Fool the Demon

Deals with Demons #0.5

by Stacia Stark

This is the free prequel/short story which begins before Speak of the Demon, the first book in the Deals with Demons world. You can find the link in my profile.

I’ve searched for my mom’s murderer for two years. But now I finally have a way to narrow down my suspects.

The ancient fae artifact is mine for the taking.

Well, not quite.

The artifact belongs to Samael— the scary-as-hell demon who runs this country. There’s a reason why no one would dare steal from him. But with great risk comes great reward… right?

All I need to do is get close to him, sneak past his dragon, and steal from his hoard.

Wish me luck.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Demons, Paranormal Romance, Romantasy, Magic

42 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Stacia Stark is a New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, and Amazon bestselling author of fantasy romance. Her books have been translated into over 16 languages, and her Kingdom of Lies series was nominated twice for Goodreads Choice Awards.

Stacia loves writing romantasy filled with found families, female friendship, self-reliant heroines, and brooding, grumpy heroes. When she’s not writing or exploring the world, she can usually be found sprawled on her sofa, lost in the pages of a good book.


Come say hi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stark...

Or learn more at Staciastark.com

Reviews

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH. MY. GOD!

I came across this book through browsing the reviews on my news feed, unfortunately I can't find the person's review that I read but 'THANK YOU! Whoever you are, thank you! This is why I love reviews, they can help you stumble on a little rock of amzeballs 😂

I loved this free novella, I loved the writing style, the storyline and feeling of looking forward to a potentially brilliant series!

I do have to thank Keri Arthur for winning an award (I seen this on Facebook) and she highly recommended Stacia Stark who had come 2nd in the awards. Of course I love Keri she is definitely one of my favourites so I decided to 'taste' this journey and I'm eager and excited to start reading Deals with Demons! as soon as possible!

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fool the Demon is a must read before diving into the Deals with Demons Series! Yes it's a novella, but it sets the series up perfectly.  And makes you completely understand Danica and Samael's background.    Which is a rather precarious one.  After reading this quick story, I just knew that I would fall head over heels in love with this series and I was definitely right!

His arrogance would be his downfall. And my gain.

You can grab a copy of this book for free on Stacia's website here.

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Lucie V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short prequel can be found here.

While this happens before the events of the first book, I waited until I was almost done with the series to read it, and I think it was a good decision, because now I know the characters, I know what will happen to them and how their relationship will evolve, so seeing how they first met was even more interesting.

This short story shows us how Danica learned about the existence of Misty, and how she managed to steal it from Samael's hoard. It does not add anything new to the story, and it was rather short, which is why I only gave it 3 stars. That, and I struggle with short stories in general, but that's a "me" problem.


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[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOOL THE DEMON was a great introduction to this world and I loved Danica's character. She was feisty, determined, and smart and I really enjoyed her POV voice. While Danica and Samael only shared a brief moment on-page together their chemistry was electric and I can't wait to see what happens next for them!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by this one. I don't normally like novellas, but this was really good and has me excited to read the next book. I'm really intrigued by Danica and Samael. These two definitely have some chemistry. I'm also really curious about Danica's power.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mini relato que actúa como la precuela de la saga “Deals with the demons”. Llevaba tiempo en el estante, lo vas dejando acumular con el resto de tu pila de libros interminable. Entonces, en una de estas noches que necesitas empezar libro nuevo y haces una búsqueda entre tus lecturas lo encuentras.

No ha estado mal y tampoco pedí más salvo el hecho de oxigenarme el cerebro por las noches. Ha sido una serie de capítulos que nos hacen como prólogo para la saga. Se trata de la típica fantasía urbana con demonios, brujas y otras criaturas mágicas.

¿Recomendable? Sí

[Mar-Mar bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okaaaay! This sounds absolutely awesome!

From the first line I was hooked AF!

I pray that the next book will deliver. I'm tired of failed prn/fantasy books.

[Francesca ❆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novella definitely worth the read to understand a lot of what happens in book 1 between Danica and Samael.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this novella doesn’t make you want to read the series I don’t know why, it’s got demons, dragons, witches, Fae, werewolves, I’m off to read the first full book now

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great setup, has me wanting more!

This free book can be found on the author’s website.

[Lid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Esta es la historia corta que te introduce a una nueva saga de fantasía urbana que creía que sería mi siguiente enganche pero meh.

Vale qué es corta y no podía dar mucho pero no he conectado. El mundo guay con todos los seres mágicos, brujas, demonios, pero nada nuevo por ahora.

La trama que arranca es que se me ha hecho insulsa. La prota, una bruja, quiere descubrir quien mato a su madre y su única manera es conseguir una daga para saber quién miente... Really? Estoy acostumbrada a protas mercenarias que se buscan las castañas y que la única manera sea una daga de verdad es un WTF muy grande para mí porque no le veo sentido alguno. Hay mil maneras de conseguir llegar a un sitio, no me seas de línea recta 🙄

Por supuesto se lo tiene que robar al super demonio que si bien típico, no pinta mal. Los personajes son típicos, que se nota que tienen sus secretos pero no hay nada que me haya hecho especial tilín.

Puede ser una historia entretenida, aunque no novedosa. Pero el rollo de cómo lleva la historia con esa trama, lo rápido que consigue las cosas y tal... No me convence, necesito más gracia y dificultad, así que aquí se quedará.

[Teru · Rating 3 out of 5]

...pretty okay I think? It's a prequel novella so I can't expect much. Some things intrigue me, I'm just not sure if it's enough for me to pick up the series. The writing was so-so, I felt like way too much was happening on very few pages.

Also, an unpopular opinion - most of the time, I dislike dual POVs, especially if the second is the love interest's POV. Which is the case here and it didn't make me happy, that's for sure.

Still, maybe I'll decide to continue, eventually...

[Sandra]

A cute prequel that dips it's toe into the world and sets the scene for the relationship between Dani and Samael, before all the confusing worldbuilding and other elements were added and weighed down the series.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and very intriguing. Made me want…no NEED to start the 1st book.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️

Such a fun short read!

It was great getting the story of how Samael & Danica first met after reading the first book in the series!

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacia Stark is a new-to-me author and I'm glad I stumbled upon this book. Her writing flows easily and I found myself lost in the story, reminiscent of Patti Briggs or Ilona Andrews. The story itself is a bit dark. Not fluffy bunnies and happily ever after. I think it was a great intro to this series and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Death of a parent recounted

[brii | brii (three months behind...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick little novella. Danica’s dagger has been mentioned so many times in this series so far, that I enjoyed jumping back in time to her stealing it from Samael.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you, I have never read a book faster... let me tell you, I read this in minutes!!! I love the world building and the details. I felt like I was in the book! The character development is strong, and the writing is brilliant. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Ellie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fab introduction for the series! VERY short novella setting us up with the characters. Glad I picked this up before diving in so I have some knowledge/background info on what to expect. This is a fantastic idea! Short & sweet!

Dragons, Magic, Werewolves, Demons.. what more could I want in a book?

I can’t wait to finish this series💖

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ratings - completed series:
#0.5 Fool the Demon (this book): ★★★★☆
#1 Speak of the Demon: ★★★★☆
#2 Dance with the Demon: ★★★★☆
#3 Inner Demons: ★★★★☆
#4 Luck of the Demon: ★★★★☆
#5 Demon's Advocate: ★★★★☆

[guapito.reynolds04 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reseña — Fool the Demon de Stacia Stark

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 estrellitas porque ME ENCANTÓ y fue un abrebocas perfecto para la saga

Fool the Demon fue justo lo que necesitaba para meterme de lleno en el mundo de Deals with Demons. Es cortito, intenso y súper efectivo en atraparte desde la primera línea. Literalmente terminé el relato y quedé como “ok, necesito YA mismo el libro 1”. Stacia Stark sabe exactamente cómo soltar migajas de lore, peligro y tensión para que uno se enganche sin remedio.

La historia sigue a nuestra protagonista, que lleva dos años buscando al asesino de su mamá, y me encantó esa mezcla entre dolor, obsesión, rabia y una determinación que no se quiebra. Puedes sentir su impulso por encontrar respuestas, incluso si eso significa hacer lo más estúpido y peligroso del mundo: robarle a Samael, el demonio más temido del país. O sea… qué mujer tan valiente o tan loca, pero la amo igual.

La ambientación fue otro punto fuerte. Stacia Stark te mete rápido en este mundo donde demonios, fae y criaturas peligrosas existen a plena luz, pero sin abrumarte con info. Y la parte del artefacto fae antiguo me pareció muy buena como catalizador de toda la historia: simple, claro y con el peso emocional suficiente para entender por qué está dispuesta a arriesgarlo todo.

Y obvio… Samael. El demonio. El hombre. La leyenda. Sale poquito, pero la presencia de él se siente gigante. Ese tipo de personaje que no necesita aparecer mucho para intimidar, para generar tensión, para hacerte pensar “uy, un libro entero con este man debe ser una locura”. Me encantó esa vibra de poder, misterio y peligro. Se nota que él será un problema… pero un problema delicioso de leer en el futuro.

Toda la parte del robo, el plan, la tensión, la posibilidad real de morir, el momento en que entra al territorio del demonio, y EL DRAGÓN, estuvo buenísima. Nada se siente apresurado, pero tampoco se siente lento. Es el ritmo perfecto de un prequel: te da acción, te da emoción, te da información… y te deja queriendo muchísimo más.

En conclusión, Fool the Demon es un prequel cortito pero muy bien logrado. Te deja enganchada, te deja curiosa, te deja obsesionada con conocer más del mundo, del misterio detrás del asesinato, y especialmente con conocer más de Samael. 5 estrellitas porque cumplió exactamente lo que prometía: fue un muy buen abrebocas que me dejó lista para continuar con toda la saga.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fool the Demon by Stacia Stark is an introduction to her other books. This prequel gives the reader a look into the paranormal world of Dania, a bounty hunter, who is trying to find out her killed her mother. She needs to find the 'Dagger of Truth". This mission will take Dania on a dangerous and magical journey into the underworld.

This is a book fill with magic, witches, demons and other paranormal creatures. I received a copy of this book from the author and I always review every book that I read. If you enjoy this genre, then I think you will enjoy reading it. This is not they type of book that I would normally read, but I did enjoy reading it.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the story and it was very short. If it wasn’t for the fact that I was able to get it for free I would not have read this book at all because of it being so short I would not pay for it. I did like the fact that it explained how Danica was able to steal the dagger from the dragon. In the first book it tells you that Danica has this dagger and that she stole it but it doesn’t really give you any background on it and that’s one thing I liked about this book. i’m glad I read it cause it helped give me a little more background on Danica, The witch that Helter with a spell she needed for the heist, and a little bit about the demons.

[Riri Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read any of the other books in this series, this Novella was a great introduction to the world and some of the characters.
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It was a great little story and has me intrigued for the rest of the series.
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Danica is what appear to be a low-level Witch, but I feel like there is possibly more to her. Samael is a high-ranking demon we only get the slightest taste of Samael in this story, but you can already tell there is an attraction between these two characters.
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If you are unsure about the series this is a great way to give it a try, you can get the novella from Stacia through her website.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This captivating prequel sets the stage for the "Deals with Demons" series. Danica, driven by the need to avenge her mother’s death, targets an ancient fae artifact. The catch? It belongs to Samael, the powerful demon who rules the country. Despite the risks, Danica is determined to steal it, hoping the reward justifies the danger. This short story introduces the complex relationship between Danica and Samael, building anticipation for what's to come. The novella hooked me with its engaging plot, strong character dynamics, and the promise of an exciting urban fantasy series. This is a must-read introduction if you enjoy stories with demons, dragons, and high-stakes adventures.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic plot: A witch steals a dagger from a demon.

Freebie, probably from the FaRo newsletter. This was a super short intro to the world this story is from. It's intended to set up a whole series, and it does the job well. The world is revealed through the action without infodumping, as are the characters. It's very short, so there isn't a lot of detail, just enough to catch interest. A minor heist, and we are done. I'm intrigued enough to see about finding the first full-length book in the series.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely should have read this before the first book in the series. This was a short little novella, that is a prequel to the main series. In order to obtain a semi sentient dagger with magical powers to tell truth from lies to help investigate her mother’s murder, Danica must sneak past a dragon to steal it from a demon’s hoard.

[Cassandra Doon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I was gonna like
This series as much I did.
It had a healthy amount of smut, and would suit a younger adult age, but it was still really enjoyable.
You manage to fall in love with the main crew really quickly.