Category Archives: Book Review

Castle Othello by Nancy Farmer

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for troll's-eye view book cover

Title: Castle Othello
Author: Nancy Farmer
In: Troll’s-Eye View (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fairy tales
Dates read: 17th February 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: His skin –

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Synopsis

When a strange man comes to town, one sister thinks that she’s found the answer to her happily ever after. But, all is not as it seems and it may take the gumption of her sister to help her escape the trap she has set for herself.

Thoughts

I haven’t yet had the chance to read the original Bluebeard fairy tale (I don’t think). But I did thoroughly enjoy Angela Carter’s retelling. So it was kind of fun to read a far more innocent and simpler retelling. One in which the villain suddenly becomes something completely different and offers an entirely new perspective to an otherwise dark and twisted tale.

Where Carter’s retelling is about the woman triumphing in a way that she wasn’t able to in the original, Farmer’s is about retelling the story from an entirely different point of view. She almost Disney-fied the tale. And sometimes that just frustrates me, yet this worked kind of beautifully. Not only by intertwining historical facts, but also in keeping to many of the key themes that seem to run through these two stories.

Castle Othello is a completely innocent story. One that, surprisingly, instead of frustrating me was thoroughly enjoyable. And I was actually quite sad to turn the last page on such a sweet, happy ending.

 <- Troll Review‘Skin Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces by Ellen Kushner

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for troll's-eye view book cover

Title: The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces
Author: Ellen Kushner
In: Troll’s-Eye View (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Family
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I couldn’t be responsible for all those men, as well as my horrible sisters.

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Synopsis

Sometimes being the eldest really sucks. Especially when you have eleven younger sisters who are determined to dance the night away. That is, until the “responsible” one finds a way out of their situation.

Thoughts

I’m an older sister. And it doesn’t matter how old my younger sister and I are. It doesn’t matter where life takes us. I will always be her big sister. And I will always feel responsible for her. And protective of her. So it’s really nice to read a short story that reminds me that I’m not the only one in this position. That is uses the story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses just makes it all the more fun and engaging.

Although this short story is in a collection about villains, I didn’t really feel that there was a villain in this story. after all, the oldest sister is just trying to watch out for the younger ones. Alright, they’re kind of bratty… but no one was truly evil. Or really cast as a villain in the story. But, mostly, I love the fact that although you can understand why the sister does what she does… everyone ultimately gets a nice ending and happiness.

 <- Up the Down Beanstalk ReviewPuss in Boots, the Sequel Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Reckless by Maggie Shayne

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for reckless maggie shayne book cover

Title: Reckless
Author: Maggie Shayne
Series: Shattered Sisters #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Thunderfoot Publishing
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: Just the way he’d wanted to protect Danny.

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Synopsis

True Crime Writer Toni Rio follows a wise guy straight from his brief stint behind bars to his execution in a dirty alley. When his two killers see her wtinessing their gruesome work, she runs, but she doesn’t get far.

FBI agent Nick Manelli has to keep his cover intact and keep the sexy witness alive, and there’s only one way he can think of to do both. He has to kidnap her.

RECKLESS (formerly Reckless Angel) was the first published novel of romance superstar Maggie Shayne’s stellar career. This romantic thriller, a RITA Award nominee that garnered raves from RT Book Reviews, has been completely revamped for today’s readers.

Thoughts

I really didn’t know what to expect when I was reading this novel – I had read a Maggie Shayne short story in an anthology, wanted more, and this was the first in a series that I could get in one of my local bookstores. That was the entirety of my decision making when it came to getting this and reading it. and I’m really glad that I did. I’ve been on a romance hit lately, but the fact that this wasn’t paranormal, or historical, or any of my normal genres made me incredibly happy. I now have a new shelf on my bookshelves – Romantic suspense!

Although this was a romance that you knew who the two leads were straight away (there really weren’t overly many secondary characters), I like that neither of them succumbed until quite far through the story. Both leads had strong characters and a lot of secrets that prevented them from falling for their lustful fantasies. Which was really refreshing. Particularly Toni’s spunk when she is placed in situation after situation that would make less independent and stubborn women wilt. Which is exactly the kind of characters that I love to read about – they are able to fight and be themselves regardless of their circumstances.

To complement the romantic storyline of this novel, Shayne writes a great, fast-paced story of action and crime. The use of a mob boss, the FBI and a woman who is an incredible investigator not only helps to move along the romance, but it helps to up the stakes. Actually, unlike most other romances that I’ve read, I found myself more interested in the suspenseful outcome than the romantic one.

 <- Hunted ReviewForgotten Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dr Lash Remembers by Jeffrey Ford

Book Review,
Overview
The Mammoth Book of Steampunk

Title: Dr Lash Remembers
Author: Jeffrey Ford
In: The Mammoth Book of Steampunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Steampunk
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: I needed to show I was up to the task.

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Synopsis

Doctor Lash has stayed behind in a city gone mad to try and help his patients… but maybe things just aren’t quite as they seem.

Thoughts

Most of the steampunk stories I read about are kind of based after an apocalyptic time, they’re definitely in a world run by steam engines and they have this beautiful surreal quality to them. Dr Lash Remembers has all of this too. But it also has this sense of anarchy. Rebelling against the government and taking back one’s own autonomy in the face of a lot of insanity.

There was an incredibly disturbing theme throughout this story – one which focused on the fact that some people will do anything to support their economic desires. Including sacrificing the lives of thousands to continue on with their monetary gains… all the more disturbing because it is something that recurs throughout our daily lives and realities.

 <- Clockmaker’s Requiem ReviewLady Witherspoon’s Solution Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the chamber of secrets limited edition illustrated book cover

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Illustrated Edition
Author: J.K. Rowling & Jim Kay
Series: Harry Potter Illustrated Editions
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Illustrated, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: Completely nonplussed, Harry said nothing.

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Synopsis

Prepare to be spellbound by Jim Kay’s dazzling full-colour illustrations in this stunning new collector’s edition of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. With paint, pencil and pixels, Kay conjures the wizarding world as we have never seen it before. Breathtaking scenes, dark themes and unforgettable characters – including Dobby and Gilderoy Lockhart – await inside as Harry and his friends, now in their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, seek out a legendary chamber and the deadly secret that lies at its heart .

This beautiful, deluxe edition features an opulent page size and an exclusive pull-out double gatefold; intricate foiled line art by Jim Kay on the real cloth cover and slipcase; gilt edges on premium grade paper; head and tail bands and two ribbon markers – the ultimate must-have edition for any Potter fan, collector or bibliophile.

Thoughts

I don’t need to harp on about the beauty of the Harry Potter series – I’ve done that elsewhere, and, quite frankly – we all know. But reading the absolutely gorgeous illustrated edition of The Chamber of Secrets and having the ability to submerse myself in Kay’s beautiful reimaginings… it just added an extra level of amazingness to the entire franchise.

There was a slightly darker patina to the images in the second illustrated Harry Potter – which works, because this is a slightly darker storyline. Although, one of the things I love most about these illustrated versions is the fact that I can use them to show my partner (who doesn’t read) the beauty of the written world… much much much better than that of movies…

 <- The Philosopher’s Stone ReviewThe Prisoner of Azkaban Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

Santa’s Mortuary by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Santa’s Mortuary
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #14.2
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: It was amazing that their room – in the right wing of the building – could be so quiet and charming while all manner of activity went on in other parts of the house.

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Synopsis

It was amazing that their room – in the right wing of the building – could be so quiet and charming while all manner of activity went on in other parts of the house.

Thoughts

Christmas time is a time for love, family and laughter. Unless you are a slightly amorous ghost who is separated from the love of his life. Then it’s just a time of frustration and loss of love. And a potential way to ruin everyone else’s Christmas with your sense of loneliness.

Although Christmas is always toted to be a story of happiness, love and family, it is often a time of loneliness for some. I love that in a holiday story collection, there is a number of stories which feature this loneliness, including this Krewe of Hunters short story. And, I also love the fact that, like every good story, this one ends with a happy ending for all.

 <- A World Done In by Great Granny’s Grateful Pie ReviewYes, Virginia2097c, There is a Santa Claus Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Mercury by Priya Sharma

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

Title: Mercury
Author: Priya Sharma
In: Mad Hatters and March Hares (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Family, Fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Beyond it were the cells.

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Synopsis

Alice is taking care of her sick father in a prison cell and trying to sell his beautiful hats at the same time. But, sadly as his disease gets worse, so do their circumstances until there may be nothing left for either of them to salvage…

Thoughts

The idea for the Mad Hatter in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland comes from the idea of mercury poisoning in hatters. So I loved the idea of a short story based around this idea. Especially one that still encompasses the innocence of Alice and the land of Wonderland.

Since writing that first paragraph, I have probably spent about thirty minutes trying to think of what to write next. What to say to emphasise the awesomeness of this story. But, everything that I can think of gives away part of the storyline. This story takes you on such an unbelievable adventure that at once feels both modern and old. There is a great number of twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

 <- Conjoined ReviewSome Kind of Wonderland Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

The Music of the Night by Amanda Ashley

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance

Title: The Music of the Night
Author: Amanda Ashley
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: She ran her hands over his broad shoulders, his chest, his belly, loving the way he quievered at her touch.

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Synopsis

What is the Phantom of the Opera was really a vampire? What if you were his Christine? Paris, operas and a romance in the depths of the house… this story has it all.

Thoughts

I haven’t yet read The Phantom of the Opera… although it is due to arrive on my doorstep at any time. Yet, the very idea of it seems to pervade all sense of modern culture. I may have never read it, seen it or had the story line told to me… Yet, I still vaguely know what it’s about and feel the romanticism of the idea. So, the fact that there is a vampire romance based on this concept was incredibly fun.

I loved all of the parallels that were clearly drawn between this short story and the original tale. Yet, there was a great sense of modernity and joy throughout the story. I also love that although the phantom didn’t originally gain his own true love… in this chance at a new beginning, he finally gets his happily ever after. And who doesn’t love a happy ending?

 <- The Midday Mangler Meets his Match ReviewThe Day of the Dead Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Stalking Beans by Nancy Kress

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

Title: Stalking Beans
Author: Nancy Kress
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, Villains
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Signet
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: The hay is thick and yellow in the fields of the manor house.

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Synopsis

Was Jack really the innocent that he seemed to be? Nancy Kress provides an incredibly different take on this traditional fairy tale, one that doesn’t shed the most flattering of lights on Jack’s adventures up the beanstalk.

Thoughts

It wasn’t until reading this story that made me seriously question the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. After all, it’s a great little fairy tale that we’ve all grown up with. Until you really start to think about the what he actually does. He breaks into a giant’s house, steals his belongings and kills the man. Alright, in the fairy tale he is trying to eat Jack, but what if that’s all a figment of his retelling? What if he was actually just a bit of a douche?

In this retelling, Jack is an adult, and he really doesn’t make any good life decisions. Slowly, but surely, he weaves himself a web of lies and deceit that entangles and ensnares. Leaving him not only the bad guy of the story, but sad, alone and really not in any position to judge others. Yet, there is still a sense of sympathy that you feel for Jack as he becomes the villain of his own story. An ability that I’ve only been able to find in the best of writers – feeling sympathy for the fool who is the creator of his own downfall.

 <- The Frog Prince ReviewSnow-Drop Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Curse of Wolf Crag by Susan Sizemore

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

Title: The Curse of Wolf Crag
Author: Susan Sizemore
In: The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Scottish romance, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: I tricked you, all right.

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Synopsis

Tara left Wolf Crag to escape a past, but when the past comes back to haunt her she begins to wonder if maybe running away wasn’t such a great idea after all.

Thoughts

This story needed to be longer. I loved it. I thought that the romance in it was great. But the development of the relationship went from negative to positive waaaaaaaaaaay too fast. I love when past antagonisms fester and must be overcome to create a happy future together. However, in the caes of The Curse of Wolf Crag, one moment Tara is yelling at her beau and the next she is having sex with him. Talk about negative to positive on the flip of a coin…

The imagery of the Scottish isles where the worlds of fae and human collide works so nicely. Especially when juxtaposed against the modern setting in which the story starts. Talk of curses, fae and the past give this tale a very romanticised, beautiful feeling. The mists across the crag give the story a further feeling of mysticism and otherworldliness. And although I loved this story, I think that it would have been ten times better if it was just that wee bit longer.

 <- The Rebel ReviewBeloved Beast Review ->
Image source: Hachette Australia