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Jack Raines Thriller
Trouble's Child
Wandering through the snowy woods in the mountains, Angela Constantine stumbles upon a wolf feeding on the body of a murdered young woman. And that discovery is only the start of her problems. Throw a blind evangelist and his mute sister into the mix, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Terry Goodkind has concocted another irresistible cocktail of suspense, a tale where the difference between life and death dances on the edge of a razor-sharp blade. Trouble's Child , a brand-new novella set in the world of the highly anticipated upcoming novel The Girl in the Moon , is the perfect introduction to Angela Constantine, Goodkind's most memorable creation beautiful, mysterious, and deadly.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
152 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
About the author
Terry Goodkind
279 books12.3k followersTerry Lee Goodkind was an American writer. He was known for the epic fantasy series The Sword of Truth as well as the contemporary suspense novel The Law of Nines (2009), which has ties to his fantasy series. The Sword of Truth series sold 25 million copies worldwide and was translated into more than 20 languages. Additionally, it was adapted into a television series called Legend of the Seeker, which premiered on November 1, 2008, and ran for two seasons, ending in May 2010.
Goodkind was a proponent of Ayn Rand's philosophical approach of Objectivism, and made references to Rand's ideas and novels in his works.
Goodkind was a proponent of Ayn Rand's philosophical approach of Objectivism, and made references to Rand's ideas and novels in his works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 28, 2018
Great story! A brisk, short read packed with action and an introduction to the thrilling and deadly, Angela Constantine. I liked that she's a wounded soul, tired of the evil of the world, and she's fighting back. I also liked the length of the novella. Perfectly bite-sized and a fun read. Stellar work, Terry. Thanks for the great story. More please!
March 1, 2018
Exceptional Novella! Mr. Goodkind never fails to deliver and always leaves you begging for more! It was a perfect way to hold fans over until the release of The Girl in the Moon! Angela Constantine is intriguing. The storyline is page-turning, action-packed, and compelling. I love this side of Terry Goodkind’s writing prowess! Must read!
November 16, 2019
warns you to expect sharp force trauma throughout the main book
February 28, 2018
This GREAT AUTHOR DOES IT AGAIN! Great story
This was a short story, but very easy to be drawn into the plot; before you know it, you can't put it down.
The main character is self described as different. She is.
I really enjoyed the little plot twists when they occurred.
Mr. Goodkind has it going on no matter what genre he chooses to write about. He attacks with a passion from beginning to end.
This was a short story, but very easy to be drawn into the plot; before you know it, you can't put it down.
The main character is self described as different. She is.
I really enjoyed the little plot twists when they occurred.
Mr. Goodkind has it going on no matter what genre he chooses to write about. He attacks with a passion from beginning to end.
November 10, 2018
A short novella that's a teaser for the authors latest full length novel 'The Girl in the Moon'.
This kind of follows the same theme as 'Nest' and personally i'm not sold on the whole idea of some people being able to identify a killer by looking into their eyes. The plot was also very predictable so I was not that impressed with this novella.
This kind of follows the same theme as 'Nest' and personally i'm not sold on the whole idea of some people being able to identify a killer by looking into their eyes. The plot was also very predictable so I was not that impressed with this novella.
February 11, 2025
4 Stars
Trouble's Child by Terry Goodkind is a fantastic thriller that kept me engrossed in the story the whole way through.
One of my favourite authors, so many great memories exploring his books over the years.
Well worth the read!
Trouble's Child by Terry Goodkind is a fantastic thriller that kept me engrossed in the story the whole way through.
One of my favourite authors, so many great memories exploring his books over the years.
Well worth the read!
February 28, 2018
I must admit I am surprised how much I enjoyed this novella. Turns out Goodkind just needed time and an opportunity to step away from the Sword of Truth universe and just really recharge his creative batteries in a different genre. while not perfect, he does craft and interesting character and he has succeeded in that I will now read the full book next month.
May 11, 2023
This was a nonstop ride from beginning to end!!! Angela never stops fighting from birth to the time this crazy preacher tries to eradicate her from the earth. Her indomitable spirit saved her over and over. That wolf though ❤️❤️❤️❤️👀
February 28, 2018
It was great to read.
Terry has a way of drawing you into the book and leaving you wondering what is getting to happen next. The book was nothing that I had expected to read, but it well worth it.
Terry has a way of drawing you into the book and leaving you wondering what is getting to happen next. The book was nothing that I had expected to read, but it well worth it.
December 23, 2020
A short story of a woman who must struggle to survive serial killers.
March 14, 2025
4.75 stars, I honestly just wish it was longer
March 3, 2018
Trouble's Child is absolutely gripping. Terry introduces us to his new character Angela Constantine and she is yet another strong female character. This Novella is intense and I just couldn't put it down! Definitely recommend this book!
March 1, 2018
Great read!
Angela is a wonderfully complex character. I connected with her right away. I have read Nest. So I had a bit of a clue as to what would happen, but it was still a surprise. For such a short story, it took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I highly recommend it.
Angela is a wonderfully complex character. I connected with her right away. I have read Nest. So I had a bit of a clue as to what would happen, but it was still a surprise. For such a short story, it took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I highly recommend it.
September 5, 2018
I have read many Terry Goodkind books. They are usually rich with well thought out characters and plot twists. I don't read his books for the prose but more for the stories. This seemed like a first draft of an idea. I knew everything that was going to happen after the first few pages. This was a lazy effort.
January 30, 2020
I'm a huge fan of the original Sword of Truth series, but like much of his more recent work this is something of a mess of over-explanation and repetition. Even as a novella, this is a very padded piece of writing in desperate need of good editing.
July 15, 2018
Not anything new
Seems like a story that
I read before. Not what I come to expect from Terry Goodkind it was disappointing
Seems like a story that
I read before. Not what I come to expect from Terry Goodkind it was disappointing
May 31, 2019
Great mystery, can't wait to read more about Angela Constantine!
November 10, 2024
This is a great story! It's a brisk, short read that's packed with action. The introduction is thrilling and deadly at the same time. We are one again with Angel Constantine. She is a wounded soul who is tired of the evil world around her, and she is fighting back. I do love novella's they are bit sized, fun reads, palette cleansers. This is actually a great story and a good read. I wish we could have had more like this. For this story and this novella, thank you, Terry.
In this one, all Angela wanted to do was just take a hike through the woods. It was her day off.
Rather, she finds a dead body and a wolf dog. So, of course, she does the right thing and calls the sheriff. And to no surprise, she has to deal with all the prejudices that are related to her living arrangements as a child. Sadly, the sheriff tries and only manages to shoot at the wolf-dog. Angela somehow manages to find the wolf-dog later on and even somehow manages to get it treatment. However, before she can manage that, she does end up meeting a blind preacher and his mute sister who just happened to be on the road, leaving the dead woman.
It takes the vet a few days to get the wolf-dog back up and on it's feet and while the vet is taking care of the wolf-dog Angela see's the brother and sister again at her bar, but they leave before she is done for the night. When Angela leaves for the night, she sees the duo return. She tries to prevent the Reverend from giving his speech, telling him she isn't interested in hearing it, but is surprised when she learns that that's not what they are there for.
She can't believe that she didn't realize that they are actually serial killers. Dear sister, I left the bag of tools, so Rev. leaves his sister and Angela in the woods so his sister can torture Angela on her own. Now, here is where Angela's rage takes over her pain. She kicks the sister. The sister lands on a spiked upstanding limb, and it impales her. Even though Angela is naked and it's winter and yes, she is drugged, she manages to make it to the road where she finds the crushed phone belonging to the Rev. Even though the #9 was out, she still managed to call the sheriff and forced him to listen to her.
While Angela is waiting for the sheriff, the Rev. returns. It is while he is attacking Angela that the wolf-dog arrives and starts to help her. Angela manages to pick up a knife that the Rev. dropped and saves herself by stabbing him.....
How does it end? What is with the sheriff? Well, you need to read this novella to learn the rest. I don't want to spoil this entire novella for you. It is worth reading, though. It is a nice quick read, and that is the nice part of it.
In this one, all Angela wanted to do was just take a hike through the woods. It was her day off.
Rather, she finds a dead body and a wolf dog. So, of course, she does the right thing and calls the sheriff. And to no surprise, she has to deal with all the prejudices that are related to her living arrangements as a child. Sadly, the sheriff tries and only manages to shoot at the wolf-dog. Angela somehow manages to find the wolf-dog later on and even somehow manages to get it treatment. However, before she can manage that, she does end up meeting a blind preacher and his mute sister who just happened to be on the road, leaving the dead woman.
It takes the vet a few days to get the wolf-dog back up and on it's feet and while the vet is taking care of the wolf-dog Angela see's the brother and sister again at her bar, but they leave before she is done for the night. When Angela leaves for the night, she sees the duo return. She tries to prevent the Reverend from giving his speech, telling him she isn't interested in hearing it, but is surprised when she learns that that's not what they are there for.
She can't believe that she didn't realize that they are actually serial killers. Dear sister, I left the bag of tools, so Rev. leaves his sister and Angela in the woods so his sister can torture Angela on her own. Now, here is where Angela's rage takes over her pain. She kicks the sister. The sister lands on a spiked upstanding limb, and it impales her. Even though Angela is naked and it's winter and yes, she is drugged, she manages to make it to the road where she finds the crushed phone belonging to the Rev. Even though the #9 was out, she still managed to call the sheriff and forced him to listen to her.
While Angela is waiting for the sheriff, the Rev. returns. It is while he is attacking Angela that the wolf-dog arrives and starts to help her. Angela manages to pick up a knife that the Rev. dropped and saves herself by stabbing him.....
How does it end? What is with the sheriff? Well, you need to read this novella to learn the rest. I don't want to spoil this entire novella for you. It is worth reading, though. It is a nice quick read, and that is the nice part of it.
April 2, 2025
As uncreative and patronising as it could be. Ironically enough, this book is preachy and bigoted with not a single clue how religious people act. They’re some random caricature of the polar opposite of true reality. Rather than writing a well-developed villain, writing prejudiced archetypes of 2 billion people which aren’t even correct apart from the villains labelled as such is just sad, and dare I say detached from the wide world. There’s zero resemblance to any religion in this book no matter how many times the label is thrown around. You’d have to be not atheist, but anti-theist to believe such severe polar contradictions. If the archetypes really were true, this book wouldn’t have been allowed to be published in the open world. He’s lucky that these are easy punching bags that almost never fight back, and I wonder how little countries outside of the atheist ones actually cared to read this book. It most certainly would get an author jailed if it had any other religion being labelled in it. It’s written way too melodramatic, which isn’t surprising considering the polar contradictions. It’s not a book that’s for everyone, not even for atheists because the characters are just strawmen for the moral of the story. Perhaps it’s only a book for anti-theists and people who have a thing for reading violence.
The characters are too black and white for me to care. It doesn’t help that the MC is contradictory about hating the wolf being harmed but also saying that she’d kill the wolf, too. Did the writer totally forget about the corpse in the snow at the start? Of course if someone needs to privatise the crime scene, a wolf can’t be there adding more damage to the corpse and disturbing the scene. I just find it funny how protecting the crime scene is seen as bad to the MC, when the MC in her own mind also admits she’d do that if she had to save someone; I guess saving a crime scene’s evidence doesn’t count to her because “wolf cute”. Of course, she’s also written to not have any financial hardship so she can pick the easy “look at me I’m so good” way out. Maybe this book was one whole load of emotional manipulation.
The characters are too black and white for me to care. It doesn’t help that the MC is contradictory about hating the wolf being harmed but also saying that she’d kill the wolf, too. Did the writer totally forget about the corpse in the snow at the start? Of course if someone needs to privatise the crime scene, a wolf can’t be there adding more damage to the corpse and disturbing the scene. I just find it funny how protecting the crime scene is seen as bad to the MC, when the MC in her own mind also admits she’d do that if she had to save someone; I guess saving a crime scene’s evidence doesn’t count to her because “wolf cute”. Of course, she’s also written to not have any financial hardship so she can pick the easy “look at me I’m so good” way out. Maybe this book was one whole load of emotional manipulation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2019
Angela Constantine just wanted to take a hike through the woods on her day off.
Instead, she runs into a dead body and a wolf-dog. She calls the sheriff - and has to deal with prejudices related to her prior living arrangements as a child. The sheriff shoots at the wolf-dog and Angela later finds the dog and eventually gets it to treatment. Not, however, before she meets a blind itinerant preacher and his mute sister, on the road leaving the dead woman.
It takes a few days for the wolf-dog to be back on his feet and ready to be released. Angela also sees the religious duo at the bar, but they leave before closing time. Angela leaves her work at the bar, and sees the duo pull up. In order to prevent the Rev. from giving his spiel trying to save her soul, she tries telling them that she is uninterested, but that's not what they're there for.
Instead, she runs into a dead body and a wolf-dog. She calls the sheriff - and has to deal with prejudices related to her prior living arrangements as a child. The sheriff shoots at the wolf-dog and Angela later finds the dog and eventually gets it to treatment. Not, however, before she meets a blind itinerant preacher and his mute sister, on the road leaving the dead woman.
It takes a few days for the wolf-dog to be back on his feet and ready to be released. Angela also sees the religious duo at the bar, but they leave before closing time. Angela leaves her work at the bar, and sees the duo pull up. In order to prevent the Rev. from giving his spiel trying to save her soul, she tries telling them that she is uninterested, but that's not what they're there for.
June 17, 2019
I've always been a fan of Terry Goodkind because of his Sword of Truth books. Even though I think there were too many Sword of Truth books in the series, I was pretty sad/empty when it had ended. I started the Nicci Chronicles, and it isn't the same. They are still great books, but not as good as the Sword of Truth books yet.
I started reading this book because it is a prequel to "The Girl in the Moon." However, once I read this book, I realized that you probably should read "Nest" before reading "The Girl in the Moon." This short novella and prequel talks about Angela Constantine who is the protagonist in "The Girl in the Moon," and she has the uncanny ability to see what killers have done when they murder people. The killer's memory and experience becomes her memory. It's an interesting concept and a good storyline and plotline for any person who likes to read true crime type books.
"Nest" appears to be the original book that Terry Goodkind wrote that has different characters unrelated to Angela Constantine, but with the same abilities. This ability to "see" killers just by looking them in the eye appears to exist among a few people in the country. So, "Nest" is in the same universe, but with different people. I'm going back and reading "Nest" now before reading "The Girl in the Moon."
"Trouble's Child" is very short. It is only a few chapters and a tiny, sliver of a book. It is about 68 pages and I read it in two days as a quick read. You could probably finish it in one sitting or in a few hours. It has all the standard Terry Goodkind writings. So, if you are a fan of this author, you'll probably like this novella/prequel. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I've picked them all up.
I started reading this book because it is a prequel to "The Girl in the Moon." However, once I read this book, I realized that you probably should read "Nest" before reading "The Girl in the Moon." This short novella and prequel talks about Angela Constantine who is the protagonist in "The Girl in the Moon," and she has the uncanny ability to see what killers have done when they murder people. The killer's memory and experience becomes her memory. It's an interesting concept and a good storyline and plotline for any person who likes to read true crime type books.
"Nest" appears to be the original book that Terry Goodkind wrote that has different characters unrelated to Angela Constantine, but with the same abilities. This ability to "see" killers just by looking them in the eye appears to exist among a few people in the country. So, "Nest" is in the same universe, but with different people. I'm going back and reading "Nest" now before reading "The Girl in the Moon."
"Trouble's Child" is very short. It is only a few chapters and a tiny, sliver of a book. It is about 68 pages and I read it in two days as a quick read. You could probably finish it in one sitting or in a few hours. It has all the standard Terry Goodkind writings. So, if you are a fan of this author, you'll probably like this novella/prequel. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I've picked them all up.
May 26, 2024
Troubled Child is a novella in the Angela Constantine series, (likely the first one in chronilogical order), and it explains how Angela got the wolf that hangs out at her place. (unfortunately, I read the last one in this series first, so I see what happens to the wolf's mate before knowing anything about the wolf), so I don't suggest reading these out of order, it makes for some confusing timelines.
Good story though, so I can't complain.
Good story though, so I can't complain.
February 4, 2025
The first non 'Sword of Truth' world story by Goodkind that I've read. It's a short story that fits into the Jack Raine series. Angela Constantine gets more than she bargains for when out she finds the body of a murdered women when out hiking. She finds that wolf is feeding on the body and when the police arrive the deputy shoots the wolf and it runs off. Later Angela finds the still alive wolf and takes it the to vet and saves it's live before releasing it back in to the wild. She then comes into contact with a blind preacher and his mute sister and things rapidly go from bad to worse.
Not bad as a short story, interested to how Goodkind makes out with a full length non fantasy novel.
Not bad as a short story, interested to how Goodkind makes out with a full length non fantasy novel.
April 30, 2018
Good Set Up for new novel
This book introduces Angela Constatine, and how she stumbles onto a murder scene of dead woman. Goodkind is known for his epic fantasy, but this novella is set in present time and is well written. As a reader I immediately wanted to know more about Angela. Goodkind always is a great author for setting scenes and giving his readers a completed world. You can even feel the snow fall as Angela hikes through the woods. I will definitely be reading Angela’s full novel.
This book introduces Angela Constatine, and how she stumbles onto a murder scene of dead woman. Goodkind is known for his epic fantasy, but this novella is set in present time and is well written. As a reader I immediately wanted to know more about Angela. Goodkind always is a great author for setting scenes and giving his readers a completed world. You can even feel the snow fall as Angela hikes through the woods. I will definitely be reading Angela’s full novel.
March 8, 2018
What an introduction!
This was a great way to introduce us to a new character before we get to read The Girl in the Moon. Angela is a fighter, tough yet empathetic, damaged but resilient, and with no end of secrets for us to discover. Terry gives us just enough to make us want to know more, and teases us with just the right amount of detail to make us desperate to read the next book!
This was a great way to introduce us to a new character before we get to read The Girl in the Moon. Angela is a fighter, tough yet empathetic, damaged but resilient, and with no end of secrets for us to discover. Terry gives us just enough to make us want to know more, and teases us with just the right amount of detail to make us desperate to read the next book!
June 2, 2018
What an excellent book. This short novella is a great introduction to Terry Goodkind’s new series. It is set just before The Girl in the Moon. The central character Angela is a fighter, she's tough, yet empathetic, she's damaged but resilient. Terry gives us just enough secrets to make us want to know more and teases us with just the right amount of detail and tension. Brilliant and enjoyable read.
October 17, 2018
Great short story
Always have loved to read Terry Goodkinds novels. My favorite author since I first picked up Wizards First Rule. Trouble's Child did not disappoint. I was wanting to read more. Keep them coming Terry! Oh my sister is hooked also. The reverend was a good twist, and the wolf had me curious.
Always have loved to read Terry Goodkinds novels. My favorite author since I first picked up Wizards First Rule. Trouble's Child did not disappoint. I was wanting to read more. Keep them coming Terry! Oh my sister is hooked also. The reverend was a good twist, and the wolf had me curious.
January 26, 2019
Great short story
If you’ve read the novel(s) about Angela Constantine, you know already that she can see if a person has killed by looking in the eyes. This story stands alone, but things are a little clearer if you have already been introduced to her. Starts fast and doesn’t let up. Great ending.
If you’ve read the novel(s) about Angela Constantine, you know already that she can see if a person has killed by looking in the eyes. This story stands alone, but things are a little clearer if you have already been introduced to her. Starts fast and doesn’t let up. Great ending.
June 10, 2019
Ever since I read the girl in the moon. I loved Angela Constatine. I gave that book ,5 stars. I hardly ever give a book that many. This story might not be as good as girl, but still a great story. Quite a departure from Stone of tears. For those who haven't read girl or troubles child. I highly recommend it.
January 5, 2020
Finally finished this short story. I bought on my sons kindle account so I haven’t been able to borrow it until now. I just love reading about Angela and this story about the wolf is a great. Angela is my heroine and may even surpass Kahlan. If you are not sure about reading The Girl in the Moon read this and find out. Much better than crazy Wanda.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews