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The Dark Gifts #1.5
Afterlife
Two hundred years before the battle of the fortress, a young man named William Townsend had to die.
William had big plans. He would become a valiant soldier, fall in love, have a family, and die. In fact, he was certain it would happen in that exact order. But fate is a fickle taskmaster and things almost never go as planned. And sometimes, just sometimes, your true destiny will greet you after life.
William had big plans. He would become a valiant soldier, fall in love, have a family, and die. In fact, he was certain it would happen in that exact order. But fate is a fickle taskmaster and things almost never go as planned. And sometimes, just sometimes, your true destiny will greet you after life.
18 pages, Nook
First published April 22, 2012
About the author
Willow Cross
52 books299 followersWillow Cross resides in Arkansas with her husband, two children still young enough to live at home, an enormous cat named Bitsy, and a scaredy-cat dog named Tank. Her home has been known to host the occasional ghost, and a few of her friends profess to be witches. Although she dearly loves Vampires and Werewolves, they are never invited for dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 12, 2012
The story of William is not a usual one. William finds himself on the wrong side of the grave with a companion whom is not only a beautiful 17 year old Vampire but also in actual fact a 100 year old Vampire who is a spoilt brat. They start their relationship with lessons from her to him on how to be a proper ghost. Angeline, even as a brat is not evil though, she is wilful yes, and beautiful but also extremely loyal. So begins a story, one whom according to me and I am sure a lot of others is delightful but done way before it satisfied my reader lust. Trust Willow to rope me into another 5 * review for a book I finished in 12 minutes.
April 27, 2012
This short takes place before the events in "Birthright", but can be read before or after and still be an enjoyable read. I fell in love with the characters in "Birthright" especially William and Angie and would have loved to know more about them and how they met . You can imagine I was a little more than excited to find out that "Afterlife" is their story. The story starts of with William fighting with himself over the situation he has gotten into this time. After evaluating the issue, he attempts to solve the problem, numerous times to say the least. Concentrating on the matter at hand, he fails to realize he is being watched until he is taken off guard by the laughter that fills the air. This is where the journey begins and laughs never end. There are also several other characters from "Birthright" , that I loved, that also have roles to play in this adventure, but I will let you read it and find out who and why. I highly recommend this great read to everyone that loved "Birthright" and those who haven't had a chance to yet. A must read!
June 15, 2012
I really enjoyed this short companion to the Dark Gifts Series by the author. She brought you into a world that was touched on lightly in the first book, Birthright, and made you fall in love with one of the characters even more. If you haven't read Birthright, never fear! Afterlife could be a stand alone book and will only enhance your reading experience for the full length novel. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a little "ghostly" humor :)
May 6, 2012
I absolutely LOVED this story of Angie and William and how they met and they obsticles they went through at meeting! It take does place before Birthright. Its a great little short story that can be read before or after Birthright. It can and to me does stand alone! Its a MUST read about Angie & William and their friendship, companionship and love for one another!! A very awesome fast paced and lovable story!!
May 17, 2012
As much as I keep my eyes open for new books released by Ms. Cross, I wonder how I missed this since she is one of my top 10 favorite authors. But, I was so glad when I saw this because it answered some questions I was unsure about. This is the beginning of Birthright and the story of how William and Angie became such good friends. She found William after he had died and they were friends from there on. This might be a short story, but well worth it for the information it contained
July 13, 2012
I was hooked as soon as I began reading Afterlife! This companion book did not last me long as I could not put it down, so then I immediately purchased her novel Birthright. One day later I had finished it too & ready for more! Willow Cross brought her characters to us & they instantly had me hooked! They just spring to life & pull you into their story!! I truly look forward to reading more of her books!
August 24, 2012
Afterlife was so great! I read Birthright and I was so curious about William and Angie, so when this came out, I was ecstatic that I was going to get to learn a little bit more about them. I got way more than bargained for though. This companion to the dark gifts series was awesome!
May 14, 2022
Afterlife by Willow Cross
This is a really good prequel to what I hope is a great series. I have not read anything else by this author, so it feels like a good beginning. I love where the series plot seems to be going, loved the characters and enjoyed the writing style. So far it feels like a YA series, but that is yet to be seen. The main character is a hundred year old vampire stuck in a 16 year old human form.
This is a really good prequel to what I hope is a great series. I have not read anything else by this author, so it feels like a good beginning. I love where the series plot seems to be going, loved the characters and enjoyed the writing style. So far it feels like a YA series, but that is yet to be seen. The main character is a hundred year old vampire stuck in a 16 year old human form.
February 29, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Afterlife, and I'd highly recommend checking it out!
Currently reading
May 8, 2012Afterlife by: Willow Cross
Willow is one of very few authors that can pack a-lot in a short story. Afterlife has got it all. It starts with a young Confederate soldier, Private William Townsend discovering himself as a ghost after being fatally shot in the head. William becomes embarrassed when a very beautiful girl by the name of Miss Angelica whom he mistakes for a fairy princess happens upon him while William is cursing his efforts to throw himself back into his body. It was hilarious. Miss Angelica turns out to be a vampire living a secluded life in a large cabin in the woods, protected by her mother who wishes her hundred year old daughter to remain seventeen forever, and the muscled up Michael. William is smitten by Miss Angelica's beauty and decides to hang around her as she seems to be the only one who can see him, and because she seems to know more about what he can do as a ghost than he does, They spat like young lovers do. And, she throws temper tantrums at her mother like teenagers do. She disobeys, and runs off because she is self assured she knows all only to run into a town populated by werewolves. Danger is all around, but wait there's help from a couple of witches named Marie, and Damien who are blessed with the gift of sight, and know of their situation. What will happen? I can't tell you. I can only say that this book, this short story, this gem of a tale was a delight to read. The men characters were written like men. Not some metro sexual , cross fairy , cross thing, and as a man I appreciated that. The women characters were alluring, and behaved as women do according to my own experience, and I also appreciated that. There's magic there's intrigue, and I loved it, and can't wait for more. Five Stars.
Posted by Bryce's Brilliant Reviews at 5:50 AM 0 comments
Willow is one of very few authors that can pack a-lot in a short story. Afterlife has got it all. It starts with a young Confederate soldier, Private William Townsend discovering himself as a ghost after being fatally shot in the head. William becomes embarrassed when a very beautiful girl by the name of Miss Angelica whom he mistakes for a fairy princess happens upon him while William is cursing his efforts to throw himself back into his body. It was hilarious. Miss Angelica turns out to be a vampire living a secluded life in a large cabin in the woods, protected by her mother who wishes her hundred year old daughter to remain seventeen forever, and the muscled up Michael. William is smitten by Miss Angelica's beauty and decides to hang around her as she seems to be the only one who can see him, and because she seems to know more about what he can do as a ghost than he does, They spat like young lovers do. And, she throws temper tantrums at her mother like teenagers do. She disobeys, and runs off because she is self assured she knows all only to run into a town populated by werewolves. Danger is all around, but wait there's help from a couple of witches named Marie, and Damien who are blessed with the gift of sight, and know of their situation. What will happen? I can't tell you. I can only say that this book, this short story, this gem of a tale was a delight to read. The men characters were written like men. Not some metro sexual , cross fairy , cross thing, and as a man I appreciated that. The women characters were alluring, and behaved as women do according to my own experience, and I also appreciated that. There's magic there's intrigue, and I loved it, and can't wait for more. Five Stars.
Posted by Bryce's Brilliant Reviews at 5:50 AM 0 comments
May 27, 2012
From the first page of ‘Afterlife’, I laughed out loud “...Balls!...”. This immediately impressed me and gave me that warm fuzzy feeling; the one that tells me that I won’t be disappointed. And hurray, I wasn’t in the slightest.
‘Afterlife’ is a ‘Dark Gifts Series Companion’ short. And as such, it lays out the background and history of a few of the characters that we meet in the novels ‘Birthright’ and ‘Inheritance’ (the latter of which I’m yet to read). Since I have read Birthright, my eyes lit up in joy at the backstories that run through ‘Afterlife’. It really helps to understand the sequence of events and allows us to get to know the characters Angelica and William so much better.
During my reading of ‘Birthright’, I immediately warmed to Angelica’s character, so having this additional knowledge of her in ��Afterlife’ really helps to form a well-rounded character: one that I truly enjoyed getting to know.
What is refreshing with this short, is that it can be read as a prequel to the series, or, as I have done, during the process of reading Willow Cross’s superb series. Either way, it is substantial to read and enjoy without the prior knowledge that I have. A very enjoyable short!
‘Afterlife’ is a ‘Dark Gifts Series Companion’ short. And as such, it lays out the background and history of a few of the characters that we meet in the novels ‘Birthright’ and ‘Inheritance’ (the latter of which I’m yet to read). Since I have read Birthright, my eyes lit up in joy at the backstories that run through ‘Afterlife’. It really helps to understand the sequence of events and allows us to get to know the characters Angelica and William so much better.
During my reading of ‘Birthright’, I immediately warmed to Angelica’s character, so having this additional knowledge of her in ��Afterlife’ really helps to form a well-rounded character: one that I truly enjoyed getting to know.
What is refreshing with this short, is that it can be read as a prequel to the series, or, as I have done, during the process of reading Willow Cross’s superb series. Either way, it is substantial to read and enjoy without the prior knowledge that I have. A very enjoyable short!
August 11, 2012
Ebook: Afterlife
Author: Willow Cross
Fiction, Paranormal,
This review may contain spoilers
I was given this for an honest review by the author
Summary: When a recently deceased ghost teams up with a vampire who has remained 17 for nearly 200 years, hilarity and chaos ensues.
The day William met Angie, encountering the girl of his dreams was the last thing on his mind. But after a chance meeting in the woods, she seemed to be the only thing he thought about. If he'd known in the beginning that her beauty masked a darker secret and a penchant for finding trouble that was second to none, he might have chosen a different path in the Afterlife.
The Review
OK this is the prequel to Birthright, from the Dark Gifts Series, but it can be read without the need to read Birthright, It is a great read, well worth getting, it gives the back story to Angie and how she met William and how they became lifelong or should I say deadlong friends, I couldn’t put it down until I had read it, There were some classic one liners and it was highly funny all the way through, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a great quick read, 5/5
Author: Willow Cross
Fiction, Paranormal,
This review may contain spoilers
I was given this for an honest review by the author
Summary: When a recently deceased ghost teams up with a vampire who has remained 17 for nearly 200 years, hilarity and chaos ensues.
The day William met Angie, encountering the girl of his dreams was the last thing on his mind. But after a chance meeting in the woods, she seemed to be the only thing he thought about. If he'd known in the beginning that her beauty masked a darker secret and a penchant for finding trouble that was second to none, he might have chosen a different path in the Afterlife.
The Review
OK this is the prequel to Birthright, from the Dark Gifts Series, but it can be read without the need to read Birthright, It is a great read, well worth getting, it gives the back story to Angie and how she met William and how they became lifelong or should I say deadlong friends, I couldn’t put it down until I had read it, There were some classic one liners and it was highly funny all the way through, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a great quick read, 5/5
July 1, 2012
Like many of my Kindle books, the best part of Afterlife is its readability. The plot was always quick to move, and all the characters were likeable and had realistic flaws and distinct personalities. I also liked seeing the developing relationships between William and Angelica, as well as the once we're beginning to see between Angelica and her guardian - they were clearly loyal to each other and will eternally be bound to each other(:
I also liked the unique aspects of this book - how often do you see a relationship form as friends between a ghost and a vampire? As of now, the relationship was purely based of loyalty and friendship - a fresh breath of air from all that insta-love junk in a lot of YA PNR these days.
Overall, if you're a fan of paranormal elements in YA fiction & are looking for a short, friendly (no romance, I promise!) read, pick up Afterlife - it will be worth your while(:
I also liked the unique aspects of this book - how often do you see a relationship form as friends between a ghost and a vampire? As of now, the relationship was purely based of loyalty and friendship - a fresh breath of air from all that insta-love junk in a lot of YA PNR these days.
Overall, if you're a fan of paranormal elements in YA fiction & are looking for a short, friendly (no romance, I promise!) read, pick up Afterlife - it will be worth your while(:
August 16, 2012
I recieved this book from the author in return of an honest review.
I would like to begin by saying this wasn't at all what I expected it to be...it was much better. The plot itself was wonderful with a historical setting full of villiages, horse drawn carriages, forests and cabins. I loved the the whimsiness of the main character, Angelica. She was quick, fiery and full of spirit. It wasn't the normal vampire romance that you would expect. It had a youthfulness about it playing through the vampire, Angelica, and her friend, William, that just so happens to be a newly turned ghost. Angelica teaches William the ropes of the ghost world, but in the end it is William that Angelica depends upon. Although she has her faithful companion and protector, Michael (also a vampire), William becomes her closest friend. This story is a MUST READ and gives you just enough to get you hooked on 'The Dark Gifts' series. Job well done, Willow Cross. ~WaAr~
I would like to begin by saying this wasn't at all what I expected it to be...it was much better. The plot itself was wonderful with a historical setting full of villiages, horse drawn carriages, forests and cabins. I loved the the whimsiness of the main character, Angelica. She was quick, fiery and full of spirit. It wasn't the normal vampire romance that you would expect. It had a youthfulness about it playing through the vampire, Angelica, and her friend, William, that just so happens to be a newly turned ghost. Angelica teaches William the ropes of the ghost world, but in the end it is William that Angelica depends upon. Although she has her faithful companion and protector, Michael (also a vampire), William becomes her closest friend. This story is a MUST READ and gives you just enough to get you hooked on 'The Dark Gifts' series. Job well done, Willow Cross. ~WaAr~
August 14, 2012
The story of ‘Afterlife,’ a Dark Gifts Companion, tells the tale of how Angie and William came to meet each other. I found myself quickly turning and turning pages until I found myself at the end! The characters are easy to connect with as they are full of life and spirit. The pace of the story was fast and I was honestly hooked until the concluding page! Trust me, if you have not read any of the other Dark Gifts books, you will rush straight to Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, and click that “BUY” button; you’ll already be hooked and will have the need to know more, what happens next and how the story continues!
This story can be read before or after reading The Dark Gifts Birthright and you would not be lost at all! I would totally recommend getting yourself a copy of this companion as you will not regret it, not one iota! Hail for Willow! Keep the stories coming!
This story can be read before or after reading The Dark Gifts Birthright and you would not be lost at all! I would totally recommend getting yourself a copy of this companion as you will not regret it, not one iota! Hail for Willow! Keep the stories coming!
May 29, 2012
I've read all of The Dark Gifts books so far, and this companion story was not a let down either! I love how you can read any of the Willow Cross series books and they read as a stand-alone, not as a series. As a matter of fact, I read book 2 in the Dark Gifts series first, and it wasn't until the end that I found out it was a series. I loved Angie in Birthright and I was very happy to find that Willow wrote a companion story for her.
Afterlife is a quick read. A cute little story that introduces us to Angie and William, a Confederate soldier turned ghost, and shows us how they met and became friends.... possibly more. The book also includes a few "teasers" making the reader interested in reading The Dark Gifts series. If you're a fan of Willow Cross, or ghosts and vampires in general, this is a book for you.
Afterlife is a quick read. A cute little story that introduces us to Angie and William, a Confederate soldier turned ghost, and shows us how they met and became friends.... possibly more. The book also includes a few "teasers" making the reader interested in reading The Dark Gifts series. If you're a fan of Willow Cross, or ghosts and vampires in general, this is a book for you.
October 30, 2012
MY REVIEW
I downloaded this e-book from Amazon.co.uk when it was free! I think the cover works well, and would say the attractive girl/young woman on the front cover is Of course the vampire Angie.
This short novella tells the story of William the soldier and how he became a ghost. It was quite sad as he died quite young and hadn't totally experienced all the things he wished for in life.
The novella also explains how Angie and William met and how they became friends.
So did I enjoy the novella? Yes. Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you are needing a Dark Gifts "fix" and are between books. This could be read first before book one, even though the author has written it and numbered it 1.5 after the first Dark Gifts BK #1 Birthrights. Would I read more of this series? Yes I am going to! Would I read more by Willow Cross? Yes, I already have so think I can call myself a fan!
I downloaded this e-book from Amazon.co.uk when it was free! I think the cover works well, and would say the attractive girl/young woman on the front cover is Of course the vampire Angie.
This short novella tells the story of William the soldier and how he became a ghost. It was quite sad as he died quite young and hadn't totally experienced all the things he wished for in life.
The novella also explains how Angie and William met and how they became friends.
So did I enjoy the novella? Yes. Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you are needing a Dark Gifts "fix" and are between books. This could be read first before book one, even though the author has written it and numbered it 1.5 after the first Dark Gifts BK #1 Birthrights. Would I read more of this series? Yes I am going to! Would I read more by Willow Cross? Yes, I already have so think I can call myself a fan!
March 24, 2013
I would like to say thank you to Willow Cross...I recived this ARC copy by the author for an honest review.
I loved this!!!! I was so happy to see that Willow had wrote a campanion to this series. When I read Birthright I had always wanted to know more about Angie and Will. They just seemed like good story meterial lol. I love how Angie is always the sunky 17 year old girl, but at the same time I feel sorry for her. She will forever be the child she was. Always stuck with everyone telling her what to do and just being treated like a child for such along time. Will has it bad for Angie. How dose a ghost fall in love? I hope he will someday find peace. If you have read Birthright and Inheritane then you should read this!!! Get your copy today...
I loved this!!!! I was so happy to see that Willow had wrote a campanion to this series. When I read Birthright I had always wanted to know more about Angie and Will. They just seemed like good story meterial lol. I love how Angie is always the sunky 17 year old girl, but at the same time I feel sorry for her. She will forever be the child she was. Always stuck with everyone telling her what to do and just being treated like a child for such along time. Will has it bad for Angie. How dose a ghost fall in love? I hope he will someday find peace. If you have read Birthright and Inheritane then you should read this!!! Get your copy today...
January 19, 2013
This is a novella to explain the meeting of two main character's in the author's series. I have not read the series itself, but was able to read this novella on its own. I enjoyed the short story and the writing style was easy to follow. The female protagonist is prone to a bit of whining and stamping her foot in tantrums, which is somewhat understandable given her life's circumstances... but caused her to get on my nerves a bit. That is just my personal feeling toward characters that lean toward being whiney, but this character did redeem herself with getting over her pouting. The hint of the series' story in this novella did intrigue me to look into possibly reading the series.
July 19, 2012
This short story tells of how William became a ghost and how William and Angelica came to meet. I have not read any of the Dark Gifts series, but I can't wait to delve into them now. The story is approx. 33 pages long, but don't let that throw you. There is alot of story thrown into those 33 pages. Vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and witches! Of course, nothing is resolved and it leaves you hanging, but that is what it's supposed to do right? Make you wanna run out and get the series? Well played Ms. Cross, well played! I will be picking up the first of the Dark Gifts series.
January 7, 2013
How did Will and Angie meet?
William was standing over his body when he met Angie, and followed her to caved, he had been dead
for only 2 hours.
Angelica told William that she was a vampire, that why she could she him.
They became friends, but it was short lived, Athena had plans for her daughter that did not involve ghosts.
Angie is a young, spoiled vampire that have a lot of growing up to do.
And William is a ghost that have a lot to learn, together they make a great team.
Like it....alot
William was standing over his body when he met Angie, and followed her to caved, he had been dead
for only 2 hours.
Angelica told William that she was a vampire, that why she could she him.
They became friends, but it was short lived, Athena had plans for her daughter that did not involve ghosts.
Angie is a young, spoiled vampire that have a lot of growing up to do.
And William is a ghost that have a lot to learn, together they make a great team.
Like it....alot
July 27, 2012
Afterlife is the story companion to The Dark Gifts series.
Well I dunno what to write without giving away a whole lot! :P What I'll say is I love Willow Cross' style of writing and this is yet another book I adored. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard while reading a book in a while. Afterlife just grabs your attention from the first page itself and keeps you hooked. Its interesting so very interesting to see how a Vampire and a Ghost become friends! I can’t wait to read Birthright now!! :D
Well I dunno what to write without giving away a whole lot! :P What I'll say is I love Willow Cross' style of writing and this is yet another book I adored. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard while reading a book in a while. Afterlife just grabs your attention from the first page itself and keeps you hooked. Its interesting so very interesting to see how a Vampire and a Ghost become friends! I can’t wait to read Birthright now!! :D
July 27, 2012
totally cute short novella that introduces some the cast in Birthright. i haven't read Birthright yet so i feel like i've got early inside info all ready! it grabbed my attention from the first sentence and didn't let go even after i finished reading it. i was lucky to get a free copy and i spent my whole lunch hour reading it. i can't wait to get my hands on Birthright to find out what happens next!!
August 24, 2012
A companion book to the Dark Gifts series.
At 33 pages, it’s short and sweet. The short introduces you to the characters William (a ghost) and Angie (a vampire that’s been 17 for 200 years), and how they met. It’s very well written and an enjoyable read.
Although it’s a prequel to Birthright, it’s not necessary to have read it – though, like in my case, you may want to after reading it.
At 33 pages, it’s short and sweet. The short introduces you to the characters William (a ghost) and Angie (a vampire that’s been 17 for 200 years), and how they met. It’s very well written and an enjoyable read.
Although it’s a prequel to Birthright, it’s not necessary to have read it – though, like in my case, you may want to after reading it.
September 5, 2012
William a new ghost finds himself frustrated at his new out of body experience. He soon realizes there is no instruction manuel in the afterlife. When he thinks all is lost he sees the most beautiful girl and realizes that she can see him. Imagine his surprise when he finds out she is a vampire and she has the answers to many of his recent problems. From here you meet up with roaming witches, werewolves and a life changing adventure in the making.
December 25, 2012
Angie being a young vampire often acts like a young child. She needs help growing up and looking after. Michael is there to do that. Sometimes you need a friend also. William shows up and becomes the friend Angie needs only problem is he is a ghost. They make a wonderful team though since they are both dead. Only Angie being a vampire she gets to experience things William can't any more but learn to help each other.
September 20, 2013
After reading the first installment, i itched to read the rest of the series.
I picked up this novella first which follows William, the ghost that Angelica is good friends with. It shows how he dies and how he comes to be such good friends with her.
A nice short story giving you insight into the ghost that helped the vamps so much in the first book.
Read on behalf of the author for an honest review
I picked up this novella first which follows William, the ghost that Angelica is good friends with. It shows how he dies and how he comes to be such good friends with her.
A nice short story giving you insight into the ghost that helped the vamps so much in the first book.
Read on behalf of the author for an honest review
July 30, 2012
This is an awesome read by Willow Cross that can be read before or after birthright. Priv William who meets Angelica as a ghost trying to get back in his body. Angie is a vampire who is being sent out into the world and the friendship that blossom between William and Angie. And the adventures they are about to embark on together. I really loved reading it.
November 5, 2012
This being my first introduction to the writing of Cross I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised when I didn't stop reading until I finished it. The characters were engaging and interesting. I liked the strong female lead, and the ghost that followed her. I will be reading more of the Dark Gifts novels after reading this one.
March 20, 2015
This is a short, funny read and the prequel to Birthright, from the Dark Gifts Series. It is a great read and gives the back story to Angie and William. I couldn't put it down until the last page. Willow Cross packed a lot of wit and humor into this entertaining, fun read and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Five stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews