Tag Archives: Christmas

SA by J.A. Konrath

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: SA
Author: J.A. Konrath
In: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Humour, Werewolves
Dates read: 29th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: This only started three months ago.

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Synopsis

There’s something not quite right about his bowl movements. When he discovers the cause he’s understandably freaked. And then he joins Shapeshifters Anonymous. And finds out the truth about Santa.

Thoughts

A Christmas story that starts with a man going to the doctor because there’s weird things in his poo… you know its going to be funny. Especially since I already knew that it was going to be a werewolf story of some kind. There are many brilliant poo moments throughout… I need to share this story with a nursing friend of mine, she’ll understand the funny.

Anyhow… to make the story funnier and funnier as it progresses. There is also the existence of Shapeshifters Anonymous. And my favourite character ever might be Phyllis. A member of SA who can’t actually shift. And there’s a werecoral. Which just raises SO many questions. Actually, I keep laughing and getting distracted as I try to write this review. Because just the memories of the amount of random humour throughout this is brilliant.

To top everything else off, there is a great little origins story of Santa and werewolves in this. It makes Santa evil, and I love that uniqueness of the tale. Some rejigs of origin stories can be a little predictable. But this one isn’t. It’s just downright hilarious.

 <- Christmas Past ReviewThe Star of David Review ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Christmas Past by Keri Arthur

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: Christmas Past
Author: Keri Arthur
In: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Vampires, Werewolves
Dates read: 29th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: I watched the world go by, half of me wanting to play it safe and go home, but the other half – the foolish half – wanting his company, however dangerous that might be to my emotional health.

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Synopsis

Hannah just wants to have a nice Christmas for once. But she’s working with the man who broke her hear last Christmas to take down a crazy, vampire killer. So things might not quite go as planned.

Thoughts

I just spent most of Christmas alone. And I have a partner, so it just made me sappy and missing him. This sentiment was beautifully echoed in this story. Alright, Hannah doesn’t actually have a partner. And she was dumped the previous Christmas, but that yearning for the one that you love on Christmas Eve… I get that. However, this story was made far more sucky by the fact that Hannah is forced to spend the evening on a case with her ex. That would be seriously sucky.

Being Australian, I’ve never really dealt with people who collect for charities on the road. Or really anybody who stands around in some kind of weird elf outfit ringing a bell for money. So I can’t really imagine it. Having said that, apparently there’s a vampire running around killing the people who choose to do this. Which was a much more fun story than the central romance. The romance was fun, but I liked the chases through the dark cemetery to catch the culprit in a little elf’s outfit much, much more.

As much as I enjoyed the romance in this story… I kind of thought that Hannah was a little too forgiving. They both knew that she was going to forgive Brodie. But it would have been a little more exciting if she actually made him grovel and apologise. That might just be my own drives though.

 <- The Perfect Gift ReviewSA Review ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: The Perfect Gift
Author: Dana Stabenow
In: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 28th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: It appears that each generation evidently married early and had children very young.

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Synopsis

How do you get rid of an unwanted / problematic pack of werewolves at Christmas time? Well, you give their end as a gift to someone else…

Thoughts

I’m still not entirely sure how this is a werewolf story. Actually, I am. Because I get where the werewolves come in. What I’m confused about is that it starts with a group of ?something? wanting to kill off a rogue pack. And then at the end, someone turns into a werewolf. It was all just very, very confusing.

Although I really enjoyed this story. I spent the entire time flipping back a page, thinking that I had missed some crucial piece of information. It just didn’t quite work. There was something more that I needed to make me feel truly happy about this storyline. It’s difficult to truly love something when you’re not entirely sure what is happening. Or at least, it is for me.

I did love the fact that this is the first time in a long time that plays with the mystical nature of the 7th son. And the fact that he was born on Christmas Eve… a unique take that I was incredibly excited by. One that completely made up for my confusion.

 <- Il Est Ne ReviewChristmas Past Review ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: Fresh Meat
Author: Alan Gordon
In: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 9th December 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Sam Lehrmann,’ he said, shaking it.

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Synopsis

Sam is the breeder of guard dogs. But he has a secret, and it takes a surprise visit on Christmas Eve for him to finally tell the woman he loves what it is…

Thoughts

The title of this short story was implying a much more, seriously disturbed short story. I knew it had something to do with werewolves and Christmas (because that’s what every book in this collection is about)… but that was the extent of my knowledge. And, the title seemed kind of sinister.

I do love that this story is about a werewolf who is a guard dog trainer. A completely novel idea, but one that I’m surprised I didn’t get a chance to read before… after all, werewolves and dogs would be the perfect companions around each other. Actually, dogs are just the perfect companions in general… or at least my two faithful hounds (one is currently sitting on either side of me) are.

Although this story is about Christmas, family, being around loved ones and just generally being a werewolf and surviving… I feel like the dogs actually took centre stage. Which is exactly what I wanted. There is nothing like a dog taking centre stage to make me love a story with a little bit too  much passion.

 <- The Werewolf Before Christmas ReviewIl Est Ne Review ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: The Werewolf Before Christmas
Author: Kat Richardson
In: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Dark fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 25th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: And hope.

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Synopsis

He’s a werewolf stuck halfway between his forms at the North Pole. And, he’s understandably peckish… but maybe it wasn’t such a great idea to eat Rudolph.

Thoughts

Most Christmas stories I tend to read are quite happy. I’ve NEVER read one that starts with a werewolf eating Rudolph. That was a shock. It was hilarious, and I scared my dog by spitting out a bit of my tea as I held in the laughter (yes, I have a twisted sense of humour, so sue me). But it was also incredibly unique. As I said, I’ve never had the pleasure of reading a story which begins with Rudolph being eaten by a werewolf. And not just a werewolf, but a werewolf stuck in a crazy kind of half-form that he can’t seem to get out of. Little wonder that that image made me spit out my tea.

Although this was a story that starts with Rudolph, there were a surprising amount of Christian overtones. In fact, Santa only visits good little Christian boys and girls… which I found a bit annoying – but that’s my own religious hangups. I did like that there were a number of versions of the Saint Nikolas mythos added into the telling of the tale. It wasn’t just about our more modern / common versions of this. And there was also his evil shadow to contend with…

I love that the last spin on this featured Rudolph’s nose. Instead of a light to guide the way, the werewolf was able to use his superior sense of smell. And the way that he uses this to navigate the night… brilliant. Even though I’m pretty sure the werewolf is still kind of evil and needs a swift kick up the bum… all in the name of the Christmas spirit of course!

 <- The Night Things Changed ReviewFresh Meat Review ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: The Haire of the Beast
Author: Donna Andrews
In: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Humour, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 17th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: I tried to keep my tone neutral, but brothers and sisters learn to read each other.

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Synopsis

Revenge is a dish best served cold… or as a plate of brownies! Never mess with an intelligent woman and then give her a book of powerful spells…

Thoughts

Any revenge story is going to make me laugh and smile. I’m just that kind of person… especially when that revenge story is one well deserved, in a dish best served cold. Literally. And if the guy in question is turning a woman’s brother against her? Yup, I was absolutely cackling with glee at the end of this story.

Sadly, I don’t hear many positive stories come out of tales of women in academia… I’m still hoping that this will change. But the fact that a man took advantage of his girlfriend and then proceeded to make her brother think that he was still the bees knees… Yeah, I’d be out looking for revenge too. And the way that the lead in this takes her revenge is quite brilliant, even if she isn’t sure whether or not it will actually work.

I love the idea of a spell to help you become a werewolf. It’s always interesting what mythos is employed for this transformation, and the one used in this was brilliant. Although, I don’t know if I would be so calm about the decisions she makes in the end. Even if I am 100% behind her!

 <- Gift Wrap ReviewLucy, at Christmastime Review ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

A Few Twigs He Left Behind by Gregory Maguire

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for queen victoria's book of spells ellen datlow book cover

Title: A Few Twigs He Left Behind
Author: Gregory Maguire
In: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Gaslamp
Dates read: 31st October 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: “My Caroline will feed them up a good meal as befits the day, happy as it is while being now tainted with sadness, and in all its anniversaries to come, forever more.”

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Synopsis

Have you ever wondered what happened after Scrooge saw the light? What his life was like after the events of Christmas Carol? Well, wonder no more!

Thoughts

A Christmas Carol is one of my favourite Christmas tales. Like many others the world round… and for good reason. So it was kind of fun to read a short story which takes place ten years after the events that took hold of Scrooge one fateful Christmas. Not only does he have a great new purpose in life, but he has children and a great, giving spirit.

I do love stories which feature a happily-ever-after. Life doesn’t often deliver that, so it’s nice to read about it. The non-messy, everything tied up neatly endings to a tale. But, sometimes it’s also nice to have a tale that takes place after the happily-ever-after. A story that tells you that all the good that was imbued into Scrooge actually lasted until his death and continued to flow through his life and family.

The main question that this story asks is – can ten years of good living lead to atonement? After a life of misery, can we truly remove the chains because of a late in life change of heart? It’s a question that’s going to keep lingering with me long after I’ve turned the final page on the Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells collection.

 <- The Jewel in the Toad Queen’s Crown ReviewTheir Monstrous Minds Review ->
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A Fantastic Holiday Season edited by Kevin J. Anderson and Keith J. Olexa

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Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: A Fantastic Holiday Season
Author: Kevin J. Anderson, Keith J. Olexa, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Brad R. Torgersen, Mercedes Lackey, Quincy J. Allen, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Jonathan Maberry, Ken Scholes, Heather Graham, Sam Knight, Mike Resnick, David Boop, Eric James Stone & Patricia Briggs
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 16th November 2018 – 29th January 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Of course it wasn’t possible that Jimmy had actually ridden in a hyperspace sleigh back to Ceres, when the journey from Ceres to Mars, and vice versa, ordinarily took weeks.

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Synopsis

‘Tis the Season-for 14 more magical, macabre and merry tales to make your Holidays … Fantastic! Gingerbread houses, caroling carolers, brightly trimmed trees, big family dinners, pristine snowfalls … the familiar pleasures of the season. But what better pleasure is there than a good holiday story? So open this winter solstice sampler and indulge in funny festive fantasies, nightmares before Christmas, and stunning space-age celebrations … these stories will warms hearts and minds like a blazing Yule log. Fantastic Holiday Stories by Kevin J. Anderson, Mercedes Lackey, Mike Resnick, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Jonathan Maberry, Eric James Stone, Nina Kiriki Hoffman., Quincy J Allen, Ken Scholes, Sam Knight, David Boop, Heather Graham, Brad R. Torgersen, Patricia Briggs

Thoughts

I bought this collection because the very last story is a short story in the Mercedes Thompson series that I don’t yet have. And I started reading this last year to try and get me into the Christmas spirit. And it worked. Beautifully. Fantastically. I’m actually sad that it’s over, even if I finished it after the Holiday Season…

The stories in this collection run the gambit from cutsie little fantasy tales to convoluted and entertaining science fiction tales. They fit into series and stand by themselves. And it’s this range that I truly love. After all, the reason why I tend to read so many short story collections at once is that they get a bit same-same with their tales. The fact that these are far more varied made this collection a little more difficult to put down, and a lot more fun to read than usual.

 <- Unappreciated Gifts ReviewNaughty & Nice Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

A Sufficiently Advanced Christmas by Eric James Stone

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: A Sufficiently Advanced Christmas
Author: Eric James Stone
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Science fiction
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: It’s okay.

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Synopsis

Three computer minds aren’t sure whether the humans who are inhabiting their planet are the ones that they’ve been waiting for. But, with a little Christmas magic and the love of a child, they might just find out the meaning of Christmas.

Thoughts

I kind of liked this take on Christmas time. It doesn’t really comment much on the holiday itself, but it does make commentary on how weird it would seem to alien races. After all, they make a connection with a child who is convinced that a strange man is soon going to come and visit him with presents. If a small child told me that… I’d be immediately concerned about abduction. Which ironically is kind of what happens… but you’ll have to read the story to understand what I mean.

The different voices of the three computer minds / alien sentinents had me laughing out loud throughout this story. Especially Two. Two was very single-minded, and unwilling to see beyond what it wanted. Which is exactly how I can be at times. But mostly I just found it completely hilarious the discussions and differences between the three voices. The satirical humour complimented the cuteness of the Christmas story perfectly.

 <- The Atmosphere for Miracles ReviewUnappreciated Gifts Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Atmosphere for Miracles by David Boop

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: The Atmosphere for Miracles
Author: David Boop
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Fantasy, Westerns
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: That is, until Sheriff Theodore Patrick walked into town.

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Synopsis

A town is cursed with horrible luck, but a new sheriff in town and a big problem on the eve of Christmas might be just what’s needed to change it all.

Thoughts

I really liked this story. I kind of wish that it was part of a greater series… a small town that is perpetually cursed. Especially on a Wednesday. That in and of itself is a great premise for a novel or series. And then there’s the sheriff who came to drink himself to death. And the Indian man who is running around in a tuxedo… they don’t entirely fit into the Western theme.

I didn’t really get a Christmas spirit vibe or feeling from this story. The only thing that is Christmassy about this tale is the fact that it all takes place just before that special day of the year. And the fact that there is briefly snow. Because apparently snow means Christmas. For me, snow means… well, no point of the year. Because it never snows where I’m from…

 <- Christmas Eve at Harvey Wallbanger’s ReviewA Sufficiently Advanced Christmas Review ->
Image source: Goodreads