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Cassandra Palmer #4.1
A Family Affair
"A Family Affair" is a novella connected to the New York Times bestselling Cassandra Palmer series of urban fantasy novels. It is designed primarily as an "added feature" to the series, and is intended for those already reading the books.
46 pages, ebook
First published August 6, 2011
14 people are currently reading
2295 people want to read
About the author
Karen Chance
62 books5,244 followersKaren Chance is the author of two New York Times bestselling series, plus a number of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cassandra Palmer universe. A full-time writer since 2008, she was previously a university history teacher, which comes in handy when writing the time-travel aspect of Cassie’s crazy adventures. She loves Las Vegas, the main setting for her novels, but currently lives in Florida near her family home. Visit her website or connect with her on Facebook here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
January 3, 2020
"It was epic," Rosier said… John scowled.
In A Family Affair, John Pritkin is made to make a deal with his father, Rosier, the Lord of the Incubi: Pritkin has to find and imprison an ancient demon battle queen, Ealdris, in return Rosier stops attempting to murder Cassie.
As Pritkin’s main occupation nowadays is to protect Cassie, it is worth considering, so he delegates Casanova to take care of Cassie, while he is away to chase Ealdris. Casanova is tired of all the fuss over the new pythia, so to sum it up, he is not happy.
She was like a disease, a human virus that infected everyone around her, turning off their good sense and making them do things completely against their own best interests. Someone should lock her up, study her, figure out a vaccine before the whole damn world caught the madness —
- Casanova about Cassie
And with that, the deadly, insanely fast-paced and action-packed, surprising, mysterious, and horrific hunt begins.
The events run on two scenes simultaneously, and join at the very end. Enemies have to unite forces, and help comes from where they have never expected. Pritkin has to deal with his hated heritage, and to use something that he has never thought would be profitable for him.
This story is an interesting peek into the realms of the demons, as there are many hells, not only one, and into different races of demons, making Chance’s fantasy world more and more layered and detailed.
"Then take us somewhere else!"
"I just told you... I would need a portal to go somewhere else, and the master knows that —"
"Another hell, then. Somewhere safer."
Rian looked at him like he might have lost his mind. "A safer hell?"
A Family Affair is a great addition to the Cassandra Palmer series, a real thriller only on a couple of pages, with a conspiracy so colossal that it easily can be the topic of a full-length novel.
Don’t miss it!
September 3, 2011
'Family Affair' is an 80 page short story that takes up after 'Curse the Dawn' by Karen Chance.
A free short story is always fun, but a free Pritikin story is even better. Pritikin is honestly one of my favorite male characters I've read ever. I loved that when Cassie and Pritikin switched bodies in Curse the Dawn, you got to see into Pritikins mind and find out what he's really thinking. He's a fascinating character whose loyal, strong and although he's not traditionally handsome, he is striking. He's also half war mage and half incubus, so that really mixes things up, especially when he tries his best to hide his demon side. As characters goes, he's top notch, so to read extra stories with him is a pleasure.
This short story features Pritikin, Cassie, Rosier and surprisingly a great deal of Casanova. I was glad to see more of him than usual, since he usually makes his appearances but he got a lot of face time for this story. Although, he did complain a lot. *laughs* I guess he's just a prima donna.
"Casanova didn’t even bother to respond to that. Instead, he pulled the little silk pocket square out of his coat and made a point of placing it exactly in the center of the nearest sort-of-flat rock he could find. He smoothed it out, sat his Gucci-covered ass on it and looked at her. Calmly, considering that he really didn’t see how this could get any worse."
Too funny!
That being said, this story has action, suspense, horror and some tricky feelings. If you read the Cassandra Palmer novels, then I recommend you read it and take a look into the mind of Pritikin. It's not as scary as you'd think. At least most of the time it isn't... :)
A free short story is always fun, but a free Pritikin story is even better. Pritikin is honestly one of my favorite male characters I've read ever. I loved that when Cassie and Pritikin switched bodies in Curse the Dawn, you got to see into Pritikins mind and find out what he's really thinking. He's a fascinating character whose loyal, strong and although he's not traditionally handsome, he is striking. He's also half war mage and half incubus, so that really mixes things up, especially when he tries his best to hide his demon side. As characters goes, he's top notch, so to read extra stories with him is a pleasure.
This short story features Pritikin, Cassie, Rosier and surprisingly a great deal of Casanova. I was glad to see more of him than usual, since he usually makes his appearances but he got a lot of face time for this story. Although, he did complain a lot. *laughs* I guess he's just a prima donna.
"Casanova didn’t even bother to respond to that. Instead, he pulled the little silk pocket square out of his coat and made a point of placing it exactly in the center of the nearest sort-of-flat rock he could find. He smoothed it out, sat his Gucci-covered ass on it and looked at her. Calmly, considering that he really didn’t see how this could get any worse."
Too funny!
That being said, this story has action, suspense, horror and some tricky feelings. If you read the Cassandra Palmer novels, then I recommend you read it and take a look into the mind of Pritikin. It's not as scary as you'd think. At least most of the time it isn't... :)
October 20, 2011
What a treat to get a novella where Pritkin is the main character.
He is my favorite character this year (Sorry Eric, Bones, Trent/AL).
The novella starts with Pritkin making a deal with Daddy Demon, Rozier.
Rozier wants Pritkin to stop a demon. In exchange, Rozier will stop trying to kill Cassie. Pritkin agrees to this. He travels to Shadowland (a type of Hell) and later on gets attacked by the thing he was supposed to stop.
Before Pritkin leaves he makes Casanova agree to protect Cassie. Casanova is not happy with baby sitting but he doesn't have a choice.
After Rozier attempts to kill Cassie (one more time!), Casanova's demon transport them to Shadowland too. When Cassie learns Pritkin is there, she immediately starts searching for him.
I love this series and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I like that we were able to glance at Pritkin's thoughts. Sigh!!
Maybe a Spoiler Fanglert I'm guessing Casanova will help Cassie get back to hell.
4/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot
He is my favorite character this year (Sorry Eric, Bones, Trent/AL).
The novella starts with Pritkin making a deal with Daddy Demon, Rozier.
Rozier wants Pritkin to stop a demon. In exchange, Rozier will stop trying to kill Cassie. Pritkin agrees to this. He travels to Shadowland (a type of Hell) and later on gets attacked by the thing he was supposed to stop.
Before Pritkin leaves he makes Casanova agree to protect Cassie. Casanova is not happy with baby sitting but he doesn't have a choice.
After Rozier attempts to kill Cassie (one more time!), Casanova's demon transport them to Shadowland too. When Cassie learns Pritkin is there, she immediately starts searching for him.
I love this series and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I like that we were able to glance at Pritkin's thoughts. Sigh!!
Maybe a Spoiler Fanglert I'm guessing Casanova will help Cassie get back to hell.
4/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot
February 27, 2024
Virgen! Cómo le gusta la acción a esta mujer! Siempre me deja cansada y todo🥵. El relato en sí no es la pera, pero gracias a él conocemos algo sobre la estructura jerárquica del infierno, la relación de éste con la tierra, la relación de Pritkin con su padre (más compleja de lo que parecía en un principio), las capacidades y poderes de algunos tipos de demonios y alguna cosita más. Autores en GL Bis
December 19, 2011
Great story! This is a must read for Cassandra Palmer fans.
It was hilarious and full of action, just what you'd expect when Cassie is involved.
Casanova also plays a large role in the story and his reactions and thoughts toward Cassie were hilarious.
"She was like a disease, a human virus that infected everyone around her, turning off their good sense and making them do things completely against their own best interests. Someone should lock her up, study her, figure out a vaccine before the whole damn world caught the madness."
This is a free story available on Chance's website. Here's the link if you want to check it out -
http://www.karenchance.com/familyaffa...
It was hilarious and full of action, just what you'd expect when Cassie is involved.
Casanova also plays a large role in the story and his reactions and thoughts toward Cassie were hilarious.
"She was like a disease, a human virus that infected everyone around her, turning off their good sense and making them do things completely against their own best interests. Someone should lock her up, study her, figure out a vaccine before the whole damn world caught the madness."
This is a free story available on Chance's website. Here's the link if you want to check it out -
http://www.karenchance.com/familyaffa...
December 18, 2015
haha that was awesome. i love how it was from pritkin's point of view and we got to see cassie from someones else view besides her own. i love reading the cassie palmer books and i love that there from her point of view but this short story was also pretty great :)
im annoyed that mircea got up cassie for sending that present to ming-de when ming-de started it, you can tell mircea still dosnt have the right feelings for cassie and still treats her as a prized trophy. he should of stuck up for cassie instead seeming as he's apparently only dating her atm.
im annoyed that mircea got up cassie for sending that present to ming-de when ming-de started it, you can tell mircea still dosnt have the right feelings for cassie and still treats her as a prized trophy. he should of stuck up for cassie instead seeming as he's apparently only dating her atm.
May 4, 2019
Mais um conto sobre Pritkin, contando um pouco mais do seu passado e da sua relação com seu pai e com a Cassie.
May 31, 2019
A Family Affair is a free short story from Pritkin and Casanova’s POVs. An ancient demon has escaped her prison and Rosier enlists Pritkin’s help to trap her again...in Hell. While he’s away he forces Casanova to keep an eye on Cassie and it’s a good thing. Because now the demons want her dead too.
This is a fun little short where we finally get to see a little bit of Hell and learn more about Rosier. We also get to meet Rian, the demon who shares Casanova’s body. A great, quick read that adds to the overall character development of the series but won’t ruin the overarching story if you read it out of order.
“Cassie sneered at [Rosier], and it was a pretty good effort, Casanova thought. She clearly didn’t lack courage. Intelligence, prudence and a healthy sense of self-preservation, yes; courage, no.”
This is a fun little short where we finally get to see a little bit of Hell and learn more about Rosier. We also get to meet Rian, the demon who shares Casanova’s body. A great, quick read that adds to the overall character development of the series but won’t ruin the overarching story if you read it out of order.
“Cassie sneered at [Rosier], and it was a pretty good effort, Casanova thought. She clearly didn’t lack courage. Intelligence, prudence and a healthy sense of self-preservation, yes; courage, no.”
August 22, 2011
Finally had the chance to read this little short adventure showcased from John Pritkin's POV. Cassie Palmer is once again in danger and John puts his own life on the line. Casanova is involved and chaos ensues. I am so looking forward to reading
Hunt the Moon
which is sitting on my To Be Read shelf as it should pick up right where this ended. I want to know what happens to Cassie next!
May 9, 2016
I loved this short! Karen Chance takes us on one heck of a joy ride with Cassie, Pritkin and Casanova as the point of view drivers. This was a terrific read. I was wholly impressed with the amount of story that was fitted into this clever and thrilling short. We got to see Cassie and Pritkin doing what they do best and we got to see a more prominent Casanova. How much better could it get? But warning, if you haven't read her previous books, check them out first. There are some pretty significant spoilers to her characters in this short.
November 6, 2012
I can't believe I put off reading this for so long. I don't really like short stories but this one is fabulous for any KC fans-really well paced, full of action, humour and some new persceptives. The interplay between the vampires and the demons is great and its nice to see Cassie from a differnt perspective. Made me laugh many times: loved Rosier and Casanova (Rian and Sid) as well as the obvious!.
August 8, 2011
Love this story about Pritkin. It was soooooo obvious in this novella that Pritkin felt more than what he was letting on for Cassie. We also saw Casanova again and he was just comical. This was a great addition to the Cassie series!! More, more please!! More of Pritkin would be nice!!!
May 21, 2019
A Family Affair by Karen Chance is another one of the short stories that fits into the Cassandra Palmer World. In this instance, it’s another one from the perspective of Pritkin! So fans of his should be thrilled about this one.
Unlike the House at Cobb End, A Family Affair is set in the present. Well, the present for the main series, that is. Which means that Cassie and all of the others have a presence in this plot. It fits in after Curse the Dawn, but before Shadowland (another short story).
A Family Affair brings a problem straight to Pritkin’s feet – in the form of his father. He’s got a deal to offer, but naturally there are risks involved. And one of those risks should probably be whether or not the demon can be trusted…
Side note before we begin: I’ve actually read this whole series multiple times (it’s one of my favorites), but it wasn’t until recently that I realized that I’ve never reviewed the older books in the series. So here I am, reading them all again, and loving every minute of it.
Because I’m doing a reread with a group of people (the Karen Chance Street Team – message me if you want to know more about it) I’m also going to include the discussion prompts we’ve been using. That will be at the end of the review, so if you’re curious, check it out.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Unlike the House at Cobb End, A Family Affair is set in the present. Well, the present for the main series, that is. Which means that Cassie and all of the others have a presence in this plot. It fits in after Curse the Dawn, but before Shadowland (another short story).
A Family Affair brings a problem straight to Pritkin’s feet – in the form of his father. He’s got a deal to offer, but naturally there are risks involved. And one of those risks should probably be whether or not the demon can be trusted…
Side note before we begin: I’ve actually read this whole series multiple times (it’s one of my favorites), but it wasn’t until recently that I realized that I’ve never reviewed the older books in the series. So here I am, reading them all again, and loving every minute of it.
Because I’m doing a reread with a group of people (the Karen Chance Street Team – message me if you want to know more about it) I’m also going to include the discussion prompts we’ve been using. That will be at the end of the review, so if you’re curious, check it out.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
November 25, 2015
This was push through it boring for me. The only thing good was getting glimpses into Pritkin's past and the gifts in the beginning and end. Rosier turns from a evil menacing demon to almost a clownish like character, fist fighting with his servants. More than half of the book is chase, attack, run, and duck. It was just exhausting and not fun for me, last minute impossible saves from more than overwhelming and impossible odd in the space of 76 pages. I really was wondering when can we get to a true interaction between characters? You don't really, just glimpses. I really have never liked Cassanova's character and this one makes me like him even less.
For shorts in this series I started with "The House at Cobb's End" and glad I did as I really liked it. So I know my disappointment wasn't caused by the length or how she writes novellas, it was the substance in this one. The all impossible (not smart) action and a lot of info dumping of the demon world, made the enjoyment of the characters almost impossible.
August 9, 2011
I loved the story (I can't get enough of Pritkin) but I can't help but feel that the writing was not up to the usual standard. It wasnt even that the dialogue wasnt as witty or sharp, nor that the action was slower and less interesting and intricate- it was that while the story flowed, it was more like a raw sketch built on notes than a finished peice. That being said, I wish there were more to read!
August 23, 2011
Gawd I'm a sucker for a battered leather coat wearing War Mage....
Love the Pics on Karen Chance's website - yummy!!
you've gotta love Pritkin, he's thawing-out before our very eyes....
Can't think that Cassie is totally oblivious to him or the growing connection between them....
Love it, love it, love it!!
I've been saving Hunt the Moon for my hols next week.... but its oooh soooo tempting
to open it before (!)
Love the Pics on Karen Chance's website - yummy!!
you've gotta love Pritkin, he's thawing-out before our very eyes....
Can't think that Cassie is totally oblivious to him or the growing connection between them....
Love it, love it, love it!!
I've been saving Hunt the Moon for my hols next week.... but its oooh soooo tempting
to open it before (!)
May 2, 2013
What a great read, downloaded free from Karen Chance's website... This short novella is full of action! and in Pritkin's POV.
Pritkin is the main character, his my favorite male characters Ever.
Also
Casanova plays a large part in the story, his thoughts and reaction are really funny.
A must read for fans of Karen Chance's Cassie Palmer series. :)
Pritkin is the main character, his my favorite male characters Ever.
Also
Casanova plays a large part in the story, his thoughts and reaction are really funny.
A must read for fans of Karen Chance's Cassie Palmer series. :)
May 25, 2019
Finally a novella from Pritkin's point of view! It's fun, crazy, and sweet in turns. Everything is classic Pritkin and Cassie. You get a further glimpse of some side characters that play into future books: Casanova, Rian, and Rosier.
March 31, 2013
I remember reading this and writing a review. Why does Goodreads not always save my reviews? That's so frustrating! This story is about assination attempts that happen in a time loop that Pritkin helps break. It's really complicated, but funny and well done.
Want to read
February 2, 2011Pritkin♥
October 22, 2016
Loved it! Just like Groundhog Day!
September 11, 2018
Pritkin! So much Pritkin! I had withdrawals after book #7 and #8 and I can’t even tell you how amazing it felt to have some good old Pritkin here. I missed him so much, so how could I have not loved this book?! I am like a black hole when it comes to my beloved mage, greedily sucking everything of him in. And then there were my other favorite characters, troublemaker Cassie, grumpy Casanova, stubborn Marco, and vicious Rosier.
This shorty was about John Pritkin once again saving the day, or rather the world, from Ealdris, ancient demon battle queen, who escaped her imprisonment.
Well, this was ‘only’ a novella but it sure as hell held its own and I think it’s a must-read for all Cassie and Pritkin fans because it’s part of the series and their story. It’s also a great way to get a quick fix without having to read a full book but still enjoy the dynamic between Pritkin and Cassie.
This shorty was about John Pritkin once again saving the day, or rather the world, from Ealdris, ancient demon battle queen, who escaped her imprisonment.
Well, this was ‘only’ a novella but it sure as hell held its own and I think it’s a must-read for all Cassie and Pritkin fans because it’s part of the series and their story. It’s also a great way to get a quick fix without having to read a full book but still enjoy the dynamic between Pritkin and Cassie.
‘She was the oddest combination of contradictions he’d ever met innocence and sensuality, candor and diplomacy, anxiety and utter fearlessness.’
September 17, 2022
I honestly wish this one was part of the main series. It’s fairly quick but also sheds light on Pritkin’s personality and past. Cassanova and Rian were interesting to experience outside of Cassanova berating/complaining at Cassie. I actually quite like Rian for the short amount of time she’s “on stage” and hope she gets to interact outside Cassanova somewhere other than the demon realms. Cassie is also interesting to see from an outside perspective. Seems like she’s at least getting some training… or at least the training is mentioned a couple times in this.
I’m kind of starting to think Karen Chance works better in novella style stories rather than the apparently full-length ones. I say this because the through-line of the story isn’t chopped up or nearly as chaotic as the main books literally because it can’t be. The few shorter stories I’ve read from her just tend to flow a lot better, in my opinion.
I’m kind of starting to think Karen Chance works better in novella style stories rather than the apparently full-length ones. I say this because the through-line of the story isn’t chopped up or nearly as chaotic as the main books literally because it can’t be. The few shorter stories I’ve read from her just tend to flow a lot better, in my opinion.
May 27, 2019
This short story is best read after Curse the Dawn, it is a two part story continuing in Shadowland, another short story. Both stories are told from Pritkin's point of view.
Rosier sends John on a quest to save the demon realm in order to stop Rosier from making attempts on Cassie's life. John leaves to battle an ancient demon without the use of his magic. Cassie finds out that John is risking himself and goes to "rescue" him. In order to get to the demon realm Cassie enlists help from Rian and Casanova. Being told from John's point of view we get a look at his thoughts on Cassie.
Rosier sends John on a quest to save the demon realm in order to stop Rosier from making attempts on Cassie's life. John leaves to battle an ancient demon without the use of his magic. Cassie finds out that John is risking himself and goes to "rescue" him. In order to get to the demon realm Cassie enlists help from Rian and Casanova. Being told from John's point of view we get a look at his thoughts on Cassie.
February 7, 2021
I'm loving these Pritkin shorts.
Not only did we get some ancient history, but we also got Delightful.
I definitely should have read this before I read Tempt the Stars. A LOT got explained that I was missing throughout the book. Damn. I'm pretty sure she even put a notice in the front of the book, but I guess I thought it would be better to read the book in full before reading the shorts. Well, now I know. I'm really glad I thought to check out the website again and finally read these.
Not only did we get some ancient history, but we also got Delightful.
I definitely should have read this before I read Tempt the Stars. A LOT got explained that I was missing throughout the book. Damn. I'm pretty sure she even put a notice in the front of the book, but I guess I thought it would be better to read the book in full before reading the shorts. Well, now I know. I'm really glad I thought to check out the website again and finally read these.
May 26, 2019
A compelling new read by Karen. This exciting novella will keep you on your toes and gives an interesting additional insight into the war mage Pritkin. The ending was so funny that I couldn’t stop laughing. I love how Karen can make you feel like you have read an entire novel even in a small novella, her writing is just so engrossing and packed full of content. A brilliant read.
May 28, 2019
Fantastic! I just finished reading this novella and oh my gods that ending is to die for 😂 Another wonderful little insight into Pritkin’s pre Cassie life, and Cassie’s steep learning curve at being Pythia. I adored the idea of soul vendors even while wincing at the morality of such a profession. Action packed, fast paced and yet another brilliant addition to the Chance-verse. Bravo!!!
May 30, 2019
A fun foray into the life of John Pritkin- Cassie's friend, protector, and pain in the ass. Family affair gives a great sneak peak into JP's head, hinting at emotions and feelings that he isn't ready to face, while he deals with some demons. Literally. Not really a stand alone, but if you love the CP series it is a great insight.
August 24, 2019
Okay, this freebie was fun. I know John is an irritating man sometimes, but I have to say he’s sexy as hell. I totally ship him and Cassie.
And Cassie and Mircea.
And Mircea and John.
Anyways this was a fun one. I sure hope John’s demon daddy stays out of their business.
Or at least stops making their lives harder.
And Cassie and Mircea.
And Mircea and John.
Anyways this was a fun one. I sure hope John’s demon daddy stays out of their business.
Or at least stops making their lives harder.
August 19, 2019
Had fun reading this short novella set between the Cassie Palmer books 4 & 5, which allows the author to explore some different POV (Pritkin and Casanova). I read the sequel novella Shadowland almost directly after.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews