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Disrupted Magic #3.5
Companion Pieces
Stories from the Old World and Beyond
From California to Colorado, the Old World is filled with complicated women, volatile creatures, and nulls with attitude. This unmissable collection includes the stories that run in between and alongside the Old World novels, allowing readers to catch up with favorite characters and find clues about the future of this bestselling series.
In the never-before-published "Boundary Blood," Allison "Lex" Luther has to accompany her injured aunt on a road trip across the country-but Katia has secrets that could prove lethal even to boundary witches. In the original short story "The Lost Girls," Corry Tanger-college freshman, null and sometimes assistant to Scarlett Bernard-has to contend with a new vampire who wants to push all the limits.
It's just another day for Las Vegas healing witch Sashi Brighton (protagonist of Bloodsick), until she gets an urgent call from Los Angeles, kicking off a chain of events that will turn her life upside down in the all-new story "Powerless." Finally, "Nativity" takes us into the delivery room with series lead Scarlett Bernard, who has to juggle her null abilities, new motherhood and a very powerful surprise visitor.
Featuring original bonus materials from Olson's other two series, plus fan favorites "Malediction" and "Sell-By Date," this must-have collection will cast a spell over every admirer of the Old World.
From California to Colorado, the Old World is filled with complicated women, volatile creatures, and nulls with attitude. This unmissable collection includes the stories that run in between and alongside the Old World novels, allowing readers to catch up with favorite characters and find clues about the future of this bestselling series.
In the never-before-published "Boundary Blood," Allison "Lex" Luther has to accompany her injured aunt on a road trip across the country-but Katia has secrets that could prove lethal even to boundary witches. In the original short story "The Lost Girls," Corry Tanger-college freshman, null and sometimes assistant to Scarlett Bernard-has to contend with a new vampire who wants to push all the limits.
It's just another day for Las Vegas healing witch Sashi Brighton (protagonist of Bloodsick), until she gets an urgent call from Los Angeles, kicking off a chain of events that will turn her life upside down in the all-new story "Powerless." Finally, "Nativity" takes us into the delivery room with series lead Scarlett Bernard, who has to juggle her null abilities, new motherhood and a very powerful surprise visitor.
Featuring original bonus materials from Olson's other two series, plus fan favorites "Malediction" and "Sell-By Date," this must-have collection will cast a spell over every admirer of the Old World.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
576 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Melissa F. Olson
42 books1,738 followersMelissa F. Olson is a writer and film professor. Her work includes the comic ARCHAIC, the feminist horror novel The Other Frankenstein, and more than 20 urban fantasy novels and novellas, including the Scarlett Bernard series and the Boundary Magic novels. Her journalism and academic work has been published in The International Journal of Comic Art, the compilation Images of the Modern Vampire, Tor.com, and the Everyone's Gone to the Movies series.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 24, 2019
These are all shorts that fit within Olson’s other series. I can’t imagine they’d make as much sense or be entertaining if you haven’t at least read the Boundary Magic series first. If you have read the series, these are just fun extra tidbits.
May 3, 2022
For Melissa Olson fans who are caught up in her Scarlett Bernard series and waiting for new material, “Companion Pieces” is an excellent book to shed light on areas of her stories you might be curious about. It is a compilation of about 7 stories and some
author’s commentary.
The novellas included in this collection are as follows:
1) Sell-by Date: How Molly and Scarlett meet.
2) Malediction: When Lex goes to L.A. to find out how her sister really died and she meets Scarlett for the first time.
3) Boundary Blood: Lex and her Aunt Katia’s trip to Colorado after they first meet.
4) The Lost Girls: How Corey attempts to watch over the four recently turned vampire girls from L.A. and their adjustment period.
5) Powerless: Sashi’s reunion will Will.
6) Nativity: The birth of Scarlett’s new baby.
7) The Long Good Morning: The first three chapters of the second book that Ms. Olson wrote awhile ago that didn’t quite find the right audience.
I truly enjoyed these little novella and was very satisfied in learning some of the back stories of many of the characters I’ve grown to love. I highly recommend this read!
author’s commentary.
The novellas included in this collection are as follows:
1) Sell-by Date: How Molly and Scarlett meet.
2) Malediction: When Lex goes to L.A. to find out how her sister really died and she meets Scarlett for the first time.
3) Boundary Blood: Lex and her Aunt Katia’s trip to Colorado after they first meet.
4) The Lost Girls: How Corey attempts to watch over the four recently turned vampire girls from L.A. and their adjustment period.
5) Powerless: Sashi’s reunion will Will.
6) Nativity: The birth of Scarlett’s new baby.
7) The Long Good Morning: The first three chapters of the second book that Ms. Olson wrote awhile ago that didn’t quite find the right audience.
I truly enjoyed these little novella and was very satisfied in learning some of the back stories of many of the characters I’ve grown to love. I highly recommend this read!
September 11, 2018
A couple of these stories were available before, but I was really happy to get the offscreen-in-the-last-book bit for Sashi and Will which renews a promise of a HEA that they were denied in Bloodsick. This collection also has the arrival of the new person in Scarlett 's life - that person is a spoiler if you haven't read the last two books.
A fun little addition to the 3 Old World Scarlett/Lex series, plus two deleted scenes for Olson's other series.
A fun little addition to the 3 Old World Scarlett/Lex series, plus two deleted scenes for Olson's other series.
September 17, 2019
Loved them, I have read all of her books and this was a joy to read from other points of view, getting a little more information and background to certain stories and just a great way to revisit all those books I read too quickly because they were so good.
Recommended if you have read and enjoyed her other stuff.
Recommended if you have read and enjoyed her other stuff.
September 17, 2018
This set of short stories was a really nice mesh of stories I may not have even known I wanted. I'm familiar with this Old World (and you should be, too, if you're reading this one), but this gave some "behind the scenes" looks at some stories that either we saw from another side or beyond where the story ended.
While I've already read "Malediction" and "Sell-By Date" but the rest were so... fun. Even a story that I really thought I wouldn't enjoy - Scarlett giving birth - was silly and fun enough that I completely enjoyed it. If you are looking for a unique blend of stories that helps round out the sets of series, this is definitely worth it. You even get some bonus material at the end, if you're interested in other works by the author.
While I've already read "Malediction" and "Sell-By Date" but the rest were so... fun. Even a story that I really thought I wouldn't enjoy - Scarlett giving birth - was silly and fun enough that I completely enjoyed it. If you are looking for a unique blend of stories that helps round out the sets of series, this is definitely worth it. You even get some bonus material at the end, if you're interested in other works by the author.
September 19, 2018
Love the paranormal stories told by Melissa Olson. This book is a compilation of several short stories about the Old World. It has bits of Scarlet Bernard; Lex Luther; Sashi; and more. I have read most of the original books by Melissa Olson and liked every one. If you like to get a taste of what an author writes about, then you will enjoy this collection of short stories. She even explains why there has not been a Book 2 in the Lena series. I loved Lena and would read more about her but apparently I am one of a few readers. But, I will enjoy staying in the paranormal world to enjoy the writing style of Ms. Olson. Now I’m off to catch up on the Nightshade Books 2 and 3. Her books feel like real life. Makes me wish vampires and werewolves were real.
November 29, 2018
I was so glad I found this book!! Those stories hinted in the novels were collected in this volume. For example, the story about how Lex finds out how Sam died when she goes and visits LA. But I got to say my favorite is the last one. This happens right after the last Scarlet book. It was really funny, heartwarming and awww worthy. Because of this book, I just reread the whole boundary witch series and now I really would like to read about Lex going around the world finding those responsible for kidnapping women to create more boundary witches.
I think this is a must for those who who follow the series but not for those who don't follow the series. It's not introductory book at all but something like a present of us readers who wanted to know the backstories.
I think this is a must for those who who follow the series but not for those who don't follow the series. It's not introductory book at all but something like a present of us readers who wanted to know the backstories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2018
What a wonderful collection
For those who have been enjoying Melissa’s many fantastic series and characters for years, this is such a wonderful collection to view additional scenes into the worlds of several beloved characters. I love the array of story lines and points of view included here to fill in the blanks between books or before we get the next Scarlett book, or to give further background on several characters, these stories are interesting, concise, & thoroughly enjoyable reads. I would highly recommend to any fans of her books looking to learn more the exciting world she has created.
For those who have been enjoying Melissa’s many fantastic series and characters for years, this is such a wonderful collection to view additional scenes into the worlds of several beloved characters. I love the array of story lines and points of view included here to fill in the blanks between books or before we get the next Scarlett book, or to give further background on several characters, these stories are interesting, concise, & thoroughly enjoyable reads. I would highly recommend to any fans of her books looking to learn more the exciting world she has created.
November 20, 2018
Just what I needed
I needed something that’s fun to read, broken up into short stories, and not too heavy. Most of all, I needed something not depressing. I’d just finished reading the most depressing novel I’ve ever read. This worked well for me. The stories varied in length, but none were too short or too long. Nothing was too heavy and not too light either. This is beginning to sound like part of Goldilocks. I always enjoy Ms. Olsen’s “Old World” stories. I enjoyed these. They stand alone, but also fill in details or provide a different perspective on some of the events in the novels.
I needed something that’s fun to read, broken up into short stories, and not too heavy. Most of all, I needed something not depressing. I’d just finished reading the most depressing novel I’ve ever read. This worked well for me. The stories varied in length, but none were too short or too long. Nothing was too heavy and not too light either. This is beginning to sound like part of Goldilocks. I always enjoy Ms. Olsen’s “Old World” stories. I enjoyed these. They stand alone, but also fill in details or provide a different perspective on some of the events in the novels.
January 7, 2020
Loved the series, but these stories really suffer from not being read alongside the relevant novels.
Each book in the old world series needs a reading order starting page for the whole series including these short stories. I'd have loved to read them in between the other old world novels. I read them last and in a row so I felt like I was skipping around a lot which I don't like. Each story was good and gripping though and it was good to fill in holes in the Old World narrative.
Each book in the old world series needs a reading order starting page for the whole series including these short stories. I'd have loved to read them in between the other old world novels. I read them last and in a row so I felt like I was skipping around a lot which I don't like. Each story was good and gripping though and it was good to fill in holes in the Old World narrative.
December 24, 2018
Companion Pieces is a collection of shorter fiction set in the authors Old World series.
It features 2x stories that have been available previously (Malediction and Sell-By Date) as well as several new stories.
Boundary Blood is a Lex and Katia story that follows the aftermath of events in LA. It is a road trip story of sorts.
The Lost Girls is a Corry story.
Powerless is a Sashi story that parallels the climactic scenes of the Will/Dashiel/Kirsten/Scarlett battle that has dramatic consequences for Will.
Nativity is the story of the birth of Scarletts baby immediately after the events of Shadow Hunt.
There's also a few bonus items inside this book. The deleted opening scene of Nightshades a separate UF book that is not connected to the Old World series. (They are published by Tor.com and are very good!)
... and the first 3 chapters of the second (unwritten) book that follows on from The Big Keep. (A "Hardboiled PI" novel)
This collection is definitely a special treat for fans of Melissa F. Olsen.
It features 2x stories that have been available previously (Malediction and Sell-By Date) as well as several new stories.
Boundary Blood is a Lex and Katia story that follows the aftermath of events in LA. It is a road trip story of sorts.
The Lost Girls is a Corry story.
Powerless is a Sashi story that parallels the climactic scenes of the Will/Dashiel/Kirsten/Scarlett battle that has dramatic consequences for Will.
Nativity is the story of the birth of Scarletts baby immediately after the events of Shadow Hunt.
There's also a few bonus items inside this book. The deleted opening scene of Nightshades a separate UF book that is not connected to the Old World series. (They are published by Tor.com and are very good!)
... and the first 3 chapters of the second (unwritten) book that follows on from The Big Keep. (A "Hardboiled PI" novel)
This collection is definitely a special treat for fans of Melissa F. Olsen.
November 29, 2018
This is a partial review & rated accordingly.
For my review/rating on Sell by Date, Malediction, & Boundary Blood please see original books in the series. I didn’t reread these stories nor did I buy this book for them.
Below are the review/ratings on 3 stories & 1 deleted scene.
The lost girl was a little funny & a lot insightful. 3 stars
Powerless was fantastic. This story was a special treat to those of us who liked Sashi & Will. They may finally get a HEA. 5 stars
Nativity was a great title for Starlet’s birth story. Hopefully we’ll learn & see more of Esperanza Jamie Cruz in the future. I bet she’ll be a handful as a baby. 5 stars
The deleted scene called Nightshade wasn’t great. It may have been more enjoyable to those who follow that series. I’m going to give it 1 star
The Long Good Morning was the three chapters of the 2nd book in a series that was discontinued. I hadn’t read book 1 & I DNF’d it. 1 star
Overall the book was worth the price of $.99 to me.
For my review/rating on Sell by Date, Malediction, & Boundary Blood please see original books in the series. I didn’t reread these stories nor did I buy this book for them.
Below are the review/ratings on 3 stories & 1 deleted scene.
The lost girl was a little funny & a lot insightful. 3 stars
Powerless was fantastic. This story was a special treat to those of us who liked Sashi & Will. They may finally get a HEA. 5 stars
Nativity was a great title for Starlet’s birth story. Hopefully we’ll learn & see more of Esperanza Jamie Cruz in the future. I bet she’ll be a handful as a baby. 5 stars
The deleted scene called Nightshade wasn’t great. It may have been more enjoyable to those who follow that series. I’m going to give it 1 star
The Long Good Morning was the three chapters of the 2nd book in a series that was discontinued. I hadn’t read book 1 & I DNF’d it. 1 star
Overall the book was worth the price of $.99 to me.
November 16, 2019
Satisfying read
These are compilation of short stories the each bring a feeling of satisfaction. Each one fills in a gap in one of the Old World series of books. Giving you an extra understanding , filling in details that you wanted to have, but might not have needed to know. Those of us that truly love these books of feel we definitely needed to know all the details!
The last story deals with a whole different story, set in the real world. Although I enjoy "The Big Keep" as a novel. I didn't feel this short added much to the overall thread of the book on its own. If it is potentially part of a sequel it's promising.
As usual I enjoy Ms. Olson's writing immensely!
These are compilation of short stories the each bring a feeling of satisfaction. Each one fills in a gap in one of the Old World series of books. Giving you an extra understanding , filling in details that you wanted to have, but might not have needed to know. Those of us that truly love these books of feel we definitely needed to know all the details!
The last story deals with a whole different story, set in the real world. Although I enjoy "The Big Keep" as a novel. I didn't feel this short added much to the overall thread of the book on its own. If it is potentially part of a sequel it's promising.
As usual I enjoy Ms. Olson's writing immensely!
September 17, 2024
Companion Pieces is a collection of additional stories that go along with the Old World Series. They expand on the adventures of Lex, Scarlett, and their friends from different character's points of views. I would recommend reading the stories as suggested on Melissa's website for them to make the most sense or at the end of both series to not spoil any plot points. I like learning more about the side characters, they are so interesting and deserve their own series but I'll settle for some glimpses deeper into their lives.
https://melissafolson.com/the-old-wor...
https://melissafolson.com/the-old-wor...
October 23, 2018
Companion Pieces by Melissa F. Olson a thrilling five-star read. This was a brilliant piece of writing, each story is bonus material a follow on from a story or another glimpse into a world we have seen but not fully understood, each story adds a more complex and real element to the other stories. Its nice to get back into old stories if you have already read them and if you haven’t it’s nice to get a taster of the brilliant writing and see what’s to come.
May 12, 2019
I LOVED IT BUT......
I loved every page of this, great background for her series. BUT.... HOW COULD SHE DO THAT. Left us hanging on the very last page! What the heck happened to the girl in the coma? I demand justice, this book must get finished. But seriously if you've been reading the boundary witch series it very nicely fills in the blanks of happenings. I usually don't enjoy prequels... But this was different. Read it non stop start to finish.
I loved every page of this, great background for her series. BUT.... HOW COULD SHE DO THAT. Left us hanging on the very last page! What the heck happened to the girl in the coma? I demand justice, this book must get finished. But seriously if you've been reading the boundary witch series it very nicely fills in the blanks of happenings. I usually don't enjoy prequels... But this was different. Read it non stop start to finish.
February 28, 2020
Not stand-alone stories, IMHO.
I especially enjoyed the Audible version voice-acted by narrators, Amy McFadden and Kate Rudd. Brava, Amy & Kate! 5 stars for the narrators.
Nice collection of short stories that are great additions to Scarlett Bernard’s ever-growing Old World Universe. Caveat: you’ll enjoy these stories if you’ve read several Scarlett books, not to mention a few Boundry Magic books. If you’re new to either series, you may want to start elsewhere.
I especially enjoyed the Audible version voice-acted by narrators, Amy McFadden and Kate Rudd. Brava, Amy & Kate! 5 stars for the narrators.
Nice collection of short stories that are great additions to Scarlett Bernard’s ever-growing Old World Universe. Caveat: you’ll enjoy these stories if you’ve read several Scarlett books, not to mention a few Boundry Magic books. If you’re new to either series, you may want to start elsewhere.
September 15, 2021
4.5 stars
I don't always enjoy short story anthologies of series' because I can't always remember the various details from the earlier books. But I was able to jump right back into the story with these pieces. They were all terrific, especially because Amy McFadden and Kate Rudd narrated their respective characters.
The last piece was bittersweet. I really enjoyed the first Lena Dane book (and this glimpse into the next installment) and am sad the 2nd one probably won't be published.
I don't always enjoy short story anthologies of series' because I can't always remember the various details from the earlier books. But I was able to jump right back into the story with these pieces. They were all terrific, especially because Amy McFadden and Kate Rudd narrated their respective characters.
The last piece was bittersweet. I really enjoyed the first Lena Dane book (and this glimpse into the next installment) and am sad the 2nd one probably won't be published.
January 17, 2022
for fans of Scarlett books
A good collection of short stories that are great additions to Scarlett Bernard’s ever-growing Old World Universe. I enjoyed these stories because I read the series. If I had not read the Scarlett books, not to mention a few Boundry Magic books, I would not have enjoyed this book so much. It is a good book, just recommend you read the other books first. Narration was excellent. Enjoy
A good collection of short stories that are great additions to Scarlett Bernard’s ever-growing Old World Universe. I enjoyed these stories because I read the series. If I had not read the Scarlett books, not to mention a few Boundry Magic books, I would not have enjoyed this book so much. It is a good book, just recommend you read the other books first. Narration was excellent. Enjoy
April 25, 2022
Fills in the gaps nicely
***Spoilers if you haven't read the other Old World books***I really enjoyed this. I read the Old World books back in 2019 and went back thru them just now and this collection of stories answered questions I didn't even know I needed answers to. What happened after Lex left LA with he aunt? What happened after Scarlett's water broke? I love this universe so much! I wouldn't mind seeing Scarlett's baby and Charlie all grown up in the future.
***Spoilers if you haven't read the other Old World books***I really enjoyed this. I read the Old World books back in 2019 and went back thru them just now and this collection of stories answered questions I didn't even know I needed answers to. What happened after Lex left LA with he aunt? What happened after Scarlett's water broke? I love this universe so much! I wouldn't mind seeing Scarlett's baby and Charlie all grown up in the future.
October 4, 2018
If you're thinking oh it's just short stories, I don't need this book you're wrong.
You totally need this book, it's really good. I just sat in my car for 45 minutes because I didn't want to do anything until I finished.
Thank you for these stories, I loved getting to know everyone just a little bit more.
I'm so anxiously awaiting for more of the Old World.
You totally need this book, it's really good. I just sat in my car for 45 minutes because I didn't want to do anything until I finished.
Thank you for these stories, I loved getting to know everyone just a little bit more.
I'm so anxiously awaiting for more of the Old World.
October 7, 2018
I love this world and both of these series that she's created. Both main characters are so different, but still so very intriguing and interesting to read about.
Glad to get to read a new story or two and have the rest all together in one place so I could binge read them. I'm half-tempted to re-read both series again.
Glad to get to read a new story or two and have the rest all together in one place so I could binge read them. I'm half-tempted to re-read both series again.
February 16, 2019
Filling in the gaps
Thank you Melissa for these chapters that fill in the gaps on what happened next to my favorite characters. I was happy to hear what happened to Will. Good to know about Scarlett and Jesse. I don’t want to give things away but having read all of your books, this was a great epilogue.
Thank you Melissa for these chapters that fill in the gaps on what happened next to my favorite characters. I was happy to hear what happened to Will. Good to know about Scarlett and Jesse. I don’t want to give things away but having read all of your books, this was a great epilogue.
February 2, 2020
Loved this so much
I love the entire series and this compilation of stories really helps tie everything together. I also LOVE Sashi so much and was glad to be in her head again. I also loved getting an in depth explanation of events only briefly mentioned in other books. Great work.
I love the entire series and this compilation of stories really helps tie everything together. I also LOVE Sashi so much and was glad to be in her head again. I also loved getting an in depth explanation of events only briefly mentioned in other books. Great work.
November 24, 2021
I'm not usually a BIG fan of short stories, and it took about 30% of this book to get into it. I love this world that she has built within three different and connected series.
I'm really glad that I read this. In fact, the next time that I read this series again (and I will), I want to intersperse these stories where they actually belong.
These characters are so fun to be with.
I'm really glad that I read this. In fact, the next time that I read this series again (and I will), I want to intersperse these stories where they actually belong.
These characters are so fun to be with.
November 24, 2021
A short story collection with POV from our usual suspects plus some favorite other characters, like Sashi the healing witch and Corry the college student/junior null. PLUS, Scarlett has her baby, which is kind of a major event to stick in a short story collection that lives outside the main series chronology.
September 16, 2018
Love, love, love this author!
Witches, Vampires, Werewolves and Specialists are how I categorize the non human characters in these stories and they are all so fun to read!! These stories tie together and wrap up a lot of if's and's and but's from the books. Loved them!
Witches, Vampires, Werewolves and Specialists are how I categorize the non human characters in these stories and they are all so fun to read!! These stories tie together and wrap up a lot of if's and's and but's from the books. Loved them!
September 18, 2018
Always Excellent
This was a great read filling in the details on some of Melissa’s great stories. It makes me want more stories about Lex and Scarlet- soon please. And, I hope that someday I can read more about Lena- one of my favorite characters.
This was a great read filling in the details on some of Melissa’s great stories. It makes me want more stories about Lex and Scarlet- soon please. And, I hope that someday I can read more about Lena- one of my favorite characters.
September 22, 2018
A great addition to the Old World books. With new stories featuring Lex, Scarlett, Corry and Sashi, and the characters over lapping at many points. I really enjoyed all of these, especially the much awaited new arrival in Scarlett's World. Now I'm totally ready for the next full length.
October 8, 2018
Nice fill in pieces
Melissa provides some pre and post story stories that I thoroughly enjoyed reading…and had to read once I started one of the stories. While not a must read, it does fill in some blanks and puts the “flesh” on some of the storylines. Great reading.
Melissa provides some pre and post story stories that I thoroughly enjoyed reading…and had to read once I started one of the stories. While not a must read, it does fill in some blanks and puts the “flesh” on some of the storylines. Great reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews