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The Sea Witch and the Mage
When Athenia decides she must defeat the wizardwho killed her twin sister, she finds there is only one way--enslave Thorne, ahuman mage with powers she can use to overcome her enemy. However, she doesn'tcount on finding him mesmerizing or needing him so much. What happens when ashapeshifting mermaid teams up with a man who controls the elements?The Sea Witch and the Mage is a 10,000-word novelette for those who want a taste of KatherineEddinger Smits' Nerei stories. It's a short read to introduce you to acontemporary romantic fantasy world of mermaids, mermen, and mages.
- GenresRomance
48 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 20, 2017
Thorne Sanderson was a mage, for some time now he had been aware of someone following him, a women. He would get the occassional glimpse of her in reflective surfaces. Her intentions seemed hostile, but she had yet to make her move. Althenia's plan was simple. Track the mage, steal that which made him special and avenge her sister while protecting innocents from suffering the same evil Delphie had been forced to endure. But something was holding her back, causing her to delay. She wished she could find another way, but this evil had to be stopped.
A nice, short tale about Delphine, a Nerei who trained to become a sea witch, and is now seeking vengeance against her sister's murderer. Contains erotic scenes which are nicely depicted without becoming crude or cringe worthy. Attention to detail is paid to the practicality of the mythical creatures without becoming all encompassing. All in all it makes for an enjoyable read.
A nice, short tale about Delphine, a Nerei who trained to become a sea witch, and is now seeking vengeance against her sister's murderer. Contains erotic scenes which are nicely depicted without becoming crude or cringe worthy. Attention to detail is paid to the practicality of the mythical creatures without becoming all encompassing. All in all it makes for an enjoyable read.
February 16, 2020
Deception
This is a short story of a Nerei mermaid who wants revenge against the Nerei mage who tortured and killed her twin sister. Her plan is to strip a powerful human mage of his ability to control the elements and then use those abilities to face off against her enemy. But the best laid plans often take a different path and this story does as well. It gets 3.5 stars.
This is a short story of a Nerei mermaid who wants revenge against the Nerei mage who tortured and killed her twin sister. Her plan is to strip a powerful human mage of his ability to control the elements and then use those abilities to face off against her enemy. But the best laid plans often take a different path and this story does as well. It gets 3.5 stars.
May 20, 2021
30 pages for a story! This is probably the shortest of short stories I've read so it's going to be fast paced. I think i covered this in half an hour so definately a lunch hour read. However the lack of depth is reflected in its page count. The plot itself is unique and almost gives off little mermaid vibes. Despite being a sea witch our main female character still seems relative naive to a point it's annoying.
There is some attempt at explaining what makes her tick but we still don't know anything about our main male character. There is no back story to him except we know he's being hunted by the main female character.
The story itself has a "steamy" scene but again I just found it strange. There is obviously attraction written in between the two characters, but the way it unfolded didnt really lend anything to a further relationship.
The ending had a nice twist to it which I didnt expect, but again the lack of depth and back story to the male character just left it strange.
I'd really like to see this story with a lot more depth and length. The story plot is unique and I think it holds a lot of potential. It was a bit like a Krispy Kreme donut. Sugar and air but no real substance and you're left wondering what you ate.
I received this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only for the pleasure of reading and leaving an honest review.
There is some attempt at explaining what makes her tick but we still don't know anything about our main male character. There is no back story to him except we know he's being hunted by the main female character.
The story itself has a "steamy" scene but again I just found it strange. There is obviously attraction written in between the two characters, but the way it unfolded didnt really lend anything to a further relationship.
The ending had a nice twist to it which I didnt expect, but again the lack of depth and back story to the male character just left it strange.
I'd really like to see this story with a lot more depth and length. The story plot is unique and I think it holds a lot of potential. It was a bit like a Krispy Kreme donut. Sugar and air but no real substance and you're left wondering what you ate.
I received this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only for the pleasure of reading and leaving an honest review.
July 23, 2021
I really wanted to like this book. It’s right up my street with the genre but I just didn’t connect with the characters.
I felt sorry hearing about the glimpses of the past, however due to not connecting with these characters like I have in other books I could quite get to grips with the direction the story went.
This story has some great potential but unfortunately for me it was not fully expanded.
I was left wanting more, more details, more plot just more. Potentially this is because it’s a short story but it just lacked something in my opinion
I felt sorry hearing about the glimpses of the past, however due to not connecting with these characters like I have in other books I could quite get to grips with the direction the story went.
This story has some great potential but unfortunately for me it was not fully expanded.
I was left wanting more, more details, more plot just more. Potentially this is because it’s a short story but it just lacked something in my opinion
July 28, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only and I have to say it was a nice middle of the road read. It had all the components that I love about a story, and I definitely wanted to know where it was going but I feel like it was missing something small for me. There was a beautiful use of mystery and foreshadowing but just a little too much was left to the mystery that I didnt feel as connected to the characters as I wanted to be. Other than that, I loved the story and the turns it took.
January 31, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only*
It was short and sweet, leaving on a cliffhanger that I assume will lead into a much larger story. I thought that, even for a shorter piece, this could have been a little more detailed in the beginning rather than throwing the reader in with little to no explanation about the different species. Otherwise, it was a nice short read, and was interesting.
It was short and sweet, leaving on a cliffhanger that I assume will lead into a much larger story. I thought that, even for a shorter piece, this could have been a little more detailed in the beginning rather than throwing the reader in with little to no explanation about the different species. Otherwise, it was a nice short read, and was interesting.
March 14, 2022
Very short story. When reading it with the mindset of it as a prologue to Siren Descent I enjoyed it more. It’s just too short for it to be considered anything else. Great intro to the characters, simple plot, finished with a clear ending but obviously not the end of the character’s story.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Voracious Readers and the author in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Voracious Readers and the author in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2021
Two stars because the premise is interesting yet the delivery is lacking. First how you can call less than 50 pages a book is beyond me. It should have been built up more, maybe elaborate on the history of Merlindrake or even the powers they have over the elements or her powers in the water. There’s just the bare minimum given and as someone who thrives on details, this was a disappointment.
October 29, 2021
I started this book thinking it would not be great. Which for the first 20 pages is true. But there is some genuinely good story aspects and I could tell Smits had fun writing it. I think the protagonists are both incredibly irritating, but for a short story they actually have personalities which I commend.
Overall, probably only a 1.5/5
Overall, probably only a 1.5/5
March 24, 2022
Not a good short story, though it had so much potential. I don’t know if my ebook formatting messed up but the story just started with no title page or intro of any kind; it ended up being a good representation of the book though because it was choppy and didn’t really seem flushed out. The dialogue was stiff and the plot was riddled with holes.
Voracious Readers Only book
Voracious Readers Only book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2020
It was okay it
It started off really good it ended too fast I expected a little more could have been more information about who's who won what each person can do a little more in-depth
It started off really good it ended too fast I expected a little more could have been more information about who's who won what each person can do a little more in-depth
July 24, 2021
This book had so much potential! It had some great characters in it, and the fundamental storyline was ok....
Unfortunately, it had no beef to it. No guts. I felt like it was rushed. I was therefore very disappointed in it.
Unfortunately, it had no beef to it. No guts. I felt like it was rushed. I was therefore very disappointed in it.
October 17, 2021
I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Voracious Readers.
This short story has potential I was really intrigued by the premise but the story is too short. I wish this was a longer novel.
This short story has potential I was really intrigued by the premise but the story is too short. I wish this was a longer novel.
December 31, 2021
Not sure why but I couldn’t get into this story, it just didn’t flow for me and didn’t drag me in, I suppose being a short story it needs to get into the story line, it’s a personal preference, but I like more world building
February 15, 2022
First, I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
I normally don’t like short stories because I want more and the same was true with this. I wanted more character development and there could’ve been so many more details provided.
I normally don’t like short stories because I want more and the same was true with this. I wanted more character development and there could’ve been so many more details provided.
February 9, 2022
I liked the idea but it was all a little rushed and with not enough depth and character development. This isn't suprising really as it's only about 30 pages long.
If this was expanded in to longer story it would be more appealling.
2.5 stars
If this was expanded in to longer story it would be more appealling.
2.5 stars
February 19, 2022
I would have dnf’d this book but it was only 48pages. I hated every second of reading this. The characters were 1 dimensional and I didn’t believe or care about their motivations or actions.
November 8, 2018
In order to avenge her twin’s death and escape the same brutal fate, Athenia must defeat the evil wizard, Merlindrake, who killed her sister. There is only one way to beat the wizard--enslave Thorne, a human mage with powers Athenia needs. What does Athenia do? She stalks Thorne and then seduces him, hoping to suck all the power from him. She didn't count on the handsome Mage being so mesmerizing and desirable.
Thorne is keenly aware that someone is following him, and he means to find out why. When he corners Athenia, the electricity between them is raw and powerful. Athenia is a Nerei, a mermaid, and she tells him she wants him to tutor her so she can learn how to control the elements. Does he believe her…or is it that he wants to believe her because of this overpowering attraction between them?
The author did a wonderful job describing the settings and the characters. Example: Athenia flopped on the bed. Constructed of dried seaweed overlaid with mink-fur blankets from a sunken ship, it fluffed luxuriously against her skin. (A sunken ship? Mink fur? Great image).
I highly recommend this novella, especially if you're like me and haven't read about mermaids before. I was fascinated. The story is fast-paced for a novella and will hold your interest.
The question is: Will Athenia be successful in killing the wizard and save herself without destroying her magical lover, Thorne?
Thorne is keenly aware that someone is following him, and he means to find out why. When he corners Athenia, the electricity between them is raw and powerful. Athenia is a Nerei, a mermaid, and she tells him she wants him to tutor her so she can learn how to control the elements. Does he believe her…or is it that he wants to believe her because of this overpowering attraction between them?
The author did a wonderful job describing the settings and the characters. Example: Athenia flopped on the bed. Constructed of dried seaweed overlaid with mink-fur blankets from a sunken ship, it fluffed luxuriously against her skin. (A sunken ship? Mink fur? Great image).
I highly recommend this novella, especially if you're like me and haven't read about mermaids before. I was fascinated. The story is fast-paced for a novella and will hold your interest.
The question is: Will Athenia be successful in killing the wizard and save herself without destroying her magical lover, Thorne?
July 1, 2019
Mermaids and mages Oh My!
*** I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.***
You will not be disappointed with this short story. It has action, betrayal and maybe even love. The main character Athenia who is a Sea Witch bent on taking down the evil Merlindrake. But to do so she needs more powers that she has to take from a mage Thorne Anderson. She does not want to employ some tactics to get them but she does and at what cost. She is determined to get her revenge but ends up getting a little help from Thorne. Now she has to answer for her crimes. However, I did not see the ending coming. I need to know what will happen. Definitely on the look out for that book. I loved this short story.
*** I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.***
You will not be disappointed with this short story. It has action, betrayal and maybe even love. The main character Athenia who is a Sea Witch bent on taking down the evil Merlindrake. But to do so she needs more powers that she has to take from a mage Thorne Anderson. She does not want to employ some tactics to get them but she does and at what cost. She is determined to get her revenge but ends up getting a little help from Thorne. Now she has to answer for her crimes. However, I did not see the ending coming. I need to know what will happen. Definitely on the look out for that book. I loved this short story.
September 5, 2021
This is a cute short story about Athenia, a Nerei mermaid, who is on a mission to kill the Nerei man who tortured and killed her twin sister. She determines that the only way to do so is to steal the powers of Thorne, a human mage.
The imagery in this novella is great, the world just came to life around you. Athenia is determined to do anything to avenge her sister and I enjoyed her tactics to do what she feels she has to. And poor Thorne, he thinks he has everything under control but he just wasn't prepared for Athenia. I would have loved for it to be long because I enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The imagery in this novella is great, the world just came to life around you. Athenia is determined to do anything to avenge her sister and I enjoyed her tactics to do what she feels she has to. And poor Thorne, he thinks he has everything under control but he just wasn't prepared for Athenia. I would have loved for it to be long because I enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2021
**I was provided an eBook version of this book from the author through VoraciousReadersOnly for my honest review. **
Saw the cover, the title, and knew that this would be right up my alley! Mermaids and mages and magic, oh my! I enjoyed this short, fun novella. The plot was actually solid considering the author didn’t have many pages to weave it. I liked the characters, the magic, and the insta-love story. Definitely recommend if you like fantasy, romance, and want something you can read in one sitting.
Saw the cover, the title, and knew that this would be right up my alley! Mermaids and mages and magic, oh my! I enjoyed this short, fun novella. The plot was actually solid considering the author didn’t have many pages to weave it. I liked the characters, the magic, and the insta-love story. Definitely recommend if you like fantasy, romance, and want something you can read in one sitting.
July 21, 2021
Honestly, I think that it was really good for being a short story. The plot wasn't too complicated (which made it easier to solve the problem quickly) but it was stated clearly who was the bad guy, the main issues of the characters, the setting and the problem that needed to be solved. The ending was an open one and I think that's good with short stories because that way you can imagine what will happen next and the story will remain longer in your mind. I read it in less than an hour and actually enjoyed it so I definitely recommend it if you want a quick reading.
January 1, 2022
The Sea Witch and the Mage is a short story with multiple elements of fantasy, possibly romance and suspense. Backed by solid protagonists, Athenia, a Nerei mermaid and Thorne, a human mage who controls elements, this book is an enjoyable read. Katherine Smits presents a beautiful world with vivid descriptions and unveils a simple yet effective plot. Each character has motivations that fuse well with the story centred around revenge and consequences. A 4 star read.
I received this book via VoraciousReadersOnly, and this honest review is left voluntarily.
I received this book via VoraciousReadersOnly, and this honest review is left voluntarily.
December 26, 2023
I received this book for an honest review via Voracious Readers Only.
The author did a wonderful job fitting as much into this in the short amount of pages that it ended up being. If it was longer it could have been an AMAZING book, so I guess my only real complaint it that I wanted MORE! haha
Despite ending on a relative cliffhanger I liked the ending a lot. I would read a follow up book for sure on these characters.
The author did a wonderful job fitting as much into this in the short amount of pages that it ended up being. If it was longer it could have been an AMAZING book, so I guess my only real complaint it that I wanted MORE! haha
Despite ending on a relative cliffhanger I liked the ending a lot. I would read a follow up book for sure on these characters.
October 20, 2018
If you like suspense, along with your fantasy, this story is for you. The Sea Witch and The Mage is fast paced and filled with nail biting suspense. I enjoyed this short story very much. There is plenty of sexual tension, seduction, a very sexy love scene, revenge, a mad villain, and a happily ever after. All the makings for an enjoyable romance.
August 23, 2021
I’m usually not one to read a prequel to a series, but this one was honestly very intriguing and got me interested in the series itself. Even though the prequel was only a little over a hundred pages, we are able to see character development and I think that really helped me to gain interest in the books.
I got the book via Voracious Readers Only.
I got the book via Voracious Readers Only.
October 5, 2021
This story has a very interesting premise. I would have enjoyed it more as a full story where details could have been more thoroughly expressed. I felt like in this short form, parts were rushed. I’m sure I would enjoy anything else I read by this author
August 23, 2023
It was ok. It was clearly meant as an insert in a longer series where the backstory of the characters can be better explored. It was such a short quick read that it was perfect for the afternoon that I had nothing planned.
February 18, 2021
I was given this book through Voracious Readers Only. It is a short romantic story with also some action. The author made me curious from the start as she didn't lose any time to get straight into the action. As with every mini novel I wish it was longer but I enjoyed it and read it all in one go. Perfect for people who don't have much time to read but still want to "get away" for a bit
October 9, 2021
The title is very interesting. The cover is beautiful. This is a short story about a sea witch seeking revenge for her sister's death. It's like a prequel, an introduction to a series. It is an easy read. The plot is not complicated, just mix in revenge, seduction, deception with romance in a world of mermaids and mages. I want to know more about the characters and their world. The short story is a tease.
I enjoyed reading it.
I have received a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only.
I enjoyed reading it.
I have received a complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews