Series: The Asylum Tales #0.5
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published by: Harper Voyager on July 3, 2012
Format: eBook
Pages: 87
Source: Purchased
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The first of two prequel stories to Jocelynn Drake's Angel's Ink.
It's not easy being a tattoo artist and a wizard, especially when you're in hiding.
Or when a botched ink job has amplified an incubus's existing sex appeal into one that could wreck the whole town.
And your only help is a troll.
A fun, short story of how warlock and tattoo artist Gage found a new employee under the most unusual circumstances!
I’m a huge fan of The Asylum Tales and have been impatiently awaiting the third installment when I stumbled upon this little prequel featuring one of my favorite characters in the series, Bronx. The Asylum Inteviews are two (prequel) short stories featuring the hero of the series Gage and his employees at the Asylum Tattoo Parlor. THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: BRONX tells the story of how Gage first met Bronx, the tattoo artist and troll that would become one of his closest friends.
“So, there could be several other trolls running around with the name Bronx,” I said.
“I would imagine so, but then there are other humans running around with the name Gage, correct?”
When I first read the title I was excited to learn more about Bronx and expected to read his POV in this book but was surprised to find it was told by Gage’s first person narration. Our story begins when Gage wakes on a dirty bathroom floor in a bar, realizing he was drugged and left there by none other than his friend Parker. A short while later Gage is introduced to Bronx as the troll helps him with a concoction that helps sober him up from his friend’s little trick. As an incubus Parker constantly needs to feed while trying to be faithful to his human girlfriend Jill. When Gage finally catches up to Parker, he and Bronx offer to help him in the form of a magical tattoo that will sustain him without straying. Simple enough right? Not in Gage’s world. Things do not work as as planned and soon Gage and Bronx are off on an adventure in order to help his friend Parker.
I can’t get enough of Jocelynn Drake’s magical world and complex characters. Gage Powell is one of those unconventional heroes who you can’t help but love. As a “rogue” warlock, he is banned from using magic other than as self defense but he sometimes crosses those lines in order to help the people closest to him. Having already read the first two installments of the series I see Gage has always had a knack for finding trouble and this story is no different! We learn a little more about the mysterious Bronx and his background, I found it really interesting that trolls are named according to their birthplace and are for the most part solitary beings which totally describes his character. Parker and his incubi nature are also an intriguing element to the story that I enjoyed.
THE ASYLUM INTERVIEWS: BRONX delivers an engaging story and introduction to Gage’s dark and gritty magical world in just under 70 pages. If you’re new to the series this is the perfect teaser that will leave you wanting more and if you’re already a fan you’ll be entertained by the events that brought these two unlikely friends together. If you’re a fan of intricate world building, underdogs and flawed heroes, you’ll want to take a chance on Gage and The Asylum Tales!
The Asylum Tales Series:
That sounds like a good novella, glad you enjoyed it. This series is, like so many others, still on my wishlist.
It’s definitely one to move up on your list Aurian, you won’t regret it 🙂
ASYLUM INTERVIEWS….I’ve read all of this series and loved it! Can’t wait for the next book .
The tattoo idea was so different and inventive, and I absolutely like that new idea in a series…
I can’t wait for the next book either! I still have Trixie’s novella to read but they just make me anxious for the next installment. 🙂
Gah. I still haven’t started this series. Even though I read and liked Drake’s entire Dark Days series, AND I have the first two books in this one. Time! I needs more of it!
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it Jessica! I haven’t read the Dark Days series but it’s on my long TBR list. 🙂
omg! first series I read by Jocelynn Drake was her Dark Days series and it was really, really good! You have to read it if you liked the Asylum Tales 🙂
I’ve heard great things so I’ll have to read it soon! 🙂
I managed to grab Angel’s Ink when it went freaky freebie a long time ago. Should check it out soon so I can better relate to y’all when you talk about this universe Drake created.
I did too, after I borrowed it from a friend…haha It’s a great read Braine, I hope you enjoy it! Join Team Gage 🙂
Yay! I already own the first 2 books on audio!! Now I have to move them real quick up the list. I think I’ll read this first since it seems to be the beginning.
It’d seemed that tattoo artist is the flavor dajour, and I’m indulging girl!.. LOL
Thanks you, well said 🙂
You can read the first book and then jump into these, you really won’t be lost…just FYI 🙂
I have the first two books…one a freebie and the other I think I caught on sale. I’m going to get to them soon. Great review Lori 😀
Thanks Sharonda! I hope you enjoy Gage and Bronx as much as I do!