All posts by skyebjenner

The Duke of Riverside by Ellen Kushner

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
naked-city

Title: The Duke of Riverside
Author: Ellen Kushner
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, LGBTQI, Medieval fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Why would you want to go there with me?

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Synopsis

There’s a young man whose decided to come down to Riverside and find his death. What he doesn’t realise is that no one is going to end the life of an unarmed man. But what he finds instead is much, much better.

Thoughts

The wit and dry humour in this story had me chuckling a fair bit. There was something about a strange, lanky scholar who was desperate to be killed roaming the streets and just having absolutely no luck. It got even better when you found out that he was a duke and abhorrent to the rest of his family. The beauty, humour and irony in the story had me cackling more than I should probably admit if I still wanted people to consider me sane (which I don’t, so it’s fine).

Growing up, I never seemed to read many stories which featured LGBTQI characters. But as my reading tastes have grown, I’ve noticed that it’s a theme that shows up more and more frequently. Or it may just be that it’s a theme that is written about more frequently as our society changes. Regardless, it’s something that I always love in my stories. And the unexpected coupling of two men in this story took me completely by surprise. Partly because in the beginning I thought it would be a tale about Alec just being killed in some random, heinous way. And partly because it’s a medieval fantasy-esque story, and I tend to find that that’s not a relationship that is outwardly hinted at.

The final scene of this short story is one of those that is incredibly difficult to get out of your head. The entire time I’ve been writing this review, I have that great, final image struck into my brain. But, you really must read this story yourself to have that fine enjoyment.

 <- On the Slide ReviewOblivion by Calvin Klein Review ->
Image source: Patricia Briggs

La Reine d’Enfer by Kathe Koja

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for queen victoria's book of spells ellen datlow book cover

Title: La Reine d’Enfer
Author: Kathe Koja
In: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Gaslamp, LGBTQI
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I grabbed up whatever I could put my hand to, a silver spoon from the table, a bottle of gin; then threw it all down again, my head a-swim like being drunk.

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Synopsis

He’s been trapped in a life that isn’t one of his own making. Davey is hunting him, but all he wants to do is act on stage. Will he finally get what he wants?

Thoughts

When I sat down to write this review, I couldn’t quite remember what this short story was even about. There was a vague memory of enjoying the story and thinking it was very good, but I just couldn’t remember what happened in it. So I had to have a quick look at the pages again. And then it all came flooding back to me. And I’m really not sure why I didn’t remember this much clearer from the very beginning. There was a bit of an Oliver Twist feel to this story, with a great sense of darkness and brutality.

I like that there was a subtle feeling of magic to this story. It felt more about the magic of theatre than the casting of a spell. More about magics that we make others believe in (some might say manipulate) than that of the Fair Folk. It created a nice, dreary, mystical affect to the storyline that made you not want to put it down. Although, it’s this same shrouded mystery-effect which also made it quite difficult to remember exactly what it was that I had just read..

 <- The Memory Book ReviewFor the Briar Rose Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the kitchen witch annette blair book cover

Title: The Kitchen Witch
Author: Annette Blair
Series: Accidental Witch Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 3rd – 12th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: You never told me what a delicious sense of humor your mother had.

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Synopsis

Is she a good witch or a bad witch?

With a flip of her raven black hair, a flash of her topaz eyes, and a shake of a stick, rumored witch Melody Seabright has cast a spell on single dad Logan Kilgarven. What else can explain what’s happening to him? Logan, a television producer, can’t seem to concentrate on anything since he met his enchanting new neighbor…

Logan hopes she is bad, VERY bad.

When Logan agrees to help Melody find a job at his TV station, he never expects the culinary-challenged siren to land her own cooking show. Her charisma keeps things bubbling on the set, and behind the scenes, things are starting to steam up between them. Logan knows he can’t resist her charms – but is there more to their attraction than the here and now? If only he had a crystal ball to show him…

Thoughts

I can’t believe how much I loved this story. It was a fantastic journey. So incredibly sweet and beautiful. The cuteness of the storyline was balanced by the humour, fun and wit that was peppered throughout. It made it almost impossible to put down and forget about. And now I have to wait a month until the next story in this incredibly adorable series to arrive…

From the title of this book and the shelving on Goodreads, I was expecting a cute, chic lit romance with a paranormal spin. It wasn’t like this at all. In fact, other than the fact that it was set in Salem and Melody likes to dress as a witch, there was nothing paranormal about this story at all. Which kind of made it all the more perfect and relatable. It was much, much, much easier to picture falling across a guy like Logan when he is actually a normal, human male…

Lately I feel more and more intrigued by stories of blended families and step-parents coming on the scene. Or really, just the beginning of any family. Partly because these stories tend to be about people my age (mid-twenties) and I think partly because it’s something new and different. An experience that I haven’t had, so I want to read about it. The fact that Melody first falls in love with the boy, and then the father is kind of the perfect version of one of these stories.

My mood runs the gambit of stories. But, lately, with having a lot of study to do and being down sick for the past week, I’ve been immensely glad to sink my nose into some gorgeous contemporary romances. This is the exact fit for these tales. It’s cute and sweet, there are troubles, but you know that they will be overcome and there will be a happily ever after. It’s the perfect kind of story for when you’ve had a stressful day / week / month and just need to restore your faith in humanity…

<- Never Been Witched ReviewMy Favorite Witch Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Paranormal Romance Blues by Kelley Armstrong

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

Title: Paranormal Romance Blues
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld Companion
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “What did he look like?”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

She’s a half demon who keeps striking out in love. But when she goes to a vampire bar and runs across a far stronger mystery, and maybe even a way to get out of her paranormal romance blues.

Thoughts

One of the things that has always disappointed me about the Women of the Otherworld series is the fact that there isn’t a novel dedicated entirely to Aaron and Cassandra. I like this version of vampires and I think that it would be much fun. But, a short story in which they make an appearance leaves me quite happy.

There has never been one inkling in my desires to go to a vampire bar. Although I love paranormal fantasy tales, I find the very idea of such a themed bar to be kind of tawdry. Which the lead in this also seems to feel the same. She not only makes fun of the hired actors for the boring simplicity of their act. It’s the kind of smart-ass response I would personally have if someone dragged me to such a place. Although, it ends up working out quite well…

I enjoyed the twist in this story. The man that was thought to be the “bad guy” wasn’t, and the one who seemed kind of innocent, was kind of, well, evil. The juxtaposition between perceptions and reality was great, and I loved how there was a sense of hope and wonder when the last page was turned.

<- Succubus SeductionJohn Doe ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Senorita and the Cactus Thorn by Kim Antieau

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for coyote road book cover

Title: The Senorita and the Cactus Thorn
Author: Kim Antieau
In: The Coyote Road (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Fantasy, Tricksters
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: He asked her to join him, so she did.

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Synopsis

She knows that she wants to marry him, but before she can have her happily ever after, she must get past the mother-in-law. A little bit of gumption, magic and trickery is what it might take to survive in this new desert world.

Thoughts

The Princess and the Pea has always been one of those stories that is kind of iconic for me. I’m not sure why, since I don’t often enjoy stories about princessy princesses. But, this version of it using tricksters and the desert is far more to my taste. Actually, I was incredibly disappointed when it was over.

Mother-in-laws always seem to be the terrifying part of marriage (not for me, I have an awesome mother-in-law). Which made this an incredibly relatable story for almost everyone who has found their significant other and now just has to run the gauntlet. They seem to have a power and reserve for judgement that makes many people tremble, and it’s only after their acceptance that people feel settled and accepted. Or at least, that’s how it’s always been in my social circles. Which made this story completely relatable and kind of perfect. The senorita wasn’t able to finally have her happily ever after until she finally managed to secure the acceptance of the mother of her husband-to-be.

Coyote is one of my favourite tricksters of folklore. There is something about his stories and persona that makes me dive deep into any and all stories which feature this character. Using Coyote in this story worked perfectly for me and sorely disappointed that the tale was ended. Even if it was only allusions to the trickster, rather than an outright story.

 <- Always the Same Story ReviewBlack Rock Blues Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Blood Kiss by Shiloh Walker

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Hot Spell

Title: The Blood Kiss
Author: Shiloh Walker
In: Hot Spell (Lora Leigh, Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires, Werewolves
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: “I don’t feel any different.”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

He’s simply on a mission to save his younger brother from a pathetic political ruse. But, in doing so, he might not only discover the woman of his dreams. He might also lose her too.

Thoughts

This is my second Shiloh Walker tale, and, although I loved the first short story I read, I definitely love her longer novella far, far, far more. There was something that was sweet, seductive and fun about her character and world building. Something that made me just not want to put the story down. So I didn’t. And then I almost missed tea…

There is something so incredibly fun and sensual about stories which match opposites. And, in the supernatural world, there doesn’t seem to be anything more “opposite” than that of werewolf and vampire. The fact that the female vampire wasn’t quite fully formed, but born into it instead just made the world building and storyline all the more intriguing. I had a huge, happy, toe-curling grin on my face when I finished this story. It was also a perfect ending to a fantastic collection.

A definite medieval feel fell about this story. Not because of the time in which it was placed (which was modern day from what I could tell), but rather, the thoughts and decisions of the villain in the tale. The fact that the atrocities he claimed upon a woman were upon his own daughter made it so much more barbaric and archaic. So much better when he was finally overcome and love and right win the day in the end.

 <- Falling for Anthony ReviewHot Spell Review ->
Image source: Meljean Brook

Dates From Hell by Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong & Lori Handeland

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for dates from hell book cover

Title: Dates From Hell
Author: Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong & Lori Handeland
In: Dates From Hell (Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong & Lori Handeland)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 22nd June – 11th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon Fiction
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Jerking in sudden decision, she dropped the pen and pulled out the Yellow Pages, looking for the biggest insurance ad that wasn’t connected to one of Cincinnati’s older vamp families.

Synopsis

She thought her date was out of this world. Acutally, he was not of this world…

We’ve all been on bad dates, dreadful experiences that turned out to be uniquely memorable in the very worst way. But at least our partners for these detestable evenings were more or less… human!

Now Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong, and Lori Handeland – four of the very best writers currently exploring the dangerous seduction of the supernatural – offer up dating disasters (and unexpected delights) of a completely different sort: dark, wicked, paranormally sensual assignations with werewolves, demon lovers, and the romantically challenged undead. Sexy, witty, chilling, and altogether remarkable, here is proof positive that some love matches are made someplace other than heaven.

Thoughts

Normally I love collections like this because you can read one novella, finish it, put it down and walk away. I did manage to do this… but it was quite a bit more difficult than I had anticipated. I had already read something by every one of these authors, and so I knew that what was just around the corner was going to be fantastic. And it was this knowledge that made it nigh on impossible to stop thinking about this storyline.

There is something about stories of horrible dates that I kind of love. Not because I’ve ever been on one (I met my other half when I was seventeen and have been stupid in love since). But I can imagine the horrors of what pretty much everyone must go through. It’s a way to live vicariously through something. Adding in the extra aspect of fantasy and the supernatural just made it all the more fun. And a little bit more alien than even a first date is to me.

Anybody who loves paranormal fantasy or romance is going to love this collection of novellas. If you also enjoy heroines who are strong and independent and more than likely to get themselves into trouble… then this is even more likely to make you deliriously happy. Like it did me… now I need another collection like this to while the nights away…

 <- Dead Man DatingUndead in the Garden of Good and Evil ->

Image source: Harper Collins Publishers

Always the Same Story by Elizabeth E. Wein

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for coyote road book cover

Title: Always the Same Story
Author: Elizabeth E. Wein
In: The Coyote Road (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Circus, Contemporary, Tricksters
Dates read: 11th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: He knew they could not hear him.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Gus grew up on the trains, travelling around with his circus family. When he gets kidnapped, his unusal upbringing comes to his aid.

Thoughts

Growing up, I always wanted to be part of the circus. There was something that just seemed so romantic and worldly about being a part of such a family that I couldn’t help but imagine how fun and adventurous my story would be. As an adult, I kind of realise that it’s probably not that romantic and perfect. And I kind of like the upbringing and life that I’ve had, but this short story still manages to encompass some of that fun and intrigue that drew me in as a young child.

You would expect a circus child to be one that could do tricks, be like a strong man and just be generally quirky. The last thing in the world that you would expect would be for such a child to be a nerdy little book worm who wears glasses. Which, considering this short story is in a collection of trickster tales, worked perfectly. As did the idea that his unique upbringing is not only what gets him in trouble, but also what gets him out of it.

There are a few people in my life who are a little obsessed with trains, and the entire time I was reading this tale, I mostly thought of them. And clowns. But I hate clowns, so I focused on the trains aspect. I really enjoy the idea of travelling over country on a train and this helped to further romanticise that idea. I just won’t be as confident as Gus was during his adventures.

 <- Honored Guest ReviewThe Senorita and the Cactus Thorn Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Succubus Seduction by Cheyenne McCray

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

Title: Succubus Seduction
Author: Cheyenne McCray
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 11th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: As soon as his hands were free, he tried pushing her to the floor, but she took control and rolled him onto his back so that she was on top.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Liln has to seduce Archer if she wants to remain an immortal succubus. But things aren’t quite what they seem and she’s about to discover that some things are worth more than immortality.

Thoughts

There’s nothing like a good paranormal romance short story to give you a bit of a break from the piles of papers that you have to read. Or at least, that’s how I feel about it. And McCray’s short story about a succubus with a mission was perfect. There was a great level of lust and passion in the story, but the idea of betrayal and insecurity in the tale was far more enjoyable.

I was kind of expecting Liln to be successful in her attempts at seduction. After all, she’s a succubus and he’s a mere mortal. But, as with all good short stories, it doesn’t quite work out that way. Rather, mortality and a happily ever after is on the horizon. And, frankly, I much rather that ending than one that is filled with lustful guilt at the turning of the last page. Although, don’t get me wrong, I have a few of those stories sitting on my shelves, and they might be making their way into my “next read’ pile.

 <- The Temptation of Robin Green ReviewParanormal Romance Blues Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

VSI by Nancy Holder

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for an apple for the creature book cover

Title: VSI
Author: Nancy Holder
In: An Apple for the Creature (Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cops, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 11th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: FBI.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Claire is in an uncomfortable marriage, but a two week training trip away with her partner (who she has a bit of a crush on) might help her find a way out of it. Even if it’s not quite the way she had planned to escape a loveless life.

Thoughts

From fairly in this story it seemed to be a tale about vampires. After all, the first, very naked perp that Claire and Jackson bring down is a woman with filed down teeth. What I didn’t expect was Holder’s unique take on a modern vampire and who the actual serial killing crazy person was going to be. That took me nicely and pleasantly by surprise.

Most urban fantasy stories which involve a cop tend to either have a completely platonic relationship or one full of romance. This was somewhere in between, it was obvious from the beginning that there was an extra level of feeling between Claire and Jackson, but then there’s a mention of her husband. This little spanner isn’t one that I normally come across. Most of the paranormal and urban fantasy stories I read involve the act of falling in love, but not what happens when that falls apart. I liked this change in relationship status, I wouldn’t want to read a huge amount of stories which deviate this far, but every now and again they’re fun.

I enjoy the idea of a vampire serial killer. Don’t get me wrong, it would be ten times more terrifying than a human one, but it gives a good reason to hunt down the culprit. That whole us versus them doesn’t sit overly well with me, so having a reason to hunt down a vampire and study him… it just added that extra shine and enjoyment to this story. A story which I’m quite disappointed is over.

 <- An Introduction to Jewish Myth and Mysticism ReviewThe Bad Hour Review ->
Image source: Goodreads