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The Forest Tales #0.5
Saving Vengeance: A Prequel
He wants to save her life, but she wants revenge at any cost.
Forced to choose between loyalty to the king and what is right, Gavin spares an innocent woman’s life, only to discover that saving her won’t be as easy as he thought.
All Laurel wants is revenge on the man who murdered her sister, even if that means sacrificing herself in the process. When a masquerade ball provides the perfect opportunity for her plan, will she succeed?
Or will the price of vengeance be too high?
Author's Note: This prequel novella features two supporting characters from Desperate Forest (Book 1 in The Forest Tales series). It can be enjoyed at any point in the series as a standalone read.
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61 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2021
4 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Cece Louise
11 books192 followersCece Louise writes clean novels filled with adventure, romance, and spirit for teens and adults.
Cece is an avid reader who has been making up stories in her head as long as she can remember. Despite all that daydreaming, she graduated summa cum laude with a BBA from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2012.
When she's not working on her latest story, Cece spends her time having adventures with her husband and two kids, hiking and biking in her home state of WI, and unfortunately, cleaning her house (which she is convinced is secretly inhabited by mischievous, mess-multiplying pixies).
Get "Saving Vengeance" eBook FREE at CeceLouise.com!
Cece is an avid reader who has been making up stories in her head as long as she can remember. Despite all that daydreaming, she graduated summa cum laude with a BBA from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2012.
When she's not working on her latest story, Cece spends her time having adventures with her husband and two kids, hiking and biking in her home state of WI, and unfortunately, cleaning her house (which she is convinced is secretly inhabited by mischievous, mess-multiplying pixies).
Get "Saving Vengeance" eBook FREE at CeceLouise.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 4, 2021
A prequel novella, Saving Vengeance focuses on Laurel and Gavin, two supporting characters from Desperate Forest, the first book in The Forest Tales series. I was really eager to read the story since I loved their characters in the first book. Gavin is a Tover knight and works for the loathsome King Abrax. Torn between his duty and his morals, Gavin spares Laurel’s life, even though his king wants Laurel dead. Devastated over the murder of her sister, Laurel swears to avenge her death and kill King Abrax. A masquerade ball at the castle gives Laurel the perfect opportunity to seek vengeance. Will she take her revenge, and at what cost?
The novella is told from both Laurel and Gavin’s points of view, so you get a strong feel for each of the characters. Both of their stories are compelling and engrossing, and through their perspectives, you learn a lot about them, their feelings, the situation in their kingdom, and what brought them both to the woods where they meet Jay. I thought this was really interesting because I always wondered how they all ended up together.
Laurel and Gavin have a strong connection from the start, and I love how their meeting changed the trajectory of both of their lives. It’s so interesting how one interaction, one moment of kindness, can change a person, and that is exactly what happens with Laurel and Gavin. The pair seems so different, but they are alike in many ways. I like how they find something good in the midst of the turmoil, terror, and tragedy.
Something else I really like about the story, and the series as a whole, is the immersive writing. Louise creates such a vivid picture of the setting, and you quickly become immersed in the lives of the characters and the obstacles they face. The dialogue is as strong as the character development and the world-building, and the action and intrigue are fantastic. I’ve enjoyed every story in this series, and Saving Vengeance is no exception.
This is a quick yet layered novella, and though it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, as can all of the books in the series. I would definitely recommend the novella, and the whole series, to readers who enjoy clean YA fantasy with great characters, immersive world-building, action and adventure, and romance!
The novella is told from both Laurel and Gavin’s points of view, so you get a strong feel for each of the characters. Both of their stories are compelling and engrossing, and through their perspectives, you learn a lot about them, their feelings, the situation in their kingdom, and what brought them both to the woods where they meet Jay. I thought this was really interesting because I always wondered how they all ended up together.
Laurel and Gavin have a strong connection from the start, and I love how their meeting changed the trajectory of both of their lives. It’s so interesting how one interaction, one moment of kindness, can change a person, and that is exactly what happens with Laurel and Gavin. The pair seems so different, but they are alike in many ways. I like how they find something good in the midst of the turmoil, terror, and tragedy.
Something else I really like about the story, and the series as a whole, is the immersive writing. Louise creates such a vivid picture of the setting, and you quickly become immersed in the lives of the characters and the obstacles they face. The dialogue is as strong as the character development and the world-building, and the action and intrigue are fantastic. I’ve enjoyed every story in this series, and Saving Vengeance is no exception.
This is a quick yet layered novella, and though it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, as can all of the books in the series. I would definitely recommend the novella, and the whole series, to readers who enjoy clean YA fantasy with great characters, immersive world-building, action and adventure, and romance!
December 3, 2021
Summary: Laurel’s sister is convinced that the evil king who had just used her potion skills to poison the previous king is in love with her. And while she is enthralled with the new ballgowns he sent, inviting her to his upcoming masquerade ball, royal soldiers arrive to execute her on the grounds of witchcraft. Laurel manages to escape with the help of one of the soldiers, and vows vengeance against the king. She dresses up in the ballgown intended for her sister, and attends the ball with a dagger strapped to her thigh.
I loved this novella-size short story. It has action, betrayal, and romance with a dash of Cinderella fairy tale. Laurel is the level-headed sensible sister, while her sister is the naïve romantic blinded by her feelings for most obviously wrong person. Though, at no point is the sister seen negatively even though she helped poison the previous king, which bugged me. And I loved the idea of Cinderella as an assassin (granted I’ve seen it in other versions as well, each time it’s done, it’s a sexy empowerment and a question of if she will actually go bad herself. Just the thought that Cinderella was there for something other than just to dance is always a fun spin on the story). I loved the budding relationship between Laurel and Gavin, and I’m dying to see their story continued, which is the whole point of a prequel to tempt me to want to read the first book of the series. The only criticism I had with my copy was that it ends at the 50% mark and the rest of the book is filled with 5 chapters of book one (which makes me feel like I was gipped 50%).
I loved this novella-size short story. It has action, betrayal, and romance with a dash of Cinderella fairy tale. Laurel is the level-headed sensible sister, while her sister is the naïve romantic blinded by her feelings for most obviously wrong person. Though, at no point is the sister seen negatively even though she helped poison the previous king, which bugged me. And I loved the idea of Cinderella as an assassin (granted I’ve seen it in other versions as well, each time it’s done, it’s a sexy empowerment and a question of if she will actually go bad herself. Just the thought that Cinderella was there for something other than just to dance is always a fun spin on the story). I loved the budding relationship between Laurel and Gavin, and I’m dying to see their story continued, which is the whole point of a prequel to tempt me to want to read the first book of the series. The only criticism I had with my copy was that it ends at the 50% mark and the rest of the book is filled with 5 chapters of book one (which makes me feel like I was gipped 50%).
June 24, 2023
This was such a enchanting story and I was immediately hooked. I really enjoyed both POVs & this authors style of writing. I look forward to the next book ✨
November 4, 2021
The perfect prequel story! My favorite scene was Gavin and Laurel's first kiss. This little book was a real treat since we don't get to see a ton of their romance in Desperate Forest!)
March 9, 2022
If you like clean romances set in Medieval Times, this is a book for you. Saving Vengeance is a prequel to Cece Louise's Forest Tales series. There's intrigue, a knight in shining armor, and a damsel in distress. Doesn't get much better than that. As this is a short story, you'll want to read the rest of the books in the series to see how things turn out between Laurel and Gavin.
October 24, 2021
I love Cece’s series and this short book introduces us
to Gavin and Laurel and how they met under a tragic circumstance. Laurel wants revenge after witnessing her sisters murder in front of her eyes but their second chance encounter Gavin is able to talk her out of what she wants to do at that moment. They meet up again in the Eternity Forrest and their journey continues in The Desperate Forrest. A little teaser is included for the three books that are available now as well as the next one due out in early 2022.
I have read those three books and I highly recommend them to readers old and young who enjoy fantasy adventures with characters who come alive as you read about them! Cece paints vivid scenes that the reader is easily able to picture those experiences actually taking place! The stories are exciting adventures with happily ever afters coming after they recognize who they really love and make that commitment to help each other achieve their goals!
These stories are unputdownable once you start on them! They are a true joy to read and you’ll be routing for our friends to come out on top when faced with the adversity that comes their way!
These stories made me feel so good while I was reading them and when I finished them. They are books you’ll want to reread again and again to recapture the feeling you had the first time you started them and were introduced to characters who quickly became your friends!
Do yourself a BIG favor and get Saving Vengeance,
Desperate Forrest, The Jabberwocky Princess, Mazarine today! You’ll love them I can guarantee you and you’ll then be ready for the next book when it comes out in a couple of months from now. You really will love this series and you’ll be so glad you read these stories! Adventure, excitement, betrayal, redemption, discovering what you really want abounds in each book. I feel sure you’ll be telling your family and friends that they need to read these books as well!
Thank you Cece for writing such wonderful stories that make a person feel so good about and makes the reader so grateful that he/she learned to read so long ago!
to Gavin and Laurel and how they met under a tragic circumstance. Laurel wants revenge after witnessing her sisters murder in front of her eyes but their second chance encounter Gavin is able to talk her out of what she wants to do at that moment. They meet up again in the Eternity Forrest and their journey continues in The Desperate Forrest. A little teaser is included for the three books that are available now as well as the next one due out in early 2022.
I have read those three books and I highly recommend them to readers old and young who enjoy fantasy adventures with characters who come alive as you read about them! Cece paints vivid scenes that the reader is easily able to picture those experiences actually taking place! The stories are exciting adventures with happily ever afters coming after they recognize who they really love and make that commitment to help each other achieve their goals!
These stories are unputdownable once you start on them! They are a true joy to read and you’ll be routing for our friends to come out on top when faced with the adversity that comes their way!
These stories made me feel so good while I was reading them and when I finished them. They are books you’ll want to reread again and again to recapture the feeling you had the first time you started them and were introduced to characters who quickly became your friends!
Do yourself a BIG favor and get Saving Vengeance,
Desperate Forrest, The Jabberwocky Princess, Mazarine today! You’ll love them I can guarantee you and you’ll then be ready for the next book when it comes out in a couple of months from now. You really will love this series and you’ll be so glad you read these stories! Adventure, excitement, betrayal, redemption, discovering what you really want abounds in each book. I feel sure you’ll be telling your family and friends that they need to read these books as well!
Thank you Cece for writing such wonderful stories that make a person feel so good about and makes the reader so grateful that he/she learned to read so long ago!
September 5, 2023
This prequel novella is such a great opener to the world of The Forest Tales. As stated by the author this can be read in the beginning or anywhere in between, but if you are unsure about wanting to start the series this gives a great preview to Cece Louise's writing style and character/world building in a short amount of pages.
The novella is told from dual points of view with Laurel and Gavin, both supporting characters in the first book Desperate Forest. After Laurel's sister reveals that she doesn't believe the new King Abrax used her knowledge of potions to poison the previous king but is in fact in love with her Laurel becomes completely suspicious. When soldiers are sent to execute both sister's on the basis of witchcraft by King Abrax, Laurel comes face to face with one soldier who tells her to run and saves her life. With the king's upcoming masquerade ball, Laurel makes a plan to execute the king in order to avenge her sister.
Gavin is a Tover knight who has served his home for a long time. Under the new king's orders he finds out that the mission they were sent on is to execute witches in the kingdom. When Gavin and the other knights come to this realization they start to question their commitment to the new king and if they can follow through with his orders.
The series is absolutely amazing and I always look forward to the next release.
The novella is told from dual points of view with Laurel and Gavin, both supporting characters in the first book Desperate Forest. After Laurel's sister reveals that she doesn't believe the new King Abrax used her knowledge of potions to poison the previous king but is in fact in love with her Laurel becomes completely suspicious. When soldiers are sent to execute both sister's on the basis of witchcraft by King Abrax, Laurel comes face to face with one soldier who tells her to run and saves her life. With the king's upcoming masquerade ball, Laurel makes a plan to execute the king in order to avenge her sister.
Gavin is a Tover knight who has served his home for a long time. Under the new king's orders he finds out that the mission they were sent on is to execute witches in the kingdom. When Gavin and the other knights come to this realization they start to question their commitment to the new king and if they can follow through with his orders.
The series is absolutely amazing and I always look forward to the next release.
April 28, 2024
Maybe it's because I didn't read the others books before and was introduced to the world and the story for the first time in the novella, it felt a little bit sloppy for me.
The pacing was a bit rough and weird, the dialogue stiff at times. The choices of the characters were strange and didn't make sense. It felt more like a childen's story, or some first draft that needed more work. It honestly didn't make sense at all, and it felt like all the character choices were solely made to get the plot where it was supposed to be, so it wasn't natural AT ALL.
The story felt lacking and it honestly didn't encourage me to read the first book of the series.
The pacing was a bit rough and weird, the dialogue stiff at times. The choices of the characters were strange and didn't make sense. It felt more like a childen's story, or some first draft that needed more work. It honestly didn't make sense at all, and it felt like all the character choices were solely made to get the plot where it was supposed to be, so it wasn't natural AT ALL.
The story felt lacking and it honestly didn't encourage me to read the first book of the series.
June 4, 2023
Great prequel to the series, loved the set-up and Laurel’s choice…ahhh…
Strangely, I’ve read the series before the prequel, which makes me a fab commenter as to whether this prequels is a good tidbit to reads if you’re trying to decide whether or not to delve into this particular series. And it is - for the first and the last book in the series, but these are interlinked standalones anyhow. This clean & sweet short prequel has the set-up, the intrigue, a few of the main characters of subsequent series featured, so all-in-all, a good intro.
Essence: Laurel tries to warn her healer sister about the treacherous king and fails. She tries to play the Cinderella (more like bespelled Ella Enchanted than the trad one) and has a tough decision to make - exact vengeance or protect the knight who saved her.
Trigger warning: death of a loved one.
Recommended for lovers of clean YA fairytales looking to start a new sweet series.
Strangely, I’ve read the series before the prequel, which makes me a fab commenter as to whether this prequels is a good tidbit to reads if you’re trying to decide whether or not to delve into this particular series. And it is - for the first and the last book in the series, but these are interlinked standalones anyhow. This clean & sweet short prequel has the set-up, the intrigue, a few of the main characters of subsequent series featured, so all-in-all, a good intro.
Essence: Laurel tries to warn her healer sister about the treacherous king and fails. She tries to play the Cinderella (more like bespelled Ella Enchanted than the trad one) and has a tough decision to make - exact vengeance or protect the knight who saved her.
Trigger warning: death of a loved one.
Recommended for lovers of clean YA fairytales looking to start a new sweet series.
May 22, 2022
I actually read Desperate Forest before Saving Vengeance. I do recommend that you read this one first as it is the story of how and why Laurel leaves her home to wander the Eternity Forest. In this novella, we meet Gavin, a Tover knight in the service of King Abrax. Torn between his duty and his morals, Gavin spares Laurel’s life after he is ordered to kill her. Devastated over the murder of her sister, Laurel swears to avenge her death and kill King Abrax.
Although this is a novella, I found the story was a great introduction to the series, or if you have already read Desperate Forest, it fills you in on how two of the main characters met. The story is told from both Laurel and Gavin’s points of view, so both characters are well developed. I liked hearing their backstories as it answered some questions I had. This was an enjoyable and quick read.
Although this is a novella, I found the story was a great introduction to the series, or if you have already read Desperate Forest, it fills you in on how two of the main characters met. The story is told from both Laurel and Gavin’s points of view, so both characters are well developed. I liked hearing their backstories as it answered some questions I had. This was an enjoyable and quick read.
January 13, 2022
What an engaging author! Her depictions of the characters are spot on. At times, writers can only sympathetically portray characters of their own sex. Not so with Cece Louise she is gifted in the art of exposing her characters personalities so well, that I feel as if I have personally become acquainted with them. To me, the story line was incidental to my enjoyment of the skillful writing. I felt like I was watching a good old B&W 1940s movie. I will intersperse my reading of action, fantasy, paranormal, and literature books with this author's work. I think she had fun writing it; I know I enjoyed reading it. I received this novel from BookFunnel and this is my honest and truthful review. Hey gang, this is really a good one.
February 11, 2022
Seeking Justice . . .
This is a short prequel giving us the story of Laurel and Gavin. Laurel’s sister is murdered by King Abrax. Laurel manages to escape but swears vengeance, even if it costs her own life by doing so. Gavin is a Tover knight who serves King Abrax. Although duty to the king and the morality of what is right tugged at his conscience, he spares Laurel’s life.
When a masquerade ball at the castle presents the chance for Laurel to kill the king, will she succeed? Or will someone appear to stop her?
This was a good story line, action-packed and moving at a good pace. The characters are intriguing as we get to know them and see what is important to each. This is just the beginning, so be ready to read the series and enjoy the exciting story to follow.
This is a short prequel giving us the story of Laurel and Gavin. Laurel’s sister is murdered by King Abrax. Laurel manages to escape but swears vengeance, even if it costs her own life by doing so. Gavin is a Tover knight who serves King Abrax. Although duty to the king and the morality of what is right tugged at his conscience, he spares Laurel’s life.
When a masquerade ball at the castle presents the chance for Laurel to kill the king, will she succeed? Or will someone appear to stop her?
This was a good story line, action-packed and moving at a good pace. The characters are intriguing as we get to know them and see what is important to each. This is just the beginning, so be ready to read the series and enjoy the exciting story to follow.
August 2, 2024
This was a nice quick read.
I enjoyed the moments of anonymity between the Mc's where they were guessing at each others identity since I'm a sucker for a romance with disguise.
The writing style was a bit too cursory and sometimes it lacked a bit of depth for me, which is why I found myself kind of skimming most of the story just to see what happened in the end. I may dip my toe into book 1, to see if it's different, since my experience is that authors sometimes have this issue with their short stories but not with their full length novels. So I'm curious to see about that.
Content warnings (mild spoilers)
Coarse language: none
Violence & gore: moderate violence, mild gore
Romance: a passionate kiss but one that I wouldn't describe as steamy or spicy
I enjoyed the moments of anonymity between the Mc's where they were guessing at each others identity since I'm a sucker for a romance with disguise.
The writing style was a bit too cursory and sometimes it lacked a bit of depth for me, which is why I found myself kind of skimming most of the story just to see what happened in the end. I may dip my toe into book 1, to see if it's different, since my experience is that authors sometimes have this issue with their short stories but not with their full length novels. So I'm curious to see about that.
Content warnings (mild spoilers)
Coarse language: none
Violence & gore: moderate violence, mild gore
Romance: a passionate kiss but one that I wouldn't describe as steamy or spicy
March 24, 2023
This is meant to be a prequel to a series and as such to give a backstory of some of the characters and help fill in the series and flesh out some of the characters as far as their past, their decisions, ect. However, this almost read like the start of the book that suddenly ends leaving you a little unsure of what just happened and what to think about it. I guess, honestly, my thoughts are a bit torn on this matter. The story was unfolding, it was good, then BAM! it's over, it felt sudden, and forced.
But....I am diving into the series. Let's see how this unwinds in the totality of the series. Can't be judge an entire series on one prequel.
But....I am diving into the series. Let's see how this unwinds in the totality of the series. Can't be judge an entire series on one prequel.
September 27, 2022
Saving Vengeance: A Prequel (The Forest Tales #0.5) by Cece Louise. Gavin is forced to choose between loyalty to the king and what is right and spares an innocent woman's life only to discover that saving her won't be as easy as he thought. All Laurel wants is revenge on the man who murdered her sister even if it means sacrificing herself. When a masquerade ball provides the perfect opportunity for her plan will she succeed or will the price of vengeance be too high? Enjoyed reading and recommend Cece Louise's books. This book is available on Amazon
December 3, 2022
King Edmund dead, brother Abrax to rule. Aviva and Laurel accused of being witches. Aviva, died on the orders of Abrax. Laurels life spared twice by Gavin of the royal palace guards. As she was unable to avenge the death of her sister and live under Abrax rule, she fled to Eternity Forest. Gavin found being a royal guard to Abrax was nothing like King Edmund. Eternity Forest was the place to defect to. Who else would this immense forest home? Would King Abrax and his guards find them? I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2023
This was such a sweet story with several sad moments that are balanced out by good. One main character is eager to exact revenge on her enemy, but the other is more worried about her losing herself in the process. I like the hopeful message in the story and I like the way things were set up for the novel to follow.
You can get it for free when you sign up for Cece's newsletter here: https://cecelouise.com/
You can listen to it for free on the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast here: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com/p...
You can get it for free when you sign up for Cece's newsletter here: https://cecelouise.com/
You can listen to it for free on the Finding Fantasy Reads podcast here: https://www.findingfantasyreads.com/p...
February 20, 2022
Saving Vengeance is a lovely prequel novella, focusing on Laurel and Gavin. Gavin is a knight working for the horrific King Abrax, who spares Laurel’s life, even though his king wants Laurel dead. Laurel swears to avenge her sister's death by killing the King. This novella is told from both the perspectives of Laurel and Gavin’s points of view. Great characters and a great story. 5/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2023
This novella is a prequel to the other stories written by this author. I read “To Escape A Wonderland” first- (so amazing) then I read this book. It was so good and left me wanting more details about their journey to the place they were in “To Escape a Wonderland”. I am glad that I started reading out of order because it created a mystery that needed to be solved. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. I can’t get enough of her storytelling
July 8, 2023
Quite average fantasy elements with two sisters vastly different in their endeavors, vengeance, betrayal, disguised heroes etc.
It abruptly ended though. We'll see how it pans out in the next book. Sheer curiosity. What can I say? 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
The whole revenge thing didn't really impress me much. It's such a common trope and the book didn't really introduce any new elements to it.
It abruptly ended though. We'll see how it pans out in the next book. Sheer curiosity. What can I say? 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
The whole revenge thing didn't really impress me much. It's such a common trope and the book didn't really introduce any new elements to it.
January 30, 2022
This was such an interesting prequel to the series! The characters are intriguing and the story moves at a fast pace. I liked the way the story develops.. cant wait to read what happens next! I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 10, 2022
The was a prequel to the forest tales. I can't wait for the read the next one. You get a great sense of the characters. So when I read the first in the series I will understand how the story exactly started.
March 24, 2022
This a very short prequel to the Forest Tales series gives us the answer as to how Laurel and Gavin first meet and briefly their interactions in Eternity Forest before we meet them again in the story In the Dark Dark Wood. Wish this novella had been longer, it was really good!
November 5, 2024
Great beginning
Hooked me, and I'm starting book 1 now!
I read some of Cece Louise's contemporary romances and enjoyed them. I'm so interested to see how she writes a different genre.
Hooked me, and I'm starting book 1 now!
I read some of Cece Louise's contemporary romances and enjoyed them. I'm so interested to see how she writes a different genre.
November 8, 2021
I enjoyed getting to know Gavin and Laurel better.
Content: clean
Content: clean
November 10, 2021
If you want to know the history of Gavin the knight and the healer Laurel of Desperate Forest, this is a great prequel novella. I love seeing inside the minor characters and what makes them tick.
February 16, 2022
Quick introduction into the series and a glimpse of two supporting characters.
July 9, 2022
Perfect beginning
This was a perfect short beginning to the exciting Forest Tales Series. It was fun to read how Laurel and Gavin began their story.
This was a perfect short beginning to the exciting Forest Tales Series. It was fun to read how Laurel and Gavin began their story.
July 25, 2022
True prequel with a decent cliffhanger.
August 10, 2023
Listened on Finding Fantasy Reads podcast.
Very interesting starter. Definitely want to read more!
Very interesting starter. Definitely want to read more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews