Tag Archives: Dark and Stormy Knights

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

Rookwood and Mrs. King by Lilith Saintcrow

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Dark and Stormy KnightsTitle: Rookwood and Mrs. King
Author: Lilith Saintcrow
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Rookwood coughed twice, rackingly.

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Synopsis

Rookwood is almost one of the undead. And he finally has the bait to set his trap, but is he the one really being lured to his end?

Thoughts

This was a really fun detective / vampire / I’m-not-sure-what story. Actually, although this was a vampire tale, I’m not really sure where else this fits into the scheme of genres. Or really into my shelf in general. I suppose the fact that it is in Dark and Stormy Knights – a collection of dark fantasy stories kind of helps me put it into context.

I liked the idea that the bait is acting as bait. The convoluted way in which this works, and the grotesque things that follow were actually a lot of fun. I’m almost disappointed that this isn’t actually part of a greater series. Yet, the idea that Rookwood and Mrs. King get to walk off into the sunset and their not-so-happily-ever-after is thoroughly enjoyable and made me have a bit of a smile at the end.

 <- Shifting Star Review God’s Creatures Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dark Lady by P.N. Elrod

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Dark and Stormy Knights

Title: Dark Lady
Author: P.N. Elrod
Series: Vampire Files #12.6
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Even the undead need an edge.

Synopsis

A local undead club owner has a ghost. And a brand new conspiracy to deal with.

Thoughts

I love the noir gangster setting of this short story. It made me think of the 20’s, and some of the old movies that I’ve admittedly never gotten around to, but always plan to watch… it was kind of dark, lots of fun and incredibly captivating. The only complaint I have about this story is that it was over way too soon.

This short story starts off with a dame in trouble, there is also a ghost and a conspiracy that twists and turns with every passage. Which, of course, is why I enjoyed it so thoroughly. Nothing was quite like I expected, and although Elrod followed noir themes and styles, it is also a little different and unexpected. At least for me, since I don’t really read much of the noir genre.

Myrna is a fun change from the rest of the story – a ghost that likes dance music and plays her part in the chaos that unfolds. She’s small, sweet and one that I would really like to get to know better…

<- Even a Rabbit Will BiteBeknighted ->

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Even a Rabbit Will Bite by Rachel Caine

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Dark and Stormy KnightsTitle: Even a Rabbit Will Bite
Author: Rachel Caine
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I checked every day, but it was pro forma, the work of thirty seconds, and then I went on with my life, such as it was.

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Synopsis

Two aging enemies are forced to face off one last time… but will they be able to triumph over the past?

Thoughts

I didn’t know what to expect from this story – especially when the heading is Even a Rabbit Will Bite. Actually, I was expecting a killer rabbit, like the one in Monty Python. But I didn’t get that… I got something SO much better. Which left me with the happy feelings at the end of the tale.

This is a story about a decrepit old dragon slayer, and the only dragon left in the world – also decrepit, old and cranky. They both understand that eventually there will be a fight to the death, but they also want to live out their lives in peace. This juxtaposition builds slowly until the final conclusion, which is actually kind of beautifully poetic and sweet… in a killing, battle to the death kind of way…

 <- The Beacon Review Dark Lady Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Even Hand by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Dark and Stormy Knights

Title: Even Hand
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #11.6
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod) & Urban Enemies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I glanced past the young woman to Gard, who gave me a slow, cautious nod.

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Synopsis

Even Hand is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set between Turn Coat and Changes, and is narrated by John Marcone.

Thoughts

It’s always interesting to read a short story from an alternate point of view. And although I am nowhere near up to book 11 in The Dresden Files, I have already met Marcone. And it was really fun to read a story about him. From his point of view. Which was kind of dark.

Something that I enjoy about Butcher’s writing is that he doesn’t have clear cut good and evil characters. Harry Dresden is the protagonist, and the “good guy”, but he isn’t completely innocent, and there is a darker side to him. One that I’m sure develops throughout the tale. Likewise, Marcone is strongly cast as the “baddie”. But, in reading Even Hand, you discover that there are good and nice aspects about him and his moral code. He’s still a scary, ruthless, unkind mob boss. But he does have some laws and rules by which he lives his life. Something that has certainly made me want to dive headfirst back into The Dresden Files….

 <- A Questionable Client ReviewThe Beacon Review ->
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The Beacon by Shannon K. Butcher

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Dark and Stormy KnightsTitle: The Beacon
Author: Shannon K. Butcher
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, Demons, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Something in his leg cracked and pain screamed up his spine, setting his brain on fire.

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Synopsis

Ryder is after a Beacon, someone who draws demonic creatures into our world. But this Beacon isn’t anything like he expected, and the battle that follows will change his life forever.

Thoughts

The opening scene in this short story drew me in from the very beginning. Partially because Butcher is a really good writer, but also partly because it starts with a man going for a drive specifically to kill someone. There is something that I always find fun about assassin stories (this may be a deeper comment on my psyche, but we won’t go into that…)

Although Ryder is off to kill someone for the greater good, the person who he has been sent after is completely unexpected, and the battle that follows is epic. Not only is Ryder faced with an incredibly intimidating foe, he also has a crisis of faith, and a plucky (if not completely underqualified) side kick that he really doesn’t want or need.

I love how The Beacon is bought full circle, albeit with an incredibly changed lifestyle and bunch of choices for Ryder. It ties everything up so neatly and leaves you feeling like he is able to continue fighting the good fight.

 <- Even Hand Review Even a Rabbit Will Bite Review ->
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Beknighted by Deidre Knight

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Dark and Stormy KnightsTitle: Beknighted
Author: Deidre Knight
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Surely Sebastian wanted her to mop up the proverbial mess.

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Synopsis

A young artist has dreamt about freeing her knight in shining armour, and she is about to succeed. But will shadowy, sinister forces stand in her way?

Thoughts

I really liked this short story. The only thing I didn’t like was the way that it ended – the lovers forgot about each other and didn’t get their steamy reunion. It’s cliché, but I do love a romantic, run into each other’s’ arms ending. And this was so close, but yet so far…

It was a very cool, and trippy idea that there was a knight trapped. And to free him an artist had to create a puzzle box. I’ve never actually seen a puzzle box, so this did throw me a little. But it didn’t take away from the amazing storyline of this story – one that I thoroughly enjoyed and am a little disappointed was so short. Actually, I’m going to specifically search for more works by Deidre Knight now, so that I can enjoy such a fun and interesting take on the world again.

 <- Dark Lady Review Shifting Star Review ->
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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 ->

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A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

A Questionable Client

Title: A Questionable Client
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #0.5
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod) & Small Magics (Ilona Andrews)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal fantasy, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St Martin’s Griffin & NYLA
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: He would make any bodybuilder gym proud.

Synopsis

In a world beset by magic waves, Kate Daniels works as a mercenary. She is tired, hungry, and there is foul-smelling blood on her boots. All she wants to do is to go home, but when Mercenary Guild offers her a job she can’t refuse, she finds herself protecting a man against Russian wizards.

Thoughts

Kate Daniels is quite possibly my favourite literary heroine. At least this week. And her introduction in A Questionable Client did not disappoint. This short story was a fantastic way to be thrown into Daniels’ chaotic future, one where magic and technology war for dominance and humans are powerless to do anything about it.

In Magic Bites, Kate’s past gig as a bodyguard for Sianim is often mentioned and alluded to, it was great to read the full story. Not only did it give me more of a glimpse into her work as a mercenary, and even the reasons why she isn’t insanely well off, but it also provided a glimpse into the selfish and manipulative nature of Sianim.

This was a great Kate Daniels fix while I wait for the next book in the series to arrive, and I would definitely recommend reading it as part of the overall series.

<- More Ilona AndrewsMagic Bites ->

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