All posts by skyebjenner

Kosher by Michael Gregorio

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

Title: Kosher
Author: Michael Gregorio
In: The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories (Maxim Jakubowski)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Crime, Historical fiction
Dates read: 26th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: The same girl, standing outside a different door, under a big sign that gives the game away.

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Synopsis

Three Kosher butchers stumble across Jack the Ripper late one night. Things don’t quite go as planned, but they definitely have something to celebrate at the end of the night.

Thoughts

The introduction to this story filled me with intrigue. Not because it was a great opening to a story, but it explained where the author’s origin to this story came from. Accompanied by a photo, it made this story seem all the more plausible. And one that I would almost like to imagine actually happened.

One of the suspects of the Jack the Ripper case was Jewish. Or at least, a Jewish man was suspected (even if they didn’t have a specific identity). So I kind of liked that this story featured three Jewish butchers. People who would have been suspect, and indeed, in the retelling, I wondered if they were the villains. After all, a butcher was also believed to be the culprit.

Without giving the ending of this story away, it was kind of fun. But also with a fair amount of commentary on the social and political unrest of the time. It nestled in perfectly with reality and the imaginations of an author.

 <- Ripper Familias ReviewBoiling Point Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Snow White, Blood Red edited by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling

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Overview
Image result for snow white, blood red book cover

Title: Snow White, Blood Red
Author: Ellen Datlow, Terri Windling, Susan Wade, Charles de Lint, Gahan Wilson, Nancy Kress, Tanith Lee, Wendy Wheeler, Kathe Koja, Gregory Frost, Elizabeth A. Lynn, Harvey Jacobs, Steve Rasnic Tem, Melanie Tem, Caroline Stevermer, Ryan Edmonds, Neil Gaiman, Leonard Rysdyk, Esther M. Friesner, Jack Dann, Jane Yolen, Patricia A. McKillip & Lisa Goldstein
Series: Adult Fairy Tales #1
In: Snow White, Blood Red (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings,Short story collections
Dates read: 17th December 2018 – 12th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Signet
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: It’ll still mean that I’m willing to let someone die, just so I can have my own way.

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Synopsis

Snow White, Blood Red is a brand new collection of fairy tales. But be warned. It is not a collection for the faint-hearted. Or even one to lull the innocent towards the sleeping realms of dreams. For Snow White, Blood Red is a modern book of wonders: a boundless expanse of nightmares, lusts and fables for the grown-up child in us all.

Through richly imaginative retellings of existing fairy tales, twenty-one of the world’s top fantasy authors recreate the full mythical, magical, mind-bending power of humankind’s oldest fables. Prepare to be seduced by stories that bite – stories that are frightening, erotic, dark and compelling. Because as Terri Windling reminds us in the introduction: ‘Something still stirs inside us when we hear those old, evocative words: Once upon a time.’ Only this time, in this world, there is no happy ending…

Thoughts

I’ve had this book on my wish list for a very, very long time. So, when I finally managed to find a second hand copy and get it delivered to my door, I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it. After all, I love fairy tales, I like stories with a dark twist, and I’m fascinated by retellings and the ways in which people are able to twist and turn classic themes to fit a more contemporary or recognisable setting. Which makes this kind of the perfect short story collection to sit on my shelves.

Some of the stories in this collection are kind of dark and twisted. Some are incredibly sexual. And some are just a great, contemporary retelling that makes childish fairy tales far more relatable. I got goosebumps reading some of these stories. While others left a smile on my face. You know it’s a fantastic collection when it takes you through the rollercoaster of emotions and leaves you feeling incredibly happy at the close of the last page.

Anybody who loves fantasy, horror or fairy tales, this is a great collection to add to your shelves. It is one that I won’t be getting out of my head anytime soon, that’s for sure…

<- Taking LoupLike a Red, Red Rose ->

Image source: Amazon

Amulet and Feathers by Leila Aboulela

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Amulet and Feathers
Author: Leila Aboulela
In: I Am Heathcliff (Kate Mosse)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Family, Middle East
Dates read: 26th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Borough Press
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: He asked me to set a sum for my bride-price.

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Synopsis

She’s on a journey to avenge her father’s death. But sometimes the ways in which you get revenge aren’t quite what they seem…

Thoughts

I’m really not sure why this is in a collection of stories based on Wuthering Heights. It’s a great short story, don’t get me wrong, but I’m struggling to make that connection to the gothic classic that I’ve been able to make with most of the other stories in this series. Amulet and Feathers had a great sense of dignity and an incredibly fun storyline to it.

I like the idea of a young woman setting out to avenge her father’s death. The ghostly visitations in her dreams and her determination to right a wrong are admirable. But, it’s the message about revenge and vengeance that is delivered at the end that is what I love the most. It’s both sweet and poignant, sad and happy. A great short story that made me have faith in the I Am Heathcliff collection again.

 <- Heathcliffs I Have Known ReviewHow Things Disappear Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Publishers

Stepping Back by Sara Mackenzie

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

Title: Stepping Back
Author: Sara Mackenzie
In: The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Romance, Time travel
Dates read: 28th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: He was gone, the valley was gone, and when she turned back to the homestead, it was nothing more than a derelict ruin.

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Synopsis

Helen wants to run away from a bad husband. Claire just wants to remember her past. Two women, one hundred years apart, and their lives are about to intersect.

Thoughts

The telling of parallel storylines is something that has been growing on me more and more as I’ve expanded my reading knowledge and obsessions. So finding one that involved time travel, the Australian landscape and a woman willing to find herself a new life worked brilliantly for my latest literary fascination.

This almost read like a murder mystery. The woman in the present is desperately trying to figure out the history of the past. The woman in the past is trying to escape a grasping, evil man. Yet, the villain isn’t quite who you think he is. And neither are the women. They are both similar, yet different in so many ways. And neither are able to rest until the truth is finally revealed.

 <- Lost and Found ReviewSexual Healing Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Crow Roads by Charles de Lint

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

Title: Crow Roads
Author: Charles de Lint
In: The Coyote Road (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Feminism, Tricksters
Dates read: 27th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: But I overheard Woody and Les at the corner store a couple of days later, laughing about the hippie they’d sent packing, so I could guess.

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Synopsis

Annie wants something more from life than a small, dead-end town and a teenage pregnancy. So when a young man comes into her life, she finds his intriguing outlook on life fascinating. But not fascinating enough to follow him to the Crow Roads.

Thoughts

Crows are kind of fascinating birds. And although there are some more horror-inspired relations to them, I love their symbolic connection to tricksters. Anytime I read a story that mentions these birds in any way, shape or form, I feel completely drawn in. The fact that this short story not only included that aspect, but also a woman’s will to become something more than just a mother and a wife… well, I fell in love with it completely.

Annie is a young woman from a small, poverty-riddled town. Most people believe that her only future in life is to get pregnant young, and become a mother, and maybe a wife. If she doesn’t, well, she might end up becoming a beautician or hairdresser. Yet, she wants something more. And not even a chance meeting with a boy who intrigues her on the deepest level will deter her from her course. Even if he does truly want her to journey the Crow Roads with him.

I love the fact that although this feels like a bit of a teen romance, Annie decides to show people that she can make something of herself. She still wants to ride off into the sunset with the boy, but she’ll only do it after she’s shown herself and others that she can be whoever, and whatever she wants to be.

 <- How Raven Made His Bride ReviewThe Chamber Music of Animals Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Playing Possum by Charlaine Harris

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

Title: Playing Possum
Author: Charlaine Harris
Series: Sookie Stackhouse #12.6
In: An Apple for the Creature (Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 10th April 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Oh,” she said, looking appropriately sober.

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Synopsis

Sookie Stackhouse brings enough birthday cupcakes for her nephew’s entire class but finds she’s one short when the angry ex-boyfriend of the school secretary shows up.

Thoughts

I both thoroughly enjoyed this story and felt kind of concerned by it. This is the first short story in a collection of short stories based on our experiences in school. And it has a shooter entering the school grounds. Granted, this was written and published quite a few years ago and may not have been such a hot issue… but considering the constant gunning down of children happening in America at the moment… it was more than a little concerning that the story starts with a tale about a gunman.

I’ve only briefly dabbled into the world of Sookie Stackhouse, but every time I read one of the short stories based in this world, I really want to pick up another one. It’s not great for my self-control when I have two unread Sookie Stackhouse books sitting on my bookshelf just waiting to go… especially since I’ve been told again and again that the stories get better as they unfold, and short stories like Playing Possum really support this idea.

Although this was a tale that I thoroughly enjoyed in the moment, I still find it incredibly problematic. A crazy man taking a gun into a kindergarten in revenge of a woman… it’s a strong comment on our society today that that is so normalised that a short story can be written about it. After all, if this was far fetched, it wouldn’t work in this series…

<- An Apple for the CreatureSpellcaster 2.0 ->

Image source: Goodreads

Blood Feud by Patti O’Shea

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

Title: Blood Feud
Author: Patti O’Shea
Series: Blood Feud #1
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 26th April 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: No matter what, Isobel would remain safe tonight.

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Synopsis

Isobel was forced to walk away from her lover years ago. But, now, a twist of fate, or maybe something more has thrust them back together again as they rush to find a killer and save their races from war.

Thoughts

There are a few books in my shelves that deal with demons. But not many. So, finding a new series that features (I think) demons, vampires and a heavy dose of paranormal romance was really exciting. Especially since the writing and the characters were incredibly enjoyable, and they come to the storyline already laden with burdens of the past.

I thought that this was going to be a fairly typical paranormal romance story. Two individuals are investigating a series of deaths, meet, fall in love and live happily ever after. That was until I found out that there is a lot of history between the two leads. Which both upped the stakes and also meant that there was no certainty of a happily-ever-after. After all, it is incredibly difficult to get over the past when you’ve been hurt by it before…

Sometimes I love when a short story begins (or takes place in) a series. Sometimes, I kind of hate it. This is one of those kind of hate it moments… I absolutely adored this short story, but won’t have the chance to buy the next tale in this series for a little while. I’m currently on a book buying ban… so now I’m just frustratedly waiting until I am allowed to buy books again…

 <- Into the Mist For Ever ReviewLove Bites Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

The Sage of Theare by Diana Wynne Jones

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of dark magic book cover

Title: The Sage of Theare
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Gods, Mythology
Dates read: 26th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1982
5th sentence, 74th page: As soon as he pushed the door open, thick smoke rolled in, filled with harsh crackling.

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Synopsis

The Gods are ruled by order and they like it this way. So when the Sage of Dissolution is born they begin to fear that it will be the end of the world as they know it.

Thoughts

Order is not something that comes easily to me. Don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly organised and have a system for things. But my life in and of itself is not actually organised. And I don’t tend to follow conventions about 90% of the time. So I kind of liked a dark fantasy tale that dealt with the intersection of order and chaos. How they are both important to the existence of life as we know it.

The gods in this story are kind of a sick-in-the-butt characters. They have rules and restrictions for literally everything, and there is no way in which to deviate from this set path and plan. It means that no one can be questioned and nothing can change. Which in and of itself isn’t horrifying, until you realise that it means the world becomes stagnant and… well, boring.

I like that the mechanism for change in this tale is the child of a god. And in trying to avoid a prophecy, they, well don’t necessarily make it happen. But they bring to light their stupidity and inability to understand the world around them.

<- The Witch’s BicycleTimekeeper ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Related image

Title: The Last Battle
Author: C.S. Lewis
Series: Chronicles of Narnia #7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading, Fantasy
Dates read: 28th March – 19th April 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Grafton
Year: 1956
5th sentence, 74th page: I’m on your side, Sire: and on Aslan’s.

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Synopsis

“To my side, all true Narnians! Would you wait till your new masters have killed you all, one by one?”

It is Narnia’s darkest hour. A false Aslan is commanding all Narnians to work for the cruel Calormenes and striking terror into every heart. King Tirian’s only hope is to call Eustace and Jill back to Narnia, in an attempt to find the true Aslan and restore peace to the land. But a might battle lies ahead.

The Last Battle is the dramatic conclusion to the seven magical Chronicles of Narnia.

Thoughts

As an ending to a series this book works incredibly well. It helps to tie everything up in a beautiful knot and pretty little bow. As a standalone story, it’s not as compellingly engaging as the other books in the Chronicles of Narnia series. Which is probably why it took me a little longer to read than most of the other stories in this series…

The Last Battle is exactly what it sounds – the last battle to be fought in Narnia. The end of days, if you will. It made it kind of sad to finish, it meant the closing of a world and an era. There are no ways in which to return to Narnia now. Which is more than a little heartbreaking. After all, as a kid I always checked every wardrobe I came across to get to that special world I had dreamt so much about.

Lucy is still my favourite character in all of the Chronicles of Narnia tales. There is something about her sweetness, her faith and her ability to love everyone that makes you kind of want to give her a great, big cuddle. Don’t get me wrong, I would never want to be her friend, she’s a little too nice… but as a character in a novel, she is just brilliant. So it was incredibly nice to find her returning to the series, albeit for a short while. Jill and Eustace just aren’t as relatable and loveable… maybe because I only met them as an adult, but I met Lucy when I was a young girl.

 <- The Silver Chair ReviewThe Magician’s Nephew Review ->
Image source: Abe Books

The Acid Test by Livia Llewellyn

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for black feathers ellen datlow book cover

Title: The Acid Test
Author: Livia Llewellyn
In: Black Feathers (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Horror, Wordplay
Dates read: 27th April 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Pegasus Books Ltd.
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Outside in the hallway, the telephone rings over and over, crying out like a hungry abandoned bird, while beside me the radio on my headstand cackles with the news, and sometimes in the low afternoon light I think I see a faint movement behind its grooved surface, as if the machine is struggling to free itself from the invisible information pouring in and extruding out of the black plastic and metal of its captive brain.

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Synopsis

A tripped out journey through thoughts, misconceptions and the world around us.

Thoughts

I’ve never done acid. But I imagine that the tripped out experience is a lot like this story. Incredibly confusing, unreal and tangentially jumpy. With lots and lots of long, run on sentences.

I didn’t necessarily love this short story. It was very clever and intriguing. But it was also so convoluted and tripped out that I’m not entirely sure what the point and storyline of this tale was. Actually, I turned the last page and just really didn’t know what I had just read at all. It was all very, very confusing.

 <- A Little Bird Told Me ReviewThe Crow Palace Review ->
Image source: Amazon