Title: Bad Penny Author: B.M. Bower In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis) Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this) My Bookshelves:Westerns Dates read: 16th May 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: Never twice in the same setting, flitting like huge birds over the range to alight where water and feed were best, those two tents were home to the Flying U boys – a welcome sight when a long day’s work was done.
Penny is just plain bad. Bad at his job. Bad at thinking. Bad at being on the trail. So what happens next?
This is definitely my favourite western short story so far. It was a little bit funny, and featured a man who is somewhat of a moron. And, as morons do… makes everything go wrong that could possibly go wrong. It just had that nice little extra sense of humour in it that I seriously appreciated.
Cattle rustling is kind of an iconic moment in the mythos of westerns. Or really, anything to do with cowboys and cattle. It doesn’t have to be illegal. Partner that with a moron, a stampeded and some whiskey… it was a good way to journey through this short story.
What was more, this was a short story with a bit of a surprise ending. It wasn’t what I expected… but it was certainly a great ending.
They’re a surprising music group. One which will take all of the competitors by surprise.
I didn’t get hugely into this short story, but it was quaintly enjoyable. There was just something about it that felt comfortable and familiar. Although, I’m still not quite sure which fairy tale this was based on…
I love the idea of the saw boys as musicians. That the underdogs and those whom are generally considered as “tough” are the men who make some really nice music and ?I think? win the day. Like I said, I didn’t hugely get into this story, so it’s hard to recall the details when I’m writing this review.
As a short, nice little break from life. This is a great break. As something that I will read again. Maybe not. It’s the kind of story that you enjoy while reading it, but don’t really remember afterwards. And honesty, there is nothing wrong with that.
Title: Doll Hands Author: Adam L.G. Nevill In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Horror Dates read: 15th May 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Tachyon Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: Gemima is the tiny woman who wears rubber sandals and who never speaks.
He has doll hands and everyone thinks that he’s weak. But the reality is so much darker.
Reading this short story, I had a somewhat weird image of a little, bulbous headed horror running around. Killing people. I don’t think that that is an inaccurate image. But it’s certainly not a super fun and exciting one. It’s certainly not one that you want in your mind’s eye just before you go to sleep at night…
Even though I can’t quite feel okay about the narrator of this story, he kind of reminded me a little of a sick and twisted and malformed Dexter. The kill described in this short story is definitely done because of a gross misjustice. But it’s also done because Doll Hands likes to kill. Which leaves some very, very mixed feelings at the completion of this short story. Feelings that still feel very mixed, long after I have turned the final page.
I absolutely adored the creepy nature of this story. The idea that the deformed person that is often overlooked is the one who should really be watched much, much closer. But, most of all, I loved that it ended with what I’m sure would be another death. A creepy character in a creepy little world. Such a great story to give you goosebumps.
Title: Billy Thunder and the Night Gate Author: Isobelle Carmody Series: The Gateway Trilogy #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Family, Fantasy, Young adult Dates read: 10th – 15th May 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Puffin Books Year: 2002 5th sentence, 74th page: Covering it over, she thought is was much better in sotires, where no one ever seemd to have to go to the toilet or eat or bathe.
Rage Winnoway’s mother has been asleep since she had a terrible accident. In a quest to find healing magick, Rage and her animal friends travel through a strange gateway to Valley, a land of mythical beasts, talking dogs and streets that change shape.
But Valley is no paradise. Harsh guardians rule a sinister black city, and fugitive witch folk work forbidden magick.
Rage desperately wants to go home, but the one person who can help her, a wizard, has disappeared. Her only guides are the treacherous firecat and an enchanted hourglass…
I first read this book when I was a lot younger. And it’s been a long time since I’ve had the pleasure of picking it up. But now that I have… wow. It’s just as good as I remember. I picked up so many new nuances and moments throughout. And, having had the pleasure of actually talking to the author for an interview once, I can also see a bit more of her personality through the pages. All of which I found exceedingly pleasurable and wonderful. Fun and still impossible to put down, even if I did know exactly what was going to happen…
As a child, I related a lot to Rage and her loneliness. That, and her extreme attachment to her dogs. As an adult, I really haven’t changed. I still feel like I don’t quite belong with the rest of my friends, and don’t actually have that many friends. And I have a super strong connection to my dogs. The main difference between then and now? I’m happy with that reality. I have managed to collect a few true friends that I enjoy spending my time with… and the rest of it? I’m more than happy in the pages of a great book like this with my dogs fighting for primo-lap space.
One of the things that I have always found characterises Carmody’s writing is the use of a message in her writing. In the case of this novel, it is that sometimes rules aren’t that good. Sometimes you need to break the rules and stand up for yourself if the situation asks for it. The other message is about love and family. Not leaving those you love behind and staying loyal and true to those whom you love. Both are integral, unforgettable aspects of this storyline and you walk away feeling like being yourself is enough. And that you should always try to stick around for the ones that you love.
There is nothing so good as returning to a well-loved story from your childhood. Except, maybe, returning to a well-loved story from your childhood and discovering that you love it just as much as an adult. After all, it can be a little crushing when your memories don’t quite hold up to the reality. That is certainly not the case for this novel. Whether your young or old, male or female, if you like fantasy… you’ll love this.
Title: How I Met the Ghoul Author: Sofia Samatar In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Fantasy Dates read: 14th May 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Tachyon Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: You could say it’s in my blood.
It’s an interesting interview. One that was polite, intriguing, but not 100% remembered by the interviewer. This is how they met the ghoul.
This short story is about an interview. Which at the beginning I honestly found a little bit odd. I’ve read stories in interview format, diaries, dialogue, etc. But never a story that is a story about an interview. And then it leaves so many aspects of that interview out. It all makes it a wee bit confusing. But, ultimately, I actually understood why at the conclusion and found this style seriously enjoyable.
Ghouls aren’t something that I normally come across much in the stories I read, in fact, other than the Nicki Styx series, I’m not entirely sure I can think of another series of stories in which they feature. Which makes me seriously appreciate this short story. A unique paranormal creature and a different, contemporary way in which to deal with it. What isn’t there to like?
All in all, even though this was written in a format that I most definitely didn’t expect, it was definitely a fun read. Like most of the other stories in The Monstrous it dealt with the things that go bump in the night that we don’t normally think of. But, unlike the rest of the stories, it wasn’t quite so creepy and horrific. Mostly, it was just a good read that reminded me I should find some more “ghoul” books.
Title: The House of Nine Dorrs Author: Ellen Kushner In: Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Lust Dates read: 13th May 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: EOS Year: 1998 5th sentence, 74th page: You know how to help him get over that, surely.
There are nine doors. Each and every one a doorway to your temptation. Your dreams. The things that make you want.
I really enjoy the little twists and turns that you find throughout Kushner’s short stories. Nothing is ever as it seems, and that intriguing, twiney journey always has a surprising ending at the completion. One that I always rush towards, because I like to be surprised.
Lust seems to be a pretty common occurrence in a lot of the books that I’m reading at the moment. So a story that is entirely based around a pleasure house. And entirely based around lust fits right into that theme. And no, I don’t know why it seems to be such a theme in my reading lately. It just kind of is. The secrets of lust and enjoyment in this story though feel almost pure… and made me love this short story even more.
Even the subheading for this short story is a great little hint in the subheading. The double entendre in this continues throughout the rest of the story, the dialogue, everything has a double meaning. Definitely the kind of short story that I think I’ll discover more and more each time I reread it.
Title: Granny Rumple Author: Jane Yolen In: Black Thorn, White Rose (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Fairy tales, Retellings Dates read: 12th May 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Prime Books Year: 1994 5th sentence, 74th page: Story tells us that the little devil, the child stealer, the black imp was thwarted.
A different take on an old classic. And somehow, so much more believable.
As always, I seriously enjoyed Yolen’s style of writing in this short story. There is always this sense of humour and wit that works its way into her writing. However, this time it wasn’t so overt… but mostly covert and intense. And seriously, seriously witty. Particularly when it’s a story based around Rumpelstiltskin…
Although the beginning of this story starts with an amazing dose of wit and humour, it does quickly become toned down. Quickly changes to a story that hits you a lot harder in the heart than was expected. Ending, this story also left you with a seriously powerful message that keeps you contemplating the “truth” behind the fairytales.
The fact that this story uses Jews in a past setting when they were villainised, and I’m actually currently researching hate crimes… it seems like fantastic timing. It’s awful, tragic and seriously hurtful. Made me think again and again of the minorities which are still viewed in the villainous role that we place characters like Rumpelstiltskin. Which I think was the entire point of this short story…
Conny and William have been happily married for years. But there’s a catch… Geoffrey. And the power of the pen.
I knew that this story was going to be a little different – it’s in a collection of daemon, lustful stories after all. What I didn’t expect was that it would be far more contemporary than all of the other stories in this collection. That although there was a bit of a fantastical element to the story, it wasn’t a strong one like the other stories. Rather, it was a great little commentary about the ways in which we love and experience love.
This is not a situation in which I ever hope to find myself. In love with one man, but involved with another. Because of the man that I’m in love with. It’s not exactly healthy. And this story definitely made me constantly wonder who it was that Conny loved more. But it was also a tale of love. Not the love that I imagine for myself, but one that I’m sure does actually work for others.
I think that my favourite aspect of this short story is the fact that all of the weirdness occurs through the act of writing. The confusion, the intricacy and the constant questioning of what each character actually feels is all completely driven by the fact that William (Conny’s husband) is writing… and it makes things feel even more confusing and trippy. Which is brilliant. The pen is definitely mightier than the sword.
Title: Lady Pirate Author: Lynsay Sands Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Historical romance, Pirates Dates read: 25th April – 12th May 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2001 5th sentence, 74th page: A seed surrounded by white and pink gook stuck to the end of his pink-stained finger.
Valoree no longer has to masquerade as her murdered brother and scourge the oceans as Captain Red. She no longer has to command his pirate band in a quest to regain his birthright. She has been named heir to Ainsley Castle. But no execturo would ever hand over the estate to an unmarried pirate wench and her infamous crew – no matter to whom she’d been born. And the will distinctly states that in order to inherit, Valoree must be married to a nobleman… and pregnant.
Upon learning that, the virgin captain is ready to return to the seas – but her crew has other ideas – and for those rascally cusses she would do anything. If they could find a way to put on her a sweet face that would fool the ton, she would handle the rest, even with a drunken prostitute as an “aunt” and her merry cutthroat crew as “servants”. But to herself she swears one thing: she will only marry a man who fires her blood, a man who is not afraid of a… Lady Pirate
It took me a little while to get through this… not that I wasn’t in love with the story, but I did find that it didn’t completely grab me like the other books I’ve recently read by Sands. Once I got halfway through the book though, I was completely hooked into it. I mean, you knew that Valoree and Daniel were going to end up together, so it wasn’t such a get hooked into it book… but once I got there… wow. I just demolished it.
The idea of a clause in a will stating that you must be married and expecting was a new story plot that I wasn’t expecting. I actually felt a little bit mad at first, but then realised that both man and woman were in this position, so it wasn’t so horrifying. Still a stupid little clause. Which of course, when it started appearing that they were finally going to be getting the upper hand, I started to get sucked in.
For me, the standout point in this story is the pirates. Alright, the romance is sweet and beautiful. But, it’s the awkwardness of the pirates trying to fit into the nobility and make Valoree become something more that really hit me in my happy place. It’s that great image of bright pink livery that seems to sink into my subconscious whenever I think about this novel.
There is such a great, easy, good feeling, little read. Alright, there area few moments where I felt kind of irritated. But, mostly, it was just cute and simple. A nice little story that made me feel that nice, gooey feeling full of love and hope. Alright, love is never this damn simple… but it is sometimes nice to think this way. Plus, there is also that great little Sands twist at the end of this story that makes all those final moments just fall together.
Julia Quinn enchants: A dashing fortune hunter is captivated by the Season’s most desired debutante…and must prove he is out to steal the lady’s heart, not her dowry.
As always, this is a seriously sweet and cute novella. Quinn manages to infuse all of her works with a great sense of humour and love. Her wittiness and ability to make even the most undesirable of situations feel completely sweet and hopeful… just gorgeous. In this story, a girl grieving for her dead brother and his fortune hunter best friend are thrown into each others’ lives and the realisation that maybe Harry is still working from beyond the grave. Or at least, that’s kind of how it felt to me…
I love that the girl in this story is a lot less pushy and intense than some of the other women in Quinn’s novels. She’s still independent and unique, but she’s a lot less intense than some of the other women. A nice little departure. I relate better to the intense women, but it’s nice sometimes to just read something that feels like a bit of fluff and doesn’t leave me feeling weirdly attached to the protagonist woman.
The cameo appearance of Penelope in this novella might be one of my favourite aspects of this novella. The fact that Tillie wants to make better friends with her for her constant kindness and recognises the lack of joy in being a wallflower is genuinely amazing. And, it helps to further tie this collection and novel into the world of the Bridgertons.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and was seriously disappointed when I turned that final page. There is just something cute and wonderful about this story that left me with a huge smile on my face. Which was nice, particularly since I was feeling a bit mopey and alone when I read it…
