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The Tomb #1.5
Unexpected
Incarcerated since he was a child, Ethan has most things he could ever need as second-in-command in the inmate run prison, The Tomb. When he is given the opportunity to spend one night with the beautiful Sammi, a prostitute who visits the prison monthly, he finds something he never knew he was missing; Her.
The Tomb: Unexpected is a prequel/short story introduction to the world of The Tomb
This can be read as a standalone or as a sequel/prequel to The Tomb: Exposed
The Tomb: Unexpected is a prequel/short story introduction to the world of The Tomb
This can be read as a standalone or as a sequel/prequel to The Tomb: Exposed
42 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2020
6 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Ella Burns
19 books147 followersElla Burns is the offspring of a fairy queen and an undead warlord and was brought up with an appetite for terror and beauty.
A Canadian author, she would like nothing more than to abscond to the remote wilderness of British Columbia with her daughter and a Kindle full of dark reads. Since she was a child she dreamed of being an author and now writes a variety of darkness across several genres. Despite her love of the macabre, she will always have a soft spot for fuzzy things and a cuppa tea.
A Canadian author, she would like nothing more than to abscond to the remote wilderness of British Columbia with her daughter and a Kindle full of dark reads. Since she was a child she dreamed of being an author and now writes a variety of darkness across several genres. Despite her love of the macabre, she will always have a soft spot for fuzzy things and a cuppa tea.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 17, 2020
This is a short novella-length prequel to book 1 in the series featuring Axel’s right-hand man Ethan and Sammi a young prostitute that is regularly brought into the Tomb dressed up as a nun for Axel’s sole use.
This is set slightly into the timeline of the first book and due to events that occur namely Ana/Josh Axel no longer has a wish for Sammi’s services so he offers her up to Ethan.
So despite the setting, this was actually a short and rather sweet read.
Ethan instantly feels all sorts of warm feelings for Sammi despite her profession and wants to get to know her on a deeper level it’s not just the sex for him.
He’s also a virgin and it made such a welcome change to have the usual roles reversed in this way very refreshing.
Sammi also found Ethan fascinating and very much a first in the fact that he treats her as something more than just the prostitute she is.
The two manage to bond over the course of the night together.
This was an excellent introduction and taster to the series as a whole and I’m looking forward to immersing myself in this fascinating world further.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 31, 2020
This book is a dark prison romance. I loved how the author fits a little love in this story. It's quite interesting how she had done it. Ever heard of a whore nun?? Read the book and you will. It's best for readers 18+.
August 29, 2021
Ethan is the heart of this prison.
So cool getting a little snippet of how his mind works.
Read: 29/08/2021
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/tropes: Dystopian
Cover: 3 stars
POV’s: Dual -1st person (Ethan & Sammi)
Will I recommend: Yep
So cool getting a little snippet of how his mind works.
Read: 29/08/2021
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/tropes: Dystopian
Cover: 3 stars
POV’s: Dual -1st person (Ethan & Sammi)
Will I recommend: Yep
August 9, 2020
Excellent, unexpected surprise
Excellent novella, read as a prequel or sequel, though I think it works better after reading book 1, The Tomb: Exposed. This book is mildly dark due to its dystopian backdrop, and portrays the lives of prisoners incarcerated in an inmate-run, dark and stone-walled facility. The Tomb is windowless and shadowed, light only entering from its top and at the height of the day, where the strongest thrive.
This short story introduces Sammi, a prostitute, and Ethan, second-in-command. Ethan, just as alpha as the head of the Tomb, has a softer side deciding he wants to be different from Sammi's usual encounters. I liked that there was no judgment in Sammi's choices and genuine passion in their relationship. Their love affair commences but does not conclude with this tale.
I found the plot though shrouded in a dystopian theme, a sweeter but angsty romance. Their blossoming feelings were touching if a little quick to develop. (Admittedly this was a novella). Still, an enjoyable, happy-for-now read. Looking forward to reading their budding relationship in the next books.
Excellent novella, read as a prequel or sequel, though I think it works better after reading book 1, The Tomb: Exposed. This book is mildly dark due to its dystopian backdrop, and portrays the lives of prisoners incarcerated in an inmate-run, dark and stone-walled facility. The Tomb is windowless and shadowed, light only entering from its top and at the height of the day, where the strongest thrive.
This short story introduces Sammi, a prostitute, and Ethan, second-in-command. Ethan, just as alpha as the head of the Tomb, has a softer side deciding he wants to be different from Sammi's usual encounters. I liked that there was no judgment in Sammi's choices and genuine passion in their relationship. Their love affair commences but does not conclude with this tale.
I found the plot though shrouded in a dystopian theme, a sweeter but angsty romance. Their blossoming feelings were touching if a little quick to develop. (Admittedly this was a novella). Still, an enjoyable, happy-for-now read. Looking forward to reading their budding relationship in the next books.
February 25, 2022
That’s my kind of spirit - fast with the right depth of the characters and what made them tick and an interesting angle or constellation - simply great and off course to short!
August 18, 2020
As I had been in a bit of a reading rut, I was looking for something a bit different to my usual reads to get back into the reading groove. I have read books by this author but under a different name so I had an idea of her writing style and I thoroughly enjoyed her other series, I decided it was time to try something different. I initially saw The Tomb: Exposed first but then noticed this novella and thought I would read the prequel novella first to see what the world the books are set in first. This book is much darker than her other series that I have read and is aimed at an older audience. The book is listed as “a dark prison romance” so yes, its 18+ but I would say it also has aspects of the post-apocalyptic, and dystopian genre. I have to be totally honest and say if I hadn’t seen the cover of The Tomb:Exposed I may have just passed on reading this novella. I find the cover is quite suggestive, and to me hints at the book possibly being erotica, which I do not read.
The world the novella is set in has gone through something referred to as “the split” and this prison is no ordinary prison. In The Tomb, as the prison is called, there are no regular guards inside it. The inmates run the prison. In such a harsh environment it takes a strong man and a certain set way of life ascertained by the one considered the hardest, strongest fighter in the prison. Though we do meet that man in this novella it is his best friend who wouldn’t necessarily say he is second in command himself, is considered such y the other inmates. This still fairly young to be in The Tomb is called Ethan. Ethan became best friend with Axle, the man in charge, when they were both young. In fact, they were the youngest boys in the prison, so they have literally grown up together. Though the pair are close and I personally think would literally fight and die for each other they both know how far their friendship extends. What I am trying to say is Ethan knows how far he can push things with Axle and he knows if the man wants to be alone to let him be. Ethan knows not to ask too many questions, if he needs to know anything Axle will tell him when he is good and ready. Like Ethan hasn’t broached the subject of the new kid, Josh yet, even though its unusual that Axle seems to have taken him under his protection. When Ethan is summoned to see Axle on delivery day, is no surprise to him, though when he gets there something completely “Unexpected” happens. Axle has had a long-standing arrangement with the guards to get a monthly visit from a nun. Though this is no normal, religious nun, despite the fact she wears a habit, the uniform of the nun. No, this nun is called Sammi and is actually a prostitute using the nun’s habit to gain access to the prison. Sammi visits Axle every month. Though this month it seems Axle doesn’t need nor want her attentions. As Ethan walks in the door she is offered to him!!! So yep, Ethan is shocked, in fact he is stunned into silence to begin with. When Axle insists Ethan leads Sammi away by the hand and he gets to enjoy her services. As well as the sexual scene that follows with Ethan & Sammi, you get to learn much more about their characters and how/why they ended up where they are now. The Tomb used to have women in-mates, years before but now it is a male only prison. The Tomb is a brutal, tough environment for the hardened men that exist within it. It’s certainly a matter of survival of the fittest in this prison called The Tomb. I guess some would describe at a “living death”
So, as I have already said this novella/series is out of my usual genres, and reading “comfort” zone. I do not read erotica. Though perhaps I should explain my definition of erotica is explicit descriptions but without any real story line, or character development. This novella features swearing, violence and candid sexual scenes. But, and for me it is a huge but, there is also the necessary great world building, characters and plot lines. After reading this book I was still a little unsure whether I would read and enjoy a full-length book set in this era and place. I thought about it and reached the conclusion the only way to find out was to give it a go. I think this novella gave me the extra push to give the full-length novel a try.
My immediate reactions upon finishing the prequel novella were that this was not my usual go to genre but as the old saying goes a change is as good as a rest!
To sum up the prequel gives a little taster and a hint of what is to come from the following books and series. It introduces the world that the prison is set in, what life is like in the prison and a little insight into a few characters. The novella also pushed me out of that reading rut I had found myself in too!
The world the novella is set in has gone through something referred to as “the split” and this prison is no ordinary prison. In The Tomb, as the prison is called, there are no regular guards inside it. The inmates run the prison. In such a harsh environment it takes a strong man and a certain set way of life ascertained by the one considered the hardest, strongest fighter in the prison. Though we do meet that man in this novella it is his best friend who wouldn’t necessarily say he is second in command himself, is considered such y the other inmates. This still fairly young to be in The Tomb is called Ethan. Ethan became best friend with Axle, the man in charge, when they were both young. In fact, they were the youngest boys in the prison, so they have literally grown up together. Though the pair are close and I personally think would literally fight and die for each other they both know how far their friendship extends. What I am trying to say is Ethan knows how far he can push things with Axle and he knows if the man wants to be alone to let him be. Ethan knows not to ask too many questions, if he needs to know anything Axle will tell him when he is good and ready. Like Ethan hasn’t broached the subject of the new kid, Josh yet, even though its unusual that Axle seems to have taken him under his protection. When Ethan is summoned to see Axle on delivery day, is no surprise to him, though when he gets there something completely “Unexpected” happens. Axle has had a long-standing arrangement with the guards to get a monthly visit from a nun. Though this is no normal, religious nun, despite the fact she wears a habit, the uniform of the nun. No, this nun is called Sammi and is actually a prostitute using the nun’s habit to gain access to the prison. Sammi visits Axle every month. Though this month it seems Axle doesn’t need nor want her attentions. As Ethan walks in the door she is offered to him!!! So yep, Ethan is shocked, in fact he is stunned into silence to begin with. When Axle insists Ethan leads Sammi away by the hand and he gets to enjoy her services. As well as the sexual scene that follows with Ethan & Sammi, you get to learn much more about their characters and how/why they ended up where they are now. The Tomb used to have women in-mates, years before but now it is a male only prison. The Tomb is a brutal, tough environment for the hardened men that exist within it. It’s certainly a matter of survival of the fittest in this prison called The Tomb. I guess some would describe at a “living death”
So, as I have already said this novella/series is out of my usual genres, and reading “comfort” zone. I do not read erotica. Though perhaps I should explain my definition of erotica is explicit descriptions but without any real story line, or character development. This novella features swearing, violence and candid sexual scenes. But, and for me it is a huge but, there is also the necessary great world building, characters and plot lines. After reading this book I was still a little unsure whether I would read and enjoy a full-length book set in this era and place. I thought about it and reached the conclusion the only way to find out was to give it a go. I think this novella gave me the extra push to give the full-length novel a try.
My immediate reactions upon finishing the prequel novella were that this was not my usual go to genre but as the old saying goes a change is as good as a rest!
To sum up the prequel gives a little taster and a hint of what is to come from the following books and series. It introduces the world that the prison is set in, what life is like in the prison and a little insight into a few characters. The novella also pushed me out of that reading rut I had found myself in too!
August 5, 2020
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. I think it was full of fantastic teasers that leave you wanting to know more. Characters you want to know more about. A society you want to know more about. I loved Ethan and Sammi. There was just enough in this book to give them a nice story and yet hoping to learn more about them in future books. I'm excited to read about Axle and Ana. Their introduction in this book sounds like it will be a very interesting story. So many things I look forward to reading in the next book!
August 15, 2020
This book did exactly what it was supposed to do... give us, the readers, a sneak peak to Ella Burns’ highly anticipated new novel, The Tomb: Exposed!
In Unexpected, the novella acts as a sequel/prequel giving insight to life in The Tomb. We’re already introduced to the two main characters, but in this story the POV comes from Sammi and Ethan.
This novella is a hawt, panty-dampening, delicious read that will leave you wanting more and asking the question, can a life really be lived in The Tombs?
Can’t wait to sink my teeth into Exposed!
In Unexpected, the novella acts as a sequel/prequel giving insight to life in The Tomb. We’re already introduced to the two main characters, but in this story the POV comes from Sammi and Ethan.
This novella is a hawt, panty-dampening, delicious read that will leave you wanting more and asking the question, can a life really be lived in The Tombs?
Can’t wait to sink my teeth into Exposed!
August 6, 2020
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I actually was pleasantly surprised about how I liked this. There was a tad but confusion for me as to what The Split is but beyond that, I thought it was a good book though it breaks my heart that Sammi and Ethan can’t be together at the end of this book but m I’m hoping they’ll get their own book eventually along with a happily ever after.
I actually was pleasantly surprised about how I liked this. There was a tad but confusion for me as to what The Split is but beyond that, I thought it was a good book though it breaks my heart that Sammi and Ethan can’t be together at the end of this book but m I’m hoping they’ll get their own book eventually along with a happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2020
I received this book free as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first Ella Burns novel I've read and very different from anything I've ever read. I enjoyed the journey with Ethan and Sammi. I loved the detail, the emotion, the plot. I will definitely be looking for more from Ella in the future.
This is the first Ella Burns novel I've read and very different from anything I've ever read. I enjoyed the journey with Ethan and Sammi. I loved the detail, the emotion, the plot. I will definitely be looking for more from Ella in the future.
July 26, 2020
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I thought it was great! Great way to introduce the characters and make you want to learn more about them. I definitely cannot wait to read more about all of them, and this place they live in!
August 16, 2020
This is an excellent introduction to Ethan, Sammi, Axel, and The Tomb. Ms. Burns gives us a taste of what her future books will enslave us with, and I can't wait to read them. There is love/lust mixed in with the forbidden while inside The Tomb, the prison is solely run by inmates.
January 24, 2021
This is a prequel centered around Ethan and Sammi.
This is about how they well meant and grew close and more!
This prequel was perfect and amazing just like the tomb series.
Ella did a good job of the prequel and made me what to read the tomb book more after reading this.
This is about how they well meant and grew close and more!
This prequel was perfect and amazing just like the tomb series.
Ella did a good job of the prequel and made me what to read the tomb book more after reading this.
August 11, 2020
Just like the title, this was unexpected. In a good way, of course! I really love the concept and the characters. I look forward to reading the main series!
September 3, 2020
I love this book soo much a great series for a dark romance prison series
September 6, 2020
Great
A lovely little Novella telling us about Ethan and Sammi’s first night together!! Can’t wait to read more about this pair
A lovely little Novella telling us about Ethan and Sammi’s first night together!! Can’t wait to read more about this pair
7-tbr-ooit
October 11, 2021*Free* gekregen toen ik me inschreef voor de nieuwsletter.
September 2, 2020
This was Escape from New York meets Mad Max with a bit of Water World thrown in (the originals mind you) with a whirlwind romance just to top it off
full review to follow
full review to follow
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews