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Dustin Walker #2
Water Witch: A Dustin Walker Anthology and Other Tales
When Dustin Walker’s witchcraft awakens, he discovers he harbors a leviathan, one that could destroy him—and his family—should he fail to learn how to control his powers.
Dustin Walker first appeared in the Witch & Wolf standalone novel, Beneath a Blood Moon, and is featured in the majority of stories in this anthology.
While some of these stories were first revealed to newsletter subscribers, there are numerous never-before-seen tales in this volume.
In addition to Dustin’s stories, you will find tales featuring characters from the Witch & Wolf world and Requiem for the Rift King world, along with a single story from the zany Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) world.
Double Trouble: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) is also available outside of this anthology.
Dustin Walker first appeared in the Witch & Wolf standalone novel, Beneath a Blood Moon, and is featured in the majority of stories in this anthology.
While some of these stories were first revealed to newsletter subscribers, there are numerous never-before-seen tales in this volume.
In addition to Dustin’s stories, you will find tales featuring characters from the Witch & Wolf world and Requiem for the Rift King world, along with a single story from the zany Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) world.
Double Trouble: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) is also available outside of this anthology.
599 pages, ebook
First published December 9, 2019
89 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
84 books1,314 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 3, 2020
Mixed emotions as it’s an anthology. Dustin is likely my favourite character after Jackson for the witch and wolf series. I haven’t read the main book yet but damn, there were waterworks. 5 stars.
Reading more of Richard makes me want to try the first book again and see if I get to his parts this time. He’s such an affectionate character and the snippets of his younger days only make him more loveable. 4 stars
I haven’t read Karma’s book yet, but I can tell it’s going to be a struggle because of the content. Jake seems like he’s the comedy element though so maybe it will be okay after all. 3 stars
I’ve already read Double Trouble, but it’s a nice fun read with troublesome unicorns, angels and demons. No change to original rating.
Reading more of Richard makes me want to try the first book again and see if I get to his parts this time. He’s such an affectionate character and the snippets of his younger days only make him more loveable. 4 stars
I haven’t read Karma’s book yet, but I can tell it’s going to be a struggle because of the content. Jake seems like he’s the comedy element though so maybe it will be okay after all. 3 stars
I’ve already read Double Trouble, but it’s a nice fun read with troublesome unicorns, angels and demons. No change to original rating.
December 12, 2018
This was not even a short story. It was two really loosely, random events in the life of some teenager who, I don't know, I guess was developing his witchy powers over water? The characters were dull, especially the parents who were almost laughable, and the 'story' was nonexistent. I'm actually glad this wasn't a whole book, as I seriously doubt I would have read the entire thing if it was.
December 11, 2021
This is a compilation of many different (mostly unfinished) pieces thrown together, and I'm not sure this was a good idea at all. It seems this book was released just to be released, not because it made any sense to release, or because it was ready.
I preferred the Water Witch part, but even it was just a compilation of random episodes where a main character would be put in some bad and dangerous situation (getting kidnapped, being held hostage, etc.) just for the purposes of writing about that situation.
The "Double Trouble" is just an example of a story thrown out because the author didn't care to complete it properly anymore. The story itself could be interesting. But the first part of it is slow, confused, featuring some of the worst writing I have seen from this author--very repetitive and jumbled. Then the story takes a 180 degrees turn and goes in a very different direction, and the second part of the book is just a short summary of the remainder of the story, with a tone of typos and no proper ending. It feels like the first half was written at one point of time, then put aside ... then picked up again, but the author was not in the same state of mind to continue from where she left it, so she just kind of quickly summarized some of the things she originally had in mind for it and threw the book out to just get it off her hand. That's my impression, anyway.
If I'm way wrong and this is how this book was originally intended to be, that it's just one of the worst examples of story flow construction I have ever seen.
Either way, it's a shame.
I preferred the Water Witch part, but even it was just a compilation of random episodes where a main character would be put in some bad and dangerous situation (getting kidnapped, being held hostage, etc.) just for the purposes of writing about that situation.
The "Double Trouble" is just an example of a story thrown out because the author didn't care to complete it properly anymore. The story itself could be interesting. But the first part of it is slow, confused, featuring some of the worst writing I have seen from this author--very repetitive and jumbled. Then the story takes a 180 degrees turn and goes in a very different direction, and the second part of the book is just a short summary of the remainder of the story, with a tone of typos and no proper ending. It feels like the first half was written at one point of time, then put aside ... then picked up again, but the author was not in the same state of mind to continue from where she left it, so she just kind of quickly summarized some of the things she originally had in mind for it and threw the book out to just get it off her hand. That's my impression, anyway.
If I'm way wrong and this is how this book was originally intended to be, that it's just one of the worst examples of story flow construction I have ever seen.
Either way, it's a shame.
May 18, 2020
Let me start by saying I don't like short stories in general. You get into the characters and the story and it is over. So when I realized that was what this is (yes I should have known from the word "Anthology" I almost didn't read it. But I've just started reading R. J. Blain and I love her stories so I thought I'd give it a try.
It succeeded in getting me through the book because the short stories were grouped together so that the same characters went for more than one story. But three or four stories was all you got. So, a little longer than enough to get you hooked but still short enough that you felt wanting when it ended.
So while I enjoyed the stories I felt the loss several times over in one book.
It succeeded in getting me through the book because the short stories were grouped together so that the same characters went for more than one story. But three or four stories was all you got. So, a little longer than enough to get you hooked but still short enough that you felt wanting when it ended.
So while I enjoyed the stories I felt the loss several times over in one book.
June 16, 2024
New and duplicated content
I was absolutely thrilled with the first third of the book, focussing of Dustin Walker. These are some of the stories I've enjoyed the most in RJ Blain's worlds. The middle third was mixed. I really appreciated the stories about the Yellowknife pack, but there were a couple other stories from a different storyline and series that seemed out of place here. Then the closing third? I am rather confused why the last third of this book is comprised of a novella version of a story already available as an independent separate book, and a was disappointed to have paid extra for a larger collection only to discover I'd already read a sizeable chunk of the book. It was a story I enjoyed, though, so I reread it.
I was absolutely thrilled with the first third of the book, focussing of Dustin Walker. These are some of the stories I've enjoyed the most in RJ Blain's worlds. The middle third was mixed. I really appreciated the stories about the Yellowknife pack, but there were a couple other stories from a different storyline and series that seemed out of place here. Then the closing third? I am rather confused why the last third of this book is comprised of a novella version of a story already available as an independent separate book, and a was disappointed to have paid extra for a larger collection only to discover I'd already read a sizeable chunk of the book. It was a story I enjoyed, though, so I reread it.
December 4, 2023
Great Anthology!
I love anthologies that contain stories that fill out my understanding of other series and this does that well. Additionally, this includes a Magical RomCom (With a Body Count) story, so you get two worlds for one. Do understand that while there is lovely snark in all of RJ Blain's books, Water Witch, and the whole Wolf and Witch world is much darker and heavier than the Magic RomCom world. However, in my opinion, both are enjoyable but be aware of what you are in the mood for when you read them. Or for me, when I reread them.
I love anthologies that contain stories that fill out my understanding of other series and this does that well. Additionally, this includes a Magical RomCom (With a Body Count) story, so you get two worlds for one. Do understand that while there is lovely snark in all of RJ Blain's books, Water Witch, and the whole Wolf and Witch world is much darker and heavier than the Magic RomCom world. However, in my opinion, both are enjoyable but be aware of what you are in the mood for when you read them. Or for me, when I reread them.
January 14, 2022
This book has a few stories in it. All from the same universe. We have stories with Dustin who is coming to understand the limits of his power. Mostly his family is coming to understand how important being around water is to him. There are some really interesting parts with creatures from the sea. Especially sharks. Then there is a retelling of Double Trouble which is from the Magical Romantic Comedies #9.
Good stories!
Good stories!
October 7, 2025
Lots of great stories
This is a collection of some of the author's stories set in the Witch & Wolf world, mostly slice of life pieces about various characters from the main storyline.
I loved the background of Dustin's life, just wish there was more of him.
This book also includes the story Double Trouble from the Magical Romantic Comedy world, which is another of my favorites.
Exceptional stories from an exceptional writer.
This is a collection of some of the author's stories set in the Witch & Wolf world, mostly slice of life pieces about various characters from the main storyline.
I loved the background of Dustin's life, just wish there was more of him.
This book also includes the story Double Trouble from the Magical Romantic Comedy world, which is another of my favorites.
Exceptional stories from an exceptional writer.
April 12, 2021
I loved the short stories in this book, especially the ones showing Dustin growing up and coming into his own... the first story was definitely one of my favourites! I'm hoping to see Dustin in more books in the Witch and Wolf series...especially if the terrible twosome and their father shows up LOL!
August 5, 2024
2024 bk 108 I really enjoyed this collection of stories from the Witch and Wolf series. I enjoyed getting to know Dustin first as a side character in other novels, but really enjoyed these stories. I do hope a full length novel is in the works for Dustin Walker and his family. Other stories were enjoyable and added to Karma and Jake's story, etc.
August 4, 2020
That was a weird book. I liked it.
I did have some trouble figuring out who was talking at the end there.
But I really liked it. Still weird
I did have some trouble figuring out who was talking at the end there.
But I really liked it. Still weird
December 7, 2020
A great book
A fun collection of stories that give the reader a deeper understanding of several characters. With the bonus of a new mag rom com novella. All in all 5 stars.
A fun collection of stories that give the reader a deeper understanding of several characters. With the bonus of a new mag rom com novella. All in all 5 stars.
February 22, 2021
having read this, I now want to see more of Dustin's adventures
April 20, 2021
Enjoyed it but would love more on Dustin
May 27, 2021
RJBlain never fails to entertain!
Now I will have to go look up the wolf stories to see more about Dustin! How droll, the way the family talks about him as a puppy!😂
Now I will have to go look up the wolf stories to see more about Dustin! How droll, the way the family talks about him as a puppy!😂
May 9, 2023
It's Dustin...what more can we say?
July 19, 2023
the other stories were hare to place in the timeline , which made them somewhat confusing
November 8, 2024
Lots of prequel stories from books I've already read.
Loved it.
Loved it.
April 16, 2025
Collection of longer, related short stories.
Should read Blain's other works to appreciate some of the other stories here.
Should read Blain's other works to appreciate some of the other stories here.
February 20, 2020
Great collection
I enjoy the humor and snark that runs though so much of RJ Blain's writing. With the introduction to the Witch and Wolf world through Dustin's story, I have added to my list of TBR.
I enjoy the humor and snark that runs though so much of RJ Blain's writing. With the introduction to the Witch and Wolf world through Dustin's story, I have added to my list of TBR.
May 22, 2023
Brilliant collection of stories
R.J Blain works her magic again. I loved these stories. Nice to have some back stories and extra insights into character I already know and love.
R.J Blain works her magic again. I loved these stories. Nice to have some back stories and extra insights into character I already know and love.
November 27, 2019
Happy
There is nothing better than waking up to find a pre-ordered, new R.J. Blain book on my Kindle, and this collection of shorts and novellas made me very happy indeed. Dustin has interested me since his introduction in Beneath a Blood Moon, and I thoroughly enjoyed the shorts about him which tackled some serious and potentially triggering subject matters in a sensitive, empathetic way so as to leave the reader uplifted. Frank is also a much loved character from the Witch & Wolf series, and reading about certain events from his point of view was so much fun. Reading about how Jake and Karma came to be partnered from his viewpoint was a real giggle, and then the wonderful finale of Double Trouble; a unicorn, devil and angel infested Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) made me squee and bounce because whilst it tackles some very serious subjects, it does so with R.J.'s signature deft and delicate touch, balancing the dark with light and laughter.
I always feel lighter and uplifted after reading any of R.J. Blain's works. Her love of the madcap and shenanigans, her wonderful sense of snark, sass and puns; the way she interweaves very serious and uncomfortable storylines with humour, not shying away from tackling those subjects makes her books always a great pleasure to read.
Another excellent read.
There is nothing better than waking up to find a pre-ordered, new R.J. Blain book on my Kindle, and this collection of shorts and novellas made me very happy indeed. Dustin has interested me since his introduction in Beneath a Blood Moon, and I thoroughly enjoyed the shorts about him which tackled some serious and potentially triggering subject matters in a sensitive, empathetic way so as to leave the reader uplifted. Frank is also a much loved character from the Witch & Wolf series, and reading about certain events from his point of view was so much fun. Reading about how Jake and Karma came to be partnered from his viewpoint was a real giggle, and then the wonderful finale of Double Trouble; a unicorn, devil and angel infested Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) made me squee and bounce because whilst it tackles some very serious subjects, it does so with R.J.'s signature deft and delicate touch, balancing the dark with light and laughter.
I always feel lighter and uplifted after reading any of R.J. Blain's works. Her love of the madcap and shenanigans, her wonderful sense of snark, sass and puns; the way she interweaves very serious and uncomfortable storylines with humour, not shying away from tackling those subjects makes her books always a great pleasure to read.
Another excellent read.
February 18, 2020
I really enjoyed reading Dustin's back story. Having the new romantic comedy with a body count Double Trouble was a plus, too. It's a fun read.
November 29, 2019
Water Witch: ★★★★
I really enjoyed most of these stories, and my biggest frustration would be that it isn't one complete novella. The stories are interconnected enough that it reads almost like one story, if that story was written with multiple multi-year time skips. It left me hanging for the full on-page experience, though I know that from a writer's perspective it isn't always feasible.
Other Stories from the Witch & Wolf World: ★★★
Bit of a mixed bag. Some stories were more interesting and fleshed out than others.
From the Requiem for the Rift King World: ★★
I really like the Rift King books, but I found these stories to be without much substance. Maybe it was because they were so short? It might've just been that I was expecting more out of them, so I ended up disappointed.
Double Trouble: ★★★
It's a fun, lighthearted read typical of the series, but unfortunately not one of my favourites. After the twist, the plot just seemed to stagnate and the story just didn't hold my attention as well.
I really enjoyed most of these stories, and my biggest frustration would be that it isn't one complete novella. The stories are interconnected enough that it reads almost like one story, if that story was written with multiple multi-year time skips. It left me hanging for the full on-page experience, though I know that from a writer's perspective it isn't always feasible.
Other Stories from the Witch & Wolf World: ★★★
Bit of a mixed bag. Some stories were more interesting and fleshed out than others.
From the Requiem for the Rift King World: ★★
I really like the Rift King books, but I found these stories to be without much substance. Maybe it was because they were so short? It might've just been that I was expecting more out of them, so I ended up disappointed.
Double Trouble: ★★★
It's a fun, lighthearted read typical of the series, but unfortunately not one of my favourites. After the twist, the plot just seemed to stagnate and the story just didn't hold my attention as well.
November 26, 2019
Great!
The story's in this book are so interesting to read. The main character is a most delightful smart aleck with an affinity for sharks. The other story's characters are also good in ways not associated with sharks (heh). I found myself laughing more than a few times. Great book to just set back and absorb.
The story's in this book are so interesting to read. The main character is a most delightful smart aleck with an affinity for sharks. The other story's characters are also good in ways not associated with sharks (heh). I found myself laughing more than a few times. Great book to just set back and absorb.
November 28, 2019
Yay!
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology. RJ, whenever you feel like writing more about Dustin, go for it! I was already looking forward to more of the Rift King world. As for Karma, I loved reading more about her past with Jake. Time to reread Karma again. Double Trouble was simply a lot of fun. Love the horses with horns, and reading more about the Angels & Demons.
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology. RJ, whenever you feel like writing more about Dustin, go for it! I was already looking forward to more of the Rift King world. As for Karma, I loved reading more about her past with Jake. Time to reread Karma again. Double Trouble was simply a lot of fun. Love the horses with horns, and reading more about the Angels & Demons.
November 29, 2019
Love love Water Witch!!!
If I had my wish and it come true I would get to have a monthly fix of the Witch Wolfe series! This is one of my all time favorite series!! The book/books have it all humor, romance, heartache, rewards, magic and puppies!! What !more do you need?? Do yourself a favor and buy all of Blain's Witch/Wolfe series... You won't be disappointed!!
If I had my wish and it come true I would get to have a monthly fix of the Witch Wolfe series! This is one of my all time favorite series!! The book/books have it all humor, romance, heartache, rewards, magic and puppies!! What !more do you need?? Do yourself a favor and buy all of Blain's Witch/Wolfe series... You won't be disappointed!!
December 8, 2019
Enchanting
There is just so much good stuff in this anthology that I could write a very long review, but I won't. Read it yourself, and the work will speak for itself. My favorite part...The way my husband sighs when I read these to him ( and his impatience when I take a break while reading).
There is just so much good stuff in this anthology that I could write a very long review, but I won't. Read it yourself, and the work will speak for itself. My favorite part...The way my husband sighs when I read these to him ( and his impatience when I take a break while reading).
December 22, 2019
A Fantastical Collection of Mayhem
As a continuing fan of RJ Claim`s writing, I expected mayhem, humor, and adventure. I was in no way disappointed! These stories breathed even more life into the worlds she has created and brought forth new lovable characters - as well as new dastardly ones. Well worth reading!
As a continuing fan of RJ Claim`s writing, I expected mayhem, humor, and adventure. I was in no way disappointed! These stories breathed even more life into the worlds she has created and brought forth new lovable characters - as well as new dastardly ones. Well worth reading!
November 27, 2019
I loved the way the author developed Dusty's character. He was such a fun character in "Beneath a Blood Moon" - it is great to know how he developed into the snarky smart-mouthed witch who has no problem giving the Inquisition's scariest enforcer whatfor. Such fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews