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Dragon's Gift: The Huntress #0.5
Hidden Magic
Cass Clereaux is a FireSoul–one of the unlucky few to inherit a piece of a dragon’s soul. It gives her a deadly, forbidden magic, but at least it helps her find treasure. When Cass is blackmailed by a criminal overlord who holds her life in his hands, things get rough. He wants a pair of rare daggers hidden inside a deadly temple. If she doesn’t get them, she’s dead. But when Cass gets into the temple, what was supposed to be a normal job is decidedly…not. And surviving it might be impossible.
106 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2016
566 people are currently reading
1490 people want to read
About the author
Linsey Hall
107 books4,393 followersFollow me!
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Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
For giveaways, contests and book discussion join my Facebook group
here!
Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
December 19, 2020
Hmmmm I am definitely interested in this series. They have interesting powers and there are a lot of characters we could follow.
January 4, 2019
Short but exciting. Three young women, each with a supernatural power, are being blackmailed into stealing for a criminal. Their lives involve living in a criminal world of other supernaturals. All they want is to buy their freedom. Interesting supernatural characters and a strong relationship between the women. Although the book is short, it is a well-written, complete story. I will be reading more from this series and by this author.
November 4, 2017
A while back I picked up the 1th book in this series - this is a prequel, so not this one - for free on kindle. It was a limited sale, I think, and I'd seen it recommended to me on Audible, so why not? Then I found this book - the prequel - for free as well, and thought this might be as bad a place as any to start reading the series.
So I did.
This short is some 100 pages long, and that means it has a lot of time to grow. Heck, it's not much shorter then my debut book!
And it did... a bit. I did get a good feel of the world, how things works, and the characters. I do believe the characters we meet in this book are characters we'll meet in the rest of the series as well, so while they didn't do a lot of growing, that's OK.
It was well written as well. Nothing to fly over the moon about, but not something to cringe at either.
My only problem with this book, it seemed, was the characters. As mentioned, they work just fine, but something about them didn't click with me. I don't know exactly what it is, but I hope I'll understand it better as I read the next book, and then we'll see what happens.
So I did.
This short is some 100 pages long, and that means it has a lot of time to grow. Heck, it's not much shorter then my debut book!
And it did... a bit. I did get a good feel of the world, how things works, and the characters. I do believe the characters we meet in this book are characters we'll meet in the rest of the series as well, so while they didn't do a lot of growing, that's OK.
It was well written as well. Nothing to fly over the moon about, but not something to cringe at either.
My only problem with this book, it seemed, was the characters. As mentioned, they work just fine, but something about them didn't click with me. I don't know exactly what it is, but I hope I'll understand it better as I read the next book, and then we'll see what happens.
November 25, 2022
Fast paced
This is a book about del nix and cass they are fire souls the most hated Supernaturals there are. However, obm knows what they are and he has them trapped and stealing treasure for him. The latest artifact is the daggers that are resting in a temple full of boobytraps, however these aren't the only obstacles the girls may have to face to gain their freedom.
I would recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading the next installment
My least favourite character Is obm he has no right to blackmail the girls.
My favourite character is cass her powers are intriguing
This is a book about del nix and cass they are fire souls the most hated Supernaturals there are. However, obm knows what they are and he has them trapped and stealing treasure for him. The latest artifact is the daggers that are resting in a temple full of boobytraps, however these aren't the only obstacles the girls may have to face to gain their freedom.
I would recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading the next installment
My least favourite character Is obm he has no right to blackmail the girls.
My favourite character is cass her powers are intriguing
September 17, 2019
Interesting world set-up, found family & tomb raiding with scruples!
July 8, 2017
This book covers what Cass, Del, and Nix were up to before they set up Ancient Magic. Having no family or homes that they can remember, these three warrior girls make up a family of their own. In order to stay below the radar for being Firesouls, they work for a shady underworld criminal who forces them to do his bidding. A mission to retrieve a pair od daggers suddenly become deadly as they realize that there is something more sinister to this raid than they thought.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for voluntary review consideration.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for voluntary review consideration.
March 31, 2020
3.5
It was a quick read. Only time will tell if it was needed to read before I start the series, but I didn’t want to be confused.
It seems to be a very action packed and very descriptive series. I’m not sure if I like all the descriptive writing, but the dialogue seems to balance it out.
I kind of wanted the Hero to be introduced, but nope. So I have some expectations for the start of the series.
It was a quick read. Only time will tell if it was needed to read before I start the series, but I didn’t want to be confused.
It seems to be a very action packed and very descriptive series. I’m not sure if I like all the descriptive writing, but the dialogue seems to balance it out.
I kind of wanted the Hero to be introduced, but nope. So I have some expectations for the start of the series.
November 30, 2022
This series looks like it will be tons of fun. This isn't the one that caught my attention first but I looked up an official reading order and supposedly this is the first series of Linsey's that you need to read.
I appreciate her archeologist credentials. The story, while just a novella, seemed exciting and the type of urban fantasy that I can get into. I will continue the series.
I appreciate her archeologist credentials. The story, while just a novella, seemed exciting and the type of urban fantasy that I can get into. I will continue the series.
December 2, 2019
Interesting starter novella. I'm definitely interested in what will the series bring now.
December 26, 2023
I do not see why authors feel the need to write the half-books.
Why not keep it to 1, 2, 3 in stead of 0.5, 2.5, 2.75, etc.
It's annoying.
And more often than not, the halfsiebooks are not even worth reading.
Why not keep it to 1, 2, 3 in stead of 0.5, 2.5, 2.75, etc.
It's annoying.
And more often than not, the halfsiebooks are not even worth reading.
December 28, 2022
This was an enjoyable read. I really liked the concept of FireSouls, and that they are the most despised supernatural beings. I really enjoyed the suspense and action that the story has, even if it was really short. I thought the story was great and it was engaging. Also, I really loved the characters. Cass, Del and Nix are quite a trio. I thought their personalities were great, and I really enjoyed seeing these three kick some ass. I can't wait to read more of the Dragon's Gift: The Huntress series. There are two other series along with this one: one for Del and one for Nix. This is Cass's journey, so it will be interesting to explore her POV, and then the other two kick ass women. I am ready to embark on Cass's journey. Overall, a great read.
October 14, 2016
Hidden Magic by Linsey Hall is a prequel to the Dragon's Gift: The Huntress Series.
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review and I did so voluntarily.
This is a quick little novella that gives us insight into how the three deirfiúr came to be, move to Magic’s Bend and meet up with Clair and Conner. A great addition to a wonderful series. This series is an urban fantasy that is geared towards young adult readers and incorporates aspects of the paranormal, action/suspense and a titter of romance. While written more for the young adult readers don’t let that stop you from reading it; this series is fabulous and will appeal to all ages and readers alike.
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review and I did so voluntarily.
This is a quick little novella that gives us insight into how the three deirfiúr came to be, move to Magic’s Bend and meet up with Clair and Conner. A great addition to a wonderful series. This series is an urban fantasy that is geared towards young adult readers and incorporates aspects of the paranormal, action/suspense and a titter of romance. While written more for the young adult readers don’t let that stop you from reading it; this series is fabulous and will appeal to all ages and readers alike.
December 2, 2019
Hmmmm... I can't say there was anything wrong with this one. In essence it had everything going for it. Strong interesting heroine. Action packed story full of intriguing characters and suspense. And the hunky hero. I guess that is the problem with it. I kept searching for that WOW factor that makes it catch one by the imagination and not want to let go. And unfortunately it never did for me. I realize there a heck ton of books attached to this series and I was tittering on the edge of will they or won't they for a while there, and not in a good way.
Because they have so many books I was worried they were gonna keep the main villain the same for all the three sisters so they can defeat him together after 15 books and each of their individual stories - which would have been way too much. So I was relieved when the main badie in this book was defeated and then the next series gets their own set of villains.
But other than than I never felt like there was any particular life to these characters. They were a trio of girls that bonded and never had any issues whatsoever in their own sisterhood except one of them sometimes possibly dying but I guess that's the world they live in... And the whole idea that the main character h ONLY liked eating pasties and drinking PBR beer and nothing else in this whole wide world. Like nothing else existed in the world for her and that said more about her intricacies as a character more than anything. I did not feel any real blood was pumping though these characters, almost like they were just puppets on a string a story book acting out their part and that's it. I guess that's just me, but I don't think this world will be for me for future. Shame really what with the prolific universe it is.
Because they have so many books I was worried they were gonna keep the main villain the same for all the three sisters so they can defeat him together after 15 books and each of their individual stories - which would have been way too much. So I was relieved when the main badie in this book was defeated and then the next series gets their own set of villains.
But other than than I never felt like there was any particular life to these characters. They were a trio of girls that bonded and never had any issues whatsoever in their own sisterhood except one of them sometimes possibly dying but I guess that's the world they live in... And the whole idea that the main character h ONLY liked eating pasties and drinking PBR beer and nothing else in this whole wide world. Like nothing else existed in the world for her and that said more about her intricacies as a character more than anything. I did not feel any real blood was pumping though these characters, almost like they were just puppets on a string a story book acting out their part and that's it. I guess that's just me, but I don't think this world will be for me for future. Shame really what with the prolific universe it is.
July 30, 2021
it was thrilling, very fast paced, and kind of fun.
Recap:
this story took place 5 years ago, before the sisters got their ancient magic store and still under the thumb of some dude who discovered their secret as firesouls (they called him OMB) and threatened to tell the authority if they didn't do his bidding. they were in southeast asia (southeast asia is big, you need to specify, dumbass), looking for some temple that had the obsidian blade.
it was the usual, got chased by magical jaguar, fought and duped a huge as statue, sliced through magical root, found out that they were not the only one after the blade, almost fell to a hole full of giant spiders, slayed 7-headed naga, gave up a very nice sword, and arrived to the treasure trove only to find OMB, some demons, and a dude name arthuro, who liked to buy supernaturals for his fighting ring. some scuffles and fighting that involved smoke, fireball, and telekinetic power (arthuro's). OMB died from one of the fireball and the sisters almost escaped but they got knocked out and kidnapped.
cass woke up on her way to the prison, she easily escaped, found nix and claire in a cell, set on course to find the prison's key, found connor on his way to save his sister, found the key, released nix, she conjured a dozen more and released all the other prisoners, wrought havoc, found del on her way to be tortured so she would use her teleport ability to kidnap more fighters, but they swiftly kill the ring leaders of the fighting ring and they were free. so that was how the sisters met claire and connor, got introduced to live in magic bend, robbed OBM's treasure trove (when he died, his underlings backstabbed each other so it was easy to steal from them), and set up the ancient magic store. the end
Recap:
this story took place 5 years ago, before the sisters got their ancient magic store and still under the thumb of some dude who discovered their secret as firesouls (they called him OMB) and threatened to tell the authority if they didn't do his bidding. they were in southeast asia (southeast asia is big, you need to specify, dumbass), looking for some temple that had the obsidian blade.
it was the usual, got chased by magical jaguar, fought and duped a huge as statue, sliced through magical root, found out that they were not the only one after the blade, almost fell to a hole full of giant spiders, slayed 7-headed naga, gave up a very nice sword, and arrived to the treasure trove only to find OMB, some demons, and a dude name arthuro, who liked to buy supernaturals for his fighting ring. some scuffles and fighting that involved smoke, fireball, and telekinetic power (arthuro's). OMB died from one of the fireball and the sisters almost escaped but they got knocked out and kidnapped.
cass woke up on her way to the prison, she easily escaped, found nix and claire in a cell, set on course to find the prison's key, found connor on his way to save his sister, found the key, released nix, she conjured a dozen more and released all the other prisoners, wrought havoc, found del on her way to be tortured so she would use her teleport ability to kidnap more fighters, but they swiftly kill the ring leaders of the fighting ring and they were free. so that was how the sisters met claire and connor, got introduced to live in magic bend, robbed OBM's treasure trove (when he died, his underlings backstabbed each other so it was easy to steal from them), and set up the ancient magic store. the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2017
I recently discovered the Dragon's Gift: Protector series not realizing it is the last of three separate ones. The fourth book in that series won't be published until next month; therefore, I decided to read this series from the beginning. "Hidden Magic" is the prequel novella for this series and definitely fills in some important information for me.
First and foremost, "Hidden Magic" is Cass' story. She is one of three FireSouls, a magical race that has nearly been hunted to extinction. She and her two friends and self appointed sisters, Del and Nix were found in a field at the age if 15 and had lost all memory of their past. Now they are being blackmailed by Old Mean Bastard (OMB) to steal magical treasures or face being turned into the Order of the Magica.
While working on their current job for OMB retrieving two magical daggers the women face steep hurdles and betrayals; yet, if they embrace their talents and potential they might find a life they always believed was possible.
I enjoyed reading this novella and relished being back in the world of Dragon's Gift. The action, characters and world building was superb and I can't wait to read the rest of Cass' story.
First and foremost, "Hidden Magic" is Cass' story. She is one of three FireSouls, a magical race that has nearly been hunted to extinction. She and her two friends and self appointed sisters, Del and Nix were found in a field at the age if 15 and had lost all memory of their past. Now they are being blackmailed by Old Mean Bastard (OMB) to steal magical treasures or face being turned into the Order of the Magica.
While working on their current job for OMB retrieving two magical daggers the women face steep hurdles and betrayals; yet, if they embrace their talents and potential they might find a life they always believed was possible.
I enjoyed reading this novella and relished being back in the world of Dragon's Gift. The action, characters and world building was superb and I can't wait to read the rest of Cass' story.
March 28, 2020
Great introduction to a new author
Hidden Magic is a prequel to Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. Linsey Hall is a new to me author and I can say after reading this I am now a fan and can’t wait to dig into her other books.
Hidden Magic gives us the introduction to three young women, Cass, Nix & Del, each with their own Supernatural Power/ability. They are being blackmailed by ‘Old Man B*stard’ or OMB for short into stealing for him. When the girls were younger OMB found them and threatened to expose their secrets unless they do as his says but he would pay them and they could eventually pay for their freedom.
I really enjoyed reading this novella, although it is short it wasn’t rushed. The storyline was well paced and action packed. The bond and relationship between the 3 woman is strong, unbreakable, true and full of trust and loyalty, it’s a sisterhood without the blood to bond them. I look forward to reading more about these ladies.
Hidden Magic is a prequel to Linsey Hall’s Dragon’s Gift: The Huntress series. Linsey Hall is a new to me author and I can say after reading this I am now a fan and can’t wait to dig into her other books.
Hidden Magic gives us the introduction to three young women, Cass, Nix & Del, each with their own Supernatural Power/ability. They are being blackmailed by ‘Old Man B*stard’ or OMB for short into stealing for him. When the girls were younger OMB found them and threatened to expose their secrets unless they do as his says but he would pay them and they could eventually pay for their freedom.
I really enjoyed reading this novella, although it is short it wasn’t rushed. The storyline was well paced and action packed. The bond and relationship between the 3 woman is strong, unbreakable, true and full of trust and loyalty, it’s a sisterhood without the blood to bond them. I look forward to reading more about these ladies.
July 8, 2020
I swear I have read this novella before, but it's not marked as read on here or on my Kindle, so no idea what happened, but I definitely remembered all of it.
This was a great starter novella to these characters and gave just enough information about them, their powers and their situation to whet my appetite for more!
Cass, Del and Nix are three Firesouls, whose very existence is a danger to them (and possibly to others around them), so they try to remain under the radar and avoid capture from The Order. Working for a shady type, they steal treasures from ancient temples and other archaeological sites, but soon the treasures are no longer enough for him.. He wants something worth a lot more!
I really enjoyed this story; my only gripe is I wanted more, so I'm off to read Ancient Magic, the first full book in this series, now!
This was a great starter novella to these characters and gave just enough information about them, their powers and their situation to whet my appetite for more!
Cass, Del and Nix are three Firesouls, whose very existence is a danger to them (and possibly to others around them), so they try to remain under the radar and avoid capture from The Order. Working for a shady type, they steal treasures from ancient temples and other archaeological sites, but soon the treasures are no longer enough for him.. He wants something worth a lot more!
I really enjoyed this story; my only gripe is I wanted more, so I'm off to read Ancient Magic, the first full book in this series, now!
June 22, 2017
Love ladies that don't run and cower? Here's your answer. These three have hidden themselves from a past they can't remember and someone they can't forget. They know what they are and that they are hated and feared but they can't remember it all. Someone else knows what they are and now they are stuck in a mess. This is just the start just a hint of what is to come. Wonderful start to some amazing reading. These three are unique and cool and awesome and so is the author that can come up with this. Love the series (one for each sister) that evolve from this and so will you. Each book filled with action and emotion and love.
June 30, 2017
Love ladies that don't run and cower? Here's your answer. These three have hidden themselves from a past they can't remember and someone they can't forget. They know what they are and that they are hated and feared but they can't remember it all. Someone else knows what they are and now they are stuck in a mess. This is just the start just a hint of what is to come. Wonderful start to some amazing reading. These three are unique and cool and awesome and so is the author that can come up with this. Love the series (one for each sister) that evolve from this and so will you. Each book filled with action and emotion and love.
August 18, 2017
Good voice and okay world
There were hints of good but over all you won't miss much of you give this one a pass. It was definitely a prelude to another book. As in everything but a shadow of a future villain is wrapped up nearly in a bow. Everything is all angels at the end which is boring for a book no matter where it falls in a series, unless it's a romance. There should be unfinished business, an even greater risk of discovery. Not our secret is safe and life is going to be grand--where's the impetus to read the next book--if it is happily ever after there is no urgency to read the next book to make sure the hero is alright.
There were hints of good but over all you won't miss much of you give this one a pass. It was definitely a prelude to another book. As in everything but a shadow of a future villain is wrapped up nearly in a bow. Everything is all angels at the end which is boring for a book no matter where it falls in a series, unless it's a romance. There should be unfinished business, an even greater risk of discovery. Not our secret is safe and life is going to be grand--where's the impetus to read the next book--if it is happily ever after there is no urgency to read the next book to make sure the hero is alright.
October 20, 2020
This Novella is a prequel to the Dragon's Gift series. It's okay, has some decent action. Maybe once I read the series, I'll appreciate the novella more. I found it was lacking something, I just can't figure out what. We were introduced to the 3 main characters and learned how they came to Magic's Bend, Oregon. It just seemed like their dilemma was solved too easily and the resolution kind of fell flat.
Overall though, I really like the 3 females. They were funny and all 3 had strong personalities. They're definitely the strong, badass characters I'm used to reading. Linsey Hall does a great job with the descriptions of the locations. I can't wait to read the Dragon's Gift books!
Overall though, I really like the 3 females. They were funny and all 3 had strong personalities. They're definitely the strong, badass characters I'm used to reading. Linsey Hall does a great job with the descriptions of the locations. I can't wait to read the Dragon's Gift books!
December 18, 2018
Hidden Magic: Dragon's Gift: The Huntress Novella was written by Linsey Hall. Before the events of The Huntress series, Cass Clereaux and her friends are saving their pennies as they travel around the world retrieving items for their dirt bag boss. They would leave his employment, if they could, but he is blacking mailing them to stay on the job. It is up to Cass and her friends to keep their secrets safe and do what they are told.
Overall, this was an exciting novella. It is filled with adventure and treasures. Find out how Cass and her friends started their business.
Overall, this was an exciting novella. It is filled with adventure and treasures. Find out how Cass and her friends started their business.
June 29, 2017
The sisters are a trio of magical fighters. They have to work for a mean man that is currently bribing them to work for him stealing ancient artifacts. They are saving all the small amounts of money they get from him to hopefully one day have a chance at buying their freedom. But will they get ahold of their powers good enough to do this... Or will they have to be blackmailed for the rest of their magical lives?
January 30, 2020
As an introductory novella, this really provided a great look at the characters of her Dragon's Gift series and set up the main characters and the world they inhabit in a compelling way. The action moves along the story while giving the reader insight into the first person character and her relationship with her two companions. I liked the writing and the setting and expect to be visiting it again soon when I start reading the series.
May 20, 2020
Great book
I love this author. I read the series out of order by accident. My husband bought kindle unlimited for my birthday and looked for the kind of books I like to read with good ratings. I started with the last series about Claire then moved to the series about Mardaca (sorry wrong spelling). Both were amazing. I haven’t read a book I haven’t loved yet! All are a must read!
I love this author. I read the series out of order by accident. My husband bought kindle unlimited for my birthday and looked for the kind of books I like to read with good ratings. I started with the last series about Claire then moved to the series about Mardaca (sorry wrong spelling). Both were amazing. I haven’t read a book I haven’t loved yet! All are a must read!
June 22, 2017
Great series starter!
This story shows how promising the rest of this series will be! We've just been introduced to Cass and her deirfurs and we're already being treated to heart-stopping adventure! I feel like I'm in a scene in Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones, with a splash of magic! This is just the beginning, imagine what the rest of the series can offer!
This story shows how promising the rest of this series will be! We've just been introduced to Cass and her deirfurs and we're already being treated to heart-stopping adventure! I feel like I'm in a scene in Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones, with a splash of magic! This is just the beginning, imagine what the rest of the series can offer!
August 25, 2017
Awesome!
Loved this book! Couldn't put ut down. Already downloaded the rest of the series. Can't wait to start the next one! Absolutely love a book with a female lead with strong ethics and personality and this book has three of them! Totally AWESOME book! Hoping the rest of the series hold up as well!
Loved this book! Couldn't put ut down. Already downloaded the rest of the series. Can't wait to start the next one! Absolutely love a book with a female lead with strong ethics and personality and this book has three of them! Totally AWESOME book! Hoping the rest of the series hold up as well!
October 1, 2017
It was good, but it still needed more
Its was a kinda boring. Yeas it had adventure, drama but it was lacking more detail. It needed more info, more of a story. It was to summarize but still the idea of the story was good. Just that everything happened too fast and lost I lost interes in the story, still I finished it.
Its was a kinda boring. Yeas it had adventure, drama but it was lacking more detail. It needed more info, more of a story. It was to summarize but still the idea of the story was good. Just that everything happened too fast and lost I lost interes in the story, still I finished it.
January 10, 2018
This story is a prequel to the whole Dragon's Gift Series. Huntress has books 0-4, then Seeker has (1-5) 5-9, and Protector has (1-4) 10-13 and a new set of books (1-3) 14-16. This is a great series but you need to read them in order to understand everything that is going on. Strong women, adventure and defeating evil. What's not to like.
September 13, 2018
This book took me a while to read because the first ten pages or so were hard to get into. But when I finally read past that, the book was great. This prequel has made me want to read book one of Dragon's Gift: The Huntress, due to the writing style and intriguing characters and world. I hope that I will fall in love with the series, as there are an amazing amount of good looking books out in it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews