Someday My Count Will Come

I Bring the Fire

by C. Gockel

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Short Stories, Paranormal, Amazon, Vampires

85 pages, ebook

First published January 4, 2019

About the author

C. Gockel got her start writing fanfiction, and she is not ashamed! Much. She received emails, messages and reviews from her fans telling her she should 'do this professionally'. She didn't; because she is a coward and life as a digital designer, copywriter and coder is more dependable. But in the end, her husband's nagging wore her down: "You could be the next '50 Shades of Gray' and I could retire!" Unfortunately, the author isn't much for writing smut. She is sad about this; she'd love for her husband to be able to retire and just work for her so she could nag him.

At the moment, Ms. Gockel is working on the next installment of her Archangel Project series.

Ms. Gockel loves to hear from readers. She can be reached by email at: cgockel.publishing at gmail.com

Her Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/CGockelWrites

Reviews

[V.P. Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misleading title, cover and blurb - But still a well written story.

I hadn't read anything in this series except for this novella. I usually hate that when I realize that I am in the middle of a storyline, but surprisingly enough I really wasn't that lost. Sure, there were some plot holes that I am sure are covered in other books, but they weren't irritating for the most part. What I didn't like was that the protagonist ended up being a lesbian, but we didn't find out until the end of the book. Mostly, I was irritated because it was unexpected and I had thought that this book was a M/F sci-fi/paranormal/fantasy romance. Because of the FL sexual preference, there was no romance or sex between the main characters. There wasn't any sex or romance, AT ALL. That doesn't mean that the book was bad, it wasn't. Actually I liked it a lot, even though it was in the middle of a Other-worldly storyline. The title, the cover, the marketing blurb all indicate 'romance', it wasn't a romance, and though I liked it I am not sure how I would classify it. Sci-fi, paranormal, action, maybe? A warning from the author is in order for readers to know what kind of book they are about to read. I would still have read it, but more importantly the book would have met my expectations, without that warning it didn't. I was expecting romance, probably Instalove due to the length and at least a sex scene of some sort. That didn't happen, and if I didn't like the plot and writing as much as I do, I would have given it only two stars - not meeting reader expectations put forth by the title, cover, and blurb is a huge issue with me. It would be the same thing if I picked up a book that from all indicators was a clean regency romance and it turned out to be a steam punk erotica piece. Which would be okay for me, (meaning I would still continue to read it UNLESS the storyline was atrocious) but to many readers this type of bait and switch wouldn't be okay at all.

[Stan Hutchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only objection is that it was too short. I'd like to read more about Count Dare, Penny and Angharad. But the skillful writing, great characters and enjoyable interactions, wonderful world-building reminded me again of why C. Gockel is one of my favorite authors.
Count Dare and his ward, Enit are Night Elves. His niece Angharad warns of the imminent arrival of Loki, who has an order from Odin to put an end to a vampire /Night Elf terrorizing Midgard (earth). With the help of Penny, a human, his many elven powers, and the overconfidence of the evil Dark elves, he succeeds in ending the threat to humans (for now).

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this short story, Penny is looking for her missing sister and encounters Count Dare, an ancient vampire (or Night Elf, as he refers to his people), who has been sent by Odin to take care of vampires in Orlando. They begin helping each other after running afoul of the group of vampires that have set up shop in town, preying on human beings. This was an interesting take on vampires, which involved Viking mythology and magic.

[Eva Kenieva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turning story that subverts all the cliches I expected it to follow! I highly recommend this.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/22/2020)! 🎁

[Kanwarpal Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dare is an ancient Night Elf keeping secrets from his own kind and seeking a Night Elf that has gone renegade. Penny is only twenty-four, seeking her lost sister, and hiding a secret as well.
What I didn't like was that the protagonist ended up being a lesbian, but we didn't find out until the end of the book. Because it was unexpected and I had thought that this book was a sci-fi/paranormal/fantasy romance. Because of the sexual preference, there was no romance or sex between the main characters. Count Dare and his ward, Enit are Night Elves. His niece Angharad warns of the imminent arrival of Loki, who has an order from Odin to put an end to a vampire /Night Elf terrorizing Midgard (earth). With the help of Penny, a human, his many elven powers, and the overconfidence of the evil Dark elves, he succeeds in ending the threat to humans.

The title, the cover, the marketing blurb all indicate 'romance', it wasn't a romance. I was expecting romance, probably Instalove due to the length of the book but that didn't happen. My only objection is that it was too short. I'd like to read more about Count Dare, Penny and Angharad. But the skillful writing, great characters and enjoyable interactions, wonderful world-building

[Suzee Haney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this light-hearted tale of a not so binding a romance. Different people want different things and this was the best by far non-romantic romance. A young woman is looking for her wayward sister and finds her courage and her new friend’s courage. It’s not always what you think it is. Fall into this book and laugh and cheer them on!

[Queen Talk Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget Princes, all the girls are hot for Count Dare.

At times scary, sad, and proud this story delivers. Penny is looking for her sister and finds out monsters are real. I liked it. It can be read as a standalone.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining take on vampires where they are Dark Elves. The hero and heroine are likable and complicated characters, and the ending is satisfying. This is in the I Bring the Fire universe, but you don’t have to have read the other books in the series for this to make sense.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It's different from what I am used to reading but it was a good story .

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

entertaining

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story which flowed very nicely. Dare is very interesting and I like that he comes off as a weak Elf and can hide that so well. The meeting with Loki was interesting, love the fact that there is a tie in to "I Bring The Fire" series. Of course, if one had not read that series, they probably wouldn't even give that a thought.

It is interesting that Dare has such a human quality about him even though he is a Dark Elf. Penny is awesome and she really adds a lot to the story. She is so strong and yet her strength is overlooked. I really enjoy the character of Dare, he is complex and makes stories about him so much more than just a vampire story.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the I bring the Fire books but it isn't really necessary for understanding this story.
Although, I have also read the “Magic after midnight” short story which features Dare and I was wondering how the two stories fit together – until it became clear in the end.

Penny is not afraid and Dare has some nice tricks up his sleeve. Paired with humor and you have a really funny and nice story.

[Aizlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series that I have read and, just like the last, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love Dare's character. He's so unassuming and has the best attitude and intentions. He wants to maintain his people but is not afraid to adopt new ways to do it. Penny is a very selfless character in a somewhat selfish way. She gives to and protects the count with very little thought to herself but does so for her own motives. Overall, a really fantastic short read.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy listening 🔰

A very will written fantasy Sci-Fi relationship between a human and a vampire count. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is set in Orlando, Florida. The count has been sent to recover the vampires living there. I would recommend this fantasy novella to anyone looking for a quick cute read. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening 🔰2021 😉😉

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really a nice, sweet novel. I really enjoyed this read. The Night Elves have a more prominent role; We learn more about Dare who had a prominent role in the last novel. I really suggest that you read the entire Fire Bringer Series, or you will lose so much of the background. That said I enjoyed this so very much. I hope the author will thing about taking the Night Elves into a new series of their own. I received this novel from BookFunnel. This is my true and honest review.

[Frances Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

Night Elves by any other name

Count Dare is a Night Elf (don’t call him a Vampire) who has been commanded by Odin to find another Night Elf who is illegally on Earth. The problem is a bit larger than he was led to believe and he finds that he needs the help of a human girl.
It’s a nice short story but I’m not really into the Vampire craze.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story about Dare a Night Elf who starts out his task for Odin with Loki. Fortunately for Dare he looses Loki before he gets to earth. His task is to find a renegade Night Elf who is killing humans. He is successful in finding said elf but unfortunately is captured in the process.
Interesting story. I enjoyed reading it.

[Dasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading C. Gockel books and have read several. This one involves vampires, sorry "Night Elves", coming at the request of Odin to eliminate rogue night elves in America. Penny is also trying to find out what happened to her sister and enlists the Count to help. There is quite a bit of blood exchanged and some magic. A very good story.

[Lorellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Crosses and Holy Water don't hurt me," he says. Neither would Jesus, but that could lead to an awkward discussion of his age, and he doesn't like being a name dropper either".

Norse elves meet modern vampires in this action-packed and humerous slice of side-story. I'm looking forward to hearing more about Count Dare and Gockel's fascinating incarnation of Loki, as I dive into the main series.

[MGB · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. Odin has Loki send Count Dare to earth to bring back the Dark Elves who have established a vampire nightclub in Orlando. There he meets Penny who lost her sister to this sinister group. They end up saving each other and establishing an excellent relationship.

Enjoy the ride!

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some dark elves are hanging out in the human realm. Problem is that dark elves are usually called vampires and they are drinking the blood of humans. Dare is sent to deal with them. At the same time, Penny is trying to find her missing sister. They start working together.

Fun shortish story with a few twists.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT intro to this author

This is the first I've read from this author, even though I have i "I Bring The Fire" parts 1 and 2 downloaded from FreeBooksy.

Nice writing style, open minded subjects and concepts, good characters.

on to the book !

[Frank Bertino · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Dark Of The Night

Count Dare and Penny come together with aligning goals to bring down a vampiric group that has been killing humans. I like the action , intrigue, and romance with a twist.

[PANDORA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome story

I truly enjoyed this book. The reason for 4 stars is because it was too short. LOL I know I'm being petty. But seriously, read this book. Recommend to all fantasy fans. No profanity. Just clean exciting reading. Enjoy.

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

This is an interesting take on night elves/ vampires. In this series elves, dwarfs, fairies, and other mythological creatures are really from other planets. It did have a HEA.

[Zia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story

I have read I Bring The Fire and enjoyed the series so this was a nice addition. I have read and loved all of C. Gockels books. Great character development and story lines.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the title I was afraid that this was a bodice ripper but I should have trusted C. Gockel. This played with the Loki mythos and Dark Elves. The ending certainly left it open for a larger story but, thankfully, it was a full tale.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story and it's the 3rd or 4th piece of writing that I've read from the 'I Bring The Fire' universe. The tie-ins across the various stories are nice, but you can read this as a standalone with no trouble.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the various shorts and novel revolving around the I Bring The Fire series are fabulous. The author just keeps bringing us the hits.