Tag Archives: Comedy

The Fairy Enterprise by Jeffrey Ford

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

Title: The Fairy Enterprise
Author: Jeffrey Ford
In: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Fae, Gaslamp
Dates read: 28th June 2019
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: “Did you say fairies?”

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Synopsis

He wants to manufacture fairies and make a fortune. But when the wrong person hears about his plans, things will take a turn for the worse.

Thoughts

I really loved the industrialist spin of this story. The idea of taking the fae and mass producing them for some kind of gain. That in and of itself makes for an interesting story. The fact that someone with power finds out and seeks revenge on the perpetrator just makes it all that much better.

The story for this is a little convoluted and twisty, but I found that thoroughly enjoyable. Actually, the setting, the story-tale telling and the themes were all a little bit reminiscent of Jekyll & Hyde. There was an atmosphere of mystery, a sense of irony and a darkness about the tale that screamed Victorian England. Murders done in dark streets. And, eventually, wrongs being righted.

The Fairy Enterprise is a great short story that encompasses the needs and drives of industrialisation. It also helps to give a fantastical, fae spin to a story that is dark, twisty and more than a little fun.

 <- Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells Review From the Catalogue of the Pavilion of the Uncanny and Marvellous, Scheduled for Premiere at the Great Exhibition (Before the Fire) Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Cat of the World by Michael Cadnum

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

Title: Cat of the World
Author: Michael Cadnum
In: The Coyote Road (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Tricksters
Dates read: 28th June 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: While I first set paw upon sand in the Egypt of the Ancients, I have travelled the world.

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Synopsis

The cat is in the bag… literally. But this cat has some sharp teeth and his captors are about to face more than they bargained for.

Thoughts

Cats are tricky, difficult and irritating creatures. They always have been. They’re also kind of fun, but, mostly irritating and tricky. Which means that it makes perfect sense to have a feline creature in a collection of trickster stories. I also love that although it is a cat trickster with extra powers, it’s not quite god-like and not quite mortal… but a glorious, contrary mix of something in between.

This entire tale was quick, quirky and filled with the sassy language that I’m sure a cat would use, if he could talk. It was a lot of fun. And, considering I was reading it will feeling the after-effects of a migraine, it was a nice, easy, happy read. Although I’m not really a cat person, and am, in fact, allergic, I do love tales of these insane creatures. There is something so fun, capricious and contrary about the silly creatures. Something which speaks to me on a personal level.

Many tales of tricksters involve a wit defeating another wit. Yet, this wasn’t quite like that… the cat is kind of witty. The foes he went up against though… not so witty. Which of course, makes it even funnier and more enjoyable.

 <- Uncle Tompa ReviewHonored Guest Review ->
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Laughing All the Way to the Mosque by Zarqa Nawaz

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for laughing all the way to the mosque book cover

Title: Laughing All the Way to the Mosque
Author: Zarqa Nawaz
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Biographies, Comedy, Memoirs, Muslims
Dates read: 21st April – 7th May 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Virago
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Too late,’ said Dr McMaster.

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Synopsis

Being a practising Muslim in a Western society is sometimes challenging, sometimes rewarding and sometimes downright absurd. How do you explain why Eid never falls on the same date each year; why it is that Halal butchers also sell teapots and alarm clocks. How do you make clear to the plumber that it’s essential the toilet is installed within sitting-arm’s reach of the tap?

Zarqa Nawaz has seen and done it all.

And it’s not always easy to get things right with the community either: Zarqa tells of being asked to leave the DBW (Dead Body Washing) committee after making inappropriate remarks; of undertaking the momentous trip to Mecca with her husband, without the children, thinking (most incorrectly) that it will also be a nice time to have uninterrupted sex; of doing the unthinkable and creating Little Mosque on the Prairie, a successful TV sitcom about htat very (horrified, then proud) community.

You have to laugh.

Thoughts

I’ve not really read much about Muslim culture and religion. I’ve really only recently started to delve into the world of non-fictional books. It’s an area that is absolutely fascinating and I can’t wait to continue to find more and more stories like this. Especially written as well as this novel. Nawaz is brutally honest about her life and her religion, but tempers everything that could feel quite serious with a lot of humour. I was constantly laughing out loud throughout this story. And at the end of every long day, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up again.

Most of the biographies that I’ve read lately follow a very linear storyline. They’re the kind of tales which work in a very obvious and understandable manner. They’re not jumpy, and they tend to cover a smaller span of years. Laughing All the Way to the Mosque was completely different. Each chapter was a whole new adventure. Which made the storyline overall incredibly jumpy. Actually it almost worked as a series of short stories together, rather than one big, long journey.

Zarqa Nawaz not only sweeps you away with her humour and wit. But, she also helps to conceptualise and help you to understand the ways in which a coloured, Muslim woman sometimes struggles to fit into contemporary Canada. I may be from Australia, but I imagine that many people are in the same situation. This insight provided a great way in which to understand just how difficult life can be from someone who is a minority. And just how funny some of the gaffs made when you are trying to marry different world views together and fit into the society that you call your own…

 <- The Radium Girls ReviewThe Fish Ladder Review ->
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Blood Lite edited by Kevin J. Anderson

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Overview
Blood Lite

Title: Blood Lite
Author: Kevin J. Anderson, Kelley Armstrong, Joe R. Lansdale, Lucien Soulban, Christopher Welch, Matt Venne, Don D’Amassa, Mark Onspaugh, J.A. Konrath, Paul Wilson, Charlaine Harris, Steven Savile, Will Ludwigsen, Janet Berliner, Eric James Stone, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Mike Resnick, D.L. Snell, Nancy Holder, Nancy Kilpatrick, Jeff Strand, Sharyn McCrumb & Jim Butcher
In: Blood Lite (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Horror, Short story collections
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Sometimes, especially if I’ve been drinking, and I’m hungry, I revert to my basic nature.

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Synopsis

The Horror Writers Association Presents Blood Lite…a collection of entertaining tales that puts the fun back into dark fiction, with ironic twists and tongue-in-cheek wit to temper the jagged edge.

Charlaine Harris reveals the dark side of going green, when a quartet of die-hard environmentalists hosts a fundraiser with a gory twist in An Evening with Al Gore…

In an all-new Dresden Files story from Jim Butcher, when it comes to tracking deadly paranormal doings, there’s no such thing as a Harry’s Day Off for the Chicago P.D.’s wizard detective, Harry Dresden…

Sherrilyn Kenyon turns a cubicle-dwelling MBA with no life into a demon-fighting seraph with one hell of an afterlife in Where Angels Fear to Tread. NOTE: This story has been re-released in the Dark Bites anthology.

Celebrity necromancer Jaime Vegas is headlining a sold-out séance tour, but behind the scenes, a disgruntled ghost has a bone to pick, in Kelley Armstrong’s The Ungrateful Dead.

So let the blood flow and laughter reign – because when it comes to facing our deepest, darkest fears, a little humor goes a long way!

Thoughts

I’m kind of on the fence about this collection. Some of the stories in this were brilliant. Some downright weird. But all were enjoyable. Just not memorable. This is the kind of collection you read for a good, light laugh and something that isn’t going to make you think and linger in your mind’s eye after you’ve finished the story.

Although this hasn’t been my favourite collection of short stories that I’ve digested in recent times, it also wasn’t one that I ever considered stopping. I know that a collection or novel is truly horrible when I just can’t seem to pick it up and get through it. Yet I didn’t feel that way with this. I just didn’t want to completely bury my nose in these stories either. The best description I can think of for this series is easy. Easy reading. Easy to forget. But easy to spend some humorous time with.

 <- The Four Horsemen Reunion Tour ReviewThe Ungrateful Dead Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dead Hand by Sharyn McCrumb

Book Review, ,
Overview
Blood Lite

Title: Dead Hand
Author: Sharyn McCrumb
In: Blood Lite (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Horror
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: And after that, of course, you’ll be in even more demand for these kinds of appearances, because the sponsor will expect you to keep their potential customers happy.

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Synopsis

An engineer decides to raise the dead to try and help his NASCAR team, but things have changed too much for the old man, and all he wants is to pass on into a quieter life.

Thoughts

I don’t follow cars. Or racing. And especially not NASCAR. I only really vaguely know anything about it to be honest. So reading a short story that had a horror component was kind of interesting. And a little disconcerting. And I didn’t entirely understand this short story…

I did like the emphasis on the change of time and the ways in which things so drastically change. How what was a field of skill two generations ago, is more about publicity and fans. And I really liked this distinction. There was the ideal that sometimes it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie and things change. Maybe we should just change our ideals with them…

 <- The Bell from HELL!!! ReviewDay Off Review ->
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The Bell FROM HELL!!! by Jeff Strand

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Blood Lite

Title: The Bell from HELL!!!
Author: Jeff Strand
In: Blood Lite (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Demons, Horror
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Doubtful.

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Synopsis

A young office worker has a bell forged by Lucifer to call the Dark Lord himself… but what will push him over the edge to use it?

Thoughts

I was expecting an entirely different ending to this short story. I basically thought that Lucifer was going to show up and own everyone. But he didn’t, and I just felt uncomfortable about the whole damn story. Especially the ending.

What I did love about this story, was the style in which it was written. Strand has a wonderfully quirky, quick-paced and fun style of wording that constantly made me smile and giggle throughout. The words are fast-paced and slightly sarcastic, giving this short story a great satirical air that makes up for some of the plot holes that frustrated me so badly.

 <- Bitches of the Night ReviewDead Hand Review ->
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Christmas Eve at Harvey Wallbanger’s by Mike Resnick

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Christmas Eve at Harvey Wallbanger’s
Author: Mike Resnick
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Comedy, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Then it’d be Off, Dancer!

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Synopsis

It might take a bet on the names of Saint Nick’s reindeers to finally get what is owed to him… but this debt collector and his motley crew will definitely do it.

Thoughts

I think that this story in some way relates to the characters in A Very Special Girl. And I enjoyed it just as much. It has the comedy and horror aspect that I’m beginning to associate with Resnick’s short stories. They’re funny and take some very typical aspects of fantasy and twist and turn them into something satirical and entertaining.

The fact that this story had not only a satirical spin, but also one that featured trying to name Santa’s reindeer made it incredibly fun. Especially when the names that were reported to be correct were kind of random. Yet, connected. It just worked beautifully. I need to find out if there is a greater series or something to sink my teeth into…

 <- Yes, Virginia2097c, There is a Santa Claus ReviewThe Atmosphere for Miracles Review ->
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Bitches of the Night by Nancy Kilpatrick

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Blood Lite

Title: Bitches of the Night
Author: Nancy Kilpatrick
In: Blood Lite (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Vampires
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: She pointed in the direction of Celine.

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Synopsis

He turned three women in the hope of finding a happily ever after… in return he got a series of vindictive bitches.

Thoughts

This is the funniest vampire story that I’ve read in a long time. Not because of any outward and obvious humour, but also because of the fact that it featured a vampire that thought he was all that. Until his choices of “wives” proved again and again and again that he wasn’t.

One of my favourite things about this short story is the fact that it turns the idea of vampires as these gorgeous seductors completely on its head. Alright, it’s still kind of true for the women – but not so much for the men. Which I love. Because I’ve never understood what is sexy about an undead man running around at night. Just ew. And now I have a story that shows that some people still feel the same way!!!

 <- I Know Who You Ate Last Summer ReviewThe Bell from HELL!! Review ->
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Up the Down Beanstalk by Peter S. Beagle

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

Title: Up the Down Beanstalk: A Wife Remembers
Author: Peter S. Beagle
In: Troll’s-Eye View (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fairy tales
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: The things they believe about us down there!

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Synopsis

We all know about Jack’s journey up the beanstalk – but what really happened up there? The giant’s wife reveals all!

Thoughts

I love different points of view on fairy tales. And Jack and the Beanstalk is an incredibly well-known tale. The fact that this story is told with him as a kind of villain made this thoroughly enjoyable. After all, if you think about it… how does the good guy end up killing someone and stealing things? There is nothing very virtuous and “good” about this at all.

Although Jack is mildly cast in the role of villain… he is also looked upon with favour by the giant’s wife. After all, it is all from her point of view, and the frustrated affection she feels towards her husband (ew, who is called Harvey?) highlights her independence and intelligence. The fact that Jack is as quick-witted and quick-footed as the giantess and an equal match for her just made everything all the more entertaining. Especially when you consider the brilliant ending of this story.

 <- Rags and Riches ReviewThe Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces Review ->
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I Know Who You Ate Last Summer by Nancy Holder

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Blood Lite

Title: I Know Who You Ate Last Summer
Author: Nancy Holder
In: Blood Lite (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Horror
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Because I thought you told Carla M.

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Synopsis

Two cannibal rockstars are about to be found out… but will they turn on each other before they can escape the truth?

Thoughts

It’s obvious that this story will have something to do with the consumption of people in some way shape or form. I was honestly betting on vampire. And even after reading the first few pages – I still thought vampire. Until I got a little bit further along in the story and realised that no, these aren’t vampires, they’re just really weird and disturbed cannibals.

This is one of those sick and twisted stories that I love and keep thinking about it long after I have finished the tale. Two cannabilistic rock stars running free and wild. Two men who have been eating and killing their way across the country. Who have also joined AA and found a whole heap of new “friends” that were previously unexpected.

 <- Love Seat Solitaire ReviewBitches of the Night Review ->
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