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A King's Watch Story #1
Phantom Stag
Three Hunters chase the Phantom Stag. One of them gets a clear shot.
When the magick clears, the Stag is gone and it’s one of the Hunters lying dead with an arrow through his heart.
There is evil in the forest. It’s time to send for the King’s Watch.
In this spin-off novella from Mark Hayden’s series of Conrad Clarke novels, Vicky Robson takes centre stage.
Not only does Vicky tell the story, she has to do the heavy lifting – this is one case which only magick can solve, and Conrad knows when he’s out of his depth.
Vicky has to face the Forest of Arden on her own, and inside the enchanted wood, the Fae are waiting, not to mention renegade Hunters, ghosts and the Stag himself…
Find out how Vicky copes on her own and what she really thinks of Uncle Conrad in this first standalone story of the King’s Watch.
*This novella is about 20% of the length of a full novel – 25,000 words.
*The action takes place during Tenfold, the Fourth Book of the King’s Watch.
*You don’t need to have read any of the books to enjoy this novella!
When the magick clears, the Stag is gone and it’s one of the Hunters lying dead with an arrow through his heart.
There is evil in the forest. It’s time to send for the King’s Watch.
In this spin-off novella from Mark Hayden’s series of Conrad Clarke novels, Vicky Robson takes centre stage.
Not only does Vicky tell the story, she has to do the heavy lifting – this is one case which only magick can solve, and Conrad knows when he’s out of his depth.
Vicky has to face the Forest of Arden on her own, and inside the enchanted wood, the Fae are waiting, not to mention renegade Hunters, ghosts and the Stag himself…
Find out how Vicky copes on her own and what she really thinks of Uncle Conrad in this first standalone story of the King’s Watch.
*This novella is about 20% of the length of a full novel – 25,000 words.
*The action takes place during Tenfold, the Fourth Book of the King’s Watch.
*You don’t need to have read any of the books to enjoy this novella!
77 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2019
164 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Mark Hayden
28 books288 followersAuthor also writes under Ruth Ward
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 8, 2020
Conrad and Vicky are called to the Forest of Arden when a hunter accidentally kills a human during the Royal Hunt to decide the new male leader of the Arden Foresters, conincidentally, the Priestess of the Arden Foresters is non-other than Chris Kelly's mother.
Told by Vicky the reader is treated to Fae, political machinations, feminism and an enslaved monk, all in a short novella.
It took me a while to get into this novella, just couldn't seem to get over the first few pages for some reason, but once I did (and it took me three of four attempts) I couldn't put it down.
Told by Vicky the reader is treated to Fae, political machinations, feminism and an enslaved monk, all in a short novella.
It took me a while to get into this novella, just couldn't seem to get over the first few pages for some reason, but once I did (and it took me three of four attempts) I couldn't put it down.
July 16, 2021
The Arden Foresters wanted nothing to do with the King's Watch - those they called the "Witchfinders". They had separated themselves from the community of the Daughters of the Goddess and had found their way unattended and unaligned for over 175 years. But now, a tragedy has landed upon their world, a tragedy that could only have come from within and so the feared Witchfinders are brought in to do what the Foresters can't.
Find those among them that could bring their whole world burning down around them.
This is the first novella author Mark Hayden adds to the tales of the King's Watch. Taking place shortly after the disaster that triggers the events of TENFOLD, this is also the first entry that is told almost entirely from the point of view - and with the unique voice of - Victoria Robson, Conrad Clarke's partner in all things the King's Watch...and beyond. It also is an opportunity for author Mark Hayden to stretch his story-telling chops delivering a tight, well-told, and entertaining story from the distaff point of view and giving his readers - new and old - even more of a reason to dive further into his world of Magic and Magyck. And, while those readers who may not be of a British centered life may find themselves swimming in a tale replete with cultural terms and references, Hayden is at his best making those understood by readers on both sides of the "pond".
As stated earlier, PHANTOM STAG is the first of Hayden's novellas of the Knight Watch, but, recently, he has collected it - and the next three - into the collected TALES FROM THE WATCH and they are still available as stand alone eBooks.
Find those among them that could bring their whole world burning down around them.
This is the first novella author Mark Hayden adds to the tales of the King's Watch. Taking place shortly after the disaster that triggers the events of TENFOLD, this is also the first entry that is told almost entirely from the point of view - and with the unique voice of - Victoria Robson, Conrad Clarke's partner in all things the King's Watch...and beyond. It also is an opportunity for author Mark Hayden to stretch his story-telling chops delivering a tight, well-told, and entertaining story from the distaff point of view and giving his readers - new and old - even more of a reason to dive further into his world of Magic and Magyck. And, while those readers who may not be of a British centered life may find themselves swimming in a tale replete with cultural terms and references, Hayden is at his best making those understood by readers on both sides of the "pond".
As stated earlier, PHANTOM STAG is the first of Hayden's novellas of the Knight Watch, but, recently, he has collected it - and the next three - into the collected TALES FROM THE WATCH and they are still available as stand alone eBooks.
May 24, 2023
2023 bk 169. I didn't pick up on how the King's Watch stories were interwoven with the novels until a book or two after I should have read this one - so it was catch up time. Well done novel where the reader has to deal with only one mystery in the plotline. In this we learn more about the circles (covens) of witches in the north and more of Conrad's limits in magic. This story cannot be missed as it introduces several folks who will be very important in upcoming novels. Well done!
March 26, 2024
My Thoughts:
This book is slow going for me even with the convenience of an audiobook format. And seeing how thin this book actually is, that is saying something!
It is best to read the The King's Watch books in order. A whole lot less confusing and most likely, a whole lot more enjoyable, too!
It is nice to see Vicky leading the case!
I first heard Tamsin Kennard as Cordelia in Four Roads Cross. So when I first started listening to this book, I automatically associated her voice as Cordy. Four Roads Cross still broke my heart long after I finished reading the book! And Tamsin Kennard's voice brought back all the sad memories!! Anyway, it took a bit of slowing down the reading to "hear" her as Vicky and not Cordy, in this book.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 3
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 3
Pace = 3.5
Plot = 3
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
This book is slow going for me even with the convenience of an audiobook format. And seeing how thin this book actually is, that is saying something!
It is best to read the The King's Watch books in order. A whole lot less confusing and most likely, a whole lot more enjoyable, too!
It is nice to see Vicky leading the case!
I first heard Tamsin Kennard as Cordelia in Four Roads Cross. So when I first started listening to this book, I automatically associated her voice as Cordy. Four Roads Cross still broke my heart long after I finished reading the book! And Tamsin Kennard's voice brought back all the sad memories!! Anyway, it took a bit of slowing down the reading to "hear" her as Vicky and not Cordy, in this book.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 3
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 3
Pace = 3.5
Plot = 3
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
August 10, 2022
Good
This is a good tale but it's just a tad less than the main series. I think the reason is that I expected more from Vickey than this story provides. I think she'd have a clue about Shakespeare and midsummer nights dream and while she's English and thus much less likely to know about shotguns than an American, I find it just a bit hard to believe that Conrad wouldn't provide more education than indicated here. The story seems just a bit more inconclusive -- I realize telling all isn't the intent, but a little more resolution would seem in order. That said, it's still an excellent read and worth getting.
This is a good tale but it's just a tad less than the main series. I think the reason is that I expected more from Vickey than this story provides. I think she'd have a clue about Shakespeare and midsummer nights dream and while she's English and thus much less likely to know about shotguns than an American, I find it just a bit hard to believe that Conrad wouldn't provide more education than indicated here. The story seems just a bit more inconclusive -- I realize telling all isn't the intent, but a little more resolution would seem in order. That said, it's still an excellent read and worth getting.
April 5, 2020
Enjoyable side trip
O was a bit apprehensive before reading this book, as I knew that it was written by a different character. I'm enjoying the king's watch books and wanted to give this a go. I enjoy the storyline, and the fact this story links other threads together a bit, whilst maintaining its own stand alone status.
My favourites are still the main kings watch books, but this was an enjoyable read with a good storyline, and development of other characters. Worth a read.
O was a bit apprehensive before reading this book, as I knew that it was written by a different character. I'm enjoying the king's watch books and wanted to give this a go. I enjoy the storyline, and the fact this story links other threads together a bit, whilst maintaining its own stand alone status.
My favourites are still the main kings watch books, but this was an enjoyable read with a good storyline, and development of other characters. Worth a read.
September 26, 2021
This is the first novella in the King's watch story and the background provides some important information for a number of the main books in the series. The story is nicely focused and helps see some of the history of the Arden Foresters. We also learn a bit more about Karina and how she got to be so focused; and good with a bow.
Read this one to help fill in those gaps; especially about Karina and how she becomes a member of the King's Watch. Conrad's one bad choice in this reader's opinion.
Read this one to help fill in those gaps; especially about Karina and how she becomes a member of the King's Watch. Conrad's one bad choice in this reader's opinion.
July 2, 2020
My First Novella of Kings Watch
You know, that wasn’t half bad and a change from the intensity some times that the main books of the series bring. I did get bloody confused at times with all the names & despite going back a few time’s to try & remind myself, maybe a glossary of who people are at the back of the book would help in future - nudge, nudge!
Other than that - awesome.
Now back to the main series!
You know, that wasn’t half bad and a change from the intensity some times that the main books of the series bring. I did get bloody confused at times with all the names & despite going back a few time’s to try & remind myself, maybe a glossary of who people are at the back of the book would help in future - nudge, nudge!
Other than that - awesome.
Now back to the main series!
May 15, 2022
Nice, Little Addition To The King's Watch Series
I must admit, the only reason I'm reading these are from feeling forced to do so.
If it's important enough to be written into a novella, than it should be included in the main book.
I am glad the first story shared is in the voice of Vicky. She's one of my favorites in the series. A little bit silly and bonkers at times, but intelligent enough to know when it's time to take her job serious.
Quick, and entertaining read.
I must admit, the only reason I'm reading these are from feeling forced to do so.
If it's important enough to be written into a novella, than it should be included in the main book.
I am glad the first story shared is in the voice of Vicky. She's one of my favorites in the series. A little bit silly and bonkers at times, but intelligent enough to know when it's time to take her job serious.
Quick, and entertaining read.
June 19, 2025
An enchanting read in an enchanted forest.
The King's Watch is becoming a favorite series of mine, and this novella set in that same world is a fun side trip. Conrad and Vicky are summoned to an enchanted forest to investigate the death of a huntsman who was after the Phantom Stag. Told primarily from Vicky's POV, it fleshes out the world of the King's Watch. It's also a fun book that lets Vicky shine. Highly recommend, though best if read as a companion piece to the series.
The King's Watch is becoming a favorite series of mine, and this novella set in that same world is a fun side trip. Conrad and Vicky are summoned to an enchanted forest to investigate the death of a huntsman who was after the Phantom Stag. Told primarily from Vicky's POV, it fleshes out the world of the King's Watch. It's also a fun book that lets Vicky shine. Highly recommend, though best if read as a companion piece to the series.
January 9, 2020
A fun spin-off
This was a great side story to the King's Watch series. It was nice to see this world from the point of view of someone besides Conrad.
However, I would say that I disagree with part of the intro: you definitely need to be familiar with the main series to really understand what is happening.
This was a great side story to the King's Watch series. It was nice to see this world from the point of view of someone besides Conrad.
However, I would say that I disagree with part of the intro: you definitely need to be familiar with the main series to really understand what is happening.
May 13, 2020
Fun series
I've been enjoying all of Mark Hayden's King's Watch series. The books have fun, quirky characters, thoroughly British settings, good plotlines, grand adventures, with plenty of mystery and magic ("with a k")... Phantom Stag is a novella giving Conrad's sidekick Vicky a leading role. Great quick read!
I've been enjoying all of Mark Hayden's King's Watch series. The books have fun, quirky characters, thoroughly British settings, good plotlines, grand adventures, with plenty of mystery and magic ("with a k")... Phantom Stag is a novella giving Conrad's sidekick Vicky a leading role. Great quick read!
July 19, 2020
Vicky Robson adventure
Having read the main series and the Phantom Stag being mentioned, I couldn't wait to find out how Vicky did handling a case solo. You get to find out more about Karina who does feature in the Seventh Star and why Vicky did not want to work with her. Nice little side story.
Having read the main series and the Phantom Stag being mentioned, I couldn't wait to find out how Vicky did handling a case solo. You get to find out more about Karina who does feature in the Seventh Star and why Vicky did not want to work with her. Nice little side story.
October 22, 2021
Phantom Stag by Mark Hayden is a perfect example of what I suppose could be called a sub-genre of short stories, though it is probably more of a novella length for purists. I know short stories / novellas are not for everyone but in two particular forms they bring me great joy... continues https://booksginandsausagerolls.com/p...
March 12, 2022
As some others have commented: this is a confusing array of characters, settings, with an unsatisfactory ending. This is my first foray into the author’s works (KUL) and that is perhaps the error. Reviewers who’ve read other stories know the characters and settings and can appreciate this filler side step story. Don’t read if you’re new to the series.
October 8, 2019
Magick!
This is the fifth book I’ve read of Mark Hayden’s. And I have enjoyed it as much as the first! Great characters and an interesting alternative view on magick. Looking forward to the rest.
This is the fifth book I’ve read of Mark Hayden’s. And I have enjoyed it as much as the first! Great characters and an interesting alternative view on magick. Looking forward to the rest.
February 3, 2020
Enjoyable
It's refreshing to have a female narrator without losing any of the action or drama expected from this series. One of the best parts of the King's watch series is the amount of strong female characters so I loved that Vicky was given a moment to shine.
It's refreshing to have a female narrator without losing any of the action or drama expected from this series. One of the best parts of the King's watch series is the amount of strong female characters so I loved that Vicky was given a moment to shine.
December 28, 2020
Nice quick read
This is one of those "I haven't got enough for a novel" books. They give authors a chance to tell small stories connected to the bigger arc.
This is a nice change as it's from a different perspective to the main arc as well.
This is one of those "I haven't got enough for a novel" books. They give authors a chance to tell small stories connected to the bigger arc.
This is a nice change as it's from a different perspective to the main arc as well.
January 20, 2021
One to look out for.
Great story, lovely to hear Vicky's point of view, get some extra information and have it woven into this story of the foresters and the fae. Poor monk though.
Great story, lovely to hear Vicky's point of view, get some extra information and have it woven into this story of the foresters and the fae. Poor monk though.
April 1, 2021
A fun little side journey
Told from Vicky's perspective, we learn a bit more about the Fae and meet Chris Kelly's mother. Looking forward to spending more time in the forest of Arden in future books!
Told from Vicky's perspective, we learn a bit more about the Fae and meet Chris Kelly's mother. Looking forward to spending more time in the forest of Arden in future books!
April 17, 2021
Really enjoyed this one!
This story, told by Watch Officer Robson, was very interesting. I stopped in the middle of “Nine of Wands” to learn more about this side adventure. My only complaint is that it’s over. Such a good story.
This story, told by Watch Officer Robson, was very interesting. I stopped in the middle of “Nine of Wands” to learn more about this side adventure. My only complaint is that it’s over. Such a good story.
August 12, 2022
great background story
I enjoy King’s Watch series and it’s fun to have short clips featuring other characters. I have a better understanding of how Vicki became friends with Erin and why Karina got involved with King’s Watch
I enjoy King’s Watch series and it’s fun to have short clips featuring other characters. I have a better understanding of how Vicki became friends with Erin and why Karina got involved with King’s Watch
June 19, 2023
Entirely worth reading.
The story was fun,fast paced and helps give you more of an understanding of Vickys character. I enjoy the kings watch world and find that the stories entertain as well as relax me.
The story was fun,fast paced and helps give you more of an understanding of Vickys character. I enjoy the kings watch world and find that the stories entertain as well as relax me.
July 16, 2023
There's a trend to add short stories to series that are actually part of the plot. This is one of them and I suppose have to be read to bridge the gaps in the storyline. I'm not fond of the concept but this is a nicely done one sitting story.
February 10, 2024
Another adventure, told from the perspective of Vicky. Although short, it was gripping and I loved it. Vicky is growing up quickly and turning into the proper watch captain... and Conrad is really rubbing off.
November 18, 2019
Love all the Kings Watch Books
The Kings Watch books and stories are completely engaging and a lot of fun. Great characters and good plots. Start at the beginning and enjoy!
The Kings Watch books and stories are completely engaging and a lot of fun. Great characters and good plots. Start at the beginning and enjoy!
February 9, 2020
Vicky gets her own story
A nice little tale about Vicky and just how clever and bada** she is on her own, without Conrad pushing.
A nice little tale about Vicky and just how clever and bada** she is on her own, without Conrad pushing.
April 23, 2020
This story was a bit thin .
May 16, 2020
Interesting
I love a bit of fantasy ,,and updated to modern times is intriguing. I look forward to the next installment.😅
I love a bit of fantasy ,,and updated to modern times is intriguing. I look forward to the next installment.😅
June 30, 2020
Read it
Good quick enjoyable read. .
Nice to get things from Vickys point of .
Why does there have to be a word count minimum
Good quick enjoyable read. .
Nice to get things from Vickys point of .
Why does there have to be a word count minimum
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews