Spider Spell

by H.L. Burke, Zion Valet (Illustrator)

Young magician's apprentice, Evinrude Tomsin, could never hurt a fly ... or a spider.

When his fastidious master finds that Evin's been allowing a spider to take shelter in the potion room, she demands the arachnid's immediate removal. Unable to shove the spider into the certain death of a freezing winter storm, Evin seeks an alternative solution, but one that might have consequences far more serious, and magical, than he ever imagined.

A Short Story

Genres: Short Stories, Fantasy

39 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2020

About the author

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .

Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com

http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...

Reviews

[David Justiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was about to give this four stars, but it bothers me that if Evin had done the right thing in doing what his master told him, the outcome would've (probably) been very bad for him (death by ogre). Imo, it's better in stories when doing the right thing leads to better results, not worse (unless maybe if that's what the story is about, but that isn't the case here).

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spider Spell is the perfect story, short with a very clear beginning, middle and end. It also has a nice little message about discernment. Not every situation is black or white. Some times you need to weigh the possible consequences of each action to determine what is right or wrong. But consequences can be unpredictable as Evin learns in this short story.

A fun read that provokes some thought. Spider Spell can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

[H.L. Burke]

Short story written as a newsletter bonus. Hope to eventually make available wide.

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads)]

I feel silly about DNFing a story this short, that's probably really good, since it's by a favorite author of mine. But it's hitting a really specific unpleasant memory for me, so there's no way I'm going to enjoy it.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a short story this was amazingly well done! It carried a wonderful message and was clever, funny, and charming!

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about a magician’s apprentice and the spider he saves. Magical.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little story with adorable spiders

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Young Evin is much kinder to critters than I, and very naive.
The drawings, though simple, add a nice element.