Zarafa and the Higher Power

Crystal Dragon Saga

by Katie Cherry

Despite what they want you to think, the underdog doesn’t always win.

I’m living proof of it.

That doesn’t mean I plan to give up any time soon. After being rescued from my past life as a beggar, I’ve realized there’s only one way I’ll be able to essentially erase my past. I have to make it to the highest spot in Dravyn’s Higher Power I can—even if it means joining Zilferia’s Dragon Hunters and doing other things I feel are beneath me until I can prove myself to the Higher Power and join them in taking over the seven realms.

It doesn’t matter that I’m now a vampire. I’ve had to work twice as hard for everything my entire life, and I won’t let anyone stand in my way. Not even a love I never thought I’d have.

Zarafa and the Higher Power is a companion story to the Crystal Dragon Series, and follows the story of Zarafa, a young woman with a chip on her shoulder and much to prove. Journey with her on her quest to become the most powerful woman in the seven realms. If you loved the Crystal Dragon Series, you’ll love this novella. Filled with magic and adventure, Zarafa and the Higher Power is the Urban Fantasy novel you need.

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2019

About the author

Katie Cherry began writing at thirteen when her love of books outgrew the supply available. Fantasy stories- and especially dragons- are her passion. Magic can be found in all of her works, and are enjoyed by bookwyrms of all ages!

When writing on her main project gets slow, she creates small freebies for her followers. You can visit her Facebook page, Katie Cherry's Fantasy Works, or join her newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.com/katiech... for access to these free short stories and novellas.

Find Katie on Amazon and across other social media platforms here: https://linktr.ee/KatieCherry

Reviews

[Amanda Sagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review so here it is:

Zarafa is a companion book for the First Earth series (also written by Katie Cherry) and gives the reader more background into Zarafa (who you meet in the above mentioned series).
This book lets you learn where Zarafa is from, why she is like she is and who she is which answers a few unanswered questions you may have had from reading the series.
The book itself is well written and chock full of page turning excitement, perfect for the YA audience it's aimed at (still works for us older readers too btw!)

Looking forward to reading more of Katie's writing in the future and maybe find out a bit more about Zarafa (?!)

[Angel Haze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a fantastic story! The beginning was kind of like Hunger Games but with some vampires mixed in. There were lots of fight scenes and fighting to raise in rank and the world building??? Seriously wow! Talk about unique! This book is a little different than what I'd normally read and I'm not one to read outside of epic, dark or S & S but wow is it ever good!! I totally burned through this!! I absolutely loved how driven Zarafa was! And her fighting skills? She was totally badass!

Such a great tease to the series!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that threw me into Katie's writing. I wound up Just stumbling onto it, got hooked on how much care she puts into the detailed world building. As well as Zarafa as a character. Therefore, it was a bit disappointing to find out in the Main series she is merely a side character, but oh well. Loved the action and grittiness of her world. Its probably still my favorite of all of realms, (I might be a bit biased).

[Susan May · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Katie Cherry book & I am hooked. I usually stay away from vampire books but this one intrigued me. Garage had such a horrible life so she thought Dexter was helping her. Gaining access to The Higher Power was her biggest Desire or was it? As Zarafa struggles to achieve her goal she experience betrayal, uncertainty & love. A great story with awesome characters. And now on to Crystal Dragon series.

[Cherish Kasner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great insight into Zarafa. She was just a chararcter who had showed up out of nowhere in the other book. We knew very little about her. Now we know more of how she got to where she is and why she is how she is. I felt bad for her in parts and still hope things go well for her in the end.

[Christine Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having only read the first novel within The Crystal Dragon Series, the companion novella was the perfect addition to the series. I have certainly gained a little more respect and understanding for Zarafa. I look forward to the continuation of this series.

[Brandi Devillier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story! This story digs more into Zarafas life. Very well written and detailed... can’t wait to read more about her! She has become one of my favorite characters.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite amazing book to help me understand the series better. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Vicki DeVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had finished reading Book 7 of the Crystal Dragon series as soon as the last book was released (December 2020), but had never read this prequel. To be honest, Zarafa wasn't one of my favorite characters in the series, so this didn't tempt me...until I was looking for a short read in familiar territory after completing a totally different series. Well, Zarafa may not be any more likeable, BUT I do understand her better and how she fits into the entire storyline. Her story isn't a happy one and she makes at least one very bad decision, but I think I'd like to read more of her story going forward. I liked how her character developed and how vulnerable she is, considering she's so physically and magically strong. She has doubts and uncertainties just like the rest of the world. I do recommend this...not only for Zafara's story, but the back story for some of the other characters. You will not be disappointed.

[Kimani Ngure · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and albeit late to the party, I have no regrets discovering this goodread.. its a 4star for me

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and thought provoking. Enjoyed it very much.

[Sara Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't generally like or have any sympathy for vampires. But I liked Zarafa. She was smart. She was dumb. She was stubborn and powerful and somehow very human for a vampire. Katie brought her character to life in this story that brought us up to speed on how Zarafa became involved with the Higher Power and the doubts she may or may not have had in the cause itself. The friends she made, the enemies she made, and everything that Zarafa chose made her the unique character that we grow to be fascinated with and love in Katie's Crystal Dragon series. I highly recommend this.

[Clarity Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Storytelling!! I have read all of the Crystal Dragon Series that has been released and this one is just as amazing!! I never expected to like Zarafa, now I love her. What's great about this companion novel is you can read it before or after the other books. Let it introduce you to the world or just expand your understanding of it. You don't want to miss out on this adventure!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zarafa and the Higher Power is a companion story to the Crystal Daragon Series in which we learn more of the character Zarafa's background. This story is very well written and definitely want to know where her future decisions land her in the plot of the series!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great companion novel to the Crystal Dragon series! So fun to learn the background of Zarafa and even more about the realms, portals, higher power etc. Great to learn more background of the series.