What do you think?
Rate this book
Ordinary Magic #4A
Rock Candy
Just An Ordinary Halloween...
Police officer Jean Reed doesn’t normally mind pulling the graveyard shift in Ordinary Oregon, the sleepy little beach town where gods vacation and monsters reside. But October in Ordinary is anything but normal. One mob of cursed gnomes, one haunted harbor festival, and one chilling visit from Death makes this October stranger than most.
But it's Jean's boyfriend, Hogan, who really has her flustered. With their six month anniversary ticking down to Halloween, she wonders if their time together is anything more than a casual fling. When she discovers Hogan has been keeping secrets, Jean must decide if their relationship has been nothing but a trick or if it’s been the one treat she’s always wished for.
This novella takes place after GODS AND ENDS, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Police officer Jean Reed doesn’t normally mind pulling the graveyard shift in Ordinary Oregon, the sleepy little beach town where gods vacation and monsters reside. But October in Ordinary is anything but normal. One mob of cursed gnomes, one haunted harbor festival, and one chilling visit from Death makes this October stranger than most.
But it's Jean's boyfriend, Hogan, who really has her flustered. With their six month anniversary ticking down to Halloween, she wonders if their time together is anything more than a casual fling. When she discovers Hogan has been keeping secrets, Jean must decide if their relationship has been nothing but a trick or if it’s been the one treat she’s always wished for.
This novella takes place after GODS AND ENDS, but can be read as a stand-alone.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2017
231 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Devon Monk
87books2,053followersDevon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 6, 2017
Rock Candy
is set after but this time having the youngest Reed, Jean, as the main character instead of Delaney.
Jean describes herself as "impatient, impulsive, easily distracted, and blunt and in this she pulls the Halloween duty in dealing with gnomes -- who apparently comes alive only in October -- as well as maneuvering around the new relationship she has with the town's bakery boy, Hogan. Of course it's Halloween ... so prepare for some shenanigans ... among others: ZOMBIE gnomes, kidnapped penguin, and the return of one God to Ordinary, who wants to wear costume for Halloween.
I LOVE Devon Monk's books and I think I've read (almost) ALL of her stories -- except for the Age of Steam series since steampunk is not really my thing. But I think this is the first time I find her story to be entertaining and HILAROUS!
I was smiling, chuckling, and giggling throughout. SO. MUCH. FUN! Plus we get a new information about Hogan, Jean's boyfriend () and apparently is still making his moves towards Myra Reed, the middle daughter. Now THAT I want to read as well :)
Rock Candy is a delightful, warm, fluffy novella. Definitely must read for those who are already a fan of the Ordinary Magic series.
Jean describes herself as "impatient, impulsive, easily distracted, and blunt and in this she pulls the Halloween duty in dealing with gnomes -- who apparently comes alive only in October -- as well as maneuvering around the new relationship she has with the town's bakery boy, Hogan. Of course it's Halloween ... so prepare for some shenanigans ... among others: ZOMBIE gnomes, kidnapped penguin, and the return of one God to Ordinary, who wants to wear costume for Halloween.
I LOVE Devon Monk's books and I think I've read (almost) ALL of her stories -- except for the Age of Steam series since steampunk is not really my thing. But I think this is the first time I find her story to be entertaining and HILAROUS!
“Why do I feel so funny?� he asked. “Wait...I’m a zombie, aren’t I? Gno!�
“Denial,� I said. “First stage of zombie gnome grief.�
“Well, it could be worse. Zombies are such popular critters right now.�
“AٲԳ.�
“Boy, I could use a bite to eat.�
“HܲԲ.�
“Like, a lot to eat. I could chew my way through a concrete truck.�
“More hunger.�
“Got anything to eat?� he asked no one in particular.
“No,� I said. “And the last stage....�
“GԴdz-Դdz.�
I was smiling, chuckling, and giggling throughout. SO. MUCH. FUN! Plus we get a new information about Hogan, Jean's boyfriend () and apparently is still making his moves towards Myra Reed, the middle daughter. Now THAT I want to read as well :)
Rock Candy is a delightful, warm, fluffy novella. Definitely must read for those who are already a fan of the Ordinary Magic series.
October 26, 2017
Randomly finding this new release when I was browsing Amazon for something completely different was a treat. I tend to get in the mood for darker reads around Halloween but once in a while it's nice to pick something up that has the feel of the holiday but still be a cute and fun read. ROCK CANDY delivered on that sweet Halloween fun.
As a reader of this series, I'm used to a different narrator. In this novella we are actually reading from Jean's perspective. I've come to really like her character and it was fun to see things from her eyes for once. I don't think she's quite as strong as Delaney in terms of story narration, but for a sweet short story it was enjoyable. And while we are solving a mystery in this, there's also enough of her personal story brought it to round this out. In particular when it comes to her boyfriend Hogan who isn't fully immersed with all the supernatural goings on in town and what part the Reed sisters fully play in it. But Hogan has some surprises up his sleeve in this story and that was my favorite part of getting to read this!
ROCK CANDY still has a lot of the light-hearted humor that I really like about this series. From the dialogue to the zombie gnomes... this was just a breeze to read and I found myself chuckling a few times.
While I don't think this is the strongest installment in this series, it's a definitely a must read if you've read this series. And if you are new to it, I think it's a good sampler of what the series has to offer. I think it stands alone quite well in my opinion.
Reviewed by Francesca� � Don't want to miss any of our posts? by email! � �
As a reader of this series, I'm used to a different narrator. In this novella we are actually reading from Jean's perspective. I've come to really like her character and it was fun to see things from her eyes for once. I don't think she's quite as strong as Delaney in terms of story narration, but for a sweet short story it was enjoyable. And while we are solving a mystery in this, there's also enough of her personal story brought it to round this out. In particular when it comes to her boyfriend Hogan who isn't fully immersed with all the supernatural goings on in town and what part the Reed sisters fully play in it. But Hogan has some surprises up his sleeve in this story and that was my favorite part of getting to read this!
ROCK CANDY still has a lot of the light-hearted humor that I really like about this series. From the dialogue to the zombie gnomes... this was just a breeze to read and I found myself chuckling a few times.
While I don't think this is the strongest installment in this series, it's a definitely a must read if you've read this series. And if you are new to it, I think it's a good sampler of what the series has to offer. I think it stands alone quite well in my opinion.
Reviewed by Francesca� � Don't want to miss any of our posts? by email! � �
October 13, 2017
It’s almost Halloween, Jean’s favorite holiday. She’s been dating Hogan, Ordinary’s baker, for five months and, while she’s good at helping others with their love life, she’s not so sure about her own. She’s really fallen for Hogan but remains uncertain of his feelings about their future, especially since she’s not yet told him everything about the town.
There’s a lil mystery, a surprise visitor, a startling revelation and a lot of Gnomes. An all around fun holiday short. (3.5 stars)
Saw this while at the grocery and immediately thought of Jean, Hogan & Abner 😁
📷: StephB 12Oct17
He was like tides, rolling in and out with an endless calm, with grace, with beauty.These two are adorable together and each are surprised when they share their secret.
There’s a lil mystery, a surprise visitor, a startling revelation and a lot of Gnomes. An all around fun holiday short. (3.5 stars)
Saw this while at the grocery and immediately thought of Jean, Hogan & Abner 😁
📷: StephB 12Oct17
October 6, 2017
Cute Short Story
This novella takes place in the town of Ordinary, Oregon, a little beachside town where gods & other creatures can lay down their powers for a while & be mortal within the town borders. The main series currently consists of 3 books told from the point of view of Delaney, the oldest of 3 sisters. This particular story uses Jean, the youngest sister's point of view. She's dealing with her first long term, grown up relationship & what that means. To top it all off, the garden gnomes in town (& a certain blogworthy penguin statue) are threatened during Halloween & some detective work is called for. I really liked this novella & it was nice to hear from a different sister for a change. Very cute, fun read that I couldn't put down!
This novella takes place in the town of Ordinary, Oregon, a little beachside town where gods & other creatures can lay down their powers for a while & be mortal within the town borders. The main series currently consists of 3 books told from the point of view of Delaney, the oldest of 3 sisters. This particular story uses Jean, the youngest sister's point of view. She's dealing with her first long term, grown up relationship & what that means. To top it all off, the garden gnomes in town (& a certain blogworthy penguin statue) are threatened during Halloween & some detective work is called for. I really liked this novella & it was nice to hear from a different sister for a change. Very cute, fun read that I couldn't put down!
October 17, 2017
Cute short story about Jean and the zombie gnome! Lol
January 5, 2018
Jean, is the youngest Reed sister, and she's spent her life trying to make others happy and help her sisters find love. This Halloween, she's on gnome patron, as all the gnomes in Ordinary come alive during the nights of October.
Why I started this book: Cotton-candy story... something to read and keep me interested as I spent time on the treadmill this morning.
Why I finished it: Short stories are easy to finish and they boost your reading goal numbers. Win, win.
Why I started this book: Cotton-candy story... something to read and keep me interested as I spent time on the treadmill this morning.
Why I finished it: Short stories are easy to finish and they boost your reading goal numbers. Win, win.
November 25, 2017
I love this series and this book was a fun addition. Wish it had been full length instead of a short but I'll take what I can get.
November 23, 2017
3 1/2 Stars.
Rock Candy is a short story by Devon Monk set in the Ordinary Magic world. This novella takes place after Gods and Ends, but can be read as a standalone too (just be aware that if you do this you will get some minor spoilers, mostly of the relationship variety). I think fans of the series would probably appreciate it more, but it’s also not a bad way to get your feet wet as far as trying out a new series is concerned.
For more reviews, check out
Rock Candy is a short story by Devon Monk set in the Ordinary Magic world. This novella takes place after Gods and Ends, but can be read as a standalone too (just be aware that if you do this you will get some minor spoilers, mostly of the relationship variety). I think fans of the series would probably appreciate it more, but it’s also not a bad way to get your feet wet as far as trying out a new series is concerned.
For more reviews, check out
October 22, 2017
"Rock Candy" is a cute Halloween novella in the Ordinary Magic series. Jean, the youngest sister in the Feed family is marveling over her almost six month relationship with Hogan the baker. She has never been in a relationship that has lasted this long. While she is living it she is pondering how much longer she will have him in her life.
Meanwhile it is the first day of October, the dreaded day when the gnomes come to life at night for 31 days. In the past they have caused all kinds destruction in town due to their anger over being friends in statue form for 11 months of the year. This year there head gnome, Headless Abner is missing. Now it is up to Mean to find a replacement for the head of gnomes. The only problem is someone or something is turning the gnomes into zombies. I'd did I mention that Death has come to town and want a one day pass to attend the Halloween festivities? Hmmm, he must be up to something.
There is no doubt about it, this was such a cute, quick and fun installment in this. The characters were fun and the plot delightful. I found myself giggling at the absurdity of it all. If you have been following the Ordinary Magic series "Rock Candy " is definitely one you want to add to your to read list. Happy Halloween!
Meanwhile it is the first day of October, the dreaded day when the gnomes come to life at night for 31 days. In the past they have caused all kinds destruction in town due to their anger over being friends in statue form for 11 months of the year. This year there head gnome, Headless Abner is missing. Now it is up to Mean to find a replacement for the head of gnomes. The only problem is someone or something is turning the gnomes into zombies. I'd did I mention that Death has come to town and want a one day pass to attend the Halloween festivities? Hmmm, he must be up to something.
There is no doubt about it, this was such a cute, quick and fun installment in this. The characters were fun and the plot delightful. I found myself giggling at the absurdity of it all. If you have been following the Ordinary Magic series "Rock Candy " is definitely one you want to add to your to read list. Happy Halloween!
October 26, 2017
This is a great short story that adds to the books that take place in Ordinary, Oregon.
This book's main focus is on the relationship between Hogan, the town baker without any known powers, and Jean the youngest Reed daughter. This takes place a few months after the end of the last full length book in the series. Yes, you need to read the other books first! The gods are still gone from Ordinary but there is a special appearance that fits into the story line perfectly. There is a "powers" problem that needs to be dealt with but the story is more about Jean and Hogan. She is not used to being the long-term girlfriend type and how she feels about Hogan is scaring her silly.
This is a great book and a nice story that adds to the characters of the town. I am really looking forward to the other promised stories!
This book's main focus is on the relationship between Hogan, the town baker without any known powers, and Jean the youngest Reed daughter. This takes place a few months after the end of the last full length book in the series. Yes, you need to read the other books first! The gods are still gone from Ordinary but there is a special appearance that fits into the story line perfectly. There is a "powers" problem that needs to be dealt with but the story is more about Jean and Hogan. She is not used to being the long-term girlfriend type and how she feels about Hogan is scaring her silly.
This is a great book and a nice story that adds to the characters of the town. I am really looking forward to the other promised stories!
September 4, 2018
The Halloween Gnome Daddy
A cute short read. Jean is the youngest sister and loves the month of October especially Halloween. However she's not best pleased to be put on Gnome duty. The Gnomes come alive all throughout October and loved to cause mischief. But if she could get the head gnome on her side it should be contained. Except his headless body was missing and the rest of the gnomes were rioting when sellable new leader. Plus her relationship with the handsome baker is close to the six month anniversary. Does he feel the same about her? When the missing gnome leader's head turns up. Things take a turn for the worst. He's a zombie head and has turned several gnomes already. Mix in Death, a jinn and wishes for a lighthearted read.
A cute short read. Jean is the youngest sister and loves the month of October especially Halloween. However she's not best pleased to be put on Gnome duty. The Gnomes come alive all throughout October and loved to cause mischief. But if she could get the head gnome on her side it should be contained. Except his headless body was missing and the rest of the gnomes were rioting when sellable new leader. Plus her relationship with the handsome baker is close to the six month anniversary. Does he feel the same about her? When the missing gnome leader's head turns up. Things take a turn for the worst. He's a zombie head and has turned several gnomes already. Mix in Death, a jinn and wishes for a lighthearted read.
January 15, 2018
Halloween in Ordinary is anything but.
Jean Reed gets her turn at the front in this short story full of everything that makes Ordinary Oregon so special. It's Halloween and Iran's job is to make sure everything stays peaceful, this means dealing with an unexpected visit from Thantos the God of Death, the kidnapping (again) of Mrs Potter penguin and having to supervise the reanimated garden gnomes. Thanks to a spell or a curse all the gnomes in Ordinary come to life at night during the month of October and this year it's Jeans turn to deal with them. Wickedly funny. Love the gnomes.
Jean Reed gets her turn at the front in this short story full of everything that makes Ordinary Oregon so special. It's Halloween and Iran's job is to make sure everything stays peaceful, this means dealing with an unexpected visit from Thantos the God of Death, the kidnapping (again) of Mrs Potter penguin and having to supervise the reanimated garden gnomes. Thanks to a spell or a curse all the gnomes in Ordinary come to life at night during the month of October and this year it's Jeans turn to deal with them. Wickedly funny. Love the gnomes.
October 13, 2017
I love the unusual little town of Ordinary, Oregon and in this novella featuring Jean Reed, police officer and the Police Chief’s sister, we have a Halloween celebration complete with a haunted harbor festival, zombie gnomes, and a visit from Death himself. Then there's Jean’s anxiety over her sixth month anniversary with boyfriend Hogan and where their relationship is going, which is totally not like her usual casual flings. The quirky characters and fun story line was entertaining as usual, but with a bit less mayhem and a bit more romance - which was just fine with me.
January 2, 2018
This was a fun one to read. I liked that with this one we got the story from Jean's perspective. The one thing that did drive me nuts was Jean freaking out about dating Hogan for 6 months, I could have done without that.
I loved learning that the gnomes became more, because really it's Ordinary, why wouldn't they. It was fun to see how everyone interacted with them, to see how the problems were solved. I did find it intriguing what Hogan was able to do and that Death was back.
I loved learning that the gnomes became more, because really it's Ordinary, why wouldn't they. It was fun to see how everyone interacted with them, to see how the problems were solved. I did find it intriguing what Hogan was able to do and that Death was back.
October 20, 2017
Devon Monk is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy authors, but it had been a while since I read anything of hers. A Halloween novella seemed like a good place to try again.
The story itself was okay. Didn’t love it, didn’t dislike it. However, I like our characters, and see more potential for the series than the novella allowed. I suspect I’ll try one of the novels and like it better.
The story itself was okay. Didn’t love it, didn’t dislike it. However, I like our characters, and see more potential for the series than the novella allowed. I suspect I’ll try one of the novels and like it better.
October 23, 2017
Cute!
(Mini-spoiler) Nice to get perspective from another citizen of Ordinary. The character, Jean, obviously has a very busy mind. Her clever thoughts and comebacks came so often that they would've been annoying if not generally so funny. Especially enjoyed the appearance of Death/Than. Please, are the ten months up yet?!? ;)
(Mini-spoiler) Nice to get perspective from another citizen of Ordinary. The character, Jean, obviously has a very busy mind. Her clever thoughts and comebacks came so often that they would've been annoying if not generally so funny. Especially enjoyed the appearance of Death/Than. Please, are the ten months up yet?!? ;)
October 23, 2017
Missed by a mile. This read more like a compilation of scenes from a writers notebook than a novella. Too many subplots for a short story and none of them given the a decent treatment. The gnomes barely made an appearance. And our protagonists Jr High School angst over her very adult relationship? Give me a break.
October 7, 2017
Takes quirky to a new and fun level. Amusing without being ordinary and repeated. The reader can't help but like this story and its characters. The author draws you in to the quirkiness and the mayhem, as the reader tries to solve the mystery. A new twist on a Halloween tale that makes you smile.
October 8, 2017
Fun story to remind us fans that all is ordinary in Ordinary, and still fun.
It's nice to have a new viewpoint into Ordinary. As always the greatest pleasure come from the characters who love each other so much snark is the vernacular.
It's nice to have a new viewpoint into Ordinary. As always the greatest pleasure come from the characters who love each other so much snark is the vernacular.
October 13, 2017
Excellent short
A lot of whimsy packed in to a little bit of story. Garden gnomes that come to life at night during October. Very enjoyable, though I mostly skipped the big recap in the middle.
A lot of whimsy packed in to a little bit of story. Garden gnomes that come to life at night during October. Very enjoyable, though I mostly skipped the big recap in the middle.
October 15, 2017
I liked this Halloween short set in Monk's Ordinary Unverse, I liked having sister Jean in the lead and I love her Baker beau. This was cute and humorous - Death's scary Halloween costume :D Can't wait to see what happens next, especially with sister number three and her demon.
November 5, 2017
Nothing ordinary!!!
Ordinary Magic is by far and away my favorite of all the books Devon Monk writes. There are just no words good enough to describe how awesome these stories are, they have everything a reader could possibly want from story💜
Ordinary Magic is by far and away my favorite of all the books Devon Monk writes. There are just no words good enough to describe how awesome these stories are, they have everything a reader could possibly want from story💜
November 6, 2017
More like a 3.5
A fun quick read with the Delany sisters. My biggest complaint is that it wasn't long enough! I wish there was a bit more interaction with Hogan and Than. Although, Abner was awesome!
A fun quick read with the Delany sisters. My biggest complaint is that it wasn't long enough! I wish there was a bit more interaction with Hogan and Than. Although, Abner was awesome!
November 26, 2017
This novella in the Ordinary Magic series features youngest sister, Jean Reed, the angel of Death, and garden gnomes. It's a cute and funny complete escape read to fill in the wait for a full length novel to come.
December 5, 2017
A very interesting and humorous story! Jean is panicking as Halloween approaches. Her personal life is going good and Ordinary is getting ready for a month of Halloween. Read about gnomes, jinni and more. I recommend this book and the rest of the books in this series!
January 4, 2019
I liked Delaney better when she is not the lead.
And why does EVERYONE and I mean everyone had to be special in this freakin' town?? I like the gnomes don't get me wrong but why can't anyone be mortal in this series, it's like being mortal is a disease.
And why does EVERYONE and I mean everyone had to be special in this freakin' town?? I like the gnomes don't get me wrong but why can't anyone be mortal in this series, it's like being mortal is a disease.
June 18, 2019
Back to Ordinary
Except...Ordinary, well, is anything but. And it is a delightful place to visit! I was thrilled to see more Ordinary Magic stories available. I enjoy these characters very much!
Except...Ordinary, well, is anything but. And it is a delightful place to visit! I was thrilled to see more Ordinary Magic stories available. I enjoy these characters very much!
October 15, 2017
Sweet fun edition to this series. Enjoyable Halloween read.
October 20, 2017
I knew Hogan had something up his sleeve. Really want HEA's for all of the Reed women.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.