Tag Archives: Carrie Vaughn

Bellum Romanum by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for urban enemies book cover

Title: Bellum Romanum
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #0.2
In: Urban Enemies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 1st November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: The force of Gaius’s rage surprised him.

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Synopsis

Roman was once a man called Gaius. Who was turned against his will. But, in his quest to find vengeance, he might go a little bit further than expected.

Thoughts

Thoroughly enjoyed the idea of a villain who is simply seeking revenge on the entire paranormal community because he was forced to join it. No more sinister, intense reason, nothing else going on… he’s basically just cracking the shits because someone turned him against his will, so he may as well burn the whole world down because of it. Talk about a temper tantrum.

Although I didn’t feel sympathy for this villain (as I do tend to do with a lot of villain POVs), I did gain a little understanding into him. And that was kind of nice. After all, the best villains are the ones you can understand, and even imagine yourself becoming… mostly I think that this villain is a bit of a petulant child. And probably just needed to break something. Too bad that someone came along and gave him the means to break the world…

I absolutely love when you can recognise a historical moment woven into a series. Especially when it’s a contemporary, urban fantasy like Kitty Norville. But Pompeii is in this. And I have a slightly intense fascination with this, have had since I was a young child. Which meant I was completely digging the idea that the villain in this caused Pompeii. That that was one of his petulant child moments of destruction… completely brilliant and so much fun!!! Except for the peoples of Pompeii… not so much fun for them.

 <- The Book of Daniel ReviewA Princess of Spain Review ->
Image source: Simon & Schuster

The Temptation of Robin Green by Carrie Vaughn

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

Title: The Temptation of Robin Green
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #0.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep) & Kitty’s Greatest Hits (Carrie Vaughn)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 3rd July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Hoofed footfalls shuffled towards her through the wood shavings that covered the floor.

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Synopsis

Robin Green is a virgin and a scientist. But, when her newest research subject is an irresistible selkie, she might just be willing to give up anything for the temptation of being near him.

Thoughts

I don’t really know how I felt about this short story. I liked the idea, but since it was the first story in a collection of paranormal romance tales, I was expecting something a little more lustful and a lot less…well, pathetic. I wish I had a better word for Robin Green, but mostly I just found her pathetic. And kind of irritating. I’m hoping that I meet her again later in the series so that I can improve my opinion of her.

The idea of supernatural beings in a secret government research facility, not being treated as humans is not in the least bit surprising. After all, history is rife with similar activities against minority groups. And, even though this is a fantasy, it still made me incredibly uncomfortable. Which I suppose is the aim of the story. Or at least, one of the aims. The whole woman running away with a selkie was probably more so the point…

I still haven’t read any of the novels in the Kitty Norville series, but, yet again, reading a short story set in that world has made me itch to pick up the series and immerse myself in a whole new world.

 <- Conquistador de la Noche ReviewLooking After Family Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Book of Daniel by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for kittys' greatest hits book cover

Title: The Book of Daniel
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #0.1
In: Kitty’s Greatest Hits (Carrie Vaughn)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Daniel started from a nightmare, his eyes growing wide all at once, his breathing fast and panicked.

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Synopsis

Daniel is the right hand man of the king. But people are jealous, and their jealousy could get him killed. If he didn’t have a secret that will help him survive.

Thoughts

I normally don’t love stories that have a Christian connotation. Something about going to a Lutheran high school and being exposed to WAY too much of the faith for my comfort. But this story was the perfect amount of Christianity and paranormal fantasy. The more I read stories like this, the more my prejudices seem to be wiped away, or at least lessened.

When I first started getting into paranormal fantasy stories, I thought that werewolves were the paranormal creature that I loved the most (probably has something / a lot to do with the Mercedes Thompson series). But the more I read of this genre, the more obscure and fun creatures I find to fall in love with. And feline shapeshifters are at the top of that list. Which just makes Daniel kind of amazing, as this is his secret power.

The Book of Daniel takes you to a completely different world. One that existed centuries ago, before any of us were born, and even before our grandparents were a glint in their parents’ eyes. I’m not sure how this short story relates into the greater Kitty Norville series, but it certainly adds an extra layer of world building and makes me more than eager to get my nose stuck in this series.

 <- Kitty’s Greatest Hits ReviewBellum Romanum Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Don Quixote by Carrie Vaughn

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

Title: Don Quixote
Author: Carrie Vaughn
In: The Mammoth Book of Dieselpunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dieselpunk, War
Dates read: 15th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: The battle here had been recent.

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Synopsis

Two journalists are in the war zone of Spain have found a machine that could turn the tides of the next war. But is it something that should be reported on, or feared?

Thoughts

I loved the idea in this short story. It was one of those tales that has a great meaning behind it, but it also was a really fun journey to get to that poignant point. It just worked beautifully and I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about it long after I turned the last page.

Journalists in war zones always kind of fascinate me. They put their lives on the line regularly to bring us information in the comfort (and safety) of our own homes. So I really loved that there was a story about journalists in a war torn country. Especially in a time period between the two world wars.

This short story is a fun, engaging and thrilling journey. But it is one with a powerful message – the question of whether power should be held by people or if it should be destroyed. I loved this because it is not only a great story, and it is a great read at the same time!

<- Rolling Steel: A Pre-Apocalyptic Love StoryThe Little Dog Ohori ->

Image source: Running Press

God’s Creatures by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Dark and Stormy Knights

Title: God’s Creatures
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #0.8
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod) & Kitty’s Greatest Hits (Carrie Vaughn)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: When the body turned up, Harrison wouldn’t turn him in.

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Synopsis

Cormac has to hunt down the thing that’s killing Harrison’s cattle. But what he ends up having to face is nothing like what he expected.

Thoughts

Werewolf stories are always interesting. For such a well known mythological creature, it’s interesting to see how many different ways people can take such a common story and twist it. Even when they follow the generalised pattern, there is always something a little different and fun. Which is where this short story fits in. It was a fairly expected tale of a werewolf hunter finding, hunting and eventually killing a werewolf. It was the werewolf and where it was found that was a bit more of a shock.

The journey of the hunt normally makes a very good story, the trail that you take that leads up to the final moments. I absolutely loved this – the fact that the trail leads to a reform, Catholic school. The fact that there is a confusing and somewhat hidden past to Cormac helps to draw you in incredibly quickly. Actually, aside from the fact that I originally thought that this was a gangster story, you are thrust straight into the drama.

And now I have added yet another series to my To Be Read List and What I Want To Buy…

 <- Wild Ride ReviewWinnowing the Herd Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dark and Stormy Knights edited by P.N. Elrod

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Overview
Dark and Stormy Knights

Title: Dark and Stormy Knights
Author: Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, Shannon K. Butcher, Rachel Caine, P.N. Elrod, Deidre Knight, Vicki Pettersson, Lilith Saintcrow & Carrie Vaughn
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Even today’s cleverest smiths are no match for the magic of the fomor.

Synopsis

It was a dark and stormy knight, and nine dark defenders are about to embark upon a perilous quest…

They’re the shadowy defenders of humanity – modern-day knights committing the darkest of deeds for all the right reasons. In this all-star collection, nine of today’s hottest urban fantasy authors bring us thrilling, all-new stories of the supernatural brimming with magic, mystery, and mayhem.

An unlikely hero goes head-to-head with a ruthless cantrev lord in Jim Butcher’s “Even Hand”. Kate Daniels is called upon for bodyguard duty to protect Saimen, a shifter she trusts less than her worst enemy, in Ilona Andrews’s “A Questionable Client”. At all costs, Cormac must stop a vicious werewolf before it attacks again on the next full moon in Carrie Vaughn’s “God’s Creatures”. And in Vicki Pettersson’s “Shifting Star”, Skamar reluctantly enlists the aid of her frustratingly sexy neighbor when she takes on a vengeful creature kidnapping young girls.

When everything’s on the line, can these sinister guardians complete their missions and live to fight another day? Find out in Dark and Stormy Knights!

Thoughts

I loved this collection. I loved it so much that I really didn’t want to put it down. And bought almost every series featured in this collection. Which has cost me a fair bit of money in the last few days… yes, I am well aware that I have a problem. And I’m a little bit concerned by how quickly and easily I fall into these amazing literary worlds.

I loved the variety of stories, genres and tales throughout this. I loved the fact that the dark fantasy common thread ran through seamlessly. And I loved that each time I turned the page something exciting and thrilling was leaping out at me. There’s actually not much negative that I can say about this collection. After all, it took me through the scale of emotions, a number of whirlwind adventures and made me feel like I never wanted to put this book down again. For any fans of fantasy, this is definitely one to add to your shelf.

 <- A Questionable ClientGod’s Creatures ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Arcane Art of Misdirection by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , ,

Overview

hex-appealTitle: The Arcane Art of Misdirection
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #4.6
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Which opened into a hallway, just like the one she’d left.

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Synopsis

Welcome to the world of Kitty Norville. Where nothing is as it seems, including the world of casinos and gambling.

Thoughts

Casinos are a great location for mystery and subterfuge – they’re all about tricking the senses and convincing people to stay and act against their will. The idea of a sorcerer using this against the system to meet their own ends worked really beautifully, as did the description of such a location as a maze to trap people into spending their money. After all, they’re designed to contain everything and anything that we could want so that we don’t want to leave. Contrasting this view of those who want to win with a woman who works for the system and finds it rather tedious and boring was a great approach in this short story.

There are few people who are able to see through their preconceived conceptions to the inner truth, and it was enjoyable reading about somebody who is so inclined. Very few people would be able to see past this, and more difficult yet, accept this altered reality. There is a reason that everything is coloured by our preconceptions and this short story was a great way in which to question what happens when such preconceived ideas are altered. The conclusion of this story really highlights this complete change in Julie’s outlook on life and the potential new futures which she faces.

 <- Cherry Kisses Review Hex Appeal Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Hex Appeal edited by P.N. Elrod

Book Review, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

hex-appeal

Title: Hex Appeal
Authors: Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Carole Nelson Douglas, P.N. Elrod, Simon R. Green, Lori Handeland, Erica Hayes & Carrie Vaughn
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Books and clothing and bedclothes and typical dorm room décor had been scattered everywhere.

Synopsis

Fall under the intoxicating spell of their hex appeal…

In the magical world that lies hidden beneath our own, witches and conjurers play deadly games. They know just the right spell to kill a man with one kiss—or raise him back again. And they’re not afraid to exact sweet revenge on those who dare to cross them. But what if you’re the unlucky soul who falls victim to a conjurer’s curse? And if you had the power to cast a magic spell of your own, would you use it?

In this bewitching collection, nine of today’s hottest paranormal authors tell all-new, otherworldly tales.  Spellbinding stories featuring bigfoot, albino vampires, professional wizards, resurrected boyfriends and even a sex droid from the twenty-third century named Silicon Lily.  But as our conjurers are about to discover, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hexed.  And sometimes, even the best spun spells can lead to complete and utter mayhem.

Thoughts

This was a slightly dark and definitely morally questioning collection of short stories. In each tale there was no good or bad guy, but rather someone who was working at surviving with the cards that they have been dealt. The name hints beautifully at this though, Hex Appeal, both appealing and potentially damaging – like all of the leads in these nine very diverse stories.

Finishing this collection left me wanting more, more of these not-quite-good characters that thrived in worlds that ran beautifully parallel to our own. Each tale consisted of a multi-dimensional setting in which fighting to survive allowed for acts that would not necessarily be accepted in today’s society and reality. Drugging someone to rob just seems wrong, but make it a horny vampire and it is much more realistic. Think you’re husband may kill you in a dystopian reality? Take out a retribution clause to ensure that he follows you into death… these ideas are such exaggerated versions of our reality that they truly make you think about the world that we all live in today.

<- The Arcane Art of MisdirectionRetribution Clause ->

Image source: Succubus