All posts by skyebjenner

Moon, and Memory, and Muchness by Katherine Vaz

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for mad hatters and march hares ellen datlow book cover

Title: Moon, and Memory, and Muchness
Author: Katherine Vaz
In: Mad Hatters and March Hares (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Horror
Dates read: 29th March 2019
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: It’s itself, with its own intensifications.

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Synopsis

Alicia was lost to her years ago, but in the world she’s created of Wonderland, her mother might be able to find her replacement. But at what cost?

Thoughts

This was both an incredibly sad and an incredibly creepy short story. Which kind of matches with the whole Alice in Wonderland theme. It’s a bit of a creepy story when you really think about some of the things that have happened. It’s definitely nostalgic, and more than a little sad at moments. Especially when Alice is looking for her muchness. A bit like the woman in this story.

I can think of nothing worse than raising and loving a child, only for her to be taken away from you way too early. Especially in a quite horrific and dreadful manner. Which meant that I had so much sympathy for the lead voice throughout this story. The fact that what she eventually decided to do was somewhat horrible and something I could never conceive of, yet, I still felt sympathy for her… well, it made this into one powerful story.

There is a moment from the original that sticks with me in this rendition. One that I want to return to… the treatment of the dormouse by the mad hatter and march hare. I don’t remember it being this horrific, but when compared to the attack on a young girl… it becomes something which certainly inspires a little horror.

 <- The Flame After the Candle ReviewRun, Rabbit, Run Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

Jack’s Back by Vanessa de Sade

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

Title: Jack’s Back
Author: Vanessa de Sade
In: The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories (Maxim Jakubowski)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Family
Dates read: 29th March 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Never again…

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Synopsis

It’s been ten years since Jack the Ripper haunted the streets of Whitechapel, but a series of murders indicate that he just might be back…

Thoughts

I really liked this story. It posited not only an entirely different villain to the one that you would traditionally expect, but it also created an engaging story that was just, quite frankly, fascinating.

The part of the story that I found that hardest to digest in this story was the idea of a thirteen-year old striper. As someone in the modern age, this disturbs me more than I can describe. Yet, when I remembered the time in which this story is based, it made a lot of sense. And the protection of Daisy by another woman made this story a lot less ick, and a lot more sweet. Especially when the description of the real Jack the Ripper comes out in the end…

 <- The Simple Procedure ReviewA Mote of Black Memory Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Puss by Esther M. Friesner

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for snow white, blood red book cover

Title: Puss
Author: Esther M. Friesner
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: Dark fantasy, Fairy tales
Dates read: 28th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Signet
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: Wizard? My sister asked, nose wrinkling with greed.

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Synopsis

A dark, adult twist on the classic fairytale of Puss in Boots. One that I find far more interesting and fun.

Thoughts

I kind of loved this version of Puss-in-Boots. After all, the original was so PG, and kind of didn’t explain just why the cat was so loyal and giving to his owners. There was just something a little too innocent about it, and I don’t love the idea of a character who is obviously powerful and intelligent from weighing hand and foot on such a horrible, selfish and downright irritating man. This short story put that all to rights.

I loved the idea of a contract and a blood oath to keep puss tied to his owners. The dark pacts that are made in a way that kind of surprised me, but definitely made me incredibly happy. It also added this great fantasy element to the fairy tale that I wasn’t expecting. One that I wish could be expanded on. After all, there is a whole race of beings that are able to help humans, make pacts with them and be changed. Something that intrigues me… and makes me yearn for more.

 <- A Sound, Like Angels Singing ReviewThe Glass Casket Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Five Sites, Five Stages by Lisa McInerney

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Five Stages, Five Sites
Author: Lisa McInerney
In: I Am Heathcliff (Kate Mosse)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading,  LGBTQI, Twisted romance
Dates read: 23rd March 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Borough Press
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: Like it would be good for, say, convalescents.

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Synopsis

Heidi loves Cass with all of her heart. But there’s a number of obstacles in their way, and she’s just not sure that they can be overcome.

Thoughts

From the outset it is obvious that this was a story about a not so healthy love. I mean, the whole I Am Heathcliff collection is kind of about unhealthy love. But this seemed a little more obviously unhealthy than some of the other tales. And a little bit more relatable to be honest, it was far more contemporary and written in a way that you can almost, almost relate to Heidi.

This story kind of worked through the five stages of grief (which, when you find out the ending, you understand the grief), and worked it’s way across the city. It intertwined brilliantly with the idea of a love that had gone horribly wrong. And it reflected the ideas of grief and loss that are highlighted in Wuthering Heights.

I was far more comfortable with this short story than many of the preceding ones. It wasn’t as intensely twisted, and it made a little more sense to me. I just wouldn’t necessarily want to read it again anytime soon.

 <- The Howling Girl ReviewKit Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Publishers

The Laird’s French Bride by Connie Brockway

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

Title: The Laird’s French Bride
Author: Connie Brockway
In: The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Historical romance, Scottish romance
Dates read: 16th March 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “I said, not a word,” Rob repeated.

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Synopsis

Rob needs to make this marriage work for the good of his clan, but he’s really not sure what to expect from his mystery bride… will the French-raised woman meet his expectations, or dash them into the dirt?

Thoughts

This was such a cute story to end this collection on. It had a little less going on, and it wasn’t as intense as some of the other tales. But it was so much fun. And it centred beautifully on just the couple. There were other characters mentioned, but they almost faded into obscurity moments after they were mentioned. Which was kind of nice. It was all about Rob and Jeanne.

Although I knew that the lead couple were going to end up together, the journey to the end was still really fun. I’ve said it before, but sometimes the simplicity and sweetness of the moment is all that you need to create an amazing tale. And this is certainly a tale I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

 <- Forever Mine ReviewThe Mammoth Book of Science Fiction Review ->
Image source: Hachette Australia

The Fiddler of Bayou Teche by Delia Sherman

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

Title: The Fiddler of Bayou Teche
Author: Delia Sherman
In: The Coyote Road (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Music, Tricksters
Dates read: 24th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Another man turns up with a washboard and a spoon, and he and Ulysse jump up on the table as ‘Dres Petitpas climbs down.

Synopsis

Cadence was bought up in the depths of the bayou, dancing her way through life happily. But, when her Tante passes away and she is accidentally spotted by ‘Dres Petitpas, her life of blissful peace is ended and a new one is about to begin.

Thoughts

I have a slight obsession with bayous and creole culture. Every time I read stories surrounded by this, I’m unable to look away. They’re beautiful and fun and there is just… something about them that makes me deliriously happy. Which is why I loved this story so much. It had the feeling of a fairy tale but was filled with a cultural backdrop that I know next to nothing about, and always want to know more of.

This had such a beautiful fairy tale and folklore feel to it. There wasn’t a trickster in it specifically (like other stories in The Coyote Road), but the spirit of the trickster ran through.  Not only in the setting of Bayou Teche, but also in the idea of a fiddler making a deal with the devil and a small swamp sprite gaining the upper hand.

I’m more than a little disappointed that this was such a short story. The setting, the characters and the theme all make me feel like I want to be sucked into this story for an entire afternoon, rather than minutes.

<- Realer Than YouA Tale for the Short Days ->

Image source: Amazon

Evolving by Natasha Beaulieu

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Evolving
Author: Natasha Beaulieu
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Vampires
Dates read: 24th March 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Shanella grips his arm.

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Synopsis

Anton has always wanted to be a vampire. But, what if he is already evolving into one? Does he have more power than he realises?

Thoughts

I’m a scientist. So I kind of loved the idea of a story in which somebody evolved into another version of themselves. Another version of a vampire.

This was a somewhat slow tale, and not one that really felt like it had a beginning, a middle and an end. Rather, it was almost like a bit of a character bio and introduction. You got to know Anton intimately, but there wasn’t much else happening around him. Or at least, that’s how it struck me.

 <- Bend to Beautiful ReviewHow Magnificent is the Universal Donor Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Le Cirque de la Nuit Karen MacInerney

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

Title: Le Cirque de la Nuit
Author: Karen MacInerney
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 1st April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: There was Bella, and the two red silks she clutched in her hands, and the magnetic presence of him on the mats beneath.

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Synopsis

Bella wants to find a new career without such an annoying and smelly partner. But, will the price be too high? Or will she find what she’s always been looking for?

Thoughts

From the name, I kind of figured that this short story would have something to do with circuses and the night. But that was really my only hint (that, and I knew it would have vampirific romance… it’s in a book of vampire romance). Yet, this still somehow surprised me. It wasn’t quite what I expected, but yet everything that I was anticipating all at the same time. Which, of course, made it thoroughly enjoyable.

I really loved the ending of this story. Actually, I enjoyed the entire adventure, but the ending surprised me a little. Instead of being a clean cut, she falls in love with a vampire and runs off into the night with him, it has a little bump in the road. And although there is still a sense of happily ever after… it’s not one that is really that complete end to a journey… it gives a sense of further issues, complications and intrigue.

 <- Coven of Mercy ReviewPerdition Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

Ten Things I Know About the Wizard by Steve Rasnic Tem

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

Title: Ten Things I Know About the Wizard
Author: Steve Rasnic Tem
In: The Mammoth Book of Dark Magic (Mike Ashley)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Wizards
Dates read: 13th March 2019
Pace: Slow,
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1983
5th sentence, 74th page: The wizard was indeed isolated; there seemed to be no other dweelings as far as the eye could see.

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Synopsis

There are a lot of wizards in the world, but here are ten things that we know about this wizard in particular…

Thoughts

I read a lot of lists online, but this is the first time that I’ve read a short story that is in list form. And it worked kind of brilliantly. I wasn’t really sure how this format would work, or if it would really be a story. But it did work, and a great story unfolded.

Dark magic always seems to be about power, especially over others. And what can be a more potent power than that of a parent exerted over their child? Especially when they are the creator of the child (not in the sense you are thinking, but you’ll have to read this short story to figure out what I mean there).

This short story plays on the idea of power in a parent-child relationship and the ways in which a suitor can upset this. There is constant plays of power and battles of the will throughout the storyline. And although there seems to be a clear winner at the end, you still have to wonder if he did win in the end…

<- The Mammoth Book of Dark MagicVillaggio Sogno ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Princess Princess Ever After by Kay O’Neill

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for princess princess ever after book cover

Title: Princess Princess Ever After
Author: Kay O’Neill
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Feminism, Graphic novels, LGBTQI, Strong women
Dates read: 27th March 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Oni Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘We must disillusion her.

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Synopsis

“I am no prince!”

When the heroic princess Amira resuces the kind-hearted princess Sadie from her tower prison, neither expects to find a true friend in the bargain. Yet as they adventure across the kingdom, they discover that they bring out the very best in the other person. They’ll need to join forces and use all the know-how, kindness, and bravery they have in order to defeat their greatest foe yet: a jealous sorceress with a dire grudge against Sadie.

Join Sadie and Amira, two very different princesses with very different strengths, on their journey to figure out what “happily ever after” really means – and how they can find it with each other.

Thoughts

This is such a great fairy tale! It’s filled with beautiful pictures, different outlooks (like an ogre dancing) and a great couple at the very centre. The fact that this great couple happens to be a lesbian one just makes this story all the sweeter and greater. It becomes this beautiful, encompassing storyline that makes you swoon again and again and again.

This is my second graphic novel by Katie O’Neill and I have definitely developed an obsession. There are strong messages of equality and independence throughout. And there is this idea that women can be whatever they want to be. Sadie is the perfect example of this – she is a curvy cry-baby, and she completely owns this quality as the story unfolds. Finally finding her own happiness in exactly who she is. There isn’t a need to change who Amira and Sadie are in this story, but an ability to finally accept and embrace who and what they want to be.

 <- Aquicorn Cove ReviewThe Tea Dragon Society Review ->
Image source: Oni Press