All posts by skyebjenner

Pilot’s Forge by Patrice Sarath

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of time travel romance book cover

Title: Pilot’s Forge
Author: Patrice Sarath
In: The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Romance, Science fiction, Time travel
Dates read: 16th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Edith parked her battered old work truck, with ‘Crane Farrier and Blacksmithing’ stencilled on the side, at the end of the parking lot, got out and stretched.

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Synopsis

Merritt Crane is being nosy and investigating an abandoned ship. But, suddenly he’s thrown into his past, our time. Where he not only saves a beautiful woman, but also starts to fall for her. When he saves her by going back to the future, is there any hope for them?

Thoughts

This is a lot less romantic than many of the other stories in The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance collection. In fact, there’s a hint of incest. Just a hint. And not enough to be icky (and believe me, I have read some icky tales lately…). But, mostly, the romance within it isn’t really gushy… they hook up and there is a little lust, but it’s only just glossed over. Which makes it different and refreshing compared to many of the other tales throughout the collection.

The dystopian, space future represented in this short story was intriguing. The loss of Earth; the existence of the rich and poor clans; and the existence of a man on the wrong side of the law – these all were kind of reminiscent of our life now. But highlights that we can’t keep treating our world like garbage. After all, our ancestors too might find a life and a reality in which they no longer have Earth.

The name of this story is kind of cool – originally I thought that it was about the spaceship and process of being involved with this. Yet, it’s actually about a small, tiny town on Earth in our modern day. The match up of the names and the hints about what this means are amazing. I feel like in the name alone, I would pick up more nuances as I reread this story.

 <- The Eleventh Hour ReviewSaint James’ Way Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Something Borrowed by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for my big fat supernatural wedding book cover

Title: Something Borrowed
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #7.5
In: My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding (P.N. Elrod) & Side Jobs (Jim Butcher)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Dates read: 16th October 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: On the weekend?

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Synopsis

Harry’s friends, Bill and Georgia are about to get married. There’s just one little problem…. Georgia is nowhere to be seen and there’s a revenge-hungry faery on the loose.

Thoughts

Every time I pick up a Dresden Files short story, I feel an insane urge to run up to my shelf and grab whichever novel I’m up to. There is just something amazing about this series that makes me want to sink my nose into it every time. But, I did exercise some self-control after reading Something Borrowed… because I have a pile of books I’m currently reading that is fairly high (I’ve been told I have to get them off the couch and use some restraint).

You know that any wedding set in the Dresden Files world is going to be entertaining. And things are probably going to be blown up because Harry Dresden is involved. This short story doesn’t disappoint on any front. It also involves insulting the future step-mother-in-law and a great little switcher-oo of the bride. Like I said, it’s impossible to be boring when reading one of the Dresden Files tales. Although, it was also quite sweet because there was the kiss of true love (I’m pretty sure there were two, but there’s enough ambiguity in the second one that you can’t be entirely positive).

Something Borrowed is an incredibly sweet, fun and entertaining read. I was so sad when it was over, although also quite happy considering there was a happily-ever-after ending to it all. This is the perfectly dramatic wedding – the best man is in plaster, the groom almost marries the wrong woman and there’s an insane fae running around trying to get vengeance. If you want a story of calamities that will make your own nuptials look kind of tame… definitely read this. Actually, just read this short story anyway. It’s absolutely brilliant.

 <- Spellbound ReviewDead Man’s Chest Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Tuesday Enchantress by Mary Jo Putney

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance book cover

Title: The Tuesday Enchantress
Author: Mary Jo Putney
Series: Guardians #3.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 15th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I thanked him through a mouthful of samosa.

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Synopsis

Nothing ever happens on a Tuesday. Or so Owens and his friend think. But then the deli they’re in is held up, and Owens meets the woman of his dreams… maybe good and interesting things do happen on a Tuesday.

Thoughts

I love that this story starts with the idea that nothing ever happens on a Tuesday. Because, hey, who hasn’t felt like that before? Tuesdays aren’t like a Monday (where everything sucks), or a Friday (when you’re all excited to have a life again)… they’re just, eh. Except for the Tuesday in this story. It was a great reminder that exciting things can happen at any time, or in any way. Even falling madly in love.

One of the things I always hated when I was younger was when boys would ask me out because I was pretty. Or talk to me for the same reason. The one guy that made me fall head over heels? He never even seemed to notice how I looked – and honestly, still doesn’t give a crap, he loves me for me. The Enchantress in this story exactly reflects this (but to a far more dramatic degree). She’s never felt wanted for herself, and that seriously impacts her. But, when that final moment of love and partnership comes upon her… it is all the more sweet and beautiful.

Not only does the boy win the girl in the end. He also manages to use his phenomenal powers to rescue his best friend, pass his final exams and just generally be absolutely awesome. Mostly it’s the passing his final medical exam after being in a hold up, healing his best friend and just generally having a seriously crappy night.

 <- Light Through Fog ReviewTrinity Blue Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex by Larry Niven

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for alien sex book cover

Title: Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex
Author: Larry Niven
In: Alien Sex (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Humour, Superheroes
Dates read: 15th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: ROC
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: It would be unreasonable to assume otherwise for a kryptonian.

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Synopsis

Could the Man of Steel reproduce? How is he supposed to ensure the success of the next generation? This tale might just have all of the answers…

Thoughts

This might be one of the funniest stories I’ve read in a while… I was laughing out loud so much that my dogs got scared and ran away. There was just a great, sarcastic, satirical take on the Superman stories… one that I really hadn’t thought about. But now, I just can’t stop thinking about it…

Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex is a great tale that makes you wonder how Superman, or indeed, any superhero could reproduce. After all, their superpowers are going to affect their offspring and the way they have sex. Superman maybe more so than some others (although, can you imagine The Thing? On second thoughts, maybe don’t… get that insane image out of your brain…). There are so many questions that need to be answered after reading this… so many. And I’m also not sure that I want them answered, because this is just kinda… well, weird.

There are so many ways in which this short story could just be disgustingly ick. After all, we’re talking about reproduction of a prominent public figure. Yet, the way that Niven tells the story, the language he uses and the unique format… it was completely brilliant. It is only as I’m writing this review that I remember that there’s a bit of an ick factor there… mostly I just seriously enjoyed the tale and the questions that it raised.

 <- The Jamesburg Incubus ReviewThe First Time Review ->
Image source: Amazon

A Child of the Darkness by Brett McBean

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of jack the ripper stories book cover

Title: A Child of Darkness
Author: Brett McBean
In: The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories (Maxim Jakubowski)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Family, Historical fiction
Dates read: 15th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: He looked out and watched with wonder at the falling rain.

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Synopsis

He’s the son of the Ripper… and he’s finally found him. But now he wants one last favour from the man who abandoned him.

Thoughts

Many of the stories in the The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories collection have a bit of a focus on genetics. What would the children of the Ripper be like? The grandchild, the many times great-grandchildren? And mostly I’ve enjoyed them… but something about this slightly more fantastical take on the same story gave me a few heebie jeebies. Not sure why, but it definitely made me feel not so comfortable.

Of all the stories I expected to read, one where the child begs the father to perform another murder really wasn’t one of them. Especially when the child is doing it to regain his sight… and there’s something completely off about him as well. Although I can’t pinpoint that one so closely. It’s just uncomfortable and weird. This entire story. Weirdly uncomfortable. Not one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

This is a fairly clever story, but not one that I would be likely to read again. There is just something about it that is a little too intensely creepy for my taste. But it’s still very well written, and a completely imaginative Jack the Ripper story… one that is probably going to haunt me for a little while longer.

 <- It’s All in the Genes ReviewMy Name is Jack… Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Nobody’s Business by Jhumpa Lahiri

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for unaccustomed earth book cover

Title: Nobody’s Business
Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
In: Unaccustomed Earth (Jhumpa Lahiri)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Relationships
Dates read: 15th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: The one you took the message from when I was away.

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Synopsis

Paul has had a crush on Sang for years. But she’s always had a boyfriend. Yet, when he finds out the truth about Freddy, things quickly come unravelled and he realises that it miight just be his business.

Thoughts

My partner always says our relationship is nobody’s business. Which I completely agree with. Except. Except for things like this story, when Sang’s relationship very quickly did become Paul’s business. After all, he was in a no win situation where he kind of did need to say something. Or at least, that’s how I felt. His own emotions did kind of get in the way, but he was still placed in a position where he needed to deal with “nobody’s business”.

There is nothing worse than being put in a position where you just don’t quite feel right about your friends’ other half. I’ve had it happen a few times, and the gut wrenching feeling every time you are both together and see how they’re being treated… it’s absolutely freaking horrible. Lahiri was able to describe this perfectly. Although the backstory might have been completely different to what I’ve experienced, that feeling of horror is still there.

I found this short story a little bittersweet and tragic. Which I’m kind of learning to expect from Lahiri. There is something so much more realistic about not having a happily ever after ending. After all, there isn’t a ride off into the sunset, live happily ever after for anyone in real life. Even if we do get that one moment, there are all of those enjoyable, messy, ridiculous moments afterwards…

 <- Only Goodness ReviewOnce in a Lifetime Review ->
Image source: Bloomsbury

The Bricks of Gelecek by Matthew Kressel

Book Review, , ,
Overview
naked-city

Title: The Bricks of Gelecek
Author: Matthew Kressel
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Music, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 15th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: But you have.

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Synopsis

He is an annihilator. One who destroys cities, and then doesn’t remember them. Until he meets a young girl with a gift for songs… and he realises that maybe he shouldn’t forget what he’s destroyed.

Thoughts

Many mythologies have a creature of destruction woven into their stories somewhere… but I’ve never read a short story in which one such creature felt regret. Of any kind. Which made this incredibly enjoyable. I love when a story takes a slightly different spin. Instead of being the antagonist, the brother of destruction was simply doing what he’d been born to do. Until he found a conscience…

The power of music is something that has always fascinated me. And filled my life with happiness. Which meant that the use of music to bring a conscience to an annihilator hit a great chord with me. After all, music is often about memories. And love. All of which are eventually realised, and the course of one beings life changed for ever.

Cities come and go. That’s a part of history, and it’s not entirely ridiculous. Yet, this story really helps to drive home that when your city disappears, eventually no one will remember it… ever. It’s a little bit sad, a little bit nostalgic. But mostly, it’s a great reality check and reminder of reality.

 <- Priced to Sell ReviewWeston Walks Review ->
Image source: Patricia Briggs

The Resurrectionist by Caitlin Kittredge

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for urban enemies book cover

Title: The Resurrectionist
Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Series: Hellhound Chronicles #2.5
In: Urban Enemies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 15th October 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Some dame with legs and a problem.

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Synopsis

A routine job turns into something a little more sinister. Especially when the end of the journey results in everyone dead and grudges being held.

Thoughts

It took me a little bit longer than I would like to admit to realise that the lead in this wasn’t alive. That he was dead. And that was why he got hit with a shovel (and other implements) multiple times and didn’t die. It finally started to make a little more sense… but in the best, most beautiful way possible. Because I really like stories about people who are weirdly undead rolling around the world.

This is one of those short stories that really didn’t end the way that I expected it to. Everyone is dead. There is no happily ever after, although there is a sense of finding oneself at the very ending. Or maybe refinding oneself is the better way to put it… since the narrator eventually realises what his original calling in life was and decides to return to it.

This short story has added yet another series to my wishlist. If this is the tale of one of the “enemies” in the story, then the heroes are going to be fantastically beautiful. There is something alluring about this story and the idea of hellhounds… they’re certainly a paranormal beast that I haven’t read much about…

 <- The Naughtiest Cherub ReviewDown Where the Darkness Dwells Review ->
Image source: Simon & Schuster

With Friends Like These by Dawn Cook

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of vampire romance 2 book cover

Title: With Friends Like These
Author: Dawn Cook
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 15th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “You can’t kill me,” he said, boots scuffing.

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Synopsis

His roommate has a way with women. And people in general. But, even if he’s a little bit jealous… he loves their nightly run. That is, until he finds out the truth about Jim…

Thoughts

Alright, so the friend in this kind of sucks. He uses his room mate to find his way back into the vampire hierarchy. He kind of drugs him. And then he almost gets him killed. Oh, and he’s a douche nugget to women. Like I said, a really bad friend… but what can you expect, he’s a vampire.

My biggest issue with this story though is the fact that they like to run late at night. I don’t like running. I would never run in a city… and doing so late at night? That just seems ridiculously unrealistic. Like stupidly, unbelievably unrealistic. Who the heck runs late at night in a city in a dangerous part of town? Oh, right, a vampire and his pet friend…

This was a really well written story, one that I thoroughly enjoyed. But it did kind of leave a sour taste in my mouth… after all, he stuck with the insane vampire even after her realised how much manipulation had occurred. And the nasty vampire man also treated women like trash… I know that I definitely don’t need (or want) friends like these…

 <- Point of No Return ReviewBlood Gothic Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover a veiled deception

Title: A Veiled Deception
Author: Annette Blair
Series: A Vintage Magic Mystery #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Cozy mystery, Mystery
Dates read: 8th September – 15th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: “Bummer,” I said, and she smiled.

Synopsis

With years of experience working for a top New York designer, Madeira Cutler has learned to appreciate the clean line, rich texture, and elegant draping of a finely crafted garment. It’s not until Maddie goes home to Mystick Falls, Connecticut, for her sister’s wedding, however, that she discovers her understanding of fashion goes much deeper…

Before the accessory shopping and fittings can begin, the festivities hit a snag when Maddie finds her sister’s nemesis strangled with the bride-to-be’s veil. In between opening her own vintage clothhing shop and keeping the wedding on track, Maddie’s determined to perform her own investigation to clear her family’s name. She soon finds that her best witness may be an antique wedding dress that magically unveils to her the secrets of those who have worn it. But if the gown doesn’t talk fast enough, the lives of everyone Maddie loves will surely fall apart at the seams.

Thoughts

This is my first ever “cozy mystery” book and I truly had no idea what to expect. After all, what in the heck even is a cozy mystery? And how does this fit into my normal taste in books? I mostly just bought A Veiled Deception because I loved the other books I read by Annette Blair. Turns out that cozy mysteries are something that I really enjoy, and now I can’t wait to explore the genre even further!

There is nothing like the bond of sisters. We drive each other nuts, bully each other, make each other mad. And, at the end of the day, love each other ridiculously. And would do literally anything for each other. Madi just decides that she’s going to solve a murder to help show her love. Luckily, she eventually does, and there’s a happily ever after moment, but there’s a few touch and go moments as you try to figure out who the actual culprit is.

I’m really not interested in fashion. Or makeup. Or really anything even remotely in that field, so the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, and some of the intricacies of the story didn’t really pull me in. Yet, I loved this insight into an entirely new world. I’ve never read a book which explores this aspect of life which is often glorified on TV. There is something fun and unique about it. Add that to the fact that it is a vintage wedding dress and a psychic gift that help to finally solve the murder… completely priceless.

This is one of those incredibly, wonderfully easy reads that I like to have in my reading list. They’re a great late night adventure that doesn’t take on too much emotional and mental impact. But it’s not overly simplistic – there is just a tangible innocence and love to the storyline that Blair is able to uniquely bring to life. And now I can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into the next book in the series, Larceny and Lace.

<- More Annette BlairLarceny and Lace ->

Image source: Amazon