019
Slightly incomplete, i thought! But explains enough!!
Jumpy on content according to the series book! Could have been more descriptive of the occurrence's described in the other books!
Jumpy on content according to the series book! Could have been more descriptive of the occurrence's described in the other books!
June 20, 2020
Fave
Peta is a great name for a pet. As I'm sure I will have at least one more pet in my lifetime I think I'll use it. Thanks! Peta played a very strong supporting role throughout this whole series. Great job!
Peta is a great name for a pet. As I'm sure I will have at least one more pet in my lifetime I think I'll use it. Thanks! Peta played a very strong supporting role throughout this whole series. Great job!
January 24, 2021
I really enjoyed reading from Peta’s point of view. The depth of her emotion turmoil comes through loud and clear in this book. She is a fascinating character and I am so glad we were given the chance to get to know her. Plus the shocking insights into other characters and what’s to come!
September 13, 2021
WOW!
I read All 4 Books together & as always I was blown away with the storyline, Characters, Love Interests & the people you trust & they turn out to be the bad guy, Never Disappointed when I read Shannon Mayer!!
I read All 4 Books together & as always I was blown away with the storyline, Characters, Love Interests & the people you trust & they turn out to be the bad guy, Never Disappointed when I read Shannon Mayer!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews