4.5 stars. An interesting addition to the series

In The Shadow Cats one learns from Sister Elisha Alodia, the rightful heir to the throne of Orovalle. Her thoughts and her cool attitude towards her younger sister become apparent, as well as their desire to protect their future kingdom from the enemies who rise up slowly but surely. In The Shattered Mountain Mara experienced, later a loyal friend of Elisa, as their village is burned down by Inviernos. Along with some children and her lover she can escape. But all of them have been weakened and they do not know where the road will lead you. In The King's Guard enters the fifteen year old Hector when against all expectations at the Royal Guards to show what he is worth. But after a short time he is sent away from his king and friend Alejandro for a secret and important mission and has to prove - even to themselves.

My Opinion

I was impressed by the number of Fire and Thorns Rea Carson, I knew I had to have the collection of short stories. I wanted to learn more from the world, which has created the author. Especially the short stories from the perspective of Mara and Hector have particularly appealed to me because I liked both characters (Hector is anyway just great). Time the stories are settled in front of the main story, they can so confidently read in advance, but I believe that the 'wow' factor is simply bigger, if you read the short stories only after.

The Shadow Cats
The first story is written from the perspective of Elisa's older sister Alodia. In the books they came over always cold and aloof, and you always felt a certain distance between her and Elisa. It always seemed that Alodia was envious of the Godstone her sister. In this short story Alodia attended as a representative of her father a wedding, from the future she hopes that a strong alliance. But the wedding is ill-fated. The bride and groom, although each attached, feared to have to cancel the marriage, because a cruel beast is up to mischief, People accumulates and can wither the country. In Alodias to immerse thought was very interesting, because it is very calculating and cool. The well-being of her future kingdom is close to her heart, so she does everything to win vassals and support. However, despite their aloofness she nevertheless manages to feel something like love. As for being a eunuch Zito, her closest confidant and best friend, her sister Elisa that she sometimes more, sometimes less estimates and the little girl Lupita, she gets to know about to get married and was killed by the sinister beast to seems to be. Together with Zito goes Alodia to finding the Wildcat and makes an amazing discovery. Suddenly you realize as a reader that Alodia is not as aloof and cold but, as it has previously always worked. She may be strong and courageous, but also vulnerable. The first half of the story was a bit boring, even if you get some good insight into Alodias thinking. Only the second half was exciting and interesting, where she was also a bit illogical. Se me the story well-liked, but of the three, she was the weakest.

The Shattered Mountain
The second short story is portrayed through the eyes of Mara, a close friend and confidante of Elisa is in the series. In the main story you learned that Mara bears many scars, but why was not really dealt with. In The Shattered Mountain gives answers. On the day when Mara and her fiancé Julio will flee from the native village and marry in secret, the village is attacked and burned down by Inviernos. Mara and Julio separate in order to save the children from the village and distract the enemy from escaping. The rescue operation succeeds, but all are severely weakened and Julio also not appear at the appointed meeting place. Mara I liked in the main story really love, and I would like to learn more about them. To do this now had the opportunity. They knew that they had to go through many terrible things in her short life, but it now to read in black and white was partly violently. The flight of the group consisting of a few children and young people has captivated me and very upset. Mara as elders shall assume responsibility and leadership, at the same time you can feel their fear, because Julio does not appear. I have kept their right, because the fugitives are many stones in the way and always happen accidents, which is why children are becoming weaker. Mara as a protagonist was very convincing and I took her all the thoughts and deeds from. I admired the way she has tried everything possible to bring the kids through. Her love for Julio has also touched me. Anyone who has read the main plot before, which is to know what happened, but it has voted me very sad and I really had to go, a few tears. I especially enjoyed but has given me the end of the short story in which some parallels could be found to the main action. History has pleased me very well.

The King's Guard
Hector Need I say more? A short story in which the protagonist is Hector. And then plus a cute age of fifteen. This can only be good. Was it well. The third short story is the longest of the three, and even a tick better than the second. It was really interesting to hear the reasons why Hector really wanted to join in the Kingsguard. As a favorite of the king, because he is friends with him, he is not easy in its housing and is cut from the other recruits, but also of the trainers and treated unfairly. I found it fascinating to see how he dominated in spite of everything and remained calm, though he sometimes risked a thick lip. This could well understand why Hector was so as in the main action also gives itself: quiet and anxious, when the opportunity but also faithfully witted and spitzzüngig but arise and towards those whom he loves. When he is after only one day complete a job for Alejandro at the Royal Guard, he is initially not thrilled, since this strengthens his favorite position and makes him even more unpopular with the other. For the job he recruits Lucio and Fernando are set aside, that we know well from the main story yet. The order is fragile and must be done in utmost secrecy and soon you realize that there are people who do not want the job succeeds. Other known and unpleasant faces of the main action appear and make a suspiciously. It is towards the end of history rather badly to the point and I did not know if I should laugh or cry, because a scene was very violent. Rea Carson goes with their characters in any case not particularly squeamish about what you could find even in the other short stories. Anyway, comes a mystery to light, with whom I had not initially expected, although there have been imagined even after some time, which the reader can take a completely fresh look at the main plot - and also to Hector, who must carry this secret with you , My respect for him is certainly risen since his love, trust and loyalty are truly admirable.

Conclusion

All three short stories were very pleasant and quick to read and I liked, the first short story, unfortunately, the most vulnerable, but also was the shortest. It was very interesting to learn more background information about Mara and Hector, since you now better understand the characters even more than they already appreciate. The language of the author was as usual very nice to read, as it has a very vivid and sophisticated writing style. Overall, I forgive, with an upward trend, very good 4.5 star von 5.