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Uncommon World #0.5
Claimed
If you like Game of Thrones, or are a Kristin Cashore or Sabaa Tahir fan, you’ll love this Uncommon World prequel!
Treasure hunter. Sailor. Salt witch.
Kinneret Raza has been called a lot of things. Quitter was never one of them.
To save her sister from starvation and hold on to her relationship with Calev—the high-caste friend she secretly loves—Kinneret must get her hands on enough silver to move up in the world. When a storm clears a new port location, Kinneret talks Calev's people into paying her to claim the spot. But before she can seal the deal and earn her coin, not one, but two parties show up, vying for the location and armed to the teeth. Kinneret is not going down without a fight.
Free for Alisha Klapheke's newsletter subscribers.
Treasure hunter. Sailor. Salt witch.
Kinneret Raza has been called a lot of things. Quitter was never one of them.
To save her sister from starvation and hold on to her relationship with Calev—the high-caste friend she secretly loves—Kinneret must get her hands on enough silver to move up in the world. When a storm clears a new port location, Kinneret talks Calev's people into paying her to claim the spot. But before she can seal the deal and earn her coin, not one, but two parties show up, vying for the location and armed to the teeth. Kinneret is not going down without a fight.
Free for Alisha Klapheke's newsletter subscribers.
26 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2017
3 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Alisha Klapheke
51 books773 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Alisha Klapheke strives to write fantasy romance inspired by history and informed by her travel worldwide.
*Get a Deluxe Collector's Edition of Dragons Rising with faux leather, sprayed edges, and gold foil today https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
*Get a Deluxe Collector's Edition of Dragons Rising with faux leather, sprayed edges, and gold foil today https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 20, 2020
This was a quick epic adventure story.
September 16, 2018
This is the perfect prequel to whet the appetite for the rest of the stories to come in this series. We get to see some of the background of Kinneret and her younger sister Avi and their trusty friend and good sailor the dwarf Oron! We also get to see the abject poverty imposed by a caste system on those from the low castes and the difference enjoyed by the high class regarding the power they held in this society! We also get introduced to the friendship and budding love between Kinneret and her Old Farm friend Calev, a friendship which as of the following year, when they both came of age, would be highly frowned upon and unacceptable. However to learn more about Kinneret's ambitions, strength and determination to let no one take what she wanted especially those she loved the next four books in the series Uncommon World have to be read!! And let me tell you the next four books are full to the brim with adventure, love, loyalty and so much courage in the face of so many difficulties encountered during their many travels! Enjoy.
May 29, 2017
I read this after I read Waters of Salt and Sin, but if you read it before that, it will give you a good idea about what the rest of the series will be like. Nice story to get to know the main characters and get used to the writing style of this author.
June 6, 2018
e-book short story
March 16, 2017
5 Stars.
This was a really fun prequel story that set the characters and their motivations up really well! I'm super excited to read the first book in the Uncommon World Series, Waters of Salt and Sin!
Side Note: Claimed is completely free at the moment, just go to the author's twitter page, and follow the link on her pinned tweet to get it - definitely worth it!!
This was a really fun prequel story that set the characters and their motivations up really well! I'm super excited to read the first book in the Uncommon World Series, Waters of Salt and Sin!
Side Note: Claimed is completely free at the moment, just go to the author's twitter page, and follow the link on her pinned tweet to get it - definitely worth it!!
Read
May 12, 2019This fast-moving short story features a determined heroine, peeks at an intriguing eastern-inspired fantasy world, a touch of star-crossed love and some gorgeously lyrical writing. As my first introduction to the storyworld, I would have preferred a little more explanation of the setting along the way, but my interest is snagged for future instalments!
October 23, 2017
Description: A short teaser for a YA fantasy series with a lot of potential. In this prequel we get a glimpse into the situation our protagonists are in. Kinneret is trying to get her and her sister out of debt so that they can advance in society and she can be with the man she loves. She is a skilled sailor and witch that uses forbidden salt magic to help her.
In Short: This series seems like it would appeal to fans of YA fantasy who enjoy nautical themed stories with magic and romance mixed in. I think this story shows a lot of potential for the series.
Pros: By the end of the story I was very interested in seeing more. The main character, Kinneret proved to be a strong and likable character. I would like to see her story continue and see her accomplish all of her goals. There are a lot of promising features to this story. I would like to learn more about the myths and magic of this world including what exactly are Salt Wraiths and what role do they play. I would like to see the characters earn the removal of their bells, that symbolize their low-caste. I see a lot of potential for exciting conflicts in this storyline. Although short, this book was well written and edited.
Cons: Because of the short nature of this book it lacked character descriptions. I jumped in without knowing anything about this story so as I read the first several pages I wasn't sure what the main character looked like or their gender. The character you get the best/only physical description of is the love interest of the narrating character. I was a little disappointed in the use of magic in this book just because I thought it was too brief and lacking wonder. The spell started out nice and rhymed a little and then lost its flow for me. The magic itself wasn't descriptive, I assume the spell worked but didn't see it work. This teaser was a little too mysterious for me at times.
Parent's Guide: This short story was clean.
In Short: This series seems like it would appeal to fans of YA fantasy who enjoy nautical themed stories with magic and romance mixed in. I think this story shows a lot of potential for the series.
Pros: By the end of the story I was very interested in seeing more. The main character, Kinneret proved to be a strong and likable character. I would like to see her story continue and see her accomplish all of her goals. There are a lot of promising features to this story. I would like to learn more about the myths and magic of this world including what exactly are Salt Wraiths and what role do they play. I would like to see the characters earn the removal of their bells, that symbolize their low-caste. I see a lot of potential for exciting conflicts in this storyline. Although short, this book was well written and edited.
Cons: Because of the short nature of this book it lacked character descriptions. I jumped in without knowing anything about this story so as I read the first several pages I wasn't sure what the main character looked like or their gender. The character you get the best/only physical description of is the love interest of the narrating character. I was a little disappointed in the use of magic in this book just because I thought it was too brief and lacking wonder. The spell started out nice and rhymed a little and then lost its flow for me. The magic itself wasn't descriptive, I assume the spell worked but didn't see it work. This teaser was a little too mysterious for me at times.
Parent's Guide: This short story was clean.
October 11, 2017
*I received a free ARC of this short story. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Another traditional fantasy prequel, Claimed introduces us to the central characters of the Uncommon World series and their daily struggle for survival, whilst setting the stage for future plot conflicts with threads of romantic and magical tension carefully laid out to lead us to the next installment.
The reader gets an immediate sense of camaraderie with Kinneret and her little gang, and with the stakes high from the start, there is an immediate investment in their sucess, which I personally found nerve-wracking as it is clear that Kinneret has a knack for trouble and riding risks!
Have a guess as to whether Book 1 is now on my TBR pile…!
Another traditional fantasy prequel, Claimed introduces us to the central characters of the Uncommon World series and their daily struggle for survival, whilst setting the stage for future plot conflicts with threads of romantic and magical tension carefully laid out to lead us to the next installment.
The reader gets an immediate sense of camaraderie with Kinneret and her little gang, and with the stakes high from the start, there is an immediate investment in their sucess, which I personally found nerve-wracking as it is clear that Kinneret has a knack for trouble and riding risks!
Have a guess as to whether Book 1 is now on my TBR pile…!
August 11, 2023
This short story has been on my TBR for a long time. When I saw it as the most recent Finding Fantasy Reads episode, I jumped at the chance to listen to it. This story is a prequel to the Uncommon World series, and gives background information on the characters and relationships seen in the first book. In this story, Kinneret and her crew attempt to claim a new port for Old Farm following a severe storm. This story is a great example of Kinneret’s clever mind and her drive to protect her little sister. I would recommend this prequel to anyone looking for a short story to read or listen to. If the characters and world-building in this prequel are interesting, I would also recommend the series.
August 24, 2017
This is the first of Klapheke's work that I'm reading and I couldn't be more impressed!
Only three chapters in this little novella but it's packed with a great introduction to the Uncommon World series. I already love the three characters that were introduced & that is already saying a lot!
The world created for this novel seems very promising which makes me eager to already begin the series!
I received this book from the author for free. All opinions are my own.
For more bookish adventures, you can find me at Camillea Reads
Only three chapters in this little novella but it's packed with a great introduction to the Uncommon World series. I already love the three characters that were introduced & that is already saying a lot!
The world created for this novel seems very promising which makes me eager to already begin the series!
I received this book from the author for free. All opinions are my own.
For more bookish adventures, you can find me at Camillea Reads
May 5, 2017
I just read "Claimed", a novella by Alisha Klapheke.
Even though it was very short, a novella, it spoke volumes for things to come.
In that small time in the story world everything was spelled out and included.
Adventure, magic, mystery, love, it had it all in just though few words.
I can't wait to sail on to the first full book in the series, "Waters of Salt and Sin" and then on to book number two, "Fever".
This series has the makings of greatness.
Please give yourself a rest treat, purchase and read these books.
Sincerely,
Alan McDonald
Even though it was very short, a novella, it spoke volumes for things to come.
In that small time in the story world everything was spelled out and included.
Adventure, magic, mystery, love, it had it all in just though few words.
I can't wait to sail on to the first full book in the series, "Waters of Salt and Sin" and then on to book number two, "Fever".
This series has the makings of greatness.
Please give yourself a rest treat, purchase and read these books.
Sincerely,
Alan McDonald
September 15, 2018
This is certainly an interesting one. I had not read the series so this novella benefits from being a prequel, in other words a well-considered world was already behind the author when she started. A sailing life, storms, the impecunious hero who is a lesser caste girl, factions disputing land claims for trade; plenty going on and real-feeling characters. Also a mention of a salt witch, whatever that may be.
I enjoyed the novella and would be happy to read more from this author.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
I enjoyed the novella and would be happy to read more from this author.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
July 25, 2023
This is one of those stories where the main character is different enough from me that I'm baffled by her decisions, but I'm still rooting for her. I wish I had Kinneret's bravery and spunk. This is a great introduction to the series and it has fantastic magic with piratey vibes and a hint of what's sure to be star-crossed lovers.
You can get it for free by signing up for Alisha's newsletter here: http://alishaklapheke.com/
You can listen for free on the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com/p...
You can get it for free by signing up for Alisha's newsletter here: http://alishaklapheke.com/
You can listen for free on the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com/p...
July 20, 2019
What a beginning to an interesting story. Kinneret a salt witch of the lower caste is trying her best to keep her sister from starvation. She’s quick with her tongue to get what is needed done for a little coin here and there. Working for a high caste can be difficult when you start to fall in love though isn’t it?
I’ve added this series to my list of TBR.
Will Kinneret get everything her hopes desire or no?
I’ve added this series to my list of TBR.
Will Kinneret get everything her hopes desire or no?
July 12, 2022
A sweet little prequel that kind of suffers from it's short length. At a whole 30 pages long, this is very much bite sized. You do get a sense for Kinneret's character, but there isn't space to do much more than that. It's fairly low stakes, yet easy to read. Recommended for those who are either already reading or are interested in the main series. It doesn't add a huge amount, but is short and sweet.
May 7, 2017
"These enormous folk might just decide this is our last day in this uncommon world and we wouldn't want to miss our last conversation."
This fun novella gives us not only the name of the series, but a fun glimpse at the characters and their motivation. Get it for free by signing up for the author's mailing list.
This fun novella gives us not only the name of the series, but a fun glimpse at the characters and their motivation. Get it for free by signing up for the author's mailing list.
August 7, 2017
I got this mini story free from Instafreebie. Avi, after an especially big storm, claims a part of the beach for Old Farm. It will give them an advantage in trade because a new harbor can be built there. Avi did it for her friend Calev but will soon lose him in an arranged marriage to another. This mini story has a good idea that the author was able to flesh out.
August 18, 2023
A fun tale of ships, high seas, and the people who love them both. It was also a story of siblings who fight for each other. And first love however doomed or destined it may be. And so short, I now need to keep reading to see how the story goes.
I listened to this story on Karyne Norton's Finding Fantasy Reads podcast and enjoyed both the story and the narration immensely.
I listened to this story on Karyne Norton's Finding Fantasy Reads podcast and enjoyed both the story and the narration immensely.
July 2, 2019
This is an enjoyable story that just happens to be a prequel novella. It does a nice job setting up the characters and their motivations.
It's an eastern-inspired fantasy world that Author Klapheke does a nice job hinting at here and further developing in the series.
It's an eastern-inspired fantasy world that Author Klapheke does a nice job hinting at here and further developing in the series.
May 16, 2017
Just OK
Actually, don’t really know what to think. Just OK. Main character too proud and too rude. Couldn’t really relate to her.
Actually, don’t really know what to think. Just OK. Main character too proud and too rude. Couldn’t really relate to her.
October 22, 2017
Wonderful story of fantasy. Loved every bit and ready for more from this first t8me author for me.
April 4, 2018
Gripping introduction to the series, and to this uncommon world! I read a free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
July 6, 2018
Something different. Far too short ...
October 27, 2018
A nice, quick read to introduce a new series. I read an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
October 31, 2018
What a fun, intriguing temptation to get me to read the rest of the books… Action, adventure, world-building, character development—all in a few short chapters.
July 27, 2019
A nice, quick that nicely sets the scene for characters with interesting concepts.
September 12, 2019
Claimed (Uncommon World, #0.5) by Alisha Klapheke is a good start to an interesting series. I enjoyed it.
May 20, 2022
Enjoyed this prequel novella
November 22, 2022
Interesting prequel. I needed a little more context, but it may be because I haven't read the other books first.
August 8, 2023
A quick and interesting introduction to the Uncommon World.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews