This short story was incredibly dark and uncomfortable. Which is honestly a bit of why I like Isobelle Carmody, and I’m finding that within the Green Monkey Dreams collection, the stories are particularly dark and uncomfortable. The reason that they strike this tone with me – because, they make me think about the current state of the world and just completely freak me out.
I love that this short story focuses on the darkness that seems to be inherent in humanity. And how our very actions are a form of cannibalisation. Or at least, that’s what I got out of this story. It might be the scary times that we currently find ourselves in, but there is something just… self-destructive about our actions, and this story of The Beast focuses on this.
At first, I thought that the beast within this story was going to be an external creature. One that is preying upon those left behind after the apocalypse. Instead, it’s the beast within the narrator. Which, somehow was all that much more terrifying. It made me incredibly uncomfortable as I realised just how… beastly the beast was. Which is sometimes, honestly, why I read short stories.
Throughout all of the darkness in this story, I like that there was the underlying thread of hope throughout. It might have been a dark story overall, but there is that sense of hope. Hope for the future and redemption, even when everything is dark.
Ani is one of my favourite secondary characters throughout the whole Wicked Lovely series. I mean, she’s a fire cracker, and a really fun character. Plus, as the stories unfold, you realise that she has a whole lot more power than previously understood. Then there’s Devin, he’s a bit more of a mystery, but also a character that I very much liked. I always felt kind of bad for him as to his treatment by his sisters. Which meant that reading their story and how they are both able to reshape a lot of the world of the fae was really enjoyable. They might both flirt with the grey lines of morality, but that’s honestly how I generally love my characters. And it was certainly how I loved both Ani and Devin – guided by morality that might not quite hold up in a human court.
As with every story in the Wicked Lovely world, this novel bought to light more and more layers of the different courts and politics that run rampant. I love that for every book I read, Marr is able to layer in more details and intrigues. The Higher Court was one that I really wanted to know a whole lot more about, and just how Scorcha’s decisions in Fragile Eternity are going to impact the rest of the world. The changes that can be felt at the very beginning of this story with Aislinn in Wicked Lovely seem to be gaining traction as well. Both of which to combine to make Radiant Shadows feel like a book that is perched on the precipice of change. Change that I am seriously keen to learn more about!
Not only did Radiant Shadows highlight some of the consequences of the actions in the past stories, but it also foreshadows the potential for future conflicts. It’s a great way to build up to the finale of this series. And it meant, that, although this story finishes out nicely without any cliffhangers, it did finish with that lingering sense of the unfinished. Plus, there is now a huge separation between the real world and Fae – again, something that I can’t wait to see how it translates throughout the rest of this series. Radiant Shadows is all about changing the playing board and making way for Bananch to finally be removed from everyone’s displeasure. At least, that’s how it felt to me.
There were a few hints to some of the actions that occurred throughout this story in Cotton Candy Skies. Because, as usual, I did read things slightly out of order. Yet, even with some of those hints, this was a very intense and enjoyable journey. One that still surprised me. And, honestly, the reveals that I read about in Cotton Candy Skies, they just meant that some of the more horrible moments had their edges a little dulled. Probably something that I needed, because there were points in this which made me want to cry, just a little.
There is so much darkness in this, but what do you expect from a book that is called Radiant Shadows? Yet, Ani’s strength and determination provide points of light and joy throughout. I love that this story deals so heavily with the Dark Court and the more negative emotions that people experience – grief, horror, and confusion. Even through this all, Ani is able to be amazing and shine a light, even in the darkest moments. Probably why I just like her so much as a character. And this story so much – she gets her place in the world and happily ever after.
After the revelations in Cold Iron Heart, I did kind of need to know what was going to happen next. I mean, there was a lot of important things in the past that were revealed. And it changed a whole lot of my thoughts on the series as a whole. This short story pretty much helped to put a lot of those realisations and revelations to rest. Thank goodness. Like I said, I really needed it.
Irial, Niall and Leslie together, although not quite the outcome I expected, works really well. I’m not normally into a triad of lovers, and it is definitely not traditional, but somehow these three make it really sweet. Still not what I’d like, but I do love them as a “couple”. The fact that both Leslie and Niall are able to help Irial get through the revelations in this just helped to cement them as a great couple in my mind.
I got a taste of it in Cold Iron Heart that Irial loves completely and truly. This helped to drive home just how much he cares and loves. How he will literally destroy the world for his love. But, also how this is a weakness and how easily he can be hurt by this. I really hope that that love is rewarded after the closing of this short story, his tale throughout this was a little bit tragic if I’m being honest.
Love Hurts is a pretty true title, but it is also a great and engaging short story. It almost operates as an epilogue for Cold Iron Heart, and opens the Wicked Lovely world up to so much more turmoil in the future…
I have two of the main books left in the Wicked Lovely series, but I decided that I wanted to read this ‘prequel’ just for a bit of a change of pace. And it was pretty damn good. Set a few generations before the activities in Wicked Lovely, this was a pretty great and intense book. I’d actually thought that it would give a bit more insight into the Niall and Irial relationship, but instead, there were numerous connections to Aislynn and the Summer King’s curse. A whole heap of surprises that I honestly wasn’t expecting. And ones that I, of course, loved.
Thelma is such a brilliant lead. She’s driven to find her own life and happily ever after, in a time and city that really isn’t ready to permit her to have that. In fact, her need to prove herself and drive herself to find a better reality is something that made me fall in love with her immediately. That, and when she discovers that her future is at a crossroads, she chooses what will make her happy and completely goes against convention. It kind of makes me sad that she only gets this one book and one story.
Irial has been a bit of a different character to feel connected to throughout this series. On the one hand, he is incredibly loving and caring. And you really like him. But, as with all morally grey characters, he has a whole side that is seriously dark. Plus, the selfishness with which he acts is sometimes a little difficult to stomach. There was still a lot of that unsurety (for me) throughout this story. But, understanding how strongly he loves helped to break through some of that barrier. I wonder how I’ll view him in the next Wicked Lovely books that I read…
A great story set in 1800s New Orleans – probably one of the only American places that sounds even remotely interesting to visit to me… it’s got this great feeling of history and power, with all of the modern trappings of independence and free will. I absolutely adored this story, and not only did it help to set up the rest of the series really well, it’s given me a whole heap of other hints and clues I’ll love looking for in the next reread.
I liked this different take on the Jack the Ripper story. I mean, it wasn’t necessarily introducing a whole new lore into the world, but it was still a fun and unique take on a very well known serial killer. It also helped to further place Cin and her cohort into the “reality” of the world. I also just love that they made such a truly horrible and terrifying man into a demon… I mean, it’s a great way to justify the horribleness of his deeds.
This novella does round out the Cin Craven series. But since I haven’t read any of the standalones and am not quite sure what happens in them, it also works wonderfully as a standalone. Which is wonderful, because with all of the different books on my TBR, it may take me a little while to truly get into this series…
Cin is wonderfully independent and powerful. Something about her outfit and strength has seriously stuck in my head. I’m always a huge fan of any story which features a strong and independent woman. But one that is in Victorian England, dressed in leather and lace? Yeah, that is right up my alley…
I love that although this is the last novella in the series – it also finishes on a note of hope and potential for the future. I love stories that make you think of the wonderful characters all happily riding off into the sunset together, to have more adventures. More life. After all, life continues after the happily ever after.
This might not necessarily be my favourite Psy-Changeling novel, but it was still, like all of the others, very good. And cute. And just fun in general. I think one of the things that would’ve made me love this and bump it up my “enjoyment list” would’ve been more Arwen and Pasha. I mean, they’re touched upon in so many other Psy-Changeling Trinity books, and then their mating is only kind of mentioned in this novel. Instead, there is far more focus on Yasha (Pasha’s twin). He’s fun, but not as fun as Pasha and Arwen.
As much as I’m obsessed with Pasha and Arwen, I did still enjoy the mating of Yasha and Theo. Plus, Theo’s presence makes you understand a little bit more about Pax (who is kind of cast as a villain throughout the series). I love that although Theo is considered “weak” because of her low power gradient, she is actually incredibly tough. And completely able to kill others due to the way she has shaped her powers. Plus, her toughness carries over to protectiveness of Yasha, and even the bear clan.
The Centres, which are mentioned from the very beginning of the series in Slave to Sensation, are definitely a bit of a boogey man. The fact that Theo’s journey actually provides a bit of an insight into just how terrible these places were. Honestly, they remind me of asylums in the past where the mentally ill are sent to basically die in the shadows. It’s a bit of a reminder about the darkness of our own pasts, and it is pretty dark. Made all that much darker by the abuse and horrors that Theo has faced at the hands of her own father.
The Scarabs are also gaining in their insanity throughout this – a nice parallel to the past insanity of the Centres. In fact, the ending, which was adjacently related to Theo and Yasha, was a bit of a surprise. And made me think that the terrors the Psy are about to face because of the Scarab instability is just going to increase… now I have to wait goodness knows how long for the next book in this amazing series to be released!
I really enjoyed Ivan and Lei’s relationship. It is wonderful and gives you a whole lot of joy as you dive through this story. Yet, their story is also a great way to further drive the discovery of the Architect’s machinations. And also letting you know their identity. All through a twist of fate, and some pretty unique genetics. I’ve been trying to guess just who the Architect is since Silver Silence (the beginning of the Psy-Changeling Trinity), and this instalment in the series actually gave you that answer. Even if it is also about a great couple that I found truly adorable.
Ivan’s history and the way he spent the first few years of his life are really sad. Jax as a blight upon the Psy is mentioned multiple times throughout the whole series, but this is the first book that truly deals with it. Mothers trying their best when they are addicted to drugs isn’t exactly something that’s uncommon (sadly), so it was interesting to have that touched upon in this story. I also found it interesting that this drug use may have influenced his unique gifts. Plus, the way he is able to find a new life for himself also highlights just how amazing the Mercant clan is. And just how truly good they actually are… even if they are also predatory and brutal at the same time.
The SkyElm clan’s story and history unfolds in another Psy-Changeling story (I can’t remember which one). I didn’t realise that there would be more to that story until I realised that Lei was part of this family. Her drive to find justice for her loved ones and heart break at losing them is truly heart wrenching. Particularly when you realise that Lei is a healer. Yet, I love that it brings her in the orbit of some seriously loved DarkRiver characters. And that there is a happy ending to not only her search for justice, but hers and Ivan’s need for a happily ever after.
I have, so far, loved all of the healer romances in this series. Something about being tough and maternal tends to make me really enjoy these story lines. Plus, there’s the fact that although they may be caring and kind, they’re also completely able to kick other people’s asses when they think it’s beneficial. A bit like Lei decides to drag Ivan into the light and realise that he’s not just a killer… whether he likes it or not. The dynamic between the two, whilst different to the other healer partnerships still has some of those similarities. Mainly in the fact that the damn healer is willing to kill themselves for others, so sometimes needs a reminder to just stop and slow down.
As always, I absolutely loved this Nalini Singh novel. Now that I’m almost to the end of the published Psy-Changeling books, it might be time to start doing yet another reread…
Again, I probably should have read a whole lot more of the Wicked Lovely series before diving into this short story. Since it kind of has a bit of an epilogue feel to the whole series. Yet, even with having pretty much no context to the story, I still thoroughly enjoyed this.
Keenan and Donia are a great couple and definitely a little star crossed. Which is obvious from the moment you meet them both in Wicked Lovely. The fact that they’re finally getting their happily ever after was really nice. And a good way to tidy up what I’m sure are some lingering questions.
Aside from the spoilers and the romance, I love how the fae deal with the reality of humans catching them on camera. And that Donia is the one who stops her court from just going and killing everyone… something that, I feel, is kind of important in many ways. It is also such a creative way to deal with the issues of today and how Big Brother is always watching.
This was a short and sweet story, one that involves happily riding off into the sunset together. On a chilly, wintery night. Way too adorable and sweet.
From their beginning in Wicked Lovely, Seth and Aislinn’s relationship is kind of always on tenterhooks. I mean, why wouldn’t it be? She’s tied to two worlds and two very different men. So, even when Wicked Lovely ended on such a positive note, I did wonder how Seth would be able to negotiate these new relationships. And how they would cope. This novel begins to answer all of these questions. There are still quite a few unanswered ones, but that will hopefully be answered later in the series.
I love that although they are constantly challenged, both Seth and Aislinn will do anything for each other. And most of the issues stem from Aislinn’s inability to see how she is being manipulated. Her weird blinders for Keenan’s behaviour are actually really frustrating, she is powerful, but so damn naïve about so many things. Contrastingly, she is constantly suspicious of Niall and Donia, who would actually make better allies than Keenan throughout this. Niall and Donia’s alliance is also something that I can’t wait to see unfold a little more…
Keenan is sort of the bad guy throughout this story, without being specifically evil. I mean, his selfish manipulations are actually kind of evil in and of themselves. But, he’s honestly just being selfish, not actually actively trying to be a horrible being. I did love that he actually realises how damn stupid and horrible he’s been at the end. And finally acknowledge all of the mistakes that he’s made. But, ultimately, that doesn’t happen until the very end of Fragile Eternity. And now I really want to see just how his decisions work out in the end. And what Aislinn chooses when she finally realises just how manipulative Keenan has been.
Lastly, Fragile Eternity introduces the High Court. We’ve spent time with Winter, Summer and Dark so far in this series. But now for the High Court, what I would normally picture when thinking of the fae. It also shows how problematic Banach is becoming or is about to become. It’s a reminder that all of the fae world is about balance, the balance is beginning to shift and I think that there are some really great and epic battles on the horizon.
As always, this graphic novel is dark with many twisty threads. The further into this series that I get, the more I realise that there is a lot of thought that has gone into the backstory of this. It’s definitely one that I need to sit down and reread, just so I can see how all of these threads connect in hindsight. It’s brilliant though, and unlike books that are just prose, takes a whole different kind of thought process. Which, of course, I thoroughly enjoy.
I love that at this point in the series, both the past and present are woven together. It shows that there are misconceptions about Half-Wolf’s past and there are some pretty big treacheries in her future. These facts just add to the darkness of the story. Not just aesthetically speaking, but also emotionally. Liuand Takeda are brilliant at just giving you hints of the motives of all of the players on the board…
There are just so many story lines in this, and then, whilst I’ve been trying to concentrate on this fact, I would get sucked in by the graphics. The pictures throughout this are absolutely gorgeous. And, again, every time I look at it, I discover something new. I was reading this while waiting for blood tests, and it was so damn easy to get mesmerised by the beauty of the pages.
Honestly, I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. And to discover just how much trouble Half-Wolf is about to find herself in…
Earth and Skye 