Snowflakes

The Snow Queen #2.5

by K.M. Shea

Though Rakel's battle with Tenebris is over, pieces of her story have yet to be told.

Why did Phile the Robber Maiden travel to Verglas? How did Oskar become Rakel's attendant? And what became of Aleifr --the soldier who tried to assassinate Rakel? No one knew...until now.

Snowflakes is a collection of twelve Snow Queen short stories--three of which have never before been released! Each story will offer a unique perspective on old events, unveil a previously untold secret, or offer a peek at Rakel's life after the war and the strength of character she continues to exude.

This collection is best enjoyed after reading Heart of Ice (The Snow Queen Book 1) and Sacrifice (The Snow Queen Book 2).

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Fairy Tale Retellings, Romance, Young Adult, Retellings, Magic

126 pages, ebook

First published January 16, 2017

About the author

My pen name is K. M. Shea, but my readers—I prefer to call them Champions—call me Kitty.

I love to write funny, clean stories with strong characters. Books like that are among my favorite to read so naturally I love writing stories like that as well. My philosophy is that life is tough, so books should be something that makes you relax and laugh!

VISIT MY FACEBOOK GROUP
https://www.facebook.com/groups/27090...

VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/K-M-Shea/e/B00...

VISIT MY WEBSITE
https://kmshea.com/

Reviews

[*❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome collection of short stories! Loved how it gives us deleted scenes and aftermath scenes after the Book finished. Truly a series I won't forget for a very long time ♡♡

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm one of those people easily capable of letting characters, and their worlds, go. I don't mind reading last books, I don't mind leaving characters behind when I know they're happy. I will simply move on to a different series, to different characters, to a different world. However, I was quite curious about the short stories connected to the tale of the Snow Queen and her knight and I therefore decided to give this collection a chance.

Eventually I quite enjoyed the short stories in this book! Some stories were simply deleted scenes, scenes showing us something about the characters and their growth, but not really adding much to the general storyline. Other stories were simply giving us the chance to get to know other characters, characters who never had their own point of view chapters, a little better by letting us spend an entire story in their head.

So, do you really NEED to read all these stories? No. Shea did an amazing job telling the story exactly as it should be in the main duology. But, if you enjoyed the duology, if you enjoyed the world and all its characters, then this collection of short stories will give you a little more time with these characters or will also in some cases show you a different side of these characters. Just because something doesn't fit into the main duology, doesn't mean it's not worth knowing.

[Tricia Mingerink · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this companion collection of short stories. I'd read most of these when they were released for free on the author's website before they were taken down to be collected in this book. There are a few new stories, and I think my favorite new one was the last one.

It's a quick read, and a good companion to the Heart of Ice duology.

[Coralie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! These shorts were little gems! They made me almost happier than the duology itself! XD I absolutely loved getting into the heads of some of the other characters. I was intrigued by the Tenebris chapter and would really love a short on him and his background. I'd love to see the story he alluded to that took place "even before Sunnira" and I really would love to see how he and Sunnira met, what that dynamic was like in the beginning and how it came to be what it is today. I loved getting his take on that chapter for sure! His thoughts of Farrin were really cool, to. Havlor, Oskar, and Steiner's chapters were among my favorites! I wish those had been fleshed out. Shoot, maybe I just want the story told from each of their perspectives! XD Haha, they're such cool characters and this tiny little peek into who they are was truly a beautiful experience. A Robber Maiden short would have made this all the better, even though she isn't my favorite character. I loved the one with the huntress character and the ilumen? That felt like a false tease and I really would have loved more on them. There was one story I'm sure I would have appreciated more had I previously read her Rumpelstiltskin story, but I'll get to it eventually! I am, intrigued, however, about this first enchantress deal! I've been meaning to dive into Shea's Timeless Fairy Tales and now I'm even more determined than ever to do so!

Overall, a cute little book of shorts well worth your time if you're a fan of the duology. Short, sweet, and to the point. Clean-cut, no foul language, a kiss here or there, and only one mildly graphic paragraph of violent images by a prisoner in one of the shorts.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

This is a collection of short stories that help readers get a bit more background and understanding about some of the various characters within the Snow Queen’s duology. Each are interesting - some more than others depending on which characters you like best - but there really isn’t any big, moving revelations… Just a nice little addendum that helps.

[Jay Beatrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dnf 30% Just not holding my interest.

[danielle 22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

:)

Absolutely adored the last story of forgiveness..... but really, the creative and in-depth stories are wonderful. If you want to know the characters better, these are the short-stories

[Kell Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a rather fun collection of stories, some are boring, some are meaningful, some give new lights to the series, i kind of like it. this whole book universe was dripping with kindness and true loves that i find it rather hard to believe, like for example, oskar's kindness and steinar's forgiveness. i will never believe there will be a men who will give up their throne willingly to their 'so-called' monster sister but here he is. the story about Stil and Gemma was a bit cringe and they didn't even tour around Ostfold, it was more like a history statement.

the most unexpected story that i rather find meaningful was 'Forgiven'. at first, i scoffed at the idea of Rakel forgiving Aleifr, because of course, it was idiotic and he was very rude to her, if i were in her position, i would definitely skewered him. but what was unexpected was when she said, she did it not for him, but for herself. that forgiving people set her free. that's what really opened my eyes. as cliche as it sounds, forgiveness 'really' can alter the future.

my favorite part, was of course, when Rakel and Steinar received the magical dogs. i will definitely think they're huskies because what other type of dogs that seems wolfish than huskies or alaskan malamutes? made me miss my doggo so much and made me want to have 10 huskies around me everyday...

[Lynn]

I don't rate books that are collections of related short stories within a series just because they only work within the context of the series and not as stand alones. But if I were to rate them they'd be a 4 or 5. Lot's of fun extras here.

This series overlaps with this author's fairy tale series. It could be considered a prequel but it isn't necessary to read prior to the other books unless you want to pick up on the subtle references you'll occasionally find.

I really enjoyed this book duet plus the extras given in a third book. I fell in love with all the characters.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting title for this collection of stories

I really enjoyed these short stories. They must be read AFTER the first two Snow Queen books in this series, otherwise they don’t make any sense. There were so many side characters who we got a chance to learn a bit more about. There were also sweet moments to learn more about Rakel and even catch glimpses into the future beyond the ending of Sacrifice. The title was perfectly fitting for this collection- snowflakes, little bits of snow, and each little short story helped to complete the tale of the Snow Queen.

[Valery · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think most people could have done without these short stories. Yes, they provide some insight, but most are not necessary to the original storyline.

For my clean readers: some mild violence, mild romance-kissing.

[C.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun addition to the snow queen world. It added some great new perspectives and even gave us a view into the future of the characters and the world.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short stories related to the Snow Queen series & one tie in with the Rumplestiltskin story. Some are missing chapters or parts of the story from another characters POV.

[neibookla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a bunch of stories before, in - between and after main books. I enjoyed finding out about characters thoughts, even though there was not enough of Farrin.

[Graylark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros:
+ The short stories were lovely

Cons:
- Only 2 or 3 were new. I'd already read the rest on the author's website.
- Was also hoping for more details on Phile and her possible romance with one of the guys. Oh, well.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY read this collection of short stories.

Questions that weren't answered in the full-length novels (for the most part) get resolved in these tinier tales. Plus, various perspectives on the same events only adds to my admiration and respect on the different individuals in the story we readers have dedicated long reading hours to get to know, to fight beside, and to embrace the emotions with.

Read "The Snow Queen, #1: Heart of Ice" and "The Snow Queen, #2: Sacrifice" and THIS ("The Snow Queen, #2.5: Snowflakes") before indulging in K.M.Shea's Timeless Fairy Tales series. I didn't read this trilogy until before #8 -which is fine. Read "The Snow Queen" three installments at any point, but at least read them ABSOLUTELY BEFORE "Timeless Fairy Tales, #9: The Frog Prince". Different revelations made in that storyline will have a great impact on both the reader and characters if you know of the Snow Queen's history and legacy (and Stil's bemoaning of diaries).

I adore this fairytale journey of Shea's and hope you do as well.

[Christi Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing!! Not even a single "story"! Especially if you've not read book 1 & 2! It's just Outtakes from books 1&2!

To call this a collection of short stories is like calling ABC the alphabet!! It's merely a page or 2 of revisions that are rewordings of her first books! No full stories, not even a chapter!! I had thoroughly enjoyed Ms Shea's 2 books! They were engrossing, adventurous , a Love Story, full of magic, suspense and even a warning of what Societies prejudices can lead to! But to pay $1.99 for this totally bewildering mishmash is a rip off!! Her 2nd book left several tantalizing possibilities of a 3rd book, but this "collection" has left me so disappointed, I doubt I will even consider buying any more.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories about the Snow Queen books.

I am so glad the Champions talked me into reading this. It expands the characters and got me really excited about starting the Timeless Fairy Tales.

I feel like this is the perfect type of companion book. It's not like a novella that is just enough extra content to make you want a whole full length novel, which drives me nuts and is why I don't usually read them. It's short stories that happen to be great additions and are actual short! Sooo they are not long enough to make you feel like it needs to be more fleshed out into a full story. Yay!

[Ranger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gets a 4.5. I really enjoyed this series. It was a sweet fantasy book with some romance thrown in. It wasn’t one of K.M. Shea’s best books, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you are thinking of reading this book READ IT, please! You may be thinking, it’s only 2.5, I’ve read the others. I don’t need to read a 2.5, but you are being warned! This book wraps up the loose ends left by 2.5, and it gives you some new perspectives. So please, for your own sake, read this book.
The one problem I have with the series is how the romance part ends. Most people probably wouldn’t mind though. I can’t say anymore without spoiling the book, so… you’ll have to read it to find out!

[Viviane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some lovely and fun short stories and extra chapters to add to the series. Exactly what it says on the tin. ^_^
Is it brilliant writing and deep plotting to sink your teeth into? I would not say so, but that is not a problem as that isn't what this is for. It puts together some of the extras found on the author's website with new ones, twists and different perspectives. Just a bit of fluffy fun and I enjoyed it.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess if an author has enough deleted scenes and other bonus scenes from a series, it makes sense to just compile them into their own book!

I can see why the deleted scenes were deleted - good choice. I liked the different characters' point of view chapters because I got to see and know them from a completely different level and learned more about them. I loved the last half of the last chapter about forgiveness.

[Lisa Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to read once the series is finished. I only read the ones concerning the Snow Queen after the series, but they helped to have more of a conclusion to the story.
I’m missing these fairy tale stories to read, so I needed the closure. lol

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of these short stories would have been five stars for me, and it was really fun to read a little more about the snow queen and get some fun follow up. The short story about Gemma and Rumpelstiltskin felt a little out of place. Definitely worth reading as part of the Snow Queen collection.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Snowflakes" is a collection of short stories that take place during the previous two novels. For various reasons, they were not in the actual novels but are interesting to those who have read the novels. There was no sex or bad language.

[Frances Shellings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting

Love that these short stories show the characters in more depth. And they answer some questions that were left unanswered

[Clare N · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of these cleared up what I didn't like about the previous books, it was very enjoyable

[Hala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing novella
It added a lot of depth to some of the characters
But I still want a wedding to happen 😂😂

[Claire Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

The attendant one was my favourite

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these stories. I love this world and the stories set in them.

content: clean

[Patti Hanson-Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thouroughly enjoyed looking further into the world of the Snow Queen. Quick, light read.