A Victorian retelling of Sleeping Beauty, with a bit of a twist.
The combination of fairy tales and regency romances is absolutely perfect. I love the perfect Victorian setting. I loved the retelling of a great, traditional fairy tale. And I just loved the way that this story unfolded. The combination and the style wasn’t what I expected, but it was definitely one of my favourite short story retellings that I’ve read in a while.
One of the things I loved most about this is that it is ultimately the man who is asleep. In a completely different manner to what I was kind of anticipating… but, it was completely perfect and enjoyable. It was such a cute, sweet and easy read. One that I’m kind of sad wasn’t longer (isn’t that what I normally say about a great story?)
This is a great short story, a great take on Sleeping Beauty and the perfect fairy tale retelling. So much less dark than many of the stories which I read of a similar vein. And most of the stories in the Black Thorn, White Rose collection.
Title: Giants in the Earth Author: Dale Bailey In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow) Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this) My Bookshelves:Dark fantasy Dates read: 13th February 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Tachyon Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: “Maybe it’s hibernating,” he said, abruptly reminded of something he had heard at Rona’s church – a story of an epoch impossibly distant, when graves would vomit forth the dead.
Down a deep mine in a nowhere town, a man finds an creature that is the most beautiful thing he’s ever laid eyes on. But what people do to the beauty that they don’t understand is truly monstrous…
The mine setting of this story is kind of brilliant. It is a little creepy, kind of intense and definitely eerie. Something that I think works perfectly in a story which features monsters. It also adds to this feeling of tragedy throughout the story. Something about being deep underground and working in the worst of conditions for the love of his family…
This felt like a very tragic, bittersweet story. Tragic not because of what happens to the being they find in the mines… but because of what people’s reactions to something they don’t understand is. What do we do when we are confronted with things that we don’t understand? Why do we fear that unknown? Particularly if that unknown is so tragically, amazingly beautiful as in this story.
This story also highlights that sometimes we’ll do what we know is wrong when pushed to it. That feelings of powerlessness against another, lesser person is an entirely different experience. I would like to say that I wouldn’t succumb, but I would seriously wonder about my own actions…
Title: A Question of Pleasure Author: Angela Knight In: Wicked Games (Angela Knight) Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one) My Bookshelves:Bondage, Erotica Dates read: 13th February 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novella Publisher: Berkley Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: The army doesn’t.
When female Confederate spy Rose Carson seduces a handsome Union Officer in A Question of Pleasure, it is only to gather secrets. She never expected to fall in love, or to submit to his extreme demands when he discovers her duplicity.
Of all the stories in Wicked Games, this is the one that I liked the least. They all made me get a little uncomfortable and pushed my boundaries a little… but this one didn’t just push my boundaries, it took me over the edge. Solely because in this the man who supposedly loves his sub woman forces her to be with another man… honestly, BDSM is fine, experiences like what were described in this are fairly acceptable. Being forced into it with a third party. I just don’t see how that is done by someone you love.
Having said all of that, I did like that this was about spies and the Yankees versus Rebels. It was kind of nice to have a little spy versus spy story set in a time when people were on the verge of change. And, since I know literally nothing about this period of American history, it was kind of interesting to get what little insight this story did give me.
Honestly, I would have probably thoroughly enjoyed this tale if it wasn’t for the fact that there was another man involved. I’m just having some serious troubles moving past that one…
Novelist Maya Alexander’s peace is shattered when she is stalked by a Navaho skinwalker who has taken on the guise of a wolf. Her only hope is the mysterious Clay Philips. In his arms, she seeks protection-but as the red moon rises, no one is safe from the danger that lurks nearby…
I’m definitely hooked on this series. There is just something about actually having werewolves as the bad guys that is such a great departure from what I typically read. Adding in a skinwalker in this novella just made me fall even harder for this series. Now I just have to find the next book in the series… it’s buried in one of my many piles of books at the moment I believe.
I love that Maya isn’t really considered a typical beauty. There is something I found a bit “eh” about the continuous repetition of a seriously beautiful woman with an average looking man. But, like in Blue Moon, there’s a bit of a reversal here. The woman isn’t someone who thinks that they’re gorgeous. They’re just not quite that supermodel look… which is what most of us are like. So someone with hips slightly too big and a body that isn’t toned because she sits down all the time? Yeah, I can get behind that!
Although this is a great romance in and of itself, it also starts to seriously set up the rest of the series. Now there is a spy within the hunters, and the lead in this gives up his hunting duties to be a cyber hunter… I’m seriously hoping that he is as helpful and awesome as I’m expecting as this amazing series unfolds!
His job is to travel across the fae dimensions to find and work with new clients. On his first trip out, he finds an intriguing fae female who manages to tick all of the right buttons.
The set up for this short story is brilliant. The entire thing is a two-way conversation between the would-be lovers. And then the lovers during the act. It’s not only able to describe what is going on between the characters, but also the world that is built up in this story. It’s amazing how such a unique structure creates a wonderful story that lingers long after you turn the final page.
Pretty sure that in this story, the female lover is a sphinx. Which is something I just don’t want to imagine… a sphinx and a human. It’s more than a little weird, and it’s definitely got a totally different “flavor” going on. It really doesn’t sound like a very fun romp in the sheets. Especially when she has to ask you a riddle each time… and that defines whether you live or die.
This short story is kind of insane and intense. In all of the best ways possible. But still kind of insane and intense. There is just something a little bit wow about it all. Taking a totally different approach, creating a storyline around it and just twisting all of your expectations. That is definitely what I would call an intense short story.
Title: We Never Sleep Author: Nick Mamatas In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace) Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this) My Bookshelves:Dieselpunk, Writing Dates read: 12th February 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: He got up the next morning, went to the offices of the Pinkerton Detective Agency and offered his services – he was bilingual, knew the neighborhood and all the families, had a quick jab, and hated Reds, and thought the rebbe was a fool.
The pulp writer just wants to write a good story. One that isn’t boring and actually has meaning.
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. It’s not something I lend a lot of time to at the moment, but it is something which draws me. Constantly. So reading a story that had snippets of attempts at writing throughout. Reading a story which was all about the pursuit of writing something amazing… it definitely drew me in and tugged at some familiar little heart strings.
Although this was about writing, it was also very symbolic about capitalism and the way it overtakes our soul. Or at least, that’s what I felt about it. Every moment felt like it was about being consumed by the machine. Consumed by that need to always do more, be better… incredibly symbolic and powerful if I may say so myself.
There is so much powerful symbolism throughout this story. Yet, it is still the process of writing and that experience which I most strongly connected to. There is something about sharing that frustration that drew me in and maybe even made me understand the themes and symbolism interwoven throughout the fragments of work. The need to create something that shares a part of yourself.
Title: The Closed Window Author: A.C. Benson In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Dark fantasy, Magic Dates read: 12th February 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 1903 5th sentence, 74th page: In the evening, after they had dined, Roland had let his fancy rove in talk.
The closed window is a potent short story that will haunt your subconscious.
I really liked this short story. Although I don’t really know why I did so. There was just something that was powerful and fun about the storyline. Something that drew me in and made it kind of hard to move beyond the storyline.
As much as I loved this story, I’m still not entirely sure what this was truly about. Whilst reading the story I felt like I completely understood what I was reading and what I was loving. But, as soon as I turned that final page… I’m not entirely sure what it was that I enjoyed so much. Which is more than a little confusing.
Although I can’t really say much about the actual storyline and why I loved it so much. There was a dark, haunting quality about this story that I absolutely adored. Something that made you want to curl up under your blanket, stick your nose in the book and just not come up for air for a little while…
Title: Magnus Chase and the Ship of the Dead Author: Rick Riordan Series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Norse mythology, Urban fantasy Dates read: 3rd – 11th February 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Puffin Books Year: 2017 5th sentence, 74th page: My ears still rang from the weird music.
My name is Magnus Chase. These days, I’m one of Odin’s immortal warriors, but that doesn’t stop people trying to kill me all the time.
Loki the trickster god is free from his chains. He’s put together a crew of giants and zombies to sail Naglfar, the Ship of the Dead, in a battle against the Norse gods. If he succeeds, the final battle of Ragnarok will extinguish all the worlds.
With help from Percy Jackson and my cousin Annabeth, and with friends by my side, I have to sail across the oceans to reach Naglfar before Midsummer’s Day. The only problems are the angry sea gods, hostile giants and evil fire-breathing dragon in the way.
But even if we survive the journey I’ll need more than just Jack, my talking sword, to beat Loki. I must find a magical elixir so deadly that it will either make me powerful enough to defeat Loki and put him back in chains for good… or destroy me entirely.
This is a great ending to a really good, fun series. I love that Riordan deals with outsiders in all of his series. But, in particular, I love that this series ends with a gender fluid person finding their happily ever after. Plus, it does explain a lot about the different “outsiders”, not just through Alex and their gender identity, but also with a great Muslim character who is devout, sweet and quite capable of kicking everyone’s butt.
Sam’s participation in Ramadan is a great storyline. There is so much fear and superstition against Muslims, so featuring a pretty major practice for this religion in a very well-loved character was brilliant. I actually wished more children’s books would feature people of different faiths, religions and identities. It’s definitely something I could have done more with as a child. And it’s a great way to help the next generation become far more accepting of differences.
Although this is the final, epic battle of the series. It really wasn’t the epic battle that I was expecting. I was expecting something with a lot of gunfire, violence and just plain, old insanity. It wasn’t like that. It was a much more entertaining, funny and unique way to stop the end of the world. All in the company of a giant boat coloured like a banana… something that had me laughing out loud repeatedly throughout this story.
The Ship of the Dead might be the conclusion to the Magnus Chase series, it’s not the end of this greater adventure that Riordan has been taking us all on. Actually, the end chapter of this dovetails perfectly into The Trials of Apollo and, luckily… that is sitting on my shelf. Just waiting to be picked up.
Title: Falling for the Highlander Author: Lynsay Sands Series: Highland Brides #4 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Historical romance, Scottish romance Dates read: 9th – 12th February 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2017 5th sentence, 74th page: Saidh had spoken often about her brothers, claiming they were, every one of them, fine men with good heads on their shoulders and true hearts.
New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands welcomes readers back to the Scottish Highlands, where a gallant warrior vows to protect a beautiful runaway…
Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it’s the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort – the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue.
Dougall Buchanan was disgussted by Lord Danvries’ shameful offer, but Murine tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lasst glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her – with his life and his heart – if she’ll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love.
This Scottish romance is the first in the series which feature the Buchanan brothers. Ever since they were mentioned in To Marry a Scottish Laird, I’ve been fascinated by Saidh’s mention of them. And, then, when she features in the next novel and her brothers come in to steal the show… I just wanted to know everything I could about each of the brothers! So when Dougall featured in this, with three of his brothers as a sidekick… I got seriously excited! The fact that Murine was also introduced previously and is such a sweetheart… it was hard to stop thinking about this book whenever I put it down.
It’s true that opposites attract. Just look at most partners that I know… so having Murine as this sweet, beautiful and tender-hearted woman. Against Dougall who is kind of communicationally broken, tough and independent… it works. She is kind of reckless and definitely won’t be cowed by a strong, dominant alpha, and he just kind of gets swept along in whatever adventure occurs.
I also love that he quickly recognises that Dougall has feelings for Murine and wants to marry her. There isn’t any trickery or forcing into the wedding in some way to take the decision out of the silly mans’ hands like most historical romances. He actually acknowledges his feelings early on and makes moves to be who he wants to be. Nothing like most of the lead males I read, they’re normally kind of annoyingly thick-headed to be honest.
Every story thus far in the Highland Brides series has somebody out there trying to do damage to the lead female. It’s a nice, different mechanism to use to create a problem in the relationship. I’m enjoying that it’s normally an external stressor, not an internal one. Sometimes I’ve been able to guess just who and why they’re acting as they are, sometimes I don’t. For this story, it was obvious of the motives fairly early on. And the danger was a lot more overt, I loved the variation in the story and the power of this tale.
Title: The Highlander Takes a Bride Author: Lynsay Sands Series: Highland Brides #3 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Historical romance, Scottish romance Dates read: 5th – 9th February 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: Saidh let loose with a string of curses that would have made even her brothers blush, though they were the ones she’d learned them from.
A bold, seductive laird meets his passionate match in a scintillating Highland romance from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands.
Sword fighting, swearing, and riding astride come naturally to Saidh Buchanan. Simpering and holding her tongue – definitely not. Raised alongside seven boisterous brothers, Saidh has little interest in saddling herself with a husband… until she glimpses the new Laird MacDonnell bathing naked in the loch. Though she’s far from a proper lady, the brawny Highlander makes Saidh feel every inch a woman.
She has an angel’s looks, a warrior’s temper, and seeks out his kisses with wanton eagerness. Little wonder that Greer is intrigued by his comely guest. When reckless desire overtakes them, he’s more than willing to make an honest woman of her. But Saidh is the target of a hidden enemy, and Greer faces the battle of his life to safeguard the woman he wants above all others.
Saidh has intrigued me since I met her in To Marry a Scottish Laird. After all, a Scottish lady who is a little more course, with seven brothers who she frequently beats up? I’m going to be in love with that kind of woman from the very mention. The fact that the next book is all about her… well, I loved it even more. She refuses to conform to expectations, and, even when her brothers are pushing the issue a little, she still maintains her own sense of identity and self.
Greer’s acceptance of Saidh and his love for her because she is different is kind of glorious. It’s also the kind of love that I’ve always wanted. An acceptance for everything you are, not what you could be shaped into. The fact that he’s just as coarse and intense just made the chemistry and relationship between these two that much better. And more amusing. Plus, Saidh doesn’t try to change Greer and his ways either…
As I’m discovering with this series, there is always an evil being lurking somewhere, causing havoc. And now, when I open a book in the series, I’m keen to see what shape and form they’ll take. And just why they’re trying to destroy the new couples’ happiness. I didn’t expect the villain in this story. Where the other villains have been bad people and a little insane, the culprit in this just seemed WAY worse. I’m not entirely sure why. But I was so uncomfortable at the explanations for the motives at the end.
Finally, the other part of this story that I seriously, and dearly loved was Saidh’s brothers. They are everything that I wanted, and I can’t wait to read Falling for the Highlander, which features one of them as the leading man! I’ve always dreamt of having brothers, so now I’m just going to pretend that these seven belong to my family…
Earth and Skye 