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Fated Stars #0.5

Tell Me My Name

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In Mary Fan's second novella, a girl wakes up in an icy cell, alone and frightened. She has no memory of who she is or how she came to be there.

She does know that she must get out, at all costs. And that escape must start with remembering the simple things – her own name. Her place of origin. Her possible powers.

When a group of dark magicians reveal themselves to be her captors, she finds herself in the clutches of those who will stop at nothing to uncover the secrets locked within her lost memories. With her life fading under their merciless spells, the need to escape becomes dire.

But can she get out when she doesn’t even know who she is? Can she count on one unlikely ally for help? Or is it already too late for her, a girl without a name?

Tell Me My Name introduces the main characters in Mary’s new fantasy series, Fated Stars, with the first book, Windborn, coming soon.

52 pages, ebook

First published September 16, 2014

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About the author

Mary Fan

52 books366 followers
Mary Fan is a YA and SFF author hailing from Jersey City. Her books include STRONGER THAN A BRONZE DRAGON (YA steampunk fantasy, Page Street Publishing), the STARSWEPT series (YA sci-fi, Snowy Wings Publishing), the FATED STARS series (YA fantasy, Snowy Wings Publishing), the FLYNN NIGHTSIDER series (YA dark fantasy, Crazy 8 Press), and the JANE COLT trilogy (space adventure, Red Adept Publishing).

She is also the co-editor of the BRAVE NEW GIRLS sci-fi anthologies about tech-savvy teen heroines (proceeds from sales are donated to the Society of Women Engineers scholarship fund). Her short works have been featured in numerous anthologies, including THRILLING ADVENTURE YARNS (Crazy 8 Press), LOVE, MURDER & MAYHEM (Crazy 8 Press), MAGIC AT MIDNIGHT (Snowy Wings Publishing), and MINE! (ComicMix). In addition, she is the editor of Crazy 8 Press's upcoming anthology, BAD ASS MOMS (due out July 2020).

When she's not writing, she can usually be found splitting bags at the kickboxing gym, tangled up in aerial silks, or singing too loudly at choir rehearsal. Find her online at www.MaryFan.com.

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5 stars
17 (58%)
4 stars
7 (24%)
3 stars
3 (10%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
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1 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for megHan.
604 reviews86 followers
May 18, 2015
There are two things that made me read this novella - that amazing cover AND the fact that it is by Mary Fan. Having read books from her other series, I was excited to see what she had to offer here - and, as usual, she did not disappoint. Mary has a way with words, describing things in such detail that you feel you are looking at it with your own eyes, pulling you into the story where you are the one that experiences the events. I liked the story of creation in this book - interesting and creative. I also really like the characters - even the bad ones - and can't wait to find out more about them in this series. If you haven't had the chance to experience Mary's writing, this is a great place to start. :)

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. No other consideration was offered, expected or received.
Profile Image for William Herr.
Author 5 books25 followers
October 6, 2014
Fair disclosure: I received an early copy of this book, for review purposes.

With this book, Mary Fan has broken away from what I once considered her comfort zone: jaunty Science Fiction NA/YA genre adventures with sassy heroines and brooding heroes. This book is a departure from that formula, and it is a wonderful one.

Tell Me My Name is, as the title suggests, about someone with amnesia. The book is set in a flamboyantly fantastical world, and is unapologetic about its appearance. If anything, it revels in its own impossibilities, and the reader revels with it. It is as if Mary Fan has drawn a line for the reader: "Step over this, and your reality crumbles." The reader does so with glee, and dances in the crumbs of what they once knew.

The book is also written in the first person, in a style that seemed reminiscent of Edgar Rice Burroughs, if Mr. Burroughs had written from a female perspective (someone enlighten me if he ever did). As well, the book is targeted almost exclusively toward a female audience: the only sympathetic male character has few lines. For this reason, I mainly recommend it toward a female audience.

Despite this, the character development is sound, and full. We understand the plight of the unnamed main character, and we see how she develops through her interaction with others. All plot points are tied neatly up with the ending, but ONLY those points which were necessary to the plot. Others offer a tantalizing look into Mary Fan's upcoming series, of which this is a part.

Do I recommend this book? Yes, especially to girls aged 12-16. The writing and style will be approachable, the plights of the main character comprehensible, the content is appropriate, and the action will excite. Also, at the current price it is a steal, a fitting excuse to bury one's self away from a harsh day, to dream in the dramatic flow of yesterday's dreams.

Five stars. Buy it.
Profile Image for George Ebey.
Author 15 books29 followers
September 27, 2014
I received a pre-release copy of Tell Me My Name and I’m happy to report that it was every bit the treat I was hoping for.

The story opens with a girl who wakes up in a cold dungeon with no idea of who she is or how she got there. The tension soon rises as she struggles to understand her situation and cope with the sinister forces that are working against her.

Despite being set largely in a one-room cell, Mary does an excellent job of introducing us to a rich and lavish world that is truly clever and unique. The bad guy is particularly creepy and the ending will surely leave you wanting more. A solid work and a great read.
Profile Image for Rivalie.
617 reviews46 followers
October 27, 2014
(Copy was provided for the Storytime Book Tour - hosted by Mark My Words Publicity)

Tell Me My Name is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. From the beginning to the end, the language has a beautiful lilt to it that allows you to imagine the icy prison the girl is locked in. The air of mystery that surrounds the story is quite captivating and something that I've never encountered before. Why must it only be 65 pages and why must I have to wait for the first book to come out??

As a novella that introduces a new series, I'd say that it did a pretty spectacular job. I had no idea who the girl was until the very last moment when it was revealed. I loved the little hints that kept you guessing but still confused you out of your mind because nothing you could think of connected with the hints. The main character is innocent and even though she has this air of naivety surrounding her, you are still able to connect with her on some level - feeling her pain, frustration, and distraught at being stuck in a prison.

The magical elements of the story are really interesting and it's not surprising to say that I want to know more. Obviously, not everything is going to be revealed in the novella, but it did a good job at giving you a taste of what is to come. The Sorci, as far as I'm concerned right now, are evil cloaked people who need to invest in a heating system because even I felt cold just reading the book. Dorian, I'm assuming he's going to become either the love interest or the best friend in the book. So far, I'm approving of him, but again, I want to know more.

My biggest problem was the length. You can't just leave me like this without giving me more. Definitely recommend, I can't wait until the first book comes out and I (im)patiently wait for it's release day.

Read my reviews at:
http://extreemeobsessed.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Jason Parent.
Author 47 books685 followers
May 18, 2015
I was offered this book in exchange for a fair an honest review. This is that review.

When I write reviews for indies and rate indie books, I always do so from the perspective of what I believe the author's target audience would feel about the book. I am not this book's target audience, and I do not think those who read my many horror reviews would enjoy this book, unless they also read fantasy of the more magical and mystical kind.

My tastes are actually quite broad, so I did enjoy reading this story. This is mostly due to the quality of Mary Fan's writing - descriptive and poetic at times, language that fits the enchantment, setting, and characters of the work. I was drawn into the story by the quality of the author's word choice and the emotional sensibility behind it.

The story is a quick read that largely takes place in a single setting, with a strong female lead and a smart villain. I would recommend this story to YA and adult fantasy readers. 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Jacqueline Simonds.
79 reviews15 followers
October 13, 2014
Put this one on your “must read” list! A young woman awakes in an ice-clad room with no door and only a small window. More importantly, she has no idea who she is. Her only clues are the strange dreams she has, and bizarre encounters with an agony-inducing magician in black. The only bright spots in this hellscape: the beautiful blue butterflies outside her window, and the mage’s apparently rebellious apprentice.

Fan’s suburb writing makes this claustrophobe’s nightmare intense and fascinating. The protagonist instantly captures your imagination and heart. And the revelation about who she is, and WHAT she is, will truly startle you. I don’t think anyone has attempted a YA with this sort of character. I look forward to the full series!

I received this book for review from the publisher.
Profile Image for Cassidie.
102 reviews
October 31, 2014
Geek Girl Obsess - YA Book Reviews, Movie & TV Show Reviews, Video Games

*I received a free copy from the author/publisher through Mark My Word Publicity in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

Can we just talk about the cover for a tad, please? It's severely gorgeous. However, as gorgeous as it is, it's pretty deceiving. Tell Me My Name is not kidding around. It's dark and it's full of pain and hurt and precariousness. After all, what can you be sure of if you don't even know who you are? I liked the way the protagonist's feelings were portrayed as she journeyed from utter ignorance to discovering who she is. It felt very real and plausible. It was interesting to find out about this fantasy world - which even in this 52 pages seemed very layered - alongside with her as she was trying to regain her lost memories of it. What I was not fond of was her voice. She sounded conceited whatsoever and even when she realized how old she was she talked about her peer in age as if he was below her. All in all, I will pick up the first book, Windborn when it releases because the fantasy word gripped my attention and I hope I'll warm up to the protag eventually.
Profile Image for Ivan Amberlake.
Author 12 books119 followers
March 21, 2015
Tell Me My Name is an introduction into Mary Fan’s new fantasy series, Fated Stars, with the first book, Windborn, due in 2015.

A girl wakes up in an icy cell without knowing who she is and why she is there. A group of magicians visit her, accompanied by an apprentice who is the only one who seems to care about how the girl feels.

Whenever she tries to remember anything, searing pain shoots through her, but she keeps trying nevertheless as she is sure remembering some facts about her past may help her get out of the cell.

Tell Me My Name was a short but an enjoyable read, with a highly inventive ending. I’ve read all of Mary Fan’s books and this one was as great as the others. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author.
Profile Image for Lily Jervis.
11 reviews
November 4, 2014
I received this book to review. I was attracted to it because of the cover, which was nothing like the book, and yet it was. The protagonist was a girl trapped in a dungeon of ice, and she has no memory. She is captive to a group of wizards - most significantly, an older one and a young apprentice. The older one tortures her but the younger one seems kind. I wasn't sure whether I should trust him.

The story is told almost entirely through the girls thoughts as she struggles to remember who she is. There is little dialogue, but her inner voice is interesting.

The novella is a prologue to a series coming in the future, so it had very little story, but it is a promise of good things to come.
Profile Image for Carrie White.
244 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2014
This story is definitely a change of pace/direction for Mary, but it doesn't make it any less. Although our heroine is stuck in a jail cell, she still manages to give us tension, utter horror, a Big Bad Guy, a hero, and an idea of what the world outside might be like.

And beyond that, we fall completely and horribly in love with her.

Mary's writing is, as usual, sharp and intense, yet beautiful and descriptive, so that we can almost feel ourselves in the story. Her descriptions of Kiri's memories are ... well, beautiful. It's the only word I can think of.

I loved it. Can't wait for the book to come around, so I can hear more about Kiri's world and what it's made of!
Profile Image for Dalidja.
27 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2014
Wow, this story has me kind of breathless.
It takes place mostly within the main character's own mind, weaving through her confusion, pain, and varying emotions. We discover bits of the world as she does, and it's truly a unique world Fan has built. I'm right with the character, wanting to smash free and unveil the mysteries beyond her prison. Unfortunately, not everything is resolved by the novella's end, and the series is not out yet, and so it will be a long time before I can join her in the discovery of her past, present, and future, in a world of magical creatures, enchantments, and mythical tales of divine beings and the goodness of stars.

Netgalley read.
Profile Image for Kay.
Author 4 books18 followers
November 21, 2014
This story started a bit slow, but I loved it (some of my favorite books start off a bit slow). Naturally, it was over before I knew it, but it left me longing to know more about Kiri and Darien and what's going to happen with the two of them. Also, the green-eyed man intrigued me, but I couldn't help smiling at the words "green-eyed man" because it reminded me of the movie Bolt. (Time to whip out the kids card, though I probably would have seen Bolt even if I hadn't had kids.)

Anyway, I can't recommend this novella highly enough - it's enticing, it's tense, and now I can't wait for the first Fated Stars novel to come out so I can find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,218 reviews12 followers
November 26, 2014
This was a great novella and one that makes you want to dive directly into the next book. The descriptions throughout the book are vivid. You are drawn to the main character and can feel her confusion and her pain. The ending was a surprise, I didn't expect it at all. Can't wait to read the next installment.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via NETGALLEY.
Profile Image for Marie.
14 reviews
November 8, 2014
What a beautifully written peek into a gorgeous world. I have so many questions, I can't wait for the series!
Profile Image for Mutated Reviewer.
838 reviews15 followers
November 15, 2014
Goodreads Synopsis: In Mary Fan's second novella, a girl wakes up in an icy cell, alone and frightened. She has no memory of who she is or how she came to be there.

She does know that she must get out, at all costs. And that escape must start with remembering the simple things – her own name. Her place of origin. Her possible powers.
When a group of dark magicians reveal themselves to be her captors, she finds herself in the clutches of those who will stop at nothing to uncover the secrets locked within her lost memories. With her life fading under their merciless spells, the need to escape becomes dire.

But can she get out when she doesn’t even know who she is? Can she count on one unlikely ally for help? Or is it already too late for her, a girl without a name?

Tell Me My Name introduces the main characters in Mary’s new fantasy series, Fated Stars, with the first book, Windborn, due in 2015.

My Review: To be completely honest, I wasn't completely sold on this book from the beginning when I started reading it, but it grew on me. That completely changed, however, at the end when I was dropped from the story. My interest was lost when the main character started explaining the book from the very beginning. The point of view kind of shifted, and instead of being her, it changed to you listening to her tell you all about the book, and then explaining what was going to happen in the next book. It might just be a preference, but I like to figure things out myself, not have the character tell me what everything's about like an article. Whatever the reason was, it completely turned me away from the book, and it's a good thing it happened at the end. I liked the story, I liked the characters, they were interesting, and everything was pretty cool until that big thing happened at the end. It's about a girl who's been imprisoned in a jail cell made of ice, for whatever reason. She has no memory and has frequent panic attacks. There's a boy helping her, and getting abused for it by his "master". That's basically the story. I requested this book from netgalley expecting more than it was. Definitely check it out and find out for yourself. Thanks for reading.

(Radioactivebookreviews.wordpress.com)
Profile Image for Max.
98 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2014
This slight but evocative novella mainly serves as a teaser for Mary Fan's forthcoming series. It worked. I'll be keeping my eye out for the book proper.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
2,775 reviews114 followers
November 30, 2020
A great beginning

When I received Mary Fan's "Windborn" as part of a publisher giveaway, since I had read an earlier work,I chose to read "Windborn" first. However, the author suggests that this small book be read first, and I have just done that.

There is quite a distraction throughout the novella, and that is the "footnotes" within the book. Were they supposed to be there, for they are quite a distraction. I look forward to reading Kiri's attempts to get home, with or without Damien's help. 4/5 because of the footnotes.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
14 reviews
April 18, 2020
The descriptions in this are magnificent. You can feel exactly what Kiri is going through. The characterisation is fantastic as you want to know more about all of them, even the characters who seem evil because they have motivation for what they are doing. Can’t wait to read Windborn now.
Profile Image for Fiona Leung.
247 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2015
(I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review)

First off, I really liked the cover and it has attracted me to read this book ahead of some others.

This story is told in the form of first person narrative and it starts off with a girl waking up alone in an icy cold cell. She doesn't remember anything about herself, hence the title of this novella.

The writing style is fluid and poetry-like. However, I found it very repetitive and not very easy to read. It seems like the reader is stuck in the girl's head as she repeats her thoughts to herself going round and round in circles.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this but found it too slow-paced for my liking.
2 reviews
September 6, 2015
This is a story without an end

Don't buy this book it is a teaser and very frustrating to not give an end to the story seems a commercial trick which I don't appreciate. The story was good to the point where it just stopped.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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