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CONTENT WARNING: This story details events discussed in The Dead Girls’ Dance about the death of Shane’s sister Alyssa. Please be warned that there is intense emotional content in this story, and adult themes.
I wrote this story, again, as a kind of backstory exercise...this one was done to get on paper the story behind the death of Shane’s sister, Alyssa, and his family’s flight from Morganville, which was such a pivotal event in his life. I also wanted to see who Michael, Shane, Eve, and Monica were before, and after, those events, and before they met Claire...because even though Claire is the main character of the Morganville series, relationships between the other characters formed long before she arrived.
So here, in its entirety, is the story of that night told mainly from Shane’s point of view.
I wrote this story, again, as a kind of backstory exercise...this one was done to get on paper the story behind the death of Shane’s sister, Alyssa, and his family’s flight from Morganville, which was such a pivotal event in his life. I also wanted to see who Michael, Shane, Eve, and Monica were before, and after, those events, and before they met Claire...because even though Claire is the main character of the Morganville series, relationships between the other characters formed long before she arrived.
So here, in its entirety, is the story of that night told mainly from Shane’s point of view.
20 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
2996 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Caine
205 books19.4k followersRachel Caine was a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad.
She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
Her Facebook page:
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She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 5, 2014
5 Short But Intense Stars
I almost skipped this story because it isn't important to the books but I'm damn happy I decided to read it. It explains so many things. It explains why Monica has it in for Shane(and really, the girl doesn't deal with rejection well) and it shows how close Shane was with his sister Alyssa. The camaraderie between the siblings is very sweet and makes you understand why Shane almost lost it after her death.
And Monica is one crazy bitch. I really have no idea how a decent guy like her brother Richard can go around picking up her messes. He should have locked her in an asylum for the criminally insane years before the main series' events. The girl is dangerous.
And I thought I couldn't hate Shane's dad more but I was wrong.
Somebody needs to kill this guy...
Behind him, he heard Monica Morrell say, in an ice-cold whisper, “Nobody does this to me, Collins. Nobody.”
I almost skipped this story because it isn't important to the books but I'm damn happy I decided to read it. It explains so many things. It explains why Monica has it in for Shane(and really, the girl doesn't deal with rejection well) and it shows how close Shane was with his sister Alyssa. The camaraderie between the siblings is very sweet and makes you understand why Shane almost lost it after her death.
And Monica is one crazy bitch. I really have no idea how a decent guy like her brother Richard can go around picking up her messes. He should have locked her in an asylum for the criminally insane years before the main series' events. The girl is dangerous.
And I thought I couldn't hate Shane's dad more but I was wrong.
His dad grabbed him and shook him. “Why didn’t you get her?” he yelled, right in Shane’s face. “She was your responsibility!” He was slurring his words, so drunk he could hardly stand up.
Somebody needs to kill this guy...
July 9, 2012
Grudge is short story 2.6 in The Morganville Vampires Series by Rachel Caine. This story is told from Shane's point of view. The story of his sister's death. It's truly heart breaking. Shane was a good big brother and did everything in his power to try and save his sister. Monica is evil. I hope she gets what's coming to her before the series ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2013
“Certainly don’t have to pick me,” he said, and flashed her a grin and a finger on the way into his classroom. “Not interested.”
Ugh, I knew Monica was crazy. I knew she was an out of control brat. I knew all this.
but I never knew just how crazy, how controlling - how absolutely coo-coo for cocoa puffs she really was. My god.
but Shane. My heart warms and breaks for him over and over.
My 2nd favorite part:
Shane didn't answer. He looked past Richard, at Monica, and made a little gun out of his finger and thumb.
Then he silently fired it at her.
This lovely little short can be found here:
http://morganvilletexas.com/index/an-...
Ugh, I knew Monica was crazy. I knew she was an out of control brat. I knew all this.
but I never knew just how crazy, how controlling - how absolutely coo-coo for cocoa puffs she really was. My god.
but Shane. My heart warms and breaks for him over and over.
My 2nd favorite part:
Shane didn't answer. He looked past Richard, at Monica, and made a little gun out of his finger and thumb.
Then he silently fired it at her.
This lovely little short can be found here:
http://morganvilletexas.com/index/an-...
May 24, 2015
It is great to have a backstory which details the fire which threw Shane’s life into mayhem.
Whilst very short it tells us most of what we need to know. There is still the ambiguous ‘did Monica really start the fire’ but that is part of what makes her character so interesting, as you never really know just how evil she actually is.
Overall, it is a nice little backdrop.
Whilst very short it tells us most of what we need to know. There is still the ambiguous ‘did Monica really start the fire’ but that is part of what makes her character so interesting, as you never really know just how evil she actually is.
Overall, it is a nice little backdrop.
December 17, 2014
SHANE!!!!!!!!!!!! LO AMOOO!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥
September 5, 2013
Great Short Story about Shane and his sister and the terrible fire. This book is labeled 2.6 and should be read AFTER Dead Girls Dance.
March 9, 2014
Read my full review and others I have written on my blog, just click here
*crying*
Oh my. This is best read after The Dead Girls' Dance since it contains events discussed in that book.
Soo, this short contains "intense emotional content and adult themes", this is from the Morganville website where this short comes from. This short contains the events that took place which lead to the death of Shane's sister, Alyssa.
Right. Well, I have to say, I am soooo angry that Rachel Caine killed off Alyssa before we really had a chance to meet her because in the short, she seems amazing. I bet Claire, Eve and Alyssa would have been best friends and Alyssa just seems like an amazing person.
Now, Monica. Well, she is completely nuts. We know the basic reasons of why Monica set the fire but to read this. I cannot believe how someone could do that over something so petty. But, that is Monica for you and I can see why Shane cannot forgive her, I never would. Ever. No matter what.
Aaaaaaaaand, I still have tears from this short. However I am glad I read it because it is another story from Shane's POV and it is just great to hear more about his life BEFORE the fire and directly AFTER the fire.
Ohh, if you want to read this short story. Here is the URL: Grudge
*crying*
Oh my. This is best read after The Dead Girls' Dance since it contains events discussed in that book.
Soo, this short contains "intense emotional content and adult themes", this is from the Morganville website where this short comes from. This short contains the events that took place which lead to the death of Shane's sister, Alyssa.
Right. Well, I have to say, I am soooo angry that Rachel Caine killed off Alyssa before we really had a chance to meet her because in the short, she seems amazing. I bet Claire, Eve and Alyssa would have been best friends and Alyssa just seems like an amazing person.
Now, Monica. Well, she is completely nuts. We know the basic reasons of why Monica set the fire but to read this. I cannot believe how someone could do that over something so petty. But, that is Monica for you and I can see why Shane cannot forgive her, I never would. Ever. No matter what.
Aaaaaaaaand, I still have tears from this short. However I am glad I read it because it is another story from Shane's POV and it is just great to hear more about his life BEFORE the fire and directly AFTER the fire.
Ohh, if you want to read this short story. Here is the URL: Grudge
May 29, 2016
Ugh, knowing why Shane's rendered damaged is so heartbreaking. He's one of my favorite characters, and I enjoy hearing (or oops, reading) his monologues - it's colorful and dabbed with sarcasm! However, I've seen so much pain, and it sucks, because his situation was no fun roller coaster. I love him so much, and this was a great read! Recommended for those who are reading the series; you'll understand his situation and appreciate him even more.
Sigh. I really can't believe that I'm almost done with the fourteenth book. So, I'm catching up with the short stories to savor before I finally indulge in the last chapter... *cries her heart out*. I don't want it to end. I have been holding it off (the reading) because I don't want it to end. I have to know, though. I've to understand.
Hands down, one of my all-time favorite series ever! The first, too! I love it. I am truly lucky to have stumbled upon it many years back. Rachel Caine effing rocks.
Sigh. I really can't believe that I'm almost done with the fourteenth book. So, I'm catching up with the short stories to savor before I finally indulge in the last chapter... *cries her heart out*. I don't want it to end. I have been holding it off (the reading) because I don't want it to end. I have to know, though. I've to understand.
Hands down, one of my all-time favorite series ever! The first, too! I love it. I am truly lucky to have stumbled upon it many years back. Rachel Caine effing rocks.
March 27, 2014
Wow! The warning at the top is good because this is definitely a tough and emotional story! I loved getting the background on what happened to Shane's sister and how their family left Morganville! Alyssa seemed like such a sweet character it's a shame she didn't make it into the other books and seeing what a great big brother Shane is with her makes what happened so much sadder! Thanks to the author for this extra glimpse into the Morganville characters!
This is available for free at http://www.morganvillevampire.com/
This is available for free at http://www.morganvillevampire.com/
April 10, 2025
I always wondered about the story behind Shane's sister's death. It is a sad sad sad story. And now I know how Monica plays into the accident. I can understand the hatred Shane has for Monica even more than I did before. This short story is an extra look into the background of Morganville. Even though it's contents are terribly sad, it is worth the background knowledge so you can understand Shane just a little better.
March 21, 2013
I loved this little insight in Shane's head while all hell broke loose on his life. He was deeply afted with his sister death and it plagues him until today to talk about the subject. I liked how we got to know more and see Monica doing her bitch thing again was super nice.
She was once super hot for Shane but after seeing what she was capable of a little fire looked like nothing, so it was no problem for Shane to think she had something to do with it. Nice novella.
She was once super hot for Shane but after seeing what she was capable of a little fire looked like nothing, so it was no problem for Shane to think she had something to do with it. Nice novella.
October 24, 2018
So I am excited to read more about Shane and Alyssa. I think this one is gonna be a good one.
Gosh I really cannot stand Monica - typical mean girl. I really liked seeing Shane with Alyssa, it was a sweet relationship between big brother and little sister.
God there is a special place in hell for people like Monica. What kind of person sets a house on fire with an INNOCENT girl inside. A sick human being!
Gosh I really cannot stand Monica - typical mean girl. I really liked seeing Shane with Alyssa, it was a sweet relationship between big brother and little sister.
God there is a special place in hell for people like Monica. What kind of person sets a house on fire with an INNOCENT girl inside. A sick human being!
April 23, 2013
This is so very sad.
I saved it for second last because I really wasn't sure if I wanted to read it or not. The disclaimer at the beginning surely gave me pause.
This one is the key to who Shane is now, but it is also the tip of the iceberg in a chain of events.
I liked the glimpse of happy Shane, non-ghost or vamp Michael, and Sam. However, the glimpse of Shane's sister, Alyssa, is bittersweet.
I saved it for second last because I really wasn't sure if I wanted to read it or not. The disclaimer at the beginning surely gave me pause.
This one is the key to who Shane is now, but it is also the tip of the iceberg in a chain of events.
I liked the glimpse of happy Shane, non-ghost or vamp Michael, and Sam. However, the glimpse of Shane's sister, Alyssa, is bittersweet.
January 4, 2014
This was an interesting short story that goes into details regarding Shane's childhood and his sister's untimely death. There have been many short glimpses in the main series later on, but nothing as detailed and descriptive of the events or the sibling's relationship as this piece is. Really sort of drives home and makes sense why Shane is so prejudiced when it comes to the Morrells.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2013
Wow! What a head case Monica is! But this makes me ask the question if she really did it or not? I really can't tell!
But it was awful what happened to his sister and even though her character has only been mentioned in passing and now this little short story, I can tell I would have really liked her. She seemed really sweet and funny and it's a shame what happend! :(
But it was awful what happened to his sister and even though her character has only been mentioned in passing and now this little short story, I can tell I would have really liked her. She seemed really sweet and funny and it's a shame what happend! :(
November 5, 2013
3.5 stars. Short story about what happened to Shane's sister, Alyssa and why he hates Monica.
It was odd to see Michael and Shane and Monica in high school. It was nice to learn more about their history.
Found it at: The Grudge
It was odd to see Michael and Shane and Monica in high school. It was nice to learn more about their history.
Found it at: The Grudge
October 24, 2014
This story is heartbreaking. As soon as I began to love Alyssa, (and even though I knew what was coming) she was taken away and I'm sad that I didn't get to read more about her. She was a sweet sister to Shane and it was actually quite nice to read about how Shane has become the person he is in all of the books.
July 29, 2015
Source: I read this novella online.
Cost: Free
Title: Grudge
Series: The Morganville Vampires #2.6
Author: Rachel Caine
This novella is the story about the fire that burned down Shane's family home and his little sister's death along with how it connected to Monica Morrell.
Cost: Free
Title: Grudge
Series: The Morganville Vampires #2.6
Author: Rachel Caine
This novella is the story about the fire that burned down Shane's family home and his little sister's death along with how it connected to Monica Morrell.
August 6, 2015
This was a short story on the fire that happened at Shane's house in the past.. This story goes into details of how things led up and lets the readers see what all had happened.. It was interesting...
side note: Free story found in url up top.. Goes to a different page-scroll down and it begins..
side note: Free story found in url up top.. Goes to a different page-scroll down and it begins..
January 30, 2016
This little novella was just heart breaking. We knew the basics of Shane's past, but reading it in the present tense was rough and hard to get through. It shows a little bit more why he was so willing to do some of the things he did in #2 of the series though, and I'm guessing helps to foreshadow a bit of his attitude in the third book as well.
July 15, 2015
I enjoyed this book finding that it was good to find out the backstory of what happened to Alyssa and Shane with the fire. It showed just how crazy Monica was. Definitely one of backstroke I will read again as it tells us what happened in more detail. Definitely a story I would recommend. x
December 25, 2014
Shane är en av mina favorit karaktärer i Morganville-serien, så därför bröts mitt hjärta i tusen bitar när jag hade läst klart Grudge! Så många känslor!
Read my whole review at Book Obsession
Read my whole review at Book Obsession
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September 28, 2014Mónica es una perra psicópata, pero es mala, muy muy mala? Debería creerle? Que no fue realmente su intención. De todas formas, que le hace una mancha más al tigre, no es como si hubiera sido gentil con Claire tampoco.
April 20, 2016
This is the short story about Shane's sister Alyssa. Really sad story about how she died in a house fire and he couldn't save her. I am loving how these short stories are helping to understand the characters more.
December 30, 2018
A short story about Shane and his sister - Alyssa, Monica's pathetic moved on Shane, and also the fire scene. If I didn't read this, I wouldn't know that Monica actually interested/ ever made a move on Shane.
October 3, 2014
Sad, sad, and some more sad? Yeah, pretty much.
March 7, 2015
I liked this story, it gave you more of an insight to Monica and Shane... poor Shane :(
March 31, 2015
very sad.. shane does not show emotions much well other than hate for monica but you can tell he really did love his sister and wanted monica dead for his sister dying
March 26, 2016
The story of Shane and what happened to his sister.
June 25, 2017
Lizard: 3⋆.
Wombat: 3⋆.
Overall: 3⋆.
Wombat: 3⋆.
Overall: 3⋆.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews