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Creepy Hollow
Scarlett
Deadly power. Stunning beauty. She will not be controlled. Sixteen-year-old Beth’s ordinary life is shattered the night her dormant magic awakens and she almost kills her boyfriend. Horrified at what she’s done, she flees into the fae realm to find the siren mother who disowned her a decade ago. When it turns out her power cannot be controlled, she is once again cast out from the siren community. Alone and afraid, Beth winds up in the Dark North where a group of witches rescues her. They offer to help her gain control of her deadly magic—but at what price?Taste a darker side of the magical world in this captivating story of one of Creepy Hollow's villains.- - - Scarlett is a companion story to the bestselling YA fantasy Creepy Hollow series. While it is best enjoyed in conjunction with the rest of the series, it is a standalone story that can be read on its own.
172 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2017
29 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Morgan
51 books1,854 followersOnce upon a time, in a land not so far away, a young science graduate named Rachel found that the real world wasn't a place she wanted to inhabit all the time. So she decided to escape into the magical realms that had occupied her mind since childhood.
Armed with a vivid imagination, Rachel spends her days conjuring up fantastical worlds filled with adventure, romance, and plot twists, where readers can escape the real world along with her.
Rachel lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with her husband, two little wildlings, and three fur-babies.
Receive bookish updates directly from Rachel:
Rachel's email newsletter
Armed with a vivid imagination, Rachel spends her days conjuring up fantastical worlds filled with adventure, romance, and plot twists, where readers can escape the real world along with her.
Rachel lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with her husband, two little wildlings, and three fur-babies.
Receive bookish updates directly from Rachel:
Rachel's email newsletter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 3, 2016
2.5 stars
I've never really been fond of or overly interested in Scarlett's character so this short story didn't really add anything for me personally. It was interesting enough to still read it and if you do like her character or find her interesting I think you'd definitely enjoy it a bit more than I did!
I've never really been fond of or overly interested in Scarlett's character so this short story didn't really add anything for me personally. It was interesting enough to still read it and if you do like her character or find her interesting I think you'd definitely enjoy it a bit more than I did!
May 27, 2016
This was a fun little side story about witches and sirens! I felt so bad for Scarlett - she wants to be good but the only people that are nice to her have questionable values. I don't know how she was the person we saw at the beginning of this story having 2 parents that wanted nothing to do with her. I couldn't remember her from the series until I went back in the first book to look for her. I liked seeing this origin story for her.
July 11, 2017
A fabulous addition to the Creepy Hollow series. My only critique: not enough Creepy Hollow ;P
I think a whole new series should be written around the sirens!!
I think a whole new series should be written around the sirens!!
August 1, 2018
I didn't know i wanted to learn more about Scarlett until I read this book. It was just a fluke that I ended up reading it between books 5 and 6 of the Creepy Hollow book series and it was the perfect timing for this side story; i was able to hate Scarlett during Violet's story, but also appreciate her during Calla's story. It gave me a much better understanding of the character, her motivations, her skills, and her knowledge.
I wish there were more novellas like this one for those of us who are completely in love with the Creepy Hollow book series and just can't enough!
I wish there were more novellas like this one for those of us who are completely in love with the Creepy Hollow book series and just can't enough!
February 29, 2020
“I am independent. I am strong. I am powerful.” The mantra the witches teach her that turns Beth into Scarlett.
Beth, half-siren and without the magic of her mother, almost kills her human boyfriend when her magic awakens.
She flees to the magical world of the sirens, but even they reject her and her halfling powers.
A family of witches takes her in and teaches her magic, control and confidence.
But all is not what it seems…
A thrilling tale set in the Creepy Hollow world with lots of twists, magic and a siren coming into her own.
Highly enjoyable.
Trigger warnings: neglect, abandonment, murder.
Beth, half-siren and without the magic of her mother, almost kills her human boyfriend when her magic awakens.
She flees to the magical world of the sirens, but even they reject her and her halfling powers.
A family of witches takes her in and teaches her magic, control and confidence.
But all is not what it seems…
A thrilling tale set in the Creepy Hollow world with lots of twists, magic and a siren coming into her own.
Highly enjoyable.
Trigger warnings: neglect, abandonment, murder.
November 23, 2018
I loved getting to know more about Scarlett and her story - controlling her magic and how she became a part of the witches. She intrigued me in previous Creepy Hollow books, so I really enjoyed going on her journey with her. It was up and down with emotions and betrayal.
I loved that ending and how it was a start to a different chapter to Scarlett’s life with another well known character from the series.
4.5 stars
I loved that ending and how it was a start to a different chapter to Scarlett’s life with another well known character from the series.
4.5 stars
September 28, 2022
I thought I’d give this book a try, having never read anything of this series before, because of the description saying it could be read as a stand-alone. Knowing that it is part of a larger series, this review might be harsher than it would be if I’d read the other novels beforehand. However, after reading this, I don’t plan on reading any of the other ones (it was incredibly boring).
Her parents (when they showed up in the story at all) were your typical evil parents for no-good-reason.
She hurts a guy she cares for (by accident) and runs off. She starts falling for another guy, but feels guilty about it because of the first one (who was her boyfriend). Then she gets essentially rejected by her boyfriend because he spent months not understanding what she’d done to him or why, and subsequently, she thinks she go back to the other guy. And then she stops feeling guilty when they kiss and whatnot.
Her empowerment comes in the form of playing for and manipulating the male gaze. Granted, she’s a siren, so it makes sense. However, I feel personally that she could’ve been powerful through her own self-assuredness.
All in all, I would not recommend this book to anyone.
(Also lets not forget how much she said “red” and “scarlet” in the very first paragraph(s) when describing a dress she’s wearing. I should’ve dnf’ed this from that point, aka the very beginning)
Her parents (when they showed up in the story at all) were your typical evil parents for no-good-reason.
She hurts a guy she cares for (by accident) and runs off. She starts falling for another guy, but feels guilty about it because of the first one (who was her boyfriend). Then she gets essentially rejected by her boyfriend because he spent months not understanding what she’d done to him or why, and subsequently, she thinks she go back to the other guy. And then she stops feeling guilty when they kiss and whatnot.
Her empowerment comes in the form of playing for and manipulating the male gaze. Granted, she’s a siren, so it makes sense. However, I feel personally that she could’ve been powerful through her own self-assuredness.
All in all, I would not recommend this book to anyone.
(Also lets not forget how much she said “red” and “scarlet” in the very first paragraph(s) when describing a dress she’s wearing. I should’ve dnf’ed this from that point, aka the very beginning)
August 10, 2025
Very interesting villain origin story. I liked seeing Scarlett's backstory and How she ended up where she did. Poor girl just couldn't catch a break from a mother who abandoned her,a father who despises her. Almost killing the guy she loved, her best friend and boyfriend being terrified of her. Then the witches, pretending to care for her and supposedly help her only to exploit her power and lying to her every step of the way. Thorin what he did to her, going along with the witches and playing with her heart. She got her revenge on them. No wonder the girl turned into a villain. I think the Phrase that perfectly sums up Scarlett's story is Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. This book was definitely a bit darker than the other Creepy Hollow books, it was a bit slow at times, but still good. Definitely A very intriguing villain origin story. I love and appreciate Scarlett/Elizabeth's journey in Creepy Hollow series especially in Calla's story even more now with seeing her backstory.
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December 23, 2020Honestly, reading this was worse than the slowest and cruelest torture you can imagine.
Okay, maybe that's dramatic. But seriously.
It was so long (like yes I know it was only 120 pages but it was about 60 pages too long). It was so boring. It had pretty much ZERO connection to the Creepy Hollow series. Creepy Hollow was super fun, but what the fuck was this? It was boring AF. I kept forgetting it actually took place in the Creepy Hollow universe. Scarlett was a pretty minor character to begin with, but then there was very little connection to Creepy Hollow so I was just like WHY.
Then, finally, at the end, when things actually FUCKING HAPPENED AND GOT INETERESTING, there was literally NO PAYOFF.
Okay, maybe that's dramatic. But seriously.
It was so long (like yes I know it was only 120 pages but it was about 60 pages too long). It was so boring. It had pretty much ZERO connection to the Creepy Hollow series. Creepy Hollow was super fun, but what the fuck was this? It was boring AF. I kept forgetting it actually took place in the Creepy Hollow universe. Scarlett was a pretty minor character to begin with, but then there was very little connection to Creepy Hollow so I was just like WHY.
Then, finally, at the end, when things actually FUCKING HAPPENED AND GOT INETERESTING, there was literally NO PAYOFF.
March 29, 2025
Scarlett has been on my list forever but I haven’t read it since it isn’t exactly a Creepy Hollow story. But I’ve been craving a good fantasy novel and Rachel Morgan has never let me down so I figured this would be a fun quick read.
I was sucked in! It had been long enough since I finished reading the Creepy Hollow series that I didn’t really remember Scarlett.
Scarlett is a siren who lived in the human world until she accidentally almost killed her boyfriend. She runs away and finds a new family as well as new aspects to her power.
I loved seeing her transition from a scared little girl to someone powerful.
I miss the Creepy Hollow universe and this book made me think it might be time to return there.
I was sucked in! It had been long enough since I finished reading the Creepy Hollow series that I didn’t really remember Scarlett.
Scarlett is a siren who lived in the human world until she accidentally almost killed her boyfriend. She runs away and finds a new family as well as new aspects to her power.
I loved seeing her transition from a scared little girl to someone powerful.
I miss the Creepy Hollow universe and this book made me think it might be time to return there.
June 2, 2021
Not what you would expect.
This book was a bit all over the show. But it wasn't hard to follow. I'm guessing it was written this way to emphasise the inner turmoil, confusion and rejection this poor girl had to endure her while life.
This book also didn't have the depth that I have come to enjoy from this author, but I suspect it was written this way in purpose in order to emphasise all the shallowness of every relationship Scarlett ever had.
I find it really sad that her strength had to come from such a place of rejection and abandonment. And I still hope that she will find someone special, who loves her unconditionally.
This book was a bit all over the show. But it wasn't hard to follow. I'm guessing it was written this way to emphasise the inner turmoil, confusion and rejection this poor girl had to endure her while life.
This book also didn't have the depth that I have come to enjoy from this author, but I suspect it was written this way in purpose in order to emphasise all the shallowness of every relationship Scarlett ever had.
I find it really sad that her strength had to come from such a place of rejection and abandonment. And I still hope that she will find someone special, who loves her unconditionally.
January 5, 2018
Interesting tale
Short and not so sweet rather pretty dark and gloomy. Beth/Scarlett's life could have been so different but not everyone gets a happily ever after especially as the odds are stacked against her. I would have liked it more if it was a full length novel and not a novella.
Short and not so sweet rather pretty dark and gloomy. Beth/Scarlett's life could have been so different but not everyone gets a happily ever after especially as the odds are stacked against her. I would have liked it more if it was a full length novel and not a novella.
June 6, 2018
Insightful
This is a short story of Scarlett's past and how she ended up with the witches in the North and working with the Unseelie Prince Zell. If you haven't read all of the Creepy Hallow stories, I would suggest to read this one first before diving into all the others.
I enjoyed this story and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fairies, sirens, and good storytelling.
This is a short story of Scarlett's past and how she ended up with the witches in the North and working with the Unseelie Prince Zell. If you haven't read all of the Creepy Hallow stories, I would suggest to read this one first before diving into all the others.
I enjoyed this story and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fairies, sirens, and good storytelling.
April 17, 2018
Character development
Just like learning why Anniken Skywalker became Darth Vader, this story explains how Scarlett came to be. It was wonderful to finally find some understanding of her life and motivation I. The Creepy Hollow series.
Just like learning why Anniken Skywalker became Darth Vader, this story explains how Scarlett came to be. It was wonderful to finally find some understanding of her life and motivation I. The Creepy Hollow series.
November 3, 2020
I enjoyed the book and learning about Scarlett a bit more. It gave more insight into the character. It was a good read. The plot had plenty of enjoyable twits and turns as well as lots of betrayal. The ending was good.
December 28, 2020
How bittersweet! I feel so bad for Elizabeth. I find myself thinking I'd probably react exactly like she did if I were to go through what she went through. It's a story that so many people can relate to. Cool to see how she meets Zell. I can totally understand why she agreed to go with him.
December 19, 2021
Quick paced. Fun book
I enjoyed reading this quick paced magical book. The story line was good. The characters were believable. A very emotional book. The disappointment and betrayal that Scarlett felt was described well.
I enjoyed reading this quick paced magical book. The story line was good. The characters were believable. A very emotional book. The disappointment and betrayal that Scarlett felt was described well.
July 7, 2017
Schaper story
Excellent as usual. This series is one of the best I ever read and I read a lot!!! The characters and story line keep me coming back for more.
Excellent as usual. This series is one of the best I ever read and I read a lot!!! The characters and story line keep me coming back for more.
July 13, 2017
It was good and I wanted to give it a 3.75 rating but couldn't.
August 11, 2017
A good read
Ah so this is Scarlett's story. I did wonder how she knew the things she knew and where she had come from
Ah so this is Scarlett's story. I did wonder how she knew the things she knew and where she had come from
August 19, 2017
I'm really glad that I read Scarlett's story, it explains so much. The people who affected her life and led her to where the series picks her up.
November 30, 2017
Dang, this was intense.
February 12, 2019
I loved it, even though its sad...it makes you understand her so much easier.
November 22, 2021
Just when I think Rachel Morgan couldn't shock me in Novella's. Boy was I wrong.
November 30, 2016
I love this world so I like this book it was fun fast full of plot twists and overall amusing
June 5, 2016
Sometimes I am not a huge fan of spinoff novellas for supporting characters in a series. They just aren't enough for me to fall in love. This novella was the exact OPPOSITE. I felt like This novels gives you the entire story you need to know about Scarlett and really changes all you thought you knew. It had me pondering my feeling for her and I LOVED that!
Scarlett isn't everyone favorite. Her role in the books isn't one we fell for, and she doesn't have a huge fan following like some of the other characters. She just may now. My heart hurt for her in this novel. All she wanted was to control who she was and all anyone ever did was use her. It was heart breaking. I can see why certain decisions were made and it truly opens your eyes.
You never know the whole story of why someone is the way they are, but the novel gives you a big part of Scarlett.
I can totally see why this novel had to be written. Maybe out of all of the supporting characters you needed this one. We needed to know why she made the decision she made and how she became who she was. It was eye opening for sure. I may even say I ma a fan now. I know. Shocker.. You need to read this though. If you re a fan of the Creepy Hollow series then you will LOVE this novella. LOVE IT.
Deadly power. Stunning beauty. She will not be controlled.
Sixteen-year-old Beth’s ordinary life is shattered the night her dormant magic awakens and she almost kills her boyfriend. Horrified at what she’s done, she flees into the fae realm to find the siren mother who disowned her a decade ago. When it turns out her power cannot be controlled, she is once again cast out from the siren community. Alone and afraid, Beth winds up in the Dark North where she’s rescued by a group of witches. They offer to help her gain control of her deadly magic—but at what price?
Scarlett is a companion story to the bestselling YA fantasy Creepy Hollow series.
May 25, 2016
When Rachel Morgan announced at the beginning of the month that she had written a companion story about her beautiful and unique siren character, Scarlett, I immediately bought and downloaded it as soon as it was available. The Creepy Hollow Series quickly became a favorite series for me from the moment I read The Faerie Guardian, and I was beyond happy to finally get to learn more about Scarlett, a character who was first introduced in the first book and makes appearances throughout the series in different contexts.
I have always found Scarlett to be a complex and hard to crack character, whom I never believed to be truly evil. It was nice to read of Scarlett and to have an insight into who she really is, as she is definitely one of the more mysterious characters within the books. Reading this makes me want to go back and read the series all over again from the beginning as I believe I would view Scarlett with new eyes now that I know more of where she came from.
Rachel Morgan has done a wonderful job of continuing the expansion of her storyline with books that are not only beautifully written, but that are fully engrossing and hard to set down until the last page has been read. This was definitely a welcome read to help tide me over until A Faerie’s Curse, the sixth book in the series is released next month.
I have always found Scarlett to be a complex and hard to crack character, whom I never believed to be truly evil. It was nice to read of Scarlett and to have an insight into who she really is, as she is definitely one of the more mysterious characters within the books. Reading this makes me want to go back and read the series all over again from the beginning as I believe I would view Scarlett with new eyes now that I know more of where she came from.
Rachel Morgan has done a wonderful job of continuing the expansion of her storyline with books that are not only beautifully written, but that are fully engrossing and hard to set down until the last page has been read. This was definitely a welcome read to help tide me over until A Faerie’s Curse, the sixth book in the series is released next month.
May 6, 2016
AMAZING.
When I got the email that a new story was out, I completely fangirled! I was originally planning to get a good night's sleep, but that didn't quite work, seeing as I couldn't put it down. I've have read all of Rachel Morgan's books and they never fail to disappoint. I think she was even the first author I actually wrote a review for. About the books...Let me just say... THEY'RE ALL AMAZING. Swoon romances and plot twists and incredible adventure perfectly written. I haven't read books this good in a really long time. Rachel, please always keep writing (I can wait! Make them all awesome!!). I do think this one was a little rushed in the beginning, but it was still extremely well written and it's not meant to be an entire book. I really enjoyed it. I especially liked Scarlett's empowering attitude and how she doesn't take any bs. I also like how we get to understand her better, whereas in the other creepy hallow book she was mentioned in she seemed like "the bad guy". Honestly, that's one of the things that Rachel Morgan does best - there's never a moment so cringy or awkward that it would make you feel uncomfortable or want to stop reading, it's always smooth sailing. <3
When I got the email that a new story was out, I completely fangirled! I was originally planning to get a good night's sleep, but that didn't quite work, seeing as I couldn't put it down. I've have read all of Rachel Morgan's books and they never fail to disappoint. I think she was even the first author I actually wrote a review for. About the books...Let me just say... THEY'RE ALL AMAZING. Swoon romances and plot twists and incredible adventure perfectly written. I haven't read books this good in a really long time. Rachel, please always keep writing (I can wait! Make them all awesome!!). I do think this one was a little rushed in the beginning, but it was still extremely well written and it's not meant to be an entire book. I really enjoyed it. I especially liked Scarlett's empowering attitude and how she doesn't take any bs. I also like how we get to understand her better, whereas in the other creepy hallow book she was mentioned in she seemed like "the bad guy". Honestly, that's one of the things that Rachel Morgan does best - there's never a moment so cringy or awkward that it would make you feel uncomfortable or want to stop reading, it's always smooth sailing. <3
May 8, 2016
This is a great, quick read and a wonderful addition to the series. I'll be honest and say I didn't remember Scarlet at first but even before I figured it out, I really enjoyed reading her back story. Once I realized who she was, it all fell into place for me and I'm glad we're getting to know more about this character. To me, small views into the past like this one add such richness to the overall series of books and make you realize that at times we judge characters without even realizing that we do not know their past. The line between good and evil is very think and better understanding someone's motives can certainly affect how you feel about the part they play. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series and I understand that Scarlet will play a roll. Now that I know more about her, I'm looking forward to seeing how she affects the upcoming stories. As always, Ms. Morgan's writing was wonderful and the secondary characters in the book intriguing. This is one of my favorite series and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews