Jaimie is faced with two ghosts who can’t quite get the hint and stop being insufferable. But, she finds a way to deal with these ungrateful dead.
Jaimie was a bit of a confusing character when you first met her in Industrial Magic, but throughout the series, I have very quickly fallen in love with her. And, honestly, this short story just made me feel even more connected to the character. And, had me laughing and giggling at her sass and gumption.
There is something to be said about taking revenge on those who have been rude, irritating and are not able to take no for an answer. Luckily, in the real world, it is often possible to just walk away from them, and stop answering their phone calls. But, when you’re a necromancer, and the annoying know-it-all is a ghost that you can’t get rid of…? Well, needless to say, I loved Jaimie’s solution to the ungrateful dead in this short story!
Reese and his family are on the run from the Australian werewolf pack. Everything is going well until he falls in love with Daniella.
The Women of the Otherworld series has introduced me again and again to the werewolves of the North American Pack and those who roam free across the country. And as much as I thoroughly enjoy this world, and these characters, it was especially enjoyable to meet a werewolf in Australia. Placing the story within a world that I am way more familiar with, and having a character who loves him family deeply just made me love this novella even more.
Chivalroustakes the best of a child’s upbringing, and his chivalrous nature and turns it on its head. Reese’s willingness to protect and care for Daniella in spite of the danger it places upon his own family and self are outdone only by his readiness to drop everything and begin a new life. It is kind of naïve, especially once the end of this story is considered, but it is also incredibly sweet. I can’t wait to read more about Reese in the next Women of the Otherworld books!
It’s not a good sign when Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers resort to everyday activities on their long-awaited honeymoon in St. Louis. But their encroaching boredom is about to take a backseat to an unexpected threat that catches Clay’s attention. A non-pack werewolf is clearly stalking them—out to claim Elena for himself—and Clay has no intention of letting the upstart mutt spoil their romantic getaway, even if that means deceiving Elena as he pursues the rival werewolf on his own.
Nothing is simple with Clay and Elena – something that I’ve enjoyed about their relationship, and, luckily, their honeymoon is no different. Although this story takes place at a point in the series when they have had children, forgiven the past and finally decided to happily spend the rest of their lives together, there is still many moments of contention throughout the short story. Not just Clay and Elena’s natural tendency to be difficult and argumentative, but also through the presence of mutts.
Although both Clay and Elena tend to argue consistently throughout the Women of the Otherworld series, they will also do anything to protect one another. For Clay, the physical aspects of this are easy, but it is the way in which he fights to not kill the mutt in order to save their honeymoon that I find the sweetest. Funnily enough, Elena too tries to discourage the mutt without telling her husband, in an attempt to salvage what is becoming quite boring for both characters. Their lack of communication, and the way that, when they are on the same page they can work together impeccably is one of my favourite things about these characters. They are so dysfunctional that they actually work quite brilliantly.
A visit to Cassandra Du Charme as she faces her mortality.
Cassandra is an incredibly odd character in the Women of the Otherworld series – she isn’t really likeable, but she also isn’t horrible enough to truly dislike. It is her apathy and lack of regard for others that just seems so at odds with the rest of the characters, and makes her seem cold and withdrawn from the rest of the world. Which, in all honesty, she is. However, some of her gumption and reasoning behind this apathy for the rest of the world is explained in Twilight.
I really liked that in the introduction to Otherworld Nights, even Kelley Armstrong dislikes the titling of this short story. After all, it just has too many negative connotations with another well-known (and in my case, strongly disliked) series. Having said that, if it wasn’t for the fact that the title reflects the Stephanie Meyers series, it is actually quite suitably named. Not only is Cassandra spending her time hunting in the twilight hours, but it is completely obvious from her actions and the storyline that she is in the twilight of her life.
Again, Armstrong takes a different spin on the presence, and existence of vampires. Especially the ending of their lives, and the way that even these incredibly long-lived creatures eventually meet their end. Cassandra’s unwillingness to accept her demise, unless it is on her own terms makes this hard-to-like character actually quite likeable. As does the explanation of her relationship with Aaron. It is obvious that they have a past in the other Women of the Otherworld books, but finally, Cassandra’s side of the tale is revealed. As is his concern and care for this difficult woman.
About Nick Sorrentino who is framed and then blackmailed.
I am automatically programmed to dislike trust-fund, playboy types. Even in many of the romances that some people find appealing, with their billionaire, hunky male leads, I find these characters cliché and detestable. Nick tends to fit this persona, yet, there was always something that didn’t make me truly hate him. Mostly due to his relationship to Elena, but it wasn’t until this short story that I began to actually like the happy-go-lucky playboy.
Nick’s admittance that he has been effectively useless throughout his forty years, and attempt to try to rectify this was the first way in which I finally felt endeared to this character. When he gets blackmailed, and finds himself the centre of an incredibly awkward frame up job, this attempt at truly making something of himself comes to full fruition. It is the constant self-deprecating attitude and the way he is always reminding himself of the love and actions of his pack that finally drive him to find a truly unique solution to an age old problem.
Framed is also a great way to show that even playboy Nick has standards. There is a number of moral and social lines which he won’t cross, even to save his own hide. This line is quickly and succinctly drawn, and it is Nick’s own brand of thinking and acting that ultimately saves the day. In a refreshingly blood-free manner.
Paige and Lucas pursue a murderer who may be a vampire.
There were many, many parts of this story that I loved. There was truly getting to know Kristoff’s eldest, and Savannah’s brother, Sean; discovering how Paige and Lucas obtain their own headquarters; and the discovery of a prejudice so deep and wrong (though aren’t they all) that it is almost impossible to stomach. But, mostly I just loved getting to know the character of Sean better. He is idealistic like Lucas, yet he continues to attempt to work within the system to promote a better morality within his own family.
There aren’t many LGBTQ characters in many of the books that I read. I think it’s mostly because there aren’t that many LGBTQ characters in comparison to strong male (and female leads). So, even though Sean isn’t a centre piece of the Women of the Otherworld stories, it was really nice to meet a character that faces the issues of coming out and being accepted every day of his life. I loved that Sean’s insecurities and inability to be accepted by the man who has been like a father figure, let alone the rest of his family are a great reminder as to the difficulties that many of the LGBTQ people face on a daily basis.
The prejudice that vampires face from sorcerers is exactly what all prejudices are to me. A mix of fear and misunderstandings. Fear of another’s power and the other. Luckily, the way in which this was combatted was the politic, responsible and grown response that you would expect – removing stigma, calmly explaining away misconceptions, and facing such blatant bigotry face-on.
One thing that never made sense throughout Broken was why Xavier wanted Jack the Ripper’s Letter from Hell. He never got the object in the end, and he wasn’t in the least bit bothered by this. Yes, it was to be obtained for a third party, but still, for a half-demon character such as him, I honestly expected more of a response. Bargainhelps to explain this discrepancy. And just how the entire job (and resulting tale) came about.
The bargain which Xavier attempts to make with Elena leads to calamity after calamity, but his initial need to contact her seems incredibly awkward and weirdly timed. Yet, his need to expand his contacts (and the creepily sexual way in which he views the female werewolf) make this action all the more plausible. His drive becomes more visceral, and it is easier to find the motives of such a slippery and convoluted character. One which is incredibly selfish and self-important.
We all hate going out in bad weather, but for Amos, it’s far, far, far worse.
This story might have only been 20 pages, but it is certainly a cute, slightly twisted story that I am going to think about for a long while. There is nothing like a short story that is going to stick with you to finish off the night. And, Vampire Weather is definitely one such story.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, but, as a general, I don’t enjoy vampire stories. They tend to make a creature that is traditionally seen as a villain as a fluffy, cuddly, romantic human with a slight disease. Luckily, Vampire Weather doesn’t do this in the slightest. The entire story is based around the premise that vampires are evil predators that can’t be allowed to triumph. From Amos’ secluded existence, to Tangerine’s cheerful vaccination, every single act is conducted to keep vampires away from one’s lifeblood.
Amos’ ignorance, caused by his seclusion and his sense of betrayal at the conclusion of this story are a great way to show that ignorance isn’t always bliss. After all, sometimes, being ignorant and naïve is exactly what gets you in trouble in vampire weather…
Title: Strange Fishing in the Western Highlands Author: Garth Nix In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Hot Key Books Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: The road trip was uneventful, save that I drove toward bad weather rather than away from it, and regretted borrowing a convertible rather than something more sensible from one of my other friends, as while the car looked very fine and was quite fast, it also leaked and the heater was either too hot or completely ineffective.
A young man goes on the strangest fishing trip in the Western Highlands. He thinks he’s returning for his father, but things take a completely unexpected turn.
This short story was nothing like I expected. Although, from the title, I’m really not quite sure what I expected – something about going fishing and catching a ginormous fish I suppose? Well, other than the very conclusion, there was really nothing at all about fishing in the story. But, before you begin to feel disappointed about such a lack, the amazing writing and unique journey that Nix takes you on in The Strange Fishing in the Western Highlands is well worth the journey.
Primarily, I loved the voice and the tone used to tell this story. As someone who writes, I know that it can be really hard to tell an entire story from one person’s point of view – and to keep to their voice consistent throughout. Yet, it was easy to follow the chief protagonist’s tale, and within the first two sentences, I felt immediately connected with him. His naivety, confusion and eventual acceptance of the mysterious history of the Western Highlands shines from the pages and makes this an immensely enjoyable read.
Title: Sense and Sensibility Author: Jane Austen Series: World Cloud Classics Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Classics, Romance Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Vintage Classics Year: 1811 5th sentence, 74th page: They contained a noble piece of water; a sail on which was to form a great part of the morning’s amusement; cold provisions were to be taken, open carriages only to be employed, and every thing conducted in the usual style of a complete party of pleasure.
Elinor is as prudent as her sister Marianne is impetuous. Each must learn from the other after they are forced by their father’s death to leave their home and enter into the contests of polite society. The charms of unsuitable men and the schemes of rival ladies mean that their paths to success are fraught with disappointment but together they attempt to find a way to happiness.
I’ve read this novel twice now, and even on the second reading, I haven’t lost my pleasure or joy in following the Dashwood sisters in their journey to marriage. Although I am a strong believer in the idea that marriage isn’t everything (in this day and age), there is something thoroughly enjoyable about watching these two girls become women and attempt to find the man with whom they shall spend the rest of their lives. The contrast between the two under such similar circumstances only helps to promote this love as it is a great reminder of the contrast between myself and my sister.
Sense and Sensibilityisn’t just about coming of age in a society that I can’t even begin to fathom, it is also about two sisters learning from each other and caring for one another. Marianne is completely driven by her emotions, she is unable to sensor herself, and speaks before she thinks. Yet, although wearing one’s heart on their sleeve seems to be an open and honest way of living, not withdrawing and thinking before speaking led Marianne into strife more than once. Yet, Elinor, her polar opposite is unable to truly grieve the potential loss of her beau, and holds her emotions inside so thoroughly that even her own mother is unaware as to the depth of her regard for another person. It isn’t until both sisters are able to control and show their emotions a little better, respectively, that they are able to find their happily ever afters.
Although I have read many, many, many, many books in the past, Sense and Sensibility has one of the most anger-inspiring villains. Mrs. Fanny Dashwood encompasses selfishness and an ability to manipulate others with a sense of right that is often ignored by her consciousness. Her constant interferences with the lives of Elinor and Marianne and her inability to let their brother (her husband) to do anything to assist them may not lead to all of the evils throughout the story, but she certainly helps them along. It is her ability to ignore what she knows is right that makes her spine-tinglingly maddening.
Title: Vampire Weather
Earth and Skye 