Note from the author:Praxis Novellas, Mosaic Chronicles Book Two contains three novellas that, while not continuing Nicole and Austin’s relationship per se, are integral to the plot line of the entire series (which is why together they’re considered to be the second book of the series). As stated above, you can receive Praxis for free by joining my newsletter list. Happy reading!The Focus:When … reading!
The Focus:
When Nicole, a talented cellist, goes to Ohio to sharpen her skills with wind magic, she has no idea her studies are about to collide with terrifying creatures and people from another dimension. Based off one of HP Lovecraft’s popular stories.
The Manor:
Austin receives a photograph in the mail and quickly discovers something about it isn’t quite right: every time he looks at it, there are changes.
And the changes aren’t good.
The Angel:
Lizzie doesn’t know the old whistle she found in a deserted trapper’s cabin is possessed. She blows on it, accidentally calling back the spirit of a dead goddess consumed by the desire to snare the person who called her.
When the goddess arrives in the form of a statue, the stillness of Lizzie’s mountain retreat is destroyed.
Suggested reading order:
Discern, Mosaic Chronicles Book One
Praxis Novellas, Mosaic Chronicles Book Two
Perceive, Mosaic Chronicles Book Three
Observe, Mosaic Chronicles Book Four
Reclaim, Mosaic Chronicles Book Five
Conceal, Mosaic Chronicles Book Six
Obscure, Mosaic Chronicles Book Seven
Enshroud, Mosaic Chronicles Book Eight
Withhold, Mosaic Chronicles Book Nine (coming soon)
Reviews for The Focus:
Very intense, with a hint of Edgar Allen Poe.
– Teri
“A real ‘page-turner.’ Wonderful descriptions and very fast moving.” – Ellen
Note: This is the second book in the Mosaic Chronicles, formerly the Katon University series.
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This is a great set of novellas that go along with the Mosaic Chronicles. They can be read at any time, but I recommend reading them in between book 1 and 3. Future books go on to talk about what happened in these stories. You get a chance to meet some of the characters a little more in depth!
Nicole goes to an Ohio university to study under a wind Arete who also is an expert cellist. While there, she meets and befriends a weird elderly lady who is also a cellist. Austin receives a magical old picture from his brother that constantly changes. The group meets the ghostly woman in the picture, Elizabeth. Lizzie finds a magical whistle that calls to a statue that tries to kill her.
After reading the first book in the series, Discern, in the Angels and Demons book set, the main storyline intrigued me enough to check the price of the other books. When I saw you could get books 1-5 for $.99 as a bundle, I figured, why not? I did not realize, however, that “Book 2” would really be “Book 1.5”. The front cover calls this “Book 2”, although it then includes “Novellas” under the title which is confusing. Even the Omnibus lists Praxis as “Book 2”. This is not a book. It is a novella comprised of three very succinct stories. I even use the term “story” loosely here because they are only a tad bit longer than chapters. If you have the opportunity to purchase this as part of the set as I did at a discounted cost, I would highly recommend it. I would have been extremely upset (as some other reviewers were) if I had paid full retail price for these short stories. I’m leaving this review separately from the Omnibus I purchased since I have quite a bit to say about this particular piece of the series.
After discovering this was a novella rather than a sequel, I was very disappointed. Especially after Book 1 concluded with a lot of loose ends and a cliffhanger on what would happen next. Although each of the three stories fill the gaps for the full books that follow, it was really off-putting to have to put the main storyline on hold and read three separate stories. And they are completely separate. They have nothing to do with each other. The only similarity is that they all contain the same main characters. Each story is even told from a different character’s point of view.
I still maintain that the maturity level of this series is Young Adult because of the maturity level of the characters, PG rated romance, and lack of graphic violence. There is violence. It just is not anything that would keep me from letting my 12 year old read it. The genre of writing is a bit ambiguous however. The series began as paranormal/urban fantasy, and has now morphed into a more horror/science fiction genre. This especially applies to the Praxis novella. As one reviewer suggested, I agree that this story is similar to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Unfortunately I prefer the paranormal/urban fantasy genre, which is one of the main reasons I’ve given this a two star rating.
In the end, I did finish the novella and plodded on to the third book in the series hoping that these three stories would help clarify things in the books to come.
More background is always good!
I have the Mosaic Chronicles books 1-5 and these stories are contained in the book. All Three stories contain Nicole, Austin and Lizzie. Nicole is the main character in the first story, Austin in the second and Lizzie is in the 3rd story. All the stories are exciting and contain a mysterious them, but I think my favorite is story #3. The stories are not of the “Cookie cutter” variety. The author, Andrea Pearson has done a fantastic job of telling a story and I’m sure everyone will enjoy them.
Praxis continues the story-line from Discern. The first novella, The Focus, I didn’t care much for, but the other two, The Manor and The Angel, I really enjoyed. She really brought the supernatural into play. They were exciting to read and were a great follow-up to Discern. *I received a free eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is another great book to read by Andrea Pearson that just keeps the pages turning. The only bad thing about Andrea’s books is the time I lose sleeping 🙂 but they are worth it. Nicole and Austin are great characters and I love the twists and turns. Just when I figure out what may be next, bam! a surprise twist. Keep up the great writing, Andrea.
A great read. Nicole, Austin and Nicole. All 3 have a read in here that brings you to there World of Magic and them learning how to weild there Magic. Its a fantastic read. That keeps you on the edge of your seat. You won’t want to put this book down. Theres twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. A Must Read.
Shauna Joesten
Mosiac Chronicles series, authored by Andrea Pearson, continues its magical journey with the Praxis Novellas.
A creative way to share viewpoints of characters introduced in her first book, Discern, we get a variety of tales revolving around Lizzie, Nicole and Austin. With romances blooming and adventures hapoening, whether they want them to or not, these novellas keep us excited about the Arete world!
Three great short stories, one featuring Nicole, another Austin, and the third Lizzie from their own POV. These give the reader greater insight into each one’s character and experiences. Austin’s character was most surprising as I realized he was not so stuck up but had an inner turmoil with his feelings. Lizzie may sometimes seem a little ditzy but is rather smart in the ways of the world and insightful and observant of others. Nicole is more intelligent than she gives herself credit for. These stories gave me a more in-depth appreciation and understanding of each character.
Three great short stories, one featuring Nicole, another Austin, and the third Lizzie from their own POV. These give the reader greater insight into each one’s character and experiences. Austin’s character was most surprising as I realized he was not so stuck up but had an inner turmoil with his feelings. Lizzie may sometimes seem a little ditzy but is rather smart in the ways of the world and insightful and observant of others. Nicole is more intelligent than she gives herself credit for. These stories gave me a more in-depth appreciation and understanding of each character.
Three great stories to enhance the series! Each story follows the group of friends but each is told from a different persons perspective. Grab the boxed set (I did!) and enjoy the entire series!
THE FUN NEVER ENDS!!!
This series is absolutely a must have. Andrea really brings out the world that Lizzy, Austin and Nicole live in. It’s a fantastic read with all the excitement you crave. It definitely keeps your mind engaged. Great imagination Andrea.
These were fun stories to read, reminding me very much of the spooky stories we tell each other around Halloween! Lizzie’s story was my favorite overall. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Three short stories Involving experiences that the main characters in the first book (Discern) have. It leaves the reader wanting more and that want is satisfied with the next books in the series.